Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 57

News, page 2

Food & Drink, page 8

Opinions, page 5

Sports, page 9

Tree stand rooted in Blacksburg

Study Break, page 6

Celebrating traditions worldwide MADELEINE GORDON features staff writer

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

A tree from Idyllwood Farms begins as a seedling from Michigan or Pennsylvania and takes seven to 10 years to mature on Hall’s third generation family farm.

Third generation farmer George Hall has grown his Christmas tree business for more than 20 years ANDREW KULAK news staff writer

There’s a small lot nestled off of South Main Street toward the highway, in the shadow of an old building that’s seen better days, next to a gas station and a Bojangles restaurant. You may have sped past it without a thought, hurrying toward Christiansburg or I-81. Blink, and it’s easy to miss the modest green and red hand-painted sign: “Local Trees Cut Biweekly.” But for George Hall and the 1,500 Blacksburg area students, organizations and families who stop by his stands each year to buy Christmas wreaths, trees and other decorations, it’s much more than just a patch of dirt and gravel off of a busy street: it’s a holiday tradition. Walking down rows of Christmas trees, with his bright, cheerful eyes and thick white beard, it’s tough not to make an obvious comparison. “I don’t know, I guess I fit the image some,” he said, laughing. “My beard used to be flaming red, but the years have made it white. “My favorite thing about

selling Christmas trees…” Hall began, smiling, watching children chase each other up and down the aisles as their parents browse. “My favorite thing is having people that come back every year and say ‘we were so happy with what we’ve got from you; it’s always been so nice.’” Hall runs Idyllwood Farms, a fi xture of the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market for over 30 years. Agriculture runs in his blood. He grew up on a dairy farm in Craig County, and was milking cows and driving tractors by the time he was 10 years old. Locals know Idyllwood Farms especially for produce, which he still sells from his stand at area farmer’s markets. Decades ago, he branched out into Christmas trees on a whim, planting some seedlings on the same farm where he grew up. “We decided to grow a few trees,” Hall said, inspecting rows of Fraser firs and blue spruces waiting to be sold. “Then it turned into a pretty big thing.” He opened his fi rst tree stand in Blacksburg more than 20 years ago, and his business has since taken off.

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

In addition to Christmas trees, George Hall sells wreaths and other seasonal decorations on South Main. Around the holidays, Hall A tree from Idyllwood rupt their growth. His day finds time to visit his sev- Farms begins as a seed- might begin as early as five eral local stands and catch up ling from Michigan or in the morning and can keep with his regular customers, Pennsylvania before coming him up past 10 at night. even while putting in long of age on Hall’s third generaHall and his wife used to do hours on the farm. It’s dif- tion family farm. They take all of the work, but they have ficult to believe that he is in seven to 10 years to mature, since had to hire additional his sixties. during which time they must staff. Their age, he confesses, “The trees require a lot of be regularly trimmed to is catching up with them. work, a lot more than just maintain their conical shape, While he works in the fields, planting and cutting,” he and constantly monitored for see TREES / page three said. anything which might dis-

Half-way to adoption: Chittenden family update JUSTIN GRAVES news reporter

The last time I sat down for dinner with the Chittenden family, things were quite different. I was learning about their family, their past and why they were so focused to adopt a fourth child — a girl named Johanna, from the Dominican Republic. Johanna, a beautiful, caramel-skinned, curly haired Dominican kindergartener, became family to the Chittenden’s during a mission trip to the country last year. Here is an update on the family’s progress toward adopting their newest family member. — Last September, a mother and friend of the family in Santiago had frequent flyer miles that were due to expire in October. They weren’t going to use them, and in an act

of kindness, they passed the miles on to the Chittenden family. What a treat — airfare paid for, at least partially, for a member of the family to go visit Johanna in the Dominican Republic. Just like that, Chris Chittenden — the family’s mother — was on her way. And it was a complete shock for Johanna. No one told her that she would soon have a very special guest. “We surprised her with my arrival and the funny thing is Joy (Johanna’s caregiver in the Dominican Republic) says she had been talking all day about Skyping with us,” Chittenden said. “In fact, she just wanted to set the laptop next to her so we could ‘watch’ a movie with her.” Chittenden remembers how much more laid back their hang outs are now that Johanna’s English is coming

along as she prepares to, hopefully, be adopted and come to the states. “It was so nice to hang out with her because the communication barrier is becoming less and less,” Chittenden said. “Even today, we were on the phone with her. We asked her how she was. She didn’t know any English before we met her…but now she can respond ‘I’m fine, thank you!’” The adoption process is not completely like these happy moments, however. There is much paper work to be completed, unknown battles that pop up and some funds still left to be raised. “Her grandma is kind of dealing with the reality that she may eventually leave. We kind of had to talk her through that,” Chittenden said. Chris recalled one particular

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

The Chittenden’s have been raising the money for Johanna’s see JOANNA / page two adoption since September with their ‘Gobble Goodies’ stand.

