Thursday, September 5, 2013 Print Edition

Thursday, September 5, 2013 An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 www.collegiatetimes.com

COLLEGIATETIMES 110th year, issue 10

News, page 2

Lifestyles, page 6

Opinions, page 3

Find your niche downtown

Sports, page 5

Study Break, page 4

Huckleberry Trail plans to construct three new routes exercise. Others take advantage of the scenic route to shoot photos and experience nature.

Periodically, a “pocket park,” or miniature point-of-interest will provide visitors with an opportunity to deviate from the path.

Currently, the three municipalities overseeing the trail — Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Montgomery County — are designing and constructing three new sections that look to be finished sometime next year.

KYLE BARGER news staff writer

Visitors of the popular Huckleberry Trail will soon have more pavement beneath their feet. The trail, located just off campus, is undergoing major construction that will extend it an extra four miles.

The roughly six-mile asphalt path stretches from the Montgomery County Public Library in Blacksburg to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg, and is a common venue for those looking to

see TRAIL / page two

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Downtown Blacksburg houses a diverse collection of bars and restaurants, which offer food and spirits for both day and nighttime.

Students and locals enjoy the variety of bars downtown. Let us help you find your favorite.

CHELSEA GILES lifestyles editor

The fi rst home game on Saturday will welcome streams of Virginia Tech students, alumni and loyal fans to the streets of downtown before, during and after the matchup.

Whether you’re a seasoned

alum or a new student on campus, downtown is full of venues to check out be it day or night.

Caroline Cleary, a freshman communication major, said even though she had not been downtown too many times yet, she could already tell the atmosphere was relaxing, accessible and entertaining.

With this many people in just a few blocks this weekend, the accessibility may be limited, though.

Beat the crowds by knowing which bars and grills to go to whether its to watch the game in the air conditioning or to celebrate after.

Blacksburg houses a variety of bars, each with their own atmosphere, drink specials and events. Though they are in close proximity to each other, the entertaining bar-

tenders, live music and variety of spirits let the downtown bars stand their own and offer a diverse day or night-out experience.

Virginia Tech alumnus Missy Reiss described downtown Blacksburg as energetic and spirited, so no matter where game day takes your downtown adventure, it promises to be memorable. see MAP / page six

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

Bikers, walkers, runners, and nature enthusiasts alike will soon have three new sections of the trail for exploration and exercise.

Construction continues Tech offers free football tickets on future IMAX theater MELISSA DRAUDT news staff writer

KEVIN LOHR news staff writer

The 60,000 square-foot IMAX theater set to open in the late spring 2014 is well under construction in the First and Main shopping center in Blacksburg.

The theater, to be named Frank Theatres Cinebowl and Grille, had its groundbreaking ceremony June 14th.

According to Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam, the project is proceeding on schedule and there have been no obsta-

cles to hold up progress.

The First and Main shopping center is owned by Blacksburg APF Partners LLC and headed by Virginia Tech alumnus David and Elyssa Street.

“IMAX brings exciting opportunities to the entire region. It will be unique in this area and will be a wonderful draw to the shopping center and will attract new retail opportunities … I think it will be a tremendous economic boost.”

Their high hopes also rest on the fact that Blacksburg APF

Partners LLC has an agreement with IMAX Corporation that will make the Cinebowl and Grille the exclusive IMAX theater in the area: no other venue will be allowed to build one.

The Cinebowl and Grille will feature 12 bowling lanes, 10 regular and 3-D movie screens, one IMAX theater, an arcade and a bar and grill serving American cuisine.

@CTnewsroom

Virginia Tech Athletics is giving away football tickets to the first home game of the season.

Today and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students can pick up free tickets on a first come, first served basis from Cassell Coliseum for Saturday’s game against Western Carolina University.

This decision follows a recent downward trend in ticket sales.

Although student tickets have been distributed for free in the past, including for the

2012 game against Austin Peay, many anticipate that this will be the first home game in 15 years that will not sell out.

“I think the sellout streak will end against Western Carolina,” Tech athletic director Jim Weaver said Monday night on Tech Talk Live.

Lane Stadium has been sold out for 93 consecutive games, the third longest streak in the country, but recent moves to increase availability to freshmen indicates a possible change in this streak. For the first time in years, freshmen have been given the chance to purchase season tickets.

