November 8, 2011 by The Appalachian

The Appalachian

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Vol. 86 No. 19

Policy extends RA duty hours, conflict erupts by KELLI STRAKA Senior News Reporter

new policy from University Housing will extend the duty hours of Resident Assistants (RAs), requiring them to carry the RA duty phone during the week from 5 to 7 p.m. and throughout the weekend in order to respond to student calls. The policy, passed Nov. 1, was made in response to a number of instances where RAs were unavailable during the two-hour gap when the Resident Directors (RDs) leave and RA duty begins, said Vickie Hawkins, associate director for University Housing. Under the new policy, RAs can

be up to 15 minutes away from campus and are not required to be in the office, in their residence hall or in their room during this time. “We are seeing more and more issues of concern with our students, not necessarily incident reports,” Hawkins said. “It all boils down to safety and security of our residents.” The RA Council met with RDs and Hawkins in response to the new policy. “My concern at this point is that when we have these freshmen come in, we’re not teaching them enough independence,” said Mattie Hardin, senior management major and Winkler Hall RA. “This is just another way to let them use us as a crutch.”

But according to Hawkins, constant coverage is a service that should be provided with residential living. “What we offer is what students, particularly first year students, need in order to make that transition,” Hawkins said. Senior risk management and insurance major Scott Banks, a Mountaineer Hall RA, said he was concerned that the policy passed without RA discussion. “Personally, it makes me feel like we’re the smallest people in housing,” Banks said. “There’s a discrepancy between how we’re dealt with and the faces we put on everyday for Housing.” Hawkins said she regretted that

Banks felt this way but said due to significant changes in student behavior, the policy needed to be passed. Under the RA contract, RAs agree to carry out the duties and expectations of the RA position as it’s outlined in the contract, which now includes this new policy. “I understand the need to always be able to change the responsibilities in our positions, but at the same time going back and always quoting the same part of the contract is somewhat demeaning,” said Molly Brown, sophomore hospitality and tourism management major and Belk Hall RA. For dorms like Belk, RAs have

to put in more hours than larger dorms due to smaller numbers of staff, Brown said. “RA’s are getting burned out,” Hardin said. “If you are a burnt out RA, you can’t do your job at that point. And it’s not only negatively affecting their personal lives, but academics.” RA Council President Vonté McKenith said, though, that the time for discussion about the changes is over. “Our RAs made their voices heard,” McKenith said. “They are leaders on this campus and they were ready to stand their ground. At this point, I think anyone who has an opinion in this department, and voices it, will offend someone.”

Residential Learning Community approved for Justice Hall

Photo illustration by Nathan Cullitan | The Appalachian

Justice Hall will play host to a residential learning community for ROTC cadets starting in fall 2012. RHA President Seth Revetta, also a cadet, initiated the effort to create an ROTC-focused RLC his junior year. The new RLC will feature 52 beds and close access to resources like the Student Recreation Center and Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Cadet works to create living space dedicated to ROTC members, housing will open fall 2012 by ABBI PITTMAN Intern News Reporter

Appalachian State University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) approved a new Residential Learning Community in October, designed for students in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). The ROTC RLC will become available during the fall 2012 semester, said Major Clay Jackson, assistant chair for the department of military science and leadership. “I am excited that the RLC has been accepted,” said Seth Revetta, the ROTC cadet and RHA president who spearheaded the effort. “This has been a

very long process on the housing end and allows me to start focusing more on the ROTC end.” Members of the RLC will occupy the first floor of Justice Hall for two reasons: the room size is larger, allowing space for ROTC gear, and the location is close to the Student Recreation Center, the Quinn Recreation Center and Kidd Brewer Stadium, Revetta said. The community will feature an expected total of 52 beds and 13 rooms for the new RLC members, Jackson said. “For this first year, we may only fill half the floor with members of the RLC, but I believe the program will grow,” Jackson said. Revetta said he got the idea for the

RLC from his combined involvement with ROTC and University Housing. Last year Revetta, who joined the military his senior year of high school, worked as RHA vice president. When he learned about the acceptance process for new RLCs, he approached Jackson to discuss the possibility of an ROTC learning community. “After a few more talks it was decided that the Cadre, teachers for ROTC, wanted me to be the one that made the proposal,” Revetta said. In spring 2010, after meeting with Residence Life and Learning Communities coordinator Corrine Smith, Jackson and Revetta got started on a proposal for the RLC. Jackson submitted

it to RHA in Sept. 2010. The process of approving a new RLC – including review by the RLC committee – can be a long one, Revetta said. “We had to play the waiting game,” he said. The wait ended this October, when Jackson and Revetta were informed of the RLC’s acceptance. “In many ways, ROTC already acts as a learning community,” Jackson said. “So the RLC will just consolidate our cadets into a single residence hall.” Revetta said he remains the main contact between ROTC and RHA as the last details of the new RLC come together. Applications for the ROTC RLC will be accepted in late January 2012.

Voters choose town council members today

by HANK SHELL News Editor

Voting for three Boone Town Council seats will open on Appalachian State University’s campus Tuesday, with polling locations in Farthing Auditorium and Plemmons Student Union. Voters will have a choice between incumbents Andy Ball and Lynne Mason, and first-time candidate Allan Scherlen for two four-year seats and one two-year seat on the council. Early voter turnout was relatively low for the 2011 election. During early voting, which lasted from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5, 431 votes were cast for all Watauga County municipal elections, according to the Watauga Board of Elections. “We’re seeing the numbers come in each day and we’re seeing how many people vote each day and

it’s a very low turnout so far, so it’s kind of discouraging for the town and for the university,” Ball said. Last year a total of 461 early votes were cast in the Boone municipal election alone, though it also included a mayoral race. This year’s number of town council contenders is also relatively low, with only three candidates compared to seven in 2009, which was also for three seats. All three candidates will address issues relevant to students in their upcoming terms, including housing, parking and traffic and downtown development. Ball, currently studying political science at Appalachian, has advertised himself as a student-friendly candidate, and has sided with students on such issues as the current noise ordinance, booting and towing and regulations against

Nathan Cullitan | The Appalachian

Results of today’s election will determine which terms Boone Town Council hopefuls Allan Scherlen, Lynne Mason and Andy Ball have secured. Two will gain a four-year term in the council and one will gain a two-year term.

skateboarding in town. Scherlen, a university librarian, has also touted himself as student-friendly on issues like the noise ordinance, pedestrian traffic and skateboarding in town. Mason has said that she supports student interests

as well, citing issues like student housing and bike and pedestrian traffic. “ASU is very much a big part of our town and our community and what we do,” Mason said. “We’re working together and what we do benefits everybody.”

