Thursday, April 19, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Check out the photo essay of “A Servant of Two Masters” on page seven An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

COLLEGIATETIMES 108th year, issue 51

News, page 5

Weekend, page 6

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 2

Study Break, page 4

BOV to discuss The start of a new era at WR tuition proposal MALLORY NOE-PAYNE news staff writer The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors is scheduled to meet Friday morning and is expected to consider proposed tuition increases for the 2012-13 school year. The board was initially planning to consider the resolution regarding tuition and fee increases at its March 25 and 26 meetings, but the Virginia General Assembly had not yet finalized its budget at the time. Unclear on how the state budget could impact Tech’s tuition and fees, the BOV held off on considering the resolution for approval of tuition. However, at this point, the state legislature has still not reached agreement on an overall budget. Despite that, according to University Spokesman Mark

Owczarski, enough of the budget that affects Virginia Tech and higher education funding has been finalized in both houses that the Board feels comfortable considering tuition changes. “By necessity we need to keep our budget process moving along,” Owczarski said. “We have to set (tuition), incoming students need to know that.” The proposed change in tuition is a 4.7 percent increase for instate students, and a 5.9 percent increase for out of state. If the BOV approves the proposed changes, Tech’s tuition rates will have increased by $2,940 for in-state students and $4,787 for out-of-state students in the past five years. The Board will be meeting Friday morning at the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke. They will meet in the Pocahontas Room from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.. Meetings are open to the public.

Tuition Rates Through the Years

$25,000

FILE 2011 / SPPS

D.J. Coles breaks away from a Clemson Tigers defender last season. He will need to be a key contributor if the Hokies offense is to succeed.

$23,575 $9,272

$22,254 $8,852

$19,522

$7,439

$6,768

$5,000

$18,788

$10,000

$6,322

$15,000

$20,498

$20,000

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 20011-12 2012-13 Out of State

In State BETHANY MELSON / COLLEGIATE TIMES

With the departure of two of the best receivers to play at Tech, a new corps must pick up the slack ZACH CONWAY sports staff writer No Danny Coale, no Jarrett Boykin: no problem. The Virginia Tech Hokies entered the spring losing one of their best receiving combinations in Coale and Boykin. It’s not easy to replace a total of 121 receptions, 1,665 receiving yards and eight touchdowns from a year ago, but that is what this receiving corps will be tasked with this upcoming season.

The loss of Coale and Boykin will no doubt hurt, but with Marcus Davis, Dyrell Roberts and D.J. Coles, the transition looks to be a bit easier. “Don’t get me wrong, Jarrett and Danny were great players. We’re definitely gonna miss them. They gave a lot of production when they were here,” Roberts said. “I think we have the potential to not have a drop off, and just fill in as we come and continue the success that we’ve been having.” The trio of Davis, Roberts and Coles does have experience to go

along with their talent and athletic ability. In order to be successful, they are going to have to take on leadership roles and help this receiving corps reach its full potential. Wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman will be counting on them, along with redshirt-senior Corey Fuller, to be those go-to guys, not only on the field for Logan Thomas, but also off the field for the younger players at their position. “We have Roberts, Marcus (Davis) and Fuller,” Sherman said. “Those guys have played a lot of games and been in big games, so I’m counting on those guys to step up and bring the younger guys along when I’m not around.”

The receivers are not the only ones that will have to get used to the absence left by Coale and Boykin — Thomas has to adjust to throwing to different receivers. The only players returning Thomas has had real time with is Davis and Coles, as Roberts sat out most of last season with injury. The timing has been off between Thomas and his receivers so far throughout the spring, and it is showing in the scrimmages and practice. Thomas and the receivers are getting frustrated with the dropped passes that have been piling up. see RECEIVERS / page two

Course evaluation goes entirely online Relay drag races VICTORIA ZIGADLO design editor This year, for the first time in university history, the Student Perceptions of Teaching questionnaires will be administered to students entirely online. SPOT, which opened Wednesday, is designed to collect student feedback on courses and instructors. Since the 2010-11 academic year, the Office of Assessment and Evaluation — in collaboration with several other university offices — has been working to transition the questionnaire to an online-only response method from the traditional paper evaluation. The College of Natural Resources and Environment and the College of Engineering were the first to use the new SPOT system during the 201011 academic year. This semester, the final two departments — the College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences — were added. “The response rates were something that we were definitely concerned about when we moved online” said Anne Laughlin, the assessment coordinator in the OAE. “We were concerned that fewer students would respond, because it is online and it is optional.” Carlos Evia — an associate professor of English, which switched to online evaluation only this semester — said the

online evaluations feel more natural. “In the mind of the undergraduates, it makes sense,” Evia said. “We’re used to doing things online. I think people might feel more confident and give more accurate feedback if it’s online.” The data from past semesters supports Evia’s statement. “What we’ve found is that, so far, the response rates have been about the same. Overall, across the university, about 70 percent of students will respond,” Laughlin said.

