Thursday, February 3, 2011 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Thursday, February 3, 2011

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

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COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 11

News, page 2

Weekend, page 5

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 6

Classifieds, page 4

Sudoku, page 4

Tech withstands late surge Hokies falter in chase to trump Wolfpack on road for in-state prospects Rank

Name

Position

Location

Stars

School

Curtis Grant

Richmond, Va.

Ohio St.

Demetrious Nicholson

Virgnia Beach, Va.

Virginia

Landon Turner

Harrisonburg, Va.

North Carolina

Travis Hughes

Virginia Beach, Va.

Virginia

Dominique Terrell

ATH

Manassas, Va.

Virginia

Clifton Richardson

Newport News, Va.

Virginia

Corey Marshall

Dinwiddie, Va.

Virginia Tech

Ronny Vandyke

Lorton, Va.

Virginia Tech

Quinta Funderburk

Chesapeake, Va.

Arkansas

#10

David Dean

Virginia Beach, Va.

Virginia KATIE BIONDO / COLLEGIATE TIMES

The Hokies managed just two prospects in the top-10 in Virginia according to Rivals. Grant, Nicholson, Turner, Hughes and Terrell were all thought to be Tech leans at one point in each prospect’s recruiting.

TECH FOOTBALL SIGNS 20 FOR CLASS OF 2011, LOSES SEVERAL CRITICAL BATTLES TO RIVALS MATT JONES sports reporter

MCT CAMPUS

Jeff Allen goes up for a reverse layup against the Wolfpack’s C.J. Williams. Allen had 15 points.

HOKIES GET A CRUCIAL ROAD VICTORY OVER NC STATE, HAVE WON 11 OF THEIR LAST 13 NICK CAFFERKY sports reporter Behind the success of the familiar senior duo Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen, Virginia Tech held on to a 77-69 victory over North Carolina State in Raleigh, N.C. Delaney finished with a gamehigh 22 points, while Allen added 15 points and 11 rebounds, to help improve the Hokies’ record to 15-6 and 5-3 in the ACC play. In what was a game of two completely different halves, it was the Hokies dominance on the offensive glass during the first half that inevitably won the game. After the teams spent the first eight minutes feeling each other out, Tech went on a 20-6 run over the next nine minutes to break open a 34-18 lead. By halftime, the Hokies held a 39-26 lead, but it wasn’t because of

great shooting. With a steady dose of Victor Davila, Allen and Terrell Bell, the Hokies dominated the glass. Tech tallied 14 offensive rebounds in the first half alone, which led to 19 second-chance points. Coming out of the break, the Hokies started to let the Wolfpack back into the game. A 9-2 run by NC State cut the Hokies lead to nine with 15:25 to play, and had Tech fans flashing back to the collapse at North Carolina on Jan. 13. However, after a timeout, the Hokies squashed the idea of a comeback with a quick layup by Bell. Then a powerful one-handed dunk by Allen pushed the lead back to 13. Just as everything looked to be back to normal and it appeared Tech would cruise to victory, NC State put together one last effort that made the final six minutes very stressful for Hokies head coach Seth

Greenberg. Up 65-50 with 5:46 to go, the Hokies suddenly when ice cold. Tech managed just three field goals from that point on, thanks to a swarming Wolfpack defense. With 3:33 to play, NC State cut the deficit to eight, but just as he had done all game, Allen came up big one last time, nailing a jumper to calm the team down. In addition to the efforts of Allen and Delaney, Erick Green and Bell both finished with 13 points. For Bell, 11 of his points came in the second half, when the Hokies were trying to avoid another collapse in the state of North Carolina.The Hokies victory was their second in four days, and puts them fourth in the ACC with eight conference games to play. It was also Tech’s second conference victory on the road, the other coming against Maryland on Jan. 20. Next up for the Hokies is another road game at Boston College Saturday, with tip-off set for 1 p.m.

The first Wednesday of every February breathes new life into the college football fan’s life — the day is known as National Signing Day. For Virginia Tech football fans, the day has been a constant reminder of the hump the Hokies have failed to overcome. Marked by recruiting misses and stumbles, signing day rarely gets Hokie fans excited. “We’re really pleased with this class,” said head coach Frank Beamer. “It’s a solid, good class with a lot of players who have great potential.” The 2011 recruiting class, highlighted by a pair of defensive linemen in Kris Harley and Corey Marshall, is a typical Tech class. Outside of several players, the class is comprised of mostly under the radar prospects who will need a fair amount of coaching once they get on campus. “It’s a middle-of-the-road ACC class, an above average ACC class,” said Mike Farrell, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. “It’s going to finish in the five to six range (in the ACC). Virginia Tech doesn’t recruit nationally so I don’t think you can really put them in that category.” For a program like Tech, a program that has appeared in a national championship game and multiple BCS games, recruiting nationally should be commonplace. However the frequency of these national recruiting battles has dwindled in recent years.

“I don’t know how many years ago, maybe four or five, (Virginia Tech) stopped going into Florida, they don’t go much into Georgia much anymore,” Farrell said. “On a national scale they’re never going to finish up in that top 15, top 20 unless they do try and expand their recruiting territories and go after some of those big-time kids in the Southeast.” While Tech has developed ties to several states, such as New Jersey (Jason Worilds), Indiana (Darren Evans) and Minnesota (2011’s James Farrow), the bigger name players are in the south. “Unfortunately, the top talent to win a national championship as we’ve learned from Alabama, Auburn, Florida twice, LSU winning the national championship, that talent is in the Southeast, and you have to go down there and get it,” Farrell said. The class of 2011 is not flashy, but the players Tech did sign are more than capable of making a difference at the ACC level. Harley, a defensive tackle from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, is an example of Tech coaches leaving the state and filling a need. He is undersized for the position at only 265 pounds, but can disrupt the flow of the game with his tremendous foot speed. “He’s a guy that is awfully quick off the ball,” said Greg Ladky, a Midwest region recruiting analyst to Hokiehaven.com “He’s got really

