Thursday, September 22, 2011
An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
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COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 90
News, page 2
Weekend, page 5
Opinions, page 3
Sports, page 6
Classifieds, page 4
Sudoku, page 4
Taking the first turn CODY ELLIOTT sports staff writer
The ACC made the first move. After months of speculation surrounding conference expansion across the college athletics landscape, the Atlantic Coast Conference took the first step toward four “superconferences” in college athletics. On Sunday, the league added Pittsburgh and Syracuse after the two teams had spent close to 30 years with the Big East. The ACC had been in the center of a lot of the conference expansion talks over the weeks —but for all of the wrong reasons. With Texas A&M departing the Big 12 in hopes of joining the SEC, many believed Virginia Tech, Florida State and Clemson could all be viable candidates to go next. see PITT AND SYRACUSE / page six
AK UYN B E IELL DAN
S IME TE T A I G LLE / CO
Sheen to visit Tech CLAIRE SANDERSON news editor Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen will make a stop at Virginia Tech next Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. John Boyer, a geography instructor, and his 3,000-person world regions class created a YouTube video asking the actors visit Tech during their crosscountry tour, promoting their upcoming movie “The Way.” The actors’ video, “The Way to VT,” had 12,661 views as of Wednesday, after 15 days of being posted. “As far as we know, they’re coming,” Boyer said. “Emilio Estevez just tweeted that they’re going to be here.” Estevez tweeted: “Hear ye, hear ye: ‘The Way’ is coming to Virginia Tech.” Emily Goodrich, a freshman English major, said she was surprised by actor’s quick response. “We made a video, and less than three hours later the person we wanted to see it saw it, and that normally doesn’t happen,” Goodrich, a student in world regions, said. Boyer said he hasn’t figured out how tickets will be handled, but a plan will be in place by Monday. “Since the whole thing has been a social media experiment, we probably won’t advertise at all,” Boyer said. “But those that are most attuned to my Facebook and Twitter will know first.” It is likely the event won’t need to be advertised to fill Burruss Hall auditorium for the appearance. Nearly 7,000 people liked the “The Way to VT” Facebook page, a group created to bring the tour to Tech. When the announcement that the tour would make a stop at Tech was posted, 359 people liked it in the first hour. Boyer said tickets will be free. “It’s all for the students,” Boyer said.
iPhone app may prevent DUIs VT Rescue to host mock DUI PRISCILLA ALVAREZ news staff writer
One year ago, Colleen Gough and her friends were celebrating the last night of summer before their senior year of high school. By the time they were ready to leave the party, one of her friends was in a fight with the designated driver, so she and her friends decided they could drive home. “My friend lost control of the car in the first five minutes and crashed into a tree,” Gough said. “I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was in the backseat. I broke my back.” Gough missed first half of her senior year, but was able to come to Virginia Tech this fall, where she is now a freshman health, nutrition, foods and exercise major. While she said she will never forget what happened, Gough said she is hopeful that others can avoid accidents thanks to a new iPhone application launched by 2009 Tech graduate Andrew Lawlor and his brothers. Called “FreeRideHome,” the app is designed to help drunk people easily find and contact sober ride services instead of driving home. FreeRideHome works by determining a user’s location via GPS when they click on the app. Then, a list of driving services available in their area with contact information will appear on the screen, and the user can choose a service to contact to get a ride to their destination. “I think this app would be really helpful, especially because as freshmen, we don’t really know what services are available to us,” Gough said. “Obviously, I have no tolerance for drinking and driving.” Andrew said he and his brothers Seth, Mike, David and Aaron Lawlor, came up with the idea because Seth’s friend ran a sober driving service in the northern Virginia area near their home. Seth said they wanted to make sober driving services more accessible. “We noticed that there were a lot of sober ride programs, but people either didn’t realize they were there, or it was a hassle to contact them,” Seth
CODY OWENS news reporter
PAUL KURLAK / SPPS
Freshman Colleen Gough was in a DUI-related accident last year. said. “Our app helps communicate to people about these programs and assist them in finding these services.” Seth, whom Andrew called an “apple-geek,” was the app’s main developer. Since the Lawlor brothers launched the app in May, it has spread from the northern Virginia area and now includes sober ride services in cities nationwide. Andrew said he wanted to make sure the app was available to Tech students. “I’d like it to become popular here and give students the opportunity to stay safe when going out, as well as be responsible,” he said.
For Tech students, the app lists six sober ride services in the Blacksburg and Christiansburg area, including Virginia Tech Safe Ride and Hooptie Ride. Since being listed on the app during the last few weeks, Tim Jones, the Hooptie Ride owner, said the company hasn’t noticed a boost in business. “But if people use it then I can’t imagine any negative effects,” Jones said. Elijah Brown, a sophomore health, nutrition, foods and exercise major, said the app could be very helpful for students who know they shouldn’t be driving. see DUI / page two
Students crossing the Drillfield today may have to walk around two mangled cars and a landing medevac helicopter to get to class. The sirens and rescue vehicles are all part of an annual mock DUI crash orchestrated by the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, along with the Blacksburg Fire Department and the Virginia Tech Police Department. The mock DUI demonstration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and serves as a training exercise for the VT Rescue squad, as well as a demonstration of the dangers of drinking and driving for students. “The mock DUI is to heighten awareness that DUI crashes are real,” said J.T. Jones, a junior construction engineering and management major and president of VT Rescue. VT Rescue will treat the exercise as they would an actual emergency, providing a realistic response. As if it were a real call, the police and fire departments will also be on the scene. The section of Drillfield Drive between Price Hall and Davidson Hall will be roped-off for the demonstration, where two damaged cars will be placed to simulate a frontal collision, Jones said. An actual dispatch will bring VT Rescue and the fire department to the scene to respond to the drivers, Jones said. And police officers will arrest the drunken driver, who is played by an actor. A public address system will explain the proceedings to onlookers.
