Regulation brewing
What are you really drinking? one can of four loko is equivalent to:
also see staff editorial on page three Thursday, November 18, 2010
Y KIM PHOTOS B
5.6 beers 5 cups of coffee
CT WALTER /
An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
www.collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES 107th year, issue 122
News, page 2
Weekend, page 5
Opinions, page 3
GORDON BLOCK associate news editor Virginia Tech officials are enthusiastic about Food and Drug Administration action which could regulate caffeinated alcohol drinks. In a phone call to reporters Wednesday afternoon, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission announced they were sending letters to four companies who make the controversial beverages. The FDA’s letter will focus on the addition of caffeine as an “unsafe food additive”, while the FTC’s letter will claim the marketing of the drinks may constitute deceptive practices. The four companies receiving letters are United Brands Co., which produces Joose and Max; Phusion Products LLC, which sells Four Loko and Four Maxed drinks; Charge Beverages Corporation, which sells Core High Gravity, Core Spiked, and El Jefe drinks; and New Century Brewing Company, which sells Moonshot. The companies will have 15 days to respond to the letters. The announcement comes as caffeinated alcoholic beverages fall under increased scrutiny
from state authorities. The drinks have been banned in New York, Washington, Utah, Michigan and Oklahoma in recent weeks. Virginia’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Monday issued a letter to retailers advising caution when selling the drinks, stressing that consumption by underage consumers was “a serious threat to public safety.” Philip Bogenberger, a spokesperson for Virginia ABC, could not confirm if federal regulators had talked with the department about the drinks. The drinks have also raised issues on the Tech campus. Steve Clarke, director of Tech’s Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center, said as many as 70 to 80 percent of alcohol-related cases going through Tech’s judicial system involve consumption of a caffeinated alcohol drink. “The biggest issue is the amount of caffeine and alcohol in one can,” Clarke said. In a factsheet compiled by the center, a can of popular drink Four Loko has an alcohol level equivalent to 5.6 beers and enough caffeine for either five cups of coffee or three to four cans of soda.
The discussion of state and federal action has prompted some makers of the popular style of drink to pull caffeine from their products. Phusion Products LLC, creator of Four Loko, announced in a release Tuesday evening it will pull caffeine from its products and will only offer a noncaffeinated version of the drink. “We have repeatedly contended — and still believe, as do many people throughout the country — that the combination of alcohol and caffeine is safe,” said the statement from company co-founders Chris Hunter, Jeff Wright and Jaisen Freeman. “If it were unsafe, popular drinks like rum and colas or Irish coffees that have been consumed safely and responsibly for years would face the same scrutiny that our products have recently faced,” the statement said. United Brands, maker of Joose, also released a statement Monday saying it would work with regulators “to ensure that factual information is available to consumers and regulators everywhere.” The move is similar to one made by Anheuser-Busch and MillerCoors, companies that pulled caffeine from their Tilt and Sparks drinks, respectively.
ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MCDERMOTT / CT
AUTHORITIES ISSUE WARNING TO MAKERS OF CAFFEINATED ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Sports, page 6
The move comes after several studies described the risks from the drink. A 2007 study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found students consuming energy drinks with alcohol were more likely to be injured, be involved in nonconsensual sex or ride with a drunken driver.
TSA head defends airport scanners BRIAN BENNETT AND JORDAN STEFFEN mcclatchy newspapers WASHINGTON — The head of the Transportation Security Administration refused to back down from using aggressive pat-downs and full body scans at airports, telling a Senate committee on Wednesday that the screenings are necessary to protect the nation’s fliers. TSA Director John Pistole said the pat-downs, which include searches of passengers’ genital areas, and scanners that reveal nude images of their bodies, would have found the explosives on a would-be airline bomber last Christmas Day. In that plot, Umar Abdulmutallab boarded a flight bound for Detroit with explosives in his underwear that went undetected by metal detectors. Pistole told the Senate Commerce Committee that the Detroit attempt caused TSA to develop the new procedures, which the agency intended to phase in until the thwarted Yemen package-bomb plot in October prompted more urgency. A week before the Thanksgiving travel crush, some passengers and pilots have complained that the searches — particularly the pat-downs — are too invasive. “I wouldn’t want my wife to be touched in a way that these folks are being touched. I wouldn’t want to be touched that way and I think that we have to be focused on safety, but there’s a balance,” said Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla. “I think we’ve gone to right field.” But Pistole responded that “my job as administrator is try to find that balance, recognize the invasiveness of it and also recognize that the threats
Zero health, privacy concerns New radio-wave passenger screening technology used in Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport is being studied by the Department of Homeland Security for potential deployment in the U.S. The possible upgrade would apply to 200 screening devices already in use and would allow them to identify all sorts of contraband without generating X-rays or 3-D images of the human form.
Threat detected
For passenger privacy • Potential threat areas are presented to scanner operator using a generic mannequin that resembles a human outline
How scanners work • Millimeter wave (MMW) technology uses safe radio waves; no hazardous X-rays or ionizing radiation • Waves pass through clothing
• Computer uses reflected waves to detect concealed metallic and non-metallic objects, including liquids, rubber, wire, plastic and ceramic
Source: U.S. Transportation Security Agency, LiveScience.com, L-3 Security & Detection Systems, CNN Graphic: Tim Goheen, Judy Treible
are real, the stakes are high and we must prevail.” He also emphasized that most passengers will continue to go through metal detectors and that only and a far smaller number will be directed to body scanners. A pat-down is ordered only for passengers who refuse the body scan or who trigger an alarm in a metal detector. Pilots unions also are fighting the additional measures, saying pilots should continue going through metal detectors only. The Allied Pilots Association told its members that the cumulative effect of frequent full body scans could be harmful, given that pilots are already exposed to higher
doses of cosmic rays during long flights at altitude. Studies conducted on the full body scanners by the National Institute of Science and Technology and Johns Hopkins University concluded that radiation from the scans is minimal, Pistole said. The scanners expose a flier to the same amount of radiation as being in the air at 30,000 feet for three minutes, he said. Michael Roberts, a commercial pilot from Memphis, filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming the new procedures violate his constitutional protection against unnecessary search and seizure. Pistole acknowledged in a previous Senate hearing on Tuesday that pilots
• Scans more than 350 people per hour; reduces need for time-consuming and intrusive pat-down searches © 2010 MCT
already are trusted with the controls of an aircraft and may not need as much additional screening. He said TSA will announce new procedures for pilots “in the near future.” The stepped-up screening procedures are a result of a security review initiated by Pistole, who said upon taking office in July he found several independent and internal reports that concluded existing security procedures would not stop someone from carrying explosives hidden in his underwear. A CBS News poll released Nov. 15 showed that 81 percent of Americans believe airports should use full body scanners to screen passengers.
