Winthrop softball and women’s lacrosse previews in SPORTS Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian
Winthrop University
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Vindication Friendship Nine have 1961 convictions vacated after 54 years Adarrell Gadsden gadsdena@mytjnow.com After 54 years of being labeled as criminals after standing up for civil rights, a group of Rock Hill men finally get their honest day in court. On Jan. 31, 1961, during the height of the civil rights movement, nine students from Friendship College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, walked into McCrory’s Five and Dime, where they sat at the restaurant’s segregated lunch counter. The men were arrested for trespassing. John Gaines, Clarence Graham, Willie “Dub” Massey, Willie McCleod, Charles Taylor, James Wells, David Williamson, Mack Workman and the late Robert McCullough were taken into police custody along with Thomas Gaither, a civil rights organizer. When the men were convicted they turned down $100 bail to serve 30 days in jail on a chain gang. This was the beginning of the “Jail, No Bail” strategy during the civil rights movement. Ernest Finney represented the men. Finney would later become the first
Carolyn Rennix / The Johnsonian
African-American to serve as chief justice on South Carolina’s Supreme Court. Finney, 83, now retired, represented the men in court. The strategy made AfricanAmericans serve out their sentence instead of paying the bail, leaving the cost of their convictions with the state. One of the men who participated in the sit-in, Charles Taylor, decided to let the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) pay the bail so he wouldn’t lose his athletic scholarship. Finney would ask the court to vacate the charges against his clients after a reading of the docket with the charges against all of the men from 1961. “Today I am honored and proud to move this honorable court to vacate the convictions of my clients, now known as the Rock Hill Nine. These courageous and determined South Carolinians have shown by their conduct and their faith the relief that they seek should be granted,” said Finney. Kevin Brackett, 16th Circuit Solicitor, would represent and would ask the court to respect the wishes of Finney. However, this was not enough for Brackett who said that justice could not be done unless apology on behalf the state was issued to the men.
see VINDICATION pg. 3
Index: News 3 | Opinion 5 | Sports 6 | Arts & Culture 8 | Business 10 | Science & Tech 11
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theJohnsonian February 5, 2015
On Monday night, the men’s basketball team welcomed in Charleston Southern, one of the Big South’s top offensive teams. The Eagles won 77-55 in a game that featured four Winthrop scorers in double-digits, including senior Keon Moore (left), and a poor shooting performance from the Buccanners. The results of Wednesday night’s home game against Liberty were unavailable at press time.
Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian
The Effects of Tobacco and Smoking on College Campuses • • • •
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General Statistics Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year. According to the CDC, in 2012, an estimated 18.1 percent (42.1 million) U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths. Smokers die significantly earlier than nonsmokers: 13.2 years for men and 14.5 years for women. Secondhand Smoke The American Cancer Society reported that secondhand smoke directly results in 41,000 deaths annually. The CDC released that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their lung cancer risk by 20–30 percent. Annually an estimated 88 million nonsmokers in the United States inhaled the tobacco smoke of others.
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Separating smokers from nonsmokers within the same air space, cleaning the air, opening windows and ventilating buildings does not eliminate secondhand smoke exposure According to the CDC, there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health Tobacco use on College Campuses The number of campuses going smoke-free and tobaccofree increased dramatically since 2009. This improvement is due in part to the efforts of the American College Health Association (ACHA) that adopted a Position Statement on Tobacco that recognizes the risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke. Winthrop is the only public university in South Carolina that permits smoking on campus. Smoking bans – including outdoors as well as indoor – encourage and support quitting by making it more inconvenient for a person to remain a smoker Enforcement of smoking bans has been a controversial issue. Colleges are taking various methods of enforcement such as: peer enforcement, fines and campus police efforts.
Please contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society for more information.
Editor-in-Chief ADARRELL GADSDEN gadsdena@mytjnow.com Managing Editor MICHAEL OWENS owensm@mytjnow.com Webmaster REAGAN MARTIN martinr@mytjnow.com News Editor CAROLYN RENNIX Assistant News Editor CATHERINE LOWE
Opinion Editor TREY STOKES
Director of Digital Information JACOB HALLEX
Arts & Culture Editor DANIEL JAMES
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Science & Technology Editor DEBORAH CROCKER
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Copy Editors FRANCES PARRISH ADAM MATONIC RACHEL SHAFFER
Faculty Adviser GUY REEL
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February 5, 2015
Justice, or lack thereof Council of Student Leaders hosts panel to discuss court system Catherine Lowe lowec@mytjnow.com Students gathered inside of Dina’s Place on Monday evening to discuss current issues in the United States and how they should be resolved. Held by Winthrop University’s Council of Student Leaders (CSL), the event was designed to help students get a better understanding of the justice system. The program was a panel discussion that was inspired by the latest national controversy with Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner. Student Government Vice Chair Jarvais Jackson said that this event was mainly held in response to the nationwide outcry of police killing unarmed African-American men. These famous cases in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City caught the public’s attention over the past few
months as grand juries declined to set charges against the police officers. The panelists included: South Carolina Representative Tommy Pop, York County Public Defender Harry Dest and Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood. Dr. Jennifer Disney, department chair and professor of political science, served as the event’s moderator. “In political science, we all know that everyone has an opinion on politics,” Disney said. “But not everyone is an expert on politics.” The program started out with questions from the Council of Student Leaders and then open inquiries from the audience. Questions were asked about grand juries, criminal justice and social justice. Advice was also given to students about how to better understand the justice system. One of the main issues discussed was the concern about the grand jury’s final decision from the controversial racial events in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City. Since many people feel that the grand jury’s decision was not fair to the victims, students were wondering how the court process actually works. Dest responded to the crowd by stating how many television shows perceive the court system and grand jury as a very deliberate process and that there is a lot of agonizing over the evidence and sifting through the evidence. “That may be the case in certain states, but that’s not the case here in South Carolina,” Dest said. “It’s basically a process where the state has an opportunity to tell a team of grand jurors what
their case is about and they make a decision.” Another main question that the CSL asked the panelists was, “What would each of you say about the events surrounding the deaths of Treyvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner help teach us about what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong in terms of criminal justice and social justice in America?” Dest said that he thinks it is important to take a step back and to not look at any individual case. “We need to ask ourselves: ‘What are the underlining factors that lead to those tensions between law enforcement and certain segments of our society?’” Dest said. “We need to take a good look at what’s happened to the United States and better the understanding of the justice system.” Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood indicated that he thinks the country transforms into a very different world when large issues are facing society. “It’s a different world when you’re black, and it’s a different world when you’re a woman. That’s just the United States,” Underwood said. South Carolina Rep. Tommy Pope said that students need to be more “knowledgeable” about what is going on in the country. “We are a country of law,” Pope said. “We need to have a rule of law and it needs to be taken care of in the light of day and not on the street.” He also stated that young individuals need to be self-educated on these issues and not educated by what the media or friends say. “You shouldn’t let people think for you; you need to educate yourself.”
