Thursday, May 26, 2011 Print Edition

COLLEGIATETIMES

may 26, 2011

what’s inside News .............2 0pinions ........4 Features ........6 Sports ...........9 Classifieds ...11 Sudoku ........11 108th year issue 59 blacksburg, va.

Detours cause confusion JOSH HIGGINS news staff writer Construction on a new roundabout at the intersection of Main Street and Prices Fork Road began on May 16 affecting travel in the downtown and Prices Fork Road area of Blacksburg.

The roundabout construction is the fourth phase of the Blacksburg Main Street Improvement Project, a project that commenced in June of 2010 to renovate a half-mile segment of Main Street from the College Avenue-Main Street intersection to the Main Street-Prices Fork Road intersection.

When completed, the renovations will reduce the number of road lanes from two in each direction to one in each direction with a new turning lane. It will also include wider sidewalks, new pedestrian signals, streetlights, benches, trees and landscaping, and 130 feet of seating wall.

The $11.5 million project is part of an effort to vitalize downtown commerce, embellish the downtown streetscape, and eliminate traffic congestion on Main Street.

The project is mainly being funded by federal and state money, costing the town of Blacksburg a total of only $224,000. The roundabout, introduced as a part of the Main

CARA MCBROOM news editor

PAUL KURLAK / SPPS

Construction of the new roundabout has closed the connection of Prices Fork to Main Street.

Street Improvement Project in the Downtown Master Plan conceived in 2001, is an effort to help alleviate the traffic on Main Street and Prices Fork and to improve safety, as well as bolster business in the downtown area.

“It will be a more pedestrian friendly area,” Brandon Steel, urban transportation manager and the leader of the roundabout project said.

The roundabout was incorporated into the Main Street Improvement Project due to the discovery that car crashes could be reduced, traffic flow could be improved, and new, safer sidewalk systems could be installed to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

Since construction began, a segment of Prices Fork Road has been closed, and detours have been implemented to prevent heavy traf-

fic for people traveling on Main Street and Prices Fork Road near the construction. New traffic signals have also been installed to assist consistent traffic flow on the detoured routes. Kabrich and Webb Street have become the designated detours for those traveling south onto Prices Fork Road from North Main, and Turner Street for those traveling north onto Prices Fork see DETOUR / page three

Professor writes “Godfather” prequel JAY SPEIDELL news reporter “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

These are the famous words of the character Don Corleone in Mario Puzo’s Oscar-winning movie “The Godfather.”

They also serve as the inspiration for a prequel written by Virginia Tech creative writing professor Ed Falco, entitled “The Family Corleone.”

Falco’s prequel, to be released next year, takes place in the period of the depression, just before World War II. “It’s been a lot of fun ... there’s about ten years that aren’t covered in any of the movies or the books. That period was wide open for imagination,” Falco said, “It’s an opportunity to fill in the gaps and some of the missing questions.” Fans of the Godfather will recognize many of the characters, although there will be new ones as well.

“I had a lot of fun thinking about Luca Brasi,” Falco said. “Neither the books or the movies go into detail

Registrar gets second chance after 2010 mishap

about why he’s so loyal to Vito, and why he’s so feared.”

Falco also took a close look at Sonny Corleone and how he began his involvement with the family.

“The Family Corleone” will explore the same themes touched on by the movies, family, loyalty, crime, and punishment.

This is Falco’s first foray into popular fiction, but not his first offer to write a Godfather novel.

He was originally approached to write a sequel in 2001, but declined.

“I wasn’t interested in popular fiction at the time, and I was working on other books,” Falco said.

Falco’s primary genres are literary fiction and poetry.

“It’s a very different way of writing than I’m usually used to,” Falco said. “It was fun to try something completely new.” Falco is now interested in merging literary and popular fiction for future projects.

“I’d like to take what I’ve learned PAUL KURLAK / SPPS from writing the Godfather book and what I already know about literary fic- Professor Ed Falco authored a prequel to “Godfather,” entitled tion and figure out where to go next.” “The Family Corleone,” which will be released next year.

Although criticized with an election violation last November, Randy Wertz was reappointed as registrar of elections for a second four-year term.

“The issue, in which the State Board of Elections was concerned with, was the decision by the electoral board to have people write down their names as opposed to checking with us here in the office if they were registered for that precinct,” said Wertz. “They should have used provisional ballots.”

Wertz addressed the new Montgomery county electronic poll books, also known as an e-poll book, typically either hardware, software or a combination of the two that allows election officials to review and process voter information during an election but does not actually count votes.

“We were utilizing the EPBs County wide and the people that were dealing with those went through multiple training sessions,” Wertz said.

But come time to vote on Nov. 2, some of those machines would not work properly.

“

The issue, in which the State Board of Elections was concerned with, was the decision by the electoral board to have people write down their names as opposed to checking with us here in the office if they were registered for that precinct.

RANDY WERTZ GENERAL REGISTRAR

Like Wertz said, the provisional ballots should have been used, especially since those who were not exactly computer savvy were given them anyway.

On April 29, the state board of elections received results of an investigation by the office of the Virginia attorney general into the Nov. 2 election in Montgomery County.

Investigators found several violations.

EPBs in six precincts failed.

Instead of using provisional ballots, the election officers were instructed

BREAKING NEWS, MULTIMEDIA, UPDATES AND MORE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT COLLEGIATETIMES.COM

see REGISTRAR / page three

page

NEWS

2

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

On Morgan Harrington will receive posthumous degree: Anonymous>> Right or wrong, there is a difference between perceptions of death and murder. Morgan was kidnapped and murdered, making national headlines, hence the recognition and continual CT coverage. I don’t see any harm in awarding her an honorary degree posthumously.

virginia Man stabbed to death in Roanoke home about 2:08 a.m., police said in a statement. He was declared dead at the scene. Police were questioning the suspect, whose name wasn’t released. No charges had been filed. The killing is Roanoke’s fifth homicide this year.

-amanda codispoti roanoke times

Hokie>>

A man was stabbed to death today in a home in Southwest Roanoke’s West End neighborhood. A person who police identified as a suspect was arrested.

The victim, whose name was withheld by police, was found stabbed inside a residence in the 1000 block of Campbell Avenue

I think people have an unusual perception of the role a university is supposed to play in the life of a student. How could UVA have gotten him into an anger management program??

Universities aren’t there to be “life coaches” and babysit students and tell them how to live their lives. I agree that reporting arrests is a little odd. Reporting a CONVICTION, OK. But many arrests are tied up in the court system for months, so the student has to go about red-flagged even though they may be not guilty/innocent?

Man pleads in hit-andrun that critically injured

On Attendance reward: Students won internships, cash at recent lecture, on new policy requires students:

Mark Richard Tietjen pleaded guilty in Circuit Court this morning to fleeing the scene of a Feb. 9 accident that critically injured a child. Authorities said 11-yearold Kamryn Johnson-McCall was attempting to cross Lynnhaven Parkway with friends that afternoon when she bent to retrieve a dropped iPod and was struck by a van. Tietjen was arrested about 45 minutes later near his home and charged with felony hit-and-run.

He could face up to 10 years.

There is no plea agreement, his attorney, Bob Morecock said. A Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge previously denied Tietjen bond in that hearing, citing a 15-year history of traffic-

On new policy requires students to report arrests in 10 days:

Thirsty>> I wanna know who got the 25 cases of natty!!

On Police make arrests in vandalism case: Andy>> It would be a wonderful day in this country if the criminals actually did pay full restitution to all of the affected parties. Unfortunately that probably isn’t going to happen. That said, they deserve a little “extra.”

related convictions that include speeding, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license and multiple instances of driving under the influence. Tietjen appealed the ruling and was released on bond two weeks later but was soon sent back to jail for violating a condition that he not consume alcohol.