Classifieds, page 4
Sudoku, page 4
Arson blamed in forest fires GORDON BLOCK associate news editor Investigators have determined arson caused two forest fires in Montgomery County that ravaged nearly 450 acres last week. More than 10 homes were threatened by a 241-acre fire west of Blacksburg on Prices Fork Road on Nov. 9, and a fire Nov. 13 burned
207 acres near the Big Falls recreational area. Investigators believe the two fires are related, and are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information on the case. Those with information on either fire are asked to call the VDOF Office in Salem at 540-387-5461. The department advised the risk of fires is elevated until at least Nov. 30.
Businesses adjust for climate change RENEE SCHOOF mcclatchy newspapers WASHINGTON — Some prominent businesses expect that climate change will bring opportunities for growth, but also risks, including problems in raw material supplies of even such American basics as coffee and jeans. Levi Strauss & Co., for example, makes jeans in 45 countries, and most of them are feeling the impacts of climate change from flooding or droughts, said Amy Leonard, a senior vice president. Levi Strauss and other businesses have a long-term interest in making sure that their supplies of raw materials won’t be damaged by climate change, she said. Starbucks Coffee Co. has been using renewable energy and conserving power in its stores for many years, but only in the last couple has the company started to look at how climate change might affect its supply chain, said Ben Packard, the company’s vice president of global responsibility. Small coffee farmers already are talking about climate impacts, he said. “We absolutely view this as a critical risk of our business,” Packard said. Leonard, Packard and other business officials participated in a discussion Wednesday in the underground U.S. Capitol Visitor Center about the business case for action to reduce climate risks. The meeting came as climate action advocates in Congress plot their next steps and as top environment officials from around the world head to Cancun, Mexico, later this month for climate negotiations. While some of the business people talked about risks to their supply chains and customers, others described business opportunities. Taylor Davis, the senior counsel for John Deere Worldwide, said his company expects to sell agricultural equipment that would help farmers produce more food using less land and water, and adapt to climate changes. Mitch Andrus, vice president of Royal Engineers and Consultants of Lafayette, La., said his small company had a contract to make the Armybase at Fort Hood, Texas, more energyefficient. The relief and development group Oxfam America estimated in a report Wednesday that businesses that help people cope with climate change employ about 2 million Americans,
and that there was large potential for growth. Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-Mo., said business has an important role to play in the national debate over climate policy. “With Congress more divided, business can identify common ground — common sense areas — where we can move forward,” he said. “This is good policy, and I think the bottom line is, it’s good business.” Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said 12 senators held a meeting on climate change Tuesday. “I can assure you we will not give up,” he told the business group, adding: “We desperately need you out there explaining the economics of what’s going on.” A broad bill putting mandatory limits on emissions of heat-trapping gases from fossil fuels and encouraging renewable energy doesn’t have enough support to go forward in Congress. Without a U.S. plan to reduce emissions, a binding international agreement also is blocked.
“
This iis good policy, and I think the bottom line is, it’s good business. REP. RUSS CARNAHAM D-Mo.
Oxfam America Vice President Paul O’Brien said that there could be progress in Cancun on a global climate fund to help the world’s poorest countries adapt. A group of 259 international investors issued a statement this week calling on the U.S. and other developed countries to make good on a promise of $30 billion for the fund from 2010 to 2012 at the Cancun talks. The investors also said that current global investments in low-carbon technologies fell far short of what’s estimated will be needed to keep temperatures from rising too much. Investments and job creation have been larger in countries with strong government policies to encourage clean technologies and discourage polluting ones. A recent report by the United Nations Environment Program said that North America spent $20.7 billion on renewable energy in 2009, whileEurope spent $43.7 billion and Asia spent $40.8 billion.
California universities evaluate worth for graduates LISA KRIEGER mcclatchy newspapers SAN JOSE, Calif. — As tuitions climb in a still-shaky economy, college is feeling less like Animal House and more like Career U. To prove their worth, 20 California State University campuses are leaders in a national movement to measure education in dollars and cents, publicizing the salaries of their graduates. What’s a degree worth? It’s no longer measured by the number of days devoted to Milton, Marxism and margaritas. New data show that the midcareer median salary of a San Jose State
University graduate is $92,900 — 21 times the current $4,440 investment for annual tuition. “Families want to see the rate of return on their investment,” said King Alexander, president of Cal State Long Beach, who with Cal State Chancellor Charles Reed is leading the campaign to measure a college degree like a mutual fund, IRA or 401(k). “Educators have always said: ‘Trust us, it’s worth it.’ Now we can say ‘Here’s the data — make up your own mind.’ We think it shows that we’re a great bargain.” It also emphasizes how some courses of study are more lucrative than others, and how some universities are even
altering their curriculum to cater to the new way of measuring what a degree is worth. So far, University of California schools and Stanford University have not followed Cal State’s lead in touting graduates’ median salaries, which are compiled by the Seattle-based compensation company Payscale.com. San Jose State, UC Berkeley and Stanford grads start out somewhat even in pay — but after two decades in the work force, Berkeley andStanford grads were earning significantly more — $109,000 and $119,000, compared with $92,900 for SJSU grads. With tuitions soaring, value is hard to ignore. This month, Cal State leaders
adopted a two-step undergraduate fee hike that will raise tuition by a combined 15 percent by next fall. UC leaders are looking at increasing fees 8 percent for next school year. So, borrowing a page from Consumer Reports, the campuses seek to prove what they’re worth. For starters: College grads earn 1.8 times the average salary earned by those with only a high school diploma, and 2.5 times more than high school dropouts, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Earnings are one of the real outcomes you can measure,” Cal State’s Alexander said. “And with high earnings come many other things. Graduates are good taxpaying citizens. Their homes are less
likely to go into foreclosure. They read more. They have more leisure time, and contribute to their communities. There are huge spillover effects.” Many universities have resisted using graduates’ salaries as a measure of “educational outcome.” However, Cal State took the lead, in 2008 becoming the first and only university system in the nation to publish its graduates’ salary data. It’s available on a website launched after a federal commission called on colleges to do a better job of measuring and publicizing students’ academic success. Now other public schools are following Cal State’s example. Within the next six months, 300 public universities will post sal-
ary information compiled by PayScale. com. The data — which only include graduates with bachelor’s degrees — show that students with the greatest “return on investment” are those who do well in technical majors, such as science or engineering, at a rigorous public school. For instance, graduates of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo earn just as much as graduates of the private Pomona College or University of Southern California — at less than half the cost. And the top 10 percent of students from Fresno State earn as much as midlevel students from Stanford, said Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale.com.
