Wednesday, March 27, 2013 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com
COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 90 News, page 2
Food & Drink, page 5
Opinions, page 3
Sports, page 6
Study Break, page 4
Harrington family amends complaint filed in 2011 LEAH KOMADA news staff writer
The parents of Morgan Harrington met in Charlottesville Va. yesterday to discuss an amended complaint filed against the event services provider at the concert their daughter attended the night she was murdered. Harrington, a Virginia Tech student prior to her death, disappeared after leaving a Metallica concert at John Paul
Jones Arena in Charlottesville on October 17, 2009. Her remains were found in January 2010 on a farm in HARRINGTON Albemarle County. No one has yet been charged with her murder. Harrington’s parents, Dan and Gil Harrington, fi led a civil action in 2011 against
Regional Marketing Concepts Events, Inc., the security company present the night of the concert. The newly amended claim contends that RCM Events was negligent in not allowing Harrington reentry into the arena. While John Paul Jones arena maintains a “no re-entry” policy, the claim says that Harrington had suffered from a head wound that night, and was in need of medical attention. Harrington’s parents
are seeking $3.9 million in the lawsuit, which was fi led just before the two-year statute of limitations on the case expired. Since the original lawsuit was fi led, further investigation has revealed more information regarding the happenings prior to Morgan’s death. The amended complaint filed uses this newly surfaced information to make allegations that are more specific.
The complaint addresses a new witness in the case, who was able to provide details previously unavailable about that night on October 17. According to the witness, Harrington left the arena that night with a deep cut on her chin, which was bleeding heavily. The witness also said Harrington was acting erratically. The Harringtons will not comment beyond what is
stated in this complaint but hope the new information that has become known will push the case forward. “We are motivated by our desire to find a killer and to keep public awareness and public safety in the forefront of everyone’s mind,” said Gil Harrington. “We are hoping to find justice for Morgan.” Follow the writer on Twitter: @lckomada
Scooter Club gears up on campus Court split on
gay marriage MICHAEL DOYLE mcclatchy newspapers
PAUL KURLAK / SPPS
The members of Scooter Club and their club “sweethearts” often take trips together to various destinations and scenic spots in Blacksburg.
Group of friends find common bond from passion for scooters, spreading it to Blacksburg community HAYDEN ROBERTS features staff writer
While many people may have fond memories of riding Razor scooters during their childhood, Virginia Tech’s Scooter Club takes pride in operating a different kind of scooter. Hunter Fairchild, Sam Eaddy and Wilson Young, sophomore Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers, came up with the idea for Scooter Club
after their friend, alumnus Nick Sharp, bought a $300 1996 Yamaha Big Chief off Craigslist. “Big Chief is the spark that ignited the whole thing,” said Young, a communication major and event coordinator for the club. Since they didn’t have a key to Big Chief, their friend Jared Curd, a sophomore industrial systems engineering major, became “the key.”
“Every time we wanted to start it, we had to use a lock pick,” said Fairchild, a marketing management major and the club’s president and co-founder. “(Curd) was the only one who knew how to use the lock pick set, so we’d have to wait for him to get off work from Dairy Queen to come start it.” Following the group’s fascination with Big Chief, their passion for scooters quickly grew. Before coming back to school in the fall, Fairchild bought an old scoot-
er from a neighbor and fixed it up to ride around Tech.
“
Big Chief is the spark that ignited the whole thing.” Wilson Young Event coordinator for Scooter Club
Once he bought one, Eaddy see CLUB / page five
WASHI NGTON _ Supreme Court justices revealed sharp and passionately held differences Tuesday as they confronted California’s ban on gay marriages. During an 80-minute argument that was unusually long and, at times, markedly heated, the back and forth between the court’s conservative and liberal wings foreshadowed difficult decisions to come. Perhaps tellingly, the frequent swing vote, Justice Anthony Kennedy, revealed some ambivalence. In a positive sign for gay marriage supporters, Kennedy voiced strong sympathy for the approximately 40,000 California children who live with same-sex couples. “They want their parents to have full recognition and full status,” Kennedy said, with evident feeling, adding that “the voice of these children is important in this case.” But in a sign of how complicated the outcome might be, Kennedy and Justice Sonia Sotomayor mused aloud about whether the Supreme Court should have agreed to hear the case called Hollingsworth v. Perry at all. The court has several options, among them issuing a narrow decision or ducking the case altogether. “The problem with this
case is that you’re really asking ... for us to go into uncharted waters,” Kennedy cautioned Theodore Olson, a lawyer arguing against the ban.