your own time.” Students will be sent a reminder email every two days for each questionnaire that remains unanswered until the time period is closed. “Today, I just got five emails,” said Jordan Campbell, a senior human nutrition, foods and exercise major. “I’m not going to be able to do them for a whole week so I’m just going to keep getting emails.” ‘I don’t let (the emails) accumulate too much,” Beasley said. “It would get a little annoying if you were really busy and couldn’t do it right In the mind of the underaway. “ The emails, while graduates, it makes sense. frequent, serve an We’re used to doing things important purpose in online. I think people might the evaluation process, Laughlin explained. feel more conﬁdent and “Part of the reason that (students) get so give more accutate feedmany email reminders is because we really back if it’s online.” depend on getting as student feedback Carlos Evia much as possible,” Laughlin associate professor of English said. “Major decisions The new online evaluation are made on the basis of the method begins by sending all results. It affects people’s teachstudents an email corresponding ing, and it affects their careers.” to every course they are enrolled Not all students, including in with a link to the appro- Luke Stephens, a sophomore priate questionnaire. Students psychology major, take the time have until reading day, May 3, to to fill out the evaluations. respond to the survey. “I think last semester I “I actually prefer (electronic),” didn’t fill them out,” Stephens said Whitney Beasley, a fresh- said.”When I do them, I take man biology major. “I did have a them seriously. All of the teachpaper one in a class last semester ers here are here for a reason, and I think its easier to do it on and they work hard.”

“

However, not all students adopt the same attitude. “It is kind of frustrating to constantly be getting reminders,” Campbell said. “It makes you not want to take it that seriously.” Nor is the online system infallible. There are cases, such as with Sarah Edwards, a junior music education and classical studies major, where the online evaluation process is subject to error. “I got one for a class with the wrong teacher,” Edwards said. “I don’t really know how to go about getting the right one.” On their website, the OAE requests students contact 4help for system support problems, and lists Laughlin as the point of contact for all other questions. The results from SPOT questionnaires are used, according to Laughlin, in making decisions for teaching awards, promotions and tenure decisions. Even outside of issues involving tenure and promotion, professors place high value on their student feedback, Evia said. “As an associate with tenure I’m still super worried about what my students say. I think I worry too much,” he said. “The classes I teach rely a lot on current software and hardware, and I have to update my syllabus frequently to reflect those changes. So one of the strongest sources of support when I’m revising my courses is to see what my students say.”

to the ﬁnish line CHELSEA GILES features staff writer If approached by someone wearing a dress this week, don’t immediately assume it’s a girl. With two drag performances planned to take place on campus, men in women’s clothing will seem like the norm. During Relay for Life, a yearly event that will take place Friday, April 20, there will be various events on the Drillfield to sustain the momentum of the volunteers. “Queen of the Night” is a prime example of this and will carry the enthusiasm into downtown, as participants dressed in drag will ask for donations from bar goers. Maggie McVicar, a communication major, is actively involved in the community and is a member of Tech’s Relay for Life events committee. “People go all out, and it’s really entertaining,” McVicar said. “In terms of audience enjoyment, it’s one of the most successful events, and it brings in a lot of money.” McVicar said the drag queens would have a short amount of time to do whatever they please in order to receive donations

from people downtown. The one who raises the most money will earn points for his team, which will then donate it to Relay. “I’m just excited to see how much fun the people doing it have,” McVicar said. “It’s raising money to fight cancer, which makes it exciting to me.” If those volunteering for “Queen of the Night” seek inspiration or need ideas, they may attend Tech’s LGBTA annual drag show Thursday, April 19. This event will be located in the Graduate Life Center’s auditorium at 8 p.m. The performance will also be free and open to the public. Zack Fry, a sociology major and LGBTA films chair has taken part in the event already and assures that it’s entertaining for all. “Students here enjoy it and its fun to do,” Fry said. “It’s a nurturing environment, and no one gets booed.” However, having the status of an LGBTA member doesn’t carry the requirement of being a performer. Not only is the event open to the public, but the show slots are available as well. see RELAY / page six

sports

april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Receivers: Group has big shoes to fill from page one

“And we’ll be fine, it’s just young guys, inexperienced guys. But you’ve got to keep throwing the ball to them,” said quarterback coach Mike O’Cain. “If you stop, they never will be good. So you’ve just got to hug them around the neck and build their confidence.” Injuries have been another issue plaguing the receivers this spring. Davis and Coles have both missed time with injuries, and Roberts has been battling a tweaked hamstring himself. This has given guys like Corey Fuller, Demitri Knowles, E.L. Smiling and Kevin Asante valuable reps with the firstteam. Although a senior, Fuller hasn’t spent a bunch of time playing receiver, as last year was his first with the program after transferring from Kansas, where he ran track. However, he has shown improvement this spring, as he caught three touchdowns from Thomas in the team’s scrimmage last Saturday. As far as this upcoming season, it looks to be Davis, Roberts and Coles as the starting three receivers. These players have had the most ingame experience and they give the Hokies the best chance

