Friday, January 27, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Friday, January 27, 2012

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COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 8

News, page 2

People & Clubs, page 5

Vacant shops linger in town

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 6

Study Break, page 4

Sudoku, page 4

uck

with a little

Lifelong good fortune has provided Sam Riley, a communication

professor, with an array of amusing DANIEL LIN / SPPS

The old Annie Kay’s property and adjacent gas station are for sale.

news reporter Rack Room Shoes has become the most recent departure from the First and Main shopping center. For those keeping track — Books A Million, Maggie Moos, Edlerberry’s and Salad Creations have all left the center over the last few months. Other vacant spaces are lingering in Blacksburg. Some locations downtown sit empty with peeling paint and broken windows, including the old Annie Kay’s Whole Foods and Zanadoos properties. But Paul Lancaster, the vice president of the Blacksburg Planning Commission has high hopes for the town, despite the string of closures. “I think downtown will rebound,” he said. “I think there will come a point where we’ll be struggling to find space to move in … There will be a natural interest in coming downtown because of the stuff that’s going on … (In) another year or so things will be looking up for downtown.” Zoning is a main factor that determines what type of business can set up shop downtown. Currently, downtown is commercially zoned — meaning businesses on the bottom level must be retail-based or restaurants, and the top is reserved with residential and office space. The town does provide businesses with conditional use permits to have offices on the bottom level, but restaurants and retail stores on that level help create a sense of a hustling downtown, said Anne McClung, the director of planning and building for the Town of Blacksburg. “The trouble with zoning is you’re trying to create an atmosphere that applies to every place in town, and

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students, helping them channel CJ YUNGER / SPPS

Main Street

ERIN CHAPMAN

anecdotes to share with his their own stories to be told.

Sam Riley holds a copy of “African Americans in the Media Today,” a two-volume encyclopedia he published in 2007.

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every place in town is different,” Lancaster said. “I’d like to see something to encourage larger businesses to move downtown and commit to 200 people who show up every day and have the opportunity to shop and eat downtown. How we do that zoning wise, I’m not exactly sure, but it’s something that we need to look at.” Annie Kay’s previous site is a commercially zoned property for sale. The property, currently on the market for $1.75 million, also includes the adjacent gas station. Terry McCraw of McCraw Real Estate and Auction Company, is handling the listing. “The building is in some need of repair. I think the price tag has also kept it from selling,” he said. The property was originally put on the market in September 2010 for $3 million. And McCraw hopes to see renewed interested in the property because of its decreased price. “The part people forget is that the ultimate control for what happens to buildings

the 1960s, many young men were yanked from however, his life took an unexpected turn. their homes and thrown into the front lines of “I didn’t set out to be a professor at all. If anyone would have duty, drastically altering their lives forever. told me when I was younger that I would become a professor, While many undergo tragedy in the military, I would have laughed and laughed and probably would have one man experienced an extraordinary positive life change — thrown something at them,” Riley said. one that he cherishes to this day. After he completed his required two years of military service, For Sam Riley, who is now a communication professor at Riley had the lofty vision of having his own home with elegant Virginia Tech, combat was not in his job description. Danish furniture, inspired by the once-lived German mansion. “My two years of service came just before our involvement Surprisingly, this idea led him to teaching. in Vietnam, so I was just lucky I missed all of the shooting,” He took a job at the University of Maryland teaching a basic he said. business administration course with one goal — to use his Riley served as a publications officer with an intelligence earnings to purchase his much-desired household fittings. group in a small town near Frankfurt, Germany, where he “(It was) not exactly the best reason to get a teaching job,” illustrated and edited intelligence reports for most of northern Riley said. Europe. But the job seemed to please the newfound teacher — Riley ”What I did was not James Bond-like in the least, but we had decided he wanted to make a living from teaching. Setting out people who did the spook stuff; they had little hidden cameras to make this goal a reality, he returned to UNC to obtain his and stuff just like in the movies,” doctorate degree. Riley said. Although he initially sought his During his time in Germany, doctorate in business, based on If anyone would have told me Riley stayed in a governmenthis previous academic pursuits, an owned mansion, which he came when I was younger that I would acquaintance convinced him otheracross himself. The building was wise. become a professor, I would “I ran into this guy who was a brand previously used as an intelligence safe house, but Riley convinced his have laughed and laughed and new, young professor, and he got commanding officers to let him to telling me what they were doing probably would have thrown in the journalism school with their and his fellow soldiers use it as a “bachelor pad.” brand new doctoral program,” Riley something at them.” “At night, we would go into the said. “It sounded so much more dogtown and eat dinner and carouse gone interesting than what I would Sam Riley have been doing that I switched.” with the Germans our age there,” he said. “They were a delightful communication professor Plotting a new path, Riley began his group. It was an incredibly good teaching career in communication in two years. I can still hardly believe it.” 1970 at Temple University in Philadelphia. Riley’s safety serving his country seems like a remarkable Within a few years, he was offered an opportunity to start stroke of luck, which is no surprise, as good fortune has always his own journalism program at Georgia Southern University, been part of his life. which ended up being a contender to that of its prestigious At Davidson College, located near Charlotte, N.C., Riley state-rival the University of Georgia. received his undergraduate education and resolved to study “I always have joked that it would be fun to have my own marketing, in light of the few academic options offered. university, but I thought that would never happen,” he said. “So Since the U.S. military draft was active at the time, Riley this was the closest thing I would get — to set up (a program) enrolled as a cadet in the ROTC, allowing him to enter his how I would like it.” service as a lieutenant. It wasn’t until 1981 when Riley found his way to Blacksburg, After he earned his degree at Davidson, Riley attended the Va., at which time he was asked to be the head of the comUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to obtain his MBA. munication department at Tech, a position he no longer holds. Riley presumed he would make a living as a businessman; He is now most known for teaching editorial writing and see RILEY / page two

