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COLLEGIATETIMES 107th year, issue 118
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Movie inspiration Case looming over ‘Hokie’ usage speaks out at Tech JAY SPEIDELL news staff writer
Collins Tuohy answered questions for about an hour following her presentation in Squires Student Center Monday evening.
REAL LIFE SISTER PORTRAYED IN ‘THE BLIND SIDE’, ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO GIVE BACK PATRICK MURPHY features staff writer Collins Tuohy, the real life daughter portrayed in “The Blind Side,” began her speech by telling the story of how her family’s life was translated onto the big screen. Tuohy’s father had recently reconnected with an old friend, Michael Lewis, who just so happened to be a writer. After hearing the story of the Tuohy family adopting Michael Oher, Lewis’ wife actually told her husband he should write a short piece on the family. Well, a short article turned into a short book and then a lengthier book. The work was so successful that the movie rights to it were purchased. Still, Lewis assured the family not to worry because he’d had 10 books on the bestsellers list before, all had movie rights purchased and none had been turned into films. However, this story was clearly different. Director John Lee Hancock called the Tuohy household and announced he was going to make the movie and that Sandra Bullock would play the iconic mom. There was just one problem — Bullock didn’t know it yet. Hancock proceeded to stalk Bullock, as Tuohy put it in her speech. Eventually, she caved and agreed to meet with the family in Memphis, Tenn. When Bullock arrived, matriarch Leigh Anne Tuohy wasn’t quite ready for her. She informed Bullock she had lots of errands to run, so the actress had no choice but to tag along. As Collins Tuohy noted, her mother likes to drive as fast as she can. This
posed a problem for the former “Speed” star, who is actually quite afraid of going fast after being in a few accidents. On one section of a narrow road, Leigh Anne Tuohy attempted to pass an 18-wheeler by whipping out her gun from the glove compartment, presumably to intimidate the trucker. At that moment, Bullock called up her then-husband Jesse James and said, “She keeps her gun in the same place you do. I am doing this project.” That’s all it took. From there, the filming process snowballed and the cast and real life family have been enjoying the wake of its success ever since. After discussing the interesting journey of getting the movie made, Tuohy went on to talk about the importance of giving back and making a difference in the world. To her, this is the Tuohy family’s message and the reason Hancock was so persistent to make the film. She said that every day her family receives letters saying, “We adopted because of ‘The Blind Side.’” Tuohy hopes she can continue to inspire a positive change through her speeches and actions. She stressed that you don’t have to be older to make a difference. Everyone can find something now to get involved in and be passionate about. While the audience laughed during her comedic tale about her mother and Bullock, the crowd grew silent at the crux of her message, and it appeared to be well received. After a 30 minute speech, Tuohy stuck around for about an hour to answer all of the audience’s questions about the movie, her life and, of course, Oher.
Estate has affiliation or authorization from Virginia Tech,” Thomas said. Thomas noted Tech’s affiliation to the Hokie Homes project. Started in 2005, Hokie Homes was created to license the unique “Collegiate Gothic” look of Tech in architectural plans for residential homes. The project is a collaborative project between Tech and architectural group Balzer & Associates, Inc. Thomas said the Hokie Real Estate name could cause confusion for consumers looking for Hokie Homes. “People will want that Hokie Home that will inspire memories of VT,” Thomas said. “And they will go to Hokie Real Estate.” Wilburn’s attorneys claim this isn’t the case. “They don’t state that they actually sold any of those (Hokie Home) plans,” Finch said, adding had Tech sold any, it would have claimed it in the complaint. Thomas disagrees with this claim. “Virginia Tech hasn’t given up on the project and has an ongoing dialog with the architects,” Thomas said. Wiburn’s attorney also contested Tech’s right to control the trademark.
REBECCA FRAENKEL / SPPS
A lawyer representing Hokie Real Estate claims that Tech has not properly maintained its trademark, allowing it to be used openly. “The main thing is Hokie Real Estate is on Main Street, between Hokie Hair across the street and Hokie Spokes and Hokie House down the street,” Finch said. Finch said that the university fails to monitor and enforce the quality of the organizations that use the name. “That’s what we would call a naked license,” Finch said. “If they don’t
police the trademark, they lose the right to control it,” Finch said. Thomas said Tech’s lawsuit is an act of policing their trademark. “Virginia Tech does police their marks and haven’t lost their rights,” Thomas said. While Thomas said Tech will pursue legal action against Hokie Real Estate, he declined to put a timetable on any legal action Tech would take.
