Thursday, November 29, 2012 Print Edition by Collegiate Times

Thursday, November 29, 2012An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 109th year, issue 50

Weekend, page 2

Opinions, page 3

Sports, page 6

Study Break, page 4

Search for Pamplin’s new dean down to 3 candidates DEAN SEAL news reporter

After 31 years at the helm of Virginia T e c h ’ s P a m p l i n College of Business, Dean Richard SORENSEN Sorensen will be retiring this July. “I figured after 31 years, it was time for someone else to have the opportunity,” Sorenson said.

This week, the top three candidates for the available position are being announced. Kenneth R. Evans, current dean of the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma and Robert T. Sumichrast, current dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia are two of the three candidates. The fi nal candidate will be announced today. “One of the reason (the announcements) are staggered is that candidates who are coming usually want a chance to tell their current

Black House renovation sets timeline

institution what’s happening, so they don’t read about it,” explained Tech’s Senior Vice President and Provost Mark McNamee. Dean Sorensen gave nearly a year of notice for his retirement, leaving McNamee with ample time to seek the best candidate to fi ll the position. McNamee, who has led a search committee for the position, said the time has been crucial. “The business school is a complicated organization, and it takes time to line up a good pool of candidates,”

said McNamee, who has led a search committee for the position. “It really helps to have a full year to plan. (It makes) it clear that this is a well planned, orderly transition, as opposed to a crisis.” The three final candidates will participate in a public forum in Blacksburg. Each candidate will get to speak for 20 minutes about their who they are and their vision for the school of business. Most of their speaking time will be provided for questions and answers from those in attendance.

“I think people get a good sense of a person based on how they respond to questions,” McNamee said. Evans, the candidate from University of Oklahoma, will host the first of these forums today at The Inn at Virginia Tech, starting at 3:30 p.m. Sumichrast will be presenting at the same time Dec. 6, with the final candidate hosting sometime the week after. After all three public forums are complete, the search committee will collect and discuss feedback from the audience before a final decision

is made. McNamee expects a decision to be announced mid-January. “When we get a new dean, there is often an opportunity for a new program to develop, or making positive changes,” McNamee said. “I expect to see new things be emphasized and new opportunities to be created.” While excited for the move forward, McNamee notes the tenure of Dean Sorensen will be a tough act to follow. “At 31 years, which I see PAMPLIN / page two

Gourmet food made easy BY SARA LEPLEY | features staff writer

There is no need to leave five-star cooking to the professionals.

W KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS The Alexander Black House is located on Draper Street.

Blacksburg signs a contract with local ﬁrm for renovation project SEAN HAYDEN news staff writer

A long-time Blacksburg project is finally making forward progress. According to the town, the Alexander Black House is going to be restored and reopened by late 2013. “Since the house was moved from its original location in 2002, the town has tried to protect the house and prevent it from experiencing any sort of deterioration,” said John Bush, a member of the Historic and Design Review Board. According to Bush, a foundation was built, the house was moved to its current location on Draper Road, and architecture teams were employed to draw up documents for the building’s full restoration. “After the architecture teams finished the contract documents, it is expected that the project will cost roughly $2 million and take roughly 12 months to complete,” Bush said. The Alexander Black House is the grand Victorian home of Alexander Black, great nephew of Blacksburg’s founding father, William Black. Alexander; his wife, Liz Kent Otey; and their daughter, Mary Louise, lived in the home until 1935. Black was a prominent businessman in the community and founding president of the National Bank of Blacksburg. “The town of Blacksburg recently signed a contract with the local firm, Snyder & Associates, for the restoration of the Alexander Black House,” Bush said. “Phase one of the restoration is projected to begin Feb 1.” The project will be multi-step, beginning with the full restoration of the exterior of the house, an addition to the back of the building and a portion of the first floor, with the ultimate goal of opening the facility up to the public. When the house is initially opened, the main foyer and main hallway will be available for hosting events, but the maximum occupancy will be less than 50 due to legal limitations. The completed house will serve as a “repository for celebrating and preserving the rich history of the community and surrounding region.” It will also be a cultural center, highlighting local talent in the areas of visual and performing arts, and a venue for educational programming and special events. “The really important thing is that we are demonstrating that we are serious about this project and its relationship to Blacksburg’s history and Blacksburg’s future,” Bush said. “The house will serve as a gathering place for people who are interested in their ancestry, and the restoration of the house will serve as the foundation for many future projects.” see HOUSE / page two

ith a quick stop at the Gourmet Pantry and possibly a few classes, anyone can make gourmet masterpieces at home. The Gourmet Pantry, owned by Roya Gharavi, provides specialty foods, high-end cookware and a variety of cooking classes as a way to encourage the people of Blacksburg to enjoy cooking. It houses not only the necessities for creating a high-end meal, but a shared passion for food as well. The driving force behind the small business is an insatiable need to share that passion. “The goal of the Gourmet Pantry is to provide the community with the products that they can’t find anywhere else,” said Nikki Martin, a Gourmet Pantry employee. “We try to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in cooking so that the customers can feel like it’s not just a store where you come in and find what you want and leave, but where you build relationships with people.” A little over a decade ago, such an amenity did not exist in Blacksburg. This created an obstacle for Gharavi, a woman who had successfully owned restaurants since she was 21. When she needed specialty supplies, Gharavi found that she needed to travel in order to obtain them. To combat this issue, she opened her shop in 2000. Today, Gharavi goes to great lengths to ensure the Gourmet Pantry satisfies all of her fellow chefs’ cooking needs — even the ones they do not know about yet. “I read a lot about my business,” Gharavi said. “What’s new and hot, what customers want.” Fueled by customer feedback and a genuine interest in high-end products, Gharavi persistently reads trade magazines and attends trade fairs. Over time, she has accumulated quite the inventory, forcing the shop to see FOOD / page two

