Thursday, March 31, 2011 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

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COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 38

News, page 2

Weekend, page 5

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 6

Classifieds, page 4

Sudoku, page 4

Tech helps Ethiopians build rural roads SARAH WATSON news reporter Virginia Tech researchers recently received a grant to teach Ethiopian officials and citizens appropriate ways to construct and maintain rural roads. The $159,000 grant was awarded to a Tech agricultural and natural resource management program by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Awarded as part of a 10-year contract with USAID, $27 million was given to Tech researchers to study sustainable agriculture and natural resource management under the Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Collaborative Research Support Program. In 2009, USAID approached both Theo Dillaha, professor of biological systems engineering, and Michael Bertelsen, associate director of the Office of International Research, Education and Development. Dillaha and Bertelsen were asked to do a quick assessment of the public works sector of Ethiopia and develop training programs to alleviate any problems. Dillaha said they found severe construction, environmental and sedimentation issues associated with rural roads. “Our goal is to make the roads more sustainable and eliminate the environmental problems that are caused by them,” Dillaha said. Most rural-access roads in Ethiopia are constructed by hand as part of the world’s largest “work for food” program. Those who choose to partici-

pate in road construction receive food and small amounts of cash, according to Dillaha. Part of the money comes from the World Bank, the U.S. government and other industrialized countries. “Approximately a billion dollars a year in U.S. tax money goes to Ethiopia,” Dillaha said. As part of this program, citizens at the village level vote on what service projects they would like to see completed or complete themselves, including water supply improvements, additional clinics or rural roads.

“

Our goal is to make the roads more sustainable and eliminate the environmental problems that are caused by them THEO DILLAHA BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PROFESSOR

However, this can cause serious environmental issues in the future because the roads are constructed by those with very little to no training, according to Dillaha. Dillaha and Bertelsen, along with other Tech affiliates and Ethiopian engineers, are currently developing and implementing a training program that will begin at the state level, move on to the county level and ultimately end at the village level. They will teach workers the techniques needed in labor-based road construction. “Its a cascading training program,” Bertelsen said.

Dillaha and others will train roughly 40 individuals at the state level, who will continue to train others within the Amhara region of Ethiopia, resulting in thousands of trained workers. Those participating in training include Dillaha, two Ethiopian engineers, a civil engineer from Egypt and others. They will leave after classes conclude in May and spend approximately two weeks in Ethiopia. Training includes hands-on training, conducted both in the field and in the classroom. “They’ll be learning how to do it with shovels and picks,” Dillaha said. He is specifically working on a system to integrate road construction with a rain water catching system. “If we can actually improve skills enough so that they have reliable transportation during all seasons of the year, I believe it will have a huge impact on these people,” Dillaha said. “The roads are access to markets, health services and more,” Bertelsen said, emphasizing the importance of rural access roads in Ethiopia. Dillaha sees this problem beyond the Amhara region of Ethiopia and is considering expanding this project into the Sudan. “This is a problem all over the world, not just in Ethiopia,” Dillaha said. Bertelsen has had a long-standing interest in Ethiopia and said Tech is able to make a difference where it is needed. “We need to do what we can as a land grant institution to help these countries,” Bertelsen said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEO DILLAHA

Researchers involved in the development program said they hoped to make more sustainable roads.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THEO DILLAHA

As a part of the roadway program, local residents will be given training in road construction techniques.

Cadets to honor graduate University narrows down killed in training accident commandant nominees TORIE DEIBLE news reporter

COURTESY OF JACOB MATHEWS

A fellow cadet said Eckhart, far right, “was one of those people...that always had a smile on his face.”

NAVY ENSIGN ZACHARY ECKHART REMEMBERED AS PART OF HIGHTY-TIGHTIES REGIMENTAL BAND CLAIRE SANDERSON news reporter Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets will honor fallen U.S. Navy Ensign Zachary Eckhart during a Pylon Dedication ceremony Friday. Eckhart, who graduated from the corps in 2007 and from Tech in 2008, was killed during a training exercise when his T-39 aircraft crashed in Georgia on April 12, 2010. The Orefield, Pa., native majored in aerospace engineering with a minor in leadership studies. Fellow cadets remembered Eckhart fondly. Patrick Bates, a senior chemistry major and drum major of the HightyTighties marching band, said he got to know Eckhart as a freshman, while Eckhart was a fifth-year senior. During the following summer, Eckhart was Bates’ officer at a summer

training program in Norfolk. “He was one of those people you remember that always had a smile on his face,” Bates said. Eckhart was a percussionist in the Highty-Tighties regimental band until he graduated from the corps in 2007. After graduating the corps, Eckhart remained at Tech to complete a degree in aerospace engineering, and stayed very involved with the corps and the Highty-Tighties. Lt. Col. Chuck Payne, commandant of Eckhart’s battalion, described Eckhart as “truly the man that every mom wants her daughter to bring home.” Eckhart married the former Sarah LaMotte, a fellow Tech graduate and a member of the corps, about 18 months before the crash. Bates said he and the rest of the Highty-Tighties have been putting in

extra practice for the ceremony, where they will perform Taps and Auld Lang Syne. “The band is working extra hard to be perfect, because he was one of us,” Bates said. “It’s a huge deal.” Payne, who attended Eckhart’s funeral, attested to the strength of that bond within the band. “I went to his funeral and gave the flag to his mother,” Payne said. “There must have been 50 to 75 Highty-Tighties there from all around the world — I’ve never seen anything like it.” Payne said Eckhart left a vivid impression. “Any person’s death is tragic, and you don’t want to say it, but some people affect you more than others, and Eckhart was that person,” Payne said. “When someone like that is taken away, it really makes you scratch your head.” Tech’s Board of Visitors approved a resolution Monday honoring Eckhart. The Pylon Dedication ceremony will begin Friday at 3 p.m. at the War Memorial bordering the Drillfield.

Virginia Tech has narrowed its search for the next Commandant of the Corps of Cadets to three candidates. The search seeks a replacement for the retiring Maj. Gen. Jerrold P. Allen, who will leave after serving 12 years in the position, the longest tenure in Corps history. Allen cited family considerations as the reason for leaving the position.The finalists for the position are Maj. Gen. Thomas Csrnko, Maj. Gen. Randal D. Fullhart and Rear Adm. Ronald Henderson. Csrnko, who retired from the U.S. Army in August 2010 following 36 years in uniform, previously served as commanding general of several posts including the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Csrnko said he views the position as an excellent opportunity to develop and influence young leaders. He said the corps’ future relies on “constant improvement to ensure relevancy.” “No organization succeeds by resting on its past accomplishments,” Csrnko said. Fullhart, as director of Global Reach