2 news
news editors: philipp kotlaba, liana bayne, gordon block newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
november 18, 2010
[
virginia headlines
COLLEGIATETIMES
nation & world Volleyball seeks fi rst NCAA berth [ headlines ] ] ZACH MARINER
Prisoner grooming policy reworked The Virginia Department of Corrections is moving 31 inmates refusing to comply with the inmate grooming policy to the Keen Mountain Correctional Center in Buchanan County where they will no longer be held in segregation. Inastorylastyear,theRichmond Times-Dispatch revealed that at least eight inmates, mostly Rastafarians, had been held in segregation cells for a decade for refusing to cut their hair in compliance with a grooming policy enacted on Dec. 15, 1999. Followers of the Rastafari movement let their hair grow in dreadlocks and let their beards grow. However, corrections officials said that of the 300 identified Rastafarians in the state system only 13 are out of compliance with the grooming standards. Among other things, the policy requires that male inmates’ hair be cut above the shirt collar and around the ears for security and health reasons. Those refusing to comply were placed in segregation cells. Today, Larry Traylor, spokesman for the department, said, “while there remains a need for consequences when offenders choose not to adhere to Department of Corrections policy, it was determined that offenders whose only offense is failure to comply with the grooming policy should be housed and managed separately from the general population but did not require housing in segregation.” -frank green, mcclatchy newspapers
CORRECTIONS JUSTIN GRAVES -Contact our public editor at publiceditor@ collegiatetimes.com if you see anything that needs to be corrected.
sports staff writer None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Goose Egg. In case you haven’t already gotten the message, Virginia Tech’s volleyball team has all of zero NCAA Tournament appearances in its entire 33-year history. But that could change — very soon. The Hokies (18-9, 9-8 ACC) are having what could be their best season in school history. With three matches left to play, their current RPI ranking is 35, meaning they have a very good shot at receiving a bid to their first NCAA Tournament. The young Tech squad has only two seniors and four juniors on its roster, but it fully expected to be in its current position at the start of the season. “I absolutely expected us to have an opportunity to make the NCAA Tournament,” said Chris Riley, head coach. “That’s our whole goal. Everything we’re trying to do is put ourselves in that situation.” Riley’s players had a similar mindset concerning their early season aspirations. “Making the tournament has been a goal for us since I’ve been here,” said Felicia Willoughby, senior middle blocker. Willoughby has been a model of consistency for the Hokies — starting all but one match in her four years at Tech. She is also the program’s only two-time All-American and holds the school record for blocks with 531. She now has three matches left in her last shot at the postseason, and
she knows just how important these contests are. “Just realizing how close we are, it puts more pressure on how good we have to play,” Willoughby said. “But I don’t think that should affect us.” Willoughby is joined in the middle by teammates Cara Baarendse, who ranks second in the ACC in hitting percentage (.391) and sixth in kills (3.26 per set), as well as Victoria Hamsher, a talented freshman who has started all 27 matches this season. Junior outside hitter Justine Record, a southpaw with a vicious serve, leads the ACC in service aces at .36 per set, and is another important reason for the Hokies’ success this year. Additionally, Tech’s squad has the opportunity to set a school record for ACC wins this season if it can win the remaining three games. “We’re continuing to make strides in the right direction,” Riley said. “We’re doing things the right way, we’ve got great kids and they’re working hard. So, for us, it just means that we have everything going in the right direction.” At the very least the Hokies will know the competition they’re up against, as all three remaining games come against opponents they have already beaten this season — Wake Forest, Duke and Virginia. However, it will be no easy task as Duke sits atop the ACC standings with a 14-3 in-conference record. Tech also has to travel to face the Blue Devils and the Demon Deacons this weekend — a road trip that could very well determine the outcome of the
DAILY
UNESCO honors Mexican cuisine
PAUL KURLAK / SPPS
Justine Record (above) matched her career-high of 26 kills and earned a career-high 20 digs against Florida State on Oct. 29. season — before finishing up at home with Virginia on Nov. 26. Since Riley took over the program, Tech has a .735 winning percentage (50-18) when playing on its home court. Junior setter Erin Leaser also realizes the importance of this team’s final three matches. “We’re not taking them lightly at all, especially with them being away games,” Leaser said. “We play really well at home, but we’re really looking forward to this challenge.” Leaser is currently tied for the ACC lead in assists per set, at 11.2. Riley called her one of the best setters to ever play at Tech.
Yet, her eyes lit up at the mention of being a part of this school’s first NCAA Tournament-bound team. “I would be so honored,” Leaser said. “It’s something that I’ve looked forward to since I committed here.” While Tech does have a solid RPI ranking, nothing would help the team’s chances of making the tournament more than three straight wins to end the season. “I don’t think we can determine what the NCAA is going to do,” Riley said. “We’ve just got to play and do everything we can to win. We make it a lot easier on the NCAA Tournament committee if we win, so that’s what our goal is.”
CRIME
BLOTTER
Name and Age
Offense
Date
Time
Location
Status
None given
Follow-up to harassment
Nov. 5
2 p.m. 11 p.m.
Ramble Road
Inactive
None given
Drug violation
Nov. 16
2:28 p.m.
Miles Hall
Active
None given
Larceny of a bicycle
Nov. 16
8 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Outside Squires
Inactive
None given
Vandalism in the women’s restroom - graffiti
Nov. 16
1:07 p.m. 3:20 p.m.