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Gharavi, owner of Gourmet Pantry, helps a customer prepare specialty food

Program provides study on two continents LESLIE MCCREA news staff writer

A new study abroad program gives students the chance to lead two wildly different lifestyles in one semester, from a university in upscale Switzerland to a village in the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa. The program, called “Creating Sustainable Social Change,” will kickoff in the fall 2013 semester. Created by marketing and psychology professor David Brinberg, the program takes students to as many as 15 different countries and more than 30 cities in a matter of weeks. “(This program) gives students some great opportunities to learn about how to create social change, fi rst by taking some classes in a developed country in Switzerland, and then by having a service learning experience in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Brinberg said. Beginning in Lugano, Switzerland, students will take 18 credits taught by Virginia Tech professors, as well as travel around Europe on breaks to see different countries and cities. The last four to five weeks of the semester will then be spent in countries from Kenya and Rwanda to Ethiopia and South Africa. Students will have the chance to choose a focus of their study in Africa depending on their majors. Options might include teaching

COURTESY OF WHITNEY UNIS

Val Hengemuhle volunteered in Africa as part of a study abroad originally in Switzerland.

children how to make good decisions, working on small business enterprises or micro financing, developing business plans and agricultural projects, or teaching English. “When I studied abroad in the existing Lugano program, we worked on creating camp curriculum for underprivileged kids in Africa. Now this new program is taking that to the next step and actually implementing the work of the past few years and putting it together,” said senior Ashley Eliasoph, who studied in Lugano in 2011. “I think it’s an incredible opportunity to put that change in motion.”

The program was built from the current Lugano program, which has been around for 12 years. Th is new study abroad course differs from others in the fact that it allows students to live in two separate places. It also is characterized by a strong service component. “By getting the culture experience of Europe, and also getting a whole other side of the world by going to Africa, you face a lot more challenges and selfgrowth than you do just staying in Blacksburg,” said Sara Magee, a senior marketing management major. Frankie Coulson, a sophomore

in psychology and economics, will be attending the first semester offered of this program in the fall. “It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime,” she said. “I definitely think learning how to create the social change and actually getting to do it in Africa is what drew me to the program.” According to students, there is also value in living so closely with Tech professors. By working and living in such a tight-knit group, the students and teachers share many of their experiences. “I get to know students in ways that I would have never experienced on campus,” Brinberg said. Applications for the fall 2013 semester are still being considered; so far, 23 students are signed up to attend. Students have been recruited with the help of Magee, who traveled to Lugano in 2012. “It sounds cliche, but it truly was life changing in so many ways. You learn so much about yourself as a person, and you have so many opportunities that you just can’t get from a classroom or Google or Wikipedia,” Eliasoph said. “It’s a totally hands-on approach to learning and applying your studies. I think you come back with a renewed appreciation for where you live and the world around you.” Follow the writer on Twitter: @lesliemccrea

weekend

november 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

Pamplin: Dean steps down at 70

CHECK ONLINE FOLLOW-UP ON THIS STORY AT COLLEGIATETIMES.COM Follow the writer on Twitter: @jdeanseal

featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

House: renovation to be complete in 2013 from page one

An ongoing capital campaign sponsored by the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation will allow for the eventual complete restoration of the first and second floor, enabling the building to be fully operational. The Blacksburg Museum Committee and the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation merged dur-

from page one

believe is the longest serving dean in the country, it’s been a remarkable run for any individual to have been that successful for so long,” McNamee said. “He’s provided a great service, he’s well respected, and he’s known all over the world for his leadership in business schools. His retirement is well earned.” While Sorensen, who will be turning 70 this February, has been a prominent figure among business schools nationwide, he believes he’s leaving Pamplin in good shape for the years ahead. “We’ve been fortunate as far as attracting strong students to the college, providing a quality education, and getting them a good job,” Sorensen said. “I feel very good about that.” The announcement of the final three candidates comes after a search committee has been reviewing a comprehensive list of candidates for the past semester. The committee represents a diverse group affected by the business school. “We have a number of participants outside the college, including one of the other college deans, the vice president, a chair from the external advisory board, and the head of the corporate research center, because the business school works so closely with corporate interests,” McNamee said. “We (wanted) very different perspectives on the search committee.” The committee has also relied on help from outside the university. “We are working with an external search firm, because for searches like this, it’s really helpful to have a third party,” McNamee said. “In many cases, some (candidates) already have very good positions, and they don’t want to become public too soon. So (the external search firm) can do a lot of background checking for us.” According to McNamee the choice of the top three candidates was a difficult one, and that there have been a lot of high-caliber candidates. “We’ve been very impressed with everyone we’ve talked to.” McNamee said.

