September 28, 2007Google may create virtual worldThe biggest rumor in the social-networking world this week is that Google may create its own virtual world, ala Second Life. I, for one, am shocked. I mean, Google, already an Internet powerhouse, going after the most popular online zones? So, it's all rumors for now. September 27, 2007Computer club tries "nerd auction"A computer club at Washington State University has come up with an interesting idea to increase female enrollment in their field, and maybe play the field. Listen close, Virginia Tech engineers ... The Linux Users Group is looking to hold a “nerd auction,” in which members will offer their computer prowess to sorority students in exchange for a makeover, and maybe a date. Court: Woman can pump breast milk during examA Harvard University medical student will be permitted to break during her state licensing exam to pump breast milk, an appeals court has ruled. Sophie C. Currier, 33, of Massachusetts, had sued the National Board of Medical Examiners to get an additional 60 minutes of break time in the exam. She argued she risked medical complications of her own if she did not breast feed her child every two to three hours, according to an article in the New York Times. Usually students only receive 45 minutes of break time during the exam.
September 25, 2007Radford boots students more often than mostVirginia's colleges aren't quick to boot students from their schools. \ Rather, they like to focus on rehabiliating inappropriate behavior first. A newspaper's analysis found that Radford University and Old Dominion have some of the higher rates, sending home about 50 students each in the past five years. Schools with more strict honor codes than RU and ODU, such as UVa and VMI have even higher rates -- 115 at U.Va. and 67 at VMI -- according to the analysis. The Virginia Tech Review Panel, which reviewed the events surrounding the April shootings at Tech, suggested the state's colleges look at their conduct and enforcement policies. How far should poor, or alarming behavior go? What do you think should get students expelled? September 18, 2007Tech professor writes poems about April 16 shootingsThe latest issue of the American Poetry Review includes a poem by Virginia Tech English professor Bob Hicok entitled "So I Know." The poem -- one of five Hicok wrote for the issue -- is an unflinching and pained look at Hicok's thoughts about shooter Seung-Hui Cho and the professor's feelings of guilt for not doing something to stop his former student. Part of the poem reads: "I don't know what I could have done While a student in Hicok's class in spring 2006, Cho wrote a play about a student who plans a mass school shooting. Reports say that Hicok was one of several professors in the department to voice concerns about Cho and he took those concerns to department head Lucinda Roy. But Cho was not removed from his class. Continue reading "Tech professor writes poems about April 16 shootings" » September 12, 2007VT Engage to launch Oct. 16A few more details have emerged about VT Engage, a community-service effort by Virginia Tech to honor the victims of the April 16 shootings. John Dooley, vice provost for outreach and international affairs, introduced the idea to Tech's board of visitors at its meeting last month and pitched it again to the faculty senate Tuesday night. In addition to the stated goal of 300,000 hours of community service among Tech students, faculty, staff and friends, Tech's alumni association has pledged another 300,000 hours. So the goal is now at least 600,000 hours of community service between Oct. 16 -- when the project is scheduled to kick off -- and next April 16, the anniversary of the shootings. Dooley didn't have specifis Tuesday, but said multiple activities would be held between those two dates. The university has a web site with some information about the project, though it's pretty bare bones at the moement. Eventually, volunteers will be able to fill out pledge forms on the site. September 10, 2007Greek FinaleI remember a lot of drama during my first semester at college, but I'm not sure it was quite like this. Then again, I wasn't Greek. But, I must admit during the past few months, I've been impressed, even if actual Greeks were not. I'll start with this week's episode. I figure any show that puts actors from Ferris Bueller and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer is ok with me. Here's the final breakdown ... until 2008 for the next semester. $10,000 blogging scholarshipThink your rants about life might be worth some cash? You can write a 300-word essay, submit your thoughts and site here, and hope your friends -- and the rest of the world -- votes for you. For the second year, collegescholarships.org is handing out money to the best full-time college student/blogger. You must be a U.S. citizen and willing to put your name out there, if you win. So, think about the most inspiring blog you've ever read, or any else on this list. Send it in by Oct. 6. and let us know when you win. Winners will be notified by Oct. 28. September 6, 2007Concert ends with encoreThe Dave Matthews Band wrapped its 2 1/2 hour performance with the song, "Stay," and heard a resounding, "Let's Go ... Hokies!" The metal seats at Lane Stadium rattled as if the Hokies had scored back-to-back touchdowns, and atendees chanted, "Dave! Dave!" bringing the band back for an encore song shortly after 11 p.m. Crews have already begun taking down the on-field seating, but people still lingered around the stadium. See video highlights of the show. Share your video and photos of the concert
But if you were there and want to share your experience with the rest of us who weren't, you can upload the photos and video from your camera phone to roanoke.com. For video, click here and follow the instructions. You can find the photo submission form here. Photo by Jared Soares | The Roanoke Times John Mayer's prayer for Virginia Tech
The concert seems to have accomplished what it set out to do: helping people have fun. Some of the performers sported Hokie gear, including the free Hokies United shirts that the university gave them. Some concertgoers said they wished that the 20- to 30-minute sets could have been longer, but acknowledged that they were still enjoying themselves. Despite early grumblings, rapper Nas performed to a welcoming audience, asking the Hokie Nation to hold up one finger "in unity." He also nodded to commentator Bill O'Reilly's concerns about him performing at the concert and said his heart was with all the victims' families and with everyone at Virginia Tech. Most of the performers are taking note of what the Virginia Tech community has gone through since April. "This is a song that maybe if you've seen too many news trucks in the past few months, it'll get to you," John Mayer said before starting his song "Vultures." He also dedicated the song "Gravity" as a prayer for Virginia Tech. -- Anna Mallory (Photo by The Associated Press) Tech still home for returning alumna; Nas takes the stageEmily Gold, class of 2004, drove all the way from Pittsburgh to catch the concert for her alma mater. She was sitting on a hill overlooking the football practice field, listening to the opening acts and enjoying her return to Blacksburg. "This is home," she said. Her boyfriend, Jim Scheidemantle, was with her. Scheidemantle is not a Tech alum -- he's from Pittsburgh, too -- but he were there to see the Dave Matthews Band. The couple figured they might stay outside the stadium for awhile, there by Cassell Coliseum, and enjoy the view before Dave takes the stage. It was amazing to see everyone in Hokie T-shirts, Gold said. She was struck by the Hokie spirit all around her -- it reminded her of a football game. "I don't think you can really appreciate it unless you've been a part of it," she said. Meanwhile, on stage, Nas dedicated a song to the haters. "To all those people who don't know what Nas is about, like this chump Bill O'Reilly," he told the crowd. "I said that chump Bill O'Reilly. They can't stop us, Virginia Tech. They cannot stop us." -- Greg Esposito Tickets still available for tonight's concertFoot traffic around the stadium is increasing as the show is set to begin in an hour. But for those interested, there appear to be plenty of seats still available. Several people are walking along sidewalks in front of the stadium and on sidestreets selling tickets for $40 and less. -- Greg Esposito Concert items on saleVendors are hawking commemorative hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts for $20 to $65 around Lane Stadium. Some people, many already clad in the maroon Hokies United T-shirts, said waiting in line to buy such items is worth it. "I want something to remember when I'm old and gray," said 18-year-old Josh Staton. However, Pablo Bruneo a senior exchange student from Ecuador, said the Hokies United T-shirts mean more than commemorative concert items. Concert-goers aren't the only ones snagging T-shirts, though. The university is giving all of the performers free Hokies United T-shirts. Some of the items on sale feature all of the performers' names in a circle with a Virgina Tech logo in the center. -- Anna L. Mallory Fans starting to line upFans are lining up outside of the gates of Lane Stadium with about 20 minutes to go before the gates open at 4 p.m. for the Concert for Virginia Tech. Pulaski native Jonathan Hedrick, who now lives and works in Blacksburg, is seeing the show with his girlfriend, Valisa Respress, who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2006 and is now a graduate student in nutrition. Hedrick and about 50 other people have been lining up to get good seats in the stands. On-the-field seating will be assigned, while those in the stands will be general admission. For Hedrick, good seats would be at about the 20-yard-line for a football game in the stands near the stage. Hedrick said he's a big John Mayer, Nas and Phil Vassar fan. In talking about Dave Matthews, he said that it's like an oxymoron for Dave to play in Blacksburg and not in UVa. Gates open at 4 p.m. Phil Vassar will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Nas at 6:35 p.m., John Mayer at 7:05 p.m. and the Dave Matthews Band to play at 8:20 p.m. Stay tuned for more concert updates. -- Greg Esposito |
About this blog
Rhode Island native and Virginia Tech reporter Greg Esposito posts on everyday college life, trends and issues affecting the 35,000-plus students in the New River Valley and beyond.
Tim Thornton, who is old enough to have children attending college, is still taking classes and is still fascinated by colleges, the students who populate them and the bureaucrats who operate them. His reporting beat is Radford University.
West Virginia native Anna Mallory blogs on student life topics at Virginia Tech, Radford University, New River Valley Community College -- and beyond.
.....Advertisement.....
|
...Advertisement...
...Advertisement...
The Dave Matthews Band is finishing its final set, and the Concert for Virginia Tech is almost over. 
A Concert for Virginia Tech is nearly two-thirds over, with performers Phil Vassar, Nas and John Mayer completing their sets.
