Hokies, Eagles renew regular rivalry 2007
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The Eagles get the better of the Hokies in Chestnut Hill after scoring three touchdowns in a monster second quarter.
Tech once again loses the regular season matchup only to beat BC with a BCS berth on the line. Tyrod Taylor runs for two TDs.
BC quarterback Matt Ryan throws two touchdown passes in the final 2:11 to down the Hokies in heartbreaking fashion.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Virginia Tech gets its revenge in the ACC Championship Game, punching a ticket to the Orange Bowl.
Last season’s game featured an offensive exhibition from the Hokies as six different Hokies found the endzone.
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Ring tradition Two score and three years later inspires class gift
PAUL KURLAK / SPPS
James “Bud” Robertson has taught for 43 years at Virginia Tech and contributed to more than 20 books on the Civil War. JONATHAN ROBERTS / SPPS
Virginia Tech President Charles Steger and class of 2011 President Nathan Lavinka reveal the class gift in Squires Student Center.
BRONZE CASTING, UNVEILED THURSDAY, BRINGS TOGETHER 1911 AND 2011 CLASS RINGS MICHELLE SUTHERLAND news staff writer Virginia Tech’s class of 2011 unveiled its class gift Thursday — a four-foot tall bronze casting of the first and 2011 version of the university’s class ring weighing more than 400 pounds. The gift commemorates 100 years of ring tradition at Tech. The bronze casting is mounted on Hokie Stone and rests upon a wooden pedestal. The casting was placed on the second floor of Squires Student Center. Tom Tillar, Tech’s vice president of alumni relations, called the spot “strategic” because of its visibility from the first and third floors. Speakers at Thursday’s unveiling said it was the first time a class gift had been donated before the class graduated. It is the first ring statue to be donated to Tech and the second ever made in the country.
“It’s impressive,” said Nathan Lavinka, class of 2011 president. Lavinka said it was unveiled now to “coincide with tradition.” Sam Jordan, a representative from class ring maker Balfour, said the idea of a ring statue as a class gift had been “kicked around” for about nine years. While other classes in the past had proposed it, the timing with the 100th anniversary of ring tradition moved the decision along. The plan was officially set into motion two years ago and it took an entire year to create the bronze and wax casting, made by Steve Bickley, a professor of sculpture studio arts. Tech President Charles Steger said the ring tradition “links 200,000 alumni” to the university. Funding for the sculpture came from ring sales, earlier fundraisers and a contribution from Balfour. “It really is a unifying symbol for the Hokie Nation — past, present and future,” Jordan said.
CIVIL WAR PROFESSOR AND AUTHOR JAMES ROBERTSON TO LEAVE WITH LEGACY APPARENT IN MANY AREAS OF CAMPUS MATTHEW BORYSEWICZ features reporter James “Bud” Robertson is living history at Virginia Tech. “If we don’t know where we’ve been, there’s no way to predict where we’re going,” Robertson said. Robertson has been at Tech for 43 years. He has been a preeminent Civil War scholar, teacher and lecturer. He has also been on the gridiron — as a referee. He has been on the set, as a technical director for Hollywood films. He has been on campus, a staple of Tech during both triumphant and trying times. Robertson, the university’s oldest faculty member, plans to retire at the end of the current academic year. Robertson will be finishing his career teaching his acclaimed Civil War history class, a long-time favorite of Tech students. Living in a society that is always looking to the future and is constantly obsessed with the “newest thing,” Robertson continues to teach about the Civil War because he feels it is very relevant in this day and age. “The most rewarding part of teaching is putting into the mind of students an appreciation of history,” he said.
His reputation as a lecturer stretches across departmental boundaries and attracts many non-history majors as well, such as junior aerospace engineering major Katie Hall. “I’m interested in Civil War history, and I’ve heard that professor Robertson is a nationally known historian and orator, so I thought it would be a perfect fit,” Hall said. The Civil War established the supremacy of the federal government over state governments. If it weren’t for the Civil War, slavery wouldn’t have been abolished. But the Civil War also established other cultural icons, including standard time, pre-sized clothing, canned goods and even Santa Claus. Robertson was raised in the first capital of the Confederacy, Danville, Va., and has always been fascinated by the Civil War. “I grew up listening to stories of my grandfather and what he did during the war,” he said. “It’s all around you. You can’t escape it around here (in Virginia).” After graduating in 1955, with a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College, Robertson went on to complete his master’s and doctoral degrees at Emory University. His fascination with the most fragile chapter of American history has led to more than 20 books bearing his name as either author or editor.
He spent more than eight years authoring his favorite book, “Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, The Legend.” Robertson’s expertise isn’t strictly reserved for books. He served as the chief historical consultant for the 2003 film “Gods and Generals,” prequel to the 1993 hit “Gettysburg.” To this day he remains friends with actor Robert Duvall, who gained fame playing roles in “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now.” But this professor’s past has more to it than history. He served as an Atlantic Coast Conference football referee for 16 years. Robertson’s love of sports also led him to become Tech’s faculty chairman of athletics and then president of the Tech athletic association from 1979 to 1991. As faculty chairman of athletics, Robertson sat on the board that decided to hire football coach Frank Beamer. Robertson was honorably inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Robertson, as an alumni distinguished professor, has also served as an ambassador for Tech, speaking at conferences for alumni chapters and historical groups nationwide. Now, 20 years past the age when many Americans retire, Robertson is beginning to settle down. “I used to enjoy traveling,” he said. “I despise airplanes. If I can get somewhere by train, I’ll go speak there.” see RETIRE/ page two
BT unveils ‘go green’ hybrid bus wrap SARAH WATSON news reporter Blacksburg Transit took over the plaza neighboring Squires Student Center Thursday to unveil a new wrap for its line of hybrid buses. The wrap, released as a part of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg’s
Sustainability Week, featured a “go green” theme designed to act as an inspiration for designs on other hybrid electric vehicles. “We’re progressing so much faster than I ever thought was possible,” said Bill Claus, president of Sustainable Blacksburg. The nonprofit organization worked with Tech and the BT to make hybrid
electric buses in Blacksburg possible. “I’m very proud of this community,” Claus said. Claus and his staff formulated the concept that hybrid electric vehicles burning biodiesel would be ideal in meeting the goal of the organization. The BT turned this idea into a reality. “The Blacksburg Transit and Virginia Tech are both doing their part
to reduce the carbon footprint,” said Ron Rordam, Blacksburg’s mayor. The buses were purchased over the summer to reduce both costs and carbon emissions. The BT purchased seven 40-foot hybrid electric buses that will hold about 80 passengers each. They also purchased two additional 60-foot articulated buses than can hold up to 120 passengers each.