ABC surveillance captured Tietjen purchasing bottles of rum at the store near his home. Tietjen said he only bought the alcohol but did not consume it. “He’s never once indicated he did not want to plead guilty. It’s always been his intention,” Morecock said afterward. “He just panicked and left.”

-kristin davis, the virginian-pilot

New American sanctions hit Iran’s gasoline JONATHAN S. LANDAY

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

mcclatchy newspapers The United States for the first time Tuesday implemented sanctions to strangle Iran’s importation of gasoline in a major tightening of measures that’s aimed at cutting off money for Tehran’s nuclear program but could hurt ordinary Iranians.

The sanctions were imposed on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, an Israeli shipping firm and five other foreign companies that the State Department said had been doing business with Iran’s energy sector.

“All of these companies have engaged in activities related to the supply of refined petroleum products to Iran, including the direct supply of gasoline and related products,” Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg said.

It’s the first time the United States has imposed sanctions designed to curtail

Iran’s imports of gasoline and other refined petroleum products. Although Iran is one of the world’s major oil producers, it lacks refinery capacity and must import an estimated 40 percent of its gasoline.

U.S. officials contend that Iran’s petroleum sector is a key source of funding for the country’s ballistic missile program and its uranium enrichment program, which Western governments charge is a cover for a secret nuclearweapons development effort.

Iran vehemently denies the allegation, asserting that it is enriching uranium for use in nuclear power plants.

The sanctions are aimed at intensifying pressure on Tehran to comply with U.N. resolutions demanding that it stop enriching uranium and re-engage in long-stalled negotiations with the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

“Iran has so far not demonstrated a willingness to meet its international

obligations or negotiate seriously on its nuclear program,” said a senior Obama administration official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity.

“

All of these companies have engaged in activities related to the supply of refined petroleum products to Iran, including the direct supply of gasoline and related products.

JAMES STEINBERG DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE

The United States previously had refrained from going after Iran’s gasoline imports under a sanctions strategy that targeted Iranian officials, government organizations and companies but avoided steps that could intensify the severe economic hardships that afflict

ordinary Iranians.

President Barack Obama, however, has been under pressure from Congress to implement the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, which he signed nearly a year ago and which authorizes measures to restrict Iran’s gasoline imports.

He signed an executive order Monday to implement the act.

Three companies that were slapped with sanctions Tuesday were Petrochemical Commercial Co. International of Jersey and Iran, the Royal Oyster Group of the United Arab Emirates and Speedy Ship of the UAE and Iran allegedly are among the “largest current suppliers” of refined petroleum products, including gasoline, to Iran, the State Department said. The sanctions prohibit them from engaging in transactions that involve U.S. currency, banks and property.

Petroleos de Venezuela, the state-

run Venezuelan oil company, was hit for delivering to Iran two cargoes of reformate, a substance that improves gasoline quality, since last December, the State Department said.

PDVSA is banned from competing for U.S. government procurement contracts, securing financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank or obtaining U.S. export licenses.

The firm’s American subsidiaries, including Citgo Inc., were exempted from the measures. Nor will the sanctions prevent PDVSA from exporting oil to the United States, officials said.

Tanker Pacific of Singapore, Ofer Brothers Group of Israel and Associated Shipbroking of Monaco, were sanctioned for a September 2010 deal that supplied an $8.65 million oil tanker to an Iranian government-owned shipping line accused by the United States and the European Union of involvement in Iranian weapons proliferation activities, the department said.

from page one

to check a voter’s identification, enter their name and information on a legal pad, and then the voters were allowed to vote on electronic machines.

This allowed approximately 750 voters to cast ballots without first having their registration status verified. 13 of those voters voted in the wrong precinct, meaning their votes were improperly cast and improperly counted.

The investigation concluded that the Nov. 2 election was in clear violation of the election law.

However, it did not find the issue to be an attempt to corrupt the election, alter results or allow non-registered voters to vote.

Joshua Lief, senior assistant attorney general, recommended that the State Board issue a letter of censure to the Electoral Board and General Registrar for violations of Virginia law.

According to Lief, the letter of censure from State Board of Elections should at minimum state that the Virginia code was violated, that going forward Montgomery County should focus on better training, make sure that adequate provisional ballots are printed, and to seek guidance from the SBE if a problem arises where they are not sure of how to cure the problem.

If in future elections there are traceable violations to the Election Board or the General Registrar, they should be on notice that state board of election will seek their removal pursuant according to Virginia code.

Several people were upset by the

“

We were utilizing the EPBs countywide and the people that were dealing with those went through multiple training sessions.

RANDY WERTZ GENERAL REGISTRAR

reappointment.

Each citizen, including public servants, need to uphold the law and by reappointing Wertz, it’s not sending out a very strong message.

Despite this censure, state officials still say they support Wertz’s reappointment.

“We’ll work closely with the state board and I even spoke to them this morning about getting the resources that we need to do the job that’s before us,” Wertz said. “It’s a constant battle to stay ahead of the game so we’ll continue to try to do that job.”

Wertz also caused controversy in

Blacksburg in 2008 when he said that students could risk losing their financial aid and health insurance due to false voter registration information.

The problem began when campaigners told citizens that their vote would not count if they voted absentee. Under Virginia law any absentee ballot that is signed and completed must be received by the general registrar located in that city or county that the citizen is registered to vote in by 5 pm EST on the Tuesday prior to the election in which the applicant offers to vote.

It was later clear that college students from both in and out of state can register freely at their college addresses.

It is safe to say that Wertz and the election board will be under substantial scrutiny by the state board of election as well as the citizens of Montgomery County.

Wertz is hopeful that, with the backing of the state board, the community will also regain their confidence in the registrar.

“I appreciate the board understanding that we’re doing the very best we can and we’ll continue to do that to make sure elections are run as fairly and smoothly as possible.”

page

Detour: Work to be completed in 2012 from page one

Road from Main Street and the downtown area.

The Main Street, Toms Creek, and University City Boulevard routes of the Blacksburg Transit system have also been impacted.

Some bus stops are temporarily closed, and routes have been altered to accommodate the new traffic pattern near the Main Street-Prices Fork intersection.

Local residents have felt effects from the recent construction.

Residents have experienced traffic issues, some parking lots have been closed, and the detours and road closings are forcing residents to discover alternate routes to get around Blacksburg.

Wes Hill, a recent Virginia Tech graduate and Blacksburg resident said, “The ease of traffic flow has been inhibited. It’s kind of a hassle to find your way around.” Local businesses have also been affected by the construction. Parking has become more limited in downtown Blacksburg, and consumers have to find alternate lots to park in. The detours have also diverted

some traffic away from some local businesses. Although the roundabout construction has created some temporary frustration for local residents, many believe that the construction will result in a positive outcome.

“I think the roundabout will be a good thing for Blacksburg once the construction is all done,” Hill said. “I’ve done some research on roundabouts in some of my classes, and they actually allow for easier traffic flow when they’re constructed and put into use, so I feel like once the roundabout is done and all of the construction is done, then traffic flow along Main Street and Prices Fork will be a lot easier.” According to the Town of Blacksburg’s website, pavement demolition has begun at the construction site, and new traffic signals have been installed.

A Blacksburg official stated that the two-lane roundabout is projected to be complete by this September, and the Main Street Improvement Project is slated to be finished by the spring of next year.

3 NEWS

Registrar: Reappointed by state elections board

t

Memorandum admits Marines ELIZABETH HAYDU staff writer

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

On May 2, President Charles Steger and Maj. Gen. Carl Jensen signed a memorandum of understanding, allowing honorably discharged Marines to apply to Virginia Tech.

