Thursday November 8, 2012

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THE APPALACHIAN

OBAMA303 Thursday, November 8, 2012

by CHELSEY FISHER News Editor

A

fter a long campaign season focused on moving forward or taking America back, President Barack Obama was re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, beating Gov. Mitt Romney.

Obama won with 303 electoral votes compared to Romney’s 206 electoral votes as of press time, according to The New York Times.

The results of Florida have not been called as of press time.

Obama also won in the popular vote with 60 million votes, while Romney trailed behind with 57 million votes, according to The New York Times.

“Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come,” Obama said Tuesday night in his acceptance speech.

Prior to Obama’s acceptance speech, Romney gave his concession speech.

“I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader, and so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great na-

206ROMNEY Vol. 87, No. 19

FOUR MORE YEARS

tion,” Romney said in his speech.

College Democrats President Lia Poteet said she was “ecstatic and relieved” with the general election results.

Even though the majority of Watauga County and North Carolina supported Romney, Poteet said she was “pleased” with the overall election and “kind of expected” North Carolina to go red.

“But the margins were a lot closer than what the polls were telling us it would be,” Poteet said. “I was definitely surprised about Watauga going red and I was disappointed we didn’t get all the local candidates.”

After all the national Senate seats were called, Poteet said it appears Democrats gained one seat in the Senate, rising from 53 seats to 54. Poteet thought Democrats would lose seats in the Senate.

“The thing is that I think a lot of people forget that just because the election is over, doesn’t mean politics stops,” Poteet said. “There are always policies, legislation, causes to advocate for.”

College Republicans Vice Chair Wesley Gwinn said he was “definitely sad” about the general election results, but expected it.

However, he was glad to see Watauga and North Carolina go red this election.

President Barack Obama is re-elected for second term

see ELECTION, pg. 2 Paul Kadzielski/ Obama for America | Photo Courtesy

Presidential results recieved with mixed emotions from students

by KELLI STRAKA News Reporter

Matt Abele | The Appalachian

Courtney Roskos | The Appalachian

The College Democrats celebrate President Barack Obama's re-election after hearing the results late Tuesday night on King Street (above). ‘Four more years’ is repeditily exclaimed by Obama supporters Tuesday evening at Char Restaurant as the president breaks 270 electoral college votes and snatches the election during the Democratic viewing party (left).

Linski did not watch the election results, but said she knew she’d hear about the results on Facebook and Twitter.

by ANDREW CLAUSEN “I don’t think I can handle the reSenior Sports Reporter sults on top of all my other stressors Students eagerly awaited the results right now,” Linski said. “I feel like if I of the presidential election Tuesday don’t get the outcome that I wanted it night. would just really upset me.”

Junior social studies education maLinski said she did vote in this elecjor Matthew Alexander watched the tion, which was her first, because it is election because he likes to “keep up- “the most important one” she’ll ever to-date with the status vote in. of the country,” and Junior religious studbecause “this election ies major Lucy Ballard “We care about in particular could play said she waited to watch politics and who a pivotal role in which the election results until leads our nation, direction the U.S. will “The Daily Show” and and this election head,” he said.

“The Colbert Report” proved that.”

This year’s election went live. was the first Alexander “No matter the results, has been able to vote in. Meghan Hockaday, sophomore I would prefer them to public relations major “I think this election be delivered to me via is extremely important,” jokes,” Ballard said.

Alexander said. “The reBallard said she has sults of this election will play a large been involved in other elections, but role in the where the country will end this was the first she was able to vote it. up.”

Sophomore public relations major Alexander said he was “a little sur- Meghan Hockaday watched the elecprised” at the results of the election. tion results with her roommates and “I kind of expected things would some friends on her computer, because swing a different way this election,” he she doesn’t have cable. said.

Hockaday said this was the first Freshman undecided major Kevin presidential election she’s been able to Sewell said the economy was probably vote in. what swayed voters toward one can“Although it was sort of anticlimacdidate or the other, but didn’t think it tic because it literally took two minwas the sole factor. utes,” Hockaday said.

“I think [the economy] is one of the Hockaday said she was proud of her biggest things on people’s minds, even fellow students because she didn’t hear though most people our age probably anyone tell her that they weren’t votdon’t understand it as well as they ing. should for that to be their main reason “Contrary to popular belief, our genfor voting,” Sewell said. “I think wom- eration isn’t completely lazy and hopeen’s issue are huge for college students, less,” she said. “We care about politics as well as gay rights.” and who leads our nation, and this Junior exercise science major Carly election proved that.”

Correction:

In the Nov. 6 edition of The Appalachian, a story titled “UNC-system schools create new funding metrics” contained a quote that implied one of Appalachian State University’s sister schools was having infrastructure problems. The quote has been removed. The Appalachian apologizes for the error.

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News

| November 8, 2012

ELECTION

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Voters select first GOP governor in state since 1989

Continued from page 1

“Seeing as that was the area we had control over for the most part, it was definitely good to see our efforts pay off,” Gwinn said.

The College Republicans also worked to cut the gap closer between Republicans and Democrats with the campus vote than in 2008, especially with early voters, Gwinn said.

“It’s more of a testament of how well the College Republicans really did this semester,” he said.

Despite the results, the College Republicans are hopeful for 2016.

“Both sides are gonna have all-star candidates running,” said College Republicans member Giancarlo Lookma. “So you’re gonna see Republicans and Democrats both have very strong candidates.”

50.49%

President (N.C. votes): Romney/Ryan: 2.2 million Obama/Biden: 2.1 million Johnson/Gray: 43,956

48.29%

Governor: 54.67% 43.19%

.98%

Pat McCrory: 2.4 million Walter Dalton: 1.9 million Barbara Howe: 93,460 Write-in vote: 1,337

District 1: Perry Yates (Rep): 13,859 Virginia Roseman (Dem): 12,693 District 2: John Welch (Dem): 14,126 Vince Gable (Rep): 12,285 District 3: Billy Kennedy (Dem): 13,698 Tommy Adams (Rep): 13,022

Pat McCrory won the gubernatorial race in North Carolina Tuesday night.

Democratic Republican Independent

42.46%

Virginia Foxx: 200,083 Elisabeth Motsinger: 147,649

2.14%

Watauga Commissioners:

Aesthetic Images Photography, Inc | Photo Courtesy

57.54%

U.S. House of Representatives District 5:

Source: NC Board of Elections Clip art courtesy of The Noun Project

60.57% 39.43%

N.C. State District 45:

51.31%

Dan Soucek: 50,887 Roy Carter: 33,120

48.69%

N.C. House District 93: Jonathan Jordan: 20,211 Cullie Tarleton: 19,182

Lizzie McCreary | The Appalachian

Republicans, Democrats host watch parties for election

by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY Senior News Reporter

by JOSHUA FARMER Senior News Reporter

The Watauga County Republicans gathered at Harvest House Tuesday night to watch the election results, while the Democrats gathered at Char Restaurant.

College Republicans Vice Chair Wesley Gwinn said the Watauga County results were “certainly bittersweet,” but he would have “loved to see Tommy [Adams] win.”

Among the Republians in attendance at Harvest House were some of the area’s GOP candidates, including U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx.

Foxx ran for N.C. District 5 of the U.S. House.

“I lost [Watauga County] by 96 votes, so I

is coming to

Legends

November 15th, 2012 doors at

9

pm

$12 Students in Advance $15 Public / At door

am thrilled, very pleased,” Foxx said.

Foxx won the House seat over Elisabeth Motsinger in North Carolina.

Newly elected member of the Watauga County School Board Ron Henries said he “really appreciates student support.”

Henries said he “is very excited to be on the board again.” Henries served on the school board 200608.