All of the hybrid electric buses contain batteries that line the top of the vehicle, along with a diesel system that kicks in at high speeds. This will also lower operations and maintenance costs in the future, according to Rordam. “Not only are we doing the right thing, but we’re saving money,” Rordam said.
Steve Mouras, Tech’s director of transportation, supported Tech’s relationship with the BT, noting Tech students, faculty and staff make up 97 percent of the BT’s ridership. Also, Mouras said Tech invested $16 million into this specific project. “These hybrid buses are an example of the next step forward,” Mouras said.
JONATHAN ROBERTS / SPPS
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university editor: philipp kotlaba, liana bayne, gordon block newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
september 24, 2010
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virginia headlines
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Madison County sex offender caught Authorities captured a fugitive sex offender from Madison County Sept. 9 in West Virginia, Virginia State Police announced last week. John J. Messick, 55, of Aroda, was arrested two years after being listed as failing to re-register as a sex offender, Virginia State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. F.L. Tyler said. Messick was convicted as a violent sex offender in Orange County in 1998 for four counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor, according to information available through the Virginia sex offender registry. Tyler said some recent charges stem from September 2008, when Messick was arrested by VSP Master Trooper J.P Bosserman for failing to re-register as a sex offender after he moved to Aroda from Orange County. While free on bond on those charges, Tyler said, Messick did not appear in court and apparently fled the state. Last week, Tyler said Chief Jim Ball of the Burnsville, W.Va. Police Department received information that Messick was in the area. Messick reportedly gave a fictitious name when initially questioned and Ball and two U.S. marshals arrested Messick. Tyler was unable to say why marshals were involved in the arrest. Messick was self-employed as a handyman while in Virginia and apparently worked similar jobs in West Virginia, Tyler said. -staff report, mcclatchy newspapers
CORRECTIONS JUSTIN GRAVES -Contact our public editor at publiceditor@ collegiatetimes.com if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
COLLEGIATETIMES
Retire: Tech alumnus’ streak on Bud will ‘Jeopardy!’ stopped short stay busy GORDON BLOCK associate news editor
from page one
However, he is not done creating his own history. “I’m getting married over Thanksgiving break, when no one’s here,” he said. “You’re never too old to get married.” The many hats Robertson has worn will continue to occupy him. “I have no free time. I’m always working,” he said. “I have plenty to keep me busy after retirement.” After ending his teaching career, Robertson will take time to finish his latest book, “The Untold War.” It is a collection of information that most people don’t know about the Civil War, collected from his 150 radio broadcasts transmitted twice over the past 14 years. It is slated for publication in October 2011. Robertson said his most memorable teaching moment took place the day classes resumed after the April 16, 2007, campus shootings when 32 Hokies were killed. Although students were given an option to finish the year early and leave campus, 90 percent of his class stayed. “Usually at the start of class the students are chatting, but everyone was absolutely silent,” Robertson said. “I knew I had to find something to say.” One of Robertson’s most lasting contributions to the Tech campus resides in the Special Collections section of Newman Library. Thanks in part to his dedicated work, Tech has the second largest collection of Civil War books, diaries and letters. Most people find these things lying in attics or basements where heat and mold can destroy them – even the acids that rub off of fingers can damage brittle pages. “They have to be preserved,” Robertson said. “Even if they won’t let us have them, we ask that they at least let us make a copy of them.” People often approach Robertson at events to hand off precious manuscripts, but sometimes he works a little harder to bring another piece of history home to Tech. “The largest collection of letters found in Southwest Virginia was bound for the University of Virginia,” he said, “until I convinced them to send them here.”
A Virginia Tech alumnus’s run on Jeopardy came to an end Tuesday, finishing with the thirdhighest cash winnings in show history. Roger Craig, a Delaware native who graduated from Tech with a biological sciences degree in 1999, saw his run end after incorrectly guessing in the Final Jeopardy round. Craig, 33, ended his sevenday run with winnings of $231,200. He is currently working toward his doctorate at the University of Delaware, where he received his master’s degree.
COURTESY OF “JEOPARDY!”
Craig, right, ended his “Jeopardy!” run with a total of $231,200. Craig turned heads after setting the one-day record for the show, tallying $77,000 on the Sept. 14 show, breaking the record of $75,000 previously set by Ken
Jennings. In a statement from the show, Craig said he will use his winnings to pay off school loans, buy a new car, travel and donate to charity.
