Helping refugees is a normal day for Laura Boutwell. see who else is making a difference in our insert about the other movers and shakers of Blacksburg > COURTESY OF JD CARLIN
Friday, January 22, 2010
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COLLEGIATETIMES 107th year, issue 4
News, page 1
Features, page 2
Opinions, page 3
Sports, page 5
Classifieds, page 4
Slippery slopes
Parents to learn of alcohol violations
Athletics department defines terms of Foster’s contract
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GORDON BLOCK news reporter A newly enacted policy will allow Virginia Tech administrators to contact a student’s parents or guardians following a drug or alcohol violation. An e-mail from the Division of Student Affairs announced that the Office of Student Conduct would be able to contact parents “any time a student under the age of 21 is found responsible for an alcohol and/or illegal drug violation.” Parents would be notified of student violations through mail notifications, the same way that notifications are sent for major violations. Previously, minor offenses that were labeled “probationary” were not passed on to parents. “What’s now caused us to rethink this is we’d have students who had a minor offense, so parents weren’t notified,” said Ed Spencer, vice president of student affairs, who approved the policy on Nov. 6, 2009. “They then would commit a major offense, which would give them two strikes.” As a result, parents would only find out about a student’s violations after they had already been suspended. “We’ve had several cases where parents have been upset they weren’t notified about previous offenses,” Spencer said. “They felt if they had known they would have been able to talk to their students.” The notification policy officially started at the beginning of January. Letters will not be sent until after a case is resolved. The rules match a 1998 amendment to the Family Educational Rights Protection Act, which states that schools may disclose information to a parent about an alcohol or controlled substance violation of a student under the age of 21. The change in policy is similar to those made by Radford University for the fall 2009 semester. While the university held out on sending letters to parents with exceptions for second offenses or students whose alcohol consumption endangered their safety, the school now contacts parents for every alcohol or drug violation. David Horton, assistant dean at Radford University and director of the school’s conduct program, said the policy was changed to engage parents as their students “show signs of trouble with drugs or alcohol.” “Most students don’t want their parents to know if they’ve made a mistake, but they realize the importance of being open and honest,” Horton said. Noting that the policy had not received a major negative reaction from students, Horton said the change in policy has been met with approval from parents. “The parents are very happy they’re being notified,” Horton said. “I think it allows the parent to be more interactive with their students.” Steve Clarke, director of the Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center, stressed the importance of communication between students and parents involving alcohol and drug use. “Some parents don’t know what is happening,” Clarke said. “I think that was a major concern to address.” Clarke noted that part of the issue stems from a lack of knowledge in parents about college drinking patterns. “Even at orientation, parents may say that their child doesn’t drink,” Clarke said. “They’re not aware of the drinking culture these days.” Clarke noted that the notification policy could be frustrating for students. “While parents can be very helpful, they can also penalize students, or do things that students might not be very happy about.”
Sudoku, page 4
MARK UMANSKY/SPPS
University employees work to clear sidewalks on the campus before the decision to cancel afternoon classes was announced.
Winter weather cancels Thursday night activities ZACH CRIZER & LIANA BAYNE new staff Virginia Tech canceled all classes and activities after 3:30 p.m. Thursday because of winter weather. A VT Alerts message sent the announcement to the university community around 1:45 p.m. Roads and sidewalks were slick Thursday morning as freezing rain lightly coated the area, which was followed by ice and a wintry mix in the afternoon. A winter storm warning is in effect for the area through Friday night. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad has responded to multiple incidents due to icy conditions on campus Thursday. The rescue squad only responded to calls involving falls on the sidewalks and roads. However, the Virginia Department of Transportation
lists U.S. 460 as a potential problem road. An accident slowed traffic Thursday morning in the eastbound lanes of the highway. Pepper’s Ferry Road in Christiansburg is also listed as a potential problem road. The wintry precipitation is LUKE MASON/SPPS expected to continue into Friday Students carefully walk on the sidewalks. The VT Rescue Squad morning, with an 80 percent chance of sleet on Friday. responded to multiple ice-related incidents on Thursday. Other area schools, notably Radford University, Montgomery County schools, Radford City schools, Roanoke County schools and the New River Community College, also closed early to help ensure students’ safety. Dining halls remained open until 8 p.m. An organizational meeting for those interested in becoming resident advisors has been rescheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. in Payne Seminar Room. Thursday’s LGBTA meeting was canceled. MARK UMANSKY/SPPS
Supreme Court rules on campaign spending DAVID G. SAVAGE mcclatchy tribune WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court overturned a century-old restriction on corporations using their money to sway federal elections Thursday and ruled companies have a free-speech right to spend as much as they wish to persuade voters to elect or defeat candidates. In a 5-4 decision, the court’s conservative bloc said corporations have the same First Amendment rights as individuals and, for that reason, the government may not stop corporations from spending freely to help their favored candidates win elections. The decision overruling two previous decisions is probably the most sweeping and consequential handed down under Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. Before Thursday, he had espoused narrow rulings whenever possible and had pledged to stick with the court’s precedents. The outcome is likely to have an immediate impact on this year’s midterm elections to Congress. Corporations, corporate-funded groups and presumably labor unions may pour money into ad campaigns targeted at key races for the House
