An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
www.collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES 107th year, issue 46
News, page 4
Features, page 7
Opinions, page 5
Sports, page 2
Classifieds, page 6
Sudoku, page 6
Action, reaction
Parking pass prices to rise with garage construction CALEB FLEMING news staff writer Parking pass prices for Virginia Tech drivers will continue to rise as the university funds its first parking garage. Richard McCoy, Parking Services manager, said the price hike is still in planning stages and will likely be presented at a Board of Visitors meeting for final approval and implementation in coming months. “We’ll increase permit prices enough to cover expenses,” McCoy said. “We don’t receive any state funding for parking so (the increase) is what it takes to keep parking going.” If and when permit prices are raised in the 2010 fall semester, it will mark the third consecutive year the university community has seen such an increase. The increase will be uniform, affecting students and faculty members equally. Even with imminently inflating pass prices, McCoy said Tech would still boast permit prices among the lowest in the state of Virginia. A commuter pass at Tech costs $136 annually, while commuter passes cost $192 annually at the University of Virginia, $192 annually at James Madison University and $305 annually at William and Mary. The reason for this disparity is simple, claims McCoy. “We haven’t had parking decks until now,” McCoy said. “Most of our peer institutions on the East Coast already have decks constructed on campus.” Without garages, Parking Services does not need to rely as heavily on permit prices and parking citations to balance its budget. “(Permit prices) won’t get up to our counterparts all at one time,” McCoy said. “It will not be a huge increase this year — nowhere around the 100 or 200 mark. It will be much like what we’ve experienced the last two years. McCoy said there is no fear of losing demand as prices increased because decks would be built to accommodate additional demand, not catalyze it. In addition to the influx in desire for parking spaces on campus, Hilary West, communications coordinator with Transportation and Campus Services, said more students have also because interested in alternative transportation methods. “There has been an increase in participation in the alternative transportation program (Bus, Bike, and Walk, and Carpool),” West said. “I think that is part the cost and part people looking for sustainable methods of transportation. Not only are they not spending that money on a permit, but they’re saving money on fuel and that other stuff.” And while Tech’s $26 million parking structure, scheduled to be completed sometime between late August and early September, may cause a mere “moderate” increase in permit prices, the distant future outlook is much more ominous. The Tech master plan of development includes the construction of two more parking decks to accommodate the university’s desire for continued growth. The first deck, which is in the five to 10 year plan, would be located where the cage lot is now, a hotspot for resident parking, McCoy see PARKING / page four
LUKE MASON/SPPS
A self-proclaimed “Party boy protester,” dances during a counter-protest against Westboro Baptist Church members outside Blacksburg Middle School.
BLACKSBURG COMMUNITY FLOCKS TO OPPOSE LOCAL WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH DEMONSTRATIONS CT STAFF Lanes of honking traffic and a handful of police officers divided an angry church and rowdy crowd in Blacksburg Friday. Westboro Baptist Church members staged three protests Friday, targeting the Jewish and gay communities and the death of Virginia Tech student Morgan Harrington. The group traveled in a Kia Sedona van to Blacksburg’s Jewish Community Center, then down the block to the corner of North Main Street and Roanoke Street. Next, the van made its way through a pack of school buses to Blacksburg Middle School as middle school students left and displaced Blacksburg High School students arrived at school. There were no arrests or violent incidents. Police intervened to keep community counter-protests across the street from the WBC members in front of the middle school, as the crowd momentarily advanced to the median. PROTESTERS The WBC protest was directed at the community for causing the death of Morgan
Harrington by tolerating various groups the church interprets as sinful. Shirley Phelps-Roper, eldest daughter of the church founder Fred Phelps, led the six protesters. The group consisted of three adults and three children. The group was armed with signs bearing slogans such as “The Jews killed Jesus,” “Fag Hokies,” and “God is your Enemy.” Phelps-Roper hailed the protest as a successful endeavor. “It’s a 10,” Phelps said, before quickly correcting herself. “Out of 10, it’s a 12.” A few feet away, Tommy McDearis, pastor of Blacksburg Baptist Church, looked on quietly. “God is not a god of hatred,” McDearis said. “It’s been embarrassing. For two weeks people have been calling me asking what I think about them.” “They don’t represent the God I speak about.” Blacksburg Middle School eighth-graders Alanah Flad and Gabrielle Meek stood on the edge of the school property after their school day was over and watched the WBC protest. “I think it’s crazy, especially since they
PAUL KURLAK/SPPS
A student passing by on a bus shows animosity toward the WBC protest. members targeted with their protests. “Everyone I know was wearing gay rights T-shirts and yarmulkes,” Flad said. “That’s all we talked about.” The group left BMS at 2 p.m. PhelpsRoper said the WBC members had protested in Charleston, W.Va., Thursday night. The WBC Web site said the next protest is scheduled for Des Moines, Iowa.
have kids,” Meek said. Phelps-Roper brought her two kids along, seven-year-old Luke and 11-year-old Noah. She said earlier that Luke was the group’s second most active member, after PhelpsRoper herself. Ben Phelps also brought his daughter, sixyear-old Anna. Flad said the day was anything but average inside the walls of the middle school, as students stood up for the groups the WBC
see PROTESTS / page four
Harrisonburg block party turns to riot Appeal squashes
alcohol advertising in college newspapers
ZACH CRIZER nrv news editor A Harrisonburg block party involving college students got out of hand Saturday — leading to the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Harrisonburg, home of James Madison University, is the site of an annual block party called “Springfest.” This year’s block party sent at least 30 people to the hospital. The block party took place in the Village Lane community. Harrisonburg Police Department Lt. Kurt Boshart said police took preventative measures in the two weeks prior to the event, but a swell of partygoers eventually led the property manager of Village Lane to ask police to disperse the crowd. Boshart estimated 8,000 people crowded into the block party. Chris Burton, a Virginia Tech junior accounting major and one of the partygoers, said the event didn’t seem very different from its previous incarnation. “I’d gone to it last year,” Burton said. “It was basically the same thing going on except for this year there were cops with tear gas and riot shields.” Boshart said unruly behavior by the partygoers led to the police taking more extreme measures. “Their mindset was to get it peacefully dispersed,” Boshart said. “They asked people to move along. While they were in there, they were getting beer bottles and rocks thrown at them.” He said the officers retreated for their own safety and called for backup. The “civil disturbance unit” was called in, bringing with it riot shields, tear gas and rubber bullets. The ensuing attempt to end the gathering caught many attendees off guard. JMU freshman Joe Dickinson said he saw the initial attempt by police to disperse the crowd. “I saw two police officers trying to clear kids off the street,” Dickinson said. “The kids didn’t want to deal with it, so they just pushed the police out.” Later, Dickinson saw what he called “riot police” arrive. He said some bottles and rocks flew at the police but the worst did not begin until police began using tear gas. He said he saw three college-aged partygoers walk toward shield-bearing police. The partygoers flashed peace signs and yelled at the police. Dickinson said the police then used pepper spray on the three partygoers.
SARA MITCHELL editor in chief
COURTESY OF ROBERT BOAG, THE BREEZE
Partygoers start a fire in the final confrontation before police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. “At that point, it got crazy,” Dickinson said. “Kids were whipping bottles — bottle after bottle.” Dickinson was affected by tear gas. “About 15 minutes later, we were near the front and I saw a smoking can flying over my head,” Dickinson said. “I turned, and as soon as I took a breath in, I felt like I was going to throw up, and then I was just crying hysterically.” He said the pain of the tear gas lasted about 20 minutes and made it almost impossible to open his eyes. “It felt like needles were being put into my eyes,” Dickinson said. “My friend ran into a car, because you just didn’t want to open your eyes it hurt so bad.” Boshart said the inability to get to people inside the block party in need of medical assistance also factored into the police response. The CDU moved in between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and declared the block party “unlawful assembly.” Boshart said the department restored “some semblance of order” between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Dickinson said the peak of the chaos was shortly after the police began entering the gathering. When police began using tear gas, the crowds ran. A dumpster was set on fire during this time frame, Dickinson said, and he passed it on his way out of the area.