Burruss Hall
Inactive
None given
Larceny of a bicycle
Nov. 4 Nov. 12
3:00 p.m. 11 a.m.
Outside Pi Beta Phi
Inactive
None given
Breaking and entering, larceny of alcohol
Nov. 9 Nov. 16
3 p.m. 3 p.m.
Owens Hall
Active
MEXICO CITY — Maligned as unhealthy and misunderstood in its complexity, Mexican cuisine is finally getting its due. It’s now considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, elevated along with French cuisine this week at a meeting of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO. The designation elated culinary experts, who say that diners sometimes fail to appreciate the richness of a cuisine with vast regional variation and use of aromatic herbs and plants, nothing like the cheesy nachos and brittle tacos many Americans eat at restaurants. Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs said on its website Wednesday that the designation provides “global recognition to our cuisine as one of the most important in the world.” An American who offers culinary tours of Mexico City, Lesley Tellez, said she hopes the recognition will change ideas about Mexican food. “There’s a misconception that it is food covered in cheese and that it’s totally unhealthy. It’s not true,” said Tellez, adding that the U.N. designation “is an affirmation that Mexican cuisine has richness and complexity, and it deserves to be known.” Last year, several Mexican chefs appealed to UNESCO to honor a culinary tradition based on corn, beans and chili peppers that has roots in the distant past, has maintained continuity over centuries and uses original techniques. The Mexican government belatedly got behind the nomination. The designation was made Tuesday at a meeting of the intangible cultural heritage committee of UNESCO in Nairobi, Kenya. -tim johnson, mcclatchy newspapers
Daily Fire Log--No incidents to report Traffic--No incidents to report
WE WANT
YOU! JOIN THE COLLEGIATE TIMES BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO IMPRESS EMPLOYERS
The Collegiate Times gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion on the things that matter to you. Impressing your future employers with your work is just an added bonus. Join today.
www.collegemedia.com/join
opınıons 3
editors: scott masselli, gabi seltzer opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
november 18, 2010
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
Our Views [staff editorial]
Banning drinks won’t benefit public health federal and state governments clamp As down on the regulation of caffeinated alcoholic beverages, producers are also responding to the public outcry against the controversial beverages. Parents of college-aged children and public health advocates have become increasingly vocal about the dangers of the drinks. And with good reason: one Four Loko contains the alcohol equivalent of 5.6 beers and enough caffeine for five cups of coffee. The Food and Drug Administration, Federal Trade Commission and producers are responding to political angst, having read many horror stories about the beverages,
and public health concerns are important. However, this must be done in a way that addresses the root of the problem. We can ban production of drinks that combine caffeine and alcohol, but as long as both are legal separately, nothing will change. Instead, if the government feels the need to “protect” the population, it should mandate better structures (perhaps reducing the size of the Four Loko container) or do a better job of educating and conditioning young people to be more responsible consumers of alcohol. the editorial board is composed of peter velz, sara mitchell, scott masselli and gabi seltzer
Plaid Avenger tweets keep news sensible you know who Julia Gillard is? What Do about Robert Mugabe or David Cameron? Did you hear about the cholera outbreak in Haiti or the erupting volcano in Indonesia? If you didn’t recognize any of the names or events mentioned above and can’t be bothered with a search engine, don’t worry about it. You now have the ability to learn about the world around you using an unlikely source — Twitter. One doesn’t usually view the status-updating website as a source for anything newsworthy. Sure, there’s a Twitter account for a few television networks and newspapers, but their tweets are mundane one-liners meant to steer you away from Twitter. Now there’s a way you can stay up-to-date with national and international news without being redirected from Twitter, thanks to the Plaid Avenger. A lot of you have no idea what I’m talking about, but fear not. If you haven’t heard of the Plaid Avenger either, his Twitter profile declares he is a “Global fighter for truth, justice and a mandatory planetary cocktail hour.” His website claims he “roams the planet to fight international injustices.” He’s not alone either. The Plaid Avenger is aligned with nearly 60 movers and shakers from around the globe who have gone Plaid. To have a better understanding of what this means, go to Twitter right now and look up Plaid_Medvedev, the Plaid equivalent of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Don’t stop there. Attach “Plaid_” to the front of any world leader’s last name and you’re bound to find an amazing onslaught of updates that are anything but boring. Interested in the stability of the global financial market? You’ll find tons of information about the G20 Seoul Summit, as well as gain insight into the ongoing family feud between North and South Korea. Plaid_Lee, the witty Plaid edition of South Korean president Lee Myung-bak tweets to the Japanese Prime Minister, “Also @Plaid_Kan we must discuss NK’s nuclear crisis. We should strategize for koo koo @Plaid_Kim & a #jennycraigforkimsfatson plan”. If you’re concerned with how France and Iran are getting along nowadays after a certain Iranian president began enriching uranium, look no further than the insulting tweets of universal badboy Plaid_Ahmadinejad. Arguing about height, the Plaid president of France angrily tweets that “I measure in at 5’5”. Aren’t you about 5’3? In the rest of Not Crazy Land, that makes me taller.” Replies Ahmadinejad, “You’re only 5’5 when you wear your wife’s shoes. In Iran, we do not have this problem.”
Wait, what about those people who made huge impacts on the world but are no longer in positions of power, like Nelson Mandela? Well according to the former president of South Africa, he’s “been to jail and ain’t afraid to go back.” Plaid_Mandela also posts Twitpics of himself, usually as Morgan Freeman. It’s not all fun and games though. The Plaid leaders’ tweets concern everything from political power struggles and failing economies to cartel gangs and their opinions on fellow world leaders. Plaid Pakistani president Zardari frequently tweets about terror organizations and his fear of India. Recently freed political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi, or Plaid_SuuKyi, tweeted on Nov. 13 an exultant “I am free,” to a growing group of followers totaling more than 2,400. I’m only scratching the surface of available world leaders to follow on Twitter. No one is safe from this Plaid takeover, just ask a few powerful religious authorities. The Ayatollah Khamenei, the Dalai Lama and even Pope Benedict XVI have Plaid Twitter accounts that relate the news in their unique points of view. There’s even a Plaid_Obama account that gives an American perspective. Most significantly, the Plaid community presents a realistic portrayal of international relations as they are forever interacting with one another. If there’s one thing to be discovered about the Plaid Avenger and his Plaid leaders, it is that they are very connected. In fact, the Plaid world stage is strikingly similar to the real world stage. The news here is biased and disposed to partiality. Depending on which world leader is telling it, it is hard to interpret. Welcome to the news of everywhere else. The important difference between these Plaid world leaders and the news outlets we’re accustomed to is that the bias isn’t sneaking around under the pretense of being “fair and balanced.” You’re given information from a variety of sources that present the news in so many different ways, and are forced to gather facts and be an impartial judge. Want to know something else? Without having to watch a single minute of CNN, you can be knowledgeable about current events by logging onto Twitter and following these Plaid world leaders. I definitely recommend it. In the words of the mysterious Plaid Avenger, “Don’t just hear the news, understand the news.”