FDA mandates warnings on cigarettes WILLIAM SPAIN
Current regulations require only a written warning on the edge of the cigarette pack and a similar small warning at the bottom of ads. “These are great. I am pleasantly shocked that HHS is doing this,” said Stanton A. Glantz, a tobacco control expert at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, echoing the response of most observers. “There is no question but that strong graphic warning labels work” and that, in particular, they influence kids, he said. “Right now we have the weakest warning labels in the world. Now we will be right up there tied for the strongest.” But John F. Banzhaf III, a professor of public interest law at George Washington University and executive director of Action on Smoking and
mcclatchy newspapers LOS ANGELES — In the first major change to cigarette packaging in a quarter-century, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it will require graphic warning labels that cover half a package’s front and rear and the top 20 percent of all cigarette ads. The labels will feature either drawings or photos illustrating graphically the dangers associated with smoking and will be accompanied by text stating that smoking is addictive or that it kills. The pictures feature such things as a diseased lung, a corpse and a man smoking a cigarette through a tracheotomy tube. They are not quite as grim as some used in other countries, but regulators hope they will be sufficiently frightening to keep young people from beginning to smoke and to strengthen the will of those who are attempting to quit. “We want to make sure every person who picks up a pack of cigarettes knows exactly what the risk is they are taking,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said at a news conference. ALL COURTESY OF THE FDA
AUSTEN MEREDITH / SPPS
Virginia Tech is preparing legal action against local real estate firm Hokie Real Estate for using the word “Hokie” without permission. Tech spokesman Larry Hincker said the university has stopped allowing retail establishments to use “Hokie” in their names. “The thing about a trademark is that you’ve got to control it to keep it,” Hincker said. While other business use “Hokie” in their names, including Hokie Hair, Hokie Spokes and Hokie House, their naming rights have been grandfathered into the policy with permission from Tech. “(Tech has) been using Hokie for more than a century,” Hincker said. “It was created by us and has no meaning outside of the university.” Hokie Real Estate owner John Wilburn is a Tech alumnus, but the university made it clear it’s not his identification as a Hokie that’s the problem. “John Wilburn clearly made a commercial business decision to use the name,” said John Thomas, an attorney speaking on behalf of the university. “He didn’t call it Wilburn Real Estate and then say he’s a Hokie.” Wilburn’s attorney said the use of the name doesn’t affect Tech because it is in a different business. “Our client is a real estate broker, he provides real estate broker services,” said Keith Finch, an attorney representing Wilburn. “They don’t state in their claim that they use it for that purpose.” The disagreement comes from whether Tech uses the Hokie name for real estate, which the university claims it does. Finch said consumers “are not likely at all to be confused that Hokie Real Estate is associated with the university.” Finch said first-time home buyers are likely to do research before choosing a broker, and all of Wilburn’s signs contain a disclaimer that he is not associated with the university. “There is the risk that the public will assume that Hokie Real
Health, said he was “quite disappointed” in the changes. “Of all the things that they could do, HHS has done nothing more than exactly what Congress told them to do, and not one iota more,” he said. Banzhaf also noted Canada has had strong package warnings since 2000, and that “other jurisdictions have stron-
ger warnings, more graphic pictures.” The FDA is currently looking at 36 different potential labels, which can be viewed at www.fda.gov/cigarettewarnings. The agency will select nine of them by June 22, 2011, and cigarette manufacturers must begin putting them on see FDA / page three
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news editors: philipp kotlaba, liana bayne, gordon block newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
november 11, 2010
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Norfolk bus drivers strike falls through NORFOLK -- Reports that as many as 100 school bus drivers might stay home from work today ended this morning with a one-person “sickout,” school officials said. Shortly after 7 a.m. today, all school bus drivers, except the person who was organizing the event had reported for work and were on the road picking up children as usual, said Karen Tanner, a division spokeswoman. “We had every confidence in our bus drivers,” Tanner said. “Our No. 1 priority is student learning, and they’ve grasped that. We’re happy that it was just that one isolated person.” On Monday, Brenda Williams told WVEC.com she would be among about 100 drivers who would call in sick to protest no pay raises. A news release from the school system said bus drivers are expected to be on the job today as usual with “substitute bus drivers standing by, and plans in place to notify families and staff members.” Updates were to be posted on the division’s website. School officials also planned to call parents if there were delays along the routes, and students who arrived late because of transportation issues would not be marked tardy. Superintendent Richard Bentley also sent a letter to bus drivers on Tuesday telling them that school officials believe in them and expected them to show up for work today. -lauren king, mcclatchy newspapers
CORRECTIONS JUSTIN GRAVES -Contact our public editor at publiceditor@ collegiatetimes.com if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
COLLEGIATETIMES
Security questioned for Wi-Fi connections LIZ F. KAY mcclatchy newspapers BALTIMORE — The local java joint or airport terminal might seem like the perfect location to log onto Facebook or troll Amazon for a deal. But for anyone who has accepted the convenience of unsecured Internet access, here’s another reminder to be cautious about what information you share online. When you use a wireless network — or even many wired ones — your communications are sent to every other computer on the network, said Seth Schoen, senior staff technologist at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit group that defends civil rights in the digital world. For years, there have been readily available programs known as “packet sniffers” that intercept those com-
munications. Schoen said he’s given demonstrations where he’s shown intercepted e-mail and instant messages as well as Google search terms. Until recently, it required a little bit of Internet know-how. But now a programmer has released a browser modification called Firesheep that makes spying on certain information much, much easier — causing quite a stir in the computer world. Some sites such as Facebook encrypt your information when you’re entering your password to log on — denoted by the padlock at the bottom of the browser. But afterward, it saves a credential on your computer that indicates you’re currently logged on and reverts to its unencrypted version. A nefarious user could then intercept and copy that credential into another browser to impersonate you
on that site, Schoen said. Some sites, such as Amazon, encrypt payment and shipping steps, but not clicks through pages of books or other products. Financial sites usually encrypt your entire session, he said. Schoen said he believes many popular sites such as Twitter also should be encrypted. “Other things that people do online are also very sensitive and private, and can and ought to be protected in the same way,” Schoen said. Encrypted sites are denoted by the “https” in the URL line of your Web browser. To protect yourself, you could bookmark https links to your favorite websites on your computer and smart phone. If you use the Firefox browser, you could also install the “HTTPS Everywhere” extension developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation
and the Tor Project, dedicated to improving Web privacy. That automatically directs you to the encrypted version of every site that offers one. But there are limitations. It doesn’t block sites that don’t support encryption, but it does disable functions such as Facebook Chat and Google Instant search findings. Even some areas of sites that support encryption may be vulnerable, he said, but he believes the situation will improve in the long term. “Some of these sites have more engineering work that they have to do in order to protect users,” Schoen said. Mike O’Leary, director of the Center for Applied Information Technology at Towson University, also said consumers should be wary of free Wi-Fi hotspots they don’t have a reason to trust.