The holidays are the time of year when families and friends gather to celebrate the traditions that bring them together. Holiday traditions can take many shapes, usually becoming a unique custom for families, cities and even countries. For senior Vilborg Gudjonsdottir, an exchange student from Reykjavik, Iceland, the holidays back home are quite different from the holidays in the U.S. According to Gudjonsdottir, Icelandic Christmas begins 13 days before Christmas Eve, with a different Santa Claus visiting each night. “In the old days, the 13 Santas were really bad and they basically pulled pranks on people,” the mechanical engineering major said. “But now the Santas are good and give children gifts in their shoe.” Gudjonsdottir said children line their shoes on the windowsill for the Santas to fill with a small present like candy or a toy. Each Santa brings a different present for each of the 13 days before Christmas Eve. However, if children were bad, Gudjonsdottir said they would get a potato in their shoe instead of a toy. Gudjonsdottir never got a potato, but her younger sister frequently received them. “One time when she was four or five, she was the first to wake up,” Gudjonsdottir said. “She saw that she had gotten girly underwear but she didn’t want them. She saw that my brother had gotten something really cool so she switched presents.” According to Gudjonsdottir, the switch upset her brother as he believed Santa thought he was a girl. The next day, her little sister received a potato. The final present comes on Christmas Eve, and for Gudjonsdottir’s family, that is when they receive their big presents. “For us, the night of Dec. 24 is like what Americans would call the morning of Dec. 25,” Gudjonsdottir said. “We eat our big dinner and after everyone has finished, we open our presents.” According to Gudjonsdottir, each Santa has a different appearance. For example, one Santa is tiny while another is huge. Although there isn’t really a set picture for each Santa, Gudjonsdottir’s image of the Santas all include traditional Icelandic garb and big beards. In more recent years, the image of Santa has become more Americanized, similar to what Gudjonsdottir calls “the Coca Cola Santa.” The Icelandic Christmas tradition may sound unique to Americans, but for Gudjonsdottir, having 13 Santa Clauses is the norm. “I thought everybody had 13 Santas until I started watching American movies,” Gudjonsdottir said. Gudjonsdottir will head home to Iceland after finals and will make it back just in time to partake in the last two days of Christmas. “It’s just so much fun, (especially) when you were small,” Gudjonsdottir said. “I still get excited. 13 presents means getting something new everyday. It makes Christmas last longer.” While Gudjonsdottir’s traditions come from across the globe, unique traditions can be found just across the country in Albuquerque, N.M. Education, leadership and policy studies graduate student, Katie Gordon, has spent most of her holiday seasons in Albuquerque visiting relatives. see HOLIDAYS / page eight

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december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Final exam could be ‘The Final Exam’

On Weekly column promotes ignorance

SUSAN SNYDER mcclatchy newspapers

PHILADELPHIA — When religion professor Stuart Charme decided to teach a course on the end of the world this semester, he knew he had a compelling hook: the Dec. 21 conclusion of the “Long Count” Mayan calendar that doomsday believers have latched on to as proof that time will end. But Charme had no idea what the next few months would bring: the cataclysmic Hurricane Sandy, a fiscal cliff some have dubbed “debtmageddon” and an intensifying conflict involving Israel, the place where Christian end-time theorists believe the apocalypse will commence. “I didn’t realize this was going to be the most apocalyptic semester that has ever been,” Charme told students at Rutgers-Camden University last week. “If you look at what’s been going on in the world today as we’re down to 30 days and counting, this has been a really good time. And remember that bad is good for the apocalyptically minded.” And he’s not the only professor offering “end of the world” courses this semester, theoretically the last semester ever. At Temple, associate professor Barry Vacker is teaching “Media, Culture, and the End of the World.” Each week, students explore apocalyptic themes, such as nuclear war, zombies, viruses and germs, and global warming. “We looked at why these ideas proliferate over time,” he said, and how they provide “what if” scenarios to help guide human behavior. If nuclear material falls into the hands of terrorists, for example, a war could start.

Bro Chill Out: Dude, it’s a satire! Calm yourself. Most columnists pretty much are experts at it and a lot of them are the biggest smarta**es you will meet, but it was done in a knowledgeable way. So I praise Nick for his efforts to put a fun twist on an interesting situation. Don’t be so freakin’ sensitive about everything. Chillax.

Anonymous: Bro Chill Out, you still don’t get it. There is much for you to learn and mature.

MCT CAMPUS

This month, students analyzed apocalyptic movies and explored how they measure up against real-world examples. “I’ve been trying to inform the students on what’s possible, probable, likely and impossible,” Vacker said. At Pennsylvania State University’s main campus, Latin American history professor Matthew Restall and his colleague Amara Solari, an art history and anthropology assistant professor, have teamed up on a course, titled simply “The End of the World.” “We didn’t put 2012 so that we always have the option of teaching the class again,” Restall said, “in case the world doesn’t end.” Despite the impending doom, students must study, produce projects and take finals. At Penn State, the final will be given on apocalypse eve, leaving students no choice but

to work “right up to the very night the world is supposed to end,” Restall said. The courses proved wildly popular. “It filled in two hours,” Restall said of his honors course, which was capped at 35 students. “We had emails for weeks and weeks into the summer from people asking if there was space.” Students said the course was among their most interesting. “I find it fascinating to see what people do to comfort themselves,” said Bridgid Robinson, 23, of Haddonfield, N.J., a religion and sociology major at Rutgers-Camden, “because apocalyptic thinking, secular or religious, is all about comfort, or lack thereof.” Will Wekesa, 25, a psychology and nursing major from Sayreville, N.J., said he had seen all the apocalyptic movies. “I never heard of a class that could teach that,” he said. “I

enjoy it.” But not one student interviewed — and certainly none of the professors — said he or she actually believed the Dec. 21 expiration date. “Our first project was about the Mayan prophecy and so we kind of debunked it,” Temple senior Julie Zeglen, 21, of West Chester, said. The Mayans never predicted the end of time; it’s just a turning point in the calendar, Restall said. But there’s an apocalyptic anxiety in Western culture, going back many centuries, in which people react to the changes around them by predicting time will end, he said. The Internet has caused that speculation to boom. “It isn’t elsewhere that people are latching on to this,” he said. “It’s mostly the Englishspeaking world.”

