112th YEAR, ISSUE 203 collegiatetimes.com January 30, 2017 COLLEGIATETIMES An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Emergency airlift after car strike on VHYPER STUNS North Main Street On Friday night, an unidentifi ed male pedestrian was struck by a car at the intersection of North Main Street and Jackson Street. COMPETITION LEWIS MILLHOLLAND in the crosswalk — and the Virginia Tech’s Hyperloop team Vhyper advances to the 2017 International SpaceX Hyperloop managing editor lady that was driving the car didn’t see him,” said Nathan Pod Competition, traveling 40 hours across the country to show off its latest design. On Friday night, a pedes- Miller, senior mechanical trian was struck by a vehicle engineering major, who on the intersection of North witnessed the incident. “She CLARE RIGNEY Main Street and Jackson was going the speed limit, environmentalism reporter Street. The student was and he hit his head on the Outside of Hawthorne, California, airlifted to a hospital after windshield and he was in the university and industry competitors being moved to a field with street.” from across the world gathered this helicopter clearance. Check online for updates weekend to test out their designs Blacksburg Police stated on the story at ctimes.co/ for a futuristic transportation tech- on Saturday afternoon that struckstudent. nology. As part of the Hyperloop Pod the pedestrian is in stable Competition, Virginia Tech’s team condition. was finally able to show off its hard “I saw this guy sprinting work and engineering skills along the from the light post ... out of @WithTheFancyGuy SpaceX test track. the crosswalk — he was not The Hyperloop Pod competition was held at the mile-long SpaceX track outside of the company’s head- quarters, which is close to LAX. The Virginia Tech team, Vhyper, has been working on its design for months, after having received fourth place during Design Weekend at Texas A&M COURTESY OF VHYPER TEAM University in January 2016. The pod, designed by the Vhyper team, and the tube that it travels in sit “You spend all this time in college on display. and you want to do something great, something groundbreaking,” said Quang Vo, Virginia Tech senior and announced in 2015 by Elon Musk, the final run in which only the top five of Vhyper team member. He has been a CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Motors, in the 30 teams in attendance were able member of the mechanical team since order to find the design that best suited to participate. After a week of judging, last August, as well as the head of that goal. Virginia Tech came in as one of those marketing and social media. The members of the Virginia Tech top five. BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES team traveled from Blacksburg to “The pod performed exactly as Emergency responders move the patient onto a Los Angeles by car so that they could we had anticipated,” said David stretcher at the scene of the accident, Jan 28, 2017. In general, I’m a strap their pod to a trailer. They took Goldsmith, a professor at the Myers- turns driving and sleeping during the Lawson School of Construction. “Our “cheerleader ... The students 40-hour trip. chances are as good as anyone’s and are doing the work and Seventeen members of the team, as better than most.” well as three faculty advisers, arrived Goldsmith has been helping the Toy store brightens they’re the ones achieving.” in California last Monday, although Vhyper team as an advisor since May David Goldsmith the competition did not begin until 2016 with a focus on the aerospace- adviser of the Vhyper team up Christiansburg Friday. They spent the week doing related aspects of the project, such as preparatory work and getting ready the hull of the pod. The competition includes 30 teams for their demonstration. Then, Vo said “In general, I’m a cheerleader Brimming with history, purpose and from around the world. The concept of that the team had to host a presentation … the students are doing the work, craftsmanship, these three businesses are a hyperloop is a high-speed vacuum discussing why its work was “safe, and they’re the ones achieving,” tube meant to carry humans and reliable and an overall good design” to Goldsmith said. giving Christiansburg locals a taste of the past. cargo. The original goal was to create a panel of judges. Throughout judging, there were a craft that could reach San Francisco On Saturday, each team was given over 100 check-off points that judges MEGAN MAURY CHURCH The collection of books from Los Angeles in 30 minutes. the opportunity to complete two runs lifestyles staff writer is large and is not limited The Hyperloop competition was on the test track. Sunday marked the see HYPERLOOP / page 5 to any genre, and Dorsett It is a l most Febr ua r y, a nd explained that only about there is still a Christmas a quarter of the company’s tree shining from the upper books are on display. The window of the old train rest are stored out back. Clarke takes leap in second year station in Christiansburg. In the corner is a shelf Owner Meghan Dorsett stocked with children’s After a freshman season hampered by injuries, Chris Clarke has emerged as a star for the explained that she thinks books, which Dorsett gives Hokies. Clarke’s versatility has enabled him to take on a do-it-all role for Tech’s men’s basketball. of Christmas trees as a away free-of-charge to any symbol of hope. children who come into PETER BEDROSIAN “I decided to leave it up the shop. She believes it is sports staff writer because these days we can important for kids to have use about as much hope as books to read at home, no Men’s basketball head coach Buzz we can get,” Dorsett said. matter what their homes are Williams is known for his energy on the This historic building like. The largest window on sideline as well as his team’s energy on is just 10 minutes away the track-facing wall has no the court. There are a limited number from campus. Set on bookshelves in front of it of players that fit his ideal mold, and if the Virginia-Tennessee so that anyone can come in they do, they are given the special label Railroad, the station is a and watch a train go by. of “OKG” by Williams. remnant of the glory days “He’s an OKG, an ‘our kinda guy,’” of rail travel. Now it is Williams said of sophomore forward privately owned and home Chris Clarke. “He doesn’t have a to three unique businesses: The toy selection position, can play a ball screen however Cambria Toy Station, “is wildly colorful you wanna play it, can pass, can dribble, Whistle Stop Books and can shoot, is an above-average athlete Dorsett Publishing. and stacked high. that plays really hard.” The Virginia When a customer walks Classic and new Beach product was the top ranked in, the books are in the left prospect in the state of Virginia coming room, the toys are in the games alike, there out of high school and has proven he right and either Dorsett or is something for deserves that ranking. her wife Carol Lindstrom anyone to enjoy.” As a freshman, Clarke was an energy is up front with a warm player with size that could guard any greeting. position on the f loor. He was an excellent The toy selection is rebounder and was a proficient scorer in wildly colorful and stacked These two businesses the paint. At times he would struggle to high. Classic and new are both owned by Dorsett stay under control, but that is expected games alike, there is some- and Lindstrom and the from a true freshman adjusting to the thing for anyone to enjoy. proceeds go to keeping speed of college basketball. One customer chased her up the restoration of the Unfortunately for Clarke and the grandson around in circles station. Dorsett makes her Hokies, he suffered a foot injury just for 20 minutes and even lost living in a unique way: before conference play started and him for a moment, before miniature making. missed 12 straight games. Playing he reemerged clutching a Dorsett’s mother was a limited minutes once he returned, it stuffed animal. professional craftswoman was clear Clarke was not at 100 percent Whistle Stop Books who grew proficient in and might not be for the remainder of is a used bookstore also making miniature versions the season. “I would say probably right housed inside the building. of buildings and furniture. before mid-summer I felt 100 percent The room has seven tall Her craft was so renowned again,” Clarke said when asked about his windows and a sitting that she founded Dorsett foot at the end of the season. LOREN SKINKER / COLLEGIATE TIMES area, perfect for browsing Publishing and The healthy Clarke returned this year Tech’s Chris Clarke (15) ducks around Georgia Tech’s Ben Lammers through or reading. Most of (44) to make the layup. Clarke tallied 11 points in the Hokies’ victory, the books are only $1–3. see TOYS / page 6 see CLARKE / page 4 Jan. 18, 2017.

HOKIES WRESTLING JOHN MAYER MAKES Check out some photos MUSIC FOR SPRING /CollegiateTimes ctlifestyles from Tech’s home match- Mayer’s new song doesn’t up against Duke. live up to its expectations. @collegiatetimes page 3 page 6 @collegiatetimes PAGE 2 January 30, 2017 collegiatetimes.com [email protected]

opinioncollegiatetimes.com/opinion column Trump’s abortion gag order puts women at risk The policy withdrawing funding from organizations which provide abortions or abortion counseling could endanger women in need.

e are less than 10 days into women agonize over. It is not taking the Donald Trump’s presi- easy way out, and it is something that Wdency, and it has been a will affect that woman for the rest of her whirlwind. Another day, another exec- life. utive order. And while each executive It is a serious decision, and it is a order seems to be more controversial decision that women deserve to make for than the last, the Mexico City Policy has themselves, in their own countries. gone too far. This law will not prevent women from The Mexico City Policy, sometimes having abortions; it will prevent women referred to as the global gag order, is a from having them safely, or force women law from the Reagan era that bans federal to take care of a child when they do not money going to international groups that have the means to do so. Yes, I under- perform or provide information on abor- stand that Trump feels as if he can make COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE tions. It was rescinded under the Clinton these decisions because it is federal administration, but Trump revived it on money, but that is not the only factor at his second day in office. play here, and I think it is important for column While there are many important Trump and his staff to understand the points to be made about this law, the magnitude of this decision. most crucial, yet also the simplest, is this: The Trump administration is putting Scott Pruitt’s confi rmation abortions are going to happen whether millions of women and children at risk, they are funded or not. Abortions are and that is not something that he should going to happen whether women around be able to simply do with the stroke of a threatens future of climate the world are educated about them or not. pen on his second day in office. The decision to be made here is not Donald Trump and the men that Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s rocky history with the Environmental whether or not women should be allowed surrounded him as he signed the exec- to have abortions, it is whether or not utive order should not be making deci- Protection Agency casts doubt on his fi tness to hold its highest position. women are going to die from them. sions on what women do with their bodies Even if you take away funding or — especially if they are not prepared to mid the lingering uproar after forefront fighting the EPA’s burdensome education, you cannot erase the option help women get access to contraceptives President Donald Trump’s and unnecessary regulations,” since 2011, for women who are demanding to decide to prevent unwanted pregnancies or do Aelection, many individuals a testament to the extended time period for themselves. It will still happen; it will anything to make being a single mother have fiercely criticized the president’s by which Pruitt’s interests have been in just take place in alleys and basements. easier. And Trump — just because you selection of Oklahoma Attorney General alignment with those of the gas and oil There will be coat hangers and terrible give a country money, that does not mean Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental industries. pain. There will be bleeding, infections you get to dictate the lives of those living Protection Agency, igniting a fire beneath Indebted to the fossil fuel industry after and occasionally death. in that country. the skin of citizens who are aware of its generous financial contributions to his It is also important to understand that Pruitt’s ties to the gas and oil industries. office (over $314,996, in fact), these indus- no woman wants to have an abortion. It is Yet many continue to endure the chill tries have collectively been the puppeteer not something any woman wants to have KATELYN MEADE of political corruption and the acrid taste pulling the strings of several of Pruitt’s to do. The decision to have an abortion • regular columnist of political apathy without taking direct political decisions. does not come easy. It is a decision that • senior/multimedia journalism action to alert their political represen- An avid skeptic of climate change, tatives of their discontent. I strongly Pruitt not only disbanded the environ- encourage you to create space for political mental protection unit of his office upon expression and activism in your own life, his election, but he also cut allocations column diverting the (acid) rains of a misplaced for environmental law entirely. He has leader with the illuminating rays of your attempted to halt the EPA’s legislative direct political input. efforts to reduce soot and smog pollution Ban on immigration robs from crossing state boundaries and has attempted to block EPA policies aimed at eliminating toxic mercury, arsenic and refugees of a new life Pruitt did not navigate his acid gases — a serious threat to public “political career and resort to health with devastating impacts on the Donald Trump recently enacted an immigration ban for several muslim- brain development of children. environmentally detrimental While some individuals may condone majority nations, which some are calling a violation of the American Dream. legislation simply as a last resort. Pruitt’s behavior, excusing it as simply Rather, he made the decision to yet another manifestation of political y name is Armahn Rassuli, to face the hardships