Student organization takes new approach on meetings
Carolyn Rennix/ The Johnsonian Retired Justice Ernist Finney shakes hands with members of the Friendship Nine.
Vindication• from front “I think if this day ended without they were once not allowed to sit at. me, as a representative of the state, A white woman approached him extending an apology to these men apologizing for what happened that we wouldn’t be doing justice saying that she had been in the in this case,” Brackett said. “These restaurant the day the men were convictions and charges were had arrested. Graham began to tear up in the name of the state and today as he told the story. as the solicitor for York County, I According to Graham, the woman represent the state. So allow me to said to him, “I was there. I wanted take this opportunity to extend to to do something but I couldn’t.” each of you my heartfelt apologies The daughter of civil rights for what happened to you in 1961.” pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. The case heard Bernice King was by Circuit Court there and also Judge John Hayes spoke saying that who is the nephew justice had been of the judge who done. originally heard the “I can now say case said,“We cannot any good thing rewrite history, but came out of Rock we can right history.” Hill,” said King. Following Hayes’s “Not only a good decision to vacate thing but a great the charges against thing came out of the men, Brackett Rock Hill, South asked the judge Carolina. not to throw out King would also the convictions but thank the men for instead to attach his their bravery and ruling to the original service, saying docket so that it that they had their would be preserved. dignity restored. -John Hayes Following the men’s Dub Massey who day in court, the still calls Rock Hill press heard from the home said that author of “No Fear there was so much For Freedom,” the children’s book time where nothing happened, about the men’s story, Kimberly that he had made up his mind that Johnson. nothing may come but said once it She said that justice had been did, it was relieving. done and that she believed these “It was refreshing to hear, men’s stories needed to be told. but there were so many years in Clarence Graham who spoke on between the decision and that day behalf of the men spoke about his that you almost make up your mind experience the day before when the that it won’t come but finally the men returned to the lunch counter exoneration comes,” Massey said.
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We cannot rewrite history, but we can write history.
Carolyn Rennix | News Editor rennixc@mytjnow.com
Eric Hammett/ The Johnsonian
Campus Crusades for Christ offers coffee, open discussion at weekly meetings Catherine Lowe lowec@mytjnow.com A well-known student organization plans on taking a new approach to meetings this semester called Coffee House Campus Crusades for Christ (CRU). President Summer Hughes said that she plans on creating a new and relaxed environment for college students. The meetings will involve discussions about various issues people face on a day-to-day basis. Each week there will be a speaker and free coffee will be offered while students are put into smaller groups to discuss the topic at hand. Hughes said that students will be able to benefit from these meetings,
because it gives them an opportunity to discuss different issues in a safe and welcoming environment. “Students will also be able to develop their own thoughts and opinions through discussion,” Hughes said. “This will allow them to look at topics from a perspective different than their own.” The organization plans on having weekly meetings so that students can discuss different topics each week. Occasionally there will be a special event that will be more hands-on and less discussion-based. Hughes said that she does not want Coffee House CRU to be a onetime thing and then be done. “We went to spark a fire and keep that fire burning,” she said. This organization plans on spreading the word through Facebook, flyers and word of mouth. Any student can join the Facebook page “Coffee House CRU at Winthrop CRU.” Students can also follow them on Instagram and Twitter with the name WUCRU.
Eric Hammett/ The Johnsonian Campus Crusades for Christ leaders discuss topics with the college students present at the coffee house-themed meeting.
Catherine Lowe | Assistant News Editor lowec@mytjnow.com
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February 5, 2015
Cocoa, cupcakes and congratulations Newly accepted mass communication majors join together in celebration Carolyn Rennix rennixc@mytjnow.com The Mass Communication Student Advisory Board (SAB) congratulated the 33 students who were recently accepted into the Mass Communication Department. The students were invited to join the SAB in Johnson Hall on Thursday to enjoy mini cupcakes and cocoa as a small way to celebrate their achievement. The SAB student advisor Brittaney Major explained why the board decided to start this new annual tradition. “I, along with the members of the student advisory board, wanted to make this a special moment for those students who were accepted into the major,” she said. “We wanted to let them know that this was just the beginning of their journeys as well as celebrate all they had to do to make it this far.”
Mass Communication Associate Professor Guy Reel said he looks for students who make an initiative to work for the student publications, news channel and radio station. “The main thing we look for with potential mass communication students is enthusiasm about journalism and that they have gained some experience in through class work or their own personal initiative,” Reel said. One of the recently accepted students, Ashley Briggs, said how she now feels like she is fulfilling a purpose. “There were times where I received grades that I was not very proud of, but it is powerful to see what I can accomplish with hard work and dedication,” Briggs said. The sophomore also said that becoming a mass communication major is just her next step towards achieving her dreams. “After I graduate with a degree in mass communication, I hope to touch lives all over the world on my own daily talk show,” Briggs said. Sophomore Kiara Smith was also one of the 33 students accepted into the program. Smith explained
how she is excited to continue her journey in the Mass Communication Department as an integrated marketing communications (IMC) major. “I love that my major will allow me to take different paths in my career choice after I graduate,” Smith said. “I am now able to learn about not only marketing, but advertising and public relations as well.” In order to apply to become a mass communication major, student must have successfully completed Writing Composition (WRIT) 101 and The Human Experience (HMXP) 102 with a Bor better. Once the students passed these courses, they were expected to complete Media Writing (MCOM 241) and apply to become a major. The application consisted of a formal written application and a statement explaining why they believe that they would be successful in the program. Each semester, the mass communication professors get together and evaluate the application and written statements.
Althea Holenko/ The Johnsonian
Feature Photo: Students get involved
Matt Lee/ The Johnsonian
Photo courtesy of Ashley Briggs’ Twitter account
Dozens of the student organizations piled into the Richardson Ballroom for the Student Involvement Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 27. The organizations present included the interest clubs, academic organizations, Greek life, student publications and much more. The Student Involvement Fair is held each semester in order to educate students on their extra curricular options at Winthrop.
