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MADNESS Thursday, March 21, 2013
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An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 87 News, page 2
Weekend, page 6
Opinions, page 3
Sports, page 5
Study Break, page 4
Luxury student housing proposed for old farmland LESLIE MCCREA news reporter
Approximately 35 acres of what has been the Obenshain family farm since 1937 is now contracted to be developed as a high-end housing development for students. The family is working with Landmark Properties to create this community, called The Retreat, on the land located off Prices Fork Road across from Smith’s landing. Landmark Properties develops student housing projects nationally, focusing on cot-
tage style living, and was recognized as one of the 20 largest student housing operators in the country by Student Housing Business. “We’re always looking all over the country for markets that we feel really need some additional student housing, and Blacksburg has been on our radar for a long time,” said Jason Doornbos, vice president of acquisitions and development for Landmark Properties. The Obenshain family was approached by three major national student-housing
companies before realizing it had ideal land for this type of project. After putting each company through a rigorous selection process, the 13 family members who own the farm chose Landmark. “We have been long term residents of Blacksburg, and we have a long history with Tech. We have a lot of ties with the university, so we were looking for a project that we hope everyone can be proud of,” said land-owner Beth Obenshain. “We think they have the best product and the best chance of getting the project approved.”
The community will include over 850 new single bedrooms. Mimicking single-family homes, the average cottage will be four-bedroom, fourbath, with a living room and kitchen as well. “I think it will offer college students a whole new concept of student housing,” Obenshain said. “What they offer is quite different from the standard, fairly dense apartment buildings.” The Retreat project has been successful on campuses across the nation, including COURTESY OF LANDMARK PROPERTIES
see PROJECT / page two
Locals combat carbon footprint JESSICA GROVES features reporter
When West End Market volunteer Claire Beggs looked at the pile of to-go boxes in the dish cleaning area, one word came to her mind: “insane.” Beggs, a sophomore economics and science major, spent approximately two hours helping West End employees clean behind the circular belt of the dish return. With each full rotation of the belt, Beggs and those working with her separated dirty to-go containers from the rest of the dishes. “We started collecting and stacking (to-go boxes) to see how many we could get,” Beggs said. COURTESY OF LYNN CHIPKIN They ended up collecting hundreds of Styrofoam Indian Valley Farms sets up their market stand at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market two times a week. containers. “The number of boxes On Aug. 2, 2010, Tech located in Floyd, Va., with tion — they drive an hour they see in the dish room filled out a College Randy Cohen. Chipkin to get compost for their is probably bigger than the Sustainabilit y Report says the demand for local gardens. number of plates used,” Card. sustainable growth is risHowever, they prepare Beggs said. The report said Tech ing. their own mix of soil and Beggs and the other work- spends $343,171 on locally “What’s really propelled use drip irrigation to water ers spread awareness for the and organically produced the farmer’s market is this their plants, which Chipkin amount of waste by taking food, and $820 on locally whole, national movement said is more efficient than a picture of the Styrofoam processed food. to be a ‘localvore’,” Chipkin sprinklers. containers and posting it This accounts for 9 per- said. “If we were just doing it to to Facebook, where more cent of the approximate $4 “Every farmer’s market feed our family, we’d just than 100 users shared million dollars Tech spent has grown.” do everything by hand,” it. on food in the 2009-2010 Indian Valley Farms Chipkin said. “In the dish room, every- academic year. grows a host of pro“But for growing one’s always talking about What that report card duce, raises chickens and enough to sell, it’s not how there shouldn’t be doesn’t show is the multi- harvests honey from their practical.” so many (boxes),” Beggs tude of farmers who reach own bees. Chipkin said said. out to students at the week- that she and Cohen take Steps To w a r d “(West End) is a sit- ly Blacksburg Farmer’s many steps to reduce their Sustainability down dining hall. There Market. own carbon footprints, Chipkin said that local shouldn’t be a single Lynn Chipkin was around but even local farmers and family farms are workbox on the belt because, when the Blacksburg have a hard time doing ing with customers to put you know, they’re to-go Farmer’s Market was just so. a dent in the New River boxes.” a small mulch area on The biggest obstacle to Valley’s carbon footprint. Draper Road. She owns and Chipkin and Cohen’s sus“The less people are Growing New Habits runs Indian Valley Farms, tainability is transporta-
Ring Dance runs out of tickets early MATTHEW JOHNSON news staff writer