A letter from JMU President Linwood Rose scolded attending JMU students for the incident. “To those of you who were involved, your collective behavior was an embarrassment to your university and a discredit to our reputation,” Rose wrote. “No one is opposed to some fun on a beautiful spring weekend, but public drunkenness, destruction of property, and threats to personal safety are unacceptable outcomes. Yesterday’s events reflect poorly on your character and were demonstrable evidence of less than sound judgment.” Burton said the police incited the worst part of the incident. “It was pretty excessive,” Burton said. “I thought the cops were really what got it out of hand. They backed everyone into a big crowd and then shot tear gas into the middle of it. “That was the first time I’ve ever seen a full SWAT team converge on a college gathering.” Boshart said about 30 people were sent to local Harrisonburg hospitals with minor injuries. Meanwhile, three people were taken to University of Virginia Medical Center, one of whom had to be airlifted. He said 12 Harrisonburg police officers also suffered minor injuries.
Citing a link between alcohol advertising restrictions and reduced college binge drinking, a Virginia appellate ruled against alcohol advertisements in student newspapers. The April 9 Fourth Circuit court opinion reversed a Virginia district court’s decision by a vote of 2-1, and said that student newspapers were not exempt from an Alcoholic Beverage Control rule stating the papers could not print advertisements for beer, wine or mixed beverages unless the ads are “in reference to a dining establishment.”
[
on the web
]
Check out the CT’s Web site at www.collegiatetimes.com to see a PDF of the circuit court opinion.
The Collegiate Times, along with the Cavalier Daily newspaper at the University of Virginia, first filed a complaint against the ABC in 2006, arguing that the restriction was against the newspapers’ First Amendment rights. The two newspapers stated that the bulk of their readership was above the age of 21. The state struck down the regulation in favor of student newspapers,
but then the ABC appealed the decision and arguments were heard in October 2009. “Though the correlation between advertising and demand alone is insufficient to justify advertising bans in every situation ... here it is strengthened because ‘college student publications’ primarily target college students and play an inimitable role on campus,” the opinion read. Student newspapers can now only place ads for dining establishments and can include words such as “beer,” “mixed drink,” “cocktail” and “wine.” There cannot be any mentions of a happy hour or specific drink specials. The lone dissenting opinion wrote “there is no evidence that these newspapers are ‘targeted at students under twenty-one,’” citing that half of the student and faculty population of the schools are of legal drinking age. “In free speech cases, it is dangerous and unwise to sustain broad regulations for narrow reasons,” the dissenting opinion continued. “I think the dissent had everything right,” said Rebecca Glenberg, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. The CT and Cavalier Daily have two weeks to file a petition for rehearing en banc, which means a hearing in front of the full court of appeals.
sports 2
editor: alex jackson sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com / 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
april 13, 2010
Hokies get back to action with first scrimmage of spring MICHAEL BEALEY sports reporter The Virginia Tech football team completed its first open scrimmage Saturday, giving fans a look at some of the new Hokies and returning stars. Redshirt sophomore Ryan Williams made a statement early on with a 20yard run on the first play from scrimmage. Williams played sparingly, but his counterpart, redshirt junior Darren Evans, received a warm welcome for his return to the gridiron after tearing his ACL this past fall. Evans made the most of his time on the field, rushing for 27 yards on four carries and catching one pass for 13 yards. “Your first stadium scrimmage, I always look at effort,” said Tech head coach Frank Beamer. “I thought that was pretty good for the most part. There are probably a couple of situations where we need to pick it up. We had some big plays and had a chance to make a couple more offensively that we didn’t make. I think where you are now in spring practice is you get a starting point and reduce the number of people that you’re going to work with and get better. That’s where we are.” Junior quarterback Tyrod Taylor also did not disappoint, dazzling fans with a 35-yard touchdown pass to redshirt junior Danny Coale. Taylor looked like his old self after rolling to his left and evading several defenders to get the pass to Coale for the score. However, Tech’s defense brought unrelenting pressure for much of the scrimmage. While the quarterbacks were protected from being tackled, the Hokies’ defense managed an impressive 11 sacks. Defensive ends Steven Friday and James Gayle, redshirt senior and redshirt freshman, respectively, each finished with two sacks. Kwamaine
NIELS GOERAN BLUME/SPPS
Two teams of Hokies line up before a snap during Saturday afternoon’s scrimmage at Lane Stadium. Battle, a redshirt junior defensive tackle, registered a pair of sacks. The Hokies only returned one starter on the defensive line and will look to a talented, but inexperienced, crop of players to fill those voids. “I thought (the scrimmage) was enthusiastic, I thought the effort was good, I thought ... they responded well,” said Charley Wiles, defensive line coach. “I think there’s a lot of good competition going on, I think there are a lot of talented kids. The more they play the better they’ll get and hopefully we can stay healthy. I feel confident we’ll have a good twodeep when it’s all said and done.” The Hokies have an entirely different problem at the running back position this spring than last season. The talented sophomore David Wilson is stuck in a crowded stable of backs, with Williams and Evans heading the rushing attack. While Wilson ran for 39 yards on six carries, he could redshirt this season to save a year of
eligibility. Even so, Beamer is encouraged by the depth at the position and the opportunities for big play ability. “I thought Evans got back in there, I think he looks better than ever,” Beamer said. “I like our tailbacks, couple times we need to get going towards the goal line rather than run toward the sidelines, but we got a couple behind (Williams and Evans) that got some real, real speed.” Evans, who is still looking to get back in shape from his injury, is encouraged about the spring thus far. “It’s a shorter process than I thought it would, it’s coming back,” Evans said. “It all felt good, like I said same thing I’ve been doing playing football. It’s just a little setback with the knee, I’m just telling myself it’s going to act right.” Quarterbacks Logan Thomas and Ju-Ju Clayton also received significant reps during the scrimmage with the backup quarterback job still up
for grabs. Redshirt freshman Thomas finished two of 10 for 30 yards, and redshirt sophomore Clayton completed the day seven of nine for 95 yards and a score. “I’ve been very pleased with both of them,” said Mike O’Cain, quarterbacks coach. “Ju-Ju is still a little inconsistent at times. Logan’s the same way. He’s still a little rough around the edges, but particularly the last couple days, he has thrown the ball well. He had a couple throws that looked a little high, one behind (the receiver), but overall he was making good decisions. He just needs a lot of work. “That’s why today I got basically the top three quarterbacks all the work. What happens if you try to get everybody a lot of work, it gets watered down and nobody gets anything. That’s probably, basically, what we’ll do the rest of the spring. Logan and Ju-Ju need all the work they can get,” O’Cain said.
NIELS GOERAN BLUME/SPPS
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor and wide receiver Danny Coale celebrate after connecting for a touchdown during Saturday’s scrimmage. Thomas’ athletic ability, coupled with his 6-foot-6-inch frame, creates an interesting scenario for Tech’s coaches. While Thomas will likely see few snaps this season at quarterback, he could be used in other ways on offense. In a true test of his versatility, Thomas even received reps on the punt protection team in the scrim-
mage. “I’ll do whatever they need me to do out there,” Thomas said. “Right now, I just need to focus on quarterback, so I can get the full reps and know what I need to do.” The Hokies will hold their second open scrimmage this Saturday at 11 a.m.