“
The problem with this case is that you’re really asking...for us to go into uncharted waters.” Justice Anthony Kenney U.S. Supreme Court
With hundreds of demonstrators amassed outside and prominent individuals — including Hollywood director Rob Reiner, “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom _ gathered within, the justices were debating whether California’s Proposition 8, which banned samesex marriage, violated constitutional guarantees of extra protection. Reiner helped found the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which organized opposition to Proposition 8. Though Ca lifornia Attorney General Kamala Harris, who was also present, noted that “it’s a mistake to make a prediction about a justice’s state of mind based on a quessee BAN / page two
Clothesline Project raises awareness on violence ANUJA DAS news staff writer
As you step into Squires and look at the Clothesline, you can’t help but slow down; maybe even step up close and watch as someone tries to communicate with you through a shirt. The Clothesline Project is taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday on the Drillfield, or in Squires, if the weather persists, in the hope of spreading awareness about the violence that pervades society. Each semester, survivors of violence, or friends and families of the victims of violence against women, turn simple shirts into powerful objects that demonstrate courage, strength and power. The shirts, emblazoned with direct messages and strong illustrations, are hung side by side on a clothesline. The project was started at Virginia Tech in 1994 by the Montgomery County chapter of the National Organization for Women. It is managed on campus by Womanspace, an on-campus club for feminist activism and the promotion of
women’s rights. Since its inception 19 years ago, over 550 shirts have been created. “For me it’s always really interesting because if you follow people along the clothesline, you tend to hear conversations among people,” said Jen Porter, a graduate member of Womanspace. “Last year, I was following two male students and one student said, ‘Oh, this can’t possibly be true’ and the friend immediately responded with, ‘It has to be true. Look at how real this is.’ It’s organic.” The shirts are color-coded, and represent particular forms of violence against women, including battery, assault, rape, abuse and death. In addition to calling attention to different types of violence inflicted on women, the project allows viewers to reflect RYAN SUTHERLAND / SPPS on the presence of violence in Shirts on display in Squires represent different forms of violence against women according to their color. society. The shirts represent the one “Violence isn’t something written by people on the Tech er feminist yelling at me for in six women that have experi- that happens in ‘this poor campus. The shirts are an things; I don’t have to care enced attempted or completed neighborhood’ or ‘that ethnic excellent way to drive a point about it,’” Porter said. “The rape, the estimated 1.3 million neighborhood,’” Anderson home on a college campus. shirts are really powerful in women that have been victims said. “Violence really does “Sometimes when people say this way because students see of physical assault by a sig- happen across all walks of life violence happens and we live them and are allowed to form nifcant other and the 25 per- and all communities,” in a rape culture, people have their own reactions to it. It’s cent of girls that were sexually The shocking fact remains this tendency to shut down almost impossible to look abused before the age of 18. that many of these shirts are and say, ‘Oh you’re just anoth- away.”
For women... ...who have died from violence.
...who have been battered or assaulted.
...who have been sexually assaulted.
...who survived incest or child sexual abuse.
...attacked because of sexual orientation.
...handicapped because of violence.
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news
march 27, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
editors: mallory noe-payne, priscilla alvarez, dean seal newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
Ban: SCOTUS weighs Prop 8 Tedx announces new theme from page one
There seemed to be little to no support for an Obama administration proposal that would recognize a right to gay marriage in the states that, like California, ban gay marriage but recognize gay civil unions. A sweeping decision covering all 50 states didn’t leap out as an obvious solution, either, with Olson advising justices that they “could write a narrower decision.” Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., along with fellow conservative Justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia, appeared most sympathetic to the arguments of Proposition 8 supporters. “Traditional marriage has been around for thousands of years,” Alito declared, while “same-sex marriage is very new ... so there isn’t a lot of data about its effect. It may turn out to be a good thing; it may turn out not to be a good thing.” His voice rising, Scalia further pressed Olson to explain “when did it become unconstitutional to prohibit gays from marrying?” Proposition 8, Olson argued, “walls off gays and
lesbians from marriage, the most important relation in life.” Attorney Charles Cooper, the former Reagan administration official arguing in support of Proposition 8, stressed that recognizing same-sex marriages would “sever (marriage’s) abiding connection with its historic traditional procreative purposes.”
