Tuesday, November 17

Nov.

17 2015

The Appalachian

FIGHTING OFF FURMAN Page 6-7

INSIDE ROCKING THE WALL Page 3

AMERICAN HORROR STORY Page 7

SPECIAL TEAMS Page 12

N E W S

NEW CLIMBING GYM HOSTS GRAND OPENING

BY SAMMY HANF NEWS REPORTER

M

usic is bouncing through the air while people test their upper body strength on the new rock wall at the Center 45 climbing and fitness center.

The grand opening was on Saturday and brought local bands, beer and coffee together for a celebration that lasted most of the day.

Chris Grasinger, one of the owners and a Blowing Rock native, said he was inspired to open up a space for bouldering because doing it helped him conquer back problems that he had been struggling with.

Grasinger said bouldering is a kind of rock climbing that doesn’t require any line because of a padded surface designed to break your fall and it is a less dizzying and dangerous height to climb.

Grasinger said he hopes to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and encourage people to get out and climb responsibly in the area, which is one of the best in the region for bouldering.

Center 45 also offers yoga and massage as well as training sessions for those interested in improving their climbing.

Lindsay Carroll, who teaches yoga at the gym, said that she is attempting to expand the services offered to be more holistic and of interest to more than just climbing devotees.

The celebration also had several local businesses and organizations present including Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Blue Ridge

Center 45, a new rock climbing and fitness center, held its grand opening on Saturday. The center was created in a effort to provide a space for individuals to practice bouldering and encourage responsible bouldering in the Boone area.

Women in Agriculture and Footsloggers.

“I heard that Appalachian Cookie Company was coming, I heard that Hatchett [Coffee] was coming so I thought I’d check out the new wall,” Will Asciutto, a computer science major at Appalachian, said.

Danny Wilcox, director of retail operations for Appalachian Mountain Brewery, said he came out to help support recreational activities in the area.

“I’m all about building community, bringing people out,” Wilcox said.

Grasinger said that there are also plans to host shows with local bands at the gym and the kickoff featured Alexa Rose and Foggy along with other local artists.

Jeremy Bollman, of local startup Hatchet Coffee, said they decided to team up with Center 45 because it gave them an opportunity to get their

business started and build up a customer base.

“It’s a good incubator for us to get on our feet,” Bollman said.

Mike Lavarnway, operations manager of Misty Mountain Threadworks and longtime climber, said he appreciates spots like Center 45 because it helps connect climbing enthusiasts.

“If you climb outside you may not see anyone else besides you and your group, but when you climb indoors you get a community,” Lavarnway said.

Grasinger said that the gym Mike Lavarnway was a product of working with two other partners over the course of around two years and Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns, which he says were instrumental in learning to market effectively.

“It still is the best marketing we’ve ever had, it got the word out,” Grassinger said.

"If you climb outside you may not see anyone else besides you and your group, but when you climb indoors you get a community."

2

Sammy Hamf

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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

BEWARE OF ‘CRIMSON PEAK’

BY KATIE MURAWSKI A&E REPORTER

O

pening two weekends before Halloween and marketed as a horror film, Guillermo Del Toro’s "Crimson Peak" is not the masses’ cup of tea.

With an estimated budget of about $55 million and an opening weekend at a total of $13.1 million in the U.S., the film grossed only $29.8 million as of Nov. 6 according to IMDb.com.

"Crimson Peak" is considered a flop by monetary standards, but does this merit the film’s dismissal? Feel comforted, Del Toro fans. Despite the box office, the story in "Crimson Peak" is told with the beauty and elegance expected from a highly esteemed, artistic and seasoned director.

Katie Rife, a journalist from AVclub.com, said "Crimson Peak" “may end up being brought down by its own marketing, but to be fair it is a difficult movie to sell.” Del Toro corrected the misnomer genre and christened the film a “gothic romance,” as opposed to a horror film.

This new label and genre is much more appropriately deemed, especially for a film with a lengthy and twisty plot line. This is a hard movie to sell because of the way audiences perceive the horror archetype. The masses expect a feeling of terror throughout the entire length of the film.

With ghost films, the horror factor relies heavily on the supernatural adapting a vengeful and haunting personality while the dead are pitted against the living. Del Toro’s approach is almost the exact opposite. The dead, or supernatural, take a matriarchal form as protectors and nurturers while the living take the form of monsters and hecklers.

A.O. Scott from the New York Times said, “the film is too busy, and in some ways too gross, to sustain an effective atmosphere of dread.” Scott also suggests that Del Toro “overdoses” on these aspects to cause an unstable atmosphere of dread. The busy aspects of the film do not stem directly from the plot but rather the visuals and special effects.

The gross aspect Scott describes might have to do with the sexual content as well as the gore scenes stuffed in at the end of the film. The busy aspect could refer to the use of the color red and the appearance of the spirits. It is certainly not your run of the mill haunted house horror movies, and certainly not your average “Jane Austen” era romances.