As in some actual crashes, victims need to be removed from mangled vehicles. In an effort to portray the scenario as realistically as possible, VT Rescue will be using special life-saving equipment. “We have our own special operations truck that has a combi-tool that is similar to the ‘Jaws of Life,’ and we use that to cut off the top of the car to get access to the patient,” Jones said. “We then have cribbing to stabilize them.” The Carilion Clinic will dispatch a helicopter from the New River Valley Medical Center to land near the “crash.” In an emergency, first responders, such as VT Rescue, would provide immediate care to victims with severe injuries who would then be airlifted to a hospital. “This is the worst-case scenario, where someone is hurt, and they need to get medevaced out in a helicopter,” Jones said. Abby Baer, a sophomore horticulture major, remembers seeing the mock DUI crash last year and said the scene was frightening. “It was really realistic,” Baer said. “The firefighters and EMTs were really good at making it seem like it was real life.” VT Rescue responds to emergencies on campus, and Jones said he and his team often respond to alcohol-related calls. “This is just to help college students who think, ‘I can go out and drive and make a quick drive back to campus even though I’ve had three or four beers,’” Jones said. DUIs happen all the time in the U.S. They’re a huge killer anywhere.”
2 news
editors: claire sanderson, michelle sutherland newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
september 22, 2011
COLLEGIATETIMES
what you’re saying //comments from online readers...
DUI: App helpful for travelers
On the new abortion laws:
from page one
Student>>
“I think this is a really good idea that would make students more comfortable being off campus,” Brown said. “Apps are very common and easy to use if intoxicated.” Latha Pillai, a sophomore com-
1,470 abortions in one year between two locations. Obviously people need to learn to buy condoms. Its not my place to tell someone they can or cannot have an abortion. But if you don’t want to have a child use protection.
Michelle>>
ing, who may not know about the sober ride services available in new areas. FreeRideHome can be purchased for 99 cents on the iTunes store, and the Lawlor brothers hope to extend the application to Android in the near future.
nation House bill could change Clean Air Act
Anonymous>> One thing that the article hints at but doesn’t say explicitly is that building regulations like the ones we have here are usually only for NEW buildings--these are being imposed on buildings that have already been built. And they’re not even permanent regulations which means that they would have to rebuild again a year or two later when they change their minds again. This isn’t about safety, it’s about politics. And in the process, they’ll put women’s lives at risk by forcing them to delay their abortions or seek unsafe options. Last time I checked, abortion was legal in this country.
anon>>
WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Friday on a bill that has mushroomed recently into a plan to block the Obama administration’s two main rules to clean up air pollution from power plants and change the way the Clean Air Act has worked for 40 years. House Republicans who crafted
CORRECTIONS
Unfortunately, protection doesn’t always work. Condoms DO fail. Accidents DO happen. And for a young family unprepared to take on the responsibility of a child - nevermind the “should haves” or “should have NOTs” - this can be a devestating turn of events.
Student>> I believe plan parenthood should be able to sell the plan B pill for like $5 so that people can use that when the condom breaks rather than having an abortion. Its cheaper and less controversial. WIN - WIN
c-
the bill say environmental regulations two air pollution rules for power harm economic competitiveness. plants that are nearly ready to go into In recent days, they’ve added effect after years of delays. amendments that would stop new airIt also would require the pollution regulations that operators of Environmental Protection Agency coal-fired electric plants have objected to base acceptable levels of polluto for years. tion on economic, as well as health, Environmental and health groups considerations. call it an extreme attack on the air - Renee Schoof and Halimah Abdullah, pollution law. mcclatchy newspapers The amendments would eliminate
In “Va. passes new abortion law,” (CT – Sept. 21) the second quote in the graphic was stated by Tanya Semones. Also, Planned Parenthood has a clinic in Charlottesville that provides surgical procedures, not Blacksburg. The Collegiate Times regrets these errors.
JUSTIN GRAVES -public editor -senior -sociology major
1 3 2 1 6 5 4 0 6 5 6 4 6 5 5 1 4
V I O L A T I O N - A F F I D A V I T
date reported
time
offense
location
status
7/25/2011
12:00 p.m.
Follow up to larceny, theft from a building
Burruss Hall
Inactive
8/20/2011
10:41 a.m.
Follow up to harassment
Hillcrest Hall
Inactive
9/9/2011
9:00 a.m.
Follow up to larceny of a bicycle
Torgersen Hall
Inactive: Bike Recovered
9/11/2011
10:00 p.m.
