Friday, August 31, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Friday, August 31, 2012

www.collegiatetimes.com 19 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community sincee 1903 Lo

Fo Ex ok in otb tra sid all Po e for Pr int ev iew Study Break, page 6

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 5

News, page 2

People and Clubs, page 3

Opinions, page 5

Mission: empower

Arrests linked to season opener

Spike in public intoxication citations during football games not drastic for crowd size CODY OWENS news reporter

COURTESY RUBY JOHNSON

Ruby B. Johnson (center) stands alongside fellow members of When You Believe Foundation, Inc. an organization for women empowerment.

Johnson works to encourage other women to become part of her movement, making a push for equality and promoting self esteem. EMMA GODDARD features editor

Somewhere within the United States, at this very moment, Jane Doe is sitting in her cubicle at an office experiencing the pressure of the glass ceiling. Although to this day women still encounter sexism, including in the workplace, Ruby B. Johnson has made it her mission to push for equality and women empowerment. To prevent female oppression and with a drive to help other women feel empowered like herself, Johnson created When You Believe Foundation, Inc. November 2010. The 21-year-old Virginia Tech student majoring in mining and mineral engineering, also has a minor in women’s and gender studies. Although her studies reflect her enthusiasm to help women feel stronger and to appreciate themselves, Johnson’s passion stemmed elsewhere initially. “I started to fall in love with so many things about life,” Johnson said. Johnson was born in Sierra Leone and was raised there and Nigeria for most of her childhood. Eventually, her family moved to Maryland while she was in middle school. Required by her school to volunteer for a certain number of ser-

vice hours while in the U.S., she became deeply involved with community service. Johnson says she became passionate about autism awareness as well as help-

“

WYBF advocates for just the opposite — to uplift the individual as a special and unique work of art.” Julia Rose WYBF member

ing the African American community through her philanthropy. But in general, she always knew the women’s movement was an important aspect of her life. She later attended a conference in 2010 where she saw young African American men and women speak about putting their own dreams into action. “I thought to myself, ‘Well if they can do it, I can do it too’,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want to start in my 30s. I wanted to do something now.” Starting out like any organization would, Johnson admits that at first, she

experienced a few challenges along the way. She laughs as she recalls collecting cans with her friends in the dead of winter in Blacksburg. She began by holding canned food drives and visiting women’s shelters in New River Valley. She said she distributed wherever she could and held health workshops for women. Julia Rose, a senior mining and mineral engineering major, met Johnson through a class for their major, and she recalls joining WYBF because of its mission statement: to do outreach, raise awareness, provide assistance, enhance the lifestyle, promote self-sufficiency and empower girls and women in our communities. “I feel as if today’s society encourages young people to just blend in and try to be like everybody else,” Rose said. “WYBF advocates for just the opposite — to uplift the individual as a special and unique work of art.” With perseverance and help from her mother — who happens to be the organization’s adviser — and friends, Johnson saw her organization steadily grow. WYBF gained recognition not only at Tech, but also with well-known media outlets like MTV and AfroElle Magazine. Johnson also spreads the word about her organization to students at Tech in classrooms and through social media. She even hears from people across the see PAGEANT / page three

In a nerve-wracking finish, Virginia Tech narrowly beat the North Carolina Tar Heels 24-21 during last year’s Thursday night matchup. Unfortunately, 72 fans missed part of that victory because they were detained by the Virginia Tech Police Department. According to the VTPD’s crime log, 17 offenses were related to the underage possession of alcohol, while 64 were for appearing intoxicated in public. Brian Young, a junior mechanical engineering major, said while he doesn’t attend many games himself, he still gets amusement out of one aspect of game day. “Tuesday morning is a highlight,” Young said. “You see the crime blotter and read about all these idiot freshmen. You’d think they’d read the paper and see all the people arrested.” While most football game days see an increase in the number of arrests, more seem to occur during night games. Young explained that a night game is an increased opportunity to tailgate. “Most games you start tailgating at 8 or 9 a.m. and go until noon,” Young said. “But with a night game, instead of going for

four hours, you have 11 hours to tailgate.” The majority of the arrests during the UNC game were cited as taking place in or around Lane Stadium in the midst of 66,000 jumping, yelling fans. To police such a large number of people, officers from Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Roanoke, and Giles are brought in to supplement VTPD’s 52 officer force. In total, there are about 100 officers for small games and up to 200 officers for larger games.