The town council is the five-member, democratically elected body behind a variety of decisions that affect the town and its residents, including the adoption of the Boone 2030 Land Use Plan. “I really want to encour-

age everyone in the Appalachian State community to take local government seriously, to think about voting in local government and participating in local government,” Scherlen said. Students must be registered in order to vote.

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Student conducts research at RHA students represent ASU Central for compost upgrade at regional housing conference Graduate student in technology works with Food Services to reuse waste, cut university costs by CATHERINE HAITHCOCK News Reporter

Appalachian State University recently upgraded its aerated static compost facility to include post-consumer food waste as well as pre-consumer waste. Though the new facility, located off State Farm Road, is scheduled to open Nov. 16, it began accepting pre-consumer waste in October. “Pre-consumer food waste is the food that doesn’t reach your plate, such as stems of peppers or greens from a carrot,” said Michal Duffy, technology graduate student. “Post-consumer is any food waste after the consumer had contact with it.” Construction on the new facility began in March 2011, and will increase the university’s compost output from 100 tons per year to 275 tons per year, Duffy said. That could save the university $13,475 in landfill tipping fees. “I would love to see us collecting postconsumer in the next few years but I don’t want to say for sure as there will be several changes that will have to take place in order for this collection to be feasible,” Resource Conservation Manager Jennifer Maxwell said. “The construction of the new facility was just the first step. Many more resources will have to be allocated in order to facilitate this shift.” Currently, due to certain constraints with issues of separating post-consumer food waste from the non-compostable items inside Central Dining Hall, it is not known when the facility can start accepting post-consumer waste. That is what Duffy said she is working to solve. “The first goal is to capture postconsumer food waste and that’s what I’m trying to help accomplish with my research,” Duffy said. “I’m doing groundwork to see how we can do things differently in Central to divert the food and collect it.” Appalachian’s largest dining facility uses a dumpster system called a pulper that breaks down all the waste and removes the water content. Waste reaches the pulper through a water trough in the dish room. “The biggest challenge with composting

Compost Fast Facts • Facility could save $13,475 per year in landfill tipping fees • Shift will reduce Appalachian’s postconsumer waste by 100 tons per year • A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the facility on State Farm Road Source: Michal Duffy, technology graduate student

post consumer waste is that what goes into the stream is all mixed – it’s food, paper, plastics, trash,” Duffy said. “Most of that waste stream is compostable with only a little bit of contamination, but that’s things we can’t compost. I’ve been doing waste audits to know what exactly is in that waste stream.” Duffy’s audits have been conducted with the help of Appalachian Food Services. “We’ve already run two weeks’ worth of testing for her where we collected the product and she had the dirty job of going through it to see what was compostable and what was not,” Food Services Director Art Kessler said. “We gave her everything that would go through our pulper.” At this point, Duffy said the best option would be to use the pulper strictly for compostable material and get another bin for trash or transition to the use of biodegradable utensils, to-go boxes and plates. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 2 to 2:45 p.m., and will include a tour of the facility.

to show off programs, creativity by ANNE BUIE Senior News Reporter

Six Appalachian State University students presented their group-building activities at the South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (SAACURH) conference at Georgia State University over the weekend. 90 programs were chosen that corresponded with SAACURH’s theme, H.E.R.O (honor, experience, respect and outreach). Appalachian students created six of those. “It’s really exciting, oh my gosh,” said Abby Talmadge, sophomore nursing major and president of Cone Hall. “It’s a great honor and out of all those 90 programs, six of us from App State were chosen, which is a lot. So we make up 10 percent of the programs, so that’s quite incredible for our school to be chosen in that way.” Talmadge isn’t the only one who was proud of the

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“Hero Helpers” was chosen. “I was so excited,” Stone said. “I never dreamed that my program would be accepted because it was one of those things that you’re sitting there and you think it’s awesome but no one else would.” This was Stone’s first conference and she wanted to make sure she was fully involved with the whole conference. “I wanted to be a part of the whole entire conference and not just going to meetings and programs,” Stone said. “I wanted to share my own ideas.” Stone wasn’t just excited for herself. She was also excited for her fellow group members who had programs chosen. “They’re some of the most creative people I’ve ever met,” Stone said. “All of them are so humble. They’re a fantastic group of people and I wouldn’t want to be going to this conference with anybody else.”

Programs Chosen From Appalachian Students By Catagory: Experience • •

Program Title: Mute leading the blind Description: (In pairs) One person is blindfolded and the other is unable to speak. The one who is unable to speak must guide their partner through a series of obstacles, after completing the first set the pair will complete another set of obstacles where they can speak to each other. Matthew Beauchamp, sophomore computer science major

• •

Program Title: Dinner with your future Description: In collaboration with the Peer Career Center on campus, I would have a catered meal and have some representatives (from Peer Career) come and discuss interview basics with residents. Then, over the catered meal, the Peer Career representatives would conduct mock interviews with the residents to prepare them for jobs or grad school applications. Austin Harbison, sophomore dentistry major

• •

Program Title: Never fear with a mountaineer Description: You’re given a disaster scenario and you have to rank the list of equipment from least important to most important as well as the people. Each person has a major and a known character quality which could determine their importance. It’s a good role-playing, decision making game. Abby Talmadge, sophomore nursing major

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group members chosen. “I have so much pride as a delegation leader that six of my programs got accepted,” said Matt Wilson, national communications coordinator for Appalachian’s Residence Hall Association. “I know it’s not all on me that they got accepted. It’s them – it’s their creativity, their ability to think of something that the conference staff and that the region considers influential enough to be presented at this conference that’s having 700 people attend.” Wilson saw the conference as a way to promote Appalachian. “It just shows that we’re doing more than the norm; that we’re able to go above and beyond,” Wilson said. “That we’re able to help influence other school’s residence halls.” Brittney Stone, sophomore secondary English education major and Doughton hall representative, was thrilled that her program

Outreach • •

Program Title: Hero helpers Description: Members of the group will pick a superhero group to imitate (Teen Titans, Justice League, Doom Patrol, Power Rangers, etc.) and then go to a homeless shelter and act out a small “battle” against a fake adversary for the kids. Let them choose sides and participate by screaming for their favorite character. Bring candy, theme music and baked goods for the kids to snack on while they watch, as well as paper masks for the children to decorate and become their own hero. Brittney Stone, sophomore English secondary education major

