Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

HOKIES LOSE SHOCKER TO PITT, SEE PAGE 8 Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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Freshman defies limits BY PRISCILLA ALVAREZ | news reporter Freshman Christian Gahr slept in on his first day of senior year and woke to the tweets of his fellow peers complaining about their classes. Luckily he didn’t have to go to school because he had already been admitted to college. After three years of high school education, California native Gahr was ready to move on and jump-start his college career at 16-years-old. “I’d just rather go straight to college instead of staying in high school because I knew I was going to be taking five or six AP classes anyway,” Gahr, a biology major, said. In the fall, he approached his high school counselor about applying to college first semester of his junior year. His counselor had known one other case of a girl who had graduated from high school in three years and moved on to college. With that in mind, Gahr applied to Virginia Tech. Gahr joined other students across the nation who are applying to college early. “We’re seeing students finBRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS ish earlier than in the past. Christian Gahr, a 16-year-old freshman on campus, is an exception to the rule that you have to graduate high school before coming to college. I think because now-a-days

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we’re seeing students that are taking a lot of dual enrollment credit, AP and IB credit, some of them just really want to get out of high school and start their academic work at a college. It’s a small population,” said Mildred Johnson, director of Undergraduate Admissions. Gahr became part of that small population in the spring when he received his acceptance letter. “I was kind of like ‘I’m a junior. I’m probably not as competitive as someone who went through their senior year who have more on their transcript.’ When I got it I was like ‘oh cool now I have the option of not going through senior year’,” Gahr said. Gahr had already fulfilled Tech’s requirements to apply through his completion of 18 units of high school course work, which included AP classes. However, it was not an easy decision. For about a week, Gahr considered his options and came to the conclusion that staying would be moving backwards. While his dad encouraged see AGE page three

Tech prepares for green week

Board orders regulations for abortion facilities in VA

FILE / SPPS

Last year’s Sustainability Week, an annual ﬁxture for Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, featured decorated buses. MAX LUONG news staff writer

Planned Parenthood in Blacksburg is likely to undergo costly renovations to meet new requirements for clinics. MALLORY NOE-PAYNE news editor

The Virginia State Board of Health voted last Friday to adopt regulations requiring existing clinics that provide abortions to follow the same building regulations as hospitals. Abortion rights supporters have described the regulations as unnecessary and cumbersome, and a political tactic for minimizing access to abortion clinics. In a 13-2 vote, members of the board reversed an earlier deci-

sion, which would have exempted existing buildings from the regulations previously applied only to new construction. Anti-abortion defendants have applauded the board’s decision, although some board members deny the rules have any political agenda, instead saying regulations are only for ensuring health and safety. “The primary purpose of the regulations is to ensure there is a safe, clean, healthy environsee CLINIC / page two

Today marks the kickoff of Blacksburg’s annual Sustainability Week. For the next three days, students will embark on various “green” efforts in and around campus. For the technologicallyinclined, a TED Talk as well as electric vehicle demonstrations are scheduled. Several electric and plugin hybrid cars will also be on display at the Blacksburg Library from 6:00-8:30 this evening. On Thursday at noon, the Lyric Theatre will feature a TED panel discussion of local experts on the mass usage of electric cars in the future. Students have also

become accustomed to the ceremonial tradition of the campus tree planting. Today at 1 p.m. in front of Owens, student-led groups will plant native Birch and Hawthorne trees donated by the Forestry and Horticulture Depa r t ment s . T he first 40 volunteers will receive a free Arbor Day t-shirt. “There’s nothing I like more than planting a tree and a shirt that is free!” said Mike Demsko, a freshman in university studies. On Thursday evening at the Smithfield Plantation, the volunteer student organization Sustainable Food Corps will host a tasty, hands-on workshop, star ting at 4:30 p.m.

The tour of the Smithfield Garden will show how it uses sustainable technology to produce crops donated to local food banks. St udents more interested in the community gathering aspect of Sustainability Week can mingle at The Farmer’s Market on Wednesday at 2 p.m. and enjoy the booths, clubs, and live music from the local band “Black Twig Pickers”. As opposed to the more objective-specific themes of previous years, the aim of Celebrate Sustainability this year is to broadly observe the community’s collective efforts toward the environment and to c e le br at e a c c omplishments made so far.

The Town of Blacksburg and the independent non-profit Sustainable Blacksburg have collaborated to sponsor these events in order to both raise environmental awareness and contribute to nature. “Once again, we’re honored to be participating partners in Blacksburg’s Sustainability Week,” said Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam. “Together, we will continue to emphasize the importance of sustainable lifestyles and the value of conserving our resources, while celebrating all that makes Blacksburg such a great place,” he said. Follow this writer on Twitter @MaxLuongCT

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september 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

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#CAMPAIGNCOUNTDOWN Coverage of the issues that involve and affect YOU this campaign season.

CLINIC: new regulations affect Blacksburg

WEEKS LEFT

from page one

in The recent change in the board’s position is largely attributed to which these procedures are performed for these women.” said Bruce Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s office. Edwards, Chair of the Virginia State Board of Health. The attorney general’s office sent a memo to the board, stating it had The regulations require Virginia clinics that provide five or more abor- exceeded its authority in exempting certain facilities and was not proptions a month upgrade their facilities to meet hospital standards. These erly following the directive set to it by the General Assembly’s law passed upgrades would include wider hallways and larger operating rooms, now in 2011. the norm for new construction. Additionally, it affects the number of The 2011 law dictated abortion clinics should be regulated as hospitals, parking spaces available. as opposed to physician’s offices. Health centers under the jurisdiction of Olivia Babis, the southwest Virginia field coordinator for Planned those regulations were required to submit a plan to meet new requireParenthood, said while Planned ments within two years. Existing Parenthood is by no means anti-regulafacilities will now be required to do tion, these particular rules are purposethe same. It is designed to shut down facilities performing A statement released by NARAL fully onerous, having “absolutely nothing to do with patient safety.” Pro-Choice Virginia said “Attorney abortions, there are no other purposes to it. “It is designed to shut down facilities Olivia Babis General Cuccinelli had exceeded performing abortions, there are no other Planned Parenthood Field Coordinator his authority and undermined the purposes to it,” Babis said. board’s decision-making power.” Edwards, who is also the representative The statement added the board on the Board for Emergency Medical reversed its earlier decision only Services, disagrees. after months of pressure tactics “It is aimed at ensuring that things are by Cuccinelli — a claim Edwards The primary purpose of the regulations sized properly so that good care can be denied. provided to these patients,” Edwards Regulatory boards in Virginia must is to ensure there is a safe, clean, healthy said. “It’s important for me to be able to consult the office of the attorney genenvironment in which these procedures are get all the way around the patient. eral for legal advice when necessary. “I’ve been in small examining rooms... Regardless, the regulations have to be performed for these women. it’s often times difficult to get in there, Bruce Edwards certified by Cuccinelli’s office. particularly if the patient is not doing Chair of the Virginia State Board of Health “When the city attorney tells me well.” that the best decision is going to be Blacksburg’s Planned Parenthood proX, then I air on that side and that is vides medical abortions during the first the advice that I take,” Edwards said. trimester, meaning it prescribes an oral medication inducing a miscarAccording to Brian Gottstein, director of communication for the riage. Despite not performing any surgical procedures, the facility will be Attorney General’s Office, it is the duty of the office to provide the Board subject to these new regulations. of Health with advice that will ensure that regulations the board creates Planned Parenthood in Blacksburg provided 160 medical abortions in are in compliance with the law, and will determine whether to certify 2011. Planned Parenthood in Roanoke, which provides surgical abor- them based solely on a legal basis. tions as well as medical, provided 846 abortions in 2011. Members of the State Board of Health are appointed by Virginia’s According to Babis, it is possible the building in Blacksburg will have to governor. Cuccinelli is currently a leading candidate for the change locations to meet the requirements, or otherwise undergo costly Republican ticket for the gubernatorial election, taking place next renovations. fall. “We’re going to do everything in our power to not affect cost,” Babis said. “I can’t say that (raising costs) is not a possibility.” Follow this writer on Twitter @MalloryNoePayne

Care about this issue?

The law was passed by the Virginia General Assembly. Contact your legislature here:

“

http://legis.virginia. gov/1_cit_guide/ contacting_my.html Members of the State Board of Health are appointed by the Governor. Contact the governor here:

“

The Attorney General is an elected ofﬁce. Contact the Attorney General here: http://www.oag. state.va.us/

? T O LL

T’S A H W

OU Y N O

http://www. governor.virginia. gov/

OFFICE

Voters can expect more than just Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s names on the ballot this November. In addition to the Presidential election, there’s also an open Senate seat in Virginia and a Congressman to elect. Below is the ballot a voter registered in Montgomery County can expect November 6th. In addition to these positions, there are also two Virginia state constitutional amendments being voted on that will be outlined next week.

JURISDICTION

BALLOT

NAME

PARTY

WEB SITE

President & Vice President

Statewide

Mitt Romney

Republican

http://www.mittromneyin2012.com

President & Vice President

Statewide

Barack Obama

Democrat

http://www.barackobama.com

President & Vice President

Statewide

Virgil Goode

Constitution http://www.goodeforpresident2012.com

President & Vice President

Statewide

Gary Johnson

Libertarian

http://www.garyjohnson2012.com

President & Vice President

Statewide

Jill Stein

Green

http://www.jillstein.org

United States Senate

Statewide

George F. Allen

Republican

http://www.georgeallen.com

United States Senate

Statewide

Timothy M. Kaine

Democrat

http://www.kaineforva.com

Member House of Representatives-09

H. Morgan Griffith

Republican

http://www.morgangriffithforcongress.com

Member House of Representatives-09

Anthony J. Flaccavento

Democrat

http://www.flaccaventoforthe9th.com

Commonwealth's Attorney

Montgomery Mary K. Pettitt County

Republican

Commonwealth's Attorney

Montgomery Peggy H. Frank County

Democrat

http://peggy-frank.com

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

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september 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Students learn party politics

Age: applying early a rare choice from page one

him to take the opportunity, his mom was a bit more hesitant. She just wanted to attend her son’s graduation ceremony at the end of his senior year. Instead, she’ll get the opportunity to watch him graduate in Lane Stadium. Despite the long distance from home and his relatively young age, Gahr decided to attend Tech. Gahr is part of a very small percentage of students who have enrolled in the university at such a young age. A large portion of the student body graduates senior year with a traditional diploma, Johnson said. “We have some home school students that didn’t officially graduate from a public institution but met all the core requirements to be given a diploma,” Johnson said. However, it is not a requirement for students to have a diploma when applying to the university unless they intend on playing a sport for the school. Virginia Tech offers an early admission application for high school juniors who wish to be considered for early enrollment. They must fulfill the same requirements as high school seniors in addition to having three different documents by the high school principal, parents, and the student. While applying early may appeal to some, it does not mean it is the best option. “It’s not advantageous. I think it’s a maturity level

there. I mean there are some 16-year-olds that are probably more mature than others and some are more mature than the 17 and 18-year-olds, but it really depends on the individual,” Johnson said. Despite the age of the student, the admission process considers whether the student can succeed in the rigorous coursework based on their high school profiles. “We’re not admitting students that we don’t think from the front end could be academically successful here,” Johnson said. G a h r ’s a mbit ion and academic success ref lected in his course load through his four to five AP classes as well as his involvement in the high school marching band and San Bernardino County Honor Band. It has also spilled over to his professional career. His sophomore year of high school he interned with California Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter. His experience in both arenas has made his time in college no different than the typical incoming freshman. “I wanted to get out of high school. I felt like I was just there and nothing was happening,” Gahr said. “I was going to apply here anyways, I might have ended up here anyways.” Follow this writer on Twitter @priscialva

what you’re saying On Hokies fall to Pittsburgh 35-17 Anon: Beamer needs to step down, it’s the same old story every year. Offense is crap and we rely on the defense to play most of the game....when the defense doesn’t show up, the offense can’t do anything at all. That’s not how you run a game, not sure what philosophy Beamer is running here. Adam: Logan Thomas is not worse than last year. No QB can succeed in a Stinespring offense. Tyrod wasn’t decent until his fourth year, and even then our offense was weak. The problem is that when the run is successful, we continue to run. When the pass is successful, we continue to run. Matt: Logan is not the problem. He had a bad game, give him a break. The problem is Beamer & Company. If Beamer can not take a leadership role and dismiss Stinespring, then the Athletic Department should dismiss them both. It is just a matter of time until Bud Foster leaves us for a head coaching job elsewhere, and we are in for a world of hurt.Frank, I tthink it is about that time. Step down. The last 5 years of offense statistics support my conclusion that you need to go. HOKIE81: Same story, diffrent year. Amazing how an administration that fired Seth Greenberg, continues to accept mediocrity in the football program. I will say this, Tech is good at making opposing teams look like national championship material.

Judge Jim Gray, the Libertarian Vice Presidential nominee, spoke on campus yesterday at an event hosted by the Libertarians at Virginia Tech. The room where Gray spoke was ﬁlled with ﬂyers, posters and well-receptive students wearing t-shirts featuring Gary Johnson, the Libertarian presidential candidate. photo by Kevin Dickel

Weekend Roundup The Radford University Board of Visitors voted to ban concealed carry weapons on campus during its meeting Friday. This new regulation replaces the old university policy in compliance with Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's 2011 issued opinion that Virginia universities had to pass a formal resolution to ban the legal concealed carry of weapons on campus.

Ed Spencer, former vice president for student affairs, has been conferred the “vice president emeritus” title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. This title is granted to retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who are specially recommended to the Board of Visitors by Virginia Tech president Charles W. Steger.

The Virginia Tech Drillfield was the site for a concert featuring Gym Class Heroes, Chiddy Bang, Theophilus London, and DJ Irie on Thursday, Sept. 13. Images from the Burruss Hall webcam captured the stage construction and set up that took place before and during the concert, and were released in a timelapse video on the University Relations webpage.

The Virginia Tech SGA announced its new Tech-themed Pinterest campaign in a tweet Monday morning. The page features pin-boards dedicated to Hokie humor, Tech football, and Maroon and Orange photos and accessories.

september 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

arts & entertainment

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Shad’O produces stale Finding Nemo is much easier in 3-D gameplay, inventive story Movie Review

Game Review

Okugi Studio’s “Shad’O” is a tower defense game pitting players against waves of monsters in the hopes of recovering the memories of a child named William. The entire experience is presented as a story about a boy trying to make sense of his own thoughts. In an effort to clear his mind, he enlists the help of companions to defend against nightmares that seek to keep his memories locked away forever. These companions, which feature mundane names like “Shooter,” “Puncher,” and “Rainbow”, are static defenses which the player will use to defend against waves of slowly moving enemies. Fans of the tower defense genre will be right at home with “Shad’O,” as the game only distinguishes itself in subtle ways. Players collect “luminous” resource, which are used to purchase companions for placement around a fixed track enemies follow. The goal is to prevent these enemies from reaching the end of the track by destroying them with turrets that shoot projectiles or impart negative effects on the passing monsters. Players are also given access to a spell book of 10 different spells, which serve as basic purposes such as healing damaged companions or giving the player extra resources. Even with the fairly large selection of companions and spells available, “Shad’O” feels like every other tower defense game, and this is not a good thing. Levels are repetitive, and many of the companions seem useless and redundant. Although the game is playable and clearly polished,

it is too easy to label it as just another tower defense game. William’s story is one of the few things making the game uniquely interesting. Each level unlocks a new picture which eventually leads to a boss battle, where a series of memories are revealed in a cut scene. This is a story about a lost boy who does not know what he is looking for, or how he got lost in the first place, and it is remarkably well put together. The ending makes for a satisfying conclusion to a story that leaves players guessing throughout. “Shad’O” makes up for its stale gameplay with its refreshing, believable plotline. This is a tower defense game through and through, and players familiar with the genre will not be amazed by what is offered here. Despite the inclusion of “Special Battles”, which impose strict limitations on the placement and usage of companions, this is an incredibly repetitive game. Most levels can be beaten with only a few of the companions, and the spells and enemies are not very interesting. “Shad’O” makes up for its shortcomings with an undeniably intriguing story taking place in a world rarely explored in video games: the memories and nightmares of childhood. BEN KIM -game columnist -sophomore -communication major

In the summer of 2003, audiences were introduced to Marlin, Dory and Nemo. Now, audiences across the country can enjoy the classic, heartfelt movie, “Finding Nemo,” with astounding graphic effects on a 3-D screen. The story about a father searching for his son would go on to gross more than $357 million in North America and made $890 million worldwide secondhighest in 2003. “Finding Nemo” achieved near-universal acclaim — it holds a rating of 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 percent on Metacritic — and deservedly so. After years of standing idly on store shelves, the movie has been re-released to placate the growing population of avid 3-D movie fans. Like most plotlines of movies made for children, “Finding Nemo” is, in terms of realism, utterly ridiculous. There is the group of vegetarian sharks, Dory who speaks whale and reads English, and the friendly pelican who carries Marlin and Dory in his mouth without eating them. But the film does not suffer for all its silliness. Rather, it is so successful in making the viewer feel the world is real that “suspense of disbelief ” is not even an issue. It is for this reason that the 3-D re-release does not feel like a cheap ploy, unlike the re-release of “Titanic” or any number of movies which have been hastily converted to 3-D recently. Ultimately, the 3-D effects actually add to the already

surprisingly real visuals of underwater life. Lisa Schwarzbaum of “Entertainment Weekly” wrote “the spatial mysteries of watery currents and floating worlds are exactly

intense emotional appeal. From there, the movie f lashes forward several years to Marlin and his son Nemo, the only egg to be spared the barracuda’s wrath. Rather under-

where 3-D explorers were born to boldly go” and she is entirely right. Despite being an animated movie geared towards children, “Finding Nemo 3-D” manages to engross an audience of all ages thanks to powerful visuals and a heart-wrenching storyline. Indeed, the opening scene where we are introduced to the clownfish Marlin and his wife Coral, only to see Coral killed and their eggs eaten by a barracuda, may be second only to the opening sequence in “Up” for its

standably, Marlin is wildly overprotective of Nemo, to the point of considering not even letting him go to school that year. Marlin’s paranoia and near-agoraphobic state of living are challenged when a scuba diver abducts Nemo, forcing Marlin to leave the reef and venture out into open water in hopes of finding his son. Along the way, Marlin befriends a fish named Dory who, despite her short-term memory loss, manages to save them several times.

Voiced by El len DeGeneres, Dory is one of the best characters in cinema in recent years. Her memory problems are not just for laughs, although it is frequently hilarious, but they paint the picture of real situations with paramount consequences. Dory’s pure joy and optimism in the face of overwhelming odds radiate throughout the film, so eventually even “Mr. Grumpy Gills” Marlin ends up cherishing her presence. The casting for the film overall was superb, from Willem Dafoe as the gritty Gill of the “Tank Gang” to Barry Humphries as the great white shark Bruce. Is it really worth the exorbitant fee at the box office when the original is already so good? Probably not. But it is an awful lot of fun to see. New releases for Friday, Sept. 21: “Dredd” (available in 3-D): Set in a futuristic society, chaos spreads through the towns, and the only hope for mankind is the “Judges,” an urban police force aiming to maintain order under its leader, Dredd. Starring: Lena Headley, Domhnall Gleeson “End of Watch”: This crime-fighting cop film is set in Los Angeles, and the cinematography mirrors that of “Cloverfield”, with handheld action from policeman and townspeople at crime scenes. Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena

KATIE WHITE -movie columnist -junior -history major

Grizzly Bear boasts upbeat sound Music Review

Grizzly Bear won universal acclaim with 2009’s “Veckatimest” and, as a result, had a bit of a breakthrough into the mainstream arena with the hit song “Two Weeks.” “Veckatimest” showed off the inimitable sound of the group’s superbly crafted arrangements and vocal harmonies. The four-piece Brooklyn indie rockers have just released their marvelous fourth studio album, “Shields.” All the magic of Grizzly Bear is present on its latest release, and in a seemingly more accessible way. “Veckatimest” was a deeply layered record, which was mostly orchestral and slow moving. The album started off with “Southern Point,” the fastest song on the record, followed by “Two Weeks,” the catchy crossover hit. After that, the record moved towards Grizzly Bear’s slower, chamber pop sound. The new album, “Shields,” starts off in similar fashion with “Sleeping Ute,” an intricately layered track, which is up-tempo with lush, flashy guitar notes. The first single off the album, featuring the vocals of Daniel Rossen, is a beautiful song, showcasing a plethora of instruments and occasional time signature changes. Frankly, dissecting Grizzly Bear albums feels inherently wrong because of how masterfully crafted they stand as whole works of art. The musicians comprising Grizzly Bear are masters of their instruments. Ed Droste formed the band after recording an album for his friends, which got circulated around. Drummer Christopher Bear helped that tape become the proper release “Horn of Plenty,” and then guitarist Rossen and multi-instrumentalist Chris Taylor joined to fill

out the group. The second song off the album, “Speak in Rounds,” is another up-tempo track, which showcases the elaborate drumming of Bear. Ed Droste is the primary vocalist on this song, as he utters “If I speak in rounds for a while letting my tongue swell / I’ll be sure to try and explain myself to dispel.” “Shields” is a bit different from “Veckatimest” in it never seems to get into the slowest possible gear as the latter often did. The pace feels more upbeat, and the work of the individuals’ other side projects can be felt. Grizzly Bear sounds like a confident group of musicians who know the craftsmanship of which they are capable. The second single released from “Shields” is “Yet Again.” Droste again finds himself as the main singer. This song is a soft crescendo of strings, piano, and vocal harmony propeling forward through a dreamy atmosphere. Droste intimately sings “Take it all in stride / Speak, don’t confide” over soft guitar before the song swells up and crashes again. This album seems to showcase the individual voices of Droste and Rossen more than “Veckatimest” did. The voices of Droste and Rossen are both terrific, and they both shine on “Shields.” The band also took a more collaborative approach to writing this record than it did on “Veckatimest,” which was mostly written by Droste. “Shields” is comprised of tremendous and diverse songs throughout. The album’s final track, “Sun In Your Eyes,” is a seven-minute composition of piano, strings, drums and guitar, which builds and slows throughout, but never feels forced. Rossen skillfully sings “silver and silent rushing on / endless abundance overflows” as the song slowly builds again. Everything from “Adelma” to “A Simple Answer” on Grizzly Bear’s new album has its own

great qualities and subtleties that make it worthwhile and tremendously entertaining to listen to. “Shields” is another stellar addition to the Grizzly Bear’s catalogue of records. This album deserves a listen and certainly will impress fans and casual listeners alike. Also out this week: G.O.O.D. Music — “Cruel Summer” The highly anticipated compilation album from Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label is finally getting released. Music from the album was steadily released over the past summer, with all four singles “Mercy,” “Cold,” “New God Flow,” and “Clique” reaching the Billboard top 100. Kanye West put together an all-star cast for this album, including veterans like Common and Ghostface Killah, and some younger artists like Chief Keef and Kid Cudi. The Killers — “Battle Born” The fourth album from The Killers, named after the phrase appearing on the state flag of Nevada (where the band is from), is being released this week. The Killers have been a mainstay on alternative radio stations since their debut album “Hot Fuss” and look to continue their success with “Battle Born.” Lead single “Runaways” has received some airplay, which showcases the familiar sound of lead singer Brandon Flowers and company. JACOB WILBANKS -music columnist -junior -communication major

editors: josh higgins, bethany melson opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

september 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

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On:

Abortion

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

Democrats use abortion Abortion laws infringe as political talking point on individuals’ rights T

he debate between anti-abortion and abortion rights philosophies stems from disagreement about when life begins. Antiabortion defendants believe life begins at conception, while its opponents believe abortion does not constitute ending the life of an unborn child. Essentially, the debate hinges on how liberals and conservatives interpret the Constitution. Constitutional conser vatives interpret the language of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as denying abortion. This provision reads, “No state shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Conservatives use this as the basis for arguing the unconstitutionality of abortion. Prior to 1973, abortion was illegal in 30 states, and legal in others dependending on the stage of pregnancy. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that a woman has the “right to privacy” under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment. Although this right allows a woman to abort her fetus, that right must be balanced against the state’s two legitimate interests in regulating abortions: protecting pre-natal life and women’s health. Federal law dictates abortion is legal in all states. However, many states oppose abortion and make efforts to limit its use within their borders. Twenty-six states, including Virginia, have policies opposing abortion. This is double the number of states in 2000. Such policies include regulations and requirements, making the existence of abortion clinics very difficult. The percentage of Americans siding with abortion rights is at an all-time low of 41 percent. A Gallup Poll from May 2012 discovered a clear shift to a self-identifying antiabortion majority among the popu-

lation. 51 percent consider abortion morally wrong, while 38 percent say it is morally acceptable for cases of rape or incest. Abortion has been a hot-button issue with regard to Planned Parenthood, an abortion rights organization receiving federal funding. Another point of contention arose in the spring of 2012 between Catholic and other religious employers who, on the basis of religious or moral opposition, do not provide health insurance coverage of contraception or abortion-inducing drugs. The recent healthcare reform bill, nicknamed “Obamacare”, mandates private employers to provide such coverage. Since abortion is a personal health decision and is a sensitive situation, it is illogical for it to be a political issue. In this presidential election, the Obama campaign uses the birth control and women’s contraception rights issues in an attempt to strike a chord with youth and the adult female voting blocks. Some have argued the Obama election team supporters use scare tactics to frighten females into voting for Obama. Most notably, at the Democratic National Convention, Kerry Washington said Republicans want to take away women’s right to choose, as well as purchase birth control. However, it is outside the control of the executive branch — the president — to outlaw abortion, birth control, or contraceptives. In this way, the Democrats have sought to increase the political salience of abortion by saying the Republicans will no longer allow abortion and make the farfetched assertion the Republicans seek to preclude birth control for future generations. SALLY BRADY -regular colomnist -agricultural and applied economics -graduate student

midst our country’s seemingly perpetual loop of distasteful presidencies, we can find minor excitement in discussing our quadrennial list of political arguments. When does life truly begin? Is abortion murderous, or rather, an expression of women’s rights? And furthermore, should we take it upon ourselves to scribe our decision as federal law? We all know that, when discussing abortion, the donkeys will chant “choice” and the elephants will chant “life.” But in this never-ending debate, perhaps a third party candidate is needed to alleviate the undisturbed stress. In an attempt to separate and branch off from the static debate between Democrats and Republicans, here’s a refreshing perspective: We all have different values of life, we all have different opinions on its inception, and we have absolutely no right to pass a federal law in any direction on the matter. When it comes down to it, Republicans’ argument against abortion is based primarily on religious beliefs. They believe life commences at the moment of conception, and the fetus immediately deserves its human rights. This is a more than respectable view on the issue, and the mere fact individuals are capable of holding such beliefs is a testament to how incredible our country truly is. However, to legally force it upon others is blatantly unconstitutional. If we cannot maintain our separation of church and state, we are opening a door lead-

ing to dangerous territory. Essentially we will be creating an uncomfortably large window for failure in our own individual rights. Take a second to honestly think about it. If religion finds its way into our government, what mea ning will our Constitution even possess? Its credibility will be instantly diminished, and slowly but surely, our rights will begin to slip away. Take, for example, The Treaty of Tripoli in 1796. This was the first treaty between the United States and Tripolitania involving religious separation and it reinforced religion’s role in our governments. “As the government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen… it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.” America was founded so we can all aspire to be who we want to be in a way that is respectful to our fellow citizens. It is a structure that is tolerant, and it is a structure that prevents conflict. We all have aspirations. We all have values. We all have beliefs. And we all have rights. Let’s keep it that way, shall we? STEVE BURNESON -regular colomnist -communication -freshman

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.

september 18, 2012

Regular Edition GET INSIDE THE GAME

Today’s Birthday Horoscope: What makes you happy? Add it to

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6 7 2

5 6 6 7

9 4 7 5 2 7

5 3 8

4 1

3 8 8 5

66 Mafia boss 67 Dog’s warning 68 Michener novel, typically 69 Tinkertoy alternative 70 Playable on VCR 71 Do, re or mi

4 2 1 4 6

By Andrea Carla Michaels

Week ending September 21, 2012

ACROSS 1 E.T. carriers, theoretically 5 Fetch 10 Last letters in London 14 Calamine mineral 15 Where one’s name might go, on a form 16 “Out of Africa” author Dinesen 17 Composer Stravinsky 18 Eight is enough for one 19 Spitting sound

Top Tracks We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together • Taylor Swift

(1) 1

One More Night • Maroon 5

(2) 2

Ronan • Taylor Swift

Some Nights • fun.

(3) 4

Gangam Style • PSY

20 1981 Fonda/Hepburn classic 23 Mac maker 26 “I Ching” readers 27 2006 Bullock/Reeves romance 31 Back talk 32 “Hi-__, Hi-Lo” 33 Annual sports awards 37 In re 39 Designer Karan 42 Donkey’s need, in a party game 43 Low on funds

9/18/12 45 Winged peace symbol 47 Director Ang or Spike 48 1994 Streep/Bacon thriller 52 Sleeve opening 55 Puts in the mail 56 2004 Kevin Spacey tribute (to Bobby Darin) 60 Yankees superstar, familiarly a 61 “Old MacDonald” refrain 62 New Zealander

DOWN 1 Israeli submachine gun 2 Source of Eve’s leaves 3 Yoko from Tokyo 4 Dead Sea find 5 Web opinion piece 6 Puerto __ 7 Part of IMF: Abbr. 8 Must 9 French sponge cake 10 Having the most pizazz 11 These, in Tijuana 12 Intimidate 13 Loses control on the ice 21 Host Conan of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation” 22 Rudolph’s is red 23 Book of maps 24 Engage in an online scam 25 __-Bismol 28 Tease 29 “Evil Woman” gp. 30 Delhi tongue 34 “Going Rogue” author Sarah 35 Give way

vehicles 36 Mushers’ 38 Greek __ Church 40 Oct. follower ’s 41 D.C. Pennsylvania, e.g. with tele- or 44fix Suf Dance-A46 Celtic language 49 Firstborn e 50 Light-sensitiv eye part 51 Debilitate

52 Taken __: surprised 53 Showed again 54 Mr. Magoo, e.g. 57 Jalopy 58 Galway’s land 59 Word after “going twice ...” 63 NASDAQ debut 64 Dorothy Parker forte 65 Arctic pier material

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

9/14/12

WORDSEARCH: Shades of Pink Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid. U

C W Q

C W D

K W

WORD BANK Primrose Coral Salmon Rose Magenta Fuchia Carnation Neon Hot Caarmine Puce Light Spritzer Cerise Tulip Aurora Raspberry Blush

GET INSIDE THE GAME WITH BOWLING GREEN - SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

news

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

september 18, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

crimeblotter date

time

offense

9/12/2012

11:00 AM 12:20 PM

Follow up to Newman Computer Larceny Library

9/14/2012

10:18 PM

Appear Intoxicated in Public/Underage Possession of Alcohol

Coliseum Parking Lot

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Coliseum Parking Lot

9/14/2012

10:18 PM

location

arrestees

Kerrin Lynn Dunn, 18

status

date

time

offense

location

arrestees

status

Unfounded

9/15/2012

2:59 AM

Appear Intoxicated in Public/Underage Possession of Alcohol

Outside New Res Hall East

Casey Michael Oesterle, 19

Unfounded

9/15/2012

2:59 AM

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Outside New Res Hall East

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

9/15/2012

11:10 AM

Possession of Marijuana/ Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/ Underage Possession of Alcohol

Drillfield Drive

Active

9/15/2012

12:15 AM 12:30 AM

Larceny of a computer and charger and an I phone charger

Cowgill Hall

Active

9/15/2012

6:16 PM

Possession of Marijuana/Drug Paraphernalia

Slusher Tower

Cleared By Arrest

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

9/14/2012

10:34 PM

Possession of Marijuana/ Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Pritchard Hall

9/15/2012

12:35 AM

Appear Intoxicated in Public

Outside PK’s/N. Main St.

Active

9/15/2012

2:59 AM

Simple Assault

Outside New Res Hall East

Inactive: Prosecution Declined

Rhey Margaret Igou, 18

Cleared by Arrest

Kevin K. Shaffer, 19

Cleared by Arrest

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Notices

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- A tough challenge awaits. Draw strength from your roots. Use what you’ve learned to cut costs; you’ll be more patient with inances over the next few days.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Trust your experience and your heart. Love blossoms in the next couple of days. Examine available resources. Smooth things over by maintaining decorum.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- The upcoming week is good for negotiating. Outdo your past best performance. Strengthen your infrastructure. Someone has to teach them how to earn and save. Keep at it.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You’re irresistible. Provide facts, and your partner warms to your plan. Home and family take priority. Something that worked before works again.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- You’re entering a two-day work phase, but it’s not all about you. See what you can do for others. You bene it in the end. Imagine the entire plot, and achieve perfection.

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DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP THE COLLEGIATE TIMES TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY

tip of the week

LESSON 1: CHECK THE MOTOR OIL QUESTION: How do I check to see if my motor oil is low? What happens to my car if I don’t check the oil? ANSWER: For an accurate reading, check the oil dipstick while the car is turned off and parked on a horizontal plane. If the oil on the dipstick is black or deep red, have the oil changed by a professional or change it yourself if you're feeling confident. To check the oil level, pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag, then plunge it back into place. Pull the dip stick out again and hold it horizontally for an accurate reading. Be sure the oil on the stick is just under or right at the correct oil-level line or indicator hole; it should never be over. Putting excess strain on your hard-working car by not changing its oil will lead to trouble. An engine repair will have you dipping into your savings and leave you without car for as long as it takes for the proper repairs to be made.

LESSON 2: REFILL THE ANTIFREEZE Antifreeze keeps engine temperatures stable in all climate extremes and driving conditions. Always be sure you have the right level of antifreeze because fooling around with the cooling of your car’s complex mechanical parts is an unnecessary risk. Invest a few dollars in a bottle and keep it handy in your trunk. Antifreeze should be added when the engine is cool. Use a funnel as you would when adding motor oil to avoid splashing this greenish, toxic chemical on other parts of the car. http://autos.aol.com/article/easy-car-care-tips/

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Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Make money, not war. Convincing others requires tact, and you can do it. Don’t take the situation too seriously. Breathing deep and laughing makes for the best medicine.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Organize your team for the next two days. Clear confusion, and then go, and achieve the highest quality. Be respectful and gain promises. Past deeds speak for you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Go ahead and try it out; nothing beats experience. Plant constructive seeds while you’re at it. Heart and mind are in sync today and tomorrow. There’s nothing wrong with nesting now.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Work de initely takes priority. Take time to acknowledge the team and rest once you complete the project. You’re especially charming now.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Venture farther out. Travelling isn’t as easy now, but it’s still worth the effort. Rewards are larger when the assignment is more challenging. Have the facts. Illusions fall away.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Go for the full experience and learn. Push the envelope. An older dream could be possible now. Take good notes for future reference. Return a favor.

sports 8 Hokie fans: Stop acting so surprised

editors: matt jones, zach mariner

september 18, 2012

sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

COLLEGIATETIMES

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS BRAD KLODOWSKI/ SPPS

Logan Thomas and company struggled on Saturday, putting up just 324 yards of offense in a 35-17 loss. Thomas threw three interceptions on the day. Quit pretending you haven’t seen this one before. In a game where Virginia Tech was supposed to come out and dominate, it did the exact opposite: it struggled to find any rhythm on offense while failing to create any push on defense, resulting in 540 yards for Pittsburgh’s mediocre offense and a 35-17 victory for the Panthers. Through three games, the Hokies are yet to look the part of ACC title contenders, or even 10-game winners for that matter. Logan Thomas

has been less-than-stellar, the running game is nonexistent and the defense — which was supposed to anchor the team — looked downright awful. And yet, Hokie fans are still enraged — despite knowing good and well the characteristics of the team they root for. Tech is heralded as being one of the most consistent programs in the nation since its undefeated regular season in 1999. From ’99-’11, the Hokies won 132 games (or, just over 10 a year). Only Boise State (146) and Oklahoma (139)

won more (Texas also won 132). By comparison, ACC rivals Miami, Florida State and Clemson won 114, 104 and 101 games during that time span. So, the consistency is there. No question about it. Unfortunately for Tech, what’s also been there is the “choke” game. That one game every year where the Hokies are supposed to win handily against a lesser opponent and just forget to get off the bus. Of course you all remem-

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ber JMU in 2010. There was North Carolina in 2009. East Carolina in 2008. LSU in 2007 (Tech was expected to keep it close and possibly even win, but lost 48-7). Also, don't forget Boston College in 2006 and N.C. State in 2004. The list goes on and on. The point being, when we look back on the 2012 season, it will be Pittsburgh. Now I’m not saying Tech’s going to be fine — it has some serious work to do and there's obviously plenty of room for improvement.

But the coaching staff isn’t one of the most well-respected in the country for no reason. It knows what it's doing. No, the offense hasn’t looked good. But if you’ll remember last season, the Hokies didn’t really start clicking on offense until six games into the season. Again, I’m not justifying its performance, just trying to point out that the sample size isn’t enough to determine whether or not this offense can have any success this year. That being said, the offense has only been outstanding

for two seasons during Frank Beamer’s 25-year tenure, and that was when 'ole No. 7 was runnin’ and gunnin’. But Hokie fans should know that. Because they’re Hokie fans. They know what they’re getting with this program. So stop acting so surprised. ZACH MARINER - sports editor - junior - communication

Women’s soccer beats NC State JACOB EMERT & MIKE PLATANIA

wards were in complete control, but they were unable to put the ball in the net. By the time the second half rolled around, N.C. State’s defense simply could not hold any longer. Shannon Mayrose opened the scoring ten minutes into the second half. Off a corner kick, Katie Yensen put a header in

the penalty kick, and got it past the keeper. Mayrose’s sports staff two goals brought her total The No. 9 Virginia Tech in the season to six — a women’s soccer team beat team-high. N.C. State 3-0 on Sunday in Reeves was an integral its first ACC matchup of the part of the Hokies’ attack season. last season, and after fightAfter a scoreless first half, ing injuries early this year, the Hokies (9-0) exploded has become a dangerous for three goals in the second force off the bench, leadhalf and proved too much ing the team with four for the Wolfpack (5-5) to assists. handle. “It’s definitely an advantage being able to watch the game before I come in,” Reeves said. “It’s definitely different from last year, but I think it works. We’ve got a great rotation.” With a little over ten minutes remaining, Nicolette Young iced the game with a tap-in goal following an impressive run down the wing and pass by Reeves. The game was the Hokies’ eighth shutout of the year and sixth straight. Over 540 minutes of game time have passed since an oppoALISON NEARY / SPPS nent has found the Shannon Mayrose gets by a Wolfpack defender during Sunday’s 3-0 victory. net. Mayrose, who scored two goals on the day, leads the team with six on the year. Senior defender Julia Goldsworthy “A lot of the halftime talk front of the net that land- said the success has a lot to was about controlling the ed right on Mayrose’s do with the entire team chiptempo, creating chances foot, which she redirect- ping in on the defensive end and finding the final pass," ed into the back of the and not just relying on the said head coach Chugger net. defenders. Adair. Just minutes later, “We’re playing defense "I kind of got into the front Jazmine Reeves received from the top down, from runners and they responded a crisp through ball our forwards to our midwell." from Ashley Meier and fielders to the defense,” she The Hokies took over went on a run up the gut said. three times as many shots of the N.C. State “We’re not relying on the as the Wolfpack, outshoot- defense before being back four to play as hard as ing it 23-7. fouled in the penalty they can. It’s not individuThrough much of the area. alistic — it’s a total team first half, the Hokies’ forMayrose stepped up to take effort.”