Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Print Edition

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

Snowballin’ see page 2 Tuesday, February 21, 2012 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 21

News, page 5

Arts & Entertainment, page 6

Opinions, page 3

JOSH HIGGINS news staff writer

ZACH MARINER sports editor Don’t mention the word “spoiler” around Seth Greenberg.

Virginia Tech’s head coach doesn’t want to hear about sweeping U.Va. or potentially preventing the team from making an NCAA Tournament appearance.

He still believes his team has a chance to grab a bid.

“I don’t think anyone is in (the tournament) right now,” Greenberg said. “We’re still trying to play our way into the NCAA Tournament.

We’re trying to win because we want to improve our resume.

“Who knows what’s going to happen in the next three weeks.

What if we win a bunch of games and get to the finals of the ACC Tournament? We want to win because we want to win.”

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

Nepalese culture takes center stage The Nepalese Ambassador paid a visit to Virginia Tech on Saturday, as part of Nepal Nite, an event that highlighted the country’s cultural diversity.

Shanker Sharma came to the university to express his interest in the Nepalese Student Association, the group that hosted the event.

“The fact that the ambassador came shows he has good confidence and wants to inspire students,” said Devi Gnawali, the association’s advisor and business management professor.

Nepal Nite showcased the country’s various customs, 103

ethnic groups, trends and 92 spoken languages through dances and musical performances.

“Nepal has a lot of diversity and culture, even though it’s a really small country,” said Nisha Gnawali, a junior biology major.

“The types of dances we covered are from different cultures within Nepal.”

Individuals inside and outside the association performed, as there is a small Nepali community in Blacksburg, whose members helped with the show, Gnawali said.

The entertainment began with a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by the Nepalese national anthem, as well as other song and dance performances,

way.”

Shah agreed.

“Our prayers are really similar,” he said. “The bowing during their prayers and the translations of our prayers are really similar — we praise God and ask for forgiveness and mercy.”

Muslims and Jews share something else in common, Shocket said.

“I think it’s really funny that neither of us celebrate Christmas or Easter,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to know what they all do for Christmas. Jewish people traditionally go get Chinese food and go to the movies because there’s nothing else to do. I think that’s one interesting thing we all can talk about.”

However, several stereotypes about Judaism and Islam have resulted in religious tensions.

In recent years, conflict between predominantly Jewish Israel and Islamic Palestine has intensified over possession of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank — exacerbated contention between the religious groups in the region, but also around the world.

However, some Virginia Tech students are trying to break the boundaries of religion and unite as one peaceful group.

On Friday, Hillel, a Jewish student organization at Tech, invited the Muslim Student Association to join its members for a dinner to expose both groups to each other’s religious beliefs and practices, fostering interfaith unity.

“We wanted to promote interfaith dialogue among our groups and develop our relationship more,” said Isabel Shocket, Our prayers are really similar. the Hillel president. “I think it’s really imporThe bowing during their tant for us to stand prayers and the translations of together and show we’re friends and we our prayers are really similar.” have so much in common.”

Said Shah Said Shah, the MSA Tech chapter presiMuslim Student Association president dent, said the event addressed the importance of interfaith dialogue. “(Friday was) a way for us to get “The misconception that we are to know each other,” Shah said. a violent people is not true,” Shah “And it’s not only in a religious said. “We’re not all intolerant, not sense — there are some similarities all violent, not all terrorists. That’s and differences between our faiths.” not true at all. Yes, there are oppresBoth Shocket and Shah agreed sive regimes out there, but those the major source of contention regimes don’t speak for the relibetween Jews and Muslims is the gion. They speak for a few select Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which tyrants out there. They don’t speak has been an issue since Israel was for the rest of the faith. They don’t annexed in 1948. even follow many of the creeds in During the event, students from terms of being peaceful, tolerant Hillel and MSA joined together and not committing murder.” in a night of prayer, observation, In addition, Shah said the idea reflection and religious celebration. that Muslims oppress women and Hillel students began the ceremo- some do not receive full rights ny with traditional Jewish prayer, is wrong, referring to disparities spoken in Hebrew, allowing MSA between middle eastern and westmembers to observe and engage in ern culture. their prayer traditions. In addition, “Whatever we make people do, MSA students performed one of there’s a reason behind it,” Shah their five daily prayers alongside said. “Of course, in the Muslims’ Hillel members. opinion, it’s a divine reason — it’s “There are a lot of phrases in our the word of God.” prayers that are the same,” Shocket see FAITH / page five said. “It’s just about living in God’s

“

see BASKETBALL / page eight

news staff writer

Study Break, page 4

Students promote interfaith dialogue

FIGHTING FOR A CHANCE

GINA PATTERSON

Sports, page 8

which the association self-choreographed.

“We don’t really have a choreographer for our group so it’s just everybody’s ideas put together,” Gnawali said. “So it’s a lot of time and effort in putting together the dance practice.”

In addition, there was a fashion show featuring authentic attire that represents the current trends in Nepal.

“We really wanted to have traditional cloths in our performance, but those are really hard to get.

You can’t get those here in the U.S.,” Gnawali said. “You have to request them from Nepal.”

Nepal Nite ended with an unexpected, impromptu performance of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,”

which seemed to be a hit among attendees.

“Of the entire show, I liked the Michael Jackson performance at the end,” said Vikram Rajasekaran, a senior computer science major. “It was kind of random.”