or Senate. While Republicans praised the decision as a victory for wide-open political speech, Democrats slammed it as a win for big money at the expense of ordinary voters. They were led by President Barack Obama. He called the ruling “a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans.” He promised to seek “a forceful response to this decision” from Congress. While Congress cannot reverse a First Amendment ruling by the Supreme Court, some Democrats talked about seeking legislation that would require corporations to get approval from their shareholders before spending money on politics. Until Thursday, corporations and unions were barred from spending their own treasury funds on broadcast ads, campaign workers or billboards that urge the election or defeat of a federal candidate. This restriction dates back to 1907 when President Theodore Roosevelt persuaded Congress to forbid corporations, railroads and national banks from putting money into federal races. After World War II, Congress
extended this ban to labor unions. More recently, the McCain-Feingold Act in 2002 added an extra limit on corporate- and union-funded broadcast ads in the month before an election. They were prohibited if they simply mentioned a candidate running for office. Thursday’s decision struck down all these restrictions on “corporate political speech.” “The government may not suppress political speech on the basis of the speaker’s corporate identity,” said Justice Anthony M. Kennedy for the court. While the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission dealt only with corporations, the ruling will likely free unions as well. Two significant prohibitions were left standing. Corporations and unions cannot give money directly to the campaigns of federal candidates. And the court affirmed current federal rules which require the sponsors of political ads to disclose who paid for them. Only Justice Clarence Thomas dissented on these points. Many political analysts and electionlaw experts predict the court’s decision freeing corporations will send millions of extra dollars flooding into this fall’s contests for Congress. And
they predict Republicans will be the main beneficiaries. Thursday’s decision was supported by five justices who were Republican nominees: Kennedy, Roberts and Thomas along with Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel A. Alito Jr. The dissenters included the three Democratic appointees: Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen G. Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor. They joined a 90-page dissenting opinion written by 89-year-old Justice John Paul Stevens. The decision Thursday, though long forecast, displayed a deep division of opinion on the court about the meaning of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. The majority said the Constitution broadly protected discussion and debate on politics, regardless of who was paying for the speech. Stevens and the dissenters said the majority was ignoring the longunderstood rule that the government could limit election money from corporations, unions and others, such as foreign governments. “Under today’s decision, multi-national corporations controlled by foreign governments” would have the same rights as Americans to spend money to tilt U.S. elections, he said.
ccording to Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Jim Weaver, defensive coordinator Bud Foster will receive $800,000 in deferred compensation if he remains employed at Virginia Tech through the 2014 football season. The announcement was made Thursday through a press release sent out by Tech’s football sports information director Bryan Johnston. Should Foster leave prior to the end of the 2014 season, he will not receive any of the deferred package, according to the release. If head coach Frank Beamer decides to resign or does not continue in his position, however, Foster will receive the deferred compensation with the effective date of Beamer’s departure. This news comes after several uncertain off-seasons in which Foster’s name was mentioned as a candidate for multiple vacant head coaching positions across the nation. The agreement, according to the release, is subject to all of the terms of Foster’s existing employment contract. Foster will enter his 24th season as a member of the Tech staff next year and his 16th as defensive coordinator for the Hokies. by alex jackson, sports editor
University staff to be rewarded for Tech’s green performance
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irginia Tech faculty and staff will be rewarded for the university’s strong performance in Gov. Tim Kaine’s Green Commonwealth Challenge. Tech finished third among all state agencies in the challenge, which asked state agencies to take deliberate actions to reduce impact on the environment from June 15 - Nov. 15 of last year. It was the only university listed among the top scoring participants. An e-mail from President Charles Steger Thursday said all university employees who accrue annual leave will be eligible to take eight extra hours of “recognition leave” between Jan. 25, 2010, and Jan. 9, 2011. Only the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Corrections bested Tech in the challenge. Tech is also organizing a Green Campus Challenge, which is scheduled to begin in early February according to the letter. Steger urged each staff member to “make special efforts to conserve, reduce energy consumption, go green, buy green, carpool, and recycle, among many possible responses, to reduce individual and collective environmental impacts.” by zach crizer
Parking Services now offers online interaction portal
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irginia Tech Parking Services announced Wednesday that it has taken its services online. Parking Services launched its Parking EZ-Biz Web site this week that will help make the process of appealing and paying for parking tickets, as well as purchasing parking permits, easier for students. Previously, all interactions with Parking Services had to take place at its building on Tech Center Drive or in the Student Services Building. Students can go to pay.parking. vt.edu to use the services. by liana bayne
2 features
editor: topher forhecz featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
january 22, 2010
COLLEGIATETIMES
She said: Celebrating the new year helps prepare you for what’s next A
he she
SAID
He said: With the new year comes the same challenges T
he alarm has sounded and — (snooze). We’ve embarked upon a fresh decade and semester yet — (snooze). My enthusiasm lies drowsy under the bed sheets — and (snooze). I’m never prone to piggybank resolutions as we switch out calendars, but 2010 recently snapped my heavy eyelids, forcing me to deposit just a penny. A penny embossed with an extremely vocal, condescending Abe Lincoln who endlessly mocks my laziness. But that’s exactly the metaphorical motivation I need to make a change. The goal is two-pronged, really. Yes, I’d certainly like to pull my butt out of bed without enough 10-minute catnaps for, well, 10 cats. Maybe I’ll retrofit the clock buttons to administer electric shocks; the choice between breakfast toast and toasted tissue would be simple. Yet while rising with the sun is ostensibly beneficial, it doesn’t inherently make me more accomplished. The extra hours could be lost completing cereal box mazes or laughing at SpongeBob more heartily than any child, which is easy to do.
