MARIJUANA CURE FOR AUTISM? | PAGE 4
WOMEN DOMINATE AUSTIN PEAY | PAGE 5
‘MOVIE 43’ A THEATRICAL DISASTER | PAGE 6
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Volume 96 | Issue 10 | Free in single copy | February 1, 2013
Semester starts with multiple marijuana busts By APRIL GILBERT Beat Reporter
Archives
Max Alderson, the first Golden Eagle mascot, sports a hand-made costume during a University event.
Tech’s original Golden Eagle mascot dies By WILL HOUSLEY Editor-in-Chief
Tech’s first Golden Eagle mascot, Max Alderson, 70, died Thursday afternoon following health complications and cancer. Alderson served as Tech’s first Golden Eagle mascot during the 1961, 1962 and 1963 athletic seasons. Alderson returned to Tech as Golden Eagle during this year’s Homecoming festivities.
“To me, once I had dressed in the costume, I was the Golden Eagle mascot,” Alderson said in an October interview with Quenna Jones, Tech News Director. “It was not Max Alderson dressed for Halloween or for a costume party, I became a majestic creature that represented a tradition that began in 1925 with the selection of the Golden Eagle as a mascot.” According to a press release, Alderson made his first appear-
ance as Golden Eagle when he and Tech cheerleaders John Peters and Leslie “Sam” Stuart had a spur-ofthe-moment idea to have a mascot for the annual Turkey Day game on Thanksgiving against Middle Tennessee State College, now Middle Tennessee State University. The trio borrowed a paper-mache eagle’s head from a Homecoming float constructed by the industrial technology department, made of chicken wire, the release said.
Three students, including one associated with the Tech men’s basketball team, were reported to Tech police for alleged narcotics violations in New Hall South residence hall during the first week of classes. According to the police report, a student in the dorm called Tech police Jan. 17 at 7:05 p.m. to complain of a strong odor believed to be marijuana coming from a nearby room. The student was ultimately referred to the dean of students and men’s basketball coach. According to the report, Christopher Russell, tech police officer, arrived at the room where he too noticed the strong scent of marijuana. Russell knocked twice on the door, but there was no answer. When he asked if anyone was in the room, a voice inside the room replied that there was, the report said. After opening the door, Russell questioned him. The student said that he lived in the room, had been smoking marijuana alone, and he had smoked it all, according to the report. Russell was granted a search of the room and was unable to find any
more marijuana. He also noted in the report that the student was very cooperative and respectful throughout the investigation. The first incident was called in by the Residential Life Staff on Jan. 15 at 7:15 p.m. who claimed there was an odor of marijuana coming from a nearby room. Upon arriving at the room, Tony Nelson, tech police officer, knocked and asked the room’s resident if he could enter the room. The student agreed to let Nelson inside, and Nelson immediately noticed the smell of marijuana. The student told Nelson that he had been smoking marijuana with his roommate, to whom the narcotics belonged. The roommate was in the shower when Nelson arrived. After the roommate came out of the shower, he told Nelson the marijuana was his and there was none left. Nelson’s search confirmed that there was no more marijuana in the room. Nelson informed the two that a report of the incident would have to be filed and forwarded to Edwin Boucher, dean of students. None of the students’ names were released by police, and Boucher refused to comment on the pending punishment of the three students.
Oldham announces strategic plan ‘on steroids’ By SARAH REESE Beat Reporter President Philip Oldham’s dream for Tech is taking flight this semester with the release of Flight Plan: Focused on the Future. The strategic plan involves four focus areas and key goals aimed to better several aspects of Tech’s campus. “It’s a strategic plan on steroids” said Oldham. “What Flight Plan really did was look at the competitive marketplace for higher education. It’s a very data driven process to see how we stack up against other institutions and how can we go about addressing those differences.” Oldham developed Flight Plan in October of last year. The president and his development team met with a company of consultants before branching out to faculty, staff, students and alumni to obtain feedback and suggestions. The combination of these ideas resulted in the four focuses of Flight Plan. The plan aims to improve the undergraduate experience and transform the campus’ technology. It also plans to create distinctive programs while invigorating the faculty and expand financial resources while modernizing the campus’ infrastructure.
Sarah Carlson
Ike Nwofia, a computer engineering major, talks to Joni Gilmore in the registration office.
New students must prove citizenship By CASEY WOODARD Beat Reporter
Blake Pierce
Finance students use cutting-edge technology to learn about investing through managing three funds in the Heidtke Trading Room in Johnson Hall.
Flight Plan is not an experiment for the president. Oldham said he has seen success with this kind of planning in previous years. “There was a program like this in place at UTC when I accepted this position. It was very successful,” said Oldham. Flight Plan is still in the preparation phase. A projected date for completion has not been set. Oldham, however, is confident that ideas will become projects within the next two months.
