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Volume 98 | Issue 13 | Free in single copy | February 21, 2014

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Drake Fenlon | The Oracle

Mechanical Engineering awarded 2014 “Best Darn Major”

By ADAM WEBB & SHANE FOLEY Beat Reporters

The RUC Multipurpose Room erupted with cheers of victory Thursday night as Daniel Hardin and Christina Bechard were named Mr. and Ms. Engineer at this year’s Engineering Banquet. This final top distinction secured the spot for the department of mechanical engineering to claim this year’s title as the “Best Darn Major” on campus. To achieve this title, the mechanical engineers had to compete in events ranging from egg launches to a quiz bowl against the other departments of engineering in the 2014 competition of Engineering Week. The activities kicked off Monday with the egg launcher competition between the civil, mechanical, and chemical engineering degree programs. Despite heavy rain, the three teams brought out their student-constructed egg launching machines and fought for first place by catapulting and sling-shotting eggs as far as possible. The only restriction on the construction of the egg launchers was that the base of the machine could be no

Matthew Phillips | The Oracle

Shane Foley | The Oracle

SET SAIL- Samantha White, a junior mechanical engineering student, and Shad I Saeed, a senior mechanical engineering student, aboard their canoe on Feb. 17, 2014. The pair won the event placing mechanical farther into the lead.

EGG-CELLENT WARFARE- The mechanical engineering team winds up its catapult for a second egg launch for Engineering Week. The first event of E-Week, the egg launch, took place despite cold rain and harsh winds.

larger than a 4-foot by 4-foot square. However, teams could build their device larger than that, so long as the base stayed within the designated parameters. The chemical engineering team took advantage of this rule by building a very large slingshot device that stretched over 8-feet long and was 6-feet tall. The base, though, stayed safely within the 4-foot restriction. The chemical engineering team won the distance portion of the event, launching an egg 75 yards. Their

ing result this year,” said Xavier Brown, a sophomore chemical engineering major and representative of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers for the EJC. “We’ve struggled at the egg launch in years past, so it’s good to see us do so well.” On Monday night the mechanical engineers won the E-Week cardboard canoe race for the second year in a row. Six teams competed in the race, representing each of the engineering majors and

machine was built by thirdyear student Robert Stewart. “I’d been working on it for about a week and a half, and I did everything myself. Lots of people wanted to help, but I’m one of those guys that kind of already had it done. I did have some help testing it, though,” Stewart said. Chemical engineering has not ranked as high as the other majors in recent years in the competition. “I was really happy with the chemical engineer-

Portion of students to receive free yearbooks through S.O.L.O. funding By BRITANNY STOVALL Beat Reporter The Society of Collegiate Journalists hopes to spark some interest in the Tech Eagle Yearbook by giving a select number of copies away to students later this semester. On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the SGA approved the society’s S.O.L.O. application for $3,000 to purchase 100 yearbooks that will be given to students for free on a firstcome-first-serve basis. Sen. Drake Fenlon, presenting for the SCJ, said that 50 yearbooks have been sold in the last two years combined – only half of the amount that would be given

away from the free copies alone this year. “That’s a problem,” he said. “Because this is your university, this is your history you’re making here at Tennessee Tech. “The yearbook only returned to its print version about two years ago after being distributed solely in a DVD format Fenlon for about six years,” Fenlon said. But student “interest dropped rapidly” after the yearbook moved to its digital version. “Interest is slowly, slowly creeping back up there,” Fenlon said.

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About 10 years ago, the yearbook was afforded a much larger budget. “In the past, yearbooks were given to every student – it was built into the tuition every year… Allocation has gone away,” Fenlon said. “Previously, the budget for the yearbook was $30,000. Then, in 2004, there were some price adjustments and the budget was cut down to $3,000.” Yearbooks are currently sold at $33 each and will be available in April. Copies can be pre-ordered through Feb. 24. This is the first S.O.L.O. application to be approved under the new stipulations of the $3,000 price cap raised last week from $1,000.