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Ghavari leads a regular cooking class, helping ordinary customers create gourmet meals with ease

Food: Customers learn to cook from page one

move from its smaller location on North Main Street to its current spot on South Main Street. The massive selection could overwhelm customers, but the decided layout guides them through neatly stacked shelves of food products on one side and cookware on the other. Further back in the store resides a marblestone bar stocked with wine. Additionally, gift-worthy displays, such as local lotions and soaps or elegant linens, are dispersed throughout the store. This provides an aesthetically pleasing, yet functional splash to the racks of daily essentials. “It’s a hand-picked selection,” said Gina Geren, field sales manager on Premise Wholesale, and wine vendor for the Gourmet Pantry. “(Gharavi’s) tasted all the wines on the shelf.” In addition to commending the quality of everything in the store, Gharavi searches for items that capitalize on promoting health. The store’s “construction workzone” plates are geared toward children to get them excited about eating healthy. “It encourages kids to eat their vegetables and lets them play with their toy,” Gharavi said. “If you think about it, kids love it. It’s one of my best selling items right there.” However, the Gourmet Pantry strives to go beyond simply selling products, and it ensures that shopping

there is an experience. Nothing facilitates this more than the cooking classes. The classes range from demonstration-based to hands-on, and from basic knife skills to mastery of French or Mediterranean cuisine. Most classes are open for 12 to 14 students, creating an intimate environment. However, those interested can arrange for private parties like birthdays or corporate functions. The instructors interact with their students through conversation, but engage them through food. “They get to eat really well and sample everything,” Gharavi said. “Things that taste good and are made with good ingredients — you crave for it and remember it.” Being able to try the food and to see the difference between different dishes lightens customers to the importance of quality and proper technique. Gharavi also attends to the wine and music during classes, heightening the overall experience. One of her wine vendors, Geren, provides carefully selected wines to complement the food offered. The “French Cafe” Pandora station playing soft ly in the background maintains the sophisticated mood. Furthermore, students are encouraged to ask questions, empowering them to try their own variations. The level of stimulation per-

tains not only to the cooking classes, but also to the wine tastings and daily scene at the Gourmet Pantry. “It’s a place where customers know that they can come to us for ideas or to bounce ideas off of us,” Martin said. “So it’s more than just coming in and you know, having someone standing behind the cash register.” The Gourmet Pantry’s emphasis on allowing customers to ask questions, as well as their focus on simplicity plays an important role in taking that intimidation factor away from cooking. Gharavi enforces that cooking should be enjoyable and simple. “You don’t want to sit in the kitchen for two hours to make a meal,” Gharavi said. “You want to make it a 20-minute deal, sit down and have a great, healthy meal with your family.”

Upcoming Classes Dec. 5 Sauces

Dec. 12 Edible Holidy Gifts & Cookies

Dec. 19

features staff writer

In 1995, the building was an old barn. Now, it stands as one of Floyd County’s landmark institutions. The Jacksonville Center for the Arts was started by a group of Floyd citizens who wanted to connect the area’s artists. With an unused dairy barn in the area, they saw the potential to make their dream a reality. By soliciting community support and proper funding, the group got access to the barn as well as initial investments to start the business. Once it obtained 501-c-3 status and financial support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, they could continue with their mission. The Jacksonville Center holds various annual programs throughout the year, one of which is being held this weekend. Winterfest is in its 18th year and will be held at the Jacksonville Center tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winterfest is an arts and craft s festival featuring a diverse selection of local artists and musicians who will be performing both days. Like past years, the festival also offers handcrafted mer-

chandise to the community. Pat Sharkey, Winterfest event coordinator, has been planning this event since its inception 18 years ago. “It’s an excellent opportunity to shop locally and to be able to find some beautiful local handcraft s for gifts,” Sharkey said. “There’s a diverse range of options.” In addition to coordinating the event, Sharkey is also an artist who makes and sells her own jewelry. Other featured items include stained glass, pottery, jewelry, woven products, honey, beeswax candles and leather crafts. Some of the businesses and artists involved are Mountain High Tie-Dye, Little Voices, Earth Dance Jewelry and Emily Moonchild. Holly Moore, one of the local artists, has her own business called Wild Rose Creations. She makes custom leather crafts and specializes in Celtic designs. She has participated in the Winterfest three times since she found out about it from a fellow artist when she first moved to the area. “I like the quality of the fellow artisans,” Moore said. “I feel that it draws a better crowd and it’s a small show so what is represented there is what I feel is the best of the best in the area.”

Follow the writer on Twitter: @shayden

upcoming events Thursday, Nov. 29

Special showing of the film Argo followed by a speaker from the CIA: 11:00 a.m. at the Lyric, $5. As part of the ICCAE Speaker Series, on 29 November, there will be a special showing of the film Argo at 11:00am at the Lyric. Following the movie, the CIA historian that consulted on the film will discuss the film and the operation.

Therapy Dogs at Newman Library: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Newman Library, second floor entrance. Our friends from VT Helping PAWS (Pet Assisted Wellness Service) will visit for stress relief and companionship. Screening of ‘Miss Representation’: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McBryde Hall Room 113. oin us for a special screening of the critically acclaimed film “Miss Representation” that challenges the media portrayals of women and girls, and to learn how this portrayal impacts human trafficking. Friday, Nov. 30

Holidays at Smithfield: 11:30 a.m. at

Smithfield Historic Plantation. Annual Holidays event -- includes a tea room where teas and sweet and savory treats are served by hostesses in 18th century costumes. A tour of the house includes musical entertainment and an exhibit of timepieces from more than two centuries. The Smithfield Museum Store will be open for holiday shopping. Tickets on sale now for $18 adults, $9 children.

Chalk Talks: 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at D2.

Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball Coach James Johnson or his assistant coaches share strategies for Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State. Giveaways at each session may include T-shirts, autographed basketballs, and student tickets.

