COLLEGIATETIMES
wednesday january 21, 2009 blacksburg, va.
www.collegiatetimes.com
INAUGURATION DAY
WHETHER TREKKING TO WASHINGTON OR FOLLOWING ALONG FROM BLACKSBURG, TECH WAS CONSUMED BY THE DAY’S FEDERAL FESITIVITIES SARA MITCHELL & RILEY PRENDERGAST
ct news staff While Virginia Tech students woke up for their first day of the spring semester, Barack Obama woke up for his first day as president of the free world. Despite the 250-mile gap between the nation’s capital and Blacksburg, the Tech community did not lack in opportunities to ring in the new president. The Office of Equity and Inclusion turned the Squires Ballroom into an Inauguration Day viewing event. Towers of red, white and blue balloons lined the walls of the ballroom and past inauguration speeches were on display at the entrance. Copies of past speeches were also placed on the circular tables along with patriotically wrapped Tootsie Rolls and bubble gum as well as inauguration quizzes. “We opened the doors at 10 a.m.,” said Ray Plaza, director of diversity initiatives for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. “Some folks have been here since 10 a.m. just catching everything.” Ten o’clock is nothing. Junior IDST major Paige Urben had been up since 6 a.m. to watch the inauguration events develop. “I woke up alert … I just stayed up. And I was watching all the pre-coverage news and informing all my roommates coming into the room,” she said. For many students, Urben included, morning classes were cut short so students could go to Squires and watch the swearing-in. Urben got to the Ballroom at around 10:30 a.m. and said that it was completely packed an hour later. Plaza estimated that at the peak of the morning, 700 people filled the tables and standing room to watch the inauguration. “The atmosphere was jovial, people were talking and interacting, they were looking at the quizzes on the table,” Plaza said. “Once the ceremony started, everyone was fixated. When Aretha Franklin sang, when the vice president took the oath of office and when President Obama took the oath, too, everyone was fixated there.” Maureen Lawrence, an ’08 Tech alumna and event worker for University Unions and Student Activities, served free popcorn to guests in the Ballroom all day. She said everyone was attentive and interested in the inauguration. “People were definitely paying attention,” Lawrence said. “When there was something they really enjoyed in somebody’s speech they’d clap, and when the president was being sworn in, people stood up.” Just a block away from Squires, more of the Blacksburg community combined the presidential festivities with a good cause. Blacksburg residents Ted and Faustine Settle came to Susan Mattingly, who owns the Lyric, with the idea to have an inauguration viewing and food drive at the downtown Blacksburg movie theater. The Settles funded the food drive for the National Day of Service, and all proceeds went to the Interfaith Food Pantry.
MICHAEL SHROYERSPPS
Participants in the Lyric Theatre’s Inauguration Day watch party rise as President Barack Obama takes the Oath of Office yesterday morning. From office televisions to other inauguration watch parties in Squires Colonial Ballroom and elsewhere, students, faculty, staff and town residents tuned in to an event that drew 2 million to Washington. Faustine explained that the idea for the Inauguration Day food drive came from her experience with housing three Obama workers during the 2008 campaign. “We saw how their organization operated, and we wanted that kind of organization to continue,” she said. Faustine asked the workers how she could contribute, and they suggested that she and her husband host an Inauguration Day viewing. They went to Mattingly to organize it with the Lyric. Mattingly called the drive “a huge success.” Tuesday also happened to be a teacher workday for area schools, and as a result, the Lyric attracted plenty of local youth. Kyla Robbins and Grace Ross, sixth graders from Floyd, came on their day off to witness history.
“I’m just a big supporter of Obama,” Robbins said. Even though she couldn’t vote, Robbins said she watched the debates and put up signs during the campaign. “I’m happy the United States has got to a point where they will go for that (Obama),” she said. Courtney Kimmel, a Tech graduate student who was also at the Lyric, shared the same sentiment. “I think it’s about time,” she said. “It’s interesting. This was really the first president of the 21st century.” Urben was pleased with the general attitude during the day. “My boyfriend’s anti-Obama, and he actually came (to the Ballroom), so that was cool. I guess people are finally giving in.”
A view from the 202 WHILE MANY STUDENTS WATCHED PRESIDENT OBAMA BE SWORN IN VIA CABLE FEED, AN ESTIMATED 2 MILLION PEOPLE TOOK IN THE EVENT ON THE MALL. BELOW, THE CT CHRONICLES THE DAY IN PICTURES.
Orange Bowl gains not so sweet: Tech’s costs gobble up BCS’ payout ZACH CRIZER & THOMAS EMERICK
ct staff Virginia Tech may have participated in two consecutive Orange Bowls, but the university will still receive the same bowl revenue as all other Atlantic Coast Conference teams, including those who did not participate in a bowl game. When the Hokies were selected for the 2009 FedEx Orange Bowl, they earned $18 million for the ACC. Michael Kelly, the ACC’s associate commissioner for football, said all ACC programs take an equal share of postseason conference earnings. “With the BCS berth as one of 10 bowl berths earned by the conference, the ACC takes television money and bowl money and puts it into a collective pot to be divided among all 12 conference teams,” Kelly said. All conference schools then receive funding on a continuous basis throughout the year, said Lisa Rudd, Tech assistant director of athletics for financial affairs. Conferences aligned with the BCS, such as the ACC, earn $18 million for the first bid, which is divided evenly among the other teams. These conferences have an automatic BCS bid for the champion. These conferences also stand to earn an additional $4.5 million for at-large bids. The Southeastern Conference and Big 12 each earned $22.5 million from BCS bowls this year. Notre Dame, an independent, makes $1.3 million from the BCS every year, whether the Fighting Irish make the BCS or lose all of their games. After dividing their prize amongst the
entire ACC, Orange Bowl-winning Tech takes home $1.5 million in BCS earnings. There is no financial benefit for winning a BCS bowl game. Kelly said teams participating in these games receive a higher expense allowance and more national exposure. While the program may not receive any financ i a l benefit from te am success,
All assistant football coaches received bonuses. Some athletic department staff members, as well as the directors of the Marching Virginians, also benefited from the team’s success. Tech will receive a $1,625,000 reimbursement from the ACC, according to Rudd. This is meant to cover team
JOHN KAYROUZ/COLLEGIATE TIMES
coaches and athletics department officials are rewarded for the team’s achievements. In total, the Hokies’ victories in the ACC Championship and Orange Bowl resulted in $683,921 in bonuses. Head coach Frank Beamer received the largest bonuses. He was awarded a $50,000 bonus for his triumph in Tampa and $75,000 for the New Year’s win in Miami. Coordinators Bud Foster and Bryan Stinespring each received $7,500 for the ACC Championship win and $55,000 for the Orange Bowl victory.