Follow up to vandalism of a vehicle
Slusher Lot
Inactive
9/18/2011
6:00 p.m.
Follow up to larceny of a golf cart
Golf Course
Unfounded
9/20/2011
8:50 a.m.
Larceny of a bicycle
Outside Newman Hall
Inactive
9/20/2011
3:15 p.m.
Possession of a fake I.D.
Sterrett Facilities/ Police Department
Cleared by Arrest
13216540656465514
You’re aware that the majority of abortions are performed on women who were using some kind of birth control when they conceived, of course.
crime blotter
munication major, shared a similar thought. “I believe it will make people feel less pressured to walk home or go in a car because they have this safety net,” she said. Those who commented on the app via the iTunes store mentioned it is particularly helpful to people travel-
opınıons 3
editors: scott masselli, sean simons opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
september 22, 2011
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
MCT CAMPUS
Laughter the best medicine Financial aid rules can still recall a scene from about two years ago. My Ifriends and I were getting dinner in Shultz (it was a special holiday dinner, so it was justified), and we were unsure of what to do. Many of us were vegetarian, but the only vegetarian option were the chocolate coins scattered across the tables. In scavenging for chocolate coins, my friend got a bit overzealous, and spilled his glass of milk all over the table and himself. My friends and I all started laughing, only to watch another one of my friends fall backward in his chair and onto the floor. Many people around us joined in our delight, our table laughter progressing to a dining hall roar. I left Schultz with an empty stomach, a complete ab workout and a smile on my face. Although there are many different types of laughter, be it the scared, coping laughter — “You want me to write how many pages for this paper?” — or the evil cackle characteristic of villainous activity, social laughing is type that stands out. What is it about social laughing, specifically, that makes us feel so good? Some people claim it’s the peace of mind that comes with reveling in a situation with laughter — your brain notices something as being humorous, and you laugh as recognition of that. Oxford Evolutionary Psychologist Robin Dunbar, however, has a different view. He says it is the physical act of laughing (the “ha ha ha”) that is responsible for the positive feeling. Dunbar’s research seems to point to something interesting — the muscular movements involved in laughing result in an increase in endorphins. These endorphins, in turn, are what produce the good feelings in the body. Endorphins are also used in pain resistance and tolerance — this is the focus of one of Dunbar’s studies. In the study, he had individuals watch comedy videos, videos meant to promote good feelings but not laughter, and neutral videos.
After watching these videos, he did pain tests on individuals (using blood pressure cuffs or a freezing wine sleeve) and discovered that laughing led to increased pain resistance. This pain resistance is an indicator of the increased endorphins. Dunbar also compares laughter with grooming. Grooming is an activity that promotes bonds and closeness between the individuals involved. Laughter, Dunbar claims, is then “grooming at a distance,” and its benefits are what allowed evolution to select for it. But if laughter has such good purpose, and is not simply a result of complex cognitive functioning, why do we not see other organisms do this? In fact, we do. Apes, for example, have been demonstrated to have a mechanism similar to laughing — their characteristic panting when they are playing with each other.
“
The muscular movements involved in laughing result in an increase in edorphins. These endorphins, in turn, are what produce the good feelings in the body. JOSH TREBACH REGULAR COLUMNIST
Man’s best friend has also been observed to have a laugh in a similar panting manner. Rats have a special chirp they do when they are playing or even being tickled, and seem to seek out other rats that chirp too. Such views on laughter are not completely novel. In “The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals,” published in 1872, Charles Darwin looks at laughter in organisms such as chimpanzees. The benefits of laughter have also been recognized in the contemporary world. The American Heart Association showed that laughing can lower one’s blood pressure and a study at Indiana State University School of Nursing showed that laughter
can improve natural kill cell activity. In a different study performed at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, adults with a sense of humor were shown to live longer and have an increased survival rate about being diagnosed with a serious disease. Dr. Ronald Berk at Johns Hopkins University says that laughter actually helps students learn more. These are just a few studies among a cornucopia of research done on laughter. There actually exists an entire discipline that focuses on the benefits of laughing. It is known as “laughter yoga” and is based on the scientific notion that the body cannot differentiate between real laughter and forced “fake” laughter. Sessions start off with stretching and loosening of the muscles, followed by simulated laughter, which leads into actual and unconditional laughter (the psychology behind group behavior can shed light on this). Various laughter exercises are combined with breathing exercises through a single session. Because of the benefits of laughter, Laughter Yoga has been used in a variety of settings, ranging from prisons to cancer wards. Maybe it will make its way to college campuses soon. The benefits of laughter seem to be numerous. Perhaps in light of all the catastrophes in the world (no, not the “earthquake” that hit Virginia a few weeks ago), it would do us all some good to belt out a few chuckles. For those of you who did not laugh at my story I told earlier, maybe you should go back and force yourself to laugh at it. Don’t worry — your body can’t tell the difference.