see ZONING / page two

Your guide to the Class of 2015 officer elections BY PRISCILLA ALVAREZ | news staff writer Officer positions for the class of 2015 are now available for students who want to become part of the student government. The president must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and all other officers must have a minimum 2.3 GPA. For their junior and senior years, all officers must remain on or near campus. Additionally, fellow students must sign a petition due Feb. 6.

Presidential duties:

Vice Presidential duties:

Secretarial duties:

Treasurer duties:

Creates the vision for the class

Assists the president

Completes all paperwork, documents and information sessions for the Leadership Team application process

Serves on the Student Budget Board, tracks class expenditures for projects such as the Ring Premiere and Ring Dance

Communicates with the Alumni Association Selects the Leadership Team with the officer group Serves on the Commission on Student Affairs

The president can serve on the Ring Design Committee, which designs the class ring, and manages a million dollar account and marketing funds.

Prepares a meeting agenda and coordinates all committees, except Ring Design Examines the work of the committees and provides results to the advisors and presidents Ensures that chairpersons of committees know their responsibilities

Takes minutes and records attendance at meetings Responsible for documenting times and locations of all activities, as well as communicating business proceedings

Requests funds for class programs such as Kickoff Concert and Grad Bash

Historian duties: Photographs all events to preserve memories and eventually create a scrapbook Creates a photo montage that is used in the Ring Premiere Designs displays to represent the class and the student organization showcase at Gobblerfest

Members-at-large: One female, male and Cadet represent their constituents within the class and can also serve on the Ring Design Committee

How do students vote? Voting is done online through a survey, making it convenient for students to vote for candidates.

news

january 27, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: nick cafferky, michelle sutherland newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

The love doctor

Riley: Professor tells stories in classroom

David Coleman, the nationally renowned “Dating Doctor,” who inspired the main character in the movie “Hitch,” spoke to a group of students in the Squires Haymarket Theatre last night.

from page one

magazine writing. Colin Kerr, a senior communication major, previously took his editorial writing course and enjoyed it so much that he enrolled in the latter. “What sets him apart from other professors is that he teaches his class as though he is only speaking to one person; he is incredibly personal and personable,” Kerr said. Adding flavor to his courses, Riley tells humorous anecdotes about his experience serving in the military overseas — Kerr even called him a “storytelling teacher.” “(His stories) bring you closer to wanting to understand who he is, and I enjoyed that so much,” Kerr said. “I had never sat in on a class like his in all of my four years at Tech.” Riley’s tales are also useful for students who need to grasp important writing concepts. “(His teaching) helps when you think back on your own life and

photo by Brad Klodowski

the interesting stories you could write about that you might not normally tell, but could interest anyone,” Kerr said. In addition to teaching, Riley has used his gift as a narrator to write professionally, both as a journalist and a scholar. He also delved — apprehensively — into the book publishing industry. He approached a colleague, who had published many works, for advice about finding a book publisher. He just happened to be on the phone with his own publisher at the time and let Riley talk to him. “And that’s all it took,” Riley said. Since then, Riley has authored more than 15 books, many of which have detailed his keen interest in the history of magazine writing. That random phone conversation was another instance of serendipity, guiding him in yet a different direction.

