Fun Facebook in Juxtaposition with Virginia Tech Tragedy
description: Friday, April 27, 2007 Early Monday morning Toronto, April 16; very nice day, it's spring at last - you can feel it in the air - maybe the oxygen levels are up a little - there's a craziness in the air, a frenetic kind of feeling... I punched the computer; threw on the radio; and began to create coffee. I prime my story-writing brain with National Public Radio; but soon the voices will be in the back of my head, and I'll be blogging down a pathway in search of a twig. The twig appeared on NPR, news at 10:00; a shooting at Virginia Tech, a lock-down, nothing more... I have been interested in the phenomena of the serial and mass murderers since the 1970's - when a peer of mine took a hunting rifle to school in a nearby town. In the early eighties Elliott Leytons excellent work, 'Hunting Humans' came out; and I gave it a read. I have followed the science of profiling with interest ever since. The most strange and distorted individuals, sometimes offer the most interesting reflections of a culture. The X-files, the 1990's TV series, starred David Duchovny as Fox Mulder, FBI profiler. The shows writers used up-to-date theory and research to punch up the script. One of my favorites. I knew right away this was my twig - I also knew this was going to be a lousy day. As a writer though, it would be a rewarding one. I knew a fast breaking story like this one could change the way news is consumed. In the San Francisco earthquake of 1989, CNN went live for at least 12 hours (I feel asleep), until the next morning. It was the first time a network had done this kind of news coverage. CNN's next big gig was the 1991 war with Iraq. Brought to you live; with the CNN correspondent sending video as American Bombs rained down around him; and anti-aircraft tracer fire lit the sky at mid-night.These two events took CNN from small player to a major in the news business. Now perhaps the Internet was about to experience a similar metamorphosis. My plan was to watch a national story unfold i…
creator: Michael Holloway
date: 2007-05-19
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Officials examine ways to make school safer
description: By Joe Cressman Elmhurst Press Tue Apr 24, 2007, 04:35 PM CDT ELMHURST, IL - The April 16 tragedy at Virginia Tech has Elmhurst College officials looking at ways they can make their own campus more secure. One of those ways is to teach the community how to respond to danger signs among students, said Tony Leggett, director of campus security. "We've done a number of things," he said. "We sent out a letter to give students some of the warning signs, how to report if someone on campus they know (is) emotionally distressed." He also has been in contact with the Elmhurst Police Department. Sometime this summer, police will rehearse practice responses to an on-campus shooter, Leggett said. Charley Henderson, director of public relations, said the Virginia Tech massacre has everyone thinking about how safety measures can be improved. "This campus is essentially safe, but you never say never," he said. Original Source: http://www.chicagosuburbannews.com/elmhurst/news/x1910945457 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5.
creator: Brent Jesiek
date: 2007-05-19
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

From Palestine to Virginia Tech: We are with you in this Time of Pain
description: Posted by Sami Awad on April 20th, 2007 Two days ago a tragic event took place in Virginia Tech in the US that shocked not only the people of the United States but people all across the globe. A violent massacre took place there that resulted in thirty two killed, individuals who presented different cultures, religions and nationalities. In a sign of solidarity the people of Palestine in general and those from the Sothern villages surrounding the Holy city of Bethlehem dedicated their weekly nonviolent activity against the building of Apartheid wall to the families of the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre. Every Friday, Palestinians, internationals, and Israeli nonviolent activists gather in the Southern villages of Bethlehem to protest against the building of the Apartheid Wall that will eventually destroy the livelihood of these villages. This Friday, the protest began with a silent procession by the group of about fifty participants. We carried banners and leaflets with the Virginia Tech logo and statements supporting them in this time of pain. Thirty two olive trees were also carried in the procession to remember each person killed in the massacre. The olive tree is a global symbol of peace and hope. Once we reached the path created by the by the bulldozers for the building of the Apartheid Wall we dug the earth and plated the thirty two olive trees in a row - instead of building an ugly wall that divides people, let us plant trees that bring people together. Several of the participants made statements condemning the violence that we all, as the human family are witnessing and condemning the building of the Apartheid wall and the killing of innocents. Over 150 Israeli soldiers came to dismantle our protest. Our commitment to nonviolence and to achieve our goal completely paralyzed their weapons and their goals and eventually our power made them withdrawal. The planting of the trees was followed by reciting the names of all those who were killed in the Virgin…
creator: Sami Awad
date: 2007-05-19
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

