February 15th, 2012

WEDNESDAY | 2.15.12 MaceandCROWN.COM | Vol. 54, Issue 16

Would You Shake His Hand for a Million Dollars?

The Man with the Black Balloon

ODU Police didn’t know what to make of Benny LeBon in front of Perry Library.

By: Derek Page Assiatant News Editor A man with a black balloon caused quite a stir outside the Perry Library this past Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The man, identified as Benny LeBon, stood atop the cement bench

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outside of the Einstein’s Express with a chair from the outdoor patio and a guitar, shouting “One million dollars,” to do whatever he yelled out next.

Lebon wasn’t making obscene or distasteful requests, rather a series of mindless proposals one would do to win one million dollars. There was, of

course, no one million dollars, except for, as junior Alex Jones described “a one million dollar bill, like one you might find in a religious lit drop. Like the one million dollar bill on the front and religious quotes on the back. He had torn off a corner and handed it to me briefly.”

At approximately 1:40 p.m., four Old Dominion University police officers approached LeBon and requested he step down from the concrete block.

LeBon refused to even acknowledge police, until he brought one officer in on the charade.

“One million dollars!” said Lebon, “to shake my hand!” The officer accepted the gesture and LeBon contin-

The N-Word at Old Dominion see B1

WODU Brings the House Down see B2

Actress demonstrates current issues of domestic violence through comical scenarios.

By: Siaga Johnson Staff Writer On Friday, Feb. 10, Old Dominion University’s Women’s Center presented Vagina Monologues to the ODU and greater Hampton Roads Community. In honor of Valentine’s Day and survivors of domestic violence, faculty and staff collaborated to perform segments from Eve Ensler’s episodic play written in the late 90s.

The event featured performances and information about ways women are sexually and emotionally abused around the globe. In addition, money to contribute to domestic abuse outreach and resources was also raised by a cupcake sale held at the entrance.

Performers presented stories about women exploring their sexuality and their pain in first person narrative. While a lot of the dialogue had the

audience reeling in laughter, important messages were implicit. In between performances, information about abusive circumstances that women face globally was given to not only inform the audience of these realities, but to also inspire action and outreach for women who feel as though they face their struggles alone.

The different stories presented ranged from female oppression in the form of incest and rape, to the form of self torment that stems from questioning one’s sexual desires, and understanding the biological makeup and intended function of a vagina.

The theme remained the same among all these presentations, which was to raise awareness of realities that are seldom talked about but that are pervasive in the lives of all women, no matter their background.

Assistant Director of the Women’s Center, JoannBautti, said these performances have been done at

ued the spectacle.

“One million dollars to talk to this man right here, right now,” said LeBon loudly, extending his arm toward another officer. “This man just won one million dollars! Congratulations.” The officer denied LeBon’s outreached hand.

After several failed attempts to coax LeBon to step down, an officer tried to physically yield him. LeBon tore his arm from the officer’s grip, but the other officers joined in to bring LeBon down.

LeBon struggled ardently with the officers, and then wrapped himself around the light pole. “One million

LeBon getting arrested after the police end his protest.

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Blast from the Past Vagina Monologues Returns to Old Dominion

ODU before, and that it was important to do it again to send out a message of empowerment and understanding for women. “It’s a beautiful thing. So many women are unable to find their voice so performances like tonight’s show that it’s possible to end sexual violence among women,” Bautti said.

Pamphlets were also given to the audience on various resources to counter domestic violence. This resource provides survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse with leads to counseling resources, group therapy, education, and advocacy. Referrals to emergency room visits, and legal consultations are also provided, and all services are free and confidential.

In 2011, Response Sexual Assault Support Services helped 2,290 victims of sexual abuse. The 24-hour crisis line & sexual assault hotline can be reached at (757) 622-4300. Further resources can be found by contacting the Women’s Center at (757) 683-4109.

Whitney Houston Passes Away Feb 14 #Whitney Houston passed away and her life is remembered through her accomplishments. http://bit.ly/A4aCAp

Chris Herren Comes Feb15 to ODU @C_Herren Former #NBA basketball player spoke at the Ted Constant Center about drug use. http://bit.ly/z4boxp

ODU vs VCU Rivalry Unveiled Feb 15 @OldDominionUniv @VCURamNation gets to the root of their legendary rivalry in #caahoops http://bit.ly/yiQ5nE

Norfolk Weather Feb 15 #Weather #Snow Snow over the weekend? What will this week bring us? More snow or rays of sun? http://bit.ly/wLC4oR

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Mace & Crown staff David Bakhshaee Editor in Chief editorinchief@maceandcrown.com Justin Brown News Editor news@maceandcrown.com Alyssa Narvell Arts & Entertainment Editor artsandentertainment@maceandcrown.com Matthew McCracken Sports Editor sports@maceandcrown.com Megan Jefferson Senior Design layout@maceandcrown.com LJ Harris Web Designer webmaster@maceandcrown.com Jessica Starr Copy Editor copy@maceandcrown.com Drew Marmo Advertising Director advertising@maceandcrown.com Elaina Ellis Photography Editor photo@maceandcrown.com Kathryn Mason Distribution Manager Derek Page News Assistant Ethan Shaw Arts & Entertainment Assistant Jake Ullrich Sports Assistant Ari Gould Photography Assistant

Senior Writers: Ben Decowski RJay Molina Staff Writers: Alexander Rose Robbie Ciara Steve Knauer Ethan Shaw Lauren Grant Elizabeth Bowry Jordan Jones Jessica Piland Paul Minto Nour Kheireddine Shawn Minor Angel Dodson

Daniel Felarca Brian Jerry Allison Terres Timothy Fulghum Janah Stokes Jessica Scheck Gianina Thompson Emma Needham Megan Stamper MaryAnn Jackson Lateesha Gloston Siaga Johnson

Staff Photographers: Bruce Foote Chris Sampson Jake Zimmerman Lauren Makely

Marlie De Clerck Rachel Chasin Binh Dong

General Information: The Mace & Crown is a newspaper published by and written for the students of Old Dominion once a week throughout each semester and once in the summer.

Originally founded in 1930 as the The High Hat, the paper became the Mace & Crown in 1961. The Mace & Crown is a primarily selfsupporting newspaper,maintaining journalistic independance from the university.

All views expressed in this collegiate paper are those of the author, not of the University, Mace & Crown, or the editors.

Contact Information: Phone: 757-683-3452 Fax: 757-683-3459 Advertising: 757-683-4773

John R. Broderick’s

Presidential

Address

As a thriving metropolitan university, Old Dominion is constantly in pursuit of opportunities to enhance our campus and make it the premier place to learn, live and work.

Indeed, our strategic and master plans jointly work towards this goal. Whether in support of student success or quality of work life for faculty and staff, the university has undertaken a number of construction projects that will enhance the learning environment and provide for an engaged and vibrant community beyond the classroom.

Over the past few years, the new residence halls on the Quad, the Student Recreation Center and the Learning Commons and Student Success Center at Perry Library, were giant strides forward in realizing this vision. This year, we will begin construction on a Systems Research and Academic Building, the expansion of Diehn Hall and a New Arts Building and arts district on Monarch Way. Elkhorn Avenue will also be closed to better connect the campus and make it pedestrian friendly.

These additions will help secure our vision of ODU as a forwardfocused university with state-of-the art facilities designed to enhance student success, foster achievements in research and cultivate artistic endeavors, all in a safe and pleasant environment.

Of course, change does not come without interruptions to our rou-

tines. This summer, in preparation for these projects, the university will need to make a number of modifications to its current parking plan. Four parking lots will close since they are the sites for the new buildings. The types of permit holder parking will change in some garages, and, based on significant feedback requesting such, metered spaces will be added for flexibility.

It is important to note there will be no parking permit fee increases next year to ensure our transition is fair to all.

In a busy and harried world, small changes in the present that hold the promise of greater things in the future can be challenging and frustrating. We are aware of that and have taken every possible step to minimize the impact of these changes.

Parking services has conducted surveys and forums in developing its plan, so it reflects users’ needs and preferences. Parking Feedback Forums will continue as part of an effort to keep you informed of upcoming changes, answer your questions and solicit your feedback before finalizing the new parking plan. The forums will be held every Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons Conference Rooms 1310-1311 until April 24 (no forums during spring break).