Ring Dance is a tradition that started at Virginia Tech 80 years ago in 1934, but this year, not all juniors may be able to attend. This year’s Ring Dance is March 23 at 8 p.m. in the Commonwealth Ballroom in Squires. However, tickets have already sold out. “Tickets were starting to run out (on Tuesday),” said Laura Wedin, faculty advisor for the Student Alumni Associates. One of the reasons for the lack of tickets was confusion about which members of Tech’s Corps of Cadets got tickets but did not need to. In the past, members of the Corps have been guaranteed entrance without needing a ticket. “Cadets will take their tickets and give them back to other students,” said Mike Reilly, a junior civil engineering major and member of the Corps. Although no more tickets will be printed, it is possible a message could go out over the Class of 2014 listserv offering up extra tickets sometime this week. Other students have been selling extra tickets on the Class of 2014 Facebook page. The Commonwealth Ballroom’s capacity is 1,500. Before 2010, the capacity of the Commonwealth Ballroom was unrestricted. Over 1,500 tickets are printed because some tickets may
not get redeemed, allowing them to stay under capacity. When students arrive at the ring dance, they turn in their ticket for a wristband, which gets them access to the Ballroom. In the past, the Student Alumni Associates, who plans the dance, has tried finding a venue with a large enough capacity for everyone wishing to attend the ring dance. So far it has been unsuccessful. “Somebody suggested the livestock arena,” Wedin said with a laugh. A roster, which lists juniors that bought their class rings, is provided to the ticket office and those that bought rings were able to get tickets two weeks earlier. The situation has been frustrating for some juniors who are unable to participate in the tradition. “I just think it’s silly that for something that’s supposed to be a huge tradition for Virginia Tech students, they don’t have a venue large enough to support a whole class. It’s kind of ridiculous,” said Alex Smythers, junior sociology major. However, selling out of tickets so early in the week, which has only happened once before, is also an indication of the event’s growing popularity. “For us. it’s kind of exciting,” said Bridget Duffy, a junior and ascetics director for the Ring Dance. “But, at the same time, we feel bad that people aren’t able to go.”
see GREEN / page three
Lack of information keeps students from going abroad MAX LUONG news staff writer
Simply not getting enough information is one of the main barriers to studying abroad, one recent survey revealed. The survey by Education Intelligence, a research organization under the British Council, revealed that among foreign language barriers and ties to family and friends, a lack of information is an integral reason that Western students avoid studying abroad. Of the 10,800 British and American students surveyed, less than half claimed to have
sufficient information to make a decision about studying abroad. “Those low numbers are definitely an issue for big, centralized universities such as ours,” said Jennifer Quijano Sax, interim director at Tech’s Education Abroad office. “It’s often difficult to get on a student’s radar screen.” The Tech study abroad office works year-long to maintain an active presence on campus and to provide all necessary tools students need when considering taking their studies to foreign areas — that is, if they want them. “It’s not so much a lack of infor-
mation as much as various other factors. Students are inundated from all sides with other information,” Sax said. “Until they’re ready to seek information, they will hit ‘delete’ on our emails.” Only 9 percent of American undergraduates studied abroad last academic year. At Tech, only 4.8 percent of the undergraduate population studied abroad last year. One of Tech’s Education Abroad office’s larger efforts is to demystify the deterring factors students hear about foreign studies. More opportunities are opening during the winter and see ABROAD / page two
In the 2011-2012 academic year, only
9%
of American undergrads studied abroad. At Virginia Tech, only
4.8%
of the undergraduate population studied abroad. KITTY SCHAFFERNOTH/ COLLEGIATE TIMES
2
news
march 21, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
editors: mallory noe-payne, priscilla alvarez, dean seal newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
Project: Landmark properties plans ‘The Retreat’ Abroad: Funds from page one
developments at the University of South Carolina, Florida State and the University of Alabama. “For students who want to live in something that’s more like a community rather than an apartment, this will be a very attractive option,” Obenshain said. A range of luxury amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, fitness room, study room, entertainment lounge, movie theater, basketball courts and volleyball courts are available for each development, and every site ensures 24-hour on-site management. “It will probably be more expensive than the apartments already available in Blacksburg just because it costs more to keep the amenities and the cottage lifestyle running,” Doornbos said. Doornbos said the goal of the project is to build a community for college students seperate from families or professors. Landmark Properties previously had plans to build the same development on 48 acres in the Tom’s Creek Basin north of Glade Road. That proposal was with-