Zoning: Town conﬁdent in future of downtown from page one

Students, alumni to lobby in Richmond GINA PATTERSON news staff writer On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Virginia Tech students will travel to Richmond for the annual “Hokie Day,” a lobbying event sponsored by the SGA and Alumni Association. More than 100 Tech students will pile into three charter buses to drive to the General Assembly and lobby for issues related to higher education. “SGA this year has really put a priority on reaching out to the state government,” said Scott Bennett, a senior agriculture

major, political science minor and the SGA’s director of government affairs. “The students going every year is what really puts a face to the name.” After lunch with the Alumni Association, students will spend three hours inside the Virginia State Capitol building talking to legislators. “We talk to them about current issues going on with higher education,” said Caroline Gimenez, a junior math major who is attending Hokie Day this year. “It really makes a difference to hear it from students themselves, (like) personal stories about how

I’m living in a lounge with four other people because we don’t have enough housing available for freshmen.” To prepare, participants completed three hour-long training sessions, said Adam Smith, a junior finance major who is also going to the event. “When people apply, they are asked to give their district number,” Gimenez said. “We make appointments over break, or once session has started, to go visit our senator and delegate from our own district about current issues going on.” Being a part of Hokie Day can

also offer career advantages. Students can give their resumes and network with legislators, Bennett said. “I know a lot of my friends have gotten internships and actual job offers just from talking to legislators,” Gimenez said. Over the past couple of years, attendance at Hokie Day has nearly doubled. “(For) the past two or three years, it has really kind of gained traction,” Bennett said, “In 2010, we had about 65 people go, last year we had about 85 people go and this year we have about 120 people going.”

downtown lies with the property owners,” McClung said. “They control what they want to do and the appropriate leasing rates. There is an element to that that is really independent from the town.” Outside of the downtown area, First and Main is also experiencing problems. The shopping center has seen its share of difficulties since opening in fall 2008, partially due to the lack of an anchor store. When the site first opened, there was talk of a movie theater, but it has never materialized. “I think they are back to needing a bigger draw, something that would bring people into the center. It’s always helpful to have one larger store or a movie theater to act as a draw,”

McClung said. Dhiren Mystry, one of the co-owners of Anytime Fitness, which recently opened at First and Main, said the facility is doing well. However, he would like to see an anchor store move into the development that could bring more people. The old Blacksburg Middle School site will also be built on soon. The Blacksburg Town Council and Montgomery County approved the site’s master plan, which identifies development of residential areas and commercial space. The site will also be home to the Modea — a digital advertising agency — headquarters. McClung said the site is not designed to compete with other downtown attractions, but rather complement them.

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editors: scott masselli, sean simons opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

opinions

january 27, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Zach Crizer Managing Editor: Lindsey Brookbank Design Editors: Danielle Buynak, Victoria Zigadlo Public Editor: Justin Graves Web Editor: Sarah Watson News Editors: Nick Cafferky, Michelle Sutherland News Reporters: Josh Higgins, Cody Owens, Erin Chapman News Staff Writers: Priscila Alvarez, Abby Harris, Gina Paterson, Ashley Seagar Features Editors: Chelsea Gunter, Patrick Murphy Features Reporters: Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Courtney Baker, Torie Deible, Dane Harrington, Kevin McAleese, Andrew Reily Opinions Editors: Scott Masselli, Sean Simons Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Sports Reporters: Michael Bealey, Josh Parcell Sports Staff Writers: Eric Avassi, Zander Baylis, Alyssa Bedrosian, Cody Elliott, Taylor Hay, Alex Koma, Ashleigh Lanza, Brian Marcolini Photo Editor: Daniel Lin Enterprise Team Editor: Liana Bayne Public Information Director: Dishu Maheshwari Training Director: Kelsey Heiter Copy Chief: Spenser Snarr Copy Editors: Nora McGann, Luther Shell Layout Designers: Bethany Melson, Alicia Tillman Online Director: Alex Rhea MCT CAMPUS

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A call for cooperation: Why Washington must be united

