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THE TARTAN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011 OUR OPINION | The Tartan

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Our Opinion pieces are written collectively by members of The Tartan Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is comprised of the editing staff, Insights writers and other Radford University students. These undergraduate and graduate students represent multiple class levels and different political, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Members may or may not belong to a variety of student organizations. The Editorial Board is open to all RU students who apply. To join The Tartan Editorial Board, please contact us at tartan@radford.edu or (540) 831-5474 to schedule an interview.

Dont make bad decisions while driving

TARTAN STAFF
Laura Enderson Editor-in-Chief Meghan McNeice Managing Editor Insights Editor Rachael Smith Assistant Insights Editor Rachael Wilkins Head Copy Editor Francis Smith Assistant Copy Editor Christian Stephens Arts Director Brittany LaTempa Assistant Arts Director Courtney Earll Photography Editor AJ Schrantz Assistant Photography Editor Jennifer Werner News Editor Brittany Jeglum Assistant News Editor Calvin James Pynn The Scene Editor Matt Halberg Sports Editor AJ Neuharth-Keusch Assistant Sports Editor

his is the last week of classes before exam week. With that being said, everyones in the mindset of getting projects done, writing papers, cleaning dorm rooms or apartments; so its not a hassle come exam week. Thats good for those who dont procrastinate and have managed their time wisely, they wont be in such a rush to pack and get the heck out of Radford to go home! But those who wait to the last minute for everything are probably those who are last minute packing and racing to get out of Radford and make 81 North a nightmare. Were all friends while in school so why is it that once we all hit the highway it becomes survival of the ttest? Everybodys riding each others ends and not leaving enough braking room in between. Speeding is illegal, but somehow if other careful drivers arent keeping up doing at least ten over the speed limit, youre going to get run off the road! The zig-zagging and weaving in and out of lanes at such fast speeds isnt such a smart maneu-

ver either. Our staff agrees that it took everybody at least half an hour longer to get home for break than it usually does. We considered the factors that there would be trafc between Virginia Tech and Radford all piling on to 81, but we noticed there were more fender benders and other accidents than usual. No matter how fast or which way you go, do you really want it to be the last drive you ever take? Cars are becoming more technological and are supposed to have all these features that make safe driving possible. But driving like a maniac isnt going to keep you alive if you get into an accident. Fellow students PLEASE get off your phones. Everybodys upgrading to iPhones or Droids with unlimited applications, and that alone can be a major distraction. Lets not all start winter break on the wrong foot with bad driving and frustration, but work together to help everybody get home safe and sound this holiday season.

Last minute tips to finishing fall semester

RACHAEL SMITH
CLASS: Junior MAJOR: Journalism

Fashion show brings millions of viewers

CLASS: Freshman MAJOR: Communication

JACKIE SALZANO

Word

During exam week students will be hitting the road and heading home. With 81 being a two lane highway, some students drive carelessly. What frustrates you the most about driving home for break?

on the street

ov. 29 was named the sexiest night on television. CBS broadcasted the premiere of the television special of the 2011 Victoria Secret Fashion Show. There was an estimated 10.3 million views of the 2011 Victoria Secret Fashion show; the biggest audience since 2002. This particular year, it was estimated at about a $12 million production. It was the most anticipated television special of the season. This is not any ordinary fashion show. This specic show is different from other fashion shows for numerous reasons. It has musical performances, the audience is packed with star studded celebrities, and they had a sideline show by showing what is going on back stage in between runway walks. Victoria Secret always goes all out with lighting, stage props and scenes. This year they had six different themes: Ballet, Superhero, Passion, Aquatics, Spell on You, and Club Pink. By providing such different categories, it makes the show diverse and appeal to many different audiences. The producers and designers always go big with the stage sets and lighting. However this year I think the producers took a step back on the stage props and they toned it down from what has been shown in previous years. This was a positive because the viewers could focus more attention on the models, their outts and most importantly their wings! This year the designers went all out on their $2.5

million bra that model Miranda Kerr opened the Aquatic section with. The lingerie is bedazzled with approximately 3,400 gems, with 142 carats of diamonds, pearls, citrines, and aqua marines. The key reasoning for ladies and men to enjoy watching this show is because of the condence and fun that the girls portray to the audience. Each angel enters the runway and exudes that they love what they are doing. They deviate from the normal model look; they get into a different character with each outt. They use different facial and body movements and it is not as main stream or serious as other fashion shows. Also, the musical performances draw in different audiences. Who would pass up watching your favorite artist perform while you are in the comfort of your own home? It also lets fans see singers sing their number one hits in a different setting. In years past, the show has featured different ways to portray the holidays. My only and biggest disappointment this year was that there was no holiday or Christmas part. That is always my favorite part, but that just means Ill have to tune in next year. What keeps people coming back is the diversity of girls. Just as no two outts ever look the same, neither do two girls. Everyone has their veteran favorites but there are always new rookie faces each year. Victoria Secret Angels are seen as Americas sweethearts. The brand Victoria Secret has become so well-known and widespread that people watch because they want the opportunity to walk in this famous fashion show just like these models. Email:jsalzano@radford.edu