However, planning and preparing for the event was not an easy feat, as the budget was a major issue. see NEPAL NITE / page five

CHECK ONLINE SEE THE VIDEO ON COLLEGIATETIMES.COM

Blacksburg launches expansion of Huckleberry Trail news staff writer

Huckleberry Trail Expansion Project

ment grants from Transportation Enhancement funds and local governments.

Information via HuckleberryTrail.org The Transportation Enhancement Victoria Zigadlo / Collegiate Times funds stem from acts passed by Congress to help develop alternative transportation, such as bike and walking trails.

Additional plans for the trail’s future have been put in place, 1) Existing trail which will occur in the next two Currently, the trail starts in years. Ellenbogen said plans to build pedestrian bridge over Route downtown Blacksburg and runs to 114, extending to the Recreation Christiansburg over to NRV Mall.

Center, have been approved and funded with $2 million.

The trails roots begin in 1902 with the Virginia Anthracite Coal and 3) Hethwood: Rail Company, which transported coal from the Merrimac Mine at The trail will also cross Prices Fork Heritage Park to Christiansburg. In Road toward Glade Road and extend 1904, the company’s rails extendto Heritage Park, eventually ed to Blacksburg. And in 1966, connecting to the Jefferson National Forest. the train path was transformed into a nature trail, according to HuckleberryTrail.org.

With help from Friends of the Huckleberry Trail, the trail grew to 2) 460 Tunnel Split: reach its current six-mile span.

Construction will run along the west side Many locals and students use the of Route 460 to Plantation Road, going trail. toward the Hethwood community.

“I really like the trail, its quiet and (one mile of additional trail) relatively flat,” said Claire Osborn, a freshman political science major.

“I think a lot of people enjoy the To trail — every time I go on it there Christiansburg are a ton of people on it too.”

460

The scenic Huckleberry Trail that extends from Blacksburg to Christiansburg will undergo expansion come springtime.

The Town of Blacksburg, Friends of the Huckleberry Trail and Virginia Tech plan to add an estimated four miles to the current six-mile trail.

Bill Ellenbogen, the president of Friends of the Huckleberry Trail, a non-profit corporation that seeks to promote and develop the trail, said the trail will run from the Christiansburg Recreation Center to the Blacksburg Jefferson National Park.

But that isn’t all that’s in store for the trail in the coming months.

“We also plan on widening the first mile and paving the trail, which has aged and is in need of repairing,” Ellenbogen said. “It will be bid this spring, constructed this summer and ready by the fall.”

Currently, the trail starts at the Montgomery Fort Regional Library in downtown Blacksburg and continues through Christiansburg to the New River Valley Mall.

It moves toward Airport Road, crosses Tech Center Drive and

continues to Route 460, where it turns south to Christiansburg, Ellenbogen said.

The extension will take place at the Route 460 tunnel, where another spur will be added. Right now, trail goers can only turn left under the tunnel, but after the expansion, they will also be able to turn right.

The right side will be adjacent to Route 460 moving toward the Hethwood community, cross Prices Fork Road toward Glade Road and extend to the Heritage Community Park and Natural Area.

From Heritage Park, the trail will lead to the Jefferson National Forest, which consists of about 100,000 acres of land and 30 miles of additional trail.

“The goal is to develop a network of trails throughout the town that connect population centers, like Hethwood and commercial areas, Virginia Tech and other points of interest in the town,” Ellenbogen said. “We want to give people an opportunity to get on their bike, jog or walk for health and fitness.”

The tunnel to Hethwood will cost about $650,000. Funding for the expansion is derived from private donations, govern-

Route

PRISCILLA ALVAREZ

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photo Snowballs soar across Drillfield

february 21, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

Cadets vs. civilians On Sunday, Blacksburg was blanketed with its first major snowfall of the season. Those familiar with Virginia Tech traditions are quick to realize the significance of the event, as it marks the occurrence of the annual Corps of Cadets vs. Civilians snowball fight.

This year’s event marks a return from a one-year hiatus — a lack of snow last year precluded the fight.

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

Students and Cadets began planning the event after heavy snow was forecasted for the region. A Facebook event page gave participants the chance to plan the fight.

The battle began shortly after 4 p.m. and quickly grew in size. By 5 p.m., the middle of the Drillfield was nearly covered with participants and spectators, who were carrying on a tradition that has been occurring annually since 1921.

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS CJ YUNGER / SPPS

Come learn about studying in Paris

Paris

When: May 21 – June 24, 2012 6 credit hours, All levels of French

Deadline for the Paris Program is Feb. 27 Please contact Dr. Johnson for more information: spjohnson@vt.edu

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

opinions

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

february 21, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Your Views [letter to the editor]

Rematch with U.Va. sets up season sweep of Hoos

T

he “Cardiac Hokies” will be back at it tonight, as we take on our in-state rivals from Charlottesville, Va. In the last two weeks, we have seen the “Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat.”

For sure, we enjoy the former much more than the latter.

This past weekend’s thrilling overtime victory against Georgia Tech was a team win.

When I say team, I mean players and the Hokie Nation.

Nothing is easy for this young basketball team. But, when we are all together — competing with the support of the Hokie Nation — special things can happen. I can’t be more proud of a team that, just 42 hours after a gut-wrenching loss at Florida State, turned around and played an overtime game, finding a way to win. A lesser group would not have been able to rebound from such a devastating loss. Our players truly do represent what the Hokie Spirit is all about.