More importantly then, whether I do or don’t wake when intended, is to effectively use the time I am upright. January, unfortunately, whispered in my ignorant ear how finite college truly is. As such, each one of my remaining days should be owned or “pwned” for you gamers who, in the spirit of this theme, should maybe game a little less. (Unless you plan to work in that insanely wealthy industry, in which case, an arthritic thumbs up.) Only 343 days from now, I’ll hopefully secure a monthly paycheck that surpasses that same number of dollars (shock: It doesn’t now.). However, big strides must be made for such green. A glance at my neglected resume reveals a lack of bullet points. I doubt my high school “Kroger Cashier” title will give me an edge in the publication world and lawn-mowing skills aren’t enticing either. With only one summer left, I need to inflate my appeal with an internship, some legit credentials. But where? Ultimately, that last-gasp gig could inform my post-grad migration. I guess
I should rocket some darts at a map, explore a few cities. Also critical is, you know, determining what exactly it is I even want to do. You learn to juggle pretty well in school, tossing academics, jobs and recreation around in a smooth circle. But when that bowling ball — your entire future — is hoisted into the mix, you better beef up so your wrists don’t snap. The effort is daunting, surely, but you’ve got to handle the reins unless you want complacency to steer, and it’s common knowledge it sucks at driving. But here I’m anticipating next fall while the upcoming spring grads likely scoff at my newfound anxiety; current job listings are about as sparse as grocery store shelves before nuclear war. Most of my friends are in that category, which actually prompts my selfish desire for their collective failure. Then at least I’d have people to hang out with my final semester. I suppose that’s insensitive and allaround terrible logic. I can certainly, or hypothetically, make new friends. I could chat up willing listeners in my
courses. If the classroom setting isn’t fruitful, I do work at a campus gym where hundreds of people visit each day (“Great squat form, dude. Want to watch SpongeBob?”). Especially now, I share common ground with patrons as they test the longevity of New Year’s resolutions. The exercise rooms are literally bulging with bodies, faces of those who’ve never been there before. And just as I hope to uphold my personal promise, I cross my fingers for those trying to clear fitness hurdles; though in my past few years I’ve observed it’s difficult. Inevitably the swelling numbers dwindle, rather quickly in fact. And I can understand it. Walking toward the gym, imagining your impending bodily agony, a glance at Hokie Grill is mega temptation. Imagine sweeping through for Cinnabon on the way home to watch “Lost” on the plush Goodwill sofa — glorious. Actually, that’s a great idea. You pocket that workout for later, and I’ll write cover letters during morning cartoons.