“

Lane Stadium holds 66,000; how drunk and stupid do you have to be to draw attention to yourself around 66,000 people?” Marshall Hamilton Virginia Tech Police Ofﬁcer

The athletic department paid a total of $305,000 for police coverage during the 2011-12 season’s seven home games, including the spring game. These funds went first to VTPD, who then distributed the funds to police department’s see TAILGATE / page two

New downtown Blacksburg bakery gobbles up cupcake market JUSTIN GRAVES news reporter

Drillfield Delight. The Huckleberry Blueberry. Yes, these are Blacksburg landmarks, but they are also flavors of some large, delectable treats at Gobble Cakes, a new cupcake bakery opening today. Owner Jill Justice has reclaimed them as her own in hopes of satisfying the sweet tooth of the Blacksburg community. “We really want to help out the community, here,” said Holly Burns, a close friend of Justice’s who is assisting with the opening of the store. “Our owner, Jill (Justice), is a graduate of VCOM, and her brother went here too. It’s definitely all in the family.” The bakery hopes to cater to those in a hurry and want a small treat — or those with a small appetite, who might not want a whole cake. “We will be open at all different kinds of hours, so we definitely hope to attract the late night studiers, as well as those who may be exploring College Avenue on any given weekend night,” Burns said. The business sold almost 2,000 cupcakes during the Steppin’ Out festival held in downtown Blacksburg in August with only six flavors on the menu. The full menu will consist of nine flavors, seven of which will be named after Virginia Tech landmarks. “We have Hokie Love, which is our signature red velvet, as well as the Gobblerita, which is a lime cupcake with lime frosting,

and the finish will even have a little bit of salt sprinkled on top,” Burns said. Just ahead of the college football season, Gobble Cakes will also offer catering options for football tailgates. Other events it would like to cater include rush events and weddings. It is making an effort to satisfy the community, including having later hours for students who would like a late night treat. Gobbler Cakes isn’t the only option for students with a sweet tooth though, as Kristina Bettner, a sophomore business major, pointed out, it will have to compete with Campus Cookies. Bettner and her friends would order Campus Cookies for each other’s birthday, making a surprise delivery into a small celebration. Ordering cupcakes might now be a better choice, said Bettner. The delivery minimum is a baker’s dozen (13) of cupcakes, and each cupcake will be sold for about $3. That dozen will be $36. Gobble Cakes will also have cookies and drinks for sale. Justice is now a doctor at VCOM and will be working in the store, alongside several bakers, 5 managers, and 12 store-front employees. They are still seeking more employees. Gobble Cakes will be open from 4:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. on opening day, and is located at 145 College Ave. Follow this @hesonwheels

writer

Twitter

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Gobble Cakes, a new Blacksburg bakery, delivers orders of 13 cupcakes or more to any location as late as 2:30 a.m.

news

august 31, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

REDUCE GAME DAY HEADACHES. KNOW WHERE TO PARK.

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Lower Stanger F/S/V

Perry Street Lot 3

Upper Stanger Lot F/S/V

Prices Fork Lot 5 C/G Prices Fork Lot 6 C/G

Any University Permit

Perry Street Garage Alumni Mall

F/S/V

Perry Street Lot 1 C/G

THE NIGHT BEFORE On campus: Move your cars to the Cage or Perry St Parking Garage levels 2-5.

Squires Lot F/S/V

Derring Lot F/S/V

F/S/V

C/G Architecture Annex Lot F/S/V

Be sure to avoid: Stadium parking lot, Washington St, Non-residential sections of the cage

Hahn Lot F/S/V

Davidson Lot F/S/V Kent St.

Wright House Lot F/S/V

Owens Lot F/S 24 Hours

Drillfield Dr.

