Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Wednesday, January 18, 2011

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

www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 2

News, page 2

Food & Drink, page 4

Opinions, page 5

Wikipedia to shut down in protest THE CONTROVERSIAL STOP ONLINE PIRACY ACT THREATENS GOOGLE, YOUTUBE AND OTHERS LINDSEY BROOKBANK managing editor Potential legislation that would alter Internet media sharing is creating quite a storm in the online world, as Wikipedia is leading a 24-hour website blackout today. The pieces of legislation in question are the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, in the House of Representatives, as well as PROTECTIP, or PIPA, in the Senate. SOPA would take aim at sites that host pirated content. It would restrict United States access to the sites and also require service sites such as Google to stop linking to the sites. SOPA has garnered backlash because it could potentially punish sites such as YouTube for content their users post. Many tech companies such as Google — which owns YouTube — are wary of the bills even though they are intended to target foreign sites that share illegally uploaded content, such as The Pirate Bay. The Silicon Valley tech firms led by Wikipedia are opposed to the bills because they feel they would be forced to censor their users. Major entertainment production companies are largely in favor of the bills, which would limit the online proliferation of pirated copies of their shows. “If passed, this legislation will harm the free and open Internet and bring out new tools for censorship of international websites inside the United States,” according to a press release issued by the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organization that operates Wikipedia. On Monday, the Wikimedia Foundation announced that the popular free online encyclopedia’s English version would shut down to show its objection to SOPA and PIPA. A message that reads, “In less than 10 hours, the English Wikipedia will be blacked out globally to protest SOPA and PIPA,” appeared on the website yesterday, warning its users. Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, also discussed the company’s actions in the press release, explaining his intentions. “This is an extraordinary action of our community to take, and while we regret having to prevent the world from having access to Wikipedia for even a second, we simply cannot ignore the fact that SOPA and PIPA endanger free speech both in the United States and abroad, and set a frightening precedent of Internet censorship for the world,” Wales said in the press release. Despite the company’s efforts, some users were unaware of the blackout yesterday, including Peregrine Chock, a senior human development and psychology major, who said he uses Wikipedia like a “fiend” — he even has a stylized Wikipedia application on his iPad. Although Chock said he would unfortunately have to use Google for information sourcing today, he is all for the blackout. “I am proud of Wikipedia for taking a stand because I think if it shuts down, people are going to realize, across the country, just how much they rely on it as an information website,” he said. Adam Wilson, a 2009 Virginia Tech alumnus who is now a CRU, or Campus Crusade for Christ, campus ambassador, also did not know

ontwitter Th only people The angry are the teenagers who need Wikipedia to do their homework for them. @BLACKIE_MIKE

“

I ddon’t think this stunt won’t make much of an impact. Talking to members of legislature would and asking others to do so would be a better impact @BTERANGEL

“

my thoughts? College students don’t know the word DICTIONARY. @EWECHTAL

about the blackout. While Wikipedia isn’t as important to Wilson as it is to Chock, he still uses the site a few times a week and approves of the blackout. “I am definitely not for any kind of government body censoring information,” he said. “It seems like it would be infringing on freedom of speech and information.” Reddit, a website with user-generated news links, and Boing Boing, which features online headlines and links to blog posts, videos and articles, are also partaking in the blackout. And websites aren’t the only outlets disapproving of the legislation. Two petitions titled “VETO the SOPA bill and other future bills that threaten to diminish the free flow of information” and “Stop the E-PARASITE Act” were posted on the petition response page on WhiteHouse.gov. In reply, an official White House response titled “Combating Online Piracy while Protecting an Open and Innovative Internet” explained what the Administration will and will not support. “While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet,” the response said.

Tech’s tuition value ranks in top 30 among other colleges JOSH HIGGINS news reporter Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, a magazine that helps readers manage their finances, ranked Virginia Tech No. 32 for in-state tuition value and No. 38 for out-of-state, compared to other colleges across the country. Bret Brooks, a junior math education and philosophy major, said his education at Tech was a great value. “I don’t pay a lot compared to other students at other schools, especially since I’m in-state, and I definitely get the education I want,” Brooks said. “If I went to a private college like the University of Richmond, I can’t say that I would necessarily get a better education than I would get here.”

Since the rankings began in 2006, Tech has made the list every year, according to a university statement. Kiplinger’s determines its rankings based on academic strength and cost criteria, including graduation rate, student return rate, tuition and fees, financial aid availability and average debt at graduation, according to an article on Kiplinger’s website. When the magazine begins the ranking process, it uses data from more than 500 public four-year schools, according to the article. It then narrows the list to about 120 schools after considering the academic quality of the universities. Then, it ranks the schools based on cost and financial aid, while placing a higher emphasis on academic quality.

Sports, page 10

Study Break, page 8

Sudoku, page 8

ON A WING

A PRAYER A now cancer-free Tech student & his sister are moving forward, raising funds for research BY EMMA GODDARD | features staff writer

pon entering the doctor’s office, one of the last things a person wants to hear is that they have been diagnosed with cancer. Evan Arbogast, a senior industrial and systems engineering major, received this unfortunate news last August. Like many cancer patients, he was forced to face a strange disease he didn’t know much about in a matter of days. Evan had just been backpacking in China and working as an intern before realizing anything was wrong. It wasn’t until he arrived in the United States that his lengthy journey with cancer began. “I got back, and I got off the airplane, and my girlfriend was waiting for me at the airport,” Evan said. “She noticed that the left side of my neck was really large and swollen. I figured I had pulled a muscle or picked up a virus.” Knowing something was wrong, but unaware of the severity of his condition, he made an appointment with his doctor in search of an answer. After being examined for what seemed like a short period of time, he was surprised when his doctor moved quickly to begin tests. “(The doctor) told me that they needed to get me a chest X-ray right away — and this was around 7 or 8 o’clock at night,” Evan said. “The X-ray department was actually closed, and he called over and basically followed me to the hospital (even though it wasn’t open at the time).” Evan quickly understood that the small bump on his neck was no virus. “I started realizing this must be serious for them to be opening up the hospital to get me this X-ray,” he said. After a week of undergoing numerous tests, Evan learned that he had Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the blood and lymphatic system. “Your lymph nodes are where your white blood cells go to die or dispose of bacteria. They learn how to fight. The type (of cancer) I have is basically a glitch of the lymph node,” he said. “It pro