042107 Vigil/Picnic
description: This is a panoramic picture taken the day of the Community Vigil/Picnic on the Drill Field just after the vendors had setup and food was served. Chief Wendell Flinchum is in the foreground with his back turned and was met enthusiastically by the students and visitors.
creator: Jack Lester
date: 2007-05-12
contributor: Jack Lester
language: eng

VDOT_Bristol
description: Employees at the Virginia Department of Transportation preparing for a moment of silence. VT Graduate Mike Branham speaking.
creator: Jack Lester
date: 2007-05-12
contributor: Jack Lester
language: eng

A Tribute Song to VT
description: Although I have not finished with music that I feel is worthy yet, I wanted to share the words with our VT families. My prayers are with all of the families. Lee Stephens - Christiansburg Deep Blue Ridge Rain Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies a beautiful place I know Yes deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's the place I now call home But today I am in great pain, as the world looks here to mourn A most hateful thing among us, taking with it those so young Blue Ridge Rain, the reflection of the pain As the mountains cry Tears flowing, hearts broken, Virginia's proud remain We have lost our innocence but certainly not our pride Those that are not a Hokie, you have to be one tonight Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, people smile and say hello They are always wanting to help you, real people, you know Yes deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so far from the world's strife But the world came crashing in today, violent, destroying life Blue Ridge Rain, the reflection of the pain As the mountains cry Tears flowing, hearts broken, Virginia's proud remain We have lost our innocence but certainly not our pride Those that are not a Hokie, you have to be one tonight Yes deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the pain is running high No one understands it; no one can, though you try But high on the mountain tops where strength abounds Blue Ridge Mountains rock hard people will Rebuild the aura and town Blue Ridge Rain, the reflection of the pain As the mountains cry Tears flowing, hearts broken, Virginia's proud remain We have lost our innocence but certainly not our pride Those that are not a Hokie, you have to be one tonight.
creator: Lee Stephens
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Lee Stephens
language: eng

Media trucks at the Inn
creator: Carol Papillon
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Carol Papillon
language: eng

Blacksburg and Biography
description: The Morning News - Personal Essays It stunned the nation that the Virginia Tech murders took place; it shocked Virginians that they occurred in Blacksburg. A former longtime resident, BENJAMIN COHEN traces his connections to the tragedy. -- I drove home from Charlottesville in confused panic after cancelling my afternoon class. Noah Adams was on NPR talking about the stark clash of nature and humans, setting and event. It was the visual, sensory contrast between Blacksburg, the bucolic valley town in southwestern Virginia, and mass murder news story. That this human tragedy could happen there, in that natural majesty. From all the 11 scattered years I lived there, before moving to the University of Virginia last year, the bucolic descriptor is one that sticks. It’s exaggerated, I know, but it works. And it’s the one the media evoked all week: Blacksburg, a quaint, off-the-beaten-track bucolic college town nestled in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Being “nestled” also seems key, the town cradled by the mountains, the students by the valley. I walked that nestled town too many times to count, and ever after have the image of my son cruising down Draper Road sidewalks wearing his red Keds and pushing his toy lawnmower. Adams apparently had written about the New River a few years ago—a river paradoxically named, since it’s in fact one of the oldest in North America, if not the world—and thus knew the area. He was speaking in the first phase of tragedy, when people confront the fact that senseless things don’t make sense. This was before the pre-spin spin phase, when people talk about what people will soon be talking about: too many guns, not enough guns, no Bibles in schools, too much God in schools, moral decay, media glorification, video games, actual worldwide wars, daily death in Iraq, numbness, surveillance cameras will save us, mental illness is awful, failure of health-care system, campus judicial systems, parents, society, it’s “society’s” fault, and howev…
creator: Benjamin Cohen
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