"Crimson Peak" began as Del Toro’s 2006 film "Pan’s Labyrinth" did, a flash-forward to the end of the film with a voice-over narration and then a gentle flashback.

Edith Cushing, played by Mia Wasikowska, is an aspiring young writer, who would prefer to be of Mary Shelly merit rather than Jane Austen popularity, and an American heiress.

In the opening scene, Edith is standing in the snow breathing heavily with her face cut up. She says in a voice over, “Ghosts are real, this much I know.” The scene fades slowly to an overhead shot of a casket being carried to grave.

Her mother’s ghost, in a subsequent flashback, warns her to beware of the “Crimson Peak.”

As far as technical specs, such as cinematography, mise en scene and special effects, this film captures and demands the attention of viewers for the entire 119 minutes.

The effective use of high angle shots to portray vulnerability is beautifully executed despite any context of shots. For instance, the scene where Edith is thrown from the balcony but gracefully lands in the pile of accumulated white snow is gorgeously executed despite a knowledge of how she fell. The high angle shot lingers so viewers see the whiteness of the snow and realize the fragility of Edith, then it cuts to black.

Probably the most prominent mise en scene technique is the chiaroscuro lighting, causing the audience to feel more emotion and more anxiety from a lack of light. This technique was explicitly used for many spirits. At some parts you can only see their dark eyes, and at others you can see the crimson red and shadowiness of their “skin."

The technique is also apparent in the scene where the protagonists find each other at a hotel and embrace for a passionate kiss. The sun shines brightly in the background and illuminates Edith’s silhouette in the foreground while Thomas Sharpe’s, (Tom Hiddleston), face catches the shadow, and the audience can see the strong dichotomy of light, dark, clarity and mystery surrounding the two characters.

This film not only showcase beautiful cinematography and unique, if not busy, special effects, but superior performance of the actors, specifically the performances from Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska. Chastain plays an against-type character aside from her strong yet supportive roles like in "The Martian" and Interstellar."

In "Crimson Peak," Chastain’s character Lady Lucille Sharpe reminds audience of Kathryn Merteuil, played by Sarah Michelle Geller in the 1999 film "Cruel Intentions." However, Lucille is more maniacal, elaborate and reminds Del Toro fans of Captain Vidal’s ruthless character in "Pan’s Labyrinth." In the film, her character is

Image coutesy of Universal Pictures

undermined by her gender, which allows her to slide under the radar.

Mia Wasikowska played her usual innocent and whimsical character and wound up the fiercest character at the end. Her character represented a strong and intelligent feminine figure that has not been depicted too often in films set in the Victorian era.

To those debating on seeing "Crimson Peak," I say what Edith’s mother’s spirit encourages -- “Beware!” Don’t let the box office elude you from seeing "Crimson Peak." Things aren’t always what they seem, and you might be surprised at what happens as the film progresses. Del Toro fans should not go see Crimson Peak expecting the best film since "Pan’s Labyrinth," but rather go enjoy Del Toro’s distinct influence and design.

OVERALL SCORE

5

HAVE YOU CHECKED INTO THE HOTEL? ‘AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL’ REVIEW

BY MOLLY FLINCHUM A&E REPORTER

T

he season premiere of "American Horror Story: Hotel" had the attention of 5.81 million pairs of eyes watching to see what horrors the latest season would bring, according to the Deadline website. These are the second best ratings for the telecast so far out of five seasons, falling only behind last year’s premiere of “American Horror Story: Freak Show.”

“American Horror Story” is a horror television series, with each season capturing a different series of settings and characters to help show a common theme of terror to viewers. So far, the show has had the seasons “Murder House,” “Asylum,” “Coven,” “Freak Show” and now, “Hotel.” The series was created and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.

“American Horror Story” has received many positive reviews from television critics, bringing in consistently high ratings for the FX Network that hosts the show. The first season of the show was the biggest new cable series of 2011, and each consecutive season seems to grow to being the most watched season of the show in FX broadcasting history.

The latest season, “Hotel,” takes place in modern day Los Angeles, California where it focuses on the life of a homicide detective who is setting out to understand the mystery behind the supernatural Cortez Hotel.

The hotel is a host for the unusual, with it’s leading lady the blood-thirsty Countess Elizabeth. The season had two main threats running around terrorizing the occupants: the Ten Commandments Killer and The Addiction Demon.

The Ten Commandments Killer is inspired by biblical teachings, which are displayed throughout the show’s opening credits.

The Addiction Demon is a rather odd character, dressed in a latex outfit with a strap-on drill bit dildo he used to murder his victims. So far, the two seem disconnected to each other. They do seem to reflect the previous seasons characters Bloody Face and the Rubber Man. Unique to this season is the interconnection with the series’ first season, featuring an appearance from the Murder House and the realtor of it, Marcy. It is the first season in the show’s history without Jessica Lange, one of the leading actresses in the show. New cast members were added, including Lady Gaga, Cheyenne Jackson and Max Greenfield.