JOSH TREBACH -regular columnist -senior -biological sciences major
require attention
was recently determined to have failed Reasonable Academic IProgress here at Virginia Tech, had my aid revoked and was required to go through an appeals process to get it back. Now, let me explain the circumstances. This was before the policy change was based on a requirement that was still a part of RAP before the change — namely, the 75 percent requirement. Last academic year, I was enrolled for only one semester, and when I began that spring, I was signed up for 15 credit hours. I dropped one class during drop/add and later withdrew from a class at the end of the semester, when it became apparent that my grade was not what I desired. So, by RAP standards, I had only completed 60 percent of the classes from my original docket for that academic year. I was not aware of the 75 percent requirement, which I do not abdicate responsibility for. As a student of this school who received aid for every semester after my freshman year, I should have been more familiar with RAP. I received the information about my aid award for 2012 over the summer, which was more than enough to cover my tuition, so I went on with my life. About two weeks before the start of classes, I received an email telling me that my aid had been revoked. At the time, I had no idea why this was happening and didn’t know why my aid would be taken away for my last semester at Tech. Keep in mind, I currently have a 3.49 grade point average and am graduating in no more than eight semesters, with an economics major and a math minor. I called staff at University Scholarships and Financial Aid, who informed me of the circumstances behind this surprise, and told me I had received an email in June telling me I needed to appeal within 30 days to have my aid fully reinstated. I was not aware of any such email. After I heard this, I searched my inbox and deleted items (which I had not emptied in some time) and was not able to locate it. Certainly, there was a possibility of some error on my part, but I know I never received a follow-up email within the 30-day period or any sort of paper correspondence about the issue. Since I did not appeal within the
30-day time frame, I was told there was a possibility that all of my aid would not be returned to me. I appealed as quickly as I could. Two weeks later, I received confirmation of my appeals approval, and about two weeks after that, my aid was reinstated. However, it was not reinstated to the point it had been before the appeal. I currently owe the university more than $1,000. I have no extra money to pay this bill that I was not expecting to have to deal with. I support myself completely, with some assistance from my mother when necessary. If I cannot get more aid, I will probably have to take out another private loan. Why am I in this situation? Because I failed to meet a requirement. That I will concede. But at the same time, I do feel that I was treated as a number in this process. No one ever contacted me directly — I received no contact beyond the first email that was sent, until I received the one telling me that my aid had been revoked. Especially considering my academic standing, and even if that weren’t the case, I don’t feel I should have been treated this way. As someone who depends on financial aid to go to this wonderful school, I deserve to have more warning before losing it. Someone could have called me, a letter could have been sent, or even another email would have been something. But instead, I was put through an automated process that did not consider me as an individual. I understand this is a big school, but when it comes to something as important as financial aid, there should be more personal involvement. I write this to warn you: Take these requirements seriously. Know them. Understand them. If you depend on aid for your education, you do not want to find yourself in the same position I am in. Instead of only having graduation in December to be excited about, I now also have to worry about how I’m going to make up the difference in the aid that was returned to me — not exactly how I wanted to spend my last semester at Tech.
THANDIWE OGBONNA -guest columnist -senior -economics major
Students should be wary of interactions with police “D
on’t Talk to Police.” This is the title of a 48-minute YouTube video that every student must watch. The first half of the video is a speech given by Professor James Duane of the Regent University School of Law, in which he instructs students to never talk to law enforcement. In the latter half of the video, a police detective reiterates Duane’s advice. According to the law professor and the detective, speaking to police, even when innocent, is never beneficial to individuals. This is especially true of police-initiated encounters, such as traffic stops and investigations — essentially, any situation where you did not call 911 to ask for help. Three possible outcomes can arise from such encounters: positive, neutral and negative. When a police officer initiates an interview or conversation, it is impossible to have a positive outcome. In other words, at the end of the conversation, you will not be in a better position than had the conversation never happened in the first place. This is why both men advise against speaking to police. It is possible to have a neutral ending to a police-initiated encounter. This means that talking to police brings neither benefit nor harm to an individual — although, some would classify these as negative because of the inconvenience, wasted time or stress caused
by the situation. Examples of neutral outcomes are being pulled over and let off with a warning, no charges arising from an inquiry or investigation, and the exchanging of hellos and small talk on a public sidewalk. Numerous times in this country, when police initiate conversations and interviews, it leads to negative outcomes for the individual. Arrests, prosecutions and convictions of criminals fall under this category. Those who inflict violence on fellow citizens or another’s property may deserve such an outcome. However, the problem is that police bring injustice upon many undeserving individuals. Justice is not served when police arrest, jail, harass or intimidate innocent persons. This is especially true when an innocent person is prosecuted and convicted of a crime that they did not commit.Duane listed a number of ways in which innocent, well-meaning people can incriminate themselves when talking to police. But injustice also arises from situations where police engage in illegal actions, enforce immoral or illegal laws, or use violence and force against non-violent individuals. Being that police are increasingly disregarding their oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, one does not have to look far to find cases of both illegal laws and illegal police action. The