The game this evening is a

revenge game for our rivals from Charlottesville. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity for a sweep in the season series. Once again, this game will be televised nationally on the ESPN family of networks and will be our 13th game on national TV this season. Part of building a program is creating an identity, and you are part of that identity. We need great ownership, great energy and great spirit as we play our fifth game in 12 days.

Through all the disappointments, frustrations and adversity, this team continues to fight. We have won our past three home games, and we are counting on you to help us as we continue building on that Cassell magic.

I apologize for missing ChalkTalk last week, due to a recruiting commitment, but I will be back on Tuesday at D2 at 12:15 p.m. to present our game plan for our game against Virginia.

Seth Greenberg, men’s basketball coach

Iran and Israel’s spat compounded by words T

hirty years ago, when I was promoted to a new position in the Israeli Defense Forces, I sent all my friends a note promising to do this and that, and more. Most of them responded with “Good luck” or something of the sort, except for one, Uri Talmor, who wrote words that I’ll never forget: “Speak in cents, act in dollars.”

These words seem to be most relevant today, when Israeli officials are saturating the public discourse with declarations about Iran. Defense Minister Ehud Barak, in a lecture he gave in Herzliya recently, spoke at length about the need to act now. “Whoever argues that it’s better to act later,” he said, “might find out that it’s too late.” Former Mossad Chief Meir Dagan, on the other hand, doesn’t miss a chance to explain why we shouldn’t act militarily, while at the same time NBC, obviously tipped by anonymous Israeli sources, laid out in great detail a possible Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to restrain his talkative ministers, he himself contributed to this unhealthy rhetoric, by equating the present situation to Munich 1938, implying that Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was today’s Hitler, and that we shouldn’t repeat the mistake of not acting in time to curb a dictator’s evil schemes. The Iranians responded to what they perceived as Israeli threats by suggesting a pre-emptive strike, and so the exchange of fighting words continues, threatening at any moment to shift from words to fighting.

I served as a spokesman under Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and things were different then. Maybe because Rabin himself had learned the hard way how words could inflame an already loaded situation between Israel and its enemies.

It was Hebrew New Year’s Eve in 1966 when Rabin, then chief of staff of the IDF, gave the traditional interview to the Army magazine, Bamachane.

Things had been rough between Israel and Syria for some years, over the use of water, border skirmishes and Syrian support of Palestinian terrorism.

Rabin, however, added fuel to the flames. “The situation between Israel and Syria is different (from that between Israel and Egypt and Jordan),” he said, “and requires a different mode of action ... directed against the perpetrators and against the regime that supports them.”

Upon hearing that his chief of staff had openly threatened to do nothing short of toppling the Syrian regime, then-Prime Minister Levy Eshkol, who had been desperately trying to solve the conflict in diplomatic channels, became so furious that he considered firing him. Then the Six-Day War broke out, Rabin became its victorious hero and the incident was forgotten. Not

by Rabin, though.

Years later, in January 1995, the Islamic Jihad carried out a most vicious attack in Beit Lydd, when a Palestinian suicide bomber, dressed in army uniform, blew himself up in the midst of IDF soldiers waiting for their transportation. When the rescue forces rushed to the area, another suicide bomber blew himself up, adding to the carnage. Rabin, then prime minister in his second term, came to inspect the gruesome scene, not knowing that a third suicide bomber, who had been waiting specifically for him, failed to carry out his deadly mission.

A few days later, from his safe haven in Damascus, Fathi Shikaki, founder of the Islamic Jihad, gave an interview to Lara Marlow, the correspondent of Time magazine. Beaming and smiling, he bragged about his recent accomplishment. I didn’t know at the time whether or not his days were numbered, but I remembered that Golda Meir, after the massacre of the Israeli athletes in the Munich Olympics in 1972, ordered the Mossad to settle accounts with Hassan Salameh, the man who had masterminded the crime, and with his aides.

Lo and behold, on October 26, 1995, two motorcyclists tracked Shikaki, who was on his way to Libya, near a hotel in Malta, and killed him. Foreign sources would describe how the two, presumably Mossad agents, were smuggled out of the island

by Israeli naval commandos. I saw Rabin the following day, and he was in an unusually good mood.

However, he gave us a strict order not to say a word to the press. Since talking to the press was my only job, I found myself in the awkward situation of having to keep my mouth shut while the journalists gave me the “c’mon, everybody knows you guys did it.” Finally, giving in to pressure, I said to one of the British television channels that “I don’t know who killed Shikaki, but surely the world is now a safer place without him.”

For a while I enjoyed being so smart until I found out the following day that Rabin was furious. I stayed away from his office, to avoid his wrath. Up till this moment, I don’t know if he ever forgave me. He was assassinated just a few days later.

All these memories evoke that old phrase of Uri Talmor, so lucid in the fog of words which only worsen a tense situation: “Speak in cents, act in dollars.” He’s dead now, so I don’t know where he borrowed this phrase. But another phrase, no less apt to today’s circumstances, can be easily found in Isaiah 30:15: “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”

URI DROMI -mcclatchy newspapers

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MCT CAMPUS

Kennedy’s alleged affair revealed T

he release of Mimi Alford’s book, “Once Upon a Secret: My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath,” has caused another president’s legacy to tarnish due to a publicized alleged affair with an intern. But Kennedy’s reputation has seemingly remained unchanged, rather than sour like President Bill Clinton’s standing after his comparable affair.

