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The voice of Austin Peay State University students since 1929
Feb. 4, 2009 | Vol. 81, Issue 17
First copy free, additional copies 50 cents each
Physics education grant to help prep future teachers By JENELLE GREWELL Staff Writer
The APSU School of Education was awarded a $75,000 grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for a program to give licensure and help prepare science teachers to teach physics at the high school level. According to APSU’s Web site, the program will take place June 1-16.
Shilea Pirkle, assistant professor in the School of Education, and director of the new program, said the project is designed to provide an intense two-and-a-half week workshop for science teachers. The workshop is specifically designed to teach physics concepts and educational activities for high school physics students and review appropriate math skills for physics teaching.
Pirkle said the program will include mostly physics lab activities and the teachers will have to take the physics Praxis test. Pirkle said teachers take the test to demonstrate their knowledge. Tedmann Onyango, laboratory and equipment manager, said his role in the program will be to act as facilitator of physics lab
techniques as applied to conceptual physics at a high school level. “We plan to help teachers develop effective instructional methods when it comes to teaching of conceptual physics in high school,” Onyango said. Pirkle said the program is limited to 25 teachers who can apply for graduate credit upon completion of the course and additional projects. APSU is
also providing scholarships for graduate credit. These teachers will also earn stipends and be eligible for other benefits. Pirkle said this program is important because there is a shortage of physics teachers in Tennessee. Onyango said the program will help connect APSU’s efforts to a national community of shared science, technology, engineering and mathematics
interests. “The main goal in this respect focuses in keeping up with educational reform initiatives that America needs to stay competitive in the science disciplines,” he said. “Further to this, it boosts the effort to establish APSU as a center of excellence in training physics teachers in Tennessee state.” See Physics page 2
Black History Month
MATEEN SIDIQ | SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Snow day photos See the photo spread of the Tuesday, Jan. 27 “Snow Days.”
See page 6
Kimbrough to speak about black Greek life By TINEÁ PAYNE News Editor
Walter M. Kimbrough, one of the youngest college presidents in the nation, and author of the book “Black Greek 101,” will be the guest speaker at the annual Unity Ball Monday, Feb. 23. Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., has held a strong fraternity experience and holds national expertise on historically black fraternities and sororities, according to the Philander Smith College Web site, (www.philander.edu/ president/bio.aspx). He serves as a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administration (NASPA), Association of See Greek page 2
SGA to hold March executive election Staff Reports
The Student Government Association is holding Executive Committee elections from 9 a.m., Monday, March 30 through midnight, Wednesday, April 1. According to SGA Chief Justice Will Moore, the three executive board postions, president, vice-president and secretary, will be open.There will also be 18 Senate positions open, which include one seat each for the sophomore, junior and senior classes and five Senate seats for the College of Arts and Letters, College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Professional Studies. If APSU implements the College of Business and the College of Education then SGA will recognize those colleges and the Senate seats will go from five available to three See SGA page 2
AACC highlights ‘quest for black citizenship’ Groups host month of events, outreach to the community By NICOLE JUNE Assistant News Editor
The Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center is hosting events throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. The cultural center is looking to expand its horizons this month. “We’re not only celebrating, but also trying to get information about the center out there,” Devin Hart, freshman visual communications major and student assistant for the center, said. “A common misconception about the center is that it is just for black people. This is definitely not the case. Anyone can come here, and everyone is welcome.” The center, founded in 1991 in honor of Wilbur N. Daniel, is steeped in African American heritage. A lot of the artwork, including the paintings and
sculptures, are original pieces that have been donated to the center by members of APSU and the community. “The bookshelves installed in the room actually came from Nigeria,” Hart said. The cultural center is reaching out into the local community as well. “Some of the neighborhood kids from Lincoln Homes come into the center to use the internet and watch television. What we’re hoping to do is get these kids more involved through community outreach,” Hart said. Hart said the center currently sends out fliers to local churches to try and get the community involved as well. “We’re starting on campus and working outward,” she said. The center is currently working on creating a Facebook account, according to Hart, and trying to become involved with the campus radio station and Nashville radio station 101.1 FM The Beat. One of the events featured this month is held throughout the year. The center hosts Peay Soup every other Tuesday
ALL PHOTOS by MATEEN SIDIQ | SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Top: New Providence Middle School students huddle to answer their next question during the middle school and high school Black History Bowl Friday, Jan. 30. Below: Students get their hands ready to buzz in to answer questions about black history.
night. “Basically, it’s just an open mic night, where anyone can recite poetry, sing, rap, perform skits, etc. Nobody gets booed; this is just a way for people to come in and express themselves in a positive way,” Hart said. The theme for this year’s Black History Month is the “Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas.” Among the events are Jamaican and Nigerian cooking shows,
African American Cinema Day, a HIV/AIDS Awareness presentation, a NAACP Black History Knowledge Bowl and a performance by Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa. For a calendar of events, students can visit the African American Cultural Center, located in Clement room 120. “The center is one of the best kept secrets on campus. We’re here to celebrate African American heritage and we’re here to stay,” Hart said. F
Campus groups address women’s issues during week of events By NICOLE JUNE Assistant News Editor
Women’s Issues Awareness Week, also known as “She Week,” will take place from Monday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 14. “The idea for ‘She Week’ came from our Living and Learning Community here on campus,” said Kimberley Morrow, associate director of Housing/Residence Life and Dining Services. The Living and Learning Community is composed of two groups: the honors dorms, Blount and Harvill, and the 300 and 400 buildings of Hand Village.
Students in these Hand Village buildings are mostly freshmen who wish to have extra help transitioning into college life, according to Morrow. The community held a meeting during which “She Week” was born. “We wanted to do something that was geared toward females and female health that would be informative but not awkward for males,” Morrow said. A self-defense seminar hosted by Silvia Lopez will take place at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Miller Hall room 109. The seminar will focus on martial arts.
