Thursday, March 3, 2011 Print Edition

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Thursday, March 3, 2011

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

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COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 27

News, page 2

People & Clubs, page 6

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 5

Classifieds, page 4

Sudoku, page 4

Bill poised to cut funding for family planning news reporter The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Friday to cut the program that provides family planning and reproductive health services for lowincome women. The grant program is called Title X, which distributed more than $300 million for family planning services like contraception and testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases last year, according to the U.S. Office of Population Affairs. The House also voted to cut all federal funding for Planned Parenthood. “It doesn’t matter if you’re pro-life or pro-choice, the government needs to cut its spending,” said Matthew Hurt, chair of the Tech College Republicans. Hurt is also a regular columnist for the Collegiate Times. “Planned Parenthood is one of these organizations that doesn’t really need that funding. There are other resources out there.” Planned Parenthood receives federal funding through both Title X and Medicaid, which together make up about a third of its operating budget, according to its 2008 annual report. “It will not cease to exist without gov-

ernment funding,” Hurt said. By law, Title X money cannot be spent on abortions. It is intended only for family planning services. “Title X distributes money through the states to low-income women and teens so they can access low-cost gynecological exams, STD testing, pregnancy testing and contraceptives,” said David Nova, vice president of Planned Parenthood Health Systems. “The vast majority of Planned Parenthood funding nationwide is Title X money.” But Nova said the biggest change for Virginians is that they would no longer be able to pay for Planned Parenthood’s services using Medicaid. “In Virginia, Planned Parenthood already doesn’t receive any state or federal money from Title X, but we do accept Medicaid because it increases access to medical services for those who have the greatest difficulty,” Nova said. “What this will do in Virginia is limit women and men on Medicaid to access Planned Parenthood services,” Nova said. Medicaid is a federally supported insurance program that provides access to health services for low-income families. “Planned Parenthood is there for

reproductive healthcare for low-income women, especially in our own age bracket. If it wasn’t there it would be a huge problem for millions of women,” said sophomore Kimberly McFarland, an active member of the Tech-based women’s rights advocacy group Womanspace. McFarland said she is passionate about Planned Parenthood because it is there for the people, and it has been important in her own life as well. “Back when I was a teen and needed health education information, they provided that for me,” McFarland said. McFarland said Planned Parenthood is especially vital to community members who don’t have access to a campus healthcare center. “As students we would still be able to access birth control at an affordable cost via the women’s health clinic, but for young women in the community, Planned Parenthood might be their primary resource,” she said. Hurt said there are other options for students and other members of the community, and that Planned Parenthood is not vital to the community. “Planned Parenthood isn’t the only place in Blacksburg for students to go to for help,” Hurt said. “The Pregnancy

McNamee celebrating first decade as provost MICHELLE SUTHERLAND news reporter This month, Provost and Senior Vice President Mark McNamee celebrates his 10-year job anniversary. His trademark has been expanding Virginia Tech and further developing research programs through creative and innovative ideas. MCNAMEE “I’m just incredibly impressed by the growth and quality of the institution,” he said. He was most proud of the comprehensive growth Tech has seen, from academics to arts. “I think the biggest change that I’ve seen is that the college deans work very closely all the time. The graduate and undergraduate deans, they work as a team. They don’t try to stick to their own college,” he said. This is largely due to “cluster hiring,” which McNamee promoted during his tenure. This means that the university hired six to 10 faculty members at a time that share a common interest but come from different backgrounds. Tech has a strong research profile for obesity because of this type of hiring. Research included faculty from nutrition, biochemistry and medicine. “Faculty members in different departments cooperate and can really build a high profile (of research) very quickly and sustain it. That to me has been one of the catalysts for Tech moving forward,” he said. McNamee said cluster hiring has allowed the university to hire a strong faculty. The job is more attractive because the cluster is something new and exciting to the faculty members. It brings a stronger pool of applicants and more diversity across disciplines. He said this is just one reason why Tech’s prominence as research university his risen during his tenure. He said in today’s world, one cannot approach a problem from just one angle. A more comprehensive, crossdiscipline approach will yield much

WEI HANN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

better results. “Then you combine that with more traditional higher education and you have a very strong university,” he said. Another strategic investment McNamee encouraged was building up graduate programs. The Graduate Life Center is a unique arrangement with living, administrative and community spaces all allocated to one area. He said it attracts high caliber students because it shows Tech is committed to all of its academic programs and students. The combination of strong faculty and strong graduates creates outstanding research programs, which “percolate” to undergraduates. This, along with other initiatives, “the past number of years gives me confidence that going forward we will be in a very strong position to compete. Competition-wise we are on a global dimension,” he said. The strategic investments he has made are very evident across all academic disciplines. “We got a much stronger presence in the life sciences than we’ve

ever had, the engineering college is stronger than it’s ever been, and our humanities and social sciences have grown dramatically, so I think that we can actually (collaborate), bringing engineering, life sciences, humanities, social sciences together and push the boundaries of those disciplines,” he said. Tech is beginning a new chapter of strategic planning, which will target specific areas of the university that officials hope to see grow further. McNamee hopes to bring more innovative programs and continue cross-discipline research. “I think Virginia Tech is a university that is on an upwards trajectory and that’s what we should be proud of. What we want to make sure that we continue to keep the momentum going and keep thinking about what the future holds, and take on new challenges,” he said. “A lot of it is confidence, and the university is confident that it can remain competitive and can take on a lot of challenging (projects). We will be successful, we will make progress.”