Tech rises with One Billion in dance to end violence on women By JESSICA WILSON Beat Reporter One in three women will be abused at some point in their lifetime, according to vday.org, which equals out to around one billion women. One Billion Rising for Justice is a campaign focused on ending that violence, and the TTU Women’s Center took to South Patio on Feb. 14 to join in the world-wide movement. TTU graduate Emily Anthony Thornton | The Oracle Amonett said, “We’re hoping to have one billion across the DANCE DANCE SOCIAL REVOLUTION- Women and men dance world, with all these other together at the One Billion Rising V-day 2014 event on cammen and women who are adpus. The event had people of all ages dancing together in 207 vocates for women and girls, different countries in a demand to end violence against womSee “V-Day,” page 3 en and girls.

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computer science students. The teams had 30 minutes to build their vessels using only tape, plastic bags and cardboard. Once built, teams were required to paddle from one end of the Fitness Center pool to the other. Senior mechanical engineering major Laishka Bruno said, “People can’t get involved in everything, but E-week is a way to make your last year in engineering memorable.” The mechanical engineers selected junior

Samantha White and senior Shadi Saeed to pilot their boat in this year’s cardboard competition. White was on the same team that won the race last year. “We won last year because of my idea to use hand paddles,” said White. This year every team was using hand paddles after the success of White’s team in the previous competition. The other boats sank or fell apart upon entering the water for the race, making it no task for the mechanical engineering team to paddle their way to victory. Other events for the week consisted of a Chili cooking competition and a tug of war competition. Both of these events were won by the mechanical engineers. Engineering Week is sponsored by the Engineering Joint Council, which is comprised of students elected annually by an engineering organization to represent the College of Engineering. There are representatives from every engineering organization on campus. “E-Week is to demonstrate to the campus what some of the cool things the College of Engineering can do, but it’s also a competition to find out who the best darn major is,” said Xavier Brown.

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CRIME BRIEFS: Disposition: Closed. Referred to the Dean of Students Notes: Subject was also cited with drug para phernalia.

- Feb. 19- 8: 00 Classification: Destruction/Damage/Vandal ism Location: Commuter North West dorms Disposition: Open case Notes: A vehicle was vandalized.

- Feb. 14- 3:46 Classification: Driving Under the Influence Location: North Willow & 12th Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested Notes: None.

- Feb. 18- Not available Classification: Destruction/Damage/Vandal ism Location: STEM Center Disposition: Open case Notes: Vandalism was committed in the women’s bathroom.

- Feb. 14- 3:04 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: Dixie Avenue Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested Notes: Subject was also cited with littering.

- Feb. 18- 7:00 Classification: Disorderly Conduct Location: Fitness Center Disposition: Closed. Referred to the Dean of Students Notes: None.

- Feb. 13- Not available Classification: Credit Card/ATM Fraud Location: Walmart- Cookeville Disposition: Open case Notes: Offender stole a gift card from B&E staff office, then offender proceeded to Walmart and used the card.

- Feb. 17- 6:05 Classification: Drug/Narcotic Violation Location: Pinkerton Dorm Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested Notes: None.

- Feb. 13- Not available Classification: Burglary/Breaking & Entering Location: Bruner Hall Disposition: Open case Notes: Subject stole an iPad.

- Feb. 16- 1:13 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: Pinkerton Dorm Disposition: Closed. Referred to the Dean of Students Notes: None.

- Feb. 13- Not available Classification: Destruction /Damage/Vandal ism Location: STEM Center Disposition: Open case Notes: Vandalism was committed to both men’s and women’s restrooms.

- Feb. 15- Not available Classification: Theft from Motor Vehicle Location: Jobe Parking Lot Disposition: Open case Notes: Driver’s side window was shattered, and Alpine Radio Stereo was stolen.

- Feb. 10- 5:40 Classification: Theft from Building Location: Henderson Hall Disposition: Open case Notes: Subject stole a computer notebook.

- Feb. 14- Not available Classification: Drug/Narcotic Violation Location: M.S. Cooper

For up-to-date crime information, visit tntechoracle.com

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Facebook accepts events @ tech friend request from gender equal status 21 February