Broken promises and tall-tale claims: Obama’s presidency

or the third time during his stewardship of this nation, President Barack Obama reported to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night regarding the state of our Union. In common campaign fashion, the president detailed his list of achievements and successes, ranging from American manufacturing increases to the killing of Osama bin Laden. In common State of the Union format, the president stated his vision and agenda for the upcoming year, which includes substantial education and energy reform, as well as maintaining his promise to keep the American dream alive. In a speech riddled with traditional jingoistic rhetoric and a flavoring of American exceptionalism was a message that rang out stronger than any other that the president delivered: “I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right about now — Nothing will get done in Washington this year, or next year, or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken.” I am not sure about most of you, but when my friends and I heard the president utter this line, we all laughed out loud from the sheer truth of it. Over the past year and possibly longer, every politician’s speech in the federal government has been met with either frustrated cynicism or mocking absurdity. There is certainly good reason for this kind of reaction; Americans by and large are right in their response. The federal government this past year has witnessed an almost unprecedented level of partisanship and stonewalling at levels expected in a kindergarten classroom. Like children who will not “play nice,” this government has assuredly lost sight of what its purpose is — not winning elections, but bettering the nation. During this past year, many of us, including myself, have sought to blame different government members for the breakdown of political order in Washington. I am consistently in awe with the fact that the leaders of the Republican Party have been recklessly determined to bring about fiscal ruin in the nation, for the sole reason of making a president look bad. But there is no doubt in my mind that this administration has wantonly proven itself impotent with regard to defending the principles that it was elected upon, and it has carelessly allowed radical conservatives of the GOP to hijack this government. As a Democratic columnist, my purpose is to defend the principles and ideals held by this party. Essentially, I seek to

defend and uphold the concepts of social equality and welfare, as well as environmental and minority protection. I also would like to ensure a stable and prosperous future, without allowing those less fortunate to be left behind. Above all, however, is my steadfast determination to ensure that liberty and justice are outlined in the Constitution and held within the hearts and minds of every American. This is my purpose, not defending a president who calls himself a Democrat, but shows little allegiance to the party’s principles. Like many of you, I was elated when Obama was elected as president and felt like the horrors of the Bush regime would come to an end. Perhaps it was naivety on my part, but whatever the reason, I cannot help but feel entirely disappointed. I think the Republican Party holds most of the blame for the nation’s current situation. But it would be unfair for me to hold it fully accountable. Therefore, I call upon my Republican counterparts to join me in unifying together to issue a message to the government — stop calling yourselves servants to the people, and start acting like them. There are days when it is right and noble for people to splinter over ideology and battle together, armed with principle. But today, our unified and passionate love for this nation and desire to see it succeed should move beyond that. There are days when it is proper to see President Obama or Speaker Boehner as the “enemies,” but today their positions as colleagues in a government and as heirs to a line extending back to the birth of this nation should be first in our minds. I fervently desire to see every single one of my views succeed over the more conservative positions, but not at the cost of national unity and admiration for the history and responsibility we all share. This nation has come too far and has weathered too many storms to allow petty arguments over debt ceilings or tax cuts to rip it apart. Therefore, let us take the message the president sent to Congress last night, carry it within ourselves and begin acting like friends foremonst, and only secondly as Republican or Democratic operatives.

JASON CAMPBELL - regular columnist - junior - philosophy major

Tuesday, President Barack Obama gave his (hopefully) last State of the Union Address. His address, just like every other speech that comes out of his mouth, was full of nothing but broken promises, empty rhetoric and failed policies. Honestly, what does this man really have to stand on at this point? Let me ask this: How many people out there can honestly say they are better off now than they were when Obama was first elected? Despite a recent drop in unemployment rates, unemployment is still higher than when he first took office. Gas prices are higher, the federal debt is higher and the number of Americans living in poverty is higher. Home values, however, have lowered. Near the beginning of the speech, Obama said the house of cards “collapsed” in 2008, referring to the economic crash. He pointed the finger at banks giving out loans that couldn’t be paid back. I get tired of saying this, but it was the likes of Chris Dodd and Barney Frank in Congress, both Democrats, who were telling banks to give out these bad loans. Next Obama turned to colleges and universities by harping on them to raise tuition prices. Believe me, I think tuition is too high for students these days just as much as the next guy, but if colleges should have to live within their means, why shouldn’t the federal government? Of course I wish tuition prices were lower than they currently are, but I’m never a big fan of the pot calling the kettle black. Soon, Obama ventured into my favorite topic in the entire speech: energy. He called on Congress to pass a clean energy standard that would require 80 percent of electricity to come from natural gas and renewable sources by 2035. Unfortunately, all I really heard were the words “cap and trade.” The president’s original cap-and-trade bill from two years ago may be dead in the Senate, but he still seems adamant about the government stepping in and telling the energy companies what they can and cannot use to generate electricity. And once again, under his administration, the “free market” doesn’t seem so free anymore. He could have at least warned Americans it would not be easy to make this transition, rather than just saying we must do this to save the world and the polar bears. Nearly half of this nation’s electricity currently comes from coal. An energy transition of the magnitude that he’s proposing would mean millions of lost jobs and higher energy rates — given the fact that