The agreement could bring up to five marines each year to the university.

However, this does not mean that other applicants will be pushed aside to make room for the incoming Marines.

“It must be noted that over the last 3-5 years, the admissions rate has grown from 2,800 to 3,000,” said Mark Owczarski, director of news and information. “Nobody is being bumped or pushed aside.”

The incoming Marines can be seen as military transfer students.

They are held to the same standards that the university requires transfers to have.

In order to be eligible for admissions,

the applying Marines must be Virginia residents, have graduated high school, have obtained a score of 70 or higher on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, and have a score of 115 or higher on the General Classification Test. It is also recommended that they have an overall score of 1100 on the SAT or 25 on the ACT and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all college level courses they might have taken.

“The standards (for admission) are still as high as they are for all students,” said Owczarski. “This just helps the Marines to communicate to constituents that this is an option once they are discharged.”

James Madison and Longwood University also signed the same agreement with the only difference being the standards changing to fit those of their respective institution.

Like all incoming applicants, the final decision of the selected Marines admittance rests with the university they are applying to.

page

OPINIONS

4

Bleak outlook for 2012 Republicans ith nearly a year and a half to go until the 2012 presidential W election, the race for the Republican nomination is already in hot pursuit.

Though President Obama pre-maturely announced his intent for a re-election campaign in order to begin his acquisition of finances, the GOP candidates have been trickling into the race intermittently. With the announcements of Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Herman Cain and Tim Pawlenty, however, the race is beginning to acquire more fuel.

Reflecting upon this list of names and the ones that are expected to be added to it in the coming months, it is difficult not to be struck by the undeniable impression of complete and absolute absurdity.

The path toward presidential nomination is always a comical process in which ridiculous candidates are slowly weeded out until the supposed most serious one is finally coronated on the convention floor.

But this year’s primary race for the GOP is surprisingly amusing.

With the rise of the vehement anti-Obama sentiment sweeping the country, all of the worst elements the Republican Party has to offer are now being considered as at least somewhat

serious forces.

There are no better examples of this than Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain.

Political candidates are known by few other attributes than their consistent hypocrisy and moral immaturity, but no other recent candidate has so proudly and overtly shown themselves as such than New Gingrich.

There is, of course, the rather comical point that he was having an affair with his second wife while he was championing the impeachment of Bill Clinton for taking part in immorally sexual behavior.

But this is something I feel should not be stressed.

What is far more alarming is the blatant and arrogant hypocrisy and obscene connotations his remarks entail.

For instance, he has famously called President Obama the “food stamp president” while he himself disregards the fact that he supported the expansion of food stamps in 2002.

This may be an absurd yet hilarious contradiction in views, but going beyond this is his support of protecting the civil liberties and constitutional rights of Americans, while allowing for the suspension of both in cases of terrorism.

Interestingly enough is his view of

terrorism which seems to only apply when dealing with Islamic extremists.

Case in point, following the horrifying attacks at Columbine High School, Gingrich stated that he blamed these attacks on the ‘liberal elite’ for not allowing discussion of God and religion in the public sphere.

I am still unable to understand how he personally connects these issues, but I have come to the conclusion that he simply does not given the evidence of his remarkably perverted mode of thinking when he reiterated the same point with regards to the attacks at Virginia Tech.

But of course there is on top of all of this the basic fact that Gingrich is a proven failure in his endeavors.

Not only the failings of two marriages due to his moral immaturity but also his failure to reach a budget compromise with President Clinton leading to a government shutdown as well as his failure to complete his ‘Contract with America’ leading to his resignation as House Speaker under possible criminal charges.

Under the guise of all evidence, Gingrich has proven himself to be an overt failure of a politician topped with a twisted and perverted way of thinking about the United States.

There is certainly enough seriousness in the GOP currently to dull anyone but thankfully the party of Reagan never lets the American people go without a comic in their ranks.

For the 2012 election, this party has given us Herman Cain whose only serious achievement seems to be his ability to run a pizza chain.

I would have allowed this point to pass, however, if it was not for his remarkable ability to lack any and all serious intellectual and personal values as a presidential contender. We have his absurd desire to return to the gold standard and his wish to “free the American people” from ‘Obamacare’ but these are not necessarily his worst points.

Humor is often a virtue in election season, in which the most ridiculous candidates are given air time simply to allow for comic relief.

But I would have preferred it if the GOP would have gained slightly more dignity than most by providing a candidate who was not as overt of a bigot as Cain.

There is first his stated view that he would never allow a Muslim to work in his administration, his hypocritical view of wanting to enforce and expand the Defense of Marriage Act as well as his belief

that the “objective of the liberals is to destroy this country.”

Bigotry and intolerance can certainly appear at times to be humorous but when a pez-dispensing sound-biter like Cain makes such disgustingly discriminatory statements such as these, it does nothing more than reaffirm my view that the Republican Party is a morally and intellectually bankrupt party.

We are now presented with two equally ridiculous candidates.

On one hand is Newt Gingrich, standing as the morally hypocritical candidate of failure and on the other is Herman Cain, standing as the bigoted jester of the GOP. In the face of two degenerate and horrifyingly absurd candidates as these, perhaps the only solution is to simply laugh.

Just as President Lincoln felt that if he did not laugh he would have to cry, so too the American people must laugh in order to save themselves from depression in the Republican Party’s pathetic attempt to make itself into a serious political force.

JASON CAMPBELL regular columnist

President Obama’s empire strikes back

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

ast week Obama called L on Israel to give up land it acquired during the 1967 Six-Day War. In the same speech he ratcheted up CHRIS pressure on Syrian DUNN leader Bashar alregular Assad.

These statements columnist come less than two months after Obama committed U.S. forces to yet another war in Libya, as well as demonstrated that Obama has no intention of delivering the change that Americans voted for.

What Americans wanted was a change in direction from the policies of the previous administration. What they got instead was a change in intensity—Obama and the Democrats increased Bush’s merciless pursuit of empire and foreign intervention.

Oh sure, Obama still likes to pretend that he is for the common man, and not for the oppressive empire that Bush and the Republicans pursued after 9/11.

This was exemplified during last year’s elections when Obama insinuated that Republicans and their financial backers were members of

the Galactic Empire. “Right now the same special interest that would profit from the other side’s agenda, they’re fighting back. The empire is striking back.”

It does not take an Obi-Wan Kenobi to figure out that President Obama betrayed and replaced the Hopen’-Change Obama of the campaign trail—Obama turned to the dark side of the force years ago.

A simple examination of President Obama’s actions reveals that he has the empire’s best interest at heart.

Campaign Obama decried the Bush Administration’s infringement upon the rights enshrined in the Constitution. But President Obama has done little to reverse those Bushera policies.

Despite campaign promises of an open and transparent government, Obama has governed from a foundation of secrecy. To prevent cases from going to court he invokes “state secrets.”

Doing so keeps the public in the dark about wiretapping, domestic spying, and the CIA’s “rendition” program where the CIA kidnaps people from American soil and sends them to foreign countries to be tortured.

Wiretapping Americans’ phones without a warrant goes on unabat-

ed. Warrantless snooping through American’s e-mails continues to this day.

Both are a clear violation of the 4th Amendment right to privacy.

Obama has taken the Bush practice of indefinite detention a step farther.

In what he calls, “prolonged detention,” Obama claims the power to forever jail people without bringing charges against them.

This practice has been labeled precrime because it arrests not people who have committed crimes, but people who “might” someday commit crimes.

Depriving people of life and liberty without due process of law is a violation of the 5th Amendment.

Preventing the accused from facing their accusers in court is a violation of the 6th Amendment’s guarantee to a speedy trial and trial by jury.