Gentlmen’s Night

what you’re saying

Floyd connects local artists MEGHAN MCPHERSON

ing the campaign and hosted events including The Historic Lecture Series, the Historic Sixteen Squares Walking Tours, Friday evening Movies on the Lawn and the Market Square Jam. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place in late January.

In addition to the artists selling handcrafted goods, local musicians will be performing both days and they will have CDs available for purchase. There will also be holiday activities for children — Santa Claus is expected to be there and the studios will be open. Visitors will also be able to get information on art classes offered at the Center next year. The Jax Café will be open as well with treats and beverages. There are some other events happening in the Floyd area the same weekend. With so many events happening at the same time as the Winterfest there will be a lot of different activities available to the public. “Even though it is much smaller than the other events going on in the area that weekend I feel that you’ll get the best quality if you go there,” Moore said. “It’s really a community event and a chance for local folks to find and connect with our artisans. It’s also very friendly atmosphere.” Winterfest is an opportunity for locals to get a head start on holiday shopping, while supporting local artists at the same time. “I just love the sense of community this time of year,” Sharkey said “It’s a holiday celebration.”

On Searching for a Polling Place

Lack of parking is a weak excuse:

Cassell is a perfect polling location for students. Parking for off-campus residents should be easy to accommodate in the McComas lot, the Lane Stadium lot, or the Chicken Hill lot. The ideal lot is probably the softball/track lot, since it’s a decent size and can be gated off for one day voters w/o much inconvenience to anyone else. Handicapped folks could use the turnaround on the west side of Cassell, if that was a sticking point. This really shouldn’t be that complicated. Lots of people dropped the ball on this issue, especially since they had 4yrs to fix it. It will be an embarrassment to Tech if this isn’t fixed w/in the next year, let alone by 2016.

Anonymous: This isn’t the university’s responsibility, though, so it wouldn’t necessarily be “an embarrassment to Tech.” That being said, I do hope the administration will work with the local registrar on making the polls more accessible to students in the future. Anonymous: The university embarrassment

involves not accommodating elections in Cassell. We do Fall graduation there, it has a huge floor, and even those parking at chicken hill would have a short walk compared to on-campus student hiking to the airport. If Wertz wasn’t personally involved, I’d consider this voter suppression.

Anonymous: Hold on. Randy Wertz is a

Republican. Suppressing the college vote is in his party’s interest as is shown by the Collegiate Times’ student survey. Republicans benefit from student voting being far away from on-campus students, having long lines, and forcing students to wait hours in the cold.

opinions

editors: josh higgins, bethany melson opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

november 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

The Collegiate Times is an independent student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Michelle Sutherland Managing Editor: Nick Cafferky Design Editors: Andrea Ledesma, Alicia Tillman Special Section Design Edtitor: Danielle Buynak Public Editor: Erin Chapman Web Editor: Chelsea Gunter News Editors: Mallory Noe-Payne, Victoria Zigadlo News Reporters: Priscilla Alvarez, Cody Owens Features Editors: Emma Goddard, Nick Smirniotopoulos Features Staff Writers: Ben Kim, Katie White, Kara Van Scoyc, Allie Sivak, Jacob Wilbanks Opinions Editors: Josh Higgins, Bethany Melson Sports Editors: Matt Jones, Zach Mariner Special Sections Editor: Cody Elliot Copy Chief: Nora McGann Copy Editors: Allison Hedrick, Kristin Gunther, Mackenzie Fallon, Alexis Livingston, Kayleigh McKenzie Photo Editor: Kevin Dickel Collegiate Times Business Staff Business Manager: Ryan Francis Circulation Manager: Travis Neale

MCT CAMPUS

Windows 8 needs Law protects Chick-fil-A’s rights more simplicity A “ I can still remember the bitter taste of Windows Vista. The highly-anticipated successor to the legendary Windows XP turned out to be a major dud, despite several fancy new features. Windows Aero and the Sidebar looked cool but contributed to the woeful speed of most computers

“

Simplicity in the computer world is prized, but not when it comes at the expense of practical functionality.”

running Vista. Ultimately, the cons outweighed its pros, and users would have been better off keeping Windows XP. After almost two weeks of using Windows 8, I believe it suffers a similar problem: its new features do not substantially improve upon the Windows 7 experience. At the heart of Windows 8 is the new Metro user interface, analogous to the Windows Phone Modern Style UI. These two UIs make use of colored tiles that represent applications, providing quick access to important tasks. While the design is elegant and fluid, the Metro UI can be fully appreciated only on touch-capable computers. Unfortunately, most desktop — or even laptop — computer owners do not enjoy the luxuries of touchscreens. Using a mouse to navigate through the Metro Start Screen can be cumbersome and redundant, making one wish Windows 8 just loaded to the traditional desktop. Those who do not feel up to the task of acclimating to Metro can rest easy, though, knowing they can mostly avoid the new UI once they reach the desktop interface. Windows 8 is faster than

we’re YOUR newspaper. send a letter to the editor and express your views.