Shortly, you will receive an email from Slade Mccalip, director of parking services, whom I have asked to provide more detailed information about the plan and upcoming forums. I urge you to participate so your questions can be answered and your opinions heard.

Thank you in advance for your partnership and flexibility as we move forward into the next exciting phase of Old Dominion University.

Sincerely, John R. Broderick President

SGA Address Monarchs, I would like to thank all of the students who helped make the Rivalry Week Coin Drive a success. We were able to raise more money than VCU and I would like to particularly thank the members of the various student organizations that showed their Monarch Pride and determination to beat VCU. Thank you for all of your support, without you this challenge would not have been such a huge success.

The emotion that fills our campus the week before the ODU and VCU game is truly a spectacle to behold. Through our efforts we were able to raise over $1,126 in donations to benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. This contribution will go a long way to provide assistance to those who are in need in our community.

As the challenge has demonstrated, our student organizations have a great capacity to do well and work collaboratively when we set our minds to it.

We must now turn to the budget allocation process. The budget process is a challenging and long process to navigate. I would like to inform you that this process will be handled with the utmost care and commitment by student government. I am confident in this administration’s ability to serve the over 300 student organizations on campus. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at lferreir@odu.edu.

All the best, Luis Ferreira Student Body President

Learning with Social Media By: Derek Page News Assistant

Dr. Gail Dickinson, associate professor of teaching and learning of the Darden College of Education presented her lecture as part of the Provost’s Conversation Series this past Thursday, Feb. 9.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Carol Simpson presented the lecture in the Perry Library as an opportunity for faculty members to engage with each other concerning the teaching and learning process.

Dickinson’s topic was “Using Social Networking to Engage Students in Online Instruction.” It focused on using social networking tools as a means for online classes.

Dickinson argued teaching in the conventional method, like lectures on campus, isn’t effective or engaging enough for her and her students.

“I teach graduate students. They are driving from wherever they are, finding a place to

park, coming to class after a full day of work, they have not yet been home. They’re going to be there for three hours and then go home and deal with everything they have at home and then show up to class, their workplace,” said Dickinson.

Dickinson felt that using mediums such as Adobe Connect, a platform that allows video conferencing, was more effective for holding classes. She found students were more comfortable and more willing to engage in class discussion because of the informal setting.

“I don’t get the engagement from face-toface interactions as a professor, so I decided to explore other ways to practice as a class and keep my students engaged.”

Using many different interfaces allowed students to participate in and explore these different platforms allowing them to engage together as a whole. By setting up their own back channels they allowed themselves to transfer questions and information between one another more fluidly.

Dr. Gail Dickinson Explains her Methods

“They loved the engagement. They liked the idea that they locked arms in time and space and were doing things lots of different ways that other students were not.”

In short, Dickinson found a positive correlation between the level of student engagement and further interest in the material and the use of multiple mediums of online communication resources.

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Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | A3 continued from “Shake His Hand” (A1) dollars to save me!”

LeBon was handcuffed and taken to a squad car while officers dealt with an unruly spectator who expressed his disapproval by shouting the famous title of rap group NWA’s “[expletive] the police.”

A video of the incident, titled “One Million Dollar Protest Police Abuse at Old Dominion University” has popped up all over Facebook and has kept students wondering who the mysterious man with the black balloon is and what his motives were.

Some speculate the innocuous requests were symbolic of how our country gives absurd amounts of money to people who complete insipid tasks on television. Others simply thought LeBon was on drugs or had simply lost his mind.

Devon Mizelle, a senior at ODU, said, “He doesn’t come off as ‘loco’ to me. His structure and delivery [of his speech] indicate instead that this is something planned. Maybe he just wanted to shake things up and see what happened.”

Much of the argument circulating regarded whether or not the police’s actions constitute police brutality.

“I just didn’t understand why this guy didn’t just come right out with an explanation for the whole thing.

Maybe he didn’t have one; which is explanation enough not to get arrested.

Instead, he didn’t cooperate with the police. The police were in the right on this one,” said Jones.

This may not have been the first incident police have dealt with from LeBon. Jones said he overheard an officer call in, “I think I’ve found the young man involved in the incident from this morning.”

Assistant vice president for marketing and communications Jennifer Mullen Collins said, “Police were called for service and there was an individual in need of assistance.”

Jones said that upon first approaching LeBon, the first officer to arrive asked him, “Would you like to see a doctor?” However, LeBon simply “wouldn’t break character,” Jones then mentioned, “You can’t see it on the video, but on his left arm was some sort of dried red liquid. I don’t think it was blood, it would have just been red ink, but it was in the shape of an upside ‘V’ on his left wrist.”

A friend of LeBon’s, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she visited him and asked him about saying something in the paper and LeBon said, “Yeah, I planned it all.” The source inquired as to if it was a stunt, but apparently LeBon wasn’t making much sense.

The source also mentioned LeBon called a week prior, sounding distraught, and became concerned when first seeing the video.

Not much else is known about LeBon other than he graduated from Norfolk Public School’s Granby High School in 2008, attended the Governors School for the Arts, and is currently attending Old Dominion University.

President of Wetlands Watch Adds to Psychology Professor’s Accomplishments By: Allison Terres Staff Writer Philip Langlais, Professor of Psychology at Old Dominion University, has recently been appointed as President of the Board of Directors for Wetlands Watch.

Langlais arrived in Hampton Roads in 2003 as Old Dominion’s new Dean of Graduate Studies.

The same year, he accepted an invitation by Dr. Jay Taylor, Co-Founder of Wetlands Watch, to join the organization.

Wetlands Watch, based in Hampton Roads, is currently the only grassroots organization in Virginia working specifically to preserve the mid-Atlantic wetlands.

Founded in 1999, Wetlands Watch participates in local and statewide policy making issues that concern the mid-Atlantic wetlands. The organization works to improve the dialogue between Virginia residents and lawmakers on topics that affect the Eastern Shore, such as sea-level rise. Members

travel from Richmond to Washington to advocate wetlands-friendly policies. The organization is also committed to community outreach and wetlands awareness programs.

“We find ourselves reaching out to educators and students in the community because that is where the heart and soul in this organization lies,” Langlais said.

Langlais was previously set to become the President of the Board of Directors, but could not accept the position until recently, due to his relinquishing of other demanding administrative duties.

He has held a number of elevated positions within the administrative field of psychology and at ODU, including vice provost, a position on the Board of Directors for the Council of Graduate Schools, a founding member of the Virginia Council of Graduate Schools, and part of a Steering Committee sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science among other national and international accomplishments.

“I want to devote time and energy to other ma-

CEO Bob Aston of Towne Bank Receives Economic Impact Award of 2012 By: Alexander Jones Contributing Writer G. Robert Aston Jr. was awarded the fifth annual Economic Impact Award for an outstanding 47-year career in banking and service to the community on Feb. 8, 2012. The ceremony was hosted by the Economic Club of Hampton Roads during a luncheon at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel.

Bob Aston’s vision for his company over the past 11 years has brought Towne Bank from bold beginnings to bolder successes. Today, Towne Bank stands as the number one community bank in Virginia. One value in Towne Bank’s vision for banking stands out as part of the key reason for its rise to, “be a source of community pride by providing both philanthropic and human support for the betterment of the communities we serve,” said Aston during his speech.

When asked what advice he would give the students of the College of Business at Old Dominion University, Aston said, “It is important to remember that capitalism and our social responsibility [to our community] are not mutually exclusive.” He sought to surround himself with people that were, “smarter than him,” and always asked himself, “Is this person a giver or a taker?” It was through value judgments like this that he avoided having to be a micromanager over the past decade.

The pursuit of profit is apparent when you take a course in business

or economics, but Mr. Aston contends and can prove with Towne Bank’s 11 straight years of profitability that social responsibility on an individual level as well as a corporate level can positively impact one’s business model as well as their community.

Recalling back to what banking

jor areas I am passionate about,” Langlais said, “the wetlands are something I am very passionate about.”

Wetlands Watch nominates a new president to the Board of Directors at the end of each year, nominating the psychology professor this year due to his vast administrative leadership skills. He will lead a qualified Board of Directors, composed of graduate students, professors and a clinical psychologist. Langlais’ duties as president of the Board of Directors will include oversight of Wetlands Watch contracts and policy advocacy.