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“It’s critical that we move into implementation as rapidly as possible,” said Oldham. “My goal would be by the end of February, first of March to be out of the planning phase and into implementing the strategies that move us forward.” A plan with such high ambitions will require significant funding. Oldham is adamant that Flight Plan’s goals fit well within the University’s budget. See “Flight Plan,” page 3
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The Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act, passed by the Tennessee legislature last October, is in effect for all incoming Spring 2013 students. The new law requires all incoming students to verify their United States citizenship or lawful presence in the country in order to receive state benefits. This law does not pertain to private tuition assistance or donations, only state benefits like the HOPE Scholarship. “The intention of the law is to make sure state tax dollars do not go to non-United States citizens,” Alexis Pope, director of admissions, said. Students can meet the requirements for the Eligibility
for Entitlements Act by providing ID such as a driver’s license or birth certificate or by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every year. “The most popular way is to fill out a FAFSA,” Pope said. “Most students who attend meet the requirement by filling out a FAFSA.” If a student prefers not to fill out a FAFSA, he or she can provide a scan of his or her driver’s license or other form of identification, to the Admissions department. “There are no other forms to fill out, just pop your driver’s license into a scanner and email it to us,” Pope said. “The email address is admissions@tntech. edu.”
See “Verification,” page 3
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NEWS Page 2 | February 1, 2013
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CRIME BRIEFS: - Jan. 25 - 6:30 Classification: Destruction/Damage/ Vandalism Location: Derryberry Hall Disposition: Open Case Notes: None.
-Jan. 18 - Not Available Classification: Burglary/ Breaking & Enter ing Location: Ellington (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested. Notes: None.
- Jan. 24 - 10:10 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: New Hall North (Lobby) Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested. Notes: None.
- Jan. 18 - Not Available Classification: Other (Open Theft) Location: Jobe (Bike Rack) Disposition: Closed. No further action. Notes: Bike recovered. Victim does not wish to prosecute.
- Jan. 20 - 11:00 Classification: Intimidation Location: Other (Off Campus) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of students. Notes: Subject was warned of consequences if calls did not stop. - Jan. 21 - 4:30 Classification: Burglary/ Breaking & Entering Location: Tech Village East (Construction Zone) Disposition: Open Case Notes: Theft of Tools. - Jan. 20- 11:37 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: Maddux (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students. Notes: None. - Jan. 20 - Not Available Classification: Destruction/Damage/ Vandalism Location: New Hall North (Parking Lot) Disposition: Open Case Notes: Vehicle Vandalism.
- Jan. 17- 7:05 Classification: Drug/ Narcotic Violation Location: New South (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students. Notes: None. - Jan. 15 - 7:15 Classification: Drug/ Narcotic Violation Location: New South (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students. Notes: None. - Jan. 15- 2:14 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: Warf (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students. Notes: Res Life Report. - Jan. 15 - 10:00 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: Jobe (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students. Notes: Res Life Report.
For up-to-date crime information, visit tntechoracle.com
Black History Month to feature cultural performances, food By JACQUELINE ATKIELSKI Beat Reporter Black History Month is a time to celebrate a part of American history and culture, with plenty of activities planned by the Minority Student Affairs Office and the Black Cultural Center. There is a list of varied events including a Center Stage Event called “Def Poetry Jam” for anyone who enjoys rhythmic spoken language, and students will have the opportunity to perform on stage with J. Ivy and Dana Gilmore. There is also a Soul Food Dinner afterwards. There is a schedule of the activities planned in the BCC. Dr. Robert Owens II, director of the Office of Minority Affairs, welcomes the campus to celebrate African American history this month. “I wasn’t exposed to a lot of history in general until after I was working on my teacher certification at MTSU.” He said “I took a course that highlighted black history as being a part of American History. I wish that Black History Month was not necessary,
but the amount of information learned because of this month is so important to understanding our culture as a whole. Our nation still needs Black History Month because an important part of our history is not covered in most K-12 textbooks.” Not only is the department planning campus activities for the month of February, they are investing in all minority student success with the mentoring group, RACE. The mentoring group has been on campus for years and has recently changed its name to the acronym: Reaching Achievement and Committed to Excellence. RACE’s goals are to help freshman minority students transition from high school to college with the help of more experienced students. The department also has two programs called the Professional Development Series, and the Academic Success Workshops Series. With the former series, alumni are invited back to campus to share their experiences through speeches and lectures while the latter has scheduled events to insure the success of the students.
events @ tech February
1 7:30 p.m. Katherine Kemler Guest Flute Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
2 12:00 p.m. Men’s Rugby vs. Sewanee Foundation Hall Field 5:30 p.m. Men’s and Women’s Basketball at Belmont University
4 7:00 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Tennessee State University 7:30 p.m. The Cumberland Quintet Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
New app loaded with student Tech’s largest statue to be unveiled today 5 features, Tech news, sports PRESS RELEASE 11:00 a.m. PRESS RELEASE Members of the Tech community have a new way to keep up with the University on the go with a mobile app full of news, maps, videos and information about athletics and events. In addition, students have access to all of that and information about their courses, including assignments, grades and announcements. “Students are so busy and have so many demands
on their time that we wanted to give them easier access to information,” said Rick Cumby, administrative software support group director. “The app has several functions to provide access to news, sports, directory, dining and course information, among other things.” The app, which replaces one released last year, went live at the beginning of the spring semester. The free download is available for Blackberry, iPhone and iPad, and Android devices.
