Wednesday, February 29, 2012 Print Edition

Sushi showdown see page eight

CJ YUNGER / SPPS

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012

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COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 26

News, page 2

Food & Drink, page 6

Opinions, page 3

Finding their calling

Sports, page 7

Study Break, page 4

Sen. Warner to speak at commencement

COURTESY OF HOKIESPORTS

In a new program that allows students to call wrestling, soccer and baseball games, Virginia Tech is trying to find the next generation of sports broadcasters

BY ALEX KOMA | sports staff writer As the lead announcer for Virginia Tech’s football and men’s basketball teams, Bill Roth is not looking to relinquish his job.

Yet, by creating the athletics department’s student broadcaster internship, he’s enabled students to get a head start on breaking into the sports broadcasting industry and vying for a job like his.

“I was having breakfast in Miami with our athletics director Jim Weaver during Tech’s trip to the Orange Bowl and I mentioned to Jim that I thought there were many talented broadcasting students at Tech who were talented enough to help with some our Olympic sports broadcasts,” Roth said.

“I suggested there were young people on our campus that would be eager to gain valuable experience calling games, and doing so in a supervised and professional environment.”

Weaver was intrigued by the idea and in spring 2011 created the position of assistant director of broadcasting. This was not only to handle the play-by-play duties for the women’s basketball and baseball teams, but also to head

Upcoming Games Saturday, March 3

up the new program.

Andrew Allegretta was soon hired from Charleston Southern University to assume the title, and he took charge of the program.

“One of the things we looked at for every candidate was someone who would really embrace working with young broadcasters, and (Andrew) is just that,” Roth said.

From its outset, the program has been aimed at giving a helping hand to aspiring broadcasters.

“One of the things about where Bill and I come from is we’re both people who have had others help us along the way, and we really want to return that favor,” Allegretta said.

Participants in the program get the opportunity to call games in sports like men’s and women’s soccer, wrestling, softball, volleyball, tennis, swimming and diving, all while receiving tutelage from Allegretta and Roth.

“For (the interns) it’s a really great experience to be able to practice TV play-by-play, and see CALLING / page seven

Track and Field VT Final Qualifier All Day, Rector Fieldhouse Men’s Tennis Minnesota Noon, Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center Baseball Yale (DH) 1 p.m., English Field Sunday, March 4 Baseball Yale 1 p.m., English Field

Tech sees study abroad gender gap ASHLEY SEAGER news staff writer Recent studies conducted by the University of Iowa show females are twice as likely to study abroad as are males.

According to Virginia Tech studies, in the 2010-11 academic year, the ratio of females to males studying abroad was 1.5.

“When we are looking at the gender (ratio) at Virginia Tech, it’s about 58 percent male, so the fact that females outnumber males in study abroad so much is even more shocking because of that,” said Kevin Shutta, a senior economics major and peer advisor for the education abroad office.

“If you look at the students who were abroad in 2010 to 2011 ... about 3.5 percent of males and just more than 7 percent of females (were) enrolled.”

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Tech is the only department mostly female dominated. Women are more likely than men to study fine arts, humanities and languages.

Study abroad programs commonly focus on these areas, according to the education abroad office.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators reported that in the 2007-08 school year, 27.9 percent of United States students who enrolled in an overseas program participated in the field of humanities. And 20.2 percent of students studied business and management.

Research at the University of Iowa also reported “women in traditionally male-dominated majors such as engineering, business and the hard sciences also study abroad at about twice the rate of men.”

Women taking classes that focus on human diversity and differences also study abroad, but these disciplines have little influence on men.

Furthermore, female students who have highly educated parents are also lead to study abroad. But the same is not true for males, according to the University of Iowa.

The education abroad office is aware of the gap, but at this time does not have a plan to alleviate it.

“We have only recently discovered some of this data, so we don’t have any strategies currently to help, but it is something we are looking to do,” Shutta said.

Gender ratio for study abroad

Virginia Tech has a ratio of 1.5 females to males in study abroad.

Top three colleges to send students abroad: College of Architecture and Urban Studies

13.42%

Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

8.55%

Natural Resources and Environment

7.61%

FILE 2008 / SPPS

Warner speaks at the Lyric while campaigning in 2008.

Sen. Mark Warner will send off Hokies for the second time at this year’s graduation KELSEY JO STARR news staff writer Virginia Tech has announced that Sen. Mark Warner will be the spring commencement speaker.

The event is scheduled for May 11 at noon, with more than 5,000 graduates.

“We are honored that Senator Warner is coming,” said Mark Owczarski, university spokesman. “He’s an incredibly successful politician. He has been a very good friend to Virginia Tech over the years, and it’s just a great honor. He’s our commonwealth senator. We’re very happy he’s coming.”

Warner, the Democratic United States senator for Virginia, has been a senator since 2009, serving in various committees and forming the Gang of Six — the bipartisan organization that is working to reduce the federal budget.

Owczarski said the commencement speaker is invited by the Office of the President in collaboration with student and university groups in the fall.

“Senator Warner, upon receiving that invitation, said ‘absolutely yes,’” Owczarski said.

Warner gave the Tech commencement speech in 2002, one year after being elected governor of Virginia and one year before playing a large part in moving Tech from the Big East to the ACC. He has also given commencement speeches at other universities, including Wake Forest University, George Washington University and the University of Virginia.

As a fan and supporter of Tech, Warner said, in an email statement, he is excited to take part in graduation,

offering students advice.

“While I’m not exactly sure what I’ll talk about yet, I think it’s important that these graduates are excited about the future and are not afraid to take risks,” he said. “As a matter of fact, I’ve learned as much from my failures as I have from my success.”

Warner has not ruled out the possibility of running for reelection in 2014. According to the Washington Post, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has expressed that he may possibly run against him.

However, neither of these statements have been confirmed.

“

We are honored that Senator Warner is coming. He’s an incredibly successful politician.

He has been a very good friend to Virginia Tech over the years, and it’s just a great honor.

He’s our commonwealth senator.

We’re very happy he’s coming.”

Mark Owczarski university spokesman

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news

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Green’s: Shop offers greatest value from page eight

The Philadelphia rolls, stuffed with salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and green onions, were topped with the restaurant’s special red and green sauce.

The unique sauce added an incomparable spice to the rolls, which created an abundant combination of flavors.

The salmon nigiri was also exceptional with its tender meat, tightly packed rice and a hint of soy sauce.

The whole meal, with eight rolls and two pieces of nigiri, totaled less than $10 — Green’s appears to provide the best overall value.

Furthermore, the location is convenient for students, being only a short walk from campus.

