November 17, 2011

WHY WAIT TILL THURSDAY? READ MYTJNOW.COM.

Love is the cure for religion blues.

See Opinion, page 5

There’s an app for that (which a student may have designed).

See Science & Tech, page 6

Students whet their palate with a ‘Taste of the World.”

See Culture, page 9

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY

Issue 12 NEWS

SPORTS

Homecoming 2011

TKE still going without campus recognition JONATHAN MCFADDEN mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Surely you’ve seen them: Gray letters emblazoned on a cherry framed background; the acronym “TKE” written on the front of T-shirts; their fingers forming a triangle.

On campus, they’re visible. Nationally, they’re recognized. At Winthrop, they’re nonexistent.

They’re Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE), a longstanding fraternity aspiring “to become the leading 21st century college fraternity with a focused mission on building better men, who in turn, will build a better world,” according to the organization’s website.

Ask TKE Chapter Advisor Matt Milligan

See TKE page 3

Reggie Middleton, senior guard, attempts to block Mike DiNunno’s path to the basket during the first half of Winthrop’s Homecoming game against Eastern Kentucky University. Photo by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

Eagles lose first game of season to EKU 71-59 DAVID THACKHAM thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Poor shooting and a late first half meltdown led to a disappointing 71-59 Homecoming loss for the Winthrop Eagles’ men’s basketball team against the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky University (1-1)

Saturday evening.

Winthrop (0-1) dropped only their eighth home opener in the program’s 36 year history after EKU shot well above Winthrop’s poor 36 percent field goal percentage to come back from nine points down early in the first half.

“It’s certainly a tough first loss,” said head coach Randy

Peele. “I would venture to say this is the toughest team we’ve faced in an opening game in my nine years as a head coach.”

The Eagles fielded four freshmen at one point halfway through the first period in which Eastern Kentucky went on an 11-2 tear in five minutes.

Just under 3,000 fans

and alumni witnessed a Winthrop team that showed little spark that they first advertised in a 107-point stomping of St. Andrews just a week before.

“There’s a frustration factor that happens when we don’t shoot the ball well,” Peele said. “I don’t think we’re there yet, but we’re

See EAGLES page 11

Members of Tau Kappa Epsilon cheese for the camera while cleaning a highway.

Though not recognized on campus, TKE is still a nationally recognized Greek organization and can still participate in community service activities. Photo courtesy of Frans Alkemade, TKE’s president.

NEWS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Kicking clubs Soldiers, students come together in remembrance of U.S. veterans into gear: a student’s guide KAITLYN SCHALLHORN

FRANCES PARRISH parrishf@mytjnow.com

There are about 145 clubs on campus, but there is still room for more.

The process of starting a club requires planning, but it can be done. Ashley Stowe, Graduate Associate for Student Organizations, said the process looks more “daunting” than it really is.

“The process is similar to any other process for an organization outside of a university area,” Stowe said. “The intent of our process is to more or less guide our students into more realistic situations.”

The office of Student Organizations helps students start the process of getting their idea of a club to become a reality, but the final judgment of approval is left to the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) Board.

It can take as few as three weeks if the members have everything in order to start their club. However, it can take longer depending on the club and how long it takes to get all forms and signatures together.

See CLUBS page 8

schallhornk@mytjnow.com

In sync with 182 colleges nationwide, Winthrop held a special Veteran’s Day celebration in honor of the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11.

Beginning at 8 am, students, faculty and members of the community gathered at three different locations as over 6,000 names were read in remembrance of the fallen soldiers from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Once the names were read, the assembly moved to the amphitheater in time for a moment of silence and patriotic music from Phi Mu Alpha fraternity. The Rock Hill Police Department presented flags.

Command Sgt. Joseph Midland addressed all gathered on the steps of the amphitheatre despite the chilly wind.

“What a beautiful Vet-

Questions? Contact us at editors@mytjnow.com Serving Winthrop since 1923

I N D E X

eran’s Day,” Midland began his speech. “Good morning, Winthrop.”

Midland captivated his audience as he recognized veterans as heroes in his speech.

“Those [veterans] are the real heroes. They don’t wear capes,” Midland said.

“As long as I have memory, I will think of them every day. As I leave earth, I’m certain that my last thought will be of my family and my comrades,” Midland said.

The Veteran’s Day celebration concluded with the readings of the names of the fallen North and South Carolina soldiers.

“It’s important that we honor North and South Carolina names in a special way for people on campus,” said Michael Widrich, senior psychology and biology double major.

Widrich believed that everyone on campus either

See VETERANS page 2 CAMPUS NEWS OPINION SCIENCE & TECH

Students, faculty and community members could read the names of fallen U.S. soldiers on Veteran’s Day. Photo

by John Rhodes • rhodesj@mytjnow.com 2-4

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

5

CULTURE

6

SPORTS

7-8 9 10-11

2

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

JONATHAN MCFADDEN News Editor mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com AMANDA PHIPPS Assistant News Editor phippsa@mytjnow.com

Soldiers salute fallen comrades On Veteran’s Day, Winthrop gathers to remember casualties of war VETERANS • from front

“”

knows or is in some way affected by a soldier.

Widrich, who is a veteran himself, is also president and founder of the Student Veterans of Winthrop University.

He spent over four months planning for the Veteran’s Day event, he said.

“It’s quite an honor,” Widrich said in reference to the event. “I feel so honored to be in the presence of everyone that made it out here.”

Widrich, who is set to graduate in Michael Widrich December 2012, spent one year in Korea Senior and 19 months in Baghdad, Iraq. He was an M1A1 Abrams crew member on a main battle tank moving up the ranks from driver to loader and ending up as a gunner. He also earned the esteemed rank of corporal while serving.

With family in the Rock Hill area, Widrich chose not to return to Texas, but to attend Winthrop instead.

“Since I was going to have a long vacation here anyways, I put in an application and got accepted.”

Students and veterans stand and watch names of fallen soldiers being read. Photo by John But Widrich could not just stop at attendRhodes • rhodesj@mytjnow.com ing classes.

Instead, he founded the Student Veterans allowing for a sort of support and understanding. of Winthrop University and is constantly working on “It’s been a pleasure learning of all the veterans projects through this organization. on campus,” Widrich said. “When I first started at The Student Veterans of Winthrop University serve Winthrop, I knew I wasn’t the only veteran, but I felt to advocate physical and psychological aspects of being like I was the only veteran.” a soldier, according to Widrich.

Meeting other student veterans has given Widrich It is more than just a support group, he said. a support system and allowed for him to grow as an The organization allows student veterans to connect individual, he said. and bond with each other in order to expand the uniAfter graduation, Widrich hopes to work with versity’s military policies.

Veteran’s Affairs or with the university with veteran “There are a lot of challenges returning soldiers face relations. while at school,” Widrich said.

He is also interested in counseling and psycholOne of the projects that Widrich and fellow student ogy, focusing on veteran counseling. vets are trying to pursue includes cutting cultural event “Some people gave some; some people gave all. credit for student veterans.

It’s them that gave their last bit of devotion to our Widrich hopes to allow for the university to grant country,” Widrich said. “It’s important for Winstudent veterans one credit per month they were dethrop to see the sacrifices we made for our freeployed in the army. Widrich explained that as a soldier, dom.” one must undergo a month of language training as well “Veteran’s Day means the world to me. It’s not as basic health training. Soldiers must also learn the about celebrating me as a veteran, but the commitcustoms of host nations. ment and sacrifice others made,” Widrich said, as he Frank Ardaiolo, vice president of student life, and “We’re not just there to have guns, but to win the admitted that he has a tendency to downplay his own Michael Widrich stand on the stage of the amphitheatre during the Veteran’s Day celebration. Photo by John hearts and minds of Afghanis and Iraqis,” said Widpersonal sacrifice and commitment. rich. “It’s about the impact we have on the people while “I’m very grateful for the people who served before Rhodes • rhodesj@mytjnow.com we’re there.” me and who will serve after me so that I can have the Widrich is also interested in implementing a program same freedom as everyone else.” that would allow for student veterans to room together,

It’s important for Winthrop to see the sacrifices we made for our freedom.

Fraternity kicks off bike-a-thon with vets, mayor as guests

By Ariel Gilreath Special to The Johnsonian

Friday, Nov. 4 started off cold, overcast and drizzly, but that did not stop Winthrop’s Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity from enthusiastically pursuing their cause.

The Pi Kappa Alphas, led by senior business administration major Jason Johns, held a meeting in front of the Byrnes Auditorium at 11 am on Friday to start their third annual Bike-A-Thon kick-off.

This year, the fraternity donated $6,000 to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), an organization dedicated to providing money, employment and other assistance for the veterans of Iraq and (From left) Maj. Coral Dobson, Sen. Wes Hayes, Rock Hill Mayor Doug Afghanistan.