inally its here! Our fall semester is pretty much over and all of our late nights chugging coffee in Young have paid off (lets hope). After this week, you will never have to sit through that boring class you hated but went to and worked your butt off in, and can take a month long break from either cooking or eating in Dalton. Even though the weeks before and of exams are two of the most stressful, dont forget that this is yet one more semester closer to graduating and the last week we can spend with our Radford friends before going home for an entire month. Soon enough, our college days will be over, so this is why I think it is important to yes, study, but to also have fun. In between hardcore cramming, try to t in some time for yourself. If you live in an apartment, invite some friends over to study and then watch a movie and eat dinner. This way you can help each other out. If you like to cook, have a baking day over the weekend and make Christmas treats and have everyone make their favorite, then trade with one another. Dont stay cooped up in your room; take your dog or a friend down to the river for a walk. The fresh air will help give you a clean perspective and will relax your mind from history facts youll never use in life. If you dont have a car, take the Radford Transit to the Christiansburg mall or the Regal Cinemas this weekend. Getting out of Radford is so refreshing sometimes and heading to the next town over sometimes feels like school work isnt following you around. Enjoy the company of college friends before you have to go home and ght with your little brother. Nowtime to study! Everyone studies differently, but I have found leaving my apartment, which is lled with distractions to work best; I go to Young or the library and nd a small nook that is completely isolated. I grab a cup of coffee and hit the books. After I nish something big and important, I will reward myself with Facebook or Pinterest, but I have to make sure I dont stay on too longbecause I will. Focus on the future. Just think about how fantastic it will feel once you are home for the holidays with no worries when you see you rocked nals. Its totally worth it to do your best and know the information this week and then treat yourself to a whole month dedicated to yourself! Also remember future employers do look at our GPA and they like to see a 3.0 at least. Good luck! Email:rsmith585@radford.edu

What you are saying...

Kara Hughes Freshman
I go through Floyd to get home and they were doing road work, so we have to stop and wait.

Letter to theEditor:
t this holiday time, we take a look at all we have to be thankful for and count our blessings. Our family would like to take a moment to thank the Radford University family which includes both the staff and students for the gifts you have given our family. Our son, Hunter Liebold was a rising junior at Radford when he died at the much too early age of 20, only days before he was to return to campus to start this school year. At a time that seems like you could not possibly nd a reason to smile and feel good about such a tragedy, we found so many amazing events happening in the loving memory of Hunter. A very warm and heartfelt letter of condolence was sent by Penelope Kyle, president of the university. The ofce of

Family of Hunter Liebold thanks university

student affairs sent us a beautifully framed certicate of attendance in Hunters name indicating that he was working toward the Bachelors degree in Political Science. It looked exactly like the degree he was working so hard to achieve at Radford and will hang in a place of honor in our home. The Department of Political Science sent a donation to a local childrens hospital in Hunters memory. Barbara Clark, Hunters advocate in the disability resource ofce helped us through his entire time at Radford to enable him to accomplish so much while enrolled in the university. These gifts of love and compassion were greatly appreciated by our family. When Hunter was unable to return to school for the spring semester last year after his surgery at Johns Hopkins, Margaret Hrezo, his department advisor and professor, helped Hunter arrange remote studies. This allowed him to fulll a course requirement through an internship with his mentor, our Commonwealth Attorney, and provided the opportunity to be the lawyer he was so passionate about becoming. Looking back, this gave him the opportunity to fulll his lifes dream that he was working so hard to accomplish. Because he felt so strongly about education, we have established a scholarship at Hunters church in his name for high school graduates going for higher education. We extend a special thanks to Hunters roommates who have allowed us to continue to experience Radford student life through them and their tribute to Hunters memory as well. Neil, Greg and Martin not only dealt with a very hard loss in their young lives but found a peace and comfort to share Hunters memory in a positive way that allows his life to continue to shine through their memories and actions. Our family calls this The Hunter Effect where, through our faith in God, we know that Gods love will sustain us in bad times and allow us to nd amazing strength to overcome and nd good in all situations in life. It is our wish for you to nd or make The Hunter Effect a part of your life. Make the most of each day, appreciate what you have and tell those who are special to you that you love them. Proud Radford Parents & Sister, Scott, Kim & Samantha Liebold

Mikey McWilliam Junior

Trafc, stupid people and the weather! Also trafc moving just slow enough to not allow chinese re drills.

Christina Williams Junior

All of the trafc from Radford and Tech and the crazy amount of cops waiting to pull you over.

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