Many volunteers for President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign attended the event at Char Restaurant.

Senior psychology major Anna Scott worked in the area with the Obama campaign.

“This is one last opportunity to spend time with all the people we worked so hard with,” Scott said.

Treasurer of the Watauga Democratic Party Susan Phipps said

working together has made her feel very close to many area Democrats.

“We’ve worked so hard for so long mostly together, but sometimes at different times at the headquarters, and we just feel like family,” Phipps said. “So we just want to be with our friends and family and share the good things and share the bad things.”

President of the College Democrats Lia Poteet was excited about Obama’s victory.

“It’s about more than just the [College Democrats] club, it speaks for all Americans,” Poteet said. “It feels wonderful.

It’s a relief that it’s done, and it is 100 percent satisfying to know that we’ve worked to make this happen. We all feel like we’ve worked to make a difference and that we were a part of it.”

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

News

Some faculty from Department of Computer Science proposed to move

by KELLI STRAKA News Reporter

Five faculty offices, three workrooms and the mailroom from the Department of Computer Science are being considered for space for the Department of Fermentation Sciences.

Fermentation sciences must move because the university intends to decommission the Broyhill Events Center, Director of Fermentation Sciences Seth Cohen said.

“However, a final decision has not occurred and other options are being explored at this time,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Tony Calamai said.

It has been suggested to move computer science to I.G. Greer, which “was a topic for consideration

with the never-ending space needs on campus,” Calamai said.

In a meeting last Monday, Calamai told James Wilkes, chair of the department of computer science, the proposition, Wilkes said.

“We were not consulted in terms of what impact it would have on us as a department,” Wilkes said.

“The process has been odd, at best.”

The move has been proposed to happen over Christmas Break, he said.

The department is creating a resolution in response of what has been suggested, which will be submitted to Provost Lori Gonzalez.

“To physically separate [the professors and students], the disadvantage would be the breaking up of the community,” Wilkes

said.

The separation may also affect the department, which has more than 200 majors, he said. The fermentation science faculty discussed the facility requirements with the Space Committee, Cohen said.

Location decisions were made by the committee based on criteria they deemed were most important, he said.

Cohen said he has been told that space in the Chemistry, Astronomy and Physics building was currently determined to be the “best location” to accommodate the move of our Fermentation Sciences laboratory facilities.

In the opening address of a faculty meeting this semester, Wilkes said Chancellor Kenneth Peacock had once said the renovation to

the top floor of Anne Belk is a “top priority.”

“But that’s the way it’s been for quite a while,” Wilkes said.

In fall 2006, the top floor of Anne Belk hall was first suggested as a space for the Department of Computer Science to move to from the CAP building.

The department purchased furniture and monitors for the space, which is now sitting in boxes. A blue print was also drawn for the department, he said.

Wilkes said he planned a schedule for being in Anne Belk and in the CAP building after being told the department was close to being able to move in.

“But that was three or four years ago,” he said. “So we’ve just been kind of sitting in limbo over here, anticipating that move.”

Student recalls deployment to Iraq and transition back to civilian life

by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY Senior News Reporter

Sophomore political science major and active member of the army reserve Albert Lindsey served as an army reserve specialist in transportation in Iraq last year after attending two semesters at the university.

Lindsey spent 11 months in Iraq.

Lindsey said while he was deployed his main mission was to take inventory of “everything in Iraq.”

“It was sent to us so we could distribute it back into different units in Afghanistan or anywhere else,” Lindsey said. “A military way of recycling.”

The supplies would have to be transported to other locations. The trips were long, and because of security were often made longer, Lindsey said. Once, an eight-hour drive became a two-day trip.

Lindsey said he was never caught in the midst of combat, but experienced mortar being fired on the base on a fairly regular basis.

“At first it was just like ‘wow this is real,’” Lindsey said.

“But after a while you basically get used to it, but you’re still on edge because you know it’s going to happen. That’s why it’s important to have your affairs in order before you go because anything can happen.”

Osama Bin Laden was killed while Lindsey was deployed.

Lindsey said that day was much like any other. When they woke up the headline on their daily newspaper told them Bin Laden had been killed.

“For us, that was our mission,” Lindsey said. “That wasn’t really our priority over there at all. To me, the war was much bigger than him. There was no big celebration.”

Lindsey said there was a sense of community among his fellow “battle buddies.”

“No matter what your beliefs are or who you are, your sexual orientation, your beliefs, your race, the military is very against discrimination,” Lindsey said. “It’s all about being a community.”

Lindsey said he deployed because he didn’t know what he wanted to do.

When he returned, his transition was made easier because he had found what he wanted to do: political science.

“I got to see the other side and I wanted to be able to come back here and use that knowledge to educate the people around me,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said it could be hard transitioning into civilian life because “people do not understand.”

People tend to ask a lot of questions “to get to know you as a person now compared to the person that you were before you left, and you just have to be patient,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said people should thank the veterans that they see.

Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian

Sophomore political science major Albert Lindsey spent 11 months in Iraq in the federal reserve. He returned to Appalachian last year.

News Reporter

From ministry, computer science, marathons, to weather, Ray Russell, founder of Ray’s Weather, has a melting pot of interests and talents.

Russell has been teaching in the Department Computer Science at the university for 22 years.

“I’ve always been interested in weather,” Russell said.

When growing up, Russell said he told people he wanted to become a meteorologist, but ended up doing other things.

“I think we have all been interested in watching the growth of Ray’s Weather over the years,” said James Wilkes, chair of the Department of Computer Science.

Wilkes said he remembers the early days when Ray’s Weather just started, especially one day when it was snowing and Russell came to his office. Wilkes and Russell looked outside and looked at the National Weather Service forecast, which said “partly sunny and high in the

mid 40s.”

“We can do better than that,” Russell said to Wilkes Russell doesn’t do all the forecasting anymore. Now, he does about 25 percent of the forecasting while five meteorologists do the other 75 percent.

In the early 1990s, weather computer model data started showing up on the internet, Russell said.

“And I just got interested in it and started reading college meteorology textbooks,” he said.

Around 1996, Russell started putting up snow forecasts for the fun of it on his university website.

“It became really popular around here and I got pretty good at forecasting the snow,” Russell said.

In 1998, Russell’s wife gave him a wireless weather station as a Christmas present, which he set up in his backyard.

By fall of 1999, Russell had his weather station reporting live weather to his website.

Russell is working to expand Ray’s Weather to encompass weather on

3

It is ‘not wise’ for students to sled ‘Suicide Hill’

Matt Abele | The Appalachian

A student sleds down ‘Suicide Hill.’ The hill, located behind the LLC, is a popular sledding spot where several injuries have occured over the years.

by JOSHUA FARMER

ended up injuring her leg, he said.

“There’s a gap that peoThe hill behind the uni- ple aim for when they’re versity’s Living and Learn- going down, and there’s a ing Center has been the pole right on the edge of cause of several student the gap,” Bates said. “She injuries in the winter. went straight into [the Between 2008-12, there pole].” were only four recorded One of Miller’s officers injuries, but Sargent Eric responded to the recent inMiller of ASU Police De- cident. partment “She hit said they resomething or spond to the got twisted up “When I first saw hill quite somehow and the hill, I thought, regularly. injured her “ D u r i n g ‘This is a bad idea.” knee, and the the snowy paramedics Junior chemistry major Ben weather, we had to come Bates go to that and get her,” hill a lot,” Miller said.

Miller said.

Even after The hill, named “Sui- his experience, Bates said cide Hill” by Appalachian he would recommend stustudents, is a popular des- dents sled “Suicide Hill.” tination for sledding when “It was so much fun,” weather permits.