RYAN ARNOLD -features reporter -senior -communication major
little more than 10 years ago, I braced myself for 2000. Like others at the time, I believed the Y2K bug would interrupt daily life. I listened to Prince’s ominous “Party Like It’s 1999” on repeat with my middle-school friends. Anxiously, I awaited power plant malfunctions, nuclear explosions and a future time that required raising goats for sustenance. Obviously, nothing like that happened. My middle school friends made fun of me for thinking it would and for liking Prince. Though 2010 can’t make up for the biggest disappointment of my childhood, it’s still a new decade. That should be change enough for me, right? I woke up to the newly hatched 2010 with a hangover. If you know me, you’d realize that this is a common occurrence whenever I drink the night before, so no change there. I still see emo kids, and not so long ago I grew out of my own outrageous haircut with sideswept bangs, fingerless gloves and encrusted black eyeliner. My dad just recently started playing hours upon hours of Guitar Hero. And, of course, I’m still watching movies on VCR. (I do have a DVD player, but it breaks my heart to realize that my kids won’t understand the term “rewind.”) Okay, maybe 2000 just ruined any feeling of great changes I might have otherwise associated with the new year. Even my resolutions — to quit smoking and to exercise more — have failed. I nstead, my biggest form of exercise happens to be walking outside and having a Marlboro. Unfortunately, I’ve realized that there’s no sudden and miraculous change when the calendar flips over. Something that is certain, however, is that 2010 reminds me that I’m not getting any younger. Now whenever I buy beauty products, my encroaching 24th birthday becomes a major factor toward my purchases. I have to consider my crow’s feet, laugh lines, sun damaged splotches and superfluous hair growth in places I’m not even going to begin to reveal. And I can’t simply pull a Heidi Montag and re-chisel my entire body in a day. Though some of you readers
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might say, “Relax, Laken. You’re still young.” That doesn’t keep me from trying to ward off a future where I look like a leathery old Sasquatch. Another New Year’s scourge: taxtime. Typically, I’ve messed up my W2’s with logic-defying stupidity. And even on the freak occurrence that I don’t manage to miss credits and deductions that would help me better survive being poor, my refund check still tends to get lost somewhere in the hellish underworld of the postal system. Filing your taxes is the low point of a new year, and as Ben Franklin once wrote, “Nothing is certain, but death and taxes.” So where is the bright point in this holiday? Although drinking to excess is never a good idea, I still look forward to a really good excuse to meet up with my friends. This year, my friends Anna and Tammy, being great hostesses, kept slinging me tasty shots of Flaming Dr Pepper. I also received a drunk-dial from my dad and gave a midnight kiss to someone’s miniature schnauzer. I don’t quite remember the ball dropping. Was that old fossil Dick Clark even on TV this year? But if I’m feeling under the weather on New Year’s Day, I can still look past the woeful responsibilities of the new year and anticipate the year itself. I’m finally graduating in May, getting married in the fall and hopefully taking a graduation vacation and a honeymoon trip. Until then, I have job-hunting, wedding planning, class work and a slew of other tasks I’ll happily complete. And maybe 2000 mostly instilled disappointment for me in the New Year’s holiday, but I just have to think positively, plan for the future and enjoy what time I have. Besides, every new year brings us closer to the craziness of December 21, 2012 and trust me, I’ll be ready to “Party Like It’s 1999.” Again.
LAKEN RENICK -features staff writer -senior -English major
opınıons 3
editor: debra houchins opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
january 22, 2010
Invest in yourself by eating smart E
very year, thousands of new students descend upon Blacksburg looking for an education, a leg up on the competition or just a fresh start. But how much do we really think about the potential we have to affect the town we now call home — or it’s potential to affect us? One of the easiest and most fundamental things we can consider in this respect is the way we eat. Now, I’m all for freedom of choice, but have you ever stopped to think about what your choice of meal means in your role as a local consumer? If not, I’d like to offer a few reasons why what you eat is worth a second thought. First, and perhaps most relevant, it has been proven that a healthy diet equals better academic performance. And yes, by healthy I’m referring to eating your vegetables, drinking enough water and laying off the refined white flour. There’s at least 40 years worth of scientific data to back up the claim that what you eat affects how well you think. As a recent example, a study published in the journal Nutrition in October 2008 conclusively showed that eating regular meals, especially breakfast, helped prevent fatigue and increased academic performance. On that note, a quick lesson in nutrition: a muffin does not constitute breakfast. If you want to avoid a midmorning crash, include some healthy protein like yogurt or eggs. And if you think you can handle it, cut back on the caffeine and try some orange juice instead. Trust me, given the choice your body would rather have the vitamin C and natural fruit sugars. One seemingly obvious option to making healthier food choices is to learn more about what it means for a food to be “healthy.” If you have room for an elective, the Food and Nutrition class in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise still has open seats, and drop/add doesn’t end until Monday. Go ahead and check it out. A second reason to reconsider fast food is the impact you can (and do) have on preserving the unique character of Blacksburg. One thing that makes Blacksburg so attractive is the strong sense of community, especially with regards to food. There are far more locally owned places a which to eat here than there are chain restaurants. Now, I realize that for some of you it’s difficult to step outside your comfort zone and try something new, but why did you come to college if not to have new experiences? Wendy’s and McDonald’s will always be the same no matter where you are, but you will certainly have missed out if you don’t at least once try the lunch buffet at India Garden, one of my personal favorites. (And, for that matter, it’s hard to beat Gillie’s for a great breakfast.) The more consumers choose these local businesses, the easier it will be to maintain them as a vital part of the Blacksburg community. A quick way
to get an idea of what’s out there to explore is by visiting the Blacksburg Partnership Web site, where you can check out the town by section. I know a lot of you live in the dorms and have limited means to cook your own meals, but if you have a hotplate (or live off campus), you should definitely check out the Blacksburg farmers market. It has a brand new pavilion in the same place it was before, at the corner of Roanoke Street and Draper Road, and even now in the depths of winter, you will find farmers with fresh eggs and cheese, pastureraised meat, honey and jams,. They’ll be out there tomorrow from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., so if you have half an hour free, head on down and see what they have to offer. My final reason may not seem relevant now, but I strongly believe it’s the most important. We all need to recognize the power we have as consumers. As college students, we are just beginning to realize our potential as the decision makers of this century. The power of the dollar is potent — with every purchase decision you make, you support not just the business selling the product or service but also the community in which the business exists, the practices it uses, the philosophy on which it bases its operations, the lifestyle it espouses. The list goes on. We often make these decisions mindlessly, but it is so important to understandwhereyourmoneyisgoing and what it is funding. For example, when it comes to food, even though I can get many of the same organic groceries in Kroger, I choose to shop at Annie Kay’s whenever I can because it’s locally owned and supports local farmers. Even though I could spend my money to buy lunch on campus every day, I choose to pack a lunch because then I’m not paying for overpriced, over-processed, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations-raised hamburger. These are my preferences and I’m certainly not implying they’re somehow superior, but I think you get the idea. The bottom line here is that educated consumers are better citizens. They are more able to make informed decisions about important issues, and they are more aware of the impact they have on the world around them, both local and global. This includes becoming better informed about the way your lifestyle choices affect yourself. Remember, you may think your choices don’t affect much in the grand scheme of things, but just imagine if you and everyone you know realized today that your choices do matter. How much of a difference can we all make together?