Programs with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, helped facilitate $70 billion in Air Force programs. Fullhart said he was impressed after meeting several graduates of the corps, and saw openings for growth in student engagement. “I also think there are exciting opportunities as we anticipate growth in the civilian track of the corps, as well as seeking partnerships with other elements of the university to increase leadership development for students across the entire campus,” Fullhart said. Henderson, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 2010 after 34 years of military service, has experience including United States defense attaché in London. In the job, Henderson represented the Secretary of State and the chairman to the Joints Chiefs of Staff to the United Kingdom. Henderson, who called the corps “unique and special,” saw the position as an opportunity to “teach and learn, lead and mentor, and expand intellectually.” “It demands an ideal blend of leadership, mentorship and intellectual development in a military environ-

ment, but in the midst of a larger civilian university context,” Henderson said. “The (corps) stands at the top of the nation in providing the next generation of military and civilian leaders to meet the challenges of an uncertain future.” Ray Smoot, Tech treasurer and chief operating officer and chair of the search committee, said the three candidates were selected from an initial pool of 18 candidates. “We’re looking for several things: someone who understands and appreciates the role and presence of a military organization within the broader academic community, someone who will serve as a role model and will lead by example for the members of the Corps of Cadets, and someone who will continue to engage the enthusiasm about alumni and other supporters interested in the Corps of Cadets,” Smoot said. Ed Spencer, vice president for student affairs, said the three candidates will benefit from Allen’s efforts as commandant. “General Allen has really put in place a lot of excellent programs and his successor is really going to benefit from all of that,” Spencer said.

Tech announces grad school speaker Virginia Tech announced Wednesday that alumna and entrepreneur Betty Chao will deliver the keynote address for the graduate school commencement ceremony. Chao, a 1983 graduate of Tech’s industrial and systems engineering Ph.D program, established consulting group WESTECH International Inc., in 1994.

The company, headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., now employs 800 people with revenues of $75 million. The company currently operates 20 locations in 15 states. A native of Taiwan, Chao’s family moved to the United States when she was in third grade. She attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate and masters studies before coming to Tech.

The university estimated 1,000 graduate and professional students will participate in the ceremony. The May 13 commencement will begin at 2:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum. -gordon block, collegiate times CHAO

2 news

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

march 31, 2011

COLLEGIATETIMES

On rumors of a naked race: OK>> This should be viewed all in fun for a good cause.Philadelphia has the naked bike raceactually naked people! Race from Fairmount Park through center city, past liberty bell to northern liberties neighborhood-about five miles in total for charity and Eco issues. About 2,500 participate and it’s always a peaceful good time!

Anon>> This should take place at the end of April,it’s too cold out now. In the 40’s!

Cmon Anon>> You definitely need to man up.

On fines to Virginia Tech by the Department of Education: Fred>> This is a good decision by the Dept. of Education. The Policy Committee failed Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Rather than provide timely warning that a killer was on the loose, they hemmed and hawed after the first shootings in West Ambler Johnston, issuing a very bland warning several minutes prior to the carnage unfolding in Norris Hall.No one in that room at Virginia Tech lost their job over their lackdaisical performance that day. Steger and the others ran behind the block of the student body chanting “let’s go Hokies!” like it was some damned football pep rally instead of being angry at the leaders who flinched in a crisis and cost 30 additional lives. These employees will do the state job two step, pointing fingers vaguely about rather than standing up, admitting their mistakes (they warned their own family members to stay away from campus while not advising the students on campus of anything) and resigning in shame.

Reader>> You are quick to pin the burden of 30 lives lost on the ‘leaders’ of the VT community versus on the shooter. You do not the mind of the shooter - perhaps the only reason for the length of time passing between the two shootings was he was waiting for his earlier acts to be ‘recognized’ by an alert sent to campus.You don’t know how the shooter would have reacted to students not arriving on campus or leaving campus upon notification of the earlier shooting. Nobody does, or ever will. But to assume unilaterally that a happier conclusion would have occurred is incredibly irresponsible and ignorant of the fact that the shooter was not a rational person and therefore would not likely have reacted in a rational manner.

crime blotter

virginia Gretna home invasion case reviewed CHATHAM — After waiting almost five years, Joneisha Davis finally had a chance to testify on her own behalf. Since she pleaded guilty in October 2007 to crimes stemming from a 2006 home invasion in Gretna, Davis had her sentencing date pushed back 18 times. Each delay was so she could testify at her seven codefendants’ trials and have that weighed into her punishment. In court Wednesday, Pittsylvania County Circuit Court Judge Charles J. Strauss did just that, issuing Davis a three-year active sentence, most of which she’s already served. It’s been a long road though, through threats and jail time, she testified in court Wednesday. Her cooperation has been invaluable asset to the prosecution, though.

“Importantly, I can say today that without her cooperation it is unlikely any of these other defendants could have been convicted,” said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Les Adams. Davis, 25, was the first of eight suspects caught after a grisly home invasion in Gretna in November 2006. According to witness testimony, the group kicked in the door of the home, grabbed several items and viciously pistolwhipped a resident before fleeing. For the next few years, investigators and prosecutors used Davis’ statements to build cases against six of the suspects -- five of whom eventually pleaded guilty. Only Devin Streater’s case went to trial, and in April 2008 a jury found him guilty of all 10 charges and sentenced him to 68 years in prison.

Adams credits Davis’ devastating testimony for the conviction. Since then, Davis said she has received threats, which she clarified in court Wednesday.“He said I’m a ‘dead (expletive) walking,” she testified. “Dead (expletive) walking?” asked defense attorney Larry Gott as she wiped tears from her face. Since she left prison in late last year, Davis said she has made significant improvements in her life by ceasing all drinking and drug use as well as embracing her family, she said. It’s a change made just in time. “We see here, I suggest to the court, someone has stopped or paused on the very brink of a life of criminal activity,” Gott said. -steve doane, mcclatchy newspapers

world

Japanese reactor to be scrapped The chairman of the utility that runs the crippled Fukushima power plant on Wednesday said the facility’s four tsunami-battered reactors would have to be scrapped, and he apologized to the Japanese public for the nuclear disaster. Tsunehisa Katsumata, chairman of the Tokyo Electric Power Co., expressed his deep remorse for the accident at Fukushima in northern Japan, including explosions, the release of radiation and contamination of crops and tap water. Although Katsumata referred only to scrapping reactors No. 1 through 4, government officials and other experts have

been saying for more than a week that the entire complex, including the less problematic reactors 5 and 6, eventually would have to be decommissioned. Katsumata’s remarks came as authorities working to bring the battered plant under control said they were considering new methods to limit radiation leakages from the facility, including draping some kind of large tarp or cloth over the reactors and applying resin or glue to the ground to prevent contamination of the soil. Experts are also mulling whether radioactive water that has flooded parts of the facility could be

sucked up and placed in a barge. Radioactive material continues to seep from the plant. The government’s nuclear agency said Wednesday that radioactive iodine131 had been detected at 3,355 times the legal limit in seawater several hundred yards from the Fukushima plant. That’s the highest such concentration recorded at sea to date, but specialists said the material’s half short life and the diluting effect of the ocean meant there was negligible concern about the impact on human health. -julie makinen, mcclatchy newspapers