New Jersey state schools stress civility for students PATRICIA ALEX mcclatchy newspapers Next up from the state most recently associated with Snooki and table-flipping housewives: civility. Rutgers, New Jersey’s state university, is launching a two-year, campus-wide initiative called Project Civility, designed to make “a strong case for good manners, politeness and civility in contemporary society,” the school announced this week. The project is designed to go beyond the superficialities of good manners, however, and promote more thoughtful and caring interactions _ particularly at a campus that is among the most culturally diverse in the nation, school officials said. “These questions about what counts as civil in different cultures are important,” said Kathleen Hull, director of the university’s first-year
seminar program. “It’s needed because Rutgers University, like every other university, is just a microcosm of the culture,” she said, citing the uptick in such uncivil behavior as road rage and bullying. Even the way people generally talk to one another needs closer examination, Hull said. The so-called civility movement has gained momentum on campuses during the last decade and many, including most in New Jersey, have included statements on civility in student handbooks. Those statements generally express schools’ inclusiveness and tolerance for other viewpoints. The Rutgers project will encourage small acts of kindness to encourage positive changes in the overall campus atmosphere, reduce hostility and foster communication, the school said. Project Civility events scheduled for this academic year
include “fireside chats;” a debate, and panel discussions on bullying, hazing, stalking and sportsmanship. The impact of technology on civil behavior also will be explored. P.M. Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins, author and noted advocate of civil behavior, will be featured at two public events to inaugurate the project. The kickoff event, a public lecture, is at 8 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Rutgers Student Center, 126 College Ave. The following day, Forni will moderate a panel discussion, “What Does Civility Do for Us? Respect, Restraint and Responsibility in Public and Political Life.” The event will take place at the Rutgers Student Center at 3 p.m. Both events are free. Forni is the author of “Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct” (2002) and “The Civility Solution: What to Do When People Are Rude” (2008).
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Obama lobbies for Middle East peace UNITED NATIONS — Raising the stakes in his highrisk drive to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians, President Barack Obama called Thursday on Israel to extend its moratorium on building new Jewish settlements in the West Bank, told Palestinians they should keep negotiating regardless and urged Arab nations to provide more help. Obama used his annual address to the U.N. General Assembly to push peace talks that many inside and outside the hall think are doomed to failure. Israel’s freeze on settlement construction expires Sunday, and Palestinians have said they’ll bolt the talks if building resumes. “Israel’s settlement moratorium has made a difference on the ground and improved the atmosphere for talks. Our position on this issue is well-known. We believe that the moratorium should be extended,” the president told assembled world leaders. However, he quickly added: “We also believe that talks should press on until completed. Now is the time for the parties to help each other overcome this obstacle.” Along with his message to Israelis and Palestinians, Obama had one for Arab leaders, who have been encouraging moderate leaders in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere to help counter a rising tide of Islamic radicalism. Obama got his only round of applause when he declared that, with perseverance, “When we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that will lead to a new member of the United Nations: an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace with Israel.” -warren p. strobel, mcclatchy newspapers
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editors: scott masselli, gabi seltzer opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
september 24, 2010
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
In praise of complexity who know me understand I am fairly politically-oriented. TOnehose of the things I believe plagues our politics, however, is the inability to see the human on the other side of the politics. Some of the kindest people I know have vastly different political persuasions than myself. So, as a small exercise in empathy, I will devote my first two columns in the Collegiate Times to issues that do not directly involve left or right political distinctions. In this way I hope readers come to see me as more than a megaphone for an ideology. One of the aspects of the contemporary age that troubles me most is the success of those with a disdain for complexity. The world is globalizing and is no longer dominated by any single force, culture or nation, and yet we continue to be preached the doctrine of ideological purity. People can see this anywhere they look. In the media, the ascent of Keith Olbermann and Glenn Beck on MSNBC and Fox News as opposing spokesmen for their dogmas can be seen as emblematic of this. They shout past each other into homes across America, never engaging those with opposing views in open discussion. They do not deserve our time, and the fact that they often direct political discourse is alarming. We should vote with our TV time and choose not to watch those unable or unwilling to consider multiple points of view. In education, we are taught to specialize early and never look back. There are, of course, exceptions to this. The Virginia Tech Curriculum for Liberal Education is a good start. Though it peeves some of my friends pursuing a degree in engineering, just as many have found a new interest or passion through the curriculum. Nevertheless, we are often encouraged to focus on only one area of our studies. This robs us of the full richness of our humanity, which should be explored with enthusiasm and curiosity. As Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” I believe the privilege of attending college demands a journey, at least of the mind if not
the body, in order to shake free of the shackles of our lethargic beliefs. An attitude that values complexity, that does the work — and it can certainly be work — to consider and reflect upon a variety of perspectives, seems bound to succeed in a multi-faceted world. And yet, this does not seem to be happening. In a world of astonishing complexity we seem to crave single-minded fervor and ideological piety. We are still slaves to confirmation bias, the tendency of humans to favor information that supports their beliefs and disregard that which does not. We should demand not ideological purity, but ideological flexibility from those in charge. We should have more Republicans who favor gay marriage and more Democrats open to altering the tax system. Pure ideologies inevitably fail. Those which are more malleable, not simple, persist. Perhaps one of the most personally vexing examples of the simplifying tendency is the trend in art toward division by genre. Whenever I am asked what kind of books, movies or music I like, what I am really being asked is to pigeonhole myself into a particular genre for the person asking the question. But that just isn’t how my brain works. I like good movies and I really don’t care whether they are called westerns, musicals, comedies or dramas. I like good music, and I don’t care whether it’s by The Notorious B.I.G. or Nirvana. The same should be true of all facets of our lives. We should not limit ourselves, whether it be through stereotypes, courses of study, genres or ideologies that only attempt to simplify our complex world. Life is full of ambiguities. This is not to say one should not develop opinions and convictions. On the contrary, we should learn as much as we can about issues and develop opinions sturdy enough to withstand debate. But we should listen and be flexible, considering the contradictions of humanity -- of which there are many. As the author William T. Vollmann notes, even Hitler was kind to his secretaries.