“We had a serious event, but then we wanted to have some fun too, so we decided to show “chick flicks” all day Feb. 11,” Morrow said. The movies will air on channel 11 in all dorms and in the UC. “The Women” will be shown in Sevier Hall lobby at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12 as well. “We thought this would be the best location because it is the only all-female dorm on campus,” Morrow said. A breast health seminar, sponsored by Health Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19 in the UC. “Sometimes we don’t always think about things like breast
health issues, and they need to be addressed,” Morrow said. “We wanted to have an educational benefit to the events, not to exclude the guys,” she said. The week will conclude with a “pink out” during the APSU Lady Govs basketball game Friday, Feb. 14 to increase recognition of women’s athletics on campus. Throughout the week, students who participate in the events will receive a passport that will be stamped at each event. During Friday’s game, all passports will be placed into a drawing. The winner, whose
passport must have all of the stamps, will receive a $100 gift certificate to Eden Day Spa. “Hopefully we can continue to hold events every year after this,” Morrow said. The Living and Learning Community is also considering beginning a “He Week” next year to involve males. “We’re not looking for a huge turnout. We’re just hoping that the students who show up are excited about it,” Morrow said. “We want more students to get involved and contribute to what goes on around campus.” F
2 News community calendar
James ‘Fly’ Williams to be honored in ‘White Out’ game The Governors will be playing UT Martin at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. The game will be aired on ESPNU. James “Fly” Williams jersey will be retired during halftime. Williams will also have an autograph-signing session from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Students who arrive early will receive a free “White Out” t-shirt and megaphone.
Non-traditional student breakfast Breakfasts for non-traditional sudents will be held monthly this semester. The first breakfast is Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m. in the private dining area of the cafeteria. Janet Velazquez of Career Services will speak about her office and its benefits to students. The breakfast is free. For more information, contact Heidi Leming at 221-7431.
NPHC Legacies of Greatness banquet The National Pan-Hellenic Council will host the Legacies of Greatness banquet Thursday, Feb, 12 at 6 p.m. in the UC ballroom. The theme is “Leaving Your Legacy,” and Walter Owens will speak. Tickets are available online or through UC room 207. For more information, contact Heidi Leming at 221-7431.
S.E.R.V.E. alternative spring break trip Students interested in an alternative trip during spring break can sign up for the service trip on the Appalachian Trail and a day in Atlanta, Ga. The trip is March 9-14 at Springer Mountain. An informational meeting will be Thursday Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. in UC room 306. For more information contact Alexandra Howard at 221-7837.
Deadline to apply for May 2009 graduation Thursday, Feb. 5 is the last day to apply for May 2009 graduation. Students who are currently ready to graduate must meet this deadline. To apply, visit www.apsu.edu/ commencement. For more information or additional questions, contact Lora Waters in the Office of the Registrar at 221-7124.
Corrections News The Study Abroad Mexico program is headed by the CCSA. Deadline for study abroad scholarships is March 15. Application deadlines for Study Abroad programs varies.
Sports In addition to the Greek winners last week, Phi Beta Sigma won for the most attendance for an NPHC fraternity/ sorority.
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
SGA: Goal set for larger student voter turnout
From page 1 for the colleges, according to Moore. The applications for elections will be available on the SGA Web site Monday, Feb. 23. Moore said, “Last year was the biggest voter turnout in the history of SGA elections, we are hoping that this year will be even bigger.”
Last year SGA had 828 voters, they have a goal of 1000 voters for this spring election. To vote, students would have to log onto www.apsu. edu during the voting times and click on the “Vote Here for SGA” icon, enter their “A number” and password. A list of candidates will appear, students
will choose the candidate or write in a candidate and submit when finished. “There is tons of potential in the student body that can help make this University even better. I think it is often overlooked on how much of a difference on person can make in Student Government,” Moore said. F
SGA Information The next SGA meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 in UC room 303.
Physics: Program viewed as ‘solution’ to teacher shortage problem From page 1 to this, it boosts the effort to establish APSU as a center of excellence in training physics teachers in Tennessee state.” Onyango said he hopes conceptual physics being taught by motivated, wellprepared and fully qualified teachers would be one program outcome. “Secondly, there will be an increase to the number of available of conceptual physics teachers in the school districts served by APSU.” Pirkle said the benefits of
Greek: Book analysis
From page 1 Fraternity Advisors and Brothers of the Academy. His book, published in 2003, gives in depth insight on the black fraternalism era and the future of black Greek life. The book gives an introduction of his initial experiences in black Greek life at the University of Georgia. Kimbrough, who pledged Alpha Phi Alpha in 1986, recalled his journey through college as a part of a black fraternity as a member and later, as an adviser. His book gives an analysis and history of various black and multicultural fraternities and their conflicts and successes in gaining establishment and membership in the college environment. The book explains the culture behind organizations such as the Divine Nine, the nine members of the National PanHellenic Council, other black fraternal groups, Latino Greek organizations and non-white students who join predominantly white fraternities. F
the program for APSU are bringing teachers to campus and encouraging them to begin graduate study. The program will also help APSU indirectly because the program will help improve the level of education provided to incoming students. “These teachers will be able to go back to school and into physics concepts to the classroom and students will be better prepared when entering college.” Pirkle said she wants it stressed how important it is