FDA: 36 labels under consideration from page one
packages and advertising by Sept. 22, 2011. By Oct. 22, 2011, manufacturers will no longer be able to distribute cigarettes that do not bear the new warnings. Federal agencies have been concerned that smoking rates, which declined from about 42 percent in 1965 to just under 21 percent in 2004, have remained flat since then. “That’s bad news,” Sebelius said. “Every day, 4,000 young people try cigarettes for the first time and 1,000 continue to smoke.” Tobacco use causes at least 18 different cancers, not just lung cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Smoking also plays a major role
in the onset of cardiovascular disease. An estimated 450,000 Americans die prematurely as a result of smoking-related disease every year and 8 million suffer chronic diseases at a cost to the economy of nearly $200 billion annually. Most of those deaths and diseases are preventable. The goal of the new actions by the Department of Health and Human Services is to bring the smoking rate down to 12 percent by 2020. A key step was the passage of “historic legislation” in June 2009 that, for the first time, gave the FDA power to regulate tobacco products. Since then, the agency has taken a number of steps, including banning the practice of giving out free samples, halting advertising in youth-oriented
magazines, and banning misleading terms like “light,” “low-tar” and “mild” from advertising. Medicare has also changed its rules so that smoking cessation products are available to any beneficiaries who want them, not just those who have lung disease, as was the previous practice. “There is still a long way to go to reduce the enormous burden of death and disability, but we can make progress,” said Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, FDA commissioner. Other potential actions in the future include further raising taxes on cigarettes and raising the cost of health insurance for smokers. Dr. Howard K. Koh, HHS assistant secretary for health, noted at the news conference that every 10 percent increase in the
price of cigarettes has been shown to decrease smoking by 4 percent. Banzhaf also noted that it has been legal for several years to charge smokers more for their health insurance to help offset the extra $12,000 per year in costs they incur, and that the federal health care overhaul specifically calls for the increases to be more widely used beginning in 2014. So far, however, that surcharge has not been applied to any significant extent. Tobacco companies have had little response to the announcement. But R.J. Reynolds has filed suit to block the original law that called for the large warning labels, arguing that the warnings will obscure the companies’ brands, making it hard for consumers to distinguish among them.
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DNA proves affair in Chandra Levy case WASHINGTON — Semen stains found in Chandra Levy’s underwear matched former California Congressman Gary Condit’s DNA, an FBI examiner testified Wednesday. The semen sample provided seemingly incontrovertible proof that Condit had a sexual relationship with Levy, which is something he has never publicly acknowledged. It did not, however, go far in solving the mystery of Levy’s 2001 death. The pair of stained underwear, termed “panties” by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Haines, was taken by investigators from Levy’s apartment shortly after she disappeared in May 2001. Levy’s skeletal remains, and some accompanying pieces of clothing, were found in May 2002. Prosecutors already have acknowledged they lack any DNA or other physical evidence connecting accused killer Ingmar Guandique to Levy’s death. On Wednesday, moreover, they had to acknowledge errors in how some evidence was processed in 2001. The errors forced investigators to retest certain items in 2002. “Unfortunately, there was a problem with the biologist working with me,” FBI forensic examiner Alan Giusti said, adding that “she was not performing the tests according to our protocol.” Giusti didn’t elaborate further on the mistakes, although he was to face defense cross-examination later Wednesday. The acknowledged FBI lab mistakes from 2001 added to a litany of early law enforcement errors that plagued the initial Levy investigation. These errors included an intense but ultimately misguided focus on Condit as a potential suspect, Haines and law enforcement witnesses have said since the trial began Oct. 25. Condit testified last week denying he had anything to do with Levy’s death. -michael doyle, mcclatchy newspapers
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editors: scott masselli, gabi seltzer opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
november 11, 2010
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
Squirrels dangerous to student health irginia Tech has a problem. And it’s not the rapV idly shrinking budget or the football team that can’t even beat FCS teams. It’s squirrels. One day, a Tech student is going to walk out the doors of Schiffert Health Center, flip open the ole’ cell phone, and make the most awkward call of his or her life. “Mom, dig out my insurance card. I could have rabies.” That’s the path we’re on as the squirrel population on campus becomes increasingly unconcerned with us twolegged folks. I’m all for coexisting with Mother Nature, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. Almost daily, I come across at least two or three of these furry fiends plopped right in the middle of the sidewalk as I stroll across the university grounds. With a fat acorn clasped in their tiny paws, they sit and gnaw away, pretending they don’t see the 160-pound college kid stamping toward them. We’ve conditioned these squirrels to think we’ll cater to their every need. Now I know you must be thinking, “But, Sam, what harm is there in being gentle toward the earth’s creatures?” Well, none I suppose. At least on the surface. The problem is irrelevant for 99 percent of the Tech squirrel population. Most of them would no sooner take a bite out of your ankle than enroll in the doctorate chemical engineering program. It’s the other one percent — the rabid, disease-carrying ones — that worry me. They look innocent like the rest of the desensitized bunch, but they’re unstable. Startle one of these foaming, hydrophobic psychopaths and the next minute you’re at Montgomery Regional Hospital with a strong-handed doctor in a white coat and mask stabbing a three-inch needle into your bum. I feel slightly guilty, but I’m afraid the only way we can truly feel safe on campus is to re-sensitize the lot of them. I was watching Animal Planet last weekend (as all college kids do at 11 p.m. on a Saturday, right?) and saw that some Floridians are using
behavior modification to put the fear of humans back into their alligators. The technique is in response to increased attacks in recent years. They catch them, drag them into the boat and tag them. Then they let the gators stew onboard for a few minutes with their mouths taped shut. When they finally release the animals back into the wild, they think they’ve had a near-death experience at the hands of humans — and are all more fearful for it. A similar technique would work well for Tech’s desensitized squirrels. Now, I’ve given it a lot of thought, and it doesn’t make sense to put students’ ankles and bums in jeopardy for this project. What we need is a way to let natural selection run its course. And we can do that by fighting one campus problem with another. One of the other problems is a large population of reckless, apparently blind, cyclists and skateboarders who fly around the sidewalks. They zip through huge crowds of people, narrowly missing an elbow here and a toe there. I propose we introduce large herds of these inattentive imbeciles on campus as a way to resensitize Tech’s squirrels. The bikers and boarders will zoom around our footpaths, chasing the squirrels off the sidewalks and reigniting that natural fear of humans that has existed for thousands of years. It might seem insensitive, but it’s the safest bet for us all. And, at the end of the day, it’s just more natural. And, yes, I do realize the increase in reckless biker-boarders could present another potentially messy situation down the road. We’ll have to address that later. One crisis at a time, please. Maybe this is all a big “to do about nothing.” But if I can save just one student from a gnarled ankle and a trip to Montgomery Regional for a painful shot of rumpus ‘roids, I’ll have done my job. Then again, maybe I’m just a nut.