Obama recently took depriving people of life and liberty without due process to the next level.

Last year his administration announced that it would target and murder Americans “believed to be involved in terrorist activity.”

Last month he put this principle into practice when he authorized the assassination of Anwar al-Awlaki, a Muslim cleric and U.S. citizen. That’s

right. Obama has authorized the assassination of American citizens.

No trial. No Jury. No due process of law.

Obama’s evils are not limited to oppressing American rebels of the old republic.

Besides destroying the Bill of Rights, Constitution, and other blueprints that expose weaknesses in the tyrannical Death Star, President Obama continues to wage war on foreign populations who resist assimilation.

Depending on which stump speech you view on YouTube, Campaign Obama promised to have troops out of Iraq in six to sixteen months.

President Obama, on the other hand, is leaving at least 50,000 “non combat” troops in Iraq.

As troops leave Iraq they are quickly replaced with Blackwater-style mercenaries.

Of course Clinton and Obama both campaigned against the use of private mercenaries in Iraq.

The billion-dollar fortress in the center of Baghdad? Staying. The half dozen “enduring presence” bases scattered across Iraq? Clinton’s State Department says more to come.

Apparently Bush did not bring enough death and destruction to Afghanistan. Obama has doubled

the number of U.S. troops in that country.

The increased troop presence has brought an increase in troop fatalities.

More American troops have died in Afghanistan under Obama’s presidency than during Bush’s entire time in office.

Under Obama, the Imperial Starfleet is cruising ahead into new territories that Bush only dreamed of.

Immediately after taking office Obama ordered unmanned drone attacks into Yemen and Pakistan.

With Obama as commander in chief, Pakistan alone has experienced nearly 150 drone attacks.

Estimates are that for every terrorist or combatant who is taken out, ten civilians are killed.

The International Herald Tribune reported that some estimates put the ratio at 50 civilians for every terrorist.

Now U.S. forces are waging war on a new front in Libya, and it increasingly looks as though the country may intervene in Syria or Iran at a later date.

“Right now the same special interests that would profit from the other side’s agenda, they’re fighting back.

The empire is striking back. see OBAMA / page five

page

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Obama: Party losing power from page four

They’re running misleading negative ads all across the country. They don’t have the courage, they don’t have the gumption, to disclose their identity.”

Obama was correct to point out that special interests would profit from the Republican’s agenda.

What he failed to point out is that those same special interests have reaped huge profits under his leadership.

Obama helped give tax dollars to Wall Street bankers. Obama’s healthcare plan handed private health insurers 30 million new customers.

Obama continues to funnel billions to the military-industrial complex.

Obama should have the cour-

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understand that resources are tight, but could restrictions have been made to make the process easier for both the students and parents? If you tried to drive on Washington Street, near the residence halls on Tuesday, Wednesday and even Thursday, you certainly noticed the increased traffic but also the challenges of trying to find parking.

In the past, parking emails are sent when major events are taking place on campus. I don’t recall seeing any type of email from parking services providing any indication of suggestions for the move-out process.

I suspect that for those that were new to the community, they were unaware about this process. It does raise the question of how do you reconcile the challenges of parking amid the move-out process as well as finals still taking place.

The other aspect to the moveout process is the lack of services that are available for students and their families. Contrast this with the Fall opening, when you have Hokie helpers (volunteers from faculty, staff and students) that help in the move-in process, as well as a range of other services from entities that rent out carts, to those groups that are passing out water and other items.

If you were near the halls at closing you saw no signs of any type of assistance available, other than areas where the YToss program was taking place, as students were donating items to the YMCA instead of throwing them away.

Imagine if we had volunteers available to help with the move-out process? Imagine if we had made other services available?

Could this have helped to make the process easier for the students, their families and the university?

If moving onto campus is part of the rite of passage for first year students, what is the impact of the moving out process?

I would argue that the move out process out is just as important for these students and their families. For many, it will be the last time they live on campus as they prepare for off-campus housing options, while others prepare to come back for another year. If anything, the transition from being on-campus and going back home is the most challenging one.

I use the example of the on-campus moving out effort to illustrate the importance of how we conclude the experience for all students, in addition to those that are graduating.

If we start the new academic year with a bang with a myriad of welcoming activities, then we should end the academic year with the same type of excitement and celebration for everyone.

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

Subscription rates: $65 semester; $90 academic year; $105 full year. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue.

As we begin the first summer session, the campus certainly feels different compared to two weeks ago amid the frenzy of RAY students moving out, and the prepaPLAZA rations for graduregular ation. columnist As we take a step back, it is important to reminisce at how those final days unfolded. While the primary focus was on the Friday commencement exercises and the Saturday graduation ceremonies, there were many things taking place. Associated with graduation, were the different recognitions events such as the Lavender Ceremony, Donning of the Kente and the Hispanic/Latino Achievement Ceremony.

CHUCK WEIL / COLLEGIATE TIMES These ceremonies took place on Thursday so that they would not conflict with the Friday efforts. In addition, seniors had the opportunity to participate in the Senior Day activity put on by the Alumni Association at the Holtzman Alumni Center. age and gumption to disclose his While a lot of the focus was deservtrue identity. He is no longer the edly placed on the graduating seniors, Obamakin change-bringer of the it made me think about what we do, campaign trail. The dark side of as an institution, for the thousands the force seduced the candidate of of other students that are ending the change. Since his first day in office, academic year?

Obama has used the Death Star to While the end of the semester is oppress Americans at home, and the consumed by the focus on finals, Imperial Starfleet to oppress foreignthere are other factors at play. As ers abroad. students worry about finals, they In two short years Obama and the also need to think about their Democrats have done more for the moving out process, and preparing empire than Bush did in eight. for summer opportunities. The moveThis is not the change that the votout impacts all students whether or ers of 2008 had in mind. not they live on-campus in the resiDemocrats lost the House because dence halls or off-campus in houses they, along with Obama, continued or apartment complexes. failed Bush-era policies.

Let’s take for example the moving If they do not get their act together out process for those living 9,000 stuthey will lose the Senate and the dents that live on campus.

Presidency as well.

This situation is so different when you look at how the campus was so focused in August with the opening of the halls.

For those that live on campus, the moving process reminder hits home when they have to return their rented lofts and refrigerators before the start of finals.

While this happens during the weekend before finals, it still creates a lot of stress and chaos in the living environment.

When it comes to moving out, there are those that are able to leave as soon as exams start, but for the majority of the students, the major move out of students takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Unlike the August opening, where parking is restricted to allow for a smooth move-in, no such accommodations are made at move-out. I

OPINIONS

End-of-year equality 5 for all Tech students

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

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FEATURES

6

How To: Make a Headboard Bored this summer? Want to add some color, spice, or pizzazz to your room next year? A fun covered headboard could be the perfect addition

Crispy Potato Chips CHRISTI MALONE features reporter

to your room.

-ally hammond, features editor

Here’s what you need: -2 yards of your favorite fabric -1 piece of plywood* -1 roll of batting from a craft store -Spray adhesive -Staple gun and staples *Before you buy your plywood, make sure to measure the width of your bed so the headboard is the same length as your bed.

Now, the fun can begin!

1) Lay down the plywood on a sturdy surface. Spray with the adhesive.

2) Cover the adhesive with the batting in a single layer.

3) Repeat if you’d like your headboard to be more plush.

4) Trim off extra batting, so it is flush with the plywood.

5) Lay fabric on top of the batting-covered plywood. Carefully flip the board over so the bare wood is exposed, and the extra fabric hangs around the edges.

6) Pull the fabric around the back, and secure with the staple gun.

7) Continue stapling all the way around the back of the board. Make sure to pull the fabric tight so it does not bunch in the front.