Secondary unit optimistic, deep with talent and versatility ED LUPIEN sports reporter Just a couple of weeks into spring practices, the Virginia Tech football team’s secondary unit is already off and running. There is a sense of optimism in the air, even though one of the unit’s most experienced players from last season, cornerback Stephan Virgil, graduated. “I think that overall it’s been a good start,” said Jayron Hosley, sophomore cornerback. “We’re gonna get into the film room and get better, but overall it’s a good start.” “I think that as a defense we already look pretty solid,” said Antone Exum, redshirt freshman. “We still got things to work on, of course, but I think as a group we look fine.” Hosley will replace Virgil in the lineup this season, which will not be an easy task. Virgil finished his collegiate career with seven interceptions and 101 tackles, and he was known to be a leader on and off the field. The hard-hitter is currently an NFL Draft prospect. Despite the assumption that the starting cornerback job is his to lose, Hosley is aware that he still has a lot to learn. “Everybody has room for improvement,” Hosley said. “I don’t think I’m at my peak yet. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, learn the offenses, and become the complete cornerback. That takes time. You’re not just going to come out and be the complete player one day. It takes steps.” The Florida native was perhaps best remembered last season for his punt returning skills rather than the limited role he played in the secondary’s schemes.
“As long as coaches will have me back there, I’m the man for the job,” he said. “I’m going to keep giving it my all at corner and at punt return. That’s what I love to do.” Hosley is certain he has developed enough at the college level to adequately handle both roles. “I’ve definitely matured,” he said. “I feel like you’re going to see a more confident, more focused, more aggressive, and better sound cornerback and punt returner. You’re going to see an all-around better person and individual.” Exum, who will wear former Hokies’ cornerback Victor “Macho” Harris’ No. 1 jersey number in the upcoming season, is expected to break out during spring practice as he carries the makeup of a true athlete and has a year of experience under his belt after redshirting the 2009 season. He is currently listed as the backup to junior Eddie Whitley at the free safety position. “I’ve gotta prove that I’m a No. 1 caliber guy,” Exum said. “Last year I redshirted — the coaches didn’t feel like I was ready to make the calls at that point, I guess. I feel like through offseason work and hours of film, that I’m worthy of being the number one guy at free safety.” Highly touted out of Glen Allen, Va., Exum was listed as the No. 38 best athlete in the nation following his senior season at Deep Run High School, where he played quarterback and handled the punt return duties in addition to spending time as a defensive back. Exum cites his quickness and alertness as the keys to his style of play. “My greatest strength is just being around the ball,” Exum said. “As a free
JACK HOWELL/SPPS
Up-and-coming Tech defensive back Eddie Whitley begins practice last Wednesday with his teammates. safety, wherever the ball is, I’m trying to be there, whether it be in the air or on the ground, I want to get there and make a play.” Although there is no denying that there is a lack of actual field experience in the current secondary corps, Exum feels there is no need to panic. “We got a young defensive back corps with me, Jayron (Hosley), Eddie (Whitley), Jerrodd (Williams) in addition to our one veteran, (Rashad Carmichael), but I feel like we can break out as a unit this year,” Exum said. In Exum’s eyes, the way to come together as a unit is by getting familiar with teammates’ abilities and mannerisms. “It all comes with reps,” Exum said.
“If I’m going to be on the field with Jayron during games, I need to be out with him during practice so that we can get our calls down, and that he sees what I like to run and I see what he likes to run. We just need to work on our unity as a group.” Expected to fill a starting role for the first time in his collegiate career, free safety Whitley agrees that the main area of focus for the unit will be establishing a strong communication system. For Whitley in particular, he is concerned about being on the same page with the starting senior rover Davon Morgan. “I’ve got to worry about the others (the secondary areas Carmichael’s not covering),” Whitley said. “I know Davon’s inexperienced, and he’s at the
starting rover spot. I want to watch extra film with him so we can get on the same page, and be just like Kam Chancellor and Virgil, and “Macho” and D.J. Parker, and the greats before that.” The one member of the unit whose play needs no questioning is Carmichael. Known as “Rock” by his teammates and coaches, he has been just that for the secondary unit. A redshirt senior for the 2010 season, Carmichael made his big splash in 2009, leading the team with six interceptions and racking up 55 total tackles in his first season as a fulltime starter. Just as they did with former Tech cornerbacks Harris and Brandon Flowers, the younger secondary players take full advantage of
Carmichael’s knowledge and experience. “I’m pretty close with all the guys on the team, but I’d say I’m the closest with him,” Hosley said of Carmichael. “As far as me coming in and being the younger guy, I always looked up to the older guys for advice and just to learn. It’s not so much watching film as it is asking questions — seeing how the older guys got through things when they were freshmen. Watching the older guys definitely helps you better your game and helps you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.” If there’s a dark horse in the unit, it is redshirt junior cornerback Cris Hill. Hill has waited a long time in the wings for a chance to start and make a continuous impact on the field. With just two years of eligibility remaining, the window of opportunity is slowly drawing to a close for Hill, who is currently listed as the No. 1 cornerback behind Carmichael on Tech’s depth chart. “Cris is a great player and has all the attributes to be a good corner at this level,” Exum said of his teammate. “From what I hear from the coaches’ advice and meetings is that he just needs to work on his consistency and doing the right thing on every play. But that’s something we all need to work on, it’s not just Cris. What Cris has to work on, we all have to work on as a group.” “We don’t try to focus on other individuals so much as us as a unit,” Hosley said. “If we have a weak link, we have to bring him up. Everybody has to be on the same level. That’s how we see it — if one of our guys is down, we’re all down. We try to get better together.”
april 13, 2010
page 3
Baseball wins weekend series 2-1, continues surge JOE CRANDLEY sports reporter The Virginia Tech baseball team continued its recent surge through the upper echelon of college baseball, defeating the No. 14 Miami Hurricanes twice in a three-game series this weekend. With the series win, the Hokies moved up five spots to No. 20 in the Baseball America top 25. Much like the previous week when the Hokies (27-7, 8-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) took a series against the Florida State Seminoles for the first time in its history, Tech made history again by winning its first series against Miami (23-9, 11-4 ACC). Despite reaching yet another milestone this week for the Tech baseball program, head coach Pete Hughes could not say he was surprised and was unapologetic about his team’s recent success over two major college baseball powerhouses. “We have more talent than (Miami),” Hughes said. “No one wants to hear it, but we’ve got better pitching, we have a deeper lineup, more experience. We can make moves in the bullpen late in the game that they couldn’t move. At Florida State, we had better pitching, we’re a better offensive club, and we played better defense. “I can’t apologize for being better than people that we haven’t been in the past,” he said. “All I know is we’ve paid the price for it by getting all these kids in there young and learning from failure and gaining experience and getting better from it.” Excellent pitching propelled the Hokies to victory on Friday and Sunday. Junior pitcher Justin Wright worked six innings on Friday and only
PAUL KURLAK/SPPS
Hokies’ redshirt senior catcher Steve Domecus tries to receive the throw home and block the incoming Hurricanes’ runner from scoring during the Tech baseball team’s game one win over No. 9 Miami Friday.
PAUL KURLAK/SPPS
Tech junior pitcher Justin Wright attempts to throw a strike during the Hokies’ 9-7 victory over No. 9 Miami on Friday at English Field. allowed three earned runs in a 9-7 win for Tech. Senior relief pitcher Ben Rowen shut down the Hurricanes late for Tech with 2.1 innings pitched and no runs allowed to pick up his second victory of the season.
curious about the sports events for the upcoming week?