Echols, Philip Land, outreach director for Sen. Lindsey Graham, senior The organization has over 200,000 business administration major Jason Johns and Winthrop alum Greg veterans that they assist and support. Rogers stand in front of Byrnes Auditorium during the Pi Kappa Alpha The first year of the Pi Kappa Bike-A-Thon kickoff on Nov. 4. Photo by Ariel Gilreath • Special to The Alpha bike-a-thon the charity was Johnsonian for cerebral palsy, and they rode to Along with the crowd of people watching the kick-off Washington D.C. Last year, they rode was Rock Hill’s own Mayor Doug Echols, who conto Durham, N.C. This year, they bicycled back to Washgratulated Pi Kappa Alpha on behalf of the Rock Hill ington D.C., a 430 mile distance from Rock Hill. community. The speakers at the meeting included Maj. Carol Dobson, S.C. Sen. Wes Hayes (RRock Hill) and soldier Clark Collins.

Maj. Dobson of the 178th Engineering Battalion made some honorable sentiments in his speech to the fraternity brothers.

“A warrior needs three things on a battlefield: family and friends, resources, and their community,” he said.

He ended the speech by reading a poem by a marine chaplain, and saying, “God bless this fraternity, university and endeavor.”

Sen. Hayes also supported the Pi Kappa Alpha cause by giving some charitable words of encouragement.

One of the most poignant speeches was that of Private Clark Collins, who spoke of his experiences of deployment.

Being a soldier himself, Collins’ praise of Members of Pi Kappa Alpha welcome their guests. Photo by Ariel the Pi Kappa Alpha’s donations seemed to Gilreath • Special to The Johnsonian strike home for most of the audience.

Mayor Echols greets the crowd. Photo by Ariel Gilreath • Special to The Johnsonian In his speech Collins said, “When you become a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, you dedicate yourself to a set of ideals.”

The enthusiasm of the fraternity was palpable.

“I’m really excited about it; this is my second year participating in the bike-a-thon,” said Chris Vaughn, a Pi Kappa Alpha member of almost three years.

For more information on the Iran and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization, you can visit www. iava.org.

3

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

Barred from WU, TKE moves on TKE • from front and he’d say that’s exactly what they’re doing, in spite of recent trials and tribulations.

Those trials include violating the university’s alcoholic beverage policy in September 2010, said Sean Blackburn, assistant dean of students.

The alcohol policy states that Winthrop prohibits “the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages by students.”

The suspension is temporary but bars the fraternity from being recognized as an official Winthrop student organization, Blackburn said.

Per their suspension, members are unable to reserve space for events, receive money via student allocations, rent student organization lockers, access technological resources and “much more,” he said.

On TKE’s national website, the Rho Alpha Chapter—the TKE chapter in Rock Hill—is still recognized, with Frans Alkemade listed as its president.

Two TKE chapters, one at Furman University and the other at the University of South Carolina, are no longer active, according to the website.

Members of TKE were not allowed to speak with The Johnsonian.

Though unable to elicit donations on campus for their philanthropy, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, members of TKE still raise money and have remained active in the community, said Milligan, who himself

Photo courtesy of Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Facebook page

graduated from Winthrop in 2009.

Milligan addressed the stereotypes most Greek organizations face.

“When people see Greek Life, they see partying,” Milligan said.

But, that’s not always the case nor is that the purpose of a Greek organization. While at Winthrop, Milligan said he was more than a TKE. To prove his point, he called on his time as a resident advisor.

Greek Life isn’t only about the social activities either, he said.

Fraternity and sorority activity that most people don’t see include their work with philanthropies, which “tend to be overlooked,” Milligan said.

When trouble comes knocking, “philanthropies can be taken away” just like parties and other social functions.

Milligan admitted that being suspended from a campus is definitely “not a good thing,” especially when the word “suspended” already carries a negative connotation, he said.

But, the organization is making strides in trying to prove that it’s not a group of party animals.

Members of TKE, circa 2009, stand With the in front of a highway they adopted bruises as part of their community service. beginning to Photo courtesy of Tau Kappa Epsilon’s heal, MilFacebook page ligan said the

organization is focusing on restructuring itself and ensuring that it resurrects a positive image.

The ultimate goal: Get back on campus, Milligan said.

“We don’t want to be viewed as the organization that got kicked off campus because of a party,” Milligan said. “We’re more than that.”

In the meantime, TKE has been involved in a lot of community service, such as work with the YMCA and churches, Milligan said.

They will be eligible for “re-colonization” on campus no sooner than summer 2013, Blackburn said.

My, how times have changed Former campus advisor of TKE Lane Lovegrove had an instrumental role in attempting to restore TKE as a campus organization during his days as an undergraduate.

In 1997, Lovegrove, current director for Winthrop’s Social Behavior Research Lab, transferred to Eagle’s territory from Spartanburg Methodist College.

Once he arrived in Eagle’s territory, he reunited with his resident advisor from SMC, who had also transferred to Winthrop, and his best friend.

At the time, Lovegrove’s resident advisor and friend planned on refounding TKE, which had been barred from campus

Graphic by Courtney Niskala • niskalac@mytjnow.com back in 1992.

When Lovegrove arrived, his friends asked him to join and, soon enough, he and about nine other undergraduates aided in re-chartering TKE. From the beginning, TKE wasn’t like any other fraternity.

“None of us were really frat guys,” said Lovegrove, referring to the traditional fraternity boy stereotype.

“We had a variety of different people…we were all different already, and none of us would have joined a fraternity had we not been friends initially.”

Their sales pitch was simple: “I don’t think we’re like other organizations, why don’t we play on that and really make an effort to be different,” Lovegrove said he and his friends used to say.

More than that, they never liked being called “frat” boys, Lovegrove said.

“We wanted to be different; we wanted to be unique and expand the perceptions of what that could be,” he said.

Asked whether he thought the fraternity was successful in its dare to be different endeavors, Lovegrove said “success is something that you measure in different capacities.”

In terms of experience, networking and mak-

ing lifelong connections, then yes, it was a success, Lovegrove said.

When gauging “traditional levels of success” like large recruitment numbers, consistently high GPA’s and exceptional community service, then “not in the capacities that other organizations would,” he said. “But we did do our part to make a difference, and I think that is a success.”

TKE’s current situation may not speak to success, Lovegrove said, but during his experience as an alumni volunteer and campus advisor, it was a “good experience for its members.”

While obtaining his bachelor’s degree, Lovegrove became a full time staff member at Winthrop in 2007. During that time, he voluntarily stepped into the role as TKE’s campus advisor.

“I already knew the system and the group well,” Lovegrove said.

When he took the role, TKE was basking in the afterglow of some semesters of strong recruitment, he said.

Then, the membership fluctuations started and lasted until 2010, when Winthrop suspended the organization and Lovegrove resigned as campus advisor.

At the point of suspension, Lovegrove said it

would have been “moot” to have a campus advisor for an inactive organization.

More than that, Lovegrove said much of his life was consumed by TKE activity.

“I was spending a lot of my time doing TKE stuff,” he said. “I was incredibly busy.”

Eventually, he burned out, he said.

Now, Lovegrove’s perspective is different, he said, and he wants to see all members successful.

One of the most pivotal accomplishments Lovegrove is proud of includes implementing an academic mentoring program, which he spearheaded.

Students on academic probation or failing classes would sit down with Lovegrove and construct a plan to put the “brothers” back on track academically.

Helping some guys was harder than he expected.

Lovegrove recalled incidents where he asked students where their syllabi were only for them to reach down into the bottom of their book bags and present Lovegrove with wads of paper. “...Not that that’s indicative of all the brothers,” he said. “A lot of students turned their GPA’s around.”

International students recognized at GLI games

By Shana Hamilton

Special to The Johnsonian

The Campus Green was filled with laughter and the spirit of competition as the second annual GLI (Global Learning Initiative) games kicked off last Tuesday.

Even Big Stuff joined in the action.

The games were held to recognize the role that international students play at Winthrop University. The goal of GLI is to improve students’ understanding about global knowledge, global attitudes and global engagement, as stated on the organization’s website.

“It is a way to celebrate Winthrop University as part of the world,” said Karen Kedrowski, director for the Global Learning Initiative and chair of the department of political science.

Students were able to participate in different international-related events. International food was provided for tasting by the Department of Alumni Relations.

Games such as Frisbee toss and the gauntlet, a Japanese obstacle course, were played in teams named after various countries. Free GLI discs were given away during the events.

Tug-of-war was a battle between the students and faculty. The students won last year and the faculty came back this year for another round.

The students took home the win for the second year in a row. The competition was a way to bring people together, said Bonnye Stuart, professor of mass communication.