FILE 2012 / SPPS

Hokies notebook: Veterans volunteer, receivers stay late JACOB EMERT sports editor

TREVOR WHITE / SPPS

D.J. Coles (18) drops a short pass. The entire receiving corps struggled with drops in Saturday’s game.

NEWS

OPINIONS

The Senate is making big decisions on Syria. Check out how on page 2. see page 2

see page three

A big to-do has been made lately of the decline of Beamer Ball and how special teams miscues were a primary source of dismay in Virginia Tech’s season opening loss to Alabama.

Immediately following the loss, senior cornerback Kyle Fuller told media that he would approach head coach Frank Beamer and ask to play more special teams.

Since then, many players have followed suit.

“I think a lot of guys stepped up and went and met with Coach Beamer and let him know they would love to participate and help as much as they could on the special teams, just because we’ve been all about Beamer

Ball and we kind of lost that in the first game,” said Tariq Edwards, a senior linebacker.

In Beamer’s postgame press conference he spoke about how he thought one of the biggest issues in the special teams on Saturday night was the level of inexperience and said he would “absolutely” consider putting more veterans on the unit.

While Beamer refused to release specific personnel adjustments, he did let on that there would be changes coming.

For players like defensive end J.R. Collins, the more playing time the merrier.

“It’s just one play, just running down the field on the punt team,” Collins said.

“It doesn’t really take any energy off or anything. If anything it warms be

SPORTS Check out why one columnist thinks military intervention in Syria would be a misstep.

Decide for yourself if you think a the situation deserves a more diplomatic approach.

Catch the ball The wide receivers, who received much criticism for their poor showing Saturday night, were the last ones off the field Tuesday night, as they stuck around with receivers coach Aaron Moorehead catching balls off the JUGs machine.

“No, it was not an option,” Moorehead, who admitted he had a hard time sleeping Saturday night, said.

The entire receiving corps and fullback Sam Rogers, who Moorehead said “will be anywhere where there is work to be done,” were catching balls from about 10-12 yards. Moorehead said the machine was set to 40 mph. see NOTEBOOK / page five

ONLINE The Tech volleyball team won the Hokie Invitational last weekend.

They will try for another series win starting Friday in Tennessee.

see page five

up before I get out there.”

For all these stories and more, check out our website at: www.collegiatetimes.com

CollegiateTimes @collegiatetimes

2

newseditor@collegiatetimes.com

September 5, 2013

collegiatetimes.com

NEWS

Trail: New paths to reach further in Christiansburg from page one

“It has always been the vision of the Huckleberry Trail to extend toward the national forest and connect Christiansburg to us,” said Dean Crane, Director of Parks and Recreation in Blacksburg, who wrote and administered the grant for the Heritage Park section of the trail. “People love having a connection to make it easier to bike and recreate and walk.”

One of the planned sec-

tions will connect the path under the Route 460 tunnel to Plantation Road and the section that runs through Hethwood. Another segment will extend from Price’s Fork Road to Heritage Park near Glade Road and continue on to the National Forest Trail Network. The third will begin at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg and fork to two locations: the Christiansburg Aquatic Center and Christiansburg High School.

Creating the extended path-

way isn’t a cheap endeavor. The 3,500 foot segment of trail near Heritage Park is funded by a grant of $371,700. Funding for the project came from grants and donations.

“Now the funding is there, and the timing is right,” Crane said.

According to Crane, one mile of path could cost as much as $600,000 depending on the topography of the land. The biggest problem the construction crews face is navigating some of the hills

and occasional wetlands that surround the trail.

Crane said the project has received strong support from residents of the NRV, so much so that community members would like the construction completed sooner than expected.

“You start clearing (the path), and they want to be on it,” Crane said. “They want it done faster, and it takes time.”

Foxridge students in particular are interested in the new extension near Hethwood.

“I think it would be a great

idea to help people have alternate routes to get to campus instead of everybody trying to cram on the bus or go down the same exact path,” said Adam White, a sophomore and resident of Foxridge who often bikes on the trail. “It will also be great for recreation and not having to come to dead ends while you’re on the trail.”

Emily Robles, who graduated from Virginia Tech last year but still lives in Foxridge, believes the Huckleberry Trail is one of

the area’s most worthwhile attractions.