Windows 7 in almost all respects, and boot times are way down. But if Windows 8 is simply a faster version of Windows 7 with a novel Start Screen, why should one go through the trouble of upgrading? Is it worth it? Some new features of Windows 8 are useful, such as the new Windows Explorer and added security, but much remains the same. In the desktop interface, program icons appear as usual while Metro apps don’t appear. Actually, one of the more troublesome features is the new location of the “Shut down” button under the Settings charm — shutting down is so much easier in Windows 7 than in 8. It seems clear to me that upgrading to from Windows 7 to 8 at a price of $40 is not worth it. For those of us who use computers mainly for work/school-related purposes, the new schizophrenic operating system can cause too much unnecessary confusion. Simplicity in the computer world is prized, but not when it comes at the expense of practical functionality. Forcing traditional computer systems to conform to a new standard applied to mobile devices — touch-capability and integration of apps — does not make sense, considering that the two platforms serve different purposes. Our new app-centered culture might just be dumbing down the PC, making it more difficult to perform rich and complex tasks. But if you want to give Windows 8 a try yourself, Virginia Tech provides a free download of the new OS at network.software. vt.edu. HECTOR QUESADA -regular columnist -political science -junior

send an email to opinionseditor@ collegiatetimes.com with your letter or guest column attached.

public uproar took place in this summer, when Chick-fil-A Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy spoke out against same-sex marriage, rooting in favor of a “traditional” American family. Many same-sex marriage, LGBT groups, and supporters protested and boycotted Chick-fil-A for their stance on this issue, and recently, Elon University, a small university in North Carolina, has voted to ban Chick Fil-A from its campus. In addition, the student senate at Richard Stockton College in Galloway, N.J., will decide whether it will end its university’s relationship with the fast food corporation. What is this accomplishing? Chick-fil-A has seen little decline in sales since the original statements were made, so a few universities giving the restaurant chain the boot certainly will not open eyes for the organization. Chick Fil-A stated about gay marriage is protected under the First Amendment’s freedom of speech clause. Even though I am in favor of same-sex marriage, and I have written articles online in the past to aid the cause, freedom of speech and freedom of the press are the top causes I advocate for. I don’t support what Cathy and other members of the organization have stated, but I will defend with my last breath

their right to express that opinion. This is the reason why I became an opinions columnist to begin with.

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are the top causes I advocate for.”

Think of it this way: as much as same-sex couples have the right to get married in the United States, Chick-fil-A has every right to rally against it. That does not make it right or wrong; it is their choice to state their views. Cathy and the rest of the organization probably do not care how it impacts their sales — they wanted to influence the public with their opinion, no matter what the repercussions. That fact makes what they did admirable. It does not mean I agree with their stance, but merely sharing their opinion openly was — in every sense — brave. Virginia Tech has a Chickfil-A on campus in Hokie Grill, and from what I hear, it is one of the most popular food chains on campus. Even as a supporter of the rights of same-sex couples, I eat there at least three times a week, but that does not mean I am for or against their cause. I like their food, and it is quick and convenient between

classes — It is as plain and simple as that. I am sure I am not the only supporter of samesex marriage that happens to purchase lunch from Chickfil-A on campus. Therefore, I do not foresee one of Hokie Grill’s biggest contributors going anywhere. In reality, some people just need to let words roll off of their shoulders. There are millions of people, nationwide, that do not agree with Chickfil-A’s stance on same-sex marriage. There are also millions that agree with them. What people need to absorb is that it is just an opinion. Sure, it may not sound fair, but Cathy had every right to state it. It was his choice to share his two cents on the issue, and he made the choice to deal with the consequences and backlash from it. As much as I disagree with Chick-fi l-A’s stance, I know what it is like to receive backlash for my opinion. I’m sure I will be the target of many readers’ disdain toward my views on this issue. However, there is one thing this article and the statements put out by Chick-fil-A have in common: protection under the First Amendment. RYAN TURK -regular columnist -business information technology -freshman

Americans have good fortune

ope springs eternal, no matter how slim the odds. You can see that in the long lines for Powerball tickets, despite how cold it is outside in most of the 42 states where the jackpot has climbed to hundreds of millions of dollars. No one can be blamed for wanting to win a windfall that makes "Skyfall," another form of entertainment with long lines, look like a home movie. With more than $400 million in the bank, you could have a lot of fun, buy a lot of things you need and a lot of stuff you don't, and do an enormous amount of good for those who weren't so lucky, like those poster children with cleft palates, the dogs in animal shelters, impoverished students who ache to go to college, the homeless man who needs a place to hang his hat and tattered coat, and a hopeful inventor in need of a little capital to kick-start her promising idea. Here's hoping that the

odds are in favor of coming Powerball winners who care and want to share. But even if we don't win the lottery, it's good to remember that in fact, we have all won life's lottery and have good reasons to count our blessings — even those of us who don't think of ourselves as lucky. Someone who has lost a limb in military service or in an accident, say; those of us who have lost our home to a fi re or flood; and those of us who can't afford the little luxuries that we would like — we are all still winners. How so? When we feel sorry for ourselves, it helps to put things in perspective, to remember that we live in the United States of America, where we have a great many luxuries unknown to most of the world. We don't have to stifle our opinions or get a governmentissued pass to travel to another state: We enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of movement. We are entitled to an education. We do not have to starve or freeze: Someone will

provide us with food, shelter and water. If we are down on our luck or out on the street, there are basic support services available from the government and from charities to help us. And even beyond all of that, we have won life's lottery because we have been born human. Whether you believe we lucked out because of karma or divine intervention or by an accident of birth, just imagine for one moment what life would be like if you had been born a mouse in a laboratory, a dog kept outside on a chain this winter, a bear in a barren enclosure in a roadside zoo or a bird confi ned to a cage. Just imagine. Th is is an appeal to all of us who have won life's lottery by being born into the luckiest 0.0001 percent of life forms: Remember to care and to share, especially during this season of goodwill, Powerball or no Powerball. INGRID E. NEWKIRK -mcclatchy newspapers