MICHAEL ROWAND -regular columnist
An urban American dream uch like owning a car is an essential display of adolescent M independence, owning a house is an essential display of achievement for young working Americans. Yet with foreclosures and unemployment always in the news, this expectation is beginning to seem outdated. All hope of a desirable lifestyle is not lost though. Urban living offers many social, environmental and monetary benefits unavailable in the suburbs. This trend is becoming more and more popular in the young working class, with 10 percent of the newly employed working in the city. For those who are initially skeptical, I’ll tell you it’s hard to beat a good nightlife and financial flexibility, all while living green. As a person of age, it is very important to live near an active nightlife scene (everyone wishes they lived closer to downtown). Many cities now have areas designated for young professionals to eat, drink and party. Catering specifically to new working class twenty-somethings, these whole streets or neighborhoods are unrivaled in other parts of the country. There is a common stigma that you can get lost in the mass of people in a city. Beyond the nightlife, the city offers a very interactive setting to meet a lot of people. Most cities have personal and unique pocket neighborhoods. These are places with their own character and style. Whether you are artsy, professional, and so on, you can find cafes or parks or restaurants that suit you. Becoming familiar with these identifiable areas makes it easy to feel at home, even in a large city. In your typical suburban subdivision, there are not many chances to meet people. You may know a handful neighbors, and that is it. I find the urban environment friendlier, with real personal interaction and relationships. It’s more spontaneous and tactile than the sterile and isolated suburban sprawl lifestyle. The city, with attractive social settings, also brings higher expenses. No, unfortunately it is not a criminal offense to charge $7 for a domestic beer. Groceries, gas, tobacco and alcohol will cost more, but you are also saving every day as well. Living closer to the workplace cuts gas costs. Public transportation can cut even more. Buying local food can be cheaper and also healthier. So can not smoking expensive cigarettes. When it comes to alcohol, there are still the happy hour and daily specials. And here’s the financial kicker, there’s no mortgage payment. You
pay rent every month and if a better job opportunity pops up elsewhere in the country, you are not tied down to an expensive mortgage. Being financially flexible is becoming a necessity for new workers because they will be the first ones laid off. And who wants to be stuck in one place anymore? Having the option to move to the job openings allows for mobility in these uncertain financial times. You don’t have to worry about confusing interest rates or refinancing a home. All your money is in your hand, and you can take it with you wherever you want. The employment model of holding one job for a whole lifetime has been outgrown. The name of the game for young professionals is flexibility and mobility. Another new trend cities promote is living green, a trend I say is necessary. Your carbon footprint is reduced merely by living in a city. Why? The answer is simply density. It is more efficient to transport all the necessary resources for 100 families to one building than to a sprawling subdivision. Furthermore, if you consider the gas saved because stores and schools are closer, it becomes quite clear how much energy is saved every day. It won’t even inconvenience you to use less energy in a city. There are no solar panels you have to install or hybrids you have to buy. You can still have the big screen TV and take long showers. Density increases efficiency by reducing the distances resources must travel and decreasing the amount of energy we use to travel. The list of environmental advantages goes on with public transportation and green technologies. The urban lifestyle is “greener” simply by default. Where you live will always correlate with how you want to live. Living in a city offers many advantages over the suburban lifestyle. By designing neighborhoods and businesses for young adults and by curbing crime and poverty, urban centers are becoming a more and more attractive option of living. An urban way of life can be more engaging and enriching than past generations have assumed. When thinking about your future home, know the acre lot-suburban house of the “American dream” is not the only option. A city lifestyle can more be socially enriching, more financially viable and environmentally friendly.
MATTHEW ENGLISH -regular columnist -senior -architecture major
MCT CAMPUS
Actively care on our campus he April 16, 2007, shootings at Virginia Tech inflicted immense T pain on the Hokie nation. Devastated by the loss of 32 Hokies, the Virginia Tech student body fought to prevail. How can a student body recover and ultimately move forward from such an unthinkable catastrophe? Several students from Virginia Tech sought to find the answer. Seung-Hui Cho, the shooter, was bullied throughout his life. By working with Virginia Tech’s Alumni Distinguished psychology professor Scott Geller and conducting extensive research on bullying-prevention, these leaders stumbled upon a movement that has the potential to enhance the world: Actively Caring for People. Actively Caring for People strives to inspire individuals to perform intentional acts of kindness for others on a daily basis. Committing an act of kindness is contagious and all individuals are capable of making a difference by promoting an actively caring culture. Creating an actively caring culture in an educational environment, beginning in elementary school, can help prevent individuals like Cho from evolving into bullies and performing detrimental acts. Rather, establishing a caring culture among children, teens and adults can result in a permanent change of the social norm to one where caring for others is the “cool” thing to do. Based on a pay-it-forward philosophy, Actively Caring for People represents a movement that will hone in on the essential components of compassion, belonging, empathy and courage to build a concrete foundation for children to follow as they mature. In the first year, the Actively Caring for People program was successfully launched in two Northern Virginia elementary schools, and an upstate New York middle school. Dozens of colleges and elementary schools will be implementing the program for the 2010-11 school year. The program uses green bracelets embroidered with “Actively Caring for People” to serve as a tangible reward for the students who perform an act of kindness. Students are then encouraged to write down their story and seek to continue committing good deeds