Sushi Factory Sushi Factory is located in the University Mall next to the Math Emporium, offering frustrated students an adventurous escape from their studies.

While the restaurant’s location and prices are both positives, the quality of the sushi is hardly comparable with Blacksburg’s other sushi options.

The menu is not as extensive, although it offers a respectable assortment of options for most customers.

I ordered the All Cooked

Sushi plate, which comes with six smoked salmon rolls and five pieces of assorted nigiri.

The plate costs less than $10, which is a decent, affordable option for a college budget.

However, the low price is evident in the quality of options offered, considering the restaurant uses meats such as “imitation crab stick” instead of traditional lump crab meat.

While some may prefer higher quality meats, those luxuries come with a lofty price, which Sushi Factory has resolved to sacrifice for more affordable costs.

The atmosphere of the restaurant focuses on convenience over an elegant, contemporary ambiance.

The wait for my food turned out to take much longer than expected, despite only two customers ahead of me. I ended up waiting almost a half an hour for my order, which was an undesirable start to my dining experience.

When I finally got my food, the sushi was tasty, but hardly worth the wait.

The smoked salmon rolls were gratifying, but lacked the intense flavor compared to its competitors.

I preferred the assorted nigi-

ri to the rolls, which offered variability and simplicity.

Surprisingly, the imitation crab nigiri ended up being my favorite, which countered my initial conceptions of what it would taste like.

The meal essentially offered me what I paid for — nothing more, nothing less.

Kroger Kroger has two locations in Blacksburg, on South Main Street and next to the University Mall, which both offer sushi made fresh daily.

While the selection is not as vast as restaurants, Kroger offers convenience and affordability for customers who do not have the time for an authentic sushi experience.

The types of sushi offered vary slightly daily based on availability, but they usually have the traditional options.

When I went, they had an assortment of California, tuna, shrimp and salmon rolls. These options had regular, spicy and crunch variations.

In addition to the rolls, they offer assorted nigiri, including salmon, tuna and tilapia.

The sushi which starts at $5, came with nine rolls, while the nigiri, which comes with eight pieces, costs $9.

I decided to go with assorted

spicy rolls, containing an equal amount of tuna, shrimp and salmon.

The sushi was topped with different spices and served with a side of soy sauce, ginger and wasabi.

While the tuna rolls were chewy, the shrimp rolls offered a fresh, crunchy taste. Both rolls were tasty and provided surprising uniqueness.

The salmon rolls were my favorite, offering a moderately crunchy texture with a special savory sauce.

I had been apprehensive about trying Kroger’s sushi after experiencing that of many highquality restaurants, but I was pleasantly surprised. While their selection is not expansive, both Krogers deliver for the price.

As one could imagine, Kroger does not offer the atmosphere of a sushi restaurant, which takes away much of the novelty for many consumers.

However, for those who do not care for the experience, Kroger offers convenience and affordability, without sacrificing tremendously on quality.

NICK SMIRNIOTOPOULOS -features reporter -sophomore -communication major

Google privacy policy violates EU rules JESSICA BUYNN mcclatchy newspapers LOS ANGELES — Just two days before Google prepares to roll out its new privacy policy, France’s regulator says it appears to violate the European Union’s data protection rules.

The French agency CNIL took the lead in investigating the new privacy policy for the European Union’s data protection authorities.

Those authorities pressed Google to delay its rollout until they can investigate further. Google has declined to do that.

“Our preliminary analysis shows that Google’s new policy does not meet the requirements of the European Directive on Data Protection,” CNIL said in a letter sent Monday to Google Chief Executive Larry Page.

The letter was posted on CNIL’s website Tuesday.

Google’s search engine has more than 90 percent market share in the European Union.

“The CNIL and the EU data protection authorities are deeply concerned about the combination of personal data across services: They have strong doubts about the lawfulness and fairness of such processing,” the letter reads.

Peter Fleischer, Google’s global privacy counsel, said Google remained confident that the new privacy policy “respects all European data protection laws and principles.”

Google announced its new privacy policy last month. It’s set to take effect Thursday.

It would govern how the Internet search giant har-

vests and uses personal data through all of its various services including Gmail and YouTube.

Google undertook what it called a massive notification plan to give users more than a month to get familiar with the new rules.

It says the new policy will be easier for users to understand, and will help deliver better search results.

But CNIL says the EU’s data protection authorities are concerned because the repercussions of the new policy are too difficult for even “trained privacy professionals” to understand.

The new privacy policy makes it easier for Google to share the data it collects across all of its different services.

Privacy watchdogs say Google

is looking to more finely target advertising.

The changes mostly affect users who are signed into Google.

Watchdogs complain that Google leaves users no choice other than to quit using Google services.

The letter follows comments from U.S. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz, who said Google is forcing users to make a “brutal choice” with its new privacy policy.

Google says users can avail themselves of privacy controls.

“Other than saying that they have been clear, and that it’s a fairly binary and somewhat brutal choice that they are giving consumers, I think I can’t say much more,” Leibowitz said Sunday on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program in response to a question from National Journal’s Juliana Gruenwald.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center is appealing a judge’s ruling that dismissed its legal challenge to Google’s privacy policy.

The judge said she did not have the authority to force the FTC to take action against Google.

EPIC contends that Google is violating a settlement it reached with the FTC requiring the company to protect user data.

“EPIC — along with many other individuals and organizations — has advanced serious concerns that may well be legitimate,” federal judge Amy Berman Jackson wrote in her ruling.

“The FTC, which has advised the court that the matter is under review, may ultimately decide to institute an enforcement action.”

In an emailed statement, Google spokesman Chris Gaither said: “We are committed to providing our users with a seamless experience across Google’s services, and to making our privacy commitments to them easy to understand.”

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

what you’re saying On the gun law repeal potentially increasing gun trafficking

Anonymous: This statement is misleading:

Virginia is already a “net exporter,” meaning more firearms are exported out of the state than imported Only residents of Virginia may purchase a firearm in Virginia. What they do after that purchase has no restrictions on where it goes.

Anonymous: The fact these tragedies occur

when these laws are already in place is proof that they don't work. Criminals will find a way no matter what. By the way 60 million legal gun owners killed nobody yesterday.

Shane Glass: I second the statement that this

law is useless, as it exists and yet it doesn't work.

Criminals will not go through the legal process to acquire guns. If for every 100,000 citizens, Virginia exports 32 criminal guns, maybe law enforcement should go after those exporting the guns, and not bog down law-abiding citizens with unnecessary laws.