Hi, neighbor. We can’t wait to be your neighborhood grocery store—the place where you can get milk and sugar and everything you need for dinner. But you’ll find encouragement here, too. We’re here to help—whether it’s sharing simple recipes with you each week, making your celebration special with a custom cake, or even supporting your youth soccer team. We still bake bread from scratch, order your favorite product (if we don’t already carry it), and carry your groceries out to your car. We’re excited about our new home in Rock Hill. And we can’t wait to meet you.
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February 5, 2015
Fight against discrimination far from over for minorities
Allegra Payne Special to The Johnsonian It’s February, which means that it’s National Black History Month; the time when we remember our past and the people who contributed to our future. We celebrate the people who stood up for basic human decency and for those who would not sit passively by for any injustice. As we celebrate, our current circumstances come to mind. Our predecessors fought for our freedoms, but have we come further than they possibly ever dared to dream? Or have we fallen short of the shadow cast by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic speech? When we turn on the news these days, we hear about everything from the winning lotto numbers to foreign affairs on the other side of the globe. Recently, we have been bombarded with police
brutality and undue violence. The news is full of shootings, homicide committed by police officers and wrongful deaths, so one really wonders if we have distanced ourselves as much as we think from the days when people were mauled in the streets for veering too close to a police officer. The Ferguson riots come to mind, but not the murder leading up to it. I refer instead to the actual violent riots that caused mass destruction and widespread panic; hundreds of people raging against the system that failed them. This is only one instance of brutality and excessive force in the African-American community, which begs the question: “Is prejudice still prevalent in our society?” While we may no longer get the dogs turned on us, racism is still a thing. As a child, I never quite noticed that there were differences between people; they were simply people. But as a young adult, and after hearing and seeing stories from another time, I notice people like to treat prejudice and even discrimination like an ancient relic. And while I have personally never had experience with outright prejudice, I know someone who has. 54-year-old South Carolina resident Felicia Payne has seen her fair share of prejudice, both as an educated African-American woman and as
a woman in the workplace. A former nurse in the military, she regaled me with a story. “I once was told by a white male patient not to administer painkillers because he didn’t think I knew what I was doing. I was head nurse. He would rather sit in pain because he didn’t want me to touch him.” This may seem extreme to you and I, but things like this do still happen, though perhaps not as often as before. She told me of her days growing up, when “people were more ‘in-your-face’ about their prejudice. They didn’t hide it and had no problem calling you out of your name if they so felt like.” How the times have changed — but prejudice has not disappeared altogether. When I asked if she thinks we as a society have progressed, she replied: “People want to move forward as a whole. But we need to make more progress as a community. We still haven’t gotten to that equality. We are trying, but we have not arrived yet.” The way I see it, prejudice is still prevalent not only in the Afro-American community, but in others as well: be it work, skin or a language barrier. We happen to have the spotlight for now, but it is a sad truth that eventually another group will take the torch.
Positive Black History Month Does this make me look fat?
Brittany Rauch Staff Writer Every year, Black History Month graces us with its presence. I personally don’t mind Black History Month even though it makes many people who aren’t black or African American uncomfortable. I love history, learning about it, trying to understand it and understand how people lived decades to hundreds of years ago. However, I’ve noticed that every year Black History Month becomes even more monotonous than the last. Slavery. Pain. Assassination. Helplessness. As I await the month of history that I’ve celebrated every year since my birth, I have begun to dread the oncoming repetition. It’s not because I don’t appreciate what I learned in high school. It’s not because I’m tired of Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s not because I’m not African-American. Black History Month comes and when it does, it brings with it a series of depressing realities that have been ingrained in my skull for over a decade now. My question is: What about the good? Yes, we learn about Martin Luther King, Jr., but what about Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, the first free African-American commu-
nity? What about Jupiter Hammon, the first (known) African-American published author? What about the first African-American elected to any government office? These are just African-Americans. What about across the world? What about black inventors, doctors, historians, actors, actresses or soldiers? I feel as though Black History Month, the way it is celebrated in America, is an insult more than it is a celebration of a person’s heritage. I think I would not be the only person to cherish and appreciate a whole new kind of Black History Month — a Black History Month filled with more than just the bad. It would be filled with positive background. To be clear, in no way am I saying that Black History Month should ignore Martin Luther King, Jr. or slavery. MLK has become a tradition for Black History Month, and I would feel cheated if he were to be replaced or taken away. In the end, I think it would be beneficial to see a new type of black history: one filled with positive images and new history that I didn’t learn in elementary or middle school. I’m not saying that schools shouldn’t teach the events that took place a hundred plus (and a hundred minus) years ago. I’m saying that positivity breeds positivity, and in looking on the bright side of what was once horrible discrimination, hopefully the world may take this to mean that we can move into a new age, one filled with happy endings. Just because happy endings happen in fairytales doesn’t mean we have to relegate them to the storybooks.
Police must institute safeguards
Anna Wills Staff Writer Police brutality has always been a controversial issue. However, the problem seems to have risen even more in the past few years. With cases such as the murders of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, police officers are gaining a dangerous reputation. In 2010, there were an estimated
6,300 victims of police brutality in the United States. In 2013, it was estimated that the average number of civilian deaths by police officers per year ranges from 500 to 1,000. These numbers are far too large. How do we put a stop to this deadly occurrence? Police officers should be made to participate in psychological testing before being put in the field and should be reevaluated each year. In addition to this, officers should be put through training on how to detain and potentially arrest individuals without using excessive deadly force. Perhaps these potential solutions would cause a significant decrease in the number of police brutality cases in the United States.