This year, he will help the Board of Directors refocus on a clear set of governance policies after recent massive growth. Wetlands Watch has accumulated hundreds of members, and secures hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, contracts and support.

“We cannot be a mom and pop organization anymore,” he said of the organization’s humble beginnings in the backyard of a concerned Hampton Roads citizen. “There is a lot to be done here, we might expand, but right now we want to make sure that we stay focused,” the new president said.

was like when he started out, he said that banking was once a viewed as a service to the community, and wasn’t always as cut-throat as it is today. It’s clear that from the very beginning of Towne Bank’s inception when $49 million in capital was raised from over 4,000 shareholders that Aston’s vision had always been about bringing the banking industry back to its roots of serving and bettering the community through every action indirectly or directly. He sought to build a community asset in Towne Bank, and in broad ownership of stock, he made sure that he didn’t have to answer to any one particular investor over another by setting a limit of $250,000 in how much any one party could contribute to his or her startup capital.

In April 1999, Towne Bank began with three branches, 90 employees, and $500,000 in losses. By November of that same year, Towne Bank was profitable. Every year since then,

Towne Bank has increased profits over the prior year. While many banks contributed to the recession with risky sub-prime mortgage lending, Aston made sure early on that Towne Bank wouldn’t prey upon the weaker members of society for the pursuit of profit.

Today, Towne Bank is seventy-eighth nationally.

With a 26 branch network, 55,000 members, 1,627 employees, a payroll over $105 million, and $4.03 billion in assets, it’s clear that the recession hasn’t quite affected Towne Bank quite like it affected the banking industry as a whole. Towne Bank has had consistent partnerships with the CHKD Surgery Center, Hope House, Meals on Wheels, and the Ed Marc Pediatric Hospice. It’s an 11-year run that has proved capitalism and social and civic responsibility are not mutually exclusive, don’t have to conflict, and even have a lot of overlap.

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A4 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 2.15.2012

Pick up a copy every Wednesday

ODU waste management is working to make the university a more environmentally friendly place.

By: William Channel Staff Writer On Feb. 2, 2012, Old Dominion University invited students out to participate in a semi-annual waste audit. The purpose was to create an event where students could come together for a good cause and learn about sustainability over time.

According to Harvey Logan, recycle coordinator at ODU, somewhere between 40 and 50 people showed up to participate or learn about recycling.

The students donned protective gloves and HAZMAT suits as they sorted through the trash in the Powhatan apartment dumpsters on 47 Street.

ODU likes to involve the student body in these events as much as possible because “collectively we are a monster,” said Logan. “We cannot litter the minds of the students [until] we create burnout.”

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Opportunity for students to participate must be made in order for the future generation to grow up with an understanding of responsibility in the actions of a whole. Logan’s goal in this is to have something every month so that every student will see something that ties into the global picture.

Currently, Logan and his ODU crew are in the fourth week of RecycleMania, a 10 week event that colleges all over the U.S. and Canada participate in.

RecycleMania is a competition to see who can recycle the most.

ODU is also putting forth its recycling efforts in the form of promotional

posters that will be placed on every dumpster to give students other options to seek instead of throwing everything away. Also, Logan mentioned that they are beginning to send out announcements to students via the student announcement system that students get through their email.

This greater effort to get the word out is going to be the foundation for their future goals and efforts. According to Logan, “Foundation is the principle of success.” With each step he looks to the students to help him come up with new and other ways to go about continuing upwards.

ODU Receives UTC Program Grant for Energy Efficiency By: Siaga Johnson Staff Writer Old Dominion University is one of four schools to share the 2012 University Transportation Center’s research grant. The grant will enable ODU to facilitate research to foster Transportation for Livability by Integrating Vehicles and the Environment or alternatively, TransLIVE. Goals of this research include the integration of data systems and advanced transportation applications to increase traffic efficiency as well as reducing harmful effects on the environment.

Research will also enable participants to create models, engage in simulation, and create visualization tools to identify energy usage deficits and solutions to turn such problems around.

The University Transportation Center works with national transportation agencies to not only fund, but also contribute ideas on how to innovate solutions to challenges that pose environmental and transportation problems to communities. Implications of such challenges are also assessed when measuring the efficiency of the nation’s transportation system. This fosters collaboration among officials involved in national transportation issues, to identify the best solutions to problems.

“The main mission of the centers is to help our nation achieve the goals of a cleaner environment and greater energy independence through developing new technologies and decision support tools,” professor of civil engineering and director of Old Dominion University’s Transportation Research Institute Asad Khattak said. Khattak will work with Mike Robinson, the research assistant professor at ODU’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center, as well as Mecit Cetin, the assistant professor of modeling and simulation research. ODU’s share of the grant allocates $600,000 for this research endeavor, and will cover faculty, staff and student salaries as well as money needed for equipment and tuition for students participating in this research.

John Sokolowski, the executive director of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center said “The work of Drs. Khattak, Robinson and Cetin in the field of transportation modeling and simulation can help provide a valuable service in keeping our roads safer, cleaner and more efficient.” Support for such research was also extended by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission through letters of support for Old Dominion’s participation.

Receiving $600,000 is an opportunity for Old

Dominion University to participate in research that has a direct influence on pressing environmental problems that the community and nation face. With the funds and ideas put in place to find

new applications for transportation solutions, improvements in efficiency regarding traffic, and energy consumption will lead to less energy wastage, and less harm done to the environment.

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Galaxy Dynomite

see B2

picup kids album

&

see B2

wodu pumps up the beats

Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | B1

see B2

arts entertainment

Ruby Bridges Comes to Old Dominion An Inspiring Speech To Eliminate What Is Left of Racism By: Rashad Little Contributing Writer

“The N Word” is a documentary that was released in 2004.

“The N Word” at Old Dominion By: Lateesha Gloston Staff Writer ODU is celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events, many of which are free and open to the public. One of these programs was the screening of “The N Word” On Feb. 9, the Black Student Caucus held a screening of a documentary entitled, “The N Word” in honor of Black History Month. The screening was followed by a discussion moderated by Old Dominion’s Dr. Timothy Robinson, a department of English professor.

“The N Word” is a documentary that was released in 2004 and directed

by Todd Williams. It featured commentary from actress Nia Long, actor Michael Rapaport, and comedians Chris Rock Paul Mooney, and Whoopi Goldberg.

While opening the event, Dr. Robinson explained that he no longer tolerates use of “the n word” in his classes, even when it is included in the texts.

The decision was brought on by a student who always seemed to be overly eager to read aloud when that word was used in the texts and students began to question it. Dr. Robinson said, “I’m not devaluing the text, I’m trying to take the power of the word away.”

That is exactly what the documentary “The N Word” was about. It was a discussion about whether or not use of the word really takes the power away, whether the meaning has been changed, and who has attempted to change it.

The documentary explores the origin of “the n word” and its infiltra-

tion into present, everyday language through a collection of celebrity interviews. Other points of discussion included contradictions of how and who should use the word.

Famed producer Quincy Jones, better known for producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, offered his thoughts on African-Americans’ use of “the n word” by saying, “It is designed to be derogatory and it is an expression of hate. We’re not going to stop using it. We must take the power the word has… It’s a word we use with love and affection.”

Dr. Robinson facilitated what seems to be the very point of the film at the end by asking the audience to talk about their experiences with the word.

The audience gave several opinions and personal experiences with “the n word”.

One student said, “Growing up, I used to use ‘the n word’… but [there] came a time when I started becoming diverse amongst a lot of different ethnicities and races and my thing was…

I wanted to be able to relate to them as well, a lot of different backgrounds.”

He also added, “I felt like if we’re using ‘the n word’ and around them, that puts them in an awkward feeling.”

Another student expressed that she won’t let the word oppress her by not using it and that she’d rather prove all of the stigmas attached to the word wrong, in ways such as getting an education at ODU. For more information on more ODU Black History Month events, visit http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/oir/ programs/bhm/.

In the spirit of Black History Month, the famous Ruby Bridges gave a speech at Old Dominion University on Feb. 6.

Recognized as the first known African-American child to attend an allwhite elementary school, Bridges has made it her purpose in life to travel the country, relaying her message of how that experience has shaped her life.