COURTESY OF EVAN ARBOGAST Evan Arbogast, who is now cancer-free, and his sister Jessica have teamed up to raise funds for his half-marathon team. They will be running for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

fundraiser info What: “Eat Wings” fundraiser When: Today, Jan. 18 Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, located on Prices Fork Road

see CANCER / page four

Themed housing moves to Lee Hall SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH (STEM) HOUSING MOVES TO LEE AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING COMMUNITY MICHELLE SUTHERLAND & PRISCILLA ALVAREZ news staff Beginning in the fall, all science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, living and learning communities will be housed under one roof in Lee Hall to promote interdisciplinary research and activities. The umbrella community, inVenT, will include Hypatia, the women’s engineering community, Galileo, the men’s engineering community, DaVinci: The Biological and Life Sciences Community, and the newly established Curie program for students in physical and quantitive sciences. “We know that scientists and engineers work together,” said Susan ArnoldChristian, the assistant director for the Center for Enhancement of Engineering Diversity. “(We’re) getting them to live together while they’re studying to become scientists and engineers, creating those relationships, understanding how the disciplines work together and helping each other get through the curriculum.” Faculty members in the colleges of science and engineering think the expanded community will increase retention rates, especially among women and minorities. “We’re hoping for a big difference, as far as forming cohorts,” said Debbie Wilson, the director of career counseling and special programs in the biology department. “Many freshmen get lost in the big campus. This is to help them find others to study with, walk to classes with and make it a smaller community.” Wilson said retention rates for students within the programs are roughly 25 percent more than those in regular halls. However, the numbers vary by gender and financial aid need. “Specifically for engineering and science students who want to

live with people who are taking the same classes, who are going through the same curriculum, it’s very much a strength to have those communities together,” Arnold-Christian said. inVenT is aided by a National Science Foundation grant of $5 million, which will last for five years so faculty members can track retention rates. Some of this money will be used for national science and engineering competitions that will give students a taste of undergraduate research, according to Wilson and Arnold-Christian. “If they have an idea on how to solve a problem or for an invention, we will be able to provide funds for students to be able to go and participate in those competitions, and have mentoring from upper-class students,” Arnold-Christian said. Officials also hope that the close proximity will help students develop these ideas further. “You open the door for some really rich dialogue on application,” said Jamie Penven, the assistant director of residence life. “They’re thinking about these concepts, and how to apply them. This allows for reinforcement and reflection outside of the classroom, in addition to the fact that they are able to form study groups on the floor.” Students already living in STEM housing will see some changes to the programs. Student leaders from each group will serve on an inVenT leadership team to organize interdisciplinary competitions and service projects. Additionally, the Curie community will begin its first year of operation, allowing freshmen and transfer students to join for increased age diversity, Wilson said. Typically, these programs have only been open to freshmen and students returning to be peer leaders.

STEM housing Hypatia – The women’s engineering community is currently located on the fourth floor of Slusher Wing. The group consists of firstyear engineering students and returning peer mentors. The oldest STEM housing community, Hypatia currently has roughly 100 students. The name comes after Hypatia of Alexandria, Egypt, one of the first female mathematicians. Galileo – The men’s engineering community is located on the sixth and seventh floors of Lee Hall. Like Hypatia, it is composed of first-year students and mentors. Students in both programs take professional development seminars. There are roughly 200 students, but that number could increase. DaVinci: The Biological and Life Sciences Community — The program is for first-year students. Curie –The most recent community will begin in the fall semester. It will include both first year and transfer students majoring in math, statistics, physics, economics and geosciences.

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

what you’re saying On the GOP progressively declining:

news

editors: nick cafferky, michelle sutherland newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Holder decries voting restrictions

Anonymous: Ron Paul is a Congressman, not a

Senator. Sen. Paul = Rand =)Anonymous>>Great, fair column. “The longer the Republican Party toys around with presenting an established nominee, the harder it’s going to be for them to win in November.” Exactly. By now it is clear that it’s down to Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. Look, these are the only two candidates on the Virginia ballot, as well as other states. Only Paul and Romney has the national organization to compete with Obama. In EVERY head-to-head poll against Obama, Paul and Romney are the only two who can beat Obama. (For example, see this poll released yesterday The longer the Republican Party toys around with presenting an established nominee, the harder it’s going to be for them to win in November.) It is time for Gingrich, Santorum and Perry to drop out so that Republicans can decide by Super Tuesday who they want as their nominee: the libertarian-conservative Paul, or RINO Romney.

Anonymous: Great, fair column. “The longer the Republican Party toys around with presenting an established nominee, the harder it’s going to be for them to win in November.” Exactly. By now it is clear that it’s down to Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. Look, these are the only two candidates on the Virginia ballot, as well as other states. Only Paul and Romney has the national organization to compete with Obama. In EVERY head-to-head poll against Obama, Paul and Romney are the only two who can beat Obama. (For example, see this poll released yesterday The longer the Republican Party toys around with presenting an established nominee, the harder it’s going to be for them to win in November.)

MCT CAMPUS

Attorney General Eric Holder spoke against new voter registration regulations at a Martin Luther King Jr. event in Columbia, S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA NOW REQUIRES VOTERS TO HAVE A PHOTO ID, WHICH COULD ALIENATE SOME MINORITES WILLIAM DOUGLAS mcclatchy newspapers

Mike: It is time for Gingrich, Santorum and Perry COLUMBIA, S.C. — In his bluntest to drop out so that Republicans can decide by comments to date, Attorney General Super Tuesday who they want as their nominee: Eric Holder said Monday that voting the libertarian-conservative Paul, or RINO Romney. rights, particularly for minorities, are Anonymous: An interesting article that was analytical, not partisan. Good job! Mark: Who cares, Obama still going to win.

under assault in some states. Speaking at a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event in Columbia, Holder said some states had sued to challenge provisions of the Voting Rights Act and had approved new laws that would make it difficult for some minorities to register and vote this year, five decades after King and other civil rights leaders fought for access to the ballot

box. “Each of these lawsuits claims that we’ve attained a new era of electoral equality, that America in 2012 has moved beyond the challenges of 1965,” Holder told hundreds who gathered outside the domed Capitol. “I wish that were the case. But the reality is that — in jurisdictions across the country — both overt and subtle forms of discrimination remain all too common.” He added: “Protecting the right to vote, ensuring meaningful access, and combating discrimination must be viewed not only as a legal issue but as a moral imperative. And ensuring that every eligible citizen has the right

to vote must become our common cause.” Holder’s comments come nearly four weeks after the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division ruled that South Carolina’s voter identification law was discriminatory because it would make voting harder for minorities, who lack sufficient forms of governmentapproved ID more often than whites do. Justice Department officials weighed in on the law under Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which requires approval of proposed voting-law changes in 16 mostly Southern states because they have histories of discrimination. “We’ll also continue to review other types of changes to our election systems and processes — including to the procedures governing third-party

voter registration organizations, to early voting procedures and to photo identification requirements — to ensure that there is no discriminatory purpose or effect,” Holder said. South Carolina is one of 13 mostly Republican-controlled states that have approved new voting laws that include requiring government-approved photo ID to register or vote, shortening early voting periods and curtailing voter registration efforts by third-party groups such as the League of Women Voters or the NAACP. Supporters of the new laws say they’re needed to protect against voter fraud. Several studies and investigations — including a five-year probe by President George W. Bush’s Justice Department — indicate that voter fraud in the United States is negligible, however.

editors: scott misselli, sean simons opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Egg Boats

food & drink

editors: chelsea gunter, patrick murphy featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Cancer: Student’s battle ends

BY EMMA GODDARD | features staff writer This tasty appetizer — Egg Boats — is sure to be a favorite. The crunch of the bread after being baked in the oven, mixed with the fluffy egg texture, creates a great combination. The flavors of pancetta, cheese and green onions also blend well together, making this dish a crowd pleaser. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Ingredients: 1 baguette French bread 5 eggs 1/3 cup heavy cream 4 ounces pancetta, finely chopped and fried until crisp 3 ounces gruyere cheese, grated 2 green onions, thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cut across the baguette into five individual pieces. 3. Cut a 1/2-inch deep diamond shape through the tops of each baguette piece. Partially un-stuff each piece. 4. Divide and pour the mixture into each baguette boat, and place onto a baking sheet. 5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Make sure the egg is set in the center. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Allow to cool for about five minutes. Cut and serve.

