Friday, February 13, 2009 Print Edition

COLLEGIATETIMES

friday february 13, 2009 blacksburg, va.

www.collegiatetimes.com

news AGRICULTURE DEAN APPOINTED Loke T. Kok was named interim dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on Monday, effective March 1. The university has begun searching for a permanent college dean, though Kok will temporarily replace former dean Sharron Quisenberry, who accepted a position at Iowa State earlier this month. Kok previously served as professor and entomology department head before accepting the new role.

sports TECH RELEASES 2009 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE The ACC released its 2009 football schedule on Thursday.

Virginia Tech’s 12-game slate begins with a match-up against the Alabama Crimson Tide in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on Sept. 5. The Hokies will make back-to-back Thursday night appearances on ESPN – home to North Carolina on Oct. 29 and at East Carolina on Nov. 5. Tech’s home contests will come against Marshall, Nebraska, Miami, Boston College, the Tar Heels and NC State.

tomorrow’s weather

Va. house defeats absentee voting bill CALEB FLEMING

ct news editor Legislation to allow no-excuse absentee voting was rejected by a House Privileges and Elections Committee during the General Assembly session, despite the bill’s backing from Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.

Kaine had moved to allow all registered voters to cast absentee ballots in-person at registrars’ offices during the 45-day absentee voting period.

The voters would not have to provide a reason for their absentee submission, but those who want to submit ballots through the postal service would still have to meet one of the requirements presently in place.

“Right now you can only vote absentee if you meet one of 17 specified criteria,” said Gordon Hickey, Kaine’s press secretary. “The governor believes that anyone for any reason can go and vote absentee.”

In the event that this legislation on absentee voting had been passed, Virginia would join 26 other states that already offer no-excuse absentee voting. Kaine said in a press release that by allowing all voters to cast an absentee ballot in person, the workload of local registrars and poll workers would be reduced and dispersed.

“We can remove some of the practical barriers that prevent people from participating in the democratic process,” Kaine said. “This year showed that high volume can cause problems in a process that should be as smooth as possible.”

Contrarily, opponents of the early-voting bill cited increased costs for the reason behind their dissention. Delegate Dave Nutter of the New River Valley noted that while registrars in the area were behind the bill, downsides still remain.

Citing the recent election turnout in North Carolina, a state allowing no-excuse absentee voting, Nutter said Montgomery County could expect up to 60 percent of the predicted turnout in the first several days.

“That would be (around) 24,000 people,” Nutter said. “(The registrar’s office) is not too big. There are going to be a lot of issues in facility, infrastructure and personnel to take care of that.”

Because Kaine does not have a voice in the Senate or House, Sen. Janet Howell (D-Fairfax) elected to patron the bill in the Senate, while Delegate Rosalyn Dance (D-Petersburg) presented the bill to the House of Delegates.

MARK UMANSKY/SPPS

Voters line up outside of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church on Election Day 2009. Non-students got to the polls early to avoid the large number of students who poured into the station later in the day. Legislation to expand absentee voting was defeated in the Virginia house.

“Delegate Dance believes that if it is your right to vote, nothing should keep you back from doing so,” Lashrecse Jones, Dance’s legislative aide, said. “Delegate Dance wants every individual in Virginia to not have to think if they qualify for absentee reasons.”

Jones added that regardless of the obligation a registered voter may have, they still are entitled to vote.

“Virginia is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to voting,” Jones said. “People work, they have responsibilities they have to handle, they can’t always be available to stand in line on Election Day. She is aiming to give everyone the opportunity to do that.”

Casting an in-person absentee ballot has become increasingly popular, with approximately 320,000 submitted in Virginia alone in the most

high 45, low 34

corrections The article, “Peace Center sponsors student club” (CT Feb. 11) should have read that the symposium will take place in October 2010.

KELSEY HEITER

ct news staff writer

The graph in the article “Barqawi: Cadets benefit from revamped guiding philosophy,” (CT, Feb. 11) should have read that there are 11 companies in the entire regiment, not per battalion. Alpha - Delta are in 1st Battalion, Echo - Hotel are in 2nd Battalion, and India, Kilo and Band are in 3rd Battalion.

LUKE MASON/SPPS

Forward Utahya Drye and the women’s basketball team dropped their eighth ACC contest to the Miami Hurricanes last night. See collegiatetimes.com for the full story.

Anchors aweigh

The Collegiate Times regrets these errors.

News.....................2 Features................3 0pinions................5

know him better. I’m interested in broadening our absentee balloting program, but I want to hear more details.”

The subcommittee that rejected the bill is composed of four Republicans and two Democrats.

The vote on the measures was split along partisan boundaries. Delegates John A. Cosgrove of Chesapeake, R. Steven Landes of Augusta County, S. Chris Jones of Suffolk and Jeffrey M. Frederick of Prince William County all voted against the proposal, while Dance of Petersburg and David L. Englin of Alexandria voted in favor of its passing.

Because the subcommittee does not have the ultimate power to kill the bill, a member can still move to have the legislation voted on again.

However, a majority vote would be required for it to be reconsidered. As the committee is divided down partisan lines, a vote seems unlikely.

Tech bookstores pour profits into scholarships

‘Canes rock Hokies

SHOWERS

The column “MLB must work to repair image after latest ‘A-Fraud’ escapade” (CT, Feb. 10) should not have read: “since the story’s release, Rodriquez has appeared in front ofKatie Couric to deny his usage of steroids.” Rodriguez met with Couric in 2007; the story broke this past weekend.

recent presidential election. Hickey said that had the bill been passed, measures would likely be implemented in time for the 2010 statewide elections.

And by dissolving the need for an excuse to vote absentee, those in favor of the bill expect the voting process as a whole to be streamlined.

“It makes voting more accessible to those who might not be able to make it to the polls for whatever reason,” Hickey said.

Nutter said that passing a no-excuse absentee ballot casting bill would also not necessarily guarantee a higher voter turnout.

“I’ve heard in a lot of states that it doesn’t increase voter turnout,” Nutter said. “One could argue that it could be an incumbent protection program. If people are going in to vote early, they’re probably going in to vote for the incumbent because they

Classifieds..............8 Sports....................6 Sudoku..................8

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 106th year • issue 15

MICHAEL MCDERMOTT/SPPS

Sorority Alpha Chi Omega dances in the Delta Gamma sorority’s annual Greek dance competition “Anchor Splash” in Burruss Hall last night.

Even with lower textbook prices available at many local competitor stores, a majority of students continue to buy their books at the University Bookstore, where perhaps unbeknownst to them, their purchases are helping themselves and fellow students.

The official Virginia Tech campus University Bookstore is part of a non-profit organization on campus that aids in the funding of student scholarships and projects to ensure that Tech students receive the best college experience that they can.

Each year, the University Bookstore and Volume Two prepare their inventory by stocking their shelves with literature from various publishers.

“We purchase our books from any and all publishers that produce a book that a faculty member has requested,” said Dave Wilson, associate director of the university bookstore.

Although the bookstore places many orders for new books each year, their goal is to offer as many used books as possible.

The bookstore buys as many old books “as possible directly from Virginia Tech students so that we can help them by providing cash for their books,” Wilson said.

Wilson said that University Bookstore and Volume Two both discount their textbook prices by up to 10 percent from the national standard price. The decrease in prices forces many local competitors, such as BookHolders, to find ways to lower their textbook prices.

“Ninety-nine percent of the books that we have available for students to purchase were bought from students throughout the various semesters,” said Brian Allen, manager of BookHolders. “We look at the local demand versus the national demand and calculate the difference in pricing so we can offer Tech students the best deal.”

Both University Bookstore and Volume Two are part of Virginia Tech Services Inc. a non-profit corporation set up to benefit Virginia Tech. The bookstores receive no state funding and pay their own bills, so at the end of the year, any surplus generated goes to the Virginia Tech Foundation and is used for studentrelated purposes.

According to Raymond Smoot, chief operating officer and secretary of Virginia Tech Foundation, over the bookstore’s 40 years in business at Tech, it’s returned more than $42 million to directly benefit Tech.