Your headboard is now complete! The plywood should rest comfortably on your bed-frame, as well as add some spice to your room.

With a close friend on the way for dinner, and a pre-paycheck stocked pantry, I began the search for cheap but delicious recipes for a successful dinner.

After finding turkey in my inventory, I decided some variety of potato dish would compliment nicely; it also didn’t hurt that I still had over five pounds of potatoes left from my last grocery run.

I turned to my trusted recipe finder and settled on a delectable looking crispy roasted potato recipe.

Preparation time was quick and easy which allowed for the discovery of some simple substitutions to be made in the future, such as using white onion for the shallots. The rest of the onion can be used in many different dishes which will save you a few dollars on future meals.

Cooking time was a bit lengthy but worked for this certain occasion.

When it came time for taste testing the vote was unanimous–the dish was satisfying but rather plain.

Although the crunchy texture with a balance of savory butter was delicious, and the subtle flavor of the red pepper flakes added a kick of spice, I will definitely be making a few alterations to enhance the overall flavor of the dish in the future.

This potato dish allows a chef to take the flavor in any direction.

Next time I plan to add some cheddar and parmesan cheese to the top, adding a textural dimension that is easy to create as well as being easy on the wallet.

CT Recipes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons melted butter 2 1/4 teaspoons olive oil 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled 2 shallots, thickly sliced lengthwise Pinch red pepper flakes (optional) Coarse salt-2 sprigs fresh thyme Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Combine butter and oil in a small bowl.

2. Brush the bottom of a small round baking dish (or two individual baking dishes) with some of butter mixture and set aside.

3. Using a mandoline or very sharp knife, slice potatoes in a thin crosswise direction. The thinner the potato, the crispier cook.

4. Vertically arrange potato slices in the baking dish(es) and wedge shallots throughout.

5. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and salt. Brush tops with remaining butter mixture.6. Bake for one hour; then add fresh thyme and bake for an additional 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender and tops are crispy.

Give the gift of memories!

The Tragedy of Jane Eyre, or Jane Eyre a Tragedy?

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

Frame memorable moments or print them onto tshirts, posters, coffee mugs and more!

Visit our website for more gift ideas for Hokies!

Though I am a firm believer in reading the book before watching the film, Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” is a bit long for some light summer reading.

Lucky enough for us lazy readers, The Lyric will be showing the two hour cinematic production until 9:30 p.m. on May 26. Having no expectations for the film, and being unfamiliar with her written work, I found the film to be slow going and disconnected.

In the first 30 minutes the director, Cary Fukunaga, attempted to set up the plot, but the story line was too vague to gain a real sense of Jane as a character.

As the supposed love story went on, the lack of settling development made it difficult to truly understand and be a part of the real tragedy that the characters were portraying. Fukunaga’s flashback effects were not at all welldefined, making it difficult for the audience to tell where in Jane’s life the current scene was actually happening.

To much disappointment, the film does not hold up to the incredible

reputation of the classic novel.

Although it may not be due to ill-acting, as lead actress Mia Woksikowska did a phenomenal job with her individual role, the true downfall is the film’s lack of development with characters and plot.

I had hoped to feel the real desire and tragedy that are usually promised from such traditional literature, but the cinematic production fell short, giving only glimpses of a dreary setting with little climax in the sense of character relationships and plot.

The film certainly wasn’t one that I will be purchasing when it comes out on DVD, but if its playing on TV, it was entertaining enough to watch in between channel surfing and commercials.

CARA DISILVIO -features reporter

MAY

“Everything Must Go” (May 13, limited release) Will Ferrell

portrays a man on the brink, battling alcoholism, and he does so with aplomb. A real treat for those who loved the “Saturday Night Live” stalwart’s dramatic work in “Stranger Than Fiction,” “Everything Must Go” is a worthy addition to your summer movie schedule.

“The Hangover Part II” (May 26) Great comedies don’t

tend to yield spectacular sequels, which makes the wolf pack’s far-flung adventure to Bangkok all the more audacious. Can history repeat? Will it work? Should they truly call them “floories”? Here’s hoping we all find out the answers together!

“Kung Fu Panda 2” (May 26)

Never fear, children have their own frivolity to look forward to this summer. The voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie are back in action, ready for kung fu!

Experts in “escapist” animation, Dreamworks provides a natural counterbalance to Pixar’s more sentimental fare.

“The Tree of Life” (May 27, limited release) Enigmatic

JUNE “X-Men: First Class” (June 3) There are four superhero

options this summer … but only one was directed by Matthew Vaughn of “Stardust” and “Layer Cake” fame.

Vaughn is a rangy director, and if anyone can survive taking the XMen back to the origins, it will be him.

“Beginners” (June 3, limited release) Ewan McGregor

and talented French actor Melanie Laurent take a crack at explaining the magic and cynicism that hangs over the outset of every relationship.

Bonus: A Jack Russell terrier plays a prominent (and hilarious) role.

“Super 8” (June 10) J.J. Abrams’ homage to Steven Spielberg, produced by Steven Spielberg, looks to be “Goonies” meets “E.T.” meets “Stand by Me.” The only summer film with a legitimate chance to stand the test of time, “Super 8” has stylish mystery in abundance.

“Buck” (June 17, limited release) Summer doesn’t have

to be all about explosions and car chases. For instance, here’s a compelling documentary about an empathetic horse trainer just to keep things interesting. It’s the perfect remedy for the superficial vibe of summer.

“Bad Teacher” (June 24) Fans

of “Bad Santa” will find this dark comedy in the same vein, as Justin Timberlake, Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz team up for laughs.

Though it looks extremely R-rated, it also looks to be chasing extreme amounts of levity.

JULY “Larry Crowne” (July 1) It’s a simple equation. Tom Hanks plus Julia Roberts in a modern romantic comedy is likely to equal captivating. As we’re never going to get a sequel to “Forest Gump,” we will have to pin our entertainment hopes here instead.

to think the latest take on “Conan the Barbarian” will deliver. This is precisely why it should play well with an audience coming down from a massive summer movie binge.

and the trailer already has fans fondly reminiscing.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” (July 15) Saying goodbye to

the Potter franchise isn’t going to be easy, but this actionpacked 3-D film hopes to send the series out on a high note.

Given the track record of the previous seven films, all signs point to “massive hit.”

“Cowboys and Aliens” (July 29) Sci-fi

Westerns never have gotten their full due as a genre. Until now. Seeing Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig battle galactic baddies should be the ultimate in popcorn fun.

AUGUST “The Change-Up” (Aug. 5) If

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (July 1) Speaking of

hope, most summer movie fans have given up hope the third “Trans-formers” will be anything nearing transcendent. At this point, the real bright spot is that director Michael Bay’s robot franchise probably can’t get any worse.

That’s got to count for something.

“Winnie the Pooh” (July 15) Disney

hopes to capture both your nostalgia and an entirely new generation of fans. John Cleese and Craig Ferguson are modern additions to the beloved classic,

it didn’t have Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds, the “switcheroo” premise would be an active contrivance. But Reynolds and Bateman have proven to be particularly likable, so audiences should be willing to take the ride with them.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (Aug. 5)

The very definition of cheesy action fun, James Franco’s latest summer offering should be one of the last big box-office draws, and a chance at redemption for his underwhelming Academy Awards performance.

“30 Minutes or Less” (Aug. 12) Jesse Eisenberg needs

to get out from under the shadow of Mark Zuckerberg, and fast. This comedy about a

“Our Idiot Brother” (Aug. 28, limited release) Paul Rudd

wowed audiences at Sundance with this sentimental (but raucous) family comedy. It’s more “Family Stone” than “Hangover,” the perfect film to consider as you shake the sand out of your shorts.