Johanna: Family comes closer than ever to adoption from page one

moment when Johanna began to miss her birth mother and showed intense emotions regarding her death. Johanna’s caregiver said the outburst came from nowhere, but it was much needed. “She ran up the stairs screaming, mommy, mommy! A lot of them will call close family friends or grandmothers their mom, so we asked her which one,” Chittenden said. “And she said…why did my mom that died have to go?” “She had a little bit of a melt down. She hadn’t cried about it just yet. And the next day, she seemed a little more at

what you’re saying

peace.” There is also a lot of paper work left to be completed, classes that adoptive parents have to take to prepare themselves for the completion of an international adoption, as well as translation from English to Spanish of their dossier — the application package containing many details about the family and their lives. The family is more than half way toward its goal of $25,000 and knows every penny counts. At its local church, the offering for the next four weeks will be donated to Johanna’s cause.

“(We are) humbled yet again that God would use his people to help us fulfill (her mother’s) dying wish and bring Johanna home,” Chittenden said. “(I) still well up every time I think about how absolutely right this is.” Still, the family connects with Johanna often as it continues to raise money to bring Johanna home. “We’ve showed her (around the house) on Skype once, we walked her through, and of course, she wanted to know where her room is going to be,” Chittenden said. “We still have to figure that out.”

Johanna’s soon-to-be older brother, Jake, is just as excited as before about getting his new baby sister home. “I can’t wait until she gets here,” the nine year old said. “All this hard work is going to be so worth it.” As for a timeline, the family hopes to have Johanna here by the end of 2013. “We are still kind of thinking by the beginning of next school year, but it’s getting kind of tight. We’ll see,” Chittenden said.

for Bro: “Bro”, First, it’s not satire. Satire is a form of ridicule meant to improve a situation. Second, making fun of people isn’t funny. Third, Nick’s argument why we shouldn’t admit Puerto Rico is becuase a) they have been a colony, er territory, for 50+ years, b) he would have to buy new flag clothes, and c) he is more interested in fantasy football. Chillax. Nick’s true motivitation unveils the problem with his political party: xenophobia. It’s obvious he doesn’t want another blue state. It was ignorant, hurtful, and another example of how low the CT standards have dropped. Hey Bro, invite your friend Nick to stroll amongst the pillars. There is no “honor” or “brotherhood” to be found in his article. Just a mean guy with an ugly message. Pfft. Hey Hand Walker:

Yeah I’m going to go ahead and assume that the dude who is a quadriplegic and has a weekly column called “WALKING the Line” with a picture of a guy standing, sans wheelchair, next to the words isn’t being ignorant, rather just putting some humor into a serious situation. Chillax, bro.

Another Unhappy Bro: Danny is correct in calling out the problems in this piece. In reality, we only have the right to laugh at us or of someone abusing power. Laughing because Puerto Rico supposedly wants to join the U.S. is a low form of comedy, as it is making fun of any other group not in power. In other words, satire and comedy are vehicles to keep balance of power, but it can be misused when directed toward people who are struggling to survive. Even more, Nick appeared to think, as many do, that the U.S. is the pretty girl that everybody wants because we are better than the rest (implying as if we have such an ideal society, perhaps the result of incessantly repeating that “we are the best”). This was a missed opportunity to show how our economic and political standing in the world did not necessarily resulted from fairness. The fact that Nick is quadriplegic does not mean he writes without power or that he writes fairly.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @hesonwheels

crimeblotter date

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6/01/20118/29/2011

12:00 PM - 8:23 AM

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12/08-10/2012

9:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Grand Larceny of a Tree

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Winterhaven Condos at Winterplace Cleaning staff needed Seasonal job Flexible Hours Must work Sundays $10/hour Only an hour and 15 min away Ghent, Virginia

contact judy hoops judy@winterplacecondorentals.com (540) 599-7669

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december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Trees: Business is local holiday tradition from page one

his employees David and Shannon keep things running smoothly at the South Main location, where they have been busy on an unusually balmy Sunday afternoon in December. The smell of evergreen mixed with a slight tinge of gasoline and chainsaw exhaust hangs in the air. The two men hurry to help a steady stream of customers, and to keep the lot cleaned and stocked with fresh trees as more and more arrive. David has been a full-time employee for two years, Shannon has helped out since Hall expanded to the South Main location five years ago. They both are proud to work for a local, family-run organization. When the traffic finally slows, Shannon retires to the yurt — a Mongol-inspired temporary structure that houses the business side of the operation — to take a quick break. He has a few bites of Jack Link’s beef jerky and washes it down with coffee from his thermos. A tree covered in decorations shines in one corner. “It can get pretty busy, but I like it a lot,” he said, between bites of jerky. “I try to greet everyone like I’ve never met a stranger, listen to them, and help them find the tree they want. We’re always as honest and outright as we can be. I hate to see someone leave here without a tree.” David takes advantage of the lull to smoke a cigarette. “I’ve had so many jobs before this, I don’t know if I ever liked any of them,” he said, pocketing a box of Pall Malls. “But I like selling trees.” Their respite is short-lived. A car pulls up, carrying a family dressed as though they’ve come straight from church. Shannon sets down his coffee and David

