Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Ideas to impress your valentine on page six

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

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COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 14

News, page 1

Food & Drink, page 2

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 5

Study Break, page 4

Universities Officer shoots dog in park may cut aid Radford police ofﬁcer shoots dog as it runs off its leash toward him. But dog’s owner says ofﬁcer’s actions were unwarranted.

ASHLEY SEAGAR news staff writer Gov. Bob McDonnell released the state’s budget plan for the fiscal year 2013-14. Though his plan has been praised for its increase of funds for higher education, the bill would cap the amount of money from general tuition that can go toward financial aid. Universities across the state are lobbying the proposed bill. “Generally, we believe the bill’s language is too restrictive and may impinge our ability to assist those most in need. Over the past decade, the state has severely reduced its support for higher education,” said Larry Hincker, the university spokesman. In the past 12 years, Virginia Tech has received 26 percent less in state funding, and every year the university accepts more students than the previous. “Accordingly, we have had to raise tuition,” Hincker said. “A portion of each year’s tuition increases have been used to supplement other financial aid sources. We believe this financial flexibility is very important and enables us to minimize the impact of the state’s budget reductions on those who need help the most.” On Jan. 11, McDonnell gave the State of the Commonwealth address in which he explained the meaning of the proposed bill. “It will require colleges to be more accountable and efficient by reprioritizing five percent of their current general fund dollars by 2014 to meet the key policy goals we enacted last year, including year round use of facilities and greater use of technology to leverage more programs and courses,” McDonnell said. “Taken together, these actions

cement the direct nexus between higher education and job creation, and begin to reverse the unacceptable trend over the last 10 years during which the average college tuition for our constituents has doubled. Parents and students can’t afford it. Those days are over,” he said. Because of the restricted language of the bill and the concerns about the long-term effect it may have, university officials are unsure of its full outcome. “The policy should be studied. If we do change the amount of aid given, I believe student debt will go up,” said Berry Sims Sr., the director of the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid. Virginia in-state students borrowed more than $650 million during the 2009-10 academic year. Decreasing the amount of aid given to the students who are in the most need may double the amount in student debts. “We think colleges should have the flexibility to provide students with financial aid and shouldn’t enact on a bill prematurely without knowing the full consequences,” said Tom Kramer, the executive director for VA21, an organization that advocates for higher education. It is too early to tell if the lobbying from university presidents will stop the bill in the General Assembly. The budget plan has also expected Virginia to be $200 million short on financial aid funding next year. Tomorrow, VA21 and representatives from Tech will be at the Capitol to deliver more than 10,000 signatures for a petition to support McDonnell’s proposed investment of $200 million in Virginia colleges.

In the past decade, Tech students have seen tuition prices increase while the percentage of state funding for tuition has decreased. Victoria Zigadlo/Collegiate Times

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What was a normal day in the park for a Radford student turned violent last week, when an officer from the Radford Police Department shot his dog, Copper, while it was off its leash in a city park. The incident — which occurred on Friday, Feb. 2 — has quickly turned into a case of conflicting testimonies, as student Joseph DeMasi and the officer have very different stories of how the pointer terrier ended up with bullet wounds to its right front leg and back paw. Both sides agree on the initial facts of the situation: DeMasi and his friend Corey Schmitt took their dogs to the city park and let them off of their leashes in a secluded area. However, the stories split once the officer arrived on the scene. DeMasi said the altercation was the result of an officer who “just pulled out his gun and didn’t think twice.” “We hear a cop yell, ‘Get your dogs on a leash,’ and the dogs turned and looked and saw him,” DeMasi said. “They started running toward him like they would anyone else, to greet him — there was no barking or growling.” DeMasi said the dogs were 10 to 15 yards from the officer when he shot at the dogs. He said at first he didn’t even realize it was his dog that had been hit. “I turn around and see my dog whimpering down the riverbank and collapses in the river,” he said. “Then I picked him up and ignored the officer completely.” The officer’s story varies significantly. “The reason the officer was called down there was a citizen’s complaint of ‘two dogs that were off leash and acting mean.’ Those were the words of the complainant,” said Lieutenant Scott Schwarzer of the RPD. “As (the officer) got out of his vehicle, these two dogs began to run in the officer’s direction,” he said. “One of them stopped and returned to the other involved owner, the other did not. The officer yelled to the owner to call off the dog, and the dog was not responding. And the dog was aggressive and launched toward the officer and left the officer no choice but to pull his firearm to stop the dog.” The officer fired his weapon once.