“
They want their parents to have full recognition and full status. ... The voice of these children is important in this case.” Justice Anthony Kennedy U.S. Supreme Court
“Marriage itself is the institution that society has always used to regulate these heterosexual, procreative relationships,” Cooper said. In turn, Justice Elena Kagan countered with
the example of older couples who marry despite being past child-rearing age. “There are lots of people that get married that can’t have children,” Justice Stephen Breyer added. The justices divided their time between discussing whether Proposition 8 supporters had the “standing” to argue the case, since California officials refused to defend the initiative, and the measure’s underlying merits. The standing question might become an off-ramp for the case, short of a big decision. If the court decides that the Proposition 8 supporters lack standing, that kicks the case all the way back to the original decision by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker striking down the ballot measure. The legal consequences of that remain uncertain. “If the issue is letting the states experiment and letting the society have more time to figure out its direction, why is taking a case now the answer?” Sotomayor asked rhetorically.
MATTHEW JOHNSON news staff writer
Virginia Tech is taking a hands-on approach to education by preparing students to be scholars and leaders in their chosen fields through engagement in Tedx events. Tedx is an independently organized Ted event, run by a group that is licensed by Ted, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote ideas worth spreading. Tedx first came to Virginia Tech last year with the title “TedxVirginiaTech.” “The TedxVirginiaTech 2013 theme will be “Beyond Boundaries,” said Melissa Richards, university relations faculty advisor for TedxVirginiaTech. The event will be held on November 9, 2013. The theme was decided on by the steering committee, a group of faculty, staff and presenters from the previous TedxVirginiaTech event, and is purposefully ambiguous to allow people leniency in proposing topics.
Last year’s event — which had a theme of “knowing” — was limited to 100 people, part of a rule for Tedx events, but TedxVirginiaTech is anticipating offering 500 tickets this year because it was so successful and well-received, according to Richards. The Holtzman Alumni Center, which held the event last year, can only hold 100 people, so there will have to be a new venue for this year’s event, though the location is still to be determined. “We had a full house, and then almost 1,000 people viewing it remotely from the live streaming parties,” Richards said. Regardless of the number of students that were able to attend the first event, many students on campus are aware of it and ready for the second installment. “Everyone goes up there and tells not only their story, but they inform the audience about an important subject that they may not have know about before,” said Caroline Pugh, a business and
information technology major. With the event not occuring until next semester, though, it gives the committee ample time to inform those that are unaware — something that was a problem in 2012. “I think the concept of Ted is very admirable, but I think, this year, they didn’t do as good a job of advertising,” said Katlyn Econom, a senior English major. “I only learned about it last minute.” TedxVirginiaTech will be opening up a design compet it ion tod ay to represent t he “Beyond Boundaries” theme. The design will be used on promotional materials, and the winning designer will receive two tickets to the event, a TedxVirginiaTech T-shirt, a photoshoot with the red “X” and a $40 Casetagram gift card. For anyone interested in speaking at the TedxVirginiaTech event, the call for speakers will be announced in April.
SGA elections open today PRISCILLA ALVAREZ
......radio for everyone
ments in SGA’s constitution, such as the transition of Articles VIII-X into Student outreach and bylaws. student representation Since the beginning are among the initiatives of fall semester, SGA has that candidates for the worked on its governance SGA are advocating for structure with the aim of in this election season, as opening up communicathe organization strug- tion with the student body gles with its identity on to better effect change on campus. campus. Today until March 29, However, doing so hasn’t students can begin vot- been easy. ing for the next presiIn September, the SGA and dent, vice president and Graduate Student Assembly college senators for the held an open meeting to SGA. discuss their concerns The ballot this year is com- regarding their presence at prised of three tickets for the university with a small president and vice president turnout rate, also represent— named after their cam- ing their low voter turnout paign slogans — “Together rates that they’ve received for Tech,” “Engage,” and in the past. “Vote to be H.E.A.R.D,” Last year, approximatenine senators representing ly 1,728 people voted in five colleges and 25 consti- the election, according to tutional amendments. Schonberger. Turnout rate, however, is expected to rise due to the consistent campaignIn the years past, ing through social media that has helped candithe only thing we’ve dates reach out to more done for voting is students. The three tickets have crehave booths around ated websites, and have concampus. If candidates nected through Twitter and are out there, we think Facebook to voice their platform. that they have a much “I think it has expanded the opportunity for students to broader reach.” be engaged at a higher level Lester Schonberger in the election and learn SGA Chief of Justice more about the candidates before they have to vote,” said junior Austin Larrowe, The nine senators consist