THE DAY OF (BEFORE 3:30 P.M.) Price Hall Lot F/S/V

By car: Park normally, but expect traffic and delays. By bus: Schedule will run normally.

Ag Quad Lot F/S/V Dietrick Lot F/S 24 Hours Washington St. Basketball Practice Extension

Duck Pond Lot C/G

Hillcrest Ext Lot F/S/V

Engel Lot F/S/V Basketball Practice Facility

Litton Reaves Ext Lot

THE DAY OF (AFTER 3:30 P.M.) By car: Make sure you’ve moved your car to one of these designated lots: Prices Fork Lot 6 Perry Street Parking Garage Levels 2-5 Squires Lot The Drillfield Alumni Mall Kent Street

F/S/V

Smithfield Road Lot C/G

Litton Reaves Lot C/G

Wallace Lot F/S/V

Duck Pond Road Lot C/G

F/S/V F/S/V

Coliseum

Duck Pond Road Lot R McComas Hall F/S/V Stadium Lot West F/S/V Duck Pond Road Lot C/G

Vet Medicine Lot F/S/V

By bus: Football game day bus schedule will begin at 4 P.M. All normal routes other than the CRC will be running. Expect delays.

Cranwell

Track / Field House Lot C/G/F/S/V

Stadium Lot R

Parking Lots

F/S/V

Southgate Center Lot F/S/V

GO AHEAD Chicken Hill Lot

ONLY ON CAMPUS RESIDENTS SORRY MAN

Parking Services Lot F/S/V

Tailgate: Police prepare for Monday

what you’re saying On Police put a brake on bicycles

SS: If bicycles, as the article accurately points

from page one

in surrounding localities. Additionally, athletics pays the police for any overtime hours that occur due to the games. The 72 arrests during last year’s UNC game may sound like a high number, but Officer Marshall Hamilton of VTPD says these arrests represent just the most apparent displays. “It’s a situation where being drunk in public and you’re drawing attention to yourself,” Hamilton said. “Lane Stadium holds 66,000; how drunk and stupid do you

have to be to draw attention to yourself around 66,000 people?” Nick Skarbeck, a junior civil engineering major, said he has seen several people being escorted out of Lane for being drunk in public and while most of the arrests are needed, some seem dubious. “Usually, I’m happy because (the arrestees) are being out of order, but sometimes it’s the opposite and someone is arrested based solely on police suspicion,” Skarbeck said. However, just because

you are out of the stadium doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Many arrests occurring last season happened in the hours after the game, often in the parking lots. Hamilton said for him to be able to arrest someone for being drunk in public, the person obviously has to be both intoxicated and in a public place. Take away one of those elements, he explained, and he has no legal basis for arrest. If arrested for an alcohol-related offense within Blacksburg or Montgomery County, the case will be

referred to Tech’s judicial system instead of a normal court. In most cases, a first alcohol violation will result in probation. However, if the violation hurt or endangered others, then the violation will result in deferred suspension or suspension. Additionally, the violator will have to take a fiveweek, $125 alcohol class. Follow this writer on Twitter @CodyOwens_CT

out, are considered a vehicle in VA then why the hell does VT allow them on the side walks? Do you know why they call them side WALKS? Yeah you get the idea. When was the last time you saw a car on the side walk? Frustrated with police presence? Think it will discourage biking? Good if it discourages idiots not to ride bikes the wrong way or on busy side walks. FFS every year it’s the same old thing when these over grown kiddies come back to camp.

biker: This is great...when getting around our renovated downtown, I’ll plant myself in the middle of the bikepathless roads. You drivers can go whatever speed I can manage.

crimeblotter date

time

offense

location

status

6/1920/2012

5:30 PM-5:00 AM

Follow-up to Larceny of copper wire

Schultz (construction site)