BY NICK CAFFERKY | news editor

COURTESY OF JOSH DEMASI

Josh DeMasi was at a park in Radford with his dog, Copper, when a police ofﬁcer arrived on scene and shot Copper for allegedly acting agressively off leash. Copper is recovering from a wound to his front paw. Upon realizing his dog was critically wounded, DeMasi imme-

care with the officer following him. Clinic employees were able to confirm Copper had been admitted for a gunshot wound to his right side, but they The reason the ofﬁcer was wouldn’t comment on other details. Once called down there was a the dog was taken for citizen’s complaint of ‘two treatment, DeMasi and Schmitt were given citadogs that were off leash tions for illegally having their dogs off their and acting mean.’ Those leashes in the park. were the words of the com- “It’s not a dog park. It is a city park,” Schwarzer plainant.” said. “It requires dogs to be on leashes at all Lieutenant Scott Schwarzer times.” Radford Police Department According to DeMasi, the officer made further diately took it to the Riverside comments at the veterinary clinic Animal Clinic to get emergency that offended him.

“

“He told me I’m lucky his aim wasn’t better and I’m lucky my dog isn’t dead,” DeMasi said. “He repeated it several more times later.” DeMasi also claims the officer forced him onto his knees with his hands behind his back after a quip about the officer’s grammar. Schwarzer declined to address those allegations, stating they were inappropriate to discuss. Copper is recovering from the wound. DeMasi said he is considering pressing charges over the incident, which also left him with a $500 veterinary bill. The officer’s actions were internally investigated, but Schwarzer said that is standard procedure and the officer “responded appropriately and accordingly to the situation.”

El Rodeo opens new restaurant JENN BATES features staff writer El Rodeo’s newest location in the First and Main Shopping Center is catering to a new crowd, in contrast to the original spot that is known for its popularity among college students. “It’s more family-oriented,” said Sergio Arellano, the manager of the new restaurant. “It’s quiet, calm and not as loud as (the other El Rods).” The original El Rods opened in Blacksburg in the early 1990s and is located on North Main Street. The new location opened on Dec. 31, 2011. Both restaurants will be open simultaneously. In the next three months, Arellano said a third location is set to be built in Christiansburg. Although the restaurants are in close proximity, Arellano is not worried that either business will harm the other. However, as of now, the new restaurant is lacking something the original holds — a liquor license. But Arellano said the license should arrive next week. see EL RODS / page two

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

The new El Rodeo offers classic Mexican dishes, including nachos, as well as a low-key atmosphere.

february 8, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

food & drink El Rodeo spices things up

editors: chelsea gunter, patrick murphy

featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

El Rods: Second location expects to receive liquor license next week from page one

“I think (that) is hurting their business a little,” said Elizabeth Lipscomb, a senior marketing major and El Rods customer. “But once they have their license, I think more people will be willing to try it.” However, the second location serves up new menu items that have been well received by patrons. “The new El Rodeo is completely different than the one on North Main,” Lipscomb said. “The food is much better quality, and there are more options than the generic Mexican foods offered at most restaurants.” The restaurant also has fresh decor — the tables, booths and decorations are from Mexico. When spring arrives, the new El Rods will have an outdoor patio with extra seating.

more info The original restaurant that opened in the 1990s is located on North Main Street, while the new location is in the First and Main Shopping Center. A third restaurant is set to be built in Christiansburg in the coming months. DANIEL LIN / SPPS

The new El Rodeo, which is located in the First and Main Shopping Center, offers its customers new food specials, as well as various dishes, including nachos and fajitas.