in the classroom and during routine activities. The social recognition of wearing the green wristband motivates students to continue helping others and will ultimately create a do-good environment. This positive atmosphere will not vanish upon the completion of grade school. Instead, this permanent mindset will remain with students throughout life. Geller has been working to promote an actively caring culture in the field of safety for decades. He has concluded that increasing an individual’s self esteem, personal control and optimism can lead to the courage to make a difference. Every act of kindness can have a monumental effect on another person’s life. Instilling the actively caring culture in children will enhance their transition to adulthood as they embrace the do-good philosophy. Equipped with this positive mindset, an actively caring revolution will emerge. At Tech, the movement is evident when walking around campus. In the last two years, the actively caring team has distributed more than 5,000 wristbands to the student body and more than 5,000 nationally. Each wristband is accompanied by a heart-warming story from an intentional act of kindness. Frank Shushok, Tech’s associate vice president for student affairs, expresses his gratification to the Actively Caring for People program in his article, “When Good People Happen to Bad Things.” He reveals the actively caring students have discovered the real meaning of civility, and he encourages other students to visit ActivelyCaringforPeople. org to read inspiring stories about people helping people. The results are astounding. Actively Caring for People has inspired me to become a better person. After getting to know the Actively Caring for People team leaders, I find myself constantly looking for ways to help others. In January 2010, I began distributing wristbands to my peers at Tech. Each time I witness an intentional act of kindness, I slide my green bracelet off my wrist and tell my peer to pay it forward. From holding the door for a stranger, to returning a lost Hokie Passport, to jumpstarting a peer’s car, the potential
ways to perform an act of kindness are infinite and addicting. The sensation of receiving a smile as a reward for a good deed keeps me continually searching for ways to give back. The Student Government Association and Center for Applied Behavior Systems have been promoting this Actively Caring for People movement in many ways. Additionally, the “Actively Caring Challenge: Five acts of kindness in seven days” will re-launch in the Fall of 2010. Imagine what the world would be if all 307 million people from the U.S. performed five acts of kindness in seven days. The stories would be inspiring, people would be significantly effected, and the world would be one step closer to achieving an “actively caring culture.” Good can be construed and created from any situation — even the tragedy at Tech on April 16, 2007. The Actively Caring for People team witnessed its peers suffering as they attempted to recover following the shootings. They built the Actively Caring for People model to prevent future acts of violence. The Actively Caring for People movement starts with children, as it guides them through their journey to becoming an adult, and has the potential to build a foundation for a united caring culture across the world. Caring and compassion are universal concepts that everyone can embrace. Has someone done something nice for you or have you impacted someone else? Join the movement and submit your actively caring stories to activelycaring4people@gmail.com. Every other week, stories about Hokies helping Hokies will be selected for the Actively Caring for People column in the Collegiate Times. When you see students walking around campus sporting the green actively caring wristbands, take a second to inquire about the wristband’s origins. I can assure you, the stories are uplifting and inspiring. Kindness is contagious: You have the power to spread it around campus.
SAMANTHA SOUSSAN -regular columnist
UN should let plans play out ith the United Nations’ W Millennium Development Goal Review Summit assembling this week in New York City, the MDGs have been on my mind. Frequent and beloved discourse material in many international relations courses and for development connoisseurs, these goals have put hefty expectations on the state of the world in attempts to better it immensely by 2015. All 123 member countries of the United Nations, in addition to many international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organization, have agreed to ensure their achievement by 2015. Signed in 2000, the eight goals aim to eradicate extreme poverty, reduce child mortality rates, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS and malaria, promote environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development. As unrealistic and overly optimistic as these may goals seem, they are profound. They have had implications on the world and have caused substantial gains. They are keeping the world’s attention on what is important to work towards — setting wars, prejudices and self-interests aside. It is important for all to realize that achieving the goals betters every single nation, as they all have stakes and investments to gain. Research shows the world’s food supply is so abundant we have enough food to nourish every person in the world to meet their needs, however the distribution of food is so skewed that more than 1 billion people are undernourished. The MDGs require us to overcome these injustices together, as we all share responsibility for the state of the globe and the health of its people. It is undoubtedly true that progress toward reaching the goals has been slow
and largely uneven. According to the United Nations Report of 2008 on the MDGs, substantial progress has been made, but not in all areas. The overall poverty rate is on track to fall 15 percent by 2015, which translates to about 920 million people living under the poverty line — half the number of those in 1990. Child deaths have been cut from 12.5 million in 1990 to 8 million in 2008 as a result of malaria, HIV and measles prevention efforts. On the other hand, according to World Bank data, 50 poor countries have achieved universal primary education, but 38 countries, mostly in Africa, are off track and unlikely to realize the fullenrollment target. Furthermore, the world is definitely not on track to cut hunger in half by 2015, largely because of the setbacks of record food price increases in 2008, which undid much progress achieved during the previous decade. While some would say the goals are unnecessary, and that worries of humanitarian progress should be left entirely to individual nations, I would disagree. It is true that gains can sometimes be achieved through functions of the free market system, such as a decrease in poverty in Asia as a result of increased wealth, consequently leading to better nourishment, education and health. However, this type of change does not always occur automatically and certainly not at the pace that is needed. The goals bring to our consciousness the scale of the problems that exist in our world today and what nations need to do in order to make tangible progress. The UN has developed an elaborate system of measuring progress through various indicators and subcategories within each of the goals, such as the poverty gap ratio, literacy rates and birth rates. Scrutiny as detailed as this is much more beneficial and potentially fruitful
than letting politics and economics run the course, blindly hoping for the best. At this point in time, renewing global efforts to work towards achieving the MDGs is more important than ever. While some believe the 2015 goals have become irrelevant and life post2015 is more important to discuss, five years is still five years to be productive. The potential for five years is evidenced by the fact that between 2003 and 2008, the number of recipients of antiretroviral therapy for HIV increased tenfold from 400,000 to 4 million worldwide. What is needed in the meantime is a re-evaluation of the ways in which the goals are achieved. This would allow for extended progress in the future as plans for post-2015 strategies and goals are updated and developed. Big, bold ideas and goals are a prerequisite for success. Maintaining underwhelming realistic goals restricts us from working farther than our minds can imagine, a feat people in the world accomplish every day. Society has pushed beyond the limits from the days where Thomas Edison harnessed electricity with a kite. Pocket-sized devices now communicate with satellites orbiting the globe. Even if the goals are not reached as planned by 2015, the progress that has been achieved, however uneven, is progress. The foundations of a new world may be upon us, and instead of squashing them by being pessimistic of their shortcomings, it is important to remain persistent.