good lower body power and spends a lot of time in the opposition’s backfield.” Ronny Vandyke, a safety from Lorton, Va., is another player who has flown under the radar. Because of an injury that caused him to miss his entire junior season, Vandyke received less attention than other players. “I think he’s going to be a very versatile player for them, he’ll fit in a number of ways because he’s tall and rangy and his speed continues to improve,” said Pete Bendorf, Vandyke’s coach at South County High School to Hokiehaven.com. “He’s going to be able to play rover or whip. He may be able to play free safety for them.” Marshall, a small yet quick defensive end from Dinwiddie, Va., is in a mold similar to Worilds coming out of high school. Tech beat out in-state rival Virginia for Marshall, but that hasn’t been the case for most of this year. “Mike London is a new, young coach from Virginia,” Farrell said. “He recruited at UVa, and did a good job at Richmond winning an FCS national title, and he’s really selling a lot of excitement to the program. Any time you get somebody that’s brand new, and sells that at a program, you’re going to get a spike in recruiting.” London, who has the Cavaliers ranked above the Hokies in ESPN’s most recent recruiting rankings, is selling the Charlottesville-based program very well. In his first full season recruiting at UVa, London has hit Tech where it hurts — Hampton Roads. see SIGNING DAY / page six

Students frustrated by housing complex delays SARAH WATSON news reporter Delayed construction and reimbursements have left several Virginia Tech students frustrated with the Cascades Pointe Condominums housing complex. Sumit Mittal, first year student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, signed his lease with Cascades Pointe Condominiums in March 2010 for an Aug. 1 move in. At the time Mittal signed his lease, Cascades Pointe was undergoing construction on its second phase. Two days before his scheduled movein, Mittal said he and his roommate were contacted by Cascades Pointe, informing them their apartment would not be completed because of issues with occupancy permits. However, Mittal was assured the apartments would be ready for occupancy by Aug. 14. “We were new to the area,” Mittal said. “We didn’t know what was going on.” The website for VIP Development, the Henrico, Va.-based parent company that operates Cascades Pointe, currently projects work on phase two to be completed in Spring 2011, with marketing and leasing done by September 2011. Frustrated with Cascades Pointe, Mittal and his roommate found another apartment complex and moved in immediately. Cascades Pointe guaranteed to pay for a hotel room for residents for a specified period of time, but

Mittal refused the offer, saying he did not believe or trust the company. Reginald Viray and his fiance Charlene Echague, both students at VCOM, faced a similar problem. Looking to move closer to the VCOM campus, they signed their lease at the complex in March for the beginning of July. Viray called between March and July to make sure the apartment complex was developing as scheduled. Each time a Cascades Pointe representative assured him that the apartment would be completed on time. However, a week before Viray’s move in date, Cascades Pointe contacted him and told him the apartment would be not be ready for at least another month, again because of permit issues. After a month, the couple booked a hotel and rented a moving truck, but were called the day before their move-in to say Cascades Pointe still did not pass inspection. They quickly searched for and found another apartment complex. Mittal said his lease stated if Cascades Pointe did not deliver the property to residents within seven days of the assigned move-in date, the security deposit would be returned to the tenant and the contract would be voided. In early September, Mittal visited the Cascades Pointe office in Blacksburg to retrieve his money. The manager at the time, Jackie Lowery, requested Mittal fill out paperwork that would be sent to the parent company’s headquarters near Richmond.

CALLIE HYDER / SPPS

Several students who planned to live in Cascades Pointe Condiminiums, seen above, were turned away only days before starting their lease. After two weeks, Mittal did not receive any reimbursement. He continued to call throughout the fall until mid-October, when he could no longer get in contact with a representative from Cascades Pointe. Mittal still has not received the $150 security deposit. “Every time I called her, she said two more weeks,” Mittal said. Viray also asked for a refund on his

lease, but the money has not been returned. Chris Phelps and his wife, two more students at VCOM, received a check in the mail in mid-December refunding their security deposit. “I don’t know why I was the only one that got my money back,” Phelps said. Phelps faced similar problems with Cascades Pointe.

When Phelps asked for alternative lodging while they were waiting for their apartment to be finished, Cascades Pointe declined any reimbursement. “I scrambled to get a place to live,” Phelps said. Although Phelps received his refund, he is still fighting for the other tenants of Cascades Pointe.

Phelps said he and others displaced by the incident have joined together to spread the word about Cascades Pointe to make sure that no other individuals encounter the same problems. Calls seeking comment with Cascades Pointe Condominium and VIP Development were not returned. Viray said that he doesn’t plan to take the issue to court.

2 news

news editors: philipp kotlaba, liana bayne, gordon block newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

february 3, 2011

COLLEGIATETIMES

what you’re saying //comments from online readers... On a new bus connecting Roanoke to Northern Va: Fred>> The privately operated Megabus is only $5 from Christiansburg to Northern Virginia. I’m not sure that the Bus to Rail line being proposed between Blacksburg and Lynchburg would be able to compete. It takes about 2 hours to get between the NRV and Lynchburg on a bus. Amtrak from Lynchburg to DC runs anywhere between $29 and $77 depending on how far in advance you reserve. That takes 3 3/4 hours minimum on the train trip assuming no freight related delays. I am not down on passenger rail travel, but I just can’t see the economics of this wooing riders to use this over Megabus.

On the need for internet regulation: Matty >>

CORRECTIONS

Americans are tuning out propaganda from the government-media complex and seeking the truth online. This is why the government wants to control the Internet. More and more Americans are realizing that both parties represent the same interests and that our “democracy” is a fraud.