By ZACK WARFIELD Beat Reporter Facebook’s next big update allows users to stray from the norm by choosing from many new types of genders. Before, users had to choose from male or female. Now, they are able to choose from a multitude of options such as transgender, intersex, and fluid. This allows Facebook users to be more true to themselves and explore their options. Users no longer have to be bound to the social norms. Now, users can list themselves as who they perceive themselves to be. “There’s going to be a lot of people for whom this is going to mean nothing, but for the few it does impact, it means the world,” said Facebook software engineer Brielle Harrison, from the Associated Press news agency. Harrison is undergoing a gender transformation from male to female. With this new update, he believes he will be able to express himself more accurately. However, not everyone is happy about the change. Blogger Meitar Moscovitz

said, “This isn’t about Facebook being inclusive, it’s about Facebook making sure people remain ignorant of the exactly that facet; that they are categorizing you anyway. The more information you give Facebook, the more money you’re worth to Facebook.” What Moscovitz means by this, is that Facebook shows you ads based upon your gender. When Facebook starts allowing people to declare different genders they will be able to reach across the gap and advertise to them as well. For now, Facebook users who use US English will be allowed to create custom genders, yet in the future Facebook plans to expand this to the world’s youth whose sexual identities do not conform to standard social norms to express their true selves. “I believe being able to identify yourself online is the first step to truly accepting yourself in reality,” said Lindsey Daniels, avid Facebook user. “If things go well there, you’re more likely to start being comfortable with it and start being who you believe you are.”

Tech to host Week of Biochemistry American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will promote different events for the biochemistry week. By MEGAN SEVERE Beat Reporter Tech’s chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is hosting the Week of Biochemistry next week to promote the cross-disciplinary field of biochemistry and molecular biology. ASBMB will hold a regional poster competition Monday in the STEM center where the biochemistry departments from other colleges will present their research posters. “We’ve invited every college within a two-hour radius of Cookeville to join the event for the poster contest to present their ongoing research posters,” said Sarah Reynolds, committee member of ASBMB. “It’s not a national event yet, but we’re hoping to make it one,” Reynolds said. “We’re inviting other students from regional schools to form a more scientific community and that can help foster networking skills and also

show what students are doing in their research.” Jeffery Boles, chair of chemistry, said, “The Week of Biochemistry committee has been working diligently for months to organize these events and we are very excited to see results.” This is the second year ASBMB has held the Week of Biochemistry. This year they added a keynote speaker from the Sigma Xi research organization to speak about STEM careers and the importance of mentors in every field, specifically STEM. Dr. Mark Hernandez will be speaking as a part of Week of Biochemistry Monday night in the Nursing Building Auditorium at 4 p.m. “We tried to pick someone that would have an impact on not just chemistry or science majors, but every major,” Susannah Shissler, president of ASBMB, said. “While he is going to gear part of his topic towards STEM fields, he’s still giving information to any college student.”

Trivia night is Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Foster Hall, Room 201. Students will be able to compete against other teams, play games and answer questions about biochemistry. Movie night will be hosted in Foster Hall, Room 233, Wednesday night at 8 p.m. with the showing of “Ender’s Game.” During dead hour on Thursday, ASBMB will have an ice cream social in Foster Hall, Room 220. Fab Friday is the last day of the week long event, and children up to fifth grade will be doing hands on simulations and activities geared toward computer programming. “They’ll learn something about science or computer engineering while at the same time having fun with the computer models,” Reynolds, said. The Week of Biochemistry is open for all students to attend. The guest speaker appearance is free and funded by the Student Government Association.

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Page 3 | February 21, 2014

Students chew the fat on new campus eateries ‘‘

I don’t really like the cafeteria food, so I would like having more food options on the campus.

—Yuri Taguchi, Psychology

‘‘

Chick-fil-A has the best food on the planet already, and now that they’re going to bring it here, I don’t have to drive to go get it.

I’m definitely most excited for Chick-fil-A. It’s where I eat the most out of the new restaurants, and I really love chicken.

—Harrison Hinton, Secondary Eduction

—Sydney MacCullen

HANGIN’ LOOSE

Richard Mosley | The Oracle Freshman health science major, Emily Ailshie and Gabby Perez, freshman pre-physical therapy major, hang out on the lawn in front of Derryberry.

‘‘

Definitely Chick-filA. They have much better breakfast options, and now I don’t have to drive off campus to go get Chick-filA.

—Ryn Fager, Psychology

‘‘

“I’m probably most excited for Chick-fil-A. I’ve only eaten there once since my hometown doesn’t have one, and I’m looking forward to being able to eat there.”

—Patrick Mullican, Mechanical Engineering

‘‘

I’m most excited for the Mexican restaurant. Having different options other than burgers and pizza on campus is something I’d really like.