The Virginia Tech Foundation serves as a resource for many student-related purposes. The Bookstore’s Web site lists where the proceeds go, including athletic scholarships, student health and fitness facilities, Squires’ endowment, computing center endowment, distinguished speakers, the creative arts and student services.

Along with the student-related purposes that many of the Bookstore profits go toward, the Virginia Tech Foundation also provides $17 million a year in scholarships to students.

“The Virginia Tech Foundation began in 1948 as a means of receiving gifts in support of the university,” Smoot said. “The foundation allocates those gifts as scholarships, building projects, and endowed professorships across our campus.”

In 2008, Tech received approximately $90 million in contributions through the foundation, Smoot said.

“It is true that the money goes to the Virginia Tech Foundation, but the use of the money is controlled by the university,” Smoot said.

The foundation has been working in conjunction with the University Bookstore since 1968 to create revenue for various student programs on campus.

Smoot says that the relationship between the Virginia Tech Foundation and the University Bookstore has been linear since the beginning of their involvement with each another.

“The funds have helped us manage the university’s endowment through contributions to the Corporate Research Center, the Hotel Roanoke, WVTF radio, the Pete Dye River Golf Course and the Center for European Studies and Architecture,” Smoot said.

have a news tip? want to see something in the CT? e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com

page 2

friday, february 13, 2009

Kaine solicits potential projects through e-portal

Tech may grab slice of federal stimulus pie KEENAN ARMSTRONG & PHILIP HAWES

ct staff writers The Senate approved President Barack Obama’s $838 billion emergency legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, yesterday.

Though lawmakers and parties disagree on exact figures, approximately $140 billion would be allocated for disbursement to struggling elementary, secondary and higher education systems over the next two years. As it stands now, Virginia Tech and its students may receive millions in funding and financial assistance.

According to the Congressional Budget Office stimulus breakdown, the big-ticket item is the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. That fund assigns $79 billon to combat nationwide state budget deficits. Tech has been forced to absorb $27 million, or 15 percent of its budget, in state appropriation cutbacks.

This budget-balancing initiative could net Virginia $1.6 billion.

However, as Steve Janosik of Tech’s Education Policy Institute said, Virginia is not out of the dark — or red — yet. Janosik said that Virginia has a $3 billion shortfall in the budget.

Regardless of the outstanding deficit, according to CBO, a mandate requires that 61 percent of the funds be spent on education. This provision alone could provide millions to Tech.

To offset the expense of tuition and costs associated with higher education, the stimulus package also includes the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This measure temporarily restructures existing tax credits to improve affordability for low-income families and students.

Those who qualify will be given $2,500 in a partially refundable tax credit, the CBO report states, which is an increase of $850. Also, the eligibility to receive the tax credit has been extended from two to four years and, for the first time, includes costs such

as textbooks.

The greatest impact on Tech students would come in the form of increased federal grants and loans.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said to CNN that this provision comes, “at a time when going to college has never been more expensive, we have to help out.”

According to the Office of Financial Aid, about 70 percent of Tech students receive some kind of financial assistance and, last year, 2,724 students were awarded a Federal Pell Grant. The stimulus package plans to raise the need-based grants by a total of $681 over the next two years, maximizing the grant to $5,412 annually.

Barry Simmons, director of Scholarships and Financial Aid at Tech, is enthusiastic about the prospect of increased grants.

“It’s a great boon to our students, and it ultimately reduces the amount of borrowing they’ll have to do,” Simmons said.

6,969 Tech students received an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, which is not based on financial need, in 2007-08. According to the Council on Law in Higher Education, stimulus package could increase the loan by $2,000, potentially providing $9,500 to a qualified junior or senior.

CBO also describes how between $16 billion and $20 billion would be spent on construction, renovation and modernization of schools for both technology and energy efficiency. Proportionately, between $3.5 billion and $7.5 billion will go to higher education facilities.

“The allocation for Virginia is about $147 million, which is not a whole lot of money when you look state wide,” said Ralph Byers, Virginia Tech’s director of government relations.

However, he believes that Virginia Tech may be able to get a large portion of that money.

According to the University Construction and Planning Web site, Tech currently has six projects in planning or under construction with a combined budget of more than

$142 million.

At the top of the list of projects for Virginia Tech is Davidson Hall, which contains mostly classrooms and laboratories for the chemistry department. The 81-year-old building hasn’t seen a major renovation since 1965, and Byers hopes for funding to renovate it. He said that renovation of Davidson Hall would cost around $30 million, a large chunk of Virginia’s allocation. But he said, “We hope to convince the government. Priority will be given to science and technology — we think it’ll be a prime candidate.”

Tech could also receive more research funding, according to the CBO breakdown. Recognizing that research leads to invention and innovation has prompted stimulus drafters to include around $10 billion for disbursement to research leaders such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Institutes of Health and NASA, all of which have awarded Tech with research grants in the past.

Tech ranked 42nd among national research institutions and conducts about $370 million in research annually — the highest in the state, said Rod Hall, associate vice president of research at Tech.

Hall also said how his office is already preparing.

“We have put together ideas that would be considered in the implementation of the stimulus research package. Energy is where we would like to grow the most; we think we could become one of the best universities in the country on energy research,” he said.

Byers added that Tech would jump at the chance to procure funding that would promote green technology.

“If there’s anything that we would be eligible for we would apply, in terms of making the campus more energy efficient. We are certainly flexible,” Byers said.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

PG-13

February 13/14: 7:00 February 15: 3:00 & 7:00 February 16: 10:00am & 7:00 February 17-19: 7:00

The Lyric Theatre 135 College Avenue ~ Movieline: 951.0604 www.thelyric.com

SARA MITCHELL

ct university editor In response to the passing of President Barack Obama’s $838 bilion stimulus bill, Gov. Tim Kaine has created a Web site where Virginians can submit projects for funding consideration: www.stimulus.virginia.gov.

The Web site’s aim is “to get suggestions from the public so when the money is allocated we can gain opinions and hit the ground running. The idea is to stimulate the economy and have projects ready to go,” said Gordon Hickey, Kaine’s press secretary.

Nearly 1,000 projects have been requested on the Web site, ranging from citizen requests to requests from towns.

The major request regarding Blacksburg came from Steve Jones, technology director for the Town of Blacksburg. He outlined a plan where the town would receive $420,000 to improve broadband Internet for public schools and other Blacksburg buildings. Jones did not return calls to the Collegiate Times.

Steven Brinlee, a Blacksburg resident, posted a request for funds that would go toward the completion of an interchange at the intersection of Prices Fork Road and Southgate Drive to provide a safer transition from Route 460 to downtown Blacksburg.

An institution such as Virginia Tech has a more direct path to Richmond.

“We have the power to appeal directly to those responsible,” said Tech spokesman Larry Hincker. The Virginia Department of Planning and Budget is the liaison between Tech and legislation regarding budget allocation, and any official Tech requests for stimulus funding would go directly to them.

“We work with the budget people all the time so we will make our needs known,” said Ralph Byers, executive director of government relations.

According to Byers, Tech originally drew up a list of construction project funding requests but the construction portion of the stimulus bill was eliminated.

Regardless, Hincker said, “Any kind of citizen input, I think, is a powerful idea and I’m pleased that the governor asked for that kind of input.”

A Tech faculty member utilized the Web site to submit her own Techrelated idea.

Angela Mathias, an adviser in Tech’s biology department, requested funds for the creation of a degree in university studies. Mathias said she had “mentioned it to people in passing, and I heard someone yesterday who said ‘you should post that somewhere,’” so she put it on the Web site.

The stimulus forum is a similar idea to another one of Kaine’s projects, ideas.virginia.gov where Virginians can submit ideas for legislation. At the top of the most popular ideas on the Web site is a request to allow early voting for anyone in

Virginia. The idea developed into a proposed bill, but was recently rejected by a House of Delegates subcommittee.

To submit a project on stimulus.virginia.gov, a person must provide an e-mail address, and upon receiving confirmation through the address, can fill out a form. The form requests contact information, the organization or town that the request is on behalf of, the type of request, and the estimated amount of funding necessary.