ERIN CHAPMAN news stafff writer Virginia Tech Dining Services is expanding its plot at Kentland Farm to provide campus dining halls with more fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. The plot began over a year ago to bring herbs to various dining halls. Last summer the plot was able to provide vegetables to the Farms and Fields project, located in Owens, and to D2. This planting season, the plot expanded to two acres that will provide fresh vegetables to D2 and Farms and Fields. The plot grows numerous fruits and vegetables, as well as herbs. Occasionally the dining halls are also

able to use surplus fruit provided by nearby a orchard.Elena DulysNusbaum, sustainability coordinator for Tech, helps organize the farm and said she believes it is very beneficial to Tech. “We are a land grant university, it’s a natural progression. Since dining services has an interest in sustainable foods, we see GARDEN / page four

WEI HANN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Sustainability garden brings fresh fruits and vegetables to campus dining halls

Resource Center, for example, is another place people can go if Planned Parenthood is not there or has more limited resources.” The Pregnancy Resource Center is a privately-run center that provides free testing, ultrasounds and family planning classes. Planned Parenthood charges for some of its services on a sliding scale based on income. Pregnancy Resource Center CEO Dave Bluey said that in some cases, Planned Parenthood will refer patients to the center who need its free services. “Women and families that come here can access any of our services for free and even earn points attending some of the informative classes, and they can turn those in for anything from a crib to diapers,” Bluey said. Unlike Planned Parenthood, the PRC does not support or perform abortions, though Bluey said women’s wishes are respected no matter what option they choose with their pregnancy. “If you’re pro-abortion, you’re not going to support what we do here,” Bluey said. “But if you’re pro-choice, that is what we do here. We don’t push

WEI HANN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

CLAIRE SANDERSON

see PLANNING / page four

Supreme Court defends church’s funeral protests TheSupremeCourtonWednesday upheld the right of small-but-loud Westboro Baptist Church to demonstrate provocatively near military funerals. In a free-speech ruling that challenges popular opinion, the court ruled that the First Amendment protects even deliberately obnoxious funeral protests. The justices stressed that the court’s 8-1 ruling was no endorsement of the church’s infamous “God hates fags” message. “Given that Westboro’s speech was at a public place on a matter of public concern, that speech is entitled to special protection under the First Amendment,” Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. wrote for the majority. Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision in Snyder v. Phelps shields the Kansas-based church from being sued for intentional infliction of emotional distress. More broadly, the decision casts into doubt dozens of state laws that were erected to keep demonstrators away from funerals. The Virginia Tech community clashed with the church during three protests in Blacksburg on April 9, 2010. The church directed its protests not at a funeral or the military, but at the Jewish and gay communities and the death of Tech student Morgan Harrington. The group traveled in a van to Blacksburg’s Jewish Community Center, then down the block to the corner of North Main Street and Roanoke Street. Next, the van made its way through a pack of school buses to Blacksburg Middle School as middle school students left and displaced Blacksburg High School students arrived at school. There were no arrests or violent incidents. Police intervened to keep community counter-protests across the street from the WBC members in front of the middle school, as the crowd momentarily advanced to the median. Shirley Phelps-Roper, eldest daughter of the church founder Fred Phelps, led the six protesters in Blacksburg. The group consisted of three adults and three children. The group was armed with signs bearing slogans such as “The Jews killed Jesus,” “Fag Hokies,” and “God is your Enemy.” Phelps-Roper hailed the protest as a successful endeavor. “It’s a 10,” Phelps said during her time in Blacksburg, before quickly correcting herself. “Out of 10, it’s a 12.” About 150 counter-protesters followed the WBC protesters from Blacksburg’s downtown area to their stop in front of Blacksburg Middle School. At the last stop on the group’s tour of Blacksburg, WBC leader PhelpsRoper said her group always draws a reaction. “I mean, can we bring out a crowd or what?” Phelps-Roper said. “They have to render an opinion. We get their snappy backsides right off the fence. And they all landed on the dung heap.” An unofficial student counterprotest drew about 200 students to the GLC Plaza. Dan Harrington, Morgan Harrington’s father, was also in attendance. “I applaud the students and administration for doing a peaceful

FILE / SPPS

The Westboro Baptist Church’s April 9, 2010, visit to Blacksburg was directed in part toward the death of Morgan Harrington. rally,” Dan Harrington said. “Why are they here? Why would they target my daughter? Why villify her? She was murdered.” Harrington marched down College Avenue along with student supporters. Standing on the street corner under a sign that read, “God and VT love Morgan Harrington,” he raised his voice along with Tech students chanting the name of his daughter at the WBC members across the street. The court’s ruling is precisely the kind that few elected officials would dare to make. Forty-two senators, including the respective leaders of the Democrats and Republicans, as well as the attorneys general in 48 states, had urged the court to oppose the church. “Westboro’s funeral picketing is certainly hurtful and its contribution to public discourse may be negligible,” Roberts acknowledged in his 15-page majority opinion. “But Westboro addressed matters of public import on public property, in a peaceful manner.” Justice Samuel Alito dissented, saying free speech shouldn’t be “a license for the vicious verbal assault that occurred in this case.” In 2007, a Pennsylvania jury had slapped Westboro with a $10.9 million judgment for its demonstration at the March 2006 funeral of Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. Snyder had died in Iraq’s Anbar province. The church members didn’t know Snyder or his father, Albert, but seven of them traveled from Kansas to Maryland to demonstrate. They stood outside the Roman Catholic church where the services were held, holdings signs with messages such as “Thank God for Dead Soldiers,” “God Hates Fags” and “You’re Going to Hell.” One sign depicted two men engaged in anal intercourse. Albert Snyder didn’t see the signs until a television news account later that night. He also found on the Internet a church-penned “epic” denouncing his son. During the

subsequent trial, he testified tearfully that Westboro’s protest signs had caused him endless anguish and “tarnished the memory of my son’s last hour on earth.” “Simply put, the church members had the right to be where they were,” Roberts wrote. Westboro Baptist Church members, who largely belong to the extended Phelps family, maintain that the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and what followed reflect God’s wrath on the United States. “They also believe God led the nation into wars as further punishment, and that the soldiers are dying because of America’s sin and proud refusal to repent, mourn for its sins and obey God,” explained attorney Margie J. Phelps, daughter of church founder Fred W. Phelps Sr. “Westboro believes that America is flawed,” Roberts wrote. “Many Americans might feel the same about Westboro.” Margie Phelps delivered the oral argument on the church’s behalf last year, impressing seasoned court observers with her command of the facts and the law. The court’s decision wasn’t unexpected. Incited primarily by the church’s picketing, more than 40 states — including Kansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas and Washington — have enacted funeral protest laws. The states argue that funerals represent a “unique and sacred” moment that warrants government protection from intrusive speech. The state laws differ, as do their potential future viability. Kansas, for instance, prohibits any “public demonstration” within 150 feet of the entrance to a funeral service. Florida prohibits disturbing military funerals specifically, while Kentucky prohibits impeding access to funerals in general. -from staff and wire reports