for people to enter a career of science education, as there is a shortage of well-qualified science teachers. Onyango said there are three perspectives of positive effects on APSU because of this program. He said it would be looked at as an initial step establishing APSU as one of the centers of excellence in training physics teachers in Tennessee, and it may be a means of increasing the number of prospective physics majors enrolling at APSU from local
school districts. “This is on the understanding that the teachers who graduate from this program are likely to serve as resource persons in their respective schools.” Onyango also said the program serves as an effort by APSU to team up with the local community in addressing the problem of teacher shortage in area of conceptual physics as taught in high schools. “APSU’s role may be viewed as part of the solution to some of the local problems.” F
Perspectives 3
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
Our take
TBR removes tuition cap to create revenue Next fall, APSU tuition will be higher, but tuition increases are nothing new to APSU students. We at The All State are used to tuition hikes, but next fall Tennessee Board of Regents universities are going to do something more drastic to fill their revenue gap. Currently full-time students, those taking 12 hours of classes or more, pay a fixed tuition rate. Next fall, however, all APSU students will pay for each of their classes individually. This means students will no longer have the opportunity to take more than 12 hours of classes as fulltime students without paying for the additional classes. We at TAS understand the ongoing economic recession puts pressure on TBR universities to raise tuition and to find new ways of generating revenue. We also understand that the recession has made it difficult for many students to keep up with the increasing costs of college. There is a great deal of pressure on college students to graduate in four years. It’s hard to make money when you’re taking 12 or more hours of classes each semester, and employers can be impressed by students who complete their degree in four years. The cost of completing a degree program in four years will increase dramatically after the credit hour cap is removed. Full-time students have a choice to make. They can take 12 hours of classes each semester and graduate in five years, putting them at a disadvantage in the job market against students from four-year universities in other states, or they can shell out the extra money. One compelling argument for removing the tuition cap is the change will help part-time students who currently pay more per class than
full-time students; part-time students essentially subsidize the classes that full-time students don’t pay for. We agree part time students shouldn’t have to pay for the “free classes” taken by full-time students, but we believe there are other, more obvious and less discussed reasons for removing the tuition cap. The state of Tennessee is struggling through a budget crisis. In light of recent budget cuts, TBR universities have to find new ways to pay teachers and keep up with operating costs. Removing the tuition cap will effectively increase revenue. Part-time students may benefit from the change, but we believe the removal of the credit hour cap will mean many new challenges for fulltime students trying to graduate in four years. We accept this change is unavoidable, but we believe students should recognize it as a way for our economically troubled state to generate additional revenue and not as a gesture of goodwill from TBR to part-time students. We believe removing the credit hour cap is only necessary untill the state stops cutting the TBR budget, but chances are this change is around to stay. F
editor in chief Marlon Scott managing editor Patrick Armstrong chief coordinator Lisa Finocchio news editor Tineá Payne assistant news editor Nicole June perspectives editor Jared Combs assistant perspectives editor Jess Nobert features editor John Ludwig sports editor Devon Robinson
see what our readers have to say.
assistant sports editor Anthony Shingler
View Peay Says at www.theallstate.com. Dustin Kramer | Art Director
Alex Cook
Guest Writer
One way to win a “lottery” is by receiving the Tennessee HOPE Lottery Scholarship. I was one of the lucky ones fortunate enough to win HOPE. However, by the end of my first year in college, I lacked the requirements to maintain my eligibility for this scholarship. At this point, I “lost HOPE.” Faced with the challenge of paying for my education, I researched student loans and even considered dropping out. Facing these challenges doesn’t make me special. Like so many students before me, I was at a crossroads, and now more than ever, more and more students are finding themselves in a situation similar to mine. The changes in Tennessee education, coupled with dark clouds of recession, are equally putting students and their families between a rock and a hard place. In October 2008, the Tennessee Board of Regents announced a possible increase in cost for per-credit hour classes. Currently, students of TBR schools pay the same tuition for a 12-18 credit hour load. However, the changes made would remove the “credit hour cap” and force students to pay for every credit hour taken. This tuition increase may challenge students’ abilities to pay for their education.
Also, it has the possibility of making students reluctant to take more classes; this would increase the standard four-year graduation course to a possible five-year. Education is a gift, yet maintaining this gift is becoming a burden. It seems like every leader, political or educational, constantly addresses the need for better education. Aren’t they lowering standards so the current low results look adequate? Isn’t there a better way to grasp higher education without making sacrifice?
“At this point I ‘lost HOPE.’” Instead of lowering the qualifying standard for scholarships like the HOPE, why not increase the period of time between receiving the scholarship and the first reevaluation of qualification? For example, scholarships are normally evaluated at the end of every semester or every year depending on that scholarship. Increasing the time between evaluations would give students more time for students to bring their grades up. This bypasses lower standards in favor of more time to produce better results. Every leader in education should be working to make sure students are doing everything possible and have every chance to stay in school. After all, everyone wants to win the lottery. F
is not an official publication of Austin Peay State University. The views herein do not necessarily reflect those of The All State, Austin Peay State University or the Tennessee Board of Regents.