COURTNAY SELLERS -regular columnist -junior -history major
send a letter to the editor and express your views send an e-mail to opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com with your letter or guest column attached
MCT CAMPUS
Interaction essential for true cultural education ast weekend, the annual Dance of Nations multicultural perforL mance showcased the hard work of talented Hokie students sharing the art of dance from various cultures. The dances — accompanied by smiling faces, gyrating moves and colorful garments — entertained those packed in Squires Student Center’s Commonwealth Ballroom. During the show, I could not help but wonder if this jam-packed string of glimpses into different cultures serves as the main outlet for the audience’s cultural enrichment. I would like to hope this is untrue, because such traditional summaries of different cultures might reinforce the foreign nature of what being from a different culture means. Admiring clothes and dance moves unlike those at any dance parties we have been to is enjoyable, but this exposure is shallow as a means of cultural education if left alone. In thinking further about cultural displays such as Dance of Nations, it occurred to me their appeal lies in the fact that we like to entertain ourselves with cultures that feel foreign by sampling small bites of them we find digestible — in forms such as food and dance. This is unfortunate, however, as these should instead serve as lures inspring further intrigue into the culture as opposed to being the core of our cultural education. There is no substitute for realizing what other cultures truly have to offer, which is best achieved by face-to-face interaction rather than an audience looking at a stage. If we leave our education at snippets of traditional ideas of a culture, we risk reinforcing our stereotypes of its people. Is it better to view these shows as a source of initial intrigue or to treat them as a supplement to what we already know or hope to understand about other cultures? Self-immersion is important; go beyond initial understandings and appreciations.
Once we leave our bubbles of racial similarity, real education is possible. Interactions with people from different backgrounds on a regular and more informal basis provides much deeper and richer insight. The need for this interactive understanding perhaps is especially true in America. As a people, we pride ourselves for living in a “melting pot.” Many Americans, particularly children of immigrants, have adopted hyphenated identities, such as ChineseAmerican and Indian-American. We have all heard these terms, and I would hope we all understand the true implications behind them. Children of immigrants who have retained their heritage, particularly living and growing up in America, embody a very interesting and hard-earned blend of what it means to be American as well as someone from another culture. While we may see students of Indian descent dressed up in very traditional clothes displaying what Indian culture values as dance, those same Indian students wear jeans and T-shirts to class; their black hair and brown skin often being the only factor identifying them as Indians. To me, this representation of the blend of culture they have adopted is much more true to reality than any display of traditional culture. Here we are able to understand the deeper foundations and implications of what it means to be from a family of Chinese, Indian or African descent, as opposed to enjoying a one-minute dance and consequently feeling educated. Luckily, opportunities to experience such enriching interactions abound at Virginia Tech. In a course offered through the Honors Program, students have the opportunity to interact with Haitian interns completing their degrees at Tech after the devastating earthquake that disrupted their college educations. Additionally, many students have also had the opportunity
to assist with the Pilot Street project in Roanoke, an effort facilitating the resettlement of political refugees from countries such as Bhutan, Somalia, Cuba and Iraq. Of course, Tech’s increasingly diverse population also serves as an outlet into multicultural interactions on a daily basis. With so many opportunities to gain deep understandings of other cultures while a student at Tech, I would hope we all take advantage of them. The insight gained through diverse interactions truly broadens our understanding of cultural differences and similarities, which all point back to the fact we are all human beings with socialized understandings of the world influenced by our individual cultures. It is undoubtedly true the Hokie experience, as well as life, is enriched by diversity in the melting pot that is the United States. We need to see cultures as not only paintings, art and dance, but real people who embody these aspects of heritage. We gain much deeper understanding and appreciation of the lives of others. In simply attending events that give us a quick cultural buffet, it becomes far too easy to enjoy a culture on the surface and falsely feel enlightened as a result. Cultural shows serve as a modest and entertaining introduction; still, I would hope our multicultural experience and openness to understanding new things extends far beyond such shows. If the Dance of Nations is their sole cultural experience, students are depriving themselves of a magnificent education.
NOOR KHALIDI -regular columnist -junior -economics major
Break provides welcomed academic, family respite ’ve never been very excited about Thanksgiving. IThe idea of yams and turkeys thrills me just about as much as any other food I can live without. It’s like the season’s goldfish: I’ll eat it if it’s there. I watch my family members stuff their faces and stay full for hours, basking in their laziness and food comas. They are classic examples of the truth behind the claim that too much turkey can actually put you to sleep. As they’re napping, I get hungry again. I can’t help it; all I ate was pumpkin pie and bitesized portions of everything else. A trip to the fridge is yet another disappointment — leftovers. My mother is a big supporter — it’s probably why our small family of three has a membership at Costco. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against the holiday. I like the break from school and enjoy watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with the Rockettes and unnecessarily large balloons. I think the premise of the holiday is great, too; we often aren’t thankful enough. This year, however, I’m going to be looking forward to it for a whole slew of new reasons. The only other time I think I’ve been excited to shower in my
own shower was when I went on a field trip for four days to the Eastern Shore with no running water. I have huge expectations behind how I’ll feel when I leave my shower shoes at the door and sleep in a bed I don’t have to climb a ladder to get into.
“
I actually think this year will change my mind. I may not be in line for the feast at D2, but I will be driving the long road to the beach as early as possible Friday morning.