In “Local buildings closed for repairs,” (CT - Jan. 27) the group mentioned in the article was Blacksburg Rescue Squad. Also, on the front page (CT - Feb. 1), Mubarek should have been spelled Mubarak. The Collegiate Times regrets these errors.

JUSTIN GRAVES -public editor -sociology/leadership & social change -junior

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virginia Navy discharges 16 on drug charges NORFOLK — The Navy says it’s discharging 16 sailors assigned to the amphibious ship Bataan for using or dealing the banned synthetic drug Spice. Authorities discovered Spice aboard the Norfolk-based ship in November, said Lt. Cmdr. Bill Urban, a spokesman with Naval Surface Force Atlantic. After an eight-week investigation, theNavy identified 16 sailors who either used the drug or bought or sold it, Urban said. “In accordance with the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, all 16 have been or are in the process of being administratively separated from the Navy,” the service said in a written statement issued Wednesday in response to an inquiry from The

Virginian-Pilot. Urban said all the sailors received non-judicial punishment. In other words, their cases were handled administratively, outside the military’s court system. Spice is a smokable blend of chemically treated leaves that’s more potent than marijuana, and its use among sailors has become a serious concern for the Navy. The drug is said to bring about a heightened sense of paranoia. In some cases users experience elevated heart rates and blood pressure, and a few have reported seizures. Only recently has Spice become popular. It’s now banned on military bases and in March, the Navy deemed its use illegal for sailors, on

or off duty. Locally, the military also has banned members from patronizing certain businesses that sell Spice. In the past four months, at least 150 sailors in the Navy’s Atlantic and Pacific fleets have been accused of using or possessing designer drugs such as Spice, according to the service. Urban said sailors aboard the Bataan signed a letter of understanding last spring acknowledging that Spice is banned. “We’ve tried very hard to get the word out that this won’t be tolerated,” he said. “No one can say, ‘I didn’t know this was bad.’” -corinne riley, mcclatchy newspapers

world Questions lingering for Israeli military JERUSALEM — Israel’s top military leadership was in turmoil Wednesday, lacking an army chief or even the prospect of an early appointment as the Arab world continued to erupt in upheaval around it. Israelis awoke to discover that overnight, Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, the incoming chief of staff, had been dismissed,and that feuding between various branches of government had led to an indefinite hiatus for the post.

The impasse came as Israelis nervously watched events unfold in Egypt, their neighbor to the south. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Wednesday for “bolstering Israel’s might” in response to the turmoil that’s unfolding in Egypt. Speaking to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, he repeated Israel’s concerns that Egypt could adopt an Islamist regime after President Hosni Mubarak leaves office.

“The basis of our stability, our future and for maintaining peace or widening it, particularly in unstable times, this basis lies in bolstering Israel’s might,” he added, in his toughest response yet to the week of protests in Egypt. Netanyahu’s speech appeared aimed at soothing worried Israelis, who have closely watched the unfolding events in Egypt. -sheera frenkel mcclatchy newspapers

opınıons 3

editors: scott masselli, gabi seltzer opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES

february 3, 2011

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Integrity vital to career success here once was a fly that flew vagrant and accidenT tally entered a room through an open window. After roaming around for a while, it tried to go back where it came from but couldn’t. It kept on flapping its wings, trying hard to get away but still couldn’t. It tried and tried, until it finally had enough and died. The fly did everything it was supposed to — it worked hard, it was motivated, and it didn’t give up until its last breath. It did everything right, but still didn’t succeed in reaching its goal. It was trying hard to get away through a closed window instead of the open window, which was right next to the closed one. If only it had used its brain, it could have moved around until it felt the fresh air from the open window and could finally fly away to where it came from. This story relates exactly to the rule, “Don’t study hard, study smart,” that we were told to heed during the freshman orientation if we wanted to survive at Virginia Tech. They were wise words. If we didn’t learn to study smart and use resources that were available to us at the university, we would end up like the fly even after we worked hard. Some students have translated the meaning of this rule into something else. Their meaning of studying smart is taking adderall and staying up all night for two or more consecutive days to study for an exam, or copying homework from friends despite the honor code system. It shouldn’t be new to college students that they are supposed to keep up with their readings and get help from professors, teacher’s assistants, or the Center for Academic Enrichment and Excellence if they need help with classes or even studying techniques for their classes. This is not hard, but rather a smart way of succeeding. Keeping up with the materials is not only helpful to pass the exams, but also to understand the concepts taught in the class. But the case is otherwise with some students who try to memorize in the

last minute or start studying a couple hours, or days, before the exams. This might help to pass the class, but the basic goal of gaining knowledge from the university is left behind. In the future when we get a job, our manager or our boss will likely ask us to solve problems. We should have learned the basic concepts to solve problems in college, because the problems will not come with four answer choices or hints. Most likely it’s the pressure of getting good enough grades to get into professional schools or get a job, or being scared of letting down parents, that causes students to think cheating is acceptable. To stand out in a large crowd of people, cheating can get them the grade that others may not be able to attain without sacrificing leisure time. They think being able to cheat and not get caught is an art in itself and is worthy of praise. But is it really fair for the parents who are paying thousands of dollars each semester? The slogan of Virginia Tech directs us to invent the future. But we are not inventing anything by meeting standards by cheating. We need to let officials know of anyone we find cheating, either copying for others or taking drugs to study longer so that other students who have spent their time and energy wisely have an equal chance to do well in their classes. Cheating might get us through the exams, but it is certainly not reliable to pass the exams life will throw at us. Studying for exams is more than learning knowledge for specific subject. We learn to persevere, be goal-oriented and experience the ups and downs of life. Inevitably, the choice is up to us, but in the end, the right choice always leaves us with integrity.