Trey Stokes | Opinion Editor stokest@mytjnow.com
Dave Birley Staff Writer Obesity is among us. This is a demonstrable fact supported by empirical evidence. There are instances where obesity is caused by a medical condition. According to the University of Michigan Health System, “In the years 2003-2004, 17.1 percent of children and teens aged 2-19 years (over 12 and a half million young people) were overweight, and 32.2 percent of adults (over 66 million) were obese. Almost 5 percent of adults were extremely obese.” And “Very rarely, obesity is caused by an underlying medical condition.” I am 80 years old, 5’10” tall and weigh 215 lbs. I am considered obese. Over 30 years ago, my weight began to enter this range, and went higher. I was diagnosed as diabetic. The doctor told me, “Well, we all know what to do about that: diet and exercise, right?” And he was wrong — dead wrong. We don’t “all know” that. I didn’t know that, and, what’s more, I didn’t know what kind of diet and what kind of exercise. Now, my life has been dominated by daily doses of a couple of medications designed for the treatment of this disease, and I have mastered the twice daily discipline of punching a hole in my finger and measuring my blood glucose therefrom. I have learned what diabetic neuropathy is — the gradual death of the nerves in my feet and legs. However, other than that, for the past 30-plus years I haven’t felt all that bad. Except that a couple of years ago the neuropathy had become bad enough that walking any distance greater than from my house to my mailbox was not an option, and even that required me to walk with a stick. I got handicap tags for my car, and learned to manage the motorized carts in the big box stores. Last October, a man who enjoys weightlifting gave a talk in our church. His message used “feel the burn” and other thoughts related to weight lifting to make his ecclesiastical point. Although I had long since given up any idea of regular structured exercise, I had a brief epiphany. I might be able to
do an upper body workout. I knew about the existence of the weight room in the West Center, and I knew that personal trainers were available, but I had never investigated them before. I headed over there and quickly learned that the personal trainer was going to cost me the princely sum of $20 for the entire semester. I could afford that. So, in my usual “bull in a china shop” way, I signed up. My assigned trainer was to be Chelsea Joyner. I was truly worried about how she would torture me, but I decided at least to give a session a try. Now, I love a good cliché, and I feel strongly that this is a time for one. Chelsea saved my life! Really. Within a month, I had returned to a daily walk — with a stick, of course — of a mile and a quarter around the area where I live. A month later, I was carrying the stick, but not using it for walking support. The regimen that Chelsea has designed for me has enabled me to do a weight room workout three times a week, has helped me to lose weight — 15 lbs. since October 1 — and has improved my overall health to a level I haven’t enjoyed for years. I am still diabetic, and will be so for the rest of my life, but I plan to get to my ideal weight goal of about 170 before the end of this year. Here’s the take away on all this. The West Center and its personal trainer program is there and essentially free for all Winthrop students and staff. Its convenient, available access times are very wide-reaching, and I strongly believe that their personal trainers can be the key to anyone’s personal health. Let’s get fit!
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I was truly worried about how [my trainer] would torture me, but I decided at least to give a session a try.
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Sports
theJohnsonian
2015 Spring Preview Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian
Softball hopes veteran presence will bring success Lexie deMoya demoyal@mytjnow.com
Winthrop University’s softball team returns with seven starters and 16 lettermen from a team that produced one of the school’s most successful seasons with 48 home runs. This is the 4th most in the school’s history. Returning starters for the Eagles include sophomores Maddie Antone, 2014 Big South Freshman of the Year and Megan Winningham, named to an All-Big South Freshman Team. The powerhouse duo received 39 runs, 11 doubles, 13 home runs and 49 RBI’s.
The team’s pitching staff will include seniors Sutton Watson and Sara Allen along with juniors Dallas King and Bradlee Holeman. Senior Kelsey Ritter also will be returning for the 2015 season in which she hit .252 with 22 runs, eight home runs and 24 RBI last year. “This season we have a very talented group of girls,” said Ritter. “I’ve seen some great chemistry so far between our infielders and outfielders, even the ones who are trying new positions.” Coastal Carolina was voted as the preseason’s top pick to repeat as season champions. Longwood was selected second behind the
favorite in the conference, Coastal. Winthrop has been picked to finish fifth as the 2015 Big South Conference Preseason Poll was released by the league office on Jan. 28h. “Our main goal every year is to win the Big South championship, and this year I definitely think we have the team to do it,” says senior Christine DeWitt. “Our team dynamic is much different this year than it has been in my past three seasons playing for the Eagles.” Winthrop starts off their season on Feb. 6 at the Georgia Red & Black Showcase facing Illinois at 12:30 p.m.
High expectations for Eagle lacrosse In year three, Winthrop women’s lacrosse Coach John Sung believes his team has the experince they’ve lacked the past two seasons. After finishing 8-11 in 2014 with a loss to High Point in the Big South Conference Championship semifinals the Eagles have added a host of new faces to the roster, while returning some of the league’s best. “This season is a big defining moment for this program,” Sung said. “We’ve been able to bring in the recruits we wanted to bring in and we’ve been able to withstand a lot of test that you face as a younger team.” The Eagles were recently picked to finish second overall in the Big South Conference the team’s highest preseason ranking ever. Senior attack player Jenna Kasmarik named was the conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, making her the first player to ever receive that honor. As a team, getting back to the conference tournament is what the Eagles are looking for. While Sung doesn’t hold too much weight on the preseason ranking he wants his team to remember that this sets the standard for what is expected of them and that a second place finish is what was expected. Hoping that they rise to the challenge and exceeds those expectations. “Your job is to do better than your rank,” Sung said. “So hopefully we can come out with a number one ranking.” He believes that Kasmarik has the ability to make the
Michael Owens | Interim Sports Editor owensm@mytjnow.com
Adarrell Gadsden gadsdena@mytjnow.com
players around her better. The Eagles placed two other players on the preseason allconference team in defensive player Alyssa Blevins and midfielder Shannon Gallagher. Sung expects to contribute in big ways this season. “Alyssa is a kid that knows what it means to be a Winthrop Eagle, she is what we call a kid that would do anything for this team and put the team first,” said Sung. “She will do everything that is necessary for us to win.” He wants Gallagher to be ready to step into a leadership role and believes that she will play a major role in how well this team does this season. Sung added ten new Eagles to his roster and expects at least five of them to end up starting and the signees reach all the way to Deleware. “It’s not normal to have five freshmen who start but it’ll be something you see where we have younger players who are contributing,” Sung said. Sung wants his team to remain committed to academics as well as to community service. “We had four students with over a 4.0,” said Sung. “When we’re recruiting players we’re saying you don’t only have to be a good player, but a good student. The Eagles have games against Ohio State, Michigan, San Diego State and Cincinnati that really stand out on their schedule. The Eagles kick off their season on the road at Kennesaw State this Tuesday at 4 p.m. Jacob Hallex / The Johnsonian
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Words of wisdom Last week, over 300 Winthrop studentathletes were paid a visit by Mike Lutzenkirchen, who has become a renowned speaker since the passing of his son Phillip last summer. Phillip was a fan-favorite player on the Auburn national championship football team in 2010 whose legacy has started the Lutzie 43 foundation, which helps develop the character of young athletes. The message, known as “The Talk” focused on his son’s strong character and his final days. It also emphasized teaching students about the consequences of their actions and how they can better serve others. His daughter Ann is also a former soccer player at Winthrop. Eric Hammett / The Johnsoinan
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February 5, 2015