drawn in June after complaints from residents that the development would be a bad fit for the surrounding neighborhood and too high-density. Landmark Properties plans to leave buffers and “green space” within this development, as well as include the Huckleberry Trail within the community. The Obenshain family donated an easement along their farm in years past to extend the popular trail, which allows for biking, hiking and walking around Blacksburg. Beth Obenshain even served as an executive director for New River Land Trust, a non-profit that works to protect farmland in the area. “We will be working very closely with the town to design a project that not only will be great for the university students, but also the town feels like is appropriate for Blacksburg,” Doornbos said. The project is currently going through a plandevelopment process with the Town of Blacksburg and has a hopeful completion date of Fall 2015. “The surrounding neighbors are also going
also limit study from page one
BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS
The farmland off Prices Fork Road is being considered as a site for high-end student housing. to have a say in this project, which is something great about Landmark Properties,” Obenshain said. “They hold meetings, listen to questions and do everything they can to give the community what’s best.” One question to be taken care of is transit. The land is located on the Blacksburg transit line, but Landmark may consider offering shuttles to campus for students as well. “There are certainly a lot of questions
that the town wants us to answer and address, which is good,” explained Doornbos. “The town only approves projects that they feel will be good for the community.” “My hope would be that it would become a great place for college students and graduate students to live and enjoy their lives while they’re here in the wonderful community of Blacksburg,” Obenshain said.
info on the go The proposed ‘Retreat’ would include 850 single bedrooms in 4-5 room homes on 35 acres.
summer break for busier students. If students search for alternative locations, tuition can be the same or possibly even cheaper. The office holds 5,000-person recruiting fairs in the fall and tries to appeal to freshmen who may be interested. “I wasn’t aware that numbers are so low,” said Cara Nolan, a freshman art major. “I think Tech does a fairly good job giving us the information for whoever needs it.” Along with their busy schedules, some students’ curricula restrain them from leaving the country to pursue more diverse tracks. Others cannot afford the tuition if it is not cost-neutral with remaining in Blacksburg. The study showed that almost 75 percent of American students reported expense to be a reason for staying home. “I’d like to study for a semester in Europe, but the cost of living there just doesn’t make sense for my current social life,” said David Lurie, sophomore business major. Sax said the study abroad office’s tactics to make information available to students are two-pronged: one is their “passive” presence, as Sax referred, which includes social media and email updates. The office also practices more active tactics to reach out to students. Education Abroad offers in-person appointments while also maintaining a walk-in presence at Squires and satellite advising in West Ambler Johnston Hall. It visits residential halls and classrooms as well. “Ultimately, we could always be doing more to get the word out,” Sax said.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @lesliemccrea
Follow the writer on Twitter: @MaxLuongCT
crimeblotter date
time
offense
location
arrestees
status
10/11-19/20012
2:57 PM - 8:00 AM
Follow-up to Bad Checks
University Bookstore
Christy Pruitt-Peters, 44
Cleared by Arrest
03/18/2013
9:00 AM
Vandalism/Destruction of Property
Cochrane Hall-Outside West End Market
N/A
Inactive
03/05/2013
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Vandalism/Destruction of Property
Perry Street Parking Garage
N/A
Inactive
editors: josh higgins, shawn ghuman opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
opinions
march 21, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
3
The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff
MCT CAMPUS
GPA system hurts students who change majors S tudents who switch majors should not be punished for their past performance. Yet, that is exactly what happens for some when cumulative GPAs are calculated. As we all know, cumulative GPAs at Virginia Tech are calculated using all qualifying courses taken at the university. This policy is common among almost all universities. However, it is nonsensical and particularly unfair to internal transfer students wishing to pursue graduate studies. These students usually attempt to attain advanced degrees in their new fields, not the old ones they switched out of. It is no secret that GPAs reflecting a less-than-stellar performance in your original major makes you less attractive to graduate admissions programs. For example, top law schools try to admit applicants whose GPA and LSAT scores will not hurt their median or percentile numbers.
