Recently Denis Kucinich told reporters that he had to question President Bush’s mental health. He said this in a response to a typical, less than provocative statement Bush made recently. “I’ve told people that if you’re interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them (Iran) from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon.” I don’t entirely agree with President Bush, but I don’t entirely disagree with him either. Mostly I take issue with Kucinich’s ignorant remark.

First off, the President is as entitled to his opinions as Kucinich is entitled to his cracked opinions. Men like him who would question a man’s mental health for giving his opinion would repress the people and inhibit freedom of speech. Secondly, Iran could start WWIII if it develops nuclear weapons. I’m not saying it will happen, I’m saying it very well could. This is especially true if those weapons end up in terrorists’ hands. To say that this would be anything other than unlikely is unrealistic.Lastly, why would anyone say anything about questioning someone’s mental health with the attitude that Kucinich did? President Bush didn’t say anything homicidal. He just stated his opinion on the situation with Iran. So is Kucinich saying that people with mental illnesses of one kind or another are not entitled to their opinions? Is he trying to say that the opinions of the mentally ill are wrong? Should we just discount everyone with a mental illness as an incompetent lunatic?

There is enough of a stigma against the mentally ill without someone in the public spotlight the way Kucinich is perpetuating the prejudiced image of mentally ill people as being incompetent crazies. His remarks are insensitive. So if the President was depressed or had Bipolar Disorder or perhaps Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, his opinions should be discounted? Would having OCD disqualify him from the presidency? I found every aspect of Kucinich’s statement to be ignorant and objectionable. So I really enjoyed the Republican National Committee’s response. http://news.aol.com/story/_a/kucinich-questions-bushs-mental-health/n20071030182709990003

Here are some events that are happening around campus this Halloween.

Halloween Treats: From 5-7 p.m. at D2 and the Shultz Dining Center, there will be a Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contest, plus treats, such as caramel apples. The Carved Pumpkin must be turned into by 12 p.m. on Wednesday. The 1^st prize for the Costume Contest is an autographed football by Frank Beamer.

Classic Halloween Double Feature: Starting at 6 p.m., there will be FREE admission at the Haymarket Theatre in the Squires Student Center. VTU Films and Free Culture @ VT will be presenting Night of the Living Dead and The Brain that Wouldn’t Die!

Rocktoberfest-Halloween Concert: At 7 p.m. in the Squires Old Dominion Ballroom, it will be featuring HE IS LEGEND Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Armor for the Broken Porcelain Smile. There will also be a Costume Contest. While VT Students pay $4, the General Public pays $6.

These are my personal subjective rankings of the top 10 teams in the NFL:

1. New England Patriots (8-0) (Last Week: 2)

So why, after Indy won their game by a large margin did I switch New England back to number one and the Colts to number two? It’s based on who I think will win the game this weekend (42-28 by the way). The Pats played against a better defense in the Washington Redskins, managed and controlled the clock much better, smothered the ‘Skin’s offensive efforts by allowing only two third down conversions on twelve attempts, and did what they have been doing all year: developing a sound running game which allows receivers to get open which lets Brady do his magic. If anyone could stop the Pats it’s Indy; but after this performance, that seems unlikely.

2. Indianapolis Colts (7-0) (1)

Indy won, as they have been doing all year, but to understanding why I demoted them to the number two spot it pays to look at what they did poorly. In their game against Jacksonville they fell behind early and despite the final score, the game was never dominated by Indy the way the Pat’s dominated theirs. The Panthers almost shot themselves in the foot the whole game, giving up turnovers and getting hurt by penalties resulting in 55 yards. Addai and the running game needs to be more explosive and Manning needs to work on his accuracy. Although every weekend shows us that Indy and New England are playing on an entirely other level (with guest appearances by Dallas), even on that level there is a King and that King is the New England Patriots.

3. Dallas Cowboys (6-1) (3)

Dallas spent this past weekend as a Bye week and will probably spend this weekend more focused on the Indy-N.E. game which very likely will show who they will play with in the superbowl, rather than their game in Philly which should be a cakewalk.

4. Green Bay Packers (5-1) (5)

Denver left the game up to the very end (overtime in this case) as usual yet Green Bay was able to overcome led by none other then their emblematic leader, Brett Farve and his miracle TD throw in OT. Denver played with determination and the whole game Green Bay was unable to turn promising drives into scores. The key for Green Bay when they play a quick Kansas City team this weekend will be whether they can change that bad habit and actually produce more than 19 points from 430 yards. That converts to 22.6 yards per offensive point (compare with San Diego below).

