April 2010
What’s Inside...
WAWL page 2
Hipster page 4
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Debate Drags On By Jessie Knowles, Editor-in-Chief Controversy rocked the ChattState campus as the emcee for the student talent show took the stage. Claire is a drag queen who peppered the night’s performances with self-deprecating humor, dance numbers and beautiful ball gowns while showing equal support for all the acts that took the stage. Not everyone was as supportive of Claire’s performance, however. Individual audience reactions ranged from light-hearted laughter to cat calls to uncomfortable averting of the eyes. The variety show was nothing if not memorable and definitely shook things up in what otherwise might have been a quiet spring semester. For days after the show, arguments filled the halls of the school. Students (and teachers) debated whether or not Claire was an appropriate choice to emcee the talent show. Student Life programming assistant Dorothy Chope was one of the staff members who helped the activities programming board (APB) organize the event. “It was the student’s choice,” said Chope. “I didn’t even have a voice on which students were chosen to perform. APB is a student organization and they put together the talent show.” APB chairman Josh Sledge is responsible for organizing the show and makes no apologies for his choice. “I have known Justin Almos, aka Claire D’ Shay, for a long time. Justin has performed nationally and is very active in the community, working with Nancy’s House, Tennessee Valley Pride and Chattanooga Cares. He had expressed a desire to get involved with activities at ChattState, and with him being the funniest person I know with no fear of a micro-
Photo Courtesy of Entertainer Claire D’ Shay
Claire D’ Shay was the host of ChattState’s Got Talent.
phone I thought he would be perfect to emcee the talent show.” Some of the students that argued against the choice of Claire as emcee stated that their concern is mainly for the children in the audience. There was no mention in the program that a drag queen was to be the emcee, so parents with young children had no warning that they may be exposed to something meant for an older crowd. Darrin Hassevoort, the head of the fine arts department, did not attend the event but did share his comments. “In previous years, we have had performances that were meant for mature audiences, the musical Working, for example, but we did let audiences know that the content may not be suitable for children.” Ashleigh Chatham, a music
major at ChattState, thinks that Claire’s performance was inappropriate. “At one point, [Claire] did a dance and the audience threw money on the stage. I think that brought the class level down a bit,” says Chatham, citing just one instance among several during the night’s performance that made her uncomfortable for the children in the room. Sledge argues that the younger audience members enjoyed the performance as much as the adults. “I saw a girl in the front row who was going gaga over Claire and her parents seemed to be keeled over with laughter as well,” recalls Sledge. Roman Penney, a student at Chattanooga State, argues that the ChattState concert choir’s performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana may have content that is
Media Technology Center Makes Magic Art work page 5
Walk4Hearing page 4
Coach Of The Year page 7
By Jessie Knowles, Editor-in-Chief Chattanooga State has yet another reason to present itself as a national leader in technology. The new media technology center is up and running and “it is awesome,” says media student, Ankit Patel. With private, sound-proof editing suites and a TV studio of professional quality, students interested in pursuing a career in media will be prepared to enter this competitive field with the training they get in this state-of-the-art facility. Previous issues of The Communicator introduced students to two of the new faculty members who are bringing their expertise to the media and film programs: Dave Porfiri and Chris Willis. Porfiri is running the Professional Film and Television Training program and Willis is an assistant professor in the media department. They are offering real world experience and practical hands-on training in this growing discipline, getting students excited their exposure to an education the caliber of which was once only available in New York or Los Angeles. Willis says that the new facility is one of the reasons he took the job at Chattanooga State. “It makes an incredible difference for a program like this to have the latest, greatest versions of the software, new computers to work on, a brand new studio… it’s a really great way to reboot this program having this new building,” says Willis. The Communicator spoke with some of the crew members of the MTV television show Teen Mom and got some insight into what it takes to be a professional in the film and television industry. The interview was informal but the crew did
equally mature, yet no one seems to be discussing that. “The text of Carmina Burana talks about lust and drinking, but it is in German and Latin so no one has a problem with it,” Penney states. “I see both sides of the issue and I’m glad that this is stirring up a discussion and causing people on campus to share their views.” College is a place where students test the boundaries of self-expression and discover who they are and how they choose to view the world. If nothing else, a college campus provides the perfect forum for discussing issues such as this. We emphasize diversity and embrace people from all walks of life, but when it comes to our children, what level of exposure to that diversity is appropriate? Justin Booker, student activities coordinator, issued this statement. “I would first like to apologize to anyone who was offended in any way by the decision made. With that being said, just as every other college campus, we are comprised of a diverse student body, and that diversity can be seen on a daily basis by merely walking from building to building. Our students have a monumental voice with the activities programming board (and every other student-run organization) and I expect to see them make use of that voice in a peaceful and non-discriminatory manner. For those who want change or are unhappy with an event or occasion, we ask that you become involved on campus; express your opinions and be a part of the decision making process. Any student can have their voice heard. In short, come and be a part of the program planning by joining APB (in the Department of Student Life.) We would love to have your creative input on every idea for events happening on your campus.”