Hickey said that some of the potential stimulus money would be blocked for projects already approved by the state, mainly transportation projects regarding railroads, bridges, paving replacements and maintenance.

Additionally, the stimulus bill blocks funding into various categories, including health care. However, he said, “We need suggestions, and we need to get these suggestions together and decide which ones are good.”

Many of the submissions regard construction projects for towns or education funding. Some have submitted personal requests.

“My house could really do with some cleaning up,” Justin Hart of Abingdon wrote. “I could probably sink about $30,000 into the project. If I get stimulus money from the federal government that’s $30,000 I could put into the economy somewhere ... don’t you think? I mean, as long as they’re giving out free money, why not me and my business?”

page

features 3

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.

february 13, 2009

He said, she said: Different ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day I’ve been single for about a year now so this will be the second Valentine’s Day during which I have been flying solo, which is also TOPHER a sign of the terFORHECZ rible timing and lack of finesse features under which my reporter life operates. The day itself is a strange beast from the outside looking in, and there really isn’t a better way to convince yourself that the world really might have gone mad when you weren’t looking than watching people participate HE SAID on a day that dictates that everybody remember that they love one other unconditionally. Alternatively, it is great timing because the self gratifying extravaganza that is Christmas was too long ago and that little downtime that January has to offer gave everyone a moment to find that stick that had fallen out of their asses and reinsert it.

But I digress. On Valentine’s Day, it’s not hard to wish that you had somebody there to spend it all on. I mean, with. I guess in that sense it really is a day to not only show your love for one another, but for the economy, too.

Along with Thanksgiving, Christmas,

Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July and St. Patty’s Day. All of which involve buying presents and cards (how do cards know how to say what I feel so well?) in order to express your love for someone special, except for maybe the last holiday, as you can just send apologies to your friends about the night prior via Facebook now.

But, that’s what Valentine’s Day is for, a day that forgoes the unnecessary pretenses of Christmas carols or a Thanksgiving turkey. For on this day, it really is all about the love. Except if you don’t have anyone who loves you in which case, resist the urge to call Mom. If so, then you don’t qualify for this holiday and you’re pretty much free to spend the day as you normally do: being an essential part of Taco Bell’s cash revenue before falling asleep on your couch in a glory of hot sauce and cubed tomato bits.

Valentine’s Day can also serve as a national reminder for everyone to put “finding a spouse” on their life’s grocery list in case they might have lost sight of that with other things such as a career or some equally satisfying passion. Just as St. Patty’s Day reminds you to drink beer and 4/20 reminds you to hate the government.

For some, being single on the day never really gets to them. For others — and girls are more guilty of this than guys — it is a slow torment that

reminds the single person of what they don’t have as Feb. 14 draws neigh.

Almost as if they have discovered that their biological time bomb will go off the second it hits midnight on the Valentine’s Day when they’re in their 30th year unless they find someone.

Memories of losing at musical chairs play back in their heads from middle school as they see everyone paired up and smiling, walking around arm in arm. There are two possible outcomes for situations like this: moping around all day like you’re mourning the death of your closest imaginary friend, or quickly fashioning a relationship for the occasion that is likely to implode before Easter.

I don’t mean to be making a case against Valentine’s Day, by any means, in this article. Honestly, I think showing someone you care about them is a great thing and something we need to practice more often even outside of coupledom. But it’s not something that we should be only reminded to do while penciling in our calendars.

The truly terrifying thought is where we would be as a collective heart without the preordained and super capitalized holidays that come and go throughout the year. With 50 percent of marriages ending in divorce in the United States, maybe we do need a few extra days on our own to figure out where the love is. Maybe even what the word means.

Feb 14th

Great Specials

for two!

MINA NOORBAKHSH/COLLEGIATE TIMES

As if we lovely ladiesdon’tdemand enough of your time and money on an everyday basis, there’s a corporately commercial holiday BETHANY that commands BUCHANAN you gentlemen to go exceedingly and features oftentimes paineditor fully above and beyond that typical standard on one designated day of the year.

Yes, my dears, Valentine’s Day is rapidly SHE SAID approaching — for heaven’s sake, it’s tomorrow. And gentlemen of the world, trust me, you better have something good.

How you treat her on Feb. 14 will make or break your relationship, in that it will empirically show her whether you’re worth keeping around.

Since love is indeed a battlefield, then consider V-Day your D-Day. If you don’t successfully pass the border, fight long and hard, you’ll never win the war.

And how is that? Well, it’s an expensive but totally necessary display of passionate affection that shows to the whole cold, cruel world of ours that she has one person who cares in such a special way.

If a self-respecting girl doesn’t have such evidence, it’s automatic disgrace that she’ll spend the next 364 days

making up — and out — for. You, being the thief of her goofy-lofty-sillygirly-romantic-day-dreams, will be epically denied and reverted back into the bachelor who stacks beer cans into a giant pyramid because he has nothing — or no one — better to do.

My advice to you, gentlemen, is to approach V-Day with this essential, girl-approved, plan of attack: MONEY. That’s the acronym composed of the basic tenants of a great Valentine’s Day present, standing for Music, Originality, Next, Effect and You. I know it seems overwhelming and doesn’t make sense at first, but allow me to elucidate.

Music, first of all, is a potent force because it not only sets the mood but is also a talent that many men possess and can potentially use to their advantage. Grab a guitar, strum the few chords that you might know, turn that feeling you have for her into a couple corny lyrics and boom, you’ve got beautiful song that she’ll always remember.

Here’s an even cooler idea to take that to the next level: Record it on a computer then surprise her by moving the file onto her iPod. Then she can remind herself of how much you love her when she’s traversing the Drillfield.

That iPod idea has some merit because it takes a lesson from the next principle, Originality. The female race is frustrating for you men just because women like to kiss and tell, thereby dropping a couple more fresh mines into your V-Day battleground. You’re

held up to not only her standards, but her girlfriends’ as well. If it’s not original, don’t bother — that is, unless you plan to take a cliche and update it a little (cliche song idea + iPod = original). Case in point.

But you have to have more than just one surprise. A bunch of little gifts gradually collect into one bigger cadeau, or present – hence the principle of Next. That way, when she gives you that look of “Is there anything else” while she’s forcing a smile, you move on to your “next” present for her. That will keep her on her toes.

The Effect is that one thing that you’re going to be waiting for once you’ve given her all of her presents.

Will she be so happy she cries? Or will she go right to the computer to change her Facebook status to single?

Good luck, my friend.

In any case, You should be happy with yourself. You did your best for your girlfriend. If she doesn’t appreciate you for all that you do, then maybe you need to find a computer.

In all seriousness, just think LUV: Look at what catches attention, Understand the person for whom you’re buying, and Vary your choices to increase your chances of choosing right. That will set you in the right direction.

So, young dashing soldiers of amour, brace yourself for the battle and chalk up your plan of attack.

Take the time, but even more importantly, make the effort to do something special for your loved one.

She deserves it.

Spend Valentine's Day with us!

Let us help make it special.

953.2700 922 University City Blvd.

page 4

friday, february 13, 2009

Microsoft gets personal with new, inventive Windows 7 Who cares whether Windows Mojave is actually Windows Vista? For those of us who are PCs, there is intended to be an incremental upgrade called JONATHAN Windows 7, which YI is slated for release in 2010. The new features operating system reporter aims to be compatible with device drivers, applications and hardware that works with Vista.

Microsoft’s Windows 7 beta spigot closed Feb. 10; however, Microsoft has declined to comment on whether its $2.5 million cap had been reached.

On April 14, Microsoft will begin to retire Windows XP by changing its mainstream support into a more limited support plan. With Microsoft’s most successful operating system’s days numbered, what does this mean for the rest of us who still don’t want anything to do with Mojave, Mojito, or whatever?

Windows 7 will not contain the gratuitous architectural revisions that Microsoft offered with Vista. Many who use Vista have complained about outdated software and incompatible applications. A new display came at a price of mismatched drivers between hardware vendors and Vista’s new sound subsystems. With many users frustrated, Microsoft hopes to offer a

fast-installing remedy.

Windows 7 advances in touch, speech and handwriting recognition, support for virtual hard disks, improved performance on multi-core processors, improved boot performance and kernel improvements.