• •

Program Tile: Fashionable faux-pas! Description: This program focuses on recycling everyday items that too many would consider waste, and turning them into fashion! After brainstorming everyday waste that can be made into an accessory, participants will make bottle-cap jewelry for themselves. Facts about reducing carbon footprints will be given during the process, educating participants about the price of beauty. Allison Veals, sophomore special education major

Respect • •

Program Title: Why Chopsticks? Description: How many people truly understand the reason cultures use chopsticks? This program would go into the cultures of traditional Asian meals and feasts. Anna McNamara, sophomore mathematics secondary education major

Source: AppalNet, SAACURH

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LGBT Center holds Candlelight Vigil Review: by EMMALEE ZUPO Intern Lifestyles Reporter

ast year, Mark Rasdorf was waiting to see how Appalachian State University would respond to the suicide of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi – along with the suicides of several others. “His suicide alone was horrible, but it was, like, the seventh in seven months and it just demanded a response,” Rasdorf said. “When nothing seemed to be happening, a colleague finally said, ‘Mark, just do it.’” Clementi, then a Rutgers freshman, jumped from the George Washington Bridge – which connects New Jersey to upper Manhattan – after his roommate allegedly streamed live footage of Clementi during a sexual encounter with another man. To honor Clementi’s life and the lives of several others – all of whom committed suicide as the result of bullying related to sexual orientation – Rasdorf created the Community Candlelight Vigil. The second annual vigil will be held Monday, from 7 to 8 p.m. on Sanford Mall. The event will honor the lives of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer of Williamsville, N.Y. and 15-year-old Jamie Hubley of Ottawa, Canada, who both committed suicide as a result of bullying related to sexual orientation. The vigil also exists to remember “those we never hear about,” Rasdorf said. While the event focuses on the LGBT community in particular, the vigil also speaks out against bullying and harassment in general, said Matthew Coons, sophomore international business major and event co-coordinator.

“Bullying in any way is bad – it’s really bad – and that’s why if you’ve ever felt bullied or harassed in any way, go out there,” Coons said. “Honestly, I feel like it would be more of a relief to see that other people have been through the same thing as you have.” Participants may bring their own candles to the event, but candles will be provided, along with refreshments. A number of different speakers will attend, including Mayor Loretta Clawson and Dean of Students J.J. Brown, as well as a diverse range of faith-based speakers and a representative from Appalachian Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian State University’s counseling center. The center is particularly excited Sophomore international business major Tommy Wrenn about the involvement of the speaks out against sexual bullying and harrassment. The Trevor Project’s senior education LGBT center will hold the second annual Candlelight Vigil manager, and Appalachian alumnus, to honor victims Monday at 7 p.m. on Sanford Mall. Nathan Belyeu, said Tommy Wrenn, sophomore history major and LGBT Brown, the dean of students, can really bring Center volunteer. that home with this as an issue on Appalachian The Trevor Project is a national organization State’s campus and to show that we can prevent that focuses on crisis intervention and suicide this,” Wrenn said. prevention services for LGBT youth. Notably, Ultimately, it’s important for the vigil to reach the project is a benefactor for the “It Gets Better” out beyond the campus community, Brown said. project, which encourages LGBT individuals “The message of hope is one that is needed and allies to create videos encouraging youth – to in our community on and off campus,” he said. help them imagine what their future may be like “There are many individuals in our community as openly gay adults, according to itgetsbetter. who are struggling and want to show support org. for those who we honor and remember through “If you think about it, Nathan is kind of our the vigil, but also want to empower others by focus on this as a national issue,” Wrenn said. participating.” “The mayor shows that this is a local, outsideFor more information about the Community of-our-campus-community issue and then J.J. Candlelight Vigil, visit glbt.appstate.edu.

Students celebrate culture through monthly Art Crawl Senior Lifestyles Reporter

Jessica Schreck | The Appalachian

Glug owner Michael Schriber pours free beer to a full house during Art Crawl in his store on King Street last Friday.

ACT sponsors Hunger and Homelessness week

by DANIELLE WATKINS

Intern Lifestyles Reporter

seeing how the art affects you and how you can relate with it.” Owners of participating businesses On the first Friday of every month, said the event is important in connecting 24 businesses along King Street, the student body at Appalachian State Depot Street and Howard Street come University to the stores in downtown together to celebrate local art culture Boone. through the Downtown Boone Art “I think it’s important that students Crawl. and the general community come to Art Students and community Crawl,” said Nikki Burris, the members fill the streets from owner of King Street’s Bead 5 to 9 p.m., walking in and Box. “It is a time for you to “I love out of the stores, strolling see what the friends you see free art through art galleries and on a day-to-day basis have to and free enjoying free wine and offer.” refreshments. Bead Box often focuses on wine.” Another Art Crawl took live performance art during M.C. Robertson place last Friday and senior Senior Art Crawl – Friday, the store Nutrition English major Ben Milazzo hosted jugglers, hula hoopers, Major said it was his first time swing dancers and the attending. student improvisation group “I’d heard it was a good chance to NOUN. taste some quality wine, but also an King Street’s Glug tends to focus opportunity to support and experience on free tastings of wine and beer for the local culture,” Milazzo said. customers over the age of 21, owner He added that he’d visited the Michael Schriber said. Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, On Friday, Appalachian alumnus Artwalk and Art of Oil so far and Luke Danner said he was participating thought of the event as a great way to in a “Glug Crawl” because that was the “not be an English major” for a night. only store he’d been in so far. Junior studio art major Jessica Lellie “We saw the free beer and the free said she enjoys seeing people walking wine, so we haven’t left yet,” Danner the streets to support local artists. A said. visual artist herself, Lellie said Art Overall, Art Crawl is just another Crawl helps people understand the unique aspect of a community-centered beauty of art. town, Bead Box employee Kathryn “People tend to view art as a lofty Chaffin said. experience of seeing drawings on a “It’s something that not a lot of wall,” she said. “This helps to show places have,” she said. “It shows the that it’s really about the relationship of community of Boone.” by RYAN NAGY

Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) will hold activities for its annual Hunger and Homelessness Week throughout the week of Nov. 13 to 19. “Hunger and Homelessness Week is a time when the Appalachian State community comes together to raise awareness about issues in our local community and the world – issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness,” said Selena Hilemon, assistant director for community service. Each day of the week will feature a different service-oriented activity, beginning with the Leigh Lane Day of Service Sunday, Nov. 13 and continuing with a “can-struction” event, a poverty simulation, a documentary and panel discussion, a “sleep out” and the Gobbler 5k race. Some events require advance signups and a full list of times and dates is available at community.appstate. edu. “The entire campus community is invited to get involved with any of the special events,” Hilmon said. Other clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA) have partnered with ACT to host the awareness weeks. “ACT sponsors these events and invites the interested groups to come together for planning so that we can work together to provide integrated programming,” Hilemon said. “These events speak to the core of ACT’s mission to serve and connect with the local community.” The issues of hunger and homelessness are deeply relevant to the Watauga community. 21 percent of Watauga County residents live under the poverty line and there are 1,300 homeless on any given night in the seven-county region served by Boone’s Hospitality House, said Rachel Hafeman, junior public relations major and ACT impACT team member. ACT sponsors Hunger and Homelessness Week yearly as a means to draw attention to the level of poverty in the area, and to show the severity of the issue on a worldwide basis. “At the end of the week, I hope students feel that they have learned something new about the area we live in and the plight of others,” said Emily Brown, senior health promotions major and impACT team co-chair.