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

opınıons 3

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

march 31, 2011

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

Your Views [letter to the editor]

DOE sanctions unwarranted he recent release of the Department of Education T fines baffles me. What does the DOE stand to gain by placing these rather minuscule fines 4 years later? Does it think these fines will make Virginia Tech safer or serve as a remembrance to the victims? The answer is that nobody gains from these fines. All these fines stand to do is bring up feelings of hatred and sorrow for the victims’ families and friends who were affected that dreadful day. At this point, we need to quit playing the blame game. Yes, Tech administrators probably could have acted in a “more timely” fashion. But hindsight is 20/20, and at this point in time

nothing can be done to change the university’s actions. I think we should agree this was a very unfortunate event and could have happened anywhere. Still, the university should simply pay the fines and move on. Resorting to placing blame only stands to bring up hatred, and we are better than that. We have progressed past the initial feelings of blame and hatred; let us not go back there. Let these fines and blame placed on the university not deter us from our real purpose as Hokies — to live each day in remembrance of our 32 fallen angels. We should strive to live our lives the best we can for those who are no longer able to.

Stephen Litsas senior civil engineering major

Does duty call for America in Libya? Independence Day in On 1821, then-Secretary of State John Quincy Adams delivered an address on foreign policy to Congress. The question that preoccupied them all at that moment was how to respond to the wave of revolutionary independence movements sweeping Spain’s vast colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere. Adams, who in some sense could be called the father of American nationalism, also was an unwavering exponent of American exceptionalism. Yet this was the heart of his counsel that day: “Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will (America’s) heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. “But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. “She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. “She is the champion and vindicator only of her own.” Adams’ self-consciously Ciceronian sentences are one of the glories of American political rhetoric, but he also was among the republic’s first great diplomats, and the substance of his admonition remains resonant, particularly when applied to our murkily lurching enmeshment in the revolutionary uprising against Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi. The White House and State Department repeatedly have asserted that U.S. military intervention is required to stave off the “humanitarian crisis” that would be created if Gadhafi massacred those fighting to overthrow his regime. Commentators supporting the Obama administration have echoed the phrase. Policy analyst William Galston, writing in the New Republic, called the Libyan situation a “humanitarian disaster.” The New York Times’ Nicholas D. Kristof argued that we ought “not forget that a humanitarian catastrophe has been averted for now.” If they were to occur, those massacres would be a tragic consequence of the Libyans’ attempt to topple a half-mad but cunning tyrant and thief who has isolated, repressed and systematically stolen from his people for decades. Even so, it would not be a humanitarian disaster in any sense that renders the term usefully intelligible. We can all agree that a humanitarian crisis is one in which large numbers of people are left in perilous want by events or forces they cannot escape: an earthquake or tsunami, for example, or a famine.

One also arises when people are attacked merely for being who they are: The Holocaust is a paradigmatic humanitarian crisis of this sort. There was nothing Jews could do to escape persecution; they could not conform themselves to the Nazis’ political tyranny nor save themselves by conversion. They were murdered simply for being Jews. Similarly, the Armenians or, more recently, the Tutsis in Rwanda or the Balkan Muslims were killed just for being who they were. Clearly, civilized nations have an affirmative duty to intervene in such situations to protect the helpless. Does that obligation really extend to a case like Libya’s? What has occurred there over the last few weeks is a political revolution, which now appears to be settling into a civil war. Those can be bitter and bloody affairs, fraught with atrocity and tragedy on every side. The revolutionaries, who voluntarily took up arms, may be brave and inspiring. (Actually, we have only dim notions of who these insurgents are.) But are they in any sense victims in the way European Jewry or the Tutsis or the Armenians were — and, if we are going to extend the affirmative duty to intervene to situations like Libya, where will it end? Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that the violent repression in Syria continues to escalate. How many people would the Assad family lackeys have to shoot down in the streets before we’re obliged to protect people there? The Saudi royals are not as floridly loony as Gadhafi, but they’re nearly as repressive and every bit as kleptocratic. If political unrest spreads there and the House of Saud begins shooting demonstrators in the streets of Jidda — as it already has in neighboring Bahrain — are we prepared to enforce a nofly zone over the world’s largest oil producer? The fact that examples so similar to Libya’s suggest obvious exceptions to the duty to protect ought to suggest that the humanitarian crisis category is being expanded beyond reason. In cases of natural catastrophe (the Japan quake) or monstrous human conduct (the Holocaust or Rwanda) no exception can be imagined, and when we fail to act, our shame admits no rationalization. That’s not to say that the Libyan revolutionaries don’t deserve support. But that case needs to be made on its own merits, which it has not been.

TIM RUTTEN -mcclatchy newspapers

MCT CAMPUS

Dogs should be kept on leashes when in public I were an outsider, I would assume that Blacksburg was a If city full of dog people. Dogs of every shape and size adorn every sidewalk and park, catching balls and retrieving sticks. They tag along with their owners to bookstores and restaurants and accompany them on afternoon runs. If there’s a single person among us, you can bet they share their home with a four-legged barking creature. I’m not a dog person but I don’t have any immediate issues with them. In fact, I’ve been thinking of getting a dog of my own as soon as I have the space. It’s worth repeating that I have no issues with dogs. They’re not all good-natured or friendly, but that doesn’t concern me. Everyone with an ounce of common sense should realize that all dogs aren’t the same. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. I leave my apartment half of the time absolutely terrified for my life. Rottweilers, pit bulls and German shepherds have accosted me because

their owners have declined to put a leash on them. My very first night in my apartment was marred by the presence of a middle-aged man and his giant dog that snarled and barred its teeth at me as I tried to leave my car. He growled and barked while his owner stood nearby, lazily calling his name. Several days ago, I opened my front door and a huge black dog bowled me over trying to get inside. The owner, a girl smaller than her dog, laughed and told me that her dog didn’t bite. Fearing for my life as the dog sniffed me and barked, I finally had to tell the girl I was petrified of big dogs and that I was a few seconds away from breaking down in tears. Even then she repeated that her dog wasn’t like any other dog, that he had “manners” and was welltrained. I wasn’t convinced. Dogs can be great companions and I realize how easily they can start to feel like one’s own child. I just don’t care. Do what you want in your own house, but put your dog on a leash once it’s outside. You’re probably fond

of it, but I’m not. I haven’t familiarized myself with your dog and most importantly, your dog hasn’t familiarized itself with me. It’s clear that these types of owners have no idea what type of lawsuit they’re looking at if an unleashed dog bites a stranger. Also, dogs get hit by cars. They chase other animals, get into fights with other dogs, put things into their mouths, etc. If you own a dog, especially a big dog, put it on a leash. Also, clean up after it. That’s it. I’m not going on a giant tirade against irresponsible dog owners. I’m just speaking from a great fear of encountering enormous animals. Besides, I really do want a dog. Don’t worry, I promise that mine won’t bite.