coal is still the cheapest form of energy we have. The president made this whole renewable energy thing sound way too easy, without listing any of the consequences. We all know he wouldn’t take responsibility for the consequences anyway. Asking Obama to take responsibility for a bad economic policy is like asking Nancy Pelosi to stop seeing her plastic surgeon. Obama is asking the American people to dive headfirst into the shallow end of a pool, but as long as we all have a windmill in our backyards, then the headache won’t be so bad. The president also briefly brought up healthcare. It is somewhat sad when a president still has to try and sell a twoyear-old law to the American public. It is even sadder when he can only mention the pre-existing condition aspect of the bill and somehow forget to mention the other 2,000 pages mangled with new bureaucracy, regulations and taxes. Near the end, Obama turned to Congress, saying that Washington is “broken because Congress doesn’t work right.” Last I checked, Mr. President, it was the Democrats in the Senate who had no interest in passing a federal budget for the third straight year. It was also the Democrats in the Senate who liked to whine about Republicans being anti-jobs, all while they refuse to vote on any one of the nearly 30 jobs bills the House has passed and sent to the Senate. It appears to me that only one side of Congress isn’t working, and it is the side the president is still cheering for. My final bone to pick with the speech has to do with Israel. Obama spoke of the ironclad security of Israel, thanks to his imaginary support of the nation. I’m sorry, but I fail to see how having Israel return to pre-1967 borders, causing the country to lose half of its capital city and making the nation even more vulnerable, is “ironclad security.” In conclusion, Obama essentially told America that with higher taxes for the rich, out of control government spending, a social security system barreling toward bankruptcy, monumental national debt, failed economic policies and high unemployment, and a few solar panels, “the state of the Union will always be strong.” Clearly, “always” does not involve the few years I call “Obama’s presidency.”

MATTHEW HURT - regular columnist - junior - political science major

Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes.com Student Media Phone Numbers Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $110 fall/spring. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2011. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

january 27, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: What incredible exploration have you planned this year? Discovery calls. Backyard travels satisfy just fine (and are much lighter on the waller). make sure you’ve invited the gang, and then whatever happens is certain to be fun.

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham 9

1 4

3 7 5 8

7 2 6

3 2

3 5 3 2 8 9

9 1

XKCD by Randell Monroe

This could be you . . .

Crossword

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Week ending Jan. 21, 2012

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

Turn Me On • David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

(2) 1

Set Fire to the Rain • Adele

(1) 2

What Doesn’t Kill You • Kelly Clarkson

(3) 3

Good Feeling • Flo Rida

(4) 4

We Found Love • Rihanna

word

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Unscramble the letters to solve the category “Chocolate” Have a set of words you want to see in puzzles section? Email your lists to ctadsproduction@gmail.com.

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people & clubs he she

january 27, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

SAID

He said: Simple rules men abide by G CHELSEA GUNTER / COLLEGIATE TIMES

She said: Girlfriends always come ﬁrst all have that friend who walks into a room, immediately whispers “dibs” and sends a nod in the direction of the most attractive guy in the room. That used to be me until a few people began to challenge that way of life — my best friends. These girls are the ones who notice your long periods of absence from the house and know every move you make, along with the majority of the details. Yet there is an unspoken bond — you could call it a girl code — that can never possibly be broken. It is what gives importance to calling “dibs” or knowing your friends’ or sisters’ dating histories. If you think “bros before … ahem” came first, think again. You must not — and cannot — even tease the idea in your mind of pursuing a relationship with a gentleman who used to be spending his time texting your gal pal down the hall. You just don’t do it. If you had no idea that they were ever a “thing,” that is different. It is very easy on a campus as big as ours to be secretive with relationships and dates. Yet, as soon as someone informs you that the guy in Alpha Alpha Alpha has been canoodling with at least two of your friends in the past, the game is over. Your fast car and gorgeous head of hair won’t save you now because women put each other first. If a woman goes against the grain and decides the guy is worth potentially soiling her friendship, she should make sure she tells her friend before she hears it from someone else, or worse — sees it in action.