At the plate, a stiff wind blowing out to left field aided the Hokies with home runs by catcher Steve Domecus, center fielder Sean Ryan and first baseman Ronnie Shaban, whose three run shot gave the Hokies the lead in the seventh for good.
JOE JULIANO
Baseball - vs. North Carolina A&T / 5:30 p.m. / English Field
Saturday, April 17 Football (scrimmage) - 11 a.m. / Lane Stadium Softball (doubleheader) - vs. Florida State / noon / Tech Softball Park Women’s Tennis - vs. Clemson / noon / Burrows/Burleson Tennis Center
Sunday, April 18 Softball (doubleheader) - vs. Florida State / noon / Tech Softball Park Women’s Tennis - vs. Georgia Tech / noon / Burrows/Burleson Tennis Center Women’s Tennis - vs. Liberty / 5 p.m. / Burrows/Burleson Tennis Center
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED Generous remuneration per student. students arriving to study at the VT Language and Culture Institute. Homes should be near public transit For info call 540-552-1149 or email: maryann@blacksburghomestay.com
Once again, Rowen came in to close the game out with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts. “He’s unbelieavable,” Hughes said. “That’s why when I give him the ball, I sit back and say, ‘I’m gonna sleep good tonight no matter what happens,’ because I trust the kid, because he’s paid the price.” Redshirt junior shortstop Tim Smalling led the way on offense Sunday, going 3-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Sophomore Mathew Price strug-
gled on the mound Saturday, giving up three homers and eight earned runs in just 2.2 innings of work in a 9-2 loss. Even though his starter struggled, Hughes was pleased with his bullpen, a weak point for much of the season, which only gave up one run over the remaining 6.1 innings. Tech will play a home game at English Field against North Carolina A&T at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, before hitting the road to Charlottesville for a weekend series against No. 2 Virginia.
Mickelson captures third Masters jacket mcclatchy newspapers
Tuesday, April 13
On Sunday, junior Jesse Hahn did not have his best fastball, but he went to his secondary pitches and only allowed two earned runs in seven innings of work. Miami appeared to be getting to Hahn early in the second inning when he allowed his only two runs, but the emotional pitcher kept his cool, something he has improved upon vastly in the last year. “That second inning kind of got out of control,” Hughes said. “Freshman year — last year — the wheels come off (for Hahn).”
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Nothing was going to stop Phil Mickelson in the final round of the Masters. Neither trees nor challengers were going to interfere with his goal Sunday of embracing his wife in a special, emotional victory hug behind the 18th green. Highlighted by the shot of the tournament, a 207-yard dart through a narrow gap between two trees to within three feet of the pin at the par-5 13th, Mickelson birdied four of his last seven holes to win his third green jacket, and definitely his most significant one. Mickelson — who finished 3 strokes better than his closest challenger, Lee Westwood — became the eighth player in history to win three Masters, but his real reward came as he approached his wife while walking off 18. Amy Mickelson was diagnosed last May with breast cancer, and her trip to Augusta was the first time she had accompanied her husband to a tournament city since then. As tears welled up in their eyes, the couple shared a lengthy embrace, a few kisses, and another long hug before Mickelson proceeded to sign his scorecard. “It’s been an emotional year,” he said, “and I’m very proud of my wife and the fight and the struggle she’s been through. It’s been a difficult year and to come out on top in this tournament is very emotional. ... To be on the other end and feel this kind of jubilation is incredible.” Mickelson said he wasn’t sure if his wife, who had been following the tournament from home, would make the trip from their rented home to the Augusta National Golf Club. He said the medications she must take leave her sick and without energy, and “she’s just not up for a lot this tourna-
ment can provide. “To have her here and share this moment and share the joy of winning on 18 and to share this with my (three) kids is something that we’ll look back on the rest of our lives,” he said. To make sure of the moment, Mickelson, 39, found a way to consistently wiggle out of trouble Sunday. The lefthander hooked three consecutive tee shots — at the 9th, 10th, and 11th holes — into the woods on the right but walked off with pars all three times. “I am very relaxed here at Augusta National because you don’t have to be perfect,” he said. “I made some bad swings (there), but I was able to salvage par. I was able to advance the ball far enough down by the green where my short game could take over.” Leading by 1 stroke over Westwood, the 54-hole leader, Mickelson started putting his foot down with a 20-foot birdie putt at 12. His driver deserted him again at the next hole, a dogleg par-5, and his ball came to rest on pine straw. To reach the green, he would have to aim a shot between two trees. “The gap wasn’t huge, but it was big enough, you know, for a ball to fit through,” Mickelson said to laughter from reporters. “There was a good four or five feet between them.” The shot came out perfectly, coming to rest three feet from the hole. Although Mickelson missed the eagle putt and settled for a birdie, he was in control of the tournament. “It’s a shot that only Phil could pull off,” said Westwood, who has a second-place finish and three thirds in his last eight majors. “I think most people would have just chipped that one out. But that’s what great players do, pull off great shots at the right time.” Mickelson went up by three after a 2-putt birdie at No. 15. His only knee-
knocking moment after that came at 17, where Westwood birdied, and he sank a 5-footer for par. He walked up 18 to thunderous applause and put a ribbon on his victory by knocking down a 10-foot birdie putt. Then, the hug. “I don’t normally shed tears over wins,” he said. “When Amy and I hugged off 18, that was a very emotional moment for us, and something that I’ll look back on and just cherish. This has been a very special week.” Mickelson fired his second straight 5-under-par 67 to finish at 16-under 272, 3 strokes ahead of Westwood, who had a 71. Anthony Kim tied for low round of the tournament, a 65, and surged into third at 276. Tiger Woods, in his first competi-
Early July move-in for
FREE! (Lease starts in August)
tion in nearly five months, was all over the place but somehow finished in a tie for fourth with K.J. Choi at 277. Choi actually held a share of the lead with Mickelson after a birdie at the 10th hole but faded with bogeys at 13 and 14. That might not have mattered, though. Mickelson’s impeccable shotmaking, his comfort level at Augusta National, and his desire to win all combined to put him in some select company as a threetime winner with Jimmy Demaret, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, and Sam Snead. But his primary thought was being greeted by his special lady behind 18. “I was just really glad she was there,” he said.
Sturbridge Square
Application fee waived. First month of water for
FREE. (July or August) And if any of your referrals get approved, you get $175 off your 2nd months rent.
Call Sturbridge Square today!
540-951-9252 1001 University City Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060 www.SturbridgeSquare.com
Brin g and in thi you s ad ’ll g et:
4 news
new river valley news editor: zach crizer university editor: philipp kotlaba newseditor@collegiatetimes.com / 540.231.9865
april 13, 2010
[
blacksburg headlines
COLLEGIATETIMES
Parking: More garages in the works [ ]
Collegiatetimes.com poll results Last week, we asked: How should Virginia Tech respond to the WBC protest? Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest in Blacksburg on April 9, blaming the death of Morgan Harrington on Tech’s tolerance of gays, Jews and other groups. -We should actively counterprotest to show their views are unwelcome. 36 percent (61 votes) -We should ignore them. They just crave attention. 58 percent (100 votes) -It’s their right to voice their views. I don’t think much about it. 5 percent (8 votes) -I don’t see anything wrong with the WBC. 1 percent (2 votes) And the new poll for this week: What activities will you take part in on the third anniversary of April 16? Three years ago Friday, SeungHui Cho killed 32 Virginia Tech students and faculty in the worst campus shooting in American history. What will you do during Friday’s Day of Remembrance? -Run or walk in the 3.2 for 32. -Attend the candlelight vigil. -Go to one of the academic seminars. -I plan to go to all remembrance activities. -Take the long weekend and leave campus.