7

BREAKOUT STARS OLIVIA WILDE You’ve seen her in “Tron: Legacy” and “House.”

Now comes the big summer splash, with “Cowboys and Aliens” and “The Change-Up” seeking to deliver her into the rarest of air as a crossover action-comedy star.

JASON MOMOA Jason Momoa’s turn at Khal Drogo on HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has proven that he’s a physical force in the action game. Now he gets his shot at the iconic “Conan the Barbarian.”

Hey, it worked for Arnold!

TYRESE GIBSON The “Fast and Furious” series keeps steaming along, and Tyrese is perfectly positioned for the new “heist” vibe they are shooting for. Plus, he’s back to reclaim his role as Robert Epps in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” Could this be the summer Gibson makes the leap to leading man?

KRISTEN WIIG She’s made us

laugh since 2005 on “Saturday Night Live,” so it’s good to see her get a shot to carry her own feature film. “Bridesmaids” is possibly the funniest film of the summer, so Wiig should have her choice of projects going forward.

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

director Terrence Malick always delivers deliberate and evocative cinema. Sometimes the result is majestic (“The Thin Red Line”), while occasionally the work is more germane (“The New World”). Still, as he only averages a couple of films a decade, he’s always worth a

watch, especially when he nabs Brad Pitt and Sean Penn for leading roles.

“Conan the Barbarian” (Aug. 19) There’s very little reason

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FEATURES

Box Office Sizzlers

“Bridesmaids” (May 13)

Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph team up, and big and bawdy laughs abound. This is the perfect girls night or date night, so long as you head into the theater expecting the jocularity producer Judd Apatow does best (“Knocked Up,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”). If you can get past the occasional gross-out joke, you’ll be rewarded with huge belly laughs as the film culminates.

pizza boy caught up in a bank heist should fit the bill nicely.

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FEATURES

8

Self-tanners: Fake it ‘til you make it TRAE BODGE mcclatchy newspapers Here come the warm days of summer—time to peel off those wintery layers! Unfortunately, our skin has been in hibernation for so long, we might not be totally pleased with the pale skin that is hiding underneath. The good news is that we don’t have to risk sun damage to achieve a healthy-looking glow. You can get a spray tan in a salon, à la Jersey Shore, or you can “tan” in the privacy of your own home.

I couldn’t picture myself getting sprayed down in a salon, so I thought I would try the home route. I found there to be two categories in home tanning: daily bronzers and self-tanners.

I tested an array of options and you’ll

be happy to know that all of my picks below have a pleasant smell and none made my skin look orange (the two factors people seem to fear most about home tanners).

TAN FOR A DAY Daily tanners bronze the skin for one day and are rinsed off when you bathe.

For fair skin tones, Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs Light Glow ($13.99) is excellent. This water-resistant aerosol imparts a delicate shimmery bronze tone perfect for fair skin and offers some coverage for a more even skin tone.

For medium skin tones, the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze One Day Tinted Gel ($8.97) is my pick. The light-feeling gel formula is in a pump bottle, and

it goes on smoothly, giving the skin a streak-free bronzing effect with a touch of sparkle.

For dark skin tones, try Black Stockings ($8.95) from Lush. It offers the illusion of a more even skin tone, blends easily and provides a warm, sunkissed glow with a hint of shimmer. It’s specifically a body bronzer, but I tried it on my face and loved it.

A LASTING GLOW Self-tanners generally build up in color over the course of a few hours and the effect lasts a couple of days.

I really liked the Comodynes’ Sunless Tanning Towelettes (8 for $14). These towelettes are each individually packaged, so they’re great to take with you on your beach vacation. The towelette

Spiced Pear Mojito Recipe SARAH WATSON editor-in-chief

CT Recipes

Ingredients:

is actually a mitt, which makes for a goof-proof application: much less messy than aerosol formulations. The color gradually increases over 24 hours.

There is also a new formula for those with darker skin or for those who prefer a deeper tan.

The Jergens Natural Glow ($7.89) is a rich body moisturizer and self-tanner combined. The color develops in a day and will continue to build as you reapply for up to three days. I would recommend this for someone who prefers a two-in-one or has drier skin. There are a few different color options for various skin tones.

For another opinion, I asked celebrity makeup artist Tia Dantzler what her favorite was. She said, “Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel ($33) is an awe-

MELISSA MAGSAYSAY

4 ounces pear vodka

2 ounces cinnamon syrup 2 ounces lime juice 8 mint leaves Ice Directions: 1. Add mint leaves to a shaker and muddle.

2. Add cinnamon syrup.

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

3. Fill shaker with ice and add pear vodka, apple juice and lime juice.

4. Shake and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

5. Garnish with a thin lime slice and mint leaves.

TIPS FOR ‘TANNING’ Tanning products are more effective if the skin is freshly exfoliated. Use an exfoliant that is oil-free or has a very low oil content; however, residual oil on the skin can cause the tanning product to bead up or look uneven.

Strive for the most even application so your “tan” looks natural. Apply with care and be sure to always wash your palms and the undersides of your fingers immediately after application— orange hands are a dead giveaway.

Swimsuits that suit your shape mcclatchy newspapers

4 ounces apple juice

some product for people who desire the perfect sun-kissed glow but don’t have time to sit in the sun. It’s quickly absorbed into the skin, perfect for all skin tones and it gives you a gorgeous tropical tan in just a few hours!”

First, for anyone unfamiliar with ruching, it’s when fabric is gathered evenly to create a rippled effect. On swimsuits it tends to add a 1940s starlet vibe, as well as overall texture.

Ruching can be a really great thing if used properly and located in the right place on a garment.

In the case of swimwear, suits are generally ruched across the bust in a horizontal pattern to create bombshell allure.

But as we all know, horizontal lines across the midsection are not really anyone’s best friend.

Stay away from ruching (or any embellishment, for that matter) across the tummy area. I always think of it like tying a sweatshirt around the waist to “hide” a large backside _ it’s going to have the opposite effect by drawing attention to the area. It’s like celebrities wearing huge sunglasses and hats to shield themselves from attention _ the first thing we do is notice them.

Try going for something that has ruching on the bust or upper area of the suit to pull focus up and away from problem areas.

J. Crew makes some I adore for a couple of reasons: They are two-piece suits a tank top and bikini bottom so the midsection has a little room and there’s still a nice, clean line throughout.

And they are delicately ruched at the bust area, which adds an interesting detail that will keep eyes up, rather than draw attention toward the midsection.

They also come in rich colors such as emerald green and lilac.

A black suit seems like the natural choice when trying to wear something slimming, but other solid shades can work well too. A va-va-voom red suit from L.L. Bean, for instance, has a delicate detail at the bust to deflect attention from the midsection and draw focus up.

If you’re set on ruching across the tummy, make sure it doesn’t add poufiness to the area.

MagicSuit makes one that is designed to smooth out lumps and bumps and that doesn’t add bulk. I would recommend getting this suit in black because the ruching in a darker color won’t catch light and shadow from the sun like a brighter-colored suit would.

The MagicSuit also has a built-in bra, which could help with support and shape.

So far I’ve recommended only solidcolored suits because prints can get tricky and in most cases draw attention to areas you’d rather play down.

If you do go with a print, just make sure it flatters the right areas maybe by drawing attention to an area that you want to flaunt, thus distracting from an area you don’t.

Spanx makes a two-toned black halter suit with vertical white piping. The vertical lines narrow the frame and draw the eye up and down instead of across the body.

The V-neck halter adds a sporty, retro touch to the slimming suit, which has padded cups at the bust and a compression liner that runs from under the bust to the lower torso.