“This is a great way to celebrate diversity and to get together the different departments,” Stuart said. “It is also a great way to get the community involved. It is

a good chance to spread school spirit and celebrate what Winthrop is all about.”

Graduate student Camille Bedu, a native of Normandy, France, said the GLI games were a way to involve every student.

“I think the GLI games are a great opportunity to have international students as part of the community,” she said.

“Sports are always a great way to mingle with simplicity and enthusiasm. I am always glad to find events for international students, but it is even better when we can all mix together since it is what we are looking for here at Winthrop.”

The GLI games build awareness for the initiative and international study programs. Some of the organizations in attendance were Model UN, International Studies Minor, ONE Campaign and Multicultural Student Life.

Ngan Pham, junior finance and economics major, is a member of the Multicultural Student Council.

“November is Native American heritage month,” Pham said. “We chose to do Native American face painting to spread awareness to the campus.”

The GLI games were co-sponsored by GLI and the Department of Alumni Relations. Bedu said she hopes there will be similar events in the future.

“Exchanging our culture is part of our Winthrop experience and the games were a great way to do it,” she said. “I am hoping that we will have more events that raise global spirits and improve the relationships between the community and the international students.”

Top: Big Stuff joined in the action during the second annual GLI (Global Learning Initiative) games on the Campus Green. Photo by Devang Joshi • joshid@mytjnow.com Right: Students and faculty participated in a variety of games and challenges to inspire global learning during the GLI games last Tuesday.

Photo by Claire VanOstenbridge • ostenbridgec@mytjnow.com

4

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

Women manage success while living with mental illness

By Jonathan McFadden mcfaddenj@mytjnow.com

Bridget Patterson is many things: A good mother, a wife of 10 years, 27 years old and a home-school teacher.

She’s also obsessive-compulsive.

For all her life, Patterson’s lived with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a mental illness that has robbed her of sleep and security.

Last Thursday, Patterson took a stride in conquering her anxiety as she told an audience just short of 200 people in Dina’s Place “there was never a time I was ‘normal.’”

“I’m anxious all of the time, and I’ve had to learn how to cope with that,” she said.

Coping hasn’t been easy.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder that causes people to have “unwanted or repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations or behaviors” that compel them to take some kind of action, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s website.

The site dubs those “sensations” as obsessions and those “actions” as compulsions.

For Patterson, paranoia is a mainstay.

As the mother of a 9-year-old, 4-year-old and 1-month-old, Patterson said she would repeatedly check on her kids to make sure they were still breathing.

One night, her husband caught her putting screws in the windows to ensure that no one could break into their house.

She knew her behavior was absurd, she said, but, in the back of her mind a voice always asks “what if?”

For at least an hour last Thursday, she managed to silence the voice.

Patterson was one of the two women living successfully with mental illnessw who hosted “In Our Janie Simpson (left) and Bridget Own Voice,” Patterson watch the “In Our Own an educational Voices” video. Photo by John Rhodes tour spon• rhodesj@mytjnow.com

sored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

NAMI is a program that seeks to provide support for individuals with mental illness (consumers) and their families, said Betsey O’Brien, director of education programs for NAMI South Carolina.

It also seeks to prove that “people living with mental illness lead normal lives.”

Both Patterson and her co-speaker, Simpson, would call themselves testaments to that statement.

Still recovering from giving birth to her third child a little over a month ago, Patterson candidly explained her bouts with bulimia.

She was 26 before she was able to complete one semester of college at York Technical College.

“It was overwhelming,” she said.

Slowly but surely, Patterson is overcoming her challenges, she said, drawing much of her strength from the care she must give her 9-year-old son, who she explained was recently hospitalized for severe OCD. Her talking partner was just as forthcoming.

Janie Simpson drove from warm, sunny Columbia to chilly, rainy Rock Hill on Thursday morning—two days after she had a titanium plate placed in her broken arm.

It was her second time breaking the same arm, which before already had a titanium plate lining her ligaments.

“All I can say is I do everything 110 percent,” she said.

She stood before the attendees without a cast, moving her arm and twirling her wrist Brandi Beasley (right) meets and talks with Janie Simpson as she declared, “I cannot accept defeat.” after last Thursday’s program. Photo by John Rhodes • rhodesj@ A broken arm has been the least of the mytjnow.com 41-year-old woman’s trials.

Suffering from bipolar disorder, SimpDuring an interval between parts of the video, Simpson said she attended Erskine University son admitted that accepting her illness was difficult and, while in college, began experiencing symptoms of because it meant she had to relinquish control. manic depression.

She couldn’t control her brain, she said. At one point She skipped class and failed to turn in assignments. while on medication, she said, she couldn’t even control She began drinking heavily and experimenting with her weight, reaching up to 300 pounds, she said. drugs. She experienced severe, “crippling depressions,” After being married for seven years, she divorced her she said.

Her professors were nice but her friends, she said, “... husband after a severe bout of mania and depression.

During their separation, he didn’t date anyone else, she didn’t know what to think.” said. She, on the other hand, admitted to dating 10 men “They only knew me as I was; not before the sympat one time via an online dating site. toms.”

Nevertheless, her husband took her back and one Her mania progressed and she found herself in sevmonth ago they remarried. eral life-threatening situations, she admitted.

For Patterson, acceptance took on the form of coIn the midst of it all, she found help. existence. She said she had to learn how to deal with Bipolar disorder is characterizied by dramatic mood being obsessive compulsive like a person born blind has swings, according to the U.S. National Library of Medito deal with being blind. cine website. The ‘up’ feelings are called mania and the Now, she has learned to objectify her illness and ‘down’ feelings are labeled as depression, the site says.

After introducing themselves, Simpson and Patterson separate it from herself as an individual, she said.

Junior psychology major Brandi Beasley knows the played a video that showed the faces of mental illness: feeling all too well. a grandfather, a husband, a psychiatrist, a guitarist, a Facing mental illness since childhood, Beasley symmother, a family-oriented woman, a dog lover and a pathized with Patterson. man of faith.

But like Patterson, she said she knows she and others Each spoke of their dark days with mental illness, the have to learn how to deal with their challenges. treatments they underwent, the difficult steps to acThat’s where education comes in. ceptance, the coping skills they’ve had to adopt and the “You have to find out more about it,” Beasley said. successes they’ve experienced.

Students learn programming through building games

By Amanda Phipps phippsa@mytjnow.com

Games are not just for fun.

While many people may think of games as just a form of entertainment, games are incorporated into classes at Winthrop to help students gain programming skills.

Computer science professor James McKim takes a different approach to teaching computer science to freshmen; he uses games.

The freshmen-level CSCI 151 course includes an assignment that allows students to build a group of characters to interact with, McKim said. Though this assignment does not reach the level of a full game, it allows students to gain a better understanding of how a program can be expanded and how much work goes into programming large software systems, he said.

McKim said the assignment meets the requirements of the course while including an entertainment aspect. “(It is the) wow factor,” he said. “Learning should be fun.”

In his other course, DIFD 141, McKim assigns students the task of building their own version of Hangman, complete with choices and categories.

The students are given creative license for the look and categories of the game, he said.

McKim said the class

looked at Hangman games that already exist and worked to build better ones.

Sophomore digital information design major Jesse Dotson, who took DIFD 141, said the class focused on using the Hangman game to teach the web design and development requirements for the course.

“This idea was great because it allowed us to have the idea of, here is our project, now let’s work toward this goal,” he said. “I definitely had a great learning experience in DIFD 141.The game concept helps, and I think it should be used in the future.”

The 2011 Horizon Report points to game-based learning as one of the top six technology trends of 2011 that affect higher education, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. The Chronicle predicted that the use of game-based learning will be more prominent in the next couple of years.

Games support collaboration, problem-solving and communication among higher education students, according to the 2011 Horizon Report.

While Winthrop students have focused on learning concepts through developing games, McKim said he started incorporating game-based learning into his classes a while ago. He said he wanted students to do a project in their programming

courses. “(I wanted them to) build something they want to show someone else,” he said.

While students in McKim’s courses learn basic programming skills through building games, students in Xusheng Wang’s CSCI 444 class takes game-based learning a step farther, by developing a 3D, fully functional game.

Wang said his students learn how to develop a game throughout the course. He said the students use game-building tools that already exist and learn how to create 3D objects and incorporate them into a game.

By building the game themselves, Wang said the students learn how to put their resources together to create a game.

Wang said the class teaches students how to use their programming skills for real-life applications. He said students respond better to this type of learning versus strictly learning how to write code. “[The course] is different than other programming classes,” he said. “It enhances [the students’] interest [because] they can play it.”