Any software that works with Vista should be compatible with Windows 7.

Microsoft realizes that the roles of computers are changing in family households and thus hopes to offer an operating system more focused on the user experience. And to get a better grasp of its market, Microsoft will include a program that provides extensive data on how people use its software. Using a Customer Experience Improvement Program, Microsoft says it will be able to better advance the user experience.

After trying out the Beta, I have found installing Windows 7 is faster than installing Windows Vista or Windows XP. In an average of about 20 minutes, I was already getting started.

There are plenty of new features on the Windows 7 desktop. First, the taskbar is a new visual masterpiece. The new, big icons can finally be rearranged, and futile text descriptions have disappeared.

Navigating between windows is now a two-level process: pulling up window thumbnails and switching by clicking.

It’s much more intuitive this way.

There are more quick lists that allow you to jump to particular application features. Most recently used applications

will automatically be acquired through a “Jump List,” which can be customized to use Windows Media Player or Minesweeper. Perhaps using these lists may be awkward for practical use.

Windows 7 also has new “Aerofeatures” that help organize your Windows. “Aero Snap” benefits multiple application users, allowing you to drag your windows to the top and drag away to restore it, allowing you to tile to half of the screen. “Aero Peek” allows you to see your desktop without minimizing your applications. Although you can catch a glimpse of shortcuts, since you can’t interact with anything on your desktop once you move your mouse off the application, this function seems rather useless.

If you’re really into personalizing your desktop, Windows 7 will satisfy your inventive needs. A new concept named Libraries allows you to view arbitrary parts of the files system with organization optimized for different kinds of files.

Early reviews of the Windows 7 Beta have unanimously deemed the operating system as a faster Vista, and what Vista should have been, with no real surprises. Since Vista’s foundation doesn’t seem to have gone away, many of us are dreading the slow, confusing, consumer-focused operating system.

Nobody can say yet how Windows 7 will perform in the market, but we still have a couple years to brace ourselves.

THE 2009 VIRGINIA GOVERNOR'S FELLOWS PROGRAM Applications are being solicited for a select group of students for participation in the 2009 Virginia Governor’s Fellows Program. Any student who meets the eligibility standards below may apply. On-line application and selection procedures are available on the Governor's website: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/ServingVirginia/Fellows.cfm

For additional information and paper applications, please visit the Vice President for Student Affairs' office in 112 Burruss Hall or call 231-6272.

Minimum Eligibility Standards: Applicants must be graduating seniors or enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate or professional school. Applicants must also be enrolled in a Virginia college or university or must be a Virginia resident if enrolled in an out-of-state institution.

The selection of Fellows will be based on merit without regard to race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation.

Length of Fellowship: Fellows will be required to work full-time in the Virginia State Government. The 2009 Governor’s Fellows Program will begin Monday, June 1st and continue through Friday, August 7th. Virginia Tech does provide a stipend to support selected Fellows.

Application Deadline: On-line applications and submission by mail of two recommendations and an official transcript must be received in the Governor's office by Friday, March 6, 2009.

How Kate Winslet outdid herself to win MARK CARO

chicago tribune Kate Winslet always was going to land a best actress Oscar nomination this year. That was understood.

But the assumption was that the honors would come for her fiery turn as the desperate ‘50s housewife of “Revolutionary Road,” in which she was directed by her husband, Sam Mendes, and reunited with her “Titanic” co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio.

She did a ton of press for “Revolutionary Road,” often with pal DiCaprio, and that movie earned her several best actress accolades, including a Golden Globe win and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Yet when the Academy Awards are handed out Feb. 22, Winslet will be competing in the best actress category for “The Reader,” the movie for which she won best supporting actress at the Golden Globe and SAG awards. “The Reader,” in which Winslet plays a former Nazi concentration camp guard who has an affair with a young man who later witnesses her war-crimes trial, was originally slated for 2009.

But thinking that it would be his namesake company’s big ticket to the Oscars, Harvey Weinstein put a rush order on the film’s editing, prompting producer Scott Rudin to remove his name from the credits. Weinstein’s move paid off, as “The Reader” was nominated for best picture, director (Stephen Daldry), adapted screenplay,

cinematography and actress – even though the trade paper ads for “The Reader” touted Winslet in the supporting category. How did this happen?

1.

Oscar rules.

Winslet’s “Revolutionary Road” performance may have been among the top five vote-getters on the actors’ nominations ballots – it may even have received more votes than her “Reader” performance – but the Academy Awards rule book stipulates: “In the event that two achievements by an actor or actress receive sufficient votes to be nominated in the same category, only one shall be nominated using the preferential tabulation process.”

In other words, you can’t get nominated twice in the same category; the prevailing contender is determined according to the Academy’s weighted vote-counting methods. What’s important here isn’t how many votes each performance receives but how many voters rank it at or near the top.

Once Winslet’s “Reader” performance attracted enough first- (or second-) place votes to exceed the nomination threshold, her “Revolutionary Road” performance was out.

2. Slippery categories. Because Winslet couldn’t get best actress nominations for both movies, the Weinstein Co. shifted her to supporting actress for “The Reader” as a courtesy.

But the Academy has no strict rules on what constitutes a lead or supporting performance. “It’s completely up to (the voters) to place the name in the category that they think is appropriate to the performance,” Academy communications director Leslie Unger

said.

One might also suspect that a shadow campaign was being waged to promote Winslet’s “Reader” performance to the lead category. Fox News gossip guy Roger Friedman, who is known for his close relationship with the Weinsteins (they distributed and executive produced his 2002 documentary “Only the Strong Survive”), opened his Jan. 7 online column by informing Oscar and SAG voters that they “don’t have to vote for actors in the categories for which studios advertise them” before touting Winslet in “The Reader” for best actress “because frankly, it’s her movie and she gives a more direct, dynamic performance in it than in ‘Revolutionary Road.’” But columnist Tom O’Neil also speculated in the Los Angeles Times that Winslet could receive a lead nomination for “The Reader” because Oscar voters might not buy “her dubious claim that ‘The Reader’ role is supporting.”

Perhaps Winslet’s “Reader” performance simply shouldn’t have been in the supporting category in the first place.

3. Preferred movie. Although “Revolutionary Road” got better reviews than “The Reader” (71 percent favorable on the Rotten Tomatoes Web site vs. 59 percent), anecdotal evidence indicates that many Academy members were repelled by it.

That impression was reinforced by the nominations, which recognized “Revolutionary Road” for supporting actor, art direction and costume design while “The Reader” snagged its five major nominations.

page

opinions 5

editor: laurel colella, david mcilroy email: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

february 13, 2009

EDITORIAL

No-excuse absentee voting would have encouraged turnout The House Privileges and Elections committee rejected legislation to allow no-excuse absentee voting during the General Assembly session, despite Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine’s support.

Kaine had hoped to allow all registered voters to cast absentee ballots in-person at registrar’s offices during the 45-day absentee period, without having to provide reason for their absentee submission. Those submitting their ballots through the mail would still be required to meet one of the 17 requirements currently in place. “The governor believes that anyone for any reason can go and vote absentee,” said Gordon Hickey, Kaine’s press secretary.

Virginia is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to voting regulations. The aim of this bill was to give people with responsibilities an opportunity to vote, without having to stand in line on Election Day. It is disappointing that a bill for no-excuse absentee voting was rejected. After such an exciting election season, when so many people came out and voted, opportunities to give people more time to vote should be pursued in the future.

Delegate Dave Nutter of the New River Valley acknowledged that he’s heard that noexcuse absentee voting doesn’t work effectively in some states where it’s been implemented because if people are going to vote early, then they will likely vote for the incumbent without taking the time to get to know the competing candidate. We believe, however, that we should

at least be given the opportunity to vote early if that is what works best for our individual schedules.

There should be some sort of system in place to allow for circumstances in which people want to vote early. Obviously this would become a problem if it ever became a serious substitute for regular voting — if only in a logistical sense. However, spreading the voting out over a number of days would lessen the workload for local registrars and poll workers.

If Virginia were to have passed this bill, we would become the 27th state offering no-excuse absentee voting.