When a former-engineering major like me wants to apply to law school, deans of admissions will take my decent cumulative GPA into account. My in-major GPA, which is much better, will not
“
What I advocate is a policy change where performance in your former major is not as detrimental to your job or graduate school prospects. Such a policy change will only have positive effects.”
be the number factored into median GPA statistics for law schools. What I advocate is a policy change where performance in your former major is not as detrimental to your job
what you’re saying On “The Disconnect: Access Media’s slow speeds explained” Clogged Tubes: The issue isn’t with the number of devices nor accounts, nor is it with the users personal router or even wireless service. Any router built in the past 10 years can EASILY sustain dozens of devices and a single user can easily hit 30mbps (that’s megabits). Wireless speeds do drop by 1/2 each time a new user starts to stream but the congestion control and mimo and other features of current day wirelss routers should allow at least 3 users to stream at ~5mbps easily. AM3 is clearly blowing sunshine in the hopes that students will bite the hook of needing “additional accounts”. The issue is their back end network is massively oversubscribed and they are milking the cash cow to avoid having to upgrade their back haul connections to handle the volume of data. Their issue is that from August to May they are crushed but from mid may to mid august is a desert. SO for 8 months they need the extra volume to cope with students use who actually in town but not those extra 4 months when no one is on. So they stall. The issue clearly on their end and their massive over subscription of the bburg circuits to where ever they hand off to either verizon, level3 or other major provider.
or graduate school prospects. Such a policy change will only have positive effects. First, it will increase the number of Tech students going to good graduate schools, because their cumulative GPAs will reflect the performance in their new majors. Second, it will give Tech a competitive advantage because most other schools do not have fair GPA recalculation policies in place. The most pragmatic reason school administrators should embrace this policy change is that, as a result of Tech alumni receiving excellent graduate education and better job placement opportunities, they will be able to donate more to Tech in the long-run. What could people see wrong with such a policy change in GPA calculation? One might argue that this would give students the option of switching to “easy” majors to boost their GPAs. While this is a possibility, administrators should not
assume this. A more likely scenario is a student in a difficult major, does poorly, and transfers into a different major to get better grades. If better grades are obtained, it means the student’s skills and interests were a better fit for that new major. This student will enjoy a successful career in his or her new field. Another scenario is that a student transfers into a new major and then does terribly. In this case, the student’s recalculated GPA will also reflect a poor performance. This seems very fair and encourages students to perform better in their new major. And what if students transfer majors repeatedly? The best solution would be to limit students to only one GPA recalculation. If a student switches majors twice, for example, GPA recalculation would not take place and the cumulative GPA would reflect all courses taken at the university. Another argument against
GPA recalculation is that there are so many ways to implement it, and not everyone will be satisfied with what is adopted. While this is certainly true, any discussion of the topic will lead to a better policy than what is currently instituted. One of the few universities with a GPA recalculation policy, the Rochester Institute of Technology calculates cumulative GPA based solely on the courses required for the new program. I advocate something along these lines, with an exemption for CLE courses. These could not be excluded from GPA calculations. I am passionate about this issue, and I hope others feel the same way. Th is policy must be changed for the benefit of our students and the university. HECTOR QUESADA -regular columnist -junior -political science
‘House of Cards’ shows growth
O
n Feb. 1, the political drama “House of Cards” premiered exclusively on Netflix to overwhelmingly positive reviews, a sudden explosion of social media exposure and rapid viewership. The program’s popularity goes a bit further than planting some credibility in Netf lix’s original content; “House of Cards” signals the future of television. Netf lix has already asserted its dominance in the realm of television, but only when it comes to programs a season or two behind. Nothing beats cruising through old seasons of oncepopular television shows on Netf lix, but watching what was broadcast a year ago robs viewers of the water cooler talk that comes with watching the newest episodes offered week by week. “House of Cards” turns this model upside down by offering new, original content in one fell swoop; an entire season offered immediately, 13 episodes of content instantly accessible that no one has seen before. Not only does this take advantage of Nexflix’s best attribute — being able to watch programming at your convenience — it does it while keeping the social aspects of viewing current television intact.