The priceless painting by Norman Rockwell called “The Problems We All Live With” was created to depict Bridges’ trials and tribulations of the first day she attended the all-white school. Rockwell’s painting displays four U.S. Marshals escorting her into the school, protecting her from a mob of angry white parents protesting school integration in the south.

Ruby Bridges began her speech with a passage which explained that the great events of our world are not earthquakes, elections or thunderbolts, but are our babies.

Like the previous speech of Geoffrey Canada’s at ODU, Bridges ideology of the importance of good parenting corresponded with that of Canada’s. ”Each baby is born with a clean slate, and the responsibility to rear this innocent child to a life of positivity and education lies with its parents,” said Bridges.

Bridges’ personal example of the importance of parenting, but also parents overall influence came from a personal experience when she attended elementary school. “So, I went in to sit down to play with them, but

A Trippy Tuesday

that was day that I found out what was really going on, “because this little boy looked at me and said ‘I can’t play with you, my mom said I can’t play with you because you are an ‘N’ word.’”

Bridges said that when she reflects on that statement, it was never the boy she was angry with because he was only obeying his parents, and Bridges admitted she would have done the same. She was angry with the boy’s parents. “It is us,” Bridges explained, “we have kept racism alive.”

Along with parenting, Ruby Bridges’ message also touched on the idea of evil. It is impossible to look at another human being and decipher whether they are good or evil, she said. “I know that you know we don’t live in a world like that,” Bridges said. “See I know that firsthand, because my oldest son was shot and murdered in 2005 by somebody that looked exactly like him. Evil does not care who it uses.”

Bridges’ program is one of the many Black History Month events that ODU is featuring this month.

12th Planet Concert at Peabody’s By: Ethan Shaw Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor A one manned show, 12th Planet is the alias of DJ John Dadzie. Using a combination of pyrotechnics and the beats he composed, the audience was literally being moved by the massive speakers at the Feb. 7 show at Peabody’s in Virginia Beach.

The show was a part of “The End is Near Tour,” where the audience was blasted with a light show and dub step compositions mixed with popular hip-hop songs. It started at 8 p.m. as local DJ’s Deff and Ategy opened up the show at Peabody’s. Tickets were sold for $15.

12th Planet also opened for the Skrillex at the NorVa in Oct. 2011.

Waitresses were directed to hand out drinks and adorn guests in glow sticks and beads. The stage and dance floor was like the modern day upgrade to dance clubs seen in John Travolta’s 1977 blockbuster “Saturday Night Fever.”

Around 10 p.m. was when the opening acts of the tour began, starting with DJ Deff.

The crowd was a unique blend of Old Dominion students, Virginia Beach locals, and avid dub step fans from across the state.

“I’ve never been to a dub step show before, the atmosphere is awesome,” commented Old Dominion student Dave Vasquez. The show brought in a crowd of 20 to 30 which started to enlarge with DJ Flinch’s performance, whose base seemed to hype the crowd and could be heard from outside the club.

12th Planet came on stage at midnight blasting white lights and handing out foam sticks. 12th Planet used mash ups of popular performers such as Skrillex, Pretty Lights, and his own creations.

With floor boards vibrating and a crowded show, many fans seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was also merchandise from the tour available for purchase and a time slot where the DJ’s would sign fans’ paraphernalia.

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Radio-Activity Hour with WODU By: Lateesha Gloston Staff Writer

Celebrating the organization’s relaunch, WODU Studios held WODU Studios Activity Hour, a brand launching event for its new sound and design in the House of Blue, on Feb. 10.

WODU Studios deemed the event the “giveaway of the semester.” Students lined up for free food, drinks, tshirts, raffle tickets and fun. The event was free and open to everyone.

The WODU Studios activity hour event was hosted by WODU members Vernon Dennis and Jessica Johnson.

This event’s goal was to get ODU students involved in the organization and celebrating its growth while attracting students to come and learn more about the organization.

WODU Studios is a media outlet at ODU that describes itself as a “training ground for students to get connected and learn the various functions of multi-media relations” in areas such as radio, DJ service, and TV Produc-

tion. The organization is made up of many departments that include public relations, music directorate, sports directorate and TV production.

Students with free raffle tickets were entered into a drawing to win WODU t-shirts. Members of the organization could be seen wearing the shirts at the event, which read “WODU Studios est. 1974” on the front. The back of the shirt included social media information for students to get connected with the organization.

Along with the giveaway, there was live music and a performance by artists Planet VI, formerly known as Rock City, who are known for their song writing credits on songs like “Man Down” by Rihanna and “When I Grow Up” by the Pussycat Dolls.

In between music and raffle drawings, the organization’s radio show introduced themselves and their shows to the student body. The shows can be viewed online via Ustream or on WODU Studios’ homepage. Oncampus students can watch WODU’s

broadcasts from channel 70.

Alex McGinnis took to the stage to introduce his show, The Flatliner, to fellow ODU students. His show plays hard rock and heavy metal.

Another WODU member, Haley Bob, took to the stage to introduce The Underground Station, her personal radio show that plays underground music that you wouldn’t typically hear on the radio.

Freshman Mitchell Brown, a communications major, introduced the House of Blue to his sports show, “The Den.” As a whole, WODU Studios activity hour provided a fun way for students to get involved and learn more about the organization. Students interested in WODU Studios are advised by the organization’s general manager, Jaye Davaughn, to visit the studio, pick up an application, fill it out, and bring it back for membership.

For more information, visit wodustudios.com

Galaxy Dynomite’s First EP

Lasers, Fog and Rage A b ove

All Else

The PicUp Kids Rise Up By: R Jay Molina Staff Writer A Norfolk based indie-techno, hip-hop duo called “The PicUp Kids” is slowly on the rise throughout Virginia.

“The PicUp Kids” was formed by Old Dominion student Max “Ataraxis” Covington and friend Chelsea Elliot. The duo met at a Christmas concert that Elliot was opening for with another band. “This girl can sing,” Covington said as he was recalling his first impression of Elliot at the concert.

About a month later, he contacted Elliot and asked her to sing with him at a talent show.

Their performance at the talent show, followed by a wave of encouragement from the crowd, got Covington and Elliot serious about making music together.

“She [Elliot] was doing punk rock and I was trying to be the hard rapper. But I realized that wasn’t me,” Covington said. Nevertheless, the two were able to combine their influences together and grow as friends. In April, they released a promotional song, “Party of the Century,” and received more encouragement.

Two months later, “The PicUp Kids” released “Above All Else” for free on bandcamp.com. The band released their first extended play (EP) in July of last year. The EP, entitled “Above All Else,” is a slick and fist pumping tease to what will hopefully be a bigger album in the future.

With the featured eight tracks, they have built a solid foundation for the future. “Turn Off the Sound” opens the EP with a cool melody and a welcome from Elliot’s seemingly gentle voice. Covington then snaps in with a rap that perfectly blends with Elliot’s catchy and rave-like chorus.

“That was actually a poem I wrote in the seventh grade,” Elliot explained, “it has a lot of meaning, but we shaped it so it could mean whatever you want it to mean.”

The rest of the EP builds upon the unique style with songs

like “Love Parade” and “Rage.” The PicUp Kids wrap the EP up with “Above All Else (The Anthem),” which resembles a pledge to stay free from conformity.

In less than a year, the duo has already played at the NorVa in downtown Norfolk twice. They have also played shows in Virginia Beach and are set to perform at the DC Film Festival later this year. For now they may seem small, but if the PicUp Kids continue building up their fan base and release a full-length CD, they could very well be on their way to bigger shows and deals within the next few years.

Download their EP at http://thepicupkids.bandcamp. com.

Local Band, PicUp Kids, release their EP “Above All Else” on bandcamp.com.

Galaxy Dynomite Turns Heads By: Haja Kabba Contributing Writer

Passion without words. This is how Mike Mahgerefteh describes his band, Galaxy Dynamite. Galaxy Dynamite is a local band comprised of three Old Dominion students Mike Mahgerefteh, Kevin Arroyo and Sam Wolffe .

The band originally started through a series of sporadic jam sessions that transitioned into open mic nights. The name “Galaxy Dynamite” is derived from an anime show, but its personal meaning to the band differs. “It’s kind of overwhelming explosions. Excessive excitement. Free thinking,” Mahgerefteh said. “It’s basically just fun and goofiness,” Kevin said.

When asked some of their creative influences, Arroyo was quick to name Jimmy Hendrix.