what you’re saying On the review of Castle’s Pub:

to have an explosive offense. But, Fuller has been working hard this off-season in order to be given the opportunity to go out and make plays for this offense. “I come out here in practice every day, Monday, Wednesday, Friday,” Fuller said. “I do everything and attempt to catch every single ball.” Fuller is going to be a wild card for this fall’s Hokie offense. He will be in the fourth wide receiver position, giving him the opportunity for mismatches. It’s going to be up to him to make the best of his chances. “He’s getting better. I look at him from this time last year to where he is this year, and it’s light-years,” O’Cain said. “He’s playing much faster, and overall, he’s catching the ball better.” If the Hokies can stay healthy at the wide receiver position, then it could be a special season. With experience and the overall ability of many of these players, the Hokies could potentially have a better season throwing the ball. It will be key through the rest of the spring to get the drops and little timing issues out of the way so when it comes time to make plays in game situations, these can get it done.

Anonymous: I didn’t like the electronic payment system, either. They don’t show you an itemized list, so you don’t know if you are being charged correctly. There was only an option to tip by a set percentage, which takes away flexibility. I don’t like the server hovering, either (it is probably awkward for them, too). It was a decent bar, though...they’re just trying to get a little too fancy. They should stick with what works: good food, good beer, and a traditional payment system.

FILE / SPPS

Dyrell Roberts (above) and Marcus Davis (below) to play a large role this fall.

crimeblotter

hokiealum: I was in town this past weekend and decided to go to Castle’s with a few friends around 10:30 Saturday night to grab a beer. Upon arriving at the entrance in the back (odd choice, but there were at least signs directing you where to go)we were greeted by a host, who asked if we had reservations (which we didn’t, it’s a bar in Blacksburg after all) and then proceeded to tell us that we can’t just go and stand at the bar, that we’d have to wait to get a table. This news to my friends and I whom just assumed Castle’s would be like any other bar on Main Street on a Saturday night. We waited about 5 min for a table and sat down and received our order shortly after. While the only food we ordered was “chips”, the Irish Red beer was tasty. I would also have to agree the electronic way to sign for your bill is awkward. Since we had a group of 5, it took too much time with individual checks as well. Overall, I thought it was a nice atmosphere. I can imagine it would be nice for lunch or dinner, but I don’t think I’d go back for a late night drink.

date

time

offense

location

status

arrestees

4/17/12

9:30 a.m.

Cursing / Obscene Language

Prices Fork Road

Active

N/A

4/17/12

1:27 p.m.

Destruction of Property / Trespassing

Kentland Farm

Active

N/A

4/17/12

2:30 p.m.

Larceny

Stadium Parking Lot

Active

N/A

4/17/12

6:30 p.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Vandalism / Destruction of Property

Theatre 101

Inactive

N/A

4/17/12

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Larceny of a Bicycle

I Lot Parking

Inactive

N/A

4/17/12

11:58 a.m.

Weapons Violation (knife)

University City Blvd.

Active

N/A

4/17/12

5:45 - 6:10 p.m.

Larceny of a computer / charger

Newman Library

Active

N/A

4/17/12

Not Reported

Sexual Assault

Pritchard Hall

Active

N/A

4/18/12

3:41 a.m.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Kent Street

Cleared by Arrest

4/18/12

1:30 - 4:20 a.m.

Larceny of a laptop computer

Newman Library

Active

N/A

DETOURS Blacksburg Transit will operate detours on these dates:

Friday, April 20

WWW.BTRANSIT.ORG

540.961.1185

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

opinions

april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

MCT CAMPUS

Second space race gains momentum, funding and support S

ince the space shuttle Atlantis touched down for the last time on July 21, 2011, America has lost its vision for its space program. But this loss only compounds the general lack of interest in the space program. Astrophysicist Neil de’Grasse Tyson coined the phrase, “going boldly where we’ve gone before,” to describe the space shuttle, which was pretty much just an 18-wheeler of the skies used to transport astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. However, the close of the shuttle program is the opposite of what appears to be a drop off of the space program for Americans. The void left by the shuttle will be overflowed with privately manufactured spacecrafts, as well as future NASA projects down the road. Leading the way on this project is a California company, Space Exploration Technologies, also known as SpaceX. SpaceX was founded by Paypal cofounder, Elon Musk, and in 2008 SpaceX won the NASA contract to transport cargo to the International Space Station.