It removes the agony of waiting another week to see what Barney will do next on “How I Met Your Mother,” while keeping us up to date with what is popular on television right now. Raw numbers suggest the model can be effective as well. A survey conducted by investment f irm Cowen and Co. showed that 86 percent of Netf lix subscribers are more likely to keep their subscription now that “House of Cards” is available for streaming.
“
“House of Cards” is already one of Netflix’s most impressive success stories, and its success can go much further.”
A more impressive 90 percent of subscribers said they prefer all episodes be released simultaneously as opposed to the model traditional networks use — releasing one weekly episode. These are the kind of numbers competitors are going to look at that will make them evaluate their own programming practices. Television has already made
successful transitions to the web with services like Hulu Plus and HBO Go offering upto-date programs online. Smart TVs are also bridging the gap between television and the Internet; Hulu Plus and Netf lix apps are built right into the television, making streaming programs incredibly efficient. Another strength attached to streaming television comes with cost. A $10 Hulu Plus subscription and an $8 Netf lix subscription are cheaper alternatives to paying for traditional cable, which is bloated with loads of channels that go virtually unwatched. “House of Cards” is already one of Netflix’s most impressive success stories, and its success can go much further. The program’s popularity may inspire a shift in television programming across the board, with star-studded casts and instant availability becoming a model that networks will be desperate to emulate. ERIC JONES -regular collumnist -senior -pyschology
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 Senior News Editor: Mallory NoePayne Associate News Editors: Priscilla Alvarez, Dean Seal News Blog Editor: Cameron Austin News Reporters: Leslie McCrea, Justin Graves, Andrew Kulak, Donal Murphy News Staff Writers: Alex Gomez, Sean Hayden, Max Luong, Cody Owens, Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Senior Opinions Editor: Josh Higgins Associate Opinions Editor: Shawn Guhman Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editor: Chelsea Giles Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunther, Mackenzie Fallon, Alexis Livingston, Kayleigh McKenzie Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: James Dean Seal Circulation Manager: Keith Bardsley Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski Lab Manager: Trevor White College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Robert Alberti, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Catie Stockdale Jordan Williams, Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty Creative Director: Diana Bayless Assistant Creative Director: Nik Aliye Creative Staff: Mariah Jones, Samantha Keck
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.
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march 21, 2013
Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Communications flow vigorously until summer, with social and business opportunities. Apply that energy to improving your home after that, and invite others to share the benefits. Family holds your focus this year, including financial aspects like insurance, joint resources or an inheritance. Together you get further.
Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham Quote of the Day
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” - Epictetus Send us your quote and see it here! creative.services@collegemedia.com
XKDC by Randell Monroe
64 Take a shot 65 Of yore 66 Stage device
By Don Gagliardo and C.C. Burnikel
ACROSS 1 Up in the air 6 Runner’s woe 11 “Very funny” TV station 14 Instrument for the musically challenged 15 Panting, perhaps 16 Art, now 17 1-Down follower 19 Ad __ 20 *Public distribution 21 Subject to debate 22 *2011 NBA finals runner-up 25 Mao follower?
26 Garden purchases 27 A pop 28 “Golly!” 31 *Loose 32 Routes for twowheelers 36 1962 NASA launch 38 Hairstyle with an appendage of sorts 40 Modern information sources 42 “Java” jazzman 43 *Bond, for one
3/21/13 44 Scratched (out) 45 Hightails it 48 Stephen of “Citizen X” 51 Causes of grins and groans 52 *Champagne, e.g. 53 Wall-mounted safety device 56 Baby carrier 57 Prevailing tendencies 61 72, at Augusta National 62 Door support 63 Time piece?