5. New York Giants (5-2) (4)

Ok, ok, ok: they had jet-lag, they were playing in sloppy conditions, in a foreign city, far from home…but so was Miami, one of the worst teams in the NFL which still managed to keep the game competitive if not interesting down to the end. Eli Maning was a compelte disaster and unlike his brother Peyton, he has never been able to emerge as a compelling team leader. His 8 completions in 22 attempts for only 59 yards and no completions is embarrassing. The strong Giants running game however gave them an early lead which they simply held on for during the second half.

6. San Diego Chargers (4-3) (6)

While San Diego’s offense was weak to say the least, they managed to maximize their per yard benefit which is the exact opposite of what Green Bay did. Three of QB Philip Rivers’ 7 completed passes were for touchdowns and while the running game only racked up 109 yards, the yards came when they were needed most and set up scoring situations. The Chargers are back and open for business having won three straight by impressive margins and with stars LT, Rivers, and TE Antonio Gates recovering from early season stumbles. Compared to Green Bay above, the Chargers had 11.28 yards per offensive point and 6.77 yards per total point (offensive and defensive).

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) (8)

Willie Parker is an extremely talented RB and Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin are smart enough to utilize him the most effectively. The running and passing games worked in a synchronized manner and QB Roethlisberger is using this season to develop into a better, more playoff-worthy, quarterback.

8. Seattle Seahawks(4-3) (7)

Seattle enjoyed a Bye week but the Steelers impressive win merited the demotion.

9. Detroit Lions (5-2) (9)

The Lions won and are currently experiencing a rebirth of their football program this season. The Detroit defense which has been absent in the past, outshined the formerly great Chicago defense this game by nabbing 4 interceptions (three of them forced) and smothering the running game from the get go. On the other side of the ball, Detroit and Kevin Jones launched an effective running game by outsmarting the Chicago linebackers which really opened up the game. As a note to the owners of the Lions however, I would like to once again deplore them to get rid of QB Jon Kitna and give this receiving corps (one of the best in the NFL), the quality quarterback they deserve.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) (10)

In a well matched, exciting game against the Jeff Garcia led Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville rebounded from the loss against Indy in what was essentially a defensive game despite the score. Jacksonville’s new QB Quinn Gray left little room for criticism although he was hardly impressive. With QB Garrard out, this game may prove the blue print that Jacksonville will attempt to duplicate for future wins: a conservative passing game which focuses on making few errors, a multi-back running game playing to specific talents in specific situations, and a conservative defense which focuses more on making consistent tackles than on explosive game-changing individual performances.

It’s that time of the year again: the one day to dress completely out of one’s realm of everyday comfort. The time has come to get those Halloween creative juices flowing, and ladies, perhaps this is the year to conjure up a costume you’d be proud to send Mom and Dad a picture of. Let’s keep it sassy, but classy. How? Browse the work of designers who know how to put together any look, and don’t underestimate the allure of couture.

The fashion mastermind John Galliano is known for his quirky designs and impeccable eye for detail. Thus, much can be learned from his craftsmanship when it comes to styling for tomorrow’s game of dress-up.

When Galliano began designing for Christian Dior, his extravagant vision for makeup and accessories added the perfect punch of boldness to the couture shows. Trying to find the right makeup for an elaborate costume with bold colors? Look to the Dior Fall 2006 Couture Collection’s detail shots. Extra-long false lashes and jewel-tone shadows are sure to turn heads.

Galliano doesn’t need anyone’s permission to design lavishly. His own ready-to-wear collections are just as fabulously styled as the couture lines. Donning a more ethereal costume this Halloween? Try a softer makeup palette such as the one seen in the detail shots for Galliano’s Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Take notes from this heavenly line, and look divine.

This Halloween, instead of spending time trying to find the costume with the shortest hemline, opt to observe the work of renowned designers and their choices in styling. Makeup and accessories can be the most vital parts of a costume, so why not be a real show-stopper? Even on the spookiest night of the year, let’s create some ghoulish glamour.

Happy Halloween!

There are four main muscles that seem to be most focused on when working out. These are the gluteus maximus, the hamstrings, the quadriceps, and the calves.

Of course, there are many more areas of the leg that can and should be targeted in a truly ambitious exercising routine. However, for the toning of the leg that most of us “casual” gym attendees or at least, not professional weightlifters, are looking for, these are the areas we tend to concentrate on.

There are two very common, essential exercises that have proven their effectiveness over time and great use. These are the Lunge and the Squat.

One of the best exercises for combined development of the quadriceps, gluteal, and hamstring muscles is the lunge. This exercise can be done in a small or large area and with or without weights.

If a long strip of floor is available to you, you may start out by standing at attention (minus the saluting- this isn’t a Corps drill). With your right leg step far enough forward that when you bend your knee, it makes a right angle with the floor and your left knee bends just above the floor, but not touching. Make sure that your right knee is not extended over your right foot, but rather is lined up straight above it. Hold for a couple seconds and then standing, bring your left foot up to where your right foot is. Continue “walking” forward in this manner.