Students in computer science professor James McKim’s DIFD 141 class learn programming in a new way: by building their own version of ‘Hangman.’ Gamebased learning has been on the rise in higher education, including at Winthrop.

Screen Shot by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

—POLICE REPORT— TRANSFER OF BEER TO MINOR (11/07/11) At 8:30 p.m., officers of the York County Alcohol Enforcement Team used a confidential informant to conduct compliance checks, according to the police report.

The informant entered the Amber Buffet Restaurant and ordered a Miller Light. The bartender sent the alcohol with a glass to the informant’s table, according to the

report. The informant paid the waitress for the beer. The exchange was done in view of an officer, who was also in the restaurant, according to the report. The bartender was issued a citation for transfer of beer to a minor, according to the police report.

Compiled by Amanda Phipps

5 Our Say

Openness, honesty key to successful communication Consider this editorial more of a conversation between TJ’s staff and you.

We’re big fans of you Winthrop students.

We’re especially fond of your opinions and input on campus issues and events.

And that’s why The Johnsonian needs your help; if you think there’s something important happening on campus and we’re not covering it, let us know. The goal of this newspaper is to distribute information to students and we strive to report all the relevant and necessary points on Winthrop’s campus.

But we can’t do it all, so we need you to inform us of anything newsworthy.

We’re completely open to suggestion and criticism as well.

If you disagree with something we report or a column we run, that’s good. It’s good to have an opinion and occasionally be offended, because that provokes thought.

The purpose of a college education, other than job training, is learning how to think critically and form concise, logical arguments.

And we give you a platform to express and publish those arguments. This semester has provided an increase in letters-to-the-editor, for which we are excited and thankful.

We encourage you to write to us. Be frank. We might publish or we might not, but we’ll always read them and respond.

Promise.

Keeping with our theme of “openness,” we would also like to share with you, our dear readers, the way we operate; specifically our structure, how we

are financed and why we remain “uncensored” on a plethora of topics.

By structure we mean the authority behind our decisions.

When we talk about finances, we are talking about where staff salaries come from and how we raise our printing costs.

When we talk about running opinion uncensored, we want to explain the process we undergo before running a column.

So, want to know who decides what to run? We will tell you. Want to know where our funding comes from? We will tell you--all unfiltered, completely uncensored.

Why? We are, after all, Winthrop’s student newspaper, and part of our job is educating the masses rather then keeping things aloof. Look for this information over the following week.

So let’s take the step forward and engage in interesting, provocative, thought-provoking discussions.

We promise to do our part, always researching, always asking questions, always being open.

We hope you will continue to do your part, continue to share your thoughts and opinions, and most importantly continue to challenge us to produce the best product we can.

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

CONNOR DE BRULER Opinion Editor debrulerc@mytjnow.com

Editor challenges men, women not so bitchy Feminism: Strong. Unwavering. Until things get a little hard.

--Internet MEME

What we have here is a case of loose biological understanding coupled with centuries of anti-feminist oppression.

When quasi-knowledge meets The image of the prejudiced myths, oppression is modern-American woman able to leek out. has been hanged by the Now that we’re on the same cultural myths surround- Connor de Bruler page, how about we find a better Opinion editor ing PMS: premenstrual remedy for PMS: the actual horsyndrome. monal changes in women.

The truth is no woman reacts to Oh that’s right, cannabis was always bodily hormonal changes alike. Some the preferred remedy. Queen Victoria women get worse cramps than others. used cannabis extract to cure her menSome women get annoyed and combatstrual cramp pain. Wait, never mind, ive. Others endure a long rollercoaster of cannabis is illegal now because blah blah fluctuating moods. blah….

The archetype of the bitchy PMSThere are so many fundamental ways rittled chick is a misogynist lie. our society could change, its actually My biggest question is why there are quite shocking. no stereotypes for men about how much We’re not living in the end times by a more violent and aggressive our behavlong shot. Compassion is the only ideal ior is compared to women. worth pursuing.

Why aren’t men always characterized PMS should be something our culture by bitchiness. We’re way more bitchy works around, which is something we and violent and sick than women. It’s don’t do for women. our time all the time, especially if you It’s such an essential part of female suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Synbeing, and yet we don’t slow things drome). down and help women through it. We In her landmark book “Odd Girl Out: speed up the pace and ask women to A hidden world of violence and agrun faster. We ask them to study and gression in women,” Rachel Simmons pay for a college education while they explains that women’s aggression stems have children. We ask them to keep their from male culture. I happen to agree emotional center while there bodies turn with this hypothesis. against them.

Simmons book has always been close Men have exploited women’s biology to my heart. in order to keep themselves in front.

What I’ve come to find concerning We need a culture that understands PMS is that it doesn’t make women necand provides better care and help for essarily bitchier, but makes them more women. vulnerable.

Until then, I seriously urge everyone Many men react to this defensiveness to be nicer to their girlfriends and wives as though it were domineering oppresduring that time of the month. sion.

Editor responds to hate with love Back in 1965, Jackie DeShannon sang “What the World Needs Now Is Love.”

She was right.

When I decided I would write a response on faith and create a balance after several opinion columns in Nov. 3’s Johnsonian, I debated about the path I would take.

There was no doubt I felt led to write something, but I had to do a little selfexamination and external observation.

As a Christian, I wanted to say something and properly distinguish between religion and faith. I felt like I had to come behind the negativity and immediately guard against one or two people’s opinions.

Then, I stopped, gave myself a mental slap and said, “Cool your heels, you’re at Winthrop for crying out loud. It’s an opinion—it’s okay.”

So, instead of preparing a sermon (joking of course), I decided to think carefully about faith and love.

Attacks on faith attack one’s entire belief system. It takes something fundamental and foundational to one’s life and does a booboo on it.

Admittedly, that stinks.

It’s not a good feeling. It stings.

So, when the column “Editor denies God” ran in the Nov. 3 edition of The Johnsonian, I could have easily taken apart every point I didn’t agree with and vomit it here on these pages.

But not today.

I could have immaturely called everything written wrong and unfounded and distorted.

Pointless.

Today and everyday, I want to continue to respond in love.

Not your average “I love you…no I love you more” love. Not the love a child feels

for his parents. Not the The people who practice love a fashionista feels for religion in the name of God, Alher next pair of shoes. lah or whoever have hurt even Instead, I posit a love I more people. Religion has been feel, or better yet believe, distorted and, in some instances, transcends everything, degraded to a popularity contest dismantles all animosity or marketing strategy. (or incites it, dependThere’s a reason some find ing on the perspective), Jonathan McFadden pleasure in disproving the exisNews editor bears under criticism and tence of a supreme deity. There’s remains consistent all the a reason people don’t believe in same. a God. I’m talking about the love of Jesus Do I shun them? Do I persecute them?

Christ.

No, that would be silly. Nothing would Don’t roll your eyes and turn the page. be solved, and Christ would look like the Remember, I’m not preparing a sermon. tyrannical jerk some have made themHere’s it simply: I believe in God. I selves out to be. believe in the sacrifice Jesus Christ made Everyone has the right to have an on Calvary because of His unfathomable opinion, and I would never seek to rob love for us. I believe in His resurrection. anyone of that principle.

I believe in His insurmountable grace.

If I had the space to explain why I I believe in sharing that same grace. I believe in God, how I’ve seen Him work believe a lot of people probably think I’m in the lives of others, how I compare my crazy. belief to the gravitational pull of Jupiter, That belief—or those “lies” as it was I would lay it all down here. termed in the column—is at the center of But for now, all I can say is God gave my life. me hope and still does today.

That faith doesn’t act as a cure-all to Faith is different. It’s not about trying all of life’s ups and downs. It doesn’t give to have all the answers or becoming the me an excuse or rationale for escaping sole authority on life’s mysteries and life’s problems. More to the point, it’s problems. not religion.

It’s the complete opposite.

I don’t like religion. I go to church and It’s acknowledging that we don’t have I read my Bible; I pray and try to keep a all the answers. It’s realizing that everysong in my heart and a smile on my face. thing about the world or even God can’t When trouble comes, I try to remain be explained with logical, tangible proof. steady.

For some, that’s discomforting—it’s None of it is for religion’s sake. intangible and therefore untrustworthy.

It’s not to make me feel good (because It doesn’t make sense because we’ve it doesn’t always). It’s not about pleasing been trained to be intellectuals who only anyone else (because you never really believe in what we ourselves can see or will). prove (perhaps humanity has more of a Many people have been hurt by relimessiah complex than it’s willing realgion. ize).