2 news

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

march 3, 2011

COLLEGIATETIMES

On Tech’s loss to Boston College: Thomas >> Seth’s a decent guy, but he struggles in the big games. Sure, they somehow beat Duke. Don’t think that makes up for being swept this year by BC and the Hoos. Had a huge lead against UNC then folded like a lawn chair. Again, he’s a good man. But his inability to instill mental toughness in his teams is reminiscent of Beamer’s in the big games. Frank is also a very decent man. Unfortunately, neither of them has the edge or killer instinct it takes. For Greenberg to say this loss is not disappointing is absurd. He better be angry, mostly at himself. He didn’t prepare his team to play a must win game. Very embarrassing loss. Please, no whining if we don’t make the NCAA tourney. We controlled our destiny. Duke is our only signature victory. If we lose to Clemson we don’t deserve it. Tired of seeing us play the part of the pretender in both football and basketball.

HOKIE81 >> How in the world can you beat Duke, needing wins to get to the tournament, and come out flat. How can this team not give maximum effort physically and mentally given what is on the line, especially at home. Davila and Bell disappeared offensively, the subs were 1-6 from the floor. Even if this team makes the tournament a first round loss is very probable. No excuse for this performance.

crime blotter

virginia Middle schoolers create iPhone apps An Amherst County student technology club has gone global, creating an application for Apple products that had been downloaded not only in the United States but also in several other countries. Amherst County Public Schools likely is the only Virginia school district teaching iOS development –– an acronym for operating systems development for Apple’s products such as the iPhone and the iPad, said the club’s adviser, David Childress. “Colleges and universities are just starting to do this,” he said. The Technology After School Club, or TASC, at Monelison Middle School created a tip calculator that was accepted by the Apple Store, said Childress. “We’re averaging about 10 downloads a day,” Childress said.

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“This was a confidence booster for them,” said Childress. “To them, they’re a published developer. How cool is that for a 12-year-old –– ‘I have an app in the app store.” But the work is not easy, and some students dropped out. Those who remained were determined, he said. “It’s interesting to see the kids grow,” he said. “They thought it was going to be fun and games.” Childress formed the idea for the unique club when he received and evaluated the state’s technology plan two years ago, identifying two problems he wanted to solve: Teachers had no control over the content, and the plan did not have a way to incorporate feedback, he said. “That’s the key with the system we’re using -- the teacher controls the content,” and they are writing their

own apps to help them teach. Childress, a programmer by trade, started the club last September. He has a paid developer account with Apple, so he can view tutorials and test various apps on his iPhone. The club members’ work simply reinforces learning with tools they are comfortable with and enables them to achieve with tools they will use not only in school, but also beyond college. The eventual goal is to enable students to develop apps for Amherst County Public Schools, Childress said. “This is actually a pilot. We’re hoping to grow it,” he said, eventually to Amherst County High School. -scott marshall, mcclatchy newspapers

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V I O L A T I O N - A F F I D A V I T

date reported

time

offense

location

status

arrestees

2/04/2011

6:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Follow-up to harassment

Vet Medicine

Inactive

N/A

2/28/2011

3:56 p.m.- 4:37 p.m.

Larceny of a computer

University Bookstore

Cleared by arrest

840 University City Blvd

Active

2/28/2011

2:52 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Computer Harassment

N/A

2/26/2011

10:20 p.m.

Underage possession of alcohol and disorderly conduct

Cassell Coliseum

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

3/01/2011

8:00 a.m.- 9:26 a.m.

Harassment

Volume Two Bookstore

Active

N/A N/A

13216540656465514

what you’re saying //comments from online readers...

fire blotter date reported

time

cause of fire

location

fire number

injuries, deaths, damages

3/01/2011

4:31 p.m.

Burning wax caught fire

Slusher Wing 1st floor lounge

2

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Another Year

Fri-Sat 7:00 & 9:30pm Sun 3:00, 7:00, 9:30pm Mon 10:00 am, 7:00 & 9:30pm Tues-Thurs 7:00 & 9:30pm

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opınıons 3

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

march 3, 2011

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

Our Views [staff editorial]

WBC ruling highlights free speech challenges is often said that the First Amendment protects the It speech you don’t like just as it protects the speech you do. In an 8-1 decision on Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court stood by that mantra, ruling the First Amendment right to free speech protects “hurtful speech on public issues,” and that the Westboro Baptist Church had the right to picket a military funeral. In March 2006, WBC picketed the Maryland funeral of Matthew Snyder, a Marine killed in Iraq, claiming that his death was God’s revenge for the United States’ toleration of homosexuality. Snyder’s father sued the group for invasion of his privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violating his right to free exercise of religion and assembly. However, the WBC was not charged with a violation of Maryland law regarding funeral processions nor for illegal picketing practices. Those who were in Blacksburg last spring may remember the WBC picketing on Main Street, hateful signs in tow. While the WBC’s promotion of hate and bigotry can be considered improper as well as disgusting, we have to agree with the Supreme Court’s ruling in this case. There is a distinct difference between one’s legal rights and moral duties, and the court’s decision merely reflects the protection of the WBC’s legal rights under the Constitution. However, there are also significant implications for the press. Had the decision been in favor of the Snyder family, the press would have been susceptible to similar regulations of its rights. In a joint amicus brief, several press associations and reporters argued just this,

stating, “The government cannot justify regulation on the assumption that ‘the speech is not very important.’” Of course, this is not an argument in support of the practices or views of the WBC. There is a difference between legal and moral rights. However, whenever a court decision is made, the legal realm must be kept separate, and the consequences of a decision must be considered for all, not only those directly involved in the case. As the Blacksburg protests showed, there are ways to fight the WBC without relying on government authority. Virginia Tech students demonstrated on the side of Main Street opposite the WBC, mocking the hateful views of the protesters. Similar cases can be seen across the country, including local citizens who lent their time to help legally shield families from the detestable group. These legal methods allow us to reject hatred and bigotry without eliminating the fundamental rights of those we do not agree with. It’s fighting free speech with free speech. We would do well not to rely on the government to fight all our battles for us. While the WBC and its members make up a unique category of radical and often hateful individuals, we should not forget they are entitled to the same rights as everyone else. Finally, we cannot forget that this case sets a precendent that will protect far more than one group of agitators, and we must realize that the outcome will be essential to maintaining freedom for future generations. -the editorial board is composed of peter velz, scott masselli and gabi seltzer