Nelson’s Gold
Chattanooga State student James Nelson, has been selected as a 2010 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar. Selection was based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As a Gold Scholar, Mr. Nelson will be provided with a check for $1,500, to be mailed later this summer. Gold, silver and bronze scholars will be listed in a special section of USA TODAY on April 19, 2010 Phi Theta Kappa’s executive director, Rod Risley and Coca-Cola’s president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sent congratulations to both college president, Dr. Photo by Jessie Knowles/Communicator Catanzaro and PTK adviser ShirTV Production student Joseph Roddy works in a new editing suite. ley Nelson regarding Mr. Nelson’s outstanding achievement, which share some information that is very Unfortunately, there are some earned recognition for Chattanooencouraging for Chattanooga State people that have the mindset that ga State. students. One crew member said, a community college is not a desir“it doesn’t matter where you go to able place to get an education, but school. Attending a fancy institu- merely a stepping stone to a more tion is not what will get you the job. prestigious institution. But if what What will get you the job is a repu- the MTV crew members say is true, tation for professionalism on a set, then Chattanooga State can be a positive attitude and a compre- the destination for anyone interhensive knowledge of the technol- ested in pursuing a career in film, ogy.” The old adage that “it’s who television and radio. Certainly the Chattanooga State’s “Hats Off to you know” was amended to “it’s education that one receives here Excellence” award ceremony will be who knows you” by almost every- will provide them with a sense of held on Thursday, April 8, 2010 beone on the MTV crew. A person can professionalism and knowledge of ginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Humaniknow everyone in the business but the equipment used on a set. With ties Theater. Attendees are asked to if that person has not made them- the internships that each program be seated by 6 p.m. Business attire selves memorable by the quality of encourages - and in some cases reis requested. A reception will follow their work, it does not matter. quires - it is possible for students Willis is already noticing a dif- to make themselves known in the the awards. This annual awards program celference in the morale of the stu- professional world. ebrates student success and honors dents in most of his classes. “The Chattanooga State is indeed a leaders in clubs, organizations and students seem to be more engaged national leader in technology and academics. Also recognized are just having a new place to work out can be considered not just a step4.0 students, club & organization of. They are more motivated,” says ping stone, but a terminus in media of the year, adviser of the year and Willis. They have that memorable education. And those who choose the winner of the prestigious Presiattitude that will carry them into to continue on to a four-year instident’s Award. the next level in this business. tution will be more than prepared.
April 2010 • Page 2
Campus Building a WAWL By Alvin Poe, Junior Staff Writer Many have heard of Chattanooga State’s radio station, commonly referred to as The Wall. But not many know its history or the value it holds for ChattState students. According to a statement written by the late Bob Riley, the first station manager of Chattanooga State’s radio station, “WAWL started in 1980 as WCSO…initially with a small effective radiated power of 200 watts. Later the transmitter was moved to Ringgold, GA from Signal Mountain and operated in full stereo, effective radiated power of 11,000 watts. It was then when the call letters were changed to WAWL. The signal reached a population of 361,762 and spanned over 920 square miles. In December 2008, the station was moved to Internet only and streams globally now from pole-to-pole as WAWL. org.” In the past, Chattanooga State’s WAWL.org has been the voice of the students. It was first created as a marketing tool for the students, faculty and staff. Also, it always has been used as a hands-on training facility for students to develop their skills and create a portfolio to take with them to their career destination. Presently, more emphasis is being put on students and their hands-on training and promoting activities for the school. Production director David McGlumpy would like to see students show more consistency in their
broadcasting. This means that if you are here to broadcast, then that is what you should be doing. As a student you can’t possibly learn the hands-on skills if you aren’t there to be educated. The station and its employees are here for you. There is no other college or educational facility within the city limits of Chattanooga where students can receive call letters for being on the air without finishing at least two years of college. A good idea to improve the station as well as benefit new and current students would be for those students to spend more time in the studio with show preparation. They need to prepare the show and promote it. Students also should record all their shows, then go back and listen to them. This will help with lazy speech habits and volume control. Students should constantly be aware of these things. Another way to improve the quality of the show is to know the music ahead of time. Be interesting and make the listener want to hear you again. McGlumpy would like the faculty to use the resources of WAWL.org. This station is a tool to inform the listeners. The three most important purposes of the radio station are public needs, public interest and public necessity. This means radio is not about music, but about listeners being informed. WAWL.org is located in the IMC Building on the first floor. There are soon to be new changes at WAWL. org as it prepares to relocate to the new, much larger Media Technol-
Mind Games By Amber Lewis, Assistant Editor
ogy Center located next door to the IMC Building. McGlumpy wants For all those students interested to know how WAWL.org can help promote upcoming events. Please in furthering their mind, Photocontact WAWL.org at 423-697- Reading is the perfect course. It is offered by the company Learn4470 for more information. ing Strategies, founded by educator Paul Scheele, who has turned his company into a dynamic global corporation dedicated to teaching unique ways of learning. According to learningstrategies.com, Scheele says, “we live in an age when too little time and too much information compete. If we are to succeed, we require new skills for processing and learning from information.” Surely many have heard of the popular psychology-based maxim that the brain remembers everything it sees and that only ten percent of this mighty organ is used in a person’s lifetime. Learning Strategies incorporates these ideas into the course, teaching the PhotoReading “whole mind system” and the psychological facts that support it. While with normal reading the conscious mind can only absorb seven pieces of information at a time, the subconscious can take in 20,000, as said on learningstrategies.com. This is a significant amount, one worthy of a thorough investigation by those academically-minded overachievers of the scholastic community. As implied, the PhotoReading “whole mind system” teaches an individual to use their mind in all of its vast entirety rather than the tiny portion that comprises the subconscious. The technique is offered in a book, as an at-home course, or in a live seminar. One of the renowned seminar leaders is international instructor Millicent St. Claire, accessible at the Web site MillicentStClaire.com. She is famous for her vibrant, jovial
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Buzz positivity and outgoing personality, and for her vivid and colorfully decorated classrooms which tend to remind one of kindergarten. As matter of fact, it is one of her trademarks. “If you happen to attend another seminar, it will most likely not look like this,” says St. Claire. St. Claire’s inspiring attitude is uplifting to her students, and some leave with an entirely different outlook on life. “She is constantly giving us tidbits of wisdom and knowledge as well as stories of other great leaders who optimized their lives,” one such student said. “Also, she recommends so much helpful reading material. You come away wanting to conquer every obstacle you face.” St. Claire’s class was filled to the brim with tools that were both amusing and optimizing. These included brain games such as sliding puzzles, Rubik’s cubes and a fascinating thing called magic eye stereograms. These are mind-boggling pictures with repeating patterns across them. If you do not focus hard on them and pay more attention instead to the space around them, lightly gazing at the center, you will see the shape of another image hiding in its depths. The hidden images are difficult for some to see, easier for others. However, the experience is worth it. Sometimes the effect is seeing the picture suspended in the air to the amazement of the viewer. The class itself is very enjoyable, and is an excellent tool in the pursuit of knowledge. For those who struggle in school, the difficulty of college can be abated. Some have been said to graduate a program in half the time. If you are interested in pursuing this revolutionary new way of learning, go to learningstrategies.com and register for the course in order to use your whole mind.