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I neglected to tell one of my good friends that I was starting to develop feelings for a guy she used to have a crush on, and it almost ruined our friendship. Although we are still friends, it has never been quite the same since. Girls are allowed to act as wing women to help friends with guys if they ask for it, but you never text your gal pal’s guy for no reason. You only have his number in the first place is because your friend was desperate enough to ask you to get the information — not for you to become all “buddy buddy” with him. That entire situation not only gives off the wrong message to your girlfriend, but can confuse the guy, ruining any future relationship you were initially trying to build. It seems like pure jealousy, but in reality, it’s completely normal. Unless you were friends before the relationship began, it is just awkward. Allow your friend to bring him around so you can become friends, and show your approval that way. Also, girl code consists of complete confidentiality. The moment you tell someone who is not a part of the friend group — outside friends or guys — secret information, you have completely lost the trust and broken the code. “Friendship: Over” status. Just be safe, and keep all information you know private, regardless of whether you are in a fight with your best friend, because you know she is keeping her mouth shut about all of your details and expects the same from you. It is, after all, the code.

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KELLEY ENGLISH - featured columnist - junior -marketing management major

DANE HARRINGTON - featured columnist - junior - industrial & systems engineering major

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1) Reynolds 2) Gosling 3) Dunn 4) Stiles 5) Cabrera 6) Seacrest 7) Howard 8) Hurst

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- The pressure's increasing, and the game's getting more intense. Contemplate your next move, and confer with your team. Refine your presentation.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Getting involved in a social project feeds your spirit. Travel conditions look good, especially if the price is right. Communicate long distances. Shop carefully.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Turn your energy toward making money. It’s hidden in places that you couldn’t imagine before. Interact with connections for mutual benefit.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Everyone wants to get together ... ask them to help with tasks, and together you make short work of it. Develop a profitable scheme. Collaborate with courage and creativity.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Go over your resources, and get into the details. What you learn helps with decisions regarding future direction. Check out an interesting suggestion.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Choose for fit, comfort and style. There's a period of testing, or trying things on. How does the role fit? Fulfill a fantasy. Talk it over.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Mercury enters your sign. For the next few weeks, your elastic mind bulges with ideas. Write your book; communicate your thoughts. Make the most of it.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- With the moon in your sign, confidence is yours, and you talk a fine game. Let wild inspiration carry you away, and dive into action. Get others moving, too.

points. It is customary to be in love with all things American. Pride in one’s country is essential. Starting a “U.S.A.” chant is socially acceptable in pretty much any location and refusal to join in on another man’s chant is simply unheard of. Every man should own at least one American flag-patterned clothing item. Cut off American flag T-shirts, American flag ties and U.S. belt buckles all meet this requirement. Not knowing the words to both the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the “Star Spangled Banner” is unacceptable. Every man must own a tool set with all the basics items. The most important man law is as follows: A man should always treat females with respect. Being a gentleman to a woman is the manliest thing any male can do. I adhere to the belief that chivalry is not dead. A man should always pay for a female’s meal on the first date — and for many consequent dates, if you get the chance. Foul language should never be uttered in front of a lady and a man should always listen when a woman speaks. The lack of quality men in the world is a primary cause of many of the world’s troubles. If all men adhered to the long, yet instinctive, man code, the world would be a better place. Who doesn’t want to live in a world full of Ron Swansons and Ronald Reagans?

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Here is a tip for the guys: If a young woman is out with her friends, it is going to take a lot to pry her away to leave without them. Most girls’ natural instinct is to stay safe within their pack (yes, we are like wolf packs too). We like to have rides set up and keep track of each other. If all goes well, you might be in luck. However, during a crisis, you are not even on the priority list, much less near the top of it. Understand that if tears are involved with any of the members of the group, you are riding solo for the night. Now gentlemen, if you are thinking this is unfair, or you are having a tough time coping and looking for someone to blame, allow me to direct you to not only a TV show, but a way of life. The entire girl code is a part of the psychological game “Sex and the City” plays on us, putting into words that our girlfriends are our true soulmates. We have been molded to believe that if we don’t have girlfriends to share all of the details with, we will never truly be happy. Therefore, we will do anything to ensure that these ladies will stick by our sides. Girl code is tough to follow, and not everyone abides by it, but I will tell you one thing — drama only comes once the code is broken.