CORRECTIONS JUSTIN GRAVES -Contact our public editor at publiceditor@ collegiatetimes.com if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
from page one
said. The area not occupied by the structure would be filled with buildings for academia and other university endeavors. Beyond this, the university plans for a third parking structure near either the present Cassell Coliseum lot or Squires Student Center Lot. Further still, Tech has loosely considered taking parking off the Drillfield entirely, in favor of a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. This project, however, is much more long range, as Drillfield parking changes are nowhere in the foreseeable future plan and have only minimally been discussed. Despite the limited number of parking spaces with the present garage
construction and plans to continue to raise the pass price, students have largely remained silent and nonconfrontational. Ed Spencer, vice president for student affairs, noting that his job is to make sure students have a voice and their points of view are heard, said he was surprised with the lack of strife. “I’ve not heard as many complaints as I would have expected, given the number of spaces out of circulation,” Spencer said. “It’s not been as high in my impression as one might expect.” Gary Long, Faculty Senate president, added that the group he oversees has yet to talk about any aspect of parking this year.
PRICE COMPARISON:
parking
Annually, a commuter pass costs: $136 at Virginia Tech $192 at University of Virginia $192 at James Madison University $305 at The College of William & Mary
NEW PARKING PLANS AT TECH: Two more parking decks, one at the Duck Pond Drive lot Third parking structure near either the Cassell Coliseum lot or Squires Student Center lot Possible long-term ban of parking on Drillfield
Protests: Demonstrators maintain the peace from page one
COUNTER-PROTESTERS “Positive energy, people!” said Blacksburg vice mayor and Tech professor Susan Anderson as she implored community counter-protesters to remain calm. About 150 counter-protesters followed the WBC protesters from Blacksburg’s downtown area to their stop in front of Blacksburg Middle School. Some of the most dynamic counter-protesters were trying to keep the atmosphere light. Several Tech sophomore students wearing only Speedo bathing suits, orange “fan hair” wigs, and orange paint on their bodies made themselves known by dancing — constantly. Ryan Selph, Lake Carter and Ryan Bolling called themselves the “party boy protesters.” “You’ve got to fight stupid with stupid,” Selph said. “These people aren’t rational. There’s no point in getting mad at it. We’ve got to stand up for each other.” At the last stop on the group’s tour of Blacksburg, WBC leader PhelpsRoper said her group always draws a reaction. “I mean, can we bring out a crowd or what?” Phelps-Roper said. “They have to render an opinion. We get their snappy backsides right off the fence. And they all landed on the dung heap.” An unofficial student counter-protest drew about 200 students to the GLC Plaza. Dan Harrington, Morgan
Harrington’s father, was also in attendance. His wife, Gil Harrington, is currently in Zambia on a medical volunteer mission. “I applaud the students and administration for doing a peaceful rally,” Dan Harrington said. “Why are they here? Why would they target my daughter? Why villify her? She was murdered.” Harrington marched down College Avenue along with student supporters. Standing on the street corner under a sign that read, “God and VT love Morgan Harrington,” he raised his voice along with Tech students chanting the name of his daughter at the WBC members across the street. After the counter-protest, student organizer Jeff Chuang said he counted the event as both a failure and a success. “If you’re thinking about how much we planned to want to happen, it was a complete failure,” he said. “But in terms of fundraising, it was a complete success. After seeing the response from the community and all the positive responses, I was like, ‘Wow,’” Chuang said. Eighth-grader Rob Vanzanten stood outside with a shirt that said “I’m gay” and a sign saying “If you hate the U.S. then get out.” Rohan Kumar, a fellow eigthgrader at BMS, came out to support Vanzanten — even leaving school early to support his friend. “It makes me feel good everybody is out here,” Kumar said. “We should learn to love everybody.”
Other counter-protesters attempted to tear down the WBC logic. Josh Olinger, a junior at Radford University through Virginia Western College, visited Blacksburg with his brother and friend. “They twist Bible verses,” Olinger said. “Nowhere in the Bible does it say God hates fags.” Olinger’s signs were designed to twist Bible verses of his own, referencing situations when people in the Bible were told to eat their own feces, to not eat shellfish, and to not clip their beards. Amy Eller, the parent of a Blacksburg Middle School student, was part of the traffic jam in front of the middle school as the WBC protesters arrived. She said she disapproved of the group’s protest outside the school. “I think it’s kind of despicable,” Eller said. “I believe they are trying to find irate parents — maybe to sue them.” However, she was proud of the community’s response. “I’m kind of enjoying this,” Eller said. “Blacksburg is fiercely protective of each other. I think it shows the beauty that is Blacksburg.” AUTHORITIES’ RESPONSE Protesters filled Blacksburg Friday, but they were separated and organized by the local authorities that also lined the streets. Kimberly Crannis, Blacksburg chief of police, said the protests took a great deal of planning. Crannis said the police have been
corresponding with Montgomery County Police for “the last couple of weeks” while “planning for security for the protesters and any counterprotesters.” Approximately 50 uniformed and non-uniformed police officers were deployed for the day’s events. Crannis said there were no major issues. “Both sides were able to get their message out, and they did it in a peaceful manner,” Crannis said. Crannis said the Ku Klux Klan protest along Draper Road in the early 1990s was “really the last major protest that we’ve had ... and it was a non-event, which was good. Nobody showed up, which made it even better.” The WBC protest and counter-protests were well-handled according to Phelps-Roper. “In this place they are doing a wonderful job,” Phelps-Roper said of the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech police. She added that the WBC has received about 200 threatening emails from the Tech community. Blacksburg town manager Marc Verniel said the town’s duty was to make sure all parties could express their views without incident. “I think our role was to make sure everything was orderly,” Verniel said. “People have been on their best behavior and exercised their right to free speech. reported by gordon block, liana bayne, philipp kotlaba and zach crizer
nation & world headlines
]
Afghan district far from secure despite offensive to rout SAN DIEGO — Security for Afghan villagers remains precarious in the Marjah district of Helmand province, where U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers mounted a massive assault in February to oust the Taliban from control, according to the Marine general who led the assault. Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson said late Sunday while there are hopeful signs in Marjah, with Afghan police patrolling and farmers signing up to grow crops other than opium poppy, the mission’s success or failure may not be known for months. “It’s still a fragile security situation,” Nicholson said in a telephone interview from Camp Leatherneck just hours before relinquishing command Monday after a year of being in charge of all Marines in Afghanistan. “I think we’re off to a good start.” Two Marine battalions, about 2,000 troops, remain in Marjah along with Afghan security forces. But insurgents continue to plant roadside bombs in hopes of killing Marines. At night, Taliban fighters intimidate civilians by visiting their homes. Helmand Gov. Gulab Mangal, speaking after Nicholson, said Taliban fighters were “using the local civilians as targets. It is very important that we take care of the local civilians.” “No one can move about freely. There is no security,” said Marjah tribal elder Sultan Mohammad Shah, 64. “The Taliban are killing and beating people, and no one knows what is going on the next block over because they cannot go anywhere.” For the battle of Marjah to influence the overall struggle for control of Afghanistan, the U.S. and Afghan governments will have to move quickly to improve the lot of its citizens, officials have long acknowledged. by tony perry and laura king, mcclatchy newspapers
opınıons 5
editor: debra houchins opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
april 13, 2010
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
Your Views [letter to the editor]
Parking garages wrong for Tech Last Thursday’s article “Parking garage to offer 1,200 new spots” (CT, April 8) seems to suggest the solution to Virginia Tech’s well known congestion and parking problem has finally been resolved. That is not the case. The promise of more parking spots will only give students incentive to drive to campus. Additionally, the construction of the Prices Fork parking garage will undoubtedly contribute to single-occupancy vehicle commuting. More cars on the road means continued congestion as well as more air pollution from greenhouse gases. While the Virginia Tech master plan and Tech Office of Transportation survey developed the vision for parking garages in and around campus, the implications of increasing parking availability should’ve been more carefully assessed. From an environmental sustainability perspective, building a parking garage is a giant step in the wrong direction. Alternative transportation methods, such as taking Blacksburg Transit buses, walking or riding a bike, should be encouraged. Construction of parking garages does the opposite. With passage of President Steger’s Climate Action Commitment by the Board of Visitors last spring, where does the construction of five new parking garages
fit in? In the article, the parking deck location claims to promote a “pedestrian campus” and in the master plan section “Insights,” would maintain a “walkable village core campus.” But these visions are not achieved by promoting a cardependant culture. To be a university leader in sustainability, alternative transportation must be a priority. Instead of raising parking permit prices to pay the $26-million price tag of each parking garage, why not invest that money into increasing BT rider routes or installing a geographic information system? What will it take to get Hokies to ride their bikes on the new town of Blacksburg bike paths to campus or excitedly ride the BT hoping to be the lucky three millionth rider as this unique celebration approaches? Fortunately, there are educational campaigns and student groups on campus with a mission to establish sustainable, healthy options for students to travel to campus. As Earthweek’s Alternative Transportation “Dump the Pump” Day approaches, one can only hope that actively caring students will participate and proudly wear this year’s event shirts that read, “Ride me, Alternative Transportation is easy,” a slogan that encompasses a vision to invent the right future.