For a confined space, you may lunge with your right foot and then bring your right foot back to your left. Then repeat with your left and bring it back to your right, thereby staying in one place. Again, to obtain a greater workout, grab a pair of dumbbells and hold one in each hand when lunging.

A squat, while mainly concentrating on the glutes and quads, also works the hamstrings and calves. This is a highly effective exercise and is commonly done with a barbell; however, it is quite possible and still beneficial when done free of weights.

The most important tip for proper form and great results is to keep your body weight on your heels during the squat, and not on your toes. This concentrates the stretch on your upper thigh and you will certainly feel it much more. Basically, keep your feet about hip width apart and bend at the knees until you create a right angle. Remember to focus your weight over your ankles, keep your shoulders back, and keep your knees behind your toes.

I bleed Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange. I only eat ham on big family holidays because eating a turkey just isn’t right. I can tell you all about our 4th string tight end or a recruit from the class of 2010 that Frank Beamer has his eyes on. I am a member on multiple paid websites which give up to date news on the team ranging from injuries, depth chart information, how the coaches feel about particular players… Essentially anything you would care to know as a fan of Virginia Tech football. If you have a question about Hokie football or what Tyrod Taylor is doing in a half hour, you should ask me. From this, you can undoubtedly trust the opinions expressed within.

It goes without saying to all the fans out there who watch every game, every play and really care about winning… I think they already know how I feel about our team. Considering the result of the BC game this past Thursday, something has to be addressed.

Frank Beamer, the coaching staff and company (and this includes our demigod Bud Foster) has one brutally tough problem to its team that will plague it for the entirety of Beamer’s tenure: Conservatism.

We have 4 senior WRs who know every route forwards and backwards. A play-making dual-threat QB in Tyrod Taylor. We’ve got Eddie Royal, who continues to be the lone spark on offense and special teams. We’ve got one of the best pair of cornerbacks in the country in Brandon Flowers and Macho Harris.

But I ask you, how many times have you wanted to go for it on 4th down and we haven’t? How many times have we ran on 3rd and long? How many times have we passed for 6 yards when we needed 11 yards on 3rd down? How many times have we pounded the ball up the middle with the running game when Branden Ore is averaging about 2.5 yards per carry in the game? The coaching staff does not take chances on offense.

I’ve actually gone to this school since 2001. Our QB was Grant Noel back then. If you’re frustrated with Sean Glennon, Grant Noel would have driven you off a cliff. He was about as mobile as a redwood tree. He had a strong arm and decent accuracy, I’ll give him that. But besides that, he was a terrible game-manager and leader. If we were down late in the game, even if it was a slim lead, we never really had a chance.

The offensive strategy time and time again is to not turn the ball over and maintain field position. This strategy can keep us close in almost every game because of our defense but it has proven to lose the big games. We do not throw the ball down the field enough so teams don’t need to cover deep. If you don’t need to ever cover deep, then you can keep all 11 defensive players within the first 20 yards of the field. On first down, teams can crowd the line because they know you will run.

In essence, we play offense to not lose the game.

As for the defense, it’s a fairly complex system that I might explain at another time, but we do not blitz linebackers very often which is why we do manage to force interceptions pretty frequently but that’s assuming we are able to get a good pass rush with the four defensive linemen. I have a lot of respect for Bud Foster because he’s got a great system that works very well for college. I would just love to see more aggression against better teams with better QBs.

The hot topic of this week has been why did we play prevent defense late in the game against BC.

Guys, I don’t know if you all are just new to football but playing prevent and its variations is standard football practice. The real problem and really, problem isn’t a good word choice here. If you blitz 3 or 4 guys, one can usually assume that you can get some effective pressure and force the QB to throw sooner rather than later out of a series. But it’s just not fair to our defensive secondary to make them cover for 8+ seconds.

The moral of the story here is that we need some creativity in the play-calling. Against the Ohio’s, Duke’s of the world, we can keep it close to the vest and still dominate. But against the BC’s, Miami’s and FSU’s, we have to break out the mold and try some new things. We did try the option briefly against BC and we did move the ball more effectively than usual, but this boils down passing more on first down, more play action, rolling the QB out, or the occasional trick play. We do not succeed in really challenging the defense with our offensive play-calling and as long as it stays this way, we will continue to lose the big games against big programs.

Ironically, do you want to know who you can blame for this?

Bryan Stinespring. Stinespring is the former offensive line coach and we are working with his recruits at this position still and naturally, this is the weakest part of our team. Now he is our play-caller and now that is our biggest weakness. Coincidence? It really isn’t. I’m hoping that new offensive line coach Kurt Newsome can correct Stinespring’s weak line in a year or two.

So the next time you want to point a finger, don’t point it at the players or any of the coaches. But feel free to focus all your frustration on Bryan Stinespring.