NAMRATA SHRESTHA -regular columnist -sophomore -economics

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Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief: Peter Velz Managing Editors: Zach Crizer, Kiate Biondo, Josh Son Public Editor: Justin Graves Senior News Editor: Philipp Kotlaba Associate News Editors: Liana Bayne, Gordon Block News Reporters: Claire Sanderson, Jay Speidell, Michelle Sutherland, Sarah Watson News Staff Writers: Erin Chapman, Meighan Dober Features Editors: Lindsey Brookbank, Kim Walter Features Reporters: Chelsea Gunter, Majoni Harnal Opinions Editors: Scott Masselli, Gabi Seltzer Sports Editors: Michael Bealey, Garrett Ripa Sports Reporters: Nick Cafferky, Matt Jones, Courtney Lofgren, Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Alyssa Bedrosian, Alex Koma, Ashleigh Lanza, Zach Mariner Public Information Director: Dishu Maheshwari Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Editors: Taylor Chakurda, Thandiwe Ogbonna, Spenser Snarr Layout Designers: Danielle Buynak, Cathleen Campbell, Maya Shah, 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

MAHEEN KURSHID/COLLEGIATE TIMES

Campus building projects should foster community ast week, upon visiting Blacksburg and campus after a semester L abroad, the old adage of “you can never go home again,” was reaffirmed. Maybe seeing the gradual increase of construction every day hasn’t had that much of an impact on you, but seeing it all at once for the first time was somewhat startling. With the parking garage finished, construction at Shultz and other campus buildings, planned roundabouts, new dormitories and Main Street torn up, Blacksburg and Tech seem to be getting a facial. (Unfortunately construction makes the town and campus look like they have that green tea facial mask stuff on — I won’t comment on the current construction state though.) And while trying to avoid being a bitter, old, sentimental super-senior by saying, “I remember when Moe’s used to be Crossroads,” or “It was a crime to cut down that gargantuan tree in the Owens/Eggelston quad,” it’s hard to see the promise these projects claim to hold. As an architecture major, I understand that Tech wants to grow in numbers, but not necessarily grow in space. Still, having a centralized campus is one of the beauties that drew me to Tech. If the campus expanded, that unique feeling would be lost. With more people comes the need for more dormitories, facilities and education buildings. Adding these new buildings without increasing the

area of the campus is going to result in a more dense campus. The scenery will reflect the demands of the time. Build more and closer together. Fine. Yet it is peculiar to recognize the similarities between the hopes for the “new” buildings three or four years ago, and the ones under construction now. This is where that sentimental seniority will show. I remember when they were building Theatre 101 on College Avenue. There was a lot of hype about how it was going to have a rooftop cafe, a huge public lobby, new “black box” technology, and how it was going to change College Avenue into a completely pedestrian area by tying the restaurants together with the theater and park. And while I’m sure it’s a beneficial addition to the performing arts at Tech, it hasn’t done much for the community. No cafe, no pedestrian area, an embarrassing relationship with the park and limited interaction with the community as a whole. The same story is told with the stage area outside Squires Student Center. The renderings showed a large space with trees, benches and people smiling and dancing. Yet, in reality it’s not that great of a space. It could be one of the most active spots on campus, but instead you can pass by without even recognizing it. Same with ICTAS across from McBryde. Everyone thought the lobby would be welcoming and a great place to wait for the bus. Yet, I don’t think I’ve ever seen

a single person sitting on that lonely couch in the lobby. This made me weary when I heard people talk with such high hopes about the Center for the Arts building, a new cafeteria and possibly a new development behind the current Sycamore Deli location (Meatball Monday should be a holiday). I’m sure each building will function perfectly as an education facility — the Center for the Arts better with its $89 million price tag. It would be nice if the project actually lived up to what a Virginia Tech building could and should be. Even though it’s not the same Tech I came to freshman year with the D2 lawn, outdoor roller-hockey rink and no parking garage, I understand campus will constantly be changing and growing throughout the years. My hope is that the new buildings won’t impede on that unique sensation that only our campus can conjure up. It would be nice if campus buildings could fulfill more than just their educational role, and actually create interesting campus and quad spaces. We need to demand just as much quality in our new building designs as we do from our football team on Saturday.

MATTHEW ENGLISH -regular columnist -senior -architecture major

Ocean acidity: Small changes, catastrophic results ometimes, seemingly small numbers can have remarkably S big consequences. Miss a single free throw, and your team loses the championship. The economy slows by few percent, and millions of Americans are out of work. Your temperature rises by a degree or two, and you are down and out with a fever. Nowhere, however, are the big consequences of little numbers becoming clearer than in the health of our oceans. There, a chemical shift of just 0.1 — that’s right, just one-tenth of a point — is already causing “ocean acidification,” a massive, fundamental change that has enormous implications for marine life. It may seem like this shift is no big deal. Don’t buy it: It’s actually another example of why seemingly little things do matter — and why the United States and other nations that attended the big climate change conference in Mexico last month need to do more to curb global warming. If you can’t recall your chemistry, here’s how it all works: Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, we’ve been burning enormous quantities of coal, oil and other fossil fuels. That has

released vast clouds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, where it has become the main gas that is warming the planet. Luckily for us, the oceans absorb about 30 million tons of carbon dioxide every day, slowing the pace of warming. Unfortunately, when carbon dioxide mixes with seawater, it spurs chemical reactions that can make the water more acidic, lowering what scientists call “the pH.” The sea’s pH can vary from place to place. But just a few hundred years ago, it was typically about 8.2. Today, due to all the carbon dioxide we’ve spewed into the atmosphere, it is about 8.1. It may seem that such a small change wouldn’t create a big problem, and that ocean ecosystems will cope just fine. The sad reality is that ocean acidification is a bigger problem than the number suggests. One reason is that, due to the way pH scales work, a 0.1 drop in pH is actually a 26 percent increase in acidity. Another is that this acidification has occurred with “startling” rapidity, scientists say — perhaps 100 times faster than anything Earth’s sea life has experienced in millions of years.