could travel to the International Space Station. NASA will be necessary in the future years as a pusher of innovation in space exploration technology, and an advocate of continuing current ventures — such as the International Space Station. In addition we need a nation backed space program in order to be competitive on the national scale. Competition reminiscent of the Cold War may be revamped, with China and Russia both making ambitious space based goals. With China planning to send rovers to the moon and Russia planning several moon missions, including a manned moon mission, and several missions to Mars by 2030, the stage is set. All we need is a little bit of competitive spirit and enthusiasm to kick-start another space race. Meanwhile, the prospects of space travel for the average citizen are also coming closer to reality. Virgin Mobile and Virgin Airlines started a new branch, Virgin Galactic — a consumer based space program that would include “space tourism.” Four-hundred-thirty individuals have already bought tickets to space, and at a $20,000 depos430 individuals have already it of a $200,000 total payment, bought tickets to space, and the price to go into space looks cheaper than the at a $20,000 deposit of a average person may think. $200,000 total payment.” Still, $200,000 is way too much for your average citizen to spend, but it isn’t just for bilSince then, it has only grown and lionaires and multi-millionaires either. filled he initial void of the shuttle Over the years, we will see this price program brought about by Atlantis’ come down, until taking a trip into space final journey — even going as will be looked at as nothfar as stating his goal of colonizing ing greater than taking a plane Mars. ride. With a budget focused on space Musk is also optimistic about exploration and receives more than the decreasing cost of space trava penny on every dollar spent (the el, saying he thinks he can get the share NASA gets of every tax dollar cost of a round trip to Mars down spent), I have no doubt SpaceX can to roughly $500,000 in about a surpass NASA in its decade. achievements. Once again, still a high-priced tickNot to say that NASA isn’t still an et, but comparatively, individuals important part of the space program. buy cars that cost a half million dolThe future of NASA should con- lars and can’t visit other planets on sist of grand projects and research, that. As you can see, the space program totally unmotivated by direct is hardly dead. it’s simply ramping up, profit. NASA has recently announced with the combined efforts of multiple a new program, the Space Launch private entities, NASA and the rest of System. The SLS aims to carry out the world. We as a nation will contindeep space missions, with a manned test launch date of 2017 and ue to boldly go, both where we’ve an unmanned one as soon as been and where no one has been before. 2013. However, NASA does not solely make spacecrafts. NASA provides the inspiETHAN GAEBEL ration of space travel to the United -regular columnist States. -sophomore About a year ago NASA awarded $270 million to four U.S. companies -computer science to begin developing vehicles that

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Stadium Woods allows hands-on, free education

regards to the need for expansion of Virginia Tech’s athletic facilities, I believe this need is no greater than the need for the preservation of the last expanse of healthy, functioning forest on campus.

Woods. Everyone knew it was a type of Hickory, but most of us still needed a closer look at the twig to define its species. And the tree was about 15 feet tall, so the leaves were just out of reach. It turned into a group effort, and after a human pyramid was established, a determined Derek Sokolowski Potential budget cuts would ascended and certainly rule out expensive shimmied up the pole to grab ﬁeld trips...Let us preserve a slender twig Stadium Woods as it has for proper idenalways been. A place of growth tification. “ C a r y a Ovata!” we all and education.” silently nodded so as not to spill the answer. It was time for the inevitable I attended Tech from 2002- bad joke from Mr. Peterson. He 2007 and graduated with a pointed to a stump, which had natural resources conservation been chainsawed flush with the degree. I worked as lab man- ground. Yes, we were supposed ager and photographer for to identify a tree that was not the Collegiate Times student there. newspaper, played 4 years with All we could see was the purthe men’s club lacrosse team plish bark. This was the only clue and spent two years as presi- that was supposed to hint at the dent of the Natural Resources Eastern Hemlock. Then it came Recreation Society. As an alum- from Peterson: “Have you been nus of the University, with many stumped?” Slightly annoyed at friends still in Blacksburg today, both the difficult quiz and the I ask you to hear my story about bad joke the class responded my experience with these woods. “BOOOOO.” While dendrology While I sometimes struggled was the first class that got me in lecture-style courses dur- out into the Stadium Woods, ing my years at Tech, I always many more were to follow. Eric learned best when the curricu- Wiseman led our urban forestry lum involved “hands on” learn- class up to the corner of the lot ing. one day to assess the health of a When I entered the College large White Oak across from the of Natural Resources I began Cranwell International Center. taking lab courses that involved An assignment in my computer exploring the parks and forests applications for natural resourcboth on and off campus. The es involved a geographic inforStadium Woods was one of the mation system project, which most frequently visited locations required us to plot out a digital during my semester studying map of the wooded area. Dendrology. Our forest measurements John Seiler is a passionate and management classes both teacher who loves trees. He required us to practice inventoprovoked us to feel the texture rying forest resources in the forof a tree’s leaf, sample a black est behind Lane Stadium. And cherry twig on the tongue, or just when I thought identifying smell the sweet fragrance of a trees was tough, I enrolled in an freshly crushed sassafrass leaf. ornithology class. I found this multi-sensory way While dendrology required us of learning to be quite exilharat- to identify still plants, ornitholing. Seiler would point to a tree, ogy required us to identify mov“Quiz number one. I need the ing targets. We spent Wednesday common name, genus, and spe- mornings with binoculars and cies.” My classmates and I would eyeballs pointed upwards at the dig around the base of the tree towering trees of this great bird for fallen fruits, sample twigs for sanctuary. a closer look and peer upwards Many of these classes took our at the leaves looking for clues. students on field trips to woods I remember poison ivy, toxi- often and nature preserves off codendron radicans, was on the campus. ID list the first week of class. For Although I am glad to say that obvious reasons, they wanted us college funds made these trips to learn this one so that we could possible, access to the Stadium walk the forest more carefully in Woods is the most convenient the coming weeks. location for the outdoor classWell it turned out one of my room experience. Potential budclassmates wasn’t paying atten- get cuts would certainly rule out tion that day, so when the quiz expensive field trips and gasocame the following week he line tabs. pulled a twig from the toxic vine Let us preserve Stadium and popped it in his mouth for a Woods as it has always been. A taste. A few days later his swol- place of growth and education. len lips matched the color of the ink on his quiz sheet. He learned TED MARTELLO this one the hard way. -guest columnist Once, a quiz was presented as a medium-sized tree in the -alumni middle story of the Stadium -natural resources conservation