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Before coming to Tech, President Phil Oldham and First Lady Kari Oldham had admired a large metal eagle on the front lawn of one of their neighbors in Signal Mountain, Tenn. That 3-foot tall eagle inspired the Oldhams to try to find one for the lawn of the president’s residence, Walton House, when Oldham became the university president in July 2012. Soon after he took office, Tech alumnus Charles Hawkins gave Oldham a large wooden eagle. When Oldham and Hawkins met, they came to realize they had been neighbors on Signal Mountain, and that Hawkins was the owner of that impressive metal lawn eagle Oldham had passed many times. Hawkins, ’53, was asked to find an eagle for Walton House. “I worked on it a little while and said I couldn’t find one,” Hawkins said. “Cheryl (Montgomery, College of Business development officer) said she had every confidence that I would find one so I kept looking and I found this one. I bought it without seeing it.” After three weeks of trawling the internet for metal eagles, Hawkins found a 1,500 pound, 7-foot statue in an antique store in Duncanville, Penn. Rather than making the more than 10-hour
TAB Scarf giveaway RUC Lobby 7:30 p.m. Jared Steward, Guest Percussion Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
6
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Workers from Stone Steel Co. lower Charlie the Eagle into place in front of the Walton House. A public unveiling will take place today at 1 p.m. on the Walton House lawn. drive to look at it, Hawkins bought it and had it shipped to Cookeville. Several Cookeville businesses came together to help get the statue from Pennsylvania and prepare it to be installed at Walton House. Averitt Express transported it and Stone Steel Co. and Automotive Enterprises worked to restore it and prepare it so it will be impervious to the elements. Facilities built the brick and limestone 1,000 pound pedestal for the eagle. “We are so grateful to the Cookeville community for coming together to make this vision a reality for Walton
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House,” said Kari Oldham. After several months of polishing and painting, the eagle, nicknamed Charlie after Hawkins, is ready to place in the circular garden of the Walton House drive. Tech will unveil the statue in a public dedication ceremony from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. today at Walton House, 1155 N. Dixie Ave. on campus. Charlie the Eagle is the latest of more than 40 eagles Hawkins has donated to various Tech employees over the years. It will be the largest eagle statue on the university campus.
7:30 p.m. Charles Decker and Joy Rachor, Faculty Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
7 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Healthcare Fair Nursing Building 7:30 p.m. Mark Kosower, Guest Cello Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
8 7:30 p.m. Windscape Quintet, Guest Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
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2 p.m. One Mile for One Billion Walk TTU Main Quad 3 p.m.- 6:30 Courtney Tucker and Adam McInnes, Senior Student Recitals Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Men’s and Women’s Basketball vs. Jacksonville State University
tntech.edu/calendar
NEWS tntechoracle.com
Page 3 | February 1, 2013
Get Fit: Advice for a healthier physical you in the new year BY LINDSEY WALLACE & MATTHEW HILL Beat Reporters
At the start of a new semester, students often set resolutions to make themselves better. Most of the time those resolutions involve getting in shape and staying fit. On top of making resolutions, students are already preparing themselves for spring break. How to kill two birds with one stone? Goals First, make sure that goal is specific and clear. Being too general with weight loss or fitness can become overwhelming. Don’t expect to lose 50 pounds in only two months. The body needs time to adjust and rest. Another tip to keep in mind when setting goals is to set a time frame. For those that resolved to get fit and lose weight, the proper time frame is within a year, while setting small goals throughout. For instance, plan to lose 4 to 5 pounds a month allowing the body enough time to rest and recover like it should. Diet With stress comes sacrifice and for many college students their diet is the first thing they compromise. There are mixed opin-
>> FLIGHT PLAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “It doesn’t affect the amount of resources we have to allocate. However, when we start to allocate those resources, we’ll be looking at it through new lenses. We’ll be asking if those resources are furthering our goals,” said Oldham. Oldham and his committee are still encouraging students to express their
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ions on whether or not planned dieting is beneficial. “If you don’t burn up what you eat your body is going to store that as fat, no matter what it is,” said Teresa Hall, director of marketing and campus dietitian at The Marketplace. “3,500 calories equals a pound of fat. By reducing your calorie intake by 500 calories a day you will lose one pound of fat per week.” Due to increased nutritional value, Hall recommended adding color to your diet, by substituting darker colored veggies such as green beans and broccoli for lighter colored veggies such as corn and squash. These foods help burn fat. A meal should consist of one-half fruits and veggies, one-fourth whole grains, and one-fourth protein which Hall said can easily be done in the Cafeteria. “It’s not so much what you eat, but how much you eat. I say you can eat whatever you want in the correct proportions,” Hall said. Crash dieting has become an increasingly popular way to shed a few extra pounds when gearing up for spring break, but can come with some pretty nasty side effects. “Starving yourself is definitely not the answer to any form of weight loss,” said senior Human Ecology ma-
Kimberly Manning
Andrew Robinson, Greg Evans and Brontë McKinnon break a sweat while working out at The Fit on a Saturday afternoon.
jor Beth Miller. “Starvation can lead to malnourishment, leaving you with no energy to support a busy college lifestyle. A well rounded diet, high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean proteins are the best
ideas and suggestions. “Students can respond electronically and we’re cataloging that. In fact, I’m reading most of them myself. But if students or groups want to come to me and have those conversations, those are the kinds of conversations we’re looking to have.” Many students who are aware of Flight Plan are optimistic about its goals and objectives. Courtney Walker, sophomore agriculture business
major, remarked on the plan’s implementation. “I’m excited to see this plan in action,” said Walker. “I’m going to be here for a few more years so I’m anxious to see the changes. I would really like to get involved in the feedback and share my ideas.” For other students interested in submitting commentary to the Flight Plan committee, visit tntech. edu/flightplan/home.
>> VERIFICATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“One girl was refunded $6,000 because she paid out-of-state tuition,” Pope said. “She was not eligible for any scholarships because her parents’ income was too high, so she did not fill out a FAFSA.” More information about the Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act can be found at tntech.edu/admissions/ evea.
Tennessee law now assumes that all incoming students are from outof-state until they verify their citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. Incoming students from Tennessee who do not verify their identity will be charged out-ofstate tuition until they provide proper identification.
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Don’t let the crowd be overwhelming, find time when there is not such a rush at the gym. Going at the same time every day helps in maintaining a routine to promote motivation and consistency.
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Kimberly Manning
Brittany Coomer is among many Tech students who are bundling up during frigid temperatures on campus. Last week, temperatures reached an all time low for the area.
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Up to date campus crime information at: tntechoracle.com
OPINION
Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your name, email address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday. We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.
Page 4 | February 1, 2013
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Colorado, Washington first to treat marijuana like alcohol KRISTINA HARDIN Opinion Editor
The debate on whether or not to legalize marijuana has been ongoing for years, though it has seemed to revive and gain steam since Election Day, Nov. 6, 2012, when voters in Colorado and Washington made their states the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use. But in Oregon, a similar measure failed. While supporters of Washington’s initiative said they hoped its passage would ultimately change federal law, which regards any possession or sale of marijuana as illegal, senior White House and Justice Department officials were considering plans for legal action against Colorado and Washington that could undermine the voter-approved initiatives in those states. Marijuana, whose botanical name is cannabis, has been used by humans for thousands of years. It was classified as an illegal drug by many countries in the 20th century. Over the past
two decades, there has been a growing movement to legalize marijuana, primarily for medical purposes. The medicinal properties and use of marijuana is one of the biggest points proponents of its legalization use to hammer home their stance. Given some of the dramatic cases of medical transformation in some of its users, one would be inclined to agree or at least concede the point. One such example is severely autistic, 11-yearold Alex Echols, of Oregon. Alex suffers from Tuberous Sclerosis, a genetic disorder that causes unregulated growth in non-malignant tissue in organs. The condition affects Alex’s brain and is believed to cause his regular self-directed outbursts of violence. In YouTube videos that have made news headlines around the country, Alex can be seen pummeling himself with his fists, clawing at his face, and slamming his head agaiast the wall until he’s reduced to a bloody pulp.
Alex tried using moodaltering drugs to regulate his behavior—unsuccessfully— until his family made the difficult choice to move Alex into a group home when he was eight years old. When asked his feelings at the time, Mr. Echols, Alex’s father, said, “It was like we were throwing him away, like we were giving him to somebody else and saying, ‘Sorry buddy, you’re not part of the family anymore.’” In 2009, when the family heard about a California woman using medical marijuana to treat her autistic son, the family decided to give it a shot. The next year a doctor approved Alex’s marijuana and his father said the change in his son’s beEchols havior has been dramatic. “He went from being completely, yelling, screaming, bloodying his face, to within an hour, hour-and-a-half, he would be playing with toys, using his hands,” Mr. Echols said. The home where Alex lives will not administer the marijuana so his family gives
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Washington and Colorado voters have approved recreational use of marijuana. him a liquid form of the drug around three times a week. His father believes medicating his son with marijuana is worth the risk. “For us, the long-term side effects that are unknown for something that can’t kill him are a lot better than the long-term side effects of him beating himself bloody,” he said. In light of evidence such as this, it is no wonder that medical marijuana use has surged in 16 states and the District of Columbia that allow its use. But states and cities are wrestling with the question of what medical marijuana is, or should be, a
question only complicated by the fact that recreational use is now legal in two states. As the first states to treat small amounts of marijuana like alcohol, Colorado and Washington are slated to become nationwide trial cases for drug legalization. As supporters and state officials prepare for a new frontier of legalized sales, they are also anxiously awaiting direction from the federal government, which still plans to treat the manufacture and sale of marijuana as federal crimes. Proponents of legalized marijuana are hopeful the Justice Department yields.
Despite some notorious arrests of medical marijuana patients and suppliers, the federal government has mostly allowed medical marijuana businesses to operate in Colorado, Washington and 16 other states. While drug agents will probably not beat down doors to seize a small bag of the drug, they are likely to balk at allowing the state-regulated recreational marijuana shops allowed under the new laws, said Kevin A. Sabet, a former drug policy adviser in the Obama administration.