Inactive

7/1819/2012

5: 30 PM-4:00 AM

Follow-up to Motor Vehicle Theft

Swine Center

Inactive

7/2024/2012

5:30 AM-5:00 AM

Follow-up to Larceny of cable/wire

Electric Service

Inactive

8/2728/2012

5:00 PM- 2:30 AM

Follow-up to Burglary/Larcney of backpack and computer

Torgerson Hall

Unfounded

8/2628/2012

8:00 AM-12:12 AM

Threaten Bodily Harm

SPH Housing

Cleared by Arrest

arrestees

Jonathan Fauber, 21

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

people & clubs

august 31, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Therapy dogs, students unite at Library event CAMERON AUSTIN news staff writer

Dogs aren't normally allowed in the library. But on the last Thursday of every month, Newman Library makes an exception. A new program sponsored by VT Helping P.A.W.S (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) provides students with stress relief while giving a group of therapy dogs an opportunity to be around large crowds of people. "It brings together groups of people who might never talk to each other, and they can relate about their dogs at home, or bond over their love of animals," said Bess Pierce, the director of Center for Animal Human Relationships (Centaur).

“

I think its a great study break. It almost seems that everyone has really hit the ground running this ﬁrst week, and its a really nice change of pace to come into the library and delay with a cute dog or cat.” Travis Roth Junior

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Grace, a golden retriever therapy dog, was at the Newman Library Thursday to help students relieve stress. Therapy dogs will be there every month.

"I think its a great study break. It almost seems that everyone has really hit the ground running this first week, and its a really nice change of pace to come into the library and delay with a cute dog or cat," said Travis Roth, a junior mechanical engineering major. Therapy dogs differ from assistance dogs in that they are meant to provide comfort, and are not trained to help a person with disabilities. The dogs who are the most social are selected and go through an intensive series of training programs and need to be able to be around other people and dogs on a regular basis. Not only are the dogs benefitting from the exposure around people, but the students enjoy being able to pet a variety of furry friends. "We just wanted to do something for students to help them relieve their stress," said Laura Purcell, the communications coordinator for the library. "When the dogs come, you could feel the stress relief."

WYBF: Student promotes change from page one

world who respond to the body campaign, “Body Confident, Beautiful Me.” The National Organization for Women initiated the campaign, which helps women to find beauty in their bodies and to promote self-confidence. Feeling a strong connection to this issue, Johnson brings the campaign to the women who take part in WYBF. Johnson says women come in different shapes and sizes, making them beautiful. But she also raises health awareness and encourages other women to take an interest in fitness as a way for them to take care of their bodies. Being a confident young woman, she recently exposed this admirable quality even more so this past summer, being crowned Miss Sierra Leone USA — her first pageant. However, while Johnson has secured a spotlight on the work she’s doing for her organization and to show that she herself is an empowered woman, not everyone she has met has been willing to jump on the bandwagon. Even with much of the positive feedback, she has had a few individuals question the value of her work with WYBF. “People ask why women’s issues is important now,”

Johnson said. “They think that right now women are doing great (and that) there’s no point in having a women’s organization.” However, with the occasional naysayers, balancing academics and currently being in South Carolina for a co-op, Johnson has proved she won’t let the little things get to her, and will work hard to get where she wants to be. In contrast, she has also received positive feedback from those who think it’s important to hear about issues from people her age. Johnson said she has sometimes experienced sexism and racism throughout her life, but that she mostly speaks about women’s issues to raise awareness on behalf of others who remain silent. After seeing she has made a positive impact on some people’s lives, she continues to do this as a way to reach out to those who aren’t heard. Her friend and classmate, Rose, who has participated in the organization for a year or so, comments on Johnson’s personality as being accepting and unique. “I think that Ruby is so special,” Rose said. “She can see in others what they can’t see in COURTESY OF RUBY JOHNSON themselves.” Virginia Tech student instills conﬁdence in her fellow female peers.

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august 31, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

news

editors: mallory noe-payne, victoria zigadlo newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Staged DUI accident sobers onlookers

Photos by Trevor White Top Left: Ofﬁcer Kenny Ball breathalyzes the suspected drunk driver, Ed Comeau. Top Right: Sarah Spanski ventilates the patient and Colin Christopoulos performs a secondary assesment. Bottom: Emergency workers perform a roof roll to extricate the victim, sophomore Hannah Koontz, from the car.