Editor-in-Chief CLAIRE BYUN

Science & Technology Editor CATHERINE ZENDE

Managing Editor & Webmaster Devang Joshi

Sports Editor JEFF BRODEUR

Photographers AMIEE HARMAN CLAIRE VANOSTENBRIDGE JOHN RHODES SARAH AUVIL

Sports Editor DAVID THACKHAM

Ad Manager / Ad Designer RILEY SCHOTT

Copy Editor STEPHANIE ROJENCHES

Ad Sales Representative KATHRINE BROWN JOSH DEMAREST

News Editor JONATHAN MCFADDEN Assistant News Editor AMANDA PHIPPS Opinion Editor CONNOR DE BRULER Culture Editor ALISON ANGEL Arts & Entertainment Editor MONICA KREBER

Copy Editor EDWARD SZEMAN Multimedia Editor KAYLEE NICHOLS Assistant Multimedia Editor JEREMY ALLEN

Graphic Designer COURTNEY NISKALA Faculty Adviser GUY REEL

If you read that column on Nov. 3 and felt angry, don’t be.

If you read that column and could care less or agreed, that’s okay too because you’ve read through to the end of this column, which accomplishes my goal.

I’m a living testimony of the reality of God. I didn’t come out the womb with a Bible in hand. I wasn’t raised in an overtly religious or even devoutly Christian home.

My parents didn’t make me go to the front of the church and make a confession of faith; they weren’t even around when I accepted Christ in my life.

I do understand that faith doesn’t come easily for everyone.

Heck, for most Christians it still doesn’t ever come easily.

And, that’s okay.

There’s so much more I would love to say but time is short—literally and figuratively.

I don’t believe we’re here for ourselves.

I don’t believe life is a waste, and I don’t believe anyone’s expendable.

Faced with this reality, what to do?

Love.

What do we do when people insult us, persecute us or falsely say negative things about us?

We love harder.

Will all accept the message?

No. Should we stop trying?

Not at all.

So, what can we possibly do?

Love, not judge.

Love, not condemn.

Love, not harm.

Just love.

About The Johnsonian The Johnsonian is the weekly student newspaper of Winthrop University. It is published during fall and spring semesters with the exception of university holidays and exam periods.

CONTACT INFORMATION Our offices are located in suite 104 in the DiGiorgio Campus Center.

Phone: (803) 323-3419 E-mail: editors@mytjnow.com Online: mytjnow.com LETTER POLICY Letters and feedback can be sent to editors@mytjnow.com or by mail at The Johnsonian, 104

Campus Center, Rock Hill, S.C., 29733.

Comments submitted online at www.mytjnow.com may be printed as letters and may be shortened for space and edited for clarity.

Please include your name, major and year if you are a student; your name and title if you are a professor; or your name and profession if you are a member of

the community.

Letters, cartoons and columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of The Johnsonian staff.

CORRECTIONS Contact us if you find an error in an issue of the newspaper. We will correct it in the next issue.

6

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

CATHERINE ZENDE Science & Technology Editor zendec@mytjnow.com

Students create smartphone apps

By Catherine Zende zendec@mytjnow.com

Many students have cool smartphone apps, but very few can make their own smartphone apps. A small group of digital information design majors have such an opportunity thanks to a class here at Winthrop.

VCOM 462, Interface design for alternative media, helps students develop applications on a variety of alternative platforms, formats, and devices. ““It’s [designed] to get them introduced to the programming environments they work in and look at some of the design issues that come up with the smaller screens,” said Gerry Dersken, associate professor of design.

Derksen believes the class is made up of designers and developers. “They are either on the design side or they are on the development side,” Derksen said.

Designers deal with the usability issues and how people interact with the app, while developers deal with storing information and working through functionality.

Karissa Martindale, senior digital information design major with a concentration in web apps, believes the class may help with future opportunities. “Mobile app development is where everything is going,” Martindale said.

“It’s [VCOM 462] geared towards new forms of media. Its good to have a variety of understanding of what you’re going to be designing for the real world,” said McKenna Brandon, senior digital information design major with a concentration in interactive media.

“Everything’s moving towards smaller screens” Brandon said. Because of this shift, many websites must be altered to work with smartphones.

The first project for the course involved making applications for preexisting websites. Martindale explained that the project was designed for “making sites more mobile friendly.”

Next, students worked on developing apps for the Android platform. The project required using one of the phone’s

features for a game. Brandon developed an app for a zoo that tracks animals closest to the user using the geolocation.

Martindale also took advantage of the geolocation feature on the smartphone and developed a geocaching app that helped gage the distance to the nearest geocache.

Creating smartphone apps has many obstacles. ““We have a big hurdle with software and development tools,” Martindale said.

One of the biggest obstacles for the class is finding the equipment for testing. “Half the class doesn’t have a smartphone, so when we’re developing for a smart phone it makes it really difficult to actually be able to test the application,” Martindale said.

For Brandon, another Seniors Alex Miles and Aaron Rich work on their project for VCOM 462, Interface Design in challenge has been design- Alternative Media. They are creating a game application that is similar to the classic Simon ing for smaller screens.

Says game. Photo by Catherine Zende • zendec@mytjnow.com “People handle the phone differently. Just the way “For Android, it’s literally a file so up pursuing a career in it, it’s helpful to your thumb moves the you can just drag and drop. But for the know it,” Brandon said. screen versus your pointer finger changiPhone, you have to buy a license to Martindale believes that being able es things,” Brandon said. download in on your phone,” Martindale to show apps she has made to potential Derksen believes the biggest chalsaid. employers will be an advantage during lenge for the course is keeping up with According to Derksen, the submission interviews. the technology. “Their SDKs [software process for the iPhone is more difficult “We knew right away that this was development kits] change,” Derksen because of Apple’s high standards. “Apgoing to be a big market for them [stusaid. He had to learn a new SDK known ple has very stringent rules on how they dents],” Derksen said. as Corona in order to help the students want things to function,” Derksen said.

“We had a person from IBM Skype in the class.

While the submission processes for into another class and say that now they Currently, the students are developing only develop for smartphone platforms, game apps for the iPhone. Like the previ- Android and iPhone are different, the development is fairly similar. “In terms then workup websites from that,” Derkous project, the iPhone platform has of development, it is about the same,” sen said. This alters the typical model, presented certain obstacles. Once the which is to build the website then create students finish the apps, they can upload Derksen said.

Despite obstacles with submission a mobile version. them to the platform.

“Now we’re developing for the iPhone, and development, Derksen and his students are aware of the benefits of the which one person has,” Martindale said. course. “There are not too many interacShe explains that people can’t upload tive media designers. Even if I don’t end apps onto the iPhone without a license.

Learning from Dr. Seuss

The Lorax helps students reflect on sustainability

By Frances Parrish

parrishf@mytjnow.com

In a world of waste and consumerism, it can be difficult for Winthrop students to practice sustainable behavior.

In an event sponsored by the Council of Student Leaders, students gathered to share their opinions about environmental issues.

The discussion was led by Chris Johnson, sustainability coordinator for Winthrop University, after watching the film The Lorax.

The Lorax is a well-known story by Dr. Seuss that was later made into an animated film. In the story, the Lorax tries to save the Truffula trees from the Once-ler, who made Thneeds from the trees.

The Once-ler harvests the trees too fast for them to be replenished. His factory pollutes the environment and the Bar-ba-Loots, Swomee Swans and Humming Fish are forced to leave the area.

Soon, the Once-ler depletes all his resources, and his factory is shut down. The Lorax, who warned him to stop, flew away, and the Once-ler was left alone with his mess.

This childhood story, however, is not just for kids. Many believe that the story contains very valuable lessons. The movie addresses the possibility that humans could become like the animals that were driven away. It also deals with the threat of the environment becoming so devastated that there is no chance of recovering.

So, how can people keep from becoming like the Once-ler and destroying their home?

Sustainability is the answer. Sustainability takes three things into consideration, people, the planet and the economy, according to Johnson.

“Out of those three factors, decisions are made around one of them, traditionally. But in sustainability we address all three of them as one,” Johnson said.

To start off the discussion, Johnson put some questions to Winthrop students and asked their opinions about the meaning of the movie. He asked students to think about who in society is the Once-ler and who is the Lorax?

Students also reflected on whether society is in the same position or if it is a possibility

for the future.

Johnson reassured the students, that it doesn’t have to be gloom and doom at the end. He said that there were companies that have responded to the environmental issues, in which they have changed their manufacturing process so they don’t make any waste.

Johnson also traced a product, like an Xbox, from the raw materials to the finished product, and asked the students how that affects the environment. “Everything you buy leaves a footprint…a trail,” Johnson concluded.

After seeing this film, some students are planning to start doing things to help the environment. Aleisha Davis, a sophomore biology major, said, “I will start using that recycle bin that is sitting in my dorm room filling up with trash.”

The film reminded her of how bad the environment can get and how close we are to ending up like the Bar-ba-Loots.

David Johnson, a sophomore social work major, said, “I will start recycling and picking up trash [around the campus].”