“A lot of (people) will go to Dragon’s Tooth or the Cascades, but you don’t have to drive 40-plus minutes. You can literally walk out of your apartment and hop right on the trail,” she said. “This is an awesome way to kind of get away from everything and really experience the amazing beauty that is Blacksburg.”

@CTnewsroom

Senate panel passes Syria strike measure JAMES ROSEN & WILLIAM DOUGLAS mcclatchy newspapers

Even as Congress took a step Wednesday toward authorizing the use of force in Syria, a growing number of lawmakers spoke out strongly against a U.S. military strike and warned that it would draw the United States into an escalating conflict that could spread throughout the Middle East.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution for a likely missile attack against Syrian President Bashar Assad in retaliation for his alleged use of chemical weapons two weeks ago, but it prohibited any involvement of U.S. troops.

"It gives the president the wherewithal to have the limited military action that he's asked for in order to punish Assad for the use of chemical weapons and the killing of innocent civilians," said Sen. Robert Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat who chairs the Senate panel. "At the same time, it is tightly tailored by having a timeframe in it and by certainly prohibiting American boots troops on the ground."

But the Senate committee's 10-7 vote indicated deep divi-

sions within Congress that President Barack Obama still must overcome in his quest to demonstrate to Syria, Iran and other nations that the use of chemical or nuclear arms is unacceptable.

"I don't see a clear-cut or compelling American interest," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. "I see a horrible tragedy, but I don't see that our involvement will lessen the tragedy.

I think it may well make the tragedy worse. I think more civilian deaths could occur. I think an attack on Israel could occur. I think an attack on Turkey could occur. I think you could get more Russian involvement and more Iranian involvement. I don't see anything good coming of our involvement."

Before voting on the resolution, the Senate panel defeated Paul's amendment stating that the Constitution doesn't grant the president power to launch a military attack without congressional approval unless the country faces a direct threat.

Seven Democrats, Menendez, Sens. Barbara Boxer of California, Benjamin Cardin of Maryland, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Christopher Coons of Delaware, Richard Durbin of Illinois and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and three

MCT CAMPUS

Protesters disrupt a House Foreign Affairs Committe hearing on Syria at the Rayburn House Office Building Sept. 4, 2013 in D.C. Republicans, Sen. Bob Corker Tom Udall of New Mexico, plan to help the Syrian people behalf of our national secuof Tennessee and Arizona Sens. voted against it. Sen. Edward J. get rid of Assad and replace rity," Carney said. Obama's John McCain and Jeff Flake, Markey, D-Mass., voted "pres- him with a secular and moder- top Cabinet officers shuttled voted for the resolution. Five ent." ate government they deserve." between the Senate panel Republicans, Paul and Sens.

"Th is idea that a military White House press secretary and a key House committee James Risch of Idaho, Marco response is the only way to Jay Carney praised the Senate as lawmakers warned them Rubio of Florida, Ron Johnson respond to what is happening committee for passing the res- that only a narrow resoluof Wisconsin and John in Syria is just not true," Rubio olution. tion authorizing a limited Barrasso of Wyoming, and said. "Instead, our response "We commend the Senate U.S. military engagement in two Democrats, Christopher should have always been, and for moving swift ly and for Syria has a chance of passing Murphy of Connecticut and still should be, a multifaceted working across party lines on Congress.

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OPINIONS

opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com

September 5, 2013

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The Collegiate Times is an independent studentrun newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 Collegiate Times Editorial Staff Editor in Chief: Priscilla Alvarez Managing Editor: Danielle Buynak Art Director: Kevin Dickel Design Editors: Brad Klodowski, Andrea Ledesma Public Editor: Andrew Kulak Web Editor: James O’Hara Multimedia Editor: Nick Smirniotopoulos News Editors: Cameron Austin, Dean Seal News Reporters: Melissa Draudt, Leslie McCrea News Staff Writers: Kelly Cline, Josh Higgins, Matt Minor Features Editor: Chelsea Giles Features Reporters: Madeline Gordon, Jessica Groves Opinions Editors: David Levitt, Shareth Reddy Sports Editors: Jacob Emert, Alex Koma Sports Media Manager: Mike Platania Assistant Photo Editor: Ben Wiedlich

MCT CAMPUS

Syria needs helping hands, not fists T

he horrific images coming out of Syria seemed to move millions across the globe with many debating the appropriate response to the use of chemical weapons. As the United States and its allies prepare to launch a possible strike on Syria, one must wonder if a military intervention is indeed the best option for bringing stability to the region. The US-led intervention in Syria will help get rid of Assad, but will it help Syria see peace?