Actually, the two president’s affairs are uncannily similar.

The obvious similarity is both women were young interns during their flings with the presidents. Both presidents seemed to be emotionally invested in their affairs — Clinton exchanged gifts with Monica Lewinsky, and Kennedy apparently taught Alford to scramble eggs just how he liked them. Alford saw this as an intimate connection, but Kennedy may have had other, more appetitive, intentions.

It may, however, be more suitable to label Alford’s encounters with Kennedy as a tryst — she even confessed she loved him.

But the memoir’s contents imply that Kennedy didn’t romantically reciprocate.

However, the relationship didn’t seem solely sexual either. Alford recalls several tender moments between her and Kennedy — including his mourning over the death of his 2-day-old son.

No moments during Clinton’s affair, however, showed any signs remotely comparable to love. I think the president addressing Lewinsky as “that woman” sufficiently dispelled any chance of labeling their encounter as a tryst.

The dissimilarities between Kennedy and Clinton’s postaffair reputations cannot be easily explained. While Clinton’s infamous violation of the First Lady’s tobacco-free White House policy (though in a smokeless fashion) seems as vulgar as it gets, Kennedy’s days in the White House pool can certainly com-

pete.

In her novel, Alford exposes Kennedy’s dark side, which peaked when he allegedly had her perform a sex act on his special assistant, Dave Powers, in his therapy pool.

People’s (and specifically, conservatives’) ability to mock Clinton while revering Kennedy must be because Kennedy didn’t see the end of his presidency. And, society didn’t learn of Kennedy’s affairs until well after his assassination.

would have contained, rather than antagonized, his intern. The man could be domineering, sinister, mischievous and cocky. But he was also brilliant, loving and aware of other people’s concerns.

The only way he prevented his two personalities from conflicting was to compartmentalize his relationships. He did so effectively by exposing his less desirable attributes to his mistresses, trusted friends and cabinet members.

This way, his wife, children, fellow politicians and the public only saw characteristics that made him so special.

Kennedy’s women, like Alford will enjoy good book Alford, however, saw sides of the iconic sales, a number of nation- both president. And she porally broadcasted interviews trays their lengthy affair fairly well. The overand small place in history. written book almost a biography But, in time, her name will becomes (personally, I don’t care be forgotten along with about her marriages after the rest of the presidential theButaffair). she makes the mistresses.” relatively short reading time worth it by selecting the key moments of Clinton’s affair, however, was the tryst, narrating them well and discovered during his second providing exceptional insight into term and even gained him an the president’s life. embarrassing (but irrelevant) Alford will enjoy good book impeachment. While it is certain- sales, a number of nationly fun to insult a healthy, active ally broadcasted interviews and president, even the most partisan a small place in history. But, in cringe when an assassinated presi- time, her name will be forgotdent is derided. ten along with the rest of the But that’s not to say Kennedy got presidential mistresses. Kennedy away with his extramarital activi- will remain an icon — and in a ties solely because he was assas- few years even fewer people will sinated. After reading Alford’s know he even had an affair (and account of her affair along with I think the number of people in several books on President the know now is very few). For Kennedy (but not considering now, however, people get to read the many awful portrayals of him Alford’s book and gain an intimate in cinema), I’m convinced that understanding of a complicated if the affair was revealed before man. his assassination, Kennedy would have reacted in a profoundly dif- JOHN LANGLEY ferent manner than Clinton.

-regular columnist President Kennedy was politically savvy and probably would -senior have denied the affair, but he -political science major

“

Obama isn’t fully to blame for gas prices In

recent decades, worldwide production in developed countries has been increasing at exponential rates. Many aspects have fueled this growth, but one of the most prominent is gasoline.

People use it to drive to work, travel to different countries and mow lawns. Even those who don’t drive a car constantly use gas by riding a bus or eating food that was moved by truck from a distributor to a grocery store. As prices at the pump approach all-time highs, commuters’ wallets aren’t the only things put under pressure.

With the presidential election looming near, the Obama administration is raising millions of dollars for its campaign for re-election. On the other side of the spectrum, the Republican Party is still trying to find its candidate to pin up against Barack Obama. Since there is not an absolute winner as of yet, each possible runner is trying to make as many public statements about their policies as possible to attract voters.

In the past couple weeks, the GOP has zeroed in on the ever-rising price of gas, as well as Obama’s inability to sooth citizens’ dissatisfaction. Both John Boehner and Newt Gingrich have been quoted saying the current administration is not doing enough to fix high gas prices. Gingrich has even gone on Twitter to start a petition to lower prices.

Because just about everyone uses gas in one form or another, this topic hits close to home for Americans, making it the perfect issue to gain policy popularity. The fact that average gas prices are too high is something people can all

agree upon, regardless of political affiliation. This is why each candidate’s stance on ways to bring gas prices down to a manageable level will be a huge factor in the election.

I agree that prices at the pump are too high, especially while many are in economic turmoil. But I am not sure how much blame people can put on President Obama and his administration for the prices.

I am a strong advocate for the Keystone XL pipeline adoption.

When Obama dismissed this proposal I was troubled and confused, and I thought he made the wrong decision. It was a plan that would have dropped gas prices in the long run and decreased America’s dependence on overseas oil. But I cannot accuse Obama of being the reason the United States has not found a cure for the gas price epidemic.

Many factors are involved in the price of gas at the pump. According to FuelEconomy.org, the most significant of these is the price of raw crude oil. This material accounts for about two-thirds of the price people pay for gas, and the Obama administration has little to no control over its price.