DREW SHARP detroit free press So the Big Ten is thinking about cutting its athletes an extra monthly check, augmenting their scholarships to help with living expenses.How sweet. Will they also blow their noses for them when they’re a little stuffy?

Commissioner Jim Delany told ESPN during the Big Ten’s spring meetings in Chicago this week that the conference had discussed the possible use of its vast television revenues in helping fill in the holes that a scholarship doesn’t cover. It’s a terrible idea. It’s not merely a slippery slope. t’s a sheet of ice down the mountain.

Throwing more money at a cultural or political problem rarely offers a cure. It simply provides more room for corruption. The fallacy in paying scholarship athletes a regular stipend is the delusion that such practices would reduce the covert dirty dealing that too often turns big-time college sports into a primetime-televised pig sty. Even if you pay them all you want up front and in the open, it won’t stop some players from demanding even more from scurrilous boosters and sports agent “runners.”

Athletes don’t take money the NCAA

RAINER SABIN says they shouldn’t because they’re trying to make fiscal ends meet. They take the money because they think they’re entitled to it.

And as long as there remains an endless flow of sycophants foolishly telling athletes they are exploited pawns, these rogues will continue to justify their inappropriate actions as getting their rightful slice of a multibillion dollar pie.

Are we really that naive to think that if Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor had gotten a monthly $500 cost of living allowance from the athletic department that he wouldn’t have sold his football memorabilia for an extra financial benefit? Call it what it is, Big Ten. This talk isn’t about making it easier or fairer for athletes. This is about furthering the massive arms race between the few collegiate superpowers. It will perpetuate a recruiting imbalance that only will make the secret economy of “golden handshakes” and backdoor skullduggery even more prominent.

Here’s a novel concept, Big Ten: How about better helping these athletes understand the true value of scholarships, beyond the outdated “free education” argument? If you paid each football player $100,000 in annual salary instead of putting it in an ath-

letic grant and had him pay out of his pocket for the quality of services receive (tuition, room and board, school supplies, top-of-the-line health-care insurance, medical treatment, access to premium athletic training, conditioning and instruction, a dietician, academic support and regularly scheduled meals that are far removed from the standard impoverished student fare like Ramen noodles), they might realize they aren’t exactly field hands mercilessly toiling on the back 40. And, please, spare me the equally antiquated contention that athletes should be treated differently than regular students because of the millions they generate for their schools through their televised exploits. Do you realize the millions upon millions in research grants and endowments universities receive through their strong academic reputations? That, in turn, raises a school’s national exposure and helps in the recruitment of more exceptional students. But where’s the financially strapped 4.0 student’s handout considering all they do for the school?

Will some of their student loans be forgiven as “payment” for their services?

Think again.

Hall of Fame slugger Killebrew dies at 74 KEITH THURSBY los angeles times

25 home runs in 1965 when the Twins won the American League pennant.

In the 1968 All-Star game, Killebrew ruptured a hamstring stretching for a throw at first base. He played only 100 games that season, hitting 17 home runs.

“A lot of people thought I was through,” he told The Los Angeles Times in 1985. “But that injury was kind of a blessing in disguise for me.

I worked harder in the winter than I ever did before and I was in better shape the next season than I ever was in my life.”

Killebrew bounced back to become the league’s most valuable player in 1969, hitting 49 home runs and driving in 140 runs. He hit 41 home runs in 1970 to lead the Twins to the American League Western Division title, but they lost to Baltimore in the league championship series.

Killebrew retired after playing with Kansas City in 1975 and spent several seasons as a broadcaster, most of them with the Twins.

“He’s one of the great hitters of all time,” Al Kaline, a Hall of Fame outfielder with the Detroit Tigers, told the Detroit Free Press in March. “He wasn’t just a power hitter. Harmon was strong, but he had great hands and wrists and a great strike zone.”

Less than 24 hours after he was drafted last month, offensive tackle Tyron Smith was inside the Cowboys’ headquarters receiving an intensive tutorial of his new team’s offense.

The cram session took place on the day the NFL temporarily lifted its restrictions that had barred players from their clubs’ facilities and forbidden them to meet with their coaching staffs.

But unlike the team members who visited Valley Ranch that morning and afternoon, Smith wasn’t a veteran. He hadn’t been a Cowboy for even a day. And yet there he was, learning the basics of the playbook from offensive line coach Hudson Houck.

As brief as it was, the episode demonstrated Smith’s commitment to an employer he barely knew.

But it also captured the Cowboys’ urgency to teach Smith as much as they could in the small window of opportunity available to them.

Now that the lockout is back on and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the NFL a stay, it’s uncertain when the labor dispute will be resolved and league business will resume.

As the NFL has receded into hibernation, first-year professionals such as Smith are hanging in limbo.

They could be most adversely affected if the work stoppage interrupts or eliminates rookie minicamps and organized team activities.

After all, there is an adjustment period when entering the professional ranks, where the offensive and defensive systems are more complex, the speed of the game is faster and the training is more exhaustive.

“Things go a thousand miles a minute,” said Cowboys wide receiver Jesse Holley. “This time is beneficial, more than anything, for those guys to understand what it’s like to be in this league. This isn’t college anymore.”

During a normal off-season teams can offer specialized instruction to players making the transition.

The rookies are afforded time to digest and retain the information while the coaches can thoroughly assess whether they are ready to contribute once preseason practices begin. Last season, six of the seven Cowboys who were drafted made the active roster.

They played an average of 8.8 games and 144 snaps. This year, those numbers may shrink if the members of the 2011 draft class continue to be denied the opportunity to show they belong.

“Well, it certainly hurts them,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said.

“The off-season always helps the younger players the most because they get a chance to go practice more than they otherwise would during training camp and during the regular season.”

When Garrett began controlling the Cowboys’ on-field operations last November, he repeatedly mentioned that he evaluated the roster daily. Often he would follow that refrain by saying he was reluctant to consider hypothetical scenarios regarding the team’s personnel.

In other words, Garrett makes

“

The off-season always helps the younger players the most because they get a chance to go practice more than they otherwise would during training camp and during the regular season.

JASON GARRETT COWBOYS COACH

decisions based on what he and his assistants have observed, not on what they predict they’ll see.

If that is the case, how realistic is it for a rookie to play a significant role if the coaches can’t watch what he can do? “I think it’s going to be difficult for anyone who is young,” said Daryl Johnston, a Fox NFL analyst and former Cowboys fullback. “If you’re athletic and you have a passion for the game, you’ll find a spot. You’ll find a way to be useful to your team.

“Now, will you be a starter?

I don’t know. That’s going to take something special from one of these younger guys, depending on how much time they miss. “If we’re talking about something that pushes into the preseason and you have two weeks before you’re kicking off for a regular-season football game, that’s an awful lot to ask.”

It’salsoademandmostfootballteams wouldn’t consider making, unless the rookie demonstrates the ability to handle the workload. Whether Smith and the Cowboys’ seven other draftees have the chance to prove as much remains uncertain. They have expressed they want that opportunity. “I’m here to learn and be coached,” Smith said in April.

But first and foremost Garrett and his staff want Smith to play. And until the lockout ends, they won’t be certain if he or the other rookies will be ready to do so. The clock is ticking.

The Cowboys know that, and after taking that crash course last month so does Smith.

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

Harmon Killebrew, a Hall of Fame slugger who became one of baseball’s premier home-run hitters with the Minnesota Twins, has died. He was 74.

Killebrew died Tuesday at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., the Twins announced. He said in December that he was undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer and last week said he had entered hospice care.

He hit 573 home runs during 22 seasons with the Washington Senators, Twins and Kansas City Royals, including eight seasons in which he hit at least 40 home runs. Killebrew helped the Twins reach the World Series in 1965, where they lost to the Dodgers, and he was named the American League’s most valuable player in 1969.