WHO WE ARE
You’ve just read OUR TAKE. Now
Everyone wants to win the lottery
THE ALL STATE
This week in ridiculous: Octuplets to pot Jess Nobert
Assistant Perspectives Editor
There was a lot of solid material over the last week. I think my favorite ridiculous story of the week was the octuplets. The mother, Nadya Suleman, 33, who already has six children aged 2 to 7, is apparently obsessed with having children, according to the grandmother, Angela Suleman. This woman lives with her parents in a suburb outside of Los Angeles, with her six kids. Her mom said she’s giving Nadya the boot when she gets back. But her father told the media when they got out of the hospital, the media wouldn’t be able to find them anymore. They apparently have a house somewhere else, and they aren’t saying where. The mother of 14 is not married, and conceived all of her children, including a set of twins, by in vitro fertilization with a sperm donor. I bet this guy is glad he’s anonymous, because I know I wouldn’t want to pay child support on 14 little kids. Most people heard about the shoe thrower in Iraq about two months ago. The director of an Iraqi orphanage, Fatin al-Nassiri, was instructed to remove the monument constructed on the property as homage to the Iraqi hero. The statue was unveiled Thursday Jan 29, and taken down a few days later on Jan. 31. You’ve heard of bridezilla, but have you
ever heard of the sister losing it? This woman wasn’t invited to her sister’s wedding late last month. “Annmarie Bricker, 24 of Valparaiso, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of battery,” according to the Associated Press. Bricker pulled out clumps of her sister’s hair when she attacked her. Apparently, Bricker said she just wanted to talk about family problems, but after several witnesses said otherwise, she got in trouble. Best part: She was a dispatcher for 911. She later quit her job. I’m just going to quote this one directly, because I don’t know if I can say it any better. “Police knew something wasn’t quite right after they spotted a man driving a piece of construction lift equipment down a street at 3 a.m. on Thursday. The man, who appparently had been drinking, was in the lift bucket of the Genie Boom with an unopened six-pack of beer and a bag of beef jerky when police pulled the vehicle over. He was clocked at 2 mph. “At first the 29-year old man told police he was just going to the store. But when they asked him why he was in the bucket on the lift, he said he was delivering the $20,000 piece of construction equipment on a dare from a stranger he met on Craigslist, according to a police report.” Thank you, AP. Finally, the big news in sports, other than the Steelers (congratulations Mayor Steelerstahl), Michael Phelps got busted again. This time it was a picture of him smoking pot at a college party in South Carolina. He admitted it was true, and that he is sorry. Few of you may recall Phelps got arrested on a DUI charge four years ago after his first Olympic splash. Stop playing Fox News in Einstein’s. F
director of multimedia operations Marsel Gray assistant online editor Mateen Sidiq art director Dustin Kramer photo editor Lois Jones chief copy editor Lisa Finocchio copy editors Shay Gordon Jess Nobert Beth Turner staff writers Tangelia Cannon Jenelle Grewell Angela Kennedy Katie McEntire Tyler O’Donnell Sunny Peterson Stephanie Walker Joe Wojtkiewicz photographers Susan Cheek Stephanie Martin advertising manager Dru Winn business manager Angela Burg circulation manager Matt DeVore adviser Tabitha Gilliland
Koalas and kangaroos: studying abroad ‘down under’ Sunny Peterson Senior Staff Writer
The day after Christmas several students from APSU, myself included, boarded a plane for Australia. The reason you ask? Well, we didn’t want to be late for class. If you will recall, I did promise to rub it in and brag mercilessly about studying abroad, and today’s the day. The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) headquartered at Northern Kentucky University offers several programs of study with varied locations and schedules. One of their newest editions is the winter Australia trip, and we were the first class to experience the program. The CCSA takes care of its students down to the last detail and has turned the logistic planning of these study opportunities into a fine art. I will tell anyone if they ask me to run, not walk, to study abroad. After 21 hours of flight, I practically
kissed the pilot and the ground, not because I am afraid of flying, but because I was tired of using a restroom the size of a Happy Meal box. After 21 hours it is safe to say I had exhausted my iPod and saw every movie released this year and last. I was ready for solid ground, a shower and for the adventure to begin. I cannot find enough adjectives to describe what happened in two weeks, but I am going to have to try as I put together my travel writing journal and articles. Much like the original convicts brought to Australia from England to build the colony, we were indeed a motley crew. High temperatures hit us full force. We looked, most times, like the cast of “Survivor,” sweaty and a little desperate. Most of us had thrown our winter coats at retreating relatives giddy at the thought of warm weather and visions of diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Their summer is our winter and vice versa. We were not remotely prepared for the sweltering heat that was Cairns. This time of year is known as the wet season; I believe it is metaphorical for the amount you sweat and nothing to do with rain. We all took advantage of the cooler night temperatures to visit the night market on the Espalande, exploring downtown
Cairns. We took the advice of Mickey Wadia, our instructor and jaded world traveler, bringing an extra bag in our suitcase. He had told us tales of “trying to fit an elephant into a beer bottle” when it came time to pack all our purchases to go home, he is a seasoned veteran of the England study trip. We also found out he does a mean impression of Louis Armstrong. If our instructor had not already endeared himself with helpful hints and excellent impressions, we had classes in the saltwater pool in the hotel. If the things I have told you do not sell you, then I guess you just don’t have the right amount of wanderlust in your blood. That’s ok, today you get to live vicariously. Exotic and beautiful, Cairns was a terrific introduction to Australia. If we had seen Sydney first, it would have almost been a sensory overload. The easy grace and beauty of the rain forest in Daintree was not without its more adventurous moments. Believe me when I tell you Australia is as wild as it is civilized, and there are a vast variety of things that crawl and creep. But I would not have traded it for anything. Then there was the reef. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was the icing on the
proverbial cake. Swimming on it and being able to tell your grandchildren that you did is definitely a great addition to anyone’s bucket list. I would like to think when we travel, it is an opportunity to shed our everyday skin and be the adventurer on the travel channel. We were the ones trying weird and exotic food, not watching from a couch. If you think you don’t have what it takes to travel and study abroad, ask yourself if you can morph into that person, because it is entirely possible. I didn’t just learn about travel writing. I learned that every experience was a chance to grow a little more. I learned that I wasn’t just Sunny Peterson, mother of three and senior at APSU. I was Sunny Peterson, travel writer and rain forest aficionado. I am the same person that could compare the taste of kangaroo to steak not from reading about it, but by living it. There are other countries out there, but right now I have a one track mind, you’ll have to forgive me. If you are looking to find the “you” that seeks adventure and an unconventional class experience, then maybe this is for you, too. Now if you will excuse me, I am off to dream about koalas. F
THE BASICS
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4 Features
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
Guest Writer
Miller premieres new book at APSU By JOHN LUDWIG Features Editor
Stephanie Martin | Staff photographer
Essayist Brenda Miller reads “Table of Figures” from her latest book, “Blessing of the Animals.”
Q & A with Brenda Miller Do you have any guidelines for writing creative non-fiction? “My only guideline for myself and for my students is that we strive to be as authentic as possible. That means being honest with yourself, with others and true to the experiences as you remember them. Staying focused on the concrete details of your remembered experience is the most powerful way to find a ‘bigger’ overall meaning or theme.”
There are a lot moments in your book where the language is very elegant, reading much like prose poetry. Could you explain the difference between these two forms and the advantages you find in essay, or creative non-fiction rather? In different words, how are these two “costumes” tailored? “I think the line between prose poetry and lyric essays is very thin indeed. I began writing as a poet, and that is why my prose tends to pay more attention to language, image, rhythm and metaphor, rather than
to plot, dialogue or characterization. My meaning comes across in subtle ways, through the interplay and repetition of key images.”