SAM FRYE -regular columnist -communication major -senior
Math Empo a social lounge for students our oh-so-long years ago I was a wee freshman entering F Virginia Tech as an engineer. Soon after, I decided I was too smart for engineering and that I’d rather make more money one day as a journalist. My only regret now is that I didn’t apply for Tech’s art program. But that’s beside the point. With that one semester, in which I made engineering look like it should be something learned in elementary school, I was required to take math classes. Some of them were even so fun, interesting and easy that the university decided we should teach ourselves the material. Through those classes, I was introduced to the Math Emporium, the land of endless computers, upside down red plastic cups, 24-hour service and all the fluorescent lighting you can ask for. Little did I know then, smitten by the freezing cold temperatures and buzzing of the lights, that I would one day come to love that math-devoted hellhole even more. It wasn’t until my junior year that I began studying for tests and writing papers in the room that never sleeps. And I’m not the only one. Hundreds of Tech students pack into this place every night as if it’s Lane Stadium on a Saturday. In all honesty, it is a great place to study, with conditions that torture you so much you study as hard as possible to escape them and computer screens as big as a dorm room wall that you can hardly see over. That used to be why I’d wander to the Empo late on nights before tests, always with a large coffee. Then I noticed something. I’d always see the same people. And not only that, but I noticed they were never actually studying. They were gossiping, flirting and all-out mingling like this was some party minus the alcohol and music. It’s hard to believe the place I dreaded going to every week to
take math tests as a freshman is now the hippest social hotspot in Blacksburg. Would it be hard to foresee a future where they scan your Hokie Passport at the front desk, they also stamp your hands if you’re over 21 and “x” them off if you’re under? They could build full-service bars on both sides of the room, and the plastic cups could actually be used to drink from. But that would never work. It would then be just like any other bar in town, and all the social butterflies would be too cool for that. Just last year, a group of students tried to start an Empo flash mob to the tune of Tech’s anthem, “Enter Sandman.” Though it was pretty much a failure, that group proved we’re not here to play — nor are we here to study. We’re here to socialize. And don’t worry if you don’t know where your other socialite friends are sitting in that room the size of Rhode Island — just check your Facebook. If they were there, they surely would have already posted their seat assignment in their statuses. Even as I sit here amongst a mass of socializing studiers glowing in the lights of Tech’s greatest creation since Shultz Dining Hall, my Facebook status reads, “Writing a stupid column for editorial writing. Come say hi to me at 1D4.” Well, it’s getting late. I’d better leave and get some sleep if I want to make it back fully focused tomorrow to socialize — I mean study. Good night and sleep tight, my dearest Empo, even though we all know you don’t sleep. Just don’t accidentally burn down or get hit by a tornado or anything like that, because I just don’t know what I’d do with myself.
BILLY MITCHELL -guest columnist -communication major -senior
MCT CAMPUS
Stressful times enhance perspective on family ast week when almost everyone around me was either getting L hyped about the midterm election or the upcoming football game against Georgia Tech, I was mostly occupied by my schoolwork. One exam after another, work kept piling up. I hadn’t rested for a few minutes after taking a midterm exam before I had to start preparing for another one, and to make it even worse, homework, a project and club meetings seemed to be assigned for the same week to push me to the edge. I thought I had had enough and concluded my brain couldn’t take the pressure anymore. I really started to ask myself, ‘Why go through such pressure and stress that we begin to lose our true self?’ I couldn’t help but wonder if everything was really worth it, considering that a bachelor’s degree isn’t even valued much these days — one has to go to a graduate school or a professional school to add value to one’s education and look worthy to the employers. Our schoolwork keeps us occupied to a point that we have forgotten there is more to life and once in a while we need to stop and smell the roses. We have been modified into stress machines and we are manipulated to value grade point average or grades over our happiness and being oneself. College students had once told me college life was difficult when I was in high school. I didn’t take them seriously, as I thought Advanced Placement courses were challenging enough to give me a glimpse of college life or at least the college work. Now I remember their words more vividly than ever. So, with a fatigued mind and body, I went home over the weekend to spend time with my family. As soon I walked into the house, the aroma of a home-cooked meal permeated from the kitchen to the front door. I was already glad to be home,
but the familiar smell made my mood a little better. It had been a long time since I had sat down to have a delicious dinner with my family. The contentment at the moment was simply priceless and nothing could have replaced it. After eating a hearty meal, we decided to play cards. We were giggling and laughing, sharing jokes and funny incidents. As I was spending this quality time with my family, both joy and sorrow overcame me. I was glad to be home and to spend a brief but fun time with my family. Meanwhile, I felt guilty for the past. During my last few weeks at home before my freshman year, I had said how much I looked forward to the freedom and independence of college life. It didn’t occur to me until now how self-centered I was to say those words. Yes, I got my freedom and definitely got away from my parents’ nagging habits and arguments with my brother, but I didn’t realize I was unknowingly willing to sacrifice the good times with my family to have these wishes granted. While I was playing this monologue in my head, my dad asked me how I was doing in school. Usually I tell him I am doing fine or school is going great, but this time I told him the truth. I explained how the workload sometimes drains my brain and I am unable to share how I am feeling with my friends because everyone pretty much goes through the same situation. After listening to my dilemma, my parents sympathized with me and gave me advice I will remember for life. First they started off by explaining a common scenario. They told me that when children turn 18, they think they are adults and are mature enough to take care of themselves while staying away from home. Maturity isn’t a certificate that comes with an age; it’s more of the parents’ faith and trust in the values they have
taught their children for the past 18 years, and when they finally let go of their children, they are testing their values and expect their children to use them well. They also told me life isn’t always the same; it has both ups and downs. Sure there are hurdles and they challenge you to the extremes. You have to be calm and stay put, as they will try to throw you off your path. You might handle them correctly and sometimes you might not, but being able to gather the courage to stand up for yourself matters the most, and that’s how one grows to be a mature individual. Going through all the stress might not seem worth it at the moment, but in the long run it will be worthwhile. So just have faith in yourself and don’t let anything distract you from your path. We used to fulfill your demands and protect you from any harms, since you have taken charge of yourself, the best we can do for you is to support you. We can’t make decisions for you and tell you what to do and what not to do. We will be right by your side in every decision you make. Listening to these words and understanding the scenario from my parents’ perspective, I felt more encouraged, supported and motivated than ever. I spent the next two days having a good time with my family, and when I returned to Tech, I came back with a new me, who vows to stay positive, and isn’t afraid of any difficulties. I will not let coursework consume my life. I will explore what the community has to offer and I will definitely stop once in a while to smell the roses.