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April 2010 • Page 3
Student
Life
Prose And Prejudice on the Campus Beat
From Left: Ryan Tyler, Iris Stigall, and Jordan Scruggs celebrate the John Stigall Memorial African-American Appreciation Poetry Contest.
By Ryan Tyler, Junior Staff Writer Editor’s Note: In the month of February, The Phoenix, Chattanooga State’s art and literary publication, was affiliated with an event called The John Stigall Memorial African-American Appreciation Poetry Contest. The magazine dedicated this semester’s issue to the late John Stigall, who was the honorary founder of The Phoenix. The event was held in honor of Black History Month and was located in the library of the school. Here is the testimonial of Ryan Tyler, The Communicator staff writer whose poem was chosen as the winner of the contest. “Standing before the gathering crowd in the campus library last
month, I had to wonder if it was in some way prejudiced for me to feel this way: awkward, proud, nervous, all at the same time. Was it wrong to wonder what the crowd was thinking? Was it racist to presume even one of them was upset that the first-prize winner of the African American appreciation poetry contest was a white boy? “I was mortified. At last semester’s Reading on the River, audience turnout filled a few rows of chairs and I felt comfortable reciting my work. But the John Stigall Memorial event was standing room only! And most of them were a different shade of poet than me. I hadn’t realized just how difficult it would be for me to read my submission. “Never mind the fact that the contest was fairly anonymous. I have to believe that a Scotch-Irish
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name like mine is a dead giveaway of my particular hue. And never mind the honor among thieves we poets might keep. Never mind the fact that I’m the president of The Phoenix (the campus literary magazine which Stigall, himself, founded back in 1982). Despite great (and greatly appreciated) effort by those in attendance, I felt like an outsider. And worse, the feeling seemed utterly justifiable. “As I sat quietly, rehearsing my own words, the gentleman next to me caught my attention. “You the winner?” he asked, “Can I see what you wrote?” I nodded my head to both questions and handed him my poem, curious as a writer to know what he’d think, curious as a mortal to know if he’d want to strangle me right there and get it over with. My poem, you see, is written in first
person plural. Which means a lot of “we did this” and “we overcame that,” which is potentially volatile considering I hadn’t overcome a single thing; it just laid the best possible foundation for the piece. “He started off laughing. The kind of laugh my alabaster keister might shrug off if someone told me they could beat my Minesweeper score. I hadn’t realized my interest or submission in this poetry contest would result in the judgment of my humanity…even if I was the only one doing the judging. By the end of the poem, he had finished laughing. I wasn’t quite sure why. All he said before skipping out on the rest of the event was, “That’s good, man.” Second place was a promising young slam poet by the name of Jordan Scruggs. I had seen her around campus and thought she looked familiar, but who on campus doesn’t? It wasn’t until I saw her name in the program that night that I remembered exactly who she was. “Years ago, I had worked at a local daycare where she had actually been a student of mine! Upon reintroducing myself to her, I asked if she would mind me mentioning as much before my poem. After the readings, a gentleman commented that I must have rubbed off on her during our time as student and teacher. While I do remember the much younger pair of us discussing writing in general, all I could say to the man was, “It’s clear the girl’s got a style all her own.” “Jordan didn’t just read her piece, she performed it. Her intrepid tongue commanded the attention of the room and simply would not let go. A wit and wisdom far beyond her years lulled the listener to close his eyes and lose himself
in the words…but doing so meant missing half her show. And when they opened the floor to questions, the only one I could think to ask was, “How come you got second?” Timiney Mott, a young lady I can only imagine must have taken a solid third place, recited “The Stories in the Naps,” which may not sound like much but was absolutely riveting. Equating her hair to heritage in a haunting mental braid that truly will affect me as long as I live, she spoke about the souls of her dead ancestors still swinging from the branches of mighty oaks. My jaw hit the floor, and it wasn’t getting up. “Meeting Iris Stigall was a rare and gentle treasure as well. My asinine assumptions about the possibility of campus prejudice vanished when I spoke to her, if for no other reason than by being reminded what’s a waste of worry and what’s truly important. One of the world’s hardest jobs must be that of a poet’s widow. For a man who only died a few months prior to the event, John’s love — once written in words across paper — was still just as bold read from his wife’s genuine smile and pleasant demeanor. Dr. Don Andrews, dean of humanities and fine arts here at Chattanooga State and long-time colleague of Mr. Stigall, intimated that his old friend’s words had a tendency to lean toward the blunt side of honesty. And in the end, the words of Stigall, himself, quelled my fears: “Racism is stupid. Prejudice is like a housedog hunching on your leg. You got to shake it off or it’ll really [screw you up].”” To read Ryan Tyler’s winning poem “Stone of Hope” turn to Entertainment on page 5.