presidential candidate for of four senators from the Vote to be H.E.A.R.D. College of Engineering, two The increasing social from College of Science, media presence won’t guarone from College of Liberal antee all student engageArts and Human Sciences, ment, as some students, one from Pamplin College such as freshman engineerof Business and one from ing major Jordan Winkler, College of Architecture, fill- haven’t been following the ing only nine of the 34 seats campaigns like the SGA needed. would hope. Each college is appropriAnd for some that are ated a certain number of expected to vote, it is senators according to the as much about knowamount of students in ing the candidate as it is that college, said Lester about the social media Schonberger, chief justice of presence. SGA. “I have a couple friends In addition, students who have friends running, are voting on 25 amend- so I plan on voting for those news editor
“
people,” said Jordan Pruett, sophomore mathematics major. Though campaigning started on March 18, candidates will have the opportunity to continue doing so during the three-day voting period. “In the years past, the only thing we’ve done for voting is have booths around campus,” Schonberger said. “If candidates are out there, we think that they may have a much broader reach.” Despite this change, there may still be some barriers to reach the goal of a 15 percent turnout rate. For the first time, voting is taking place through Gobbler Connect, a digital system for student organizations. “Being the first year we’re using it, I think we’ll have some struggles because people don’t know what it is,” Schonberger said. However, he emphasized that registering for the site to vote does not take long. In the past, SGA had used election software; in 2012 they used VT surveys. Gobbler Connect is expected to make the process easier. For example, it will show the senators one can vote for according to the college the person voting is in, said Schonberger.
On the ballot - Together for Tech Luke Hodge and Anjelica Smith
- Engage Brent Ashley and Bryan Mitchell
- Be H.E.A.R.D. Austin Larrowe and Roy Abernathy Follow the writer on Twitter: @priscialva
health. ealtth. eemployment. mpl crime. music. sports. art. dorms. education. duc cation. housing. government. world politics. sales. travel. raveel. traffic. tr construction. business. relationships. entertainment. ntertainmen virginia tech. ut prosim. construction. We share your concerns Check us out in the paper or online at collegiatetimes.com
opinions
editors: josh higgins, shawn ghuman opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
march 27, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
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The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff
MCT CAMPUS
Our Views [staff editorial]
Supreme Court should rule in favor of same-sex marriage, promote equality T he Supreme C ou r t hea r i ng oral arguments on challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act Ca lifornia’s Proposition 8, both of which address samesex marriage issues, provides America the opportunity to extend rights to everyone in society. As of now, same-sex marriage couples do not receive the same rights heterosexual couples receive — and given that the U.S. Constitution states that all men
are created equal, it is important that all Americans receive the same rights. As the Supreme Court decides on the cases for same-sex marriage, it should recognize that banning same-sex marriage is inequality under the law and is unconstitutional. Allowing same-sex marriage is a huge step toward equality in the United States, and the Supreme Court should act accordingly.
what you’re saying Have we not learned from History? Arming rebels might not be the best answer Anonymous: Soon we wont be arming rebels, they’ll be arming themselves. With advancements in 3D printing its very possible to have weapons manufacturing within homes by the end of the decade. Already we see working ammo clips and designers are making great strides in designing assault weapons made from resin and plastics. The internet is leading the way for people to produce weapons and order ammunition to supply themselves for any revolutionary need. The internet is a great equalizer
Upper Quad renovation project and Transportation Institute expansion both approved by BOV Anonymous: The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (Institute) is one of seven university level research institutes at Virginia Tech. The Institute was established in August 1988 in response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s University Transportation Centers Program, and in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Institute’s mission is primarily applied to research, accomplished via a multidisciplinary core of academic faculty housed in cooperating departments, research faculty, and students. The Institute is currently housed in a 52,000 square foot office and laboratory complex. The Institute is a critical research engine for the university with over 130 research projects, a $125 million total research portfolio, and $30 million of annual research expenditures. The university’s vision to expand research and development under the Institute is a key strategic initiative for the future. The Institute has grown to fill its current space and the program is expanding further with new research grants and contracts. The Institute requested additional space at their existing site near the Smart Road to accommodate this growth and has worked with the Corporate Research Center (CRC) to design and build a solution. The scope of the expansion includes approximately 24,400 gross square feet of office space and 6,400 gross square feet of warehouse space with an expected total cost of not more than $5.3 million.