War on Drugs exemplifies a set of illegal laws. Federal laws against drugs are illegal because they are unconstitutional — they are unconstitutional because the founding document does not grant the federal government the authority to outlaw drugs. Americans used to understand this fact, and Washington acknowledged it in 1919 when it sought a constitutional amendment to prohibit the manufacture and sale of liquor. Unfortunately, because police “are just following orders” or “are just doing their jobs,” they have no problem enforcing these illegal laws. An example of this happened in July when area police descended upon the Meadowview Apartments in Pulaski, Va. According to the Roanoke Times and WDBJ7, police from Pulaski, Dublin, Radford, Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, sheriffs from Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe counties, Virginia State Police and federal agents prowled around the apartments at 2 a.m. with drug-sniffing dogs. When dogs alerted on an apartment, a search warrant was obtained so that cops could proceed to look for evidence. Even if drug prohibition was legal and moral, this late-night escapade by area police shows little regard for the United States and Virginia constitutions. Pulaski Police Chief Gary Roche said the operation was a result of “complaints
about possible drug issues in the apartment complex.” Police are not allowed to enter an apartment without a warrant — the Fourth Amendment states that warrants shall issue only when two criteria are met: It is supported by oath or affirmation, and it “particularly describes the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Similarly, Section 10 in Virginia’s Bill of Rights states that when an officer uses a general warrant to search suspected places “without evidence of a fact committed, or seize any person or persons not named, or whose offense is not particularly described and supported by evidence,” that such actions are “grievous and oppressive,” and ought not be granted by a judge. “Possible drug use” and the alerting of a dog fall short of these constitutional requirements. Roche said items were recovered from the search and “will first be analyzed to determine what they are and therefore, what charges should be placed.” As of the Aug. 25 WDBJ7 report, no charges were filed. So here we don’t have warrants being issued upon evidence already gathered, but warrants being issued upon a hunch and a bark, which the police then used to search for evidence. The Meadowview operation demonstrates that area police are willing to
carry out illegal actions in support of illegal federal laws. How anybody who takes seriously an oath to uphold the Constitution could participate in such shenanigans baffles my mind. This does not even consider the morality of the daily use of SWAT teams in this country to raid non-violent suspected drug users in the middle of the night. Because anyone could encounter a team of police officers crawling around an apartment complex in the middle of the night, it is imperative that every student watch Duane’s speech. Even if you think you are doing nothing wrong or illegal, the truth is that the situation is ripe for a negative outcome. Understanding the rights enshrined in the Constitution is also important. The ACLU’s, “BUSTED: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters,” which is available on YouTube, is a good place to start. Taking a few hours out of the day to watch these two videos will show why it is almost never in your best interest to talk to the police.
CHRIS DUNN -regular columnist -grad student -political science
Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Zach Crizer Managing Editor: Lindsey Brookbank Design Editors: Danielle Buynak, Victoria Zigadlo Public Editor: Justin Graves Web Editor: Sarah Watson News Editors: Claire Sanderson, Michelle Sutherland News Reporters: Josh Higgins News Staff Writers: Erin Chapman, Meighan Dober, Abby Harris, Elizabeth Haydu, Cody Owens, Mallory NoePayne Features Editors: Chelsea Gunter, Patrick Murphy Features Reporters: Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Courtney Baker, Torie Deible, Dane Harrington, Kevin McAleese, Andrew Reily Opinions Editors: Scott Masselli, Sean Simons Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Sports Reporters: Michael Bealy, Nick Cafferky, Courtney Lofgren, Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Eric Avassi, Zander Baylis, Alyssa Bedrosian, Cody Elliott, Taylor Hay, Alex Koma, Ashleigh Lanza, Brian Marcolini, Cody Owens Photo Editor: Daniel Lin Special Sections Editor: Liana Bayne, Nick Cafferky Public Information Director: Dishu Maheshwari Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Chief: Spenser Snarr Copy Editors: Debra Houchins, Nora McGann Layout Designers: Nadia Groome, Kaitlyn Kicia, Bethany Melson, Matthew Ryburn Online Director: Jamie Chung Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Philipp Kotlaba Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Paul Kurlak Lab Manager: Austen Meredith College Media Solutions Ad Director: Brandon Collins Asst Ad Director: Matt Freedman Account Executives: Johnson Bray, Kevin Jadali, Alyssa Brown, Brian Dickson, Janssen Claudio Inside Sales Manager: Mario Gazzola Assistant Inside Sales Manager: Adam Shata Office Manager: Kayley Greenday Assistant Account Executives: Alex Perry, Kacie Nolan, Jordan Peugh Creative Director: Casey Stoneman Asst Production Manager: Colleen Hill Creative Services Staff: Danielle Bushrow, Michael Craighead, Alyssa Morrison, Molly Vinson Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com Student Media Phone Numbers Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $110 fall/spring. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2011. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
page 4
september 22, 2011
a pink affair
TREVOR WHITE / SPPS
On Sept. 18, Tech held its own pink-themed dance in Lane Stadium. The dance was filmed, to be made into a video for Pink Glove Dance, an initiative meant to raise breast cancer awareness through the National Breast Cancer Association. Breast cancer survivors ran through the tunnel, holding balloons. Members of the High Techs, including Tara Petrucci (right), lead the dancing group.