Most worrying is that many living things are remarkably sensitive to rising acidity. If acid levels in our blood rise by 26 percent, for instance, we can become very sick indeed. Many kinds of sea creatures are equally vulnerable, especially in their egg and larval stages. And acidification can make it impossible for organisms such as corals, clams and crabs to sustain their hard skeletons and shells, since acids are corrosive and the acidification process can lock up the molecules they use as raw materials. These aren’t just theoretical threats. Already, ocean scientists are seeing just the kind of corrosive effects you would expect from acidification. Last year, for instance, one team reported in the prestigious journal Science that coral growth along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef had declined by 14 percent since 1990 — a “severe and sudden decline” unseen in centuries. Other studies have found that the shells of some “forams” — tiny creatures that are a key part of the marine food chain — are 30 percent lighter today than they were in the past. These trends give a whole new

meaning to the phrase “bad chemistry.” But things could get worse. Thanks to some irrefutable laws of physics and math, researchers have calculated that ocean pH will fall to about 7.8 by the end of the century, if we don’t act soon to curb our carbon dioxide emissions. That is a fourtenths pH drop from pre-industrial levels — or a whopping 150 percent increase in acidity. Our seas haven’t been that acidic in tens of millions of years. You won’t hear these big, deeply troubling numbers from those who are working hard to undermine public understanding of the threats posed by acidification. Instead, they downplay the biological consequences of seemingly small changes in ocean pH, knowing that many Americans have little idea of how the scale works or what it means. In a remarkable display of denial and hair-splitting, some even argue that the ocean is not “acidifying” at all, since the pH of seawater will remain in the “basic” part of the scale. Would they also argue that it isn’t “warming” when the sun comes out on a chilly day and melts the ice, even though it is still cold?

Acidification doesn’t mean the oceans turn to acid, it means they are becoming more acidic. We cannot allow such absurdities to distract us from the real risks posed by this massive, uncontrolled chemistry experiment. Fisheries and tourist meccas that employ millions of people and generate billions in annual revenues are at stake; not to mention marine ecosystems that we don’t yet even understand. For instance, researchers recently reported that nearly 150 compounds from marine organisms are now showing promise for use as anti-cancer drugs – and hundreds more await discovery. And that’s just cancer. We will only reap these benefits, however, if the climate treaty negotiators act to protect our oceans from acid. To do that, scientists say we must eventually reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from the current 390 parts per million (ppm) to 350 ppm or less. It may seem a small difference, but sometimes small numbers have big consequences.

ANDREW SHARPLESS -mcclatchy newspapers

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, Ari Weiss Inside Sales Manager: Wade Stephenson Assistant Inside Sales Manager: Katie Berkel, Diane Revalski Assistant Account Executives: Maddie Abram, Kaelynn Kurtz, Erin Shuba Creative Director: Chloé Skibba Asst Production Manager: Casey Stoneman Creative Services Staff: Tim Austin, Katie Biondo, 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.

february 3, 2011

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Blizzard strands travelers, cuts power as it moves into Northeast A major storm moved through the Northeast on Wednesday morning after turning the Midwest into an icebejeweled wilderness where more than 100 million people tried to cope with the dislocation caused by record snowfalls and winds. The Federal Aviation Administration reported only scattered delays across the nation, but that was testament to the airlines’ foresight. More than 11,000 flights were canceled in recent days as more than 30 states prepared for what the government called a storm of lifethreatening proportions. Despite preparations, thousands of travelers remained stranded in airports around the country. More than 300,000 households and businesses were without power

from Texas to Ohio and into parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Major interstate highway systems were closed down, stranding some for hours. Rail lines were impassable due to the mix of snow, thick ice and swirling winds that in some places reached hurricane force. “Residents have dubbed the storm the ‘Blizzard of Oz,’ “ Danny Rotert, an aide to Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., said Wednesday morning. “Midwest humor at its best.” Rotert said: “We have 10 inches to 12 inches on the ground in Kansas City (Mo.) with drifts 3 feet tall in my front yard.” There were reports of drifts even larger as the storm moved north and east through Illinois and Wisconsin. According to the National Weather Service, Chicago received 17 inches and more was falling. Missouri tallied 18 inches, and more than a foot was recorded on northern Indiana, south-

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east Kansas and Oklahoma. Chicago, on track for its worst snowfall in 40 years, shut down its iconic Lake Shore Drive for the first time in years, and hundreds of motorists were stranded for 12 hours after numerous vehicle accidents. Public schools were closed for the first time in 12 years. New York City was covered in ice, but a mix of sleet and freezing rain meant slush and flooding later in the day. New York has already been hit by severe storms this winter that raised the usual political hackles over how to deal with them. On Tuesday, the Obama administration said it had moved emergency supplies into position. According to officials, the Federal Emergency Management Agency supplies included 57,000 liters of water, 56,000 meals, 2,400 blankets, 1,200 cots and one 54pack of power generators that were sent to Tulsa, Okla.; Oklahoma City;

and McAlester, Okla. Supplies also have been sent toMissouri, Kentucky and Ohio, officials said. “The real heroes are these local responders going out in the storms and still rescuing people,” FEMA head Craig Fugate said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” According to the National Weather Service, the storm touched more than 30 states and a third of the U.S. population, from New Mexico to Maine. But most people had time to prepare. Ann Lewis said that she went to a hardware store in Dixon, Ill., on Tuesday and stocked up with four 50pound bags of salt, “the type that still melts snow when it is in the single digits, which is the prediction for tonight when the snow stops. “I also went to the grocery store to stock up on food. The store was exceptionally crowded for a Tuesday afternoon,” she said.