Recreational and competition shooting is seeing a surprising increase in popularity. (It's an oldie from 2010, but it's data: http://www.nrablog.com/ post/2010/12/03/Competitive-Shooting-Divisionsanctions-over-11500-tournaments-in-2010.aspx) Concealed carry licenses are increasing. The federal government has drawn up legislation to allow weapons in national parks (which went in to effect last year), reciprocity of CC licenses for all states (which hasn't passed). And lets not forget current state legislation waiting for the governor's signature removing the option for localities to include fingerprints with CC registration, and other CC refinements (http://www.guns.com/threepro-gun-bills-pass-virginia-house.html), as well as redefining the Castle Doctrine. Virginia also enacted legislation last year to allow any citizen to carry an open weapon in their vehicles.

Shane Glass: I mention all these because

Virginia, an already open firearm state, is moving towards more freedom for its citizens when it comes to firearms. It's simple, really. Those of us who don't do illegal things shouldn't be punished, when it's clear the laws don't even punish the ones who couldn't care less about them.

If I want to spend my money at a local gun shop to purchase more than one handgun a month, I should be able to. And if this law doesn't pass, a Virginia citizen can still do so if they have a CC license.

On 4/16 families’ reaction to the hand gun repeal

Title: "4/16 victims oppose repeal of handgun

law"

Maybe the following would be more appropriate.

"Some 4/16 victims oppose repeal of handgun law."

Is It Loaded: No, the following would be more appropriate:

66 percent of Virginians don't want to repeal the one-handgun-per month ban.

Eric Smith: If 99% of Virginians wanted to kill

the other 1%, it wouldn't make it right. That's why we are not a democracy, but a representative, constitutional republic. The law is immoral, illegal, and in direct violation of the U.S. and Virginian constitution. It is a common logical and argumentative fallacy to claim that majority opinion is equivalent to objective reality.

Store: Kroger makes quality sushi on site from page eight

like the most appealing place to buy a delicacy like sushi, Kroger proves to be a strong contender.

The sushi is typically fresh from that day, and at some stores, they will make the roll you want if it is not already available.

While the sushi section seems small, there are several options available to make up for this.

Wanting to try both nigiri and maki, I picked up a mixed package.

The nigiri was topped with salmon, while the maki was topped with caviar and filled with avocado and crab, or salmon. I was given two pieces of

nigiri and 10 pieces of maki for a total of $9.99.

The rice was a bit too sticky and rather chewy for my taste — it kept sticking to my teeth.

The fish on the nigiri seemed less fresh in comparison to others, but the taste of the maki rolls made up for this.

Although I would not say this is the best sushi I have eaten, the amount that was given to me matched well with the price.

EMMA GODDARD -features reporter -freshman -communication major

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

opinions

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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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, Tanja Vogel Online Director: Alex Rhea MCT CAMPUS

US must address sustainability T

here are many issues that give people anxiety, such as the economic recession, terrorism and the possible 2012 apocalypse. We live in a changing world with problems emerging from every direction. However, the most pertinent issue is the lack of effort being put forth to achieve sustainable global development.

With a world population that has grown by 1.6 billion people since 1990 — nearly 30 percent — there is more competition for resources now than ever before. This is partly because the conceivable “world” has not gotten any larger in this period. The Earth has been predominantly mapped out.

People have explored, and at this point, new discoveries are scarce in regard to living areas and natural resources.

Most population growth is occurring in urban areas, and there is less agricultural cultivation in the world every year. Many developing countries have made enormous strides in their industrialization and competing on a world stage to import enough raw materials for their growing populations.

In the United States, many people are ignorant to the problems they face. The world economy exists with such a constant demand that environmental problems — like droughts and heat waves that are detrimental to crops — can have devastating economic effects in the form of elevated prices.

In summer 2010, Russia suffered a terrible heat wave.

Some 300 fires burned out of control, and in the end, the restoration costs totaled about $300 billion. The country produced 60 million tons of grain — a terrible reduction from an expected 100 million.

The only positive thing that came from this was President Dimitri Medvedev’s statements. Sweating and looking incredibly tense he said, “What’s happening with the planet needs to be a wakeup call to all of us.”

Suddenly a man who had opposed carbon reduction initiatives was abandoning

In China, He Qingcheng, head of the Global Environmental Management Initiative groundwater monitoring team, said Beijing is now drilling 1,000 feet down to find water, which is five times deeper than in 1990.

He does not sugar coat it, saying he foresees “catastrophic consequences for future generations.”

Another issue people must face is deforestation, as they chop and saw into the Earth’s natural forests with no consideration for the magnitude of their destruction. If they knew how many trees were needed each year, could they not plant billions of trees and harvest them years later at a rate that is sustainable?

Shouldn’t people be replacing every tree they cut down?

In fact, shouldn’t they be planting two?

Think about the Earth as an apple tree. Every With a world population day, the tree produces twice as many apples as that has grown by 1.6 billion it has the night before. if a person and picks people since 1990 — nearly So, less than half the apples 30 percent — there is more on the tree daily, they will have apples for life. competition for resources However, if they pick more than half, they than ever before.” will eventually eat the tree bare and will have to find another.

To be truly sustainable, Sadly, there is not another people must look at the envi- Earth.

It is essential that people ronmental footprint that many industries are leav- moderate their consumption ing today. It is imperative of the Earth’s resources at a that people understand the sustainable rate.

Resource management was consequences of destroying the natural ecosystems efficient when civilization they rely upon as vital existed on a smaller global scale. However, today people resources.

Water shortages are con- commonly fail to recognize stantly terrifying many what a giant population they world leaders. Countries are.

This will lead to eventual in the arid Middle Eastern region are at the top of chaos and a breakdown of the list for these problems. society — for all intents and Israel banned irrigation of purposes, a post-apocalyptic wheat in 2000 due to the world, where clean water is scarcity of water in the coun- just as scarce as food.

In his book “World on the try.

Today, Israel imports near- Edge,” Lester Brown eluly 98 percent of its grain. cidates the predicament Populations continue to beautifully saying, “We are grow, yet irrigation water facing issues of near-overused in part to sustain them whelming complexity and unprecedented urgency. is reduced each year.

In Afghanistan, almost Can we think systemati50 percent of groundwater cally and fashion policies sources have been deplet- accordingly?” ed because of drought and excessive use. Countries are OLIVER DONSON desperate to keep up their agricultural productions and -regular columnist are tapping their irrigation -junior -general engineering major wells dry. his position. All around the world similar evidence is helping sway the non-believers.

Take Jordan for example.

About 40 years ago, Jordan produced more than 300,000 tons of grain, but today, it produces about 60,000 tons.