“Save the environment” was the message that he received from the movie. To him, the Once-ler represents the corporate businesses and the animals represent people from other countries when we, as Americans, come in and take their resources.

While other students are just starting to help the environment, some students have already been helping. Chelsea Gilbert, a sophomore Biology major is the co-president and Keiondria Grant, a sophomore English major, is the vice-president of the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).

“Right now, we are trying to raise awareness about the environment…I think everyone should watch this film,” Gilbert said.

One of the main campus efforts to help the environment has been the on-campus recycling centers found in academic buildings and residence halls.

According to Winthrop University facilities management, Winthrop has recycled an estimated 1021.856 tons since 1991, which is believed to have saved 17,371 trees and 61,311 pounds of solid air pollutants.

For more information about Winthrop’s recycling efforts, visit http://www2.winthrop.edu/facilitymgmt/.

The Lorax is a children’s book by Dr. Seuss that was published in 1971. The book tells the story of the Lorax who speaks for the trees and tries to stop the Once-ler from destroying the environment.

Photo courtesy of www.seussville.com

“” I speak for the trees, for

the trees have no tongues The Lorax Dr. Seuss

7

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

MONICA KREBER Arts & Entertainment Editor kreberm@myjnow.com

One day without a cell phone Guest columnist opts to see what it feels like to be cell phone-less for one full day on campus Adam Lamberts

Special to The Johnsonian

Students are always on their cell phones.

“Everywhere I go I see someone texting or talking on their phone instead of talking to the actual person right next to them,” one of my English professors at Winthrop once said.

This wasn’t the first time I heard a professor say something along those lines. While the rest of the class directed their attention to Virginia Woolf’s essay “Street Haunting,” the words of my teacher still lingered in my mind.

I couldn’t stop thinking, “Was it true? Have cell phones created a bubble around us from our environment? Have we become socially unresponsive robots, who will slowly lose our ability to interact with other people?”

My theatre-/creative writing-major mind quickly took me to a future where humans live in an alternate reality similar to ones found in Walt Disney’s Wall-E and Warner Brothers’ The Matrix. Fifteen minutes of daydreaming and fighting off robots later, I decided to

take it upon myself to go a whole day without using my cell phone.

It was a Tuesday when I decided to carry out my no-cell phone for a day experiment. I informed my fiancée and my family that I would be going without my phone for the day, so they wouldn’t worry about me and think I died. I thought that going without a phone would be simple. I didn’t own a phone until halfway through high school, and I survived without one then; surely college wouldn’t be that much different.

Besides keeping in touch with my fiancée throughout the day, I realized that my cell phone served another important use: a timepiece.

When I was in the library studying for a class, I realized how much I depended on my phone to keep track of time. There were not too many places with a clock around; the only place I found with a clock in the library was in the study area behind the computers on the main floor. With all the different study groups going on, it was difficult to concentrate on the reading and notetaking I had to do for class,

but I had to stay near a clock at all times and make sure I was not late for class because it wasn’t like I could take out my phone and check what time it was.

I made it to all my classes on time that day, and I always made sure that I was around a clock. Walking to class, I noticed something I was not aware of before: almost everyone was on their cell phones. Students were talking on their phones while they crossed the street; others were walking on the sidewalk texting.

One time I had to step off the sidewalk and go into the grass because someone had their head down texting and were not paying attention.

My thoughts of Wall-E came back to me as I remembered the people who had become oblivious to their surroundings.

As I was watching the inattentive person walk on by, I thought about how that person could have been me just the other day.

I occasionally text on my way to class, and I make it a habit to always call my fiancée after my last class of the day.

Could I have caused other

With no cell phone, Adam Lamberts learned how much he truly relied on the device. Artwork by Monica Kreber • kreberm@mytjnow.com people to dodge me as they walked on the sidewalk?

Perhaps I could have.

When my day without a cell phone ended, I was welcomed to eight unread text messages and two new voicemails. My experiment taught me how easy it is to neglect your surroundings when preoccupied with a cell phone, and I made it a resolution of mine to be more aware of my environment. Although I

had survived a day without a cell phone, not being able to talk to my best friend and fiancée for a day was a difficult feat in itself and I limited my experiment to one day.

However, maybe there is another Winthrop student out there who is willing to take the one day without a cell phone experiment and possibly extend it to two days or even further.

CrossWUrd Puzzle Across

4. Our opinion editor discussed this scary Australian movie (two words).

6. Name of the former student union building.

7. What academic program uses games to help students learn (acronym)?

9. What is the acronym for the organization that helps individuals suffering from mental illness?

10. Last name of the Graduate Associate for Winthrop Organizations.

Down

1. What is the name of the Greek organization that is barred from campus? (All three words within the name) 2. The number of missed texts Adam Lamberts had at the end of his day without a cell phone.

3. First name of the Chair of Student Allocations Committee.

5. This team beat us in our Homecoming game (Eastern _____ University).

8. How many home games of the Winthrop Classic must Winthrop students attend for a chance to receive free books?

Correction: In the article titled “Muse Fest 2011,” run in our October 27 edition, Gettys Art Center was mistakenly printed as Getty Art Center.

Muse Fest was hosted, presented and coordinated by Gallery Up, a gallery and shop, located adjacent the Courtroom on the second floor of the Gettys Center.

We apologize for any confusion.

8

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

How to start a club on campus One step-by-step process can help interested students create a new Winthrop club/organization CLUBS • from front To start a club, there are three very important steps to be completed. This checklist and all the forms can be found at www.winthrop.edu/ studentorgs.

Step 1 The first step is to fill out the Intent to Register Form and attend the Training sessions for New Student Organizations, Clubs and Organizations, Space Use and Student Allocations Committee (SAC), which is optional. The training sessions are open for any member of the club.

Step 2 The second and probably most lengthy step is to fill out the

Charter Packet which includes the Chart Form, Roster Form, Faculty/Staff Advisor Agreement Form, Constitution and Bylaws, and email and website request form.

By the third and final step, the group has affirmed that they have members attending the meetings, an advisor and a constitution.

Step 3 To become an official club recognized by the school, the group must attend a CSL meeting which is held on Monday nights at 7 in 114 DiGiorgio Center.

Kaitlin Sapp, Chair of Student Allocations Committee (SAC), said these meetings help with financial organizing and find-

ing space for potential clubs.

“Becoming a chartered organization is essential for groups to be able to request student allocations money or put in space requests on campus,” Sapp said.

During the meeting, the officers introduce themselves and their club. They then explain the background and purpose of their club, and the council then votes to charter the club; however, the council does not reject anyone.

Sophomore biology major Brittany Lawrence just founded her own club, League of Extraordinary Characters, an animae and cartoon club, even though she started the

whole process in April of last spring. After going through the process, she had some tips for students who want to start their own club.

“Start early,” she said. “The hardest part of the process is getting a good amount of members, and all you can do is hope for the best.”

Lawrence said the process is very long, and there is a lot of paper work involved.

“Most of it [the application process] wasn’t stressful, but going in front of the CSL Board was a little nerve-racking,” she said said.

Lawrence also said there are many things to consider when starting a club: you

must plan meeting times, places and a schedule of meetings.

Lawrence added that having diversity among the meetings is a good way to get the maximum amount of members. The club will need an advisor, and the club must follow any copyright policies if movies or graphics are shown.

“Make sure you know everything about your club, because CSL grills you with questions,” Lawrence said.

Even though there are roughly 145 active clubs, Stowe encourages anyone who wants to start a club to do so. A club is considered registered and active if they stay updated on training

sessions and resubmission of registration forms. Stowe and her colleague Alexis Clowney, the Student Coordinator for Leadership Intiatives, take in applicatons and help students fill out the forms, and they will hold their forms until all the paperwork is completed.

Clowney will then meet with each club and ask them a series of questions ranging from what the organization is about to dues to goals of the club.

“We have the capability to bolster any club,” Stowe said. “So, just do it.”

Movie ‘Lake Mungo’: an Australian thriller ‘My girlfriend held onto my arm throughout the entire film and could not fall asleep after we had seen it’

Connor de Bruler

debruler@mytjnow.com

I don’t think I’ve seen a film that scared me as much as Joel Anderson’s “Lake Mungo.”

The Australian production was formally released in 2009, but only recently has it gained a wide audience in the United States. It was marketed with other foreign films such as Spain’s “Atrocious” and the homegrown “Yellowbrickroad.”

“Lake Mungo,” however, wields a substantial amount of power compared to the recent onslaught of “found footage” movies.

It is not so much of a found footage film as it is a faux-documentary. The story unfolds through the character’s interviews and backlogged, grainy photos and video footage. This storytelling device is not new. Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” were written as first-person narratives of accumulated letters and telegraph correspondences.