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HOOPTIE RIDE The Hoopite Ride is currrently hiring drivers with good driving records. Dispathing postions available as well. Earn $ while having fun! Call Mike @ 540-908-0460 hooptieride@verizon.net
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By Patti Varol
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september 22, 2011
editors: chelsea gunter, patrick murphy featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
weekend
COLLEGIATETIMES
5
Residents, sorority ‘Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ in Roanoke TORIE DEIBLE features staff writer In 2010, the Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures report stated that 5.3 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. In Virginia alone, there are close to 130,000 people with Alzheimer’s. And the Sigma Kappa sorority at Virginia Tech has taken an interest in these numbers. With November marking Alzheimer’s Awareness month, the sorority women are actively spreading the word about the disease. On Sept. 10, about 150 women participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Roanoke. The walk was one of many — it is the Alzheimer’s Association’s signature, nationwide event to draw awareness and raise money for the disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death, according to the association. The Roanoke walk raised $88,000, although its goal was $115,000, Sue Friedman, the president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association of central and western Virginia, said. However, fundraising continues until Nov. 11, so its goal could still be met. The central and western Virginia chapter are preparing for more walks in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Danville, Culpeper and Staunton. “Generally, for the member walk, the money will go to all three of our core programs: research, programs and services, and raising concern and awareness,” Friedman said. “We are really trying to spread the word on what Alzheimer’s is, what it isn’t, and particularly what the 10 warning signs are.” Friedman said she is also looking forward to launching a new educational and service program called “Living with Alzheimer’s.” There will also be a fall jewelry show, wine festival and motorcycle “Ride to Remember,” around central and western Virginia. “People need to know that every 69 seconds, someone is going to get the disease,” said Mary Pat Hanson, the walk director for the central and Western Virginia chapter. “Right now, if you look to your left, and you look to your right, one of those three people are going to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and people need to be able to know what the early signs are.” Hanson called the statistics “startling,” as the amount of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in their 40s and 50s continues to increase. More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the association. Hanson has not only volunteered and worked for the association, but has been a top five donator for the past five years. As of today, Hanson has raised $3,200, leaving her a little over a month to reach her personal goal of $4,000. The Sigma Kappa women have also been actively participating in helping raise money for Alzheimer’s research through their third annual philanthropy, “Ultra Violet Nights.” On Friday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. in the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom, Sigma Kappa will be hosting a casino night for $5, which features traditional games, such as poker and blackjack. There will be plenty of food and music, including a performance by Juxtaposition. The money raised at the event will be donated to Alzheimer’s research. Last year, the women raised $8,000 toward research. This year, Hayden Renz, the sorority’s philanthropy chair, wants to raise $10,000 at the event. The event is open to the public and Renz is looking forward to seeing how well the marketing and advertising for the event pays off. “This is the third year in the row we’ve done (the event), and it’s such a great time,” Renz said. “I’m thrilled to see what kind of turn out we have. Those interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s and donations can visit Alz.org. “Nobody should have to leave this world to where they don’t even know that they have a legacy here, and that’s what’s important,” Hanson said.
CHELSEA GUNTER / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Sigma Kappa sorority members participate in a walk for Alzheimer’s, which was through the Alzheimer’s Association central, western Virginia chapter, Sept 10. in Roanoke.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest fundraiser and event to raise money for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association will host 20 walks in Virginia. Check out six of the walks below. Richmond
Danville
Lynchburg
Where: Innsbrook - 4600 Cox Road (Markel Plaza) Glen Allen, Va. 23060 When: Saturday, Oct. 1 Check in begins at 9 a.m., walk starts at 10 a.m. Charlottesville
Where: Ballou Park When: Saturday, Oct. 15 Time unlisted
Where: Miller Park When: Saturday, Oct. 1 Time unlisted
Newport News
Staunton
Where: Albemarle County Office Building When: Saturday, Sept. 17 Time unlisted
Where: Port Warwick When: Saturday, Oct. 22, walk starts at 10 a.m.
Where: Frontier Culture Museum When: Saturday, Oct. 29 Time unlisted
Entry fee is free, but donations are optional. All walks are rain or shine. Visit Alz.org/walk for more information.