Galaxy Dynamite is inspired by the idea of an epic flow of high energy, low energy, and improvisation with an underlining of “trans” music.

Trans music is a branch of the dance and techno music genre, such as Daft Punk. They are also inspired by the idea of waves in the sense that they’re unpredictable. They find the potential that the waves can be calming one second but their movement changes continuously to be fascinating.

The band has recently finished recording their first album which is a compilation of a performance they did late last year at The Jewish Mother in Norfolk, VA. The album features an endless stream of free flowing music that leads into one another.

This is often an organic, improvised act, Arroyo explained. “A lot of the time we’re just jamming and we keep going.” Every concert experience is

unlike the other. The songs feature effortless hits like “Zombiewalk” and “Rocket Smash.”

“It’s a kind of surf rock mixed with psychedelic trans jam,” Mahgerefteh said enthusiastically.

The song titles are inspired by random thoughts and the actual feeling the song depicts itself. They don’t intentionally sit down and attempt to make songs a certain way, but rather to make the process as natural as possible.

When asked when they thought their next album would be released Arroyo answered, “Oh man! Our next album is out in another year.” There was an agreement with this statement.

“Yeah we still have a lot more work to do,” Wolffe said. “One idea I had would be to take the songs from our first album, rerecord it and dub it into reggae.”

The threesome have a fond appreciation of the support they’ve received from their friends, families and fans, which they dedicated a section on their debut CD for.

Fans of Galaxy Dynamite can find out more about the band via their YouTube, Facebook, and personal band page.

The band has an upcoming show at The Taphouse in Norfolk March. 3.

Until then, their keeping themselves busy with performing at house parties, working on merchandise, and touring as much as possible.

“Our main goal is making money doing what we love to do. Five or 10 years from now I see us doing 70 to 100 shows on tour,” Mahgerefteh said.

“The rest of the time we’re on the yacht,” Wolffe added jokingly.

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A Spark in Nick Wright Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | C1

sports

see C2

Odu falls to vcu

see C3

Intramural Basketball

see C4

Caa Score COrner

see C5

Baseball Aims for NC State’s One Man Wolf Pack Not Enough Title or Bust to Handle Monarchs

Old Dominion Wrestling wins big on Senior Night By: Matthew McCracken Sports Editor Old Dominion Wrestling (13-8) crushed the NC State Wolf Pack (48) in their final dual at home 34-3.

Te Edwards and Joe Budi were recognized before the match as the lone seniors of the Monarchs.

Budi won by decision against NC State’s KaRonne Jones 2-0 in his last match at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Edwards, ranked thirteenth in the 174-weight class, defeated no. 32 ranked Quinton Godley 5-3 with a late takedown.

“He [Godley] was reaching a lot.

It was just weathering the storm from there. He [Godley] wrestled in short bursts,” Edwards said. “I didn’t per-

form as well as I wanted to, but a win’s a win,” Edwards said.

Old Dominion recognized their AllDecade team of ten past Monarchs during intermission. “I thought we had a great crowd tonight, thought it was a great turnout,” Monarchs’ head coach Steve Martin said.

Old Dominion started off well in the 125-pound weight class as no. 32 ranked redshirt freshman Jerome Robinson defeated no. 23 Coltin Fought 10-3. What seemed to be a close match opened up after Robinson had a late takedown in the third period.

“We knew we had to get off the bottom, and we got off the bottom, that’s why we won,” coach Martin said.

“That was a big, huge win for him.

That could have just bumped him a trip to the national tournament right continued on C3

ODU WRESTLING SCORES #23 Old Dominion 34, North Carolina State 3

125: #32 Jerome Robinson (ODU) dec. #23 Coltin Fought (NCST), 10-3 133: Scott Festejo (ODU) pinned Ben Elliott (NCST), 5:08 141: #11 Darrius Little (NCST) dec. Taylor Moeder (ODU), 3-2 149: Brennan Brumley (ODU) vs. Matt Nereim (NCST), 6-2 157: #24 John Nicholson (ODU) major dec. Thomas Gantt (NCST), 14-4 165: #24 Tristan Warner (ODU) major dec. Nijel Jones (NCST), 13-2 174: #13 Te Edwards (ODU) dec. #32 Quinton Godley (NCST), 5-3 184: Billy Curling (ODU) major dec. Rober t O’Neill (NCST), 12-4 197: Joe Budi (ODU) dec. KaRonne Jones (NCST), 2-0 285: Matt Tourdot (ODU) major dec. Josh Davis (NCST), 13-3

monarch mentions • The Bud Metheny Baseball Complex adds a brick wall down right and left field lines, a clock over the scoreboard and a new outfield fence with padding featuring photos of Monarchs past and present from the Major Leagues.

• Lady Monarchs’ basketball defeated UNCW 59-57 bringing their record to 9-16 overall, 6-7 in the Colonial Athletic Association.

• Wrestling (13-8) finished 4-0 at home this season, defeating two ranked opponents. They outscored their opposition 106-39 in these duals.

• Men’s basketball fell to the VCU Rams 68-64, bringing the rivalry record to VCU-45, ODU-42.

The Old Dominion Baseball team promotes thier upcoming season by throwing shirts at the ODU vs VCU men’s Basketball Game on February 11.

New Coach and a New Look for ODU Baseball By: Jake Ullrich Assistant Sports Editor Coach Chris Finwood has really been enjoying the nice weather. Not just because the sunny skies have put him in a good mood in early February, but also because it gives his team the opportunity to be on the field practicing whatever baseball actions they need much earlier than usual.

“We’ve had great weather so we’ve been trying to take advantage of this,” coach Finwood said. “The field’s been in incredible shape so we’ve gotten a lot done. We haven’t had a lot of stretches where we’ve been chased inside or can’t really do anything, so we’ve been really lucky.”

But its not just the weather that is new to this area, it is also coach Finwood’s first year here at Old Dominion. Hired June 22, Finwood coached at Western Kentucky for the past six years before arriving to Norfolk. He led the team to the NCAA Regional Final in 2009 and compiled a 190-154 record. He feels his experience there

can only help an already very talented Monarchs’ team.

“We’ve got a group of older guys here that I just decided I need to give a chance and not come in with any preconceived notions,” Finwood said.

“Let them become our kind of guys, and they have.”

“We’ve got great leadership, great camaraderie down here. They get along real well, they’re chemistry is great and I think they’re ready to take that next step.”

Finwood is quick to acknowledge that he is the new guy to a team that features seven returning starters, including CAA Player of the Year Josh Wright. The team has already created an identity that Finwood admits he has no plan on changing.

While the team returned many key components, they lost their Friday night ace in Kyle Hald. A number one pitcher is crucial for the success of a team, but Finwood is very confident in the rest of his rotation.

“We also got two of the three weekend starters back,” Finwood said. “So

you like to think with Phil McCarthy and Ben Tomchick back that overall, our pitching staff might be stronger.”

The lineup goes through less overhaul than the rotation, headlined by Wright, but also with Chris Baker and sophomore Joey Burney, both named CAA Pre-season honorable mentions.

Baker finished last season with 10 home runs and 63 RBI’s while Burney had eight and 34.

But Finwood admits the lineup has the possibility of a lot of flexibility.

The team is very deep with talent and could see a lot of different looks.

“We’re going to play a lot of guys.

We’ve got the ability to play some lefthanded, right-handed combinations, especially in the outfield,” Finwood said. “The infield will be pretty set; we’ve got four seniors who are going to start. It’s nice to have that veteran presence.”

Wright will bat in the middle of the lineup and be responsible for a lot of the run production for the team. Luckily, he’ll be protected by Baker batting behind him, who will give the team continued on C3

Athlete of the Week:

Jerome Robinson

Redshirt Freshman Wrestler

Robinson is ranked no. 32 in the 125-weight class. He defeated no. 23 Colin Fought 10-3 in the Monarchs’ last home dual against NC State. Robinson is now 10-7 on the year.

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C2 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 2.15.2012

Providing A Spark By: Jordan Jones Staff Writer

“You may not have the most talent, but I guarantee you won’t outwork

me.” Undoubtedly, many have heard this sports adage, but Old Dominion University forward Nick Wright adds a real meaning to the phrase.

The 6-feet-8-inch redshirt junior

from Suffolk, Virginia is an energetic player for ODU and is enjoying success with the Monarchs this season.