Common book event addresses class distinctions in food and nutrition Nutrition professor says that food security is a local and international concern Daniel James jamesd@mytjnow.com Students filled the seats of Dina’s Place to learn about issues related to food security. This event was part of Winthrop’s common book series, Simone Camel, assistant professor of human nutrition hosted Community, Class and Cost. Camel defined food security as the time that all people have access to food despite income. She said that food security is not the ideal and that nutrition safety is necessary, which is when people have access to healthy options. Food insecurity is a major issue in the United States, despite being an industrialized nation. Camel said that nationally, 14 to 15 percent of households are food insecure. In York county 30 percent of homes are categorized as food insecure. Camel said that many have lost a sense of interdependence due to the ability to travel alone to a store and get food. “Often we think we can do things alone, but often we do rely on each other,” Camel said. She said that many issues go into choices of what to eat such as time and money. “You probably pick things that are cheap due to tuition,” Camel said. She said that when nutritionists look at food systems they look at access, affordability, health and resiliency. She related each to college students as well as the Rock Hill community. Many students may not have access or affordability to quality healthy options. In regard to the food access concern, Camel said that the census found that the national average for
driving distance to a supermarket is 8 to 10 miles. She said that while this may not pose a major problem for those with cars, it does make things harder for others. When she asked the audience how they would get to the grocery store if they did not have access to a car, one student answered public transportation. “Do we have public transportation in Rock Hill?” Camel asked. She said that because Rock Hill has a lack of public transport, many are forced to walk to the supermarket to get food for an extended period of time. Others are forced to go to convenience stores, which have much fewer healthy options, leading to a rise of health problems in lowincome neighborhoods. Resiliency, she said, was more difficult to relate to a local level, but she said that lack of resiliency of food in any area has negative impacts. She said that if oranges in Florida are destroyed by mold, orange juice prices will rise. If a foreign nation that exports oranges to the U.S. decides they want to cease relations, it could eliminate it altogether. “We would suddenly be devoid of that type of food,” said Camel. Camel said that many are turning to gardening as an alternative. “Gardening is fantastic, but the thing to remember about gardening is that there is risk involved,” Camel said. She said that it is dangerous to rely on a garden for a primary food source as something may ruin the crops, but is a worthy pursuit to make a difference, providing healthy, sustainable foods to those that might struggle finding affordable health options. Camel said that gardening has been found to have other positive effects such as increased social interaction and a decrease in depression of the elderly. While the rise in social media is helping decrease food confusion in the America, the act of com-
Feb. 5 - Puzzle
Daniel James | A&C Editor jamesd@mytjnow.com
ing together as a community through gardening provides more in-depth conversation for the youth and elderly. She said that many are unable to raise a quality garden due to living conditions and lack of funding to both provide for their family and purchase seeds. These families have to resort to other means to obtain necessary nutrition. Camel said that the number of families who are poor, working and receiving benefits from SNAP are about 30 percent of the population. From Jan. 22 to Jan. 28, many students participated in the SNAP challenge, which states that those attempting the challenge must sustain themselves on the amount provided by SNAP, a weekly total of less than $30. The caveat of the challenge was to attempt to find healthy options, not just cheap food. The goal of the challenge was to give a better view of what Americans go through when receiving food stamps. One student in the audience said that her professor participated in the challenge and had trouble purchasing enough food. She was forced to give an apple to her children instead of eating it herself due to not having enough funds for herself and them. “We know that when people are concerned about food, their behavior change,” Camel said. “Food insecurity is a stressor.” She said that many
parents are forced, due to economic conditions and distance from quality food choices, to restrict food for themselves and their children. Some lock foods in pantries to prevent their children from eating their
“” Vote with
your fork. What you eat matters. Simone Camel
Assistant professor of nutrition
food supply too fast; others go without food, giving it to their children instead. Camel said that it is also an issue for the children. She said that children that do not have sufficient nourishment often see both stunted growth and dropping grades. This is also true for college students, which she said are increasingly lacking in food security. Camel showed students tools that they could use to make quality choices of what to eat. These tools include the USDA Know Your Farmer tool, which features an interactive map showing local food system projects. She showed The Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, which recommends types of seafood to eat based
on living area, taking into account the conditions under which the sea life grows, is caught and processed. The Farmers Market Directory Search allows the user to find close farmers markets to obtain homegrown foods. The final tool she showed was the USDA Food Environment Atlas. This tool shows a map of the U.S. and food environment factors such as accessibility to supermarkets, quality of food security and rate of obesity. “There are a lot more resources available that I did not know existed,” said freshman psychology major Jennifer Towery. Camel said that the best thing that students can do is to make well thought-out choices about the foods we eat. Students could even do something as simple as choose an apple instead of a candy bar from a snack machine. “Vote with your fork,” Camel said. “What you eat matters.” Camel urges students that are interested in learning more to look at the resources she suggested and to take a look at the SNAP challenge blog. This event was a part of the “Where Am I Eating?” common book series, which addresses food security issues across the world. The cultural events that are part of this series lead to the arrival of the book’s author Kelsey Timmerman in March.
Graphic courtesy of the USDA This graphic is from the USDA Food Environment Atlas. It shows the percentage of SNAP participants in each state. Over 16 percent of South Carolinians use SNAP.
Jan. 29 - Solution
Beth West | Assistant A&C Editor weste8@winthrop.edu
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February 5, 2015
Student organization gives students a chance at vocal self-expression Def Poets Society offers a place to review and recite poetry, spoken word, music and other forms of vocal art. Lindsey Feder federl2@winthrop.edu The first thing you probably thought of when you saw the signs for the Def Poets Society was the old Robin Williams movie, “Dead Poets Society.” And then you may have thought that a new club had formed to watch “Dead Poets Society” and other classics, but that is not why Winthrop’s newest club formed. Def Poets Society was formed so that students could showcase their creative talents. Now, every Wednesday at 8 p.m., students have the opportunity to express themselves creatively in front of others. The club’s Open Mic Nights are similar to the DiGiorgio Student Union’s Open Mic Nights, but the biggest dif-
ference between the two is that the Def Poets Society will have weekly Open Mic Nights, instead of just once every month like DSU does. This will provide more opportunities for students who want to show off their talents for their friends and classmates. You can sing, read some poetry, tell some jokes, you can do anything that you want to, if you just have the courage to sign up and stand in front of a crowd of people. The first open mic night, Jan 28, was a big success. Multiple students came to the Edge in the DiGiorgio Center to sing songs and read poetry. Three students read three poems; one girl brought the house down by preaching passionately about the rights of African-Americans. Another student read aloud a poem he had written about being capable of being evil. If you are interested in coming to an Open Mic Night and joining in on the fun, find something to sing or read because you will not be disappointed that you came. There was a phrase that the founders of the club came up with. The phrase was, “can we be cool?” They came up with it so that the person performing on stage could say it to the crowd, and then get the crowd to say it back. It was just a way to get the performer to feel better and more at ease with singing or reading aloud to a group of people. Will you be cool and come to the next Open Mic Night? The Open Mic Nights will be every Wednesday at 8 p.m., though the location is pending. If you are interested in coming to the next Open Mic Night and want to know where it will be, just email the Def Poets Society at defpoets@winthrop.edu.