Before we jump to conclusions over the moral uprightness of intervening to “save” Syrians from their own government, let us keep matters in perspective by reminding ourselves of how we supported the use of the same weapons in the same region merely two decades ago, according to an article in the Huffington Post.

However, Syria has been crying out for help and now that Assad has crossed President Barack Obama’s “red line,” the state department has a greater degree of leverage in discerning whether or not to intervene in the country.

Still, this leverage should not be confused with an automatic green light to

intervene in yet another Middle Eastern country.

Carrying out selective strikes on Syria will weaken Assad’s government and will inadvertently strengthen the rebels. So, who are these people we so vaguely call Syrian Rebels? And do we really want to be supporting them? The Syrian rebels have been subject of much debate and discussion over the past few months, but the fact remains that there is little-to-nothing we know about these diverse groups who have taken up arms against the regime.

What we do know is that many designated ‘terror’ organizations have openly pledged support to the rebels and have been enlisting hundreds in the fight to bring down Assad. After years of vicious and lethal campaign against terror, it would be rather ironic to see the state department and these designated terrorist groups fighting a common enemy. It is also pertinent to mention that the diverse groups of fighters who make up the rebel forces have no structurally unified leadership.

These rebels may currently be unified under the common opposition to Assad,

but once he is gone, who assumes power in Syria? What happens if infighting breaks out within the rebel groups as it did in Afghanistan after the Soviet war? Over the past decade, American involvement in the Middle East and South Asia has been met with some great degree of skepticism. Some may argue that intervening in Syria may correct the blunders of Iraq and elsewhere, but it could also help solidify preconceived notions about American foreign policy and its global agenda.

Going through with a narrow military intervention without an existing framework to account for a post-Assad Syria and a mechanism to engage to rebels into the political process is only likely to escalate the conflict and result in more violence. What Syria needs is a humanitarian intervention. It needs more medical supplies, nurses and doctors — not more bombs, bullets and missiles.

NABEEL CHOHAN -regular columnist -senior -accounting

Baseball, softball belong in Olympics

B

eijing 2008 saw one of the most incredible sporting feats the Olympics has ever known.

On Aug. 20, Japanese softball pitcher Yukiko Ueno hurled eight scoreless innings before Japan fell to an indomitable U.S. squad in the bottom of the 9th. Two hours later, she pitched 12 more innings against Australia, sending Japan to the gold medal match against the U.S. The next day, she came back with seven more sterling innings as Japan defeated the threetime Olympic softball champs, 3-1.

Fans and news media alike stood mesmerized by Ueno’s performance. I was one of them.

But Beijing 2008 proved to be softball’s Olympic swan song, just as it was becoming an Olympic staple.

Olympic decisions are made seven years in advance, and in 2005, spurred by a vigorous European campaign, softball and baseball were voted off the London 2012 Olympic program.

Now a window opens for their return to the Olympic program.

On Sept. 8, the 100 members of the International Olympic Committee will vote to make one of three sports _ baseball/softball, wrestling or squash _ the 26th “core” sport in the 2020 Games.

Wrestling, which dates back to the original Greek games, was dropped by the IOC in February. Then the International Wrestling Federation updated its scoring system, added two competition classes to women’s Olympic wrestling and asked for reinstatement in May, appealing not least to “tradition.”

As for squash, its pitch points are new high-tech graphics and the fact

that it doesn’t require a purpose-built venue.

But can wrestling go from antiquated to vital in three months? And is squash really more “relevant” than baseball and softball?

The marriage of baseball and softball as separate disciplines within the same category came at the suggestion of Thomas Bach, one of the candidates to replace Jacques Rogge as the next president of the IOC. Baseball and softball will share the same field, saving tens of millions of dollars.

The Asian Games, the second-largest international sporting festival, has used this formula effectively.