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The snowstorm caused some Midwesterners to commute on skis.

OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH Sociology graduate student seeking participants for thesis research on bi/ multiracial identity. Recruiting Virginia Tech students to participate in interviews Only criteria: 1) must be 18+ 2) have parents of different races In addition to fulfilling my own research needs, the interview will offer an avenue for individuals to discuss their own racial identities and life experiences in a confidential environment. Contact Melissa at mfburges@vt.edu to express interest in participating or to ask any questions

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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

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february 3, 2011

editors: lindsey brookbank, kim walter featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

weekend

COLLEGIATETIMES

‘Sail the Seven Seas’ at this Charlie Brown meets high weekend’s Midwinters Dance

school in ‘Dog Sees God’

CHELSEA GUNTER features reporter

CHELSEA GUNTER features reporter A new student workshop production positions classic comic character Charlie Brown in the unpredictable and scary environment of high school. Beginning tonight, this 80-minute dramedy, “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” will play for students at no charge and will run through Saturday at Theatre 101. Written by Bert V. Royal, the production is a recreation of Charlie Brown and his friends, who must now face the pressures of high school. After his dog, Snoopy, dies from rabies, Charlie Brown begins to question the afterlife and his self-identity. When drugs, sex and homosexuality come into play, Brown turns to an unpredictable character who changes his life forever. Sophomore Partick Mahaney plays the lead role. Besides the Charlie Brown character, the modernized characters include Linus, Lucy van Pelt, Sally, Schroeder, Patricia, Marcie and Pig-Pen. While there are only eight actors within the show, each character has a large impact on the fate of Charlie Brown. Through sarcasm and humor, these melodramatic characters will cause the audience to question the everyday choices society makes. Being a student workshop, this production is completely student-run. When sophomore director Dylan James Amick submitted a proposal for the piece last semester he was given a space, a time slot and 50 dollars to run with it. “The immediate thing that attracted me to the piece is homosexual bullying, which is very prevalent right now,” Amick said. “It’s definitely a show that will speak to the people in my generation.” Students should prepare for the unex-

pected with this show. Charlie Brown faces more challenges than decorating a Christmas tree or kicking a football. The audience will immediately see these new pressures as Van, today’s version of Linus, ditches his blanket for weed in the beginning of the show.

[

on the web

For more information visit www.theatre.vt.edu

]

“I want it to be not a cry for help, but a call for attention,” Amick said. With a pothead, a hypochondriac, a pyromaniac and an outcast, this show will provoke the audience to comment on self-destructive behavior. “I’m trying to call for some personal responsibility,” Amick said. By using profanity and violence, the writer intends to shock the audience by calling attention to the fact that its members have been a part of, or at least seen, some of the play’s major conflicts in their own lives. The show provides insight into the reality of high school through alcohol, sex, homosexuality and bullying. “It’s about what it’s like to be in high school trying to

feel out who you are while still being a kid,” said stage manager Jackie Mullen. Instead of watching a Shakespearian drama, students will be faced with a production that is atypical. By modernizing the character Charlie Brown, the production team believes students will be able to identify with the piece. “It will give them something to think about,” Mullen said. “It is about taking a step back and looking at what our choices are.” Although they were faced with less than a month of practice, the production team is ready for opening night. “When making things work on such a small budget, you have to be really creative,” Mullen said. Amick and Mullen are thankful for the support they have received from various students, professors and town residents. Doss Pianos in Blacksburg provided the team with a generous donation by tuning an old piano for free. Along with the small cast, about 20 students are volunteering their time to get creative on an incredibly low budget. “We’re the ones that are making this happen,” Amick said. “We’re setting our own deadlines. “If you want it, you got to want it bad enough to do whatever it takes.” For more information on “Dog Sees God” or other theatre department productions, visit Theatre.vt.edu.

LUKE MASON / SPPS

Todd Atherton of the German Club works on the front of a ship, part of the decorations for the nautical-themed Midwinters Dance. “It is our opportunity to put on an event that is all-inclusive for the entire university,” Hart said.

Midwinters Dance hosted by German Club Saturday, Feb. 5 8 p.m. - Midnight $5 at the door Squires Student Center’s Commonwealth Ballroom The band Black Tie will perform this year’s music for the Midwinters Dance. “They’re a cover band that is pretty diverse in their talents,” said Jonathan Thomsen, the co-publicity officer for German Club. “They’ve got everything from Michael Jackson to Nelly and even Flo Rida.” Besides live music, the band will also

be providing a DJ, so song requests can be made. “Last year I came out to the dance and I had a really good time,” Thomsen said. “I wasn’t even a part of the German Club yet.” As a member of the corps, Thomsen was already familiar with both leadership and service. Once he joined German Club, he found that his set of ideals harmonized with the fraternity. German Club’s philanthropy stands out through its dedication to the Tech community. The dance provides a great opportunity for the German Club to get its name out across a student body of more than 24,000 students. However, the true focus of the night is for students to come out and have a great time. “In reality it really is a social event for the university as a whole,” Thomsen said. For more information one can visit the Midwinters Dance website at Midwinters.com.