travel expenses including transportation, Miami area hotel lodging, as well as coach and player travel stipends. Rudd said that the ACC used to send a flat rate of $1.6 million to a team from its conference participating in the Orange Bowl, but added extra money to Tech’s stipend this year after factoring in distance and location demographics. The ACC allots only $160,000 in travel money for each team playing in the ACC championship, which
was staged in Jacksonville in 2007 and Tampa Bay in 2008. Rudd said reimbursements are used to encourage responsible financial planning. “I would think that the conferences purposefully keep bowl reimbursements fairly low in order to encourage schools to do what they can to keep expenses down and limit travel party size,” Rudd said. Still, the Orange Bowl offering falls well short of actually covering the expenses of playing the bowl. Rudd said that expenses are generally higher than reimbursement and that Tech actually lost money by playing in the aforementioned bowl each of the past two years. Ticket sales play a major culprit. Rudd said that Tech has to pay for some of the tickets it doesn’t sell for the game. “We did sell approximately 5,000 tickets of the 17,500 allotment, and the majority were sold in the first 2 or 3 days after the announcement,” Rudd said. “The ACC picks up 50 percent of unsold tickets from 6,001 to 7,000, 75 percent from 7,001 to 8,000, and 100 percent 8,001 and up, so the loss is somewhat less than the face value of 3,000 tickets.” According to the New York Times College Sports Blog, Orange Bowl tickets were taking bids as low as 99 cents on eBay. The Times’ blog post said the Orange Bowl, which would host the BCS National Championship game seven days later, forced fans not affiliated with either Oklahoma or Florida to also buy tickets to the Virginia Tech-Cincinnati bout. The Orange Bowl’s total paid attendance ended up at 73,602, but the actual turnout was 57,851. A countless number of people stood outside of the stadium on New Year’s Day in the attempt to sell extra tickets.
6:35 A.M.: REROUTED BUSES FORCED US TO WALK FROM ROSSLYN TO THE CAPITOL ON FOOT. WE ENTERED D.C. BY CROSSING THE ROOSEVELT BRIDGE. WE, ALONG WITH THE FEW OTHERS ON ROOSEVELT, PAUSED TO TAKE IN THE VIEW OF THE FROZEN POTOMAC.
7:15 A.M.: LEGIONS OF RED CAPPED CITIZENS WELCOMED US TO D.C. AS WE WALKED DOWN CONSTITUTION AVENUE ON OUR WAY TO THE MALL. WE COLLECTED SEVERAL COMMEMORATIVE PINS FROM THEM, COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.
7:30 A.M.: AN ARMY OF JOHNNY-ON-THE-SPOTS HAD INVADED THE MALL. IT BECAME HARD TO TELL WHETHER THERE WERE MORE TOILETS OR PEOPLE ATTENDING THE INAUGURATION.
Photos and words by Bryce Stucki
see 202, page two
page
2 news
editor: caleb fleming email: nrvnews@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: tth 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
january 21, 2009
202: Day in pictures
In wake of April 16, FERPA exceptions clarified SARA MITCHELL
ct university editor
8:30 A.M.: THEY DIDN’T SLEEP HERE BUT THEY CERTAINLY DIDN’T SLEEP MUCH LAST NIGHT, EITHER. BLANKETS, SPACE AND OTHER, WERE USED EXTENSIVELY, WHILE OTHERS HUDDLED TOGETHER FOR WARMTH ON THIS FRIGID JANUARY MORNING.
11:57 A.M.: BARACK OBAMA IS SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT. THE ATMOSPHERE IS ONE OF COMPLETE JUBILATION. SOME EMBRACE, SOME SHOUT, SOME JUST SMILE.
In response to the events of April 16, 2007, the Department of Education revised the regulations in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a law that protects the confidentiality of student records in educational institutions. The FERPA revisions sought to clarify the responsibility schools have to disclose student information to parents, law officials and health officials if a student shows signs of being a threat to himself or others. As the investigation of the April 16 shooter Seung-Hui Cho developed, it became apparent that Cho showed signs of mental instability to Tech faculty, but such concerns were not passed to appropriate authorities. This resulted in a public demand that FERPA allow for circumstances under which schools would have the right to disclose student information to outside parties. However, Jim Bradshaw, spokesman for the Department of Education, said such exceptions have always been acceptable under FERPA. “We had always interpreted the law that way,” Bradshaw said. “(The revisions) all came about as a result of the Virginia Tech tragedy and the fact that it appeared to us that there was a confu-
sion in the field … whether or not they could legally provide the information.” Bradshaw said that the revisions aim to make it “crystal clear” that there are exceptions to information privacy when the safety and health of students are involved. Rick Ferraro, assistant vice president for student affairs and supervisor to Schiffert Health Center and Cook Counseling Center, pointed to the fact that institutions work hard to maintain FERPA regulations and don’t push hard to challenge them.