Remembering Sandy Hook: Lack of God in schools leaves families, communities suffering SARAH DINGWALL Assistant Opinion Editor
The Sandy Hook shootings were a terrible crime against innocence, peace of mind and stability. The problem isn’t where was God or that law-abiding citizens own military grade assault rifles, the problem is we took God out of the schools and that criminals, who started out sane, were driven to something dreadful and happened to somehow get a hold of military grade assault rifles. President Barack Obama said that our first task is to protect our children. “This is how we will be judged. And their voices should compel us to change,” said Obama. In a country where others don’t like people
THE
judging then, why does it matter? It only matters if they actually believe in the one true and living God. And if they don’t, they tell people to not be so judgmental. It has also been brought to light that the shooter didn’t even use an assault rifle. “Authorities now know the gunman used “an assault weapon” to “literally (shoot) an entrance into the building,” Connecticut Gov. Dannel Getty Images Malloy said according to Wooden angel figures are seen placed beside a road near Sandy Hook Elementary School. CNN.com Interactive. So now the president wants want to keep their guns. in the wake of the mass taken out completely, to take away the ability The more innocent people National Riffle shooting. for Americans to “bear Association wants to School systems want started dying than ever arms.” put armed guards in our to put resource officers before. Not just in the Another thing to school. “More guns, not in every school. How schools, but in the courts, consider is that the par- fewer, provide true se- about putting God back in government, and in ents across the nation curity,” the NRA stated in schools? When he was this nation.
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We are a spoiled country, who blames God for every wrong that happens to us. When in reality it is the choice of a few who affect the majority. We have let our wealth and power numb us to the reality that it was God who gave us the bounty that we have and we, powerless finite humans, in our pride have taken all the credit. It is truly time for Americans to stand up and give God the right to come back into our lives, in our schools, and most especially in our government, not to control, but influence. We should do this to honor those we lost in Sandy Hook, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Kent State and University of Texas. We must begin to pray for safety, pray for our children and pray for our nation. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones because we kicked God out of our schools.
4. Letters may not run in every edition due to space. 5. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity. 6. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
BEAT REPORTERS: ALYSSA ADKISSON, ROSEMARY APPLE, SHELBEY ASHBURN, JORDAIN BLAIR, LINDSAY BLAKELY, CHARLI BRAY, SARAH
CARLSON, GARAM CHOI, KAYLA CLOUSE, ELLEN CONTI, KAYLEE GENTRY, APRIL GILBERT, CALLEN HARRELL, MATTHEW HILL, BISKIE HOLMAN,
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Page 5 | February 1, 2013
Tech women’s team dominates rival Austin Peay By SAM OMACHONU Beat Reporter After a two game conference skid, the women’s golden eagle basketball team rebounded with a blowout against Austin Peay. The Golden Eagles were led by the strong 3-point shooting of their senior guards, Kellie Cook and Jala Harris. Harris shot 5 for 6 from outside finishing with 17 points and a game high 8 assist. Cook ignited the offense, coming off the bench, going 5 for 6 in the first half and finished the game 7 for 9 from long range. She would finish with a game high and season high of 23. Tech’s bench played extremely well almost outscoring the Lady Govs by themselves. Dominate post play from T’Keyah Williams and Candace Parson helped Tech take away many second chance points, limiting Austin Peay to just 7. Along with Williams and Parson’s rebounding efforts Cook with 6 rebounds and Diamond Henderson’s 4 outrebound the Lady Govs by double digits. After going up by seven at halftime, Tech was able to spark a second half scoring run behind the scoring of Henderson, the team’s leading scorer, who finished the contest with 12 points. “After our last two conference loses, coach really emphasized better rebounding and defense”, says Junior Guard Henderson. “As a team, we have improved the most on playing with each other and capitalizing on our strengths. Our coaches are focusing now on getting more effort out of us on the court.” During halftime of the game the nine pioneers of women’s athletics here at Tech were honored. They had returned to their alma mater for the weekend to speak to female
Jim Dillon
Tech Junior Guard Diamond Henderson drives passed Austin Peay defender on her way to the basket. Henderson leads the team in scoring this season.
student-athletes about the Title IX legislation and how it changes their lives forever. Saturday nights win brings the Tech women’s team an 11-9 over record and a 5-3 record in Ohio Valley Conference play. The women played again Tuesday night in the Eblen Center
but came up short against Murray State. They are hoping to bounce back as they go on a quick two game road trip to Nashville against Belmont Saturday night and Tennessee State Tuesday night then returning home on February 9 to play Jacksonville State.