Though I had my mourning with Jessica Lange’s absence in the television show, I was beyond pleased to see Lady Gaga jump in wholeheartedly and steal me away by owning the hotel within the first episode. It wasn’t just me who was enthralled by her; Murphy has already confirmed her for the next season of “American Horror Story” through his twitter. He tweeted, “Lady Gaga is so brilliant in AHS Season 5 that yesterday I officially asked her to join Season 6. Say yes @ladygaga!”

Luckily not all is new, and favorite actors such as Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson have returned to continue the show.

James Patrick March, played by Peters, is the twisted founder of the hotel, designing it with hallways leading to nothing, unmarked rooms and tunnels so that he can murder select guests.

Warning: Spoilers will occur after this sentence.

The show begins with two Swedish tourists. As they are making themselves comfortable in their hotel room, a strange creature appears from the mattress and attacks the two girls. Instead of running away screaming, they are simply assigned a new room, where one of them becomes a late night snack for some ghostly children.

Meanwhile, Detective John Lowe, played by Wes Bentley, is investigating a crime scene of a murdered couple. In this investigation, the detective receives a mysterious phone call where he is told to go to the hotel for a clue.

6

At the Cortez, each room has its own story. The detective falls asleep and dreams through a past experience where he lost his son, Holden, at a carousel. In another room, heroin addict Gabriel, (Greenfield), is raped by the Addiction Demon while Hypodermic Sally, (Paulson), stands beside him, begging for him to tell her that he loves her as he dies.

Upstairs, we get a look at Elizabeth, (Gaga), and Donovan, (Matt Bomer), having a foursome with a couple they met at a movie viewing in the park earlier that evening.

During the intimate moment, Elizabeth and Donovan slit the other couple’s throats and drink their blood, revealing that they are the vampires running the hotel. But Elizabeth’s reign is in jeopardy as Will Drake, (Jackson), appears as the newest owner of the Cortez with his son Lachlan, (Lyric Lennon). The premiere episode ends with Lowe arriving at the hotel and checking in to Room 64.

This season so far has had a lot of mixed reviews. Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a 55 percent approval rating based on 51 reviews, with the site’s consensus reading, “Favoring garish style over effective storytelling, the fifth American Horror Story strands a talented cast at Ryan Murphy’s Hotel.”

Though The Hollywood Reporter’s writer Dan Fienberg gave a positive review, he also claimed that so far “Hotel hasn’t hooked me with its storytelling.” It is a big hotel, and there’s still time to reveal each room’s stories.

There was some criticism by Vanity Fair and Indiewire about the show’s constant use of horror movie homages. There were general themes that had been seen in horror movies past, such as the dumb blonde tourists, the cop and wife having marital issues based off of a past crime, in this case, their son being kidnapped, and staying in a place you know will kill you. There were also direct homages to horror classics, such as two children standing down the hallway holding hands like in “The Shining,” or the dildo weapon similar to David Fincher’s 1995 thriller “Seven.”

Personally, I think the show’s tributes to past horror movies weren’t done in a lack of creativity, but to show that they see themselves as one in the same with these past projects. It was in the first of a two-part Halloween episode, “Devil’s Night,” that I think Hotel showed what they were all about. In the episode, the Ten Commandments Killer hosts a celebration for Devil’s Night, inviting well-known serial killers such as John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer to the hotel. The hotel founder stood at the table full of American serial killers and raised his glass, telling them that he considers him their equals.

It almost felt like the writers of “American Horror Story” were standing with him, paying homage to horror movies fictional and nonfictional, and yet establishing themselves as today’s face of horror. Regardless of whatever criticism comes about this season, “American Horror Story” isn’t afraid to sit at the table with their predicessors and declare themselves as equals.

Mr. March toasts them, saying, “Thank you all for being here on Devil’s Night, but it is I who should be the one celebrating you. I look around and I see the definition of American success. They write books about you, make movies about your life. Years after your death, people continue to be enthralled. You made your mark in history. Like the Iliad, your stories will live on forever.”

“American Horror Story: Hotel” appears on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on FX.

OVERALL SCORE

Images coutesy of FX Networks

7

S P O R T S

PULVERIZING THE PALADINS

BY LEE SANDERLIN SPORTS REPORTER

GET EAVES GOING Preseason all-Sun Belt second team member, and last season’s leading scorer, Frank Eaves, only managed to score five points in the season opener against Jacksonville. Eaves did not make a shot from the floor during the 29 minutes he was on the court. Eaves was able to provide eight rebounds and five assists for the Mountaineers, but his job is to score, and score a lot.

If Appalachian is to have any hope against Furman, and in the season going forward, they have to get Eaves open looks and more opportunities to score the basketball. Hopefully he can get going early and gather some momentum for the Mountaineers.

THREE AND D The Mountaineers shot 34.8 percent from 3-point land on eight of 23 shots in the season opener against Jacksonville. This number would be acceptable if they didn’t allow Jacksonville to shoot 42.1 percent themselves from beyond the arc.