See the FERPA revisions and analysis of the revisions from the Department of Education on www.collegiatetimes.com. “Partly what happens in these issues is the extent to which people respect privacy,” Ferraro said. “You have to balance the needs of individual privacy with the needs of full protection of the individual and others, and I think there was a misunderstanding … assumed there were restrictions that did not occur.” Bradshaw shared the same sentiment. “Schools meet their obligations, generally; I think this illustrates schools are bending over backward to meet
the requirements” without making assumptions about possible unclear guidelines. Revisions to FERPA have been relatively rare since its creation in 1974, but the Department of Education considered it necessary to smooth out the confusion. FERPA does not define what a threat to others is, but rather leaves that designation up to the individual schools. Ferraro said that for Tech, the definition has broadened. “A lot of people used to use ‘imminent danger,’” Ferraro said. However, the idea of imminent danger has developed to a long-term view of the potential danger a student can have on himself or others. “In the situation with (Cho), fully 16 months took place between the last time he saw a therapist and the events of April 16. One of the things the states have done is extend a longer term than that … weeks or months ahead even.” As universities place an emphasis on threat assessment, programs continue to develop to help staff and faculty when dealing with at-risk students. Ron Goldman of Kognito Interactive in New York said that Tech officials have expressed some interest in his Web simulation program that trains staff to identify symptoms of at-risk students and start a dialogue with the student to point them toward counseling or
other help. “What you’re trying to teach the faculty goes beyond knowledge,” Goldman said. “You’re not just teaching them the symptoms to look for. … The most important component that you’re teaching them is how to engage in that conversation with the student, how to handle that conversation, how to make that referral.” Goldman said that “Virginia Tech is from what I can tell at the very forefront of doing a variety of different things to really address this issue of mental health overall.” Ferraro emphasized the broad goals of the Tech campus and individual safety. “With the care team and threat assessment team we have on campus, people look very carefully at individuals not simply because they are worried about another Cho. … What you also discover is a lot of people who aren’t nearly as dangerous or deadly but people who could use help.” Ferraro was not aware of Tech’s interest in Goldman’s program, stating that there are “lots of programs out there.” Regardless of whether the students are considered dependents, the health and safety exception allows for the disclosure of information to all parents. The regulations were finalized on Dec. 9, 2008 and went into effect Jan. 8, 2009.
Highty-Tighties play in pre-inaugural event ZACH CRIZER
ct news reporter
12:25 P.M.: WE BEGAN WHAT WILL BE A ONE-HOUR ADVENTURE TO GET OUT OF THE MALL. WHILE WE GET READY TO GO HOME, THE WORK OF CLEANING UP THE MALL HAD JUST BEGUN.
editor: sara mitchell email: universitynews@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Highty-Tighties continued their tradition of welcoming new presidents on Sunday, performing in the “We Are One” inauguration celebration on short notice. Director George McNeill said that although the band did not receive an invitation to perform in its 12th inaugural parade, he accepted a late invitation to play in the celebration on Sunday that featured Tiger Woods. “I received the invitation last
Tuesday,” McNeill said. “It was quite a late invite. We had a lot to do to prepare for our departure on Sunday.” McNeill said the band was called back to Blacksburg, where they rehearsed on Saturday and then left for Washington, D.C., on Sunday morning. Although it was not the parade the band is used to, McNeill said the “We Are One” audience was an enjoyable one. “The crowd was very energetic and very responsive. We played a mix of marching and pep band music for
about 20 minutes. It was amazing. There were 300,000 people out there,” McNeill said.
“I’m proud of my band.” - GEORGE MCNEILL DIRECTOR, HIGHTY-TIGHTIES Performing in front of the Washington Monument, the HightyTighties’ routine began at 11:40 a.m. McNeill was eager to accept the invitation, just to perform on this historic occasion.
“I was very disappointed that we didn’t receive an invitation, but at least we can say we were there in some way,” McNeill said. He said Virginia Military Institute, one band that was invited to perform, deserved it, and he congratulated them. McNeill also added he was grateful for the band’s cooperation and performance. “I’m proud of my band,” McNeill said. “They did a fantastic job on short notice. I thank them for coming back early to participate in this historic event.”
page
opinions 3
editor: laurel colella, david mcilroy email: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
january 21, 2009
Motivation for Obama encourages support on campus ARLANE GORDON-BRAY guest columnist I need to get something off of my chest. During the 2008 presidential election, I surprisingly found myself holding on to a secret that left me feeling guilty every time I formed my lips to say “Obama.” The secret is that unbeknownst to many, I have not always been a supporter of Obama and, in fact, I detested Obama supporters. My lack of support for Obama was not because I was a supporter of McCain, Hillary, or any other candidate. It was simply the fact that I loathed the “hype” that surrounded Barack. I don’t deny the notion that we needed hope or change in our country. However, I simply detested the ideology that Obama was our savior. The notion that one man would save us from ourselves or better yet what we have allowed the United States to become. Need I remind anyone of “Obama Girl!” or the music artists donning the infamous Obama shirts? I was most disappointed in my peers for pushing him to celebrity and savior-like heights on what I assumed was blind support based on his age, skin color, background, oration skills and/or just not being anything like Bush.