DOWN 1 Letters before a 17-Across 2 __ Cruces 3 Wt. units 4 21-Down group 5 Heavy reading? 6 Yields 7 Went ape 8 Turkish titles 9 Unit of cultural information 10 Fix opening 11 Chevy SUV 12 Group of chicks 13 Doctrinal offshoots 18 “The Book of __”: 2010 film 21 Interview show since 1947 ... and what this puzzle’s starred answers do in two ways 22 Test by lifting 23 Dog-__ page 24 Speedy Amtrak train 26 Relief for a commuter 29 “Take it!” 30 3.0 and 4.0: Abbr. 32 Pig movie 33 Founding member of OPEC 34 17-syllable work 35 Emergency indicator 37 Puts out, in a way
39 Old Fords 41 Adjective for Ripley 45 Won all the games 46 Gag that might explode 47 Explosive 49 Clampett player 50 NYC dance troupe
53 Author Godwin 54 Fruit cover 55 Met excerpt 57 Old reciprocal electrical unit 58 “__ always say ...” 59 Pie material? 60 Reference word
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
3/20/13
sports
editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
march 21, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
5
Wrestling has sights set high for NCAAs in Des Moines ALEX KOMA sports reporter
College basketball may get all the attention, but it’s NCAA tournament time for the wrestling team, too. Virginia Tech will send a school-record of 10 wrestlers to Des Moines, Iowa to compete in the team championships from Thursday to Saturday, joining Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Penn State as the only teams to send competitors in every weight class to the event. “This program is really going in the right direction,” said head coach Kevin Dresser. “This is really good to have under our hat.” Four Hokies earned seeds for the tournament, with Pete Yates ranking the highest, coming in as the third seed in the 165-pound class. Jarrod Garnett followed close behind with the fift h seed at 125 pounds, while Jesse Dong grabbed the seventh seed at 157 and Nick Brascetta earned the eighth seed at 149. “We’ve had a long, competitive season, with lots of travel, so hopefully that’ll be good preparation for these guys,” Dresser said. Erick Spjut, Zach Neibert, Austin Gabel, Nick Vetterlein, Derick Borlie and David Marone round out the rest of
Tech’s competitors. The Hokies have never fielded an NCAA champion, a fact all of the wrestlers will be looking to change come Thursday. “All of our guys have proven themselves, especially the ones that earned seeds, and they want to win titles,” Dresser said. “Most of them may be underdogs to do so, but they’re still ready.” At first glance, Yates may have the best chance of any of Tech’s wrestlers to fulfi ll his championship dreams, considering he’s a two-time ACC champion and has qualified for the NCAAs in each of his four years. He also has the good fortune to avoid the possibility of facing off against a seeded opponent until the third round of the tournament. His opening round challenger, Rutgers’ Nicholas Visicaro, is just 15-9 on the season, giving Yates a relatively easy opening to the event. However, things will undoubtedly get more difficult as he advances farther into the bracket. Cornell’s Kyle Dake has been dominant this season, compiling a perfect 32-0 record and earning the class’ first seed, while second-seeded David Taylor of Penn State also boasts an impressive 26-1 record.