Poor body image affects too many ast week was Body Image Awareness week. Events around L campus included a guest speaker in the Graduate Life Center and McComas Hall featured a life size poster of what Barbie would like if her dimensions were proportional. It’s a technique that is almost cliche at this point. And I can’t help but think that if Barbie was really just as perfect as she looked in that plastic box, she would still probably find something to complain about. I don’t know any girl that can look in the mirror and not find at least one thing they would like to change. Everyone has something that they’re never fully satisfied with. But everyone has adjusted to this. If a girl asks her best friend, “Does it look like I’ve gained a little weight?” she’s not asking because she wants to know the truth. She’s asking because she wants to hear that lie that is required to follow, “Of course not.” But it’s not just girls. I’ve had to undergo the same scenario with my own brother. From about the time he was in middle school up until now as a freshman at VCU, I’ve had to reassure him about his body. A personal trainer that I was seeing last semester who worked out every day for hours, whose muscles were toned and cut in places that I didn’t even know could be cut, had insecurities. Even if other guys don’t express their body concerns out loud or in a whiny complaining voice that forces us to roll our eyes, they have them. But today we live in a world in which we can pay enough money and make those insecurities go away. Heidi Montag may have undergone some scrutiny for numerous plastic surgeries, but there are still shows like “Bridal Plasty” creeping up on networks. Girls have always been competitive with how they look, but what happens when your friends start getting procedures done? One friend of mine has already met with a plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation. Bigger boobs, a better nose or thinner thighs are now graduation presents like new cars and European vacations. Even while writing this, one of my roommates randomly looked over at me and said, “I want to get a nose job.” The friend that wants the breast augmentation explained something like this to me, “If I can look in the mirror and finally be happy with what I see, then it’s worth it to me.” Maybe there is something to that. Of course there is the other side of the fence that says you don’t need to change anything because God made

you perfect just the way you are. I’m not totally sure I’m convinced either way. My biggest concern is sometimes when a person is insecure enough to go under the knife, then perhaps the problem is deeper than just the skin. And if that is the case, then no matter how many things you have done, when you look in the mirror you may never be able to say you’re happy. Plastic surgeries can be like getting tattoos — addictive. But last week’s Body Image Awareness campaign was there to remind us that sometimes there really is a problem. That being a deep psychological problem that distorts the way people view their bodies, and then words like anorexia and bulimia start to be thrown around. Diseases that go against what it fundamentally means to be a human — to eat when you’re hungry. Coming back from break, one of my friends was telling me about visiting one of her friends back home in a psychiatric ward for an eating disorder. Her friend was confined to a small white room, contained within a maze of white halls and locked behind a series of white doors. Sometimes when I hear stories like that, I think “What if that could have been me?” In high school I was in a competitive dance company, and there was a lot of pressure to stay thin. While performing a solo, at my last dance competition of senior year, one of the judges wrote on my score sheet that I needed to learn how to hide my fat. I was 102 pounds. Somehow I was able to withstand the pressure. But sometimes those memories come flooding back to me when I see all my friends doing crazy diets in the couple weeks before spring break. I may not be completely happy with my body, but I could never imagine just eating celery for a week. I’m not a particular fan of the word “diet,” anyway. If you live a healthy, balanced lifestyle why would you have a need for a diet? With that being said, though, I definitely would not be comfortable in a yellow polka dot bikini right now. No one is always going to be completely satisfied with the way they look. But part of body awareness is really being aware of yourself, and knowing that everyone has something beautiful about them — even if you aren’t able to recognize it every day.

SHELBY WARD -regular columnist -junior -English major

MAHEEN KHURSHID / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Virginia Tech shootings loom over gun debates hen someone passed me an W article titled, “Texas may soon allow guns on college campuses,” I didn’t know what to make of it. Initial reaction: “Guns” and “campus” are two words put together that will forever haunt my freshman year of college and this school. Plus, I don’t trust most people, so why would I trust people with guns? Rational reaction: Most people don’t have concealed weapon permits, and the ones that do have proven their responsibility. Dilemma: While having a permit holder in one of those classrooms on April 16, 2007 could have saved lives, I still don’t feel safe with the possibility of someone sitting behind me with a gun. But I wanted to form an opinion around more than just the typical shallow banter of illogical emotions that I usually hear, an opinion grounded in facts and reason. So, like any analytical mind, I expected to have a firm and unshakeable position on the issue after some research. Should colleges let concealed handgun license holders carry guns on campus and in classes? Let’s look at the bill specifically in Texas. First, the bill has not been submitted yet, but a similar proposition has already been signed by half of the state senate, and is expected to pass. It would force Texas universities to allow concealed handguns on college campuses. Utah is the only state that has a similar law already in place. The count of concealed handgun licenses in Texas is about 450,000 people. In 2010, of those between the ages of 18-25 that applied for a permit, 98.8 percent were awarded one. And in 2009, there were 101 convictions of people with CHLs, 0.15 percent of the total amount of convictions. To get a concealed handgun license in Virginia, a person must be at least 21 years old, complete multiple education and safety courses, pass a background check and pay at least $10, but no more than $50. There are about 250,000 active license holders in Virginia. Since April 16, 2007, 23 states have rejected bills to allow guns on college campus. Virginia Tech does not allow concealed weapons on campus. With