name he was born with), “I got the brains and you got the power to fix this whole screwed up calendar sitch. The way I see it, we can start all over from scratch…or we can devise some truly outrageous, totally confusing Leap Year rules and name it after you!” And the Pope said, “That’sa niiice,” and tweeted a papal decree, declaring the change. The day afBy Ryan Tyler, ter October 4, 1582 would now be J unior Staff Writer October 15, 1582 to correct the discrepancy. And the landlords and insurance companies were forced to pro-rate the month. As tradition had been, a day would still be added to every year divisible by four. As part of the new ordinance, however, centennial years (like 1900 and 2000) would only see February 28 if divisible by 400 (sucks for you, 1900). More recently, we’ve gone a step further and pondered withholding Leap Day from years divisible by 4000, which would put us on the right track to fixing that tiny fraction for good. The problem with that is, the moon actually moves farther away from Earth about a quarter of an inch every year, so by the years 4000 and 8000, the moon will have drifted so far from its orbit that tidal acceleration would make a day on Earth considerably Mr. Ross was bored. shorter than it is now anyway. No The scales in the physics lab aren’t working because of a fooling! After switching to the new Gre. gorian Calendar, some skeptics continued to plant their crops just as they had before. As the years belied, of course, these fools who sowed their seeds closer to April 1 than the May 1 equinox experienced a reduction in both the quality and quantity of their harvests. As a result, it wasn’t long before the astronomy of Christopher Clavius had changed the world. Modern examples of April Fools’ Day pranks include Google’s wildly popular job-posting which offered work on the moon, Youtube’s infamous rickrolling, and rumors in Korea that CNN reported Bill Gates’ assassination. And with no way to verify the information Photo by Isaac Craft/Communicator (CNN doesn’t broadcast in Korea), Mr. Ross tips the scales. the stock market there dropped a point and a half that day.
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Christopher Clavius foolishly ponders the calendar.
April Fool’s Day: It’s No Joke By Ryan Tyler, Junior Staff Writer Four centuries ago, May Day (May 1) meant so much more than just another family vacation. Before summer school, Disney World, and Girls Gone Wild, it marked the beginning of the new planting season, when farmers across the Northern Hemisphere would begin to sow their seeds for harvest. But year after year, when the day of the equinox arrived, that lazy sun of ours would turn up fashionably late…and no one knew why. Something had to be done — and fast! Enter German-born astronomer Christopher Clavius; The Ace of Space; The Ptolemy of Bamberg; The baddest man without a tan. And when he realized his Knight Rider calendar wasn’t measuring accurately, his mind sprang into action. It’s a classic tale: crazy-haired scientist versus Mother Nature, and ole’ Double C was basically Nicholas Cage before it was so darn cool to
be Nicholas Cage. That lonely eye he kept on the galaxy had drawn the gaze of all the civilized world (and France), and it was clear he needed a plan. Determined to rid the Earth of premature “equinoculation,” he brought his calculations before the great and powerful Oz: Pope Gregory XIII. You see, according to the Julian calendar, the year had 365.25 days, hence a Leap Day every four years to correct the fraction. By Clavius’ calculations, though, the year was more like 365.24237 days long. Basically this means that every 100 years the calendar was thrown off by one day, which wouldn’t be too big a problem... except that everybody was Catholic. It had been over a thousand years since Constantine put together the Council of Nicaea, so the modern calendar was drifting like an RX7 across the grave of Paul Walker’s career. And you can’t just observe Easter whenever the hail you feel like it; there are rules for this sort of thing. The continent was unwittingly sinning all throughout Pentecost and needed to be absolved. “Ugo,” Clavius said to the pope (at this point, I should note that neither of these men was using the
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April 2010 • Page 4
Lifestyle Shakers: The Salt of the Earth Photo By Hunter Shirk
Celebrate Earth Day: April 22, 2010
Recycle to Fashion
Contact Matt Nassar at mattnassar@yahoo.com
Chattanooga State’s first annual Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show Contest created and produced by Matt Nassar, student life student coordinator, will be held April 22 at 11 a.m. to educate audiences about waste reduction, recycling issues and to inspire creative re-use. It will showcase wearable art and couture fashion with the creative use of second hand fabrics and other recyclable materials. The mistress of ceremonies will be Jessie Knowles, Communicator editor-inchief. We are looking for fashion designers and models that are interested in participating in this event. A showcase of the winning design as well as cash prizes will be available.
The Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, KY.