Dance needs larger venue L ast Tuesday, many in the Class of 2014 found themselves without tickets to the Ring Dance, including yours truly. The administration would have us blame the “university and state marshal” for the limited number of tickets, but event planners are the true culprits here. Since April 1934, when the Class of 1935 held the first Ring Dance, the event has been a can’t-miss transition between junior and senior years. It is an important component of university fellowship, representing the most sophisticated example of interaction between the Corps of Cadets and the civilian student body. Why, then, is Ring Dance held at a venue — Squires Student Center — that cannot accommodate all members of a particular year’s class? It’s not like Ring Dance has always been held at Squires. In fact, Ring Dance has been held at three different venues. That first Ring Dance in 1934 was held at War Memorial Hall, where the event took place, with
few exceptions, until 1969. That year, Ring Dance was moved to its current location in Squires. Ring Dance was also moved to Cassell Coliseum from 1989 to 1991, when Squires underwent renovations. The venue was smaller, but circumstances necessitated the move. Correspondingly, I can think of no more pressing circumstance to change the Ring Dance venue than the denial of many juniors’ participation in the event. As class sizes keep growing, Virginia Tech should realize that the Commonwealth Ballroom has become an inadequate location for Ring Dance. It can neither fit all juniors nor provide students at the event enough room to enjoy themselves. I have heard countless complaints from friends about the overcrowded nature of the whole event, and how uncomfortable it was. Ring Dance should be a gala-style affair; it should not resemble a cramped Saturday night house party. The best solution for Ring Dance would be a return to War Memorial Hall. Its four massive basketball courts provide excel-
lent spaces to hold the event. Some might say that such a location would look too much like a high school gym, where some schools’ senior proms might be held. However, enough decorations and a winning interior design could likely mitigate those perceptions. Interestingly, next year will be the 80th anniversary of Ring Dance. Would it not be the ultimate affirmation of tradition to hold Ring Dance where it all began? The Holtzman Alumni Center could serve as another option. Its ballrooms provide an elegant venue for holding such a prestigious event as Ring Dance. Wherever Ring Dance is held next March, let’s hope the entire Class of 2015 has an opportunity to be a part of the festivities. Let’s make Ring Dance an inclusive event, rather than exclusive one. HECTOR QUESADA -regular columnist -political science -junior
Statistics belittle women’s progress
N
ext month, brace yourself for another round of grumbling about gender discrimination in the workplace. April 9 is Equal Pay Day, supposedly the magic point at which women finally make what men made in the previous year. The National Committee for Pay Equity, citing a Census Bureau number, says earnings for women are “statistically unchanged,” with women receiving only 77 percent of men’s earnings. The figure for the previous year was 77.4 percent. What many people don’t know is that this is a cherrypicked number and the idea that it’s an accurate measure of discrimination is grossly misleading. While workplace unfairness hasn’t been banished, studies that correct for such factors as life choices and family situation show that discrimination today is minimal at best, and in some cases has reversed — with women making more than men. President Barack Obama has repeated the 77 percent number as if it were written in stone. In his recent State of the Union address, he called on Congress to “declare that women should earn a living equal to their efforts.” Supporting documents made public by the White House referenced the 77 percent number, saying that “on average women generally make 23 cents on the dollar less than men.” Glenn
Kessler, the fact check guy at The Washington Post, gave this issue a good workout last year, revealing that all of the paygap numbers derived from government statistics have serious limitations. The number used for Equal Pay Day comes from the Census Bureau and is based on annual wages, a broad measure that captures categories such as bonuses and investment income. But it doesn’t account properly for jobs that only run for part of a calendar year, such as teaching. Teachers, many of them women, may not work in the summer. Because women generally work fewer hours than men, annual wages is a very poor measure of gender discrimination. The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses weekly wages, which is a bit better, but it leaves out bonuses and the like. Using this measure, BLS says women’s earnings are 81.2 percent of men’s. The government also looks at this from an hourly wage standpoint, and here the pay gap shrinks even more: Women make 86 percent of what men make. But with this number, too, there’s a problem: Hourly wages don’t measure pay for salaried workers. And as Kessler notes, “under this metric for people with a college degree, there is virtually no pay gap at all.” In fact, in some instances, women are making more than men. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Carrie Lukas of the