Lyndsay McKeever Junior humanities, science and the environment major
A powerful weekend of Hokie service, community T
his past weekend, the spirit of community was alive and well on the Virginia Tech campus as was showcased by events from Relay for Life to the International Street Festival. On a Friday that started with students gathering to counter-protest the Westboro Baptist Church, to the solemn pylon ceremony honoring a fallen Hokie, the day ended with a weekend filled with celebrations of community. Amid the cold weather on Friday night, thousands came together for the annual Relay for Life to raise money for research to fight cancer. It was truly remarkable and emotional to see the Drillfield filled with so much love and energy — from those who were helping to run the event, to the survivors that participated and their families, to everyone who participated. The haunting words of Ed Spencer, vice president for student affairs, in the chant of “we’re beating cancer,” were a powerful reminder of hope. As I walked through the different zones and around the track, the perceived barriers of difference were put aside. The essence of diversity was alive and well in the community coming together for this cause. It was great to see the students encouraging others to buy items such as cotton candy, baked goods, T-shirts and musical selections in an attempt to help raise funds for this effort. There were no turf wars or divisions by class, just people coming together within their groups to make a difference. While the cold weather had an impact, it did not dampen the community’s morale, and the discomfort of the cold served as a symbolic reminder of the discomfort felt by those impacted by cancer. While the participants could go home to the warmth of their rooms, those with cancer continue with their struggles, often only aided by the
warmth offered by their loved ones. Cancer impacts individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their walk of life. While certain factors may increase the likelihood of cancer, the disease does not discriminate. It is fitting that a community can come together to help fight for this, whether it is Relay for Life or the Walk for the Cure. However, it is ironic that while we can come together around such an important health issue, we cannot agree on the issue regarding health care. While this is a topic for another day, perhaps the reason is that we can see the personal and immediate impact of cancer, but can’t understand or see the impact of health care. It is also ironic that even in these tough economic times that individuals and organizations can collectively donate more than $500,000 for this effort. Would or could we come together to raise such funds for other causes? It is a sad dichotomy that as $500,000 is being raised on the Drillfield, positions are being eliminated around the campus. Would our community come together to help save jobs on this level? Some will scoff at the magnitude of efforts such as Relay for Life, but this kind of unity for a cause is powerful. These opportunities provide something tangible for individuals to get involved. A few hours after the conclusion of Relay for Life, the International Street Festival began. If Friday night served as a showcase of how the community can come together for a cause, Saturday was a showcase of the rich diversity within our global community and a chance to get a small glimpse into these cultures and traditions. These festivals provide an excellent opportunity for the respective communities to showcase their heritage through food, cultural items and other
information. It allows those from outside of the culture to experience and engage in this learning opportunity. These festivals become the first step into understanding the beauty of differences and existence of similarities across groups. One of the annual highlights for the International Street Festival is the opportunity to explore and try a wide variety of foods. It is often through food that we can begin to get out of our paradigms and preconceived notions and try something new. In almost all cases, the food is made by students and members of that particular community. Personally, I had the opportunity to enjoy foods from Egypt, Nepal, China, Korea, Israel, Latin America, Thailand and other countries. It was certainly a global culinary trip, but one that I would never have experienced if it had not been for the festival. While I have had the opportunity to travel, for many, this festival is the closest that they will get to these countries unless they take the opportunity to learn and explore more. Just as Relay for Life has exposed the community to information about cancer and its impact, the International Street Festival is an opportunity to learn more the different threads that make our Hokie fabric vibrant. These opportunities for interaction and engagement are invaluable experiences. Let’s not forget the importance and power of coming together as a community, regardless of the cause.
RAY PLAZA -regular columnist -faculty adviser
Military should investigate Will US Supreme Court give deaths of civilians in Iraq corporate America advantage? L
ast Monday, the Web site WikiLeaks released a video. As the Web site’s name implies, the video was given to WikiLeaks secretly. It was not supposed to be distributed and for good reason. The video’s contents are not favorable to the government or military. You should see this video. The video, titled “Collateral Murder,” depicts an air strike by American soldiers in Apache Helicopters on July 12, 2007. By the strike’s end, 12 people were killed: two of whom were civilian journalists for the British news service Reuters. The two Reuters employees were named Saeed Chmagh and Namir Noor-Eldeen. The identities of the other 10 people who were killed are unknown. Two children were also injured in the attack. The American soldiers mistakenly identified a photographer’s camera as a rocket propelled grenade and identified the civilians as a threat. As one will do in war, the U.S. soldiers eliminated the perceived threat in accordance. The soldiers later shot at a van that came to pick up the dead bodies. Military experts have said that their actions were within the rules of engagement. I know far too little about warfare to make any real judgment of the rightness or wrongness of what happened. The attack happened in a hot district of Baghdad at the beginning of the surge. The U.S. troops perceived a threat, and they took care of it. I do not feel comfortable assigning reckless or malevolent qualities to their actions. I will, however, take serious issue with the way that the events were portrayed and described by the mili-
tary. Before the video was secretly leaked, a request by Reuters for it to be released was unfulfilled for two and a half years. Now the military is refusing to investigate the matter to determine whether or not any wrongdoing did occur in either the event or its aftermath. Twelve innocent civilians died because of bullets that came out of guns fired by members of the U.S. Military. The soldiers acted with a casualness that is shocking to someone who does not regularly see images of war. They refer to the victims as “dead bastards.” Clearly, effective soldiers cannot mourn the lives of those they kill in the midst of battle. Still, these “dead bastards” were posing no immediate threat. Those soldiers represent me. They represent most of you. We sent them to war. It is on our behalf that they killed those 12 people. It is on our behalf that 4,386 U.S. service members and 244 U.S. contractors have died. Really terrible things happen in war, like a soldier shooting and killing a journalist because he mistook a camera for a rocket-propelled grenade. What is unfortunate to me is that our military was unwilling to admit to you, me and the families of the fallen how they died. Let’s remember these 12 men the next time we think about starting a war.
MIKE LAHAYE -regular columnist -economics major
S
uppose you buy a new house that turns out to be plagued by toxic mold. The home-builder refuses to make repairs. You want to sue, but you learn that the fine print of your purchase contract requires you to arbitrate your dispute. It also requires you to cough up an enormous fee — let’s say $50,000 — before going to arbitration. And, worst of all, it turns out that the arbitrator works for the local association of home-builders. He gets paid by the home-builders and he relies on their repeat business. The deck is stacked against you. Outrageous, right? Under current law, consumers and workers can go to court and ask a judge to find the arbitration agreement “unconscionable” and therefore unenforceable. But depending how the U.S. Supreme Court rules in Rent-ACenter v. Jackson, which it hears April 26, consumers and workers might not have that option much longer. Instead, guess who would rule on whether the arbitration clause was too outrageous to enforce? The company’s arbitrator. That’s right. The question presented to the Supreme Court in Rent-A-Center is, essentially: Can a corporation’s handpicked arbitrator decide whether it is fair for the company to hand-pick its arbitrator? A conflict of interest? You bet. And given that research shows arbitration overwhelmingly favors the company over the consumer, this tightening of the rules would give Corporate America yet another advantage over consumers, employees, franchisees and others who sign arbitration clauses, often without even realizing it. Citizens
would have no other place to turn. Now, in Rent-A-Center, the court could again stack the deck in the battle between average citizens and powerful corporations. The court is expected to issue a decision by the end of June. Twenty-three prominent professional arbitrators and arbitration scholars, including arbitrators for Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association, agree that arbitrators shouldn’t decide whether the arbitration process itself is fair. Instead, they say, courts must step in to prevent abuses. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Antonio Jackson, of Sparks, Nev., who was hired in 2003 as an account manager for Rent-A-Center, a rent-to-own company that provides furniture, electronics, appliances and computers. At the same time, Jackson was given an arbitration agreement and was told that he had to sign it as a condition of his employment. Jackson, who is black, sought a promotion several times but was denied it, he said in a 2007 lawsuit alleging race discrimination and retaliation. RentA-Center asked the court to dismiss the claim because Jackson had signed an arbitration agreement, saying that any dispute would be resolved by an arbitrator, not a court. The arbitration agreement Jackson signed also said that an arbitrator will have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute about the agreement itself, including any claim that the agreement is unfair. Jackson argued that the arbitration agreement was unconscionable because, among other things, it was one-sided in favor of his employ-
er and it was presented to him as a non-negotiable condition of his employment. Rent-A-Center argued that whether the arbitration clause was enforceable should be decided by an arbitrator, not a court. The district court granted Rent-ACenter’s request to send the matter to arbitration. Jackson appealed, and in a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed and said that Jackson should be able to have his day in court. Mandatory arbitration is one of the many ways Corporate America stacks the deck against consumers, employees and others. Most people don’t know it, but when they take a job, buy a cell phone, or start a small business franchise, they give up their right to sue, because buried in the fine print is an arbitration clause — an “agreement” to send all disputes to mandatory binding arbitration. At least we have been able to seek recourse in the courts when an arbitration clause is unfair or illegal. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to free corporations to create their own kangaroo court system, outside the scrutiny of the public courts. That would leave people who have been wronged by corporations without any recourse at all. If the court decides that it’s all right for the only judges of arbitration’s fairness to be the arbitrators themselves, then all American workers and consumers — not just Antonio Jackson — will be harmed.
ROBERT WEISSMAN -mcclatchy newspapers
we’re YOUR newspaper. send a letter to the editor and express your views.
send an e-mail to opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com with your letter or guest column attached.
Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Sara Mitchell Managing Editors: Peter Velz, Bethany Buchanan Production Manager: Thandiwe Ogbonna Public Editor: Justin Graves News Editors: Zach Crizer, Philipp Kotlaba News Reporters: Liana Bayne, Gordon Block News Staff Writers: Hope Miles, Katie Robidoux, Allison Sanders, Claire Sanderson, Priya Saxena Features Editor: Topher Forhecz Features Reporters: Ryan Arnold, Liz Norment Opinions Editor: Debra Houchins Sports Editors: Joe Crandley, Alex Jackson Sports Reporters: Thomas Emerick, Ed Lupien, Ray Nimmo, Garrett Ripa, Melanie Wadden Sports Staff Writers: Garrett Busic, Hattie Francis Copy Editors: Taylor Chakurda, Erin Corbey, Kelsey Heiter, Dishu Maheshwari Layout Designers: Kelly Harrigan, Josh Son, Sara Spangler Illustrators: Mina Noorbakhsh, Jamie Martyn Multimedia Editor: James Carty Online Director: Jamie Chung Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: David Harries College Media Solutions Asst Ad Director: Kendall Kapetanakis Account Executives: Nik Bando, Brandon Collins, David Goerge, Wade Stephenson, Kelly Burleson Inside Sales Manager: Judi Glass Assistant Inside Sales Manager: Diane Revalski Assistant Account Executives: Maddie Abram, Katie Berkel, Kaelynn Kurtz Rachel Lombardo, Erin Shuba Creative Director: Sarah Ford Asst Production Manager: Chloe Skibba Creative Services Staff: Kara Noble, Jennifer Le, Laiken Jacobs Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Luke Mason Lab Manager: Mark Umansky Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. By submitting a letter, you hereby agree to not engage in online discussion through comments on the Collegiate Times Web site. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is comprised of the opinions editor, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. 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. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com Student Media Phone Numbers Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions 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. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, e-mail spps@vt.edu. The Collegiate Times is located in 365 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, VA, 24061. (540) 231-9865. Fax (540) 2319151. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $110 academic year. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2010. 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.
april 13, 2010
page 6
Policies:
Place An Ad Today
CLASSIFIEDS WWW.COLLEGIATETIMES.COM 540.961.9860
Visit our business office at 618 N. Main St. 9am–5pm 9am 5pm Monday–Friday Monday Friday,, or place an ad online at collegiatetimes.com.
Deadline: Three business days prior to publication by 3PM.
Rates: Rates as low as 32¢ per word, contingent on the number of days to run. Prepaid. 15 word minimum. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
FREE CLASSIFIEDS FOR VT STUDENTS! students must come to 618 N Main ST to place the ad Sub-Lease Travel Rides Campus
Childcare Tickets for Sale Tickets Wanted Volunteers
Textbooks for Sale Textbooks Wanted Lost & Found Help Wanted
For Sale Events Health & Fitness Automotive
Notices Wanted Musical Roommates
Greek Notes For Rent Personals Furniture for Sale
Legal
Travel
Automotive
For Rent
LEGAL TROUBLES
GETTING COLD TIME to Plan your Spring Break 2010 Get Away! Learn how to travel to beautiful locations like Jamaica, Acapulco and the Bahamas on a party cruise. Find out what other Virginia Tech Hokies are headed to your destination. -Adrian Email: Awhite@Studentcity.com for more information
2006 DODGE RAM 2500 Laramie 5.9 Cummins Diesel, Crew cab, Leather, Heated Seats, low miles, Asking $4800, contact: tnu76er@msn.com/ 757-2570297.
NAGS HEAD 4 month Student Summer Rentals May to August, $450/ mo/ person, seabreezerealty.com 252.255.6328 252.255.6328
Free Consultation with attorney. Assault, Traffic, Alcohol and Drug Charges, VT Student Conduct Review. Joel S. Jackson, PC. 9615297, joeljacksonpc.com.
EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL CHARGE Have you had an alcohol charge dismissed because of compliance with VASAP? Your record may still show a criminal charge. Contact Attorney Joel Jackson for free consultation. Joel S. Jackson PC. 540-961-5297. joeljacksonpc.com
Sub-Lease STUDENT ROOM FOR SUMMER Student Room For Summer- 1 bedroom available in 4 bedroom with 2 baths apartment in Hunter’s Ridge on Patrick Henry. Right behind Food Lion on time check for bus route. Lots of parking, and the kitchen and common room fully furnished. Only $265-without utilities, lease starting end of exams in May till July 9, 2010. Call 757848-3895. VT STUDENTS-ROOM FOR RENT 1 bdrm available in a 3 bdrm condo off S. Main St., Blacksburg. On bus route. Good parking.2 full baths. Common area complete w/ furnishings, kitchen fully equipped, only bedroom furniture needed. $400/ mo including cable, ethernet, electric and water. 703-915-2315
For Sale 6+ ACRES FOR Sale in Catawba Area Beautiful wooded lot with road frontage. 20 minutes from Blacksburg and 30 minutes from Roanoke/Salem. $73,000, real estate agent owned. For more information: 540562-1142 www.gravelhillroad.webs.com USED XBOX 360 FOR SALE. In great condition. Includes Xbox 360 core console, memory card, and wireless controller. Asking price is $175. Can include NCAA Football 10, NBA 2K10, and/ or Head Coach 09 at additional negotiated price. Call (540)808-6921 or email cobrtn@vt.edu if interested.
Events PARALEGAL SUMMER INTENSIVE at Duke. Begins 5/24. Free info session 5/6. learnmore.duke.edu/ paralegal. 919.684.3379
Health & Fitness GET PAID 2 GET FIT free info @ 877-495-5544
Notices *****BARTENDING***** MAKE UP TO $300/ DAY. No Experience Necessary. Training Available. 1-800-965-6520 EXT210
Roommates MASTER BEDROOM WITH OWN BATH $400/month. June 1 2010- May 31 2011. Female roommate wanted. Furniture available. Has washer/dryer, fireplace, garbage disposal. Split electric and cable bill with roommates. For pics, other questions, and to take a look email Joss at vtredskins1421@yahoo.com ROOMATE NEEDED 3rd Floor 2BR Condo. Close to VT on BT. 1 Roommate needed. $470/ mo includes utilities, cable, internet. Inquire at 804-337-2291 or djohn89@vt.edu
Help Wanted NOVA SUMMER EMPLOYMENT! Excellent Opportunity for School Teachers and College Students!!! OVER $1700.00 in a 2 Weeks!! Locations available throughout Northern Virginia. Must be 18 years old and willing to work long hours everyday from June 17- July 7. for more info and online application go to www.tristatefireworks.com.
THE SHIRES, 10 min. from VT, beautiful 2&3 BR Townhouses, Furnished, Util INC, QUIET LOCATION, each BR w/private bath. Available for rent by week or month. 540-553-1700.
Personals ADOPTION Pediatrician and hubby in northern Virginia wish to adopt newborn. Approved by licensed child-placing agency. Med/legal expenses. Loving home! Contact us toll free 1-866581-5494 www. EdandMargaretB. freehomepage.com
Prices Fork Living TECH VILLAGE CENTER Only 3 apts left. 4BR $1360. 3BR $1080. 2BR $770. 210 Prices Fork Rd. across street from campus. Ethernet incl. Email ksoddo@aol.com 540.552.0582
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
features 7
editor: topher forhecz featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com / 540.231.9865
april 13, 2010
COLLEGIATETIMES
Mud Bass Tournament attracts young and old anglers
COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
The Virginia Tech Chapter of the American Fisheries Society will be hosting a tournament this Saturday.
COMPETITION OFFERS PRIZES FOR CATCHES AND INSTRUCTION FOR EAGER, INEXPERIENCED FISHERS LINDSEY BROOKBANK features staff writer With advancing age, it’s easier to forget how big the small things used to be. Every year, Virginia Tech’s Chapter of the American Fisheries Society hosts its local Mud Bass Tournament, and for many of its younger participants, it will be their first time ever reeling in a catch. “I remember a little girl catching this really tiny fish that I wouldn’t have thought was very exciting, but to her it was amazing,” said Jason Emmel, a junior fisheries science major and VTAFS member. “It was pretty cool to see her.” Eric Hallerman, fisheries and wildlife sciences department head and VTAFS member, also had a similar experience eight to 10 years ago when his son caught his first fish. The VTAFS and the department of fisheries and wildlife sciences is sponsoring the tournament, which will take place on Saturday, April 17 at Tech’s Duck Pond from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Based on previous years, Emmel expects approximately 250 people to attend the event. The majority of participants will most likely be children accompanied by their parents, so the AFS pays special attention to the children’s interests. The tournament is organized by species. Participants will win prizes
based on what species of fish they catch. Because this is a “mud bass” tournament — mud bass is another name for a carp fish — most of the prizes are placed in the carp species category. Hence, participants can win first, second, or third place for largest carp caught. They can also win most carps caught.
[
check it out
What: Mud Bass Tournament Where: Duck Pond When: Saturday, April 17 Time: 9 a.m. to noon
]
For all other species of fish, adults can win only largest species of fish caught. Children can win both largest and smallest species of fish caught. “Even if a kid catches a tiny fish, then they can still be proud of it,” Emmel said, “and they can actually win a prize for it.” Winners will be given prizes that they can use in the future to go fishing like tackle boxes and fishing rods. Jane Argentina, a graduate student who is receiving her doctorate in fisheries and wildlife sciences and AFS president, explained that the tournament is not only a competition but also an outreach event to teach the community about fishing. The tournament seeks to instruct beginner anglers on proper fishing
techniques. AFS members will share knowledge about fisheries management, conservation and stewardship of aquatic resources. “It’s engagement and education,” Hallerman said. Although most participants in previous years have brought their own fishing gear, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will be providing approximately 20 fishing rods and reels for those who do not own or bring the proper equipment. “Sometimes people show up with the wrong stuff,” Emmel explained. “They have like thick salt-water rods, and they have a lot of trouble catching the smaller fish. What we try to do is bring some smaller hooks and bobbers and try to set them up with the right thing, so that it is easier for them to catch the fish.” If children become bored with fishing, there will be other activities such as face painting and games. Feed tanks will be filled with fish, so children can observe the species of fish they are catching. Children will also have the opportunity to learn the importance of conservation. Free food and drinks will be served at the event. The donating vendors have not yet been confirmed, but Emmel plans on providing soda, baked goods, sandwiches and pizza. There is no pre-registration or cost for the event, but participants must sign in when they arrive. Hallerman encourages those interested in fishing and the outdoors to get out under the blue sky — although the
COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
event will take place rain or shine — to enjoy fisheries resources. Emmel agrees and believes that the tournament has something to offer for all ages. “I hope mostly that kids who haven’t been exposed to fishing will come away with a new appreciation for fishing or at least want to try it again,” Emmel explained. “I think parents will also get a lot out of it by bringing their kids, teaching them how to fish and enjoying catching new fish.”
COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
april 13, 2010
page 8
The
Weekendin a flash AUSTEN MEREDITH/SPPS
Lights shine over the Drillfield on Friday evening as people participated in Relay for Life activities, which raised money for cancer research.
LUKE MASON/SPPS
A dancer entertains at the International Street Fair last Friday.
MARK UMANSKY/SPPS
A corps of cadets rifle team performs a 21-gun salute for fallen alumni Capt. David Seth Mitchell, U.S. Marine Corps, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in October 2009.
LUKE MASON/SPPS
Locals and students came to the Saturday opening of the farmers market, where such items as flowers and a variety of foods were sold.