By Kimberly Carlton, Contributing Writer The creation of Earth Day in 1970 and its world-wide recognition with the Keep America Beautiful campaign in 1971, featuring Native American actor Iron Eyes Cody shedding a tear for Mother Earth, increased awareness that “People start pollution; people can stop it,” according to the commercial’s slogan. The use of television and other mainstream media has helped every level of environmental efforts, from Keep America Beautiful to local grassroots organizations, to create an awareness of our personal and corporate impact on the environment. These movements brought about changes in everyday behaviors, encouraging curbside recycling, government incentives to go “green” and even a home decorating craze called shabby chic. To many it would seem that recycling and ecologically responsible living began in the latter half of the twentieth century. A look into American history shows that, although popularized now more than ever, these ideals are not new to the United States. They were exemplified for decades in the daily practices and doctrines of a religion-based culture that once existed in America, primarily in New England, called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, more popularly known as the Shakers. The society was born in the eighteenth century and declined into nonexistence during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Their reasons for using resources wisely went beyond environmental impact. As extraordinary businessmen they knew that the abundance of resources, such as water and crops, could be shared unselfishly with the needy instead of wasted. They chose to use these
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gifts prudently, respecting their earthly home. Even a simple thing like food was conscientiously monitored by the green-living Shakers. The water used to cook their vegetables was saved for soups as a nutritious “potlikker.” Leftovers were never wasted but instead reused in a dish or stew. Visitors to the communities were told, “take all you want but eat all you take.” Believing these conservationist ideas were inspirational messages directly from Heaven, the Shakers recycled and salvaged items, refitting them with replacement parts or repurposing them. The Shakers are best known for their museum quality furniture and highly coveted baskets which they sold to support their charity work. Rockers or back slats were added to redesign a less useful chair. They believed that, just as God salvaged their souls, they should not cast aside anything as waste without first considering its possible second life. The Shakers had an innate sense that the world was not their own but a borrowed gift of which they were stewards. Their careful use and reclamation of every earthly item, down to a very pin dropped on the floor, reflected this belief. Long before modern architectural salvage companies were in vogue, the Shakers believed that if a building could not be remodeled or moved to serve the community it should be disassembled and reused. Because of their awareness of the impact they could have on their environment in a positive way, the Shakers were not only grand craftsmen but extremely successful green entrepreneurs. While modern homeowners and businesses have undoubtedly attempted to improve the heavy dent of our own footprints in the earth, we still have a long way to go to catch up with the example the Shakers set in going green.
Want to congratulate a special someone? Call the Communicator at 697-2471 to ask about special graduation ad rates today!
Fashion Forward
Hipsters Head of the Fashion Parade By Matt Nassar, Junior Staff Writer
Photo By Matt Nassar
Fashion “victim” Jessie Knowles.
The Hipster Handbook defines a hipster as “one who possesses tastes, social attitudes, and opinions deemed cool-by-the-cool...[who] walks among the masses in daily life but is not a part of them and shuns or reduces to kitsch anything held dear by the mainstream...[and] ideally possesses no more than two percent body fat.” (Some disregard the regulated allowance of body fat, leaving the irrevocable image of muffin tops in the minds of all who see.) You know the hipster type: their iPods are stocked with Animal Collective, the Postal Service and Bright Eyes, and they often accesorize with square sunglasses and can be found working at an indie record stores in North Chattanooga. Whether one is actually a hipster or just an avid supporter, everyone can learn a thing or two from this often overlooked style. This fashion is a reflection of counter-culture, associated with liberal political views and a strong admiration for the Beat Generation’s literature and lifestyle. Each outfit seems to make a statement while maintaining an effortless look of “cool” in the same instance. But how does one imitate such a get-up when individuality is at the crux of hipster culture? The best
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places to start are the nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill. Though you may have to search for a while, these two indie meccas are the epitome of the style. For low prices you can find retro T-shirts, records, accessories and gaudy furniture. Could there be a better way to spend a languid Saturday afternoon? For many hipsters, the answer would be a resounding no. Look for worn-out skinny jeans, tight hoodie sweatshirts, and striped fitted sweaters to perfect the look. Hipsters usually adorn their feet in old Converse sneakers tattooed with a black Sharpie. They wear flannel shirts and thick thermals reminiscent of Kurt Cobain’s ‘90s grunge look, which thrift stores provide in various sizes and colors. While a men’s size may provide an interesting and oversized edge to your outfit, especially when combined with skinny jeans, those ChattState girls who prefer a more fitted look should limit their search to the women’s section. Hipster style echoes the alternative youth culture’s distaste for large corporations’ callous working conditions. So for a fresh twist on your wardrobe, why not pop that collar, blast some Seattle Sound and throw on a pair of retro sunglasses? Variety is the spice of life, and ChattState could use an infusion of a few more hipster-clad students to keep things interesting.
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April 2010 • Page 5
Arts Stone Of Hope Written By Ryan Tyler
Entertainment Two Way Mirror
Cotton like a snowfall on the summer southern plains Copper under sunset, a sight for eyes unchained But our fathers sweat beside us and regale us our descent While our sons will watch and learn from us a life we never meant As we dine along with weevils, walking barefoot through our roots We work the cursed beauty of a field we did not choose And so we dare sojourn ourselves to gospel’s quiet roar To feel the wind upon our face as fractions o’ men no more And we affirm the actions we will take for liberty We turn our eyes to shepherds, praying ‘please deliver me’ Conductors on a terrain we cannot walk alone The whistle blows beneath our feet and knows the long way home And days anon, a million strong, we’ll march to hear a dream That’s separate in its message but equal to the King’s: To judge by only character, not color or by skin A constitution free are we, the people, to amend And pearl to onyx, all be honest, freedom to freedom bound In this, a land where some are standing up for the right to sit down The civil disobedient, unwilling to repent Raise their fists into the air for time in shackles spent Now’s the time and here’s the place to ask where we belong That we should feel not only free at last but all along
Written By Chasity Masters
Wrapped up tight inside this life awaiting time to pass. Feeling change how very strange to see through the looking glass. Look at me like you you’ll see but there’s someone else there too. The biggest demise to trust just eyes to see the whole world through.
Artwork By Christina Pritchett
Arts Calendar Music Recital April 12 - 7:30 p.m. The music department presents a recital featuring the music students at Chattanooga State. Students will present vocal, piano, violin and guitar selections.
Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan April 23 - 7:30 p.m., April 24 - 7:30 p.m., April 25 - 2:30 p.m. Performed by members of the graduating class of the Professional Actor Training Program Directed by Sherry Landrum
Eye of God by Tim Blake Nelson April 16 - 7:30 p.m., April 17 - 7:30 p.m., April 18 - 2:30 p.m. Performed by members of the graduating class of the Professional Actor Training Program Directed by Garry Posey
Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg April 30 - 7:30 p.m., May 1 - 7:30 p.m., May 2 - 2:30 p.m. Performed by members of the graduating class of the Professional Actor Training Program Directed by Jeff Parker
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April 2010 • Page 6
Editorials
Opinions
Tofusion?