—Jonathan Gregory, Computer Engineering

Cold reception for cold pastries at Starbucks By KIMMY MANNING Beat Reporter In an effort to give a face-lift to its pastry cabinet, Starbucks has released a new collection of baked goods nationwide, which are now available here at our campus location. “La Boulange is a San Francisco bakery and café that has been serving artisanal pastries, and great food since 1996,” according to the Starbucks website. “Sit tight and stay tuned as we expand the new ‘La Boulange’ baked goods across the country; it’s well worth the wait.” The French baker Pascal ran this new line of food with pink in mind. The pastry cases are “lined with pink paper, and muffins and cookies will leave the store in pink ‘La Boulange’ bags also bearing the green Starbucks logo,” according to the Seattle Times. “It looks like a bad lingerie line,” said an anonymous student. On-campus worker Sarah Mapes said, “It’s very different.” Tech Starbucks employee Jordynn Holm said there have been many complaints at other Starbucks locations, where people have said the pastries are “more fattening and smaller and don’t taste good” but

>> V-DAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to stand up and represent the 1 billion and switch it around to be something beautiful.” One Billion Rising for Justice developed out of the One Billion Rising campaign, which is connected with the 15-year-old V-Day ceremonies that were started by women’s rights activist Even Ensler, according to the website. The newest mission focuses specifically Anthony Thornton| The Oracle on bringing justice to womLydie Brown and Emily Amonett speak during the en who are victims of abuse. The campaign reaches out One Billion Rising V-day 2014 event. to women, men and chilAccording to onebil- part in the choreographed dren to find support for the lionrising.org, individuals dance during this year’s abused. Monique Wilson, One from 207 countries took part celebration on South Patio. Billion Rising campaign in the movement in 2013 She said providing an outdirector, said, “One Billion by expressing themselves let for abused women to Rising for Justice is an in- through dance, art and share their story is of great vitation to break free from song. Countries that partici- importance. “It’s good to get your confinement, obligation, pated in 2013 ranged from shame, guilt, grief, pain, hu- Haiti and Peru to Kenya story out there, because sometimes you don’t tell miliation, rage, and bond- and Iraq. Alex Wilson is a soph- your story, and it needs to age. It is a call to bring on omore at Tech who took be heard,” Alex Wilson said. revolutionary justice.”

Holm said Starbucks has “been selling more than we ever have before.” The new pink “La Boulange” bags read, “Now served warm.” However, this is, in fact, the opposite if visiting Tech’s on-campus Starbucks. “It says in plain sight, ‘now served warm,’” employee Kimberly Smith said. “And we don’t even have a warming station because we don’t have enough room for it.” According to the employees, the back counters could not support a heating system, but they wish it did to better accommodate the new baked items. “We have so many people who want their food warmed up,” Smith said. Students on campus, however, have reported little change. “I have had the old kind of pastries,” student Talal Almitairi said, “and they both taste the same. They just look different.” Student Saleh Alyami said, “I can’t even remember the old ones.” Camila Leme said, “I usually don’t buy food, but this brownie was affordable in price.” Employee Bryce Whittington said, “Even though the food has decreased in size, so has the “It can affect someone, and they will notice that someone else’s story needs to be heard.” Participants around the world are encouraged to come together outside of places in which women are entitled to justice, according to information on the campaign’s website. This includes schools, government offices, police stations, embassies, military courts, and any other public location where women should feel safe but often times do not. “The path to justice begins with acknowledging how violence is enabled and perpetuated – calling out where endemic patriarchy and institutionalized misogyny creates a barrier to real justice for survivors,” said Monique Wilson. Campaign officials are asking individuals who take part in any ceremonies around the globe to share their experience via social media.

A G u i de t o a B e t t e r S e me s t e r 1. L i s t e n t o WTT U. 2 . B e H a pp i e r. 3. D re am s C o me Tr u e

Tyler Randolph| The Oracle Jordan Pace, sophomore, eats the new “La Boulange” pastries now offered by Starbucks.

price. It’s a little bit easier on your wallet.” The pastries are available at Tech’s on-

campus location and at the Starbucks on Interstate Drive in Cookeville.