Garnett should also stand a decent chance at advancing in the tournament. Like Yates, he has also qualified for the tournament four times, in addition to his three ACC titles, but his road to success seems more difficult. His initial opponent, Appalachian State’s Dominic Parisi, should be more of a challenge to open things up, given his 28-11 season record. Things also get tougher for Garnett in the second and third rounds. He could face 12thseeded Tyler Cox of Wyoming on Friday, while fourth-seeded Nicholas Megaludis of Penn State could be waiting for him in the third round. Senior Jesse Dong is also plenty familiar with the NCAA setting, as he’s also FILE 2012 / SPPS been selected to the event 141-pound Zach Neibert battles a Duke opponent. Neibert is one of a school-record ten wrestlers competing. three times. He faces Central Michigan’s Luke Smith in the first round, two ACC titles and two NCAA the ninth seed in the class, steps and knock things off who has wracked up a decent berths in each of his first two could be his adversary in the the list,” Dresser said. “This 22-10 record, but things get seasons show he has plenty second round, and if he beats year, we got the ACC title, so substantially more difficult if of talent despite his inexperi- him, he’d have to contend an individual (NCAA) title is he progresses. ence. with top seed Jordan Oliver definitely next.” Oregon State’s Roger Pena, However, as the eighth seed of Oklahoma State and his Even if it would only be icing the bracket’s 10th seed, could in his bracket, he’s sure to have unblemished record. on the cake, there’s no doubt be his opponent in the sec- a difficult road. No matter how Tech’s an NCAA victory would be a ond round, and second-seedHe begins play against wrestlers fare in the tourna- big step forward for the proed Derek St. John of Iowa is Wyoming’s Bra ndon ment, the season has already gram. another potential late round Richardson, who’s compiled been a successful one for the “A title would be absochallenger. an underwhelming 12-19, but Hokies, as they claimed their lutely huge for us,” Dresser Sophomore Brascetta has the things get much tougher from first ever ACC team title this said. “It’s just the pinnaleast tournament experience there. year. cle of what we’re trying to of the seeded Hokies, but his Nebraska’s Jake Sueflohn, “Every year we make big do.”
Blacksburg Transit Now hiring 25 operators before March 29th. • Paid Training • Starting at $9.25/hour • • Flexible hours can fit many class schedules •
Don’t delay, apply today! All applicants are subject to CDL drug testing guidelines.
Travel GETTING COLD TIME to Plan your Spring Break 2010 Get Away! Learn how to travel to beautiful locations like Jamaica, Acapulco and the Bahamas on a party cruise. Find out what other Virginia Tech Hokies are headed to your destination. -Adrian Email: Awhite@Studentcity.com for more information
Help Wanted CARLSON ENTERPRISES ARE seeking an Admin officer, sales rep and cashier. FT. Position requires excellent organizational skills, telephone etiquette, Ability to multitask and prioritize projects in a very fast paced environ. It comes with an attractive salary plus benefits. Send resume to:carlsonjeff18@ gmail.com
AN EEO Employer M/F/D/V You must be at least 19 years old and have an excellent driving record. To apply, pick up an application at the Blacksburg Municipal Building, 300 S. Main Street, or visit blacksburg.gov. For more information, call (540) 981-1185.
For Rent APARTMENT ROOM Seeking male students two rooms available $415 mo. Split utilities call 4343902202 more info TOMS CREEK TERRACE 2BR, 2BA Suites or 4BR, 2BA apartment, Water, Sewer, Trash Removal included, $925/ mo., Avail. NOW, Visit Renttnt.com or Call TNT Prop. Mgt. 540-9511075
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on your side.
Lesson 2: Unpaid Internships Must interns be paid?
ANSWER: There are two issues: the legal requirements that dictate whether an intern must be paid, and the company's goals for its internship program, which dictate whether an intern should be paid. Under the "Six-Part Test," an employer is not required to pay an intern if the following criteria are met:
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Aries (March 21-April 19) For the next four weeks, pay close attention to opportunities to achieve old objectives. Discipline is absolutely required, and the results are satisfying. Follow your heart, and play by the rules.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) Nothing can stop you when you’re on ire. You can get farther than you ever thought possible, now and all month. Consider new career choices and options. Stay true, and keep your word.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Partnerships grow stronger in the days ahead. Tie up any loose ends, and review the process for maximum ef iciency. Work carefully, or learn something the hard way. But you’ll learn.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Allow yourself more quiet time this month. Finish old jobs, and organize something. Completing a project takes less energy than constantly ignoring it. Solitude inspires you; bring along a sketchbook.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Make sure you know what you want. Don’t rush a decision. Cut down on unproductive activities, unless they’re about resting. There’s no need to spend to impress others. Think it over, and choose.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) There’s more work coming in this month, and the pace is heating up. Travel and education tempt for the next few days, but keep focus on work priorities. Philosophical conversations after hours could get very interesting.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Take advantage of your newly gained popularity to grow teamwork. You’re getting hotter and you’re lucky in love. Act responsibly.