COURTNAY SELLERS -regular columnist -junior -history major

Facebook not the appropriate forum for personal pettiness log on to my computer, connect to the network and use the same Ipassword to log onto Facebook. I know, my lack of sensible computer password security aside, this is a bad habit. I know that even when I have 30 pages left to read before my class begins in 10 minutes, I shouldn’t be on Facebook. I know all of these things, yet I continue to click on statuses and pictures like time is on my side. I wish the social networking site didn’t have such a power over me and I’m ashamed to say that it does. There are positives for sure. There was a column just last week in the Collegiate Times about staying up to date on the news through social networking sites, and I think that’s great. The negative, however, is that I’ve already checked my Facebook three times as I write this column and unfortunately I didn’t even learn anything newsworthy. Facebook may make it easier to stay in contact with friends from back home or get invited to events, but in my experience, it makes relationships almost as complicated as my attention span. My friend recently broke up with her long-distance boyfriend. The realization of the distance added to their problems, and it got to be too much. I’m not going to pretend like I know what I’m talking about, as I was simply an outsider looking in, but the actual break-up, aside from tears and grief, wasn’t too terrible. They didn’t curse each other from their

lives or burn possessions. No tires or windows were slashed or broken in the process. It was when it came to the questionable status of their relationship on the site that was once almost a shrine to their relationship that there was an issue. Pictures became a consistent reminder and the “in a relationship with” had yet to be changed. It was like breaking up all over again, and who wants to go through that so soon? The whole process seemed to be so juvenile — deciding who should change their status first — yet it had to be done. One side kept the lack of change as a hope and the other saw it as a burden, and eventually they both just made it invisible as if the problem didn’t exist. Why should they have to make such declarations to the almighty world of Facebook anyways? It’s as if the domain deserves to know what happened and enable random people to comment on it, as if they could possibly have a say. It’s not any run-of-the-mill Facebook stalker’s business. Imagine that when asked by a preacher at a wedding if anyone objects, the jealous ex-boyfriend thinks, “Hmm, I think I’ll just comment on their Facebook status.” That would make an interesting movie plot twist. Posted at 4:55 p.m. “Jane is now married to John.” Ex-boyfriend: “Uh, I don’t think so!” My boyfriend’s sister is a typical high school girl consumed by a world

of drama. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with her almost as much as I like spending time with her brother, but I can’t help but wonder why she chooses to expose her conflicts to the world of cyberspace. Wall posts and pictures became habitats for fights and stupid girl-on-girl “dramaaa.” The extra letters are not a typo, but that is a pet peeve I’ll leave for anther column. If she knew her school principal or the college admissions committee were able to see such things, I think she might just think differently about what exactly she posts for all the world to see. What exactly are we willing to tell the world about ourselves? Why are we so willing to make every changing detail of our lives accessible to just about anyone? It can make a breakup or a fight between two best friends into so much more. I guess I shouldn’t complain. If people didn’t post or share these things, what else would I have to look at in biology class (whoops), or when I first wake up in the morning (I have a problem)? Or right. This. Second? Just think before you post — some things are just better left private.

JENNY SAMUELS -regular columnist -freshman -university studies major

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march 31, 2011

page 4

Obama rallies to reduce dependence on foreign oil from Brazil on a visit there this month rather than drill for more on U.S. territory. It also reflected the president’s desire to keep up federal investment in alternative energy in the midst of congressional negotiations over how to cut billions of dollars from his proposed 2012 federal budget.

perity, our long-term security, on a resource that will eventually run out, and even before it runs out will get more and more expensive to extract from the ground.” The president also pushed back hard against accusations that he’d been too aggressive with restrictions in the wake of last year’s BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the worst oil accident in history. “We just spent all that time, energy and money trying to clean up a big mess,” Obama said. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t have amnesia.” The president said that his administration had approved 39 new shallowwater permits and seven deepwater permits since implementing new safety standards in the wake of the Gulf spill. Obama’s proposals were largely a repeat of ideas he’s already promoted. His speech reaffirmed his support for more domestic drilling so long as conditions are safe and for a possible expansion of nuclear power in the wake of higher gas prices, the nuclear crisis in Japan and Republican criticism that he too eagerly courted oil

MARGARET TALEY & KEVIN G. HALL mcclatchy newspapers President Barack Obama on Wednesday announced a goal to cut U.S. reliance on foreign oil by onethird by 2025, saying that demand from growing economies such as China and India probably will force prices up in the long term. In a speech at Georgetown University, Obama tried to deflect political heat over rising gasoline prices, saying that spikes because of Mideast turmoil may be temporary and that his approach to domestic oil drilling isn’t the cause. The president said he intended to meet his goal partly by increasing domestic oil and gas production while creating incentives for more alternative energy production and reducing consumption through greater fuel efficiency standards. “We cannot keep going from shock when gas prices go up to trance when they go back down,” Obama said. “The United States of America cannot afford to bet our long-term pros-

“

DANIEL YERGIN OIL HISTORIAN Daniel Yergin, the widely recognized oil historian, said that, politics aside, Obama’s goals reflected the possibilities of a changing domestic energy picture. “Our imports are down to half of our consumption; domestic energy production has increased,” Yergin said, noting that there also have been important gains in the

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Events DOG WASH The Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine invites you to come pamper your dog at the annual VMRCVM Dog Wash fundraiser (hosted by the Class of 2014 and SCAVMA). The event will be on April 9th from 8am to 3pm at the veterinary college complex off of Duckpond Dr. Just park and follow the signs. Prices are $10 for a bath and $5 for ear cleaning and nail trim. Hope to see you there!

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world’s proven oil reserves, and “even if we drilled every drop of oil out of every single one of the reserves that we possess — offshore and onshore — it still wouldn’t be enough to meet our long-term needs. We consume about 25 percent of the world’s oil. We only have 2 percent of the reserves. Even if we doubled U.S. oil production, we’re still really short.” Some alternative-energy advocates, including wind-power developer T. Boone Pickens, the American Gas Association and the ethanol industry, praised the president’s remarks. But Obama drew anger from oil interests and skepticism from political backers of increased onshore drilling. Erik Milito, a director for the American Petroleum Institute, said the administration’s so-called incentives to speed development of offshore oil leases were less than they appeared. Shortening lease terms and increasing royalty rates through a graduated system could

actually be disincentives, Milito said. “These are actions that will discourage investment here in the U.S. and shift that investment to other parts of the world, to places like Brazil,” he said. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Obama’s goal was “wishful thinking” unless the administration reversed course and allowed leases on federally controlled land in Utah and other Western states to go after oil shale. The president’s speech also drew criticism from some environmentalists. Damon Moglen, the climate and energy director for Friends of the Earth, said the president’s speech was “more about polluting the future than winning it.” Moglen said that Obama had “doubled down on his support for dirty energy sources including the nuclear, corn ethanol, oil, natural gas and coal industries, while going AWOL on a crucial fight over the Clean Air Act.”

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Our imports are down to half of our consumption; domestic energy production has increased.

efficient use of energy. “There have been some steps forward. Our automobile fleets are getting much more efficient. The picture is not static.” Yergin noted that the president focused a portion of his speech on shale deposits, which if extracted properly could lead to a 50 percent boost in production of natural gas within two decades, benefiting utilities that would use it to provide electricity to consumers and businesses. The Pew Charitable Trusts reported Tuesday that global investment in clean energy grew to $243 billion in 2010, a 30 percent increase from the previous year. Its report said thatChina and then Germany had the largest investments, followed by the U.S. The U.S. was No. 1 in 2008 and second in 2009. There’s currently no shortage of global oil supplies, however. Spare production capacity is thought to be around 4 billion barrels per day. Obama said that in any case the nation held just 2 percent of the

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WORDFIND • Theme: Photography Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid. V

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By Bernice Gordon

ACROSS 1 Purchases 5 One way to cope 10 Key of Brahms’ s Symphony No. 3 14 Midwest native 15 Speeder ’s downfall 16 Attorney general under Clinton 17 Long story 18 African title of respect 19 Earth, in Essen 20 OPIE 23 China ’s Sun __sen 24 Gallery administrator ’s deg.

WORD BANK Camera Canon Color Coolpix Darkroom Digital Film Fuji Lens Megapixel Nikon Olympus Photographer Shutter Zoom Light Grayscale

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3/31/11 25 Cry of success 26 “Wait, there’ s more ...” 29 Ring 5-Downs 32 Last: Abbr. 34 OBIE 40 __-B: dental brand 41 Trail 42 In charge of 43 OKIE 48 Just fine, at NASA 49 Hors d’oeuvre spread 50 Fairbanks-toAnchorage dir. 51 To the rear 54 Afternoon break

Today’s Radio Schedule

56 Sportscaster Cross 58 ODIE 65 Leaf-to-branch angle 66 Threshing instrument 67 Sculptor’s material 68 Anatomical blood carrier 69 Specialty 70 Queen’ s hom e 71 Blue-pencil 72 Shore eagles 73 River to the North Sea

DOW N 1 Northwestern pear 2 Where Pioneer Day is celebrated 3 Teammate of Mickey and Whitey 4 Simmons alternative 5 Settler? 6 Early light 7 “Bonanza” brother 8 Flier until ’91 9 Waiter’s burden 10 Thrown in 11 Like Hood’ s men 12 Tennis great Agassi 13 Down under kids 21 Thrown missile 22 __ Cynwyd , Philadelphi a suburb 26 Tiny particle 27 Dragster ’s org. 28 Campus VIP 30 Kodak product 31 Rascal 33 “__’Clock Jump”: Harry James recording

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

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9AM-12PM - Rosalie Wind

7-9 PM - Phelonious Funk

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12-2PM - Grayson Sasser

9 PM-12 AM - The Rare Groove

2-3:30PM - Casey Menish

12-2 AM - The Waltzing Zombies

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3:30-5 PM - Alex Tallant

2-4 AM - Candice Chu

5-7 PM - Alex Simon, Professional Kitty 4-7 AM - Jessica Norman 35 A, in communications 36 Cancún quencher 37 Miles per gal., points per game, etc. 38 Roger of “Cheers” 39 Made faces, perhaps 44 Roast, in Rouen 45 Painter of Southwestern scenes 46 Puts down 47 “The King and I” actress, 1956 51 Desert growth 52 Sent, in a way 53 Pop singer Lopez 55 “It’ s __ nothing!” 57 French hot springs town 59 In need of tuning 60 Do som e mending 61 Location 62 “The Whif fenpoof Song” collegians 63 Church section 64 Certain colorist Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

3/30/11

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march 31, 2011

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

weekend

COLLEGIATETIMES

Joan Rivers on comedy, college and careers MIA PERRY features reporter The 77-year-old Joan Rivers has been in show business for more than 50 years, dabbling in acting, writing, comedy, TV and many other endeavors. Most of us know Rivers from her barbs about celebrity style on the red carpet through shows like Fashion Police. But here we see a softer side of the woman who made the phrase, “Who are you wearing?” famous. VTU Lively Arts Series, Hillel at Virginia Tech, and Multicultural Programs and Services is sponsoring “Can We Speak? With Joan Rivers” at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Burruss Hall Auditorium. The Collegiate Times caught up with Rivers before she brings her standup comedy act to campus. COLLEGIATE TIMES: How would you describe the show, and what can audiences expect from you this Thursday night? JOAN RIVERS: Outrageous. Politically incorrect. A lot of code references obviously, so it’s going to be, you know, whatever’s annoying me at the moment. CT: So, is the show part of a tour you are doing? RIVERS: No, it’s not a tour, what I do is … I have two shows — I have “Fashion Police” on E! on the air every Friday, so I have to go out to California to do that. I am now working the Joan and Melissa show, which is now going into its second season, and now I also do QVC for my jewelry line that I designed. So I do one night stands — they say, “Do you wanna go down to Roanoke,” and I say, “Yes!” so I fly out to Roanoke, do the show, turn around and go back the next day, so isolated one-nighters. CT: Well I guess we’re lucky to have you then. RIVERS: Yes, you are, and so am I, ’cause I also get a chance to perform, which I love. CT: You mentioned your show, “Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best?” How has that whole experience been for you? RIVERS: Very difficult. You know, living together, two grown women living

in the same house, wanting to run the same house in a different way. It was also terrific to see her that much because, once you’re out of college, usually your children don’t go home. Melissa and I haven’t lived together under the same roof since she was in college — she went to the University of Pennsylvania. I think she was class of ’93, so it’s been a long time since we’ve got together. CT: Why exactly did you decide to move out with her (from New York to California)? RIVERS: Well, “Fashion Police” is out there, and my daughter’s out there, and my grandson’s out there, and I just wanted to have more of a sense of family. CT: Our Jewish student group, Hillel, is the sponsoring group for this event. Is your Jewish heritage a big part of your life? RIVERS: Not really, I don’t think. I know I’m Jewish, God knows, I know I’ve got my family — uh, it’s something you’re proud of, something you fight for. I think the ethics of the Jewish religion are extraordinary moral, very ethical, very moral. That I like — when I got older and went to study (it), I went, “Oh! I believe in that, that’s good.” CT: I believe our LGBTA is supporting the event as well. You are an outspoken supporter of gay rights, correct? RIVERS: Oh, of course. It’s been so many years, you don’t even think about it, you know what I mean? It’s like, why is anyone upset? Of course they should get married. This is just stupid. You know my mother had a furrier (someone who dresses furs), and she would say, “You know, I think he’s a homosexual.” And now you would say, “Oh he’s so gay, he’s fabulous!” Life has changed so much for the better. CT: You are known for your comedy among other things, and in your standup you seem to poke fun at yourself a lot of the time. Is that a way of dealing with insecurities that Hollywood brings about when you are in the spotlight so much? RIVERS: I think insecurities come way before. You know by the time you’re five, you either think you’re pretty or you think you’re not. And you spend your whole life, no matter what you look like, battling what you think you