The best thing is that there are a wealth of images to choose from when it comes to being a vegetarian, from the slightly famished vegan to the fitnessobsessed flexitarian (which sounds like a vegetarian for Artwork By Jaye Harris gymnasts, but is actually a vegetarian who eats the occasional hamburger). If you want to get presidential, some people The world seems awash with claim that Abraham Lincoln was recently converted vegetarians, esa vegetarian. This is questionable pousing the manifold advantages of given the muttonchops on his face, a beansy, leafy diet. Vegetarianism but people can dream. If some of and its derivatives are proclaimed you out there are still unconvinced to be good for the environment. of the power of vegetarianism in Think of the animals suffering crafting the perfect social impresat people’s cruel hands as the husion, reinforce your belief by hearman race hopscotches right across ing some descriptions of famous Mother Earth’s warming, teary vegetarians, vegans, etc. and their face. Plus, check out their rockin’ respective public personas. bods and cardiovascular systems For example, there’s the Moby pumping blood like nobody’s busivegetarian, dropping electronica ness. Vegetarians are basically beats while enjoying his tempeh the most celebrated people on the and tofu. Gawky and oddly pale, planet. his dietary choices serve as a model Lately, though, there has been for the larger society. Moby, while some back-and-forth about the peralso a master of the turntables, is ceived pitfalls of meat consumpthe perfect model for the techno/ tion. As non-meat-eaters sit down hipster vegan. He also has the to dine with carnivorous friends, whole spiritual hybrid thing going they are asked to explain the prinfor him, embracing an amalgamaciples of their dietary choices. Like tion of Christianity, Buddhism and those of any other regimen, these yogic bliss through his veggie lifechoices have their drawbacks. style. Moby’s vibe is particularly Let’s let you in, then, on a little appropriate for college converts, secret: vegetarianism is not about whose forays into vegetarianism principles at all. In fact, it’s enare often part of a larger existential tirely about image. Sure, Jaye Harcrisis. If you’re going to get all “who ris—The Communicator’s highly am I,” you should probably put on esteemed art director and vegan some huge black venetian blind extraordinaire—has principles, but glasses and hit the dance floor you would be hard pressed to find while you’re at it. another of his kind. Another option is the bodacious
The Rules of Engagement What are the rules of engagement? (No, I am not talking about the military or even the movie.) I am talking about the specific rules that have to be followed in order for you to go out with a member of the opposite sex - if you are merely friends or acquaintances and in a relationship with someone else. The same rules can apply to a gay or lesbian couple, as well. The specific rules I have been given by my girlfriend, for example, are: 1) It has to be a friendship ONLY! 2) We have to meet at the venue. 3) I cannot pay for as little as a movie ticket for my female friend. Why do people make these rules? What happened to trust? I mean, if someone is going to cheat on their significant other there isn’t a referee there to disqualify them. To me, romance is like one bad American Pie spinoff. This is because there is always someone in the relationship who is more controlling than the other, but which is worse: having guidelines to follow, or being completely controlled and not allowed to go anywhere with anyone? In case you’re wondering whether or not you’re being controlled by your girl or boyfriend, there are various signs to be on the look out for; they call you every 15 minutes while you are out with friends; they read your text messages or call log. Some people are just untrusting or very insecure. Also, let’s face it guys, it is a bad idea to tell your girlfriend your MySpace, Facebook or e-mail password. Still, it happens. (And just to clarify so no one can call me sexist, I’ll say the same goes for your guys, ladies.) We should ask if these rules really work, though it’s hard to say because it depends on the person. Me, personally, I try not to put myself in a situation where I know things can go askew. Honestly, a person shouldn’t lay down the law until their significant other gives them a reason not to trust them. Don’t jump to conclusions. What does it accomplish? Referring to my significant other’s previous rule, are you really going to just come out and tell your girl or guy you bought someone’s movie ticket or drink? You’re not married, so what does it matter? Is there a ring on your finger? If you are just dating, then I don’t think so, and that’s the truth. —Lee Lunsford
Artwork By Jaye Harris
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animal rights vegetarian, à la Pamela Anderson. This is the glamazon’s take on a meatless diet. She cringes at the thought of butchering animals for the sake of fashion, but has none of the same qualms about her own face and chest. For those of you who want to take self-sacrifice to the extreme and offer yourselves up to go under the knife instead of subjecting would-be pork chops to similar disfigurement, your noble spirit is admired, and also your great nose job. Often, students take up vegetarianism only to become enfeebled and miserable before coming to their senses and returning to eating meat again. It is usually a womanly conceit, with girlfriends and wives forcing an unnatural diet on their men folk (to their manifest detriment) as well as bringing strange, tasteless and inedible types of food to the table which threaten the traditional manly fare of meat - and more meat. Society’s dietary persuasion encourages people to go into the countryside at the first possible opportunity and lay waste to anything with more than one stomach. Moral standards are great and everything, but what is really important here? The answer is social legacy. The planet’s ecological welfare is one viable excuse for a meatless lifestyle, and good health is an excellent side effect. In the end, though, vegetarians are just using these concerns as a cover-up for their ambitions to become the next Drew Barrymore, Prince or Bono. How’s that for social status? —Matt Nassar
FREE Money! Whoa, did that get your attention? The Communicator has openings each fall for news staff personnel. Management positions come with a scholarship if you qualify. Qualifications include: • Full-time (12-hour) status • 2.0 GPA (cumulative and semester average) • Some experience or a portfolio in graphic design, Web design, writing or photography • Provide a current transcript • Provide three letters of reference • Ability to work in a team environment • Dependability Students interested in working on the Communicator should contact adviser Betty Proctor in person. Ms. Proctor’s office is located within the marketing department in CBIH-221; her email is betty. proctor@chattanoogastate.edu. The following full-time scholarship positions are open each fall: Editor-in-chief, art director, Web editor and business/ad manager. Half-time scholarship positions also require the above qualifications: Assistant editor, assistant art director and sports editor. A special Geraldine Burau Memorial Scholarship will provide $150 toward books for one student who has completed 12 semester hours, is currently on staff and maintains a GPA of 2.75 and above. Not interested in managing? Staff writers, photographers and illustrators can earn $10 per submission if entries are turned in on time, relatively error free and published. Meetings are every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in S-216. Come join us!