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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, Tauhid Chappell, Abby Harris, Sean Hayden, Gina Paterson, Ashley Seagar, Kelsey Jo Starr Features Editors: Chelsea Gunter, Patrick Murphy Features Reporters: Nick Smirniotopoulos, Emma Goddard Features Staff Writers: Courtney Baker, Jenn Bates, Torie Deible, Chelsea Giles, Madeline Gordon, Dane Harrington, Jimmy Hudnall, Kevin McAleese, Andrew Reily, Kara Van Scoyoc, Allie Sivak, Kaila Taylor, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Scott Masselli, Sean Simons Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Sports Reporters: Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Eric Avassi, Zander Baylis, Alyssa Bedrosian, Cody Elliott, Taylor Hay, Alex Koma, Ashleigh Lanza, Brian Marcolini Enterprise Team Editor: Liana Bayne Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Chief: Spenser Snarr Copy Editors: Nora McGann, Luther Shell, Kristen Gunther, Brittany Kelly, Jordan Davis Layout Designers: Bethany Melson, Alicia Tillman, Tanja Vogel 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, Mary Dassira, 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.

april 19, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Opportunities for new practices beckon.

It’s no puzzle what Blacksburg is doing on Thursday and Saturday night.

New studies in a degree or certificate program? A new diet or exercise ritual? Maybe it’s another group activity that contributes to you or others. Let love infuse your spirit.

1470 South Main Street • Blacksburg, VA

540.953.2855 (BULL) • www.bullandbones.com

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham 5 3

6 1

4 6

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7 3

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2 8

XKCD by Randell Munroe

This could be you . . .

Crossword

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Week ending April 13, 2012

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

Somebody That I Used to Know • Goyte

(2) 1

We are Young (Feat. Janelle Moneae) • Fun.

(1) 2

Boyfriend • Justin Bieber

(3) 3

What Makes You Beautiful • One Direction

(4) 4

Call Me Maybe • Carly Rae Jepsen

(5) 5

word

WORDSEARCH: Crayola Colors Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

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

irerca

taoechrtl

mdanira

EVERY

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IN THE

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TIMES

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news

april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Geothermal heating system draws on sewage as fuel ANDREW MAYKUTH mcclatchy newspapers

$ Campus Events

DOG WASH, 4/21, 8AM-2PM The VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine invites you to Spring 2012 Dog Wash at the rear of the vet college complex off Duckpond Dr. $10 Bath, $5 Ear Cleaning/Nail Trim

MCT CAMPUS

Jimmy Wang, left, founder and chief engineer, and Elinor Haider, chief executive ofﬁcer, are the management team behind Philadelphia start-up company NovaThermal Energy. efficient and cost-effective than traditional geothermal systems, in which deep water wells are drilled into the bedrock to capture heat from the earth. The Philadelphia pilot project, which is funded by a $150,000 federal stimulus grant, is expected to reduce energy costs 40 percent, she said. It is expected to pay itself off in eight years, though full-scale projects would have a quicker return on investment. But sewage geothermal has some image challenges. Haider said she must remind squeamish prospects that their buildings already contain sewer systems, so piping the stuff in

for a quick passage through a heat pump is no big deal. For Haider, a mother of three and a former city development official with an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, her current line of work is the source of some interesting conversations. “There’s a lot of potty talk at my family table,” she said. NovaThermal is not the only company marketing a sewage-geothermal process. A Swiss company, Rabtherm Energy Systems AG, is promoting a patented idea that involves piping water through a network of embedded tubes inside concrete sewer mains. The water cap-

tures heat from passing wastewater. Rabtherm’s process involves replacing public sewer mains. NovaThermal’s technology taps into existing sewer lines and diverts some flow into a heat exchanger. “The competitiveness that we offer, on the cost side of the things, is that we’re using infrastructure that’s already in the ground,” Haider said. NovaThermal’s process was developed by Jin Da Di Energy Engineering and Technology Co. Ltd. in Tianjin. “It’s very unusual to see Chinese technology transfer this direction,” she said. “Usually, it’s reversed.” Wang, NovaThermal’s chief engi-