[Friday, February 4]

[Saturday, February 5]

What: The Interview: How to Wow Employers Where: Smith Career Center, Room B When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free

What: Grad Students: Welcome Back Social Where: GLC Multipurpose Room When: 5-7 p.m. Cost: Free

What: Music: Greg Albert & Friends Where: Gillie’s When: 7-10 p.m. Cost: No cover charge

What: The Midnight Roosters Where: Gillie’s When: 7-10 p.m. Cost: No cover charge

What: True Grit Opens Where: The Lyric When: 7 and 9 p.m. Cost: $5, $4.50 with membership

What: International Journey of Strings Where: Squires Recital Salon When: 7-8 p.m. Cost: Free

What: Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead Where: Theatre 101 When: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: Free

What: Third Eye and Boogieburg Present: Papadosio w/ Jimkata and DJ Rahbee Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9-11p.m. Cost: $10, 18 +

What: Euronights: Dance Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9-11 p.m. Cost: $5, 18+ needs to be there before 10p.m. to stay all night

What: Midwinters Dance 2011Sailing the Seven Seas Where: Squires Commonwealth Ballroom When: 8p.m.-12a.m. Cost: $5

[Thursday, February 3]

Wondering what’s going on around the ‘burg? Check out the events of the upcoming week.

The Virginia Tech German Club will host its annual Midwinters Dance Saturday, maintaining one of its oldest traditions. More than 1,200 students will dance the night away in Squires Student Center’s Commonwealth Ballroom from 8 p.m. to midnight. For a $5 ticket, guests can “Sail the Seven Seas” as they enjoy a live band during this nautical-themed event. “The students should come out to the dance because it’s a great time and you get to see a lot of people together,” said Robert Hart, German Club historian. “It’s great to see the entire Tech community come together for one night.” Tickets can be purchased at the University Unions and Student Activities Office in Squires, at the door the evening of the event or from any member of the German Club. “The money goes back to the Midwinters fund and then toward the university,” Hart said. The German Club is a non-Greek fraternity at Tech. Founded in 1892, the German Club was originally a cadet dance organization. During this time, Tech was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College for cadets. The name “German Club” was derived from a popular dance at the time, which was the German waltz. “In the late 1800s, there were a bunch of dancing clubs because that was the only social event that seemed appropriate at the time,” Hart said. “Back in the day, the girls wore silks, lace and velvet to the dances,” Hart said. These days, however, the dance is a semi-formal event where girls wear dresses and guys are expected to dress in khakis and a button up shirt. Service has remained a priority to the German Club. It participates in Big Event and Relay for Life, and holds a basketball tournament at Cassell Coliseum to help with the Special Olympics. Each prospective class is required to complete a service project within a 10-week period. The Midwinters Dance began in 1908 and has remained a tradition at Tech. “The purpose is to show what the German Club is all about; our philanthropy is the university,” Hart said. While German Club once held five annual dances, the Midwinters Dance is the only one that remains.

[Monday, February 7] What: No Fear Theatre Where: Theatre 101 When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: Free

What: Hoop Dreams w/ guest DJ Mary Where: Gillie’s When: 9:30p.m.-12 a.m. Cost: No cover charge, 18+

[Tuesday, February 8] What: Resume Writing Where: Smith Career Center, Room A When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost: Free What: Music: The Movement Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9-11p.m. Cost: $2, 18+

What: DJ Dat Boi Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9-11p.m. Cost: $2, 18+ needs to be there before 10p.m. to stay all night

[Wednesday, February 9] What: Deep Down: A Story from the Heart of Coal Country Where: TORG 2150 When: 7-9 p.m. Cost: Free What: Movie: Living for 32 Where: The Lyric When: 7-8p.m. Cost: Free What: Awful’s Comedy Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9-11p.m. Cost: $7, 18+

sports 6

editors: michael bealey, garrett ripa sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES

february 3, 2011

Signing Day: Hokies ink 20 prospects for class of 2011 First Dewayne Adeboye Kevin Michael Wedley James Jake Chris Kris Michael Kyshoen Demitri Robert Luther Ryan Corey Darius Christian Matt Ronny

Last Alford Aromire Asante Cole Estime Farrow Goins Hall Harley Holmes Jarrett Knowles Lockhart Maddy Malleck Marshall Redman Reeves Roth Vandyke

from page one

“Once Mike London came in, his focus is obviously on the 757 (Hampton Roads),” said Brian Mohr, site editor at HokieHaven. com. “You’re recruiting against Mike London if you’re recruiting a 757 player. He’s taking recruiting on his own in that area.” The results have been noticeable in 2011, as London signed Under Armour All-American cornerback Demetrious Nicholson, No. 11 athlete Dominique Terrell and four-star athlete Clifton Richardson — all three thought to be Tech leans at some point in the recruiting process. While the recruitment of some of the 757 players did not go as planned for the 2011 class, Mohr doesn’t believe it’s a trend that will continue. “In the end, Virginia got a couple

Position Defensive End Cornerback Wide Receiver Defensive Back Defensive End/Outside Linebacker Cornerback Offensive Tackle Tight End Defensive Tackle Running Back Cornerback Wide Receiver Wide Receiver Defensive Tackle Tight End Defensive End Tight End Tight End Defensive End Defensive Back

players, Virginia Tech got a few, and the other ones went out of state,” Mohr said. “Virginia Tech got their share of the normal load that they would get.” One player to watch out for in this class is the wide receiver Demitri Knowles from Lynchburg, Va. A native of Jamaica, Knowles possesses next-level speed, a trait that sets him apart from others in this class. “He hasn’t played a lot of American football, but he’s one of the fastest players on the east coast,” Mohr said. “He’s a sprinter, and a very talented sprinter at that. With time and development, three years down the line it isn’t unreasonable to see him being one of those next big receivers for Tech.” Running back, a position of need in the 2011 class, was addressed with

Height 6' 3" 6' 0" 6' 0" 6' 1" 6' 3" 6' 0" 6' 5" 6' 5" 6' 1" 6' 1" 5' 10" 6' 0" 6' 2" 6' 1" 6' 5" 6' 2" 6' 4" 6' 3" 6' 3" 6' 3"