The story’s main character, Ana Palmer, never actually has a single line of dialogue. We only see her in photographs and family vacation footage. The film begins with the prerequisite that Ana has drowned at a local swimming hole while on vacation with her family in the rural Australian town of Ararat. The authorities find her body after a daylong search.

The director spares us no emotional or physical details of the tragedy.

Once her death is established, Ana’s still grieving brother decides to continue pursuing his love for photography. Eventually, he starts lifting footage of ghostly images of Ana from all over the house.

Anderson first leads us on a ghostly journey, crafting some amazing still shots of Ana’s ghost standing in the backyard and over her bed, and then steers away from the “Paranormal Activity” approach.

The ghostly images are debunked, and Ana’s brother admits to fabricating them. After sorting through Ana’s things, her mother uncovers disturbing videotapes hidden inside the fireplace. Ana’s secret life is suddenly exposed and a new layer of shock and

suspense is lathered onto the film.

Soon, the brother leaves the house but keeps his camera’s running. The ghostly images are returning.

This time there is no explanation.

“Lake Mungo” completely soars above and beyond all preconceived notions of what a horror film must be. It’s not just an Australian “Paranormal Activity.” It is a completely original and profoundly disturbing work of art.

My girlfriend held onto my arm throughout the entire film and could not fall asleep after we had seen it.

There’s no real way to explain just how scary the film actually is. Nothing jumps out at the camera.

There’s no blood, and there’s barely any music. The film’s terror comes in its storyline and plot twists.

It’s also worth highlighting that the storyline actually comes full circle and doesn’t leave anything up for debate.

“Lake Mungo” lacks nothing whether in the acting department, cinematography, storyline or plot.

It’s a terrific film, and I give it two big thumbs up.

If you’re interested in seeing it, the film is available on Netflix instant watch.

Friday, November 18: Jonas Sees in Color with Special Guest Collin Moulton Locals’ favorite, Jonas Sees In Color, has played with the likes of Taking Back Sunday, Lifehouse, and The Almost.

Opening the show is the comical Collin Moulton who has won multiple comedy festivals and performed with the likes of Lewis Black and Robin Williams.

Where: The Edge - DiGiorgio Center, at 8 p.m.

Price: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 without Free with Fall Pass

NOMINATE NOMINATE NOW NOW 2011 OUTSTANDING ADVISOR AWARD WINTHROP UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

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9

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

ALISON ANGEL Culture Editor angela@mytjnow.com

Carolina Speedway; more than just survival

Connor DeBruler

debrulerc@mytjnow.com

My mouth is dry, my hand unsteady, my forehead hot. I think of angry hicks lynching my pansy liberal ass, but this is just a morbid daydream.

In reality, I’m going to the racetrack to watch a bunch of cars drive really fast in a circle.

My driver, a fellow colleague of mine, grips the steering wheel of his Chevy Cobalt: a luxurious ride compared to the Ford pickups that make up 90 percent of the Carolina Speedway’s grass parking lot. We’re entering this situation with a definite set of prejudices.

I’m expecting to stick out like a sore thumb, especially since I’m writing almost everything I see down on a small notepad with a faded blue pen.

I’m also expecting to be surrounded by partially drunken, homegrown Libertarian folk.

I can’t help but feel this

way. races. We’re privileged Why not? There’s monI quickly learn that our kids let in for free, but ey in my pocket, I think. presence as journalism that doesn’t arouse much The arena is comprised students is welcome. suspicion or animosity. of a several levels of stone I get out of the car, join There’s a grand sense steps like an Aztec monuthe rest of the group and of camaraderie in the air ment. Most people have stand by the chainand, though my cynical brought their own chairs, link fence on the outskirts disposition urges me to, food and beer. I’m of the track. We wait a I’m not going to test its not as prepared, so I sit good ten minutes for our boundaries. Even if our on the very last concrete seemingly anonymous bearer of free press tickets. His name is Clint, but there’s no sign on him yet.

I take his absence as a good chance to observe the alien culture around me. A stout, female police officer stands near the fence and lights up with one hand like a 1940’s movie star, blissfully unaware or possibly unconcerned with the dangers of the namebrand carcinogen she’s The Carolina Speedway. Cars race past as they comholding in her hand.

In fact, all the cops are pete not just to survive, but to be the best. Photo by smoking. All the patrons David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com are smoking. Parents are carrying their children shared enthusiasm is stoop beside the safety past the ticket booth with tenuous, it’s enough to get cage. cigarettes dangling from people to start talking.

The dirt track reminds their lips.

The first thing I see me of dried blood under I’ve stepped into a difonce I’m inside the speed- the arena’s floodlights. ferent decade it seems. way is young girl dragging Here I am, sitting Something falls through a spare oxygen tank across before this giant ring of and our complementary the concrete, behind her iron-rich clay, waiting for tickets arrive, but Clint an old woman, who I can a race. remains an enigma. My only assume is her grandAn early-October chill hand is stamped with the mother, already hookedsets in as I start to get a words “CAROLINA up to a ventilator. little anxious.

SPEEDWAY” in big red A random man apThen the cars start a caps. proaches me. “Sir, can test drive. All I can here We’re not the same as I interest you in a raffle are the roaring of the enthe people watching the ticket?” he asks. gines. All I can smell are

the fumes of the powerful, 12-octane gasoline. All I can see are brief glimpses of the vehicles as they pass by before kicking up a beige wake of loose dust and dirt.

Several fragments of inspirations come to me.

I write down the words, “the entertainment of danger” and “beauty of near-destruction.” I write these things because even before the actual race has begun, the cars come dangerously close to crashing.

The announcer calls out the ages of the racers in the first official round.

The oldest driver is the 21.

The youngest is 14. This racetrack qualifies as the minor leagues leading up to the searing asphalt of Talladega.

Make no mistake. These drivers are just as suicidal by default of occupation.

No one’s here to watch anyone die. This place isn’t a slaughterhouse.

The patrons are hoping to watch the drivers overcome the danger. They’re rooting for everyone out there on the track. No one is excluded. As violent and dangerous as it all is, a pervasive sense of hope lingers in air with the cigarette smoke and gas fumes.

Survival is not victory enough. They’re looking to survive as well as drive faster than anyone else.

I get absorbed into this exhilarating game of chance, watching the ring of speeding cars twist and swerve and become caked with clay. It’s just a violent roulette table, a policy wheel.

My colleagues tap me on the shoulder and I’m brought to the VIP booth above the arena.

Finally, we’re introduced to Clint who gives us the technical lowdown.

As he speaks, I watch a 70-year-old man flirt with an American Indian girl who couldn’t be older than 17.

The moment of truth comes when Clint, our primary hook-up, takes us to the pit: the front lines of the race. Before I know it, I’m standing in a field while serpents of dented metal circles me. I keep my eye on the cars at all times. The notes in my pad become fevered and incoherent. I’m filled with adrenaline.

Everything is simple now. There’s no conservative America or liberal America. There’s no minority rights or gay rights.

There’s no cannabis legislation or religion to speak of.

Out here, I’m reduced to one goal: don’t get hit by a car. I finally understand how clear everything really is. Some people choose to risk their lives, while others pay to watch.

WU students get a Taste of the World Sponsored by the International Center, the Taste of the World International Showcase was held Monday, Nov. 14 and provided students with a free Global Learning Cultural event.

Students and faculty gathered in Dina’s place to celebrate cultural diversity through a narrated review of performances from around the world.

From dance to music, the cultural showcase took the audience around the world for a glimpse of everything from Spain to China. Photos by Aimee Harman • harmana@mytjnow.com

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THURSDAY November 17, 2011

JEFF BRODEUR Sports Editor brodeurj@mytjnow.com DAVID THACKHAM Sports Editor thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Students smash sedan to raise school spirit

By David Thackham thackhamd@mytjnow.com

A dollar bought Winthrop students thirty seconds to hurl a sledgehammer at a car Friday in this year’s third annual Pi Kappa Phi car smash. The car, which was emblazoned with graffiti that included “Beat EKU” and “Go Eagles,” was open to students for three hours. The car smash was designed to raise school spirit ahead of Winthrop’s Homecoming men’s basketball clash against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Saturday. The Eagles would go on to lose their bout by 12 points.

Women’s lacrosse assistant coach Amanda Shimp tries a crack at goal while teaching the game of lacrosse in front of DIGS. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Lacrosse tutorial attracts fans

By David Thackham

thackhamd@mytjnow.com

A rain-soaked Campus Green in front of the DIGS was no distraction for Coach John Sung and his fledgling Winthrop women’s lacrosse team Thursday morning as they came out in force for a “Learn to Play” event. The clinic was designed to attract people to come out and learn elements of lacrosse such as passing, catching and shooting. Sung and the team, who begin varsity play in spring 2013, gave away free items to those who came out to play, including lanyards and posters.