The weak link in baseball/softball’s reinstatement bid is getting baseball’s superstars to compete. Pro ball, with its solid fan, fi nancial and media bases, doesn’t need the Olympics, but it doesn’t want to be seen as antiGames.

As for softball, without the Olympics, it cannot flourish. It is banking on its millions of players and the gender parity it provides to bring both sports back into the Olympics.

“We are probably the largest sport that’s not on the current Olympic program in terms of numbers,” said International Softball Federation President Don Porter, referring to baseball/softball’s 65 million participants worldwide, with 35 million softball players. “We are hoping the IOC will find a place for baseball and softball at the Olympic Games in 2020, and in doing so, send a message to girls and young women everywhere that the Olympic Games are for them.”

Perhaps tipping his hand, IOC executive board member Ching-Kuo Wu,

another IOC presidential hopeful, called men’s Olympic baseball and women’s Olympic softball “an appealing balance.”

And there is this wild card in the decision-making. The day before the core vote, the IOC will choose the host for the 2020 Games: Tokyo (in the midst of an economic renaissance), Madrid (economically unstable) or Istanbul (on the edge of Middle East bedlam). Tokyo is the odds-on favorite. Japan is mad about baseball and softball. And baseball/softball, played in the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome, has the capacity to draw 1 million more spectators to the Olympics than can fit into the proposed 10,000-seat wrestling venue. This is a crucial part of baseball/softball’s pitch to IOC voters.

For the softball world, the Sept. 8 vote will have career implications.

Jessica Mendoza, a member of the silver medal U.S. team in Beijing, told me of scores of top-of-the-line players who have left the game prematurely because, without the Olympics, their training stipends evaporated. “For softball players,” Mendoza said, “nothing can match the Olympics. It is the pinnacle of our sport. Reinstatement in the Olympics will validate softball as a global sport.”

Superstar Ueno, the face of international softball, puts it succinctly: “The Olympics will energize the entire next softball generation. Not only the players but also fans, families, friends, the young and the old, men and women.

The Olympics have such magical power.”

JONATHAN KOLATCH -mcclatchy newspapers

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66 Humiliate 67 Sound from Simba 68 Play to __: draw 69 “See ya!”

70 Taxpayer IDs 71 Mix

By Julian Lim

Week of September 3 through 6

Hot Songs Go Outside - Cults Bombay - El Guincho Doses and Mimosas - Cherub Heartbeats - The Knife Cathode Ray - Blonde Summer

ACROSS 1 __ facto 5 Cut in stone 9 Carell of “The Office” 14 Tex-Mex snack 15 “That’s not enough!”

16 Reason for a skull-andcrossbones warning 17 *Artsy-sounding microbrew 19 Spoke (up) 20 Sci-fi computer 21 Crumpled into a ball 23 Unhappy times

9/5/13 24 Newspaper big shot 26 “Fantastic!”

28 Honeybunch 29 *Brains, informally 34 High-pitched winds 36 “La __”: Puccini opera 37 Muslim pilgrim 40 Spot for a facial 42 Like pulp magazine details 43 It’s held underwater 45 __ salts

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DOWN 1 Bugged, as a bug bite 2 Event with floats 3 Justice Antonin 4 Gut-punch response 5 Ban on trade 6 See 18-Down 7 Believability, to homeys 8 Joan of Arc’s crime 9 Sponsor at some NHRA events 10 *Many “South Park” jokes 11 Overseas trader 12 Hillside house asset 13 Finales 18 With 6-Down, kind of sloth 22 Not bright at all 25 *Classic Greek ruse 27 Renaissance painter Veronese 30 High-__ monitor 31 “__ your instructions ...”

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Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

9/4/13

WORDSEARCH: Blacksburg Restaurants & Bars Locate the list of words in the word bank in the letter grid.

WORD BANK 1 Cabo 2 Macados 3 Sharkeys 4 TOTS 5 Champs 6 Big Als 7 Poor Billys 8 Cellar 9 Boudreauxs 10 Bennys 11 Mikes 12 Hokie House 13 PKs 14 Joes 15 Sub Station

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Add some spice to the mix. Flaunt it. Your success depends in part on past performance. Love pleasantly surprises. Get grounded, and connect with the earth. You’re radiant.

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Contact a wise old friend. Prepare and consider actions carefully. Use technology to increase ef iciency.