all this data and more, my opinion is about as solid as one of those red star shaped Jell-O’s I always eat too many of. Regardless of how many viewports, arguments or statistics I encounter, “the answer” doesn’t reveal itself. There are equal facts and reasonable points supporting both sides. The pro-gun side argues that gunfree zones like campuses leave students defenseless. Criminals with guns have easy victims in students. Allowing concealed handguns on campus has the potential to both protect students in case of an incident, and may even deter one altogether. The strongest, and most reiterated point in this argument, is that a CHL holder can save students’ lives in the case of a shooting. The gun control lobby’s argument is pretty simple. Guns won’t make campuses safer. They will make them more dangerous. Statistics don’t indefinitely show more security when concealed handguns are allowed other places, why would they work on college campuses? Even CHL owners are humans who get emotional and make rash decisions. Why let those rash decisions turn into deadly ones, which is more likely to happen if they are students. First, against the pro-gun side (but not necessarily for the gun control side), I don’t carry a gun, and don’t ever plan to. Therefore I am defenseless all the time. The only way to make sure no one is ever defenseless is to require everyone to carry a gun, or to require everyone to always be around someone who is carrying a gun. Either way, that would be absurd. Second, as far as I know, none of the students in any of the classrooms on April 16 were concealed handgun license owners, and with such a small percentage of CHL owners being students, the likelihood of preventing a deadly situation is minimal. So the “protecting students in case of a shooting” argument has little strength. I will say this in support, and the other side has to agree with this statement: CHL holders are responsible gun owners and operators. I trust the two friends I have that can carry a concealed handgun. Statistics don’t lie

when it comes to this point. And common sense reasoning doesn’t lie when it comes to this next conditional statement: If a CHL owner is allowed to carry on campus, and if there is a shooting, there is a much higher chance that lives could be saved than if concealed weapons are not allowed. Now, this sentence doesn’t reflect the whole scope of the argument, but it is a very powerful and emotionally attaching statement. The gun control argument can only counter this point by listing all the possible dangers this one potential, and unlikely, precaution brings with it. And so far, most universities agree that the dangers outweigh the one potential benefit. Now, I haven’t covered all the arguments surrounding this issue, from Second Amendment rights to the difference between actual safety verses the mere perception of safety (that’s what those sociological studies are for). But I think I have found the crux of my dilemma on the issue. Like I said in the beginning, “guns” and “campus” are two words that — when put together — will forever bring up horrible memories of watching events unfold on TV in Miles Hall on an April morning; there’s nothing I or either side of the argument can do to change that. The reason I don’t want guns on campus is because someone once used them with deadly consequences. Actually, both sides agree with this. The gun control side will say this is why we need fewer guns on campuses. The gun rights side will say this is why we should allow those who properly know how to use guns to carry them on campuses. Both sides claim to provide safety, and both sides claim the opposite is more dangerous. Same starting point, same intentions, opposite means to the same objective.

MATTHEW ENGLISH -regular columnist -senior -architecture major

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march 3, 2011

page 4

Planning: Senate to vote by March 4 Garden: Students encouraged to volunteer from page one

anything — it’s always her choice.” Bluey said that while the PRC is antiabortion in its mission and beliefs, it chooses not to get involved in politics. “We’re non-political. We’ve been approached by groups who want us to be political, but we’ve decided that’s not what we’re about,” Bluey said, adding that the PRC doesn’t receive any money from the federal government or the state. Bluey said he could not be sure about what might happen to the PRC if Planned Parenthood were to lose federal funding. “I don’t think it would affect what we do. It might mean we see more people, but that’s all speculative,” Bluey said. “We don’t do abortions, so there’s a lot of women who would not come here in the first place.” The bill will only become law if it passes in

the Senate, which has a Democratic majority. “We’re working diligently to ensure that a similar bill doesn’t pass in the Senate,” Nova said. “We’re hopeful that the final bill will not ban Planned Parenthood from participating in public health services.” Students on campus have also been advocating both sides of the issue as the bill takes its next step. “The American people do not want the Obamacare legislation to support abortion, and with this legislation we’re hoping for the same thing,” Hurt said. “Students can be active by going on to the Planned Parenthood website and there are just a plethora of petitions to be signed,” McFarland said. “We can also get out awareness though Facebook.” Nova said the Senate would try to reach a decision by March 4. The House bill was introduced by Rep. Mike Pence, a Republican from

Indiana who has long been an antiabortion advocate. He introduced the bill in the wake of a series of videos released by a conservative anti-abortion group that claimed to expose Planned Parenthood offering illegal abortions. One of the videos, filmed by the conservative group Live Action, features footage that was shot in a Roanoke Planned Parenthood clinic. In the video, a man poses as a sex trafficker asking for pregnancy testing and abortions for his young female prostitutes. He films the visit with a hidden camera. “The way Live Action works is they try to manipulate the language to indicate that Planned Parenthood helps exploit young girls involved in prostitution,” Nova said. “But our personnel handled that professionally and appropriately.”

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from page one

could partner with another department in the university and produce our own,” she said. Chelsea Graves, the student manager of the garden, said it is a great way for students to get involved and give back to our community. “Even though we are only here for four years, we are choosing to be here and the garden is a great way to get to know the place,” she said. Currently the garden plot is covered, but seeding will begin in mid-March. Volunteers will be needed during late spring through the summer and the fall to harvest the plants. DulysNusbaum hopes that people will come out in large groups and come to the garden consistently to volunteer. Graves said that there had been a learning curve after the growth of the

garden last season, but hopes that this season will be productive and bring much to the community. “We hope to get more students involved in research projects and some integrated coursework with the farm,” she said.

I think that humans are drawn to be connected to other living things, Kentland Farm is a beautiful place to find that connection.” CHELSEA GRAVES STUDENT MANAGER OF THE GARDEN

Farms and Fields Project in Owens takes a lot of produce in the fall, but it isn’t open in the summer when most of the produce is harvested.