A 13-time All-Star, Killebrew was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984.

At 5 feet 11 and about 210 pounds, Killebrew was a stocky first and third baseman, outfielder and designated hitter who was particularly known for his ability to hit memorably long home runs.

“He hit a ball in Minnesota that went over 500 feet and broke two chairs,” former Twins Manager Cal Ermer

told the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press in 2002.

Killebrew credited his power to growing up in a small town in Idaho.

He helped his father paint houses “when I was 14, and for the next four years I was lifting and hauling 10-gallon milk cans full of milk,” he told the Washington Post in 1984. “That will put muscles on you even if you’re not trying.”

Harmon Clayton Killebrew was born June 29, 1936 in Payette, Idaho, the youngest of four children of Katherine and H.C. Killebrew.

Killebrew signed with the Senators in 1954 for $30,000. “It really wasn’t a $30,000 bonus,” he told the Washington Post in 1984. “They gave me the minimum salary of $6,000 a year for three years and on top of that a yearly bonus of $4,000 for three years.”

Because of baseball rules at the time concerning players who received bonuses when they signed with a team, Killebrew had to spend two seasons in Washington before he could be sent to the minors. He played sparingly with the Senators until 1959, when he started a remarkable string of powerful seasons.

The right-handed hitter had more than 40 home runs in a season eight times between 1959 and 1970. He hit

the dallas morning news

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Big Ten considers paying Lockout harms athletes extra monthly check rookie progress

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Baseball disappoints in season ending series

collegiatetimes.com may 26, 2011

JOSEPH GOODMAN

ZACH MARINER

mcclatchy newspapers

sports editor The Virginia Tech baseball team finished off their season in disappointing fashion last weekend, dropping two of three games to visiting Georgia Tech.

On Friday evening, the Hokies, (3025, 11-19 ACC) led the No. 12-ranked Yellow Jackets 3-2 heading into the top of the seventh, until what had been a solid outing from sophomore Joe Mantiply fell apart.

Jacob Esch homered with one out to tie the game, and Mantiply (5-8) left the game four batters later.

Georgia Tech (39-17, 22-8 ACC) would add three more runs in the inning, all unearned, before tacking on five more in the eighth, giving them an 11-4 victory.

Bright spots for Tech included Andrew Rash’s team-leading eighteenth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the bottom half of the third, and junior Ronnie Shaban’s two-hundredth career hit, an RBI double in the ninth.

On Saturday, the Hokies notched their one victory in the series, a 7-5 contest in which starting pitcher Marc Zecchino nearly went the distance.

Tech pounced on Yellow Jacket starter Jed Bradley early on, forcing him out of the game in the fourth, after scoring all seven of their runs on 10 hits.

Heat one win away from finals after victory

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

Sophomore Joe Mantiply prepares to deliver a pitch earlier this year.

Johnny Morales homered in the third, his first in a Virginia Tech uniform.

Tim Smalling drove in two runs on two hits.

Zecchino (6-5) pitched into the ninth, but, after giving up two runs on three hits – all of them doubles – and a walk, he left with two outs and the tying run on second base.

Shaban then came on to finish it off.

After walking the first batter he faced to load the bases, he struck out Esch to end the game and earn his third save of the season.

In Sunday’s rubber match, the Hokies battled, and got an impressive showing from a bullpen that has struggled all season.

However, it was not enough, as Georgia Tech won the game 5-3, giving them the series victory.

Joe Parsons, the starting pitcher on his senior day, gave up five runs and nine

hits in four plus innings. Fellow senior Brandon Fisher came on with runners on the corners and no outs in the fifth, but worked his way out of the jam on three pitches.

That set the tone for what would total five scoreless innings by Tech’s bullpen.

Unfortunately, the Hokies’ offense just couldn’t get anything going, and dropped their season finale.

Tech finished the season in ninth place in the ACC, one slot away from an ACC tournament berth, which only invites the top eight teams from the conference.

While the season could certainly be considered a disappointment after the huge amount of success the team saw last year, this year’s squad showed signs throughout the year that their multitude of young talent should be more than capable of competing in the ACC for years to come.

One more victory and last summer’s vision of an instant title contender will be realized.

The Heat is one victory from clinching the Eastern Conference finals Tuesday with a 101-93 overtime victory against the Bulls at AmericanAirlines Arena.

“This series is an absolute bloodbath,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Chris Bosh, who scored 34 points in Game 3, rose above the fray in overtime and once again proved to be a hero, scoring the Heat’s first four points of extra period of Game 4 to give the Heat an 89-85 lead.

Bulls reserve Ronnie Brewer answered with a three-pointer, but Dwyane Wade, who had not scored a field goal since the second quarter, maybe a clutch 20footer from the corner with 2:10 remaining.

Wade played sluggishly for long stretches Tuesday but found his form in the extra period.

His steal against Derrick Rose with 1:05 left followed by a breakaway layup put the Heat ahead by six with a minute to go.

The Big 3 scored all of Miami’s points in overtime. Bosh had four, and Wade and LeBron James had six each. “(Wade) was having a tough night for 30-something minutes, and we reminded him that this is his time to make game-saving plays,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat leads the best-of-7 series 3-1 and can clinch the series with a victory on Thursday in Chicago.

Miami is 8-0 at home this postseason and on Tuesday handed the Bulls their first three-game losing streak of the season.

The Heat clinched its first two rounds of the playoffs (Philadelphia and Boston) in five games.

Regulation on Tuesday ended with Derrick Rose air balling a midrange jumper at the buzzer.

The Heat had two chances to take the lead in the final minute of regulation, but Wade missed his chance and James was called for an offensive foul with eight seconds left in regulartion.

The Heat won despite shooting 40.3 percent in regulation. Miami made five of eight shots in overtime.

James led the Heat with 35 points on 11-of-26 shooting. He was also

11 of 11 at the free-throw line and had half the Heat’s 12 assists. Bosh finished with 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting. He and James both had six rebounds.

Wade had 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting to go along with five rebounds.

The Heat made its final 24 free throws of the game and was 32 of 38 overall. Chicago was 17 of 22 from the free-throw line.

Defensively, Heat center Joel Anthony had five rebounds and four blocks.

Mike Miller had 12 points off the bench for the Heat and Mario Chalmers had nine.

MVP Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 23 points but, closely defended by James, missed his chance to win the game at the end of the fourth quarter. Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer had 20 points each.

“LeBron played good defense,” Rose said. “It was on line but short.”

The fourth quarter offered some of the most maddening basketball of the postseason for both teams.

Boozer had possibly the most dumbfounding play of the period when he hit Bosh with a flagrant foul with 4:40 to play.

The mistake turned into a fourpoint swing (and a 78-77 lead) for the Heat when Mike Miller knocked down a 15-footer from the baseline with 4:28 to play.

Then there was Wade, whose offensive woes turned him into a highly paid defender in the fourth quarter.

He tossed a shot off the side of the backboard’s padding with 6:15 to play and then didn’t attempt another field goal until a minute remained. He missed it.

All of the offensive bumbling and defensive excellence offered a dramatic finish.

James’ three-point play put the Heat ahead 83-82 with 2:10 left in regulation, but two free throws by Brewer put the Bulls back ahead by one.

The Heat took an 85-84 lead with 1:14 to play with Chris Bosh’s 16-footer from the baseline. Rose tied the score with 1:10 left, making 1 of 2 free throws.

Wade missed a chance to give the lead with 53 seconds to play and Rose failed with a jumper on the Bulls’ next possession.

The Heat called timeout and drew up a play for James, who was whistled for an offensive foul against Brewer with eight seconds remaining in regulation.

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