Men handle Austin Peay, look to next on schedule By JAMAL FERGUSON Sports Editor Tennessee Tech men’s basketball team handely defeated Austin Peay Saturday night in the Eblen Center. Senior Forward Terrell Barnes commented on the feeling headed into the game saying, “ With this being my senior season I’ve learned to have that next game mentality when it comes to those quick turn arounds.” He added that Coach Payne had emphasized that they couldn’t hold on to the loss a few nights earlier against Murray and let it be a factor in the game at hand. This seemed to really set in and it was apparent from the start. It was easy to see that the energy of the team was at a high level and they were ready from the opening tip off. Though Tech was a meek 1-6 in conference play headed into the game with Austin Peay with recent losses to Southeast Missouri State, SIU-Edwardsville, and Murray State but the Golden Eagles would get it together and handle the Gov 70-52. Barnes felt that it was a good win for the team saying that, “Any win in OVC play is a big win for us especially with the league being so strong this year.” Which is especially true on East of the OVC with such a cluster of teams seemingly competing for the regular season conference title. Barnes added, “This one definitely this one had a little different feel to it being that we came out and dominated for the tip plus it being against Austin Peay made it that much better.” The Golden Eagles seemed to be fuel by the loss to the Racers, in which they lost the clash in the paint, and the feeling of the
rivalry and dominated the glass. They would finish the night leading the battle for rebounds 36 to 27. With Tech grabbing so many rebounds that in turn lead to them getting more second chance points. Another aspect Tech bench also outscored Austin Peay’s 15 to 9 lead by Barnes . At times he is used to provide a spark of the bench and other times starts. Tech’s big menTech were also a force in the half court putting up more points in the paint than Austin Peay. The team has some underclassmen that are really contributing. “I think are young guys are really beginning to get it, Anthony has really stepped up these past two games and so has Diressa,” said Barnes. Anthony Morse, a freshman seeing substantial minutes and even making his second OVC start of his young career, scored a careerhigh 10 points in the win over Austin Peay. The Golden Eagle men’s team will travel to Nashville for their next two games. Barnes noted that the team felt last time they played TSU they “let one get away against TSU.” The Bruins of Belmont, newcomers to the OVC, thrashed the Golden Eagles by nearly a 30 piece. Barnes chomped at the thought of that game saying, “we definitely owe Belmont, I’m ready to go I wish we could roll them out and play right now.” The Golden Eagles did travel to Tennessee State to play however, final scores were not available at the time of publication. Belmont is next on the schedule. The Golden Eagles will be taking on the Bruins on Saturday at 7 pm at Belmont as part of a double header with the women’s team who play at 5 p.m. CST.
Tech Softball higly ranked in pre-season poll By EMILY HOMAN Beat Reporter The Tennessee Tech softball team kicks off its season in less than two weeks, with a new head coach and a second place ranking in the Ohio Valley Eastern Division preseason poll. One of four returning seniors, third baseman, Brittney Spalding, discussed the team’s preparation for the upcoming season. “Since Coach Bynum was a successful pitcher here when she was at Tech, we’ve definitely focused on our pitching and strengthening it as best we can. We’ve been working on our communication and making our practices as game-like
as possible.” The team opens up its first series away at Georgia Southern on Feb. 9 and will not host a home game until March 23, making it only one of four home weekends the team will have all year. Despite the fact the team will not be home many times this season, the team is confident in its ability to adjust to such a tough schedule. “The softball team has always done better when we are at home. Since we will be away a lot more this year, we are going to have to focus mentally on the road. We have a really good pitching staff and a good group overall so I don’t think it will be a problem.” Spalding said.
The Golden Eagles have always placed an emphasis on working together as one unit on the field. One of the leaders on the team, senior shortstop, Melody Christian said, “We push each other to do our best, so when game time comes we can lay it all on the line. We have really good team chemistry, which helps us in our goal for an OVC championship.” As seniors, both Spalding and Christian said they want to make this season as memorable as possible. Spalding said, “We not only want to make it special for ourselves, but for all of our teammates since we are all so close. There’s a lot of family dynamic within this team.”
Predators to host ‘College Nights’ again this season ByLINDSAY BLAKELY Beat Reporter
Hockey games tend to get pricey, but the Nashville Predators are offering discounted ticket prices on college nights when students present their college id at the ticket office. There are eight college night games between February and April. The first is Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. when the Predators take on the LA Kings. Upper bowl tickets are on sale for $15 and lower bowl tickets for $30. Tech student Callen Harrell has attended many college nights at the Bridgestone Arena. “I think it brings a younger, more energetic crowd to an already famously rowdy arena,” said Harrell. “You’re guaranteed to have fun whether the Preds win or lose, and if you don’t then you went with the wrong people.” 2013 Available dates: Thursday, Feb. 7 vs. LA Kings Thursday, Feb. 14 vs. Phoenix Coyotes Friday, Feb. 22 vs. Vancouver Canucks Friday, March 8 vs. Edmonton Oilers Thursday, March 21 vs. Calgary Flames Thursday, March 28 vs. Phoenix Coyotes Thursday, April 4 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Friday, April 12 vs. Dallas Stars *all games begin at 7pm CST
The Bridgestone Arena is one hour and 20 minutes away from TTU’s campus. It is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN, 37203. For those who want to head down before the game to grab a bite to eat, Broadway is the place to be. A popular, but more expensive place to go is Palm restaurant, located across the street from the arena. A few blocks up on the corner of Third and Commerce, Demos’ is an inexpensive restaurant with quality food. “Hockey games are a lot of fun,” said TTU freshmen, Cara Hughey. “I have never been to a Nashville Predators game but hearing about college night makes me really want to check it out sometime.” Parking is available throughout the city with prices averaging at $10. For more information about college night events you can visit their website at predators.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=59230.
Matthew Hill New head coach Bonnie Bynum throws batting practice Saturday as she gears up for the season.