This is why countries in the Middle East make piles of money — they have a stranglehold on the market, and the gas prices that have been steadily creeping upward are a direct effect of recent political tensions with Iran. They hold the power to increase and decrease supply and prices.

However, the president partly has control over taxation within the U.S. Surprisingly, this only accounts for about 14 percent of the national price of gas, and

Obama doesn’t even have full control over it. Each state has its own implemented tax on gasoline on top of the federal tax.

The price is also determined by the natural supply and demand of consumers and suppliers. As demand is perpetually growing — that is until alternative energy sources are found and utilized — the price will unsurprisingly increase.

Another facet of the price of gas is the business actions of the big U.S. oil corporations, such as Exxon and BP. These include marketing, distribution and refining costs that are partly deflected to the consumers. This accounts for a larger portion of what people pay at stations than the national and state taxes by a few percentage points.

So after taking a closer look at what people are paying for when they fill up their tanks, it’s easier to see that Obama doesn’t actually have the sort of control over national gas prices the GOP claims he does.

I believe the resolution to help gas prices drop will take more than just a one- or two-term presidency. It is something that must be started by one president and carried on by succeeding leaders. The difficulty rests in finding the best person to get the movement started, and that is for the people to decide in the upcoming election.

DAVID LEVITT -regular columnist -sophomore -economics major

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february 21, 2012

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Week ending Feb. 18, 2012

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

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Part of Me • Katy Perry Set Fire to the Rain • Adele

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We are Young (Feat. Janelle Moneae) • Fun

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Stronger (What

Doesn’t Kill You)

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• Kelly Clarkson

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WORDSEARCH: New York Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

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WORD BANK 1 Subway 2 Times Square 3 Traffic 4 Pizza 5 Taxi 6 Shopping 7 Broadway 8 Big Apple 9 Museum 10 Central Park 11 Chinatown 12 Queens 13 Brooklyn 14 Bronx 15 Manhattan 16 Skyscraper 17 Staten Island 18 Coney Island

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news

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

Nepal Nite: Ambassador attends show from page one

“Getting the budget request was really the biggest and most stressful thing for the show,” Gnawali said.

“Since we are a small organization, we don’t really have that much money in our account so it’s really nice to know that the school helps us out.”

Despite difficulty, the association focused on spreading the Nepalese culture.

“We were just hoping that by doing this show, it (would) expose the culture at little bit more here at Tech,” Gnawali said.

“I really want people to be more aware and learn about the different cultures.”

february 21, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Faith: Common ground sought from page one

Moreover, Shocket said some stereotypes about Jews have led to several misinterpretations of the faith.

“I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Judaism, particularly with stereotypes about money — all the perpetuation of greedy Jews, Jew jokes. I think that sets a bad tone for Jews in the world because we’re not stingy or anything like that.”

Still, Hillel and MSA members are working together to overcome the misconceptions by promoting interfaith discourse. Rachel Adell, the vice president of Tzedek, a program that engages in community service, social justice and environmental initiatives, said their program is working to promote coexistence between religions.

“While we weren’t at each individual table (at the dinner), we brought these people together, and we gave them some sample questions that they could have their conversations on and get to organically know each other,” Adell said.

Shah said promoting religious awareness will eliminate many problems hindering interfaith coexistence.

“I think the big issue that’s causing this big debate is ignorance, not in the sense that people are dumb, but that they are unaware,” he said. “In a big part of the world, you have isolation where you don’t experience other types of faiths and types of people. There’s a lack

of diversity.”

Shah, who grew up in New York City and was exposed to diverse populations, said unawareness about people’s beliefs and religions leads to conflict because people perceive other cultures as radically different than they actually are.

“People are just unaware. They’re uneducated about each other,” Shah said. “Even though they may be neighbors, they just don’t know (about each other).”

However, both Shocket and Shah agree Tech students have been able to break religious barriers and come together peacefully.

“We have a really great attitude on our campus,” Shocket said. “I think there is a way we can advocate for Israel, while promoting peace.

And I think getting to know each other, finding a common ground and understanding both sides is the first step in creating a good spirit for peace.”

While there are many groups to promote interfaith relations, Shah said he does not hear of many interfaith activities going on around campus. However, he said he has not seen any impediments to promoting interfaith dialogue.

“There’s nothing stopping us from interacting with others faiths, so I think that’s a good thing,” Shah said.

The Hillel-MSA dinner gave students of both religions the opportunity to learn about each other and build relationships, but Shocket said curiosity played a main role in the dinner’s success.

“We really know nothing about each other’s religions,” Shocket said. “Everyone is so respectful and curious. It made me feel so great that we could come together and share our curiosity without anyone becoming offended.”

In addition, Adell said the event, which is the second held by Hillel and MSA, would help foster good relations between Jewish and Muslim students.

“We’re hoping to just continue building a relationship, as people who are minorities and as groups on campus who most people might think wouldn’t get along because of politics or religious conflict,” Adell said. “We want to prove to them that, as college students and educated people, we can get along and have these conversations and get to know them on a personal level beyond what society might perceive.”

Shah also said the event brought the similarities between both religions to light.

“It seems to me that the vast majority of our faiths are made up of similarities,” Shah said. “There are a select few places where we differ, but those differences are not major, from what I can tell.

We’re just like everyone else.

It’s the same God, we just have a different word for God. We’re tolerant, peaceful, just normal people.”