Student Publications Photo Staff Director of Photography: Brad Klodowski Lab Manager: Trevor White College Media Solutions Assistant Ad Director: Carla Craft Account Executives: Elizabeth Dam, Emily Daugherty, Taylor Moran Inside Sales Manager: Amanda Gawne Assistant Account Executives: Andrew Newton, Jordan Williams Creative Director: Danielle Bushrow Assistant Creative Services Director: Alyssa Morrison Creative Staff: Mary Dassira, Chloe Young, Cameron Vaile, Diana Bayless Voice your opinion. Readers are encouraged to send letters to the Collegiate Times. 365 Squires Student Center Blacksburg, VA, 24061 Fax: (540) 231-9151 opinionseditor@collegiatetimes. com All letters to the editor must include a name and daytime phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include position and department. All other submissions must include city of residence, and if applicable, relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). All letters should be in MS Word (.doc) format, if possible. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor-in-chief and the managing editors. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Have a news tip? Call or text 200-TIPS or e-mail newstips@collegiatetimes. com Collegiate Times Newsroom 231-9865 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no direct funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints. collegemedia.com. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, 2012. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

november 29, 2012

Regular Edition Today’s Birthday Horoscope: Creativity, family and romance are recurring themes this year. Socially, you’re on fire. It’s especially hot between you and someone special this winter. Vamp up your fitness routine for vitality. Practice with organization and balance for ease and flow.

M W

H Thursday F X N

December H Z S 13Q

2012

FnX PNuzzPlesH EdRitio

Piled Higher and Deeper by Jorge Cham

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XKDC by Randall Monroe

2 9 6

8 7 6 5 1 8

9 1 4

4 1 8

3 8 7

72 Hang in the balance 73 Jays and O’s DOWN 1 Wishing one hadn’t rocked the boat? 2 Entered carefully, as a highway 3 With a leg on each side of 4 Pope of 903 5 Periodic weather disruption 6 Crèche figure 7 Apple for the teacher? 8 Mild oath 9 Wrigley slugger 10 “Not my problem” 11 Go along with 12 Whistle bead 13 Fish lacking pelvic fins 21 Half-__: coffee order 22 Some steak orders 26 Go public with 27 New girl in gown? 29 Some Caltech grads 30 “__ of Our Birth”: Isle of Man national anthem 31 Negative conjunction 32 Some Spanish escudos were made of it 38 Pond accumulation

2 5 1

7 8 6

Week ending November 30, 2012 By Jack McInturff

ACROSS 1 Black Panthers co-founder 6 Sprightly dances 10 What race winners break 14 Flip chart stand 15 “Typee” continuation 16 Fancy molding 17 First name in British sports cars 18 Freshness 19 River to the Caspian 20 Add-on for a large party’s tab 23 Deposed Amin 24 Siesta

Top Tracks Locked Out of Heaven • Bruno Mars

(1) 1 (2) 2

Die Young • Ke$ha

(3) 3

Gangnam Style • PSY

Home • Phillip Phillips

I Cry • Flo Rida

11/29/12 25 In the lead 28 Even thieves have one, it’s said 33 No-win situation 34 Banjo’s place 35 Age-old stories 36 Sphere 37 Largest city in California’s wine country 42 Classic Capek play 45 In fighting trim 46 Chachi’s motherin-law, to Fonzie 50 Outback runner 51 Nickname seen on a Northeast license plate

Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

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WORD BANK 1. HUMPBACK WHALE 2. SPONGE 3. HARBOR SEAL 4. SQUID 5. HERMIT CRAB 6. URCHIN 7. SEA STAR 8. LOBSTER 9. CLAM 10. FLOUNDER 11. MOON SNAIL 12. BARNACLE 13. GREEN TURTLE 14. SAND DOLLAR 15. EEL 16. JELLYFISH 17. ANEMONE 18. SHARK

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Ed G Puzz K les O H

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

52 Wiped clean 53 Calculator figs. 54 Crayola’s “burnt” color 56 Soap box? 60 Chug-a-lug 61 Platte River tribe 62 Grand Ole Opry st. 63 Put a roof on 64 Key below the tilde 65 Diciembre ends it

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WORDSEARCH: SEA CREATURES D

55 Fruity soda brand 57 King at Versailles 58 Down-for-thecount count 59 Long-running game show, and a hint to the starts of 20-, 28-, 37- and 51Across 64 Cures 66 Rugged vehicles 67 Writer Zora __ Hurston 68 Sweeten the pot a little? 69 One and only 70 More pleasant 71 Axe

39 PBS benefactor 40 Blacktop material 41 Tbsp. or tsp. 42 Yellow-flag carrier 43 Emma’s portrayer in “The Avengers” 44 Chance upon 47 Wearying grind 48 Joe Greene or Lynn Swann, notably 49 Focal points