Golden Eagle softball under new coaching By CALLEN HARRELL Beat Reporter Former head softball coach Tory Acheson resigned last Thursday after 14 years with the program, leaving the former player and two-time OVC pitcher of the year, Bonnie Bynum in charge effective immediately. Acheson’s abrupt resignation left many people across campus wondering why this had happened and what the softball program was going to do. “It’s strange that a coach would just resign like that three weeks before the season starts,” said Tech senior and intramural softball enthusiast Roggie Haston. “Will the assistant coach just take over?” Oddly enough, the wife of coach Acheson and assistant softball coach Terry Acheson did not take over the head coaching position. However, coach Bynum taking over seems to be going over well with everyone including Senior infielder/outfielder, Melody Christian. “The news of Coach Acheson leaving was upsetting, but Coach Bynum and this adversity as a whole will bring us closer as a team,” said Christian. Christian also added, “There are going to be struggles along the way to the OVC Tournament, but as a team we are strong enough to overcome any of them.”
“Coach Bynum made such an impact in the fall that it was easy for our team to see her take over the coaching position,” Christian said. “The team is very confident despite the adversity and we are very lucky to have her step in.” Confidence will be good for this year’s team because the AP ranked Tech No. 2 in the Ohio Valley Conference to start the season. “We are extremely excited to be ranked second, but we are more excited about the great new group of girls, the new coaching, and the amazing family-like bond we have created this year,” said Christian. “We are going to work hard this season and compete for the number one spot in league and to make a huge statement at the OVC Tournament.” Bynum appears to be excited about her new role as well according to an article on ttusports.com. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to build on an already great program that Coach Acheson has established and I’m looking forward to the future of Tennessee Tech softball,” Bynum said. “I want to thank Tory for everything he has done for me in my career, both as a player and as a coach.” Bynum will make her head coaching debut at the Georgia Southern Tournament Feb. 9 against Akron University.
ENTERTAINMENT Page 6 | February 1, 2013
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‘Dance Moms’ put the Entertainment headlines ‘cray’ in crazy on lifetime while we were on break By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic
By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor The third season of Lifetime’s hit reality series “Dance Moms” is back and crazier than ever. Abby Lee Miller and her dance team are proving again that people will watch anything. This show is a hot mess and the mothers must make a nice paycheck to keep coming back for more. Leading into this season, I was unsure if I could handle any more of this mostly scripted drama. Once I saw the commercial for the new season, with its knockoff off of the 80s film ‘”Flashdance” and the song “Maniac”, I could not say no. Yes, the “Maniac” is back, but surrounding her is plenty of crazy and delusional. Four weeks into it and already I am drawing the same conclusions as last season. This show is probably about forty percent real life and sixty percent lies and nonsense. During season’s one and two, I was vehemently on the mother’s side and thought Abby was too harsh. Well it’s been forty-six episodes later and nothing is new. Dance is like sports; the coach cannot constantly praise their student. Where would that get them? Signing their name as Goofy at Disney world? These mothers would complain if they were going to be hung with a new rope. It is constantly something new they are complaining about and I’m over it. Quite frankly, these mothers need to leave if this is all they can do. Christy, who in seasons past had been my favorite and still kind of is, can never seem to have a positive moment or comment any more. Maybe it’s the editing or maybe she’s just wanting out of her contract. Either way it’s time for her to put up or shut up. Her fan
Reality Nation
Abby Lee Miller, surounded by some of the dancers on the show, is back for a third season of ‘Dance Moms’ on Lifetime.
favorite personality is slowly draining out of her and the ugly, miserable evil twin is taking over. Kelly acts and sounds as dumb as ever. Jill has had more plastic surgery done and her hair makes her look like a damn cockatoo. Melissa is trying harder not to be such a snitch and phony person, but she’s failing at it. Holly is too nice, too educated, and too sophisticated to be on this show. This new season features new moms trying to weasel their way onto the show, but it’s not happening. The show becomes more entertaining when Cathy is on. She is television gold. She is crazy, outlandish, and full of spunk. She’s not afraid to mix it up with Abby and the moms. Cathy and her dancers are always looking for a good fight. Abby is a very stern and commanding woman. I get that people
think she is mean and unfair and cruel. She is that, sometimes it’s like Godzilla attacking the city, but that is only at times. She is like any coach or teacher who tries to get the very best from his or her student. She does push the limit too far sometimes and is flat out cruel and turns into an evil dance teacher from hell. Generally it’s only because she’s trying to help these kids have a stronger backbone. She is preparing them for a future in show business, which is going to be full of worse things than Abby Lee Miller. Dance Moms is packed full of great dancing, half scripted drama, and crazy women fighting. I would say I am done watching, but everybody knows I cannot look away from a good cat fight. Dance Moms airs Tuesday nights at 9/10c on Lifetime.