32: In Honor of Virginia Tech
description: Did that really happen that April spring day? When 32 lives in an instant were swept away? That terrible day: 32 lives lost, ended too soon; The day Heaven was draped in orange and maroon. Blacksburg's winds that day roared loud and sweeping - That was the tortured sound of God Himself weeping. That tragedy turned all of humanity into pallbearers: A heartbreak so painful, strangers became mourners. A nightmare too horrific for words, just grief; All of us clinging to our precious belief That hope will shield us from our worst fears; But for that day, that time, there were only tears. That day we hugged a loved one a little tighter And sought the hope to make our souls stronger; We learned you will never be alone, whatever you do, As long as there are people who care about you. We grieved together, all united with one noble heart; Whatever we could do, we wanted to do our part. If I could share my soul, my strength with another, I would, we all would, if only because he is my brother. Whoever we were, wherever our loyalties lay, The individual ceased to matter that gruesome day. One phrase brought the world closer together solemnly: "Today we are all Hokies!" we proclaimed proudly. Tragedies may shape us but they cannot define us, As long as we care for each other in times of distress. Some wounds may heal; some scars may last forever - Thirty-two gone but not forgotten: We will always remember. May 7, 2007
creator: Mike Fox
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Mike Fox
language: eng

President Steger addresses Virginia Tech Review Panel
description: By Larry Hincker BLACKSBURG, Va., May 10, 2007 -- Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger addressed the Virginia Tech Review Panel here Thursday. These were his comments. Governor Kaine, Colonel Massengill, and members of the commission. Normally, I would address a commission by saying that I am happy to have the opportunity to appear before you. We know that is not true. Each of us appears here today with heavy heart, a most profound sense of sorrow...and yes, still to this day...disbelief. A terribly deranged young man....one of our own students...visited unimaginable horror upon our university, our bright young minds, our rising stars, and our caring and learned faculty. He took 32 precious lives and then his own. He wounded 25 more. In the process, he seriously injured an entire nation. As we have noted many times throughout this terrible ordeal, the families of those who lost their lives and the injured have remained our highest priority, followed by the needs of our greater university community. We will do everything possible to assist with their recovery. I have said time and again, that Virginia Tech, our commonwealth, all of higher education, and indeed, the world must learn from this tragedy. I personally asked the governor for your work. We have been and will continue to cooperate fully with your review and findings. I have appointed a lead individual, a retired university executive with experience in many sectors including audit, to assist you with your data gathering and be your liaison with any office on campus. Each one of us and each sector of our society that has been touched by this tragedy must welcome the inspection, introspection, and the scrutiny of a thorough analysis. In our own case we have underway after-action reviews, which can inform your data gathering. In addition to understanding the incidents, we will be looking at three broad areas: telecommunications infrastructure, the physical infrastructure as it relates to safety and security…
creator: Larry Hincker
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Grace Cathedral Memorial San Francisco Tuesday April 24 2007
description: During a service in remembrance of the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus spoke about how his time at the university. informed his understanding of God. Andrus and his wife Sheila attended graduate school at the Blacksburg, Virginia, campus. The noon service on Tuesday April 24 2007 at Grace Cathedral was attended by about 70 people, including 20 or so Virginia Tech alums.
creator: Ben Long
date: 2007-05-11
contributor: Ben Long
language: eng