The Avi Schaefer Foundation funded the event through a grant that interns of Ask Big Questions, a national Hillel initiative, asked for.

5

what you’re saying On greed fueling the 3D craze (Feb 17.)

Lane: If movie studios are paying to have

their films converted to 3D, and people are

willing to pay to see it, I don't see what "greed" has to do with it. Sounds to me like the foundation of any business... supply what the people want. Most businesses exist to make a pro it... but in the eyes of some, pro it = greed.

Anonymous: maybe you should just

humble yourself and go see the 2-D movies. you're not obligated to go see a movie that's in 3-D just as when you decide you need a car and you search for one to buy, you're not obligated to buy a lexus. if you can't afford, then that just sucks for you and you should probably igure out how to make some more money instead of whining about that which you don't deserve

Anonymous: Oh, did the author of the

article say that he couldn't afford to see 3-d movies? No, just that there's no point in it when the only added feature is 3-d. Good job missing the point though.

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time

offense

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02/18/12

01.26 a.m.

appear intoxicated in public

Alumni Mall

arrested

02/18/21

01.54 a.m.

appear intoxicated in public

Alumni Mall

arrested

02/18/21

01.41 a.m.

driving under the influence of alcohol

Otey Street

arrested

02/18/12

04.11 a.m.

underage possession of alcohol

Pritchard Hall

inactive

02/18/12

2.30-3.25 a.m.

vandalism / destruction of property

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sexual assault

Monteith Hall

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10.05 p.m.

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01.36 a.m.

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01.48 a.m.

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101

I received a drunk in public citation while tailgating and do not know what is going to happen. Is there anyone I can speak with before my conduct meeting?

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ANSWER: Student Conduct offers peer advising for students with pending conduct matters. They can be contacted at studentconduct@vt.edu or (540) 231-3790 to set up an appointment.

I have a conduct meeting and heard I am allowed to bring an advisor with me. Who can I contact to get some advice and find an advisor?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You’re in a time crunch, as you race around getting things done. Luckily, you’re good at this. It gets easier as the day goes by. Have fun with it.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Draw upon hidden resources. Provide excellent service. Accept a generous offer. You’re gaining authority. Review priorities and contemplate your next move.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) A spiritual advisor keeps you on the right path. Share your experience with somebody to whom it would make a difference. Your friends are really there for you.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Consider new opportunities in your career, perhaps by completely reinventing your goals. Make time to help others. What goes around comes back around.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Travel and romance both look good for the next two days. Expand your options. There’s no shortage of information. Learn quickly from a loved one.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) There’s action and change going on at work. List options, review considerations and choose. Use top quality materials. Have someone else write your bio.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Brainstorm brilliant ideas with your team of hotshot experts. Unleash imagination. Write a love letter to your future self. Let friends teach you.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Getting in touch with your spiritual side clears your mind. It’s easier to clear up family issues. Play with longrange plans. Maintain optimism.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Add some passion and spice to your workplace. The place is bustling with busy innovation. The impossible looks easy. Explore streets you seldom visit.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Fun is in the air. Now’s a great time to let go of old upsets and create new possibilities with loved ones. They help you achieve the next level.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Make something beautiful with plenty of love. Your intuition is getting recognized. Love is a growing possibility over the next couple of days.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) A to-do list helps with tasks. Start by checking off projects closest to your heart. At the end of the day, delegate or erase those you’re never going to do.

ANSWER: The Dean of Students’ office provides pre-hearing advising, can walk you through the conduct process, or serve as an advisor during a conduct meeting. Advisors can be anyone but may serve solely as a source of support; they may not participate in the actual hearing discussion.

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6

february 21, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

arts & entertainment

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

‘The Artist’ proves silent films can be Oscar worthy T

he Academy Awardnominated film “The Artist” is playing at the Lyric Theatre this week. Although it has been months since its limited release, no theaters within a one-hundred mile radius of Blacksburg were playing it.

I decided to see “The Artist,” considering the heavy media attention it has received a n d because the Lyric is walking distance from campus. And I liked what I saw.

“Saw” is exactly what I mean.

“The Artist” is a silent film. All dialogue is acted out by pantomime, and the film used title cards for more complex lines.

When “The Artist” began, I felt as if I had been transported 80 years into the past — no 3D glasses, CGI effects or Channing

MOVIE REVIEW

Tatum, thank goodness.

I’ll be the first to admit my eyebrows rose when I read about this new movie that was supposed to be a homage to the silent era. A wordless black-

The saying, “It’s so crazy it just might work,” applies to this situation. Despite the film’s older ambiance, I thought it was truly great. Within the first 10 minutes of the opening credits, I forgot it was a silent film.

The actors are phenomenal, as they are able convey their feelings If a movie transports viewers to without overacting. It’s into its world, making them almost as if director Michel Hazanavicius care about and remember pulled them out of the characters, it’s worth some long-forgotten film reel sitting alone seeing. And ‘The Artist’ does on a dusty shelf.

Just because “The this.”

Artist” is supposed to have the feel of an older movie, there are a few and-white film? There’s a reason aspects setting it apart from its silent films died out. That’s not almost century-old counterto say I disregard all silent films. parts.

There are plenty I enjoy and The camera work and footage appreciate, but a silent film in doesn’t look aged. Sometimes, 2012? old films have a grainy look to

“

them. However, “The Artist” is quite clear.