Bates said. “Just try not Junior chemistry major to hit the pole and you’ll Ben Bates is in his first se- probably be fine.” mester at Appalachian “By the time you get Last week’s snow day to the bottom of the hill, was the first time he had you’ve got an opening ever gone sledding. Bates that’s’ maybe 15 feet wide, said he went to visit some and the only other things friends who live in the you can hit are two brick LLC and they wanted to buildings,” Miller said. go sledding.

Appalachian’s Health “When I first saw the Services is clear about their hill, I thought, ‘This is a recommendation. bad idea,’” Bates said.

“It is neither prudent nor While Bates and his wise to fly down that hill,” friends were at the hill, a nursing supervisor Joyce girl went down the hill and Moretz Young said.

Senior News Reporter

“Shake their hands,” Lindsey said. “They wear their caps for a reason, they want to be recognized.”

“Just be thankful because without them, we wouldn’t be living in the society that we live in today,” Lindsey said.

“They sacrificed their lives, their families.”

Sophomore French education major Ben Wacker said Lindsey “does not let the military or his service define who he is; it is merely an experience he had.”

“I have a lot of respect for him as a military man, because I know, for me, I wouldn’t have been able to voluntarily join the military,” said William Post, sophomore accounting major. “Albert is an amazing person and has truly served our country for all of our freedoms. I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend and I love him for the man he has become.”

Computer science professor is founder of Ray’s Weather

by KELLI STRAKA

November 8, 2012 |

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Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian

Ray Russell of Ray's Weather has been teaching in the university's Department of Computer Science for 22 years. He started his popular weather website in the late 1990s.

the Blue Ridge Parkway, which will triple the geographical reach.

The renovations also

include becoming more graphic and map-based, and will be finished in the spring.

Sports & Outdoors

Boone Mall

4

OPINION

The Appalachian || TheAppalachianOnline.com The Appalachian TheAppalachianOnline.com

| November 8, 2012

THE APPALACHIAN Your student newspaper since 1934 MICHAEL BRAGG Editor-in-Chief

ANNE BUIE

Managing Editor

ABBI PITTMAN Copy Editor

CHELSEY FISHER News Editor

R. SCOTT MORRIS A&E Editor

KEVIN GRIFFIN Opinion Editor

MAGGIE COZENS Photo Editor

LIZZIE McCREARY Graphics Editor

LIBBY DALLIS Video Editor

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 FAX LINE (828) 262-6256 Associated Collegiate Press

EDITORIAL

Choosing not to endorse a presidential candidate Editor’s Note: The following represents the majority of the views of the editorial board.

The Appalachian made the slightly unconventional decision to endorse a Student Government Association president/vice president ticket last semester.

And with the national election highlighting this semester, we chose not to endorse a president/ vice president this year.

It was easier for us to endorse an SGA ticket because we had met with the candidates and talked with them.

But we have not met with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Gov. Mitt Romney or U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.

Several national publications had the opportunity to meet with

Obama and Romney. These publi- debated endorsing a candidate, but cations had the chance to talk with we quickly realized that none of us the candidates on a more personal felt compelled to fight for one parlevel and ask specific questions ticular ticket without these crucial that catered to what the newspa- interviews. pers were looking And we were for in their ennot alone. dorsement.

According to “Politics turned perAs journalists, the Daily Caller, we get the chance sonal for us, and there of the 89 college was never a clear to meet with newspapers that the candidates consensus on who we endorsed Presiand ask particuwanted to vote for as dent Obama in lar questions we a collective group and 2008, 43 said they want answered. are not endorswhy we should.”

These interviews, ing a candidate whether in person, in 2012, and 53 email or over the did not indicate phone, give us the before the elecchance to see the candidates in a tion whether they would endorse a more personal light. candidate or not. The Daily Campus A month ago, we sat down dur- from the University of Connectiing an editorial board meeting and cut endorsed Romney, while The

Davidsonian at Davidson College endorsed both presidential candidates.

We did not feel comfortable endorsing a combination of candidates, but we did not feel comfortable endorsing a single candidate, either.

Politics turned personal for us, and there was never a clear consensus on who we wanted to vote for as a collective group and why we should.

Instead, we turned our attention to encouraging our opinion writers and voluntary staff members to pick up politically charged opinions.

Because at the end of the day, we all signed our ballots with our own names, and our names alone – not beside the other names on our editorial board.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Our Mission The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and insure its First Amendment rights.

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Women have the right to protecting themselves from rapists After reading the opinion piece “Minorities shouldn’t define the majority,” on TheAppalachianOnline.com, I was confounded by the fact that Scott seems to feel inconvenienced by women trying to actively protect themselves against rape.

I’m sure from Scott’s perspective as a male, it is easy to say that the woman he offered a cookie to was “taking things too far.” However, I highly doubt that Scott has ever felt uncomfortable walking home at night or felt concerned taking a drink from a stranger... or a cookie for that matter.

83,425 reported rapes a year is no small number. It’s 83,425 rapes too many, and the idea that women are taking too many precautions to protect themselves from being one of them is ludicrous.

There’s no way to distinguish a rapist from a crowd – I’d imagine anyone who has ever been date-raped can attest to that.

Scott’s cavalier attitude toward this topic is appalling, his perceived annoyance at women is disgusting and his inference that women are being too dramatic about the topic of rape is insulting to women’s intelligence.

The next time Scott is asked to do something kind for someone, instead of buying a cookie, he should use his time to educate himself on the topic of rape.

Hannah Pomphrey is the former editor-in-chief of The Appalachian

Andrew Cox | The Appalachian

STAFF OPINION

Marijuana legalization signals the beginning of struggle

KEVIN GRIFFIN The elections this year have finally come to a close with the re-election of President Barack Obama. The presidential race has been the focus of much of the election,

but the most heartening votes cast on Tuesday were those in the states of Washington and Colorado to legalize the use of marijuana.

Contrasted with the underwhelming choice of candidates for national office, the initiatives in Colorado and Washington show that at least part of the country is moving in a progressive direction.

To truly understand the historic importance

of this decision, it is necessary to note that it was recreational marijuana usage that was legalized, not merely medical usage.

The distinction matters because it touches on essence of the question: the right to do with one’s own mind and body what one wishes to do, so long as no one is harmed.

What Washington and Colorado did earlier this week in inching toward a more free society is laud-

able, but several important facts must be kept in mind.

For all the measures’ supposed radicalism, the actions of these two states are not that outlandish. Both laws state that users must be over 21 and are allowed only one ounce.

And since marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, there will likely be some federal pressure on the states.

As the last decade or so

has shown, the progression to greater individual freedom is not always easy or even inevitable.

However, Tuesday’s events show that the spirit is certainly not dead. Hopefully, in the coming decades we as a nation will be able to expand and build upon what was done this week.

Griffin, freshman journalism major from Madison, is the Opinion Editor.

STAFF OPINION

Third party candidates should bring their support back

AUSTIN MANN There has been a disturbing trend I have noticed among those who oppose the American political system.

Many third party supporters have been wavering in their support.

I can understand why, after all,

who wants to lose when there is so much at stake?

Many important issues are on the chopping block. Doesn’t it make much more sense to vote for the lesser of two evils than to waste your vote on a candidate who can’t win?

This is the wrong question to ask. Instead we should be asking which of these candidates deserve my vote?

President Barack Obama and the Democrats have not only expanded the war on terror, they have also bailed out big business and further destroyed civil liberties. Gov. Mitt Romney and the Republicans have endorsed Scott Walker and Rahm

Emanuel in their assault on workers and have advocated policies that would help big business and no one else.

If we look at both of the main parties, we find that they are equally undeserving of our vote.

What’s more, both parties have shown that they are not interested in allowing third parties into the political process. They do everything in their power to try to restrict third parties and force the American public to choose between their two candidates.

From this we can derive that there is no one evil that is slightly less evil than the other.

What about the single issues?

Isn’t it better to vote for a person if you feel strongly about a single issue they support?

Single issues are important, but only make up a small part of the larger picture. Politicians may not even make good on their promises.

Any vote based on a single issue is a wasted vote.

The important thing is to vote for someone you want. I don’t know about you, but I would rather vote for someone I want and not get them than from for someone I don’t want and get them.

Mann, a freshman computer science major from Raleigh, is an opinion writer.

The Appalachian

Opinion

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

November 8, 2012 |

5

STAFF OPINION

Another step in the march toward equal rights made election night

MICHAEL BRAGG As Americans watched the numbers trickle in across the electoral board for the historic re-election of President Barack Obama, five states made a little history, as well.

Four of those states – Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington – all had a place on their ballot that dealt with same-sex marriage, and the people voted in favor of equal marriage.

Wisconsin welcomed Tammy

STAFF OPINION

Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S. senator in American history, to the stage.

While Washington’s decision takes hold Dec. 6 and Maryland’s Jan.1, 2013, Maine’s still has to be approved by the governor in 30 days.

And although Minnesota’s electorate majority said “no” to an Amendment One that mirrored the same one passed in North Carolina a few months ago, gay marriage is still illegal in Minnesota, according to Human Rights Campaign’s website.

But those five states’ victories are big steps toward equal rights.

“It really reflects the changing demographics in this country and that the electorate is as concerned with issues of social justice and fairness as it is economic issues,”

said Mark Rasdorf, graduate assistant for the university’s LGBT Center.

It also helps the LGBT community that President Obama is the only sitting president to come out in support of marriage equality.

During his next four years, Obama has the possible opportunity of replacing three Supreme Court justices. Should Ruth Ginsberg retire, the liberal justice will be replaced by a like-minded individual.

And according to Forbes’ website, conservative Anthony Scalia has had talks of stepping down from the nation’s highest court, and if replaced, could make SCOTUS a predominately liberal court – a favorable sight to proponent ofs marriage equality if the issue

makes it to the Supreme Court.

In the months leading up to election night, Minnesota, Washington and Maryland received support from two groups that are not generally associated with LGBT rights: the National Football League and hip-hop.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo both support equal rights and made their voices heard leading up to the 2012 election, according to The New York Times.

And Seattle-based rapper Macklemore created the track “Same Love,” discussing the absolute, necessary and justified reasoning for equal rights to everyone – particularly the rights of the LGBT community.

“My work here on campus with

the LGBT Center has opened my eyes to that into the early years of the 21st century, full equality for the LGBT community is the new civil rights movement,” Rasdorf said. “I think last night’s election is sort of a testament to that, with Baldwin’s election and the passage for full equality for all of us.”

Everything seems to be leaning in favor of rights well deserved and long overdue for the LGBT community, but there is still work to be done and attitudes to change.

It’s only a matter of time until full equality – hopefully on the federal level – is achieved. But great things don’t get done when people just expect them to happen.

Bragg, a junior journalism and public relations major from Lillington, is the Editor-in-Chief.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Swallow your hate and show some respect

KAITLYN NEWKIRK

The nation has been split in two for the past several months, but it’s about time to come back together.

I think just about everyone will be relieved that this election is over. No more urges to un-friend aggressive Facebook friends and no more fear of walking down the halls of Plemmons Student Union.

Let’s face it, if the candidate you were pulling for didn’t win, there will obviously be a lot of disappointment, some obscene Facebook posts and hate for the victors.

But I urge you to mourn your loss and move on.

OK, so you don’t think the right person won – that is your opinion. But it is over now and the winner has been chosen by us, the people of the United States of America.

United – that’s the key word, and that’s what we need to get back to.

We’re not the leading country anymore and it’s going to take a very unified nation to get back there.

So no matter who you pulled for, you need to respect the president of the United States.

I remember last year when Obama made a pit stop on King Street and the crowd went wild, but you could still hear the negative comments from critics being shouted at him.

I couldn’t believe the negativity being publicly displayed toward him. He is our president, and he is elected by us as a nation.

I am not saying it will be easy to swallow your pride if your candidate lost, but the least you can do is try.

Obama is our leader for four more years to come, so at some point we have to get over it.

No matter how well or badly your preferred candidate did, I don’t think any of us could do any better.

If you think you’d be a good president, go try in eight or so years. Until then, you’ll have to respect who was elected.

It’s like when you’re a child and you’re told to respect your elders – think of the president as an elder of the nation, of our country.

Whichever side of this race you were on, just remember that there was another side, and that we as a unified country chose Obama, and he deserves our respect.

So before you tell your friends and family that you’re moving to Canada, remember what a great country we live in, and be patient for a change.

Newkirk, a junior English major from Wilmington, is an opinion writer.

Allison Langewisch | The Appalachian

STAFF OPINION

The election’s over, stop misusing the word ‘socialism’

AUSTIN MANN If there is one thing that really annoys me, it is a straw man.

Straw men have plagued this election, perhaps more than any other. If there is one straw man that makes me cringe, it’s the American

public’s misunderstanding of the word “socialism.”

It seems that all of President Barack Obama’s detractors agree about one thing; that he will implement evil “socialism” in America and take away all of our freedom.

It annoys me to no end when people use labels without knowing their true meaning.

Let me tell you what socialism is not.

It is not the forced redistribution of wealth, it is not an evil authoritarian government telling you what to do and it is not the few control-

ling the many.

Socialism is workers democratically owning the means of production. It is the factory workers electing their managers and democratically setting their wages. It means supporting workers around the world, regardless of their nationality.

Plain and simple, it is the introduction of democracy into the workplace.

Socialism stands in opposition to capitalism, where the means of production are privately owned by individuals in an exploitative fashion.

Obama has done absolute-

Stay involved, keep yourself informed with politics

The election season is over for now. The president has been chosen and all those annoying ads are dying down at long last.

While most of us are happy to finally have the presidential elections over and done with, I think it’s important to keep the political fire burning.

Now that the big hoopla is over, a lot of previously active members in politics will become complacent until the next presidential elections. I for one think that it is imperative for people to stay informed from here on out because there is far more at risk.

After all, the president will be in office for four years.

We should be just as involved if not more now so that we can continue to make politically savvy choices rather than jumping on a bandwagon during election season. If we don’t remain informed, how are we supposed to

They involve private control of the means of production, a mode of production for profit and the same tendencies as normal capitalism with a slightly larger focus on increasing the budget for social programs to offset the exploitation.

Yes, Obama is our president. But no, he is not a socialist.

It’s time Americans learn to not throw this term silly straw men term around

Mann, a freshman computer science major from Raleigh, is an opinion writer.

STAFF OPINION

STAFF OPINION

KATIE REULE

ly nothing that would qualify him as socialist. In fact, he has actually acted in one of the most capitalist manners possible, by giving breaks and bailouts to big capitalists while also using the State Department and United States military to suppress workers overseas - again for the benefit of capitalists.

And to Obama followers who support European “socialism,” here’s a surprise: Most European countries are social democracies. Social democracies are capitalist in nature and are not socialist in any way.

pick out other officials? How will we be sure that the claims being stated in the next presidential debate are true if we are going off what one candidate says?

There is a larger opportunity here for people to keep their information up to date so that we can be a generation that will be active in the government and bring back the meaning of democracy. We are on the cusp of a great political alteration and can be the change we want to see.

Some might think I’m being idealistic, but doesn’t history show that communities with higher involvement in government had more power over the direction of the country? Don’t you think it’s time for us to make a stand, be completely informed by our own research and start making intelligent decisions for the future of our nation?

I encourage each of you to either stay involved or get involved now that you see what your vote can do. Don’t be a bystander. Get into the mix and make a difference. You are more important than you think, so take a stand, and stay informed.

Reule, a public relations and journalism major from Charlotte, is an opinion writer.

Make political ads positive

RYAN SCOTT Living in a swing state during election season makes me feel incredibly important as a voter.

With that importance, however, comes the burden of having incessant campaign ads shoved down my throat.

While this is the first presidential election I have voted in, one thing stuck out in my mind: the sheer amount of negativity surrounding both campaigns.

President Barack Obama’s spokesman Adam Fetcher claimed the contrary about the Obama campaign, though. He said the campaign “sustained a positive message,” according to an article on Politico.com.

The Wesleyan Media Project, however, states that this election broke records for not only the number of ads aired, but also the number of negative campaign ads.

Almost 80 percent of ads for the Romney campaign and 85.5 percent of the ads for the Obama campaign were negative.

These numbers were a sharp jump from the previous two elections. The only presidential cam-

paign that comes close is McCain’s in 2008, which used 75.9 percent of its ads to negatively attack his opponent.

But what’s even more disheartening is the lack of positive ads for each campaign.

Only 2.9 percent of the ads aired by the Republican party were positive, and less than one percent of the ads aired by the Democratic party were positive in tone.

“Neither candidate has been able to… put away doubts about themselves,” Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said in the same article on Politico.com. “So the only strategy is to introduce doubts about your opponent.”

Looking back at this election, these numbers and statements explain so much.

After careful consideration, I finally decided who to vote for last week. Once I cast my ballot, though, I felt like I voted for the lesser of two evils, rather than somebody I actually believed in.

I don’t mean to sound like a lame parent, but I feel we need to adopt a new rule for the 2016 election. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

This would not only eliminate the negative ads, but it would also severely cut down on the number of ads altogether.

That is an issue I’m sure could get bipartisan support.

Scott, a sophomore computer science major from Huntersville, is an opinion writer.

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November 8, 2012

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The Appalachian

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Official University News & Announcements

Meeting Notes

Send copy to David W. Freeman, Director of Student Publications, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union, or e-mail: freemandw@appstate.edu.

Spring Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group—Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. Mondays 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. USOGet Moving (moving your body to increase wellness- see below for details), Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m. (Transitions to ASU Group, doesn’t start until October) and USO-DOG 3:30-5 p.m. (group Therapy with co-leaders and a therapy dog)

A Service of the Division of Student Development

records managers with up-to-date curriculum information.

With a theme of “Finish in Four,” the Division of Academic Affairs has implemented the degree audit tool for students in response to a request from the Student Government Association to help students navigate curriculum requirements and keep them on track towards completing their college degree in four years.

“We believe DegreeWorks will empower students to assume more responsibility for taking the appropriate classes required in their intended major,” said Susan Davies, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Appalachian.

Lesbian/Gay /Bisexual Therapy Group—This group will present an opportunity for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. Fridays 1-2:30 p.m.

“This online tool makes degree requirements more transparent for the student, which will free up time in their advising appointments to focus on career aspiration rather than asking ‘What classes do I need to take,’” she said.

Painful Pasts, Promising Futures Group—This group is designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m.

DegreeWorks allows students to explore “what if” scenarios, such as how a change in their major will impact the number of additional courses that will be required to graduate in four years.

Transgender Therapy Group—This group is similar to the “Understanding Self and Others” group in that a variety of issues will be explored in a safe and supportive environment.

Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m. (For information contact Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu)

Freshmen who entered Appalachian this fall learned about DegreeWorks during summer orientation. Rather than keeping up with paper degree checklists used in the past, they and other students will have access to their program of study 24 hours a day through the web-based program.

Food/Mood Group—This group is designed for students who use food and/or exercise to cope in ways that would be considered “unhealthy”. To Be Determined.

In the next year, additional options will be added to DegreeWorks. Students will have an opportunity to create a fouryear plan using a curriculum planning tool, and academic departments will be able to use that information to better understand demand for certain classes when they are creating departmental class schedules.

An Introduction to Mindfulness Group—Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Mondays 3:30-5 p.m.

USO-Get Movin’ Active Bodies Healthy Minds—Did you know that exercise is one of the best mental health interventions we know of? Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m.

To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit our website for more information www.counseling. appstate.edu. If you are interested in group but these times do not work for you, please get in touch with Chris Carden at 262-3180 or cardendc@appstate.edu.

Music therapy group at Wellness

Are you looking for support in making a lifestyle change or recovery regarding alcohol, substance use, or other addictive behaviors? Music therapy may help you in this journey!

No musical training or experience is needed, and a variety of musical experiences will be used. For more information, call 262-3148, or come by the ASU Student Wellness Center, 2nd Floor Annas Support Building, beside Health Service), starting in October, date and time TBD.

13th annual Queer Film Series begins

The 13th Annual Queer Film Series continues Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. in Library 114, Facing Mirrors (Iran, 2011, Unrated, 102 min., in Farsi with English subtitles) The first narrative film from Iran to feature a transgender main character, Facing Mirrors is a story of an unlikely and daring friendship that develops despite social norms and traditional beliefs. Rana drives a cab in order to survive financially and pay off the debt that keeps her husband in prison. By chance, she picks up Eddie, who’s on the run and desperately awaiting the passport he needs to leave the country. When the religious and inexperienced Rana learns that her wealthy passenger is FTM, conflicts arise, but maybe they also can help each other out of their dire situations. Winner of the Best Feature-Length Movie of the 36th annual Frameline LGBT Film Festival. Also, four special screenings sponsored by APPS Films with a panel organized by QFS: Monday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in I.G. Greer Auditorium, Bully (USA, 2011, Unrated, 98 min.) - This documentary, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, offers an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, including 16 year old lesbian, Kelby, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole. A discussion panel will take place between showings each night.

All movies are free and open to the public. Discussions follow the films.

Flu vaccine clinics for students

Students, don’t spend weeks sick in bed, missing classes and finals. Protect your health by getting your free flu vaccination. A Daily Flu Vaccination Clinic will be held MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at Student Health Service, 2nd floor Miles Annas Building (post office building). After Hours Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., Student Recreation Center.

Black Saturday 5K set for Nov. 10

Appalachian State University’s Recreation Management Association (RMA) will hold the 4th Annual Black Saturday 5K on Nov. 10, at 8 a.m. The 5K will begin on campus, starting and finishing at the Holmes Convocation Center.

Proceeds from the 5K will go toward the Recreation Management Scholarship Fund, which is awarded to a senior majoring in recreation management. Registration fees for the Black Saturday 5K are $10 for students and $15 for non-students if received before Nov. 10. Registration after Nov. 10 is $20 for all entries. T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Awards will be presented to the overall male and female, as well as the top male and female in the following categories: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Faculty/Staff, Over 50, High School and Other. Refreshments will be available. For more information about the Black Saturday 5K, or to register for the event, go to http://blacksaturday5K.appstate.edu.

New tool to aid students to plan

DegreeWorks, a web-based academic advising and degree audit tool, is now available to students at Appalachian State University. It is an academic planning tool with real-time counseling capabilities, giving students meaningful and consistent direction and providing advisors and student

More information about DegreeWorks is available at http:// degreeworks.appstate.edu.

Reception for state’s poet laureate

The Appalachian State University community is invited to a reception to celebrate Joseph Bathanti’s selection as the North Carolina Poet Laureate, an honor held by only six previous poets. The reception, hosted by the Department of English, will be held today, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the Plemmons Student Union Solarium. Joseph Bathanti teaches creative writing in the English Department and is Director of Writing in the Field and Writer-in-Residence in Appalachian’s Watauga Global Community. He was appointed Poet Laureate by Gov. Bev Perdue, who praised both his many award-winning works of poetry and his “robust commitment to social causes. As Poet Laureate he will be an ambassador for North Carolina literature. He will also continue his tradition of service: Gov. Perdue has announced that he will be helping “veterans to share their stories through poetry—a valuable and generous project.”

BSA to host ‘Adopt-A-Family’

Black Student Association will host an “Adopt-A-Family” Event with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 11-17.

Events include: Today-Nov. 9, Canned Food Drive; Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Broyhill Inn Ballroom, “Are you my n*gga or not?”; Nov. 17, “Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Day.”; Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., Belk Library, “Innocence and the Death Penalty: Featuring Darryl Hunt.”; Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Legends, “Kwanza Celebration.”

Register for the Gobbler 5K Race

Registration is now open for the Gobbler 5K, a race scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8:30 a.m. at Duck Pond Field. The cost is $16 and includes: race day t-shirt; warm cobbler; entertainment. Register by Nov. 13 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. All proceeds support International Service-Learning Scholarships (ACT) and the Community Care Clinic. For more information contact Jessica Blanford, blanfordjl@appstate.edu.

Logo, Video contest; Win money!

Appalachian’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Marketing Team is hosting two contests for Appalachian students, a logo and video contest. The contests provide opportunities for students to exhibit their artistic abilities while helping to advertise Appalachian’s Global Learning QEP. The QEP’s theme is “Global Learning: A World of Opportunities for Appalachian Students.” Prizes are: First place, $500; Second place, $300; Third place: $200.

The logo must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. The use of the phrase “Global Learning” within the logo is at your discretion. It is not mandatory. Entrants can use official Appalachian marks from the virtual toolbox, but must not alter them in any way. Official Guidelines. Logos must have all original content; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. Both full color and black and white versions of the logo must be submitted. Logo images must be scalable from thumbnail to billboard size. The contest is open only to current Appalachian students. Students may enter individually, or in a group of no more than two students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). All logos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission.

Complete an entry form and submit your logo via email to Terri Lockwood at lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send DVD submissions to Terri Lockwood, 1028 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Nov. 30.

The video must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. Describe what the QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan) is and why it is important.

The contest is open only to current Appalachian students.

Students may enter individually or in a group of no more than four students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). Only one submission per individual/group. Videos must comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Videos must have all original content, music, images, etc.; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. The video should not be longer than two minutes or shorter than 30 seconds. Please do not submit videos produced via cellphones - submissions will be judge on video quality. All videos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission.

Complete the entry form and email videos to lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send a DVD to Terri Lockwood, 1037 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Dec. 7.

Mountain photo contest opens

The 10th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) is accepting submissions through 5 p.m. Nov.16.

This competition celebrates the unique people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians and it attracts entries from across the United States. Amateur and professional photographers 13 years of age and older are

encouraged to submit entries at http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org. A panel of professional photographers will review all entries and select those that will be displayed in exhibition at Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts March 1 through Aug. 16, 2013. The judges will also select the final winners that will be showcased during the exhibition. The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is a partnership among Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. For more information about this photography competition, please visit http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org, or call Outdoor Programs at 828-262-2475.

Remember ASU’s deployed troops

The Office of Student Development is asking for your assistance in sending care packages in mid- November to our deployed students. There are two “drop off” points (beginning Nov. 5): 109 B. B. Dougherty Administration Building and under the stairs in the “International Hallway” next to Crossroads, 1st floor Plemmons Student Union. The Office of Student Development will package and mail the boxes. We would like to have everything ready to package by Friday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. The following are suggested items: ASU ITEMS, Pins, Flags, Pennants, Magnets. Food items suggested are: Granola Bars, Hard Candies (including Tootsie Pops), Trail mix, sunflower seeds, peanuts, Water flavoring packets (hot item!!), Lunchables, Microwavable popcorn, soup, mac/cheese, Beef jerky (hot item!!!), Small cans of beanie weenies, Bagged Tuna.

Personal care items suggested are: Toothbrushes, T-shirts (Large and X Large), Toothpaste, Floss, Deodorant, Cough drops, Magazines, Paperback books, Telephone cards, Baby wipes, Foot powder (hot item!!!). Other items are: Rubics Cube (great stress reliever), Twenty ?’s or other games, Reading Items. Items that cannot be sent include: Any used items; no expired dates on food items; Chocolate; Home-baked food; Glass or Aerosols; Lighters, matches, or lighter fluid. And, lastly, a personal note is always welcome! Below are the names of the students we have on file that are deployed at this time. We welcome any changes to the list, if needed. Current Deployed Students are: Ryan Pope, Michael Simmons, Ethan Smith, Ryan Smith. We also have a former ASU student who was severely injured in Afghanistan a couple of weeks ago.

(Go to http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/ASUalumnus-injured-in-Afghanistan-suicide-attack-id-009313. ) We also like to send “Well Wishes from ASU” to James Pierce.

Get published in The Peel

The Peel Literature and Arts Review is accepting submissions of all media, including poetry, photography, short stories, illustrations, etc. Deadline is November 20 at midnight. For information about submitting, visit http://thepeel.appstate.edu/ pagesmith/5. For questions, email thepeel@appstate.edu.

Who’s Who nominations underway

Each year, Appalachian State University participates in the Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges Program.

This program recognizes students for academic and leadership excellence. Students are selected for this honor based on the following criteria: scholarship abilities, participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, citizenship and service to the community and Appalachian State University, and potential for future achievement.

Currently enrolled undergraduate students who have earned at least 75 semester hours prior to fall semester, 2012; have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50; and have not been previously elected to Who’s Who are eligible for nomination. The selection procedure offers students the opportunity to nominate themselves.

The nomination form is located at www.studentdev.appstate. edu by choosing Leadership and Service Awards, and then selecting Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.

All nominations must be submitted electronically.

Nominations close at 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2012. If you have questions, please contact Micki Early, rggsbmg@appstate.edu, or 262-2060 in the Office of Student Development.

2012 Multicultural programming Fall Programs Tuesday, Nov. 27, Legends Nightclub, 6 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration. Kwanzaa is the first African American holiday established in the United States.

Friday, Nov 30, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 5 p.m., Find Yosef a Holiday Festival. This fair-style event offers an “a la carte menu” of the images, sounds, foods, and activities that represent winter holidays from around the world. Attendees will learn in fun and interactive ways about many international holidays, cultures and customs.

Spring 2013 Programs Tuesday, January 22, 2013, Holmes Center, 7 p.m., The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: An Evening with Maya Angelou. Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves; Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. Dr. Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis was raised in segregated rural Arkansas. She is a poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. She lectures throughout the U.S. and abroad and is a lifetime Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina since 1981.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 7 p.m. “Hidden Voices: The Lives of Queer Muslims.” Participants will learn about sexual and gender minorities within the Muslim world and examine the complex intersection of Islam, sexuality and gender.

Faisal Alam is a queer-identified Muslim activist of Pakistani descent. At age 19, while trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith, Faisal organized the firstever gathering of LGBT Muslims, which led to the founding of Al-Fatiha, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex & questioning (LGBTIQ) Muslims, and their allies. Today, Al-Fatiha has sister organizations around the world including Canada, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine & Indonesia.

A&E

The Appalachian

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National Novel Writing Month kicks off at App

by LOVEY COOPER, A&E Reporter

N

ational Novel Writing Month, also known as NaNoWriMo, has kicked off with university involvement.

The national creative writing project encourages participants to produce at least 50,000 words of a new novel between Nov. 1-30. Participants register on the official website, which provides automatic logging of daily word counts.

Writers are grouped by region to provide local networking and support. The Boone writer’s group contains 136 official participants, including Boone residents and Appalachian students. The group hosts meet-ups at the Watauga County Public Library and “write-ins” at Belk Library and Information Commons, during which participants write together and set goals to com-

plete in the time that the group is together.

Kelly Greene, the official Boone municipal liaison for NaNoWriMo, has been involved in the project since 2006.

“It’s easy to just look at the goals and think ‘oh, you’re not able to do this,’ just because of how intense the goal itself actually is,” Greene said. “What’s important is to just sit down and try to get it done. Nobody in the group will think you’re a bad person if you try and don’t make it.”

Among her roles of organizing events and raising money for the organization as a whole, Greene sees her most important duty as keeping participants in her region motivated.

“Writers and authors are usually thought of as loners, but NaNoWriMo allows people to really come together as a community and discuss ideas and really get a feel for different authors and how they write, and

I think that’s really important,” Greene said.

“I think that each region brings its own unique approach to the month, just because the people are different.”

Area writers, such as Hugh Howey, authors of the science fiction series “Wool,” have been known to use the month as a tool to get first drafts of novels down in a short amount of time. “[NaNoWriMo] inspires people of varying age groups from all over to explore their imaginations and really see how they can expand their writing skills to do what is largely looked at as impossible,” said sophomore international business major Shara Cotton.

Cotton is participating in the event for the first time this year after hearing about it online and from friends.

“My roommate suggested that I participate with her this year,” Cotton said. “There are

also a few people I know from campus clubs that are participating, and periodically we will have get-togethers to bounce around ideas and bolster some friendly competition.”

Sophomore elementary education major Ashley Blevins is participating for her first time after a few years of attempting to finish out the event, but getting off track due to schoolwork. Blevins sees the month as an excuse to “force” herself to get her previously undeveloped ideas down on paper, and says she has a friend who is participating just to improve their ability to meet deadlines.

“NaNoWriMo helps people… to be more creative by just writing down their ideas and editing it all later,” Blevins said. “A common motto is ‘November is for writing, December for editing.’”

The next Boone area write-in event is Saturday at 4 p.m. in Belk Library.

Leaders of student Republicans and student Democrats are ‘friends behind enemy lines’

by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY

Senior News Reporter

College Democrats President Lia Poteet and Vice Chair of College Republicans Wesley Gwinn are friends despite their opposing political views.

The two have known each other for years but have “always been able to keep a civil dialogue,” Poteet said.

“You can’t not like somebody because of their beliefs,” Poteet said. “It’s all about respect.”

The biggest “slack” the pair gets is from their own parties, Poteet said, but it’s always “in jest.”

Poteet and Gwinn are not the only “friends behind enemy lines,” Poteet said.

The College Republicans and College Democrats have a “good relationship,” she said.

Poteet said she hopes that this can serve as an

Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian

College Democrats President Lia Poteet and Vice Chair of College Republicans Wesley Gwinn have been good friends for years despite their political differences.

example for Congress.

“If we are able to foster an environment that really encourages people to come and share their ideas and have a thoughtful dia-

logue about issues,” Poteet said, it would be the “best way to move the country forward.”

Gwinn said that people can take political attacks

personally, but that is not the case with the two friends.

“We understand the people are going to fundamentally disagree,” Gwinn

said. “We aren’t doing this to see who is better. At the end of the day, the dialogue is to fundamentally make people’s lives better.”

Gwinn said that it is the goal of both sides to make the country better – they just don’t agree on how to do that.

“You see a lot of the name-calling and bickering, no one really benefits from that,” Gwinn said.

“But when you have an honest-to-God, thoughtful conversation where I make a point, she makes a point, she refutes my point, everyone learns.”

Jeff Motter, assistant professor in the Department of Communication, said both organizations “believe that the most important thing is that students become informed about candidates and issues.”

“I have heard students have intense political discussions and then go to get lunch,” Motter said.

Durham-based band Bombadil visits Boone

by R. SCOTT MORRIS, A&E Editor

Bombadil, a four piece folk-pop band from Durham, will performing at Legends Thursday.

Forming in Bolivia by a group of Duke University students studying abroad, Bombadil has been performing around North Carolina and beyond for close to the last seven years, minus a short hiatus two years ago after band member Daniel Michalak suffered nerve damage in his hands.

The Appalachian caught up with James Phillips, Bombadil drummer and primary singer, musician and songwriter for his solo project Sumner James.

The Appalachian: When did Bombadil originally come together?

James Phillips: “Bombadil started in 2005. The guys started the band when they were in college, and then I joined the band in 2007.”

TA: And it was named after Tom Bombadil, right?

JP: “It was, yeah. But we didn’t do that, a friend of ours suggested the name. Actually, the guy who’s designing and making our newest t-shirt named the band.”

TA: Based on your past experience touring here in the past, do you guys enjoy playing in Boone?

JP: “Sure. The first show I ever played out of town with Bombadil was in Boone, at the Black Cat, the burrito joint, and there was… maybe seven people there? And it was great, and we just kept coming back… I mean, we were happy because they were giving us burritos. And we just kept coming back up to there, to the Black Cat, and the crowd grew and grew. There were some pretty raucous shows in

Melissa Madison Fuller | Photo Courtesy

Bombadil, a four-piece folk-pop band from Durham, will perform at Legends on Thursday at 9 p.m.

that, because its such an intimate environment, it was really great.

“So then right before we stopped touring, we played a place called the Firefly Theatre, and it was nice. It was big. It was about the size of Legends. And then this spring we came up and played Legends for the first time.

We just had a great time playing with Holy Ghost [Tent Revival], we’re really excited to be back on November 8.”

TA: Tell us about Bombadil’s new album that’s being released next year.

JP: “The new record is called ‘Metrics of Affection,’ and it’s coming out in mid February. I think it will have 12 or 13 songs on it, some of which we’re playing live, most of which we’re not. Yeah, I’m really excited about it. We made it in this house this summer, and spent a couple months arranging and

recording it.”

TA: How would you describe it in relation to your last three albums?

JP: “I think it’s similar to the other records in that there’s a variety of material, though I think it’s a little more unified this time.

I’ve been liking to call it our ‘soul record.’ There’s definitely some new ideas and some new styles that we haven’t worked with before. We incorporated just a little bit of some of the stuff I’ve been learning making electronic music, maybe not even that noticeable to other people. I think that felt adventurous to us. And yeah, a lot of singing, a lot of harmonies, a lot of arrangements.

“The last record, because we made it quickly and were in a barn and we wanted to make something more stripped down, we kind of backed away from the arrangements that had kind of defined our band before then, and now that we

had time we kind of came back to that.”

TA: If you had to describe your band to someone who had never heard you before, what would you tell them?

JP: “That’s something we’ve struggled with for the full existence of our band and have been trying to get better at. We want to connect with people. That’s one of the awesome parts of getting to tour and traveling the world, is meeting awesome people and getting to have some sort of impact. Something that a friend just recently pointed out is that we’re kind of adult storytellers, and I think that we’re definitely trying to tell stories with our songs, both about ourselves and about other people.”

Bombadil will play at Legends at 9 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $3 in advance for students and $5 for guests or at the door.

November 8, 2012 |

7

Review:

Cee Lo Green’s ‘Magic Moment’ is adequate

by LOVEY COOPER, A&E Reporter

Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinions of the author.

Listeners looking for a funky kick-start to the Christmas season who think they might be in the market for Cee Lo Green’s “Magic Moment” should prepare for a surprisingly normal experience.

After topping charts with upbeat songs full of expletives and transitioning to the role of judge on primetime reality show “The Voice,” it was obvious that the next logical step for Cee Lo Green was to put out a full-length solo Christmas album.

Despite what one might believe based on the cover of the album - which features Green in a fur coat sitting in a car being pulled by white horses - Cee Lo Green’s newly released Christmas album is just another pop-R&B version of the same songs we all get sick of by the end of December.

This is not to say that the album isn’t good – on the contrary, Green shows here more than ever his ability to play the role of radio-ready pop mastermind by singing what the people want. However, “Magic Moment” does noticeably lack a lot of the quirkiness and funky retro edge Green has become known for.

Instead, he trades his signature full and grainy voice for a more refined version on “Silent Night,” and in turn appears to be taking himself more seriously as an artist.

“Mary Did You Know” presents listeners with a more somber, deeper-toned Green than audiences might be used to. However, this is immediately contrasted with much more bubbly standards like “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and a cutesy rendition of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” keeping the overall feel of the album as cheery as could be.

Featuring duets with Rod Stewart and “Voice” co-host Christina Aguilera, these classic covers are on the whole slightly jazzy and aptly wellsung tunes that one would not be surprised to hear playing in department stores. This album is a collection of familyfriendly, fun and danceable easy listening – if you’re into that.

That said, the one original track on the album absolutely fulfills the grand expectations that one might have of a Green. “All I Need is Love,” while only tangentially related to Christmas, features infectiously upbeat background music alongside the lyrical accompaniment of none other than the cast of The Muppets.

The song is a better-developed version of what one might find in a Saturday Night Live sketch poking fun at the otherwise “freaky” artist, and in this way the novelty value of the album is at least a little bit redeemed.

Overall, after the initial letdown that ge is not portraying his usual cartoon-character self, Green does about as much with this Christmas album as anyone could, but at least he does it well.

Rating:

3 out of 4 stars

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

November 8, 2012 |

Matchup:

8

T FO H G FI

R

SoCon

vs.

HE

T

Furman vs. Appalachian State November 10, 2012 | 3:30 p.m.

Kidd Brewer Stadium Boone, N.C.

TITL

E

The Appalachian

by JORDAN DAVIS Sports Reporter

The Match Up

How ASU can win Last week, the duo of quarterback Jamal Jackson and wide receiver Sean Price proved to be unstoppable. Both players gained career highs in yards against one of the nation’s top defenses.

Furman’s defense allows the most passing yards per game in the conference, according to goasu.com, so another big game could be in store for all the receivers.

The Mountaineers rank right

Georgia Southern (6-2 SoCon) has set the bar high for other teams after playing their eight SoCon games with the best record.

Wofford (5-2 SoCon) and Appalachian (5-2 SoCon) have the easiest road to a title-share, only needing a win this weekend.

The Mountaineers have a chance to clinch a record-tying 12th Southern Conference title with a win in the season finale against Furman.

App’s upset against No. 1 Georgia Southern last week opened the race for the title. Now four teams still have a chance for a share.

However, Furman is not one of those teams. The Paladins come in at 3-5 this season, but will look to spoil Appalachian’s championship season.

The two met last year in nearly the same scenario. Coming off an upset against No. 1, the Mountaineers suffered a letdown the following week and fell to Furman 10-20.

Furman is also the only conference team that boasts a winning record all-time against App (2217-3), according to goasu.com.

But App has been stellar when the conference is on the line. They have won the last eight title-clinching games by an average of 20 points.

Photo Courtesy | Dave Mayo/Appalachian State

Chattanooga (4-2 SoCon) has a bigger hurdle to climb, needing to win both of their remaining games. behind them in pass defense, but have a ball hawking secondary that leads the conference with 12 interceptions.

If App can avoid a letdown after the emotional win at Georgia Southern and play up to their capabilities, they should end the day as SoCon champs.

How Furman can win The Paladins could find an advantage in their run game. Fur-

man has a 1,000 yard rusher in their backfield, Jerodis Williams, and the Mountaineers give up over 200 yards per game.

Williams is also the nation’s leading kick returner, averaging 36.8 yards a return, according to goasu.com. Any lift he can give on special teams will help out an offense that struggles to score points.

Despite their poor numbers, the Paladin’s start upperclassmen at nine positions on defense,

led by all-conference linebacker Mitch McGrath.

The veteran group will need to have one of their best performances of the year and slow down App’s high-powered offense.

Last year they held App to 10 points and caused four turnovers that was the deciding factor in the game.

The Bottom Line It’s all on the line this week

for the Mountaineers. Win, and they are SoCon champs. Lose, and ASU could be looking at a third place finish.

This game could even have an impact the team’s seeding in the upcoming playoffs, as well, and whether or not they receive a first round bye.

With so much riding on this single game, and a Black Saturday crowd backing them up, it is hard to foresee an emotional let down.

Junior cornerback makes his way back on the field after illness

by JORDAN DAVIS Sports Reporter

The Mountaineer defense has gotten a big lift over the past few weeks with the return of junior cornerback Rodger Walker.

Walker came in second on the team with four interceptions a season ago, but has been sidelined for all but five games this season after being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes muscle tissue to break down and release into the bloodstream, and is triggered by heat and overexertion – both of which are common ailments during football games.

This meant that not only could Walker not play in

games, but couldn’t participate in any football activity.

“The first four or five games I couldn’t do anything - running, lifting weights or anything like that,” Walker said. “It’s been a lot better for me now to be out there with the team and interacting and playing.”

Walker’s symptoms started showing up during the preseason camp over the summer, but he thought it was just normal cramps.

“This had happened two or three times previous, so I just thought it was the same thing that happened before,” Walker said. “Until we got further down into it and the doctors said that it was more than just cramping.”

From that point, Walker

was forced to sit the games out and wait for cooler weather for a chance to get back on the field.

“It kind of hurt me, because all the work we had put in during the summertime, from then seemed like it was kind of a waste,” Walker said.“But then the doctors told me why it was so important to get healthy, because if that were to keep happening, it could mess up my kidneys.”

But despite all the potential risks, Walker was determined to get back on the field, which was not overlooked by the team.

“Any time you have a guy that overcomes some kind of obstacle in life, it shows a commitment level to the team,” secondary coach Scott Sloan said. “I think it

sent a message to the guys, and was well appreciated.”

Walker’s return only adds more talent to an already deep secondary. The dynamic duo of he and defensive back Demetrius McCray are one of the best cornerback tandems in the league.

“We definitely missed him those first couple games,” McCray said. “Me and him had a really nice chemistry out there, and hopefully that will come back this week.”

Junior cornerback Rodger Walker returned to the football team after being sidelined for most of the season due to rhabdomyolysis, a condition common in football players due over exertion.

Photo Courtesy | Appalachian Athletics

FCS Media Poll

PIGSKIN PICK’EM Weekend Matchups Furman vs.

Appalachian State Georgia Tech. vs.

North Carolina Wake Forest vs.

NC State #10 Florida State vs.

Virginia Tech. #11 Oregon State vs. #14 Stanford

Week 11

Eric Barnes

Lauren Brigman

Whitney Howard

SGA (35-15)

WASU (34-16)

A.P.P.S. (38-12)

Vice-President

Station Manager

President

Bryan Terry

Kenneth Peacock

Greek Life (31-19)

Appalachian State (33-17)

IFC President

Chancellor

1. North Dakota State 2. Montana State 3. Sam Houston State 4. Old Dominion 5. Eastern Washington 6. Stony Brook 7. Georgia Southern* 8. Lehigh 9. James Madison 10. New Hampshire 11. Northern Arizona 12. Appalachian State* 13. Wofford* 14. Central Arkansas 15. Illinois State 16. South Dakota State 17. Townson 18. Indiana State 19. Cal Poly 20. Richmond 21. Villanova 22. Eastern Kentucky 23. Tennessee-Martin 24. Tennessee State 25. Harvard * SoCon Member Source: soconsports.com