But all these things aside, my excitement for this coming week really culminates in the movie theatre. Yes, I am a huge nerd — I am talking about Harry Potter. I’ve read all the books religiously and in a timely manner. I think the longest it took me to get through one was four days, and that was for the excruciatingly-long fifth book which was honestly just a little too much. I’m not the kind of obsessive fan who knows every minute detail or every character’s biography, but I really do love the movies. I will be sad to see the ending of this one, and even more sad for the finale in July. As cliche and repetitive as it may sound, I really did grow up alongside Harry. My wand
may have been paper mache and only taken out on Halloween, but I’ve always been able to relate to the characters. Though Thanksgiving has always been one of the holidays right there with the ones the Virginia Beach city school system doesn’t recognize, I actually think this year will change my mind. I may not be in line for the feast at D2, but I will be driving the long road to the beach as early as possible Friday morning. I know there will always be leftovers and infinite combinations of turkey — to the point where it is almost unnatural — but I don’t care. I’m glad Virginia Tech gives us a week off, because I am going to soak it up. I’m welcoming the change in geography, and even the mashed potatoes. I will be paying $10 for a movie I will probably have to sit in the front row for, yet I couldn’t be more excited. When the leftovers come out again and my parents’ misunderstanding of my new sleeping habits becomes a tad bit annoying, getting back to school will sound great. Until then, I’ll take my turkey, only this time with a smile on my face.
JENNY SAMUELS -regular columnist -freshman -university studies major
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, Craig Mullaney, Krista Silano 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: Tim Austin, Katie Biondo, Jenn DiMarco, Colleen Hill, Jenn Le, Erin Weisiger Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com Student Media Phone Numbers Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, e-mail spps@vt.edu. The Collegiate Times is located in 365 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, VA, 24061. (540) 231-9865. Fax (540) 2319151. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $110 academic year. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2010. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
november 18, 2010
page 4
Policies: The Collegiate Times reserves the right to reject or edit any advertisement it deems objectionable, at any time. No refunds are available.
Place An Ad Today
CLASSIFIEDS WWW.COLLEGIATETIMES.COM 540.961.9860
Visit our business office at 618 N. Main St. 9am–5pm 9am 5pm Monday–Friday Monday Friday,, or place an ad online at collegiatetimes.com.
The advertiser assumes full responsibility for his or her advertisements and agrees to hold the Collegiate Times harmless for the content of all advertisements authorized for publication and any claims that made may be against the Collegiate Times.
Deadline: Three business days prior to publication by 3PM.
Rates:
Any questions concerning ads, please call the Better Business Bureau at 1.800.533.5501.
Rates as low as 32¢ per word, contingent on the number of days to run. Prepaid. 15 word minimum. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at 1.800.669.9777.
FREE CLASSIFIEDS FOR VT STUDENTS! students must come to 618 N Main ST to place the ad Sub-Lease Travel Rides Campus
Childcare Tickets for Sale Tickets Wanted Volunteers
Textbooks for Sale Textbooks Wanted Lost & Found Help Wanted
For Sale Events Health & Fitness Automotive
Legal
Furniture for Sale
Help Wanted
LEGAL TROUBLES?
BRAND NEW mattress sets: twin $89, full $99, queen $119, king $169 We can layaway/deliver 540.260.9091
*****BARTENDING***** MAKE UP TO $300/ DAY. No Experience Necessary. Training Available. 1-800-965-6520 EXT210
Travel
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Gain incredible resume and life experience at student media. We’re now hiring outgoing, dedicated and confident VT students for Spring 2011. As an Account Executive at College Media Solutions, be a marketing consultant for clients, helping them reach their goals. We analyze the needs of each business. If reaching the campus or extended VT community of alumni and families can increase their business, we recommend an appropriate marketing strategy using the Collegiate Times, collegiatetimes.com, out of home advertising, VTTV Channel 33, WUVT 90.7 FM or other means. This is valuable experience whether you are pursuing a career in marketing or advertising or not. Close to 100% of student media alumni report that their experience helped them land their first jobs or advance faster in their careers. In student media, you are not relegated to a lowly intern. You have the opportunity to advance into management and student leadership as well. Your earnings are only limited by your effort and commitment. Apply online today at collegemedia.com/ join Preference will be given for students who plan to return in Summer and/ or Fall 2011. College Media Solutions is a Registered Student Organization whose mission is to give students co-curricular experience while providing the funding support for studentrun mass media on campus.
Call for Free Consultation with Attorney on Alcohol, Assault, Drug, Traffic Charges, and VT Student Conduct Referral. Joel S. Jackson, PC. www.joeljacksonpc.com. 540.961.5297
LEGAL ASSISTANT NEEDED
Blacksburg attorney needs part time legal assistant. Duties include answering calls, welcoming clients, making appointments, organizing files and communicating with the courts. Two year commitment required. Contact Joel Jackson PC at 540-9615297. PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE The Town of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech will hold two public meetings to solicit input on a proposed multi-modal transit facility and transfer center for Blacksburg Transit to be located on the Virginia Tech campus. The prospective site for the facility is located on Perry Street adjacent to the new parking deck. The first meeting will be held at the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown on Tuesday, November 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The second meeting will be held at the Blacksburg Police Department training room, 200 Clay Street SW, on Wednesday, December 1 from 5:15 to 6:30 pm. Both meetings are open to the public and all individuals wishing to participate are encouraged to attend. Preliminary information regarding the site, scope and configuration of the facility will be presented. All comments on the project are welcome. Individuals with disabilities who require special assistance to attend and participate in this meeting should call 540-961-1803. For the hearing impaired, call the VA Relay Service at 711. For more information or questions contact: Josh Lawrence with McDonough Bolyard Peck at 540-985-9453.
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
Notices HTTP://TINYURL. COM/VTREADYU ReadyU is bringing you the best online resource for all you need to know about life at Virginia Tech. Because they can’t teach this stuff, ReadyU.com will. Visit http:// tinyurl.com/ VTReadyU for the all the tips, tricks and articles from fellow students!