Out of Darkness Comes Light
description: The shooting at Virginia Tech is undeniably one of the worst tragedies American students have ever faced. Stories of heroism make their way out of the situation, but the media is focused on the death and destruction caused on the campus of Virginia Tech University. One thing, however, should give Virginia Tech students, and Americans throughout the country, something to be proud of. In the absence of professional newsmen, students took control of the media, showing an unprecedented ability to shape the coverage regarding their event. In the wake of the worst campus massacre ever in the United States, dozens of news organizations flocked to Virginia to cover the tragedy. Before they arrived, however, the mainstream media relied on reports from those already on the ground: the college students themselves. Armed with the video and still cameras on their mobile phones, dozens of students set out to create their own coverage of an incident that was very much their own. The first audio and video accounts of the incident aired by CNN came from iReport, their citizen journalism program. The video, shot on a Nokia smartphone, made its way around the networks, all courtsey of a Virginia Tech student named Jamal Albarghouti. Dozens of similar stories are to be told. In the hours preceding the arrival of professional reporters, Virginia Tech students had, unfortunately, the opportunity to shape the world’s news. Their coverage helped to show the world how terrible the massacre was and helped to qualm some fears about students that were safe. Twitter, a “stream of consciousness” blogging tool by Obvious Corp (utilized mostly by web celebrities such as Robert Scoble and Thomas Hawk), served constant updates to the internet, courtesy of a user named Tom Markiewicz. Chris Pirillo, a web celebrity in his own right, helped to stream live coverage with a tool called UStream.tv. His conversation with Planet Blacksburg, a new student-run publication from Virginia Tech, captured nationwi…
creator: Zach Sims
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Virginia Tech Massacre: Crucial Next Steps
description: 4.16.2007 Horror is the natural first reaction. It is hard to get beyond tumultuous emotions given the stories, scenes, and sheer numbers coming out of the massacre today at Virginia Tech. The facebook has emerged from a period as a nascent form of disaster-response, as seen often enough with individual students deaths, to a full-blown mechanism for channeling overwhelming public grief. But moving rapidly beyond initial reaction is of paramount importance. Thinking clearly about the response to the incident is essential. Even as President Bush encouraged prayer today, he should have done something even more important - encouraged preparation. The grim prospect of copy-cat actions should be a very real concern for colleges and students nationwide, especially given the magnitude of the massacre and its proximity to the anniversary of the Columbine shooting and Hitler's birthday, among other things. As with Columbine, the unavoidable deluge of media and informal attention paid to the perpetrator will no doubt serve as a regrettable temptation to some. How can individual students possibly prepare? How will university administrations respond and prepare? These are questions that need to be moved swiftly to the front burner of public discussion. As someone who recently departed campus and may soon be returning to that environment, I think students should demand a proactive response from administrators even as they insist on retaining the personal liberties critical to a meaningful academic environment. The report that Virginia Tech students and staff did not receive e-mail notification of the incident until 2 hours after the first shots were fired is absolutely chilling. Eerily, it seems nearly impossible to fully prevent events like the one at Virginia Tech from happening without repressing student life beyond recognition. But some measures, at least in the areas of communication, can be taken. For starters, here are some possible proactive measures I can think of: 1. A …
creator: Brent Jesiek
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Virginia Tech Remembered
description: In honor of Virgina Tech University, Niagara Falls lit both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls on 4-22-07 with their school colors of orange and burgandy, in remembrance of those who lost their lives. This was a joint effort on both the American and Canadian side of the Falls. This is the American Falls, taken from the Canadian side facing the USA. Our hearts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
creator: Gerri Jones
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Gerri Jones
language: eng