Therefore, the country is forced to import almost 90 percent of its grain. This would be fine if almost every country in the Middle East had not also decreased their production in the past 40 years.

As the population problem escalates, people’s needs proliferate, and the resources required to provide for people are dwindling. Steps must be taken to limit population growth and create sustainable systems of mass production.

“

People can do without yearly flu vaccinations E

ven as warmer months approach, the threat of catching the flu is still there. Flu season typically lasts through May, and as the February peak comes to a close, encountering people with the flu is still prevalent. But even though getting the flu midsemester seems like an awful experience, don’t waste your time getting a flu shot.

The flu, formally known as the influenza virus, is a somewhat common occurrence, with cases seen in anywhere from 5 percent to 20 percent of the population depending on the year.

It’s a respiratory infection, primarily infecting the lungs, causing high fever, body aches and other symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms can be handled with rest, plenty of fluids, and certain medicines to reduce fever and relieve pain. Most people completely recover from the flu after about a week.

So why get the vaccine at all? As with any drug, there isn’t a 100 percent success rate, but recent studies suggest there is a 77 percent chance the flu will be prevented. High-risk demographics, like the elderly, children and people with pre-existing conditions, are typically encouraged to get the vaccine — flu-related complications in these people are more likely to occur and can be deadly.

Those between the ages of 18 and 50 are more equipped to handle the flu — complications are rare, and the virus is manageable.

The vaccine is nothing more than conjecture. The process of determining the makeup of the vaccine includes predicting the virus’ strain and its possible evolutionary directions. Afterward, scientists put together three vaccine strains to handle the different types of the virus they think are going to be most prevalent. The method is thorough, but if the correct strain isn’t guessed correctly, the vaccine becomes ineffective.

This kind of situation occurred last year, when one of the Type A strains missed its mark. The vaccine prevented a much less likely strain of the flu, and the more likely strain raged on without resistance.

The guesswork sets far from being convincing. It is not worth the hassle of the getting a worthless vaccine, assuming it will protect you, and then contracting the flu anyway. This is perhaps the biggest problem I have with the flu vaccine. There is not enough conviction behind its design. It’s

not like the polio or smallpox vaccines, which have definitive preventions. The flu shot may be successful in protecting you from the flu, but it promotes a sense of false security.

Depending on what vaccination method you choose can determine the type of experience you have with the vaccine. The injection method is safe, as it deposits a dead sample of the virus into your system for your body to develop antibodies for. Like any shot, the actual administration can be a bit uncomfortable, and general soreness in the area is common.

But other than that, there are few other side effects.

But yearly, the effectiveness of this shot, compared to the second method, varies. The second method is a nasal spray that contains a live sample of the virus, weakened to prevent severe symptoms but still infectious. The efficacy of this method can be greater than the injection, and your physician will inform you of this so you can make the decision on your own.

There is something about getting infected with the virus that your vaccination is supposed to prevent that doesn’t settle well. A weakened version of the flu presents like a strong cold, with symptoms across a variety of ailments, such as a runny nose, headache, slight fever and fatigue. Anyone who’s had a rough cold can attest that it’s no picnic itself, and in no way worth paying $30 for.

The price of the flu shot is another questionable aspect of the vaccine. Sure, nowadays nothing is free. But making a medical investment that can’t guarantee success and could cause sickness is akin to gambling.

The bottom line suggests that unless your age or pre-existing conditions specify differently, there isn’t much benefit that comes in the form of a flu vaccine. It’s a common affliction, but not that common. The vaccine works, but not all of the time. And the flu is preventable by simpler means — washing your hands frequently and avoiding those who are noticeably sick.

If you still think you might need to vaccinate this year, or if you’ve gotten the vaccine already, here’s a word of advice for the future — don’t waste your time or money; you’ll be just fine without it.

ERIC JONES -regular columnist -junior -psychology major

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feb. 29, 2012

There’s still time to snap your senior photos!

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Use your dreams to push you into unexplored territory. What’s calling you (for the next four years)?

Your network provides a solid anchor, but diligence and dedication take you wherever you can imagine. Craft a budget. Get inventive.

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Week ending Feb. 18, 2012

Top tracks

( ) Last week’s ranking in top five

We are Young (Feat. Janelle Moneae) • Fun

(4) 1

Stronger (What

(5) 2

Doesn’t Kill You)

• Kelly Clarkson

Glad You Came • The Wanted

3

Good Girl • Carrie Underwood

4 (3) 5

Set Fire to the Rain • Adele

word

WORDSEARCH: London Olympics 2012 Part 1 Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

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editors: nick cafferky, michelle sutherland

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

newseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

5

Attorneys present at Ravi trial Students face grim outlook mcclatchy newspapers NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Hate crime or stupid teenage prank?

The future of Dharun Ravi, a former Rutgers University student charged with secretly viewing his roommate in a sexual encounter with another man, could rest on how jurors interpret his actions.

In opening arguments Friday at Ravi’s trial, a Superior Court jury heard two versions of a case that gay-rights advocates say underscores the problems of harassment and bullying faced by homosexual teenagers. The story attracted international attention after Ravi’s roommate, Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge days after learning that Ravi had used a laptop webcam to spy on him with a man.

“This isn’t about Dharun Ravi having to like Tyler Clementi’s (sexual) orientation,” Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure told the jury. “It’s about having the decency to respect it.”

McClure called Ravi’s actions “malicious and criminal,” and argued that he set out to harass and intimidate Clementi because he was gay.

But Steven Altman, Ravi’s lawyer, asked jurors to withhold judgment until they heard all of the facts, contending that the prosecution had put a “spin” on the case that was not supported by the evidence.

Ravi, who will turn 20 on Tuesday, is not a bigot and is not homophobic, Altman said.

At the time of the incidents described in the criminal case, he said, his client was “an 18-year-old boy” beginning his first year in college.

“Don’t rush to judgment. Keep things in perspective,” Altman said during a 25-minute opening in which he used the word “boy more than a dozen times to describe his client, of Plainsboro.

Ravi “might have been stupid,” Altman said, “but he certainly wasn’t a criminal.”

Dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and tie, Ravi sat quietly at the defense table in the packed courtroom. His parents and friends sat two rows behind him.

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On the other side of the room, Clementi’s family — including his mother, father, and a brother — also sat with friends and relatives.

Both sets of parents declined to comment about the case.

Jane and Joseph Clementi, of Ridgewood, have become advocates for gay-rights issues involving teenagers since the death of their son. They have started a foundation in his name aimed at raising funds for programs that encourage awareness of the problems of bullying and harassment.