When writing your essays, at what point, if at all, do you concern yourself with continuity between each one and if not, why? “When I’m writing individual essays, I don’t try to make them connect with others. It’s in putting a book together that the commonalities and connections become more apparent. I have an audio interview posted on the Web site for ‘Brevity’ magazine that talks about this process in more detail.”
In what ways is creative non-fiction more difficult that fiction? “It can be more difficult because you really are ‘exposing’ yourself more fully. You don’t have the ‘veil’ of fiction. But it can also be easier since you have all the material at your fingertips, and the fun comes about in finding new meaning and metaphor in that material.”
Jula strives to empower women at the Foy By ANGELA KENNEDY Staff Writer
One in three women worldwide experience violence in her lifetime, making violence against women one of the gravest human rights violations of our time, according to Feminist. com. The experience or threat of violence affects the lives of women everywhere, cutting across boundaries of wealth, race and culture. In the home and in the community, in times of war and peace, women are beaten, raped, mutilated and killed. The facts about violence against women speak for themselves, and it is time for women to take control of what happens in their lives. Start the road to healing and empowerment with the Foy Center’s new program W.R.A.P.S., a 12-week program of valuable self-defense techniques and assault information. W.R.A.P.S., Women’s Rape Awareness Prevention and Survival, was founded by Caitlin
W.R.A.P.S. will be held every Wed., 6-8 p.m., from Feb. 4 through April 29. The cost is $10 for APSU community members, and $15 for non-APSU community.
Sign up at the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center.
Turmelle and Ray Jula in August 2008. Jula is the lead instructor for the class and has a background in seven martial arts. Jula has taught martial arts for 13 years and self-defense in police departments. He also has three years’ experience in counseling. “Ray has a very big heart for people who are hurting and likes to help them by showing them some of what he knows,” Caitlin Turmelle, assistant instructor and co-founder of W.R.A.P.S., said. “Women need to be empowered, confident and self-assured, and they need to have value for themselves,” Turmelle said. Turmelle said she works with these programs in an effort to empower women to be victors, not victims. Local police detectives, counselors and campus police officers will speak to the class. “Inner empowerment is not something that is instilled in today’s society,” Turmelle said. “Unless someone is willing to step up, violence against women is just going to continue to be a taboo subject. Doing a program like this is part of the healing and regenerative process and re-instills confidence,” Turmelle said. “I help with the program because I want that sense of confidence that comes with taking self-defense classes,” Lauren Wilkinson, group fitness Graduate student and behind-the-scenes organizer for W.R.A.P.S., said. “If women can come out being that much more aware, then we have done what we set out to do,” Turmelle said. “Violence against women affects so many people, and students should be taught about it and made aware of this subtle epidemic.” F
Last Thurs., Jan. 29, essayist Brenda Miller visited APSU for the premiere reading of her new book, “Blessing of the Animals.” From select essays, she read to the audience her life experiences. Though raised to the level of literature, note that her work is not considered fiction but rather non-fiction. Miller is part of an increasingly popular movement within the literary community called creative non-fiction. Some may remember the creative non-fiction workshop offered here last semester. Amy Wright, assistant professor of languages and literature, was at the reading and offered her thoughts on the movement. “The popularity of it is that it is real. Creative non-fiction, the word itself is an oxymoron. You’re using creativity to create a story, but the non-fiction is that the story is true.” While this form of writing has recently been garnishing more attention in writing circles, it has always been around just like poetry, fiction and drama. Essays, memoirs, travel narratives and journals fall into the category of creative non-fiction. “The Account” by Cabeza de Vaca and “The Collected Essays of Ralph Ellison” are works that exemplify the form. Wright said, “The creativity in a sense is that you’re allowed to use story-telling devices to tell a literal story or truth, and that’s what Miller was doing with incorporating personal narrative in essay form or using her own life experience to share something with us.” F
In a conversation with Amy Wright, she told me she believed creative non-fiction has become popular partly because people have become weary of what the imagination can offer and prefer instead the ‘real’ story. Is this something you agree with? Has there been any conjecture for why this is? “I’m not an expert in what is popular these days (when you’re an essayist, you’re
Read for yourself Brenda Miller’s new book, above, is available at APSU’s Ann Ross Bookstore for $17.95
never going to be a best-seller.), but I think both fiction and non-fiction offer readers new insights into the world we live in and how it has evolved. I think there’s plenty of room for both approaches. A good novel can take you deep into territory you never before imagined (I just finished reading “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle”—stunning.). A good memoir can take you into familiar territory re-imagined in a way that makes it completely new and fascinating.”
Features 5
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
all photos by Mateen sidiq | senior photographer
Above: Jon McBride talks about NASA and his missions. Left: A picture of the International Space Station displays from the overhead projector.