Published by the students of Chattanooga State Editor-in-Chief Jessie Knowles Assistant Editor Amber Lewis Art Director Jaye Harris Assist. Art Director Margie Penn Sports Editor Abel Isidro Web Editor Charles Fannin Business/Ad Manager & Distribution Chasity Masters Photographer Isaac Craft Staff Writers Lee Lunsford Matt Nassar Alvin Poe Ryan Tyler Contributors Kimberly Carlton Christina Pritchett Hunter Shirk Adviser Betty A. Proctor Address Communicator 4501 Amnicola Hwy., Room S-216 Chattanooga, TN 37406 (423) 697-2471 E-mail communicator.editor@gmail.com
Dude, That’s SO Gay! I am compelled to write about the presence of what I find to be abhorrent bigotry that still remains relatively accepted in our society. I am talking about homophobia. Homophobia runs rampant, especially in “the Bible Belt.” One would expect that the followers of Christ would accept their brothers with a good and honest heart, as taught by Jesus, and some do. However, and unfortunately, the gay community suffers persecution at the hands of many people who consider themselves to be tolerant, accepting, open and religious. In the Bible, we find a man named Leviticus, one of Abraham’s less desirable progeny, who had it on good authority that “men shall not lie with other men.” Leviticus also tells us that “a man shall not lie with another man’s wife.” This was after we had to make sure to smear the blood of a lamb on our door to escape the wrath of God. Moses tells us that one of the deadliest sins is “coveting,” and Matthew tells us that Jesus told him that “anyone who sneers at
his neighbor shall answer for it in the fires of hell.” Are you listening, Glenn Beck? That being said, people need to wake up. Phrases like “hate the sin, not the sinner” are hurtful and demeaning. You may find homosexuality a sin but so is “nursing anger against your brother” and you can’t tell me everyone who is guilty of that “sin” shouldn’t be allowed all the rights and privelages that are afforded to the rest of us. Jesus said “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and “Judge not lest ye be judged” so why is everyone throwing stones from their glass houses? I can understand if a lifestyle makes you uncomfortable but I said it before and I’ll say it again, wake up!! Homosexuals deserve all the civil rights that heterosexuals have, they deserve respect, they deserve love and they deserve acceptance. End of story. And people – can we please stop using the word “gay” as a euphemism for “stupid.” That’s so gay. —Jessie Knowles
The opinions expressed are those of the author only and not of the entire Communicator staff.
M EM BERS
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How Do You Like Them Apples? I am not, even in the loosest sense of the word, a technology buff. I still use full sentences with appropriate capitalization in text messages; I have yet to master the art of sending a picture message from my cell phone; and worst of all, I do not have a Twitter account. Technology escapes me (and, quite frankly, I am okay with that). But on January 27, along with hundreds and hundreds of techies, I waited with bated breath in anticipation of the new announcement from Apple Computer front man Steve Jobs. There had been some leakage as to the mystery source of all the excitement; most postulated that the newest member of the über-cool Apple clan would be something similar to a tablet. And they were right. Now Apple can claim the iPad, a touch-screen model bigger than its iPhone predecessor, and apparently better, too. Did the world change because
of this announcement? Not really. Was global warming solved, international crises averted or world hunger cured because Steve Jobs got up on a podium and made an announcement? Not in the slightest. However, it was all I could think about. Once again, Apple delivered something that I had to have, and, honestly, I couldn’t explain why. Like a modern-day Willy Wonka, Jobs stepped from behind the shroud of secrecy to declare that he had come up with another marvel. And we, myself included, will eat it up like candy; really expensive, super cool candy. As mentioned previously, I am blissfully ignorant about technology, so the merits of such an announcement based strictly on the merits of the product being announced are completely lost on me. But I feel as though I am not the only person intrigued by this new revelation. When one considers that the iPod came out less than 10
years ago and has now made its way into most hands and ears around the globe, that Jobs essentially runs both Pixar Animation (Disney’s right-hand man) and Apple Computers and that (although I do not have hard statistics confirming this) the majority of kids on campus right now own some form of Apple product, it’s almost frightening to think of what this formidable giant can’t do. I am even convinced that Apple could wrap a bow around a No. 2 pencil, call it innovative and turn a profit. The brains behind the powerhouse that is Apple Computers have found a niche in the consumer-driven, buy-on-demand young things of our generation; in doing so, they have created a world where life sans their products holds a bleak outlook. But, hey, consumerism isn’t so bad when the products look so gosh-darn cool, right? Right?? —Matt Nassar
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April 2010 • Page 7
Sports Price is Right as Coach of the Year! The Man, The Coach, The Father
By Abel Isidro, Sports Editor Jay Price has been the head coach for the women’s and men’s basketball team here at Chattanooga State Community College for six years. Though there was some speculation at the beginning of the Fall ’08 semester that the coach was leaving, this was nothing more than hearsay. He has accolades hanging in his office that name him as Eastern Conference Coach of the year: Men’s 20062007, Men’s 2009, and now Men’s 2009-2010. This makes two years in a row that “the Man” Coach Price has received this award. And from following the two teams around all season long, the “Coach of the Year” title is much deserved. For those who don’t know, Price was part of the Brainerd Panthers ‘87-‘88 AAA state champs. He also continued winning when he played at his alma mater The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he was the shooting guard for the Volunteers. Coach Price can recognize a champion and overall, he is proud of his teams this year. During most home games, you will be able to spot his wife Angela and three daughters: eight-yearold Jala, five-year-old Kennedy, and two-year-old Alexis, giving the father and husband their full support. I had the opportunity to ask the man, coach, and father a few questions about this past season, his coaching philosophies, and life in general. Congratulations on your Eastern Conference Coach of the year award. How would you sum up the season for the
Photo by Abel Isidro/Communicator
Family man, Coach Jay Price and his daughter sport matching smiles.