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You should. ☺ Available Tuesday through Friday. ☺

SPORTS

sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com

September 5, 2013

collegiatetimes.com

5

Hokies look to continue hot start to season in Tenn.

ALI BOWKER sports staff writer

With the first few games out of the way, the Virginia Tech volleyball team is ready to play in its second tournament of the season.

The team heads to the Middle Tennessee Invitational this weekend to face off against Austin Peay, Middle Tennessee State and University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Coming off of a 3-1 performance and the Hokie Invitational tournament title, the team is looking for their second tournament win of the season.

Head coach Chris Riley said that having consistent serving and attack efficiency will be two main keys for the team’s success this weekend.

“If we hit over .250 and have minimal service errors, we can come home with a 4-0 record,” Riley said. “If we hit under .250 and make errors we may come home 2-2.”

To go along with the size and depth of the team, Riley has established a high-tempo offense, a combination that Riley feels works best for the personnel he has.

“We are athletic,” Riley said. “We aren’t the biggest team in the country, so establishing a quick tempo has been helpful in our success so far.”

This quick tempo has allowed them to separate the opposing team’s blocker, creating one-on-one opportunities for Tech to capitalize

on.

“When we are in system, playing our game, we are unstoppable,” senior setter Jordan Fish said.

However, this fast-paced tempo also comes with greater risks.

“The offense we run comes with high risks and high rewards,” junior right side and middle blocker Kathryn Caine said. “Because of our fast paced tempo we, as hitters, sometimes have a harder time to contact the ball just right.”

“

The offense we runs comes with high risks and high rewards.”

Kathryn Caine Hokies middle blocker

The Hokies have to focus more on eliminating the errors that come as a result of running this style of offense. Th is week Caine said that the team has been playing plus-minus games, where they earn points when they do something well, but lose points when they commit errors.

In addition to focusing on fewer errors, the team has also been paying special attention to serving this week.

“Serving cost us the last game against Michigan State,” Riley said. “We were down 12-13, they were in

BEN WEIDLICH / SPPS

Freshman Lindsey Owens (1) hits the ball against a triumvirate of defenders. The Hokies were the Hokie Invitational champions, going 3-1. their worst rotation, and we served the ball out of bounds. If that ball would have been in bounds we would have won the game.”

This weekend the team will have to be on its game when it comes to playing Middle Tennessee State.

“Middle Tennessee State has a fast offense,” senior middle block Victoria Hamsher said. “We have been working on playing a fast defense to stay with their level of offense.”

This tournament will mark

the first current season road trip for the team. Riley said it would be a test to see how good the Hokies actually are.

“We’ll have a chance to win if we play well,” Riley said.

“The competition won’t be as strong as last week’s, but it will still be very good.”

New seasons present new teams with unknown identities. It’s generally the teams that discover their identities the fastest that have the most success.

“Last weekend we figured out what we are best at,”

Notebook: Special teams and JUGS machines from page one

Few, if any, are blaming the abysmal performance on lack of skill, but rather poor concentration and focus.

Moorehead said that Logan Thomas’ interception in the first quarter came as a result of senior wide out D.J. Coles running a one-step route instead of three.

“He’s got to continue to practice hard,” Moorehead said. “He’s got to go out in a game now and catch the football, and when the ball is in the air he’s got to make plays on the ball, and he knows that. To be honest, if he doesn’t, we’ll find someone that will, and he knows that.

Coles, a senior, is the lone member of the unit with experience. Behind him on the depth chart are Demitri Knowles and Charley Meyer — a sophomore and a freshman, respectively.

“We got guys that can

catch the ball,” Coles said.

“There is no doubt in my mind. Every game is not going to be perfect. You can look at the NFL — people have drops. We have to keep working and focusing and doing the little things to catch the ball. We’re going to get back to that starting today.”

Despite the youth on the team, and maybe because of it, Moorehead is confident progress will be made.

“We’re going to continue to work hard. We’re going to continue to catch footballs,” Moorehead said.

“Good things are going to happen for this group and I’m confident in that. We have a saying in our group that I’ll keep to ourselves, but at the end of the year this is going to be a different conversation. I promise you that.”

KEVIN DICKEL / SPPS

@jacobemert

Trey Edmunds (14) is taken down by the swarming Albama defense.