OPINION

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Page 4 | February 21, 2014

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Christian Politicians? SARAH DINGWALL Opinion Editor

I am starting to change the way I see things. I have truly begun to see politics and Christianity in a new light. Many of you know that I am against the government sticking their noses into the Church. I still am but I have a new view of how to put God back in our government. Take it back to the Old Testament. God created governments. He created a method to help people live better lives through leadership. He even gave us examples of His people in politics. Joseph was a shepherd, sold into slavery, and rose to be Prime Minister of Egypt. He was wise and saved the known world from destruction during a season of great famine. King David was originally a shepherd boy anointed king. He was called “a man after God’s own heart.” Even when David sinned, he always sought repentance and counsel from God. He acted as more than just a king; he was a priest and minister to the people. How did he accomplish so much? He put his faith in God. Isaiah 33:22 lays out the very foundation of our government system. “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us,” Isaiah 33:22. God is our judge is the same as our judicial system. He is our lawgiver to our legislature. He is our king is the equivalent to the executive branch of government. God established how things are to be run and now we are working feverishly to remove any semblance of true order in our government. God made all things

perfect and our founding fathers seemed to think the same thing, so they modeled our system of government after Him. The Mosaic Law gave the Israelites two things: redemption and retribution. We have redemption through the saving grace of Jesus Christ and we have retribution through the government. Retribution means punishment for doing something wrong. So, we have laws defining what is right and wrong, judges who pass the judgment, and presidents/ kings who authorize the punishment. So, now that you had a definition lesson, let us look closer into the New Testament. In Romans 13, we receive what seems to be the definition of a pastor, but if read correctly, we find that it is the definition of a minister of retribution. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. God has established the authorities that exist. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment

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Human Caused Climate Change (HCCC) Global warming was first used by the very environmental scientists Ms. Brown claims adhere strictly to “climate change,” which

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but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans13: 1-6 NIV. The list is simple: authorized by God, ordained by God, dangerous to resist them, obey the law and you will be saved, he is a minister of God, bears not the sword in vain, worthy of honor and fear, pay them tribute (taxes/tithes), minister of retribution. Thanks to my pastor’s insight into the realm of politics, I have a new vision, or at least I see more clearly now than I ever have before. To be God’s servant in this capacity is scary, but if you put your trust and faith in Him, He will see you through. Now, no matter what people try to say to me about how Christians should only pray, I can look at them and ask them why can’t I act on my faith. We are to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Faith without works is dead. Faith comes by hearing the word of God, but it is the doing that actually activates faith. We can’t expect a corrupted government to do for us any longer. We have to get up and do something. It is time to stop the hyper grace and hyper prosperity movement that has taught Christians to sit back and only pray and expect others to do for us. God is a God of action not just words, though his words do have power, power to do. It is time for us to stand up and fight the good fight of faith in our government. Don’t sit back any longer. Yes I am talking to you, Christians.

question the moral fiber of environmental scientists, I fall back to the old adage, “follow the money”. Yes, it is true across the whole spectrum of research, which is why investigation should be done. To point a finger and say “it’s okay they did, too” merely invalidates both. It doesn’t make one acceptable over the other. I submit, as evidence of duplicity in the environmental scientist realm concerning HCCC, the “Hockey stick” graph. It shows a high and “unnatural” rise in global temp. It was submitted by Mann, Bradley, and many others as proof of what was happening with HCCC. It was “peer” reviewed, and continues to be published as “fact” in many, particularly precollege, text books. Two mathematicians McIntyre and McKitrick found multiple sets of data, edited to include only sum-

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“Turn away the gays” turns my stomach LYDIE-CLAIRE BROWN Assistant Opinion Editor Really, Tennessee state legislature? You were so close. You were almost reputable. People almost thought about our state fondly – we have the show Nashville, for goodness’ sake – and you had to just stomp on it like Caesar with your big feet. Last week, state Senator Brian Kelsey of Memphis submitted Bill 2566, which is now charmingly nicknamed the “Turn Away the Gays” bill. Bill 2566 permits opendoor businesses and religious/denominational organizations the right to refuse goods or services to homosexual customers, based on “since religious convictions.” The bill comes as a result of a number of lawsuits in other states and the District of Columbia, where photographers, bakers, and florists, were sued for refusing services to homosexual couples. What do all those professions have in common? WEDDINGS. How did that decision even get made? “Oh, so you want to get married? Well, how are you going to do it without any FLOWERS? Mwahaha.” Grow up. You are the lamest of Bond Villains. Bill 2566 comes from a place of extreme childishness. You can’t stop gays from falling in love and committing to one another, but you could make their “Big Day” that much more difficult, just because you don’t like it. Ostensibly, the bill protects businesses from potential lawsuits as the result of following their conscience. That’s the most frustrating argument for this bill? Legally, you cannot discriminate based on