New El Rods has fresh look, updated menu M

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

The second El Rodeo location is decorated with glossy wooden tables and chairs, which are from Mexico.

exican food is not in short supply in Blacksburg. However, the popular El Rodeo restaurant just opened a second location in the First and Main Shopping Center on South Main Street, two miles from the original restaurant. Many questioned why the owners decided to open a second location so close to the first. But after my first visit to the new El Rods, I found the answer. It is not just a new location — it is a whole new restaurant. I expected the restaurant to have a nicer interior than the original, with new decor. My expectations were far exceeded. The entrance was bright and welcoming, as was the host. This was a radical change from the dingy and dark greeting I have experienced at the original El Rods. In the entryway, I stopped to admire a beautiful, seemingly handcrafted, wooden bench, only to find that the entire restaurant was filled with the same type of furniture. The glossy wooden tables and chairs are covered with colorful sunflowers. Also adding to the cheerful decor are the floor tiles, some of which give a pop of color with their festive, hand-painted patterns. My visit to the newer El

Rods happened to be on a gloomy and rainy day, but walking into the brightly colored restaurant made me feel like the sun had come out. With its fresh and enhanced appearance, the restaurant also has an updated menu. The rejuvenated menu features more specials and various food dishes, such as nachos and fajitas. Those who are still sticking to New Year’s resolutions can choose from a large salad selection. A notable addition is the “Hokie Special,” a dish that features grilled chicken covered in cheese with beans and onions, and french fries on the side. I wasn’t brave enough to try the new Hokie Special, so instead I ordered the Nachos Supremos. I ordered my nachos with all of the fixings — beans, beef, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. In keeping with the original El Rods, the food was not only delicious, but also delivered fast. The nachos exceeded my expectations. They had the right amount of each ingredient and were delectably smothered in tangy cheese. The portion size was large but not out of control. I finished my meal

feeling full and more importantly, satisfied. There is not a noticeable price difference between the new El Rods and the original. However, I felt like I was getting every penny’s worth dining in the newer, more upscale restaurant. From what I could see, there isn’t a bad spot in the house, which is a nice alternative considering I have been seated next to the steel “EXIT” door at the original restaurant. And perhaps it was the change in environment, but the wait staff seemed friendlier and better dressed. While I bet both El Rods restaurants will continue to be successful, the new one is much fancier and more family-oriented, while the original seems to cater specifically to college students. This new, second location unquestionably outshines the original with regard to its dining atmosphere. The new El Rods is definitely worth a visit, and I would not hesitate to eat there again.

MADDI GORDON -features staff writer -freshman -English major

opinions

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

february 8, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

Your Views [letter to the editor]

Sexist ‘He said, she said’ columns need to end

continually find the “He said, she said,” the bottom of the barrel in the Collegiate Times. The articles end up being sexist and stereotypical, and this week’s is no different. Although they were not quite as rage-inducing those from last week, which were about girl and guy code. The titular “she” writes about girls looking forward to picking out a “cute” super bowl outfit so they can keep “their man’s” attention during the game. Ugh. She then goes on to imply that most women only watch sports in an attempt to impress guys. That may be true for some females, but don’t make sweeping generalizations that insult women’s intelligence. The author then writes, “Also, it is not sexist to say many women just hope the right team wins so their man will remain in a good mood.” Uh, yes it is. If you have to say it’s not sexist, it probably is — illustrated by the author’s use of “her man” to illustrate women’s relationships. Women’s worlds don’t revolve around men, despite what these authors would have you believe. And the female author is in no way “special” because she enjoys sports. Oh wait, she’s relying on stereotypes to write her column again. You like watching sports? Go for it. But if

you’re using it as part of a barometer for attractiveness, you’re doing it wrong. Watch sports for your own sake, not for “your man’s” sake. And the “he said” side isn’t any better. It proclaims that women with no knowledge of sports are likely to pick team preferences based on the team uniforms and attractiveness level of the quarterbacks. That may happen, and there’s nothing inherently “wrong” with that. But don’t say all women do it, or look down upon such a reason. In addition, his use of the world “ladies” to address women reeks of sexism, and none of his addresses to us “ladies” is ever anything but condescending. The comments for “He said, she said” are almost always overwhelmingly negative. Why does this column continue to exist? It ends up being horrifically stereotypical and sexist. If this is an attempted explanation of gender politics, you’re doing it wrong — horribly, horribly wrong. So please, you would be doing your paper’s reputation a favor it you stopped running this column. Find something else for these authors to write about because they certainly aren’t doing a good job writing about gender relations. Beth Cameron student, mechanical engineering