Part of the political process is to evaluate the qualifications and abilities of our candidates to support our country and values. I am not stating that Obama was not qualified. However, it was my perception that everyone had blindly jumped on the “Change” train putting all of their hopes for an American utopia in “The One.” It was this lack of discernment for ourselves, if I must say so myself, rather than a critical evaluation that offended me and tarnished my initial experience in this election. However, as we moved closer to Nov. 4 my opinions and perceptions about Obama and his supporters began to change. I slowly began to find myself (a self-proclaimed pessimist) as a passenger on the train toward hope. This change was not a result of digression to or from either of the presidential or vice presidential candidates based on either of their campaigns. Instead, it was attributed to the actions of my colleagues. In my interactions with them during the election, they presented a passion and motivation for change through their increasing involvements on campus and in their communities that was truly inspiring. In a period of tough economic times and two foreign wars, one may find it silly or even hypocritical to base their opinion of a presidential candidate
on the actions of twentysomethings; however, I was impressed by my contemporaries. The change and movement propelled by the Obama supporters that I saw toward civic responsibility as well as the renewed interest in government affairs brought me hope for our future. Initially, I was annoyed by the constant slander, ignorant rumors and comments about each candidate. However, I found myself excited by any and all dialogue that occurred including the almost nightly debates and arguments that occurred between my roommates and myself. In fact, it was not uncommon during this time for the topic of discussion to be the Democratic or Republican conventions, or for a group of friends to critique the candidates’ debate performances instead of a character on reality television. As Election Day drew nearer, I found myself jealous of friends who volunteered or interned with the Obama campaign, simply because they had the privilege to be a part of this election fervor. I found myself wanting to fulfill my civic responsibility and do my part for this historic election and period of change. The movement toward change in our thoughts, words, and actions gave me hope. For 2008, we took our minds and tabloids off of MTV and
celebrities and focused on important issues and the people who we felt could carry our concerns to the White House to create the change that we wanted. While I do not want to take any credit away from President Obama, this message of hope is not new. Four years ago John Kerry promised us that “Hope is on the way,” and although he was not elected for various reasons, I believe that it is the efforts and hopes of our generation that allowed the change to come. In a time where the average citizen is called apathetic, and we are told that conversation is dead, our generation found a movement toward civic responsibility. On the night of Nov. 4, as I sat with my closest girlfriends watching the election results through tears, I knew that change had come. What was more important was that we were an integral part of this change. It was our part in grassroots campaigns, programs such as the “The Great Debate,” and voter registration drives that gave us the change that we wanted. In all honesty, while it may not be the candidate everyone preferred, it was a vote for the change that our country desired. Although Obama is often cited by giving a public call to duty in his speeches, I am going to cite the words
of Sen. John McCain in his concession speech, “Today I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. “And tonight, I remain her servant.” Regardless of whether one voted Democratic, Republican, independent or green; just because this election period has passed does not mean that our found civic commitment needs to. Therefore to all, I say let us retain the passion and motivation that excited us during the election and our commitment to our country and her issues for the greater good. The call to purpose is not to create a civic call so that everyone goes out and creates an NGO, but instead for each of us to be inspired to create and maintain change that we want. As we enter this four-year term with Barack Obama as our Commanderin-Chief, we need to remember that he is not “The One” each and every one of us is. This inauguration should serve as a civic New Year’s resolution for us as Hokies to live by our school motto, “Ut Prosim”, and maintain a lifestyle dedicated to civic responsibility. Arlane Gordon-Bray is a senior international studies major and the undergraduate representative to the Board of Visitors at Virginia Tech.
A ‘ ll of us will have some sacrifice to make’ CHARLES DUDLEY regular columnist Across the breadth of America, beneath the choruses of hope and skepticism, the awareness of the perilous moment in history in which we live resonates with somber indifference to our dreams and aspirations. In every direction, events seem dislocated and disassembled. The market falls, the economy breaks, health care suffers, terrorism continues, rockets explode, bombs drop and people die of unnatural causes. In this moment of dire need, the leadership (such as it is) failed. Now a new president comes to office. A new chance for leadership worthy of the times, raising expectations that these problems will be wrestled into submission. With this man comes symbols of significant change: African-
American, community organizer, curiosity, intellect, inclusiveness and courage. Courage enough to hope in the midst of desolation, courage enough to seek leadership at a time where failure is more probable than success, and courage enough to propose bold action. There is courage enough, finally, to believe in the capacity for greatness on the part of the citizens of this country. All this is by way of saying that the success of the Obama administration depends upon the efforts of the people. After Sept. 11, President Bush
EDITORIAL
‘Open housing’is not a responsible living arrangement The University of Chicago recently took steps to implement “open housing,” a program allowing students of opposite sex to live in the same rooms in residence halls. Students wishing for coed living arrangements must specifically request them. Currently at Virginia Tech, students may live in coed residence halls but not coed rooms. This program is a student initiative, beginning as a pilot program this month, with full implementation planned for the fall of 2009. The justification for implementing this program is that traditional same-sex housing assignments do not work for everyone and their needs. According to the Inter-House Council (the student governing body for the housing system at the school), “it is important that housing policies evolve to meet the needs of students to create an inclusive, welcoming environment.” The option is being made available to second-, third- and fourth-year students, in addition to first year students on an individual basis. Oregon State University allows for this option as well. The University of Chicago emphasizes that the open housing program is not intended for couples, but there is really no way to enforce this. Students over the age of 18 are legally allowed to make housing decisions on their own. However, parents often pay for students’ educations. While the
University of Chicago expects only between 2 and 4 percent of students to take advantage of gender-neutral housing, offering this kind of situation is not a good idea. Sharing a dorm room with someone of the opposite sex is different than sharing an apartment, seeing as you do actually share a bedroom. While students have different needs, no good can come from allowing students of different genders to live together. Even though the system is not meant for couples, ultimately students might make the decision to live with a significant other. In the event that a breakup or argument occurs, the resident hall advisor is the one that suffers most. Room changes are likely to occur. Forcing students to live with roommates of the same sex is the most responsible option. While living in residencehalls on campus, there is no need for students of the same sex to share such close living spaces. According to the CT, the housing office at Virginia Tech does not have any plays to provide students with coed housing. This is good, because coed living situations at such a young age hardly ever end well. The editorial board is composed of David Grant, David Harries and Laurel Colella.
was asked what the average citizen could do to assist in the reaction to the horrible deeds of that day. His answer was that we could “shop.” It was a blow to the morale of the American people. A tragedy requires more than “business as usual.” Even in his farewell address, he remarked that most of us returned to life as MINA NOORBAKHSH/COLLEGIATE TIMES usual after 9/11 while he did not. Clearly he had lost touch with America. Obama has made a number of statements about the need of all Americans to take part in seeking
solutions to the problems we now face. All of us will have some sacrifice to make. Families have lost loved ones in the wars we are engaged in; investors have seen the market take most of their gains; health care, while good for some, is not distributed across the society; and our moral compass — regardless of political orientation — is in disarray. In our country, we have a significant amount of “deferred maintenance.” Roads, bridges, railroads, levees, dams and airports need work. In addition to current problems, future successes depend on the development of technology in energy, information and a myriad of areas essential to our future. To this end, Obama proposes government spending of historic proportions. Spending alone will not solve the problems we face.