Playing any type of sport for Old Dominion comes with high standards, and Wright certainly understands that.

“It means to be a hard worker and determined,” Wright said. “On the court, in the classroom, even out in the community. It’s just the atmosphere, both school and sports.” Wright has played well throughout the year and is a big reason why the Monarchs are in the heated race atop the Colonial Athletic Association standings.

He posted a career game against the University of Vermont, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a winning effort. He prides his game on effort and hustle.

“I’ve always been the energy guy to work hard up and down the floor, block shots and grab rebounds,” Wright said. “But this year, me being one of the older guys, I have to be more of a role model even on and off the court.”

Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor was complimentary of his young player as well. “He’s gotten much stronger, more mature, and his improved play over the weeks has been a theme for us.”

Wright has had to wait and learn behind some great players during his time at ODU such as Frank Hassell and Gerald Lee and was able to gain knowledge from those great team

players. ”They were great leaders on the court, and also in school,” Wright said. “They graduated when they were supposed to, some of them two degrees, and kept us young guys heads leveled.”

ODU is a school with rich tradition in basketball and its players have always shown quality and excellence on the court as well as off it.

Wright acknowledges that in order to take his game to new heights, there are some things that he needs to accomplish first. “I need to get stronger,” Wright said. With a frame such as his, it’s only a matter of time before he fills out and becomes an even more dominant force in the paint for the Monarchs.

Basketball is a sport heavily driven by emotions and how one handles these emotions can ultimately determine success or failure in the sport.

Wright uses several things as his motivation to become the best player he can be. “I want to be successful myself, but by playing at home, I feel like I got family, friends, even the fans, which feels like family. They look at us so much and that motivates me a whole lot,” Wright said.

The Monarch atmosphere certainly serves as a distinct advantage for ODU as they boast one of the best home crowds in the entire country. “That’s what motivates me, the atmosphere,” Wright said.

Because Wright was redshirted, he

has one year of eligibility left, but he is already looking forward to the future. “Hopefully I can play professional basketball somewhere,” Wright said. ”If not, I have a major in industrial technology. If basketball doesn’t work, I’ll go ahead and further my education.”

“Never settle for less.” This is a phrase used by many and one that Wright says the coaching staff at Old Dominion has instilled in him.

“Times that you think you can’t go anymore, they have pushed our team to doing things we never thought possible, such as winning the championship two years in a row,” Wright said.

A powerful lesson that all can learn from. Wright seems to be headed in the right direction as he continues to be a leader on his basketball team and in life.

Wright, Nick

Season Statistics 8.2 PPG 5.3 RPG 1.1 BPG .7 APG .5 SPG

Excellence on and off the court By: Jordan Jones Staff Writer Each year, over 49,000 student athletes compete in college sports around the country and show great leadership, determination and stamina as they represent their universities.

6-feet-2-inch Lady Monarch forward Mairi Buchan is a great example of these qualities. The redshirt junior from Scotland is averaging 7.6 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game this season and contributes with outstanding hustle plays.

As aforementioned, Buchan is from Scotland and is the first Scottish female player to attend a top-25 Division 1 university in the United States.

As one could imagine, playing basketball in the United States is much different for Buchan.

“Here in America, the game is based on a lot more power and strength, “Buchan said. “In Europe, it’s kind of run the floor, run the offense, finesse kind of stuff.”

Buchan has done a great job of adjusting to a new style of play as this season she has scored a personal best of 16 points in a win over Georgia State as well as a career high tying nine rebounds in a win over James Madison University.

Many times, the “student” part in student-athlete is overlooked in col-

lege sports, but Buchan is an exception. The Biology and Pre-med double major was recently named to the Capital One Academic All-District team.

“I’ve always been kind of good at balancing academics,” Buchan said. “I don’t like to not have good grades, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment for me getting to college and balancing school and basketball.”

Mairi has been in a unique situation while at Old Dominion having had to adjust to several new coaching staffs and teammates during her time here, but has been able to take something from each one.

“My teammates are from a lot of different backgrounds, a lot of different cultures and it’s taken me a lot to learn how to deal with different attitudes and how attitudes can impact you,” Buchan said. “I have learned that you can’t be a college athlete and not work hard.”

As Buchan continues her daily quest to be the best player she can be, she has identified the strengths of her game as well as the things that she can improve upon. “My strengths are midrange shooting and three-point shooting.” This is evident as she is one of the team leaders in made threepoint field goals.

“The weaknesses of my game would be defending penetration because a lot of times I stand up straight.”

Buchan has set some outstanding goals for herself. “This summer is an Olympic year, so my first goal is to make the training camp for that and just progress from there,” Buchan said.

Buchan enjoys a variety of activities when she is not busy studying or on the hard wood. She is a movie buff and enjoys working out in the gym in her spare time as well as reading psychology books.

“Confidence comes when you’ve done hard work to succeed.” Powerful quote and one that Buchan live by daily. A player with her work ethic surely knows how to put these words into practice as she continues to excel on the basketball court as well as in the classroom and make her university, teammates and coaching staff proud.

Buchan, Mairi

Season Statistics 7.6 PPG 4.2 RPG .6 BPG 1.6 APG .6 SPG

Mairi Buchan shooting free throws for the Lady Monarchs at the TED.

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Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | C3 continued from “Wolf Pack” (C1) there, that win.”

The middleweights for the Monarchs are the core to their success as John Nicholson, Tristan Warner and Edwards are all ranked in their weight classes. No. 20 Nicholson won by major decision against Colton Palmer, 14-4.

No. 24 Warner also won by major decision against Nijel Jones 13-2 with multiple takedowns. Warner leads the team this year with 25 victories.

“The beginning of the year started off a little slow. I just kept training hard, and keep making good decisions on and off the mat and it’s been working out for me,” Warner said of his season’s success.

“I think Tristan [Warner] has been dominate for the last month. He’s got as good a shot as anyone to be an AllAmerican,” coach Martin said.

Out of the 10 weight classes, Old Dominion only gave up one loss in the 141-pound match-up between Monarchs’ Taylor Moeder and NC State’s Darius Little. Moeder is a true freshman while Little is ranked no. 11 for the Wolf Pack.

Moeder kept even with Little until late in the third period when he took down Moeder for two points, winning the match by decision 3-1.

“His match was when he let his guy escape in the second period. If that escape didn’t occur, we were going to beat him,” coach Martin said. “That’s a grown man out there he’s [Moeder} wrestling.”

Other dominant wins by Monarchs were Scott Festejo pinning Ben Elliot in 133-weight class. ODU’s Billy Curling took down Robert O’Neill multiple times in a major decision 12-4 win in the 184-weight class.

Old Dominion travels to Binghamton, New York to face Binghamton on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. continued from “Baseball” (C1) some serious pop. It will be important for the speedy players before those two to get on base to allow them to bring them home.

Finwood admits he likes to play an aggressive style of baseball, being active on the base paths and trying to make the pitcher think about more than just the batter. But the Monarchs’ best players are more of power hitters, so expect a lot of doubles and less hit and runs.

But Finwood is known for the importance he places on defense, insisting his teams help their pitchers out by being solid behind him.

“I always believe in being a good defensive ball club,” Finwood said.

“Well-coached teams are always good at defensive, it’s easy to get them excited about hitting. We want to be very good on defense.”

The Monarchs were picked to finish third in the CAA, behind James Madison and UNC-Wilmington. Finwood admits he is new to the CAA and is excited to see how the conference plays out, but knows he has a good club and is expecting a strong showing from his Monarchs.

Coach Finwood made it simple on what the team is striving for this season, epitomizing the belief instilled into the Monarchs everyday.

“We want to be champions here, that’s what we want to do everyday.”

Heartbreak at the Ted Monarchs fall to the Rival Rams 68-64 By: Ben Decowski Senior Writer The Old Dominion University Monarchs (16-11, 11-4) fell 68-64 to the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams (22-5, 13-2) at the Ted Constant Center

archs hit their first five field goals to give them a 13-7 lead over the Rams. The Monarchs kept the pressure on the Rams through the start of the half and built up a 12 point lead with 7:21 to go.

However, VCU responded with a 10-0 run in the next 56 seconds and cut ODU’s lead to two. The

on Saturday, Feb. 11. The game was a heart breaker for the 8,472 fans in attendance as they watched the rival Rams sweep the season series with the Monarchs.