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opinions

august 31, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Your Views

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

[letters to the editor]

Cyclists need more regard for safe travel As a UK major city resident for most of my life I am amazed at the liberal approach to cycling I have witnessed here in Blacksburg. I daily witness cyclists jumping red lights and cycling the wrong way or on the wrong side of the road. As a cyclist (and car driver) myself it is incredibly frustrating to watch flouting of the laws with such disregard. Car drivers rarely respect cyclists anyway and so by jumping red lights cyclists are basically

giving the middle finger to all other road users. I think the police should cease giving warnings as students on campus are living in the real world now and should step up to their basic responsibilities. If you are old enough to vote and choose to cycle then surely you should also understand basic road laws. As a side-point I think it IS confusing for campus rules to be different in that cyclists are allowed on the sidewalk I advocate stopping this practice immediately. Sincerely, Sanjay Basu

Collegiate Times Editorial Staff

MCT CAMPUS

On: The Republican National Convention

Editor in Chief: Michelle Sutherland Managing Editor: Nick Cafferky Design Editors: Andrea Ledesma, Alicia Tillman Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter News Editors: Mallory Noe-Payne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Cody Owens Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Josh Higgins, Bethany Melson Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editors: Cody Elliot, Gina Patterson Special Section Design Editor: Danielle Buynak Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunter Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski

GOP fails at making RNC comes out on Romney personable top , achieves goals As the Republican National Convention keynote speakers were announced, and the lineup was shuffled to reflect the new attitude of the Romney campaign, the intent was clear: present the Massachusetts governor as a likable, regular American with big dreams. When the dust settled, Republicans missed their mark; the conservative rock stars ended up being nothing more than broken records. In a last-ditch attempt to muster up support in key demographics, and to solidify the trust Mitt Romney deserves, Republicans find themselves scratching their heads as the campaign trail heads into debate season, wondering “what could have possibly gone wrong?” In a word: everything. The supporting cast — Chris Christie, Rick Santorum, Mike Huckabee, Tim Pawlenty, Condaleeza Rice, Paul Ryan, etc. — had nothing more to say than what they have said for last three months. Idealistic visions for a new America were punctuated by attacks against the President, proving nothing more than the fact Republicans, too, rely on rhetoric before action —a point the conservative base has been criticizing President Obama on for the better part of the last few weeks. Chris Christie spoke Tuesday night, exciting the crowd with sentimental hope for a return to the American Century, an America thriving on prosperity and globally unmatched upward mobility. He riled up the crowd touting his budget and economic record in New Jersey, he spoke of his political investment in a Mitt Romney future, and levied in verbal jabs that sounded a lot like “we built it.” But not once did he mention New Jersey’s unemployment rate hovers at 9.8 percent, 1.5 points higher than the national average. And not once did Christie, after declaring “(Republican) ideas are right for America, and (Democratic) ideas have failed America,” actually present any of these ideas. The New Jersey governor even shifted towards the center mid-speech, offering the idea that we “all must share in the sacrifice,” a liberal concept in the current political climate. Paul Ryan had an extraordinary opportunity to advertise the conservative agenda, with an ample amount of uncut, prime-time television time to flesh out his ideas without interruption or rebuttal. The result was an opportunity that fizzled into baseless attacks and more than occasional miss-representations of the truth. But the superstar, and the largest disappointment of the convention, was Ann Romney. Her address was adjusted in the schedule to broadcast to a prime-time audience, where her appeal to women, while simultaneously boosting the image of her husband, could be seen by millions of viewers