look like. CT: Do you still get nervous performing after all these years? RIVERS: Yes, constantly. I wish I could say I walk out and say, “Oh no problem.” Yeah, I’m very nervous. I always want the audience to like me. And that’s a big responsibility, because, I don’t know how big your place is, but I usually play (3,000) to 4,000-seaters. And you know they came out to see me, and they got in their car and got dressed, and you want them to have a good time. CT: How do you deal with those nerves? RIVERS: Drink and drugs. CT: After 50 some odd years, is it difficult to still come up with new material? RIVERS: Let me just tell you, as long as God gives you a Helena Bonham Carter and a Charlie Sheen, and the Kardashian sisters — it ain’t hard. CT: What would you say is your proudest accomplishment in life? RIVERS: That I’m still doing it. That I’m still relevant, and that at this age it’s a miracle that I have two shows on the air. It’s a miracle! It’s great and I love that. And everyone thinks you get someplace in a business and you relax. No, no, no, no. You get some place in a business and you work three times as hard. CT: Yeah, I think multiple generations can relate to you. I mentioned to my mom that I would be interviewing you and she could remember watching you guest host on “The Tonight Show,” with Johnny Carson when she was in college, and her boyfriend, who later turned out to be gay, would be literally rolling on the floor laughing. RIVERS: Yes, some people know me from Carson, some people know me from red carpet, some people know me from “Fashion Police.” It’s so funny, and it all just depends on how old they are. CT: You actually began your career as an English major at Barnard College. You’ve applied your writing talents to a lot of different areas, like writing for shows and playwriting. What inspires your writing and what do you get out of it? RIVERS: I’ll tell you why writing is wonderful: Because it’s there and it’s

Lyrics Born wants music full of truth and honesty NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS features staff writer Hailing all the way from Berkeley, Calif., Tom Shimura, more commonly known as Lyrics Born, will make a pit stop in Blacksburg to provide his avid listeners an opportunity to experience his eclectic music up close and personal. Lyrics Born will be performing live at Awful Arthur’s with special guest Skins and Needles Friday at 9:30 p.m. Shimura’s stop at Awful Arthur’s is part of his tour to promote his new album, “As U Were,” which was released in October 2010. In anticipation of his performance, the Collegiate Times spoke with Shimura about his career. COLLEGIATE TIMES: How long have you been performing under the name Lyrics Born? TOM SHIMURA: About 17 years. CT: How and why did you choose the name? SHIMURA: Well, originally it started out as Asia Born, and then Lyrics Born became a nickname and it just stuck. It made a lot of sense,

because as Asia Born I got a lot of press and it was like, “Oh he’s pretty good for an Asian guy.” At least at that time, I was the only guy doing what I was doing that was Asian. I didn’t really feel like I was being judged by my merits. CT: What is your background in music, before you started your career? SHIMURA: Well, I was rapping since I was six years old. That’s really my only background in music. I think I might have taken clarinet lessons, but that didn’t last. CT: Did you have any inspiration when you were young to start rapping? SHIMURA: When I first came to California, I was about five years old and that was the first time I heard the Sugarhill Gang. I always knew I wanted to be an artist, but it wasn’t until that moment that I knew what art I wanted to create. CT: What would you say your style of music is? SHIMURA: It is very eclectic. I would say I am influenced by all styles of music. All those influences find their way into my writing, it

could be from alternative rock to funk to rap. I listen to everything, pretty much equally. I can’t say that I listen to any one music more than another. CT: What is your favorite part about being a rapper? SHIMURA: I love being an artist. I love having an inspiration that is really a gift from God. I mean, you go into the studio with nothing and then you leave and you have a hit song that people around the world know. The other benefit to that is having the privilege and the ability to make music that can actually help people. CT: What is your favorite part about going on tour? SHIMURA: I love traveling and performing live. The album “As U Were” is such a different sound for me. It is great to be able to be challenged to recreate what I have done in the studio, live. CT: Do you have any passions you try to display through your music? SHIMURA: Truth, really. You know, honesty. Being an artist, and a fan, I just appreciate truth and honesty in artists, no matter how the chips may fall.

[Thursday, March 31] What: Live music: American Roots Where: Gillie’s When: 7p.m. to 10p.m. Cost: Free What: Can We Speak? with Joan Rivers Where: Burruss Auditorium When: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $18 for students, $30 public

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

What: Third Eye & Boogieburg present: Heyoka and Octobus Nebula Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 18+, $10 Cost: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

something you can see. You write a book and it’s something you can touch all your life, and have, while performing is ethereal. You can say, “You should have seen the good performance, or the bad performance, I had last night,” and its nothing tangible. So I love writing, I love creating something. I love thinking of a joke, and writing it down and then trying it out, the whole process. CT: Oh yeah, I saw a clip from the documentary about you, “Joan Rivers is a Piece of Work,” where you were looking through thousands of jokes that you had filed away over the years. RIVERS: Yes, because I couldn’t possibly remember all of them. CT: Your “Fashion Police” jokes are a little harsh but they are also hilarious. RIVERS: Comedy is rough these days. Comedy is very rough — go look at Robin Williams, go look at Chris Rock, go and look at Sara Silverman. Comedy is rough, life is rough! Your generation, you’ve got a hard road ahead of you, and I think the comedy generally reflects it. CT: Have you ever felt bad for making fun of someone, or did anything ever backfire? RIVERS: It’s not my problem to feel bad. When I do Fashion Police, I am a critic. The same as when you go and see a show and have to write a review, I have to go and look at clothes and talk about them — I’m a critic. And my allegiance is to my audience, and so I can’t feel badly. To lie and say that somebody looked good that didn’t, then what I am I doing it for? CT: How did you get involved with fashion? Was it something you liked from a young age? RIVERS: Always enjoyed it, always had fun. When I got out of college I wanted to be an actress. I got odd jobs in department stores and I always loved fashion because I always worked with it. And I did windows for Lord and Taylor, and I would do window displays for Saks. So I was a window display girl, working my way. That was my part time job in college, and afterward. So I always liked fashion. But fashion should be fun. No one should take it seriously. It’s all silly, just go out and do it and try it. If someone wants

MIA PERRY features reporter When natural disasters like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan strike, the devastation reaches a level most of us cannot even begin to grasp, even through the images on the news. The images that do hit home often make us want to do something to help the countless victims affected. Luckily, the perfect opportunity to give to the people of Japan is coming this Thursday in the form of a benefit concert called Japan Aid. Tickets for the show, which will be taking place at Hokie House, will cost $5. The lineup of bands will be headlined by Red Fish Blue Fish, and also includes Mey Mey Fish, and Jobey, all local student bands. Andrew Gaddy and Chris Warren, both members of Red Fish Blue Fish, have been part of benefit concerts before that were put on by various organizations, but this concert was an idea all their own. “After the earthquake we decided, ‘Hey why can’t we do this too?’ It’s not something that seems like it’s too hard to accomplish as long as you have the resources,” Gaddy, a fifth year international studies and French major, said.