Ravi, who dropped out of Rutgers after being arrested in October 2010, has been charged in a 15-count criminal indictment that alleges he secretly watched Clementi and a man on Sept. 19, 2010, and attempted but failed to view them again on Sept. 21.

Tyler Clementi jumped to his death Sept. 22. His death is not connected to any of the charges in the case, but has been continually linked to it.

Ravi could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bias intimidation, a so-called hate-crime offense. He also faces charges of invasion of privacy, hindering prosecution, and witness tampering.

He turned down a plea offer in December that would have included six months’ probation but no jail time.

Authorities allege that Ravi secretly set up his laptop webcam to spy on Clementi after Clementi asked if he could have their dorm room to himself on the night of Sept. 19 because he would be entertaining a visitor. The visitor, identified only as “M.B.” in court papers, is expected to be called as a witness.

Altman, hinting at his defense, said in his opening that M.B. was a 30-year-old whom other students had described as “scruffy,” “shady-looking,” and a “creepy older dude.”

Court documents indicate that Clementi met M.B. through a gay-oriented Internet chat room called Adam4Adam that summer and invited him several times to his dorm room in Davidson Hall on Rutgers’ Piscataway campus.

Altman asked the jury to remember that “this was

Dharun’s room” as well as Clementi’s, hinting at a possible defense that Ravi had set up the webcam because he was concerned about his property.

McClure, however, said Ravi’s intent was clear from emails and text messages he sent to friends in which he mocked Clementi and invited others to connect to his live iChat Web stream to see for themselves. He tried a second time on Sept. 21 when Clementi again met with M.B., she said, but authorities said Clementi had turned off Ravi’s computer.

McClure described Ravi as someone whose “bravado led to his downfall.”

Altman said his client “thought Clementi was a nice guy” and never attempted to harass or intimidate him.

He said Ravi was a “technological genius” and a master with computers, but he emphasized that in September 2010 “he was a boy” who in many ways was “childish and immature.”

“We’ve all done stupid things in our lives,” he said.

The trial is expected to last for three to four weeks.

In addition to M.B., another key witness expected to be called in the trial is Molly Wei, who lived across the hall from Clementi and Ravi in Davidson Hall. Wei, who attended the same high school as Ravi, agreed to cooperate after being charged with invasion of privacy.

Authorities say Ravi first viewed Clementi and M.B. from a computer in Wei’s dorm room on Sept. 19 and then invited others to view them. Wei has told a grand jury that viewing lasted “a few seconds.”

In testimony later Friday, jurors heard from several Rutgers students, including Cassandra Cicco, Wei’s roommate.

Cicco said she briefly viewed the live webcam stream on Wei’s laptop and saw two men, one shirtless, leaning against a bed kissing.

“It was two people making out,” she said. “It wasn’t that big a deal.”

Under cross-examination by Altman, Cicco said Ravi later told her “he didn’t really have an issue with homosexuals. ...

He had a really good friend who was a homosexual.”

MCT CAMPUS

CARLA RIVERA mcclatchy newspapers LOS ANGELES — Foster Washington knows the odds are against him. The Los Angeles Southwest College student is a 20-year-old from a tough neighborhood in Watts where, he says, there was little encouragement or preparation for college.

Recent studies suggest that students like Washington are the least likely to stay in school, get a degree or transfer to a four-year university, hampering their future job prospects.

But Washington is determined to be the first college graduate in his family of 12 siblings. Southwest, part of the nine-campus Los Angeles Community College District, is trying to fulfill his goal through new programs focused on intensive tutoring, faculty training and helping students adjust to college life.

“I have no time to hang out on the street with my homies; I want to be at school every day,” Washington said after a recent English class that he said is his favorite. “Coming here gives me a sense of worth.”

He is eager and engaged, particularly when discussing the writings of Malcolm X and Frederick Douglass in the all-male class. It is a remedial class aimed at students who need additional preparation before enrolling in college-level English; two tutors are on hand to supplement the instruction of the professor.

The class is part of a program geared to young men of color, but nearly all of the 8,000 students at Southwest have unmet social and academic needs, said Patrick

Jefferson, dean of student services.

About 96 percent need remedial math and English, and many are the first in their family to attend college.

They grew up amid crime and poverty and graduated from local high schools that are among the lowestperforming in the state, he added.

“Our students don’t leave those issues at the front door,” Jefferson said. “But we’re getting there.”

The challenges facing Southwest and community colleges nationwide are borne out by a trio of studies released last week by the Civil Rights Project, a social science research group at UCLA. The studies found that black and Latino community college students in Southern California are failing to advance because many have graduated from low-performing high schools that ill-prepare them for college work. These students then end up at similar two-year institutions with poor transfer records.

One of the studies analyzed high school graduates and the transfer rates of students after six years at 51 community colleges in Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties.

It found that students who graduated from high schools with large minority populations, low test scores and low numbers of parents with college degrees were far less likely to transfer to a four-year institution.

The likelihood of attending a lowor high-performing high school was strongly related to race and ethnicity, the studies found. Patterns of high school segregation — by race, ethnicity and poverty — continued in the community college system

because students typically attend the college closest to home.

The patterns have broad implications for long-term economic and social stability, the studies conclude, because nearly 80 percent of black and Latino students in the postsecondary system attend a community college and only about three in 10 transfer within six years.

“If we can’t figure out how to revise the system in a dramatic way, we’re going to be on a path downward,” said Gary Orfield, who co-directs the Civil Rights Project. “We have to face up to it if we don’t want to have horrible economic and social consequences.”

Southwest is nearly 70 percent black, and about 29 percent of its students transfer after six years, compared with 37 percent of students countywide, according to the Civil Rights Project study.

Southwest and other campuses in the district have embarked on a three-year effort to smooth a path for students before they stumble, said Yasmin Delahoussaye, the colleges’ vice chancellor for institutional effectiveness and educational programs.

The nonprofit Achieving the Dream initiative, based in Maryland, provides coaches and advisors to more than 150 community colleges around the nation who help develop strategies to boost student outcomes.

Early results from the Southwest program are expected in the spring.

California’s budget crisis has led to soaring tuition and cutbacks at every level, with tens of thousands of students who can’t get classes being turned away from community colleges.

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Accept advice from someone who’s blazed that trail.

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Envision the road ahead. A quiet evening relaxes.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Enjoy this extra day! Avoid arguments (even if you think you’ll win). Stop for a minute, close your eyes and listen to silence. Be patient with a loved one.

Go for peace.