“In the summer a good deal of produce goes to D2 since D2 is open during the summer for freshman orientation. The first meal that freshmen have at Virginia Tech has some aspect that has been grown locally and that is very exciting,” Dulys-Nusbaum said. Dulys-Nusbaum hopes that the garden can expand in the future with possible green houses and hoop houses. “We are hoping to expand our food preservation facilities so we can serve more of the garden produce during the winter time,” she said. Graves hopes that the plot can continue to expand while maintaining a high quality of production. “I think that humans are drawn to be connected to other living things,” she said. “Kentland Farm is a beautiful place to find that connection.”

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Today’s Radio Schedule ed Mix scs Di Art Day

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Jaz

3/3/11

By Ken Bessette

ACROSS 1 The Renault 5, in Nor th Amer ica 6 One-named Ne w Ager 10 Lak e plant 14 Street of San José 15 Ending with pl ay or par ty 16 Rosemar y, for one 17 When some suits don’t wear suits 20 Sound from Simb a 21 Frat “T” 22 Fords with racing stripes 23 The Pawtucket Red So x, e.g.

28 Nuclear org. created under HST 29 __ Gr ey tea 30 Deep Throat’ s org. 31 Bamboozle 33 Chr istian surname? 35 Ho w oaths are taken 39 __ de espera: waiting room 40 She pl ayed Buffy 42 Riv er to the Nor th Se a 43 Derb y town 45 Trig ratio 46 “Sonic th e Hedgehog” developer

47 Shad delicacy 49 Schooly ard claim 51 Frame f or Roger Rabbi t 52 Sandals in Jamaica, e.g. 57 Sinatra’ s Gardner 58 Mideast “son of ” 59 Cheese or its town 60 Assume a defensive position (and what we did to highlight this puzzle’ s theme) 66 Hard do wnpour 67 Music bi z sensation, perhaps

7-9 AM - Appalachian Sunrise

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DOWN 1 Elec. readout 2 Field uni t 3 Some temps 4 Jour nalis t Stewart or Joseph 5 Consignment shop transactio n 6 Swelled head 7 Word of urgenc y 8 Gossipmonger 9 Kennel doub le talk? 10 Tuna at a luau 11 Building shel f 12 Persona non __ 13 Wide gulf 18 Bob Ma rley feature 19 Cuban danc e 23 Ca fé cup 24 Roundup 25 Met favo rites 26 Where to see a lot of keys 27 Knight games 32 Haka dancers of New Zealand 34 Made a quic k stop

*** WUVT “5 Minute” News at 7 PM *** lty

cia

9AM-12PM - Rosalie Wind

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2-3:30PM - Casey Menish

12-2 AM - The Waltzing Zombies

rt ht A Nig ty cial Spe

3:30-5 PM - Alex Tallant

2-4 AM - Candice Chu

5-7 PM - Alex Simon, Professional Kitty 4-7 AM - Jessica Norman 36 Santana hit also covered by Tito Puente 37 Madison’ s foil 38 Passed out in Vegas? 41 Sharon ’s language 44 Compan y that uses P egasus as a symbol 48 Brooklyn’ s __ Field 50 Get under control, in a way 52 Bur ied suppl y 53 Li ke most cardinal s 54 __ to go 55 Pencil maz e word 56 More wise 61 Ca vs, on scoreboards 62 Worked (up) 63 Bambi’ s aunt 64 Wher e Rockefeller was gov. 65 Match, as a raise

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

68 “If I Were a Rich Man” singer 69 Feminine suffix 70 Me x. miss 71 Clear

(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

3/2/11

ed Mix cs Dis


sports 5

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

march 3, 2011

Tennis faces off Tech wrestling pursues championships against Louisville ZACH MARINER sports reporter

ALEX KOMA sports staff writer If the old saying that familiarity breeds contempt is true, then the Virginia Tech men’s tennis team cannot be thrilled about facing the Louisville Cardinals this Friday. The two teams have faced off 10 times since 2000, with Louisville winning six of the matches, which have often come with at least one of the teams nationally ranked. Last year was no exception, as the Cardinals handed the Hokies a tough 5-2 loss in March, and then proceeded to knock Tech out of the NCAA Tournament in the second round. The Cardinals are currently ranked 20th in the country, so their visit to the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center will be a meaningful one for the Hokies. “You hate to ever put so much pressure on one match, but I definitely feel like this match is a huge opportunity,” said Jim Thompson, head coach. “If we were to beat Louisville — it would give us a lot of momentum going into the ACC [Tournament] and we think we can.” The recent losses to Louisville still resonate with many of the players on the team, and they are eager to prove themselves against their rival. “We lost twice last year, but we beat them [a couple of] years ago here and I’m sure they don’t like these courts as much as we do,” said Luka Somen, a junior. “I’m pretty confident we can make a good match — but I think this is going to be the most important match of the regular season for us.” Doubles play will be a crucial element for Tech. In both matches last year, the Hokies lost two out of the three doubles matchups, but they have greatly improved in that area recently. “We’re definitely playing better [in doubles], and we’ve got good chemistry on our teams, but Louisville is really good at playing doubles as well,” Thompson said. “If we can win the doubles, then I definitely like our chances.” The players have noticed an improvement as well, evidenced by the team sweeping the doubles matches in their recent games against both Boston College and Brown. “I think we can make a difference [in doubles play],” Somen said. “As the season progresses, we are getting more and more experience…and that’s going to help us in the long run for sure.” Another key for the team will be the continued improvement of redshirt senior Pedro Graber. Graber recently won both of his matches this past weekend after starting out the season 4-4. “Pedro is playing really well. He’s a fifth year senior, and I think he’s very mature on the court,” Thompson said. “He’s had to move up to the number two spot the last two matches and has done really well…so we’re really excited about that for our team.” The team is currently ranked 35th in the nation, but it’s hoping that this match will help vault it further up the rankings. “We are working hard to improve our level and to [get to be] top-20 in the nation,” said Francesc Fajula, a freshman. “[Coach Thompson] is doing a great job, and that’s why we’re here practicing every day.” After facing Louisville on Friday, the team will embark on a threematch road trip to face VCU, Florida

State and Miami. Each match should prove to be a major test for the Hokies. “Being on the road is always hard, and we saw that earlier in the season, as we took some losses when we were out on the road,” Thompson said. “We came back home and got a lot of wins and we’re getting some confidence, so hopefully we can carry that in and get some wins.” The team’s preparation will be crucial as it prepares to go on their first trip away from home since Feb. 13. “We have to prepare for the crowd, we have to prepare for the bad calls, all those things that carry out when we’re playing outside VT,” Somen said. “I think it’s going to be really important [to stay focused] every match, every point and every guy on our team has to be ready for that.”