McBride touches down at APSU for lecture
with only 34 other men and women, as an astronaut candidate in January 1978. After a little over a year of training, McBride became Although Neil Armstrong might be the an astronaut in August 1979. most famous astronaut of the 20th century, “I’ve been with NASA for the past 30 years,” he is by far not alone in his endeavors. Many McBride said. “Since NASA is astronauts went before him, only 50 years old, I guess I’m a many more came after. dinosaur of some sort.” Jon McBride is one of the “I like to think McBride, a retired captain people who have followed in for NASA, came to APSU Armstrong’s footsteps. Born that within the Thursday, Jan. 29, to be a part in 1943 in Charleston, W. Va., McBride began his naval service next 100 years we of the Gov’s Programming Council lecture series. McBride in 1965 with flight training at Pensacola, Fla. will be living and spoke in front of a large audience. “I was a Navy pilot for almost vacationing on He kept the audience 14 years before joining NASA,” entertained by telling personal McBride said. During his 14-year Mars. Of course, stories, cracking a few jokes career, he served 3 years as a and explaining some of fighter pilot, flew 64 combat you will have to NASA’s important functions. missions in Southeast Asia and piloted the Navy “Spirit of 76,” pay for your own “It was incredible to meet someone who has taken part in a bicentennial-painted F-4J. transportation.” such an amazing program, like During his time in the military, he logged more than 8,800 hours Jon McBride, guest speaker the NASA space program,” Harvey, GPC lecture chair, of flight time. said. In 1977, McBride submitted With an endless spectrum one of 100,000 applications of knowledge, McBride explained what it was NASA received. Though it seemed like a like to go through training and to launch and small possibility, McBride was selected, along By ANGELA KENNEDY Staff Writer
fly in space. “During the first few days of the flight, you will lose about eight pounds of fluid, mostly from your legs,” McBride said. “This comes from the fact that there is no gravity and you are not able to use the muscle mass in your lower body and legs.” Although living and flying in a space shuttle is a goal many astronauts live for, no one ever said, ‘It was easy.’ In fact, McBride said the real goal of any mission is to get back to Earth safely. The famous quote by John Kennedy,
“We’re going to go to the moon not because it’s easy but because it’s hard,” confirms McBride’s light-hearted jokes. Though the economy is putting dampers on NASA’s budget, McBride remains hopeful for the future of NASA. “We want to go to Mars by 2030. Once there, we’ll have to spend two years exploring everything,” said McBride. “I like to think that within the next 100 years we will be living and vacationing on Mars. Of course, you will have to pay for your own transportation.” F
Kevin James’ character, Paul Blart, plays “Guitar Hero” in the movie “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.”
Associated Press
Review: Freeze before seeing ‘Paul Blart’ Associated Press
The biggest crime of all in “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” is not the bank heist that goes down at a New Jersey mall on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Rather, it’s the egregious way in which Kevin James’ innate likability goes to waste. The “King of Queens” star showed he could play an underdog with some sweetness and depth as a lovesick accountant in the 2005 romantic comedy “Hitch‚” and he practically stole the movie away from Will Smith. This time, he plays yet another misfit, but one who’s so two-dimensional, needy (and frankly annoying) it’s difficult to root for him. Trouble is, James himself created the character: “I just love this guy,” he said in the film’s production notes. He’ll probably be one of the precious few who do. James’ Paul Blart is a portly pushover who tries hard to be the tough guy as a shopping center security guard. Hypoglycemic and woefully out of shape, he’s failed the New Jersey state trooper exam eight times; nevertheless, he squeezes into his polyester uniform and takes his job as seriously as if he were out keeping the highways safe from speeders and drunk drivers. His vehicle, by the way, is a Segway, which is repeatedly played for laughs but isn’t particularly amusing the first time. In an anemic take off on “Die Hard,” Paul gets his chance to prove himself when a bunch of skateboarding, bike-riding, X-Games refugees infiltrate the mall with plans to rob the bank, taking a few hostages in the process. One of them is Amy, Jayma Mays, the wide-eyed salesgirl at the hair extension kiosk, for whom Paul has the geeky hots. He awkwardly tries to woo her with boring trivia tidbits,
which is meant to be endearing. Instead it’s yet another conceit that quickly grows wearisome in the script from James and his longtime writing partner, Nick Bakay. Paul bumbles his way around and manages to thwart the bad guys, one by one, with his in-depth knowledge of the shopping center’s intricacies as well as a borrowed pink, sparkly cell phone which allows him to connect with cops on the outside. Their leader is the sniveling Veck, Keir O’Donnell, who played tortured artist Todd in “Wedding Crashers.” Veck took a job as a security guard trainee under Paul’s tutelage to learn the way the mall works. This being a Happy Madison Production‚ Adam Sandler is James’ friend and domestic partner from “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry,” there are, of course, plenty of obligatory adolescent sight gags to go along with the man-child hero fantasies, all of them flatly staged and observed by director Steve Carr, who also directed “Dr. Dolittle 2” and “Daddy Day Care.” Surprisingly though, given our would-be hero’s girth and the physical humor that goes along with it, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” has a soft spot for fat people. In an early dinner-table scene with his mother and young daughter, the single dad smears peanut butter on top of a slice of blueberry pie mere moments after finishing his meal. “Go away, pain,” he said quietly to himself as he prepares to savor his favorite comfort food. It’s a rare moment of believable humanity. You couldn’t buy another one here if you tried. “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG for some violence, mild crude and suggestive humor, and language. Running time: 87 minutes. One star out of four. F
6 Features
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
SNOW DAYS
LOIS JONES | PHOTO EDITOR
Top: The first big snowfall blankets an empty field located in the Rivermont subdivision. The snowfall followed an ice storm the day before, making travel dangerous and causing APSU to be closed for two days.
matten sidiq | senior photographer
APSU students gather outside the Harned building, playing in the snow, making snowmen and enjoying the second day off from school.
lois jones | photo editor
Ice formed on the branches of a crepe myrtle tree along with other trees, bushes and power lines causing power outages throughout Clarksville and surrounding counties.
matten sidiq | senior photographer
Two APSU students built a snowman in the bowl area in front of Harned on the second day school was cancelled.
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
Extras 7
You’re invited to the annual Student Affairs
Unity Celebration Dinner with special guest speaker
Dr. Walter Kimbrough jr.
Dissertation of the Year
One of the people
College Brother of the Year
award runner-up
who made a difference in Arkansas
for the Southern Region
— National Association of Student
— Arkansas Times newspaper, 2005
— Alpha Phi Alpha,
Personnel Administrators, 1998
1987-88 One of the 25 most influential
Participant in the Millennium Leadership
African Americans in Arkansas
New Professional of the Year
Initiative — American Association of State
— Powerplay magazine, 2006
— Association of
Colleges and Universities, 2002
Fraternity Advisors, 1994
6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11
Tickets available until 4 p.m. tomorrow* Kimbrough is president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., and is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation. He has also served at Albany State University, Old Dominion University, Georgia State University and Emory University. He has conducted interviews with national publications including the Washington Post and The Chronicle of Higher Education. He has also been a guest on the National Public Radio show, “Talk of the Nation,” and was named by Powerplay Magazine in 2006 as one of the 25 influential African Americans in Arkansas. *Tickets are required in advance and are available in the Student Affairs office, UC 208, for students, faculty and staff with current Govs ID card. One free ticket per student, faculty and staff. Tickets available on a first come, first served basis (tickets not available for sale). Deadline to pick up tickets is 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5.
Sports 9
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
Super bowl
Scott scripts log for Super Sunday 5:40 p.m.
Marlon Scott Editor in Chief
Sunday, Feb. 01, 2009,10 a.m.
I woke up excited like a kid on Christmas morning. Within half an hour I was showered and listening to my favorite NFL analyst Chris “Boomer” and Tom Jackson on ESPN. Kick off of Super Bowl XLIII occurs in approximately seven hours. My only plan is to finish my homework and clear the evening because the game will have my undivided attention.
3:30 p.m.
My homework is done and all the food for this joyous event is ready. As family members arrive, I admire the spread: Chicken wings, chips, dip, popcorn, taquitos, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I had to wipe away the tears of joy.
4 p.m.
In an interview with Matt Lauer, President Barack Obama admits he is a Steelers fan. I need to remember to start a petition to declare Super Bowl Sunday a national holiday. With Obama in office, I think the chances are good.
5:28 p.m.
The national anthem was beautiful. Al Michaels and John Madden are miked and ready. Camera flashes go off like strobe lights all over the stadium as the kick off takes place. I grin from ear to ear as it finally begins.
It took the Steelers only five minutes to drive into the red zone of the Cardinals. But the Cardinals make an impressive third down stop at their goal line. The few Cardinals fans can be seen among the sea of “Terrible Towels” in the stands cheer as the Steelers settle for three points.
6:08 p.m.
Steelers score first touchdown of the game. Its 10-0 and the scariest offense in the post season did not score at all in the first quarter. Cardinals welcome the steel curtain.
6:20 p.m.
Anquan Boldin makes a big play and the Cardinals finally score with 8:34 left in the second quarter. Where is Larry Fitzgerald?
6:50 p.m.
Steelers linebacker, James Harrison, intercepts the ball on the goal line and makes a mad 100 yard dash to the other end zone for the score with zero time left in the first half. My plate of food ends up on me and the floor as I stand and cheer. That awesome play gives the Steelers a 17-7 lead at halftime.
6:55 p.m.
The highlight of halftime was my uncle pointing out some meatballs I overlooked in the first half. Sorry Bruce.
8:05 p.m.
Players start to get frustrated and the game turns ugly. Both teams get nailed with multiple penalties. I don’t think the Cardinals best strategy is to try to be more physical than the Steelers. The third quarter ends with the Steelers ahead 20-7.
8:25 p.m.
The Cardinals remember what got them to the Super Bowl: Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald catches four balls in eight plays including a one-yard touchdown. The game is close, 20-14 with less than eight minutes remaining.
8:44 p.m.
With a safety the Cardinals look like they are getting ready to shock the world. My mouth is wide open and I am on the edge of my seat — it’s 20-16 with less than three minutes left and the momentum has definitely shifted to the Cardinals.
8:47 p.m.
I can’t write what I said when Fitzgerald broke the 64 yard touchdown. The Cardinals take a 23-20 lead.
8:57 p.m.
Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes has had a monster game. With a clutch catch, he set up a first and goal for the Steelers with less than one minute remaining. We are at least going to overtime for this one. I love this game.
8:59 p.m.
Holmes caught the ball in the corner of the end zone. The replay confirmed it. Steelers lead 27-23. The Cardinals have to score a touchdown in 35 seconds for the win. I’m not sure when I quit sitting down. I know every person in the stadium in Tampa is not sitting either.
9:08 p.m.
The Steelers defense comes through again. Warner gets hit and fumbles. The Steelers recover. It’s over. Steelers win 27-23. It was an amazing game. Holmes deserves to be MVP. They will be talking about this game for a while.F
ALL PHOTOS ASSOCIATED PRESS
Top: Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) catches the game winning TD pass. Bottom Left: Pittsburgh Fans Reacting to the winning of the organizations sixth Super Bowl. Bottom Right: Arizona Fans react to Kurt Warner’s fumble.
2008-09 Student Health Insurance Plans Developed for the Austin Peay State University Students Approved by The Tennessee Board of Regents Student Insurance Committee Features include: Covered charges at the Student Health Center paid at 100% with no deductible Coverage for inpatient and outpatient hospital expense such as: surgery, physician’s visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions and other services Coverage: 80% in PPO & 60% Non-PPO; $100,000 maximum benefit Discount Prescription, Dental & Vision Plans included Reasonable premiums – see brochure and enrollment form for payment options: annually, semi-annually, semesterly or a nine payment option is available Brochures & Enrollment Forms available at the: MTSU Student Health Center www.hbcstudent.com or calling 1-800-463-2317 on-line enrollment at www.gmsouthwest.com This insurance plan does have certain limitations and exclusions. For complete detail see policy on file at the Tennessee Board of Regents.
10 Sports
THE ALL STATE WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2009
Basketball
Herring shoots down Eagles in last shot
Left: Ashley Herring surveys the court. Herring hit the game-winner against MSU. Right: Nicole Jamen goes for a rebound against Jacksonville State.
By TYLER O’DONNELL Staff Writer
The APSU Lady Govs basketball team has done it again. They won their fourth straight game by beating OVC opponent, the Morehead State Lady Eagles Saturday, Jan. 31. That is not to say it was easy. The Lady Govs had to hit the game winning basket with under five seconds to play to get the win, 61-59. Ashley Herring did the job. She has made clutch baskets all season. The win on Saturday, gave the Lady Govs seven wins in the past ten games. After consecutive games of scoring 80 or more points, the Lady Govs are now fine with scoring in the low 60’s, as long as they win. For most of the game, the Lady Govs found themselves on top. In fact, they led the first 38 minutes of the game. However, a couple of free throws gave
LOIS JONES | PHOTO EDITOR
Guard Whitney Hanley controls the ball. She scored 12 points against Morehead State.
the Lady Eagles the lead with two minutes left. Behind, the Lady Govs realized it was time to kick it into gear.
All photos by LOIS JONES | PHOTO EDITOR
Herring made a quick lay-up that gave the lead back to the Lady Govs. But a key possession by the Lady Eagles put them back ahead. Again, it was Herring who converted a jumper the erase the deficit. With 10 seconds to go, the Lady Eagles had a chance to go back ahead with two free throws. They only made one and tied the game. With time ticking down, the ball once again got into Herring’s hands. She nailed a jumper right by the free throw line that proved to be the game winner. Herring ended up shooting 6-16 field goals for 14 points. Freshman guard, Whitney Hanley added 12 points and Nicole Jamen battled in the paint for 13. April Thomas and Jasmine Rayner both finished with nine points. Moreheads Chyna Bozman led all scorers with 17 points.
One key to victory for the Lady Govs was rebounding. They beat the Lady Eagles to the boards 46 to 41. Thomas led the way with nine total rebounds. Herring and Jamen did their part with eight and seven rebounds a piece. Although Lady Eagle Brittany Pittman made an impressive 14 rebounds in the game, it was Herring who pulled down the ball when it counted most. With the win the Lady Govs improve their overall record to 12-10 (8-3 OVC). The team was red hot in January, finishing the month winning 7-of-9. They are currently ranked second in the OVC with momentum on their side. They now have a two game home stand. They will host Murray State on Saturday, Feb. 7, followed by a game the next weekend against rivals, Tennessee State Saturday, Feb. 14. F
Phelps apologizes Staff Reports
Recently Phelps apologized for his behavior caught in a photo that was released in a British newspaper. “I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”
ASSociated Press
Govs unable to fend off Colonels, Eagles Assistant Sports Editor
The APSU Govs basketball team went on the road this week to take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels and the Morehead State Eagles. They tried to extend their lead in the Ohio Valley Conference standings but came up short in both games, dropping to second place. In the first match up at Eastern Kentucky, the Govs kept the game close. But going into overtime, they dropped the OVC contest 73-70. It was the end of a frustrating night for the Govs, who shot just 42.6 percent (23-of-54) from the floor, including 12-of-32 (37.5 percent) from three-point range. But the key statistic was the Govs’ seasonhigh 23 turnovers against the Colonels. With a lay-up by Anthony Campbell and a three-pointer from Caleb Brown, the Govs took a five point lead with 3:53 left in the extra period. Wes Channels’ night concluded
APSU Lady Govs showed drastic improvement this weekend at the Tennessee State Invite. “The difference from this week to last week is like night and day,” Doug Molnar, head coach, said. “We had 21 season or personal bests at this event and at the pole vaulters event at Southern Illinois in the McDonald’s Invitational. That’s a good weekend.” The weekend started strong with junior Carrie Burggraf finishing second in the pole vault Friday night with a personal-best 3.65 meter vault at SIU. The field events continued to be strong throughout the weekend, with junior Amanda McCoy finishing fifth in the high jump at TSU with a 1.60 meter jump. “Carrie started the weekend off right for us,” Molnar said. “The high jumpers, especially McCoy, did well again.” The runners also shined this week in several events. Freshman Janelle Avery finished fourth in the mile run with a 5:21.97 run. McCoy (third, 9.09) and sophomore Chiamaka Obi (fifth, 9.11) both set personal bests in the 60-meter hurdles. Senior Bertha Castillo opened her season third in the 5000-meter run with a 18:31.29 mark. And Avery, Castillo, and seniors Melissa Nobbs and Tameeka Southern led the Lady Govs to second in the distance medley relay with a 12:47.24 mark. “That’s the best it’s been since I’ve been here,” Molnar said. The hurdlers were good again they’ve really come on this year. We just have to carry this momentum over to two weeks from now.”
College Sports Weekly Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps is hugged by children at the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank, Calif.
By ANTHONY SHINGLER
APSU sets records at meet
by fouling out at the end of regulation. Kyle Duncan would join him and watch the five point lead drip away. The Govs’ defense could not handle EKU’s Mike Rose who led the game with 25 points for the Colonels. In the loss, the Govs had four players finish with double- digits scoring. Drake Reed led the way with 18, Wes Channels scored 16, and Caleb Brown and Kyle Duncan finished with 12 points each. In the final game of a twogame road trip, The Govs traveled to Morehead State to battle for first place in the conference. The Govs saw first place slip away to the hands of the Eagles, 81-63. APSU shot an ice cold 21-of-61 (34 percent) from the field, and 2-of-18(11 percent) from the three-point line. In the first half, each team would trade baskets. The last lead the Govs had came with 5:31 left in the first half, 27-25, on a three-pointer by Anthony Campbell. Morehead State
ripped off a 17-2 run to end the half. Behind by 13, the Govs had no answer the entire game. Drake Reed led the Govs with 20 points and was the only player for APSU to score in double-digits, while Morehead State had five. Also contributing were Tyrone Caldwell with nine points, and John Fraley and Wes Channels with eight points each. Morehead’s Maze Stallworth led all scorers with 22 points. The Govs (12-9, 8-3 OVC) are currently in second place over UT-Martin with one game separating them. The Skyhawks and rivals Murray State both come to the Dunn Center this week. F Thursday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. The Govs face UTMartin for the second time this season. James “Fly” Williams’ jersey will be retired during halftime.
Lois Jones | Photo Editor
Drake Reed tries to fend off a defender. He led the Govs with 20 points against Morehead State.
USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches Poll
1. Connecticut (28) 2. Oklahoma (3) 3. Duke 4. North Carolina 5. Pittsburgh 6. Wake Forest 7. Louisville 8. Marquette 9. Xavier 10. Clemson 11. Butler 12. UCLA 13. Purdue 14. Michigan St. 15. Memphis 16. Villanova 17. Texas 18. Gonzaga 19. Minnesota 20. Syracuse 21. Illinois 22. Utah St. 23. Arizona St. 24. Kansas 25. Washington