NAMRATA SHRESTHA -regular columnist -economics major -sophomore
Meditation provides outlet for college students’ stress our semester hurdles toward the dreaded week of final As exams, I’ve noticed that a number of my friends have struggled with overwhelming stress, test anxiety and jittery nerves. We all have our hands full with class projects and exams, and the damage that these can inflict on our bodies is surprising. A number of health issues arise from intense stress and anxiety, as these bodily defenses ultimately hinder our immune systems. Limited amounts of stress can benefit a person, making him or her more aware, more focused, more productive. In small doses, stress can be a positive reaction our body has to outside stimuli, but as this stress increases with added responsibilities and requirements, it can also cause significant harm to our mental and physical health. People have their own ways of dealing with that stress, including ignoring it altogether. In the past, I haven’t dealt with stress well. In fact, I’ve had to acknowledge that my stress has grown to unmanageable, unhealthy levels. I tried running. I tried socializing more. I tried taking stress-relieving vitamins. None of these options worked for me, though they may work for others. I got to a point where I was truly desperate to find any method I could to help decrease my stress, which is about the time I took Environmental Psychology with Dr. Kurt Hoffman. As an assigned project, Hoffman instructed his students through a method of walking meditation. Most, if not all, of the students were unfamiliar with meditation, and I’d
guess that most were daunted by the requirement. We had to spend 3 hours over the course of the semester walking through nature while meditating. Hoffman specified that this meditation needed to elapse in 30 to 45 minute sessions — because we were inexperienced in meditation — and occur in nature, removed from all forms of technology, including cell phones and iPods. I can’t answer for other students, but I was excited about the project from the beginning. I have always enjoyed hiking, so the opportunity to feel academically accomplished while taking a hike through the Pandapas Pond paths seemed exhilarating to me. I had little background knowledge of meditation and even less experience with it. Having taken yoga classes previously, I knew a few techniques that people use during meditation, but Hoffman instructed us further: Quiet your mind, focus on your breathing, count to an arbitrary number if thoughts enter your mind and mentally repeat “breathing” if counting doesn’t work. Over the semester, I visited Pandapas Pond four times, partaking in walking meditation for 45 minutes each visit, and even those few times opened my eyes to the benefits of meditation. During and after the meditation exercise, I felt calm, relaxed, detached from stress and more easily focused. I felt physically and mentally refreshed by nature and the meditation exercise, so I continued even after the semester’s end. I joined a meditation group that meets
every other Monday for an hour. I researched meditation techniques — downloading a number of free, guided meditations online — and meditation benefits, noting the effects these exercises had on my mind and body. I’m not stress-free by any means; I’m not sure any student could accomplish that feat, but my stress has decreased to a manageable if not insignificant level. And stress reduction is not the only benefit to people who practice meditation. As I mentioned before, those who meditate experience a number of mental improvements as well as physical benefits. Hoffman’s class exposed the increase in self-awareness that develops meditating, an effect that can help people who suffer from eating disorders. The list of positive effects meditating has on a person continues on, far past my introductory knowledge, but I highly advise playing with meditation. Quieting your mind and focusing on your self-awareness for 30-45 minutes a couple times a week could be exactly what you need as the week of finals approaches. Whether you meditate by yourself or join a meditation group, I guarantee you will experience the vast benefits.