Riley said. “This weekend we want to know what type of game we play.”

Once mastered, the Hokies’ game-plan figures to be one that can compete with any team in the very difficult ACC. “Our goal remains the same every year; we want to go to the NCAA tournament,” Hamsher said.

For this goal to remain alive, the Hokies will have to finish in the top five of the ACC this season. The team no longer has to face

Miami or Florida State twice due to conference realignment; however, the team will have to match up against ACC newcomers Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Notre Dame, who all consistently appear in the NCAA tournament.

For now though, the team will stay focused on the things they can control — playing well and bringing home a tournament win.

@AlisonBowker_VT

6

lifestyleseditor@collegiatetimes.com

September 5, 2013

collegiatetimes.com

LIFESTYLES

Map: Bars offer students unique experiences Sharkey’s Wing & Rib Joint Whether for its beloved Long Island iced teas, the back bar, daily happy hour specials, theme nights or just the amount of space there is to mingle, the go-to bar of Blacksburg is Sharkey’s.

There is rarely a long line at one of the two bars. No one specific crowd frequents the bar, and with its proximity to everything in downtown, Sharkey’s is a staple for

http://bit.ly/14lbweJ

Champs Sports Bar and Cafe Don’t let Champs confuse you. Just because it spans two stories, each so distinct they feel like different bars, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a tour of all that it offers.

The front door of Champs on Main Street leads to the top floor, which boasts a bright atmosphere with huge flat

The Cellar Restaurant and Six-Pak Store Between Hokie House and Sharkey’s, a favorite dive for both locals and students is the Cellar Restaurant and SixPak Store, which hosts weekly live music and showcases its impressive collection of brews.

Sydney Drinko, a freshman math major, and her friends enjoyed dinner at the Cellar Wednesday night, because it's a place with good food and cool people, she said.

The good food and cool people can be found in various parts of the Cellar, too. There's

Top of the Stairs TOTS. If stories of the Top of the Stairs haven’t reached you yet, they surely will soon enough.

TOTS is the legendary bar for Virginia Tech students who venture downtown.

BRAD KLODOWSKI / THE COLLEGIATE TIMES Between the Rail cocktail, Downtown blacksburg provides many locations within walking distance of campus. A: Hokie House Sports Bar and Restaurant B: The Cel- TOTS Tuesday and the wildly lar Restaurant C: Sharkey’s Wing and Rib Joint D: Top of the Stairs E: Rivermill Bar and Grill F: Champs Sports Bar G: Big Al’s Sports Bar crowded dance floor, this bar guarantees a good time.

Big Al’s Sports Bar Rivermill Bar and Grill in itself.

By day, Rivermill is a place to Hokie House Sports Bar and Big Al’s is located above Poor Billy’s resThe Rivermill may hide behind chill out with friends or even read Restaurant taurant. The climb up the stairs is worth reflective glass windows down on a book with some tex-mex grub. the sports entertainment and memoraDraper Road, but the good times At night, the bar with its high Hokie House is not only bilia that covers the walls and captures inside can’t be masked by any counter, collection of black and popular for its name, obvious legendary Hokie pride. façade. white photos of Blacksburg, dark school spirit and overarchWith almost 2,000 likes on Facebook, The Mill rests in an old build- wood tables and blended crowd ing view of Main Street from it’s no wonder customers are willing to ing, which has stood the test of from all walks of life transforms the upstairs windows, but it hike up for some of Big Al’s shooters and time, and the bar’s atmosphere the large space with high energy is typically packed thanks to taps. has a warm sense of timelessness and cheers after cheers.

Tech students whether over or under 21.

Phillip Pullen, a sophomore political science major, said he enjoys going to Sharkey's to hang out, eat some wings and enjoy being downtown but not too late.

"During the fall, when it's nice out, I go downtown about once a week," Pullen said. "I like how everything is close together and you can do a lot of things outside."

screens for the games, rows of dart boards in the back and a well lit view over the streets below. It welcomes patrons with a classic sports bar vibe.

Downstairs Champs has a tavern feel with a smaller bar, dark lighting and is a relaxed place to be--unless it’s karaoke night on Wednesday, when things can get a little wild with its regular singers. outdoor seating, live shows are staged upstairs, the store is connected beside it and the bar scene rests beneath the main floor of the restaurant.