Blacksburg Brew Do returns with beer, music, fundraiser ANDREW REILLY features staff writer It may come as a shock to some students but there exists a wide, wonderful universe of beer outside of college stalwarts such as Natural Light and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Breweries all across the nation and New River Valley produce unique concoctions with ingredients that are sometimes delicious, occasionally bizarre and always a change of pace from supermarket brands. The third annual Blacksburg Brew Do is the perfect introduction for 21-year-olds ready to take the plunge into the world of craft beers. The Do is a day-long celebration of all things Blacksburg, featuring food from local restaurants, live entertainment, home brewing demonstrations and, of
course, enough kinds of beer to make a persons head spin — both literally and figuratively. This year’s Do, presented by Blacksburg Partnership, the nonprofit economic development group, will be held Saturday at the First and Main Shopping Center on South Main Street. Event organizer Diane Akers and her crew of mostly volunteers have been hard at work preparing the site for the festival, which she views as an opportunity to excite both residents and visitors about what’s going on around town. “We want to provide a quality festival to area residents. This is something that’s one of a kind,” Akers said. “We also wanted to bring people in from other areas from out of town so we can showcase what Blacksburg
has to offer, not only at the festival, but also throughout town.” Dave Hrdlicka, the Brew Do brewery supervisor, echoes these sentiments, saying the festival provides exposure for local breweries. “It’s pretty much showing off, touting their brews,” Hrdlicka said. “For the people who have maybe not wanted to go into Bull and Bones, have not made it to River Company, this will (show) anybody that comes that this what some of our local brewers are doing.” In addition to boosting awareness for local businesses, Hrdlicka thinks the event will help people expand their taste horizons beyond the mainstream brands. “I think, in a way, what we’re trying to do — at least for the brewers or the brewing community — is give folks
that don’t normally try a craft beer the chance to try one on a small level,” Hrdlicka said. Maybe they didn’t want to buy a sixpack or 22 oz. bottle — in this case, all they have to do is try a 4 oz. sample and say, ‘Oh, this is great, maybe I’ll have an 8 oz. sample.’ It’s really showing where craft beer is nowadays if people were afraid to try it.” When festival attendees want a break from sampling the 28 participating brewery’s offerings, there’s no shortage of activities to take part in. Akers rattled off a list of side events, including a beer-cooking station, a home brew competition, a tailgate for the Marshall game with activities like corn hole, a car show with 150 classic models and three bands constantly performing throughout the day. In addition, there will be a phi-
lanthropy called Howls and Meows to benefit the Montgomery County Humane Society. “It’s something we’ve partnered with the NRV Homeowners Association, and we have nine custom-built fancy dog and cat houses,” Akers said. “They’ll be on display at Brew Do, and we will sell raffle tickets.” The multitude of activities was one of graduate student Amy Hopkins’ favorite aspects of last year’s Brew Do. She made plans to attend this year’s festival with her roommates as soon as it was announced. “I had so much fun last year. It was a really good day activity,” Hopkins said. “The music was good, there weren’t too many lines, it was just all in all a fun day last year, so I wouldn’t
miss it this year.” Tickets for Brew Do are on sale at either Kroger in Blacksburg or at the gate. Tickets can also be bought in multiple packages, covering admission and a specific number of tastings. There are also group rates available and discounts for designated drivers. Children under 13 receive free admission. Akers encourages anyone who is curious about Brew Do to come experience the enjoyable, family friendly scene for themselves. “It’s really just a fun atmosphere. You can sample beer, you can go to the stage and listen to music — you can dance if you want to. It’s just really fun to bring your friends and be there,” Akers said. “It’s six hours of festivities.”
6 sports
editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865 COLLEGIATETIMES
september 22, 2011
Pitt and Syracuse: bring ACC to 14 teams from page one
However, ACC commissioner John Swofford, along with many athletic directors and coaches throughout the league, continued to stress to the media that they were completely happy with their membership. Many speculated how the commissioner would be able to keep a respectable league during all of this conference realignment. Swofford remained quiet and worked on a plan behind the scenes. The act of adding Pittsburgh and Syracuse happened extremely quickly. The two teams applied for membership sometime Friday or early Saturday, and by early Saturday morning, the presidents had already voted to accept the two teams to the league. This move shocked the college world. While many expected the ACC to get ripped up by college conference expansion, they had made a move that solidified them as a stable league that will be around for a long time. Evidently, other teams took notice, as up to 10 teams reportedly approached the ACC about possible membership. The league has said it is possible that it will continue to expand. With 14 teams, Swofford has said that while adding two more teams is possible, the conference remains comfortable with the current number. A wide number of schools have been rumored for the final two spots in the ACC. Those included are Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, West Virginia, Rutgers, Louisville and several other Big East schools. Connecticut has been rumored to be pursuing the league aggressively in hopes of joining. However, the league will not want to add only UConn, and as of now, there is no apparent 16th member to accompany Connecticut in their membership. Notre Dame is one of the top rumors floating around as a possible 16th member. However, the Fighting Irish have built a strong history off of their football independence, and it seems very unlikely that they would want to relinquish that role now. However, if the college landscape begins to change as quickly as some think, the team
Last Five Games Against Syracuse
1993: W, 62-0
2000: W, 22-14
2002: L, 42-50 3OT
2003: W, 51-7
2001: L, 14-22
All time Series: 8-9 Syracuse Last Five Games Against Pittsburgh FILE 1999 / SPPS
Virginia Tech lines up on defense against Syracuse during the 1999 football season, a game the Hokies won 62-0. The former Big East rivalry will be renewed as the Orangemen will now be joining the ACC. could be forced to take action. Rutgers also seems like a good fit for the ACC, but their lack of football success is nothing that will excite fans of the conference. However, the school has come out and said it is continuing to explore options, which would make some fans think it is possible that the Scarlet Knights will be playing in the ACC someday. One key point of the conference realignment is the idea that it hasn’t strengthened the ACC’s national competitiveness in football in any way. Football has been the center of most of the conference realignment, and unfortunately, Pittsburgh and Syracuse (also Connecticut and Rutgers) do not add much football success to the field. Many fans have been very vocal about their disappointment with adding
average football teams to a conference that has lacked much success in BCS bowl games. Basketball, however, is sitting in great shape for the future. The ACC was already regarded as one of the top leagues in the country for basketball, and by adding two Big East powerhouses in Pittsburgh and Syracuse, it only makes the league that much stronger. With teams such as Duke and UNC already carrying a heavy tradition in the league, Pittsburgh and Syracuse will make conference play that much more compelling for fans of college basketball. However, Big East commissioner John Marinatto is not allowing the teams to begin with their new home quite yet. For schools to leave the Big
East, they must pay $5 million and give the league 27 months notice of their departure. While the teams hoped to negotiate that time down, it is now believed that Marinatto will not allow any less than 27 months, which would push the teams jump until 2014. While many conferences are in a stage of trying to find new teams and hoping to not lose members, the ACC added stability and assurance for it’s now 14 members. Pittsburgh and Syracuse also bring traditions of excellence and success in basketball to the table. The added teams open doors for recruiting and other outlets. The ACC has made the first move. Now it’s time to see how the rest of college athletics responds.