religion, race, or ethnicity. Gays, however, are not legally protected from discrimination, and some earnestly believe, as Rice put it, “…Its more wrong to force people to violate their conscience.” You can sell wedding cake to Irish Catholics, Indonesian Muslims, and atheist Asians, so long as you don’t sell to gays! Freedom of religion is a precious right, don’t get me wrong, but freedom of religion means that you are allowed to live and govern yourself according to your own conscience. The government AND OTHER CITIZENS are not allowed to run your life, to force you to be Muslim instead of Hindu, Catholic instead of Protestant, or Atheist instead of Agnostic. That is freedom of religion, and it, like all the other freedoms, ends at another citizen’s freedom. You, as an individual, are only as free as far as you don’t impinge on my freedom, and vice versa. Furthermore, the bill grants businesses and organizations this right of refusal on the grounds of “sincere religious belief.” How could something so abstract POSSIBLY be proved in a court of law? I don’t deny

that there are those would deny service for religious reasons, but “sincere religious belief” is vague enough that it cannot be proven and easily abused. Maybe I’m not a good enough Christian (come at me, bro!), but I don’t see how refusing to sell cake and flowers to gays is really “fighting the good fight” or more importantly – ANYBODY’S BUSINESS. Why or how do the vendors of any product or service get to dictate HOW the consumers of that product consume it? I bought a spoon. I could use it for eating, or I could make a ring out of it. Why does the spoon vendor care? You don’t see liquor stores refusing to sell to alcoholics and you sure as sugar won’t see McDonald’s refuse a cheeseburger to someone who really should have a salad and jog instead. Addiction and obesity are much bigger than threats to American society than gay marriage could ever hope to be. In conclusion: any gays who want to get married or have a commitment ceremony should call me up. I’ll bake you a cake in my own Christian kitchen, and my conscience won’t even bat an eye.

mer months, but calculated as whole year temperatures. Entire sets of data were submitted as having been used, but were completely left out of the calculations. In short, using the environmentalist’s own model they entered the data correctly and showed the hockey stick graph was false. (www. multi-science.co.uk ) You can’t call those who wrote and peer reviewed the hockey stick report uneducated and incompetent, because they hold PHDs in climate sciences, and are the ones quoted the most when promoting HCCC. Duplicity is what remains. Addressing the idea that sea levels are rising, I’ll refer you to images of a scientific sea benchmark over 150 years old that’s still above water… significantly so. Look up the “Isle of the dead” benchmark. (www. john-daly.com) There’s also the quaint quip about polar bears and

thin ice… I submit that Antarctic ice has grown at a rate climatologists are having trouble keeping up with and more than compensates for the missing arctic ice. Neither of these proves humans are causing the change only that change is occurring. Finally, allow me to push back against your childish and frankly bigoted remarks concerning those who disagree with IPCC, UN, and climate change/ global warming alarmists. Your intolerance to a differing opinion, and it is your opinion, along with your vitriol language and hate filled savage imagery of violence is bigotry. (check the dictionary if you are unconvinced) You behave much like a charlatan/agitator paid to incite violence or whip up a crowd on some fake nonsense. A real contender brings their opinion and the sources for the evidence for holding that opinion, not incite full, hate filled, name calling.

A great many of us have and do contribute to keeping our local community clean from volunteering to doing our part at simply picking up someone else’s discarded trash off the ground and depositing it in a garbage can. The global climate is a dynamic system under constant change, yearly, even daily. Most of us do not deny that “climate change” occurs; we disagree with the “hypothesized” cause of that change. If the paper would allow I would be happy to submit another article dealing with the ludicrous assertion that our paltry contribution of CO2 is causing an entire planetary HVAC system to overheat.