“The Ted Constant Center looked like a million bucks today with all of those people in there,” ODU head coach Blaine Taylor said. “We’ve just had great attendance all year long, so thanks to the fans.”

ODU had a hot hand to start the game as the Mon-

Monarchs managed to keep the lead going into the half at 36-33, but the Rams were right on their heels.

Redshirt junior Forward Nick Wright played a great first half, hitting four of his six shots from the field and led the Monarchs with 10 first half points.

On the other side of the floor, senior guard Bradford Burgess was lighting up the Monarchs, hitting three three-pointers on his way to 13 points. “I think he’s done a great job leading us all year,” VCU head

coach Shaka Smart said.

The second half was a disaster for the Monarchs, who missed their first 19 shots from the field. “We just have to put the ball in the basket at the end of the day,” redshirt senior guard Kent Bazemore said.

The frustration was also felt by coach Taylor who picked up a technical foul when he had a word with a referee after feeling the game was getting a little too physical. “I don’t get technical’s so you know if I do, somebody should probably do some soul searching,” coach Taylor said.

The Rams went on a 12-2 run to open the second half before ODU hit their first field goal. The poor shooting from the Monarchs gave the Rams a 45-38 lead before sophomore guard Donte Hill finally hit a layup with 9:23 remaining. “We weren’t necessarily getting great shots, but we knew if we kept running and executing, we’d eventually get good shots and they would start falling for us,” Hill said.

The Monarchs fought their way back into the game and took the lead 56-54 with 2:31 left in the game after Bazemore sank a couple of free throws. It was simply not meant to be for the Monarchs though as Burgess sank a three-pointer to tie the game up at 61 with 52 seconds to go.

Burgess then stole the ball from Bazemore and delivered it to junior guard Darius Theus, who hit a layup and was fouled. Theus sank the free throw to convert on the three point play, giving the Rams a 64-61 lead at the 30 second mark. That lead proved to be too much for the Monarchs to overcome in so little time as they fell to the Rams 68-64.

The Monarchs lost, but surprisingly beat the Rams in rebounds, steals and blocks. “Where they gained ground was when the ball rolled off their hands at the free throw line and at the three point line,” coach Taylor said.

Burgess was a big part of those free throws and three pointers. He made seven of his eight free throws and added five three-pointers and put up a total of 24 points in the game. “I think some of the plays he made were difference makers,” coach Taylor said.

The Rams may have swept the Monarchs in the regular season, but there is a good chance that these two teams will meet again in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament which begins on March 2. Until then though, Coach Taylor says the Rams have, “bragging rights.”

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Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | C4

A LEAGUE OF OUR OWN: An Inside Look at the Intramural Sports at ODU By: Kathryne Mason Distribution Manager

For the most part, intramural sports have always been a part of every college student’s life while away at school. For freshmen, it’s the perfect way to socialize and meet new friends.

For sophomores and juniors, it’s a much needed outlet, or distraction from unbearable professors and a never ending assignment list.

And for seniors, it’s their last chance to be worry free before the heavy burdens of the corporate world and adult responsibilities weighs down on them.

At Old Dominion, there are different leagues and divisions for different sports. Some are based on the competitiveness and others are based on oncampus organizations like fraternities.

The different leagues include: Men’s A, Men’s B, Men’s C, Greek, and Co-Ed. Brandon Adams, the assistant director of Intramurals, said, “Men’s A is the top-level competition. They’ll be the guys that have the most skills or what not, and are serious about playing.”

Adams went on and said, “B league

is competitive like A league, they just don’t have the same skill set, and C is just more of a fun, loose atmosphere.”

To be in the Greek league, you must be in a fraternity to participate. Sorority leagues aren’t necessary due to the lack of interest on their part.

Old Dominion has pretty much every intramural sport one can think of.

Basketball, dodge ball, floor hockey, soccer, rock climbing, table tennis, badminton, racquetball, wiffleball and four vs. four flag football are all intramural sports offered to students and faculty.

According to Adams, “All you need is an Old Dominion student or faculty ID and you can participate.” Unlike the club sports, which is a whole other category of ODU Recreation Sports, students don’t need to show proof of insurance or pay club fees.

“Intramurals is more of a play at your own risk, so when you sign up on IAM Leagues, you’re pretty much giving consent that you’re playing at your own risk,” Adams said.

“Gone are the days of filling out paperwork,” Adams said. If you want to join a team, or start your own, simply

go onto the IAM Leagues website, join Old Dominion University and sign up for a team.

Starting your own team is almost the same process. You sign up as team captain and send emails out to your friends to invite them to join your team. The website will show your team name, team members, game days and times, statistics and rankings, what league you’re in, and other teams’ information.

“The website just takes out the human error of maybe losing paperwork, or other confusions that might come along,” Adams said.

The involvement in intramural sports has grown substantially at ODU in the last few years. ODU Recreational Sports were lucky if they had six, maybe seven teams sign up for basketball. Fast forward four years later, and now they consider it a blessing if they have no more than 40 sign up.

“Six years ago this building wasn’t here. I think now that we have a new Rec Center, an actual ‘Home Base,’ people know if you go to the Rec Center, something’s going to be happening,” Adams said.

According to Adams, it’s all the positive feedback from students that keeps the place running. “Students want to work here now, so now we’re getting better students, we’re training more…it’s all a big process,” Adams said. “Students are seeing how much time we’re putting into this. We’re getting the funding and resources to buy better equipment, and the students

here appreciate that.”

At ODU, there’s a sport for everyone, and if they don’t have your sport, consult Brandon Adams and he’ll see what he can do.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built here.

Four years ago we didn’t have half the participants we have now. People look at the Rec Center now and say ‘wow this is a legit place’ and it is.”

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C5 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 2.15.2012

Men’s Basketball Saturday February 11

VCU 68 Old Dominion 64

Drexel 78 Hofstra 67

James Madison 58 Towson 56

William and Mary 79 Northeastern 54

Delaware- 80 (OT) Georgia State- 77

George Mason 75 UNCW 69

The CAA

Score Corner

Women’s Basketball

Sunday February 12

Old Dominion 59 UNCW 57

Hofstra 82 George Mason 70

James Madison 65 VCU 64

Delaware 94 Georgia State 56

Drexel 78 William and Mary 59

Towson 58 Northeastern 54

Men’s Tennis ODU 5 JMU 2

Doubles Betrand Moulin/ Greg Vladimirsky over Albert Ochagavia/ Can Cetinel, 8-6 Krzysztof Muzalewski/ Wesley Barrett over Ryan Pool/ Florent Sentenac, 8-6 Carlos Lopez-Villa/ Alfredo Rodriguez over Tommi Nissinen/ Hugo Ramadier, 8-6

ODU 50 vs GMU 54 ODU

15-10 (10-3)

FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF

DE Total TP

A

TO BLK

S

5-10

0-1

2-7

5

6

11

12

0

6

0

2

15 Iliadis, Trian

5-10

2-9

0-0

1

0

1

8

2

1

1

3

12 Hill Donte

Order of Finish Doubles: 2, 1, 3 Singles: 4, 3, 1, 2, 5, 6

20 Cooper, Chris

5-10

22 De Lancey, Marquel

1-2

24 Bazemore, Kent

5-18

04 Batten, Dimitri

2-4

00 Pimentel, Jason

0-0 1-7

23 Ross, Richard

Women’s Tennis Doubles: Diana Ivanova/ Melissa Esnal Olguin over Michelle Nguyen/ Taylor Pinchoff, 8-4 Juliana Pires/ Aleksandra Mitrovska over Ruxandra Andriescu/ Katherine Bulling, 8-4 Megan Douglass/ Jacqueline Palmucci over Nika Khmolovska/ Faith Atiso, 8-4

REBOUNDS

01 Wright, Nick

Singles Greg Vladimirsky over Krzysztof Muzalewski, 6-4, 6-4 Albert Ochagavia over Ryan Pool, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) Carlos Lopez-Villa over Betrand Moulin, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 Hugo Ramadier over Fahoum Fahoum, 6-3, 6-2 Wesley Barrett over Tommi Nissinen, 6-1, 6-0 Alfredo Rodriguez over Florent Sentenac, 3-6, 6-4 (10-6)