COURTESY OF EVAN ARBOGAST

Evan Arbogast, currently a student, and his girlfriend Dannie Davis, a Tech alumna, stuck together as he battled Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. from page one

duces mutant white blood cells so they don’t die. They fill up the lymph nodes and create a block of too many mutant white blood cells basically.” Although he initially thought his neck was the only problem area in his body, Evan later found out that he had a large tumor in the center of his chest. The tumor was less noticeable because of its location in his chest cavity, but luckily, it was found before it spread. In the wake of his diagnosis, Evan’s friends and family came together to support their overwhelmed and stressed loved one. His sister Jessica Arbogast, a junior business management major, remembers the moment she found out about her brother’s diagnosis — the information was difficult to swallow, as she is close with her sibling. “He was diagnosed Aug. 9, 2011. It didn’t set in for a really long time until I went to one of his chemo treatments with him. It really hit me,” Jessica said. “All of the odds are for him, and the

type of cancer he had had a very good survival rate, but I thought something could go wrong.” Recently, after undergoing six months of radiation and chemotherapy, Evan was declared cancer-free. However, he is still recovering from the grueling treatment. Even in this stage, Evan’s fight against cancer remains a prominent part of his life, and he has always known that he wanted to help others beat the odds like he did. He decided to do this by raising money for cancer research. “Evan’s fraternity and my sorority have both donated a lot of money, and our church at home held a spaghetti dinner,” Jessica said. He also participated in a fundraiser at Chick-fil-A in his hometown of Staunton, Va. Afterward, he realized he wanted to bring a similar event to Blacksburg, a place in which he knew the Hokie community would come together for the cause. Evan and Jessica decided to

hold his fundraiser, called “Eat Wings,” at Buffalo Wild Wings tonight. At the event, 15 percent of all pre-taxed items, excluding alcohol, will be donated so Evan can run in a marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Evan, as part of a fourperson team, plans to run in the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach this March. “I found out about this marathon and decided I wanted to do something to prove to myself and prove to my body that I can kick cancer’s ass one more time,” he said. “In order to run it as a member of a team — rather than an individual — you have to raise $1,500.” Since his mother, sister, girlfriend and friends also wanted to run, Evan realized that his team would have to raise more money. So far, Evan and his family have raised almost $7,000 and plan to earn more at the fundraiser tonight. Jessica is looking forward to the marathon, for Evan’s sake.

“I can’t wait for my brother to run the marathon,” she said. “He had cancer, but it’s not going to slow him down.” The siblings are both confident in the expected turnout, with more than 200 people attending on the Facebook page, “Eat Wings – Raise Funds – Fight Cancer.” The battle with cancer has changed Evan’s outlook on his life, resulting in his desire to have a positive impact on the lives of others struggling with the disease. “(When I was going through treatment) I lost a decent amount of my hair ... it’s starting to come back now. I didn’t look too bad though, and it made me realize that when you see people walking down the street, you never know what they’re going through,” he said. “You have to accept that some people are going through hell, and you don’t even know it. We should treat everyone with compassion.”

Drink of the week: Bahama Mama JIMMY HUDNALL | features staff writer Winter break is over, but you can still escape to a more

Ingredients:

Directions:

tropical mindset by indulging in a Bahama Mama. This drink

½ oz. white rum

1. Combine all ingredients

combines different flavors of rum, fruit juices and syrup on

½ oz. dark rum

the rocks, culminating in a blend that is both tangy and

½ oz. coconut rum

sweet.

½ oz. grenadine syrup (for slushy consistency.

The coconut rum adds an almost creamy undertone,

color)

although the mixture itself is quite fluid. The pineapple and

1 oz. orange juice

orange flavors are evident, and it becomes difficult to taste

1 oz. pineapple juice

anything more than a trace of alcohol. Be sure you take this

1 cup crushed ice

into consideration when mixing your own, unless your goal is to be one-and-done.

into a blender. 2. Blend until the drink has a 3. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy.

opinions

editors: scott masselli, sean simons opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Our Views [staff editorial]

SOPA should not burden US sites F

or the past two months, Congress has been debating the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, as well as its cohort, the Protect Intellectual Property Act. The legislation aims to protect U.S. intellectual property by blacklisting foreign sites that make unauthorized use of copyrighted content and barring search engines like Google from linking to such sites. The proponents of the bill do have a legitimate grievance. Some estimates report that piracy has cost owners of the property rights up to $130 million. Not only is this bad economically, but there is also the issue of fairness: the people who create this content deserve to benefit from their efforts. However, the SOPA debate is not that straightforward. To effectively choke traffic to the offending foreign sites, the law would require action from American sites. Search engines such as Google would have to stop showing the blacklisted sites in search results. Facebook would have to ensure posts did not link to the illegal material. This tactic, which has the good intentions of stopping foreign piracy, burdens American companies that dominate the online social experience. The proposed law — which Google, Wikipedia and many other tech firms vehemently oppose — could make community-driven sites such as YouTube liable for illegal content uploaded by users. Some other sites favored by students may also become victims of the bill. Online communities such as Reddit or Flickr are in precarious positions, as the law potentially allows for

an entire domain to be shut down because of a single blog post. The bill also has implications for speech and international relations. Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe argues that it violates the First Amendment, noting that it could cause sites such as Facebook to incur great costs to monitor content. Tribe argues that a small minority of users abusing a site’s capabilities would open the site to lawsuits from the holders of IP rights, and deter innovation and linking to third-party content. On the international front, the policymakers must consider the possibility of retaliation by foreign governments. How would we react if we were told the British Parliament prevented British search engines from linking to major American sites? While pirating sites are certainly worthy of banishment, anything less than perfect enforcement of the law could deal a tremendous blow to the founding goal of the Internet — the sharing of ideas across great distances and national borders. Intellectual property is a growing factor in the U.S. economy, and the estimated losses of $130 million make it clear that Congress must act to protect the rights of those who create the content. However, this needs to be done responsibly. Lawmakers need to use a surgeon’s knife, not a lumberjack’s chainsaw, to precisely construct rules protecting property rights, while being clear and fair to those who will be subject to the rules. The editorial board is composed of the editors of the Collegiate Times

There’s no faking youth; don’t even try If

y ou’re around my age, which can be defined as “too old for work-study but too young for cremation,” you might already know what I’ve only recently learned: you can pretend to be older but you cannot pretend to be younger. And yet entire industries, magazine empires, advertising conglomerates and the global conspiracy of Spanx manufacturers are trying to convince women otherwise. At one point, I loved looking older than my years. Didn’t we all once love not getting carded at bars when our friends were all digging around for their fake Id’s (“Um, I know it says I’m 5-foot-9 but I was wearing 7-inch heels at the DMV?”) because it meant we looked sophisticated? Didn’t we love when older men flirted with us, only to be surprised by our actual age because we sounded so much more mature? Wasn’t it funny to watch how the men then backed away really fast? But after a while, the seemingmature thing loses its potency for women. Just when guys reach the age where they’re becoming George Clooney, women are becoming his aunt Rosemary. And just as there’s no female Cialis to sustain the elasticity of a woman’s cheery insouciance or, for that matter, firm her chin or bust-line, there’s no pill or placenta-based face cream to erase those fine lines. Maybe magic potions can help erase “the appearance” of those lines as the ads promise, but I never could understand what that phrase meant: do they fog up the vision of the person looking at you? How can “the appearance” change if the lines don’t? (Who ever thought up placenta-based cosmetics, anyhow? I bet it wasn’t women. I bet there were a couple guys in a Madison