[Friday, April 1] con’t What: Third Eye & WUVT present: Lyrics Born Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost: $15 What: Pride Week - “Born This Way” Dance Party Where: Old Dominion Ballroom When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost: free What: Live music: Gypsy Caravan Where: Gillie’s When: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Cost: +18, no cover charge

[Saturday, April 2]

What: No Strings Attached Where: Squires Colonial Hall When: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $2 for students, $3 public

You know, we did plays, so all I wanted to do was act, act, act, act. I can remember when I got out of college, the fact that I learned and could speak Spanish was a miracle. I had a Spanish professor who took pity on me. Otherwise I’d still be in school! CT: Do you have a role model outside of fashion? RIVERS: I wish I could say yes, but no, all my friends are role models in my life, in a sense that I respect them because they are hard workers, but I have no one role model. Maybe Monica Lewinsky. CT: What is your next career move? RIVERS: I’m writing a comedy-horror movie and it’s going to be wonderful. We are doing that and then a second season for Joan and Melissa. And then I have “Fashion Police” and these live performances. So it’s all good, all good. CT: Is there anything else you wanted to share with the students at Virginia Tech? RIVERS: Just get ready for total inappropriateness.

COURTESY OF JOAN RIVERS

Local artists plan concert to beneﬁt Red Cross Japan aid

[Friday, April 1] What: Theatre IV presents “Stuart Little” Where: The Lyric When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $12, $8 for children

to wear spangles, they should go wear spangles. It’s fun. These idiots and fashionistas that take it so seriously, you know they’re just stupid. CT: Do you have one fashion icon in particular? RIVERS: Audrey Hepburn. I mean look at the pictures of the movie stars of the 1930s. Ah! Oh my god, all those ladies that were way before my time. Satin dresses, trimmed with fur, oh my God. CT: Do you have any other advice for college students these days? RIVERS: Whatever you do, whatever job you get, don’t be a clock-watcher. In my jewelry line, I have 20 people working. And the ones that get ahead are the ones that work like dogs. And it’s funny how these college graduates go to school for something, and five years later they say, “I think I want to do something else.” Switch! CT: Do you have any favorite memories from your own college years? RIVERS: Oh my God, college is so much fun. I was the student actress.

What: Rise N Shine Brunch Concert: Bob and Ryan Western Swing Where: Our Daily Bread When: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost: Free What: Live Music: Ball And Chain Where: Gillie’s When: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: no cover charge

Having been in the band for five years now, the guys had plenty of resources and knew the right people to make the show happen. “We have a really loyal fan base, and also have a good working relationship with the people at Hokie House,” Warren said about the expected success of the concert. Warren is also a fifth-year architecture student. Gaddy also said “most musicians in this town know each other from somewhere or another, maybe from performing together,” to explain the relationship Red Fish Blue Fish has with the other bands performing. “It’s a really large network of friends and fans.” “We are a big dance rock group, so they’ll be a lot of dancing,” Warren said. “It’s (going to be) a very interactive performance,” Gaddy said. “All the bands playing just want people to come out and have fun.” But what really matters to these guys is the fact that this show is going to help a lot of people in need. “100 percent of all proceeds are going to Japan,” Warren said emphatically. “None of the bands are taking a cut out of the ticket sales,” Gaddy said. The profit from the concert will be going directly to the American Red Cross, and is specifically desig-

[Saturday, April 2] con’t What: Biutiful opens Where: The Lyric When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $6 What: Without a Fight and Ever the Bear Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost: 18+, $5, need to be there before 10 p.m. to stay all night

[

Concert for Japan

nated for use toward the relief effort in Japan. A representative from Virginia Tech’s American Red Cross club will even be at the show to receive a celebratory giant check at the end of the night. “The images we see from Japan show us that this sort of thing could happen to anyone,” Gaddy said. “Obviously people living closer to fault lines and on islands are going to be more susceptible to this stuff, but as we just saw, even industrialized countries like Japan can be at risk for this sort of catastrophe. Even though they have so many resources available to them, they do need people on the ground, and there are certain things that the government, even the size of Japan’s, can’t offer to its citizens as far as immediate release recovery. That’s why organizations like the Red Cross need to step in, to provide for people on the ground.” Even in the case of Katrina, we saw that government isn’t always effective.” More event details are available on Facebook. The concert is for people 18 and over.

[Tuesday, April 5] What: Japanese Nuclear Reactor Problems and You: How much have you really been affected? Where: Torg 1060 When: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donations welcome for Red Cross Japan relief efforts What: Live Music: The Bridge Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost: 18+, $10

[Sunday, April 3] [Wednesday, April 6] What: Wiz Khalifa concert Where: Burruss Auditorium When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. What: Wiz Khalifa after party Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

]

When: March 31 @ 9:30 p.m. Where: Hokie House Who: 18 +

What: Awful’s Comedy Where: Awful Arthur’s When: 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Cost: 18+, $7

6 sports

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

march 31, 2011

Coaching change motivates Major League Baseball ready women’s lacrosse turnaround for ﬁrst pitch of 2011 season COURTNEY LOFGREN sports reporter

The Virginia Tech women’s lacrosse program has experienced its fair share of turmoil in the past decade. In the past five years, two head coaches have resigned while the team has amassed a record of 22-37, not including the current season. In July, former head coach Katrina Silva resigned, allowing the athletic department to promote former assistant coach and now interim-head coach Megan Burker. Since Burker took over the program, significant changes have been made. The biggest, most noticeable difference is one of the team’s best starts in program history, notching an 8-4 record, including 1-1 in the ACC. The wins for the team have helped the mentality of the players, according to Burker. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence,” Burker said. “I think we’ve definitely shown that we still have a lot of growth to do and that kind of comes with consistency from game to game. I think the way that we started off the season set a huge tone for the direction that we want to go in.”