ODU 4 George Washington 3

Total-FG 3-Point

Team

Totals

0-0 22-61

3-5 0-1 0-4 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-0 5-22

2-5 0-0 4-6 0-0 4-5 3-4 0-0 15-27

4 1 5 0 0 5 0 3

24

3 3 3 0 4 4 0 1

24

7 4

15 2

8

14

4

8

0 9 0 4

48

0 5 0

64

1 1 2 0 0 2 0 10

1 4 3 0 0 2 0 17

0 0 0 0 0 5 0 6

1 1 4 1 0 0 0 12

ODU 50 vs UNCW 57 ODU

9-16 (6-7)

Total-FG 3-Point

REBOUNDS

FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF

DE Total TP

A

TO BLK

S

44 Lewis, Tia

5-10

0-0

1-2

1

6

7

11

2

3

0

0

11 Betz-White, Ashley

1-7

0-2

1-2

1

3

4

3

5

6

0

1

Singles: Diana Ivanova over Jacqueline Palmucci, 7-5, 7-5 Aleksandra Mitrovska over Michelle Nguyen, 6-2, 6-3 Melissa Esnal Olguin over Taylor Pinchoff, 6-0, 6-2 Juliana Pires over Megan Douglass, 6-0, 6-2 Katherine Bulling over Nika Khmolovska, 1-0, RETIRE/ ILLNESS Ruxandra Andriescu over Faith Atiso, 8-5

03 Buchan, Mairi

Order of Finish: Doubles: 3, 2, 1 Singles: 4, 3, 2, 1, 5, 6

32 Minor, Tiffany

14 Cook, Jackie

23 Guilford, JoNiquia

0-3 3-5

04 Allison, Rebecca

0-0

12 Hall, Myeisha

53 Richards, Shakeva

3-5

2-7 2-3 Team

Totals

6-6 22-46

1-1 0-3 0-0 0-0 0-2 1-2

1-1

3-11

0-0 6-6 1-3 0-0 3-3 0-0

0-1

12-17

1 1 0 0 1 0 2

1

8

1 5 3 0 2 0 4 3

27

2 6 3 0 3 0

7 6 7 0 7 5

6

13

35

59

4

1 3 2 0 0 1 0 14

2 4 2 1 1 0

0

19

0 0 0 0 2

0 4 1 0

0

0

1

2

7

0

0

WWW.MACEANDCROWN.COM

D1 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 2.15.2012

opinions Fave Five: Valentine’s Day Dates For (almost) Free By: Amy DeLaura Staff Writer

Love is in the air. Though it feels like spring is in the air, don’t be fooled; February’s notorious holiday, Valentine’s Day, is quickly approaching, and many of us college students are on a budget. Here are five ideas on how to spend time with your sweetie without emptying your wallet.

1.) Movie Night- There are tons of choices for free and almost free movie nights. First is Blockbuster’s Sunday deal. Every Sunday, Blockbuster has recent released movies for $1.99 and

all other movies for only $0.49. That’s hundreds of choices of movies for the spare change under your seats. Take advantage of this warm winter weather, grab your sweetie, laptop, some blankets and find a nice open place, and watch the movie under the stars.

The closest Blockbuster to campus is on Little Creek Road. and Tidewater Road. near Walmart. Don’t have a car? No worries. Red Box has fewer choices, but is still only $1 a day, just don’t forget to return it! You can find a Red Box just walking distance from campus at the 7-11 on Hampton Boulevard behind Del Vecchio’s. Also, don’t forget about on campus options.

ODU offers students movie rentals you can reserve online. Pick up is in Webb Center at the main desk next to the Lion’s Den. Lastly, if winter weather does come upon us, Student Activities council offers free movies in the Oceanography building every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

2.) Animal Instincts- Did you know that anyone with an ODU student ID can get into the zoo for free? Get in touch with your wild side and bring your valentine on a date with the animals. Last year, the Norfolk Zoo expanded with the opening of the Trail of the Tiger. It features animals from across Asia such as tigers, orangutans, otters and exotic birds. Don’t have a car? That’s okay. You can always ride the HRT bus for free with your student ID. 3.) Cooking Couple- Most females already know satisfying a man’s stomach is the way to his heart. Here’s a little tidbit for our male readers: girls can be the same way. Surprise your valentine with breakfast in bed. Taking the time to get up early will really put a smile on their face. Another option is find their favorite foods and make dinner together, or look up a fancy restaurant’s recipe and experiment making your own version. There are many great recipes on foodnetwork.com,

SEXcapades

The Sex-tisitcs to your dirty deeds By: Easy A Contributing Writer

Sex is the reason that you are alive and reading this paper. It is a free and satisfying activity that living things on earth have instinctive nature to do, whether sex is performed out of necessity, like dogs and cats, or for pure pleasure, as in the case of humans.

Urban Dictionary describes “sexcapades” as “an adventurous and somewhat risky sexual endeavor.” Sex is a risky behavior because of the STD’s, but if you protect yourself and your partner by using condoms and getting tested regularly, sex can be a pleasurable exercise.

According to lustability.com, at any given time, 25 percent of people are daydreaming about sex. If that many people think about sex that often, why don’t we talk about it more? Studies show that there’s a direct link between how often a man has sex and his life expectancy, which is because sex can be classified as a great work out.

WebMD states that thirty minutes

of sex can burn 85 calories or more. It also reduces stress and boosts your antibodies that prevent diseases. A study published in “Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health” concluded that “having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for the [participants], compared with those who had sex less than once a month.”

By no means am I saying that sex is an activity that people should casually do. It is an intimate activity for most. Some people with specific religious beliefs tend to wait until after marriage to have sex, and note to those who wait, you’re going to love it when the time arrives.

Sex is an activity most enjoyed with someone you care about. It heightens the intimacy between you and your partner. Most women like to do “the dirty with the lights off.” Getting the mood going is crucial to good sex. If you both are not committed to the activity, then it isn’t the right time.

Lustiability.com states, “An overwhelming majority of sexual partners

have only skimpy knowledge of what truly turns each other on.” Pillow talk might be the best time to discuss what your turn-ons and turn-offs are. What is the point in having sex if it is bad sex? Adults are more likely to tell a lie to someone while in bed than any other place during the day.

Communication skills also follow you into the bed. Talk it out. If his kiss on your neck sparked something, let him know. It might give him ideas that can lead to the most pleasurable sex of your life.

Valentine’s Day has just passed and I hope all the couples out there had a loving Tuesday. For those that didn’t, it is never too late to make your significant other grin at the thought of you.

Sometimes a good ol’ massage is all it takes to show you still want them.

Happy Sexcapading!

and you can still dress up without the fine dining price. Going out to a fancy restaurant can be expensive. A dinner

do? Teach her how to play your favorite games and play together. Try to find a two player game where both of you can be on the same team. She might get frustrated if your pro skills slaughter her every game, but playing on the same team will make it a fun activity for both of you. Girls, are you just not into video games? Suggest a game of poker; there are lots of things you can wager other than money. Want to get moving? Ask him to teach you something else he does.

Go to the tennis courts and have a day learning how to skate board. Get some mats and show him some of your kick

with just the two of you is more intimate, and cooking together can be fun.

4.) Par of Hearts- Right next to campus is Lambert’s Point Golf course.

This nine-hole course is a perfect option for a more active date without worrying about being a sweaty mess.

If it gets cold, you can always go to the heated two-level driving range to warm up and still work on your game.

They also offer great discounts for ODU students with a valid ID. 5.) Sweet Score- Hey guys, tired of your girl complaining you spend too much time on video games, computer games or something else she doesn’t

boxing moves, or you can learn something together. Valentine’s Day is on a Tuesday this year and ODU offers a free dance class in Webb Center next to Starbucks starting at 7 p.m.

No matter what you do with your valentine, by showing you are taking the time to think of them, just being together will be special.

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S1 | MACE & CROWN | Wednesday 2.15.2012

sundry

Higher Ed by Thoughts

Pick up a copy every Wednesday

SUDOKU

MA Z E

IN THE MACE

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Level of Difficulty: Easy

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Wednesday 2.15.2012 | MACE & CROWN | S2

Crossword Puzzle

Sudoku Solution

from Vol. 54 Issue 15

Crossword Solution

from Vol. 54 Issue 15