conservative Independent Women’s Forum cited a 2010 study by the Reach Advisors research firm, which found that for single, childless urban workers ages 22-30, women’s pay outpaced men’s by 8 percent. As Lukas remarked, that makes sense, given the greater educational attainment of women and the increase over the years in “knowledge-based” jobs. Kessler cited a report by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, which looked over the research on this subject and concluded that when women are compared with men in similar circumstances, the actual gender gap is much lower than “the raw wage gap.” Fed researchers cited a Labor Department report, which concluded that when you correct for such differences, the hourly wage gap drops to about 5 cents. Groups such as the National Committee for Pay Equity are doing a disservice by exaggerating the extent of workplace discrimination, apparently in the hope of generating more resentment and creating pressure for more costly federal regulation. Workplace discrimination may not have vanished but it’s wrong to suggest women have made so little progress. Even in a labor market free of discrimination, the pay gap number may never fully close. E. THOMAS MCLANAHAN -mcclatchy newspapers
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editors: editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
Club: Students rave over scooters from page one
and Young followed suit and purchased their own scooters. They all have their own personal styles when it comes to riding. For instance, Young enjoys wearing his tasseled jacket, having the tassels blowing in the breeze. However, not a ll seven members of the club currently have a scooter. “Scoot Scoot” “Knowing about engines is a skill for life,” Fairchild said regarding the heavy task of scooter maintenance. An average used scooter from Craigslist costs about $400-$800. Repairs can add up though, so knowing how to fix a scooter is a valuable skill. Fairchild started the club with Eaddy, Young and TJ Daniels, a sophomore marketing management major, on Jan. 27. They want to find other scooter enthusiasts around Tech, but their main goal for the club is to show
there are other forms of transportation out there. “It’s convenient, it’s cheap and you save money on parking passes,” Fairchild said.
All of the members said they ride their scooters to class and are able to park them right in the bike racks. Fairchild said it’s cheaper than having to fill up a car with gas; the average scooter gets almost 80 mpg, while the average car maintains an average of 20 mpg.
the club already has some female fans. Annie Mauck, sophomore communication and HNFE double major, said the girls’ main job is to join them on a scooter ride anytime they want to go on one. Mauck and Annie Hazelgrove — a junior apparel, housing and resource management major — have been dubbed the “Scooter Club Sweethearts.” Both girls fell in love with scooters after being taken on a ride to a spot where they could view all of Blacksburg this past fall. While Mauck is not exactly sure how she received the title, she is enthusiastic about it. Fairchild’s favorite thing about having a scooter is taking a girl on a scooter ride around the town. So, whenever he wants to go on a ride, he knows that he can rely on Mauck or Hazelgrove to accompany him.
Lady Enthusiasts Even though the club is still fairly new and upand-coming, Eaddy said
Laws of riding For anyone who doesn’t know the law of having a scooter in Blacksburg,
“
It’s convenient, it’s cheap and you save money on parking passes.” Hunter Fairchild President and co-founder of Scooter Club
if a scooter is less than 50cc (cubic centimeters in relation to the size of the engine), you don’t need a driver’s license but must always wear a helmet, the latter being somethig the club emphasizes. “Safety is a top priority of the Scooter Club,” Fairchild said. “(My dad) was nervous that I would treat my scooter as though it were a toy and potentially hurt myself.” Most of the speed limits around Blacksburg are only 35 mph and a 50cc scooter doesn’t have the capacity to go above that speed limit, so the club members never have to worry about speeding on the streets or running out of gas in a short period of time. As for the future of the Scooter Club, Eaddy would like to see it continue after his graduation. Similarly, Fairchild hopes they can change the image of scooters. “For all the scooter enthusiasts at Tech, don’t be afraid to get out there,” Eaddy said.