A student standing on top of the car with a sledgehammer. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Basketball teams provide pep for WU

By David Thackham thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Flanked by their respective rosters, men’s basketball coach Randy Peele and women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings entertained a group of about 200 fans in the Richardson Ballroom last Thursday for the annual Homecoming Pep Rally.

The coaches and teams appealed for all Winthrop students to come out and support the Eagles as they attempt to resurrect success from the ashes of a rough 2010-2011 campaign.

Stollings wowed the crowd by announcing that students would get a chance to win free books for an entire semester if they attended all three games of the Winthrop Classic from Nov. 18-20. The winning name will be drawn during the last media

time-out of Sunday’s game against the Stetson University Hatters.

After the women made their individual introductions, the men took the stage.

“I’m Matt Morgan,” said the senior from Landover, Md., “and I’m ready to win a championship.”

Freshman sensation Andre Smith went one better and said he wanted to win a ring, too.

But sophomore Derrick Scott got the biggest laugh.

“I love long walks on the beach,” Scott said, “I love to eat, and I’m looking forward to seeing you on Saturday [against Eastern Kentucky University.]”

Students gather in the Richardson Ballroom of the DiGiorgio Student Center for the pep rally celebration. Photo by David Thackham • thackhamd@mytjnow.com

Sports Briefs Students could win free books for attending women’s basketball games this weekend Want to earn free books for the spring semester? Attend all three Winthrop women’s basketball games this coming weekend and you will have the chance to do so.

Last Thursday evening at the Homecoming pep rally, women’s basketball head coach Marlene Stollings challenged the students to attend their games at the Winthrop Classic Nov. 18-20 and offered up free books for the spring semester to Winthrop students.

To be eligible, students must attend all three home games of the Classic, be present to win as the winner will be announced during the last media timeout of Sunday’s game against Stetson. Names will be drawn from the group of students that attend all three games.

If your name is selected, coach Stollings will pay for all your books for the spring of 2012.

Women’s basketball wins season opener The Winthrop women’s basketball team came away victorious in their season opener at Troy University.

The 80-66 win was the first victory for new head coach Marlene Stollings.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our young ladies at this moment,” she said. “We executed our game plan at a high level with both poise and confidence.”

The Lady Eagles were led by Diana Choibekova and Dequesha McClanahan, who had 22 and 20 points respectively. Samiya Wright chipped in with 14 points

coming off the bench, including going 4-4 from behind the arc.

Next weekend will mark the Lady Eagles’ home opener when they host the Winthrop Classic, a threeday and four-team event. Winthrop will open up on Friday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. against Bradley. Winthrop will then face Niagara on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Stetson on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Volleyball will enter Big South Championships as second seed The Winthrop volleyball team has earned the second overall seed in the upcoming Big South Championships starting this week.

The Lady Eagles are preparing to take on the seventh seeded Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. Winthrop currently holds the advantage in the alltime series, 43-29. All tournament games will be hosted

by Charleston Southern and will be broadcast live by the Big South Network.

Should the Lady Eagles make it to the championship game, the match would be slated for Nov. 20 at 2 p.m., and the winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Women’s cross country finishes 31st at 2011 NCAA Southeast Region Championships The Winthrop women’s cross country team finished 31st out of 35 teams at the 2011 NCAA Southeast

Region Championships hosted by the University of Louisville.

The Eagles were the fourth best team out of the six Big South schools that competed, trailing only High Point, Liberty and Coastal Carolina. They finished 18th, 22nd and 25th respectively.

Sophomore Jeanne Stroud was the top runner for Winthrop, who had six runners competing. Stroud finished 77th overall with a time of 22:00.2.

The University of Virginia won the Southeast Region Championship, while Kendra Schaaf of the University of North Carolina finished in first place with a time of 19:52.9.

Matt Horn named to Capital One Academic AllDistrict 4 First Team Senior Matt Horn of the Winthrop men’s soccer team earned another academic honor this past week when he was named to the 2011 Academic All-District 4 Team.

Horn was named to the first team as a defender with a 3.93 grade point average and majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry.

The Mooresville, N.C. native played in 18 games for the Eagles as a starter on defense and earlier in the week was named to the Big South Conference All-Academic Team. He was named the 2010 Big South Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year. Horn is currently a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award.

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

11

SPORTS

Colonels put Winthrop to the sword

The Winthrop Eagles got off to a hot start against Eastern Kentucky, but the Colonels were relentless, fighting their way back into the game and refusing to give up the lead after over in the middle of the first half. Photo by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

After 107 point preseason game, WU hits shooting wall EAGLES • from front going to play better than we did tonight.”

The visitors entered a festive Homecoming atmosphere on a six game losing streak stretching back to February and immediately found themselves at the will of Winthrop’s energy. The Eagles quickly leaped out to a 7-0 lead from a trio of Eagles while stopping the first five Colonel possessions.

Despite a comeback led by guard Mike DiNunno with seven points in two minutes, Winthrop stayed dominant, led by the dogged work by freshman Andre Smith.

The tide turned when three other freshmen, James Bourne, Derrick Henry and Larry Brown joined the fray after a media time-out with ten minutes left in the first half.

In the two and a half minutes in which the four played a part, Winthrop hit basket only twice out of eight attempts and struggled to contain the Colonel’s 6’ 7” forward Jeff Johnson from working in the paint to tie the game at 22.

“The plan was that they were the first substitutions at their position,” said Peele afterwards. “I didn’t do it after that. But that’s not what got us beat.”

Nevertheless, Winthrop was unable to regain any strong lead, and a fast break tip-in with one second on the clock by Eastern Kentucky’s Eric Stutz buried any Eagle hope to be leading at the halftime break.

“It comes from us all needing to shoot the ball better,” said Winthrop senior guard Reggie Middleton.

Although Winthrop did improve in Peele’s pet peeve, free throw accuracy, (13-17, 76.5%) that was little defense for the four Colonels who scored double digits.

“We had ten guys who contributed tonight,” said Eastern Kentucky coach Jeff Neubauer. “I’m really proud of our team’s efforts and we really responded to being down for so long.”

EKU found their rhythm from outside the arc.

Saturday’s game matched last season’s record of 12 three-pointers in a single game.

Big post men George Valentine and Matt Morgan combined for 24 points in the losing effort, but gained praise from their fifth year head coach.

“You can’t ask for more than [them],” Peele said of the players who dominated the rebound battle 41-28.

Winthrop attempted to complement the two seniors with guard-forward Gideon Gamble, but the junior couldn’t find his shot, going 0-6 with a single rebound.

“We tried to counter with the size factor,” Peele said. “but when Gamble doesn’t make shots, you have to decide what else to do.”

A short jumper from Morgan with four minutes to go cut the lead to 59-52, but the spirit was lacking with two talismans in Reggie Middleton and

Andre Jones having bad nights. The duo went 6-23 FGA (2-12 from the arc) and picked up three fouls each.

“Reg and Andre have shot way better, I know that,” Peele said. “But it’s tough when both of them shoot badly at the same time.”

Middleton says there is no need for early alarm.

“We just have to keep our confidence, and it’ll get going again,” he said.

Winthrop will be back on campus on Nov. 26 after they play teams such as Marquette and Mississippi in the Paradise Jam Tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands this weekend.

“”

We just have to keep our confidence and it’ll get going again.

Reggie Middleton

Senior

Senior Matt Morgan goes up for a slam dunk in the first half of play. Photo by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

Freshman Andre Smith provided a spark of the bench, connecting on two three-pointers. Photo by Sarah Auvil • auvils@mytjnow.com

Winthrop Eagles box score # NAME FGM-A 3PTM-A FTM-A REB AST BLK S MIN POINTS 15 J. JEROME 1-3 0-0 2-3 5 2 0 0 24 4 43 G. VALENTINE

1-7

0-0

4-4

7

1

2

2

34

10

05 M. MORGAN

7-12

0-0

0-2

8

0

0

0

31

14

04 R. MIDDLETON 2-10

1-4

3-4

6

3

1

1

29

8

21

4-13

1-8

4-4

5

5

2

2

32

13

0-1

0-1

0-0

0

0

0

0

4

0

02 G. GAMBLE 0-6

03 A. SMITH 2-4

0-2

0-0

1

1

0

0

13

0

2-4

0-0

2

0

0

0

18

6

12 J. BOURNE

0-0

0-0

0-0

2

1

0

0

7

0

23 L. BROWN

2-2

0-0

0-0

3

0

1

1

8

4

A. JONES

00 D. HENRY

THURSDAY November 17, 2011

THE JOHNSONIAN

WWW.MYTJNOW.COM

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