Avenue office saying to each other “Hey, Benny, let’s see if we can get women to put — wait, wait — placenta on their faces!” “Nah, they’ll never do that.” “They will if we put it in small jars and charge a lot.”) Can you imagine if Cialis or Viagra only helped “the appearance” of — oh, never mind. They would still be covered by medical insurance. And women would still be paying out-ofpocket for our own gall-bladder operations from coins we saved in a Folger’s can. Not that I’m bitter. Look, in every person’s life, the curtain comes down on youth and goes up on middle age. There are no encores, except farcical ones performed by those who paid no attention to the curtain. If they’re genuinely happy, then good for them; if they’re trying too hard simply to appear happy, the hook is going to get them around the neck from the wings. Ever see a much older person trying to act like a much younger person? Guys look like Mickey Rourke in that wrestling movie and women look the same, except with breast implants. It’s the stuff of comedy because it’s inherently absurd; it’s as silly or, in extreme cases, as obscene as a little kid in grown-up clothes. As a teacher, I work with people in their early lives and there’s nothing like being around those in the blush of youth to remind you why the blush is there in the first place. I don’t envy my students their inexperience, even if I envy the fact that they can pull all-nighters, run 26 miles after eating a Happy Meal, and look good in cargo pants (whereas I simply look like cargo).

GINA BARRECA -mcclatchy newspapers

MCT CAMPUS

US must talk with Taliban I

t’s time to talk to the Taliban. After years of swearing off any sort of negotiations with American and (official) Afghani diplomats, the group has recently decided to open a political office in Qatar. The development — mainly the result of meticulous diplomacy led by Germany — establishes the Taliban as a legitimate party in talks to end the ongoing war in Afghanistan. The so-called “peace talks” are critical aspects of any strategy the United States pursues to put an end to the conflict. In fact, it is becoming increasingly evident that even if the U.S. successfully withdraws troops from Afghanistan, Afghan forces — with American military support — will not be able to defeat the Taliban on the battlefield. The reality is that the men of the Taliban make up an extremely determined group fighting for power in its own backyard. Is it right for the U.S. to negotiate with a group that has killed thousands of American troops and has historically provided sanctuary for al-Qaeda? Probably not, but that doesn’t change the reality of a war that has drained America in both blood and treasure. Even more, some requests on both sides will not be easy to accept. For instance, the group has already demanded that several of its senior officials from Guantanamo Bay be released. Here, the Obama administration should seriously consider the demand, and move forward safely and pragmatically. In the end this will be a concession we will probably have to make. Exactly how else is the Taliban expected to justify talks with the U.S. to some of their members, many of whom will continue to oppose any participation with Washington? The time may

be just right for another reason. Pakistan, a U.S. “ally,” appears to approve of the events unfolding. Any successful deal to end the war in Afghanistan will require Pakistan’s blessing. Essentially, Afghan insurgents base their operations in Pakistan, and presumably, a peace deal would include Islamabad’s willingness to remove such safe havens. Of course, there are several risks to any “peace talks.” First, it may not be possible to have all members on board with any final deal. Some will surely continue to advocate violent “resistance” to both Afghan president Hamid Karzai’s government and American forces. Here, the U.S. ought to seek a deal with most Taliban members’ approval to ensure that the fighting is quelled. Next, keeping Pakistan on board will be a challenge — as always. The only way to ensure Islamabad’s continued cooperation is to also find a deal that Pakistan, specifically the military, does not find threatening to the state. Moreover, the official Afghani government’s cooperation is vital. Already President Karzai has made unilateral (and unrealistic) demands that will get him nowhere. If he truly cares about the future of the Afghan people as he claims, he will have to work with — not over — his menacing partners. Finally, exactly how the group ought to be incorporated into Afghan society, whether it be through a political power-sharing agreement or actions, such as incorporating former insurgents into the Afghan military, will be a daunting but crucial task. Some argue that the U.S. should make no concessions at

all. We toppled the Taliban back in 2001, why can’t it be done again? But after being forced out of power, the Taliban reorganized, reformed and reenergized their movement, with plenty of sympathizers from Pakistan to Iran. Moreover, the U.S. cannot maintain a large military presence permanently. The war has already cost nearly 2,000 soldiers their lives and hundreds of billions of dollars. We may be able to deter Taliban attacks for the time being, but Afghanistan is immensely complicated both politically and geographically. And again, this is the Taliban’s backyard. They know the area, and they won’t be willing to simply abandon their homeland at our command. In sum, the opening of the political office in Qatar will be a test of any possibility for a peaceful end to tumultuous conflict. Whether it turns out to be a calculated distraction or a small step in the U.S.’s endgame in the region, both sides should pursue the opportunity. Already, the Obama administration has wisely chosen to send an envoy to Afghanistan and Qatar for consultations, and there are even reports that the administration is preparing for the release of Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay. Unfortunately, this is an election year, and it’s unlikely that any serious results will come out of any sort of talks. The Afghan people may have to wait even longer for peace, but at least all sides are up for talking — for now that is.

AUSAN AL-ERYANI -regular columnist -junior -political science major

Remember Hitchens for honesty C

hristopher Hitchens: April 13, 1949 – Dec. 15, 2011 Everyone should be sad that author Christopher Hitchens died last December. Unfortunately, we remember him most by his disagreements with our own opinions. It’s important to know that while “the Hitch” has differed with and probably offended each of us on one issue or another, he was also the strongest advocate for our most endeared causes. Throughout his life, Hitchens advocated values such as democracy, secularism and women’s rights. More importantly, he was the first to castigate anyone who opposed such causes, and his criticisms were by far the most articulate and aggressive. At times, his loyalty to his causes had him attacking popular or powerful (sometimes both) targets. He has written books criticizing the Clintons, Henry Kissinger, Mother Teresa and God. I don’t think Hitchens would approve of the gratuitous praise he’s been given postmortem. He always seemed skeptical when people expressed acclaim without even a hint of critique. The only criticism applicable to Hitchens (from such a lowly intellect like mine) is that he expected public personas to live up to high, unrealistic standards. He never ran for office, and he was always more than happy to criticize a politician. Yet, he’s only endorsed one candidate that I know of — thenSen. Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain — and he made it clear that the former was only the lesser of two evils. So while he articulately debated ideals, Hitchens didn’t propose economic platforms, give specific details on how to help democracy flourish in the Middle East or propose ideas to further secularize government. The most overstated cliche for politics

— “laws are like sausage, it is better not to see them being made,” which is commonly used as an excuse — is perfect for criticizing Hitchens. He actually loved watching how sausage was made and frequently critiqued it. Though he never actually made it himself, Hitchens always demanded perfect sausage. Although Hitchens was perhaps overly idealistic and made everyone uncomfortable at times — whether it was because we disagreed, or secretly agreed with him — we owe him for defending our ideals regardless of how sacred their attackers may be. The Hitch has made many arguments in his life, but there are several unique attitudes that I think he — and he alone — exemplified in his books and debates. Hitchens was an elitist. There is a video on YouTube in which Sean Hannity debates Hitchens over God’s existence. Hitchens makes one of his typical, snarky points, causing Hannity to accuse him of “intellectual snobbyness.” Hitchens only replies, “that could well be right.” Hitchens never sacrificed an argument to be modest. So when his opponents (for some reason mostly conservatives) accused him of being elitist, snobby or arrogant, he would happily assert his guilt. Another aspect that made Hitchens so unique and exciting was his willingness to hate people without the sense of shame that commonly accompanies the emotion. Hitchens showed his readers that it is alright to hate someone for the right reason. He hated totalitarians, murderers, liars, thieves and charlatans. If he connected someone to one or more of these traits he hated them, too. But more importantly, he was constructive with his hatred. He would write books, participate in interviews and debates, and even confront them in person if given the chance.