Weight 225 180 185 200 215 170 288 232 275 200 175 175 175 280 240 252 240 215 225 200

the addition of Michael Holmes, a tailback from Harrisonburg, Va. “(Tech coaches) like (Holmes) a lot, but he’s going to take time to develop,” Mohr said. “They’re fortunate that as long as David Wilson is healthy, they should be all right there. They still need depth, and they know that. 2012 is definitely going to be a year where they focus on running backs.” Two top cornerbacks signed with the Hokies as well, including Farrow, the No. 1 athlete in the state of Minnesota. While Miami came into the picture late, it was Tech that prevailed in the end. “James Farrow is really going to be a good player,” Mohr said. “He’s athletic, he’s versatile, and he cuts very well.” Rounding out the four-star players is Kyshoen Jarrett, a talented cornerback out of Pennsylvania. Jarrett, who was a long-time commitment to Pittsburgh under Dave Wannstedt, switched his pledge to the Hokies after Wannstedt was fired in early December. “Kyshoen Jarrett, he’s just instinctual, and he just knows how to play,” Mohr said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those two guys (Jarrett and Farrow) is able to break into the two deep. Kyle Fuller did it this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these guys did it next year too.” For one reason or another, most of the top-tier talent in the state of Virginia chose not to come to Blacksburg in 2011. The need for linebackers in this class was strong, and the state had several to offer. Curtis Grant, a five-star Army

High School Nansemond River H.D. Woodson Mallard Creek Cave Spring Atlantic Minnetonka Manchester Dinwiddie Warren Central Harrisonburg East Stroudsburg South Liberty Christian West Boca Raton Atlantic Point Pleasant Borough Dinwiddie H.D. Woodson Eagles Landing Christian Nease South County

All-American linebacker from Richmond, is a great example of a player the Hokies did not close the deal with. “They thought they would get Grant from Hermitage High School because they’ve gotten kids from there in the past,” Farrell said. “That didn’t work out. I just don’t think their stronghold on the state is as firm as it was because everybody else is coming in and doing a good job recruiting the area.” Grant, who by all accounts grew up a Tech fan, committed to Ohio State on National Signing Day. “I think in the end for someone like Curtis Grant, he liked the recruiting process and he liked the attention,” Mohr said. “He liked Virginia Tech for a long time up until all these other schools came in, and they’re just not going to listen to that. His interest just sort of dwindled once the other schools came in.” Linebacker Travis Hughes, the No. 2 player in the 757 in 2011, was a huge focus for the Hokies coaches in this class. The night after the ACC Championship Game, Tech’s coaching staff — including Beamer, Bud Foster, Torrian Gray and Curt Newsome — paid a visit to Hughes’ Virginia Beach home. Less than two weeks later, Hughes verbally committed to Butch Davis and the Tar Heels. “It’s the guys like the Travis Hughes who get all the ACC offers,” Farrell said. “Those are the ones you got to win.” Stephone Anthony, an Under

Hometown Suffolk, Va. Washington, D.C. Charlotte, N.C. Roanoke, Va. Delray Beach, Fla. Chanhassen, Minn. Midlothian, Va. Petersburg, Va. Indianapolis, Ind. Harrisonburg, Va. Tannersville, Pa. Lynchburg, Va. Delray Beach, Fla. Delray Beach, Fla. Point Pleasant, N.J. Petersburg, Va. Washington, D.C. McDonough, Ga. St. Augustine, Fla. Lorton, Va.

Armour All-American from Wadesboro, N.C. was believed to favor the Hokies as late as last week. His cousin, current Hokie Barquell Rivers, hosted him on a recruiting trip. On National Signing Day, Anthony signed with Dabo Sweeney and the Clemson Tigers. “The thing with him, he’s so big for a linebacker,” Mohr said. “The ACC doesn’t see the linebackers the SEC does, but he is an SEC type of linebacker.”

“

In the end, Virginia got a couple players, Virginia Tech got a few, and the other ones went out of state.” BRIAN MOHR HOKIEHAVEN.COM EDITOR

“When I went down on my official, everything went well,” said Anthony on ESPNU’s Signing Day coverage. “It fits me.” While Beamer is happy with this class, the miss still stings. “It’s very disappointing, but a kid has to go where he feels best,” Beamer said. “I’m proud of the guys we got here, and the guys that want to come to Virginia Tech.” Offensive line, a glaring need going forward, was a position that Tech coaches targeted. Landon Turner out of Harrisonburg, Va., grew up a Tech fan but ultimately chose Davis and the Tar Heels. Kiaro Holts, another Warren Central product, also chose North Carolina over

Rivals Rating

the Hokies. “I think it’s a situation where, if you have a five-star kid, or a high four-star kid that’s in the state, you’re going to have to fend teams off and win those battles against top programs out of state,” Farrell said. The addition of Shane Beamer will be something to watch for in the future. Beamer, the special teams and recruiting coordinator with the South Carolina Gamecocks, is the son of head coach Frank Beamer. Shane, who was a long snapper with the Hokies in the mid-90s, has thrived as a recruiter in the cutthroat SEC. “I don’t think changes are needed per say, I think it’s just the way it has been,” Farrell said. “A lot of the top kids, the five-star kids have wanted to go away.” Keeping that Virginia talent in state is something Beamer could drastically improve. A great example was the recruitment of Virginia Beach quarterback Lafonte Thourogood. A longtime Hokies pledge, Thourogood signed with the Commodores of Vanderbilt on National Signing Day. “We missed on a couple really good players, but we got a lot of really good players,” Beamer said. “Now we’re talking about what it takes to take that next step.” In Tech’s quest to achieve a national championship, there is one fact to keep in mind: Every national champion in the last decade has had at least one top-five recruiting class in the years leading up to it. For the Hokies to join the nation’s elite, they will need to do the same.

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