HEATHER THOMAS - senior crop & soil environmental sciences, philosophy double major
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The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
MCT CAMPUS
Commitment to service begins with student body W
hat does being part of the Hokie Nation really mean to you? Each one of us has our own memories during our time at Virginia Tech. For many, we live and understand the value of service to others every day. We are one of the few colleges in the country with a service motto, such as Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve.” All of us are linked by the bond of service. Think about what service means to you and know that the motto of Ut Prosim always will be part of your life. Community service is not just something that students do on campus. Tech has one of the most service-oriented campuses in the nation, and I am proud to know that the Hokies’ service extends well beyond Blacksburg. Service plays a large part in the lives of our alumni beyond graduation and also extends to their family members. It is simply actively caring for others beyond ourselves. Most of our 125 alumni chapters
across the country participate in a variety of service projects with fellow Hokies. These projects range from blood collection drives, food drives, Habitat for Humanity projects, to clothing drives. Time and time again, our chapters host service projects that attract many Hokies of different interests and backgrounds, simply because they share a bond through the values lifted up by Ut Prosim. Service builds character in individuals and is a key ingredient in shaping our successful alumni. I hear time and time again from alums how important it is to reach beyond career, family and other priorities in life to be charitable with their time and money. It fulfills goals in a way that nothing else can. I encourage all of you to continue your involvement in service on our campus. Seek out ways to perform service hours. You will join thousands upon thousands of our alumni who made the same discovery
while in college. And it will carry into your everyday lives beyond Tech. Our Alumni Association has partnered with the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships to increase awareness of service across the Hokie Nation. The Collegiate Times gives valuable coverage regarding both alumni and student service projects and opportunities for you to get more involved. Our earliest students chose service as the legacy they wished to carry forward for centuries. Now it is our responsibility to follow in their footsteps.
TOM TILLAR -vice president for alumni relations
Records database asset to security, threat to privacy T
he 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” focused on the interaction of computer and human intelligence and introduced the world to its fatal lead character: HAL 9000. Initially billed as the consummate supercomputer capable of data analysis and data interaction with the crew, HAL is given autonomy over the ship. However, when HAL’s programming goes awry, the film’s protagonist, Capt. Dave Bowman, is forced to unplug the computer’s operating system after it kills his four comrades. In an ominous measure of national direction, security and public policy expert James Bamford believes HAL is very comparable to new NSA technology under development. Acquaint, which stands for Advance Question Answering for Intelligence, is still in construction as of February 2009. Bamford, author of the NSA 1983 landmark “Puzzle Palace” and professor of public policy at University of California-Berkeley, says that the software has great potential, noting that national security workers can use it to answer vital questions about America’s enemies. The system works by analyzing various aspects of communications and commerce. It also allows intelligence officials to search its database and obtain specific answers immediately, rather than be given links to data in the system. In this way, the program is analogous to the famed Batcomputer in Batman. The program is capable of scanning records and producing a direct answer, even to more challenging questions. But because of these capabilities, Bamford also sees a frightening potential for abuse. Because of the depth and scope of data collection, the NSA has at its fingertips vast expanses of information regarding the lives American citizens, which he says ranges from names and phone records, to what they buy in a book store, even to when they go through a tollbooth. This, combined with detailed, specific answers and the NSA’s history of averting oversight, makes Acquaint a serious threat to privacy rights. In addition to the large amounts of data being stored by the NSA, the system is also being designed to analyze the data under several categories. According the Retrieval Group of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Department of Commerce, Acquaint will track semantics, event characterization opinions, linguistics, redundancy, deception, and missing or contradictory information. A potential pragmatic problem facing NSA is the organization of the plethora of collected data. As researchers at the Cato Institute, and Bamford himself, have pointed out, intelligence officials may miss important information sifting through the immense waste, which is estimated to total 10^24 bytes of data. (That’s nearly 850 zettabytes; one zettabyte equals one billion terabytes.) Furthermore, the NSA’s base in Fort Meade, Md., is so expansive in size and structure that it appears to be an independent city. The agency also had plans to build a complex in Salt Lake City, 33 percent larger than the U.S. Capitol in addition to a complex in San Antonio that will rival the Alamodome in size. Data storage and facility size have become incredibly important because for the NSA, electrical power is political power. The more storage capacity and computers (which require electrical power to run), the more records the NSA can hold. This becomes a two-pronged problem. On the one end, the NSA is no longer forced to abandon records of American citizens; moreover, more records means more reports, more reports leads to more sway and more political power. A well-chronicled theme of the Bush administration had been secrecy and a haphazard stance on privacy rights. Unfortunately, Bush’s successor, Barack Obama, has in several ways failed to make good on his many promises of an open and ethical government. As Bamford noted in a PBS NOVA special on national security and privacy, no new restrictions have come from the Obama administration on NSA methods. Additionally, the president voted in favor of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act as a senator in summer 2008, after vowing to filibuster the bill. Likewise, the judicial system is also dragging its heels on restoring open government. In summer 2009, an appeals court handed down a Catch-
“
Unfortunately ... Barack Obama has in several ways failed to make food on his many promises of an open and ethical government.