The Cellar’s beer list reaches beyond boarders, and is in touch with the new local micro-brew favorites, which puts it on edge for any beer fanatic.

The other perk of the Cellar is the accompanying six-pak store. Stocked with hundreds of labels, patrons can mix and match favorite beers tried at the bar.

Reiss said it's still her favorite bar because of the music.

This bar is well-known for its club-like qualities, which goes unmatched to other bars in Blacksburg.

It is especially popular for sorority and fraternity members, who enjoy cheers to their letters on the walls. Despite an occasional cover charge, TOTS is usually named a favorite among students. the cool and laid back sports bar feel.

Though many accuse it to be a boys hang-out spot, Hokie House offers fun for all with its “fatty” mugs of tap beers, lines of pool tables and inviting Twitter feed, which has over 300 followers.

The ten commandments of using social media SCOTT KLEINBERG & AMY GUTH mcclatchy newspapers

Do no work on the seventh day of the week. Do not steal.

Honor your parents. All good advice that has stood the test of time. But as social media has grown and continues to grow, it seems fitting to give it a separate set of commandments. Here, we give it our best shot along with a quick explanation of each.

1. Thou shall not use the hashtag in vain.

You know those photos on Instagram that have 20 hashtags attached to them?

Yeah, that’s too many. A general rule of thumb on any social media platform: Limit each post to one hashtag, two if absolutely necessary and never three.

2. Thou shall not steal.

Use RT. Share. But never steal someone else’s content and pass it off as your own.

People talk, and your secret will be discovered.

3. Honor your friends.

When someone you know posts great content, show them you appreciate it by sharing or retweeting or hitting that +1 button. It takes a second, and there’s no higher compliment you can pay someone on social media. And while you’re at it, wish them a happy birthday when Facebook alerts you.

4. Do not work on the seventh day — or whenever you have something else to do.

Thanks to automated services such as Buffer and

Hootsuite, you can still enjoy your free time by planning your posts on your schedule.

It is best to check in on your posts just in case anything goes wrong.

5. Do not kill.

Or in this case, do not delete.

Let’s use Twitter as an example: If you make a mistake, don’t delete it. Tweet again with the correct information. Doing it this way ensures you are being as transparent as possible and no one can accuse you of hiding anything.

6. Thou shall not use snark as a default setting.

Somewhere along the way, funny and sassy remarks veered into the territory of rudeness. Don’t get us wrong, crazy-funny is crazy-fun, but when it’s a put down, it’s hurtful. Period. One helpful way to change your ways? Don’t assume, and ask a question first. Still not convinced? Wait until you’re the one getting the put-down-for-laughs and maybe then you’ll agree.

7. Thou shall not succumb to “new, shiny object” syndrome.

We’re all been there. A new social media platform pops up and it’s all the rage, but you just don’t dig it. That’s ok.

Just because it’s new, doesn’t mean you have to love it or use it. Trust yourself, and use the tools that are right for you.

That said....

8. Thou shall be open to new things.

When it comes to social media, change is the only constant. Facebook will overhaul the look of its profiles, Twitter

will add new features, and on and on and on. You don’t have to love new designs and features, but try to have an open mind and test them and consider how you might use them before jumping in on the inevitable chorus of discontent to complain (see Commandment 6).

9. Thou shall not navel gaze.

Everyone is good at something, and each one of us has some kind of issues in our lives at any given moment. And it is the social part of social media that make social media work.

But constantly updating your statuses with “me me me, I I I” is going to get old to even your very best friend. Here’s a tip: instead of talking about what is literally happening at a given moment, ask yourself, “what has my attention?” That will keep your tweets and posts more interesting, engaging and less prone to being only about yourself.

10. Thou shall regularly check and update privacy settings.

Like any routine maintenance, it’s important to stay on top of things to avoid bigger problems. Your social networks need the same kind of regular check-in to make sure your privacy settings are in line with how you use social media. Start on Facebook, and work your way over to Twitter, Google+ and all your other active platforms. Set aside 30 minutes to really dig through all the menus. Once you are caught up, it will be easier to make regular updates and keep things up to date.

SARAH HOFFMAN / MCT CAMPUS