If the Mountaineers hope to compete against a more talented Furman squad, they have to defend the 3-point shot at a high level while knocking down more of their own. Fox’s system relies heavily on perimeter play and the guards need to start cashing in on the open looks they are getting.

CRASH THE GLASS Furman is not strong inside, averaging only 32 rebounds a game last season. The Mountaineers, having already played a Division-I opponent this season, pulled down 54 rebounds.

Controlling the glass means controlling the pace. While no one expects Frank Eaves to get eight boards a game, it can be expected that forwards Jacob Lawson, Griffin Kinney, Michael Obacha and Tyrell Johnson can get at least 35 rebounds between them.

Appalachian State has more post depth than Furman and should use that to their advantage, making sure to work the ball inside, looking for easy points while hopefully freeing up some space on the perimeter for cutters and 3-point shots.

If Appalachian State wins the rebound battle and holds Furman under 35 percent from three, they should beat Furman, avenging their loss from last season.

Predicted final score:

78 - 70 8

Justin Perry

S P O R T S

REPLACING THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE

BY BEN COGSDALE SPORTS REPORTER

T

he Appalachian State men's basketball team will begin the 2015-16 season looking to fill the void left by forward Tommy Spagnolo.

Spagnolo led the Mountaineers in rebounding during the 2014-15 season, pulling in seven boards per game while also finishing second on the team in scoring, averaging 9.7 points per game.

Since his departure from Boone, the 6-foot-7, 225 pound forward has moved on to play professional basketball in Germany for the ScanPlus Baskets in Elchingen, where he also currently ranks first in rebounds and second in scoring.

Mountaineer head coach Jim Fox acknowledged that while it would be plausible to make up Spagnolo’s production on the court, his leadership intangibles would be missed.

“The biggest thing you have to replace is the intangibles Tommy brought to the table,” Fox said. “Tommy was tough as nails, a great leader in the locker room, a guy that any loose ball you knew he was going to come up with it and if you needed a big basket Tommy was going to get it.”

The challenging task of replacing the big man will fall into the hands of the remaining Mountaineer front court.

Seniors Michael Obacha and Jacob Lawson will garner quality minutes alongside sophomore Griffin Kinney.

The Mountaineers will count on Obacha to provide the type of experience and defensive presence lost with Spagnolo’s departure. The 6-foot-8, 218 pound forward from Edo State, Nigeria, averaged three points and 3.5 rebounds during the 2014-2015 season.

Lawson will also be counted on to provide experience and depth off the bench. The 6-foot-8, 237 pound forward is a physical force on the defensive side, leading the Mountaineers in blocked shots, swatting 28 last season.

Lawson will look to bring the physicality of Spagnolo this season, and has done so already this year, amassing five blocks in 18 minutes during the team’s season opener against Jacksonville University.

“He was a physical guy,” Lawson said. “He sought rebounds more than any other big man here.”

Tommy Spagnolo, who graduated last spring, led the Mountaineers in rebounds and finished second on the team in scoring last season.

Kinney will be the wildcard of the front court carousel this season. More of a skilled scorer from the forward position, Kinney has the potential to help the Mountaineers in the scoring department. Also standing 6-foot-8, Kinney possesses the size and ability to shoot over defenders as well as drive to the basket.

Replacing the mental and physical contributions of Spagnolo will be a team effort for the Mountaineers this season. All three of the expected contributors in the frontcourt will be counted on to provide quality minutes while playing within Fox’s system, evidenced by their minute distribution of 19 for Obacha, 18 for Lawson and 16 for Kinney against the Dolphins Saturday.

“Staying within our offense is the only way for our team to get a win,” Kinney said. “We’re not going to go out and go one-on-one with guys. It’s team offense, ball movement and find the open shot.”

The Mountaineers will rely on sophomore forward Griffin Kinney’s scoring prowess to help fill the void left by Spagnolo’s graduation.

10

Justin Perry

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

BY LEE SANDERLIN SPORTS REPORTER

M

en's basketball head coach Jim Fox trusts his freshmen players enough to start one and let him take 14 shots, and to let one play down the stretch, giving him the opportunity to score 10 second half points and hit a big 3-pointer to ice the game.

Freshman Ronshad Shabazz and Emarius Logan have their teammates excited.

Shabazz came in with high expectations after attending Huntington Prep School in Huntington, West Virginia, the same place where current day NBA players like Andrew Wiggins also played basketball.

Logan, perhaps less touted, has proved in his high school tenure that he deserves the same hype as his teammate after earning South Carolina All-State honors three times at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina.

But they aren't the only two capable players in a freshman class that is as deep as it is large.

Tyrell Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward from Atlanta, Georgia, joins the Mountaineers after averaging 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks per game in high school, something which earned him All-State honors in 2015.

Bennett Holley brings quite the resume from Roanoke, Virginia, where the 6-foot-8, 220 pound forward averaged 14 points and eight rebounds at North Cross School. He was a four-time all-conference player, and earned both conference player of the year and All-State honors in 2014-15.