Let's Go Hokies!
description: Article written for the DMAC, Motion Matters Newsletter, April Edition: On Monday, April 16, 2007, a sanctuary of learning was violated in Blacksburg, Virginia. As a Virginia Tech Alumni, father of a VT student, husband to a VT faculty member, and avid supporter of the Marching Virginians - this tragedy really hit home. I have spent most of my last 30 years involved in the Virginia Tech community in many ways. As I attended the convocation, sitting in the club boxes at the stadium because the coliseum was filled, I felt a connection to everyone in that room, on that field, and in the coliseum like I never felt before. The expressions of grief and sorrow expressed by Governor Kaine and President Bush were eloquent, sincere and uplifting. To watch all of this unfold, the outpouring of love and support showed how resilient and strong this community is. But even more so - it showed all of the world, the value and strength and resiliency of a community of people, united in a quest to improve their lives through knowledge. The love and caring that shined bright in Blacksburg on the day after the explosion of a troubled mans mind was rewarded back with an outpouring of love in unimaginable ways by a world that truly does recognize goodness. Everyone can hang on to that Hope that leads us to the next hour, next day, to move forward with God's help. On Tuesday, April 17, 2007 - everyone found out what a real Hokie is, and became one...... ..... We are Virginia Tech! Let's Go Hokie's..... Let's Go Hokie's..... Let's Go Hokie's
creator: Robert White
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Robert White
language: eng

Virginia Tech, In Light of Tragedy
description: Submitted by boldfaith3 on Wed, 04/25/2007 - 11:29pm. Let me start by saying I am a student at Virginia Tech on my way to a degree in mechanical engineering. I have not been on this site in a while due mainly to the events last week which I am sure most of you have heard about. In light of the tragedy we have been forced to undergo, I have a lot to say. Let me first start with my story. On April 16, 2007 I slept through my 8am engineering lecture. This is something I try not to make a habit of, but with this class it has happened quite a few times. I woke up somewhere around 9:30 when my fiance called me and told me she was coming over. This was unusual since she normally has class at this time. That was when she told me that they had closed down all of the campus buildings. My first thought on this was that there was another bomb threat (We had two bomb threats in one of our buildings the week before). That was when she told me that there had been a shooting in West Ambler Johnston, a residential building where I lead a small group Bible study for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. I was fairly shocked at this. I have heard about school shootings at colleges before but there is rarely ever a crime of that magnitude at Virginia Tech. We have had a small number of sexual assaults and one student was killed last year I believe, but it is rare enough that it still comes as a shock. Moving on, my fiance came over and we proceeded to check e-mails and the news to try to figure out what was going on. This is also when we called our parents to let them know we were safe (mine actually called me first). As we were talking to our parents, they asked about something that came on the news saying that there were some 22 students killed. This was entirely unbelievable and confusing. I could only think that my parents were looking at something wrong because there was no way that 22 students had been killed when I had originally heard that one student was shot in a residential bui…
creator: boldfaith3
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