Send your information and a photo to the Collegiate Times at studybreak@collegemedia.com to make an announcement.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Get ahead in your career by accessing your ambition. there’s no need to travel; let your ingers do the walking. email the peopl you most want to work with.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your partner helps you traverse the dif icult parts of the day, when you’re most likely to make a silly mistake or feel insecure. All you really need is love.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) The adventure’s just beginning. You end up with something different than you expected. What will you discover?

Flexability and patience are key.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Press the pedal down to make things happen. Keep your hands on the wheel, but not too tightly. Look into the distance for upcoming obstacles.

Zoom on by.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Obligations may force a delay. Stay in communication, and keep track of the details. Don’t overspend, and postpone socializing, You can handle it. Rest up after.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Build a solid foundation of trust.

Raise walls of inspiration, and add a friendship roof to protect from bad weather. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

During a visit to Florida, I saw baby turtles for sale and instantly fell in love. I couldn’t buy them because I was taking a plane home, but, a few months later, my boyfriend brought two when he drove up! At that point, their shells were only an inch in diameter. They’ve grown to about 3 inches wide each, but they’re no less adorable!

Have a question you need answered about your pet? Or want your pet featured in next week’s paper? Email your questions to studybreak@collegemedia.com with the title ‘Pet of the Week.’

6

food & drink

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Rolling in the dough Carol Lee’s Donut Shop along North Main Street provides excellent customer service along with a variety of delectable pastries, including donuts and twists, for an affordable price

S

ometimes I just need a donut.

There is nothing like the warm, delectable and soft sugary bite of a rounded treat. Its mouthwatering dough can be enjoyed heated so the glaze is melted, or even at room temperature when the coating resembles frosting.

I decided to visit Carol Lee’s Donut Shop, located along North Main Street, for this desirable snack. It is the closest donut store to campus and the only one in town that is not a franchise.

When I searched online for the shop’s hours, I was directed to its Facebook page.

There are posts from grateful customers asking about orders for events and who are looking forward to returning again. There are even comments from alumni praising their friends who gave them a dozen.

Though Carol Lee’s is a lengthy walk from campus, there are two buses that stop near the store — North Main Street and Patrick Henry.

One regular donut costs only .60 cents; a half dozen costs $3.25; and a full dozen costs $6.00. The prices increase if you buy filled donuts. The twists and rolls are the most expensive, but still reasonably priced.

It is worth ordering a dozen because the generous staff seems to enjoy adding a few extra to purchases. While I waited in line, the woman paying in front exclaimed, “Oh, you gave me a baker’s dozen.” A baker’s dozen is typically 13 donuts instead of 12, and sometimes even 14.

I ordered one of each. They were sold out of many kinds, but there were enough to buy close to a dozen.

The cashier said he had just enough to fill the box.

When I opened it later, I had an extra glazed, sugar and apple-filled donut.

I tried a cinnamon twist after my scrumptious glazed one. The twist was similar to the glazed donut, with a nearly perfect amount of spice blended in. It is bigger than the traditional donut and worth the extra few cents.

The next one I tasted was a filled donut, so I was surprised as to its flavor. I cut into the middle to find an apple filling. It tastes like homemade apple pie, but with glazed coating around it. I would suggest heating this one if you can.

The next was the chocolate-iced cake donut, which is different from the classic chocolate- iced one. It is smaller, but the dough consistency is like cake. It was dryer and thicker, so I thought the size was appropriate.

The pastry that intrigued me most was the peanut butter donut. It is topped with a peanut butter glaze that appears comparable to caramel. It was delicious.

I searched my box for the blueberry-filled donut.

After sampling the refreshing lemon one, I found it.

The amount of blueberry filling was less than the apple or lemon. The cool jelly complimented the glazed surrounding wonderfully, even if it was just a small touch.

Though I enjoyed each type from my super dozen, the Bavarian cream was one of the best. It is about the size of the cake one, but puffed up with sweet pudding-like cream and doused in chocolate glaze.

The shop’s sign also advertises freshly brewed coffee.

Sure enough, before taking my order, the cashier made a new pot of decaf for another customer even though it was approaching closing time.

The shop’s menu is simple. There are three types of donuts — regular, filled and twists or rolls. Then they sell drinks — coffee, milk, tea, cappuccinos and juices.

Although the menu is basic, deciding which type of donut is challenging — as I have realized. The aroma of the shop had me in a sugary daze, as I scanned the display for what kind either sounded or looked best.

The small size of Carol Lee’s limits the store in two ways. The first issue is a lack of seating. The only tables are outside, which is not inviting this time of year. But, the to-go style is catered for a quick pick-up, whether it is for breakfast, a business meeting, a gift or even a tailgate.

It can also be difficult to observe the donut choices.

However, the staff provides personal attention to each customer. Once it was my turn, I was not rushed and could ask about the pastry choices.

I asked the cashier what was the most popular donut.

He said the blueberry cake was well-liked, but they were sold out. He told me that the previous day, they sold 85 pounds of it. I will be returning soon to get that donut.

When I told my roommates I was unable to purchase a blueberry cake donut, they accused me of going at the wrong time. They said you have not experienced Carol Lee’s unless you go early in the morning, when the donuts are fresh and all the options are available.

Carol Lee’s opens at 6:30 a.m. every day. The bakery closes at 3 p.m. Saturday through Monday and at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Even though I did not experience Carol Lee’s at its prime time of day, I still enjoyed its many sweet creations. The generous staff, simple business style and quaint atmosphere will have me back soon to enjoy the affordable, delectable and comforting donuts.

CHELSEA GILES -features staff writer -sophomore -communication major

Recipe: Eggs benedict

AUSTEN MEREDITH / SPPS

Carol Lee’s Donut Shop serves filled, twisted, glazed and sprinkled pastries.

Drink of the week

EMMA GODDARD | features staff writer Directions:

EMMA GODDARD / COLLEGIATE TIMES

Sometimes breakfast foods make for an appetizing dinner. This recipe takes patience, but once perfected, going back to plain old scrambled eggs will never be an option. The hollandaise sauce adds to the meal and sprinkling herbs or cayenne pepper on top will take things up a notch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 seconds per egg, and until crisp for the bacon

Ingredients: 2 eggs (personal preference) 1 tablespoon white vinegar 2 English muffins 4 pieces Canadian bacon 1 packet hollandaise sauce

1. Fill a large saucepan so it is almost full with water. Set stove top to medium heat.

2. Pour one tablespoon of white vinegar into the saucepan and allow it to boil.

3. While the water is boiling, heat a frying pan on medium to low heat.

When heated, place bacon into it and slowly fry.