No-excuse absentee voting would especially help students, in particular those with a lot of free time, or those who know they will be busy on Election Day. This sort of system would be very convenient, especially for on-campus students in Blacksburg who were forced to vote at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church last November, which is considerably smaller than Blacksburg Elementary School, which was a lot closer and was less crowded on election day.

No-excuse absentee voting doesn’t hurt anyone and would specifically help our community. Additionally, more people would be motivated to go out to the polls if they knew they could make time to vote at a point in time other than Election Day.

Darwin was not only scholar to shape evolutionary theory PAIGE PINKSTON regular columnist

Yesterday was the 200th birthday of Charles Robert Darwin, the man most credited with the formation of the theory of evolution.

While I wholeheartedly believe that evolution as a fact is indisputable, I often question the amount of credit given to Darwin, while every other evolutionary theorist has been not only overshadowed, but virtually forgotten.

First, it is unfortunately not common enough knowledge that Darwin did not, in fact, “discover” evolution.

The general concept of evolution had been around for hundreds of years before Darwin’s birth, and it began to play a significant and more credible role in science and philosophy during the 18th century.

In 1809, the year of Darwin’s birth, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck published his “Philosophie Zoologique,” and the first complete, broad and scientific theory of evolution.

Lamarck’s theory centered on the transmutation of species, and while some of his ideas were outlandish, they created the foundation upon which all other evolutionary theories, including Darwin’s, were established.

Lamarck declared that the living world had begun with the simplest and most basic organisms, which had grown increasingly complex through time, creating the natural world in

which we live today. He believed evolution progresses in two ways: first, because of the natural and necessary need of all organisms to strive for greater complexity, and second, as a direct reaction to their environment.

Darwin, on the other hand, based his theory of evolution on the concept of natural selection, which contradicted Lamarck’s concept of change as a reaction to environment.

Instead Darwin proposed species vary naturally and those with the qualities most equipped for their environment flourish and reproduce, passing their more fortunate characteristics to their offspring.

Eventually, these slight changes manifest in an entire evolved population.

In part because of the controversy he knew would result with the release of his ideas, Darwin took around 20 years to perfect his theory before publication.

In 1858, though he still felt unprepared, he received a letter from Alfred Russell Wallace that forced him into the spotlight.

Wallace had unknowingly generated the same theory that Darwin was working on, and sent him a paper he had written, asking for Darwin’s opinion.

Fearing the publication of this paper would lead to his receiving no credit for his hard work, Darwin and Wallace produced a joint paper that proved both had in fact come up with the theory individually and separately, called “On the

Tendency of Species to Form Varieties; and on the Perpetuation of Varieties and Species by Natural Means of Selection,” presented to the Linnean Society in July of 1858. Thus, the theory of natural selection was presented to the public.

Surprisingly, this paper did not immediately arouse much attention or debate, and even the Linnean Society president later remarked that there had been no revolutionary scientific discoveries made during that year.

However, Darwin busily worked to finish his book, and in November 1859, On the Origin of Species was published, initially intended as only an abstract of his final work.

Though this book was far more controversial, the theory seemed similar to the one that had been lingering over the scientific community for quite some time. In fact, when Thomas Henry Huxley first read the ideas, his immediate reaction was, “How extremely stupid not to have thought of that!”

Though Charles Darwin is clearly a very accomplished and innovative man, I find it unfair that his name is not only known to almost every person worldwide, but highly revered, yet the names of equally able and inventive individuals such as Lamarck and Wallace remain unrecognized by a vast majority.

Happy birthday, Darwin, but also congratulations to all who have contributed to the progression of evolutionary theory.

The editorial board is composed of David Grant, David Harries, Laurel Colella and Jenna Marson.

I would like to once again thank you for your support. The atmosphere for our game vs. Georgia Tech was electric!

The energy you create is contagious. Seeing you bouncing as we take the court with “Enter Sandman” blaring throughout the Cassell gives me goose bumps.

The winning culture we are working to create starts with you and your ownership.

We are on the road for the next two games. Keep your Hokie basketball team in your thoughts! We need the positive Karma. Have a great weekend.

Seth Greenberg Men’s basketball head coach

Societal flaws hamper President Obama I’m extremely cognizant of the fact that some Americans hope for the failure of President Barack Obama and after enduring various nationwide comments expressing essentially the same, I felt compelled to write.

Obama has immense capabilities, and if not for three shortcomings inherent to American society, his chances of being a great president would increase

exponentially.

The three shortcomings he faces are inexplicable subversion by the media, intransigent politicians (Democrats and Republicans) and the irreconcilable expectations of a myriad of entities within American society.

It is my deepest sentiment that he be extremely effective and successful as president. But the reality of media subversion, intransigent politicians and peculiar nuances within American society will possibly render Obama as a mere disillusioned leader, principally confounded by some Americans that seem stubbornly incapable of grasping the full measure of his objectives.

What could be more frustrating than having viable, long-term, strategic objectives that are pragmatic, but are being precluded by a segment of Americans, unable to ascertain anything but their own ideological aspirations?

My optimism might appear to be infinitesimal at best, but I hold out great hope that God will alter the hand that Obama has been dealt, and allow him to circumvent America’s inherent shortcomings.

May the nomenclature of president not obscure the fact that in the end, we are all mere mortals subject to a higher power; I wish you great success and God bless you, Mr. President.

Gerald M. Millner Ph.D. Student, Education

Your letter could be here.

E-mail us at: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com

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, Justin Graves, Riley Prendergast, T. Rees Shapiro, Rebecca Thomas News Staff Writers Shannon Aud, Will Thomas, Ryan Trapp, Gabe McVey 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, Michelle Rivera Layout Designers Go-Eun Choi, Velechia Hardnett, Kelly Harrigan, Rachel McGiboney, Mina Noorbakhsh, Josh Son Illustrator Mina Noorbakhsh Multimedia Editor Phillip Murillas Multimedia Producer Candice Chu, Matthew Langan, Becky Wilson Multimedia Reporters Kevin Anderson, Bryce Stucki, Peter Velz Online Director Sam Eberspacher Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager Ryan McConnell 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 Allison Bhatta Ads Production/Creation Breanna Benz, Jennifer DiMarco, Lisa Hoang, Rebecca Smeenk, Lindsay Smith, Lara Treadwell National Account Executive Account Executives Libbey Arner, Aaron Brock, Maggie Crosby, Brandon Collins, Oran Duncan, Judi Glass, Alex Iskounen, Kendall Kapetanakis, Marcello Sandoval, Amanda Sparks, Jennifer Vaughn Assistant Account Executives Carissa Nichols, Diane Revalski, Tyler Terhune Marketing Manager Sayali Shirgaonkar Office Manager Kaelynn Kurtz Student Publication Photo Staff Director of Photography Sally Bull Business Manager Paul Platz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter from Men’s Basketball Coach

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters and comments to the Collegiate Times.

WRIGHT/TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Now is the time to seize the opportunity for clean energy MARCIO VON MUHLEN guest columnist Only 12 months ago oil was racing past $100 a barrel, and it seemed like our nation’s ability to address our energy future would become the defining issue for our times.

It might be tempting to dismiss talk of our energy challenge as just another fad born out of those crazy sub-prime mortgage days.

After all, gasoline prices have come down, and how can we worry too much about the environment when millions of Americans have just lost their jobs? Nonetheless, there are three key reasons why energy remains an urgent issue and critical to our future.

First, the fundamentals that drove the price of oil and gas to stratospheric highs are not going away. These fossil fuels are finite resources, our ability to extract them cheaply is diminishing, and their costs will again increase as global markets recover and as the developing world surges ahead in population and economic growth. The cost of a barrel of oil is already up 20 percent from its December low.

Second, our demand for foreign oil and the related foreign policy decisions we make to ensure supply from abroad has greatly diminished our leadership position in the global political economy.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. imports 58 percent of its petroleum needs.

The top three global oil exporters are Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran,

and 56 percent of global oil reserves are in the Middle East.

If we want to restore both economic and geopolitical strength in the United States, we need to increase our self-reliance. Our greatest obstacle to doing so is our dependence on foreign oil.