Galileo’s plays host to benefit dinner by KATARINA GRUSS Intern Lifestyles Reporter

More hiking trails in North Carolina

Galileo’s Bar and Café held a benefit dinner for the Mountains to Sea Trail Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., Mount Mitchell followed by a concert boy Asheville, NC – 12 miles local D.J. Price Hullin. Uwharrie National Forest Trails The Mountains to Sea Asheboro, NC – 66.5 miles Trail, once completed, will be North Carolina’s first and Mount Pishgah Area Trails only cross-state trail, starting Brevard, NC – 6.4 miles at Kitty Hawk and ending Appalachian Trail in North Carolina at Clingman’s Dome – the Bakersville, NC – 318 miles second-highest mountain east Shining Rock Wilderness Trails of the Mississippi River. “I’m very passionate Waynesville, NC – 68.5 miles about North Carolina and Linville Gorge Wilderness everything the state has to Crossnore, NC – 14 miles offer,” said Matt Groce, senior Graveyard Field Loop Trail Appalachian Studies major Brevard, NC – 9.5 miles and founder of the benefit dinner. “I feel like this trail Grandfather Mountain is a good opportunity for Linville, NC – 4.8 miles someone to dive into the cultural, economic and natural Source: trails.com resources of the state.” cover charges benefited the trail. The trail will run a total “We tried to make the event as beneficial of 1,000 miles once it’s completed and currently sits at 500 miles long, Groce said. for the trail as possible while helping people “Once the Mountains to Sea Trail is on both ends,” Dixon said. “If someone completed, it will always be there for isn’t a concert-goer, they can come and recreational enjoyment for generations and eat dinner. If that person isn’t a dinnergoer, they can come for the show. There’s generations,” he said. The benefit dinner cost $25 and showcased something for everyone.” The concert after the benefit dinner, food from all over Boone – soups from Earth Fare, bread from Stick Boy Bread featuring D.J. Price Hullin, started at 10 Company, dessert from Custard Depot and p.m. and ended at approximately 2 a.m. “Even if we’re not selling out a complete other selections from Galileo’s own menu. “We’ve given to charity and done price- venue, the people contributing tonight will fixed dinners before, but we were really pass on the word about the trail,” senior intrigued by Matt’s idea for the benefit psychology major Kelli Tapia said. “More dinner,” co-owner Anne Dixon said. “We people will know about it and become more love to serve local food and help out a great educated on the matter.” The finishing date for the trail is currently cause.” Twenty percent of Saturday’s dinner sales, up in the air as directors look for land, 10 percent of sales from the concert and all Groce said.

‘How I Learned to Drive’ Editor’s note: The following reflects the views and opinions of the author. by CASEY SUGLIA Intern Lifestyles Reporter

Senior journalism major Ariel Nicastro stepped out of the lobby and onto the stage of the intimately-set I.G. Greer Studio Theatre Saturday night. A spotlight shone on Nicastro, as she spoke for the first time in the Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of “How I Learned to Drive.” The show is currently being performed by Appalachian State University juniors and seniors and directed by theatre department lecturer Anna Ward, in a run that will last through Sunday, Nov. 13. “Sometimes, to tell a secret, you first have to tell a lesson,” said Nicastro, opening her role as lead character Lil’ Bit. It’s this line that set the stage for the show and the performance: in order to reveal something so deep and personal as a secret, one must first give a bit of backstory. “How I Learned to Drive,” by Paula Vogel, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that touches on relatively taboo topics: incest, pedophilia and alcoholism are all issues faced by characters in the play. The show is set in the late 1960s when Nicastro’s Lil’ Bit is only 11 years old. Lil’ Bit’s alcoholic Uncle Peck – played by junior theatre arts major Joseph Watson – makes advances toward her as he’s taking her for driving lessons on old country roads. The story is told in a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards, as well as the present time, and employs unconventional storytelling methods like dramatic monologues and a Greek Chorus. All add variation and depth to the way the story is told. Performed in the intimate I.G. Greer Studio Theatre, with a seating capacity of no more than 50, the show was enhanced by its setting – it made the audience feel like they were experiencing a secret or life they accidentally stumbled upon, simply becoming witnesses to a slowly-forming train wreck. Seniors Colleen Longo, Amy Fine and Ryan Patrick Sheehe enhance the story of the relationship between Lil’ Bit and Uncle Peck as members of the Greek Chorus, helping scenes and character development move along. Though watching taboo topics play out on stage may make audience members uncomfortable, the play transforms that discomfort into an opportunity to think seriously about issues people may face in their day-to-day lives. Watson’s dynamic performance as Uncle Peck allows audiences to become sympathetic to his character and understanding of his actions, instead of viewing him as a predator. Once the performance is finished, there’s nothing left for the audience to do but think about what they’ve just seen. Sophomore electronic media broadcasting major and stage manager Carly Natvig agreed. “I want people to think about it and discuss it with other people and kind of let it do its job,” Natvig said. “How I Learned to Drive” certainly pushes boundaries with its subject matter. But through dynamic student performances and the element of getting up close and personal, the performance leaves the audience in discussion rather than discomfort. For more information on show times and where to buy tickets, visit theatre.appstate.edu.

November 8, 44 •• November 8, 2011 2011

ppalachian

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.

SDR helps you with involvement

Each student at Appalachian State University has an official co-curricular transcript. Involvement, leadership positions, on-campus employment, awards, leadership programs etc. can be listed on the transcript. Visit www.sdr.appstate.edu to see what your options are for involvement. Start building your experiences today.

Need help getting involved?