22 of a ruling that the government can refuse to confirm or deny monitoring plaintiffs, and plaintiffs cannot challenge the constitutionality of wiretaps without proof of monitoring. Furthermore, judges have been barred from asking who, what, where and why with regard to new surveillance programs. The problem here is quite obvious. As Bamford, who has covered the NSA for decades, recently noted, “When NSA was allowed to operate in absolute secrecy, without oversight, it became a rogue agency.” As the courage of policymakers to act on the problem appears to be waning, the ambitions of the project continue to grow. The MITRE Corporation, in a report for the Department of Defense, listed the goals developers should set for the next decade: data fusion, machine learning, understanding context of language, and determining how a person feels regarding the topic and a person’s role within an organization. The document also cites challenges in inferring positions on issues and notes Google technology that can tag the content of the message. Over the past four decades, several administrations have been infamously linked to unethical and unlawful NSA espionage. Unfortunately, the current administration appears to have fallen in the same snare. Because of the extensive data stored by NSA and the advanced analytic technologies built into the program, Acquaint is a powerful tool. Whether the powerful gaze of Acquaint will be ultimately be used for legitimate national or domestic security remains to be seen. However, the persistent growth contrasted with lacking regulation remains an indication that things may get worse before they get better.
SCOTT MASSELLI -regular columnist -sophomore -economics major
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january 22, 2010
teams to beat in conference. Head coach Seth Greenberg frequently refers to the grind of the ACC schedule, and with no weak teams in the conference this year, this season will be particularly grueling for Tech. If the Hokies intend to make it through the grind successfully, they are going to need to look to the bench to start contributing. In games against UNC, Miami and FSU, the bench scored eight, 10, and six points respectively. J.T. Thompson is a viable scoring threat off the bench, but to truly compete in the ACC this season, the freshman class needs to step up to the challenge. The freshmen have only scored eight points combined in the three ACC contests. That’s a lot to ask for a bunch of freshmen, but the starters themselves can only carry the team so far. With 17 games under their belts now, they need to be assertive during their minutes and help the team as much as possible. Some of that needed assertiveness was on display Monday night against North Carolina Central as freshmen contributed 32 points in the 72-30 beatdown of the Eagles. Granted, NC Central is one of the worst teams in the entire country, but at least it shows that they are capable of coming through when given the opportunity. In addition to the needed bench scoring, Allen needs to show up and play well for the rest of the season. During his time at Tech, Allen has played brilliantly at times, but he has also disappeared during games because of foul trouble or simply a lack of effort, even admitting that he lost his enthusiasm during the crucial second half of the UNC game. Overall, the pieces are in place for the Hokies to make a move toward the top half of the league, but at the same time, if the bench continues to struggle and Allen does not get motivated again, Tech could just as easily plummet to the bottom of an extremely competitive league and be stuck in the National Invitational Tournament yet again.
JOE CRANDLEY -sports editor -senior -communication major
NIELS GORAN BLUME/SPPS
Student instructor Ricardo Boulware conducts his “Advanced Step” class. He also teaches “Advanced Abs” and “Body Pump” during the week.