KATHLEEN DWYER -regular columnist -English major -senior
Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief: Peter Velz Managing Editors: Zach Crizer, Michael McDermott Public Editor: Justin Graves Senior News Editor: Philipp Kotlaba Associate News Editors: Liana Bayne, Gordon Block News Reporters: Claire Sanderson, Sarah Watson News Staff Writers: Katie Noland, Jay Speidell, Michelle Sutherland Features Editors: Lindsey Brookbank, Kim Walter Features Reporters: Mika Maloney, Matthew Borysewicz, Majoni Harnal Opinions Editors: Scott Masselli, Gabi Seltzer Sports Editors: Michael Bealey, Garrett Ripa Sports Reporters: Nick Cafferky, Alex Jackson, Matt Jones, Courtney Lofgren, Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Ed Lupien, George Tillerson Public Information Director: Dishu Maheshwari Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Editors: Taylor Chakurda, Thandiwe Ogbonna, Nora McGann Spenser Snarr Layout Designers: Katie Biondo, Danielle Buynak, Cathleen Campbell, Maya Shah, Josh Son, Victoria Zigadlo Online Director: Jamie Chung Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: David Harries Distribution Assistant: Ryan Francis Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Sara Mitchell Business Manager: Luke Mason Lab Manager: Mark Umansky College Media Solutions Ad Director: Nik Bando Asst Ad Director: Brandon Collins Account Executives: Emily Africa, Matt Freedman, David George, Melanie Knoth, Hunter Loving Inside Sales Manager: Wade Stephenson Assistant Inside Sales Manager: Diane Revalski Assistant Account Executives: Maddie Abram, Katie Berkel, Kaelynn Kurtz, Erin Shuba Creative Director: Chloé Skibba Asst Production Manager: Casey Stoneman Creative Services Staff: Katie Biondo, Colleen Hill, Jenn Le, Erin Weisiger
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Travel 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
ACROSS 1 Aloe target 5 Indian royal 9 Treat meanly 14 1990s Expos manager 15 Approach shot club 16 “Platoon” co-star 17 Bubbles 18 *Ancient Chinese cote occupant? 20 Tasseled toppers 22 Happy hour order 23 Partook of 24 Bit of dental work 25 *Observation after a Bush walk? 28 “Hold on!” 30 JapaneseAmerican 31 “If __ only listened!” 32 Shade sources 35 Florida’s __ City 36 *Nickname for a so-so Navy officer? 39 Lead player 41 “Even Napoleon had his Watergate” speaker 42 I followers? 45 Stoop 47 Dry cleaner’s supply 50 *Habitually drunk panda? 53 Sheikdom of song 54 Carpenter __ 55 Exxon Valdez cargo 56 “All in the Family” family name 57 *Kenyan health care worker? 61 Genesis brother 62 Many a dance club tune 63 Fiendish 64 The old you 65 ’50s flop 66 Guitar’s fingerboard 67 Repairs, as a green DOWN 1 Picaresque 2 Property recipient 3 Drunk, in slang
By Scott Atkinson
4 Old-fashioned “Way to go!” 5 Wheel parts 6 Paul’s “Exodus” role 7 With 56-Down, eponymous bacteriologist 8 Saxon opening 9 Star Wars letters 10 Witchy woman 11 Lackin’ gumption 12 Under-the-table diversion 13 Article of faith 19 Keystone State founder 21 It may be evil 25 “The Optimist’s Daughter” writer 26 Generic pooch 27 “Out of Africa” author Dinesen 29 Good name, briefly 33 He said “Learn from the masses, and then teach them” 34 Common sense? 36 Atkins diet no-no 37 Gas brand seen at ampm stores 38 Peeples of “Fame”
11/11/10 Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
39 Reached across 40 Powwow communication source 42 Dismissal, and a hint to how the answers to starred clues were derived 43 Traveled from point A to point A? 44 Analysts’ concerns
10/1/10
46 Clopper 48 Former RFK Stadium NLer 49 Mill inputs 50 Ballet rail 51 Fire indicator, perhaps 52 Green shade 56 See 7-Down 58 Old cry of disgust 59 Rose of rock 60 Prez, to GIs
editors: michael bealey, garrett ripa sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
sports 5 november 11, 2010
Women’s basketball looks to exceed season expectations ZACH MARINER sports staff writer “We’re fearless.” For any women’s basketball team that expects to be a contender in the ACC, fear is not an option — especially not for a team that was picked to finish 11th in the conference. Not that preseason rankings really make a difference to this year’s Virginia Tech team. “Sometimes we’re oblivious to it,” said Nikki Davis, senior point guard. “Which is a good thing. We’re oblivious to the rankings, to the Carolina blue color. We’re fearless.” Davis’ optimistic outlook speaks for the entire team, which remains confident despite its low preseason ranking and extremely young roster, which features 10 freshmen and sophomores, and only three seniors. “We’ve got to rely on our upperclassmen to provide leadership because FILE / SPPS they certainly know what it’s like to play in the ACC,” said Beth Dunkenberger, Senior point guard Nikki Davis will look to lead the Hokies to the NCAA Tournament. Tech also lost its top two scorers, Utahya Drye and Lindsay Biggs, to graduation this season. head coach. The Hokies are coming off a disappointing year, which included a loss to Boston College in the first round of the ACC tournament, and a 4-10 record in conference play. Tech has not finished out a season with a winning record against ACC opponents since joining the league before the 2004-05 season. Even considering the struggles in recent years, the expectations in Blacksburg have not changed. “We want to go to the NCAA Tournament,” Dunkenberger said. “We expect to be there every year and that’s how we’re preparing.” Despite its youth, Tech does return four players who started at least 10 games last year, including Davis, center Brittany Gordon and guards Alyssa Fenyn and Shanel Harrison. “Being one of the four upperclassmen on this team, we have to take the 10 underclassmen and put them under our wing,” Harrison said. She is the team’s only member of the junior class. She is also the leading returning rebounder with an average of 5.2 per game last season. She also led last year’s team in scoring during the month of February. Joining Harrison in the Hokies frontcourt are Davis and Fenyn, who each had successful seasons in 200910. Fenyn is Tech’s leading returning scorer, having averaged 7.5 points a game last year. Davis is a third-year starter for Dunkenberger and serves as the team’s floor general. Aerial Wilson, Kyani White and Monet Tellier should all receive significant playing time at the guard position as well. Gordon, also a third-year starter, is another key player on this year’s team. She averaged 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game over the course of the 2009-10 season and is a true force in the middle. Rounding out the Hokies backcourt is senior Elizabeth Basham, who missed all of last season following shoulder surgery. Abby Redick, Lattori Hines-Allen, Nia Evans, Porschia Hadley, Brittni Montgomery and Taylor Ayers will all look to contribute for Tech this year as well. Dunkenberger isn’t worried about the inexperience of her young squad. In fact, she believes this year’s highlytouted recruiting class, which included three of the top 100 recruits in the nation (Tellier, Hines-Allen and Evans), will be a valuable asset to this year’s team. “What our youth brings us is energy and a winning attitude coming in from high school,” she said. “We want to keep their enthusiasm and build on that and try and lead them down the path that leads to winning.” But, as any women’s college basketball fan knows, wins aren’t easy to come by in the ACC — a conference that sent 11 teams to the NCAA tournament over the past two seasons. Tech, however, has not even been to the postseason since 2007, when it lost to Auburn in the second round of the WNIT. No player on this year’s team has ever made it past the first round of the ACC tournament. “As a team, we want to go to the postseason,” Davis said. “(We’re going to do) whatever we have to do to get there. All the seniors have been stepping up, taking initiative, getting in the gym. We’re working hard, and we’re excited about this year.” Harrison and Davis are confident about this year’s squad, even considering the minimal expectations. “We expect to be a top-four team in the ACC,” Harrison said. Tech has played in a lot of close conference games in the past few years — games in which it didn’t come out on the winning end. “I think it all comes down to a couple points here, a couple points there,” Dunkenberger said. “We’re very close to being that team that finishes on the top half of (the ACC). That’s where we’ve got to learn to close out games and finish things off.”