Improv This! puts students on their toes Improv This! welcomes all students to improve their improv skills and to join in on a laugh. Jami Hodgins hodginsj@mytjnow.com Improv This! is one of the most exciting and creative organizations Winthrop has to offer. Each week, students gather in a fun and informal environment to play several improvisation games. “It’s an organization where all kinds of different people come together in order to help promote each other,” said Improve This! student representative and junior English major Brittany Rauch. Rauch also said that the organization is beneficial for “helping people to promote their public speaking abilities and thinking on their feet, and it helps to get them more comfortable in a crowd.” Improv This! has been around for several years, and it begun with a group of theatre majors one Thursday night after a late rehearsal according to the organization’s president, junior theater education major Trey King. “They weren’t done,” King said, “They had more that they wanted to give and experience with each other… Since then, [Improv This!] has continued to grow and we just want to keep that momentum going.”
Clint Eastwood’s Portrayal of the “American Sniper” Allen Ownley ownleyj3@winthrop.edu To start off with, I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan. When I saw he was directing another movie called “American Sniper” a few weeks ago, it immediately caught my interest. As an actor, Eastwood’s dry humor and blunt personality is unmatched. I would describe him as an old-fashioned man’s man with a good sense of what is right and what is wrong. That is part of the reason I relate to him; because I am somewhat old-fashioned in my ideals. In his old age, Eastwood has taken more of a backseat to acting, again proving himself time again as a director. 2008’s “Gran Torino” was one of my favorite movies of that year, although he has had some hit and misses since then. This brings me to the year 2015 with his directorial release of “American Sniper” starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Ben Reed, Luke Grimes, Kyle Gallner and Elise Robertson. “American Sniper” tells the story of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the deadliest sniper in American history, but there is more to Kyle than his skill with the rifle. Kyle enlists in the military with one goal: to protect his fellow soldiers. Soon his pinpoint accuracy and staggering kill streak earns him the nickname “The Legend” by his fellow comrades. His increasing sense of duty begins taking a toll on his wife and kids, along with his own mental state. After serving four extensive tours in Iraq he is ready to come home, but finds it hard to leave the war when he returns. To start off with, it is easy to see why this movie is doing so well at the box office. It is that good. Bradley Cooper’s performance as the legend himself stuck out to me the most. Who would have thought that goofy guy from “The Hangover” (2009) could deliver such a powerful performance? He had to completely transform himself physically and mentally. To resemble Kyle, Cooper ate around 8,000 calories a day along with intensive workouts to bulk up 40 pounds. Cooper also worked with a vocal coach to master the Texan accent and trained daily on the shooting range. His dedication to accurately portray Kyle, the hero, shines through in the movie. Other cast members such as Sienna Miller, playing Kyle’s wife, and Kyle Gallner, playing a fellow SEAL, served their roles well. Eastwood has always had a knack for showing the realistic brutality of the world. There was one scene in particular that I had to turn my head, although it was necessary for showing the harrowing realities of war. He was able to set the tone of the Iraq war perfectly to give people a sense of what is going on there. With quality costumes and sets, it felt authentic. The use of practical effects to make vehicles, explosions and backdrops, instead of computer generated imagery, was the perfect creative choice to make the world feel real without taking the viewer out of the movie. There has been much controversy about Chris Kyle and the film surrounding his legacy. During his career, Kyle accumulated 160 confirmed kills out of 255 probable kills with his longest shot being 2,100 yards away, the length of 21 football fields. Celebrities like Michael Moore have publicly called Kyle a coward and others have called him a psychopath with no regard to human life, but the movie shows that he saved countless U.S. lives, and every kill he made took a toll on him mentally. I found the scenes of Kyle adjusting to civilian life after each tour more interesting than the combat because PTSD is such a real thing. I thank the veterans and soldiers like Kyle who have sacrificed so much for this country. American Sniper is a great love letter to Kyle’s memory. Eastwood’s goal in making American Sniper was to make a tribute to the great soldier and loving father Kyle was and he succeeded. As the credits rolled with no music, everyone was silent in honor of Chris Kyle’s memory. This movie gets 5 out of 5 Medals of Honor.
The officers of the organization come from a variety of fields, and people from all backgrounds and from all majors are welcome to show up and join in the games. “Our rules are: play the first game, don’t get offended, judgment pants off and don’t get offended, dammit!” King said. Rauch said that several people who are not from Winthrop and who have graduated also come out to participate in the activities. One of those people is Zade Patterson, who graduated from Winthrop in 2011 with a degree in broadcasting. “It has been a really cool experience seeing how [Improv This!] has fluctuated in its growth and how it’s still open for anyone to come out to,” said Patterson, who participated in the organization for three and a half years during his time as a Winthrop student. Patterson said he continues to participate in Improv This! because “being on your toes in certain situations is an important life skill to have. [Improv] can help in real life situations.” For those who enjoy acting, comedy or even just premium entertainment, Winthrop University Improv This! is the perfect on-campus activity to join. Any Purchase Students can show up at At Regular Menu Price room 103 in Johnson Hall to act, watch and laugh with a Coupon Code: Winthrop15 diverse group of individuals every Thursday from 10:30 Price before tax and delivery. Not valid with p.m. until midnight. other offers or deals.