4. While bacon is frying, take a small saucepan and fill it with the hollandaise mix. Follow instructions on the packet.

5. After the water in the large saucepan begins to boil, poach the eggs. Crack each egg into a small bowl and slide them into the water.

Try not to drop eggs in the bowl from too high up. Otherwise the egg whites will become stringy.

6. While the eggs are in the saucepan, toast the English muffins. Allow eggs to poach for about 30 seconds each.

7. When fried, place one slice of bacon on each English muffin slice.

Gently lift poached eggs out of the water with a slotted spoon and place on top of the bacon.

8. Once the hollandaise sauce is ready, spoon it onto each egg. Serve and enjoy.

COURTESY OF LUKE MASON

Pina colada JIMMY HUDNALL | features staff writer Spring break is right around the corner,

Ingredients

and it is the perfect time to impress your

3 ounces light rum

friends by making them pina coladas. The

3 tablespoons coconut cream

sweet taste of pineapple is evident from

3 tablespoons pineapple

the very first sip. The coconut cream is

2 cups crushed ice

not too strong, perfectly accentuating the drink with a hint of coconut flavor.

Directions 1. Combine all ingredients into

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an electric blender. Blend at a

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high setting for a short period of

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time, until the ingredients fully

the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in

mixed.

Puerto Rico. Today, his concoction is the country’s official drink.

2. Strain contents into glass of your choice, and enjoy.

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

sports

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

7

Calling: Students get broadcasting experience from page one

then meet with me at least once a week or so to talk about it, learn about it and get better from it,” Allegretta said. “It’s really kind of a hands-on and get-into-the classroom kind of deal.”

Former Hokie long snapper Collin Carroll is one of the students who participates in the program, taking advantage of it to hone his broadcasting skills.

“The program has really taught me the importance of research while letting me be the host of these games and just tell stories,” Carroll said.

“Andrew has been a huge help to me making my broadcast writing pleasing to the ear and natural, and it’s given me a great appreciation for the professionals.”

Besides helping them prepare for broadcasts, Allegretta also helps the interns by listening to and critiquing their broadcasts.

“It’s been extremely valuable to learn from people who want to see you succeed,” Carroll said.

“Everyone sits down and listens and critiques your broadcasts, and that’s really conducive to growth.”

Kevin Burke is one participant who has already seen the benefits of his involvement in the program, as he was recently hired to call baseball games in Oregon.

“It’s my dream to call professional baseball, but I never would’ve gotten hired in Oregon without knowing Andrew and being involved in this position,” Burke said. “He led me to the right people to talk to and helped me build some great connections in the business.”

Allegretta noticed significant development in Burke’s abilities over the course of his time as a student broadcaster. “(Burke)’s someone who I’ve heard since he spent time doing things at the Salem Red Sox over the summer. And to see him where he is now, I think he’s done an awesome job,” Allegretta said. “He’s been the prototypical student in this program ... he has an open mind, he

listens and then he puts things into practice.”

For students looking to follow in Burke’s or Carroll’s footsteps, program leaders are always interested in hearing from zealous students.

“It’s about finding really passionate kids and finding kids who are excited about this,” Allegretta said.

“I want kids to get in touch with me, and I want to be able to talk to them, and I want to know what they’re after and if they’re serious about this, then we’re going to be serious about you in our internship program.”

Although the program was relatively small in its first year, the department is anxious to get the word out about it.

“We had about half a dozen young broadcasters this year, but we want to make it a program where we’re helping them get along their career path and maybe jumpstart it,” Roth said.

“Everything you would do to act professional — we try to work with young guys or young ladies to get them to where they’re a more marketable graduate for their profession.”

Members of the program are particularly enthusiastic about others following in their footsteps.

“If you have a passion for sports and storytelling, you need to run — not walk — to apply to this internship,” Carroll said.

Roth remains the program’s biggest supporter, in spite of whatever threat it may pose to his job security. He hopes it becomes a unique feature that Tech will become known for.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for someone who is a student at Tech or someone who is considering becoming a student at Tech, who’s really passionate and serious about getting into sports broadcasting, to get actual professional experience while still in college,” Roth said.

“If I was a high school senior, COURTESY HOKIESPORTS and I was aware of this, I would Collin Carroll, the longsnapper on Virginia Tech’s football team, is currently participating in the internship program led by Andrew Allegretta. be really excited.”

6

food & drink

feb. 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

The raw story

A review of the top five sushi outlets in Blacksburg

DANIEL LIN / SPPS

Sake House prices result in best high-quality sushi

Blacksburg offers wide range of affordable sushi

Sake House

Sake House

Sake House, located in the First & Main shopping center, offers an elegant, traditional sushi dining experience.

While Sake House’s prices are somewhat expensive, they compromise with the college community by offering specials such as halfprice sushi on Monday nights.

However, I chose to experience the atmosphere of Sake House over the weekend and was unable to cash in on the special Monday night deal.

The menu at Sake House is comprehensive, with various choices from traditional rolls to the more elaborate nigiri and sashimi styles.

The menu boasts a variety of delectable options likely to satisfy any adventurous customer.

Tempted by the vast menu, I decided to order the Sushi Deluxe, which comes with four pieces of California maki, six pieces of assorted fish maki and six pieces of chef ’s choice nigiri sushi.

Sitting in anticipation, I observed the establishment’s enjoyable atmosphere. After a short and comfortable wait, I received my meal.

When the food arrived, I was delighted to see the colorful plate bursting with assorted sushi.

Despite the meal’s $20 price tag, I was satisfied with my choice.

While the California rolls were refreshing, the fish rolls added texture and flavor that surpassed the former.

My favorite part of the meal was the nigiri.

While the nigiri pieces — my favorites were crab and tuna — are rather simple compared to the rolls, adding a little dab of soy sauce to the experience provides a great combination of flavors.

I was definitely satisfied with my meal, but next time, I would probably take advantage of the discounts on Monday night to ease my food budget.

Poor Billy’s Seafood Restaurant Poor Billy’s Seafood Restaurant, located downtown on North Main Street, offers highquality sushi along with a variety of seafood and steak entrees.

Since it is not exclusively a sushi restaurant, the atmosphere entails more of a modern, American ambiance.

The front of the restaurant has a bar with an experienced chef on hand to make the sushi fresh on site in front of patrons.

The restaurant has an exclusive sushi menu, which is just as expansive as that of Sake House — think of it as a specialized sushi restaurant within a broader steak and seafood restaurant.

The menu options include traditional rolls, the restaurant’s specialty rolls, nigiri, sashimi

and combination platters.

The prices are comparable to Sake House’s prices, which are more expensive than most college students may be willing to pay — I know it was a stretch for me.