The Virginia Tech Tragedy
description: Thursday, April 19, 2007 College is supposed to be an overall positive experience. You're finally getting to sort everything out in terms of what you want to do in life, where you're headed and learning and growing as a young adult while having some fun in the process. For many peeps it's the first time you get to step out, live away from home and get your first taste of adulthood. It's the last time in your life when the only responsibilities you have are to get up, go to class and study your butt off unless you also have a job you're juggling to help pay your tuition. I guess it's why I enjoy walking around on various college campuses when I do follow Dawn to various fencing tournaments. It takes me back to my own college days in that respect. It's hard for me to imagine what it would have been like to have that peace of mind shattered by a gunman suddenly popping up in one of my classes, firing shots at me and my classmates, then to discover a day or so later that he was a classsmate that peeps had been seeing disturbing behavior patterns about for two years leading up to that horrific incident. Even the folks who weren't in those Norris Hall classrooms that morning are haunted by 'That could have been me' thoughts. I can only imagine what was going through people's minds as their buildings were on lockdown wondering if the incident was over of if their building was next on the shooter's target list. What about the peeps who for some reason decided not to go to class that morning? I know they feel just as hurt as the gun shop owner who sold Cho the weapons he used. How would I feel about that? How do you put that behind you and move on with llfe, if you ever do? It's also tough at that age to lose a classmate because up until you get past your college years and your ten-year high school reunion you have this false feeling of immortality. You walk around in your late teens and 20's with this attitude that you have plenty of time to accomplish the things you want t…
creator: Monica Roberts
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Virginia Tech Tragedy: Human Nature & Networks
description: By Aaron Mannes While the Virginia Tech tragedy has spawned the predictable media frenzy, there has - so far - been an admirable lack of speculation about the killer, his motives, or what this event says about American society. Leftist philosopher Herbert Marcuse once observed, "Not every problem someone has with his girlfriend is necessarily due to the capitalist mode of production." Humans are complicated and there are dark places in the human soul that will emerge. Sometimes ideologies and causes will spark these evil inclinations. But they exist and have emerged in every time and place. Knowing that tragedies are part of the human experience - whether from natural or man-made causes - it is essential to take proper steps to ameliorate their impact. Dwight Eisenhower once observed, "Plans are nothing; planning is everything." Predicting the exact shape of the next tragedy is rarely possible. But the processes of preparing for some kinds of disasters and attacks will help develop the systems and habits necessary to respond to whatever fate throws. Lives were saved on 9/11 because some WTC tenants had consistently practiced evacuation techniques in the wake of the 1993 bombing. University Presidents are akin to mayors. Universities are attractive targets and favorable locations for a variety of adverse events (violent attacks, disease outbreaks, criminal activity, and mass disturbances.) Undoubtedly yesterday's tragedy will increase interest in disaster planning at universities. One factor that should become central to planning is the ubiquity of mobile communications technology. Students texted each other to stay abreast of events and of course, there is the now famous celphone video. Properly harnessed this technology could have been an invaluable resource - not only for informing the students and public about evolving events - but for helping authorities locate the injured and track the killer's movements. This is the age of the network, and the ability of peopl…
creator: Aaron Mannes
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Student Use of Technology During Virginia Tech Tragedy
description: Posted Friday, April 20, 2007 by Eric Schnell on The Medium is the Message (Blog) As the Virginia Tech tragedy unfolded students used a familiar the technology to keep connected with the events, friends, and families: Facebook. Using laptops and wireless connections, students created new Facebook groups on the fly as the day unfolded. Thousands of people joined a group called "I'm ok at VT," which was used by students to announce that they were safe, ask for details about friends unaccounted for, and to report the names of victims. Other groups such as "VT Unite" were also created and thousands of people world wide not associated with VT joined them. The use of this social networking site to publish and discover information and report personal experiences was a natural since it is what today's students use to gather online. Facebook provided immediate and quickly-updated information. As I watched the quality of the footage released much it was obviously generated by camera phones. In my Technology Trends for 2007 post I described the emergence of a concept called Mobcasting, a phenomenon where event observers capture events on their video phones and podcast the footage on a blog. I described how the the resulting aggregation of content will lead to live event coverage by bloggers that is more in depth than can be captured by mainstream media. This tragedy demonstrated of power and potential of this concept. Unfortunately, there was dubious information also being created. There has already been media debate about the accuracy of the information that was contained on these sites. Of course, traditional media outlets have processes they use to vet information before it is released. While this verification of information takes time it is not flawless (Dan Rather, Jayson Blair). The trade off is that is one wants to have information faster it may not be as dependable or reliable. Still, I think there's a great potential for the ability to connect individuals that are the…
creator: Eric Schnell
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brent Jesiek
language: eng

Amongst Beauty...A Tragedy
description: Photo taken in front of Burruss Hall of the entrance to Norris Hall. I wanted to create an image that showed the beauty and life of the campus in the foreground, with the tragic events in the background. Most students feel safe, alive, and happy here, and I hope this image conveys that feeling. We will prevail. We will prevail. We will prevail. We are VIRGINIA TECH.
creator: Brandon Maxwell
date: 2007-05-10
contributor: Brandon Maxwell
language: eng