friend get with a girl. Hurting his chances in any way is unacceptable. Once again, exceptions do arise in select circumstances. If a girl looks like an orc from “The Lord of the Rings,” then not “cock blocking” would be the true crime. If your friend is hitting on swamp monsters, then it’s probably time to take him home. It is unacceptable for a man to openly like a chick flick. A guy should only see these if he is trying to woo a girl. The only other exception is if he is in a relationship or has recently committed a wrongdoing. And the girlfriend must always request to see the movie. After every round of golf, a man must take off his hat and shake hands with the other players. There are no exceptions, even if you lost miserably. And a beer at the clubhouse is encouraged, but not required. When approaching a door with fellow men, the first one to the door opens it for the rest of the group. If a man is with a girl, he must always hold open the door for her. No exceptions. If a man is in public and his girlfriend asks him to hold her purse, he may only do so for one minute for every point she scores on the one to 10 hotness scale. Say she is a seven— he must not hold the purse longer than seven minutes. When given the option, grilling is preferred to any other cooking method, regardless of the food being cooked. Charcoal is preferred to propane. And anything can be grilled. All men must know how to tie a tie, preferably in less than one minute. Clip-on ties are means for expulsion of a man’s “man card.” Bow ties yeild bonus

UNSCRAMBLER

entlemen, listen up — this one is for you. There are a few things all of us share as men. There is the obvious reproductive organ, which oftentimes does more thinking for us than our brain in an average day. There is the fact that we refuse to put the seat down after peeing. And most importantly, there is the man code, which is the common denominator among all men. First is the frequently used term “Bros before hoes.” Don’t worry ladies, we don’t actually think you are hoes; we just really appreciate a good rhyme. If a man has the choice between hanging out with his buds or his girlfriend, he is obliged to choose his friends. This rule, believing to go back to the cavemen era, is to help protect a man from losing one of his most important assets — his best friend. Girls come and go from a man’s life, especially in college. But a man’s best friend is like a rock amid the tumultuous sea of women. That is why he must always come before the current lady in one’s life. However, there are definite exceptions to this rule. If a man makes plans with his girlfriend in advance, she has priority to that time. It is very rude to blow off a girl, and a best friend does not warrant such behavior. Major anniversaries are also reserved for girlfriends, since guys wouldn’t have them to hang out with if they missed these sacred dates — and I’m not talking about those lame two-week anniversaries. Sticking on the topic of female interactions, a man should never “cock block” another man. For those women still reading, this is when a man gets in the way of another man who is trying to get with a girl. A man should only help his

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You and an older partner are stirring things up for the next few days. You can solve a puzzle. Establish new rules. Start by fixing whatever's broken.

check the Collegiate Times every Wednesday for the drink of the week

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- There may be a conflict between wanting change and wanting things to stay the same. Be creative, and see if you can have it both ways. You're too busy to mess around. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Today is an 8 -- You're lucky in love for the next two days. Others look to you for ethical leadership. A surprising development opens a new perspective. Friends balance it out. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Your family plays an important role, later today and through the weekend. It's not too late to organize an impromptu party at your house. Dreams are good.

DJ E (Ian Marcus) I have always had the nickname 'E', even before the show Entourage..

NEXT SHOW//

MY STYLE//

WHY I PLAY//

I tend to play a lot of hip hop, especially the classics from the high school years. Lately I have been getting into the electronic scene and enjoy spinning up-tempo dance songs.

I started djing my freshman year at Tech because I wasn't able to bring my drumset to school. I felt the need to continue being involved with music, and I am glad I did.

Thursday night for a Lambda Chi Alpha social

sports

january 27, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

editors: matt jones, zach mariner sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Dual perspectives: Seth Greenberg TWO SPORTS STAFF WRITERS, ALEX KOMA AND ZACK CONWAY, TACKLED THE SUBJECT OF SETH GREENBERG THIS WEEK.

Conway: Hokies struggle under coach Greenberg

Koma: Greenberg has Hokies trending up

a town where the football coach has been a fixture for the past 25 years, coaching uncertainty is an unusual feeling for Virginia Tech fans. Yet after the men’s basketball team’s poor start to this season, people have started to wonder about head coach Seth Greenberg’s future at the university. For a team projected to be on the rise in the ACC this year, the squad’s 12-8 overall record and 1-4 mark in the conference has been seen by some as a disappointment. No one was expecting the Hokies to win the league, but the hype surrounding incoming freshmen, like Dorian Finney-Smith, has made some wonder if a change in leadership would be appropriate. It is hard to dispel some of the criticism surrounding the team. The team’s best non-conference wins are a pair of victories over Oklahoma State, and its lone ACC win was a low-scoring affair against University of Virginia. Greenberg’s teams have only made one NCAA tournament in his seven years as coach. And this team doesn’t seem to be on track for recognition. It is undeniable that the team has deserved to be included certain years, but one for seven doesn’t look great on a resume, regardless of the circumstances. However, these critiques can only go so far. Greenberg may not have tournament victories to show off, but he is still the best man for the job. The latest recruiting class has been among the best Tech has