This historic event marked a turning point in American history, where for the first time in decades the people of this country rejected the tyranny and tradition of self-serving politics and elected a true and sincere Democratic President. His words shocked the nation; His promise empowered the globe. And on January 20, 2009 President Barack Obama Will be sworn in as Commander-inChief. I am here today to represent the people, and declare VICTORY for the United States citizens in our War on Tradition… Victory: War on Tradition I am the voice. I am the difference. I have a choice to refuse what I’m given. I’ll make a way with my own knowledge and wisdom. Today we make PEACE, with our War on Tradition. The election came down to Obama and McCain. We looked at tradition, but most stood for change, And it’s a shame some still think it’s nothing to bother with
Still following ancient grandfather politics. Looking back, the atmosphere will tell an old story Of a nation founded on God, gold, and glory. The three G’s repeated on another land’s soil, US saying it’s for freedom…when we knew it was for oil. The difference, this time, propagated by an attack They used to justify a War in Iraq And excuse the opinions which weren’t all fact But reports said no oil, and the troops still weren’t back. But back to the relevant issue we’ve decided: To change what is needed, as now we’re united— The rich and the poor—in an economy failing Which we couldn’t trust with McCain or Mrs. Palin. But some of us still feel powerless to stop it While big businesses keep the government in their pockets But we’ve shown that our democracy LIVES, through the people As evidence points toward a HOPE we chose see through— They implemented policy and fear to control us, Took the money out of our pockets, started wars, then deployed us— They couldn’t protect the people; then couldn’t protect the dividends Using time and resources for everything but the citizens— The ones who lived fairly, and played by the rules; Investing everything to put their children through school. But now we have accountability, we need education; We know we need relief, for this is OUR reformation. This nation still feeds off ours fears and our drama
Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief David Grant Managing Editors David Harries, Sara Spangler Public Editor Cate Summers Special Sections Editor Meg Miller News Editors Caleb Fleming, Sara Mitchell News Reporters Gordon Block, Zach Crizer, Gabe McVey, Riley Prendergast, T. Rees Shapiro, Rebecca Thomas News Staff Writers Shannon Aud, Justin Graves, Michelle Rivera, Ryan Trapp Features Editor Bethany Buchanan Features Reporters Topher Forhecz, Teresa Tobat, Jonathan Yi Opinions Editors Laurel Colella, David McIlroy Opinions Staff Sally Bull, Jackie Peters Sports Editors Thomas Emerick, Brian Wright Sports Reporters Joe Crandley, Justin Long, Ed Lupien, Melanie Wadden Sports Staff Writers Garrett Busic, Matt Collette, Lindsay Faulkner, Hattie Francis, Alex Jackson, Mike Littier Copy Editors Erin Corbey, Thandiwe Ogbonna, Kristen Walker Layout Designers Go-Eun Choi, Kelly Harrigan, Christine Fay, Josh Son Illustrator Mina Noorbakhsh Multimedia Editor Phillip Murillas Multimedia Producer Matthew Langan, Becky Wilson Multimedia Reporters Candice Chu, Bryce Stucki, Peter Velz Online Director Christopher Ritter Web Developer Jeff Klassen Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager Ryan McConnell
Without a commitment on the part of citizens to aspire beyond their narrow interests and seek a larger good, the money will be poorly spent and we will end up broke in money and in spirit. It is a time for serious people to do serious work. It is time for each of us to seek the best that is in us. It is time to ask of all we do: How does this make us better as a people? One of those defining moments in history occurs and the privilege of being here cannot be overstated. Greatness occurs only when the possibility of defeat surrounds us with fears large and small. Trusting in the courage of citizens to engage these fears becomes essential. At noon today a young man posted a sign on the White House door: Help Wanted Greatness Required
College Media Solutions Staff Advertising Director Patrick Fitzgerald Asst Advertising Directors Tyler Ervin Jenna Given, Katelynn Reilly Ads Production Manager Anika Stickles Asst Production Manager Alyssa Peltier Ads Production/Creation Breanna Benz, Alllison Bhatta, Jennifer DiMarco, Lisa Hoang, Rebecca Smeenk, Lindsay Smith, Lara Treadwell National Account Executive Account Executives Libbey Arner, Brian Covington, Oran Duncan, Alex Iskounen, Kendall Kapetanakis, MarcelloSandoval, Amanda Sparks, Jennifer Vaughn, Amanda Whitt Assistant Account Executives Kaelynn Kurtz, Carissa Nichols, Diane Revalski, Tyler Terhune Marketing Manager Office Manager Student Publication Photo Staff Director of Photography Sally Bull Business Manager Paul Platz
Charles Dudley is the Director Emeritus of University Honors.
Obama’s election represents the change in leadership we need The PEOPLE have spoken! On November 4, 2008, the citizens of our government elected Senator Barack BAKAR Hussein Obama As the 44th and O.BEY FIRST Africanguest American columnist President of the United States of America.