puts out his cigarette as two rambunctious boys, brothers, run onto the lot, hurrying to un-tuck their polo shirts. They dart through the trees. “Oh my gosh, they’re so big,” one excitedly exclaims. Shannon hurries to greet the customers, and immediately begins to explain the difference between blue spruce, Scots pine, and Fraser fir. He might seem intimidating at first, dressed in old work clothes with a coarse, dark goatee and gauged earrings, but his appearance belies a warm and soft-spoken character. He encourages everyone to feel the branches, to rub the needles between their fingers and savor each species’ unique aroma. He crouches down to offer the curious children a small branch. “Go ahead, smell it,” he says. “This one smells like oranges!” Once the family settle on a tree, David fires up a chain saw to give it a fresh cut. The boys excitedly watch, discussing which presents Santa will leave under it once they have it decorated. Soon, the tree is tied to the roof of the car, and on the way off the lot to its new home. “Thanks for coming by, y’all come back and see us now,” Shannon shouts after them, smiling. “Bye-bye!” A small hand waves from the back window. Later in the evening, Hall arrives back on the lot after working a few hours on the farm. He dons old Carharts, a hunter’s camouflage jacket, and a baseball cap, all covered in pitch. Pinesap blackens his hands from long hours spent cutting trees, lined and calloused from decades of unforgiving manual labor. He pauses for a rare moment of rest, sitting on the edge of an empty flatbed truck, and reflects

on years spent raising trees. On the lot, it’s easy to become lost in the wonder of children and the excitement of families coming to find the perfect tree. But Hall has seen every side of this unique industry, and the reality isn’t always filled with cheer. The current economic downturn affects new farmers, who can’t maintain leases as general demand for products like landscaping plants deteriorates. Fortunately, retail demand for Christmas trees has not declined, though after inflation, Hall does not make any more per tree than he did twenty years ago. And Hall knows that older farmers like him, with limited retirement funds or social security, struggle to retain ownership of their land as the government consistently raises property taxes. “The saddest thing is that the average age of Christmas tree farmers is late fifties or early BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS sixties,” he said. “Down the road, I don’t know where the When trafﬁc slows, employees retire to the yurt, a temporary structure housing the business operation. and turn brown as soon as they the future, Hall does retain a for his house. Hall recomindustry is going.” very contagious optimism. He mended cutting the tree, so the The expansion of large retail bring them home. “You shouldn’t need a trick to likes the work and the people professor did; he took the top chains into the market has also raised doubts in Hall’s mind keep your tree fresh,” Hall said, whose holidays his trees help clean off. And the woman who asked about the future of the small sighing in exasperation. His to brighten. He is never one worry is that customers pur- to dwell on the negative, and what tree Hall would recomAmerican farmer. “Lowes, Home Depot — chasing these trees will turn to is quick with stories from his mend. He asked if she would be interested in a white pine. “Of they’re trying to commercial- artificial evergreens next year, years of experience. He beams when he recalls the course not,” she replied. “I want ize too much, instead of leav- disappointed in the quality of ing things to the local people,” real trees from big box com- woman who said to him, “Do a green tree!” he said. “They’re selling trees panies. you realize I’ve been writing Hall has as many stories as cheaper than I can wholesale Hall hopes such people will you a check for 27 years for he has Christmas trees and is ‘em. It’s sad. It’s just a gimmick try visiting local vendors rather Christmas trees and I’ve never excited to keep the tree busito get people in. They know than give up the magic of a real got anything I wasn’t pleased ness in his family and to bring nothing about the trees, they tree. with?” Or the couple that asked Christmas into the homes of take no pride in what they’re “Stay away from the chains. to have their tree tied down southwestern Virginians for doing.” Small farmers like myself really with extra twine, to guarantee generations to come. Hall knows that some whole- instill quality,” he said. “Go to that it would make it safely back Hall expects his grandson sale lots cut trees as early as a lot and ask where the trees with them to Virginia Beach. to pick up the tree business, October for chain retail compa- came from or if they have any They had not been able to find a along with the rest of Idyllwood nies. Unlike his fresh cut trees, idea when they were cut. Feel tree stand back home to match Farms, when he finally retires. these trees sit in trucks or stores the trees, the needles should be the quality of Hall’s. “Don’t worry,” his grandfor months without care, dry- soft. When you look at the guys He laughs, remembering a daughter told him one day. “The ing out far before the holidays. working in a real tree lot, they’ll Virginia Tech professor who, in farm will run.” Customers are then surprised have a lot of pitch on ‘em. That’s a last-minute panic, purchased Follow the writer on Twitter: when their newly purchased a sign that they’re fresh cut.” the one remaining tree on his @KulakCT trees begin to shed their needles Despite his concerns about lot, only to find it was too tall

december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Different organizations prepare students for the end of the semester by providing students with free stuff during ﬁnals week.

Grilled Cheese at the Library

After being a big hit last year, Newman Library is providing grilled cheese to students studying in the library every night before exams.

Starting Thursday Dec 13 @ 9 p.m.

Commonwealth Ballroom SGA rented out the Commonwealth Ballroom on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as a study space open to students. Different food will be provided each day. Pizza Hut will be available on Wednesday, Panera on Thursday and Jimmy John’s and Campus Cookies on Friday.

Dec 12 - 14 check the collegiatetimes.com for times

Group X Gym Classes Both McComas Gym and War Memorial Gym will provide free gym classes to students during the week of ﬁnals.