and kill two birds with one stone. She took the stage and promised to speak from the heart, which would have been more sincere had she not fumbled through words on the teleprompter, hardly a showing of conviction. Her appeal to women was straight out of a Miss America pageant, speaking elegantly of the value of a strongwilled mother and a generous grandmother, things that most, if not all, mothers and grandmothers hold true to their hearts regardless of the political implications. And Mrs. Romney’s attempt to identify with working women fell short, when she told women, “You know what it’s like to work a little harder during the day to earn the respect you deserve at work” while the Republican ticket, as it stands today, is decidedly against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Perhaps the timing of the convention could be to blame, because it couldn’t have been worse. With Hurricane Isaac surging towards the Gulf Coast, attention shifted from the highly anticipated gathering of the nation’s foremost conservative politicians to the dark history of Hurricane Katrina and what kind of damage the newest hurricane might do the region. News networks pulled some of their most respected anchors from Tampa and sent them to New Orleans, and hurricane stories lead every news block over the few short days Republicans had to make their play. And the constant attacks against the president shored up by Mrs. Romney’s fellow speakers did nothing but shift attention away from the intended message — that Mitt Romney’s was a campaign that could rely on more than negative ads, that Mitt Romney qualified in many ways as an average American, and that Romney’s policies were the best option to put the nation back on track. Conservatives must now refocus, and uniting behind Romney as a single unit is the first step. This is not to say that, with still more than two months left of campaigning to do before election night, the Ann Romney speech was the last card conservatives had up their sleeve. Attempts to present Mitt Romney as a gentleman Americans can relate to have not ceased with the RNC; and, the electorate will be urged time and time again to consider how Romney really has their best interests at heart. But when facing the facts, Republicans can’t shy away from the fact their latest attempt just didn’t work. ERIC JONES -regular columnist -psychology major -class of 2013

The political spotlight was on the Republican Party this week as they held their national convention in Tampa, Florida. For a few days, the GOP had undivided attention from the national media. Except for when MSNBC refused to cover any minority speaker at the convention in an obvious effort to continue to paint the party as the “old white man” party, It used that national media attention to showcase the 2012 Republican Presidential ticket. Republicans wanted to achieve a vast array of goals during this convention. The first, unveil the party platform and present it in a way that appeals to all Americans. Second, the party wanted to, and needed to, introduce Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to the American people; introduce them not just as candidates, but as people as well. Finally, the party wanted Romney to appeal to the core of the conservative right in this country, and energize that base to start pounding the pavement and turn out every possible vote in November. The GOP conveyed the party believes this is the winning ticket, and that the fight will easily carry on full force until the last polls close. So did they accomplish these goals? Yes. First off, look at the type of press coming out of the convention. Aside from the usual attacks from the left that Ann Romney is spoiled and Paul Ryan is an extremist (because apparently the millions of Americans who balance their checkbooks every month are extremists too) there wasn’t a lot of damaging or negative press that came out of Tampa this week. The only exception to the positive press may be those who are claiming the party establishment treated Ron Paul and his supporters unfairly when there were attempts to nominate Ron Paul from the floor. First off, Ron Paul was never going to walk out of that convention as the nominee, and anyone who doesn’t agree with me on that apparently counts delegates the same way President Obama counts dollars. Additionally, the idea the party establishment treated Ron Paul “unfairly” is a claim coming from the left, not the right. The left wants the American people to believe the inner workings of the Republican Party are corrupt. Politics, however, is a game, and that game is played on both sides of the aisle. There were countless great speeches during the week from a wide array of Republican politicians and figureheads. The most fascinating, in my opinion, were the speeches from the likes of Mia Love, Susana Martinez and Nikki Haley. Love is the mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah, and is a candidate