6Helpweekend raise money at YMCA crafts fair november 11, 2010
MAJONI HARNAL features reporter The 41st annual YMCA Crafts Fair is descending on University Mall as old and new vendors alike promote their handmade wares. Spanning four decades of community interaction and development, money raised from each fair goes toward promoting the YMCA ideals: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Raising an average of $23,000 a year, the craft fair is one of Virginia Tech YMCA’s most profitable endeavors. Along with the book fair, the proceeds from fundraising events go toward providing low-cost classes, maintaining a community garden and helping run the Goodwill stores in the area. More than 80 vendors will be participating in this year’s event, from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14, including the oldest returning member and many new ones. Terri Lynn Howard, YMCA special events coordinator, explained the vendor selection process. A committee ranks the vendors by sales, and the top 80 percent are automatically invited to next year’s show. The spots in the lower 20 percent are given to new vendors, giving them an opportunity to become craft fair regulars. Some of the new vendors this year have unique skills, such as Steven Holmberg, a local artisan who crafts
Capt. Daniel Kresge of the Air Force ROTC at Tech is a liaison between the YMCA and the corps. Kresge said volunteering is a key tenet of the Air Force, and the idea of “service before self” is always encouraged within the corps. “By volunteering, our cadets can get a better feel for what it’s like to put someone else’s needs over their own. Ultimately, this teaches humility, which in turn makes them better leaders,” Kresge said. He added that he is proud to hear the corps displays professionalism that is admired by those who are not familiar with Tech and the corps. But Tech has even more to offer behind the scenes. Individual volunteers or groups of students tend to University Mall during the event, keeping it tidy to ensure a smooth running event. Howard said volunteers have never been in shortage, and have never shied away from some of the grungier tasks involved with the craft fair. Other efforts to raise money will also take place at the fair, such as a silent auction and a raffle for a handmade quilt with head football coach Frank Beamer’s signature. Lastly, the YMCA will also be collecting non-perishables for the Interfaith Food Pantry, which feeds 380 families and more than 800 people in the Blacksburg area.
designs on tie-dye shirts. Vendor Vie Davis intricately hand-rolls recycled paper and beads into jewelry. However, the craft fair staples will be back as well, such as Emily Brittain, whose rag dolls and doll clothing have been available at the fair for its entire history. Another vendor, welder Rick Radman, takes everyday items such as old tools and other parts he finds at scrap yards to weld them into magnificent birds and friendly dogs. His work is also in line with one of the YMCA’s most important endeavors — recycling. “I don’t have formal training,” Radman said about his process. “I might sketch something the night before or just go and put stuff together that I think will look good.” What started with Radman attending a welding class has led to 20 years of participation in the craft fair and countless pieces. The sheer number of vendors and their products would be a logistical nightmare if it wasn’t for the Tech Corps of Cadets. “Cadets always volunteer to unload and pack up vendors with military precision,” Howard said. Vendors are often in awe of the care and speed of the cadets’ performance. “They’re always in their fatigues, which is always impressive to new vendors,” Howard said, “and they’re just so good at it.”
editors: lindsey brookbank, kim walter featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
Sudanese Lost Boy speaks out MIKA MALONEY features reporter Audience members could hear a pin drop in the crowded Graduate Life Center Auditorium Tuesday night as Valentino Achak Deng took the stage. Sponsored by the Virginia Tech chapter of STAND, a student-led division of genocide intervention, Deng took the stage dressed in a crisp white shirt and black slacks in front of an enthralled crowd. All eyes remained glued on the southern Sudanese man as he spoke in a gentle voice, recounting his BOOK COVER childhood struggles to escape from war-torn Sudan, his time in exile in Ethiopia and Kenya and his current education project in his hometown Marial Bai. Deng’s story is one many have become familiar with since the 2006 publication of Dave Egger’s book, “What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng.” The book tells the parallel story of his experience as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and the difficulties
Wondering what’s going on around the ‘burg? Check out the events of the upcoming week.
in the
he experienced upon moving to the United States. The Second Sudanese Civil War, which erupted in 1983 and lasted until 2005, became the longest lasting conflict in Africa. “I witnessed atrocities. In my village I witnessed total destruction,” Deng said of his reasons for undertaking what would become a fivemonth trek to a refugee camp in neighboring Ethiopia. “I thought the journey would last eight days. I was wrong. It took many days, weeks, months. I was separated from my family for 17 years.” The 22-year war, which claimed more than 2.5 million lives and displaced nearly four million Sudanese from their homes is a reality “I didn’t want to stay away from — and could not forget,” Deng said. Resettling in the U.S. in 2001, Deng had escaped the violence that erupted in the Ethiopian refugee camp, but the transition of moving to Atlanta was a difficult one. He immediately began work in a Christmas gift shop, where he had to “wrap gifts and answer questions about Santa Claus even though I had never heard of him in Africa,” he said.