Consumers must be knowledgable R

ecent revelations about the deplorable working conditions at an Apple factory in China provide a cautionary tale about globalization and consumerism. On Jan. 26, the New York Times ran a front-page article that exposed some of the facts of life within Apple’s Foxconn Technology factory in Chengdu, China. These include underage and underpaid workers, excessive overtime, seven-day workweeks, overcrowded dorms and dangerous conditions. One day last May, a fire broke out in one of the buildings where employees polished thousands of iPad cases a day. “Two people were killed immediately and over a dozen others injured,” the story said. “Apple never cared about anything other than increasing product quality and decreasing production cost,” Li Mingqi, a former Foxconn employee, told the Times. Another former employee added, “You can set all the rules you want, but they’re meaningless” if suppliers don’t make “enough profit to treat workers well. If you squeeze margins, you’re forcing them to cut safety.” Early in 2011, Steve Jobs met with President Obama on economic growth. He told the president he had no intentions of bringing Apple’s manufacturing back to the United States. Furthermore, he warned that unless the United States became more business-friendly, it stood to lose its competitive edge against countries like China. He noted how easy it was to build a factory in China, where he didn’t have to deal with tough labor laws or environ-

mental protections or unions demanding better wages, benefits and safe working conditions. Apple, one of the richest and most successful companies in the world, gained its wealth and power, in part, off the sweat of exploited Chinese workers. Apple is not the only electronics company doing business in China. Dell, HewlettPackard, IBM, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, Toshiba and others manufacture there. All of these companies benefit from the appalling working conditions in China. Neither the American public nor the labor movement here would stand for such conditions. But China is eager to overtake America as the No. 1 economic power in the world, and is willing to do so at all costs. That is why business and China make such excellent partners. Since Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms took effect in the 1980s, multinational corporations have poured into China to take advantage of its vast pool of cheap labor and natural resources. At a time when America sure could use some manufacturing jobs to boost our own economy, it would be patriotic — and humane, given what we know of the overseas workplace — for those companies to bring some of those jobs back home. And if they don’t, then we — the wired, high-tech consumers — should be more conscious about the products we purchase.

WINIFRED C. CHIN -mcclatchy newspapers

MCT CAMPUS

New bill violates privacy rights C

ongressman Lamar Smith, the author of the largely protested Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, is at it again, and even worse. Smith has introduced H.R. 1981 The Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011. His bill would require Internet Service Providers to track and retain user information for 18 months. Sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, mailing addresses and bank account numbers, along with local and long distance calling records, would all be stored for extended periods of time and be a subpoena away from the zealous eyes of federal authorities. While Smith pushed SOPA, an Internet-filtering effort, as a jobs creator, he’s promoting H.R. 1981, an expansion of domestic surveillance authority, as an effort to stop child pornography. Child pornography is absolutely abhorrent and any legislation raised to prevent it should be considered, but when a law requires complete distrust of citizenry, the motives behind what is written must be called into question. In a shameless display of “big brother” watchfulness, the bill notes that any subpoenas issued would be “solely for the purpose of investigating unregistered sex offenders.” By my count, most of the population would be classified as “unregistered sex offenders.” In fact, a study done by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, found that nearly 99 percent of the United States would fall under the large net cast by this

bill. Despite Smith’s obvious display of cowardice in placing an issue as serious as child pornography in front of intrusive eavesdropping legislation, the bill has good intentions. Granting investigators authority to monitor IP addresses would be an effective tool in catching online predators — if that was how IP addresses worked. An IP address is completely anonymous, and despite how CSI has used the technology, it is completely impractical to use it as a geolocation tool. So, while the intention is noble, the execution is exceedingly misguided. Don’t be fooled by Smith and his political charade. This bill represents a real threat to online privacy. Civil Rights groups say the law isn’t needed because existing laws are more than suitable to target and stop child pornographers. Law enforcement and intelligence supports the law because they claim they lack the adequate tools to monitor suspects, despite a decade of unprecedented new intelligence law (read the Patriot Act). As Sonic CEO Dane Jasper recently explained, the biggest problem may be that storing all of that data makes a delicious hacking target. This bill would not only disregard American privacy rights, but it would also put citizens’ data at risk to hackers. Do the wheels of justice — or investigation — move too slowly, and should data be retained for a long time to allow for legitimate investigation? No.