neer, managed public water projects, including construction of a 150mile canal to deliver fresh water to Tianjin’s 12 million residents, before he was recruited to help sell the sewage-geothermal process outside China. The critical, proprietary part of the NovaThermal process is a device that filters the sewage before it flows through the heat pump, removing larger debris that might damage the pump. Chinese translators labeled the cylindrical device the “AntiBlock Machine.” The machine automatically squirts a quarter-inch screen with jets of water to prevent buildup of “dirt and

filth material,” according to the patent information filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization. Last week, Matt Moses, building supervisor of the Southeast Wastewater plant, surveyed the machinery, bathed in fluorescent lights in the basement of the plant’s 20,000-square-foot compressor building, which now gets all its heat from the wastewater contained in vast tanks outside. Moses said it’s well-known that sewage is warm. “You can see the steam rising from it in the winter,” he said. “I’m surprised nobody thought about this sooner.”

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UNSCRAMBLER

Among the many renewable energy sources — wind, solar, hydroelectric, biofuels — there is one to which we all contribute that has not yet managed to attract the romantic advocates who have embraced other forms of green energy. We’re speaking about the gray river of warmth flowing right beneath our feet: sewage. A Philadelphia company, NovaThermal Energy LLC, wants to heat and cool buildings by tapping into the constant, guaranteed heat contained in wastewater. The process is called sewage geothermal. “It’s just like geothermal energy, but we’re using a different well source, so to speak,” said Elinor Haider, NovaThermal’s chief executive. Public officials cut the ribbon last week on NovaThermal’s first project, a pilot plant at Philadelphia’s Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, near the Walt Whitman Bridge. NovaThermal is planning to install a second, commercial-sized project later this year at a sewagetreatment plant in Camden, N.J. Haider said the initial projects are located at treatment plants only because they are public buildings with abundant sources of wastewater. But, she added, the company plans to market its patented Chinese technology to any large building located near a major sewer trunk line that contains a steady flow of wastewater still warm from its previous use. In China, where the technology was pioneered, several large buildings have successfully employed the technology for heating and air conditioning, including a hotel and a 1 million-square-foot train station in Beijing and a 450,000-squarefoot high-rise apartment building in Tianjin, China’s third-largest city. Wastewater picks up heat from a number of sources, including dishwashers, showers and industrial processes, said Jimmy W. Wang, NovaThermal’s chief engineer. There’s also the “biomatter” that still contains heat, Wang said during a visit to the project last week, although he used more scatalogical terminology. During the winter, sewage is about 60 degrees, and in summer it can exceed 75 degrees. That’s plenty of energy that can be extracted through a conventional heat pump. Haider said the technology is more

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she says: Aries (March 21-April 19) Finish a job carefully, and think about the larger impact. For the next month, cash low improves and it’s easier to make money. Check results and celebrate! Taurus (April 20-May 20) You have the advantage. You’re in your element. Gain respect, as well as status. Tardiness will be noticed, though. Face to face works best. Gemini (May 21-June 21) The next month’s great for inishing up old projects behind closed doors. Continue your studies, and with a loved one’s encouragement, your career takes off like a rocket.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Team projects thrive, and it’s party time. Your natural social skills get a boost. Balance studies with socializing and delicious lavors. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Something or someone wants your attention, but this doesn’t outrank love. For a little while, new opportunities open up. Education could be involved. Include artistry. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Double-check your data before taking the next step. You’re itching to move. Seek new territory, and expand your base. A hunch could be pro itable.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You discover an error that requires your immediate attention. Review the budget, and increase organization. This moves your dreams into action. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) A romantic phase begins so be ready. Focus on love over money. Delegate to others who can do better than you. Have faith. Breathe in through your heart. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) If you’re feeling blue, take advantage of the color. Paint a picture, write a poem, bake cookies or go dancing. Let your spirit sing. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You may want to take on a large creative project to complete. A romantic partner could play an important role in your endeavor. Why not? Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Spend extra time with family now. Get creative together, and strive for the best. Working for yourself goes great. Increase productivity. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) There could be friction with an authority. You’re going to need your best communication skills, with some help from an analytical person. Stay respectful.

He is absolutely the best guy a girl could ever ask for. He’s funny, always honest, and tad bit sarcastic when it comes to my blonde moments. But I couldn’t imagine a more perfect guy.

their first date: Our first date was absolutely hilarious. I was on crutches with a ginormous leg brace because of a recent ACL repair. Crutches and all, we went to the Cellar for dinner and then met some friends afterwards. It was a great night filled with a lot of laughing, joking about me moving like molasses, and a lot of piggyback rides.

weekend

april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Family Weekend

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

Despite the independence brought about by leaving home and attending a university, to some college students, staying in touch with family is still important. Virginia Tech’s family weekend — a way to bring together students and their families — will take place Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22. There are numerous events for everyone to engage in while exploring all Tech and Blacksburg have to offer. For a full listing of events, please visit the Family Weekend Events page: http://www.dsa.vt.edu/family/familyweekend/events.php

ALL WEEKEND

SATURDAY

Check-in: While it is definitely not necessary to checkin for family weekend, it could be beneficial, as families will receive an information packet highlighting the weekend’s activities. Check-in will take place in the Williamsburg Room in Squires Student Center from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. There will also be opportunities to take family photos, get tickets, sign up for other activities and more.