NOOR KHALIDI -regular columnist -junior -economics major
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Mom wants you to be in the yearbook. ACROSS 1 Energy 4 It’s an example of itself 8 Pure 14 Suffix with verb 15 “Star Trek: T.N.G.” counselor 16 Bring about sooner 17 Young woman next door? 19 Green light 20 Architect Saarinen 21 Earth pigment 23 Hide-hair link 24 Adjoining floor? 28 Fireside emanation 30 “__ me!” 31 ’50s White House nickname 32 Certain fisherman 35 Annoys 39 __ Piper 41 Police sting, say 43 Grimace 44 Happen as a result 46 “Who Can It __?”: Men at Work hit 48 Exhaust, with “up” 49 [see other side] 51 Brought up 53 Proximate coins? 58 Spell 59 Loosen, as laces 60 Emerald City visitor 63 List of things to discuss 66 Chess piece within reach? 68 Dividend, e.g. 69 Germany’s von Bismarck 70 Letter opener? 71 “When a Man Loves a Woman” singer Percy __ 72 Insolence 73 Generous limit? DOWN 1 Area 2 “Got it” 3 Bosc sources
By Mark Bickham
4 24-hr. cash source 5 French breads 6 “The Garden of Earthly Delights” artist 7 Hindu poet 8 Old battlefield shout 9 Is suffering from 10 Beast of burden 11 Court figure 12 Pavarotti, notably 13 Datebook notation 18 Part of a Clue accusation 22 Football play also called a sweep 25 Adaptable truck, for short 26 “Casablanca” pianist 27 Request to a barber 28 Use a napkin on 29 Like, with “to” 33 Charles __, major decorator of the Palace of Versailles 34 Somme season 36 Links groups
9/24/10 Thursday ’ s Puzzle Solved
(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
37 A hothead has a short one 38 Future plant 40 Couples 42 Omens 45 “The Three Faces of __”: 1957 film 47 Very small 50 Treat as the same 52 Affectedly cultured
9/1/10
53 Biker leggings 54 Corporate department 55 Daisy variety 56 Pal of Porthos 57 Calf catcher 61 Chitchat 62 Part of SRO 64 Doze 65 Grooved on 67 Elaborate affairs
5 He Said: Embrace frigid male fashions people & clubs
editors: lindsey brookbank, kim walter featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
he she
september 24, 2010
SAID
atholic high school taught me many things — the sleep benefits C of long homilies, blue Powerade’s ver-
JAMIE MARTYN / COLLEGIATE TIMES
She Said: Goodbye style, hello fall cold here’s nothing we can do to stop it. It’s coming fast and it is about time T we face the fact that it is approaching — the cold. Fall is on the way, which means we need to prepare for Halloween costumes, rain gear, and more importantly, boots. It’s depressing. I haven’t even had enough time to truly learn that sunscreen is key this early in the semester. While my face is still a lobster after last week’s game, I’m upset at the fact that the ability to get sunburned will only last for a few more weeks. Packing away my sunscreen, sunglasses and flip-flops is what I consider to be the most dreadful time of year. Yet I know when it’s time to give in. However, most of the female Hokies I know apparently don’t. While I plan to bring a huge bin of sweats, scarves and gloves back to Virginia Tech after fall break, I know girls are going to cling to skirts and shorts. Guys, on the other hand, will wear their tees and shorts pretending they are not cold to avoid having their manhood questioned. So for these next few weeks I’ll attempt to look pretty, wear make-up and straighten my hair, but I know that it’s only for a short time. You may be one of those girls who
I watch miserably walk across the Drillfield covered in goosebumps. And I’m not going to lie, I will chuckle at those who continue to wear their fashion-forward skirts when it’s no longer warm out. It’s time to realize you don’t go to UVa folks. So, put on your Ugg boots and winter coats when you’re outside, because the Drillfield is not a catwalk once the warm weather disappears. No guy cares enough to watch or judge your attire when it’s that cold. Let’s be honest — you’re going to give in eventually. And yes, they may be hideous, but I would never give up Uggs for anything. I will proudly clunk across campus rocking them in a few weeks. Shortly, I’ll be wrapped up in my Snuggie, drinking hot chocolate while I procrastinate on Facebook. Don’t get me wrong, I hate winter more than anyone could possibly know. Christmas is great, but Blacksburg’s last winter only made me add Virginia as another state to my list of places not warm enough to live in. I’m pretty much left with California or Texas at this point. When it comes to the weekend, it’s exactly the same. Girls will dress to impress in heels, while boys will throw on a pair of jeans and the first shirt they
see. It is not worth it ladies. Take advice from someone who ate it last winter – don’t wear heels once we reach winter. Whether you combine heels with alcohol or not, you’re in for trouble. As this fall approaches, we are sure to see more leggings scattered across campus. They have become the girls’ version of sweats I guess, but it’s not exactly my style. I prefer to wear pants. But hey, they even have jeggings now. Who would have thought? Once we reach winter, we’re all screwed anyway. You’re doomed to face the whirlwinds of the Drillfield, or even frostbite, as you wait outside for the bus. I’m currently trying to convince myself I’ll take the bus and save gas money, but even I’d bet against that. And when you get lazy, or the laundry is running low, just throw on something orange and maroon and you’ll fit right in. You can never go wrong with Hokie gear, no matter the season.