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weekend

editors: emma goddard, nick smirniotopoulos featureseditor@collegiatetimes.com/ 540.231.9865

november 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

I MAY BE WRONG, BUT I DOUBT IT

It’s too late for Puerto Rico, America’s ugly stepchild One of the most interesting things to go unnoticed during this month’s election season was news that Puerto Rico has applied to be America’s 51st state. On the surface, this looks like an easy admission: it has been a commonwealth for some time now, would be the country’s 29th most populous state, and has finally come to a consensus on wanting to join the union. However, I am here to tell you that I will not let it happen. For starters, this is a bad case of Beyoncé’s “Put a Ring on It” — I really do hate the song, but it makes for a fun analogy. It has been 52 years since America gave Puerto Rico the right to elect its own governor, and it took until now to apply for statehood? If it applied in 1950, it would have beaten Alaska and Hawaii by nine years and might have gotten in, but it waited too long and missed the boat. Puerto Rico is the guy that did not want to be tied down, wanted to keep his options open and he is now out of luck. Except this is not even a case of the guy contemplating whether or not to settle for someone he deems less attractive; this is Zach Galifianakis turning down advances by Kate Upton, and then deciding years later that it was a bad decision. Both Upton and America are going to say, “No thanks. You had your chance.” But here are my two main reasons for telling Puerto Rico off: we are not changing our flag and we are not breaking the

even number that is our 50 states. Our flag is faultless the way it is and under no circumstance should we be required to add another star to it and mess up its perfection. I have looked up just about every design possible that would incorporate 51 stars, and I am not sold on any of them. Also, do you have any idea how many things I own with the American flag on them? I would have to take out loans to re-buy everything to incorporate the new design on it. This is not a sports franchise that can change its logo and require its fans to buy new paraphernalia in order to call themselves true fans (actually, I will get to this topic next week). I am aware the flag has been changed before; it was before I was born, but I am told it has happened once or twice. However, having 50 states just sounds better; it sounds like we planned it out. Have you ever had a project where you kind of handle things when they come up, throw everything together at the last moment, and it somehow looks amazing? That is what happened with the formation of our states — we kept adding and adding, and when we were done, we had a nice, round number that made it look like we had planned it out perfectly from the beginning. The second we add a 51st state, we become that sign you see at a sporting event where the person making it realized halfway

through that they do not have enough room to spell out “Virginia Tech” and so the “-ech” is way smaller than the rest of it. We have all seen it; it is tacky. Ladies and gentlemen, I refuse to let the United States of America become that sign and I refuse to do anything that would ruin the Anamaniacs song that helped me learn the states and all of their capitals. Do I recognize that all of the points I have just made are inane and trivial? Absolutely; no one has ever successfully won a debate when using the Anamaniacs as a justification for anything. But one of the perks of not having any real power and just pretending you do is that you can make justifications based on inane and trivial things. Try it sometime. Along that same line, be sure to check out next week’s column, where I pretend America is my fantasy football team and I trade away states and rearrange territories, so Puerto Rico could still be admitted, while keeping the sanctity of the 50-state barrier. Why? Because the trade deadline in my fantasy football league just passed and now I am bored. NICK CAFFERKY -senior -managing editor -communication major

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What is the VT policy concerning marijuana use? I heard you can be suspended.

ANSWER: A first offense for use/possession will typically result in deferred suspension and removal from the residence hall. A second offense will result in suspension. Selling drugs can result in dismissal. What about other drugs?

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Whatever you do, it’s better with the help of someone you trust. Continue to push ahead in the areas important to you. You’re not always about fun and games, but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy it. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- There’s no time to waste. The trick is to accomplish goals without losing track of ideals, and while making time for love and passion. It’s a good time to diversify. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- You get carried away by fascination. Don’t get so distracted you forget your responsibilities. Your friends are there for you. A new opportunity for passion arises.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Revisit the idea you were working on and make it pro itable. Others are happy to have you on their side. Inspire them. If you’ve done the homework, you’ll prosper. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Set your rearview mirrors, put your hands irmly on the wheel, and then full speed ahead! You inspire others to take action; be proud of that. Express your passion. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Invest in research and technology. New opportunities open up; it’s likely you’ll want to change your mind. Hardships continue strengthening passion. And you win.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Carry the torch of greatness. Don’t let small problems stop you from achieving your goals. Link up with a strong partner. Allow yourself to be sexy. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- You’re worrying about it too much. You can really handle the circumstances, even if it requires help from others. You passionate side comes to the rescue. There’s a brilliant discovery. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Group input is especially helpful now. Don’t be afraid to put down roots. Passion is heightened in private. Do what you love, and love what you do. You look marvelous!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- The pressure you feel helps you be more productive and pro itable, but don’t let it affect your health. That’s your more important asset. The game you create inspires optimism. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Your friends give you a boost, but you must believe in yourself, too. A female provides an artistic touch and plenty of charm. Accept a romantic challenge. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- You have more than enough encouragement, and romance, too, if you know where to look. Keep searching and you will ind the answer. Optimism rules. Get the contract down in writing.