Hokie race: An “Amazing Race” inspired event will put families against each other in order for them to be claimed champion. The teams will complete seven challenges, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. The race begins at 10:30 a.m. in Colonial Hall in Squires but check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Teams must register to participate before that time.

Corps Museum tour: The Corps Museum located in Rasche Hall will be offering cadet-led tours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. This is a great chance to get a glimpse of the rich military history of the University.

Movie viewing: There will be a movie viewing of ‘80s comedy classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at two different times on Saturday. Both shows will take place in Colonial Hall in Squires, with one screening at 2 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY

Spring Game: The official “Maroon and White” scrimmage is set to take place at 4 p.m. in Lane Stadium. This is the first opportunity to check out the progression of this year’s team as it prepares for the fall season.

Get golf ready: The words “free” and “golf” don’t typically go together, so take advantage of the free golf lessons being offered on the Duck Pond field. The Middle Atlantic PGA section is offering the lessons from noon to 4 p.m. and will be a great way get tips from a professional and to tune up skills. FILE / SPPS

Swing dance and lesson: The YMCA on North Main Street is hosting a swing dance party while providing lessons as well. This event is guaranteed to have a small and friendly atmosphere allowing for both partners and solo dancers to join.

Downtown scavenger hunt: Explore all the nooks and crannies of downtown Blacksburg while also competing in a fun scavenger hunt. The event begins in Colonial Hall in Squires at 5 p.m. and will last until approximately 9 p.m. All of the teams will receive a prize for participation and the three teams to complete the scavenger hunt the fastest will get gift certificates from various downtown businesses.

SUNDAY

Coffee college: Coffee enthusiasts and sleep-deprived students will love this event taking place at Deet’s Place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A course will be offered as a way to educate students and parents about the different techniques of roasting and brewing that go into a good cup of joe. Deet’s also plans to serve its award-winning coffee along with featured breakfast menu items. Stop by and enjoy a tasty breakfast.

16 Blocks tour: Two tours will embark — one at 9 a.m. and the other at 10 a.m. — to allow individuals to explore the distinctive history of the town of Blacksburg. The town’s original layout will be explored, along with the reason for its location and an examination of stories of early settlers of the area. The tours will embark from the Blacksburg Municipal Building.

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

Relay: Men in drag fight cancer from page one

“Last year we had students come from Radford and the University of Mary Washington, and everyone had a great time,” Fry said. “It was a big hit.” Fry said Thursday’s performers prepare extensively for the show, because in the gay community, drag is an art form. “People are doing a routine, getting outfits and already looking into make up,” he said. “We’ve even had professional drag stars perform in the event.” Although drag performances

may simply seem like a form of entertainment to some, to others it has a deeper meaning. Fry said that drag performers embrace womanhood and women’s power. They are doing it to highlight feminine influence and to exercise theatrical skills. Fry also said drag does not exclude women. Women dress up as men, which can be just as impressive. Although certain controversial aspects accompany

this event, Fry mentioned that “Queen of the Night’s” intention is in the right place. Men dress up as women and may act in ways that are demeaning towards them, but Fry promises it’s all in good fun. “In the moment, people see it as a good laugh, but there’s actually a whole lot of issues with gender,” Fry said. “It’s a great time and it’s funny, but really look at why we’re laughing.”

Fry also said when things don’t apply to someone personally, they typically don’t think of the affect it may have on others. He said that this type of fundraising is done on other campuses, but there are a lot more things that could be done instead. “They’re not doing it to mock people who do drag,” McVicar said. “They don’t have the intention of being hurtful. They’re doing it to have fun.”

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april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

‘A Servant of Two Masters’

PHOTOS BY AUSTEN MERIDETH / SPPS

A new translation of the 18th century comedy “A Servant of Two Masters” is being performed by the Department of Theatre and Cinema at Virginia Tech. It is of the genre Commedia dell’arte, which is a form of theater defined by masked characters. Directed by David Johnson, it is showing in Squires Studio Theatre April 12 through 21. Tickets are $10 for general public and $8 for students. 1. Dakota Oher playing the role of Truffaldino. 2. Coryn Carson as Smeraldina (Top Left), Wilson Murphy as Pantalone (Top Right), and Stephanie Ramsey as Clarice Rasponi (Bottom). 3. Dakota Oher playing the role of Truffaldino. 4. (Left to Right) Kelsey Secules as Beatrice Rasponi and Stephanie Ramsey as Clarice Rasponi. 5. (Left to Right) Mina Noorbaksh portraying a Zanni and Kelsey Secules portraying Beatrice Rasponi. 6. (Left to Right) Daniel Fissmer portrays Florindo Aretusi, Mina Noorbaksh portrays one of the Zannis, and Sandy Bass portrays Brighella. 7. (Left to Right) Dylan Daniel as Silvio Lombardi and Kelsey Secules as Beatrice Rasponi engage each other in a duel.

weekend

april 19, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

wryly

e R ILLY DELIGHTFULLY OFFENSIVE.