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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) For the next month, you’re especially great at managing money ef iciently. Share advice. Friends are there for you. Decrease activities that could cause emotional stress. Communications low with ease; launch when ready.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your energy level and attractiveness are high this month. You’re lucky in love, and relationships lourish. Play and get creative; it’s when you’re having fun that the genius ideas arise. Savor some cultural entertainment from respected artists.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Give home and family more attention. Domestic chores take precedence, and your time makes a difference. Strengthen partnerships with conversation, ambiance and shared deliciousness. Build something cool together. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You have a passion for learning nowadays. Press forward with enthusiasm into a new study topic, while managing routine tasks. Balance work with exercise and time outside, along with healthy food. Pace it. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You could make a lot of money. You’re focused and active, and your work speaks for itself. Keep it organized. Enjoy time off, too, as games get really fun.
1. The internship, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to training which would be given in the educational environment; 2. The internship experience is for the benefit of the intern; 3. The intern does not displace regular employees; 4. The employer that provides the training derives no immediate advantage from the activities of the intern, and on occasion its operations may be impeded; 5. The intern is not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the internship; and 6. The employer and the intern understand that the intern is not entitled to wages. http://www.naceweb.org/knowledge/legal/faq-hiring/
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weekend
march 21, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
Green: Farmers, students advocate for sustainability Want to get involved with Tech sustainability?
YES:
Recyclemania is an eight-week recycling competition held across North America.
To participate, recycle paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic bottles and organic materials in the appropriate containers on Tech's campus. WHEN: Ends March 30 Tech recycled 578,060 pounds of materials last year, a 29% increase from 2011.
Control
your Schedule COURTESY OF LYNN CHIPKIN
Indian Valley Farms volunteer grows and harvests garlic at the farm, preparing them for local sales. from page one
buying from the supermarket, the closer things are going to be,” Chipkin said. “Our food is better, it’s healthier and it hasn’t lost its nutritional value because it was harvested the day before it’s sold.” Indian Valley Farms is one of 20 vendors that the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market lists on its web site. Farmers and representatives usually devote two days a week to provide Blacksburg with an alternative way to eat — a cause Beggs and Chipkin both believe in. “I think if everyone chips in a bit, it’ll make a difference,” Beggs said. “I think being able to see these things gets people thinking.” Chipkin agreed with Beggs, but said students could make a change in sustainable dining before their food ever hits the plate. “There’s power in everything you purchase,” Chipkin said. “If you make a purchase, look at the origins. It’s good to have awareness, to look at labels and to know where things are coming from.” Organizations like Farm Aid report that family and local farms of America are under siege, but Chipkin said she believes living sustainably can reverse that. She said making choices to reduce our carbon footprints is as easy as setting a routine. “You just take what’s important and you make it a habit in your daily life,” Chipkin said. “It becomes ingrained in you.” Out of Sight, Out of Mind One such daily habit is the daily decisions students make in dining halls, whether they see the outcome or not. West End Market, like many of the dining halls, uses a circular belt dish return to collect trash and dirty plates, guarding students from the piles of trash Beggs helped clean up. This convenience comes at a cost, though, especially when it comes to reducing our negative effect on the environment. In dining halls like Turner Place and Au Bon Pain, however, recycling bins and trashcans are clearly labeled. Beggs said that being able to see these options gives students more cause to stop and think about their effect on the environment. The Campus Carbon Footprint
For years, many of Tech’s departments have worked to shrink the university’s carbon footprint. According to the 2011 annual report on campus sustainability at Tech, the university achieved a 37.5 percent recycling rate. That’s a substantial increase from the 20.9 percent achieved in 2006. Tech’s dining halls have been doing their part as
well. In 2009 the Farms and Fields Project began at Kentland Farms. In a year, the project grew nearly 12 tons of produce. Beggs said these projects, like campus sustainability, are important for everyone to recognize. “Since our university is so big, we have a big responsibility,” Beggs said. “I don’t think it’s an issue to be taken lightly.”
Graduate on time! Work Summer Session classes into your plan to keep on track. Course request opens in December. Drop/Add opens March 16, 2013
www.summer.vt.edu