With the help of the bartender, who also happened to be a sushi expert, I decided to order spicy tuna rolls and crab nigiri.

As I waited for my food, I soaked up the atmosphere, sitting at the bar, listening to music and watching a college basketball game on the big screen — a typical Americanized version of a sit-down sushi meal.

When I got the food, I noticed the fresh and professional look of the entree — the entire meal looked authentic.

The crab nigiri was tasty, but considering the high price, I would probably order more rolls next time.

With a perfect combination of tender tuna, crunchy sprouts and a savory piquant sauce, the spicy rolls did not disappoint. The rolls were tasty and flavorful, but also surprisingly filling, which is not always true of sushi.

While the entire meal costs about $15, I would not rule it out for a second visit. The nigiri was rather expensive, while the spicy tuna rolls were only a dollar per roll, which is reasonable.

I could not afford to dine here regularly, but I would definitely return on a special occasion to enjoy a filling and satisfying sushi dinner.

I would recommend Poor Billy’s as a great place to get high-quality sushi in a modern, yet relaxed, atmosphere.

Green’s Grill & Sushi Bar Nestled between various busy restaurants on College Avenue, the quaint and simple sushi restaurant offers a unique college atmosphere.

Green’s Grill & Sushi Bar offers the highest quality, affordable sushi in Blacksburg, with most meals costing about $10 or less.

In addition, Green’s has special discounts on Mondays and Wednesdays, providing customers with meal upgrades that include additional sushi for free.

Green’s also has an expansive menu that extends beyond sushi, offering salads, subs, burgers and seafood entrees.

After a quick scan of the menu, I decided to order the Philadelphia rolls and the salmon nigiri.

The wait for the food was quick but pleasant, and the waiters were exceptionally friendly.

When I got the food, the presentation of the platter was remarkable. see GREEN’S / page two

Since I have been to Sake House, I already knew to expect good quality sushi from the restaurant. However, when I visited this time, I attempted to have a fresh, unbiased mindset.

I ordered the sushi deluxe combo for $18.95 (not including tax).

This dish, which is meant to be shared by two people, came with miso soup, a small salad, four pieces of California maki, six pieces of fish maki and six pieces of nigiri sushi — chef ’s choice.

I noticed the presentation was not that aesthetically pleasing, as I have had sushi numerous times in my life. However, the overall taste of the sushi was satisfying, and the rice was packed well.

For the amount of sushi I received, the price did not exactly surprise me. But I think the prices could be adjusted according to different roll selections. There is no doubt some of the special rolls are worth the money, but the prices for more popular rolls should be lowered — especially considering the restaurant’s location in a college town.

The atmosphere and service of Sake House made up for its prices. The servers were friendly, and I received my food in a timely manner. To top things off, they always present their customers with warm, damp towels for hand washing.

Poor Billy’s Seafood Restaurant Located below Big Al’s Sports Bar is Poor Billy’s Seafood Restaurant. I have to admit, I was skeptical walking into this location. The restaurant made for a perfect place to bring a date, but it did not seem to fit the seafood and sushi theme. And being connected to Big Al’s, it still maintained a bar-like vibe.

Although the environment of was not quite what I expected, I was highly anticipating the food since many friends recommended the restaurant’s cuisine. Falling into a price range like that of Sushi Factory and Green’s, I chose a Spider Roll for $9.

This type of sushi was wrapped with seaweed on the outside and rolled with soft shell crab, crabsticks and cucumber, with masago (caviar) on the inside. The sushi was made well and was appealing to the eye.

While I enjoyed the general taste of the flavor combination, the soft shell crab tasted a little off. As a huge seafood person, I thought it tasted somewhat bland.

Although the Spider Roll may not be my first choice next time, I would be willing to try Poor Billy’s again. Similar to Sake House, there

were a few rolls that were a bit pricey, but the menu had a variety of reasonable choices.

Green’s Grill & Sushi After paying about $11 for a Philadelphia Roll and two pieces of salmon nigiri, my first time at Green’s Grill & Sushi started off as a success. In total, I received 10 pieces of sushi, which was sufficient for a full meal.

The Philadelphia Roll consisted of salmon, cream cheese, green onion and cucumber.

Labeled on the menu as an “inside out” roll, it was covered with sesame seeds and red and green sauce, with seaweed in the middle.

While I am not much of a person for sushi lathered in sauce, the one used on this roll was not overpowering — it added to the taste and pulled the flavors together. The sauce used gave it the kick it needed without being too spicy.

While I would have preferred not to spend $3.99 on only two pieces of nigiri, the fish tasted of good quality in comparison to others I have tried. The only disapproval I have would be the rice. While it was still sticky, it did not seem to be packed well. The rolls fell apart too easily and were more difficult to pick up with chopsticks.

If the sushi falls apart too often, it is difficult to get the full effect of its taste.

Sushi Factory Sushi Factory is located in University Mall, which seems like an inconvenient location unless you’re going to the Math Emporium or CVS. Despite the location of the small business, the one-roomed restaurant was quaint.

Although the establishment upholds a laid back atmosphere, there is extremely limited seating, and it seemed desirable to take my food to go.

While I was there, I ordered a Rainbow Roll, which consisted of six pieces of sushi.

On top of these were different combinations of salmon, tuna, avocado and shrimp. The middle of the roll was filled with crabmeat, caviar and avocado.

I would not say the quality of the fish was great compared to other Rainbow Rolls I have had, but for the $7 price, it proved to be a pretty good deal. The sushi was packed well and did not fall apart, and the service was extremely quick.

Kroger Although a grocery store would not seem see STORE / page two

Sushi etiquette For many people, this may be

Don’t:

the first time learning that rules

Rub

for eating sushi exist. While it is not a requirement, sushi etiquette

your

chopsticks

together.

Bite the sushi in half and

can help expand your knowledge

put the rest on your

of a different culture and may even

plate. Sushi should

add to your next sushi endeavor.

normally be eaten

Below are key guidelines to keep in

whole — this can

mind while eating sushi, according

differ in North

to TheWorldsBestEver.com.

America where

Do:

the sushi portions

Use chopsticks or your fingers to pick up the sushi.

Pour a small amount of soy sauce

can be quite large.

Eat the ginger with the sushi itself. The ginger

into the sauce dish and dip the side

is used between different types of

with fish into it.

sushi to cleanse your palate.

Place the entire portion of sushi

Fully dunk the sushi into the

into your mouth so the side with

soy sauce. The rice should not be

fish touches your tongue.

dipped in the sauce either.

CJ YUNGER / SPPS