FILE

Virginia Tech head coach Seth Greenberg has taken the Hokies to one NCAA Tournament appearance. ever brought in. Finney-Smith has had his ups and downs, but he can really fill up the stat sheet when he gets going, and many of his struggles can be attributed to freshman jitters and playing out of position. Robert Brown has started to find his way recently, averaging eight points per game and earning starting opportunities. C.J. Barksdale has shown similar flashes and only needs to find more consistent playing time to hit his stride. The team’s record does not necessarily indicate its quality of play either. Several of these losses have been extremely tight — the Florida State, Boston College and BYU defeats — and can be attributed to a lack of veteran presence on the team. A dearth of veterans — often due to injury — has proved to be the team’s undoing the last several years.. J.T. Thompson is the most

The Descendants

notable player who has struggled with injuries, and both Dorenzo Hudson and Cadarian Raines have been beat up over the course of Greenberg’s career. Greenberg’s critics are also quick to overlook how well he can motivate the team for big games. The big rivalry win over U.Va. on the road this year certainly represents Greenberg’s fine job of inspiring the team. He even deserves credit for the team’s excellent first half against North Carolina. The Hokies weren’t able to pull out the win, but to contend so well against the Tar Heels’ superior talent speaks to his coaching ability. More than anything, Greenberg is the face of the program. He’s always animated at press conferences, and his charisma has

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undoubtedly been part of putting Tech basketball on the national stage. Even if people only know the Hokies for Greenberg’s sarcastic comments about another tournament disappointment, they still know them. Another coach can’t necessarily command that kind of attention. It’s been said by some that Greenberg will remain coach as long as Jim Weaver remains athletic director, and it’s hard to disagree. But those calling for his job should consider what he’s already done for this program and what he can do in the future.

ALEX KOMA - sports staff writer - sophomore - communication major

ne. That is the number — just one NCAA tournament appearance in the last seven seasons. Virginia Tech basketball head coach Seth Greenberg began his head coaching career here in 2003. Since becoming the head coach, Greenberg has had only one NCAA tournament appearance in the last seven seasons. Need I say more? Any other college basketball coach would be fired by now due to the immense lack of production. March Madness comes at the same time every year, and it always seems to be straight madness for the Tech basketball team. Tech has been left out of the tournament the last four seasons. There is only one person at fault — Greenberg. Greenberg has flat out been unable to produce at Tech. We all understand that the ACC has some of the toughest competition in college basketball, but by the way the seasons have gone, the Hokies are not cutting it. Last year the Hokies knocked off No. 1 Duke, but then followed that with two straight losses to Boston College and Clemson. The team has just not looked good game in and game out. Consistency has been a huge problem for the Hokies, and the head coach is to blame. It is Greenberg’s responsibility to have the team ready each and every game. When you play hard one game and lousy the next, you do not deserve to play in the big dance. Not only have the Hokies been left out of the big dance for the past four years, but their play on the court is questionable. At times it looks like a high school team is playing an NBA team. If you look at the teams Tech

plays and how they defend them, there is one common denominator — zone defense. Tech is unable to beat the zone. Some of that falls on the players, but if the players don’t know what to do, then you have to look at the coach. The game against North Carolina is a prime example of this. The Hokies were living and dying by the three. In the first half, Tech made some ridiculous shots, and UNC knew the Hokies couldn’t keep it up, so in the second half they played a 2-3 zone. Tech couldn’t make the shots, and no adjustments were made. This has happened continuously — when the Hokies make shots, they look great, but when they start missing, no alterations are made and they spiral out of control. This all falls on Greenberg. He has to be the one to pull his players aside and tell them what to do to break the zone. It is the coach’s job to make adjustments both in the locker room and on the floor. Greenberg has made Hokie basketball relevant, but without any NCAA tournaments to show for it, he needs to go. The Hokies need a proven, veteran coach who can lead a team to the NCAA tournament. Tech is without a doubt a football school, but that is no excuse for a basketball team that, at times, is uninspired and lacks coaching. All nice things need to come to an end, and Greenberg is a nice thing.

ZACK CONWAY - sports staff writer - freshman - communication major