Dec 14 - 20 MICHAELA REARDON/COLLEGIATE TIMES

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

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december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent studentrun 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 NoePayne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Dean Seal, Cameron Austin, Donal Murphy 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 Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editors: Cody Elliot, Danielle Buynak Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunter Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski MCT CAMPUS

Your Views [letters to the editor]

Response to 'Column promotes ignorance' Regarding, “Weekly column promotes ignorance,” I salute and congratu late Danny Mota for his response to the piece on Puerto Rico. His was a most needed voice. The fact that some readers would not understand the bad taste in the original post shows how much work we still need to reduce insensitivity and isolation. But as an online comment briefly mentioned, satire, as with other forms of conscientious humor (i.e. comedy), is meant to reveal problems in need of solution and bring attention to hidden, but important issues. We, then, should question what issues and problems were the original piece wanting to spotlight? Certainly, this would have been a satire if it would have attempted to improve our understanding of the situation it insisted to ridicule. If the purpose of writing would have been to show how trivial people could be in perceiving the problems on the island, then it would have been a proper way to laugh. If the column would have pointed out how senseless some people’s perceptions are of a nation we occupied and colonized, then it would have been a useful way to point out a real problem. If the article would have said that the farreaching political and economic decisions we take affecting other people are often made from indifference, and even worse, from incurious attitudes toward others, then it would have been an extremely intelligent and funny piece. Unfortunately, the piece did not mean any of these.

Instead, the author seemed to show he placed more value on popular-culture icons than on people’s lives. True, near the end he admitted the shallowness of his points, but did not detract them and left it implied as if that was how he really felt. Funny was cheap that day. It was surreal, but I heard people laugh when they read the original piece because they could relate, they said. But as Danny argued, this indicates little care for the plights of others and takes for granted our position of power (power is meant for justice). Perhaps Puerto Rico will never join the union or no critical number of Puerto Ricans will ever want to apply. The situation is more complicated than it seems. Take for example that the United Nations approved this year yet another resolution urging the U.S. to decolonize Puerto Rico. Yet, democracy only works when we are able to laugh at our mistakes, society’s weaknesses and our political system (try that in North Korea). So let’s make fun of that, then, and not of a colonized country. Comedy directed toward others to highlight their unimportance is not simply a cheap form of humor; it is also a dangerous one. Ask any enslaved or racially branded person, or any other subjugated group, and they will explain it to you like no book would. So, hopefully, we will continue to have more watchful students concerned with fairness.

Social security must be protected We are now hurtling toward the so-called fiscal cliff: a package of automatic tax increases and spending cuts for 2013, designed to stampede Congress and the president into a “grand bargain” on deficit reduction, and to include new revenues (translation: taxes) and entitlement reforms (translation: cuts to Medicare and Social Security). Social Security constitutes roughly 20 percent of the federal budget. Deficit hawks insist that the U.S. cannot afford benefits at the current level. They are wrong. Most middle-class Americans, now and in the future, will depend on Social Security for a dignified retirement. We should take Social Security off the table in this debate. For a familiar program, Social Security is surprisingly misunderstood. Those who think the program primarily benefits the poor should know that it is actually a public pension plan for the middle class, tied to work. Workers (and employers) contribute a substantial percentage of wages and salaries- 12.4 percent (except during the current payroll tax “holiday”) — throughout their working lives to cover benefits in their retirement years. Even the poorest workers pay this tax, no matter how little they earn. Those who don’t work (or are not dependents of a worker) can’t collect. The word “entitlement” is often thrown around like a slur these days, but the fact is, retirees are indeed entitled to their benefits. Although Social Security does not mainly help poor people, it is also the case that no one is getting rich from it. The benefits are modest; the median annual amount in 2010 was $15,701. The median income for retirees over 65 was $25,767, lower than for those still working.

There was a time when ben- trillions of dollars in extra efits significantly exceeded taxes over four decades to contributions, but that is no secure a dignified retirelonger true. ment. Social Security payments Despite widespread skeptiare particularly valuable, cism among the young about though, because they are the future of Social Security, backed by the full faith and the program is more imporcredit of the U.S. govern- tant now than ever. ment. Years ago, retirement This brings us to the most security was said to rest on misunderstood feature of a three-legged stool: Social Social Security: the Trust Security, private pensions Fund. Social Security is and personal savings. often described as a pay-asHowever, since the 1980s, you-go system, with taxes most employers have from current workers going switched from defined bento pay benefits of today’s efit plans, in which employretirees. Conservatives con- ers guaranteed qualified clude that since the ratio retirees a monthly payment of workers to beneficiaries for life, to much cheaper will decline as we boom- 401(k) or defined contriers retire, benefit payments bution plans, which allow must be reduced. employees to set aside some That argument fails to take earnings in a tax-sheltered account of the Trust Fund. retirement account. To deal with the projected The employer may match retirement of the huge baby part of the employee’s conboomer generation, in 1983 tribution — or not. So today, Congress raised the payroll savings and pension have tax and gradually extend- become, for most, a single ed the retirement age for leg of a far more rickety boomers from 65 to 67. two-legged stool. The extra revenue was not Now, workers must save needed for 1980s retirees; extra to cushion themselves it was set aside to fund the against longevity riskboomers’ retirement, in the outliving their money- as Trust Fund. well as financial risk from Perhaps critics think the a potential stock market surplus should have been downturn when they retire. stashed in a vault at Fort Yet, with median income Knox. stagnant over the past 30 Instead, of course, the years despite the rising cost money was saved as all of housing, education and money is saved in a mod- health care, it is difficult ern economy: the trustees for many to save such large invested it in safe financial sums. That is why Social assets, U.S. Treasuries, to Security, which guarantees generate interest until the stable payments for life, is principal was needed. so valuable and must be Conservatives claim that protected. the Trust Fund is a fiction; The Trust Fund is expectthat the Social Security ed to run out in 2035, and surplus was spent, not lent. Congress should make proThat is wrong. The gov- vision for the out years, ernment borrows from the as it did in 1983 for the Trust Fund just as it bor- boomers. rows from China. If these But Social Security did bonds are not redeemed or not cause the federal deficit rolled over when they come and should not be part of due, the U.S. will default. any “grand bargain” to fix Any other result would be a it. betrayal of President Ronald Reagan, Congress, and mil- CAROLINE POPLIN lions of boomers who paid -McClatchy Newspapers

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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, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

december 12, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Revise habits and practices for optimal health and productivity this year. You have what’s needed. Take quiet time for yourself. Funny how romantic it gets; others align to your orbit. Career and financial action picks up after June. Celebrate!