The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership is available for advising appointments. Schedule a time today to talk with a professional in the office to determine your best plan of action. Get out, meet people and make a difference. Call 262-6252, or visit the CSIL website at www.csil.appstate. edu, drop by Room #219 for more information.

Leadership Forum for all students

The Appalachian Leadership Forum is a 1/2 day leadership conference open to all students and members of the community. A wide variety of topics will be covered. The forum will be held Saturday. Visit the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership for more information. (www.csil.appstate. edu. 262-6252. Room #219 Plemmons Student Union). Registration will open in October. ASU student participants will receive credit on their Student Development Record.

Visiting Writers sets schedule

The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series is named in honor of Hughlene Bostian Frank, class of 1968, trustee and generous supporter of Appalachian State University. Admission to all events is free. For further information on the Fall season, call 262-2871 or see www. visitingwriters.appstate.edu. To receive Appalachian’s “This Week in the Arts” announcements by email, please contact arts-events@appstate.edu. Writers scheduled are: Novelist Mary Doria Russell, “The Sparrow,” “A Thread of Grace,” and “Doc,” will speak at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Table Rock Room of Plemmons Student Union. A Craft Talk: Writing Historical Fiction will be held from 3:30 until 4:45 p.m. in the Table Rock Room.

International Fair set for Nov. 16

The 7th Annual International Fiair at Appalachian State University is set for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Grandfather Mountain Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union. If you want to travel and study abroad this year, come to the fair and you will be introduced to over 60 international faculty-led programs offered this year. Meet one-on-one with faculty leaders and learn about other study abroad and international venture opportunities. Enjoy free food and refreshments. Mark your calendars now. For more information contact the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) at 262-8034 and ask for Nathalie Turner, or email her at turnernm@appstate.edu.

2011 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. This can be a good time to get peers’ perspectives on various issues, and to recognize that you are not alone. Four groups are available: Mondays 1:00-2:30; Tuesdays 2:00-3:30; Tuesdays 2-3:30 (Freshmen/Transfer Students only) Tuesdays 3:30-5:00; Wednesdays 3:00-4:30.

Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual Therapy Group: This group will present an opportunity for gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. It will provide a safe environment in which to address a variety of issues (e.g., coming out, spirituality, family relationships, depression, selfesteem, abuse, etc.). Goals of the group include: reducing isolation, finding support and making changes. Two groups are available: Time/Day to be determined (Contact Carol O’Saben or Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or osabencl@appstate. edu or clarksl@appstate.edu).

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. Members will learn how their past experiences and their biology are affecting their lives now. More importantly, they will learn what to do about it! Members will learn important insights about their patterns in relationships and skills to better manage their emotions and relationships. Thursdays 3:30-5:00. (Contact Amber Lyda for more information: lydaam@appstate.edu). 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. Some of the issues will be unique to gender-variant students. Goals of the group include: reducing isolation, finding support and making changes. Time/Day to be determined (Contact Sheri Clark for more information: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu).

WISE Women, Image, & Self Esteem: This group is designed for any woman interested in changing how she values herself. If you’d like to feel better about yourself and less controlled by appearance, food and what others think, this group may be for you. Thursdays 1-2:30 p.m. (Contact Denise Lovin: 262-3180 or lovindm@appstate.edu).

An Introduction to Mindfulness Group: Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Activities in this group will help participants cultivate a mindful approach to their lives, which can decrease stress, create emotional balance, and allow a person to take actions more in line with their values. Thursdays 3:30-5:00 (Contact Chris Hogan: 262-3180 or hogancj@appstate.edu). To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit the website for more information at 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.

Career resources available at ASU

Come explore the resources on campus here to assist you with your career planning and job searching needs. Is choosing a major causing you stress? The Peer Career Center can help! Choosing a major is one of the many decisions you will have to make during your college career. Do not take it lightly. The average person spends 86,000 hours working in his/her lifetime. How many hours are you going to spend choosing your career? We offer assistance in finding a major and career that matches your interests, abilities, values and experiences. Call 262-2029 to schedule an appointment or drop by our office located on the 2nd floor of the Student

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Union, beside McAllister’s Deli. Visit us at www.peercareer. appstate.edu. The Career Development Center offers many resources to assist you in your job and internship search skills. Career Counselors will help you build a professional resume, cover letter, and help develop your interviewing skills. Students can utilize Career Gear, (careergear.appstate.edu), our new and improved career management system, to schedule career counseling appointments, post resumes, search for jobs and internships, sign up for on campus interviews, research employers, identify employer mentors and stay up to date with career center events and fairs. Learn about all of the great resources in the CDC at careers.appstate.edu.

Free, confidential legal advice

A licensed attorney is available to answer your questions, provide advice, and make referrals. This service is offered free of charge to any Appalachian State University student. Contact the Student Legal Clinic if you have a traffic ticket, a minor criminal charge, a question about your lease or the conditions in your off-campus apartment -- or any other issue or problem that you need legal help with. The Student Legal Clinis is located in Room 221of the Plemmons Student Union. Call (828) 262-2704 for an appointment. It’s fast and easy! Appointments can usually be scheduled within a few days.

Financial Aid questions?

Parents and students with financial aid questions are encouraged to visit our website at financialaid.appstate.edu and their AppalNet account. The Office of Student Financial Aid is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except for University observed holidays.

Find Yosef A Holiday!

It’s almost time to Find Yosef A Holiday! The Office of Multicultural Student Development invites you to once again join in celebrating the many cultural traditions that are observed around the world during the winter season. To sign up as a holiday sponsor, please complete and submit the registration form by Friday. Go to http://multicultural.appstate.edu/ events-programs/multicultural-events/find-yosef-holiday-fair to find the registration form. Classes, clubs, athletic teams, offices, and departments are all eligible and invited to submit forms. This can be an excellent way to enhance multicultural awareness or inspire those in your lives to spread their holiday cheer with others. The Find Yosef a Holiday Festival is Dec. 2 in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of Plemmons Student Union, 5-7 p.m.

Who’s Who for 2011-2012

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, 2011; 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 packet includes: Instructions for Nomination and the Biographical Data Sheet. This packet may be downloaded from www.studentdev.appstate.edu by choosing Leadership and Service Awards, and then selecting Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. This packet may also be picked up from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development, 109 B. B. Dougherty Administration Building. Please return nominations to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development, Room 109, B. B. Dougherty Building. When you submit electronically, your nomination will automatically be returned to us. Nominations close at 5 p.m., Wednesday.

828-262-2996 for questions, comments or large donations. Clearly marked collection boxes will be located in many commonly used buildings across campus through Nov.18. If you would like to sponsor a box for your department or area, please contact the above number to make arrangements for delivery.

Leadership minor interest sessions

Interest sessions will be held for students interested in learning more about the Leadership Studies Minor and the leadership courses taught out of the HPC department. Sessions will be held in the Rhododendron Room, 2nd Floor of the Plemmons Student Union on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m. The sessions should last 30 minutes. For more information, contact Jim Street at streetjl@appstate.edu. You can also set up an appointment with Jim by visiting the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership in the Plemmons Student Union Room 219 or by calling 262-6252.

Meth labs, public safety topics

Patrick Anderson from the Special Operations Unit with Watauga County Sheriff’s Office will speak on “Meth Labs: Law Enforcement & Public Safety Issues” on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 011 Anne Belk Hall. His talk is sponsored by the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association. Everyone is welcome to attend.

‘Occupy’ teach-in planned

A teach-in and general assembly titled “We are the 99 Percent” will be held in room 114 Belk Library and Information Commons on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. The session will include presentations on the causes of the current financial crisis in the U.S., the criminal nature of bank and financial institutions’ fraud, and the nature of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. There will also be ample time for audience discussion and brainstorming about the future. In the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street Movement, this session is not being sponsored by any specific organization or unit inside or outside the university, nor is it aligned with any political party or philosophy. The university and local communities are invited to this free and openly democratic event. Further information may be found on the Facebook page for Occupy Boone or by contacting Gregory Reck in the Department of Anthropology.

‘How I Learned to Drive’ begins

Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance presents Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama “How I Learned to Drive”in the intimate I.G. Greer Studio Theatre on campus. This thought-provoking tale for mature audiences only continues with performances Nov. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. with matinee on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at $6 for Appalachian students. For more information visit www.theatre.appstate.edu or call the box office at 828-262-3063. Tickets are available in person at the Valborg Theatre box office Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-5 p.m. and Tuesday/Thursday from 12:30-5 p.m., or by phone at 828262-3063. Prices are $6 for students and youth (ages 6-18), $8 for faculty/staff and seniors, and $10 for adults. More information is available online at www.theatre.appstate.edu. The Department of Theatre and Dance is housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Its mission is to provide liberal arts educations for the B.S. degree in teaching theatre arts and B.A. degrees in dance studies or theatre arts. The department also values the opportunity to offer coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population.

Plemmons nominations sought

Did you know that most students begin considering their options NOW for Fall 2012 housing? In order to get your preferences (location, cost, roommates, amenities, etc.) you should begin now, too. University Housing, the Office of OffCampus Community Relations, and the Student Legal Clinic have partnered to help explain the process and timeline by offering a 60-minute program called “Find Your Match!” to walk students through the process of exploring housing options and securing housing for Fall 2012. The program will include issues related to both on- and off-campus housing, including timelines and procedures for obtaining housing, cost, location, utilities, contracts, roommate choices, etc. To register for “Find Your Match,” go to www.offcampus. appstate.edu. All programs take place in the Watauga River Room in Plemmons Student Union, from Noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 9, 11, 15, 17, 29, Dec. 1, Jan. 18, 19, 23, 24, Feb. 1 and 3. For more information about on-campus housing, contact University Housing at 828-2626111 or visit housing.appstate.edu. For more information about off-campus housing resources, contact the Office of Off-Campus Community Relations at 828-262-8284 or visit offcampus.appstate.edu.

The W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion, named in honor of Dr. William H. Plemmons who served as the second president of the University from 1955 to 1969, was established by an action of the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees in 1996. The award was created to recognize the time, energy, skills, and commitment of students, faculty, student development educators and staff who exceed their peers in providing leadership that enriches the quality of student life and advances the education of students. Students and university employees are invited to nominate a student or university employee for this award. Nominations may be made in the following categories: A student leader who has provided distinguished leadership above that of other student leaders; a Student Development Educator within the Division of Student Development for meritorious leadership in his or her work to enrich the quality of student life and learning; a member of the faculty who has provided meritorious leadership through his or her work with student clubs or organizations, or work that enriches the quality of student life and learning outside the classroom; and an employee of Appalachian State University who has provided meritorious leadership that has significantly enriched the quality of student life and learning outside of the classroom. The process for selecting recipients will be as follows: A seven person committee appointed by the Chancellor will solicit and review nominations and recommend recipients of the W. H. Plemmons Leadership Medallion to the Chancellor who will submit the recommendations to the Board of Trustees for their review and approval; the committee will screen the nominations and seek relevant supporting information concerning nominees chosen for further consideration; this process will take place annually and leadership medallions will be awarded during the Fall Semester Convocation. It is understood that the medallion is intended to recognize meritorious leadership and may not be awarded each year; nominations for this award will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 14, by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development. Nominations should be submitted electronically by using this link http://plemmonsmedallion. appstate.edu/index.php?module=plm. For additional information, please contact Dino DiBernardi, Chair of the W. H. Plemmons Medallion Committee, at 262-2060 or visit our website at www.plemmonsmedallion.appstate.edu.

The National Society of Scabbard and Blade and the Department of Military Science and Leadership is sponsoring the non-perishable food drive, 18 Days of Giving through Nov. 18 at Appalachian State University. All canned, boxed, or sealed non-perishable food items will be appreciated. All items donated benefit the Hospitality House of Boone. The small act of giving one item will go to help a family in need this holiday seson. Specialty items needed include: green beans, peanut butter, syrup, jelly or jam, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sugar, flour, corn muffin mix, chicken stock, basic spices (pepper, garlic pepper, etc.), powdered creamer, children’s snacks. Please call

A service-learning class is sponsoring a toy and clothing drive for the non-profit organization Farmworker Health Program of Watauga, Avery, Caldwell, & Wilkes. What is needed: men, women, and children (ages 0-14) clothing; warm accessories (scarves, hats, gloves, coats); new or lightly used toys for children; monetary donations (given directly to Farmworker families); gift cards (will be given directly to Farmworker families); Monetary donations are tax deductible. Drop-off donations in the ACT Outreach office located by McAlister’s Deli! Contact Amanda Moore at mooreaa@appstate.edu or 252.229.2922, or Hillary Heath at heathhj@appstate.edu for more information.

Run the Gobbler!

“Run the Gobbler, Eat the Cobbler!” What: ACT’s first annual 5K, The Gobbler. Runners and walkers welcome! All money raised will benefit ACT’s scholarship for international service-learning in honor of Leigh Lane Edwards. After the race, fresh cobbler will be available for all runners and spectators! The Gobbler will be the last event for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. When: The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 19. Day-of registration will begin at 7 a.m. Once the race is completed, wipe your sweat away and enjoy fresh cobbler on Duck Pond Field! Where: The Gobbler will begin and end at Duck Pond Field on Stadium Drive. Register online today at http://thegobblerboone. wordpress.com/registration/. Questions can be directed to Emily Brown at brownei@appstate.edu.

Get ready for 2012 fall housing

18 Days of Giving begins at ASU

Toy, clothing drive underway

Opinion

Check out the new music review blog:

“Off The Record”

at TheAppalachianOnline.com

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The Appalachian your student

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JUSTIN HERBERGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

HANNAH POMPHREY

MEGHAN FRICK

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, ONLINE OPERATIONS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, EDITORIAL CONTENT

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HANK SHELL

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

ZACH DRECHSLER

NEWS EDITOR

MICHAEL BRAGG

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

LIFESTYLES EDITOR

NATHAN CULLITAN

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PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

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

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.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about participation in the 2011 Boone Town Council election. There are only three candidates for three slots. Early voting turnout has been low. Some have wondered why they should vote when each candidate is already guaranteed a seat. A candidate Q & A in the High Country Press attributed the small number of candidates to the large number of meetings town council members must attend. Watauga Board of Elections Director Jane Hodges told the Watauga Democrat she thought the low voter turnout was because of the lack of candidates. The Appalachian believes that, regardless of the exact reasons, growing apathy toward local politics lies at the heart of each question. We also believe we can’t afford to be apathetic, especially in Boone. Most students would agree that our town is incredibly unique among its

Quote Of The Day

“When we have these freshman come in, we’re not teaching them enough independence. This is just another way to use us as a crutch.”

Editorial

neighbors in western North Carolina. Boone is beautiful, dynamic and home to one amazing university. Every day students engage in discussion, research and scholarship, with the goal of advancing themselves and society as a whole, and they are incredibly successful. We don’t need to look any farther than our Solar Homestead program or the accolades Appalachian receives each year to see that. But Appalachian doesn’t exist separately from the community and student involvement in town affairs is just as important as involvement with the university. There are more students at Appalachian than residents in the town of Boone, yet on-campus voting is consistently lower than voting at other locations in Watauga and only two students have ever served on the Boone Town Council – including current council member Andy Ball. The town council has the power to

address issues we’ve heard students complain about time and again – the noise ordinance, parking, towing, housing regulations on unrelated tenants – yet students aren’t participating in the process of electing this council. That must change. At this point, it’s too late to enter the race, but The Appalachian encourages more students to take the initiative to serve both the town and the university by being a council member in the future. We also urge you to vote today and take part in choosing your town council members’ terms. There are currently two four-year openings and one two-year opening for the three candidates. Your vote will help determine who will work for or against students for the remainder of your career at Appalachian. We believe that without taking an active role in local politics, you have no ground from which to complain about the things they affect.

Staff Opinion

Kardashian’s 72-day wedding an insult to marriage, reckless waste of funds

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.

November 8, 2011 •

Sharyn Byers When a gay couple who love each other, are committed to each other and want to spend their lives in a monogamous relationship get married – that devalues the sanctity of marriage. But when Kim Kardashian spends $10 million on an elaborate wedding and calls it quits 72 days later – that sanctity is still perfectly intact. That’s what the laws of the United States say, anyway. Personally, I think it is ridiculous that Kardashian insisted on having her “fairy tale wedding” in August,

only to file for divorce slightly over two months later on the grounds of “doing what she felt she needed to do” according to a Nov. 2 interview with her mother, Kris Jenner, on ABC’s “The View.” I find it completely irresponsible that someone could devalue the institution of marriage this way with complete legality, while those in the LGBT community can’t even walk down the aisle in the first place. What a joke. At least activists like Susan Russell are using this as a springboard to speak their minds on Congress’ Respect for Marriage Act and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that will soon follow. There is also the fact that Kardashian spent $10 million that could have been put toward feeding

underprivileged families here in the U.S., providing vaccinations in third world countries – pretty much anything besides a lavish wedding for two people who were clearly in lust, not love. Through World Vision Donations, providing clothing for children costs only $30. Education is $32. Medical supplies like antibiotics, antifungals, deworming medications and disposable syringes come in at $385. Kardashian made a profit of around $10,358.80 per hour of marriage, according to abcnews. com, thanks a television special and releasing the rights to the engagement announcements, bridal shower and bachelorette party. After all that, I think that “donating the money for all the gifts to the Dream Foundation” is

a bit underwhelming – considering it is only an estimated $200,000 that will be donated. Personally, I think that is a shallow donation on Kardashian’s part, compared to how much she has profited and will profit from the whole situation. As a society, we need to stop spending so much money and attention on a single day. Focus on what weddings really signify who you are with and those there to celebrate it with you. We need to use this as a wake-up call to keep ourselves in check. There are so many things that money could have been put toward besides a now-broken marriage and a publicity stunt.

Byers, a junior public relations major from Belmont, is a staff blogger.

Editorial Cartoon

Mattie Hardin Winkler Hall RA, on changes to the RA duty system

Editorial

We spend a lot of time making the product you’re holding in your hands, along with the online content that accompanies it. But if you don’t have anything to say about it, it’s not worth making at all. As journalists, as newsgatherers and as participants in student media, we want to be a forum for discussion – not a stagnant stack of paper or meaningless pixels on a screen. We write and report and shoot and design each week for many reasons – and all of them have to do with you. We’re here to inform, to entertain and to chronicle the life of our campus. We’re here to break down and dissect the issues we face as a student community. Most of all, we’re here to start a conversation. And we can’t do that on our own – we’re not interested in one-sided discourse. If we make you think, tell us. If we make you cringe or cry, tell us. If we misquote you, tell us. If we make you angry, tell us. If you can’t stand the story we ran on our front page or if you’re not seeing content you value, content that’s worth your time – by all means, tell us. We can take it. We want to know your thoughts about our paper – the good, the bad and the ugly. We need your feedback to become a product and a news organization worthy of your time and attention. That’s why we’ve set up three easels in the student union this week, right at the end of the International Hallway. We’ve invited you to share what you love and what you hate about our paper – and what you want to see that we’re missing. Tell us what you like about our corner of student media at Appalachian. Tell us what you absolutely despise and tell us what you want to see in our pages and on our website. If you’ve ever seen something and thought, “That should be in the paper,” this is the time to tell us. If you have any feelings whatsoever about The Appalachian, this is the time to let us know. Ultimately, our newspaper doesn’t exist because we love writing and reporting and shooting photos. It doesn’t exist because we’re journalism majors and need to gain experience. It doesn’t exist as a publicity vehicle and it doesn’t exist as a whistle-blower. Our newspaper exists for you – to serve you, to inform you, and to offer you the best journalism we possibly can. If you’re feeling ambiguous about what we’re offering - if you pick up our paper because you have nothing better to do, or out of a sense of obligation – we’re not doing our job. We want to hear how we’re doing. We need to know if we’re fulfilling our mission or simply filling space. The only thing we don’t want to hear from you is silence.