“There’s no question about it. We’re going to Charlottesville to win the ACC.” Although that seems like a bold statement by head coach Kevin Dresser, it suits the confident attitude that this year’s Hokie wrestling team has exuded throughout the season, while spending most of the winter ranked in the top 10 nationally. Dresser is the mastermind behind this Virginia Tech team that has seemingly come out of nowhere, and is all of the sudden a legitimate national title contender. Before the NCAA Championships in two weeks, the No. 6 Hokies (20-4, 5-0) must take care of business this weekend at the ACC Championships, which will take place at the esteemed John Paul Jones Arena at UVa. “I can’t wait,” said Devin Carter, a freshman from Christiansburg. “I’m excited, because not only do I get to prepare for nationals, I also get to sum

up my season.” While Carter, who competes in the 133-pound weight class, will make his first appearance at the ACCs, several Hokies are veterans when it comes to this weekend’s meet. Jarrod Garnett (125), Brian Stephens (149), Jesse Dong (157) and Matt Epperly (174) all took home titles last year, and will look to do much of the same on Saturday. “Absolutely,” Dong said, in reference to defending his title. “I’ve been training hard and doing everything I can do to prepare for this.” Dong, the backbone of this Hokie squad all season, realizes the importance of Saturday’s meet. “Nationals is the big dance, but you’ve got to qualify through the ACC first,” Dong said. “You’ve got to take it one match at a time.” If all Tech wrestlers finishes the way they’re seeded, six Hokies will compete at nationals in two weeks. And that meet, as Dresser says, is where this team’s ultimate goals lie. “(This weekend’s) not the No. 1 focus of our season,” Dresser said. “Philadelphia

in a couple weeks is the No. 1 focus. But at the same time, it’s important for us to finish business. We feel like we have some unfinished business in the ACC.” Dresser was referring to the team’s unfortunate finish last year at the conference tournament. Despite placing six wrestlers in the finals, with four of them coming out as champions, Tech walked out with a third place finish. Dresser said the team needs more than just a good performance. “Any time you win a championship you need a little luck,” he said. “We wrestled very well last year, but we got zero luck. If we (perform that well) this year and still get third, I’ll be shocked.” Garnett, Carter, Dong and David Marone (285) will enter the tournament as No. 1 seeds, and all expect to finish as such and advance to nationals. The other two wrestlers who would qualify based on their seeds are Chris Diaz (141) and Pete Yates (165). Two more Hokies — Stephens and Epperly — could very easily defy their seeds and place high enough to advance to the NCAAs. Although both are

defending ACC champs, neither had quite the regular season they were hoping for. Both will need to finish in the top two of their respective weight classes to advance to the NCAAs. Stephens comes into the meet as a No. 3 seed, Epperly as a No. 4. While it would be a big accomplishment to bring home the school’s first ACC wrestling championship, and first conference wrestling championship in 13 years, it’s clear this program is focused on much more. “I think we’ve shown this year that we can be a national contender,” Dresser said. He said consistency will be the key for the Hokies to continue their success not only this season, but also in subsequent years. “We have to have consistency now,” Dresser said. “We have to have consistency year in and year out, and we’ve got to earn it. Not only in the next two weeks, but, more importantly in the offseason like we have the last couple offseasons. It’s a process.”


6

people & clubs

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

march 3, 2011

he she

SAID

top me if you’ve heard this one before. Over the weekend a friend S and I drove to Owens to fortify our

consuming entrees at La Cantina and Philly City. Unfortunately, the big Duke game meant the arrival of punctuality’s archenemies: old people and children. Beads of sweat dripped down my forehead as one little girl fumbled with her change at the register. It took every fiber of my social competence not to angrily throw a $10 bill at her to expedite the process. This was a wise decision; reducing a child to tears is generally

stomachs before a busy Fraturday. Naturally, there were no legal parking spots in the vicinity of the dining hall. We decided to tempt fate and park in the Owens lot — a $35 gamble against house money. I made a beeline for the spicy chicken sandwich line without a second glance at delicious but time-

JAMIE MARTYN / COLLEGIATE TIMES

He said: A few quick tips on dodging parking tickets

considered bad form. Eons later we finally made it through the nightmarish line. A mad dash to the parking lot revealed a terrifying sight: the Parking Services representative making the rounds. We apprehensively approached the car for the moment of judgment. As we got close, a sigh of relief could be heard as far as Roanoke. In the immortal words of Indiana Jones, “No ticket.” This campus parking experience may have ended without consequence, but this success was in many respects the exception to the rule. If the flood of jubilant Hokies storming the Cassell court represents the best Virginia Tech has to offer, the university’s draconian Parking Services embodies the worst. Without any scientific proof, I feel safe in claiming that on any given day, someone you know will be greeted with that orange stomach punch tucked in his or her car’s windshield. College students already swindled in the highway robberies of the textbook market and security deposit scams (looking at you, Village) must then dig into nearly depleted savings to feed the Parking Services beast. I’ve made it a personal mission to combat this oppression, starting with my refusal to pay $189

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She said: You can run, but you can’t hide...