STUDENTS ESCAPE CLASSROOM STRESS BY BECOMING CERTIFIED FITNESS INSTRUCTORS LIZ NORMENT features reporter Students visit the gym on campus for multiple reasons: shed a few pounds with a spring break trip in mind, buff up those arms before a night out or hope to run into the night’s future date. Regardless of your reason, it’s easy to become bored while on the elliptical or waiting for a machine in the weight room. Instead, Virginia Tech offers more than 100 group fitness classes each week with a variety that ranges from “Yogalates” to boot camp, and all of which are taught by Tech student instructors. Junior Ricardo Boulware keeps busy working toward a dual degree in Spanish education and human resources management, and he has a job as one of Blacksburg Transit’s most popular drivers, according to a Facebook group made in his honor. Four times a week, however, you can find him in one of the studio rooms in McComas Hall teaching the classes “Advanced Step,” “Advanced Abs” or “Body Pump.” Despite his busy schedule, when
Boulware is in a fitness class his concentration is focused on bringing the most enthusiasm to his students. “The rest of my business is thrown to the curb,” Boulware said. “When I’m in that studio, it’s all about fitness.” In each class, Boulware builds his energy from the reception he gets from participants. “Honestly, the part that makes the class fun is seeing the girls and guys come, glowing in the face, sweatin’ bullets but still smiling” he said. To keep students excited and challenged, Boulware spends time studying different instructors’ styles as well as YouTube videos to develop creative choreography for his step classes. “Sometimes if a move is too complicated or too simple I’ll change it up, adding my own style to it,” Boulware said, who’s most famous move is called “Crazy Girl.” Junior Rachel Blackwell, who teaches six different fitness classes, has also learned that enthusiasm is key. “I know I have to turn it up every time I walk in the door,” Blackwell said. “It takes a lot of dedication.” Among the classes she teaches each week, her favorite is “Yogalates,” a class
[
on the web
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View a full schedule of fitness classes and sign up for a semester pass at recsports.vt.edu.
described as being a complete mindbody experience. “It’s a great flow class,” Blackwell said, “and the moves allow me to have a more personal connection with the participants. You walk away feeling relaxed and balanced.” This connection is particular to Blackwell as some of her class members have approached her after a workout to express how her class has somehow benefited them outside of the training room. “It’s great when someone comes up to me and says, ‘You know, you really helped me get through what was going on with my life,’” Blackwell said. To get certified, students are able to sign up for a three-credit “Group Exercise” course in the fall. After studying the manual and different fitness classes, students who pass the final exam are certified to teach at Tech. Second year master’s student John McBrien took the course in fall of 2006 and has been involved with the department of recreational sports for the past four years.
“I was part of the corps,” said McBrien, “and I felt it would be a good way to improve my own fitness and that of my peers.” Now as the graduate assistant for fitness, McBrien has seen how much of a difference attending fitness classes can make to students. “It’s so much more than just going to the gym,” McBrien said. “It’s a social atmosphere, which creates an interesting dynamic. Participants tend to have more discipline in the studio.” For McBrien, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is the chance to make a more personal connection with students to help them achieve fitness goals. “Most of my students attend each week,” McBrien said, “so I can take a more direct approach to help them see results, even when not in the studio.” Working as a fitness teacher, however, is not all about strict discipline. Boulware, for instance, has been known to come to the gym dressed in wild outfits, making sure his class feels welcome and shares in his excitement. “I’ll come in dressed as Richard Simmons: hot pink shorts and crazy hair. It’s not typical, but it stands out,” Boulware said. “I want people to know they can come back anytime and feel welcome regardless of appearance.”
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ith its out-of-conference schedule completed, the Virginia Tech men’s basketball team must bring its A-game for the next 13 Atlantic Coast Conference games starting Saturday against Boston College in order to make the NCAA tournament. Despite sporting an impressive 143 record, the Hokies have not performed well against the most challenging squads they have faced so far this season, especially during ACC play. The only complete game put together by the Hokies was against thenNo. 23 Miami, but even though the Hurricanes have won all 15 of their out-of-conference contests, they have struggled mightily in-conference play and currently sit in last place. For Tech, the biggest trouble since beginning its ACC schedule has been putting together complete games. Against North Carolina, the Hokies appeared to be on their way to a road win at halftime over the mighty Tar Heels, but a pitiful second half defensively allowed Carolina to come back and win. Last week against Florida State, the Hokies did not even really show up until the final minutes to truly test the Seminoles in Tallahassee. Junior forward Jeff Allen got into foul trouble early on, and Tech simply could not overcome without him on the floor. On the bright side for Tech, though, both conference losses occurred on the road. Winning in opposing arenas is a difficult task for any ACC team, so Hokies fans should not panic yet about the rough start. However, if Tech continues with the inconsistent play from half to half, the ACC season could be a long one for the Hokies. Even though North Carolina and Duke are not playing at the high level of years past, the rest of the conference appears to have picked up its play to the point that anybody can beat anybody on a given night. This is usually the case in the ACC, but this season appears to have even more parity than usual from top to bottom. What this means for Tech is that there cannot be any more off-nights or sluggish performances if the team intends to make the NCAA tournament. An 8-8 ACC record at this point may not be enough to make the field of 64 with the lack of a signature outof-conference win and no truly elite