CHELSEA GUNTER -features staff writer -sophomore -communication major
satility as a mixer — but appreciation for the merits of a diverse wardrobe was not among them. School uniforms were a law at my school, instituted to help create a prison-like atmosphere in which learning thrives. This attempt at squelching creativity and hormones was foolproof — girls in short skirts clearly offer no distraction to adolescent males. Some peers making the jump with me from public to private education had trouble adjusting to this mandate. I, on the other hand, embraced the simplicity a dress code brought to my morning preparation, eliminating the need for any brain function until after my first period nap. My high school tenure was spent following the uniform-enabled “more sleep, less thought” mantra to gloriously lazy results. Fast forward to the present and my morning routine has hardly changed. My willpower to function is still pathetically limited: After defeating the alarm clock and assaulting the remnants of sleep with ice-cold water, there is just about enough motivation remaining to make the trek to class. Having to give serious consideration to my attire would throw off my entire day, not to mention upend deeplyheld worldviews. Luckily, this crisis is averted because I was born with a Y chromosome. For all the advantages ladies have in acquiring free drinks and avoiding speeding tickets, ease of dressing is one area in which the men reign supreme. My toughest morning decision is choosing between khaki or athletic shorts. Maybe the seersuckers if I feel like blinding classmates with frat stardom. Footwear follows suit: Shoes are picked based on which pair is closest to my feet. Upon completing these complex steps, I turn my very limited attention to shirts. A deliberate vetting process determines cleanliness and eliminates the most garish clashes (a skill learned from years of mom and sister belittling my hand-picked outfits). Then, like the Toy Story claw, I swoop in and grab a random victim, administering a lastresort smell test before heading off to campus. It’s a beautifully streamlined process, applicable to just about any event in a man’s college life, provided that your wardrobe is appropriately stocked. The simplicity of male outfit assembly means it really is that easy for anyone to
bro out in style. Unfortunately, a cursory look around Blacksburg on any given night reveals a troubling lack of clothing awareness. Jean shorts, popped collars and more Ed Hardy shirts than the Jersey Shore house — it’s enough to bring down the morale of even the most upbeat gentleman. You don’t need wealth or fashion expertise to look good, just a desire to steer clear of the dregs of dorm couture. No one will confuse me with Jay-Z, but I like to think there’s enough basic style intelligence upstairs to capably guide my Hokie brethren to dapper ground. As blissful September warmth fades into a most unwelcome fall (also known as Blacksburg winter), there are several articles of clothing I believe deserve a place in any man’s closet. Adding these garments will allow you to turn your brain off come time to get dressed and still look on top of your game. The most important has to be a pair of boat shoes, the king of practical footwear. Don’t believe the hype: Sperry Top Siders aren’t just fraternity gear, although they do lend themselves nicely to the bro image. All men can enjoy them as an investment in utilitarian comfort that strike the perfect balance between classy and “didn’t feel like looking for socks” casual. Appropriate in any weather and versatile enough to accompany almost all outfits, boat shoes are a staple of the well-dressed man’s wardrobe.
Additionally, they complement the denim jeans that dominate the collegiate landscape far better than sneakers, a common fashion faux pas. Jeans are hardly the only option for pants as October cold creeps into town. Khakis offer the same practicality with an urbane charm denim can never replicate; a comfortable pair with a set of companion button-downs is essential to a well-rounded wardrobe. Speaking of variety, the next few months will see no shortage of North Face jackets and hooded sweatshirts on student bodies. Not to take away from these dependable outfits but there are more exciting alternatives available. Sweaters provide the same protection against the elements while adding a sophisticated touch. It’s the quintessential collegiate look, one that never goes out of style. Not sold on these minor wardrobe upgrades? Don’t make changes for yourself. Instead, remember the immortal words of ZZ Top: Every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man. Keep it classy Blacksburg.
ANDREW REILLY -features staff writer -junior -communication major
6 sports
editors: michael bealey, garrett ripa sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
september 24, 2010
Offensive line key for victory Hokies kick off conference play with challenge at Boston College
he last time Virginia Tech football faced Boston College, offensive proT duction was the least of its problems. The Hokies rolled to a 48-14 homecoming victory over the Eagles last season. However, that game was played in the comfortable confines of Lane Stadium. This Saturday the Hokies travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass., where they have failed to garnish a win, or even score an offensive touchdown, since 2002. Tech is 38-10 in Atlantic Coast Conference games, with three of those losses coming at the hands of BC. Doing the math, the Eagles have accounted for 30 percent of the Hokies’ losses since joining the ACC in 2004. With 12 teams in the conference, one team accounting for 30 percent of conference losses is pretty daunting. In tomorrow’s contest, the Eagles defensive line against the Hokies offensive line should prove to be a noteworthy battle. The BC defensive line has an average size of 6-feet-3-inches and 276 pounds, compared to Tech’s offensive line averaging out at 6-feet-4 inches and 299 pounds. The Eagles’ defense upfront is a far cry from the competition that an East Carolina line averaging out at 241 pounds provided. Tech’s blocking against Boise State and James Madison left much to be desired, and the spotlight will certainly be on the offensive line this weekend. In those two losses, Tech ran the ball 19 times in the red zone and gained only 15 yards, resulting in less than a yard per carry. The lack of a running game in the red zone explains why the Hokies scored just four touchdowns in 10 red zone trips during the first two games. “The whole group took it personally,” said Greg Nosal, a redshirt junior guard.