Simultaneously working and attending night classes, Deng frequently traveled across the country speaking to increase advocacy for his country and raise money for the Lost Boys Foundation. “I learned not many people knew about (the situation in Sudan). I had to put my biography in a book,” Deng said of his introduction to Eggers and the birth of his autobiography. In 2003, Deng returned to southern Sudan to see his family for the first time. “My dream (was) always to go back to my country to help the young people — put a smile on their face,” Deng said. In 2009, he opened the Marial Bai Secondary School, the first of its kind in his region. Deng currently divides his time between administering his school in southern Sudan and traveling abroad to raise funds and increase awareness. What lies ahead for southern Sudan remains uncertain, and Deng foresees the possible outbreak of more violence in the near future. In February 2011, southern Sudan will hold a referendum on whether it will remain a part of Sudan or become an independent state.
[Saturday, November 13] What: Phive K: for Kids and Vets Where: VT Cross Country course When: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Cost: 5K: $20 pre-registration, $25 day of event. 1 mile fun run/walk: $10 What: Moive: Inception Where: Squires Colonial Hall When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $2 students, $3 general
What: Music: Grace Note Where: Gillie’s When: 7 p.m. Cost: Free
[Sunday, November 14] What: Rock wall climbing Where: MANDATORY PRE-TRIP MEETING Thursday 11/11 at 5:30 When: 4:30 p.m. Cost: $15
What: Concert: University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Where: Burrus Auditorium When: 3 p.m. Cost: $3 students, $5 general
What: International Movie: Sin Nombre Where: Squires Colonial Hall When: 5 p.m. Cost: Free
[Thursday, November 11] What: Music: Awesomesauce Where: Gillie’s When: 7 p.m. Cost: Free
[Monday, November 15]
[Friday, November 12] What: Krav Maga self defence Where: Old Dominion Ballroom When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Music: Grass Monkey Where: Gillie’s When: 9:30 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Chinese Calligraphy Workshop Where: GLC, room C When: 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free
[Tuesday, November 16] What: Krav Maga self defence Where: Old Dominion Ballroom When: 2 - 4:45 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Dance of Nations 2010 Where: Commonwealth Ballroom When: 7-9:30 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Movie: A Walk for Sunshine Appalachain Trail Show Where: The Lyric When: 3 p.m. Cost: $10
What: Virginia Tech Jazz Ensemble Where: The Lyric When: 8 p.m. Cost: $3 students, $5 general
What: Hokie on Fire, Kansas State viewing party Where: Commonwealth Ballroom When: 3:30 p.m. Cost: Free
Remembrance Through Dance program passes on passion of April 16 victim ALICE KIM features staff writer Reema Samaha had a way of making everyone feel like they were best friends. “Whenever we walked around campus, I swore she said hi to every person we walked by,” said Christian Mason, who quickly became best friends with Samaha during their freshman year. “She was generous, fun-loving, dedicated and loyal,” Mason said. “She truly cared about people.” Samaha was a freshman majoring in urban planning, with minors in French and international studies, when she was accepted into the Contemporary Dance Ensemble at Virginia Tech in fall 2006.
“Reema and I danced because we truly loved it to the bottom of our core. Dancing was at a deeper level for both of us, and I think that’s how we connected so much,” Mason said. Along with being in CDE, Samaha was also a member of the Hill and Veil Middle Eastern Dance group and the Cedars of Lebanon Club. Samaha was one of the 32 victims of the April 16, 2007, campus shootings. Before her life was taken, Samaha indulged in her passion for dance and performed with CDE in both of their annual performances — one in the fall and one in the spring. For the spring show, Samaha herself choreographed a bellydance-inspired piece, titled “Andaloosia,” which CDE has since performed each year in her honor at their annual Remembrance
Through Dance performance on April 16. “(Samaha) had incredible energy. I swear she could have been the energizer bunny,” Mason said. “She was always willing and looking to do more. She definitely wanted to embrace everything college had to offer, and I’m just sad she couldn’t live to make that happen.” Corinna Matlock, a former member of CDE in the class of 2009, became the memorial director for the Remembrance Through Dance program that was established by CDE in Samaha’s honor. “The program was developed as a means to celebrate (Samaha’s) life and legacy, and to celebrate her love for dance,” said Kaitlyn Gibson, a member of CDE. “We wanted to find a way to ensure her memory would live on.”
Want to participate? What: Remembrance Through Dance workshop Where: War Memorial Gym, Aerobics Room Date: Saturday, Nov. 13 Time: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. The program consists of a dance workshop series, which will be this Saturday, Nov. 13 in the Aerobics Room in War Memorial Gym. Classes, which 9:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m., will cover bellydancing, hip-hop, broadway jazz, contemporary, stretching and leaps and turns.
The Remembrance Through Dance program also organizes a performance on the anniversary of April 16 with other dance organizations on campus, as well as a scholarship to one of CDE’s new members who exhibits traits similar to Samaha’s — which, as Gibson puts it, includes “dedication to the company, passion for all styles of dance, a positive attitude and an outgoing personality.” Samaha herself had once said, “It is the most satisfying feeling to know that the simple form of dance has the power to unite so many individuals, whatever their background.” CDE feels this quote encompasses what they would want to come out of the workshop. “The Contemporary Dance Ensemble is very passionate about
our Remembrance Through Dance program, and (we) are dedicated to its continuation,” said Adrienne Ginter, the current director of CDE. “Please support our program by attending the workshop.” The Contemporary Dance Ensemble is a student-run organization that was founded in 1990 to promote dance and artistic expression. Currently, CDE is composed of 20 members who choreograph and perform their own original pieces in two annual shows. Members range from freshmen to students of the veterinary school. Though it initially focused on modern and contemporary, CDE’s repertoire now includes hip-hop, ballet and jazz. More information on the company and workshop series can be found at www.cde.org.vt.edu.