People love the 1980s, plain and simple. A romantic nostalgia for the 1980s permeates our culture, yet the facts of the decade paint a much bleaker portrait than the rosy image we recall. In the 1980’s, Reagan sold arms for hostages, politicians were categorically ignoring the AIDS issue, and Emilo Estevez was allowed to star in countless films (including, but not limited to, “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Maximum Overdrive,” and “Young Guns”). Yet, amidst the sham and drudgery of the decade, a shining beacon emerged from the squalor to gleam in the sun, warming the hearts of Americans everywhere and renewing the hope and strength of a nation. One single event changed America, all thanks to a little studio magic and a whole lot of shufflin’.

Meet Justin Barnes. He likes to hit people. “It’s a great feeling to hit someone you don’t know,” JMU’s sophomore linebacker said.

During lectures that cannot seem to hold their attention, students used to slip each other notes in class; now they are text messaging each other.