women’s and men’s basketball teams? Thank you. I think overall we had a good season. It’s obviously disappointing that we were not region champions with either men or women. We want to win championships, but more importantly, get them exposure to four-year schools so they can move on and be successful. What do you think your players can take and learn
from this season and the results? They can learn that teamwork means more than individual talent. If we would have learned to work as a team we would have gone farther. That’s something we struggled with all season. I think we needed to have more team chemistry. We had a lot of talent but we struggled to get over the hump as a team the whole season. At times it seemed like we finally would but
we couldn’t ever get over it. Coach, let’s talk about your family. Does your traveling a lot affect [them]? It doesn’t affect us as much, but it does take a toll. This year wasn’t bad. My wife does a great job with the girls. It’s so nice to be here in my home [Chattanooga] where my girls can come to almost all [the] home games and some close away games, so I will not be going anywhere, and I wouldn’t change
where I work. Was I justified in saying ina previous issue that the Tigers could win if the players want it? Yeah, it is. We had a lot of talent but we could never get the team together. We could have gone so much farther than we did if we would have just gelled as a team. What do you want the student body to know about this year’s teams? This year’s team had to practice away from home during the early games since we didn’t have our home. [It was under construction.] It was worth it though. We have a new court and new bleachers. The guy’s team especially had late nights practicing. They would practice at UTC and would get home at about midnight before the season began. Both teams worked hard all year long. They put in the time and practiced. They just fell short. There wasn’t team continuity, which was disappointing. Also, the faculty and staff were very supportive. They would help with the team’s meals and also the clubs here on campus. Everyone did their part. Anywhere Coach Price goes, whether here on campus, a basketball venue or sporting event within the TJCCAA, he is immediately recognized as a good coach. If you go to the men’s or women’s practice or anywhere the players are just hanging out, you will see Coach Price joking around with them, with a big smile on his face. However, when it comes time to get work done, this coach’s demeanor is completely serious.
Crouching Tigers, Hidden Braggin’ By Ryan Tyler, Junior Staff Writer The Lady Tigers Softball Team is currently leading a groundswell, the likes of which is seldom seen in sports—college or professional. With 24 wins and 7 losses, they may well be on their way to clinching yet another Regional title. And coming on the heels of last year’s number one national ranking, this is fortuitous as the team defends its reputation. In their latest skirmish, the number seven Tigers beat the
number six Seminole State team. Steamrolling over their adversaries, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 101 to 12 and batted over 400 in their last 12 matches. Peppered with highlights and powerhouse moments like Tabitha McNew’s grand slam earlier this season, the games have proven a tours de force. As indicated in chatter generated by their pre-season pitching, the swift prestidigitation from the Tigers’ mound has not failed to mesmerize and dismantle their opposition. Sophomores Haley Workman
and Kendall Bruning, both highly sought-after Division One recruits, take the mound from Easley, South Carolina, and Chickamauga, GA respectively. Workman has started in precisely half of the team’s 24 wins. And Bruning, who has started in 11 more of those wins, has pitched a one-hitter as well as the highly coveted, highly talented no-hitter. With the season more than halfway over, we wish head coach Beth Keylon-Randolph and the Lady Tigers the best of luck in all their scheduled games as well as in the post season.
Kaela Jackson and her teammates.
Photo Courtesy of Kaela Jackson
The Tigers and Lady Tigers Basketball Season Comes to an End By Abel Isidro, Sports Editor The Lady Tigers went into the Region 7 TJCCAA tourney on a high note after overcoming roadblocks. On Friday, March 5, the Lady Tigers faced off against in-state rivals Cleveland State’s Lady Cougars. Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers lost to the Lady Cougars ending a shortlived Region 7 visit. The Lady Tigers looked confident as they won both games against our rivals to the north earlier in the season. After battling teams with height advantages and suffering some suspensions due to violations of team rules earlier in the semester, the Lady Tigers showed their true character, pulling together to get some wins against competition on the hardwood. After a season that saw the men’s team ranked in the National Top 25, followed by wins at the Corry Black JUCO Jamboree in Columbus, GA, the men’s basketball season has come to an end. The first game of the season was a win against nemesis Southwest Tennessee Saluqis of Memphis, TN, and the final defeat came at the hands of the same team, with a final score of 100-91. It was the second season in a row that the Tigers have been ousted by the Saluqis in the Region 7 TJCCAA tournament. Southwest Tennessee did go on to the finals where they lost to the Walters State Senators who were beaten twice this season by the Tigers. It was a long, hard-fought season that had some disappointments for this high caliber team. Congratulations to the Tigers and Lady Tigers for a season of entertainment and tremendous effort! Coach Jay Price and Latrice Wickley watch the game.
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