march 27, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
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Drink of the week: Juicetail CHELSEA GILES | special sections editor
KEVIN DICKEL/ SPPS
Recipe: Cheesy polenta with mushroom sauce BRIAN CROMER | features staff writer Polenta is the less-coarse Italian cousin of grits. Finished with cream and cheese, it becomes a hearty vegetarian meal. The mushroom sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the herbed polenta. With few ingredients, this polenta can feed a large group of people. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Ingredients: 8 ounces mushrooms 3 cups whole milk 3 cups vegetable stock 1 1/2 cups polenta 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup Parmesan
2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons fresh parsley 1 tablespoon fresh sage 1 tablespoon soy sauce 2 small shallots 4 garlic cloves PAUL KURLAK / SPPS
Directions: 1. Clean the mushrooms and break them down into similar sizes — about 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the shallots and garlic as well as the parsley and sage. Grate the cheeses and set them aside. 2. In a large pot, bring the milk and vegetable stock to a boil. Reduce them to a light simmer and whisk in the polenta. Break up any chunks and stir it occasionally. Simmer the mixture for 35 to 40 minutes or until the polenta has thickened. Remove it from the heat and whisk in 1/4-cup of the heavy cream and one tablespoon of butter. Add the Parmesan, cheddar and herbs. Season it with salt to taste. 3. In a medium saucepan over low heat, sweat the shallots and garlic until they are translucent. Turn the heat up to high and add the mushrooms. Brown the mushrooms until they are darkened — about 10 minutes. Take care not to burn the garlic mixture. Add the soy sauce and lower the heat. Add the remaining heavy cream and butter and stir it until the sauce has thickened slightly. Serve and enjoy.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Some things are still out of reach. Focus on completing as much of the mundane work as possible now so that you can concentrate on more dif icult tasks later. Elbow grease pays off. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Stick with trusted routines, and do what you know works. Handle basics: chop wood and carry water. Postpone romance for now, and focus on productivity. Don’t go out shopping either. Minimize risks, and build infrastructure.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you feel like you don’t need anybody. There’s plenty to learn and improve upon, and it’s better together. It’s more fun, and you’re done earlier. Spending isn’t required.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Take care of your relationships, and don’t lose your temper. You don’t want to burn any bridges that you may want to cross later. Meditation helps, as does comedy. Add a sense of humor.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Figure out a solution to a con lict of interests. Do it carefully so you won’t have to do it over. New opportunities come from your willingness to contribute and help others. It’s also satisfying.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Avoid a serious argument; it’s not worth it right now. You have more interesting things to worry about. Focus on your personal progress, especially around career. Don’t stir up jealousies. Acknowledge others for their contributions.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) An obstacle may get in the way. Use your creative powers to turn a detour into a new opportunity. You’re being tested on your patience, anyway. It’s not about the score.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) New breakdowns could arise from previous ones. This is what it looks like when you’re really playing. Continue with your productivity streak, and do what there is to do. Address root causes.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) A female introduces new ideas. Peaceful interludes rejuvenate and ripple out. Being gentle increases your self-esteem, and more gets accomplished through lexibility than through pressure. Longdistance deals bring surprising results, even after slight delays. Gambling is unwise.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Perceive the underlying harmony. You’ll discover something that you didn’t notice before regarding your time management this week. Being self-suf icient helps. Keeping close contact with your calendar and structures is vital.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Answer the call of the wild; you’re ready for anything. Work out the glitches in a relationship. Listen to all points of view. Self-esteem increases as you iron out the wrinkles. Unexpected results are available. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Avoid impetuous actions. The budget is tight and will require some creative thinking. Step back to recall what worked before, and put that information to good use. Get feedback and participation from others.
Spring cleaning is inescapable it seems. As I flip through any magazine lately, there is at least one article about the renewing and uplifting effects of organizing your closet, rearranging a room or starting a new workout. Some even take spring cleaning as an opportunity to start a detox diet. If you are considering a deep, clean diet but don’t want to give up all that you enjoy, the juicetail may be the way to go. A juicetail is a cocktail mixed with a variety of fruit and vegetable juices, which yields a colorful drink with a raw and bold flavor. The bonus of a juicetail is the bundle of vitamins and antioxidants that are absent in drinks made with sodas or sugary mixers. To find the best vegetable juices, look in the natural foods section of the grocery store or shop in a natural foods store. The other perk here is that the recipe can be your own creation. The one below can be substituted with your juices of choice. Call it a detox or a “retox,” but it’s spring cleaning. Ingredients: 1 ounce carrot juice 1 ounce beet juice 2 ounces apple juice 2 ounces orange juice 1 1/2 ounce vodka Directions: Combine all ingredients, shake, then pour them over ice. Garnish it with a slice of any fruit or vegetable used in the recipe. Enjoy!