Also, although a beautiful musical score accompanies most of the movie, a dream sequence features sounds of doors slamming and mirrors cracking. The sounds make sense in the context of the film and don’t take viewers out of the silent world reality.

The storyline was secondary to the tremendous acting and great cinematography. A charming silent movie star in 1927 sees his career deteriorate, as movies with sound, “talkies,” become the newest fad. It has a real “Singin’ In the Rain” (1952) feel to it.

The plot was entertaining but predictable. Spoilers aside, I think the parts I accurately predicted were written that way for a reason. The upbeat mood, even in scenes of melancholy, reminded me of a time when the magic of movies still enamored America and the rest of the world.

Today’s films, in general, have a cynical feel to them. However, the nostalgia of eras past topic is tackled in another film nominated for an Oscar this year — Woody Allen’s “Midnight In Paris” — so I won’t elaborate on the subject.

Even though I used to hate any movie made before 1993 — watching “The Godfather” as a 13-year-old changed me forever — I highly recommend this movie. Don’t let the silent aspect scare you off. When a movie’s good, a movie’s good.

If a movie transports viewers into its world, making them care about and remember the characters, it’s worth seeing. And “The Artist” does this.

If you’re in the mood to take a trip to the movies, head to the Lyric and see “The Artist.”

I guarantee it’s better than most films playing at the bigger theaters, and it’s cheaper. Forget the “talkies” for a day, and transport yourself back to Hollywoodland.

COURTNEY BAKER -featured columnist -senior -political science major

‘The Artist’ at a glance Director: Michael Hazanavicius Rating: PG-13 Run time: 1 hour, 40 minutes Lead actors: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo “The Artist” is showing at the Lyric Theatre now until March 1. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. every day, with a few exceptions and additional showings. Check out TheLyric.com for a complete schedule.

7

editors: chelsea gunter, patrick murphy

february 21, 2012

featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

COLLEGIATETIMES

Grimes produces inconsistent, eclectic sound you might also like: “II” by Majical Cloudz Former labelmate and frequent collaborator of Grimes, Majical Cloudz is also featured on “Visions” in the song “Nightmusic.”

Majical Cloudz is Devon Welsh, another Canadian musician who makes overloaded electronic music. However, he is slightly less chaotic than Doldrums, leaning more toward the dreamier side of the spectrum.

Listen to: “Dream World (ft. Grimes)” “Empire Sound” by Doldrums Fellow Canadian and past tourmate of Grimes, Doldrums (also known as Eric Woodhead) makes music that is similarly packed with as diverse a range of sounds and influences as Grimes’ songs. He’s even featured in “The Colour of Moonlight (Antiochus)” on “Visions.”

Listen to: “I’m Homesick Sittin’ Up Here In My Satellite”

Drawing influences from various genres, Grimes’ latest album ‘Visions’ may be one to beat this year

It

seems early to be making this kind of prediction, but it’s hard to imagine anything but Grimes’ new album “Visions” being at the top of “Best of 2012” lists this year.

Grimes, also known as Claire Boucher, has been quietly releasing albums on the Canadian label Arbutus Records for two years, but none have garnered nearly as much universal praise and excitement as her latest. Her recent signing to 4AD, a prestigious British record label, speaks to the degree of talent and potential showcased on “Visions.”

Grimes has described her music as “post-Internet,” and as goofy as it might sound, this characterization is not entirely inaccurate.

She says her music is a result of growing up with instant access to any kind of tunes she could want, via the Internet. This has resulted in her unique sound that’s eclectically inconsistent. Every song on the record is infused with influences from all over the place — dance music, 80s pop, new age, K-pop, Top 40 and more.

Boucher sings in an otherworldly, impossibly high-pitched voice that somehow manages to maintain a soulful quality, despite the octaves she reaches. Her voice soars above the bright synth tones in “Genesis,” one of the best songs of the entire album.

The lyrics are generally indecipherable and are blended into pure atmosphere, lending to the new age comparisons she often receives.

She uses her voice like an instrument, turning it into another layer of sound that happens to have a distinctly alien quality to it. “Be A Body” and “Symphonia IX (my wait is u)” speak to her affinity for shapeless vocals, as her voice becomes a vapor that floats and swirls around the hard-hitting beats she uses to ground the music.

However, when you are able to make out what she’s saying, it sticks. She sings in “Oblivion”

about walking in the dark of night and imagining that, “Someone could break your neck, coming up behind you, always coming, and you’d never have a clue.”

In the almost-ballad “Skin,” she refers to a dying relationship with the lyrics, “Soft skin, you touch me once again and somehow it stings because I know it is the end.”

However, “Visions” doesn’t consist of all experimental, ambient music. The pop songs are plentiful. “Eight” and “Circumambient” are what Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” would have sounded like if Grimes had produced it — like a cyborg dance jam.

“Nightmusic,” which opens with the sound of an alien birth cry, and “Oblivion,” both feature a pounding bass that would not be out of place on the dance floor. Even the brief introduction “Infinite Love Without Fulfillment” is a great pop song in its own right, leaving listeners

wanting more when it’s over in just one-and-a-half minutes.

The result of these influences is a record that’s equal parts esoteric and familiar. “Visions” represents the work of an artist with tremendous talent, who has found a sound she excels at making that’s innovative, interesting and, perhaps most importantly, fun.