for Congress this year as well. She’s also African-American, although Al Sharpton would probably prefer you don’t know that. Martinez is the first female governor of New Mexico and the first female Hispanic governor in the United States, but Chris Matthews still wants you to believe every Hispanic person in this country can’t possibly identify with the white supremacist views of the Republican Party. Haley is governor of South Carolina, and a daughter of Sikh immigrants from India. However, every liberal talking head out there wants you to believe the Republican Party is antiimmigration and anti-women. None of these speakers fulfills the stereotype cast by Democrats on the leaders of the GOP. I also firmly believe the American people are now more familiar with Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan and the Republican Party as a whole. One of the most anticipated speeches was from Ann Romney. She needed to personalize her husband while also appealing to women, a voting bloc Obama is expected to win. If you saw her speech, you know she knocked that one right out of the park. It was phenomenal, and exactly the type of speech a party hopes to see from someone who could possibly be the next first lady of the United States. Paul Ryan did a fantastic job as well when he gave his speech accepting the vice presidential nomination. He even gave one of my favorite quotes from the whole convention: “College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.” It shows the Republicans are concerned about the issues facing our generation; something the President hasn’t spent too much time showing concern for. It also encapsulates the fact people are struggling under President Obama’s failed policies when they don’t have to be. This country can be fixed, and the Republicans can turn this economy around. For those of you who didn’t watch at least part of the GOP Convention this week, you missed out. And for those of you who think I’ve covered all the highlights, you’re sadly mistaken. The Republicans may be leaving Tampa, but they are taking with them a wave of energy and enthusiasm that Mitt Romney is riding, and he could very well ride it all the way to the Oval Office. MATTHEW HURT -regular columnist -political science major -class of 2013

College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Andrew Newton, Jordan Williams Creative Director: Danielle Bushrow Assistant Creative Services Director: Alyssa Morrison Creative Staff: Mary Dassira, Chloe Young, Cameron Vaile, Diana Bayless 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 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. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. 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.

august 31, 2012

Regular Edition GET INSIDE THE GAME

Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Once in a Blue Moon, you’re allowed to make extraordinary requests of the universe. Ask for your highest priorities, and let go of trivialities. Your career takes off this year, propelled by your amazing network. Shower them with affection.

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

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Week ending August 31, 2012

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august 31, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

SAID

she said: take risks, branch out at school For all the talk of nestleaving, leap-taking and soul-finding, the transition to college is remarkably like the transition to high school: uncomfortable and full of regret. Only now you’re sans the sage advice of Judy Blume. Now while we’re all letting that painfully obvious, yet largely ignored, fact sink in, I’d like you all to join hands, take a great deep breath and try to shuffle forward with me. Because it’s going to be okay. Take comfort in the fact that 27.9 percent of the U.S. population had obtained at least a Bachelor’s degree by 2010. That means there are 22.7 million people who survived their freshman year of college. You too can pull through. Now with that being said, it’s still not easy. So I’m going to try and jump in where Judy dearest, your parents, siblings and orientation leaders left off. This is what I wish someone would have told me when I was leaving high school: Be a regular. Find a coffee shop, dining hall, gym, 7-Eleven, library — I really don’t care. Just make it your place and go there every single day. Don’t just go — go and interact with another human being. I know. It’s shocking stuff. But the “human being” part is important. You see, go enough and you’re going to notice peo-

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ple at your regular place will care if you show up or not. It’s way too easy to get lost in the crowd in college, and you’ll figure out soon enough it’s awesome to have that one random person who knows how to make your favorite salad at West End, or to keep your menthol cigarettes set aside at the drug store. Stay out late. It doesn’t matter if you’re in to the party scene or not. Hands down some of the best people in the world can be found at Burger King at 4:30 in the morning. Plus they have veggie burgers now — you really can’t lose. Do something scary. Not like Jason’s chasing-methrough-the-woods scary, mind you — just something new and exciting that you’d never have thought you’d be brave enough to try. Go skydiving. Ask out that cute philosophy major from down the hall. Raise your hand in class and tell your professor he’s an idiot. I’m a firm believer in letting everyone define his or her own freshman experience, but I think that no matter who you are, if you don’t do something legitimately outside of your comfort zone, you’ve missed the point. VICTORIA ZIGADLO - news editor - senior - English major

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he said: avoid unnecessary roommate drama Ah, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us again. Pencils have been sharpened, the prices of backpacks and calculators have steadily crept up, and anxiety has wrapped its clammy hands around the hearts of those who are beginning their fi nal year before graduation. Th at’s right, school has started. One of the most exciting parts of the new school year — for me at least — is the appearance of freshmen onto our beautiful campus. I know over the next four years they will make some of the best friends they could ask for, have tons of new and exciting experiences, and hopefully fi nd that thing they are passionate about. Sure, watching them haul in unnecessary amounts of furniture and other bulky items up fl ights of stairs, with grumpy fathers and crying mothers gives me a certain perverse sense of pleasure that’s hard to

describe, but that is neither here nor there. With the arrival of these young men and women on our campus, I think back to the days of old when I was entering campus for the fi rst time. I can still feel the mixed feelings of excitement and dread as I watched my parents get back into their car and drive off into the sunset. Since the transition from high school to college was mildly difficult to say the least, I would like to give a few pieces of advice to the newest Hokies to make this change as painless as possible. First off, if a stranger ever yells and asks, “Are you a freshman?” say, “No.” While walking down a street off campus at night my freshman year, a voice yelled this from a balcony. Naturally, I said yes, and was immediately sprayed with a supersoaker. As I walked back to campus with my pants

soaked and my pride dampened, I found myself reevaluating the decisions that led me to this unpleasant point. It’s an extreme example, but is a lesson well learned nonetheless. Secondly, don’t spend all of September eating your meals with every freshman on your hall. It’s understandable that you don’t want to miss out on meeting someone who could become your best friend, but instead of 40 people eating at D2 every night, just grab a few people and eat together in a smaller, more intimate setting. That way you can actually get to know them and identify them by their personality as opposed to their room number, hometown and hair color. Finally, learn to go with the flow. Th is may or may not be your fi rst time living in the same room with someone who isn’t your little brother. Don’t get bothered by trivial matters, because well, they’re trivial. If they snore,

they can’t help it; don’t be paranoid and think they are trying to force you to have a mental breakdown. Go in to every possible roommate confl ict understanding it may partly be your fault, and try to see it from their point of view. Also, save yourself a lot of time and hurt feelings by addressing the problem with them directly fi rst. Don’t talk about it with the girls across the hall or with your buddies downstairs. It’s probably a simple fi x and doesn’t need to be gossiped about. I hope some of this advice helps you, and if it doesn’t you’ll learn lessons the hard way and be a better person because of it. Enjoy the next four years class of 2016. I can guarantee you they’ll be best yet. JAMES HARRIS - featured columnist - senior - history major

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JEEDY GENRE: Hip Hop / Rap INSPIRATION: Jay-Z, The Roots, Kanye, Eminem, Outkast Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Turn outdated and broken junk into art, or sell it. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You can do what you set out to accomplish. Get help as needed.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Time to reinvent yourself and be surprised by the results. Investigate the improbable, and document your decisions well, but act from the heart. Invest in your business.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Take action towards an achievable goal. Don’t trust the latest gossip. Settle on a positive attitude and score extra points. You’re very persuasive now.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Let passion come into full bloom. Your partner has the answer. Balance new work with old responsibilities. Use the energy for your own good. There’s no time for gossip.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You can see from a new perspective. Make big changes. Follow your dream. Provide leadership. Conditions are really in your favor, but don’t take them for granted. Remember your manners.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Find the perfect balance between work and play today. There are new opportunities for income, but don’t count your chickens yet. Your partner appreciates your effort. All ends well.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Don’t worry about the end result; focus on the process right now. Your work is more interesting for the next several weeks. Compromise is required.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your creativity feeds your soul. Inject a good dose of imagination, and the result will speak for itself. Revel in the feeling. Notice the small details that you missed before.

NEXT SHOW: 9/15/12 (with Radical Something)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Money is available now. Traveling on foot or riding a bicycle helps you make new friends while getting exercise. There’s no need to go crazy while shopping. Access patience.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Don’t let doubts get in the way. Go the extra mile, with help from your friends. Fantasies abound (for better or worse). Invest cautiously, not impulsively.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22 You’re reaching a turning point in your education. Add a touch of your own personality to the project to increase its worth. Take a walk in nature for inspiration.

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Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re naturally attractive and inspiring. Don’t get involved in a controversy that you can’t resolve right now. Work takes on a spiritual nature. Accept encouragement. Fantasies abound.

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august 31, 2012