15% Off
Now Open Rock Hill 1735 Heckle Blvd At Heckle & Herlong
803-324-3000
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February 5, 2015
VITA program returns to Winthrop Adarrell Gadsden gadsdena@mytjnow.com With tax season back again, members of the Winthrop community have an oncampus option when it comes to filing their taxes with the IRS. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is sponsored by the Kappa Rho Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi ,is a free option to anyone associated with Winthrop to file their federal and or state income taxes. Winthrop faculty, staff and students as well as their spouses are eligible to file at this VITA location. “This is completely free and confidential,” said accounting professor Dr. Jayne Maas. “There are four other VITA locations in Rock Hill but this is the only one dedicated to Winthrop.” Beginning Feb 6 at 9 a.m. three IRS agents as well as student volunteers will be on campus in the DiGiorgio Campus Center Lobby to assist until 1 p.m. The program will run until March 27, with IRS agents and Beta Alpha Psi students helping in the campus center every Friday except during the university’s spring break week. Maas said there is no need to set up an appointment and that anyone interested in taking advantage of the program should come with their tax information in hand. To know what information is needed email bap@winthrop. edu. The IRS will interview those who choose to use the program, prepare the tax return and e-file if they qualify. Last year the program filed 313 total returns with 164 of those being federal returns and the other 149 being state
returns. During the 2013 tax filing season, Winthrop filers reported over $2.0 million in taxable income on returns filed through VITA. Just recently, the IRS issued public awards to Winthrop University, Beta Alpha Psi and a number of individual students who participated in the 2013 tax filing season. The VITA program will prepare the following: •Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2); • Interest income (Form 1099-INT); • Dividends received (Form 1099-DIV); • State tax refunds (Form 1099-G); • Unemployment benefits (Form 1099-G); • IRA distributions (Form 1099-R); • Pension Income (Form 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA1099); • Social security benefits (SSA-1099); • Simple capital gains/loss (Form 1099-B); • Sale of home (1099-S) limited • Self-employed income (Form 1099-MISC) limited • Gambling winnings (Form W-2G); • Cancellation of debt (Form 1099-C) limited • Health savings accounts (Form 1099-SA) limited • Itemized deductions (limited); • Education credits (Form 1098-T) • Child tax credit • Affordable Health Care statements (Forms 1095-A, B, or C); • Prior year and amended returns (limited). Beta Alpha Psi is an honors society within Winthrop’s College of Business Administration for accounting, finance and information systems majors.
Five tips for the professional business setting Brittany Rauch Staff Writer College is a transforming point in a student’s life where one goes from education to career. As some might consider college, it is a transition from student/professor relationships to professional/professional relationships. Here are a few tips on how to get a head start to being a studious professional. Be reminded that these tips can help in getting an interview, position or reference from your surrounding faculty. Tip #1: Emoji’s aren’t for employees Every professional needs to understand that when writing anything that will be viewed by someone in a company or in a position of authority, one must be sure not to be overly casual. Winky faces and stickers like those found in Facebook messaging are a definite no-no. Make sure that your emails now, especially to professors that can introduce you to possible future employers, do not contain text lingo, emoji’s, and are polite and appreciative. If you are unsure of the necessary formality of a message always go formal, just in case. Tip #2: “Dress for success” Now, everyone has heard the age old suggestion “dress for success.” But some students still refuse to believe in the consequences of wearing superman pajamas to class. Not that 8 a.m.s aren’t difficult enough to get up for, but showing up to class in pajamas is extremely unprofessional and puts off the vibe of someone who really doesn’t care about their surroundings or their obligations. There has been research that the way a nice shirt and a pair of slacks can do wonders for a person’s confidence, and it will let your professors or future employers, just how serious you are about your work and education. Tip #3: Show up and own up Everyone makes mistakes. It’s a fact of life. The best way to get through a mistake whether it’s made in the business world or in the classroom, is to show up and own up to it. Hiding a mistake does nothing but make others question your sense of responsibility or your ethics. So tough it out, and accept your mistake. A good way to get through a mistake faster is to offer a solution instead of placing blame, even if you place the blame on yourself. Your boss or instructor doesn’t care whose fault it is, they care how it will be fixed. Tip #4: Kill ‘em with sweetness
There will always be that one person. You know the one, the one who will make your life a living hell. Whether it’s a particularly stressful boss a customer or a cranky group partner, they are everywhere and the best way to deal with these people is by being as polite and as sweet as possible. Though this may seem impossible for some people, it really is the best solution. Not only is killing this particularly difficult person with sweetness the best way to appear kind and personable to everyone around you, it is also the best source of revenge. People who like to take their everyday stress out on others are looking for someone to bite back and give them that in to keep up a nasty attitude. If you were to accept everything they said— within reason, of course—it just irritates them and kills their bad attitudes and gives them no reason to continue their horrible treatment of you. Some of these difficult individuals may even feel sorry for treating you so poorly and apologize, but, in the end, it really is about saving face and keeping that mask of professionalism on—at least until you get home where your dog can get an earful of just how bad your day was. Tip #5: Act the part Not only must you dress the part of a professional, but you must certainly act the part as well. Unfortunately, as much as many students and those of the younger generation love curse words, they are not appropriate in a professional setting. “Yes Ma’am’s,” “No, Ma’am’s,” “Yes, Sir’s” and “No, Sir’s” are all very appropriate. But, acting the part isn’t just referring to your speech mannerisms. Acting the part includes those little signals that you send out, the one’s adapting to your own thoughts. Your body language. America is a very high context society. This means that people don’t just take notice of your words, they are looking at the whole picture. You may be asking them about their day, but if your eyes are wandering and your heels are tapping, your audience will automatically know that you aren’t actually interested in what they have to say. This will make you seem both insincere and rude. Even if you aren’t interested, act like you are. The best way to do this is to listen to the other person—everyone can have a connection to you. Maybe it’s raining and they like rainy days, and, would you just take a look at that, so do you. Make eye contact. Nod your head in the appropriate intervals. Don’t interrupt. You’ve got this. This is what college has taught you.
