October 2007
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VTCC Inspections
The alarm clock goes off. You roll out of bed, put away your sleeping bag, and then get the iron out. This is what a typical freshman in the Corps of Cadets experiences each morning. Every day, freshmen rooms and uniforms are inspected, each by their own company. Fire Team Leaders (sophomore cadets) inspect the freshmen dorm rooms and uniform to make sure they follow the code of the Corps inspection and uniform regulations. The View From The Roof: Week 9 Last week: 9-7 I guess my advice this week should be EXPECT THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT I SAY. However, I smell a rebound week after my worst performance to date. With this week’s huge slate of important games, I’ll either crash and burn (again) or come out looking like a genius. College of Engineering Receives Scholarship Money The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in the College of Engineering received $100,000 to give out in scholarships. Students who qualify must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be entering their junior senior year in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Preference will be given to qualified students who previously received the scholarship. A Pregame Look At VT vs. BC As quarterback Tyrod Taylor nurses his ankle back to health, Sean Glennon and the rest of the Hokies prepare for a game with huge BCS implications. The no. 8 Virginia Tech Hokies will take on no. 2 Boston College tonight at 7:40 pm in Lane Stadium. This match up marks the fourteenth time the two schools will have met. Virginia Tech currently leads the series 9-4, despite an embarrassing 22-3 loss last year at Chestnut Hill. A Call To Arms: Virginia Tech vs. Boston College
Talk about unexpected. There are few out there who can claim that in the pre-season they expected Boston College to be ranked second in the nation when they’d roll into Blacksburg in late October. The Eagles under first year head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, surely one of the most unknown coaches in college football, come to Blacksburg sporting a potent offense and an experienced winner in quarterback Matt Ryan. Brief: Absentee Ballots due October 26
Absentee Ballots are required if students are 18 years or older, have registered to vote, and have to vote elsewhere than their designated polling station, as designated on their registration. No. 5 Hokies Repay Tar Heels In Kind, 2-1 After dropping a crucial midseason home match to North Carolina by a score of 2-1 in ’06, the Hokies flipped the script tonight, topping the Tar Heels 2-1. Defenseman Scott Spangler’s first goal of the season proved the difference maker in the second half, and lifts Tech men’s soccer to third place in the ACC. The victory also improves Tech’s school record unbeaten streak to 12, although three of the previous four had ended in a draw. Said Spangler, “Our goal is to win the ACC, and getting ties all the time is not going give us that.” The View From The Roof: Week 8 Last Week: 15-4 I don’t even know what to say anymore. Every college football season has its shockers, but this season has to go down in history as one of the craziest ever. For the first time in 11 years, both the No. 1 (LSU) and No. 2 (Cal) teams lost on the same weekend elevating Ohio State and South Florida to the top two spots. Three of the six remaining unbeaten teams are in action this week and all three face tough opponents. There are three other games on the schedule as well between ranked opponents, so this should be just another intriguing week. NHL Update – 2 Weeks In
The reigning Eastern Conference champions, the Ottawa Senators, are on fire to start the season with an NHL best 6-1-0 record. With Martin Gerber filling in for the injured Ray Emery, the Senators have not stumbled out of the gate. They’re led by Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza, who lead the NHL in goals and assists respectively. VT Alerts Working Through User, Technical Glitches Virginia Tech’s new system of emergency alerts, VT Alerts, needs some tweaking after many claim they did not receive the test alert message sent on Wednesday. Mark Owczarski, director of news and information in University Relations, said that as of 3 p.m. Thursday, around 1,000 people who answered the VT Alerts survey claimed that they did not receive the message. Two thousand people took the survey, sent by e-mail from University Relations. “The system has been sending out messages, but the receiving has been very unpredictable,” said Michael Dame, director of university web communications. PBTV: Tunnel Vision: Duke
The View From The Roof: Week 7 Last week: 10-5 It was just another crazy week of college football as three more top teams lost. The Trojans fell to 41-point underdogs; the Badgers had their longest win streak in the nation snapped; and Kentucky coughed up two fumble returns for TDs in their defeat. Missouri and Kansas proved they are contenders in the Big 12 while Virginia Tech proved you can win put up 41 points without an offense. This week’s slate of games might not stack up to last week, but there are still some intriguing matchups highlighted by the Missouri/Oklahoma showdown. College of Science Prepares Students for Intellectual Property The College of Science will offer two intellectual property law courses in the spring as part of a program to let students earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree in six years. In the second year of the agreement with the Richmond University School of Law, students