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sports
march 27, 2013 COLLEGIATETIMES
editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865
Brown to transfer from Tech Hokies dominated by VMI 8-0 MATT JONES
JACOB EMERT
sports editor
sports reporter
Robert Brown has informed Virginia Tech that he plans to transfer prior to the 2013-2014 season. Brown, who informed Hokies head coach James Johnson of his decision last week, has decided that the fit was not right in Blacksburg and he wished to be closer to his home in Clermont, Fla. Last season’s preseason expectations slotted Brown as the second or third offensive option behind Erick Green and possibly Jarell Eddie. Brown met expectations early on by recording double-digit point totals in seven of the first eight games; the Hokies went 7-1 in that span. His offensive productivity, however, did not carry over into ACC play; he exceeded nine points in just seven of the Hokies final 24 games and he failed to score more than five points in 11 of those games. Brown’s points-per-game increased from 6.8 his freshman year to 8.3 his sophomore year, however the increase was minimal compared to his increase in playing time. The sophomore guard will become the latest defection from the Hokies program following the firing of former head coach Seth Greenberg in April of 2012. Following the hire of Johnson, a former Hokies’ assistant and recruited Brown during that time, Dorian Finney-Smith — then a freshman — transferred to the University of Florida and Montrezzl Harrel — then the Hokies’ top commit — backed out from his commitment and
KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS
Brown was Tech’s third-leading scorer this season with 8.3 ppg. signed with the University of Louisville. Joining the Gators and the Cardinals in this year’s Sweet 16 is another former Hokie, Tyrone Garland, who transferred from Tech to La Salle in 2011 after Marquis Rankin was chosen to fill in for then-injured Erick Green. Brown’s departure should not surprise many — his demeanor was often questionable on and off the court – nor should it scare them. Adam Smith, who sat out the 2012-2013 season fol-
lowing his transfer from U NC-Wi lming ton — where he averaged upwards of 13 points-per-game — will be the frontrunner to take Browns’ spot, but will be challenged by four-star recruit Donte Clark. Clark is a 6-foot-4-inch four-star recruit, according to Rivals, coming from Hargrave Military Academy — Brown’s former high school. Both can be expected to make a significant impact early and often in 2013.
In its worst performance of the season, the Virginia Tech baseball team lost 8-0 to the VMI Keydets. VMI pounced on the Hokies early on, scoring six runs in the second inning. “I don’t take anything away; we’re going to move on,” said Pete Hughes, head coach. “It’s baseball, and I’m just going to write it off to that.” Tech starter Colin O’Keefe lasted just one-plus inning Tuesday. In his first start of the season, the junior threw 26 pitches while allowing four runs. “It proves that if you come out flat, not ready to play, any team in college baseball can come out here and beat you,” said Chad Pinder, who had three hits in the game. “I’m not taking anything away from them.” The Hokies were coming off a series loss to the Miami Hurricanes this past weekend. Tech dropped Friday and Saturday night’s contests before pulling out a crucial win on Sunday. “I didn’t like the way we played at Miami,” Hughes said. “I didn’t think we were tough at all and we got lulled to sleep with the atmosphere. That’s not tough.” VMI starting pitcher T.J. Lighton was on his game against the Hokies, pitching a complete game, allowing just six hits. He faced just three batters over the minimum. “I had enough belief in our offense to dig ourselves out of a bad start, and we didn’t,” Hughes said. “That kid pitched the ball well and kept us off balance. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes you get your butt handed to you, and that’s what happened to us tonight. Pinder attributed the poor performance to a lack of intensity. “I just don’t think we were
BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS
Senior outfielder Andrew Rash catches a flyball in the blowout loss. ready to play, and I think that if you’re not ready to play it doesn’t matter who is on the mound; they’re going to get you out, and they’re going to beat you,” Pinder said. “(Lighton) did a great job. They outplayed us and they beat us. Today they were better than us.” The Hokies now prepare for the No. 4 Florida State Seminoles this weekend. “We’ve got some stuff we need to work on, but we’re certainly not going to panic,” Hughes said. “We’re not going to spend a whole lot of time talking about it.” Pinder, along with several other Hokies, need to be leaders in the dugout and on the field. “Along with Tyler Horan, Andrew Rash, a few others...
Zagunis, a few other guys that just need to be a spark plug,” Pinder said. “Like I said, I’m as guilty as everyone else. It’s a shame we lost, and we just weren’t ready to play.” Even after the loss, Hughes remains confident in his team to get it together. “We’re good baseball players; we just have to go out and play relaxed,” Hughes said. “The more pressure and the more I talk about it, our guys aren’t going to be themselves. We’ll move on and get ready for the weekend.” First pitch Friday night against the Seminoles is set for 5:30 at English Field.
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.
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.