Love me maybe: An ode to popular music’s guiltiest pleasures On one of the balmy Blacksburg Sundays that have become surprisingly commonplace this semester, two friends and I set off for a lazy afternoon at the New River. Before long, the backseat drivers had made a dent in the cooler and manly braggadocio was in full swing. My friend’s Crown Vic echoed with war stories from the frontlines of romance, tales of outrageous downtown behavior and discussions of consumer technology — all providing me with a wonderful opportunity to practice the “nod and smile” conversation technique. Perhaps it wasn’t the most macho cast on this side of “The Expendables,” but the sedan was still bursting with enough testosterone to fail a Major League Baseball steroid test. Only one touch was missing: the soundtrack to our brodacious journey. My friend received yet another chance to boast about his stereo setup as he connected my iPhone to the car’s Bluetooth player, and then it was time for some manly tunes to kick off our guy’s day out. “Any suggestions?” I asked my brothers in arms. A few seconds passed. “Call Me Maybe!” we all exclaimed in unison, without a trace of irony. I put on Carly Rae Jepsen’s deliriously catchy hit, and before you could say “Canadian pop domination,” we were gleefully taking part in — what I can only judge from the curious looks we received — the strangest karaoke session of all time. Afterward, we saw a return to the standard classic rock playlist, but no moment felt more honest than that first one. We picked a song because it would be the most fun to listen to at that time, regardless of genre or loss of man points — not that I would’ve felt ashamed anyway. I’m a sucker for a good pop song and “Call Me Maybe” is a great one, so bouncy and fun that you ignore the inanity of lines like “before you came

into my life I missed you so bad.” It’s a shining example of top-40 nonsense done right, and the latest of many to hit my bubblegum sweet spot. My love affair with pop singles goes all the way back to kindergarten days, when my class used to dance around to “Two Princes” by the one-hitwonder Spin Doctors. I proclaimed them to be my favorite band — a foreshadowing of some very questionable musical preferences later in life — and wished every song could be as fun. A lot has changed since those days. The Spin Doctors faded away like nearly every ‘90s band with the inexplicable exception of Train, the musical equivalent of a Nicholas Sparks book. Those carefree five-year-olds are now 20-something members of a real world with sadly little appreciation of spontaneous dance parties. My music tastes have evolved as well. Childhood Radio Disney years transitioned into a rebel-without-a-

cause stint in the adolescent rage of nu metal, with further dalliances in Slim Shady-worshiping rap and heart-on-sleeve emo before finally settling down with a diverse, oddly folk-heavy mix of every genre under the sun. What hasn’t changed is my love for those three-to-four minutes of pure ear candy. A good pop song is like a roller coaster: a thrill ride that tosses you right into the action, zips you along a highly structured track, and then returns to the station before you have time to think. The experience doesn’t hold up well to scrutiny — the excitement is built on the illusion of danger — but the ride is so dedicated to its get-in, get-out mission that you never take the time to notice. This efficiency in entertaining is where the best top-40 songs excel. Pop is the Cheetos of genres: empty calories with no nutritious value. Almost without exception, lyrics consist of banal greeting card/hate mail

sentiments about love. You’re likely to find richer analysis of the human condition on a YouTube comments page. And that’s perfectly okay. No one’s expecting Rihanna to delve into Dostoevsky. We’re just happy hearing her booming, beautifully studio produced voice tell us that she’ll be our “umber-ella” during tough times. I don’t need Nicki Minaj to make any damn sense or Usher to make anything besides the same song over and over again to know both radio stalwarts will be a blast to drive around to this summer. Pop is about simple pleasures like Kelly Clarkson’s howls of freedom in “Since U Been Gone.” It’s about the sensation that comes from still knowing all the words to a Backstreet Boys song, or watching an entire party stop and sing “Your Love” by The Outfield. I’ll always have The Replacements, Tribe Called Quest and Josh Ritter to impress girls with my sophisticated taste. Bubblegum pop is for those moments when you just want to shut off your brain and dance problems away. So here’s to you, disposable pop music like Carly Rae Jepsen, Black Eyed Peas, and just about the entire musical output of the ‘80s. Your charms may be lost to snide hipsters and “Pitchfork” reviewers, but the common folk will always appreciate an exuberant three-minute respite from the burdens of life. Let’s raise a toast to top-40 piffle. May its fluffy goodness always fill dance floors with sensual gyration and our hearts with gooey, substancefree comfort.

ANDREW REILLY -featured columnist -senior -communication major -@wrylyriley