There are already tools in place that law enforcement can easily use to ask Internet Service Providers to preserve log information of real online criminals. The 1996 Electronic Communication Transactional Records Act allows law enforcement to require an ISP to keep data for 90 days upon law enforcement request, giving time for a judge to review and issue a legitimate search warrant. But keeping data on every online user for a full year and a half presents far too much potential for abuse, especially when the data being kept is so sensitive. Is Smith as concerned with protecting children as he is with archiving data on a huge portion of the population? It’s a distasteful question to be asking of our lawmakers. A bill like this completely tramples the Fourth Amendment and citizens’ right to privacy guaranteed in the Constitution. It has been interesting to watch people be awakened by SOPA, suddenly noticing all of the bad laws and trade agreements currently in play. Of course if they had been paying attention all along, laws and trade agreements like these wouldn’t get so easily shoveled through the legislative process. If the defeat of Smith’s early bill can teach us anything, it’s that massive political action can make a difference. Let’s not let this bill get as far as SOPA and kill it now.

JEFF HOMAN -regular columnist -junior -history major

Students should consider realistic majors W

hen choosing a major, students should be tedious, with plans for their futures in mind. Freshmen, take note. If I was given the following advice, I would have chosen a different major. Many students have already picked a major, and they have thought about potential careers and graduate schools. As young teenagers, students are also often told to choose a concentration they love. After all, isn’t it better to do something you enjoy, regardless of how much money you will make in the future? Those who choose careers based on high salaries can end up working long hours in mundane environments, which don’t foster creativity. Please don’t fall for this trap. I began my academic career at another school as a cinema major. I knew what I wanted to do after college, but I had no blueprint to get me there. When I transferred to Virginia Tech, I chose a major in the humanities. I enjoy history, and I have done well. But look-

ing back at my decision, I could have thought harder about what careers my major would lead to. My ignorance and indecisiveness has left me in a predicament. There are plenty of people who know exactly what they want to do in life and have a plan that spans years after graduation. I am not speaking to those people. However, I hope they succeed and provide a shining example for those who don’t share the same reality. It is important for people to enjoy what they do, regardless of their majors. But in this economy, it is just as important for people to consider their financial futures. However, some may say this is a criminal attitude. Who wants to see a doctor who only chose to attend medical school because he knew he’d be paid well in the future? Therefore, people should focus on finding a major that will guide them toward a career that is enjoyable and pays well. It is also worth noting that a great deal of people who end

up in high-paying careers enjoy what they do. Sometimes, people think students choose difficult majors solely for career aims. I used to think most computer science and computer engineering students hated programming and the workload. But after talking to many of these students, I no longer hold that opinion. I realized that they love working with computers, and while their work may be demanding, I truly think they love what they do. In short, students shouldn’t choose a major only based on what makes them happy. They should also consider how their choices will affect their impending opportunities and economic future. A lifetime of anxiety can be erased by simply putting real thought into choosing a major.

COURTNAY SELLERS -regular columnist -junior -history major

we’re YOUR newspaper. send a letter to the editor and express your views. send an email to opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com with your letter or guest column attached.

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february 8, 2012

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Week ending Jan. 21, 2012

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february 8, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Bobby Valentine speaks at fifth annual Baseball Night sports staff writer When he became the head baseball coach at Virginia Tech in 2007, Pete Hughes made generating support for the program his top priority. “Baseball Night in Blacksburg” quickly became one of the foremost ways of accomplishing that goal. The Hokies hosted newly hired Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine for their fifth annual preseason fundraiser last Friday evening. “Anything we can do to have people talk about our program is good,” Hughes said. “You eat for free, drink for free and you get to listen to the manager of the Boston Red Sox. That’s pretty worthwhile.” Valentine was the keynote speaker for the event, which was held in the West Side Stadium Club of Lane Stadium. The first hour of the event was a VIP-only private session with Valentine, followed by a threehour meet-and-greet with the Hokies’ 2012 team. The fundraiser included a silent auction, which featured collectible items such as an autographed baseball by Bryce Harper, the Washington Nationals’ first overall draft pick in 2010, and a signed jersey of former Hokies’ pitcher Joe Saunders, who is now with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Roughly 100 fans attended the event. Valentine committed to appearing at Friday’s banquet last July. Despite accepting the Red Sox job in November, he never wavered on his pledge to come to Blacksburg. “When I was asked, I said I’d do it,” Valentine said. “I never had a conflict for this particular day. There were other things I could do, but this was on the schedule.” Fans were eager to meet with the new Red Sox boss, who is returning to the major leagues for the first time since 2002, when he managed the New York Mets. Valentine replaced former Red Sox manager Terry Francona in Boston after spending a year as an analyst for ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts. “(The Red Sox job) was probably one of the only jobs that could have taken me away from ESPN,” Valentine said. Valentine arrived in Blacksburg

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last Friday morning and spent the day touring the team’s facilities, which received a major face-lift this off-season. He was also able to observe the Hokies practice in the early afternoon. English Field underwent significant remodeling last fall, which included installing a new artificial playing surface and a batter’s eye behind the center field wall. The outfield wall was also re-padded, and both dugouts were expanded. “This place could be the home of a winner,” Valentine said. Wichita State filed a report last June ranking the top 43 schools in home attendance for the 2011 season. The Hokies failed to make the list. However, Hughes hopes the recent upgrades, in addition to increased fan support, will enable the Hokies to better compete with the elite programs in the ACC — a steadfast goal of his since 2007. “Look where we’ve come in six years … the investment that’s been put forth toward our program makes me feel good,” Hughes said.

COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS

Bobby Valentine, the manager of the Boston Red Sox, was the keynote speaker at the baseball team’s preseason fundraiser last Friday.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- You’ve got the motivation to study with passion. Don’t worry if hopes get challenged now. Keep your eye on long-term goals, and persist. Love prevails. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Find renewed energy in a surprising place. There’s so much to explore through every step. Go for your dreams, but beware of mirages. Test your steps for solid ground. Aries (March 21-April 19) -Today is an 8 -- Your charisma gets magniϐied. For the next three weeks, you’re in good company. The ball seems to be bouncing your way, too. Celebrate!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- With Venus entering Aries, you’re even luckier in love. There’s more work coming in. Invest in your career. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is an 8 -- You’re a social butterϐly for the next month. Have the party at your house! With that excuse, ϐix something that’s been bugging you. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Entering a creative phase. You can make long strides in your career for the foreseeable future. Consider advancing your knowledge by choosing a skilled teacher.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- For the next four weeks, you’re exceptionally hot! Give yourself to love, if that’s what you’re after. Friends feed your heart. Tap another revenue source.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- Work’s getting more fun so enjoy it. Your friends are the best. Practice listening to expand your relationships. Take care of a loved one’s dream.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Don’t stress too much, or at all, if things are not going right. They’re about to take a turn for the better. Listen to the wisdom of a good friend.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Today is a 7 -- You’re becoming more popular. Plan an activity night at home sometime soon. You can proϐit from a new partnership. Double-check your schedule, and keep it.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- It’s easier to compromise for the next month. Let others take care of you more than you usually do. Discipline at work leaves time for play.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Today is an 8 -- You’ll ϐind more relaxation at home, but you should attend an event with friends and/or family. A partner’s encouragement is welcome.

valentine’s day

february 8, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

‘Love Potion No. 9’ BY JIMMY HUDNALL | features staff writer Love is in the air and the question begs: What to give that special somemeous one? You could go with chocolates, but that might prompt a dangerous discussion about weight. Perhaps a stuffed animal? Your loved one will hat pretend to adore it for about a month (and actually like it for half that ne time, if you’re lucky). No, this Valentine’s Day, treat your special someone to a sensual serving of “Love Potion No. 9.” erThe Clovers got it right in their song — well, I can’t attest to its mesmerhe izing love potency, but it tastes great. The blended strawberries give the lla mixture a thicker consistency, and the mix of Creme de Cacao and vanilla nk. ice cream provides a burst of sweetness that almost overpowers the drink. an “Love Potion No. 9” is a tasty beverage you and your sweet someone can en share to celebrate your relationship. That said being said, if you’ve been dating for more than a year, this should probably be accompanied by an additional token of your love. Ingredients: 1 oz. strawberry vodka 1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao 1/2 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen) 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup of ice Strawberry to garnish (optional) Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients into a blender. 2. Blend until a smooth consistency is reached. 3. Pour mixture into a margarita glass. 4. Optionally, garnish with a strawberry. Serve and enjoy.

COURTESY OF LUKE MASON

editors: chelsea gunter, patrick murphy featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

Songs for being in love

1. “At Last” by Etta Jam 2. “Can You Feel the Loes ve Tonight?” by Elton John 3. “Let’s Get it On” by Ma 4. “Just the Way You Ar rvin Gaye e” by Billy Joel 5. “Let’s Stay Together” 6. “A Wink and a Smile by Al Green ” by Harry Connick Jr. 7. “You & Me” by Lifeh 8. “Everything” by Michouse 9. “This Will Be” by Na ael Buble 10. “Wonderful Tonight”talie Cole by Eric Clapton 11. “Your Song” by Elton 12. “Maybe I’m Amazed John ” by Paul McCartney 13. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye 14. “I’ll Be There” by Th e Jackson 5

Heart Oreo Cookies BY EMMA GODDARD | features reporter

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and single or not, everyone should have fun on this holiday. These sugary heart Oreo cookies are the perfect sweet treats to devour next Tuesday. You can sit at home and eat these with your friends, or bake them for someone special. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 8 minutes Cookie ingredients: 1 package vanilla cake mix 3 drops red food dye 2 eggs 3/4 cup shortening Frosting ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese 1/2 stick of butter, softened 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 cups powdered sugar

Directions: 1. Mix all cookie ingredients together in a large bowl. The dough may be stiff, but it should be this way. 2. Roll dough into balls, and place two next to each other. Pinch the bottom of each set to form heart shapes. 3. Bake the hearts at 350 degrees for eight minutes. Afterward, take them out to cool. 4. Mix together all frosting ingredients. 5. After the cookies have cooled, frost them. Put two cookies together like an Oreo and enjoy. EMMA GODDARD / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Partner yoga: It takes two BY CHELSEA GILES features staff writer

Take a deep breath. Fill your nose, expand, then release out the mouth. feel every inch of your chest This is critical to balance and expanding each post Have you ever wanted to exercise your friendship as you push your ure. Imagine taking that same breath with someone or romantic relationship? How abou selves into a tension relea t testing it No matter the type of relationship, part sing position. in a way that will strengthen physical ner yoga increases commu- understanding. The nication, as well as deepen that emotion bodies must rely on each other to achi emotional al eve the poses bon d? in safe and beneficial ways. The physical proc Now you can. ess challenges partners Just in time for Valentine’s Day, McC to unit e. The y mus t find balance together. The ultimate omas Hall is hosting “Tech’s purpose of Largest Partner Yoga Event” tomorro practicing yoga with someone else is w at 6 p.m. to increase the impact of each It is free to students, faculty and staff posi tion . Recreational Sports recommends arriv . However, the Department of For experienced yogis, sharing the post ing early because only 25 couples spots will be available. having the instructor with you through ure with another person is like Yoga is a unique type of exercise. Brea those tiny adjustments that open your the entire class, making all of thin g body and push your muscles to is key. It is a phys ical as well as a mental experience in which you reenergize and strengthen the an even deeper level. body, and leave all worries at the doo If you or your partner is new to yoga, then ther r. e are a few tips for the Each class can be different dependin g on what poses the instructor class: wear clothes you can easily move in, stay hydrated, take it slow, chooses, or the pace. What you decide rem emb er to breathe and above all, listen to impact on what you get out of the sessi bring on the mat can have an There are mats available in the fitne to your body. on. As the deep breathing and raising of the newbie, I can say the instructors are williss studios. As a yoga arm s begi ns, you deci de wha t you want to focus on during the class questions. And do not hesitate to situa ng to help and answer or te yourself in the front of Next, you erase all other thoughts, conn why you decided to be there. the class, close to the instructor. ect with your body and move. Partner yoga encourages this mentalit Your instructor will end the class by y bowing to the students method blends separate bodies into one between the two people. This and saying a seemingly magical word. You will return the gesture, thro ugh a serie s of pose s and lifts. By using each other’s body, you also exercise effective communica- sharing a connection of souls. It acknowledges the “divine tion, focus and trust. spark” within the heart. You will reply , “Namaste.” Recreational Sports describes the even The sponsors for the Partner Yoga Even t as “a fun and creative class that promotes balance and relaxation.” Products and Subway, are giving each t, Sayre Promotional partner a free T-shirt and promo.

SONGS FOR BEING ALONE ON VALENTINE’S DAY 1. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Deon 2. “Someone Like You” by Adele 3. “Rumor Has It” by Adele 4. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele 5. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood 6. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson 7. “So What” by Pink 8. “Forget You” by Cee Lo Green 9. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child 10. “Single Ladies” by Beyonce 11. “I Don’t Need a Man” by Pussycat Dolls 12. “Bye Bye Bye” by *Nsync 13. “Don’t Want You Back” by Backstreet Boys 14. “Roses” by Outkast