This is not to say that Hitchens didn’t have friends of opposing views. He co-wrote a book and participated in a documentary with Pastor Douglas Wilson. While both men were aggressive and witty in their debates, they were also able to quote P.G. Wodehouse to each other and laugh a bit. Hitchens was also loyal to his friends, even to the extent that he defended fellow author Salman Rushdie, while letting him hide at his apartment, after Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him in 1989 when Rushdie penned “The Satanic Verses.” Hitchens’ closest friends — including Martin Amis, Ian McEwan and Stephen Fry — consistently marveled at not only his rhetorical brilliance, but his constitution. Hitchens frequently drank, and he drank a lot. However, spirits seem to have spurred his intellect rather than dampen it; his friends have consistently asserted that they have seen him soundly debating pundits on TV in the same suit he was wearing at a bar the previous night. Hitchens didn’t believe in God. In fact, he took it a step further in asserting that he was relieved that there was no evidence for God’s existence. Yet the Hitch has still attempted immorality. During his fight with esophageal cancer, which started in 2010 and ended on Dec. 15, 2011, Hitchens donated his body to scientific research. Even though Hitchens is no longer alive, he will live through his children, vast contributions to literature and his generous donation to the field of science.

JOHN LANGLEY -regular columnist -senior -political science major

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: Nick Cafferky, Michelle Sutherland News Reporters: Josh Higgins, Cody Owens, Erin Chapman News Staff Writers: Priscila Alvarez, Abby Harris, Gina Paterson, Ashley Seagar 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 Bealey, Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Eric Avassi, Zander Baylis, Alyssa Bedrosian, Cody Elliott, Taylor Hay, Alex Koma, Ashleigh Lanza, Brian Marcolini Photo Editor: Daniel Lin Enterprise Team Editor: Liana Bayne Public Information Director: Dishu Maheshwari Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Chief: Spenser Snarr Copy Editors: Debra Houchins, Nora McGann Layout Designers: Bethany Melson, Alicia Tillman Online Director: Alex Rhea 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.

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

You cellist? Jeffrey Lastrapes plays a cello recital in the Squires Recital Salon for a guest artist recital following a master class yesterday. photo by Daniel Lin

Hackers attack Israeli websites BATSHEVA SOBELMAN mcclatchy newspapers JERUSALEM — The website for Tel Aviv’s stock exchange was shut down for hours on Monday after a hacker who identified himself as a Saudi announced that a pro-Palestinian group called Nightmare had targeted the site. El Al Airline, also named by the hacker OxOmar as a target, preemptively closed down its own website, directing visitors to a page with a statement that it was under maintenance. In addition, problems were reported on the sites of a few small Israeli banks. Monday’s incidents were the latest in a series of attacks on Israeli websites kicked off earlier this month by a hacker who snagged thousands of credit card numbers from a poorly protected site associated with online shopping. The attacks didn’t interfere with trading on the stock exchange nor flights at El Al. The hacker or hackers didn’t break into the stock market site but rather bombarded it with requests for contact, which simulates busy traffic and results in denial of service. Yoni Shemesh, a deputy director at the exchange in charge of technological systems, told Israeli media that the institution was familiar with such attacks and was on alert Monday morning. Trade mechanisms are protected, he said, but the institution’s high profile makes it a target even if only its image suffers.

Tal Pavel, an Internet expert, warned that damage could far exceed image if hackers got into the systems controlling trade or air traffic. While he called this an “apocalyptic vision,” the potential for danger is clear. Pavel said the attacks could continue “even if only for the reason that these kind of actions virtually beg for counterattacks and retaliation.” Indeed, others have joined in what could become a free-for-all contest between Jewish and Arab hackers seeking to prove their professional prowess. If OxOmar says he has 1 million credit card numbers, a pro-Israel hacker who calls himself Hannibal claims he has the passwords for 10 million Iranian bank accounts. Israeli media reported Monday evening that the Bank of Israel recommended that banks block access to their sites from servers located in Saudi Arabia, Iran and Algeria. A number of banks have decided to block all access to their sites from abroad. The latest to jump into the fray is the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, whose spokesman Sami abu Zuhri issued a statement saluting Arab hackers and calling on them to crank up the cyber-war against Israel and open “a new front against the occupation.” And according to Cyber War News, OxOmar is planning to form a jihadist hackers’ group. “Please join us to fight against Israel,” he reportedly invited like-minded hackers with particular skills in an Internet post.

Democrats file a million signatures for recall of governor PATRICK MARLEY, JASON STEIN & TOM TOLAN mcclatchy newspapers

MADISON, Wis. — Democrats seeking to recall Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker filed more than 1 million signatures Tuesday, virtually guaranteeing a historic recall election against him later this year. It would mark the first gubernatorial recall election in Wisconsin history and only the third one in U.S. history. Organizers Tuesday also handed in 845,000 recall signatures against Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, as well as recall petitions against four GOP state senators, including Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau. The sheer number of signatures being filed against Walker — nearly as many as the total votes cast for the governor in November 2010 and about twice as many as those needed to trigger a recall election — ensure the election will be held, said officials with the state Democratic Party and United Wisconsin, the group that launched the Walker recall. “It is beyond legal challenge,” said Ryan Lawler, vice chairman of United Wisconsin. “The collection of more than 1 million signatures represents a crystal-clear indication of how strong the appetite is to stop the damage and turmoil that Scott Walker has brought to Wisconsin.” Walker has said for weeks — and reiterated again Tuesday — that he expects a recall election. Some supporters have echoed that sentiment, and said Tuesday they also considered an election inevitable. But party officials, frustrated for weeks by reports of people signing petitions multiple times, said they’ll still deploy thousands of volunteers to analyze the signatures for irregularities or problems. “We may want to make sure that Wisconsin voters are not disenfranchised,” state Republican Party spokesman Ben Sparks said. Democrats said they removed an undisclosed number of signatures that were duplicates, illegible or seemingly fake. They acknowledged other problem signatures likely will still turn up, but they expect the effort to hold up easily. The filing marks a milestone following Walker’s controversial legislation last year ending most union bargaining for public workers. However, Democrats have huge logistical hurdles: There is no candidate yet for them to rally around, and Walker has been able to raise unlimited funds from supporters across the country since the recall effort began. The governor was scheduled to have a New York City fundraiser Tuesday afternoon hosted by Maurice Greenberg, the founder of