ANSWER:

The same rules typically apply to other drugs including illegal use of prescription drugs.

sports

november 29, 2012 COLLEGIATETIMES

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

Women’s basketball tops Wisconsin Badgers 47-38 Upcoming Games

BRITTANY KEUP sports staff writer

Hokies’ women’s basketball improves their record to 3-2 in their win against the Wisconsin Badgers. After its last win at home this past Sunday, the Virginia Tech women’s basketball team acquired its second win in a row, beating the unranked Wisconsin Badgers 47-38 Wednesday night. The Hokies struggled to defend their winning record at home with multiple turnovers, but the team looked a lot better as a whole, fighting their way toward the win. “We were trying, but were too hesitant on offense,” head coach Dennis Wolff said. “Maybe for the fi rst time since we have been together, we fought our way out of it,” The Hokies got off to a strong start leading the Badgers 16-7 with 8:12 left in the first half. With 7:11 left , freshman Taijah Campbell, went up for a rebound and hit the ground hard, struggling to get up. Campbell was later escorted off the court. Despite their distinct lead, the Hokies slowly let Wisconsin back in the game, with the Badgers even taking the lead at the end of the first half, 20-19. Tech came out of the sec-

Dec. 1 vs. Longwood

Dec. 5 at Richmond

Dec. 12 vs. Penn State

Dec. 16 at Florida Gulf Coast

BRAD KLODOWSKI / SPPS

Nia Evans (20) looks for an opening around the defense of Cassie Rochel (43). Evans was held scoreless, but did collect three rebounds. ond half with a quick jumper Wolff said. “We put a lot Fenyn hit a strong three- aggressive on offense, make from Lauren Evans to take of pressure on Lauren to pointer with 8:33 left in the decisions, take care of the the lead, but the Badgers guard and to do some things game, which is all they need- ball,” said Monet Tellier, responded with a lay up from that she hasn’t done and she ed to help the Hokies move guard. Jacki Gulczynski still keep- is a fighter and she fought along to secure the win. When the Hokies played ing their lead at 21-22. through.” “I think at that point, coach Appalachian State on Nov. “I think that Lauren To bring back the momen- had called a timeout and he 14, Tech was shooting and deserves a lot of credit,” tum for the Hokies, Alyssa was just telling us to stay making three-point shots all

game, but the Hokies seemed to lack such accuracy against the Badgers. “What I was saying to them at one of the time outs midway through the second half is that we have been at that juncture a number of time since we have all been together where, for a lack of a better way to put it, (we’re) stuck in mud,” Wolff said. Picking up the pace in the second half, Tech fi nished with 17-48 in field goals and 11-15 in free throws. Tellier led Tech with 19 points ultimately dominating the court for the Hokie win. The Hokies will look for another win against the Longwood Lancers this Saturday at Cassell Coliseum.

NFL offers little intrigue The NFL has been full of parity this season, with top teams falling to lowly opponents and mediocre teams beating up on each other. Even the teams considered as the best have been exposed at least once. The 10-1 Falcons lost to a Saints team decimated by suspensions handed down by the NFL for a bounty program. The 10-1 Texans were taken down handily by the Green Bay Packers, a team with plenty of talent, but one that sits at merely 7-4. Sure, the Packers are still considered a very good team, but they were just blown out by another 7-4 team — the New York Giants — on national television last weekend. As the NFL enters Week 13 on the schedule, there is an alarming lack of drama going down the stretch. In fact, the four division leaders in the AFC can clinch a division title, or at least a playoff berth. In fairness, things remain to be decided in much of the NFC. But many observers believe there are four teams that are a cut above the rest in the NFC and will be the real challengers for the conference title. The usual intrigue of the NFL playoff race is significantly diminished this year by the large division leads in many of the races. In the AFC, every division leader has a lead of at least three games, including a four-game lead for the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. In the NFC, the Falcons have a four-game lead, but many believe that the team isn’t as good as their 10-1 record indicates. Obviously, every team in the NFL can’t be great, but it seems that divisional races and playoff races have been contested late into the season in recent years. Looking back to one year ago, the Giants had to win their last two games just to get into the playoffs as a wild card before they made their Super Bowl run. The Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans were in a race for the AFC South until Week 15. And the Titans weren’t eliminated from playoff contention until Week 16 when the Cincinnati Bengals clinched. The AFC West had three teams tied for the division lead at 8-8 with the fourth team trailing by just one game at 7-9. Yes, the records weren’t great, but at least the race was interesting and kept fans of all teams watching until the very end. The NFL will always have

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Despite being 10-1, Matt Ryan and the Falcons haven’t impressed. viewers, no matter the time of the year or the intrigue of the races. But, so many more fans are watching when the drama is prevalent. Competitive games and tight races are real drama in sports, and those are the types of games that get the casual fan to watch attentively. But when a team has already clinched a playoff berth, the games don’t mean as much and people aren’t nearly as interested. This doesn’t mean the NFL wants mediocre play. The league certainly wants the best and most competitive games to be played late in the season on the biggest stage. But just this past week, the NFL saw a 30-point blowout on Thursday night primetime football, a 28-point victory on Sunday night football and a Monday Night Football matchup between the two worst teams in the NFC (Monday Night Football matchups are finalized prior to the season and can’t be adjusted). Looking ahead, there appear to be some competitive games on the national television schedule, like New Orleans vs. Atlanta Thursday night, San Francisco at New England in Week 14, and Houston at New England in Week 15. But these great matchups are countered by duds like the final Monday Night Football matchup, the

“

As the NFL enters Week 13 on the schedule, there is an alarming lack of drama going down the stretch.

beleaguered New York Jets vs. the Tennessee Titans — both of which are 4-7. There is some hope for close playoff races: the NFC North race between Chicago and Green Bay is tight, with one game separating the two teams. The San Francisco 49ers have just a 2.5 game lead over the Seattle Seahawks, despite their dominance in several games. And in the NFC East — as it seems most every year — the race is far from decided, as the Giants lead the division with a 7-4 record, but could let the Redskins right back into the thick of things if they lose to them this Monday night. The NFL can’t control how teams play, but it can hope for some competitive games and tight races that will garner interest. The fans are hoping for the same. JAMES O’HARA -sports staff writer -junior -computer science