Frank Eaves, last season's leading scorer for the Apps, expects a lot out of his younger teammates this season, and knows they're capable.

"All of them, from Tyrell [Johnson], to E, [Logan Emarius], to [Ronshad] Shabazz to Bennett [Holley], they all bring something different,” Eaves said.

Sophomore big man Griffin Kinney also offered his view on the freshman class, acknowledging that they were ahead of the learning curve when it comes to Fox's offense.

“I think having the older guys knowing the details of the system, we’ll be able to help teach the younger guys to get it down faster,” Kinney said. "Last season in coaches first year, we were all like freshman, and I know that it took me until about halfway through the season to really start figuring out the offense."

Ronshad Shabazz is in agreement, having acknowledged that having his teammates has helped him grow used to having an offensive system, something he lacked at Huntington Prep.

"Here, we have an offense and that's what drew me to here. Over the summer during workouts, I figured it out and was able to figure out where I can attack in the system," Shabazz said. "At Huntington, we had a lot of all around great players, so we just kind of rolled the balls out and played the game."

Perhaps the biggest adjustment for all of the freshman will be playing in a system that relies on ball movement and relying on their teammates. Most of these players are used to being the primary ball handler or scoring option on their high school teams.

Although they have to share a ball now, their teammates have no problem sharing it with them as well. If things can remain this way there should be no problem for the Mountaineers moving forward this season.

Malik Rahili

10

S P O R T S

MATICS AND CRITCHER BOOTING BEST SEASONS YET

BY COLIN TATE SPORTS REPORTER

T

hroughout this season, Appalachian State’s special teams unit has made an obvious improvement from last year’s squad. Junior punter Bentlee Critcher and senior kicker Zach Matics both have had a hand in the turn around.

“We’ve been really solid at special teams,” head coach Scott Satterfield said. “Bentlee’s punted the ball great.

Matics has kicked the ball off great, and he’s made his field goals. We’ve done a tremendous amount better than we did last year.”

After a special teams meltdown against Southern Mississippi last season in which Matics went 0-3 in field goals, booted two kickoffs out of bounds and had the game-tying extra point blocked in a 21-20 loss, Matics couldn't seem to find any sustained success in 2014-15.

He finished by making only one field goal in five attempts, and was replaced

by Critcher at times, but the coaching staff continued to show faith in Matics, who entered 2015 with a completely different mindset.

“This is my last year,” Matics said.

“I really have nothing to lose. I’ve been going out and not thinking about missing like I was last year. I was a little nervous, but now I know what the worst is like.

So, going up there, I have a lot more confidence this year.”

Matics has responded by going 11 of 12 in the field goal department this season, almost 92 percent, with a long of 51 yards against Wyoming in rainy, foggy conditions. His lone miss this season was a 52-yarder to end the first half against Georgia Southern that would've extended the Mountaineer lead to 20-7.

He's kicked with 100 percent efficiency in extra points, a perfect 49 of 49, and even leads the team in overall scoring, accounting for 82 total points. Junior running back Marcus Cox trails with 42 total points.

Critcher has improved steadily in his junior season and has given Satterfield confidence in the punting game.

“Critcher is a smooth operator,” Satterfield said. “Nothing fazes him. He has a lot of poise. He’s a good football player, not just a good kicker.”

In high school, Critcher never came off the field, playing offense, defense and special teams. The transition to only punting has not been an easy one.

“Hands down, it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to adjust to,” Critcher said.

“I’ve accepted it. I know my role, and I’m happy where I’m at.”

With the ability to focus solely on punting thanks to Matics' resurgence as kicker, Critcher has definitely embraced his role. He's surpassed his 2014 totals in almost every statistical category -- averaging a punt distance of 43.9 yards, a season long of 60 yards, five touchbacks and 15 punts from 50-plus yards -- which 12

is why he has been nominated for the Ray Guy Award, given to the top punter in collegiate football.

On top of that, the Mountaineers have also been able to utilize some of Critcher’s athleticism this season.

“Since my freshman year, I’ve been in coach Satt’s ear like, ‘Run fakes. Run fakes. Run fakes,’” Critcher said. “This year we’ve had the opportunity. The whole special teams as a unit has executed them.”

One fake that worked involved both Critcher and Matics. In the Homecoming game against Wyoming, Appalachian State opted to run a fake field goal option.

“Bentlee and I looked at each other, and we were like, ‘This is it. This is what it’s all about,’” Matics said.

At just the right time, Critcher executed the pitch to Matics, and the play ended in a Mountaineer first down.

“Somehow the ball ends up in my hands and I run for just enough,” Matics said. “It speaks volumes to our athleticism. We are athletic and we like to show it.”

Matics takes pride in converting trick plays from the kicker position.

“It doesn’t happen a lot,” Matics said.

“It’s a way to show our skills outside of kicking and punting.”