with a 3.5 GPA who have completed their majors and taken enough science courses can apply to take COS 2984 (technology law and society) and COS 4984 (intellectual property and patent law). Linebacker Hall Out 4-6 Weeks With Wrist Injury Virginia Tech starting linebacker and leading tackler Vince Hall will undergo surgery for a broken left wrist Sunday evening at Montgomery Regional Hospital and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, according to head athletic trainer Mike Goforth. Hall broke the wrist in Saturday's game at Clemson, where he finished with a team-leading 11 tackles. The surgery will be performed at Montgomery Regional Hospital, where a plate will be inserted to help stabilize the wrist. Group Uses Comedy To Shatter Slurs “Welcome to the show with the title that nobody wants to say,” said the man introducing N*W*C – the acronym for the show’s full title – to Virginia Tech on Wednesday night. The title that no one wants to say is Nigger, Wetback, Chink. But, the title composed of three ethnic slurs commonly used toward African-Americans, Latin-Americans and Asian-Americans might be misleading for a show that attempts to shatter the hatefulness these words are often associated with. NFL Power Rankings: Week 5
Album Review: Springsteen's 'Magic' After listening to Bruce Springsteen's new album "Magic" for a full day, at least one conclusion can safely be drawn: At 57, "The Boss" is getting old. Thankfully, he can still rock. Springsteen made his name with anthems about teenage rebellion in the 70’s, but his recent albums have been laced with political and societal commentary that reveal the wisdom that (sometimes) comes with age. "Magic" is no exception. Weekly News Wrap Up 10/6/07
Ryan Call and Jinna Yang bring you the week's news, including recent budget cuts to the University, new crime reports, and an exclusive interview with Derek O'Dell who is holding the Hokie Memorial Chess Open. PBTV: Tunnel Vision: Clemson
Neal and the guys recap last week's game against UNC. This week, the Hokies are away at Clemson in their second ACC game of the season. Do the Hokies have what it takes to beat the Clemson Tigers? The View From The Roof: Week 6 Last week: 14-8 This was supposed to be the week where a lot of the ranked teams finally fell with a slate featuring seven matchups (including Thursday night’s game) between ranked opponents. Apparently no one got that message last week as seven of the Top 13 teams in the country all lost sending the college football world into chaos. So what do we have now? A Top 10 that no one could have dreamed up before the season as South Florida sits at No. 6 with Kentucky right there as well at No. 9. To top it off, USC who was the No. 1 team in the country won and still dropped a spot as LSU overtook the Trojans by two points in the AP poll. We can only hope that all of the great matchups taking place this week can live up to all of the excitement and uncertainty that accompanied a crazy day of football last Saturday. Weekly News Wrap Up 9/29/07
In a better late than never edition of the Weekly News Wrap Up, Ryan Call and Jinna Yang tell you about the week's news and upcoming events. |
PBTV: Tunnel Vision: Georgia Tech
After a devastating loss against Boston College last Thursday, the Hokies head down to Georgia Tech for another Thursday night showdown in the spotlight. What can the Hokies do to make a comeback and even get payback for last year's loss against the Yellow Jackets? Neal, Dave and Brett have ideas. PBTV: Weekly News Wrap Up
Sustainability Week Highlighted By Green Building The executive director of the Green Building Alliance has found a solution to the problem of finding a sustainable way to live where you want: how we design, use, and construct buildings, a system the GBA calls “green building.” Rebecca Flora returned to Virginia Tech Tuesday to give this presentation as a part of Sustainability Week. “We’re not just here to talk,” said John Randolph, director of the School of Public and International Affairs. “We’re here to figure out what to do.” PBTV: Boston College Recap
Commentary: Casual Fan Is An Oxy-Moron Die-hard Hokie fans enjoy a reputation of being every bit as knowledgeable about the game as they are loud. They pack Lane Stadium week in and week out. They know when to jack up the decibel level to disrupt the opposing team’s playcalling. They discuss strategy, personnel and recruiting on message boards to stay up to the minute on the latest news. They know just how big a game is and how to celebrate accordingly. The atmosphere created by the die-hard fan prompted ESPN to label Virginia Tech the second scariest place to play in college football. But this year more than any other I have noticed the die-hard Hokie fan being replaced by something that could threaten the school’s reputation: the casual fan. Fan is short for fanatic; there’s nothing casual about that. The relative ignorance of the casual fan compared to the die-hard is woefully damaging to the gameday environment. PBTV: Tunnel Vision: Boston College
PBTV: Boston College Press Conference
UPDATE: Third Attempted Abduction of Student The Virginia Tech Police sent out an email yesterday, warning against a third encounter of a an attempted grabbing of a student on Giles Road. The incident occurred on Giles Road, at approximately 4:00 P.M. on October 17. The student said that a male offered her a ride, and when she declined tried to grab her. The student fled. NFL Power Rankings: Week 7