they did. They are in corruption normalizes such behavior and and I am an Iranian-American. every way the embodiment of the American favor his business interests on does not place pressure on the political MMy mother and father left Iran Dream. his own free will.” system to reform in the first place. Pruitt during a time when the country was facing Today I wonder how many people and did not navigate his political career and a revolution and there was the American families were robbed of the American resort to environmentally detrimental Hostage Crisis. They came by themselves, Dream. Today I wonder: what does The political climate of our nation legislation simply as a last resort. Rather, entering a foreign country whose promise “temporary” mean? Today I wonder if it becomes a bit hazier with every he made the decision to favor business to people was: will be four years until I or any of my family appointment of an individual who is out interests on his own free will. “Give me your tired, your poor, your members can visit Iran. of alignment with the interests of the While the fears of speaking out may huddled masses yearning to breathe free, Today I wonder if it will be four years organization to which he or she has been echo through your mind, do not allow the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. until my Iranian family can visit me. Today I appointed. these trepidations to sew your ears shut to Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to wonder if people will ask themselves if they Pruitt has made a political career out of the angry hum of injustice. Do not rest in me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door,” feel “safe” now. Today I wonder how many weakening environmental legislation in the comfort of political passivity for fear reads the plaque on the Statue of Liberty. will question if this solves the problem or our nation. His LinkedIn page even boasts of fully embodying the weight of your They came to the United States to seek creates more. of his role as “a leading advocate against morals. refuge and to build a better future for them- Today I wonder, of all those who voted the EPA’s activist agenda.” How could a Please consider signing petitions selves. They did not know the language, they for him, how many are willing to stand up man who has been involved in 14 lawsuits created by the Environmental Defense still had to finish high school and college, against him, not because of the story I just against the interests of the EPA suddenly Fund and the Food and Water Watch aimed they did not have their parents, they faced gave you, but because of Lady Liberty be appointed to lead such an esteemed at alerting senators of Pruitt’s murky racism and they were poor. herself. environmental organization? political past. Fiercely protect the home Through all the adversity, they made One may wonder if Trump resorted of your personal political views from the something of themselves, not just because to Pruitt as his EPA pick due to his windswept hurricane of an appointee who of their diligence and determination, but denouncement by countless prominent is not in alignment with his prospective because this country let them start over to ARMAHN RASSULI environmental advocates such as Fred position. You constructed these walls, begin with. They raised my sister and me • photo editor Krupp and Rhea Suh. However, seeing brick by brick, and have the right to speak and made sure that we would never have • senior/psychology as Trump has already elected to resume out against any force threatening to pollute construction of both the Dakota Access this sanctuary. and Keystone XL pipelines, perhaps such a decision was not so bizarre after all. Unfortunately, Pruitt has maintained a close relationship with the very indus- tries he would be charged with overseeing at the EPA throughout his political career. ALEXA WILLIAMS His track record reflects this siding with • opinions contributor industry interests. Pruitt has been at “the • freshman/political science COLLEGIATETIMES

NEWSROOM ...... 231-9865 Web Engineer: Matt Jones Editor-in-Chief: Andrea Pappas ([email protected]) Social Media Editors: Melissa Fairfax and Lisa Kucharczk Managing Editors: Lewis Millholland and Zack Wajsgras Design Editor: Jina Ro Have a news tip? Assistant Design Editors: Alison Robertson and Olivia Semones [email protected] Copy Editors: Jessica Brady and Meg Connors BUSINESS STAFF ...... 231-9860 News Editors: Aly De Angelus and Izzy Rossi Lifestyles Editor: Samantha Smith Business Manager: Breanna Anderson ([email protected]) Assistant Lifestyles Editor: Emily McCaul Sports Editor: Faizan Hasnany COLLEGE MEDIA SOLUTIONS ...... COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS Assistant Sports Editors: Kyle Cooke and Sierra Huckfeldt 231-9860 Opinions Editor: Carson Bartlett Photo Editor: Armahn Rassuli solutions.collegemedia.com Assistant Photo Editor: Cat Piper Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. [email protected] 365 Squires Student Center All letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. Blacksburg, VA, 24061 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the Other submissions must include city of residence and relationship to students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Monday and Thursday of [email protected] Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. © Collegiate Times, 2017. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times editor-in-chief and the managing editors. [email protected] collegiatetimes.com January 30, 2017 PAGE 3

sportscollegiatetimes.com/sports VT wrestling beats Duke 26–13

AHMED MUSTAFA, BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES The Virginia Tech wrestling team remains undefeated in the ACC after besting the Duke Blue Devils at the Moss Arts Center, Jan. 29, 2017.

OFFICE OF Despite late rally, Hokies UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH HARNESS THE POWER lose fourth-straight game OF DISCOVERY The Virginia Tech women’s basketball team dropped its fourth 2017 Annual Dennis Dean consecutive game, losing at home to unranked Syracuse, 82–72. Undergraduate Research & TODD SMITH a result, the Orange led 23–16 of the opposition’s points on basketball beat reporter and held on for the rest of the the day. Only one other player Creative Scholarship Conference game. outside of these three scored Coming off of Thursday’s The tenacious defense any points for Syracuse. embarrassing loss at Virginia, continued in the second Sykes led the way, scoring the No. 19 Virginia Tech quarter, with Virginia Tech 31 points and going 12–17 in women’s basketball team committing five more turn- field goal attempts. Peterson looked to bounce back at home overs. Despite a strong and Day each contributed against Syracuse on Sunday. shooting percentage from the with a double-double a piece Unfortunately, the result was floor (54.2 percent), the home — Peterson finishing with 22 all too familiar for the Hokies, team was only able to muster points and 11 assists and Day losing for the fifth time in 24 shot attempts compared to scoring 21 of her own points six games by a final score of Syracuse’s 33 attempts. The and 11 rebounds. 82–72. discrepancy led to a 59–33 lead Cook scored a team-high The result of Sunday’s for the visitors at the break. 22 points for the Hokies while game extends Virginia Tech’s “Of course we’re going to playing 39 minutes. CREATIVITY AND RESEARCH ARE... INFINITE current losing streak to four have turnovers when there’s a Depth continued to be an games. They have all come press because that’s just what issue for Virginia Tech, who against ACC foes, dropping its happens,” said forward Sidney essentially played with a six- conference record to 3–5 and Cook. “I thought we did a person rotation, including four SHOW VIRGINIA TECH HOW 16–5 overall. decent job in the first half.” starters all playing over 30 INFINITE YOU ARE... “I would love to give you The Hokies came out of minutes once again this year. coach talk and say they’re halftime and switched to a zone Kendyl Brooks was the only fine, we’re going to be great, defense of their own, some- bench player to finish with FEBRUARY 20-23, 2017 it’s alright,” said head coach thing Brooks only does out of more than four minutes. Kenny Brooks. “But the reality necessity, and it temporarily The freshman, Brooks, is they’re a little bit down, stifled the Orange offense. who finished with nine points, they’ve lost four in a row and Virginia Tech was able to claw played most of the fourth You are cordially invited to celebrate undergraduate until tonight the other three its way back into the game, quarter over senior guard research and creative scholarship at Virginia Tech’s weren’t even close. But I think getting it under 10 points on Vanessa Panousis. they’re understanding why the several occasions. “We need everyone to act annual symposium hosted by the Office of Undergraduate outcome is what it is.” Syracuse’s trio consisting age accordingly. To go out and Research. All events are free and open to the community. Syracuse came out early in a of guards Alexis Peterson produce and have that lead- press and trap defense that gave and Brittney Sykes, as well as ership,” Brooks said. “They’ll APPLY TO PRESENT YOUR WORK BY FEB. 6. the Hokies’ offense trouble forward Briana Day, were too tell you. I said, ‘What are PRIZES FOR BEST PRESENTATION IN EACH CATEGORY. from the onset, committing six much for the Hokies’ defense, some of our issues?’ and I turnovers in the first half. As as they combined for nearly all think one of the seniors said, ‘Leadership.’ They know that even if things aren’t going their way they’re more valuable to us than just what their specialty Events is. They can provide so much more to us.” Feb 20, 9am-8pm - Poster, orals & performances. The Hokies will look to end Keynote address - Dr. Stefan Duma the current losing streak, but The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center their schedule doesn’t get any easier as they make their way through the ACC gauntlet. No. Feb 20-23, 9am-5pm - Installations 8 Notre Dame will be visiting Blacksburg for a matchup on Art work, sculpture, models, fashion - Wallace Hall Gallery Thursday evening. “We just have to get back Feb 23, 4-6pm - Meet & Greet with Scholars to the old us,” said guard Chanette Hicks. “Just focusing Wallace Hall Gallery & Atrium on ourselves in practice. Not looking forward to who we’re about to play because everyone in the ACC is a tough game.” More info on

BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES http://tinyurl.com/OURsymposium2017 Sophomore guard Chanette Hicks (12) dribbles the @noToddiusBIG ball down the court in Tech’s 82–72 home loss. PAGE 4 January 30, 2017 collegiatetimes.com [email protected] study Tis the season for... break HOT CHOCOLATE

Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Experiment with new concepts, cultures and views this year. Teamwork propels a shared dream. One door closes and another opens in a partnership this February, before a lucrative phase erupts. Make personal changes next September, before falling in love (again). Collaborate with all your heart. quote of the day

“It is important to remember that we all have magic inside us.”

- JK Rowling

CLARKE: Sophomore star emerges as a team leader makes the pass just before the guard Justin Robinson are the from page 1 assist. leaders on the court from the Clarke is blessed with a opening tip. If the pace gets too better than ever. He is truly unique combination of size, fast, players are out of position the epitome of an OKG as he strength and athleticism or a play needs to be made, has guarded every position that allows him to be such players look to those two. on the court, played point a versatile player. Standing The most impressive part guard and power forward on at 6-foot-6 and 205 pounds, of Clarke’s game is his self- offense and notched the only Clarke can handle his own lessness. He is a pass-first triple double in Virginia Tech in the paint against taller big player that tries to set up his history against The Citadel in men. He is strong for his size teammates for success rather December. The versatile wing and has an outstanding bounce than looking to score himself. leads the team in rebounds that allows him to out-jump He knows when to push it in and steals, is second in assists bigger players for rebounds. transition and when to slow it and third in both scoring and On offense, he is a matchup down and find the point guard. blocks. nightmare. If a player is quick His maturity level on the court Furthermore, he has been enough to guard him, they are has increased immensely from even better against conference probably too short, and if they his freshman to sophomore opponents averaging 14.5 are tall enough to guard him, year as well as his level of play. points per contest, 2.2 points they are probably too slow. The Hokies had a very above his season average. That Williams knows just how strong start to the season in stretch of games also includes versatile Clarke is and speaks Williams’ third year and a two 20-point performances of his value to the team often. large part of that is due to and an astounding 58 field goal “We need him to be the focal the young players quickly percentage with two games point. When the ball’s in his maturing and improving. where he did not miss a single hands, good things happen,” Clarke was a prized recruit shot. Williams said after the Notre and is now a prized player However, an OKG’s true Dame game when asked about on this team and puts fans at value does not show entirely Clarke’s role as a leader on the ease when the ball is in his through the stat sheet. They team. hands. If more OKGs can join are hustle players that make And a leader Clarke has Clarke on this team with their plays indirectly as well as become. On a team as young high energy and selfless play, directly. Clarke might not get a as the Hokies, players are often the Hokies have a promising steal, but he forces the bad pass put in leadership roles earlier future. that leads to the steal. He might than they would expect. With not get the rebound, but he tips the two oldest players on the AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES it to a teammate who does. He team coming off the bench, @CTSportsTalk Chris Clarke (15) tries to drive against UNC’s Isaiah Hicks (4) in the Hokies’ 72–91 might not get the assist, but he Clarke and sophomore point road loss to the Tar Heels, Jan. 26, 2017. [email protected] collegiatetimes.com January 30, 2017 PAGE 5

newscollegiatetimes.com/news Battle to build student housing resurges in Blacksburg Student housing complexes in Blacksburg, which have faced numerous setbacks in the past, are working harder than ever to solidify a strong relationship with the town to add more options for off-campus student housing. LEWIS MILLHOLLAND The environmental impact commercial component into managing editor of the project has also been the otherwise residential called into question. The complex. Building student housing property abuts the headwaters “The market for under- in Blacksburg is not easy. of the Stroubles Creek, which graduate student housing is Construction of The Lofts at runs underneath the town and driving everything to (itself) Blacksburg, a pair of proposed the university, feeding into the — it’s warping your ability to student housing sites on North Duck Pond. With the creek’s get other types of housing built Main Street for a combined legacy of pollution, some because the demand for the 765 beds, has been set back by citizens are less than excited at student housing is so intense,” traffic concerns, parking space the thought of construction and McClung said. issues and an aging sewage parking deck runoff flowing Broadstreet Partners, infrastructure. through the community. LLC, recently filed a request Other developers are no A less tangible concern is to rezone the 900 block of strangers to this challenge. the “fit” for the area — similar Progress Street from a general Even with collegiate housing to the issue The Retreat faced commercial to a transitional communities in 87 locations in 2013. Planning and Building residential zoning district. under their belt, EdR’s (the Director for the Town of FILE 2016 Located near the Domino’s company behind The Retreat) Blacksburg Anne McClung The lot on 1310 North Main St. is one of the proposed sites of The Lofts at Blacksburg. Pizza on North Main Street, Vice President of Real Estate pointed out that there is the developer is proposing Development Joshua Wilson currently no coherent vision young students who “don’t go Blacksburg has always worked 19 single-unit and multi-unit said that Blacksburg was “one for the section of the North to bed at 10 o’clock and don’t While Capstone Collegiate to retain its identity inde- dwellings — Broadstreet of the more difficult ones Main Corridor around the have to wake up at 8 in the Communities is involved with pendent of the university did not comment regarding we’ve been to.” proposed Lofts at Blacksburg morning,” as McClung put it. building and operating the community. A major player whether the new housing was In 2013, the Blacksburg site. Sturbridge is also planning Lofts at Blacksburg, LandPro in this struggle is the ever- designed for student use. Town Council voted 4–3 to Developing such a vision a study to address inade- Development Group, LLC, increasing pressure to rezone The neighborhood meeting deny construction of The requires a concerted planning quacies of the current sewage initially filed applications with town land for student housing. where Broadstreet can present Retreat. One concern was that effort and involvement from infrastructure. While upgrades the Town of Blacksburg in Virginia Tech President its plans to the community is while the project only called to stakeholders along that are necessary to handle the September 2016 to rezone the Tim Sands’ vision to grow scheduled for Feb. 2 at 6:30 rezone approximately 42 acres corridor — until that desired increased number of resi- proposed sites for The Lofts at the student body by 5,000 in p.m. at 400 Main St. This of land, the town wanted The future is known, McClung dents, Sturbridge knows the Blacksburg at 1230 and 1310 approximately the next five meeting precludes a Planning Retreat to fit into the broader stated that rezoning the site for existing system is adequate for North Main St. years doesn’t help, either. Since Commission work session, a image of the future Prices Fork The Lofts “is a bit premature.” its current size — a luxury The To address town and citizen Sands’ announcement in 2014, public hearing and the ultimate Corridor. The Right Fit Lofts project does not have. concerns, the developers put Tech enrollment has risen by Town Council public hearing. EdR came back almost two In the fall of 2015, “Some of the lines (under the project on hold in January more than 1,500 students to “We have such an engaged years later with an updated Sturbridge Square Apartments the proposed Lofts location) 2017. 25,741 undergraduates for the community. It is better for proposal and an updated set built two new buildings to add are under capacity currently, so “Capstone is very interested 2016–17 academic year. everybody that we make all of of proffers, including an open 96 more bedrooms to its port- the developers of course want in working with the Town of A study by Development that information available … fiber network system that could folio. Now, owners want to tear to know how that plays into Blacksburg as they study and Strategies, Inc., in 2015 iden- that way no one is surprised,” be used to expand Blacksburg’s down the rest of the complex what they’re responsible for resolve how to move forward tified two primary forces that O’Shea said. “It ends up existing fiber network down and rebuild with higher- versus what the town’s respon- with their sewer capacity have played into the under- making better projects for the road. By addressing density buildings for a total of sible for, whereas Sturbridge issues and as a student housing development of downtown everybody.” specific community concerns 1,052 bedrooms — more than is clear-cut. That pump station developer, we welcome the Blacksburg: the increased For better or worse, and contributing to the future either The Edge or The Retreat. has plenty of capacity right opportunity to work coopera- demand for off-campus under- Virginia Tech and the Town development of the area, the This project involves all the now and does not have capacity tively to see that more student graduate student housing and of Blacksburg are intimately project was approved unani- typical Blacksburg housing once the development comes housing is built in the appro- “restrictive land use policies tied together. Surrounded by mously in 2015. development issues: rezoning on,” said Town Engineer priate locations to address which are meant to preserve Appalachian towns and cities The Lofts project has its to allow for higher density, Victoria Hoyland. future demand for housing as the town’s historic character that suffer from poverty and own set of issues, and many of the need for increased parking The public hearing for the VA Tech continues to grow,” and minimize student housing “brain drain,” Blacksburg them are tangible. The devel- and an inadequate sewage Sturbridge Square upgrades Capstone officials said in an (that) have inadvertently deals with a unique set of chal- opment proposal includes infrastructure. has not been announced. email to the Collegiate Times. constrained desired devel- lenges dealt by its proximity to roughly 0.96 parking spaces In the planning commis- “Sturbridge is actually The next step is for LandPro opment that targets strategi- a growing, thriving university per student, causing neighbors sion’s eyes, Sturbridge is doing a really good example of, and Capstone Collegiate cally important demographic — which, as the Development to worry their property will everything right. Sturbridge ‘We’re not going to schedule Communities to revise their groups.” Strategies report points out, become overflow parking is removing 90 percent of its a town council public hearing application and meet in a work McClung expressed concern are “good problems to have.” space. Also, the resulting surface parking in favor of a because we haven’t gotten to session with the town planning about the limited supply of increased traffic and the high new podium-style parking the Planning Commission commission before moving to commercially zoned loca- volume of students taking left deck, and the new buildings yet,’” said Development a public hearing. tions downtown. In response to turns onto Main Street to get to will be split between graduate Administrator of Planning and The Pressure to Build this, The Lofts at Blacksburg @WithTheFancyGuy campus are causes for concern. students, single families and Building Kinsey O’Shea. To mixed success, plans to incorporate a small

Crash dummies used to determine drone safety Virginia Tech researchers aim to reduce human-drone collisions with the help of crash test dummies. Findings indicate that precision is key.

MIKE LIU done some analytical work the forces on the body are, news reporter that includes calculating we can assess likelihood of the risk flying drones over severe injury.” As drones are becoming people. The research team “We are still working on a part of everyday life, used an instrumented crash the big picture in terms of the question about their test dummy to study the understanding all different safety rises. Researchers at forces on the body on the kinds of drones.” Virginia Tech are studying off chance that a person is Considering the team’s the risks of bodily harm struck in the head with this need for a large, open and with drones striking people airborne technology. controlled environment, on the landing sites. Rowson’s team chose the Drones can be used to football training facility as carry out many services. its first testing site. With COURTESY OF VHYPER TEAM For instance, Chipotle If we understand access to a spacious testing has used drones to deliver “ area, researchers are able to how the drones burritos to students at successfully fly the drone HYPERLOOP: Students Virginia Tech. Drones can interact with into the head and negate also be a recreational way people, we can the effects of the wind to for people to de-stress. control the impact with the According to Steven design interventions drone. design pods for SpaceX Rowson, research assistant to reduce the Rowson claimed that professor of biomedical probability of the testing in the football from page 1 after graduation is a “gray reason for their partici- engineering and mechanics facility was only the first area.” pation. He says that much at Virginia Tech who is injury.” experimental set-up. In had to consider. of the journey is about also leading the injury Steven Rowson the future, the research According to Goldsmith, getting critiques and bio-mechanics side of the lead researcher for injury team will test different this included criteria such feedback for how they can research, the main purpose biomechanics kinds of drones in a real as design, producibility, It’s great to say, improve their design. of the research is to under- environment. safety, engineering and “‘Hey, Virginia Tech “We have a long list stand the risks for drones “We are still working on elegance. of optimizations and to fly over people and the These studies can help the big picture in terms of “We have built a very engineering, this is improvements we’re going threat if they strike people the researchers predict the understanding all different well engineered pod, us right here, this to implement … we’re on the ground. With the likelihood of severe injury. kinds of drones. You know, with a simple and elegant going to analyze prelim- results of the testing, Rowson also mentioned some are big, some are design that solves most of is how far we’ve inary data gathered while researchers will be able to that this is the same prin- small, some glide (and) the problems others are come.’” running in the main tube,” make some changes and ciple that is being used some are really quad- having here by virtue of Quang Vo Goldsmith said. reduce the probability of in automotive and sports copters,” Rowson said. its fine engineering, not by Vhyper team member Vo says that one of the life-threatening events. fields to reduce the like- “They all would interact virtue of its complexity,” most exciting things about “Drones are becoming lihood of concussions. with people in a different Goldsmith said. being at the competition part of everyday life ... so Rowson said that the way. So we really need to After its judging, the “If I am able to attend is being able to represent what we need to do is under- team was impressive with do a lot more testing in this team will now work on (the summer competition), Hokie Nation. stand the risks associated the way that the trained point. I think we took the redesigning whichever I would love to … in the “We’ve been with them flying over pilot would maneuver a first step towards that goal, components need meantime, I’ll do prep approached by graduated people and the event that drone for test crashes. This and in the future we are adjustment before another work, prepare, anything I Hokies,” Vo said. “It’s there is failure,” Rowson intent was necessary to going to continue to assess competition in August of can do to essentially make great to say, ‘Hey, Virginia said. “If we understand how understanding the forces the different drone types, this year. This competition the handoff easier to the Tech engineering, this is the drones interact with at different angles and alti- understand the risks by will be open for veteran younger generation,” Vo us right here, this is how people, we can design inter- tudes. With accelerometers type.” teams as well as new said. far we’ve come.’” ventions to reduce the prob- and load cells, Rowson teams that wish to partic- Goldsmith says that, ability of injury.” says, “We can understand ipate. Vo is a senior, so he although he is hopeful that Rowson says that the the forces on the body @CollegiateTimes says that he will work with the team will come out on @CollegiateTimes research team has already because if we know where his team this semester, but top, that is not the only PAGE 6 January 30, 2017 collegiatetimes.com [email protected]

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REVIEW: SPLIT

BRADY TICKLE forthcoming 24th personality. Kevin’s personalities who movie columnist To reveal more would lead me believes he is nine years old, into spoiler territory, and the provides the biggest laughs M. Night Shyamalan is a fun of watching “Split” lies between the scares. Anya director with split personal- in guessing what will happen Taylor-Joy, who has started ities; sometimes he is able to next. to become a modern scream direct a captivating, engrossing Early on in his career, queen through starring roles thriller, whereas other times Shyamalan was hailed as a in “The Witch” and “Morgan,” he directs overstuffed, self- master of the plot twist, and gives a strong performance as congratulatory shlock. while that shtick became tired the female lead, Casey. Betty Unfortunately, he has and overused, here it is renewed Buckley is also quite good as largely allowed his less- with vigor, complementing the Kevin’s therapist, Dr. Karen talented side to take over for far story as opposed to detracting Fletcher. too long, churning out disasters from its power. Through these While good in “The Edge like “The Happening” (where twists, we learn more and more of Seventeen,” Haley Lu Mark Wahlberg fights plants about the history of one of the Richardson is a bit out of place TAYO OLADELE / COLLEGIATE TIMES that make people commit girls, Casey (played by Anya here as Claire, another girl who The Cambria toy shop in downtown Christiansburg, Virginia, near an old railway suicide), “The Last Airbender” Taylor-Joy), and the root of gets kidnapped with Casey; station, displays miniature works and features a book store, Jan. 29, 2017. (where a beloved children’s Kevin’s illness. the same goes for Jessica cartoon was turned into one While at first the two seem Sula, who plays the third girl, of the most hated blockbusters like completely different Marcia. Their performances TOYS: of all time) and “After Earth” characters, their histories of are not bad, but the characters Christiansburg (where Will Smith bought his traumatic events give them feel underwritten and a bit son a movie and the results a shared connection that the pointless, with each having were worse than expected, movie uses to illustrate their some truly cringe-inducing shop based in station which was no small feat). contrasting coping mecha- dialogue. For so long, audiences nisms. At its core, “Split” is Overall, “Split” is the first miniature making in the U.S. from page 1 have had to wonder: What a film that depicts healthy horror movie of the year to be In the early ‘80s, a miniature desk went wrong with the guy and unhealthy ways to deal worthy of your ticket money. made by Dorsett’s father was featured who directed “Signs,” with traumatic incidents, and It is fast-paced, disturbing and began writing manuals on how to on the cover of Fine Woodworking, a “Unbreakable” and “The whether or not one can grow as edge-of-your-seat fun. Sure, replicate the world on a miniature scale. premier magazine for full-size wood- Sixth Sense”? At long last, a result of them. some of Kevin’s abilities get The company has published guidebooks working. Dorsett Publishing even ran Shyamalan is back in good Mike Gioulakis’ cinema- a bit absurd by the end, and I focused on specific styles, woods, items, its own magazine, Scale Cabinet Maker, form, as “Split” is his best film tography is also mesmerizing, highly doubt any form of DID techniques and tools. from 1976–96. since 2004’s underrated “The giving off a true sense of claus- actually looks like this, but this Within the bookshop, many miniature Dorsett shared that, despite its Village.” trophobia and panic when the is a popcorn flick through and works are on display in glass cases. Like closeness to campus, Virginia Tech Within the first five narrative turns dour. The fine through. small, realistic doll houses, they are students rarely patron the shop. minutes, three girls are cinematography on display Do not let the PG-13 rating replicas of different types of buildings “We do occasionally get architecture kidnapped by Kevin (played should come as no surprise, as fool you, either; things got throughout history, complete with tiny students coming around for a look,” by James McAvoy), a man Gioulakis’ previous work was twisted enough in the third act furniture, all handmade. Dorsett said. The architecture style of the suffering from a severe case of on one of my favorite horror to make me shocked at the mild “‘The Cabinet Maker’s Guide’ is our building is Tuscan Italian, rare to find in dissociative identity disorder films of 2014, the terrifying rating. Considering that both bestseller. It was the first guidebook on the South. (DID) that has split his identity 80s scary movie tribute “It this and last year’s “The Visit” how to build miniatures printed in the She hopes more book lovers and into 23 distinct personalities. Follows.” have received critical praise, it United States,” Dorsett said. “It predates English students will come by when The opening is intense, The movie would be would appear that Shyamalan the miniature-building hobby, which looking for a great book for only $2. and the thrills only escalate nothing without its star, James is returning to form. Here’s didn’t really start until the 1970s.” afterwards, barely allowing McAvoy, proving he is more hoping his next project is just Dorsett gives her mother’s detailed the audience to catch a breath than just a one-trick pony by as creepy. I give “Split” four publications a lot of credit, and believes @CollegiateTimes throughout the remainder of playing five distinct, fleshed- and a half out of five stars. they helped develop the hobby of the 116-minute runtime. It out characters (and quite a few turns out the girls have been others in smaller appearances). kidnapped due to a revolt in Not only does he manage to be Kevin’s unconscious mind by both intimidating and sympa- two of his personalities, which thetic, but also hilarious in have a shared plan for the girls some of the moments show- revolving around a fright- casing the film’s pitch-black @BradyTickle eningly dark belief about a comedy. Hedwig, one of ‘Love on the Weekend’ underwhelms true fans For award-winning musician John Mayer, music is a way of life — but could his new song have been better? Some say yes.

ZACK WAJSGRAS talents. he released would be at least managing editor Mayer is known for his mildly popular, but his more incredible blues guitar skills, musically inclined fans will Everything is a matter of his deep and powerful voice likely not appreciate this tune. perspective in that it’s possible and his emotionally charged Maybe when he performs it for something to be good and lyrics. If you are interested live (or records it acoustically bad at the same time. John in seeing what he is really in studio like “Something Like Mayer’s new song “Love on the capable of, search on Youtube Olivia”), he will add in some Weekend” is just that. for “Something Like Olivia time for soloing or will come up The song starts off with a (Acoustic)” or any of his perfor- with an alternate version of the mellow vibe and a mildly paced mances of “Gravity” live. song. But until Mayer releases a beat as Mayer begins to tell the It is hard to imagine why new full album, it seems we are story of how hard the week has someone so talented would stuck with a song that will fade been and how he is going to ever put out a song that has quickly, as all pop songs do. take advantage of the weekend easily digestible lyrics, no Now it shouldn’t be expected with his lady friend. Despite significant guitar sections and that a talented artist should hinting that he doesn’t work at a general lack of creativity. produce ground-shattering all (“You’ve been working, I’ve The song is good enough music every time he or she been waiting,”) the message is that I probably would not turn releases something. That kind tried and true and most people it off on the radio if it came on of pressure is what eventually can relate to what he is singing while I was driving. However, leads to pop music as formulas about. On goes the rest of the I am a big fan of the other for success are discovered song as the beat and melody work Mayer has done, and it and abused until every person repeat over and over. is unfortunate that he went for on the planet hates them (i.e. The problem with this song the easy formula to produce a what Mayer is doing now). is that John Mayer is one of simple pop song that would sell Mayer, though, is capable of the most fantastically talented quickly. finding a balance. Even a clever individual musicians around Since Mayer has not put opening riff would have been a today and this song doesn’t out a lot of music recently, he welcomed addition to what he display a single one of his many most likely knew that whatever gave us. I don’t think any less of him as an artist because of this song, and I am still going to give him the benefit of the doubt as he continues with his music career. But if songs like this continue to come out and his talents stay hidden, that could change very quickly. The song might be considered much more successful if it was written by a budding artist or someone much less talented, but because it was written by John Mayer, I give this song two and a half out of five stars.

@CollegiateTimes COURTESY OF ACE SHOWBIZ