Her unique singing voice, combined with her solid skills as a producer, allows her to dream up songs that are, at times, atmospheric and airy, and at other times, heavy and poppy. Because of this, Grimes’ “Visions” is light years ahead of current mainstream and indie pop music trends, setting itself to be the album to beat come the “year end” lists.

KEVIN MCALEESE -featured columnist -junior -political science major

P.O. Box 477, Radford, VA 24143 Office: (540) 639-9592 Hotline: (540) 639-1123 Website: www.wrcnrv.org

Thank You Alpha Chi Omega and the Virginia Tech Community For selecting our non-profit organization to be the recipient of proceeds from their philanthropy MOCK ROCK

Your efforts helped us serve 1,439 victims of sexual assault and 2,540 victims of domestic violence over the past year.

8

sports

february 21, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Basketball: Greenberg remains confident from page one

The Hokies (15-12, 4-8 ACC) are, without a doubt, far from making the Big Dance at this point, but those within the program retain an optimistic outlook. The team will look to increase its chances tonight by beating rival Virginia for the second time this season.

“Of course we want to come out and win. At the same time, that’s not our main goal — to sweep U.Va.,” said point guard Erick Green. “We just want to come out and win as many games as possible. No one’s said anything about the tournament yet. No one’s been selected yet.

We’re just going to keep playing and win as many games as possible.”

After Dorenzo Hudson nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer on Saturday afternoon to help the Hokies beat ACC bottom-feeder Georgia Tech, Greenberg believes his team will be able to carry the momentum into tonight’s contest.

“Obviously it’s a lot easier to prepare for this game coming off a game-winning shot than another gut-wrenching loss,” Greenberg said. “That, combined with playing another league game, another home game and your in-state rival … your only negative in terms of preparation for this game would be time. It’s our fifth game in 12 days.”

The Hokies will have their hands full with a talented, defensive-minded Virginia squad. The Cavaliers (20-6, 7-5 ACC) give up just 51.9 points per game, good for second in the nation.

Greenberg offered high praise for his in-state rivals.

“Virginia’s a physical team, obviously Mike Scott is having a very special season,” he said.

“I’m a big Joe Harris fan. He really just has a good feel for how to play the game. Sammy (Zeglinski) has played a lot of basketball and understands how to play. “(Akil) Mitchell seems like he’s playing well. They’re finding more ways to get him the

ball and put him in a better position to be successful. They have one of the best on-ball defenders in the league in Jontel (Evans). Again, they’re a hard-playing, outstanding defensive team that can run on opportunity.”

Tech won the first matchup, 47-45, in Charlottesville, Va. on Jan. 22. The key for the Hokies in that game was shutting down Scott, the standout forward who was held to just 10 points.

“Mike’s having to work very hard to get good opportunities, and that is to be expected when you’re putting up the numbers he’s putting up,” said Virginia head coach Tony Bennett. “He’s a focus of a lot of defenses.

Obviously in that game, Tech did a good job of really making them work.”

Greenberg said he’ll apply a similar strategy to stop Scott the second time around.

“We’re going to defend him the way we have always tried to defend him,” he said.

“Defend him early, arrive on the catch, stop him from catching the ball deep, giving help, cutting him off on the second shot — which I think is really important, because he really does a great job of rebounding his misses. He’s a really good player.”

Green is also well aware of the importance of matching the physicality of Bennett’s squad.

“We’ve definitely got to come out and play good defense and stop them on the glass,” he said. “Mike Scott’s a great player. They’re moving him out to the perimeter a little bit more. I think they’re going to try and do things different, and we’re going to stick to our defensive plan, and hopefully, our offense and scoring will come.

Despite a one-win January, the Hokies have come on stronger over the past several weeks, going 3-3 so far in February.

“I think we’re playing better,” Greenberg said. “There’s such a fine line between a great season and a bad season. We’ve prob-

ably been on both sides of that line some. I see some growth in some different players that’s encouraging.”

Two players in particular who had strong outings on Saturday were big men Cadarian Raines and C.J. Barksdale, who were filling in for an injured Victor Davila.

“I thought (Barksdale) was good. I thought he was active,” Greenberg said. “I thought the defining play for CJ was the 50-50 ball he ripped out of (Kammeon) Holsey’s hands.

That was some physicality and some toughness we’ve needed to see. He wanted the ball. He’s only going to continue to get better.”

Unfortunately for Tech, Davila will not be available for tonight’s game, and there’s a chance he won’t return to action this season. The 6-foot9-inch Puerto Rico native has been a four-year starter under Greenberg.

“I just feel so bad for the kid,” Greenberg said. “He’s given us four great years, never says boo, great teammate, worked hard, has had a solid career, been a four-year starter. It’s really disheartening to think he doesn’t have an opportunity to finish his career. He never gets in trouble, goes to school every day … life’s not always fair.”

Despite these two teams having polar opposite seasons, tonight’s matchup should still provide fans yet another competitive contest.

“You’re always trying to play hard, but you’re certainly trying to amp it up in these games,” Bennett said. “You just know when you play on the road and certainly at Virginia Tech, it’s going to be a war. It always seems like every game we’ve played has been like that.”

His counterpart agreed.

“I think you’ll see two teams play really hard (tonight),” Greenberg said. “And I think two teams play with a great sense of urgency and a purpose and a toughness … I think it’ll be a good basketball game.”

FILE 2012 SPPS

Erick Green drives the ball against Akil Mitchell during the Hokies’ 47-45 win in Charlottesville, Va. on Jan. 22.

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