for the ability to park 20 minutes from my classes. Throughout this year — my first with a car at school — I’ve developed a number of methods to deny overzealous parking cops my money. Those who question my credentials on this matter should know that my brazen disregard for parking rules has resulted in just one ticket all year. In other words, you’re getting batting tips from Hank Aaron. Note that my sharing this information with you is a move likely frowned upon by university higher-ups. Treat this knowledge like the contents of the “Anarchist’s Cookbook” — carefully and with maximum discretion. The golden rule of guerrilla parking tactics is that some places are simply unavailable to cars without a permit. Only the most foolhardy commuters will donate to the university by parking outside Squires, Owens, Engel or Surge before 5 p.m. While there is no such thing as a guaranteed safe haven before this time anywhere on campus, some spots offer better odds than others. I personally have never received a ticket in the sprawling asphalt jungle outside McComas. Others swear by the equally large lot behind Derring. The latter is a more dangerous option, in my opinion, but still far superior to the money pits mentioned above.In this respect, parking on campus sans permit is like Jumanji: Knowing the rules of the game is the only way to stay alive.The second most important rule is that efficiency is king when you’re trying to avoid the dreaded orange slip. Get in, get out; no lollygagging or distractions. Stopping to chat with friends is a surefire way to give the parking cop enough time to reach your car. Traversing the dining halls quickly requires dogged determination to avoid any human interaction. Staring at the ground may look sketchy, but remember — eye contact will doom you every time. The final rule is to stay within your comfort zone. Parking in unfamiliar lots isn’t suggested unless the idea of squirming in class for an hour appeals to you. Experiment in short 15 minute bursts to find the lot you feel most secure leaving your vehicle unattended in. Familiarity breeds comfort and comfort is essential to success. Unfortunately, I cannot divulge my favorite spot in Blacksburg for fear that there will be a crackdown on my illicit parking. All I can say is that it is inconspicuous, conveniently located and the only reason I attend my 9:30 a.m. environmental law class. This guide to automobile delinquency may make the parking process easier, but beware, even Rain Man lost a gamble once in a while. Betting against the university enough times inevitably leads to an orange surprise on your car. Still, keep the faith my fellow rebels. Follow in the footsteps of VT Parking Services public enemy No. 1 and you too can beat the system.

arking in Blacksburg is anything but simple. I found this out last P week when my car was towed at 1 a.m. and I had to pay $150 to get it back. When I got back to Virginia Tech last fall, I immediately went to buy a parking pass. I consider myself a pretty involved student and have several weekly meetings that require me to be on campus before and after the 5 p.m. monitoring cut off. I also knew that if I took the bus, I would have to leave at least 10 minutes earlier to guarantee that I didn’t miss it. Therefore, it wasn’t even a question. I was getting a parking pass. I remember the day perfectly. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and I was excited to be back at Tech. As I made my way into the Parking Services building, I felt like a nerd because I was anxious to get my parking pass and start classes. My jaw literally dropped as I saw the increased prices for the year. A year permit for a student was $189. I thought it was a joke. That’s criminal. I wanted to tell them where they could put my parking pass, but instead I kept my mouth shut and bought it. I was shocked to look at my flimsy car-tag and process how much it really cost. I even remember looking at it and saying, “You better be worth it.” As I turned to go out of the building I realized that a torrential downpour had begun. I was lucky enough to be wearing a white T-shirt at the time. It was as if Blacksburg was laughing at me. While the fee is ridiculously high, having a parking pass can be a great thing. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to be on campus at a minute’s notice. It also means that I get to laugh at the students waiting by the bus stop when it is raining, or even worse, snowing. I had heard that parking on campus between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. was like playing chicken. Parking spaces are limited and people get ugly. I assumed it wouldn’t be that bad. But then again — you know what happens to those who assume. But I loved it! I may be competitive to the point where it is slightly unhealthy, but I loved racing to campus and fighting for a spot. You get to be a stalker and follow pedestrians, you get to laugh when you get the spot over a car that’s been searching forever, and you get satisfaction when you actually find your spot. I try to avoid the parking garage as much as possible. I was extremely excited that we were going to have more parking, but I did not expect that it would include more faculty spots. The first time I used the parking garage was because no parking spots were available and no one was leaving. I felt weakened as I entered the garage for the first time. As I pulled in I was

ANDREW REILLY -features staff writer -junior -communicaton major

shocked to see how empty the first floor was, until I realized that they were all faculty spots. I was pissed. They already have the Drillfield, Engel Lot, Dietrick lot, Owens lot, Derring lot and most of the Squires and Perry St. lots. It seems a little odd that there are zero parking spaces for people without a parking pass. And if Parking Services isn’t making enough money already, their income is tripled thanks to parking citations. I received my first citation last year as a freshman as I was loading my car in the parking lot by Slusher Tower. When I tried to appeal my ticket I was told that I should have “greenlogged” my car, so that I could park anywhere on campus for 30 minutes. That would have been great if I knew that “greenlogging” existed. I bitterly paid my $35 fee. There seem to be a lot of restrictions and tricky rules that are out there to get us. I swear citation officers crouch in bushes and hide behind buildings just waiting to pounce. Last week my friend ran back to his car because his meter was on empty when he saw the guy processing his ticket. Generally the rule is that if you can move your car before the ticket is printed, you’re off the hook. I wonder if they work on commission, because when my friend said, “This is my car. I’ll move it,” the guy smirked as he pressed the print button. Parking off campus is not any better. My car was towed last week in Collegiate Suites. In the Collegiate Suites parking lot there is a row of visitor parking in the back. Since I’m not a resident I assumed that the entire row was for visitors. However, it was dark outside and I did not know that the last three spots in the row were not. Who decides to make the last three spots resident parking in a row full of visitor parking? I thoroughly enjoyed having to pick up my car at 2 a.m. on a sketchy back road in Christiansburg. Getting cut off by the tow truck on the way back to Blacksburg made the night even more special. I guess he was in a rush to screw over more people. Lesson learned. Watch out while parking in Blacksburg, whether you have a parking pass or not. And for those of you who have been parking on curbs in the Engel lot so you can eat at West End, watch out. The citation officers are on to you. You can run, but you can’t hide.

CHELSEA GUNTER -features reporter -sophomore -communication major

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