Third, the environmental cost of burning fossil fuels is increasingly hard to ignore, and policy changes acknowledging this are gaining momentum. Evidence for climate change is so compelling that even oil company executives have acknowledged it as a critical problem. Consider the words of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, a group that includes the petroleum giants ConocoPhillips and Shell. In its 2008 Call to Action the group announced, “We need a mandatory, flexible climate program. … The most efficient and powerful way to stimulate private investment in research, development, and deployment is to adopt policies establishing a market value for GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions over the long-term.”

President Barack Obama has promised legislation to reflect the GHG cost of fossil fuels, and $150 billion to speed development of alternatives.

It is thus reasonable to expect that our energy policies will be changing quite soon, bringing an entirely new set of incentives to the energy marketplace. These realities represent a huge opportunity to begin reshaping the world’s $6 trillion per year energy industry utilizing technology and innovation.

These opportunities are evident in companies such as EnerNOC, which has grown from a student business

plan competition winner to a $250 million business in just six years, and Co2Stats.com, a service started by two students through a program designed for first-time entrepreneurs.

EnerNOC enables utilities to avoid building excess power plants by coordinating decreased electricity demand by large users during peak hours. Co2Stats has registered 5,000 sites in the last 16 months to track the carbon footprint of their Web presence.

Could the next clean energy success story be yours? Awareness is just a mindset. You, too, can contribute to the clean energy movement by getting involved in your university’s energy community — and if none exists, you can create one.

You can also seize the opportunity to build a team and compete for the MIT Clean Energy Prize, sponsored

by NSTAR and the U.S. Department of Energy.

This prestigious business plan competition, open to student teams from all U.S. universities, is designed to develop a new generation of energy entrepreneurs.

Enter by Feb. 26 to compete for over $500,000 in prizes (more details at www.mitcep.com). Every community in the U.S. depends on energy and the solutions to our energy challenge will not come from any one policy, university or company. What will be your contribution?

Marcio von Muhlen is a graduate student in the Biological Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also co-cirector of the MIT Clean Energy Prize.

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, 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

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.

february 13, 2009

Fresh lacrosse roster faces uphill battle MELANIE WADDEN

ct sports reporter

MICHAEL SHROYER/SPPS

Caitlyn Wier attempts a shot on goal against Richmond on Feb. 20, 2008.

The Virginia Tech women’s lacrosse team that finished last season 4-14 is no longer here. With a plethora of offseason change and development, this new team is composed of two seniors, one junior, 10 sophomores and 10 freshmen.

With four ACC opponents in the top 10 in preseason polls, Tech will be facing one of its toughest schedules to date.

After the unexpected release of several upperclassman players this fall, questions remained about the team’s unity and their future at Tech.

“It’s really brought us together,” said junior defender Jacquelyn Duggins.

“The team unity has been great, and we’ve really come together and tried to be there for each other.”

Senior goalie Kari Morrison, who transferred to Blacksburg with head coach Katrina Silva in 2006, wholeheartedly agreed.

“I think it’s awesome, everyone coming together,” Morrison said. “It’s defi-

nitely brought our team closer.”

Team unity plays a big part on the field, especially within the youth that exists in this current group of Hokies.

“We’re so close off the field that it shows in how we play,” Duggins said.

One big change for Tech is the movement of sophomore standout Allie Emala to attack from the midfield.

“Allie’s always been really good driving to goal,” Duggins said. “Now she’s right there and we can have that fast break for her.”

In addition to Emala being moved up, senior Rachel Culp also made the switch to attack this spring.

“Moving them up provides us with a person that we can give the ball to with confidence,” Morrison said. “Allie and Rachel, their finishes are awesome and they can really work off of each other.”

Having some consistency on attack will be very important for the Hokies this year, as they were outscored an average of 3.39 goals per game last season.

Consistency on the other end of the field is not a concern for the team. As a former high school All-American,

Morrison has started every game since she transferred to Tech from Colgate.

She has even set a single-season record for ground balls, which is a spectacular feat for a goalie.

“Kari is going to have a great year,” said Duggins, who is also her roommate.

“She is one incredible goalie. She is like the quarterback of our team — she sees everything.”

One problem Tech had in the past was being beaten off a quickstep or full-field sprint by its opponents. This off-season was dedicated to changing that.

“The speed is absolutely incredible and our energy level is great,” Morrison said. “We’re determined to play to win this year. It’s a fresh beginning this spring, and we’re going to be able to run with teams that we haven’t been able to in the past. There’s going to be a lot of explosion.”

Because of graduation and off-season developments, lots of spaces have opened up in the lineup for underclassmen to step up and play right away.

With a combined 20 freshmen and sophomores, the Hokies are still a

young team. The difference is the sense of community and the heart that these players exude, despite their age.

“Every single person is important to our team,” Morrison said. “The sophomores have to act way beyond their years. We’re practicing every day so that the mistakes that come from having less experience won’t happen and everyone’s really responding to that.”

Silva tells her players to live by the motto, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

“It’s just our motto this year for lacrosse because we’ve worked so hard since we came here in August,” Duggins said. “We’re just ready, ready to show people that Virginia Tech lacrosse is up and coming and we are going to be good. We are going to prove people wrong this year. Katrina keeps saying that we will be a competitor in the ACC, and it’s really inspiring to us.”

Silva did not immediately respond to interview requests.

The Hokies open at Drexel on Saturday at 1 p.m., but return to face Virginia in Charlottesville on Wednesday.

friday, february 13, 2009

page 7

Hokies hope to spear the Turtle, replicate last year MELANIE WADDEN

ct sports reporter The Hokies are traveling up to College Park this Valentine’s Day for a rendezvous with the Maryland Terrapins that is full of postseason implications. Both teams are on the razor’s edge of NCAA Tournament contention, and these last ACC games will mean a lot to the selection committee.

Virginia Tech (16-7, 6-3 ACC) is coming off of a dramatic fivepoint victory in Cassell Coliseum Wednesday night against Georgia Tech. The Terrapins (15-8, 3-5 ACC) are also coming off a climactic win over the Yellow Jackets, although they have been off since that game on Feb. 8.

Against Georgia Tech, the Hokies struggled to overcome their full-court press in the second half. Unfortunately for Tech, the Terps specialize in this sort of press.

Maryland runs a three-guard press with Greivis Vasquez, Sean Mosely or Eric Hayes, and Adrian Bowie. They trap in the backcourt as the forwards drop back.

Maryland immediately doubles the inbounds pass, which is made more difficult for the opposing team because of the size of the Terrapin guards — Vasquez stands 6’5” while Mosely and Bowie are both listed as 6’4”.

The Terrapins’ press has been pretty successful this season, and the Hokies will have to work hard in order to get the ball in-bounded and up the court.

Maryland will press for the majority of the game because nabbing steals and pushing the tempo of the game is how it’s able to be successful — the team plays best in transition.

Hayes started two previous games on the bench against Miami and North Carolina in place of freshman Mosely. But against Georgia Tech, the junior provided a much-needed boost in the early going.

“He really gave us what we needed to get us off to a good start,” said Maryland head coach Gary Williams.

One place the Hokies will be able to take advantage, however, is in the post. Tech has Cheick Diakite and Jeff Allen, among others, whom the Terps will have a hard time matching up against down low.

If Tech’s guards can get the ball down low, the Hokies will be able to take advantage of Maryland’s lack of size. This will be important because Maryland’s defense on the perimeter is tall and extremely quick, making three-pointers difficult to come by.

Maryland’s Dave Neal, Landon Milbourne and Dino Gregory, who all stand 6’7”, will be guarding in the post tomorrow.

“In terms of putting his (Maryland’s) players in to make plays and taking advantage of mismatches, in terms of how they move their offense — his offensive mind is really creative,” said Tech head coach Seth Greenberg.

“They’re quick and obviously they have very good guard play.”

One other Maryland advantage is that it has had a week off to practice and prepare for the Hokies, while Tech is a mere two days removed from its previous game.

MICHAEL SHROYER/SPPS

Tech’s Malcolm Delaney dribbles while being defended by Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez during last year’s meeting at the Comcast Center.