52nd

When Burker took over the job in July, immediate changes to the program were necessary in order to ensure winning seasons were in the future for the Hokies. “At the beginning of the season, I had talked a little bit (to the players) about some of the things we had done to set a different foundation from the past,” Burker said. “I talked about creating a new foundation and getting back to the basics. “We outlined that in the fall and then we turned to goal setting and really talked about specific goals so that they understood that if we’re going to turn this program around, we want to have a winning season.” Burker emphasized the importance of the leadership the upperclassmen needed to show to the rest of the team. “I think it was most important to spend the time in the fall talking about those things that we did,” Burker said. “Especially the leadership factor, how to talk to one another, how their closeness on the group could translate on the field. That’s the main challenge, because you know they’re all good friends, they all get along, but there’s a whole other level of trust and respect they need to play together.” The players are buying into Burker’s

FRE E EV ENT !

international street fair

last yearʼs attendance: 15,000

Saturday, April 2nd 11am-4pm on College Ave between Squires and GLC

food, music, dance, games

new approach, and appreciate what she’s brought to the table as a head coach. “Everyone was really ready for a fresh start and that’s what happened come fall,” said Allie Emala, one of the team’s captains. “I think the coaches had a ton of energy but also the team did. It’s been a good fit, the coaches have been a big difference for the team and that’s what was really needed.” Junior Jessia Nonn agreed with Emala’s assessment of the coaching staff so far. “I would just say that we respect our coaches a lot more than the previous year,” Nonn said. “They come with a lot of experience, they’re all young, and they all played in college, top-10 colleges. They definitely know what they’re doing. We look up to them as somebody that can guide us better.” The change in attitude and core values is apparent with the way Tech has played this season. The Hokies started out with four consecutive wins and were ranked No. 20 in the nation earlier. The team then solidified its change by defeating No. 16 Boston College in Blacksburg over spring break. Nonn also attributes a majority of the success to the team’s mix of players. “This year is actually really exciting since we have seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshman,” Nonn said. “In the past we had to rely on all underclassman because of our lack of upperclassman. Having the full classes this year has definitely made it better for everyone. The upperclassmen have a lot of experience playing and it shows on the field.” The team’s goal for the remainder of the season is a modest, but very reachable one. “Overall, we headed into the season wanting to have a winning record,” Burker said. “We’re still focused on that, that’s our primary goal. I’m excited to have some opportunities down the stretch where they can show what they’re really made of against a really tough opponent.” Burker knows if the team achieves its goal, the buzz surrounding the program will be much more positive. “We have a lot of confidence moving into the future,” Burker said. “I want people to know that they’ve done it, that they’ve made the changes and that they’re responsible for the success. That’s something they should be proud of and that the school should be proud of.”

ith the NFL in the midst of a labor war and the NBA on the W verge of one, opening day is here for Major League Baseball. When Buster Posey squeezed the final pitch of the 2010 World Series, a hard breaking slider from closer Brian Wilson, the San Francisco Giants became champions of baseball. In their first playoff appearance since 2003, the Giants, led by a young pitching staff of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Jonathan Sanchez, as well as rookie catching standout Posey, shocked the baseball world with their dominating performance in October. Baseball, which took a huge public relations hit with the allegations of steroid use in the early 2000s, is now back, and arguably better than ever. Young stars such as Aroldis Chapman, Jason Heyward, Bryce Harper and Jesus Montero are reinvigorating their respective franchises, ushering in a new, exciting era of baseball. Here are some predictions for 2011: American League Most Valuable Player: Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Boston Red Sox In a lineup surrounded by several other all-stars, Pedroia will have the necessary protection around him, allowing him to see pitches he has never seen before. After an injuryplagued 2010 campaign, Pedroia should resume the laser show he put on in 2008 when he brought home the MVP. Expect 200 hits and a .320 batting average. National League Most Valuable Player: Ryan Braun, OF, Milwaukee Brewers After a 2010 season in which he hit 25 home runs and had a .304 average, Braun will continue to put up huge numbers in hitter-friendly Miller Park. Expect 30 home runs and a .310 batting average. American League Cy Young: Jon Lester, SP, Boston Red Sox Coming off a terrific 2010 season, Lester should again anchor the Red Sox rotation. After adding Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler and Alfredo Aceves to the bullpen in the offseason, Lester and the rest of the Red Sox rotation will have less stress than in past seasons. With a powerful lineup behind him and baseball’s

best bullpen, expect 20 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA. National League Cy Young: Cliff Lee, SP, Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies, owners of the best starting rotation in the major leagues, will mow down opponents with their cast of hired guns. After turning down bigger contracts, Lee opted to stay in the pitcher-friendly National League, and he will reap the benefits. Look for 20-plus wins and a WHIP of around 1.00. AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST: OAKLAND ATHLETICS In a division with no clear favorite, the Athletics are poised to steal the thunder of the 2010 American League champion Texas Rangers. With a young group of tremendous pitchers in Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Dallas Braden and Gio Gonzalez, the Athletics have the pieces in place to stay atop the division for years to come. Prediction: 88 wins AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL: MINNESOTA TWINS Over the past several years, the American League Central has come down to the final week of the season, and 2011 won’t be any different. The trendy pick, the Chicago White Sox, have made a push to knock the Twins off, signing Adam Dunn and Edwin Jackson in the past year. However, the Twins steady pitching and the bat of Joe Mauer will again be too much. Prediction: 88 wins AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST: BOSTON RED SOX What else can you say? The additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to a lineup that already boasted all-stars David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, J.D. Drew and Pedroia make the 2011 Red Sox the clear favorite to come out of the American League. Prediction: 97 wins. AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD: NEW YORK YANKEES General Manager Brian Cashman had intentions of landing the offseason’s top players, and for the most part struck out. His lone big-name addition, closer Rafael Soriano, is projected to set up Mariano Rivera in the eighth inning in 2011. With an aging lineup, and pitching questions after CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, the Yankees are starting to show some serious flaws. Prediction: 89 wins NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST: SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Is it possible the Giants might be

better in 2011 than their 2010 World Series club? Believe it, as their young pitchers and hitters only get better and new prospects such as first baseman Brandon Belt enter the mix. Prediction: 91 wins NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL: MILWAUKEE BREWERS The Brewers have always hit, as evidenced by the strong production from standouts Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks and Braun. In recent years, they have struggled to find consistent pitching. General Manager Doug Melvin addressed the issue in the offseason, adding former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke as well as a solid No. 2 in former Toronto Blue Jay Shaun Marcum. Prediction: 90 wins NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST: PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES With a pitching staff with no discernable holes and a lineup led by Ryan Howard, one of the top power hitters in baseball, the Phillies should have no problem winning the National League East. A knee injury to Chase Utley, which might require surgery, is a big question mark. Prediction: 93 wins NATIONAL LEAGUE WILD CARD: CINCINNATI REDS Last season, the upstart Reds won 91 games en route to taking the National League Central, led by a strong corps of young players. A solid lineup and the flamethrower Chapman in the bullpen should allow the Reds to contend well into September, however a spotty pitching staff will hold them back come October. Prediction: 89 wins WORLD SERIES: RED SOX OVER PHILLIES Two of the most passionate fan bases in all of baseball, those of the Red Sox and Phillies, will meet in the 107th edition of the Fall Classic. With the best lineup in baseball, the Red Sox will finally prove a worthy opponent for the Phillies pitching staff. Look for the Red Sox to take home their third world title in eight years.

MATT JONES -sports reporter -sophomore -communication major