Personals ADOPTION
Pediatrician and hubby in northern Virginia wish to adopt newborn. Approved by licensed child-placing agency. Med/legal expenses. Loving home! Contact us toll free 1-866581-5494 www. EdandMargaretB. freehomepage.com ADOPTION Pregnant? Think about adoption as an option! Warm, loving nurse wishes to adopt a baby. I promise a lifetime of love, happiness and security. Contact Susanne anytime at 1-571-882-3533 www.babyloveva.com
Notices Wanted Musical Roommates
Greek Notes For Rent Personals Furniture for Sale
Downtown Living South Main Living North Main Living Prices Fork Living
Patrick Henry Living Christiansburg Living
BEACH LIFEGUARD. Lack’s Beach Service has started hiring for the 2011 summer season. Visit www. LACKSBEACHLIFEGUARDS. COM for info and online application.
Marketing Internship Work with the Collegiate Times & The Extra Point Newspapers. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Apply at CollegeMedia.com/join
ACROSS 1 Hitchcock’s wife and collaborator 5 Floater with a ladder 9 Garnish on a toothpick 14 Radio tuner 15 Peace Prize city 16 Kind of spray 17 Ringing sound 18 Hurricane zone 20 Unflappable 22 Playful swimmer 23 Craft 24 __ in November 25 Bodybuilder’s pride 28 Alternatively 33 “Time out!” 37 TV ad-skipping aid 40 “M*A*S*H” role 41 Palo __, Calif. 42 Dismay at the dealer 45 1970 World’s Fair site 46 Hearth burn consequence 47 Jacuzzi, e.g. 50 Polite oater response 54 Destroyer destroyer 56 Sprinter’s device 60 Sign of corporate success, and a literal hint to the puzzle theme found in 18-, 20-, 33-, 42- and 56Across 62 Con 63 Supple 64 Cornerstone word 65 Spotted 66 Prayer opening 67 Ball holders 68 Coastal raptors DOWN 1 Appends 2 Ray of “GoodFellas” 3 Some Musée d’Orsay works 4 Pool problem 5 Optimistic
By Dan Naddor
6 “The Thin Man” pooch 7 Dentist’s suggestion 8 Holy scroll 9 Not digressing 10 Prix de __ de Triomphe: annual horse race 11 Writer Dinesen 12 Shop cleaner, briefly 13 Caribou kin 19 Diagnostic proc. 21 “Shoot!” 26 Drag 27 Joust verbally 29 Strong criticism 30 Mardi Gras city’s Amtrak code 31 Trick-or-treat mo. 32 Bout stopper, for short 33 Wallop 34 NFL scores 35 “That’s a riot— not” 36 Cupid, to the Greeks 37 General associated with chicken
11/18/10 Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2010 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
38 “__ a date!” 39 By way of 43 Negotiated white water, perhaps 44 Thick-bodied fish 47 One vis-à-vis two 48 Oregon State’s conf. 49 Diet doctor 51 Med. drama sets
9/29/10
52 He rid Ire. of snakes, as the legend goes 53 Pooh’s creator 55 Unimpressed 56 __ speak 57 Freq. test giver 58 Prime-time time 59 Pontiac muscle cars 60 Road warning 61 Up to, in ads
november 18, 2010
editors: lindsey brookbank, kim walter featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
weekend
COLLEGIATETIMES
5
Outdoor enthusiast hikes Appalachian Trail to honor brother MIKA MALONEY features reporter Every year, thousands of trekkers attempt to complete the Appalachian Trail, yet only several hundred will succeed in making their way from Springer Mountain, Ga., to Katahdin, Maine, entirely on foot. In 1998, writer, teacher and outdoor enthusiast Jeff Alt completed the 2,160 mile trail. He has since used his adventure to help raise more than $180,000 in honor of his brother Aaron, who was born with cerebral palsy. For 147 days, Alt placed one foot in front of the other — enduring blizzards, 15 consecutive days of rain, 100 degree heat, blisters and physical exhaustion. All of it was in support of Sunshine Inc., an assisted living facility — where
Aaron currently lives — dedicated to helping those with developmental disabilities. Since returning home, Alt has wanted to share his experiences and encourage others to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Last year’s release of the third edition of his critically acclaimed book “A Walk for Sunshine,” and the accompanying film “A Walk for Sunshine Appalachian Trail Show” has inspired Alt to embark on a nationwide tour to showcase his work. In anticipation of the film’s screening on Saturday at the Lyric, the Collegiate Times spoke with Alt to better understand this multifaceted hiker’s story. Construction on the Appalachian Trail began in the 1920s with Benton McKaye’s vision of providing city dwellers with an escape into the wilderness.
Today, the meandering trail encompasses some of the eastern seaboard’s roughest terrain and stretches along the length of the east coast, passing through 14 states. Like many hikers, Alt began his journey in the early and chilly days of March in order to time his progress along the trail with the changing seasons and minimize the risks associated with the hike. On the trail there is no stereotypical trekker or reason for hiking what most would consider an unthinkable distance. There were retired couples, young people, soldiers on leave from the military and even a Virginia Tech student who was walking back from college to see his girlfriend for spring break, Alt said. Every hiker treks for a reason, and for Alt the challenge was a personal one.
Each day, Aaron faces innumerable hardships, being unable to feed, bathe or cloth himself, yet he maintains the joy of life so many of us often forget to appreciate. “Each day presented a new set of challenges. For each of the 147 days, I adapted, solved my dilemmas and kept moving forward.” As he carried his life in a 50pound backpack for almost five months, Alt knew his task was still easier than living life confined to a wheelchair. “My strongest memories are waking up each morning with my only worries being food, shelter, more food and meeting fascinating people that have remained friends to this day, having a great view each day and the serenity that comes from a quiet walk in the woods,” Alt said. Like many trekkers, Alt’s experiences on the Appalachian Trail have
COURTESY OF JEFF ALT
Jeff Alt used his hiking experience to raise money for Sunshine, Inc. transformed his life in more ways than one. “What has been fun for me is adapting my problem-solving skills from the trail into my daily life,” Alt said. “On the trail, quitting or giving up
Loop I
e
n
th
Wondering what’s going on around the ‘burg? Check out the events of the upcoming week.