No. 5 Tech Men's Soccer Rides School Record Streak Into Home Showdown With Tar Heels Last season, the Hokies dominated no. 5 UNC at home throughout the match, only to lose on a controversial late penalty kick. The tables turn this Friday as Virginia Tech assumes the role of a top five team, while the Tar Heels roll into Blacksburg as a dangerous threat to the Hokies’ school record 11-game winning streak. “Just because they’re not ranked doesn’t mean they’re not good; they could be a final four team for all I know,” said Tech head coach Oliver Weiss, who’s team is ranked higher than ever in school history, “People underestimate them, but they’re actually a better team than last year…We’ll always be ready for North Carolina because of the reputation and tradition they have.” PBTV: Women's Soccer vs. Clemson Recap
Injuries Allow Hokie Veterans To Fit Right In In a game supposed to be highlighted by the debut of right tackle Ed Wang, two veteran backups took center stage for Virginia Tech as quarterback Sean Glennon and linebacker Brett Warren didn’t miss a beat in the 43-14 win at Duke. Glennon entered the game early in the second quarter after starter Tyrod Taylor was sacked and suffered a high ankle sprain. The much-maligned quarterback took over the game from there and led the Hokies to three straight touchdowns in his first three possessions prompting Hokie fans to chant “Let’s Go Glen-non!” Glennon finished the game 16-of-21 for 258 yards and two touchdowns. PBTV: Duke Recap
NFL Power Rankings: Week 6
Opinion: Which is Cheaper: Bullets or Books? How many ways can we measure the cost of war? There are the costs of equipment, food, arms, transportation and medical care, to name a few. For the troops on the ground and legislators balancing the daily books, these are the immediate costs. What about the long term? Veterans’ benefits have long been a big factor in eliciting enlisted men and women, but all soldiers are not treated equally. Today, many National Guard troops are finding the battle to maintain benefits – especially education – much tougher for them than any other active duty service, and it shouldn’t have to be that way. Movie Review: 'Across The Universe' All you need is love and Julie Taymor’s visually stunning Across the Universe. Whether you’re a devoted Beatles fan or a moviegoer searching for an artistic trip, this film will send chills through you from the opening scene. A mixture of rock-and-roll royalty and charming silver-screen newcomers, Across the Universe blends today’s artistic technologies with nostalgic sixties themes to create something divine: a musical that emulates the lyrics of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Second Half Flurry Rallies No. 9 Tech to 3-3 Draw With No. 1 Wake Forest The Hokie men’s soccer team rallied for three second half goals en route to a 3-3 draw with top ranked Wake Forest. In front of 2,413 fans, Tech trailed by deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 in the second half, but Robert Edmans and Patrick Nyarko punched in goals before the Demon Deacons could break their backs. “I thought it was a terrific college soccer match,” said Tech coach Oliver Weiss, “You saw six goals, you had a packed house, an overflowing crowd. You heard tons of Hokie cheers, Hokie supporters and I think they got their quote-unquote money’s worth even though we don’t charge admission.” Movie Review: 'Eastern Promises' I don’t think I have to tell anybody that violence pervades our movie theaters. Furthermore, it often wears a sly smirk on its face and struts around with ego laced on its features. Nutty martial arts, geysers of blood, helicopter destruction with cars after running out of bullets. Indeed, Bruce Willis. Grade: A- Hock And The No. 9 Hokies Host Top Ranked Deacons The Hokie men’s soccer team charged through September and didn't fall, as they ripped through their eight-match slate without a loss. Their six wins and two ties helped them burst from the unranked to six slots higher than the football team, and provide momentum for the most high profile Blacksburg home game of the weekend- a showdown with no. 1 Wake Forest. While no. 9 Virginia Tech (6-1-2, 1-0-1 ACC) rides the momentum of the second longest unbeaten streak in team history, the Demon Deacons haven’t lost all season (7-0-1, 2-0-1). Wake Forest has outscored their opponents by a combined 19-4, and travel up to Blacksburg with Tuesday’s improbable home draw against Elon lingering in their collective psyche. Blacksburg Liquor Law Arrests Up, Assault Down The Virginia Tech Police Department released its annual statistical findings of campus crime on October 1. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics, requires campus police to find statistics on crimes of all university facilities. These facilities even include off campus facilities such as fraternity and sorority houses as well as any crime reported to a university official. In the 12 page report released by the Virginia Tech police shows that liquor law arrests and burglary have nearly doubled since 2005. Arrests increased from 194 to 376 and burglary from 27 to 51. |
About two weeks have passed since the start of the 2007-08 season, and most of the teams have played at least five games. Upon sitting back and watching how the teams started and hoped to meet expectations, some of those teams met them, while most are not doing so well.
It's the first time ever two top ten teams will play each other on a Thursday night; #2 Boston College is coming down to play #8 Virginia Tech in Lane Stadium. Their last game against a #2 team ended in an upset, so what will the Hokies have to do to overcome the Eagles? Neal, Justin and Dave weigh in their opinions.