Maryland vs. Virginia Tech Maryland at Virginia Tech (Saturday, 4 p.m., Raycom Sports) Comcast Center Projected starting lineups:

Maryland

Virginia Tech

#21, G: Greivis Vasquez 16.1 ppg #5, G: Eric Hayes .347 three-point avg #14,G/F: Sean Mosley 5.3 ppg #35, F: Dave Neal 4.2 rpg #1, F: Landon Milbourne 24 blocks

#23, G: Malcolm Delaney 18.5 ppg #40, G/F: A.D. Vassallo 18.3 ppg #33, F: J.T Thompson 3.8 ppg #0,F: Jeff Allen 14.7 ppg #14, F: Victor Davila .576 ppg

Maryland’s quick tempo combined with the Hokies’ potential fatigue could be a major negative on the side of the orange and maroon. Either way, this game means a lot to two teams struggling to stay in contention for the big dance next month.

And with Maryland’s star point guard Vasquez coming off a season-high 19-point game last week, the Hokies need to come out strong from the

opening tip.

“We’re going to prepare like we always do,” said Tech guard Terrell Bell. “Vasquez is good, but we don’t focus on any one man — we focus on the team, and that’s what we’re going to do Saturday.”

The Hokies will face the Terrapins at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Comcast Center in College Park, Md. The game will be televised on Raycom Sports.

VELECHIA HARDNETT/COLLEGIATE TIMES

page

page 8

8

friday, february 13, 2009

february 13, 2009

Policies:

Place An Ad Today 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.

CLASSIFIEDS WWW.COLLEGIATETIMES.COM 540.961.9860

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

For Sale Events Health & Fitness Automotive

Notices Wanted Musical Roommates

Greek Notes For Rent Personals Furniture for Sale

Sub-Lease

Help Wanted

Events

Notices

For Rent

SUBLEASE Female sublease wanted June and July in Newport Terrace. Call 540-577-9325 for more info or questions.

BARTENDER & COOK, full and part-time. Need references. Call 382-9294 Tues-Fri.

HORSEBACK RIDING

LEGAL TROUBLES

RENTING NOW 4-5-6 Bedroom Houses for RENTAll have at least 2 bathroomsPLENTY OF PARKING-PRIVACYPets allowed with no pet depositSatelitte hookup- CALL 320-5236/ 552-1160

submit.

JANITORIAL SERVICES. Exp. not req., but pref. FT/PT, M-F even. hrs.

Above avg. pay. Some wknds. Bck. grnd./drug test reqd. reply to: janitorialservices@hotmail.com.

Beginner to Advanced 15 min from VT, packages start $150, dressage, jumping, leasing w w w. h a r m o n y h i l l s . c o m 540.357.0800

Free Consultation with Attorney. Traffic, Alcohol and Drug Charges, VT Judicial Review. Joel S. Jackson, PC. jsjackson99@hotmail.com, 540-961-5297.

silhouett e.

WALK TO CAMPUS! 3 BR house/$800-mo/ available Jul 1/ 540.355.6862

Travel NAGS HEAD 4 month Student Summer Rentals, $450/mo/person, seabreezerealty.com 252.255.6328

Health & Fitness

SPRING BREAK 2009! Party like a ROCKSTAR. Learn How to get your friends together and travel free to beautiful locations like Jamaica, Acapulco, Cancun, Panama city and Bahamas party cruise. MTV official partner Awhite@Studentcity.com 1.888.777.4642 or 610.247.9224

FREE NUTRITION COUNSELING Let us help you meet your nutrition goals! One-on-one meetings with a senior Dietetic student for VT students, faculty and staff. To sign up, visit www.hnfe.vt.edu and click on “Counseling.”

SUMMER JOB Live and work on the Outer Banks (Nags Head area).

Now hiring for all positions at all offices. Visit www.mworth.com for more information and an application

Musical VT STUDENT ROCK BAND SEEKING A SINGER. We do predominantly hard rock originals with blues & pop influence. Writing your own material is a plus but not required. Want to record and gig as much as possible.

Contact ooogya@yahoo.com or 540.239.3528

brighten your day... read the

1001 UNIVERSITY CITY BOULEVARD, BLACKSBURG (540) 951-9252 • STURBRIDGESQUARE@HOTMAIL.COM STURBRIDGESQUARE.COM

• 3 Blocks from Virginia Tech • Walking Distance to University Mall, Kroger & Post Office • Swimming Pool • Beautiful Landscaping & All Brick Architecture • Spacious Floor Plans with Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

• Central Heat/Air • Washer/Dryer • Energy Efficient Windows • Large Closets • Fireplace in Some Units • Private, Gated Patios • 24-Hour Emergency Maintenance

Ask about the

FREE RENT SPECIAL

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

sports 9

page

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.

february 13, 2009

ACC weekend preview: Surging Seminoles face Deacs ROGER GONZALEZ

ct sports staff writer North Carolina State (13-9, 3-6 ACC) at Georgia Tech (10-13, 1-9 ACC) Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

In a game with NIT implications, Sidney Lowe and the Wolfpack travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. Both teams are still a year away from contending, but will look to improve as the regular season reaches its final stretch. North Carolina State has been woeful on the road all year at 1-6. The visitors will try to string together two wins in a row after taking down Wake Forest on Wednesday. Georgia Tech is coming off a five-point defeat to Virginia Tech. The team has fallen fast since its 2004 National Championship game appearance. The Yellow Jackets simply must aim to make something positive out of their remaining games.

They will look for Gani Lawal (15.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg) to continue his stellar play and NC State will need Brandon Costner (14.9 ppg) to continue dominating the paint. The ’Pack will have the momentum after taking down Wake Forest at home.

Florida State (19-5, 6-3 ACC) at Wake Forest (18-4, 5-4 ACC) Saturday, 4 p.m.

The Seminoles have put themselves in a place to earn an NCAA bid and have an opportunity to solidify their position when they take on struggling Wake Forest. Florida State, coming off wins against Virginia and Clemson, could earn a key road victory to enhance its resume. Wake Forest, ranked No. 8 nationally, just felt the disappointment of defeat to NC State.

Questions are beginning to arise about whether the Deacons were really worthy of their No. 1 ranking earlier in the season. Led by sophomore stud Jeff Teague (20.9 ppg) and freshman Al-Farouq Aminu (13.2 ppg, 8.5 rpg), the high-scoring Deacons will look to improve on their 10-1 home record and advance up the ladder in the league. Both are looking for a bye in the first round of the ACC tourney, and both are going in opposite directions. If Florida State wants to take care of Wake in their only meeting of the regular season, the ’Noles will need scoring contributions from someone other than Toney Douglas, who is averaging 20.3 points per contest. No other Seminole averages double-figure scoring, something that may be an issue, especially with Wake desperate for a win.

Clemson (20-3, 6-3 ACC) at Virginia (7-13, 1-8 ACC) Sunday, 1 p.m.

This finally looks like the year when Oliver Purnell’s men won’t collapse and fail to make the NCAA Tournament. Clemson, ranked No. 11, travels to Charlottesville to take on the woeful Cavs. Dave Leitao and his team are currently on an eight-game losing streak. The problem for the Cavs has been executing on offense.

McDonald’s All-American Sylven Landesberg is putting up 17.8 points per game on the year, leading the team. That won’t be enough to counter K.C. Rivers and Trevor Booker.

UVa has not been able to execute on offense and will have trouble stopping the high-scoring Tigers. The Cavs will need to play solid defense — inside guarding Trevor Booker (15.1 ppg, 9 rpg) and outside keying in on K.C. Rivers (14.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Terrence Olgesby (13.4 ppg). The Tigers are currently looking at around a three seed in the tournament and need to finish off strong. Clemson needs to rack up the wins in the ACC as trips to FSU and Wake Forest loom for the Tigers.

Duke (20-4, 7-3 ACC) at Boston College (18-8, 6-5 ACC) Sunday, 5:30 p.m.