‘Movie 43’ filled of famous actors, very few laughs at all
By LINDSEY GORE Entertainment Critic ‘Movie 43’ has a plethora of famous faces and raunchy jokes, but it is not enough to save it from being just plain bad. ‘Movie 43’ is made up of short films that come from the desperate mind of a producer (Dennis Quaid) that is way past his prime. Each short is directed by different directors and all showcase a star studded cast with actors like Emma Stone, Gerard Butler, Johnny Knoxville and Kate Winslet. With the fresh idea and huge cast, ‘Movie 43’ seems too good to be true and that’s because it is. The film relies heavily on lewd jokes and cheap laughs that are almost too uncomfortable to watch. Moments that do not involve some type of distasteful or offensive joke are basically nonexistent, and there are only a couple shorts that are based on a funny idea and even those shorts are not even halfway amusing. Even the impressive cast could not save ‘Movie 43’
Paste Magazine
Kate Winslet, one of the stars of ‘Movie 43’, performs a scene in the film. from being what could be the worst movie ever made. It is as if the actors were trying to perform at a subpar level, which is probably true. The ravishing Emma Stone and Kieran Culkin lack any type of chemistry, and this tends to be a reoccurring theme throughout the movie. The overall idea for the film has potential, but it seems as if not a single person involved puts any
effort into molding it into the tolerable film it could have been.Transitions between shorts are thrown together and just as lackluster as the rest of the film. ‘Movie 43’ makes the future of comedy films look bleak with its lack of taste and its tendency to be offensive. ‘Movie 43’ is rated R for crude and sexual content including dialogue,graphic nudity, language, some violence and drug use.
Five weeks is a long time for the entertainment industry, so while we were enjoying our holiday these celebrities, films, and musical artists were making headlines and doing what they do best – keeping us entertained. Award season is upon us, and over break the Oscar nominees have been announced to include recent releases like Les Misérables and Django Unchained. Silver Linings Playbook took the nominations by storm, becoming perhaps the most underestimated award winner this year. Our local theater didn’t even pick up the movie until it was Oscar nominated for Best Picture, Actor and Supporting Actor, Actress and Supporting Actress, Director, Film Editing, and Adapted Screenplay. Kimye (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West) announced a pregnancy after publicly dating since last April. West dropped the news at a concert in Atlantic City, right before New Year’s when asking the crowd to make some noise for his baby mama. Both families are incredibly supportive of the new baby. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o was allegedly hoaxed by a “Catfish” scam late last year and while we were on break, the real story broke out. Te’o had an online girlfriend who turned out never actually existed. The two had never met but kept a long distance relationship until her death from cancer
OK! Magazine
Newly expecting parents, Kim Kardashian and Kayne West, arrive on the red carpet at an event.
Sept. 11, 2012. Except her death was fake too! After Te’o learned of the hoax, he perpetuated the lie to save face and not cause a distraction for his team. Speculation on the validity of the hoax has been made, claiming that Te’o faked the whole scam for publicity or that it was a cover up for potential homosexuality. So far, nothing has been confirmed and Te’o still seems to be the victim.
After years of denial, Lance Armstrong confessed using performance enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France to Oprah Winfrey. Armstrong was stripped of his titles, lost most of his endorsements, and stepped down as chairman of the Livestrong foundation. If all of that can happen in five weeks, who knows what this semester will bring? Let’s hope it’s just as exciting.
Social media hoaxing, pranks are out of control By CHANDLER PECORA Beat Reporter Believe it or not, just because something is trending on social networking sites doesn’t mean it’s true. On Jan. 24, Twitter was flooded with more than 1,300 Tweets containing #RIPRushLimbaugh, many implying the famous talk show host was deceased. The trend continued during the live broadcast of the “Rush Limbaugh Show,” in which Limbaugh is the primary speaker. #RIPRushLimbaugh was just one of the many examples of false news spread through social media. Earlier this month, controversy sparked when Tweets depicting young girls cutting themselves surfaced using the hashtag, CutForBieber. While it was initially thought #CutForBieber was started by teens protesting the picture of Justin Bieber allegedly smoking a joint, it was later discovered that many of the Tweets, specifically those involving pictures, were part of an elaborate prank by members of 4Chan. “Lets start a cut yourself for Bieber campaign,” according to the original post on the online message
board. “Tweet a bunch of pics of people cutting themselves and claim we did it because Bieber was smoking weed. See if we can get some little girls to cut themselves.” It’s currently unknown how many of the Tweets were part of the hoax. Spreading false news is becoming an increasingly popular trend on sites like Facebook and Twitter – starting them may result in consequences. “There is someone in my hour ecall 911,” said 16-year-old Kara Alongi on Twitter, typo and all, just hours before her disappearance on September 30. Police responded to the Tweet and what eventually became more than 6,000 calls regarding it by launching an investigation, and quickly became suspicious at the lack of evidence pointing to foul play. “The investigation quickly revealed a number of inconsistencies in the teen’s statement,” stated the police report. Two days later, Alongi was picked up by police after the New Jersey teen dialed 911 at a Burger King restaurant, but not before police deemed the story she told untrue. “Possibly she can face charges down the road,” said Alan Scherb,
police chief in Alongi’s home town of Clark, N.J., citing creating false public alarm as one of the possibilities. While the police bill was not passed onto Alongi’s family, police have not yet revealed if they will press charges against the teen girl who allegedly started the hoax. With how heavily influenced by social media sites a college audience is, it’s very possible for Tech students to be impacted by such widespread hoaxes. When asked how she would recommend students to respond to social media news, TTU Communications writer Lori Shull, who handles the university’s social media presence, had this to say. “I think that a lot of the time it can be easy to get confused because social media moves so fast,” said Shull. “When in doubt, it would probably be best to check a credible news source.” Facebook and Twitter may be popular sites to find the latest news, but with how easily rumors are started, and the possibility of being hacked, it would probably be best to take news found on it with a grain of salt –at least until the information can be confirmed.