M W

H Thursday F X N

December H Z S 13Q

2012

FnX PNuzzPlesH EdRitio

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always. - Mahatma Gandhi

TAKE A STUDY BREAK! Rent skis from Back Country Ski & Sports and go skiing with friends!

Send us your quote and see it here! creative.services@collegemedia.com

XKDC by Randall Monroe

Skis, Snowboards, Cross Country Skis, Backpacks, Climbing Gear, Hiking Boots and Shoes Kayaks, Canoes, all things Whitewater, Hammocks, Golf Discs, Slack Lines and much more

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6 8

7 3 2 1 9

7 4

4 3

4 3 5 9 1 3 7 5 5 4 1 7 6

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.

Week ending December 14, 2012

By Peter A. Collins

ACROSS 1 Mystery writer Nevada 5 Penny profile 8 “Tao Te Ching” author 14 1986 Nobelist Wiesel 15 China’s Chou En__ 16 Fixed for all time 17 Treating again, as an ankle injury 19 Take turns 20 With 56-Across, pair named in a puppy-love rhyme that ends with the circled letters

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

12/12/12 22 Farmer’s __ 23 QB’s dread 24 Government IOUs 26 Getting on 29 Drain-clearing chemical 30 “Are not!” retort 33 Bug-eyed toon 34 OPEC member 36 Shove off 39 More of the rhyme 41 More of the rhyme 42 Micronesia’s region 43 Rocky peak

Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

W B

W I

W H

W K

W C

W G

W L

W R

W G

W L

H Coming F X N

Z S Soon! X

Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved

12/11/12

WORD BANK 1 Monopoly 2 Clue 3 Risk 4 Battleship 5 Sorry 6 Operation 7 Twister 8 Kerplunk 9 Jenga 10 Pictionary 11 Go Fish 12 Old Maid 13 Scrabble 14 Checkers 15 Dominoes 16 Candy Land 17 Mouse Trap 18 Guess Who

Send your pet’s name, breed/age, interests, and a picture to creative.services@collegemedia.com

C V R D Qforget N to P pick H upRyour F copy X of H theF Take a Break! Don’t K Collegiate O H GTimes’ U Puzzles Y K Section N HDecember G J 13th, A H2012 Z

Ed G Puzz K les O H

53 Emmy-winning Lewis 54 General MDs, to insurers 55 “Aw, what the heck, let’s!” 57 Shipbuilder’s wood 58 Move, in brokerese 59 1% of a cool mil 60 Madrid Mmes. 62 VI x XVII

31 It won’t hold water 32 Fat substitute 35 Singer DiFranco 37 David Byrne collaborator 38 Slowpoke 40 Rein in 47 Hippodromes 49 How Sloppy Joes are served 51 Far from ruddy 52 __ chard

LOVE YOUR PET TELL US ABOUT HIM!

WORDSEARCH: Board & Card Games M

44 1930s power prog. 45 Standard 46 Scotland’s longest river 48 Cleveland Indians legend Al 50 Promo 53 Sloth, for one 54 Punch line? 56 See 20-Across 61 Oh-so-stylish 63 Not very potent potable 64 Assateague denizens 65 River that rises in the Bernese Alps

66 Bone used in pronation 67 Yarn units 68 Word with run or jump 69 Nutmeg-flavored drinks DOWN 1 Glacier breakaway 2 A or Jay, e.g. 3 Funny Rudner 4 Transfer to memory, as data 5 Top-tier invitees 6 Judge’s seat 7 Mercury’s atomic number 8 “Vive __!” 9 Any of the Marshall Islands 10 Mo. for leafpeeping 11 “Yeow!” 12 __ precedent 13 Place that means “delight” in Hebrew 18 Black-and-white critter 21 “The Biggest Loser” concern 25 Go the distance 26 Bad lighting? 27 Insurance company founded in 1936 for government employees 28 Weave together 29 Named beneficiary

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

news

december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

A very merry Blacksburg As students and faculty buckle down for ﬁnals, the Blacksburg community celebrates the season with its annual parade and Tuba Christmas events

CATIE CARRERAS / SPPS

Lifestyle & Community have a big announcement, selling things, need help?

CATIE CARRERAS / SPPS

BEN WEIDLICH / SPPS

CATIE CARRERAS / SPPS

Free for VT students! Place an ad or announcement at collegiatetimes.com, visit our business office at 618 N. Main St. 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, or call 540.961.9860. Students can come into 618 N. Main St. to place a free ad.

Rates as low as 32 cents per word, contingent on the number of days to run. Prepaid. 15 word minimum. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Deadline: 3pm 3 business days prior to publication.