Aaron Fairbanks | Editorial Cartoonist

Staff Opinion

Students: step away from social media Anne Buie You’re either reading this in print or online right now. If you’re reading it online, there’s a strong chance you saw the link I posted on my Twitter or Facebook directing you to this page. I see the benefits of social media. I use Twitter to promote articles I’ve written. I use Facebook to keep up with my friends across the country. That being said, it

scares me how much this generation uses social media for the wrong reasons. Social media started off as a medium that allowed us to connect with our peers in a whole new way, but it has spiraled into something more dangerous than that. It has turned into a competition to see who has more friends or who had a better weekend judging by the number of photos posted online. It has turned into a way to hurt people through blog posts, attacking them on Twitter or leaving rude comments on their Facebook walls. It has turned into a way for people to be lazy as they

post a question on Facebook instead of trying to find the answer themselves. Our personalities are affected by social media. Our days revolve around checking Facebook and Twitter to see what people are up to. We’re lucky enough to live in a world where we can use computers daily. Don’t abuse that power. Next time you’re on a computer, check out what’s going on in the world instead of stalking your friend’s weekend party photos. If you have something mean to say to someone, say it to his or her face. There’s nothing impressive about someone hiding

behind a computer screen while writing offensive comments about someone else. Anytime you power up a computer, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Don’t take the easy way out. Use the Internet to find out what you need to know. Use social media to share that wealth, but don’t use social media to get out of doing the work. Stop succumbing to the social media addiction. Get off your computer and get out in the real world.

Buie, a freshman English and middle grades education major from Charlotte, is a senior news reporter.

Sports The Appalachian

Photo Coverage:

Check out galleries from last weekend’s sports

TheAppalachianOnline.com 6 • November 8, 2011

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

ASU upset by Furman in second SoCon loss by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

n a stunning upset, Appalachian State (6-3, 4-2) fell to the Furman Paladins (63, 5-2) 20-10 Saturday afternoon in Greenville, S.C.   Jamal Jackson turned the ball over four times, twice deep in Paladin territory, to fuel Furman’s upset. Chris Forcier was sharp for the Paladins, completing 9-16 passes for two touchdowns along with 64 rushing yards. “This late in the year, eight games in the year, we played

today like it might have been our first game,” said head coach Jerry Moore to IMG Sport’s Randy Jackson. “We didn’t play up to our potential. Not even close.”   The Mountaineers squandered scoring chances from the beginning. Appalachian drove effortlessly down to the Furman 15 yard line, but Jackson’s pass was tipped and intercepted at the goal line.  After another Jackson interception, Furman would score on a short five-yard touchdown throw from Forcier to Ryan Culbreath. Despite forcing two Furman

turnovers, Appalachian could not maintain drives and allowed several big plays, including a 79yard play-action pass to Cedric Cunningham that put the Paladins up 20-0 on the Mountaineers.   “We came out very flat today and we had some bad stuff happen to us,” linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough said. “It’s very difficult to try and get some momentum back. When momentum shifts like that for an entire team, it’s hard to come back.”   Although Appalachian would fight back to narrow the score to 20-10, the Mountaineers could

not sustain a drive to get any closer and would not stop the Paladins, who took the last eight of the final nine minutes off the clock. Wide receiver Brian Quick was held to just four catches for 60 yards, with most yards occurring during ASU’s final drive, which resulted in a Jackson fumble. Jackson attempted 44 passes and threw for a career-high 312 yards. “It’s a tough one,” Jackson said. “We’ve just got to come back and play App football. We have two more games and we just have to play our butts off.”   Travaris Cadet, who missed

several days of practice this week, scored the lone Mountaineer touchdown.   Appalachian now, with its second SoCon loss, will need significant help to win an unprecedented seventh-straight conference championship. The Mountaineers, who can still make the playoffs, may see a loss of home-field advantage. It is Furman’s second win over a top-5 FCS team, and their first victory over ASU since 2005. The Mountaineers will play their final home game Nov. 12 against Western Carolina.

Club Ultimate Frisbee hosts Blue Ridge Blowout tournament by JAKE AMBERG Sports Editor

Sports games are undeniably linked to winning and losing. But at this weekend’s Blue Ridge Blowout, a tournament hosted by the men’s and women’s Ultimate Frisbee clubs, it was clear that the outcome of a game is sometimes overshadowed by the fun of the sport. “Everyone had a good time and that’s what it’s all about,” said Michael Neve, treasurer of the Nomads – the men’s club Ultimate team. “Give them Ultimate to play against really good teams and have a really good time.” The tournament, held at State Farm fields Saturday and Sunday, hosted 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams from a variety of regional collegiate teams. While the women’s tournament was made up exclusively of college club teams and school alumnae, some men’s teams were just organized groups of friends who play together for fun.

Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

The Appalachian State Nomads and Nonads hosted 20 men’s teams and 12 women’s teams, respectively, during this weekend’s Blue Ridge Blowout. The Nomads placed fifth overall and the Lady Nomads placed 11th.

There is, though, a strong sense of community among the teams entered in the tournaments.

“This is just some good guys playing together,” Nomads president Spencer Olmstead said. “We like all

these teams. There’s a lot of mutual respect between them and a lot of friendships.” Saturday consisted of

group play, setting the order for Sunday’s championship tournament. Appalachian’s Nomads finished fifth

and the App women, the Nonads, finished 11th, completing the weekend with a dominant 12-1 victory over the UNCChapel Hill B-team. The weekend carried a lighthearted tone, as the spring season decides the champions and emphasis on competition is scaled down in the fall. But the tournament still came with minor injuries. Nonads senior Stephanie Soule may have suffered a broken nose during the final game, after colliding with another player’s head, and Kasey Telfair was hit directly in the eye with a Frisbee. Soule still returned to play. Overall, tournament organizers felt the weekend was a success. Along with some quality competition, friendships were made. “We’re all governed by the spirit of the game,” Soule said. “We play competitive without being disrespectful or un-spirited. We made a lot of friends this week by playing new teams from all over.”