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
It wants us to doubt that we can change it with Obama But each and every one of us WILL be the difference In turning war on terror into a War against Tradition. We’re so inclined to fight then let’s fight for our freedom. Work toward what is RIGHT, not what they believe in. Stand alone confused, or stand with me convinced This War against Tradition is our ONLY SELF DEFENSE. Ignore the mud-slinging because the politics are evil— Realize we really ARE created all equal Experience will grow as we give the man a hand In proving that something new WILL help us all advance. He believes in US, and I continue to trust him Simply because people are the hardest to invest in! I’ve seen the way the old works, that system is a given But if you don’t want to suffer it, we HAVE TO work with him And say … I am the voice. I am the difference. I steered the course To build this new vision. Now I MUST make a way With my own knowledge and wisdom. This historic victory, Was OUR War on Tradition.
ON THE WEB Visit collegiatetimes.com to watch Bakar read this poem, previously performed at several Obama rallies. The poem also appears in Bey’s upcoming self-published book, “Above the Waves.”
Your letter could be here. E-mail us at: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com
Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters and comments to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, Va. 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com Students must include name, year, major and phone number. Faculty and staff must include name, position and department. All other submissions must include name, residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e. alumni, parent, etc.). Letters should not exceed 300 words, and should be in MS Word (.doc) format if possible. 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: newstips@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, January 21, 2009. 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.
page
page 4
4
wednesday, january 21, 2009
january 21, 2009
Policies:
Place An Ad Today
CLASSIFIEDS WWW.COLLEGIATETIMES.COM 540.961.9860
Visit our business office at 618 N. Main St. 9am–5pm 9am 5pm Monday–Friday Monday Friday,, or place an ad online at collegiatetimes.com.
Deadline: Three business days prior to publication by 3PM.
Rates: Rates as low as 32¢ per word, contingent on the number of days to run. Prepaid. 15 word minimum. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
FREE CLASSIFIEDS FOR VT STUDENTS! students must come to 618 N Main ST to place the ad Sub-Lease Travel Rides Campus
Childcare Tickets for Sale Tickets Wanted Volunteers
Textbooks for Sale Textbooks Wanted Lost & Found Help Wanted
Sub-Lease
Help Wanted
1 BR EFFICIENCY Available Jan. ’09 call for details. 434.547.7125
STUDENT OPINIONS NEEDED! We pay up to $75 per online survey. www. CashToSpend.com
SUBLEASE GRADUATING SENIOR looking for someone to sublet my apartment. Apt. is walking distance to downtown & campus. Call for more details. 540.247.7873
SURVEY TAKERS NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per survey. Do it in your spare time. www. GetPaidToThink.com
Travel NAGS HEAD 4 month Student Summer Rentals, $450/mo/person, seabreezerealty.com 252.255.6328
For Sale PHEASANT RUN TOWNHOME FOR SALE 4 BR, 2.5 baths, Kitchen, LR and Den. New carpet & paint. peregrine02@hotmail.com
For Sale Events Health & Fitness Automotive
Health & Fitness CAREGIVER SERVICES State licensed caregivers. Private in home care for elderly, hospice, or disabled clients. Highly educated, intellectual, caregivers who can relate to academia minded individuals. www.nrvcare.com- 540.257.4644
For Rent 1 ROOM TO rent in 2 bedroom condo for the spring semester. No smoking or pets. $400 per month. Call 540-297-3527 for more info. 4 BEDROOM CONDO FOR RENT August 2009-2010. 4br, 2ba, w/d, d/w, hardwood flooring, newly renovated HUNTERS RIDGE condo for rent. Please call:540-392-5989 or e-mail david@hokiebuckeye.com. QUIET, PRIVATE room in Newport. $300 month. 540.544.6818.
Notices
Help Wanted
HANDY MEN will fix apartment problems cheap Save Money vtfixers@gmail.com
HAIR STYLISTS NEEDED
Roommates
New salon located in busy Gables Shopping Center. FT/ PT, flexible hours, No clientele needed. Great part-time job. Please call 540.525.4643 or greatclips.com
Notices Wanted Musical Roommates
NEED ROOMIE: Fully Furnished Large 3BR Townhouse behind Macado’s. Quiet. Reduced to $300/ mo. 757.817.1556
RENTALS
3 Bd House- Completely remodeled-2 full bath- PETS Allowed- $850 Rooms - 2 in house with 2 othe students $280 per month ALL AVAILABLE NOW 540.552.0966 540-3205236 540-320-8447
Greek Notes For Rent Personals Furniture for Sale
Downtown Living South Main Living North Main Living Prices Fork Living
The Collegiate Times reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement it deems objectionable, at any time. No refunds are available. The advertiser assumes full responsibility for his or her advertisements and agrees to hold the Collegiate Times harmless for the content of all advertisements authorized for publication and any claims that made may be against the Collegiate Times. Any questions concerning ads, please call the Better Business Bureau at 1.800.533.5501. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at 1.800.669.9777.
Patrick Henry Living Christiansburg Living
page
features 5
editor: bethany buchanan email: features@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: w 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., f 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
january 21, 2009
Hokie Alum to honor 4/16 victim Horror film remake ‘My Bloody with Habitat for Humanity homes Valentine 3D’ lacks substance TERESA TOBAT
ROGER MOORE
ct features reporter
the orlando sentinel
The Hokie spirit is alive and well within alumni Jon Butt. Following the April 16 tragedy, Jon decided to sell the land he purchased in Northern Virginia to the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity which agreed to build five houses for low-income families in honor of shooting victim Erin Peterson. “I didn’t want Erin or any of the other people who perished to be forgotten,” Jon said. “They were going to do more positive things. It’s up to us Hokies to continue that legacy, to make sure that their memory is not forgotten.” Jon is leading the Erin Peterson Build Project and said he thought providing houses to low-income families would have been something Erin, who participated in service events and felt strongly for victims of Hurricane Katrina, would have wanted. “She would have done something like that. I am certain,” Jon said. “Why can’t we do it for her?”