GREGORY WILSON / SPPS
Darren Evans will look to build off a 91-yard performance against ECU. “We knew that we had a really talented backfield, and we knew that it would all rely on us. The first two games, we just didn’t produce and we’ll take the blame for all of it, for everything.” Yet the Hokies seemed to have turned it around this past Saturday against East Carolina, as Tech ran the ball eight times in the red zone and gained 40 yards. This resulted in a solid five yards per carry, a stat offensive coordinator Bryan Stinespring must relish, especially considering the tighter defense within the 20-yard line. Third down conversions were also stifling concepts for the Hokies in their first two games. Tech ran the ball five times in third down and short yardage situations. The Hokies gained only 10 yards total on those carries, equivalent to two yards per carry. However, against the Pirates, Tech ran three times on third down when needing three yards or less and gained 16 yards, which is 5.33 yards per carry. “We had talked about it, so you would hope you would see that,” said Curt Newsome, offensive line coach. “That was an issue we addressed to the whole offense, to my guys. You’ve got to be more productive in the red zone. So it
was good to see that when we got down there this week, we got touchdowns.” So what got into the offensive line this past Saturday? Was it ECU’s small defensive line or did coaches change the blocking schemes? If I had to guess, it was a combination. Let’s face it, the Pirates’ defense is by no means stellar and their defensive line is smaller than average. So it’s safe to say the offensive line drooled over the fact it could finally have a chance to be dominating, and that it was. The Hokies racked up a total of 249 yards on the ground from five different rushers, with starting running back Ryan Williams only accounting for eight of those yards because of a hamstring injury. “The ECU game, we knew we were doing our jobs, so the conversations were happy,” said Jaymes Brooks, a redshirt junior guard. “We were just talking about blocks and stuff, locking up people and how we were staying on our blocks and all that.” Not only does the BC defensive line pose substantial threats, the linebacking corps is arguably the best in the ACC. Sophomore linebacker and reigning ACC defensive rookie of the year Luke Kuechly anchors the highly-touted group. Kuechly has already racked up 21 tackles and a fumble recovery on the young season. Alongside Kuechly is comeback story Mark Herzlich, a senior who won the ACC Player of the Year in 2008. He missed the entire 2009 season after being diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, but has been cancer-free for nearly a year. Herzlich has nine tackles on the year thus far and was named to the 2010 Lott Trophy Watch List, which is given to college football’s defensive impact player of the year. If Tech is going to even up its record this weekend against BC, the offensive line must come to play. An offensive touchdown and a win in Alumni Stadium is eight years overdue.
GEORGE TILLERSON -sports reporter -sophomore -communication major
GREGORY WILSON / SPPS
Rashad Carmichael breaks up a pass during the Hokies’ victory over ECU. He had two picks in the game. MATT JONES sports staff writer When Virginia Tech and Boston College entered the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2004 and 2005, respectively, the goal was to bolster the football side of the league. Fast-forward to 2010, and each school has taken a different approach to football superiority. While Tech has enjoyed the stability of head coach Frank Beamer and his staff, Boston College has employed three head coaches in the last four years. One year after joining the ACC, then-Eagles head coach Tom O’Brien decided to take the vacant head coaching position at North Carolina State. He was later replaced by former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. Jagodzinski led the Eagles to an 11-3 record in 2007 with future NFL first round picks Matt Ryan and Gosder Cherilus. However following the 2008 season, Jagodzinski interviewed for the vacant New York Jets head coaching job and was promptly fired by athletic director Gene DeFilippo. That brings us to the 2010 version of the Eagles under second-year head coach and longtime defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani. Spaziani brings to Chestnut Hill an old-school mentality of running the football and playing strong defense. “They’re big, strong and tough,” Beamer said. “Well coached.” The BC defense is led by its linebackers. Mark Herzlich, a 2008 AllAmerican, is back for his senior year after battling cancer during the 2009 campaign. Tech running back Darren Evans, who also missed last season, remembers the connection the two had before the Tech-BC game last year. “I guess it was like a little moment,
just because we had something to talk about,” Evans said. “I just wished him luck, and I had actually just seen something on ESPN about him, so I was just wishing him good luck and stuff like that.” Besides Herzlich, the Eagles have freshman four-star recruit Kevin Pierre-Louis penciled in the starting lineup at weak-side linebacker after he flashed his skills in preseason camp. However, the true star of the group is sophomore All-American Luke Kuechly. At 6-feet-3-inches and 235 pounds, Kuechly started 12 games as a true freshman out of Cincinnati, Ohio. “He really has great instincts,” Spaziani said. “I don’t know if we can put our finger on what makes him so good ... we’d make a lot of other guys that good. He just has good instincts and he understands football, and we just try not to mess him up believe it or not.” Spaziani said Kuechly can improve on his freshman campaign, in which he recorded 158 total tackles. “He’s got a lot of areas that he needs to improve on,” Spaziani said. “We moved him to a new position, and he hasn’t skipped a beat over there. He can be as good as he wants to be.” During his freshman season, Kuechly ranked second in the country in solo tackles at 87, led the Eagles in tackles in 12 of 13 games, and his 12.15 tackles per game was the highest average by any rookie since the NCAA began tracking tackles in 2003. If Tech has any shot at running the football against the Eagles, it will need to put a helmet on No. 40. BC’s best offense is its defense, and it will look to shorten the game considerably with one of the ACC’s best running games. Junior running back Montel Harris runs behind an offensive line whose starters average
6-foot-6, 303 pounds. The anchor is senior left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Listed as the No. 1 draft-eligible offensive tackle by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Castonzo helped pave the way for Harris to be the nation’s 10th leading rusher in 2009. After this season, Castonzo is looking to become the 25th Eagle offensive lineman drafted in the last 28 years. Tech defensive end Chris Drager will be one of the players hoping to find a crack in that wall of linemen. “I feel like the BC (offensive) tackles are pretty good players,” Drager said. “If I worry about myself I’ll be all right. If I worry about what other people are doing, then that confuses me, it gets me off my game. As long as I do what I do, I think I’ll be all right.” Senior cornerback Rashad Carmichael, who earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week for his performance against East Carolina, believes Saturday’s tilt will be much different from last week’s matchup. “Last week we had more of our speed pads on,” Carmichael said in reference to ECU. “This week coach Foster said we got to put our big boy pads on because we know Boston College likes to run the ball. They have an aggressive offensive line, and they’ll try to attack.” Tech has not had much success in recent years in Chestnut Hill, losing the past two trips. Eagles fans may not be the loudest, but they throw out some colorful insults. “It was just one of the most interesting crowds,” said Greg Nosal, redshirt junior guard. “I certainly got some crude ridicules, but it’s just great to have fans that are so into it. They definitely were interesting.” The Hokies begin their quest for a ticket to the Orange Bowl when they kick off at noon on the ACC Network (formerly Raycom).