Both the Blue Devils and the Eagles will look to get back to their winning ways on Sunday. After being hammered at home by rival North Carolina, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his team will venture to Chestnut Hill. Boston College is coming off two straight defeats to Wake Forest and Clemson. Led by talented point guard Tyrese Rice (17.9 ppg), the Eagles will look to earn another valuable win with which to pad their resume. The Blue Devils have lost three of their last five games and need to bounce back against a very good BC team.

Duke couldn’t slow down speedy Ty Lawson on Wednesday and it cost them the game. If the Blue Devils can’t handle Rice on Sunday, he will have the chance to punish them, too. Greg Paulus has been thrown back into the starting lineup, and after playing well against Miami, the guard didn’t do much at Cameron Indoor on Wednesday. Both Paulus and Nolan Smith will need to contribute alongside Kyle Singler (16 ppg) and Gerald Henderson (15.3 ppg) if Duke is to go back to earning W’s.

North Carolina (22-2, 8-2 ACC) at Miami (15-8, 4-6 ACC) Sunday, 7:45 p.m.

The Tar Heels are riding high after pouring 101 points on their rivals from Durham. Carolina will look for their ninth straight win as they travel to take on Jack McClinton and Miami.

In a must-win contest, the Hurricanes will need to try to play a complete game. After blowing a big lead at Duke last weekend, the ’Canes have lost five of seven, leaving Frank Haith searching for answers. An all-ACC performer, McClinton can’t do it all by himself. He will need Dwayne Collins and James Dews to contribute if the ’Canes wants to have a chance. With their hopes of making the tournament slipping, Miami must be in the game by halftime — UNC was dominant against Duke in the second half of their contest. The Heels shot nearly 55 percent from the field against Duke — one of the top defensive teams.

ROBERT WILLETT/MCT

North Carolina’s Ty Lawson drives against Duke’s Kyle Singler for a lay-up during the Tar Heels’ 101-87 victory over the Blue Devils on Wednesday.

page 10

friday, february 13, 2009

Here’s a plethora of reasons, from the Pink Panther to Pink Floyd, to love this shocking color

BY HEATHER SVOKOS AND LIZ STEVENS McClatchy Newspapers

oor, poor pitiful pink.

So fun, so breezy, so chipper, so loving. Yet as far as Valentine’s Day goes, pink has been relegated to the second tier in the Crayola box. It always seems to be limping along behind Big Red, struggling to catch up, clutching its wilted carnation.

But not this year. We’re not going to let that happen. We’re going to celebrate our rosy little underdog until it’s vaulted into a lead role in the world of romance. We want red to pale in comparison.

This is our valentine to the color pink.

ETYMOLOGY ■ Before the color. The word “pink” prob-

ably wasn’t used to describe a color until the 17th century, when it was used to describe the light red flowers of pinks, or plants in the genus Dianthus.

The edges of their petals appeared to have been “pinked,” or cut with pinking shears. Which leads us to the earlier definitions of pink: to stab lightly with a pointed weapon, or to prick; to decorate with a perforated pattern. From the Middle English pingen, pinken, which means to push or prick. Which ultimately goes back to the Latin: pungere.

■ Pinkie finger.

This oddity may come from the Dutch pinkje, which is the diminutive of pink, or little finger.

■ In the pink. To be “in the pink” means to be “in the best of health,” but the origin NEW LINE CINEMA isn’t what you’d think.

The villain Dr. Evil It comes from the sucks his pinkie English tradition of fox finger in “Austin hunting. The hunters’ Powers: The Spy scarlet jackets are called Who Shagged Me.” pinks (not for the color, but after the name of the 18th-century British tailor — Thomas Pink — who made them.) So, people who were clad in the jackets were said to be in the pink . . . or, according to Phrasefinder.com, “about to set off to gallop your horse across country.”

TO THINE OWN CANDY HEART BE TRUE ■ Pink candy hearts. They

come in all manner of pastel, but nothing beats the pink heart that says: Be Mine. Kiss Me. Sweet Talk. You know these Necco candies as Sweethearts Conversation Hearts. The concept dates back to the late 1800s (they were called “Motto Hearts” then), but the modern version started in the early 1900s. They weren’t just heart-shaped, but cut in various forms, such as postcards, baseballs or horseshoes. Back then, they had room for longer messages, such as: “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail,” or “How long shall I have to wait? Pray be considerate.” Necco manufactures 8 billion of the hearts each year, and says the Sweethearts are the No. 1-selling nonchocolate Valentine’s Day candy.

POP CULTURE PINK ■ The Pink Panther. The original film,

the cuckoo-cool cartoon cat, the eternally hip Henry Mancini theme — we love the whole pink schmear. The name comes from a fictional diamond whose flaw makes it look as though a panther springs from the gem’s center. The feline himself became so popular after the debut of the original 1963 movie that he soon had his own Saturday morning cartoon show and, in 1980, would become the official mascot of insulation manufacturer Owens Corning. Since 2001, the panther has been hawking Sweet’N Low, too.

■ Pink. The big-voiced dance rocker (born Alecia Moore) snagged this nickname partly thanks to her flushed complexion. The moniker stuck when, one day at summer camp, a boy she liked pulled down her pants in front of the other kids, revealing her pink bottom, she told Australia’s Sunday Telegraph Magazine.

■ Pink Floyd. The origin of the band name isn’t as far-out hazy as you might think: It’s taken from the first names of two old bluesmen: Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Before settling on

the pink, they experimented with several other names, including Sigma 6, The Abdabs, The Screaming Abdabs, The Meggadeaths and TSet. ■ Pink Cadillac. The only car strong enough for a man (Bruce Springsteen song, Clint Eastwood movie), but made for a woman (Mary Kay-mobile).

■ Pink Ladies. What girl of the ’70s did not want to be a Pink Lady?

The attitude. The tough talk. The satin jackets. The Rizzo. A Pink Lady knew how to keep a T-Bird in line. Teen pregnancy scares aside, these broads from “Grease” had it all. And speaking of Rizzo, she leads us to our next icon. Remember when she threw the strawberry milkshake in Kenickie’s face? “To you from me, Pinky Lee!” ■ Pinky Lee. He was born Pincus Leff, and became a vaudeville comic and host of his own children’s television show in the early 1950s. His stock outfit included a checked hat, checked jacket and baggy pants. According to Time magazine, during a live broadcast in 1955, Lee collapsed from exhaustion on live TV, which many children in the audience and at home thought was part of his act. But he bounced back, and lived to be 85. He died in 1993.

CULTURE ■ Pink ribbon. In 1991, the Susan G. Komen

Breast Cancer Foundation followed the lead of AIDS activists who were pinning red ribbons on their lapels to raise awareness of the disease, and passed out pink ribbons to everyone running in its Race for the Cure that year in New York City. (The AIDS activists had borrowed the ribbon symbolism from those who had “tied a yellow ribbon” around their trees to support the hostages in Iran.) The next year, Self magazine and the Estee Lauder company collaborated on a pink-ribbon campaign — after a failed attempt to join forces with a grassroots campaign for breastcancer awareness that had been giving away peach ribbons.

Poor peach. It never had a chance.

The concept behind candy hearts dates back to the late 1800s.

A M A N D A R AY M O N D / M C C L AT C H Y N E W S PA P E R S

■ Pink triangle. In the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, an inverted pink triangle was used to label homosexuals (much as the yellow Star of David was used to mark Jews). In the 1970s, activists appropriated the symbol, turning it right side up. By the onset of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, it had become a symbol of gay pride and liberation, according to ACT UP New York.

FASHION ■ Pink for girls? Not always. In France, prior

to the 17th and 18th centuries, pink was considered more of a boy’s color. It’s in the same family as red, which was known as a powerful, masculine color and a color of privilege — partly because the dye was more expensive, according to Margaret Miele, a color psychologist at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

At that time, blue was considered daintier and more of a girl’s color. A few things gradually started to change the tide, Miele said. Male children back then tended to be less likely to survive into adulthood, and some believed the spirits were taking their boy children.

To try to trick the spirits into passing over their boys, parents would dress their boys in the more girlish blue. Over time, the blue-for-boys became standard.

One other reason red (and pink) fell out of favor with men is that by the 18th century, female royalty began to adopt the color. “Once females began to adopt the red, men began to back away from it,” Miele said.