troubled financial services corporation American International Group. Walker said through a spokeswoman he was too busy for interviews — although he made time for supportive national and local talk show hosts. The governor’s office did release a statement saying he looked forward to talking to voters about how he had eliminated a $3 billion budget deficit over two years without leaning heavily on tax increases. “Instead of going back to the days of billion dollar budget deficits, double digit tax increases and record job loss, I expect Wisconsin voters will stand with me and keep moving Wisconsin forward,” his statement said. Election officials estimate the statewide recall election against Walker could cost the state and local governments $9 million. That figure is for one statewide election only and could rise substantially if there is a primary needed to pick a Democrat to run against Walker or if any Senate recalls are held on different dates. Recall expert Josh Spivak, a senior fellow at the Hugh L. Carey Institute for Government Reform at Wagner College in New York, said that, including state Senate recalls from last year, no state in American history has held as many recall elections for state office as Wisconsin seems set to have in 2011 and 2012. “Wisconsin is really, completely a total anomaly,” Spivak said. In the two other recall elections for governors in history, California Gov. Gray Davis was defeated in 2003 and North Dakota Gov. Lynn Frazier was defeated in 1921. Spivak said the signatures for Walker are almost certain to hold up. To force a recall election against Walker and Kleefisch, 540,208 valid signatures are needed for each — a figure equivalent to 25 percent of all the votes cast in the November 2010 election that put Walker in office. “One million signatures sounds like it’s definitely going on the ballot,” Spivak said. Democrats said they submitted almost as many signatures as the votes that Walker received — 1,128,900 votes, or 52.3 percent of the vote in 2010 — and about the same amount as his unsuccessful Democratic opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, who got 1,004,300 votes, or 46.5 percent. The 1 million signatures amount to about one-third of the 3.3 million registered voters in the state and one-quarter of the 4.4 million Wisconsin residents eligible to vote. Mark Graul, a GOP strategist who has run statewide campaigns, said he expects the likely recall election to look much like a normal campaign with a variety of issues such as jobs, taxes and education. “It’s going to come down to what every other election does — a choice between two candidates,” Graul said. The paper petitions, weighing 1.5

MCT CAMPUS

tons, were delivered to the state Government Accountability Board’s office in a U-Haul draped with a banner that said, “Yes we did.” The board, which runs state elections, planned to transport them to a separate state building that will be guarded by Capitol Police until all the petitions are electronically scanned over the next few days. Next begins the months-long process of reviewing the petitions. “We have a big job ahead of us,” said Kevin Kennedy, the accountability board’s director. By law, the board has 31 days to review the signatures to determine if elections should be held. The board plans to go to court in Dane County as soon as this week to ask for more time, but Kennedy said he did not know how much time the board would seek. Adding to the time frame is the board’s decision to develop a database of all petition signers to try to find any duplicate signatures. The board decided to do that after Waukesha County Circuit Judge J. Mac Davis — in response to a suit filed by Walker’s campaign — said the accountability board had to take more aggressive steps in reviewing the petitions. Tuesday’s filings start another clock that gives Walker and the other Republicans 10 days to challenge any signatures. But that time frame may also be extended because Walker’s campaign will not receive copies of the signatures until they have been electronically scanned, which could take several days, Kennedy said. The board has hired 30 temporary workers to help review the signatures and plans to hire another 20.

Its hiring has been slowed because it has had trouble locating job seekers in the Madison area who did not sign the petitions to recall Walker, Kennedy said. For the Senate recalls, the numbers of valid signatures needed vary between 14,958 and 16,742 for each district. Far more than those numbers were filed — about 20,600 for Fitzgerald, more than 21,000 for Pam Galloway of Wausau, more than 21,000 for Terry Moulton of Chippewa Falls and more than 24,000 for Van Wanggaard of Racine. “These boxes contain our hopes, our hard work and 20,600 signatures,” Fitzgerald recall organizer Lori Compas told supporters just before submitting them. Recall supporters used markers to cover the boxes in messages before submitting them to the accountability board. “This is what Wisconsin accountability looks like!” said one note scrawled on a box. In a statement, Fitzgerald said he’s been “overwhelmed” with financial and volunteer support since the petition drive was launched against him in November. “In 12 short months, Senate Republicans balanced a massive budget deficit without raising taxes or resorting to layoffs. We passed over a dozen job-creation bills to lay the groundwork for economic recovery in our state, and we gave power back to school districts and municipalities which allowed them to prioritize their spending and avoid mass layoffs,” Fitzgerald said. Compas held out the possibility she might be a candidate against Fitzgerald, who was first elected in 1994.

Galloway, Moulton and Wanggaard were first elected a year ago in a Republican wave, and one of their early votes was the one on collective bargaining that prompted an earlier wave of recalls. Possible Democratic candidates against the Republicans include: Rep. Donna Seidel, D-Wausau, against Galloway, former state Rep. Kristin Dexter against Moulton and former state Sen. John Lehman against Wanggaard. Seidel said she was in talks about who the best candidate might be against Galloway. Lehman said he was “seriously considering” a run and Dexter said it was an “interesting option.” Last year, nine state senators faced recall elections — six Republicans and three Democrats. Democrats gained two seats in those elections, narrowing the GOP’s Senate majority from 19-14 to 17-16. Mike Tate, chairman of the state Democratic Party, said he expected a Democratic primary in the governor’s recall, which would extend the election schedule by four weeks and add another $9 million in costs for state and local governments. State Sen. Tim Cullen, D-Janesville, has said he will run against Walker if a recall election is held, and other Democrats are expected to get in the race. Potential candidates include Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, and former U.S. Rep. Dave Obey of Wausau. Barrett led Falk 46 percent to 27 percent in a survey released Tuesday by Public Policy Polling. Barrett was ahead of Obey 42 percent to 32 percent in a head-to-head matchup. If the primary race were between

just Obey and Falk, the former congressman would lead 43 percent to 28 percent, the poll found. If there was a primary involving all four Democrats, Barrett would lead that, too, according to the poll, with 26 percent, to 22 percent for Falk, 21 percent for Obey and 11 percent for Cullen. The PPP poll surveyed 522 respondents Monday who said they were certain or likely to vote in a Democratic primary for governor and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Barrett issued a statement that said, “I stand with the hundreds of thousands of ordinary Wisconsin citizens who have had enough of Walker’s cynical politics that try to divide the people of our state. It’s time for a new direction that will heal our fractured state and move Wisconsin forward again.” Falk said Walker should accept the election will happen. “There should be no delaying tactics and legal tricks by Gov. Walker and his allies to try to postpone the election. Let’s go,” Falk said. Obey, who has been in state politics for a half-century, called the recall effort “an amazing development” but like Barrett and Falk declined to say whether he might run against Walker. Another possible candidate, state Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, also declined comment. Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca of Kenosha said he has not ruled out running against Walker. Cullen said he was still committed to run “until I’m elected governor or it doesn’t make any more sense to run.

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Take some birthday time to think over your next year: where to travel? What to learn? Who to study with? What projects to develop? Which market to tap? Choose partners and playmates for skills and fun. What difference would you love to make?

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham 5 7

3 2 8 8 1 2 3 5 1 6 7 3 4 9 1 3 7 9 4 8 5 7 6 4

XKDC by Randell Monroe

source: xkdc.com

This could be you . . .

want your comics featured in the collegiate times?

submit them to: studybreak@collegemedia.com

Week ending Jan. 17, 2012

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

Set Fire to the Rain • Adele

(2) 1

Turn Me On • David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

What Doesn’t Kill You • Kelly Clarkson

Good Feeling • Flo Rida

(4) 4

Sexy and I Know It • LMFAO

(3) 5

word

WORDSEARCH: College Mascots Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid. T

W W

WORD BANK Hokies Wolfpack Cavaliers Tigers Pirates Mountaineers Gators Trojans Buckeyes Cornhuskers Tarheels Blue Devils Deacons Hurricanes Terrapins Seminoles Yellowjackets Eagles

UNSCRAMBLER

swnlekaof

nwanosm

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE COUPLE OF THE WEEK?

ezfeer

iecicl

SEND US:

vsgloe

fsrto

dgneldsi

iewth

YOUR NAMES WHEN YOU STARTED DATING WHAT SHE SAYS WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT YOUR FIRST DATE

Unscramble the letters to solve the category “Winter” Have a set of words you want to see in puzzles section? Email your lists to ctadsproduction@gmail.com.

f n r c v r d h

Check out tomorrow’s paper for the answers! studybreak@collegemedia.com

GET INVOLVED! JOIN THE STAFF OF WUVT For more information email us at wuvtamfm@vt.edu or call (540) 231-WUVT [9888]

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Romney takes heat over Bain Capital’s actions PAUL WEST & SEEMA MEHTA

“If in (fact ) you felt so passionately about this that you were now going mcclatchy newspapers to go out and have somebody criticize me for restoring voting rights to people MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — In one who have — who have exhausted their of the most sustained batterings he sentence and served their time and has endured in the 2012 presidential paid their debt to society, then why primary debates, Mitt Romney was didn’t you try to change that when repeatedly put on the defensive over his you were governor of Massachusetts?” business and government record and Santorum said. the attack ads by his supporters that are Romney responded that his state’s swamping South Carolina’s airwaves. legislature was 85 percent Democratic, The former Massachusetts governor’s and he went on to criticize the existence rivals have been increasingly desper- of super PACs, despite the fact that ate to derail his front-running candi- he has benefited the most from their dacy as Romney looks to put a virtual existence this election cycle. lock on the Republican nomination in “We all would like to have super Saturday’s primary. PACs disappear, to tell you the truth,” Rivals Rick Santorum and Newt he said later in the debate. “Wouldn’t it Gingrich took aim at Romney, landing be nice if people could give what they’d blows that, despite hitting their mark, like to campaigns and campaigns could may have canceled out either of their run their own ads and take responsibilchances of emerging Monday night as ity for them?” Romney’s key challenger. Gingrich drew hoots of approvTogether the opponents sought to al from the audience when he said argue that Romney lacked principles, Romney’s inability to get his supportwas exercising an unfair advantage ers’ super PAC to remove an ad that through a “super PAC” created by distorts Gingrich’s position on abortion his former aides, and was hiding his “makes you wonder how much influincome taxes to deflect criticism. ence he’d have if he were president.” Santorum delivered one of the Romney shot back that Gingrich’s first blows, laying a trap for Romney supporters were running an ad, replete about voting rights for prisoners. A with erroneous charges about his busisuper PAC supporting Romney has ness record, that is “probably the bigbeen running ads accusing Santorum gest hoax since Bigfoot.” of backing the right of felons to vote With his experience as co-founder of from prison — a charge the former a private equity company, Bain Capital, Pennsylvania senator said was false. under attack, Romney said for the first Santorum defended his Senate vote, time that he’d “probably” release his tax noting that Monday was Martin Luther returns later this year if it was apparent King Day, and that the measure he sup- he would be the nominee. ported was aimed at restoring voting Gingrich defended his assaults on rights for criminals who had served Romney’s business record, which their time and finished their probation includes job losses at some companies and parole requirements, a population Bain invested in, and what Gingrich that disproportionately includes blacks. called a pattern of loading a “handful” He pressed Romney about whether he of companies with debt, after which supported such a measure. they went broke. To applause, the former House speaker said questioning Romney’s record in I KNOW PEOPLE ARE GOING private business “is exactly campaigns ought TO COME AFTER ME. I KNOW what to be about. And we need PRESIDENT OBAMA IS GOING to satisfy the country that whoever we nominate has TO COME AFTER ME. BUT THE a record that can stand up RECORD IS PRETTY DARN to Barack Obama in a very effective way.” GOOD. One of the debate panelists, Gerald Seib of The MIitt Romney Wall Street Journal, asked Romney about American Pad and Paper, a company Romney said he did not believe that that went bankrupt, costing hundreds people who have committed violent of people their jobs, while Bain Capital crimes should ever be allowed to took out $100 million in profits and vote, leading Santorum to parry that fees. when Romney was governor, violent Romney said the company was Massachusetts felons could vote even caught in a shrinking industry and while they were on probation and some of those who lost jobs were union parole. workers who didn’t want to transfer to a

Furniture for Sale BRAND NEW mattress sets: twin $89, full $99, queen $119, We can deliver 540.260.9091

Help Wanted CMS Business Developer Programmers Implement necessary modifications and improvements to a variety of online based systems. PHP, SQL, XHTML, and CSS experience required. Strong preference for javascript, jquery, and mobile technologies. Photoshop, Database, modifying open source code, Cocoa, and CocoaTouch helpful. Multiple paid positions. Eligible for work study. Starts immediately. Email resume and brief cover letter to webteam@collegemedia.com.

non-union plant. And he pushed back against the notion that he practiced a particularly harsh brand of capitalism. “I know that people are going to come after me. I know President Obama is going to come after me. But the record is pretty darn good,” Romney said. “If people want to have someone who understands how the economy works, having worked in the real economy, that I’m the guy that can best post up against Barack Obama,” Romney said to cheers from supporters in the crowd at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Short of money and time, Gingrich and Santorum are in a struggle to become the social conservative alternative to Romney. So far, none of the GOP contenders has been able to corral a clear majority of the vote on

Romney’s right, allowing the former Massachusetts governor to pull away from a divided field. Texas Gov. Rick Perry also hopes to compete in that mini-contest, but he has struggled to excite Republican voters and is facing a real threat of elimination after Saturday’s primary. Demonstrating a comfort level as a debater that eluded him in early forums, Perry repeatedly delivered crowd-pleasing lines, one coming when he sharply criticized the Obama administration’s description of videos of Marines allegedly urinating on Taliban corpses — which he said demonstrated the president’s “disdain” for the United States. When Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “calls that ‘utterly despicable’ — let me tell you what’s utterly despicable: cutting Danny Pearl’s head off

and showing the video of it,” said Perry, referring to the 2002 killing of a Wall Street Journal reporter in Pakistan. The newspaper was a cosponsor of the debate along with Fox News. South Carolina’s primary electorate has a higher proportion of military families and veterans than earlier states, and Perry, an Air Force veteran, hopes to tap them. But the other veteran in the race, Rep. Ron Paul, is at a disadvantage because of his dovish views on the use of military force. Paul continued to defend his isolationist foreign policy beliefs, maintaining that the nation would be safer if it was less militarily engaged. “I would say that maybe we ought to consider a Golden Rule in foreign

policy. Don’t do to other nations what we don’t want to (be done) to us,” he said, as the crowd booed. “So we endlessly bomb these countries and then we wonder why they get upset with us?” The Houston area congressman also argued that King would agree with his opposition to wars, noting that he opposed the U.S. action in Vietnam. The debate featured a slimmeddown field of five after Jon Huntsman Jr. pulled out of the race hours earlier. The former Utah governor endorsed Romney and took a blast at the GOP campaign’s “toxic” atmosphere — to which he contributed with his own attacks on Romney. Romney did not attend Huntsman’s event, held in the same convention center where the debate took place.

Lifestyle & Community have a big announcement, selling things, need help? Free for VT students! Place an ad or announcement at collegiatetimes.com, visit our business office at 618 N. Main St. 9 am- 5pm Monday-Friday, or call (540) 961-9860. Students can come into 618 N. Main St. to place a free ad. Rates as low as 32 cents per word, contengent on the number of days to run. Prepaid. 15 word minimum. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Deadline: 3 pm 3 business days prior to publication.

BARTENDING! $300/ DAY POTENTIAL No Experience Necessary. Training Available 1-800-965-6520 EXT210 COMPUTING TECHNICIANS Responsibilities include archiving data, installing Mac OS X, updating Mac OS, moving and setting up computers, conducting inventory, and other light computing tasks. Multiple paid positions. Eligible for work study. Starts immediately. Email resume and brief cover letter to design@ collegemedia.com.

For Rent NAGS HEAD 4 month College Student Summer Rentals May to August, $450/ mo/person, seabreezerealty.com 252.255.6328

word

collegiate times presents

UNSCRAMBLER

MCT CAMPUS

(From left) Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul take the stage for the Fox News debate in Myrtle Beach.

solutions: “Back to School” 1) spring 2) classes 3) books 4) professors 5) Blacksburg 6) Hokies 7) study 8) student

na name // Riley info // male one inf year old lab mix yea interests // int sleeping, sunsle bathing, and ba playing with his pla friends Garry the frie Gator and Ga Harvey the Shark Ha

Chelsea Cathryn Holloman Victor Alejandro Zamora WOULD LIKE TO FORMALLY ANNOUNCE THEIR ENGAGEMENT ON NOVEMBER 24, 2012.

Pet Advice of the Week:

Dr. Strangelove DEAR Dr. Strangelove: My girlfriend, who I’ve been dating for 2 years, leaves me sticky notes everywhere with directions on how to preform simple tasks during the day. For example, the other day I walked into the kitchen and there was a note telling me how to make coffee. It’s very condescending, but I don’t want to be mean and tell her she’s being a you know what. How should I tell her that I’m not dumb; I don’t need directions, without completely offending her? -- STICKY NOTE MAN

DEAR STICKY NOTE MAN: Note to self: It will probably be easier for me to get my point across to you in note form, since apparently that is the only way you can comprehend things according to your girlfriend. So I will do my best to make everything as clear and simple as possible. Note: Have you tried leaving her sticky notes telling her how to preform simple tasks? Such as “STOP LEAVING ALL OF YOUR CRAP IN MY BATHROOM, I’m a guy. Not a girl!” Note: Counteract her sticky note with one of your own. So when she leaves a sticky note telling you how

to make coffee you could write something back such as, “I know how to make my own coffee. How about you learn how to cook.” Note: If you’re looking for a entertaining way to tell her you’re not dumb and you don’t need all these sticky notes try this. Go over to her place and cover her entire room with sticky notes. Note: If you don’t want to get her completely mad at you, probably a smart move, try actually talking to her - shocking concept, but it’s worked for centuries. You should try it.

Final Note: If all of the above options don’t work I suggest a sure solution to the problem: LEAVE HER. Plain and simple. And if you want to be really creative with your breakup leave her through a sticky note. Absolutely HILARIOUS. Have a relationship problem that you want Dr. Strangelove to help you ϔigure out? Need advice on what to do? Send your comments and questions to studybreak@collegemedia.com and title your email “Dr. Strangelove.”

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a shorthaired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. effinghamvetclinic.com

Have a question you need answered about your pet? Or want your pet featured in next week’s paper? Email your questions to studybreak@collegemedia.com with the title ‘Pet of the Week.’

january 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

sports

editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

17 games in, Hokies looking for consistency

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

Head coach Seth Greenberg and the Hokies have yet to win an ACC game, losing their last three. The Hokies face a tough schedule in the coming weeks, as they face North Carolina and travel to Virginia.

AUSTEN MEREDITH / SPPS

C.J. Barksdale goes up for a shot attempt against Florida State.

AT 0-3 IN ACC PLAY, HOW WILL THE 2011-12 TECH MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON BE REMEMBERED? MATT JONES sports editor What will the 2011-12 men’s basketball team be remembered for in 10 years? Will it be the three straight losses to begin conference play, a streak the Hokies could not come back from? Will it be the non-conference losses to Syracuse, Minnesota and Kansas State, games the Hokies dropped by less than 10 points? Will it be remembered as a transition year, one in which the reins were handed from Malcolm Delaney and Jeff Allen to Erick Green and Dorian Finney-Smith? Will the Hokies rebound from the three straight losses to begin 2012 and finish off the season strong? Certainly there are some upsets to be pulled, some revenge to be had and no shortage of motivation for the Hokies who have stumbled out of the gates in ACC play. “We’re a good team, and eight or 10 days ago, we thought we were a really good team,” said head coach Seth Greenberg. “The reality is we’ve got to continue to get better, that’s really what it is.” While no one can debate the Hokies’ youth (eight players are sophomores or younger), the Hokies have let winnable games slip through their hands, which may cause problems late in the season. Losses at unranked Boston College and Wake Forest spell trouble for a Hokies team that still plays North Carolina, Duke (twice), Virginia (twice) and Florida State. “We’re a young basketball team, and our mindset is to get better today,” Greenberg said. “If we can get better today, then we’ll have a better chance tomorrow.” Leading scorer Erick Green has missed two games with injury, most recently against Boston College. A sprained knee kept him from playing in a game where the Hokies shot just 36 percent from the field. Without Green on the floor, the Hokies not only lost a scorer, but also a veteran leader. Greenberg won’t risk further injury, however, for one game. “I’m not going to put him out there if he’s not contributing,” Greenberg, who expects Green

to be good to go Thursday night, said. At 0-3 in conference, the Hokies have 13 conference games remaining to build an NCAA Tournament resume. Nine of those games will appear on the ESPN family of networks, which means if the Hokies do pull some upsets, the country will see them. “I think our guys are disappointed, and they should be disappointed,” Greenberg said. “Our attitude has been good, but this is a learning process. I’m very pleased with where we are in terms of trying to get better.” In the past, Greenberg has called it a “make-and-miss game,” illustrating the critical nature of shot making. It has been mostly misses so far this season, as the Hokies are shooting a paltry 43.6 percent from the field. That’s No. 9 in the ACC and No. 168 in the country. “We are very surprised (to be 0-3 in ACC play); we didn’t expect to come out this way,” said Jarell Eddie. “We weren’t planning on this at all.” While the wins haven’t necessarily started to string together for the Hokies, they’ve been in every game. Tech is 12 points away from being 3-0 as opposed to 0-3 in ACC play. “We’ve competed with every team we’ve played so far,” Eddie said. “It’s just finishing the game at the end, getting that stop, that rebound. We’re converting offensively, we’ve just got to stop guys in the end to get over that hump.” One area the Hokies have struggled this season is fighting for 50/50 balls — ones that are free for anyone to grab. Greenberg expects his players to be a team that gets most of those balls. “It’s demanding each and every play,” Greenberg said. “It’s pointing out when it’s not done. I think our guys want to play hard. I’m not sure they understand that yet.” It hasn’t been an easy season so far by any stretch of the imagination, but Greenberg is excited about the direction it’s heading. “I know how green we are, that I knew,” Greenberg said. “I understand it’s a process; I like our team — it’s going to continue to grow.”

editors: scott misselli, sean simons opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

november 11, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES