Thursday, December 6, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Thursday, December 6, 2012 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 54 News, page 2

Tech tops state in diverse population MAX LUONG news staff writer

According to a recent study, more international students are enrolling in Virginia universities each year, and Virginia Tech is attracting the most. The Institute of International Education reports approximately 15,170 foreign students enrolled in the state last academic year, putting Virginia at No. 14 in the nation for international students. Tech leads the state with 2,578 international students. “Being a (STEM) school, we do have national inquiry about our engineering program,” said Suzie Baker, assistant director of the Cranwell International Center. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” and many international students are attracted to those programs in the United States. Fewer foreign students are enrolled in liberal arts studies than STEM studies. “I had other choices of American schools after finishing secondary school in Lebanon,” said Rashad Assir, a freshman engineering student. “But Tech’s well-known engineering reputation drew me to Blacksburg.” Jacky Hou, another freshman engineering student, was also drawn to Tech for its engineering program. However, Hou, who is originally from Shanghai, knew the area from studying abroad during high school. “I was an exchange student in Stafford, (Va.), and I really like it here,” Hou said. “(Now), this is like my half-home.” The only program that seems to attract more international students than STEM is business. According to the study, 22 percent of all international students pursuing an American college degree chose a business and management track, with engineering

trailing closely at 18 percent. Freshman management student Siddhanth Pai chose Tech because an advisor in his home of Chennai, India knew that the university ranked among the best for business. However, Pai has noticed that Tech allows him to explore interests beyond the classroom. “I came to study business,” said Pai, who is a member of the club golf team. “(Also), the program here allows a lot of free time, so I can spend time on golf.” The nation-wide influx of international students may also explain why the international student population of graduate students exceeded undergraduates last year. Graduate enrollment for international students tends to be higher than undergraduate. While international students are not eligible for traditional financial aid that American students are, the graduate school offers a variety of funding opportunities within its studies. University assistantships, sponsorship by their respective government agencies, and scholarships from their home countries all help foreign graduates pay for school in ways not available to similar undergraduates. Blacksburg’s location in Southwest Virginia has made the school’s steady diversification process unique. Schools like George Mason — with 2,159 international students — and Virginia Commonwealth University, which also follows closely behind Tech in foreign population, have the advantage of urban locations. The largest international demographic in the state comes from East Asia. Students from China and Korea combined comprise nearly 30 percent of the state’s foreign-born enrollment, see DIVERSITY / page two

A DAY IN THE LIFE F

CAROL LEE

Weekend, page 3

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 8

Study Break, page 6

BY CODY OWENS | news reporter

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Regina Ratliff, a Carol Lee employee, coats doughnuts with sugar before letting them cool and putting them out on the racks for sale.

ou haven’t met Carol Lee, but you might know her work. 362 days a year, employees can be seen shuffling into Carol Lee’s tiny kitchen at 4:00 a.m., ready to make the same doughnuts that Blacksburg has devoured for decades.

However, Carol Lee herself is not one of the early risers. She’s neither there when doors open at 6:30 a.m. nor when they close later that day. Carol Lee doesn’t exist. “There’s nobody here by the name Carol Lee,” said Sherree Surface, who manages Carol Lee’s Donut Shop with sister Melinda Strager. “It was a doughnut franchise that started in Kansas. It’s no longer in business; the franchise went out

quite a few years ago, but Carol was Lee’s secretary, and Lee was president of the franchise.” The family-owned doughnut shop on North Main Street has been a Blacksburg staple since its inception 43 years ago, but it has not always gone by the name or has it been at that location. see CAROL / page four

Oak Lane expands Evaluation system goes paperless with new house ABBY HARRIS news staff writer

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS The new fraternity house in Oak Lane borders the Tech on-campus golf course.

Sigma Phi Epsilon prepares to move into their new fraternity house, ﬁrst in a large expansion SEAN HAYDEN news staff writer

Oak Lane has completed the first stage in an expansive new project, wrapping up the construction of a $5 million fraternity house. Virginia Tech’s Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, commonly known as Sig Ep, has helped to start the Oak Lane expansion with the building of their new fraternity house. The house is the largest Greek house on campus and the only with air conditioning, according to Cameron Sheppard, a brother in the fraternity. The house has a full-size kitchen, library, conference room, multiple study lounges and large back patio that overlooks Tech’s golf course. It also has five 55-inch flat screen televisions, copper drainpipes and gutters and a Hokie-stone fireplace.

Mike Cocke, a junior Building Construction Major and former VP of Programming for Sig Ep, said the house was needed. “Our old house on Clay Street was built a very long time ago and is falling apart, which was our main motivation for trying to build a new house,” Cocke said. “We wanted to collaborate with the university in order to have a house on campus, which we were able to accomplish.” Funds raised from the sale of the 402 Clay Street house were used for expenses in building the new house. The fraternity also contributed one-third of the total construction cost of the new house, a pricetag that includes furnishings. The university funded the remaining construction costs. “The house is fully built with the exception of minor additions like security screen see HOUSE / page two

For the first time ever, all course and instructor evaluations for the entirety of the university are exclusively online. All Virginia Tech students can now express opinions on their classes and teachers using the new evaluation system, called Student Perceptions of Teaching, or SPOT. Prior to this new system, scantron or paper questionnaires were given to students on the last day of class to collect feedback. “There was a standard questionnaire that everyone used as a basis and then they would modify it, but the same questionnaire was in use at the university for about 30 years,” said Anne Laughlin, assessment coordinator in the Office of Assessment and Evaluation. “It went basically unchanged.” Five years ago, a task force was put together at Tech to investigate how to best elicit input from students. The task force held student focus groups, talked to faculty and conducted research in order to create the SPOT system. The biggest adjustment was putting the evaluations exclusively online. “We decided to start collecting feedback using an online system instead of paper forms in class because we felt it was easier for students to provide feedback that way, and especially to give them an opportunity to write comments,” Laughlin said. Although the comment

sections are optional, the hope is that students will still take the time to fill them out, something that Courtney Powell Thomas, a visiting assistant professor of political science, says is really important. “As an instructor, these

“

The numbers that come from these forms and the written comments are taken very seriously” Anne Laughlin Ofﬁce of Assessment and Evaluation

are really valuable for me as I try to figure out what I’m o differently in going to do m from semesmy classroom ster,” Powell ter to semester,” d. “I want Thomas said. o think students to arefully really carefully about which assignments were useful, which ones weren’t, ooks which books were useful and which ones can ed. be changed. et I want to get lly a lot of really thoughtful feedback.” L a u r a Baugh, a msenior communication ized major, utilized ment the comment sections while evaluating her classed she had es and wished o write more been able to haracter limit than the character would allow..

“For a couple of my classes, I had a lot to say and there was no way I could say it all because I only had 1,000 characters to say it in,” Baugh said. “I understand why they do that — they don’t want people attaching rants — but when it comes down to feedback being valuable, you need to have sufficient space for students to do that.” According to Laughlin, the feedback can truly make a difference. “The numbers that come from those forms and the written comments are taken very seriously,” Laughlin said. “The information from the surveys is used to make decisions about promotion, about tenure, to help decide who receives

teaching awards, and to decide who is referred for assistance in improving their teaching.” And for students who want to influence a change, the evaluations are an opportunity to do that. “It’s one of the only major ways that students can directly impact what happens in terms of the quality of the institution, the quality of the instruction and the quality of the learning experience that they have over time,” Laughlin said. Overall, student response rates have remained steady at 70 percent since the university began utilizing online evaluations. Certain colleges on campus have used SPOT for the past five semesters, but see EVAL/ pa page two

KEVIN DICKEL/ COLLEGIATE TIMES

news

december 6, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

House: Sig Ep mansion sets standard from page one

windows, so we are looking forward to move in at the start of the second semester, if not this weekend,” Cocke said. Sig Ep’s brothers will be moving in as early as this weekend if the building passes its final inspection, which was scheduled for this week. The lease term will be for 50 years and the university will cover all operating expenses, including the costs for live-in staff, which will include a housemom and graduate mentor. “Thirty-five brothers will live in the house in addition to a graduate student, who will be both an Oak Lane Supervisor as well as our residential supervisor,” Cocke said. The new house is the first in a planned expansion that will include potentially 16 more on the property between the current Oak Lane property and the oncampus golf course. The expansion will be built in a phased approach with the first phase providing for the first five houses. The new Oak Lane houses will be owned by the university and become part of the housing system, similar to the current houses. The chapters may elect to have their own in-house food plans, or students may elect to purchase a university dining plan. Virginia Tech alumni will contribute one-third of the total construction cost of each new chapter house through tax-deductible donations to the Virginia Tech Foundation. The university will fund site development and infrastructure costs, the other twothirds of the total construction cost of each house and waive the normal 7 percent Virginia Tech Foundation fee. “I am really looking forward to living in the new house in Oak Lane and having my own room in the Executive Parlor of the house,” Cocke said. “It is a great opportunity for our fraternity to be a part of this great expansion project at Virginia Tech.” The entire expansion is expected to be completed in the next 25 years. The plan is part of the long-term overall university housing plan, which will include a new student recreation center and dining facility within walking distance of the Greek housing community. Follow the writer on Twitter: @shayden

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

Diversity: Population grows from page one

followed by India at more than 13 percent and Saudi Arabia with more than 6 percent. Vietnam has 3 percent. Yifei Fan, a freshman engineering major from China, recognized that Tech has a large Chinese population and that was a plus for him when deciding where to attend school. “I want to be around American culture and improve my English,” Fan said, noting that having Chinese friends is also still important. Presently, the Tech admissions office has not actively recruited foreign students. However, the school does have a stated mission to increase “engagement in many dimensions throughout the international arena.” University President Charles Steger’s New Horizons plan aims to prepare campus for the new age of globalized technology. The goal is to “pursue the local-global connections that join our resident international students with domestic students”. The philosophy ultimately predicts that students equipped with diverse, globalized skills will be most valuable in the shifting job market. With Tech’s globalizing efforts, admissions predicts that international students will continue to enroll at Tech increasingly in the future.

Virginia Tech has the highest number of international students in Virginia state colleges.

.084%

With that in mind, only of the student population is considered “international”. OF THAT the top ten countries students come from are:

CHINA 34%

INDIA 17%

KOREA 8%

IRAN 5%

EGYPT 3%

GERMANY 2%

Anonymous: Even if something did happen, since it was off campus a VT Alert wouldn’t have been issued. Had it been a fight on campus, there still wouldn’t have been a reason to issue an alert unless it was very serious, such as a gun being used and the shooter was still at large. This just sounds like Carol Lee was closed, leaving Blacksburg’s Finest with time on their hand and no pop bottle bombs to be found. For the VT Alert Expert: Your comments

Anonymous: VT alerts actually ARE issued for off campus incidences. If a shooting happened off campus, they are required to alert the community. Kinda like if a STABBING occurred off campus (like was suspected here) and someone is still on the lose, they would issue a VT alert. Anonymous: The neighbor said it was a

stabbing. There were crime scene photographers. Obviously it was serious.

TURKEY 2%

SAUDI ARABIA 2%

upcoming events

TAIWAN 2%

Thursday, Dec. 6

Women and Wellness. Yoga with Anna:

Follow the writer on Twitter: @MaxLuongCT

DANIELLE BUYNAK/ COLLEGIATE TIMES

Eval: Return rates unchanged this is the first semester it is being used by the university as a whole. The SPOT questionnaire contains many of the same basic questions that have appeared on evaluations since they were in scantron and paper form, along with some new questions such as, “What did the instructor do that most helped your learning?” and, “What could you have done to be a better learner?” “I think that increases the awareness on both sides that education is a partnership,” Powell Thomas said. “By asking those two questions together, it can increase the mindfulness of that collaborative relationship rather than making it more one sided.”

Reported Fight at Terrace View

about BPD and explosive ordinance are shockingly ignorant. You weren’t here, were you?

BANGLaDESH 1%

from page one

what you’re saying

Another added component to the questionnaires asks about the effectiveness of physical learning environment. “I like how they had questions about the rooms,” Baugh said. “I always have things to say about the rooms, especially if you have a class in a room that just doesn’t make sense for the course that you’re taking.” The amount of reminder emails being sent to students to complete evaluations has actually decreased with the implementation of SPOT. Instead of one email being sent every other day for each class, one email is sent per student each day, regardless of how many classes are being taken, because students can now access all of their evalu-

ations in one place. Collin Hayward, a senior international studies major, said that this improvement has made evaluations a lot easier. “In years past, I kept getting emails saying that I was missing one of them and I could never figure out which one,” he said. “Now they are all in one place so that you can just go down the list and you can knock it all out pretty quickly. I definitely found it to be a lot more user-friendly.” This semester, students have until 11 p.m. on Dec. 13 to fi ll out their evaluations. They can be accessed at eval.scholar.vt.edu. Follow the writer on Twitter: @abbyharrisct

crimeblotter

5:30pm to 6:30pm at War Memorial Hall. Destress at the end of the semester with Anna. This relaxed beginners workshop seeks to encourage, embrace and honor what your body can do for you! Registration is required, but free. Sponsored by the Women’s Center.

The Inn’s Gingerbread House: All day at The

Inn at Virginia Tech. The Inn’s Gingerbread House, handcrafted by Assistant Banquet Manager Zach Coffren, Engineer Lynn Boland, and Executive Chef Chad Brodkin, will be displayed all holiday season long. Cozy up with a complimentary mug of hot chocolate from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on December 7, 14, and 21.

Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: 6:30 p.m. to

8:30 p.m. in the Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires Student Center. Celebrate Kwanzaa with the Black Student Alliance. This year’s Kwanzaa Celebration will be held immediately following the Donning of the Kente Ceremony. Dinner, as well as a performance by “Life As Art Productions” will be included. Free.

Nikolausabend with the German Culture Club: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cranwell

International Center. Join the German Culture Club in celebrating one of Germany’s finest winter traditions. There will be a baking contest (bring cookies to enter) and the singing of classic German Christmas songs. Free.

date

time

offense

location

10/11/2012

12:00 AM

Appear Intoxicated in Public

SPC R

arrestees

status Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

11/10/2012

12:30 AM

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Vawter Hall

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

12/03-04/2012

9:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Larceny of a bicycle seat and light

Outside New Res Hall East

Inactive

11/10/2012

1:48 AM

Larceny

Dietrick Hall

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

11/16/2012

1:20 AM

Underage Possession of Alcohol

Lee Hall

Inactive: Referred to Student Conduct

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

weekend

december 6, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Floyd Jamboree offers folk music, dance MADELEINE GORDON features staff writer

An adventurous spirit is all you need to spice up your weekend. In fact, a unique, fun Friday night is just 30 minutes away. Neig hbor i ng F loyd County is home to the Floyd Country Store, which, by day, is a quaint store and lunch counter; by night, however, it transforms into a hotspot for music and dancing. Every week, the Floyd Country Store hosts a Friday Night Jamboree, which gathers musicians, dancers and visitors to listen and dance to bluegrass music. According to its website, many who attend the Jamboree are regulars, but they also receive new visitors every week — sometimes, from all over the country and even the world. I was a newcomer a few Fridays ago and had no idea what to expect from this bluegrass Jamboree. I am not much of a dancer to begin with, so I was apprehensive about country dancing. The drive to Floyd was not too long, but gave my friend and me plenty of time to prepare ourselves for the country tunes. Driving into Floyd was an experience in itself. It was dead quiet, but all of the streets and parking lots were full of cars, presumably for the Jamboree. After finally finding a parking spot, we walked through the quaint town to find the store. The sound of the music, chatter and laughter were audible from the sidewalk, drawing us

inside. Upon entering the store, I was surprised to see how big and how filled with people it was. On the left there is a lunch counter, which mostly serves dessert during the Jamboree, and on the right side there are some booths to sit in and buckets of oldfashioned candy. All down the right side of the store there are aisles of country merchandise including jams, hand lotions and kitchen utensils. After paying the $5 admission fee, the first thing I noticed were the aisles backed up with people. As we slowly made our way through the aisles, I noticed the entire store was lined with people listening to the live bluegrass music. Three sections of chairs outlined the dance f loor, and every seat was filled; not only that, but every space between the chairs was filled too. I could not believe how COURTESY OF FLOYD COUNTRY STORE many people there were, The Black Twig Pickers performs frequently for the Floyd Country Store Friday night Jamboree, specializing in regional old-time tunes. and I was surprised to see the variety in types of people as well. learned is called “flatfootYou definitely do not It is evident the Jamboree ing.” have to be an experiDec. 7 Dec. 9 is not for just one age group. Often during a song, a enced f latfoot dancer to There were elderly people, chorus of “yee-haws” would attend or even dance at the 6:30 Janet Turner & friends 2:00 Beginner Jam in Comfamilies with children and break out amongst the Jamboree. 7:30 2 Young 2 Old munity Room lots of young people. dancers. By the end of the You do not have to be a 9:00 The Snow Creek Old 2:00 Bluegrass Music Jam After receiving some song, I could not tell if I was huge bluegrass music fan, Time Band dancing advice from a reg- out of breath from dancing either, to have a great time ular, we decided to move to or laughing. — the atmosphere and Dec. 14 the dance floor. The music was lively and the people make it ineviDec. 8 6:30 Down Home Gospel At first, we were just the band had a great sense table. It is quite an experi12:00 Americana Afternoon 7:30 The Friday Night Old tapping our feet and of humor, as it told jokes ence and definitely worth clapping our hands to in between each song. trying. with Ron Delby Time Band the music, trying to fit Everyone at the Country For more information visit 1:30 Americana Open Mic, 9:00 The Jug Busters in. Store was so friendly and the Floyd Country Store’s Sign Up Slowly, we got the hang willing to help us learn the website at www.floydcoun7:30 The Floyd Radio Show of the dancing, which we dance. trystore.com.

more info

Radford hosts Nutcracker CHELSEA GILES features staff writer

For some, it is not officially the holiday season until they hear the familiar chimes, elusive percussions, and playful tune of “The Nutcracker” ballet. The Nutcracker, presented by the Radford University Ballet Theatre, will open Friday at Radford University. If Tchaikovsky’s score is not luring enough, the theatre has casted internationally recognized professional ballet dancers from Russia and Brazil for the leading roles. Inessa Plekhanova, the artistic director of Radford Un iversit y ’s Ba l le t Theatre and the director of “The Nutcracker,” said it is always exciting to produce, especially since it is the holiday season. This Christmas tale originated in Moscow theatres and premiered in the late 1800s. It was not until the 1940s that audiences in America saw the production. It first landed in San Francisco but did not gain popularity until the New York City Ballet performed Balanchine’s “Nutcracker” in 1954, according to the Moscow Ballet’s website. “It’s become a Christmas tradition,” Plekhanova said. “When it started, it was playing every December, and now, everyone does it.” The ballet is based on the enchanting story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” by E.T.A Hoffman. The story we are familiar with today is an adap-

tation of this tale by Alexandre Dumas Père, which was then choreographed to music by Tchaikovsky. Before its premiere in 1892, the composer selected the eight most popular pieces to form what is now known as the Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a. The classic storyline sets a young girl on Christmas Eve who dreams of a journey with her beloved nutcracker toy that transforms into a prince to fight mice and explore

“

It’s become a Christmas tradition. When it started, it was playing every December.” Inessa Plekhanova director

the Land of Sweets with her. A twist at the end leads the audience to question if it was actually a dream. Plekhanova said that her favorite scene of The Nutcracker is the snow scene, because it allows room for more acting and depicts playful music. Plekhanova also said that a production as big as this one requires an immense amount of work to synchronize so many dancers with the live orchestra. “We have to coordinate everything together for it to go well,” Plekhanova said. “It is a challenge, but it’s so exciting.” Plekhanova has been rehearsing for five weeks

with about 80 dancers, including dance and theatre major students as well as children in the University Ballet Youth program, a program founded in 2005 to prepare young performers for “The Nutcracker.” Aleksey Plekhanov, an adjunct dance faculty at Radford, has assisted with directing the show, particularly with the choreography of the battle scene. He is also the primary teacher of the child dancers of the University Ballet Youth program. Radford performs The Nutcracker every other year. Though the live music is a tradition, Plekhanova said the 2010 production used recorded music due to financial reasons, so she is excited to have the orchestra this year. The show will be performed in the Bondurant Auditorium and will run through December 9. Tickets are available at the Hurlburt Hall Information Desk. The number for tickets is 540831-5420.

more info Bondurant Auditorium in Preston Hall (Radford University) December 7: 8 p.m. December 8, 9: 2 p.m. Tickets available at Hulburt Hall Information Desk (540-831-5420) General $10 Children/Dependants $5

Students celebrate Kwanzaa TERESA LU features staff writer

When the holiday season comes around, some celebrations get overshadowed by Christmas, but one student organization is determined to change that. To celebrate black heritage and history, the Black Student Alliance is hosting its annual Kwanzaa celebration in Old Dominion Ballroom at Squires Student Center tonight at 6:30. Lauren Heming, a senior accounting major, is the BSA director of cultural awareness and helps organize the event. “I know a lot of us individually don’t celebrate Kwanzaa at home with our families, but we consider BSA a little family of its own,” Heming said. “To celebrate it with BSA every year — it’s like a tradition. It’s one of those things we don’t know a lot about, so we can learn about it together because it’s a part of our heritage.” For some students, like Nneoma Nwanko, a freshman political science major, this will be their f irst Kwanzaa celebration. “We don’t celebrate Kwanzaa at home in Nigeria,” Nwanko said. “We haven’t really needed to. This is my first Kwanzaa. I’m so hyped to go because I know it’s a big deal for BSA here and I’m excited for the food.” Kwanzaa is an African American and PanAfrican holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world’s African community, and it is a result of the Black Nationalist movement in t he 1960s. A relatively new holiday, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a weeklong celebration celebrated from December

16 to January 1. Karenga established Kwanzaa as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their cultural and African heritage by uniting and studying African tradi-

“

We don’t celebrate Kwanzaa at home in Nigeria. I’m so hyped because I know it’s a big deal for BSA.” Nneoma Nwanko freshman, political science

tions through the seven principles. Each day of Kwanzaa represents each one of the seven principles observed during the holiday: Unity (Umoja), self determination (Kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (Ujima), cooperative economics (Ujamaa), purpose (Nia), creativity (Kuumba), and faith (Imani). Each principle represents a candle that is to be lit for each day that passes. A symbol of Kwanzaa, the “kinara” — a Swahili phrase meaning candle “candle holder” — holds three green candles to represent Africa, three red candles to represent the blood shed, and one single black candle to symbolize the African race. The goal of Kwanzaa is to give African Americans an alternative to existing holidays and an opportunity to celebrate their history. Kwanzaa, for a lot of African Americans, represents what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. For the students of BSA, Kwanzaa holds a deeper meaning as a whole.

“It’s the whole thing in general; it’s the one time a year the community comes together for one reason, to learn about our heritage,” Heming said. “It’s a good place for fellowship, and it’s a good reason for fellowship.” The event will feature April Turner’s production company, Life as Art Productions, which will be providing traditional costumes as well as a performance. The Kwanzaa story will unfold with African drumming, dancing, storytelling and original music performances. The banquet will feature a soul food dinner, sponsored by Champs Sports Bar and Cafe. Foods included at this dinner include a variety of traditional Southern foods such as chicken, catfish and mashed potatoes. The very name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” Fresh fruit and corn at the banquet are meant to represent a respect for agriculture and natural foods. The BSA is committed to authenticity for the celebration, allowing participants to learn about African American heritage.

more info Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires December 6, 6:30 p.m. Event is free for all students Soul food dinner Performances by Life as Art Productions

news

december 6, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

The Carol Lee Process from page one

In 1969, students could walk a few steps off-campus on College Avenue and get an eight-cent doughnut from Spudnuts, a shop owned by Roanoke-native Norman Kidd. The quick, inexpensive doughnuts and the central location beside the Lyric theater made it a hit with customers. “It was the only place to eat in town besides a Hardee’s,” said Strager. “We had lines out the door for hours.” The odd-name was inspired by what was then a main ingredient in the pastries – potato flour. However, when problems in acquiring the flour necessitated a change in the business, the shop was renamed Carol Lee’s Donuts. Although Kidd still owns 1 the shop, he eventually passed it on to his daughters, Strager and Surface, who co-manage the business. In 2000, facing rising rent and a downtown parking situation described by Strager as “horrendous,” the shop moved to its current location on North Main. Despite a change in location and name, not much else has changed about the business. The same doughnut-making equipment and methods used in 1969 are still used today. 2 The day starts at 4 a.m. with the extensive doughnut-making process. The shop’s yeast doughnuts take one hour to bake while their cake doughnuts take 15 minutes to fry. Filled doughnuts are poked into a nozzle which injects a specific amount of fi lling into each one. Strager puts their variety at around 26 different kinds of doughnuts with their most popular being Bavarian creme, blueberry cake and the old-fashioned glazed. Beyond these everyday favorites, the sisters of Carol Lee have satisfied eccentric orders in the past. One customer wanted a wedding cake made of individual doughnuts, while one math teacher saw the pastries as a tool for education. “(He) wants us to make our cake doughnuts really big with a really big hole in them,” Strager said. “It has something to do with a mathematical problem.” Strager said the shop makes 4 200 dozen doughnuts on an average day, with 300 dozen being a high mark. 300 batches of 12 doughnuts equates to store employee’s baking, glazing, sprinkling or fi lling 3,600 doughnuts on a particularly busy day. “We’re crazy busy,” Strager said. “We have to guess how many doughnuts to make on a daily basis.” With some guesswork involved, the shop’s racks likely have extra doughnuts 5 at the day’s end. Usually

3 KEVIN DICKLE / SPPS

(1) Cinnamon buns cook in the oven before being dropped in the fryer. This oven has been providing donuts to the community for 43 years. (2) The doughnuts rise and fall onto the conveyer belt that leads them through the automatic glazer. (3) Regina Ratliff ﬁnishes sugar glazing the yeast doughnuts and puts them on the conveyor before cooling them. (4) Ratliff ﬁlls the signature bavarian cream doughnuts. (5) The freshly baked doughnuts await to be picked up by hungry customers. these are given as feed to some particularly lucky livestock, but the sisters have been known to donate their work to others. The day before a Relay For Life 5k last spring, Lindsey Burton, an executive committee member with Relay, went to pick up a few dozen doughnuts before the shop closed. She came out with 15 dozen — for free. “Carol Lee’s Donuts donated about 180 doughnuts for our Relay 5k last year,” said the senior human nutrition, foods and exercise major. “It was awesome.” While Strager can’t guarantee that any doughnuts will be available each day, she’s glad to

help. “A lot of times we’ll donate fresh doughnuts too,” Strager said. “I don’t mind doing that at all if it’s going to some good thing.” Although they make thousands of doughnuts every day, neither sister is particularly fond of them. Strager prefers not to eat them, while her sister never has a bite. According to Strager, when you make doughnuts day in and day out, they being to lose their appeal. However, it’s clear that Blacksburg residents don’t share the sentiment. The Roanoke Times has ranked the doughnut shop as one of the best breakfasts in the entire New River

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Valley, and Tech students consistently vote it one of the best bakeries in town. “I’ve never had a doughnut like a Carol Lee doughnut,” said senior psychology major Taylor Bickford. “They’re always so fresh and they have a unique flavor that other places don’t have.” Even with the addition of Dunkin’ Donuts, Strager isn’t worried about Carol Lee’s spot at the top. “They’re just not as good of quality,” Strager said. “The people who come here are always going to come here.” Follow the writer on Twitter: @codyowensct

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

opinions

december 6, 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 Special Section Design Edtitor: Danielle Buynak 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 Editor: Cody Elliot Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunther, Mackenzie Fallon, Alexis Livingston, Kayleigh McKenzie Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel MCT CAMPUS

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Democrats must make Fiscal cliff deal should concessions to reach deal raise taxes on wealthy I

really hate to do have to do this again. After a presidential election that centered on the economy, jobs and taxes, it is almost sad that I am writing yet another article on the very same issue. Then again, what else can Americans expect after sending another divided Congress to Washington to work with such a divisive president? The impending “fiscal cliff ” is something both parties are using to hurl accusations at each other, but few Americans actually know what the term means. Because steep tax increases and deep spending cuts are set to go into effect at the end of the year, a deal must be made to address those issues to prevent the economy from heading into what experts predict could be another recession. The Bush tax cuts were set to expire in 2010, that is, until a deal was struck to extend them through 2012. If the cuts expire now, Americans would face a $6 trillion tax hike. In addition, thanks to the Budget Control Act of 2011, federal government spending would decrease by $1.2 trillion. These events combined have economists worried that the U.S. could go into another recession in 2013. That is why a deal between republicans and democrats must be made to restructure the tax cuts, the spending cuts, or a combination of both before the end of this year. House republican leaders have announced they are willing to close tax loopholes, doing their part to increase revenue like the democrats want. Now they wait to see what spending cuts the democrats are willing to make. This is a very ironic move when you consider how democrats like to call republicans the “party of ‘no’.” Republicans have made a concession and put the proposal on the table. Now, we have to wait and see if the democrats take this and move forward, or continue to whine. If so, they might as well go on and try to argue UVa is good at football, or Detroit is a nice place to raise a family. The fact is, even though President Obama said on the campaign trail that we need a “balanced approach” to reduce the national debt, he has proposed zero spending cuts. Instead, the president is proposing that Congress extend the Bush tax cuts

for everyone except the top 2 percent of income earners. This may seem all right on the surface, but when you delve into the facts Obama fails to mention, you quickly realize this will not work. Obama wants the rich to pay their “fair share,” but does not tell you they already are. A 2009 report from the Congressional Budget Office showed the top 1 percent earned 13.3 percent of all income in this country, but paid 22.3 percent of all taxes collected. Those numbers do not lie. In addition, the country’s top income earners, or the “rich” — and I put that in quotes because many in our generation apparently think that rich is now a dirty word — are the investors in this country. They help grow companies and hire workers. Hiring workers increases payroll, which increases wages that can then be taxed. Numerous studies have shown lowering taxes increases revenue to the government, and that is due to more investment and more jobs created. Again, Obama and his counterparts in Washington will not tell you about those studies, just like they will not tell you the rich are already paying their fair share. They also will not tell you that, according to “Forbes,” even taxing 100 percent of all income over $1 million still only brings in $616 billion. Never mind the fact that the national debt is over $16 trillion — this $600 billion fixes everything! Let us remember that in the years following the Bush tax cuts in 2001, the economy grew faster than it ever has under Obama. Before you claim Obama inherited a mess, remember: democrats had control of Congress in 2006. Plus, if you feel bad about his first term, you should feel awful about the mess Obama inherited with his second term. The republicans have made their concessions in closing tax loopholes, and now it is the democrats’ turn. If they are not willing to make a move and offer up real spending cuts, then it is checkmate and the game is over. Only this time, the losers are the American people. MATTHEW HURT -regular colomnist -communication and political science -senior

ust to get things straight — it is really not a fiscal cliff; it is more of a slope. The entity of the tax breaks and the spending cuts will not fully expire until ten years from Dec. 31. Even though it is all over the news, I am not worried. I am not a “jumper,” but I do not think going over it would be the worst thing our country has ever endured. I obviously would like to avoid the $600 million in tax increases and spending cuts, but if Congress does not resolve the issue before we ring in 2013, the members should come to a decision shortly after. This is an issue our leaders will not leave looming. If we do go over the cliff, I am confident America can survive. Our economy is extremely resilient. While it is not ideal, we can bear it for a month or two while the nation’s lawmakers argue it out — the economy will not be permanently crippled. Our economy is constantly taking hits, from Hurricane Sandy, 9/11 and other recessions, but we have managed to come back into the black after each snag. With a $16 trillion debt, such a shock might be what America needs to finally adopt fiscal discipline. But the weight of our deficit should not be on the shoulders of the lower tax bracket citizens; those making $388,350 or more annually can afford to bear more on their shoulders. While the entire country is involved in the fiscal cliff, and everyone will undoubtedly be affected, it is the republicans of Congress who will be the deciding factor. If republicans decide to put country before party, the fiscal cliff will not be triggered. If our Congressmen could reach a bipartisan compromise and not be as concerned with popularity and reelection, creating a plan that’s good for America would be achievable. The president is taking a hard line by asking for $1.6 trillion in his negotiations. Even though we might go over the fiscal cliff and disrupt the economy, I think President Obama will continue to fight for higher taxes for the wealthy and

keep the middle class in mind after that. The Buffet Rule is a plausible option. The rule — invented by Warren Buffet, billionaire founder of Berkshire Hathaway, a Fortune 500 company — would force anyone making $1 million or more annually to pay at least a 30 percent tax rate. It also includes a clause for the ultra-rich, meaning taxes would be progressive. In other words, the more you make, the more you pay. Less affluent Americans would pay less in taxes, allowing them more funds for necessities.

“

The United States would save a bundle by not handing out money to the upper class when they don’t require it.”

It is inconceivable that millionaires should pay the same tax rate as middle class Americans. Those in the highest tax bracket can afford to give more, while those falling into lower categories do not have such high incomes to pay the same high tax rates and still have money to live off of and invest. If we expect the economy to improve, the millionaires of America will have to be a big part of it. Since spending cuts need to be made, entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare should be revisited and overhauled. Wealthy individuals that do not require the funds granted from Social Security and Medicare should receive a lesser amount. The amount of money received each month should be given on a needs basis. The United States would save a bundle by not handing out money to the upper class when they do not require it. KELSEY EDELMANN -regular colomnist -English -junior

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.

december 6, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Enjoy alone time, and savor moments with loved ones this year. Romance, partnerships and networking bustle until June, when career and finances shift into overdrive. Reflect on what’s important, and keep to your plan. Give attention to health.

M W

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Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. - Anne Frank Send us your quote and see it here! creative.services@collegemedia.com

XKDC by Randell Monroe

6 2 3 4 3 8

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

Complete the grid so that each column, row and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9. For a greater challege see how fast you can complete the puzzle. Copyright 2007 Puzzles by Pappocom Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

Week ending December 7, 2012

By Michael Wiesenberg

ACROSS 1 Use a rotary phone 5 Common movie theater name meaning “jewel” 10 Cheat (out of) 14 Regarding 15 Accustom (to) 16 Cad 17 Armstrong who took a “giant leap for mankind” 18 1966 Tommy James and the Shondells hit 20 Release 22 Comes up, as the sun 23 Not working

Top Tracks Locked Out of Heaven • Bruno Mars

(1) 1 (2) 2

Girl On Fire (feat. Nicki Minaj) • Alicia Keys

(3) 3

Ho Hey • The Lumineers

Home • Phillip Phillips

Gangnam Style • PSY

12/06/12

24 Knock for a loop 26 1958 Connie Francis hit 30 Printer’s widths 33 Is wearing 34 First application line to fill in 35 Sheep sound 36 “My turn to bat!” 37 Untrue 39 List of choices 40 Fed. pollution monitor 41 Rani’s wrap 42 Gave a hoot 43 Mineo of “Rebel Without a Cause” 44 1956 Little Richard hit

47 Puts on 48 1982 Disney sci-fi film 49 Wedding site 52 Dinner alternative, on a 39-Across 56 1965 Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs hit 59 Cat that roars 60 Auditorium 61 Remark between actor and audience 62 Aware of 63 Nothing but 64 Do a lawn job 65 Mellows, as wine

DOWN 1 Pioneer Boone, folksily 2 “Understood” 3 Working busily 4 Sweet sucker 5 “Look!” 6 “Right away!” 7 Popular wedding month 8 Comedic TV alien’s planet 9 Turn you hang, in slang 10 Scarecrow’s lack 11 Electrified particles 12 Gospel writer 13 Islets 19 Bluenose 21 Thor’s father 24 Luxury hotel bathroom features 25 Clock readout 26 Acts skittish 27 Florida city on its own bay 28 Pub order, with “the” 29 Dark 30 Thumbs-up reviewer 31 “Olympia” painter Édouard 32 Riyadh resident 37 Goat-man of myth 38 Painting and sculpture, e.g.

39 Hawaiian volcano 41 Building level 42 Swamp beast 45 “That’s good enough” 46 On edge, as nerves 47 Dawdle 49 Dr. Seuss’s “Horton Hears __” 50 Bank offer

51 Bridge crossing charge 52 Father-daughter boxers 53 Workplace for the 52-Down 54 Handy bag 55 Grandson of Adam who reputedly lived to 905 57 Place for a drink 58 Consume

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

12/05/12

WORDSEARCH: Supernatural TV Show Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

WORD BANK

W X

W E

W F

W L

W C

W R

W W V

Sam Dean John Bobby Castiel Crowley Joanna Ellen Samuel Gabriel Uriel Zachariah Lucifer Michael Raphael Balthazar Azazel Ruby Lilith Chuck

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weekend

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

december 6, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

I MAY BE WRONG, BUT I DOUBT IT

How the real life Cindy Lou Who stole Christmas The start of December has started ABC Family’s “25 Days of Christmas,” which means that I have already seen “Elf ” twice, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” twice, and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” I’ve heard evey version of every Christmas song out there and Google ads on the sides of the websites I go to involve some sort of festive clothing. However, this is the first year in a long time that it’s been this way. This is because the day before Thanksgiving, I made the conscious effort to revert back to the eightyear-old version of myself and truly get amped for Christmas. We’re only a week or so into it, but this season has been a lot more fun than last year’s grumbling about people getting excited for Christmas too early, realizing I started too late, and the resulting viewing of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning. In the past week, I have gotten Christmas pants that make any seen in Whoville look tame, and I bought my brother a sweater that looks like it was drawn by a three-year old who had never actually seen a penguin. Don’t tell him. The two of us have started an arms race of tackiness, but considering he is the primary reason I have gotten back in the Christmas spirit — and he bolder than even I — there isn’t a chance in the world that I come out on top. Keep in mind, this is also the kid

that claimed ownership of Christmas last week because “Jesus needed to liquidate his assets and I outbid Santa.” He’s my little brother all right. But just after I watched Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and got ready to watch “Christmas Puppy” — a movie which is sure to be terrible in the most adorable way possible, but is also the best Netflix has to offer — Brendan hit me with a piece of information that I could have gone my entire life without knowing: Cindy Lou Who is now a pentagramwearing train wreck. Yes, the ever-so-cute seven-year-old that warmed the Grinch’s heart back in 2000 is now someone who has done photo shoots with a pornstar and is atop the list of women I am terrified of, yet strangely attracted to. You know that moment when your parents told you Santa wasn’t real, and Christmas was never the same? Well, that happened to me … for the second time. (Side note: to any little boy or girl that may be reading this, your parents are lying to you. Santa is definitely real; I’ve seen him in four different shopping malls this month. Also, stop reading; this isn’t appropriate for you.) Apparently, Cindy Lou Who’s real name is Taylor Momsen and didn’t really grow up in Whoville — she actually grew up in Potomac, Md.

And while I can come to grips with the fact that she isn’t really a fictional character from a Dr. Seuss book, her pulling a 180 and wearing the sign of the devil is something that is so not-Christmasy that it should be illegal. Just like Matt LeBlanc will always be Joey and Elijah Wood will always be Frodo, Momsen will always be Cindy Lou Who, and as such, she has a reputation to uphold. Cindy Lou Who would not sing a song called, “Make me wanna die;” she would not fraternize with adult entertainment stars; she would not worship Satan. I’m not expecting her to stay seven her whole life; I’m not asking her to host Christmas specials every year and warm the heart of our “She Said” writer so she doesn’t hate Christmas either. I’m just asking her not to turn into a real-life version “Nightmare before Christmas.” Isn’t that fair? Now, if you excuse me, I’ll go back to watching the REAL Rudolph (not the crappy digitalized one ABC Family aired on Monday) and pretending Cindy Lou Who never grew up. NICK CAFFERKY -senior -managing editor -communication major

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Lesson: Illegal Sale of Alcohol

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AY SUND H C N LU ly $5.40-

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HOURS: SUN-THUR 10:30am-10pm FRI-SAT 10:30am-10:30pm

Last weekend, the police gave me a ticket for illegal sale of alcohol. We were only collecting money at the door to pay for the DJ.

ANSWER: If alcohol is freely available at the party, and money is collected at the door (for any reason), you will be charged for illegal sale of alcohol. You are not selling red cups, you're selling alcohol.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Your logic spreads. Rise to the occasion. You may respectfully disagree with an opinionated person. Pay back a favor, after paying bills. Celebrate an attractive person’s loyalty.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Simplify matters. A crazy scheme could work, but don’t start a new project yet. Physical effort helps clarify your thinking. Love hits you like a feather. Disrupt the status quo.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Someone has a great idea about renovating your home. Consider options privately. You have the skills required. Continue to check off the list. If traveling, consider comfort irst.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Okay, you can shop now ... don’t overspend from guilt. Keep it light. Others ask your advice. Reaf irm a commitment. Get your message out. Accept a grand social invitation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Confer with your team. Postpone travel for now... stay with the group. You get more if you act quickly. Others ind you fascinating. Enlist help with subtle bribes.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Your dream is in action. Create lexible structures, and don’t forget a deadline. While reason and emotion argue to a standstill, romance hovers nearby. Look for hidden resources.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- You’re gaining skills. Be watching for a need to ill, and stay respectful to folks who feel strongly. There’s a serendipitous meeting. It’s a safe bet. Make a wish.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- An old friend can help you make a dream real. Think about it. You have plenty of luck. Delegate to a perfectionist. Find another way to cut costs.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Completing old tasks pays best, so decrease obligations. Take care of a friend. Supply the food. You can ind what you need nearby. You’re admired for sticking to your standards.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Naturally, you’re in the middle of the controversy. A bonus boosts self-esteem. Devote yourself to the task. Private meetings are best. Don’t fret a temporary setback. Win the prize.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Stillness is restful. Balancing powers and keeping your word is essential. Get cleaning out of the way. You’re attracting more attention. Hold on to whatever you’ve gained. Consider all possibilities.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Physical effort works today. Spend time outdoors. Make a new connection. Increase vigilance; you get through where others fail. Postpone travel and impulsiveness. Stick to work ... it’s pro itable.

The police busted our party, confiscated the keg, and gave me a ticket. No one was arrested for underage drinking, how can they do that!

ANSWER: Kegs can be confiscated for two reasons: a) the keg is not registered to the correct address (or the registration is missing), or b) there are underage persons consuming alcohol at the party.

sports

december 6, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

NFL power rankings: Texans, Falcons still on top Division title races have been wrapping up surprisingly early this season, leading to an unusually low amount of intrigue in the NFL through 13 weeks. As the playoffs are getting ready to be set, it is time to rank every team in the league. 1. Houston Texans: Criticizing the Texans is like grasping at straws. They have got a great defense and running game — two things that usually yield playoff success. 2. Atlanta Falcons: Probably the least exciting 11-1 team ever, the Falcons are simply winning games while Matt Ryan is quietly playing himself into MVP consideration. 3. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens will not wow you on offense or defense, but they are solid across the board and know how to win close games. 4. New England Patriots: Teams that have lined up against the Pats the past six weeks have run directly into a buzz saw. 5. Denver Broncos: The only teams the Broncos have lost to are the Texans, Patriots and Falcons. It is hard not to like where Peyton Manning and Von Miller are leading this team. 6. New York Giants: Right now, it seems as if the Giants are not sure if they actually want to win the division, or coast into a wild card spot and recharge for another late season surge. 7. Green Bay Packers: The Pack is gradually getting healthier, which spells bad news for the entire NFC. 8. San Francisco 49ers: Quarterback controversy runs rampant in San Fran, as it turns out Colin Kaepernick might not be as sensational as originally thought. 9. Chicago Bears: The Bears’ defense has come back to earth, but Matt Forte and Jay Cutler are good enough to carry them

into the playoffs. 10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Going 1-2 without Big Ben is a big win for the Steelers, and it is even bigger when the lone win was over the Ravens. 11. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck is every bit as good as advertised, thanks in part to Reggie Wayne, who is showing he has got plenty left in the tank. 12. Cincinatti Bengals: The undefendable A.J. Green has been helping the Bengals quietly win four straight. 13. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson has only gotten better as the season marched on, and the Seahawks’ secondary is probably the best in the league. 14. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III may be getting the headlines, but fellow rookie Alfred Morris has been helping carry the ‘Skins back into playoff contention. 15. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have the talent to make a run, if they can find some consistency — something lost in Dallas since the early ‘90s. 16. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikes’ vicious schedule has treated them as such lately, but as long as Adrian Peterson is carrying the ball, they will have a chance to win any game they are in. 17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman’s stellar season has largely gone unnoticed, but the Bucs’ defense has been bad enough to lose games on its own. 18. New Orleans Saints: The Saints could only do so much after the worst offseason in recent memory and an 0-4 start. The playoffs are not in their future. 19. Miami Dolphins: It is hard to call them a surprise team when they are two games below .500, but the Dolphins are certainly moving in the right direction with coach Joe Philbin and rookie quarter-

MCT CAMPUS

Arian Foster’s league-leading 13 rushing touchdowns — along with 1,102 yards on the ground — have helped the Texans reach an 11-1 record. back Ryan Tannehill. 20. St. Louis Rams: The Rams are somehow undefeated in their division, but in a crowded NFC playoff picture, a 5-6-1 record is not likely to land you a playoff spot. 21. Buffalo Bills: The Bills have been on the wrong side of too many close losses this year, but running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson will continue to give every team they face fits. 22. Detroit Lions: Despite Calvin Johnson’s superhuman abilities, the Lions are a disappointing 4-8, in part because of their inability to win a game in the NFC North. 23. San Diego Chargers: It is completely beyond me how Norv Turner and A.J. Smith still have jobs, and their inepti-

tudes have left the Bolts at 4-8. 24. New York Jets: Does Rex Ryan think that having three mediocre-at-best quarterbacks will produce one really good one? Even if it was in a total 7-6 snoozer, I never thought I’d see the day when Greg McElroy could say he led an NFL team to victory. 25. Cleveland Browns: Brandon Weeden and the Browns have been slowly piecing it together, and luckily for Cleveland fans, Trent Richardson looks like the type of talent who could save a franchise that certainly needs saving. 26. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have a great, young player on each side of the ball in Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly. Unfortunately,

they do not have too much else. 27. Tennessee Titans: Not many teams have given the ball away more than the Titans, and they have given up 100 points more than they have scored. It is hard to win when you are doing that. 28. Arizona Cardinals: Arizona is in a complete freefall, having lost every game since its 4-0 start. 29. Philadelphia Eagles: The Andy Reid era in Philly will certainly be over in a few weeks, since there is entirely too much talent on the team to be on an eight-game losing streak and in the basement of the NFC East. 30. Kansas City Chiefs: An emotional Chiefs team won only their second game of the

year behind a shockingly efficient Brady Quinn. 31. Oakland Raiders: The only thing the Raiders have going for them is that Marcel Reece is probably the most dynamic fullback in the league, which, as we all know, is a position vital to a team’s success. 32. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags’ season might as well have ended when it was announced Maurice Jones-Drew was going to miss significant time. Cecil Shorts III has been the lone bright spot in this nightmare of a season. MIKE PLATANIA -sports reporter -senior -communication