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/

Norman P. Frese

npfrese42@students.tntech.edu Mechanical Engineering

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ENTERTAINMENT tntechoracle.com

Page 5 | February 21, 2014

‘The Exes’ one of TV’s best hidden gems By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor ‘The Exes’ is one of the besthidden gems on television. I say “hidden” because it airs on TV Land and, although most people have that channel on their television guide, not everyone watches the network. I am an avid viewer of the network however. I mean, if one network is going to show reruns of ‘The Golden Girls’, ‘The Nanny’, ‘The King of Queens’, and ‘That 70’s Show’, I’m going to be there with no questions asked, but I digress. I can honestly say I laugh more each week at this show than most others on network television. Not that I don’t love and enjoy them, too, because I do, but ‘The Exes’ is very special. I really love that it is old school TV. By that, I mean it is taped in front of a live studio audience and in the multi-camera setup. It feels like a show straight out of the late 90s and early 2000s like: ‘Friends’, ‘Will and Grace’, or ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. The show is real and authentic. The hilarious and extremely talented cast all come from previous hit shows that have aired. The show stars Kristen Johnston as Holly, Donald Faison as Phil, Wayne Knight Haskell, David Alan Basche as Stuart, and Kelly Stables as Eden. The chemistry between this group is really incredible. It is fun to watch and you never know who is going to make you laugh more each week. The writing of this show is smart and very

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic

Courtesy of ‘The Exes’ Facebook page

Wayne Knight and Kristen Johnston, above, will return with the rest of the cast from ‘The Exes’ for season four in 2014.

sharp and this cast does nothing but take to the next level of greatness. I don’t want to play favorites, but I’m going to. Kristen Johnston steals most scenes for me. I find her insanely hysterical, and I have since her days on ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’. I can’t help but love her; I mean, we do share the same loud, obnoxious laugh after all and, trust me, that is not to be missed. We interact on Twitter occasionally and she’s proven to be a genuine, funny broad. She’s a real life smartass and one on the show, as well, and we (her fans) wouldn’t want her any other way. The series is ending its third season next week, and this season has been it’s best yet. The last 10 episodes of this season, Leah Remini, from ‘The King of Queens’, has been a recurring guest star and has added a freshness to the show. She plays Stuart’s tough loving,

but hilarious sister Nicki. I’m not sure if TV Land is thinking about bringing her back full time next season, but they should. Remini has been excellent in her role and really came through in the best way when Johnston had to miss a couple of episodes due to her recent diagnosis of lupus myelitis. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season set to premiere later in 2014, God willing the summer, and I hope this show continues on for many more to come. It’s really hard to put into words how original and wickedly funny the show is, so before the next season premieres take a little time to catch a replay or get caught up on the whole series. I promise you will not regret the decision, and, if you can’t laugh at this show, well, you’re dead on the inside. ‘The Exes’ airs Wednesday nights at 9/10 central on TV Land.

‘Biggest Loser’ weight loss debate

By KIMMY MANNING Entertainment Critic J a w s d ro p p e d and looks of confusion plastered the faces of “The Biggest L o s e r ” audience as 24-yearold Rachel Frederickson walked across the stage as the winner earlier this month. The looks of shock did not come from Frederickson winning the $250,000 grand prize, but rather the 105-pound frame that was accepting it. Frederickson began the show at 250 pounds, causing her new weigh-in to be a 155-pound difference. Scores of tweets, blog posts and articles started releasing negative criticism toward Frederickson’s new body as the finale aired. “I am very healthy,” she told People Magazine after being asked whether she had an eating disorder. However, this blurb of assurance did not keep social media silent. “105 pounds? 60% loss? That’s not healthy, by any definition. Hard to celebrate that.” @DietsInReview tweeted after the telecast. @CarlJeanne also tweeted critically about Frederickson’s figure, saying, “#BLFinale so disappointed in Rachel. Just unbelievable how far she took her weight loss with so many young girls

‘Endless Love’ equals endless torture Coming in fifth at the box office this Va l e n t i n e ’ s weekend is this remake of the 1981 film starring Alex Pettyfer, of ‘Magic Mike’ fame, and Gabriella Wilde. ‘Endless Love’ tells the story of Jade Butterfield, the quiet girl from school whose brother passes from cancer, and David Elliot, the misunderstood tough guy with a past. They meet after graduation and develop a perfect whirlwind romance, with one exception: she leaves for a pre-med internship two weeks after they start dating. After a lovey montage of their last two weeks together, Jade declines the internship and amplifies her father’s disapproval for David. Hugh Butterfield (Bruce Greenwood) whisks her away to their lake house for the summer and digs into David’s past, stopping at nothing to split the two lovers apart. ‘Endless Love’ may have been sold out at our local Highland 12 on Valentine’s Day, but was not an impressive love story by any means. ‘Endless Love’ starts off with an unsettling campiness that continues for the entire movie. The initial romance is forced and unbelievable, and while the chemistry between Pettyfer and Wilde eventually improves, the plot only