That cyclical cinematic fad known as 3D gets back to its gimmicky “gotcha!” roots with “My Bloody Valentine 3D,” a pick-axe-in-youreyeball remake of a 1981 horror classic. No cartoon cuddliness in this 3D outing: It’s a hand-drips-blood-inyour-lap exploitation picture that will remind anyone who has seen the original 3D fad films of those flaming arrows and other stuff that leapt off the screen at folks sitting in the dark with silly glasses. The glasses are less silly, but “Bloody” is a generally graceless outing, lacking the subtlety or horror foreplay of the original. Editorturned-director Patrick Lussier (“White Noise 2”) treats the multiwriter script as an afterthought and jumps straight into the mayhem as he recreates the mining disaster that gave us the miner-mass murderer Harry Warden “10 years before.” A brisk opening shows us the mine owner’s son Tom (Jensen Ackles), whose blunder caused a cave-in; the single comatose miner rescued six days later; and the awful realization that his fellow victims didn’t die of asphyxiation or the crush of earth. They were killed by a guy who didn’t want them using up his oxygen, a guy who awakes from his coma and wipes out the hospital for good measure, then butchers teenagers who pay tribute to their fallen towns folk by going underground for some serious partying. Cut to 10 years later and the town of Harmony is trying to get through one Valentine’s Day without commemorating the massacre by the man in the oxygen mask.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: - www.engage.vt.edu to donate - www.erinpetersonbuild.org to donate money or auction items In September 2004, Jon, the owner of a real estate firm in Northern Virginia and a managing member of a building firm, and two other men purchased about three and a half acres of land in Middleburg, Va., and planned to eventually subdivide the property. In March 2007, Erin’s step-grandmother and grandfather, Sharon and Vernon Peterson, contacted Jon because they wanted to purchase a remodeled house on the property that originally belonged to Sharon’s aunt. Jon said he knew of Erin because his daughter, Lauren, also attended the university and Tech naturally came up in conversations he had with Erin’s grandparents. Lauren, a junior aerospace engineer, is helping advertise the Project. She plans on spending a weekend volunteering with the project in April, when the houses will start being built. Although Lauren did not know Erin, she knew other victims of the shooting and said she felt obligated as a member of the Tech community to volunteer.
COURTESY OF KATHERINE EADY
Senior math major Krista Roop and junior economics major Dean Johnson posed with Erin Peterson, far right, during a Phi Sigma Phi event in 2007. “What happened on 4/16 is part of our college’s history,” Lauren said. “Be positive and try to make the world a better place so something like this doesn’t happen again.” The project has to recruit volunteers to help build the houses and raise funds. Construction supervisor for the Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Bud Green said houses will be built on Friday and Saturday. About 20 volunteers are needed to work on each house. Participants need not have prior experience with construction as Habitat for Humanity mentors all their volunteers. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization and lacks the resources to build all five houses. One house has been sponsored by a corporation, but Habitat needs money to build the other four homes. Alumna Katherine (KC) Eady, who graduated in May 2008 with a statistics degree, was a member of Phi Sigma Pi, an honors fraternity that Erin rushed in spring 2007. Eady first got involved with the project because she and Jon both attend the same church in Sterling, Va. She helps with marketing the build project and recruiting volunteers. Eady created a Facebook group for the project and helped out with a benefit concert that took place on Jan. 11 to benefit the build project and victim Reema Samaha’s Memorial Scholarship. Another benefit concert is in the works. Eady said there are many ways students can get involved with the Project, and organizing benefit events is one of them. “Even if you didn’t know Erin, she was a Hokie,” Eady said about why people should volunteer with the build project. “And that’s all that should matter.”
An eBay auction is also taking place to benefit the Erin Peterson Build Project. Volunteers can choose to sell their items and donate between 10 percent and 100 percent of the proceeds to the Project. If the item sells, eBay will refund the same percentage donated of what it costs to list and sell an item back to the seller. Donations will also be accepted on the eBay Web site and are tax deductible. Already up for auction are basketballs signed by men’s basketball head coach Seth Greenberg and women’s basketball head coach Beth Dukenberger. Karen Gilbert, coordinator of the volunteer movement VT Engage, said the build project needs to raise about $400,000 to build the other four houses. Gilbert helped organize a benefit concert whose proceeds went toward the Erin Peterson Build Project and 4/16 victim Reema Samaha’s Memorial Scholarship. “My personal goal is to get a remembrance project for each victim,” Gilbert said. “Really the best way to honor the memory of people we lost is to create a service project that honors that person’s special abilities and interests.”
Kids who learned to get over their yen for subterranean sex by surviving a group grope in the tunnels back in the day are now the adults running Harmony. The jerk-jock Axel (Kerr Smith) has become sheriff. He has married the fetching Sarah (Jaime King), Tom’s ex, and is cheating on her with Sarah’s cashier at the family supermarket. (Megan, played by Megan Boone, reminds us that things other than pick axes leap off the screen in 3D films.) Tom returns to town to sell his daddy’s mine, earning the ire of the locals (Kevin Tighe, of the mininglabor strife classic “Matewan” among them). No sooner does Tom show up than the dead Harry Warden - or an impersonator - starts pick-axing people, ripping their hearts out and sending them in heart-shaped boxes meant for Valentine’s Day candy. The plot staggers from absurd to ridiculous, and the dialogue is strictly of the “Look, we don’t have to go down there” variety. But Lussier gives us a few good “gotchas.” A chase through the supermarket is topdrawer tense, and a few of the fights (most of the time people just run) have nerve. Lussier’s chief contribution to the “Bloody” legacy is in the sex. The original wasn’t exactly chaste, with its
opening image of a pick axe plunging through a topless teen’s heart-shaped breast tattoo. Here, the money shot is provided by a very naked, funny and plucky survivor of the original teens-in-mine massacre, Irene. Character actress Betsy Rue gives her all, and shows her all, in a cheap hotel showdown that begins with unbridled sex. (She stares at the mirror on the ceiling, mid-act, and gloats, “God, I look hot!”) Then the guy with the mining gear shows up and spoils her R-rated fun. We don’t have enough time with any character to wish them well in the face of certain death. We don’t have more than a few minutes’ doubt who the killer is, as likely “copycats” are pick-axed-off, one by one. But if horror in general is the last great communal movie experience, 3D just heightens the shared fun. If you thought people talked back to the screen when the butchery was 2D, wait until somebody has a reason to duck. Wait until someone makes a good 3D horror film (more are on the way) and a “Quarantine 3D,” a “Hostel 3D,” or - here’s a million-dollar idea - a “Murder at the Multiplex 3D.” You can’t text and Twitter with RealD glasses on and brain matter spattering all over your Redenbacher’s.