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january 22, 2010
page 6
Men’s basketball looks for second ACC win Saturday afternoon ALEX JACKSON sports editor The Virginia Tech men’s basketball team will look to even out its conference record Saturday when it takes on the Boston College Eagles in Cassell Coliseum at 1:30 p.m. The Hokies (14-3, 1-2 ACC) have 13 games remaining between now and the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament and a win Saturday will be crucial for their NCAA Tournament hopes. The Eagles (11-8, 2-3 ACC) enter the game coming off their second win in conference play, a 79-75 win on the road over Miami on Tuesday. After losing their first conference game to North Carolina, 78-64, the Hokies put their first ACC win on the board when they defeated Miami 8166 on Jan. 13. Tech followed that win up, however, with its second loss to a conference opponent when it dropped a close game at Florida State, 63-58. While the Hokies defeated out-ofconference opponent North Carolina Central handily Monday to a tune of 72-30, their remaining schedule poses a much tougher challenge and much bigger stakes. “This league season comes down to 16 separate entities, four minutes at a time, one play at a time,” said Tech head coach Seth Greenberg after the Hokies’ first in-conference loss to UNC. “And that’s really what the league is all about,” he said. “Each game is a separate entity. You’ve got to play time-
KUMAR VEETRAG/SPPS
Freshman Ben Boggs navigates through traffic during the Hokies’ 72-30 win over the NC Central Eagles on Monday in Cassell Coliseum. out to timeout, and you’ve got to play one play at a time, and if you can do those things, then you have a chance to win in the end.” After Tech’s win over Miami in its only conference game at home this year, Greenberg stressed the importance of winning home games in order to succeed in the ACC. “It was so important to win this game because you have to win your home games in this league,” he said after Tech evened out its record to 1-1 in conference play. “It was so important to win
this game, so we had no self-doubt. We are a good team.” Just days later, though, the Hokies dropped their second game on the road to Florida State. In that game, Tech struggled to handle the Seminoles’ size down low and FSU’s low-post presence ended up overwhelming the Hokies late in the game. Much of that struggle was partly because of the absence of junior forward Jeff Allen, who got into foul trouble early and never really intimidated the Seminoles as he has other teams
this season. “We played the whole game without Jeff,” Tech junior guard Malcolm Delaney told Mark Viera of the Washington Post after the game. “They had their bigs in the whole game ... we need Jeff in games like this, and this is one of those games we didn’t have him.” Saturday, the Hokies face a Boston College team that isn’t quite as big as the Seminoles down low, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles lack a lowpost presence.
The Eagles enter the game with a leading scorer in junior forward Joe Trapani who could undoubtedly cause Greenberg to toss his jacket early on Saturday. Trapani, who measures 6 feet 8 inches tall, is coming off a game against Miami in which he scored a season-high 31 points, adding six rebounds as well. He isn’t your average low-post player, either. Against Miami, Trapani went five for 10 from three-point range and on his career is a 37.1 percent three-point shooter. Yet Trapani is hardly the only player to focus on when discussing Boston College basketball. The Eagles have four players averaging more than 10 points per game, including Trapani, sophomore guard Reggie Jackson (13.6 ppg), junior forward Corey Raji (11.8 ppg) and junior guard Rakim Sanders (10.4 ppg). In their three conference losses to Clemson, Duke and Maryland, though, the Eagles’ weaknesses were exposed. Against Clemson, the Eagles were out-rebounded 40-33 and their lack of depth led to just 18 points from those not named Trapani, Jackson, Raji or
Sanders. When Boston College faced Duke, it was dominated on the boards again, as it was out-rebounded 40-25. In its third conference loss, its lack of depth truly showed. Against Maryland, the Eagles saw just 13 points of production outside of their four leading scorers. If the Hokies want to win Saturday afternoon, they will need to attack those weaknesses. Rebounding, a concern for the Hokies and Greenberg over the past couple of weeks will be key in controlling the pace of the game. “I really put an emphasis this last week on coming back to rebound,” Greenberg said after Monday’s win. “That’s an area where we’re not doing as good a job as we need to.” As for the Eagles’ lack of depth, the Hokies have struggled in some cases with the same problem. While Delaney, the ACC’s leading scorer, is averaging 19.9 points per game, the rest of the Hokies’ lineup has been inconsistent with its production. Junior guard Dorenzo Hudson is the Hokies’ second best bet, averaging 12.5 points per game. That number is certainly skewed, however, considering his 41-point outburst weeks ago against Seton Hall. The Hokies will need others to step up Saturday, whether it is Allen, junior forward Victor Davila or possibly one of their four freshmen, who have just recently played larger roles on the team. Monday against NC Central, the four freshmen — guard Erick Green, guard Ben Boggs, guard Manny Atkins and forward Cadarian Raines combined for 32 points. Green especially has taken on a larger role in the past month. In Tech’s win over Miami, the freshman received 13 minutes of playing time. Aainst NC Central on Monday, Green played 18 minutes, leading the team with 11 points. “It’s going to be really important for me to get some extra playing time,” Green said. “You know, help Malcolm (Delaney) get off the ball and getting valuable shots up. Just let him do his thing off the ball instead of him bringing it up on his own.” The game will be televised on Raycom Sports.