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World News:

NEWS

THE TARTAN Dec. 7, 2011

Reports confirm Iran has possession of US drone

metal, its alleged to be able to dodge detection from radars. Despite claims that the drone was shot down by Iranian Armed Forces, U.S. ofcials have yet to conrm that claim. According to Fox News, one U.S. ofcial has stated that there isnt any indication that the drone was shot at. Instead, it is more likely that the aircraft went down due to a malfunction with the computer or mechanical reasons, according to Senator Mark Kirk RIllinois. Iran, currently in the midst of a dispute with the U.S. and several allies, including Great Britain, over the nuclear program in Tehran intensied last week when protestors raided the British Embassy and a residential compound in Tehran. As a result, Britain closed the embassy and forced the Iranian diplomats to leave London, England, according to the Jerusalem Post. Although Iran claims that its nuclear program is not for military purposes, the European Union implemented new sanctions for 180 Iranian people and organizations following a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency that alleged Tehran had gone ahead with tests intended for the purpose of building a nuclear

JENNIFER WERNER
jwerner2@radford.edu
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) U.S. drone that was brought down last week in Iran is now in possession of the Iranian government. Considered one of Americas most technologically advanced weapons, the RQ-170 drone, had the same technology as the drone used to observe the compound during the raid in Pakistan that killed Osama Bin Laden. Due to the advancement of the drone, the U.S. Air Force has yet to release a photo of the aircraft. Made by Lockheed Martin, the RQ-170 Sentinel cost $6 million to manufacture. The purpose of the aircraft is simply for reconnaissance, therefore, it is unarmed, according to Fox News. There has been little information released regarding the aircraft. In fact, the existence of the aircraft wasnt conrmed until 2007. According to Fox News, previous reports suggest that the aircraft has a wingspan of nearly 65 feet and is able to y at an altitude of about 50,000 feet. Made almost completely without

RAW SIGNAL POLITICS

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone, similar to the one pictured above, is now under the possession of the Iranian government.

weapon, according to the Los Angeles Times. As tensions continue to grow between the U.S. and Iran, there is a fear that the technological secrets of the aircraft could and will be compromised. The fear is not necessarily that of the aircraft being replicated by Iran but more so, the event of the drone being sold to China or Russia, according to the Wall Street Journal. What does this mean for the U.S.? Are we

on the brink of a nuclear war or having technologically advanced secrets released to foreign enemies? Brook Sweeney, a Radford University senior majoring in criminal justice, stated, I dont personally feel that this is a threat to the U.S. They may have the drone but they dont have the technology to get it airborne. Plus, they are still under surveillance.

SGA: Student government now under new leadership

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and faculty. Shanley agreed, adding his belief that the senate, executive board and cabinet will rally around Redd in a collective effort to get SGA back on track and alter their agenda so they can identify and respond to student interests and concerns. Now that shes president, Redd has a new vision for SGA. I want students to know what SGA does and make SGA relevant, Redd said. Thats something we need to x as an organization. We need to mix the big ideas that take time to work with the small things they can see immediate benets from. In order to do that she plans to get SGA out there and make it more personal. Emails, Facebook and iers are too impersonal, so they get ignored, Redd said. I want to get face to face with students. The more face time people have with us, the better we will be as an organization. Her plans for the future are to plan more forums about campus issues, plan a state of the student body speech event and increase student appreciation days. She wants students to see SGA in action and spark interest in the organization in hopes of increasing membership. With more members well get more opinions, and the more opinions we have the better well be. Redd said.

ART: Three RU students won cash prize in art competition

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These guidelines would inspire the nal art pieces that the contestants created. The competition isnt for all, as it requires drive and determination. Contests either point out weakness or power. I actually really enjoyed competing. The contest gave me a drive to nish my painting as well as a feeling of anticipation to hear the results. The cash reward was also a perk. said Whittaker, speaking of the $200 the contestants received from a company representative. Art is personally important, because it constantly challenges me as well as provides a therapeutic element in my life. Art pushes me to think outside of the box not only in the studio but in other academic classes as well,said Whittaker. On a larger scale, art is extremely important is society because it provides a way of expression that cant be matched. Foot levelers clearly wanted artists to portray a message of getting healthy, but will the viewers of the art absorb any positive impact from the message portrayed? Theres a big difference between art and commercial advertisement, though they can however overlap, said Whittaker If a message of wellness is conveyed in a piece of advertisement it would certainly provide a positive message and overall feel, though it is up to the viewer as to whether they take the idea to heart and start living a healthy lifestyle. The same can be true in art, however the message often is not as clean cut and can be up for interpretation. The intentional message of wellness might not be black and white. When all the competing and rigorous work is set aside, there is certainly time to stand back and see exactly how someone else interpreted the message to create another work of art. I loved seeing the different styles and techniques of the other contestants, said Whittaker. We all were given the same assignment however each person molded the idea in his or her own way. Overall each artwork was executed very well.

PROTEST: Students support carrying guns on campus

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on campus, even if they have the proper permits and documentation. VCDL is a statewide organization thats goal is to protect Virginians second amendment right to bear arms. Theyre the only organization to get pro gun bills introduced in every Virginia legislative session since 1997. The organization has protested at several colleges and universities across the commonwealth that have similar gun control policies as RU. These have included Old Dominion University, George Mason and Virginia Tech. George Masons anti-gun policy has recently come under re from Virginia Attorney General and 2013 candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor Ken Cuccinelli. He has stated recently, The policy theyve undertaken doesnt achieve their goals for campus safety. The Radford protest will be located in front of the Bonnie and will go from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can come by the table and receive information, handouts and pro-gun stickers.

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DEDMON: December historic month for Radford athletics

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sity. In 1987, a swimming pool was added. Most recently, the Dedmon Center underwent a multi-million dollar renovation that makes it one of the premiere collegiate athletic facilities in the Big South Conference and Mid-Atlantic region, according to the athletic departments website. Some major renovations included replacing the roof with an upgraded fabric structure, a new weight room, and a Learning Enhancement Center for academic advising of studentathletes. Just as the Dedmon Center has undergone many changes over the years, so has RUs mascot. Premiering at the opening of the Dedmon Center, Rowdy Red, a red muppet figure, became the official mascot until it was replaced by the current mascot, the Highlander in 1996. A student group called the Radford Rowdies who were very spirited during athletic games inspired Rowdy Reds name. The original Rowdy Red was played by Paul Hightower, a student who worked in the athletic department. The red muppet mascot made appearances at every home athletic event and local elementary schools.

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The Dedmon Center is home to RU Athletics.