page
6 sports
editor: thomas emerick, brian wright email: sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: w 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.; t 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
january 21, 2009
Wake up call: Hokies face stern test against No. 1 Deacons
MICHAEL SHROYER/SPPS
Jeff Allen drives toward the basket against Wake Forest’s James Johnson.
ED LUPIEN
ct sports reporter The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team continues with Atlantic Coast Conference play this evening as it travels to Winston-Salem, N.C., to face the No. 1 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This is perhaps Tech’s toughest challenge yet, as Wake Forest is the only remaining undefeated team in Division I. The Demon Deacons (16-0, 3-0 ACC) have steadily climbed the top 25 polls during the first two months of the season and have earned two impressive victories over the past week and a half. The first came in a 92-89 win over No. 3 North Carolina on Jan. 11, followed by a 78-68 defeat
of No. 9 Clemson last Saturday. “Those guys are really good,” said Tech head coach Seth Greenberg of the Demon Deacons. “They block out the sun. They have like 21 feet of guys at the front of the rim. ... You’ve got a great point guard, a 6’9” small forward, a 6’9” power forward and two 7-footers.” Greenberg is referencing sophomore point guard Jeff Teague, who leads the team in scoring (21.4 points per game) and assists (4.1 per game). Teague is the reigning ACC Player of the Week having averaged 26.5 points in performances against Boston College and then-undefeated Clemson last week. Like his Tech counterpart — sophomore Malcolm Delaney — Teague has scored in double
figures every game this season. “He’s relentless how he comes at opposing defenses,” Greenberg said. “He comes at you off the bounce, off step-backs, off ball screens, and he’s able to change speeds and direction.” Joining Teague in the backcourt is junior shooting guard L.D. Williams, who contributes in his own right with an average of nine points per game. Unbelievably, Wake Forest’s backcourt has often been overshadowed by a frontcourt that leads the nation in defensive rebounds per game. As one of the highest-touted incoming freshmen in the nation , 6’9” small forward Al-Farouq Aminu has lived up to expectations for the Deacons. In a short period of time, he has already made his presence known, recording six double-doubles, good for second best in the ACC. Aminu also averages 12.8 points and a team-best 8.8 rebounds. In fact, Aminu is one of three Deacons who contribute seven or more boards a game with 6’9” sophomore power forward James Johnson (13.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and 7’ junior Chas McFarland (10.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg) providing strong presences down low and creating a lethal frontcourt, both offensively and defensively. Production from these five players and a bench that includes junior point guard Ishmael Smith, who started all but one game during his first two seasons at Wake, has translated
VT vs. WF Preview Virginia Tech at No. 1 Wake Forest 7 p.m., ESPN2 Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Projected starting lineups:
G Malcolm Delaney F A.D. Vassallo F J.T. Thompson F Jeff Allen F Victor Davila
G Jeff Teague G L.D. Williams F Al-Farouq Aminu F James Johnson C Chas McFarland SARA SPANGLER/COLLEGIATE TIMES
into the Deacs ranking fifth in the nation in points scored (85.1 per game), sixth in rebounds (46.3 per game) and second in field goal percentage (51.1). Once more, Wake ranks second in the country in defensive field goal percentage, holding opponents to a 36.2 percent clip from the field. “You need good ball movement to beat a team like Wake,” Greenberg said. “You need good spacing and to be able to try to get to the rim.” Wednesday night’s contest marks the
second time this season the Hokies have faced a top-five club. The first occasion came on Jan. 4 when Tech lost at No. 5 Duke 69-44. “I hope we play better than we did in Durham because that was really miserable,” Greenberg said. “I hope we play better, but sometimes the other team has an effect on that.” Even though Tech did not contend with a previous opponent of Wake Forest’s caliber, the Hokies have been on a three-game win streak since their blowout in Durham and have won
seven of their last eight games. Greenberg believes his team has graduallyimprovedsincethe25-pointdefeat. “I think we’re a little bit better than we were at Duke,” Greenberg said. “But it’s so fragile. Not just for Virginia Tech, but for all of us. Winning and losing is so fragile. We’ve improved. We’re running an offense with much better pace and much better purpose. We’re defending. We’ve figured out how we can defend.” The past three wins, all at home, have come over in-state rival Virginia, Richmond and a Boston College team that had dethroned No. 1 North Carolina less than two weeks before. It appears that the 9-5 team that left Durham with a laundry list of uncertainties has turned into a 12-5 team with a much smaller gray area. Like their head coach, the players also believe that as a team they have turned a corner with these past three wins. “We’ve just changed our perception,” Delaney said. “We’re going back to how we usually play basketball. Before, we weren’t as tough. Other teams were out-toughing us. Now, we’re starting to get back to playing defense, out-toughing teams, getting the loose balls.” If Tech’s improved effort isn’t enough to play spoiler, then perhaps the added possibility of the Demon Deacons overlooking a self-predetermined win might be enough to obtain the upset. It could be extremely difficult for Wake Forest to focus on the task at hand, because waiting in the wings for the Deacons are the now-No. 2 Blue Devils.