Critcher also had the opportunity to showcase his arm against Arkansas State, when the team called a fake punt on fourth and long deep in their own territory.

The play was designed to go to senior defensive back Doug Middleton, but at the last second the defense switched, and Critcher had to improvise by throwing a 36-yard pass to senior wide receiver Malachi Jones.

“I just tried to give him a ball he could catch,” Critcher said. “At first I thought I over threw him. But I saw he adjusted to the ball and caught it, and I was really happy.”

Critcher ranks third on the team in passing as a result of the fakes, a perfect 2-2 for 36 yards.

Whether running a trick play or executing on normal special teams in the kicking and punting game, Matics and Critcher play a pivotal role in the success of the Mountaineers, who improved to 8-2 (5-1 Sun Belt) following the 45-28 victory over Idaho Saturday.

“As a special teams unit I feel like we’ve improved tremendously from last year to this year,” Critcher said. “I feel like they’ve got all their confidence in me and I’ve got all the confidence in them.”

Top: After hitting only one of five field goals last season, kicker Zach Matics has rebounded by hitting 11 of 12 in 2015, including a 52-yarder.

Bottom: Punter Bentlee Critcher has posted career-highs in nearly every statistical category this season en route to being nominated for the Ray Guy Award, given the nation’s best punter.

Malik Rahili

SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS

App News is a service of the Division of Student Development. Email dycheab@appstate.edu.

Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference is given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

A P P

N E W S

WHAT TO DO HUNGER AND HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK The week is a university-wide effort to bring attention to issues of national poverty, hunger and homelessness.

• Tunnel of Oppression, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 17, Blue Ridge Ballroom, PSU. Sponsored by SGA. • Cost of Poverty Experience, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 18, 4th floor, PSU. Sponsored by Social Justice Coffee Hour.

• The Hunger Games, begins 5 p.m. Nov. 20, Duck Pond Field. Sponsored by ACT. • Leigh Lane Day of Service, noon-4 p.m.

Nov. 21, Attic Window, PSU. Sponsored by ACT. • Hunger Banquet, 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. Sponsored by SGA.

SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Student Sustainability Summit will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 17, PSU. At this first annual event, students will gather together to present topics that express their passions, research, and activism that relate to sustainability. All students are encouraged to attend, as it will be an opportunity to learn about sustainability in all aspects of life. Topics will explore sustainability’s influence on transportation, community and social justice.

through class projects, travels, research and collaborations between faculty, staff and students.

Go to http://international.appstate.edu/globalsymposium or email globalsymposium@ appstate.edu.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING COMPETITION The competition is to support the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity. The event will be held 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 19 at Legends. Registration is $25 for teams of up to five people.

Participants and attendees can build a gingerbread house to compete for prizes, buy raffle tickets, listen to music and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. To register, email fisherkg@ appstate.edu.

TCVA 140: THE CREATIVE INCUBATOR

SCREENPRINT YO’ TEES Appalachian Printmaking Club is hosting a live screenprinting event, noon-5 p.m. Nov. 20, Wey Hall. Attendees may bring any garment to have one of the club’s designs screenprinted on it in black ink for $5 each.

CULTURE CRAWL Hosted by International Appalachian (INTAPP), Culture Crawl is a free two-hour event where international students, internationally focused clubs on campus, and organizations in the Boone community come together to put on various performances as a way to share their culture with students on Appalachian’s campus. The event will be held 7-9 p.m. Nov. 20 in Grandfather Ballroom, PSU. Free.

FACULTY/STAFF BOOK CLUB The fall book club will read and discuss the themes in “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink. The book club will meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 in Belk Library.

Book club members will be expected to secure their own copy to read. The book is available in the library system and for sale online.

Email maidenev3@appstate.edu.

tions & Service) is an annual event in which Appalachian faculty and staff, using donated funds, volunteer their time to mentor and escort K-12 schoolchildren on AppKIDS Day as they purchase winter clothing for the children such as coats, boots, and pants.

TUTORING CENTER OPEN Visit room 208 in D.D. Dougherty and fill out a tutor request form. The tutoring lab is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Call 828-262-3060 or email apputs@appstate.edu.

WIND DOWN WEDNESDAYS 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday (except Nov. 25) through Dec. 2, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Free and only open to App State students.

Students will participate in a short guided meditation (20 minutes) followed by the opportunity to create an artistic response to the mediation experience. All art supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 25, on a firstcome basis. No registration required.

Sponsored by Active Minds and Yes Plus, in collaboration with The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.

The annual Appalachian Global Symposium will be held Nov. 18. The one-day event will be focused on developing global competencies

The event is an evening of creativity and conversation featuring some of the region’s most innovative thinkers and practitioners: 6:30 p.m. reception, program begins 7 p.m. Nov. 19, Lecture Hall, Turchin Center.

The event is 10 presenters, each talking for 140 seconds. Members of the community, leaders of cultural organizations and other nonprofits, artists, Appalachian faculty and staff will discuss ideas and projects in presentations with seven slides each at 20 seconds per slide.