[Thursday, November 18] What: Music: MIke Breittenbach Where: Gillie’s When: 7 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Belly Dance w/Hill and Veil Where: GLC, room F When: 6:30 p.m. Cost: Free
[Saturday, November 20] What: Virginia Tech vs. Miama football watching tailgate Where: Reynolds Homestead When: 1:30 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Music: Big Thunder Rumblefish Where: Gillie’s When: 9:30 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Music: Polychrome Where: Awful Arthurs When: 10 p.m. 18+
G N I V I G S K N A H T N W O T HOME T N E M N I A T R E ENT Freshman:
Head back to high school and show off how cool and mature you’ve gotten over the past 4 months. Make sure to wear Virginia Tech apparel every day.
Sophmore:
Hey. that new Call of Duty game just came out, right?
Junior:
You’re probably 21 by now so enjoy the new uniqueness of your local bar with your friends. If not, hey, that new Call of Duty game just came out, right?
Senior: Have fun at your friends’ expense! Play highschool classmate engagement bingo!
[Sunday, November 21] What: Local Color Art Ehibit: Dianna Knight Where: 2nd floor, West Wing of Norris Hall When: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
[Tuesday, November 23] What: Holtzman Alumni Center Art Exhibit Where: Holtzman Alumni Center, 2nd floor gallery When: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free
[Wednesday, November 24] What: Awful’s Comedy Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 7 p.m. Cost: 18+ $5 over 21, $7 under
[Thursday, November 25]
[Friday, November 19] What: (Mostly) Swing Dance Lesson Where: YMCA’s Stuart Event Room When: 7:30 Cost: $3 members, $5 general 1st time is free
wasn’t an option. Moving forward and overcoming the obstacle or challenge was the only way to get to Maine. When work, family or life in general presents a problem, my trail prowess kicks in.” For those considering making the hike, Alt recommended partnering up with an experienced hiker, reading Appalachain Trail memoirs and taking shorter hikes. “The hikers that complete the journey are the ones that have that burning internal desire to see it through,” Alt said. “You will have more rainy days than sunny days. This is a goal that will require everything you got.” Alt currently lives in Granville, Ohio, with his wife and two daughters. He works as a teacher and writer. Together the family ventures into the wilderness as often as its busy schedule allows.
What: Music: Sasha Callsen Where: Gillie’s When: 7 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Grand Thanksgiving Buffet Where: Latham Ballroom at The Inn at Virginia Tech When: 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Cost: $27.95 adults, $22.95 seniors, $13.95 children 5-11
sports 6Hokies travel to Miami with chance to clinch Coastal division editors: michael bealey, garrett ripa sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
november 18, 2010
ZACH MARINER sports staff writer Virginia Tech heads to Coral Gables Saturday with an opportunity to wrap up the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division against the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami (7-3, 5-2), will start true freshman Stephen Morris at quarterback, his third straight start because of injury to Jacory Harris. Harris, who sustained a concussion in Miami’s game against Virginia, was hyped up to be the next great thing at “The U.” Harris has failed to deliver results thus far in his college career.
Morris, a three-star recruit out of Miami Shores, Fla., planned on redshirting this season behind Harris. When Harris went down in the UVa game, with Miami still having Orange Bowl dreams, Morris was inserted into the game and nearly delivered a dramatic comeback win. “The younger quarterback, he’s not as far along in the offense as Jacory,” said Rashad Carmichael, Tech cornerback. “So I don’t think Miami’s going to give him as much leeway as they would Jacory.” Tech, which is tied for second in the nation with 16 interceptions, will look to bait Morris into turning the ball over, something every young quarterback is prone to doing. Cornerbacks Carmichael and Jayron Hosley have a combined 11 interceptions through 10 games, with Hosley tied for the nation’s lead with seven. Morris will have a lot of help on the outside, as he has senior wide receiver Leonard Hankerson to throw the ball to. Hankerson has caught a pass in 23 straight games and leads the Hurricanes in catches (51), yards (879) and touchdowns (11) through 10 games. Hankerson, a 6-foot-3-inch, 205pound target out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has shot up the Miami all-time receiving list this season. He trails only NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and Miami legend Lamar Thomas on the all-time receiving touchdown list at Miami.
JONATHAN PIPPIN / SPPS
Tech wide reciever Marcus Davis goes up for a pass against UNC. Miami, known for its star receivers, currently has eight alumni in the Top 100 in receiving yards this season in the NFL. Reggie Wayne (third), Andre Johnson (eighth) and Santana Moss (10th) highlight that group. Morris should have plenty of time to find Hankerson downfield, as Miami boasts some of the country’s largest offensive tackles. Orlando Franklin (6 feet 7 inches, 312 pounds) and Seantrel Henderson (6 feet 8 inches, 355 pounds) will protect Morris when he drops back to pass, and pave the way for the rushing attack. Miami has several talented running backs in Damien Berry (763 yards),
Lamar Miller (462 yards) and Mike James (354 yards). All three average at least 4.9 yards per carry. “I don’t think there’s any question that you put the priority on stopping the running game,” said Frank Beamer, Hokies head coach. Miami coach Randy Shannon, subject of much criticism this season, is worried about the Hokies running backs, as well as quarterback Tyrod Taylor “They have great athletes around Tyrod, that’s why you can’t take Tyrod out of this football game,” Shannon said. “Their running backs are really good runners.”
While Miami might not be the national title contender fans want it to be, the Hurricanes are having no trouble recruiting. Even with the uncertain future of Shannon, Miami has the No. 23-ranked recruiting class according to ESPN.com, including three ESPNU 150 commitments. Teddy Bridgewater, the star quarterback of Miami Northwestern High School, highlights the 2011 class. A dual-threat quarterback, Bridgewater will stay at home in Miami, looking to bring prominence back to “The U.” With the Hokies traveling to Coral Gables Saturday, it reminds them of the 2008 matchup, a 16-14 Hurricanes win. “Losing down there was a bad feeling,” Taylor said. “It was a tough loss.” While Miami might not be on top this year, the game will always have an added element for the Hokies. “It’s just the tradition,” Carmichael said. “Everybody used to watch (Miami), and we know what they’re capable of doing.” Taylor touched on Miami’s history as well. “It’s the tradition,” Taylor said. “Every year, the media wants to see Miami and Florida State in the ACC Championship. They have a lot of tradition and a great program.” The Hokies square off against the Hurricanes Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.