Wanted SUMMER CAMP JOB AVAILABLE

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June-Aug. Free Room/Board. CubScout Camp PMI needs 18+ and 21+ councilors. Camping experience preferred. Jan interviews 804.366.9741

Help Wanted ASSISTANT FEEDLOT MANAGER – Amherst, Virginia 2,500 head feedlot operation in Central, VA seeks qualified applicant to assist in the management of backgrounding operation. Primary responsibilities/skills include but are not limited to daily feeding, cattle processing and general farm maintenance. Computer competence and record keeping essential. Ideal candidate should have college degree or sufficient experience. Must have passion for the cattle business. Will consider training recent college graduate with degree in agriculture. Great career opportunity. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume and salary history BRR, LLC, c/o Heritage Building Group, Attn: Don Demarest, 865 Easton Road, Suite 250, Warrington, PA 18976 or email to ddemarest@heritagebuildinggroup.com.

na name // Grace info // Golden in Retriever, 8 Years Re interests // Anything int edible, lots of hugs ed and kisses. an

Puppy Advice of the Week: P Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Express your affection in words, easily. Provide support, and use what worked before. Invest in ixing up the place, and start a new chapter. Listen to intuition. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Expand your romantic perspective. Someone can teach you what you need to know. Some of your theories succeed. You quickly solve the problem. Get picky about the details. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Figure out how to work smarter for a con idence boost. Reassess expenses. Gather up the perks. Put more into savings. Your growing inancial expertise is attracting attention. Rest.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- You’re looking exceptionally ine, and there’s this brilliant idea. You may have to give something up. Listen to your inner voice. It’s a good time to launch. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- The more you pay back, the more you can go forward. You think faster than the others. Careful planning accomplishes the improbable. New responsibilities compete with old ones. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Go over the paperwork carefully. You have a real talent for solving problems now. Keep your objective in mind. Listening is key. Consider your plan, and then move quickly. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Accept a challenging assignment, and anticipate

some controversy. Be careful not to double-book. Shake loose an old anchor. Present your creative idea. Keep track of earnings. Intuition is key.

unusual task. Save trouble and have something delivered. Don’t overlook anything. Compromise helps. Romance electri ies.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- An amazing development is possible. Meetings could con lict with family time. Look to the future. Don’t share everything you’ve got, but list it all. Write philanthropy into the budget.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Upgrade technology. You’ll love the new sound. Rely on another’s choice of words. Learn from them. Provide excellent service. Unearth valuable info from far away. You feel vindicated.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You get a brilliant insight. Make your move already, or relax where you are for a while. A disagreement about priorities could distract. Invite someone extra to the party.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- A bene icial result shows up; you’ve earned it. Respectfully accept suggestions from co-workers, and another option presents itself. Soak in the satisfaction. Somebody whose ideas you admire contributes.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Mistakes are part of the learning process. A surprise may arise; perhaps an

Golden Retrievers are an excellent breed, and they can provide you with the companion you have been looking for. They can participate in several activities with you as well, such as hiking, camping, and walking. Golden's love the outdoors, and they love just getting out there and doing things with you and your family. If you include your Golden Retriever in family activities - you'll have a friend for life who will quickly grow on you over the years.

SUBMIT TO PET OF THE WEEK Want to see your cuddly cutie in the paper? Send us an email with a picture followed by the above information and we will publish your furry friend! creative.services@collegemedia.com

food & drink

december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Holidays: Family comes ﬁrst

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

Drink of the week: The Grinch

BRAD KLODOWSKI/ SPPS

Allie Laclede looks forward to spending time with her family and celebrating the holidays over break. from page one

According to Gordon, the holiday season is celebrated differently in this Southwestern city. Gordon said the main festivities of the holiday season take place on Christmas Eve in downtown Albuquerque, which is called Old Town Albuquerque. The main attraction involves brown paper bag lanterns, called luminarias, which light up the town. “They line all the streets, all the pathways and all the buildings with luminarias,” Gordon said. “All the buildings in Albuquerque are adobe, so it looks really pretty.” According to Gordon, the luminarias are only on display for one night, Christmas Eve, and are then taken down Christmas day. “It’s a really fun and unique vibe for the holidays,” Gordon said. In addition to the luminarias, downtown Albuquerque stays open extra late on Christmas Eve so visitors can shop, eat and sightsee. Every year, Gordon and her family head downtown to partake in the festivities and feast on authentic Mexican food. According to Gordon, after

going downtown, many people will drive through a wellknown neighborhood in the area that also decorates their houses with luminarias. “People from all over the city and surrounding areas come down on Christmas Eve,” Gordon said. “And (although) it’s on Christmas Eve, a lot of people that go are just going for the camaraderie and the spirit of the evening.” According to Gordon, it’s not so much of a religious celebration as it is a community celebration. The city, the business owners and citizens really come together for the night. “It’s so fun to be with your family and have such a beautiful environment around you,” Gordon said. Although this tradition is distinct to Albuquerque, it’s not necessary for anyone to travel that far to make the holidays a special time. Allie Laclede, a sophomore international studies major, celebrates nearby in Fairfax, Va. A unique aspect of Laclede’s holiday is that each of her five siblings receives a new tree ornament every year. Each sibling’s ornament follows a

theme, and all five siblings have one for every year since they were born. Laclede’s ornament theme is teddy bears while her siblings have themes including soldier ornaments, angels, Santa Claus ornaments and snowmen. “It’s always fun to look at the tree because we all know exactly which ones are our ornaments,” Laclede said. Another tradition Laclede always counts on is having barbecued steak on Christmas Eve. Whatever the weather — rain, snow or sleet — Laclede’s father will always barbecue steaks on the grill. “One year, when it snowed really (heavily), my mom and I shoveled a path to the grill just to make sure we had steaks,” Laclede said. According to Laclede, her family traditions continue to be very dear to her family as she and her siblings get older. But Laclede said she knows she can always count on a new ornament every year and a steak every Christmas Eve. “No matter what’s going on, if you have your traditions, it will bring you and your family back together,” she said.