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February 5, 2015
Researchers use roundworm to introduce new artificial intelligence Open Worm Project uploads the mental processes of a common parasite into a robot, with plans to expand its behavior in the future Deborah Crocker crockerd@mytjnow.com Scientists have successfully uploaded the mind of a common roundworm into a Lego robot. The Open Worm Project aims to collaborate with scientists, programmers and other individuals with relevant skills to stretch the boundaries of artificial intelligence, recreating the behavior of the roundworm (C. elegans) into a machine. “We’ve been working on it for four years and while we have a lot more to achieve it’s been the most surprising project I’ve been involved in,” said project coordinator
Stephen Larson in an interview with worm’s neurons, restricting it to the parts of the worm that would CNN. “It’s certainly exceeded my display behavior. Despite the expectations.” success of the project, Without the the robot is not yet use of any prior ready to display programming more advanced usually required to behavior such as influence behavior, avoiding predators or the Lego robot attempting to search mirrored the for a mate. mannerisms of “We feel we’ve gone the roundworm, a long way down the approaching and road, but we still backing away from know that there’s a obstacles. It also lot that’s been left responds to the out and there are a presence of food, lot of assumptions according to CNN. -- at the moment it The Open Worm Project’s software Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic represents one point in a line of iterative is modeled on the neurons of C. elegans’ nervous improvements,” said Larson. “I’d system, with a relatively simple say we’re only 20 to 30 percent of biological structure. However, the way towards where we need to the project required scientists to get.” narrow it down to a third of the In the future, the program plans
to model the robot entirely in a digital environment, resulting in a robot with an elastic body and stretchy muscles similar to that of a live worm. Eventually, the machine will include the same physics of the roundworm, along with biologically accurate cells. The digital version of the robot worm will be released in June 2015, allowing anyone with an interest in the project to join its efforts. Open Worm Project’s website asks for the assistance of scientists, coders, programmers, artists and writers in expanding the project. According to Larson, the open-source nature of the project has generously contributed to its success, resulting in fast progress over its four years of existence. “We definitely have further to go, but I think what captures people’s imagination is how much information we have managed to put together,” Larson said.
Pay attention to your devices, including but not limited to phones, tablets, computers and iPods. Grinding noises and screen flickering could indicate deeper problems, some of which are likely hard drive related. If your laptop is suddenly running hotter than usual, it may be time to take it in for a repair. Don’t ignore the little things when it comes to electronics – they often indicate a bigger problem that will get worse over time if ignored.
Brett Jordan \ Flickr Creative Commons
Five upcoming gadgets to look forward to in 2015 New technologies and other smart devices expected to hit the shelves later this year Deborah Crocker crockerd@mytjnow.com Thanks to the swiftly growing technological market, 2015 will see a number of new gadgets – some of which might sound futuristic in nature. Here are five of the previously announced technologies that will make an appearance later this year. Apple Watch: Announced in September along with the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus, the Apple Watch will be available for purchase early this year. According to Apple, the smartwatch will feature new ways of timekeeping, Internet access, messaging, forecast and health and fitness monitoring. It will also feature several customizable apps and designs, and will also automatically update to the local time if the user travels.
Oculus Rift: Having earned its popularity with the gaming industry, this virtual reality device will finally be available to consumers in the summer of 2015. The head-mounted virtual reality display allows players to fully immerse themselves in various games, mimicking human vision for a completely alternative experience within a video game. For instance, a player must turn their head to look in a different direction, rather than use a controller’s pad. Project Ara: Project Ara is advertised as a phone with modular upgrading, according to New York Daily News. Users will be able to remove, replace and choose various parts of the phone without having to purchase a new one. The camera, screen and shell are a few of the many parts of the smartphone that can be swapped out and customized. This phone is set to be released in limited quantities in 2015. CarPlay: Apple plans to include its operating
system in more cars in 2015. CarPlay adds Apple’s personal assistant to newer cars, giving drivers access to directions, calls, messages and music streaming. CarPlay can be managed with both a touchscreen and traditional dials, depending on the model of the car. Apple Maps will also be included, which enables CarPlay to predict where a user might wish to go next through observation of calls and messages. The operating system was released in 2014 but will be added to a greater number of new vehicles this year. Nymi Band: Instead of using fingerprint technology to authenticate users, the Nymi Band makes use of the heart’s unique signature (electrocardiogram). Authentication begins when the Nymi Band is worn for the first time, allowing the user to then connect with other devices and services for an alternative method of security. The device is currently available for preorder.
History of the Week Febuary 5, 1783
On this day in history, an estimated 7.5 to 8.0 quake struck southern Italy, leveling over 100 villages within a minute. In several cases, communities were literally wiped away with no survivors or standing structures remaining. The quake also produced an uncommon number of fractures in the Earth’s surface. In one case, a mile-long ravine--nearly 100 feet wide--was instantly created. A witness also claimed that “two mountains on the opposite sides of a valley walked from their original position until they met in the middle of the plain, and there joining together, they intercepted the course of a river.” New lakes appeared across the region, and a tsunami resulting from a tremor later on also killed thousands of people in Reggio di Calabria and Messina, towns that sit opposite each other across the strait between Calabria and Sicily. Including aftershocks and the indirect effects of the earthquakes, a total of 80,000 people died in the earthquake of 1783.
Deborah Crocker | Science & Technology Editor crockerd@mytjnow.com
World News \ WN.com
BLU creates thinnest phone in America Deborah Crocker crockerd@mytjnow.com A recently-released Android smartphone has been labeled the thinnest phone in the U.S., according to The Verge. BLU Products, a Miamibased phone company, specializes in the creation and distribution of unlocked smartphones, which can be used with any carrier. Their newest model, Vivo Air, is only 5.1 millimeters thick, with a smooth design that does not allow the phone’s camera or headphone jack to distract from the design. The phone is made out of aluminum magnesium alloy, weighing 97 grams, according to BLU Products’ website. “The Vivo Air provides a seamless user experience with the power to run multiple apps at once, quickly browse the web, or enjoy smooth rendering of graphics for just about any game with optimized battery efficiency,” claims BLU Products. The selling price for the Vivo Air is $199, and although the phone makes use of cheaper materials than an iPhone, it has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, according to its listing on Ama-
zon.com. The phone uses a lower-end processor, and its thin size does not allow for more expensive materials. Although Vivo Air’s current software is an older Android version, BLU Products plans to release Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Vivo Air in June 2015. “The phone looks and feels premium. It’s made of glass and aluminum, to be sure; it’s super-thin, and feather-light,” said PC Magazine in a review of the product. “It certainly doesn’t feel like a cheap prepaid phone.” Some of Vivo Air’s other features include: • 1 GB of RAM; • Front and rear-facing cameras; • Wifi, GPS, and Bluetooth functionality; • FM radio. “BLU is dedicated to delivering choices to the consumer, driven by the demand for great looking smartphones that can do amazing things, priced for everyone,” said Samuel Ohev-Zion, CEO of BLU Products. “With our new device launches customers will see our unrelenting focus on improving design, quality and user experience in addition to continuously driving down pricing.”
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February 5, 2015