Speakers include Heather Brandon of Food Services, Billy Schumann of the Center for Appalachian Studies, Megan Hayes of University Communications, Caleb Crowell of New Appalachian Foods and Dave Walker of Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture.

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18

THURSDAY, NOV. 19

FRIDAY, NOV. 20

Global Film Series: “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night”

“Batman” screening (1989)

“Trainwreck” screening

“Batman” screening (1989)

7 p.m.

Greenbriar, PSU $1

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

I.G. Greer $1 advance, $2 door

7 p.m.

Greenbriar, PSU $1

Seers with Art Wavey

Gingerbread House Building Competition

“Trainwreck” screening

APPALACHIAN GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM

7 p.m.

I.G. Greer Free

Quintessential Student Vocal Concert 8 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall Free

Step Afrika 8-10 p.m.

Schaefer Center $5-$7

9 p.m.

Legends $4-$6

Treble Choir 8 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall Free

Final Submission Deadline The Peel Literature & Arts Review

APPKIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Shopper and driver volunteers are still needed, to take children shopping on Nov. 20 (alternate snow date: Dec. 4). Sign up online: http://staffsenate.appstate.edu/service-projects/ appkids-event.

AppKIDS (Appalachian Kindness In Dona-

7-9:30 p.m.

Legends $25 to register up to teams of 5

Heritage or Hate?: The Confederate Battle Flag in the 21st Century 6 p.m. room 114, Belk Library Free

FREE LEGAL ADVICE The Student Legal Clinic, in suite 324 in Plemmons Student Union, offers confidential advice, information, and referrals provided by a licensed attorney.

The attorney can meet with any currently enrolled Appalachian State student and can advise students on any issue that is not directly adverse to the university.

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

I.G. Greer $1 advance, $2 door

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert 9 p.m.

Legends $7-$9

Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m.

Valborg Theatre

https://thepeelreview.submittable.com

SATURDAY, NOV. 21

SUNDAY, NOV. 22

MONDAY, NOV. 23

TUESDAY, NOV. 24

“Trainwreck” screening

Gospel Choir

Student String Chamber Ensembles Concert

Study Abroad Workshop 101

7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

I.G. Greer $1 advance, $2 door

6 p.m.

Solarium, PSU Free

Carnival for a Cure

Guitar Orchestra

6-8 p.m.

Grandfather Ballroom, PSU Free admission, paid games and concessions

2 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall Free

Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble

4 p.m.

Recital Hall Free

7:30 p.m.

Valborg Theatre $10-$17 David Haskins Student Violin Recital 8 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

Hayes String Quartet

Concerto Aria Second Round Concert 8 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall Free

6 p.m.

Recital Hall Free

Wind Ensemble 8 p.m.

Schaefer Center Free

Office of International Education and Development Tater Hill, PSU Free

O P I N I O N

IN CONVERSATIONS PUT NaNoWriMo ON OVER RACE, YOUR BUCKET LIST EMBRACE DISCOMFORT

BY KEVIN GRIFFIN OPINION WRITER

T

he situation at the University of Missouri has been the latest in a long line of incidents that have forced us to confront our twisted handling of racial issues.

This is always a difficult thing to talk about, and for that reason it is necessary to talk about it. Far too many white Americans have problematic blind spots when it comes to looking at the issues that people of color face in this country.

We can see that clearly in the reaction to Missouri and to the Black Lives Matter movement. Even some well-meaning white Americans might wonder “why the anger?”

Well, we need only to look at the last year to answer that. In June, there was one of the most prominent racial massacres we have seen in some time. Since, then black churches around the country have been the target of what is, frankly, domestic terrorism.

Combine that with weekly or even daily news stories of another person of color who has been abused or killed by law enforcement, and it’s easy to see why many people of color are on edge right now.

You don’t have to be black to understand that, but it goes to the multiple double standards at play. There are far too many instances of senseless white, typically rightwinged rage to count, yet this never seems to stick to white people the way it does with people of color.

So, as we move forward in trying to make some progress on this issue, we should treat this anger and these protests with the degree of legitimacy they deserve.

Within that context, though, I still believe there are difficult questions that do not have easy answers.

On college campuses, one of the new target of efforts to combat racism involves looking into the everyday social interactions and how they reinforce racist, sexist or homophobic ideas.

This issue of microaggressions raises many questions. Of course, the structural level of racism in our society does include subtle manifestations, even by people who aren’t ardent racists.

Yet, what are the consequences of regulating behavior at this level?

Administrators and school officials have an absolute obligation to combat discrimination and harassment on their campuses, but is there really a just way to regulate what might be seemingly minor words or expressions?

Everyone should be more sensitive to racial dynamics, and I think it would be a good idea to have classes at all level of education that would explore issues of race in much more comprehensive terms.