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

EMMA GODDARD | features editor Finals are approaching, the stress is on and everyone is ready for winter break. When you have the chance, take a break from your studies with a cold drink. With its green coloring and the name of Dr. Seuss’s classic Christmas character, The Grinch is here just in time to start celebrating the holidays.

Ingredients 2 ounces Midori 1/2 ounce lemon juice 1 teaspoon simple syrup 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions 1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Shake well. 3. Strain into a punch or cocktail glass. 4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve.

Recipe: Garlic and roasted pepper hummus

PAUL KURLAK / SPPS

BRIAN CROMER | features staff writer This recipe isn’t very cooking intensive. However, taking time to roast the peppers and confit garlic, results in a robust, flavorful hummus. Healthier than other snack options, this is a nice change from heavier alternatives. This recipe goes best with pita chips.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients 3 15-ounce cans of garbanzo beans 2 cups of vegetable oil 1/2 cup of grated parmesan 1/2 cup of fresh parsley 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 2 pasilla or ancho peppers 4 cloves of garlic Red pepper flakes

Directions: 1. Set the oven to broil. Open the cans of beans and reserve the liquid. 2. Warm the two cups of vegetable oil in a saucepot over the lowest heat. Trim, and then add the four cloves of garlic to

the pot. Heat for 20 minutes. The garlic should not be sizzling or browning quickly. Remove from heat and take the garlic cloves out of the oil. 3. Toss the two peppers in oil and salt. On a sheet pan, place the peppers on the highest rack of the oven. After 15 minutes, turn the peppers to a side that is not as charred. They should appear burnt. Broil for another 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. Place them into a mixing bowl and cover with a paper towel. 4. After the peppers have steamed for 15 minutes, peel the burnt skin and remove the seeds and stems. Chop into large pieces and add to a large blender along with the garbanzo beans, parsley, yogurt, pepper flakes, parmesan and garlic. Turn onto a medium speed and allow the mixture to blend. While blending, slowly add in the olive oil through the top opening of the blender. Finish with salt and black pepper to taste. You may need to add 1/2 cup or so of the can’s reserved liquid. Blend for four to five minutes, or until the desired consistency.

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

sports

december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Notebook: Kiper weighs in on Thomas’ NFL draft stock MATT JONES sports staff writer

After a relatively lackluster redshirt-junior season, Logan Thomas is still in the NFL spotlight. On a teleconference Tuesday morning, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. weighed in with his thoughts on Virginia Tech’s quarterback. “The guy was expected to be a tight end when he came there, so he’s still a little rough around the edges,” Kiper said. “But when you look at the talent, he’s more talented than any quarterback that’s going to be in this draft. Following Thomas’ big redshirt-sophomore season, many had him projected as a top 10-15 overall pick. However, many have doubts about the 6-foot-6, 260-pound quarterback’s NFL prospects after he threw 14 interceptions and only 17 touchdowns in 2012. The quarterback draft class along with Thomas was expected to be stellar, but many underperformed. Southern California’s Matt Barkley, West Virginia’s Geno Smith and Oklahoma’s Landry Jones all disappointed, leaving Georgia signal-caller Aaron Murray as arguably the top prospect at the position. “That’s the thing you just have to always factor in,” Kiper said of Thomas. “Is he out of the first round completely? I can never just move out of the first round completely anybody with his size and his arm and his athletic ability. You can coach him up in the NFL and there’s a lot to work with there. He’s the kind of guy who needs a quarterback coach, needs to work on some things.” Thomas has stated throughout the season he has intentions of returning for his redshirt-senior season, but will still submit his paperwork to the NFL Draft Advisory Board. The board scouts players and returns a grade of what round they might be selected in. “He’s got the size, he’s got the arm, he’s has the mobility within the framework of the pocket, maneuverability within the pocket,” Kiper said. “He didn’t have a great supporting cast around him. He’s going to be in the Senior Bowl, as will some of these other quarterbacks, so that’s going to be an important week down in Mobile.” The Hokies don’t have another player that could be drafted in the first several rounds, the closest being defensive end James Gayle. Gayle had five sacks and 40 tackles in the 2012 season. Kiper said that Gayle would be smart to return for his redshirt-senior season. “Again, not a guaranteed first-round pick. If you’re not, then you should go back,” Kiper said. “If I’m James Gayle, I’m going to think about another year at Virginia Tech and put up good numbers and be a dominant pass rusher I think will help his cause.” Hokies agree to 2-for-1 deal with Old Dominion Old Dominion and Virginia Tech have agreed to a threegame football series for the 2016, 2018 and 2019 seasons, with the Monarchs traveling to Blacksburg for games in 2016 and 2019. The Hokies will travel to Norfolk for a game at Foreman Field in 2018. The Monarchs, who will move to the Football Bowl Subdivision level next year, have never played the Hokies. Their football program has only existed since the 2009 season, and they’ve made the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs the last two years. The Hokies have now scheduled games with many of the state’s second-tier teams. In addition to the games against ODU, Tech will play William & Mary (2014, 2018), Liberty (2018) and Richmond (2021).

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas ﬁnished his redshirt-junior season with 17 touchdown passes and 14 interceptions. Draft analysts have Thomas as a ﬁrst-rounder.

december 12, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES