IF VICE IS WRONG, I DON’T WANT TO BE RIGHT: why SIN truMPS VIRTUE (page 12) Proposed Bike Pollution in China Rental CYCLING | Page 6 POLLUTION| Page 4 VILLANOVA, PA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 On the inside Speak Up, Villanova Smokers Have 15 What Villanovans should know when electing new leaders Rights, Too! By ANDREW MORIARTY Health issues aside, smokers contribute more to The 2008 school year marks Villanova’s campus. So, what do we say that the quickness and ease with Though the officers themselves society than you think, and the departure of John Von Euw and expect? which everything comes together may not be the ones to blame, deserve your respect. Dave Pedra, Student Body president For most students, the activities might be a reason for the low level the lack of interest in and impact and vice president, respectively, of SGA are mostly invisible. of excitement over SGA initiatives. from SGA is disappointing for from Villanova’s Student While large-scale initiatives like The two cite the College Readership a university of our caliber. On Government Association. The V-Laundry and the Basketball Program, Meal Plan adjustments, the “Most Wired Campus” in the newly elected officers (announced Lottery are generally followed and student input on the new Athletics country, the web is prime real 08 Clemens Chaos on Capitol Hill shortly after Easter Break) will discussed, one struggles to think Facility, and most recently, events estate for sharing information and have the opportunity to drastically of other impacts SGA has made on like the NIU Candlelight Vigil keeping students up-to-date. SGA’s The Congressional hearings were improve, tragically alter, or c a m p u s . (organized in under six hours) website includes information on completely out of control. The generally ignore as examples of common SGA last year’s Thanksgiving shuttle, a steroid epidemic still needs to be the state of initiatives, all of which we are calendar of events for May 2007, stopped, and MLB can do it. student familiar with, though we may and meeting information for one of l i f e not associate them with SGA. 11 committees. o f If the SGA is so hard at work, When asked about this how come we don’t know about problem, Dave and John noted that, it? Dave remarks that, due to though the website has come a long the ease of handling situations, way since they came into office, it is “people don’t see as much – the still difficult going through UNIT process is very quick.” More (who have enough to deal with as than this, Villanova students are it is), and waiting for information H a v e infamous for apathy. Low turnout to be posted. They promise the site t h e y at student events (even the annual is up to date, and a little time will b e e n Novafest) and general disinterest reflect these changes. Cat on a Hot Tin l a y i n g in student news (check out all the Should students be alarmed 07 Roof l o w ? leftover copies of the Villanovan/ at how little they know about Apparently The Times) have plagued every SGA? Somewhat. The Student Writer Julianne Dudley not. Von level of student activities, with SGA Government Association has very saw Villanova Student Theatre’s Euw and Pedra suffering equally. little impact on how student funds incredible production, and demands that you see it too SGA, continued on p 4 Campaign Theme Law School Rising 11 Songs Presidential Lack of setbacks has building on track for completion by July ‘09 nominees can’t seem By MATTHEW CRAWFORD to get enough of corny theme music. John Gannon tells us More than three months since complete, a few hundred additional what they’ve picked, and adds a the groundbreaking ceremony parking spots will become few ideas of his own. for Villanova’s new Law School, available, likely ending the need for significant progress in construction the temporary parking lot in front has become apparent. Currently, of Tolentine Hall. The probability concrete is being poured into the that grass will once again cover the foundation of the new building space in front of Tolentine Hall - on what was formerly the parking currently an eyesore in a visible Prevention vs. Cost lot for Garey Hall. Currently the area of campus - should be welcome 05 Healthy, long-living “inadequate” home of Villanova’s news for all. people might actually Law School, Garey Hall is set to In the meantime, law cost more in healthcare. So are be replaced by the new building professors are elated with preventitive medicinal programs in July 2009. Once construction is the progress of the building’s worth all that money? completed in July, furniture and construction and anticipate its other equipment will be able to completion in less than two years. move into the new building, as Law School dean Mark Sargent well as faculty and professors, in is very pleased with the fact that Matthew Crawford preparation for the new semester. construction has thus far been on Construction at the site of the law school When construction is schedule, if not a bit Law School, continued on p 3 2 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 THE VILLANOVA TIMES THE CRUX OF THE ISSUE thoughts & reflections Decisions, decisions. Early Action candidates have to decide whether our school is right for them, the next SGA leaders must determine in what direction they’ll guide our student body, and we as young voters will help decide the next president. Have you been making good choices or bad ones? We won’t judge you – just remember that some vices are worse than others. Regardless, one choice is easy: reading the Times is ALWAYS a good decision. ISSUE 7: January 30, 2008 ISSUE 8: February 13, 2008 ISSUE 9: February 20, 2008 ISSUE 10: April 2, 2008 ISSUE 11: April 16, 2008 NOTABLE NEWS FROM THE OUTSIDE Moose Falls from the Sky FIRST WORDS: The Editor’s Letter ANCHORAGE, Alaska - On February 13th state trooper Howard Peterson witnessed something bizarre. As he was driving on the Seward Highway, he saw something drop from the sky about 20 feet in front Hey, Reader, of his vehicle. Assuming it was a boulder that fell from one of the surrounding cliffs, Peterson slowed his speed. It wasn’t long before Pe- terson realized that the object was most certainly not a boulder; it was Parting is such sweet a moose. Peterson told MSNBC that he estimated that the moose fell sorrow, that we shall from 150 feet as a result of strong winds. Wildlife biologist explained say goodbye ‘til it be the peculiar event by saying, “they occasionally have bad days like the April. rest of us. They slip and fall.” Oversized Load Unfortunately, this DOVER, Ohio - On February 5th, a four-year-old boy trapped himself is the last you’ll hear in his family’s washing machine. After calling the appliance dealer for from us for awhile. No, advice as to how to free the young boy, The fire department was forced to use the “jaws-of- life,” a metal cutter, to carve an escape route for the we aren’t going into young boy. The boy’s tiny body was wedged between the wall of the hiding after a coke deal machine and the agitator, immobilizing his limbs and preventing his gone bad (but if you parents from being able to pull him out. After being cleared by doctors, can get a fake passport, the boy was given a stuffed bear that has since been named “Agitator.” e-mail us at vutimes@ gmail.com), and we’re RETRACTIONS & CORRECTIONS not avoiding you, we swear. Poking fun at political differences - a Villanova Times tradition It’s nothing personal. With Spring Break looming ahead, along with mid-terms and CONTACT US other midyear wackiness, we are forced to take a break. We’ll still be hanging out in the background – you can always talk to us (or about us) on our blog at vutimes.wordpress. Website E-mail com, and we’ll be hosting a series of writing and design workshops in March (check the vutimes.wordpress.com [email protected] Wildcat Newswire for more info). DONATIONS Instead of worrying about this disheartening separation (we’ll miss you, man), let’s enjoy the time we have together now. This is a great issue: AJ DeCristino will tell you The Villanova Times is a donation driven publication. We are always in desperate need of help with publication and equipment costs. Any how the bicycle club plans to go French, Deena ElGenaidi takes a look at the storied support is greatly appreciated. history of the Mob, and James Kurz tells you how to fix your computer without having to visit the experts, valuable advice for any tech-weary student. Please send checks to: The Villanova Times, 217 Dougherty Hall, 800 E Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085 Our theme this issue is Vices – whether you love them or hate them, the foul tempta- Payable to: Villanova University tions of college life constantly linger. What is your vice? If it’s sex, Amy Richards has something to say about it. If you’re guilty of a food binge from time to time, Chelsea Your donation to The Villanova Times, a non-profit organization, is tax deductible. If you would prefer to meet us in person before donating, Carroll has some advice on how to cut those extra pounds. And if you’re giving up all please contact Andrew Moriarty at [email protected] or Max your vices for Lent, then Lindsay McAuliffe’s article may be right for you.