Yet, another concern I have is that an emphasis on microaggressions could have a chilling effect on interaction. After all, it might lead to an sense of self-consciousness in interactions between people of difference races in which people are concerned about slipping up and being inadvertently offensive.

Of course, there is a strong response to that claim. People of color live not only in fear for their lives in many circumstances, but also deal with condescension in everyday interactions.

If anyone is uncomfortable about microaggressions, it is the people who are on the receiving end.

In both points, I see validity in both and navigating that tension is difficult.

If we are going to have these conversations, white Americans need to embrace that discomfort and that tension.

If anything is clear, it is that people of color have been shouldering more than their fair share of discomfort for far too long.

Griffin, a senior journalism major from Madison is an opinion writer.

14

BY JUSTIN CHANDLER OPINION WRITER

T

he month of November is usually a forgotten time, wedged between the celebrated creepiness of Halloween in October and the joyful melody of Christmas in December. While Thanksgiving is naturally a celebrated time for us to not only fill our bodies with delicious food and our hearts with gratitude, it is nonetheless part of a month that is considered a “filler” when compared to others.

That is, until NaNoWriMo entered the fray.

National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is a month-long excursion for professional and amateur novelists to come together and do what fuels them the most creatively: writing. Created in 1999 and officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2005, the organization’s program is based around a simple premise: Write a novel with at least 50,000 words during the month of November, with a recommended target of 1,667 words per day to reach your goal and claim your prize. Joined with this program are various support systems including forums for discussion, motivational words of wisdom by past winners and organized “write-ins” with writers in your surrounding area. In essence, it is the literary sprint for gold.

Some may be skeptical towards the entire premise of NaNoWriMo, with some critics claiming, “Writing 50k words in a month will not provide the best work.”

The organization counters this by offering editing months in January and February for those who complete their novels, editorial staff at the ready on the forums, and Pronoun, an online publication company for members who sign up. In addition, numerous authors have found great success with the month’s marathon, both professionally with publications and personally with a greater sense of time management and responsibility.

The very idea of writing a novel, especially in such short time, may be overwhelming to some. However, this is a creative outlet for authors of different backgrounds, writing styles and story ideas to come together as a literary community in search of one goal: writing their dream book. The harsh reality of life is, not everyone can be an athlete. Not every average Joe can physically run a marathon or race a car with precision. However, with NaNoWriMo, everyone can become an author. Even if one does not succeed in reaching the 50,000 milestone, smaller goals are put in place, such as writing the first thousand words or reaching 25,000, to motivate and give hope that the goal is close. Everyone has a story to tell at some point in their life, why not put the proverbial pen to paper and let the ink flow from your heart to your fingertips? Life is too short to let such creative juices be left uncultivated.

This year, I am competing in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and as of this article’s draft date, Nov. 11, 2015, I have completed over 20,000 words of my novel. With greater luck and numerous cups of coffee, I will be able to finish on time and check off one more item on my bucket list. Will you join me next year?

Chandler, a middle grades education major from Icard, is an opinion writer.

E T

C E T E R A

THE TEAM Malik Rahili @malikrahili EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL MULTIMEDIA BUSINESS

Andrew Clausen @guruandrew MANAGING EDITOR Charlotte Wray @_charlottewray CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Ignacio Martinez-Alvarez @theappalachian BUSINESS MANAGER

Carl Blankenship @carl_r_blank NEWS EDITOR Kelsey Hamm @theappalachian A&E EDITOR

Hunter Brown @theappalachian ASST. BUSINESS MANAGER Stephanie Sansoucy @stephsans MARKETING DIRECTOR

Chris Warner @chriswarner2293 SPORTS EDITOR Allison Dyche @allisonbdyche ADVISER

CRIME LOG CAMPUS NOV. 15

NOV. 11

2:55 a.m. | Vandalism

8:50 p.m. | Drug Violation

Bowie Hall

Schaefer Parking Lot

Leads exhausted.

A student was arrested for underage consumption of alcohol

NOV. 15 6:09 p.m.| Vandilism

NOV. 11

Belk Library

11:26 a.m. | Underage consump-

Leads exhausted.

Belk Hall

NOV. 14 6:08 a.m. | Vandilism

tion of alcohol A student was arrested for possesion of marijuana.

Belk Hall

NOV. 11

Under investigation.

1:25 a.m. | Drug Violation

Lovill Hall

NOV. 13 12:06 a.m. | Drug Violation

Rivers Street

Two students were arrested for possession of marijuana.

A student was arrested for posses-

NOV. 11

sion of marijuana.

12:25 a.m. | Drug Violation

Lovill Hall

NOV. 12 9:35 a.m. | Vandalism

Belk Library Leads exhausted

Two students were arrested for possession of marijuana.

Justin Perry @justincperry VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR Alex Gates @theappalachian PHOTO EDITOR Jennifer Rhodes @theappalachian VIDEO EDITOR Dylan Dow @zen_dow WEB MANAGER

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289 Ambling Way, Boone, NC 28607

(828)263-0100

www.universityhighlands.com