1999:
2000: W, 37-34
W,30-17
2001: L, 7-38
2002: L, 21-28 2003: L, 28-31
All-time Series: 7-4 Virginia Tech BETHANY MELSON / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Men’s soccer plays second No. 1 team in two weeks COURTNEY LOFGREN sports staff writer When the men’s soccer team takes the pitch Saturday against Maryland, it will be understandable if the players experience a bit of de ja vu. Exactly two weeks ago Saturday night, the Hokies defeated then ranked No. 1 University of North Carolina 1-0 in double overtime. On Saturday, the team will look to do the same thing to Maryland, who is now ranked No. 1 in the nation. If the team can pull off the upset, it will be the first time the feat has ever happened in program history. Michael Brizendine, head coach, knows the Maryland game will certainly be challenging to the team, which has suffered consecutive losses to No. 11 Boston College and No. 22 Eastern Tennessee University. “We have to be tenacious defenders and capitalize on our opportunities,” Brizendine said. “I know how difficult Maryland will be. We’re not going to back down, we’re going to fight hard. Until that final whistle blows we’re still in it because our guys will grind it out and score goals. We can do the things that it takes to win. We just need to do it a little more consistently.” Brizendine said the best his team has played was during the loss to Boston College. At halftime, the Hokies were down 3-1, but they came back and scored two goals to push the game into overtime. Although Boston College
eventually scored the winning goal in the overtime period, Brizendine was still impressed with how the team fought through. “Even though we lost that game in OT, that second half was one of the best I’ve seen and been a part of in the last 10 years,” Brizendine said. “We were down two goals and came back. It’s unfortunate once again with the game of soccer.” Although the team has hit a bit of a rough spot since defeating UNC, the players still expect to go out and win each game. Following the UNC victory, goalkeeper Kyle Renfro was named ACC and Soccer America player of the week, separately. After being limited to only seven games last season because of shoulder injuries, Renfro is thriving this season. He calls the UNC game the best in his career, but is quick to point out that the victory was an all-around team win. “After the goal was scored, we just all went out and celebrated on the field,” Renfro said. “Just seeing how everybody was excited and happy we were — it was great to see how all our hard work paid off.” David Clemens, a sophomore midfielder, scored the first goal in the game against the Boston College. He is one of the leading scorers on the team, with two on the season. As a freshman last season, Clemens was a part of the team that won just five games. He has noticed a difference in
STEVEN SILTON / SPPS
Ben Strong cuts past a Longwood defender during the Hokies 1-0 victory last Tuesday night. Tech takes on No. 1 Maryland on Saturday night. the attitude of the players and how they can fight through adversity if they are down in a game. “We know going into games that we can compete and win games,” Clemens said. “We know we can beat any team this year. Down 3-1 at the half, probably last year a lot of our heads would have went down, but we proved we could do it and verified where we stand
right now.” Unfortunately, Clemens suffered an injury to his left foot in Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Eastern Tennessee. Clemens said when he went to kick the ball in the second half, it felt like he was kicking a “bowling ball.” He was playing on it even though he had previous ligament damage in the foot. X-rays were taken, and it is undetermined whether he has a fractured foot or not. Clemens is set to see a specialist this week. He said the thinks he’ll only be out around “two weeks,” although Brizendine said it could be longer. The loss of Clemens could be a crucial blow for the Hokies. He has started all seven games for the team thus far.
“David’s been struggling with that foot for a while, and it’s unfortunate again, the college soccer season does not lend itself to injuries well,” Brizendine said. “I know David wants to play, he’s competitive but he’s going to work through it to get back on the field. Hopefully it will be a quick recovery.” In place of Clemens, Brizendine will rely on many of the younger players, including freshman Ben Strong, who’s work ethic and respect toward his teammates has impressed Brizendine and the upperclassmen. After Saturday’s game against Maryland, Tech’s next three games will be on the road, and the Hokies will not have another home game until Oct. 11. Brizendine said the team was “spoiled”
with having so many home games at the beginning of the season, and the upcoming road test will show the character of his team. “There’s no easy game, there’s no one that we think we should beat,” Brizendine said. “We’ve got to prepare ourselves to play every game.” Brizendine still has confidence in his team and its ability to win games. “I’m happy with my group,” Brizendine said. “I like this team, and I think there’s a lot of exciting things coming.” The match against Maryland is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Thompson Field.
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