Courtesy of US Magazine

watching her every move.” “Rachel passed all the required medical tests ensuring she was healthy,” the show’s executive producer, Dave Broome, guaranteed—in an effort to do some public relations on NBC’s behalf. Frederickson told Entertainment Weekly, “I’ve officially found that proud, confident girl that I lost. I was an athletic, national-level swimmer, and to have that athlete

come back again, it’s just truly an amazing feeling and I’m going to embrace the new me and continue this journey,” she said. “My body is going to balance and find its way with the new maintenance and it will be perfect.” It’s a refreshing feeling to know that despite social media’s incessant nagging, Frederickson is okay with ignoring their commentary and proudly showing off her hard work.

continues to worsen. The story takes weird twists and turns and doesn’t seem to have one true direction, steamrolling over every romantic movie cliché. ‘Endless Love’ also has the strangest resolution leaving audiences unsatisfied and largely disappointed. ‘Endless Love’ doesn’t even reach guilty pleasure status. It is not even so bad that it’s good. A decent soundtrack makes the film tolerable but cannot save a bad story

with poor execution. The production is unbelievable and silly. Even if I were less bitter and cynical, ‘Endless Love’ wouldn’t be considered a decent drama. Barely grossing $13.5 million on the most romantic weekend of the year, ‘Endless Love’ failed to draw in audiences or leave a good impression. ‘Endless Love’ is rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief partial nudity, some language, and teen partying.

Bonnaroo lineup announced By TRAVIS JOHNSON Guest Critic When I first saw the lineup I was shocked, surprised, and a little bit worried. Elton John and Lionel Richie as headliners? This was certainly not what I anticipated and banked on. However, the names kept coming. And they were good. Vampire Weekend, The Avett Brothers, Skrillex, Wiz Khalifa. I took a deep breath

The picture above is not squeezed. These are Rachel’s before and after photos during her winning campaign on the 15th season of ‘The Biggest Loser’.

Courtesy of Red Carpet Crash

‘‘Endless Love’ debuted in fifth place Valentines weekend, behind other new movies ‘About Last Night’ and ‘RoboCop’.

and realized that I would indeed be attending for the third consecutive year. How could I miss Jack White or the Flaming Lips? Bonnaroo is unlike any other festival in the world. It combines legends like Elton John with up-and-coming artists of whom the majority of those 30 years or older have never heard. It is truly for the music lover who does not discriminate against genre. And then, the Yeezus bomb was dropped. Kanye West. This was a surprise to many after he was forced to performed at 4:45 a.m. after a series of delays in 2008. He soon wrote less than

flattering things about festival organizers in his blog. But now he is scheduled to return. Was I mad? Absolutely not. What’s a festival without a little controversy? And, although West may be the most egotistical human in North America, he is an extremely talented musician who puts on unforgettable live performances. All in all, I am very pleased with the lineup. Each year, I am exposed to new artists that I would have most likely never taken the time to listen to otherwise. Being forced outside of your musical comfort zone can be a beautiful thing.

SPORTS

tntechoracle.com

Page 6 | February 21, 2014

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Final stretch of games key for postseason berth By SAM OMACHONU Beat Reporter

Jamal Ferguson | The Oracle STRONG TAKE - Junior guard Diamond Henderson drives into the lane during Monday night’s contest against the Lady Colonels of Eastern Kentucky. Henderson scored her 1000th point as a Golden Eagle during the game but Tech would fall 74-70.

First half struggle too much for Golden Eagles By ALLISON BOSHEARS Beat Reporter

The Lady Golden Eagles fell to Eastern Kentucky on Monday night in one of the last Ohio Valley Conference Eastern Division games. The Colonels shot the ball well in the first half going 6-8 from behind the arc. Tech struggled to make field goals shooting just 33 percent but did make 8-11 free throws. EKU led Tech by 10 at the break. The Golden Eagles were unable to overcome the first half deficit despite outscoring the Lady Colonel in the second. With 31 seconds left, Henderson hit a three, drawing the Golden Eagles to within three, but a foul in the backcourt sent the EKU’s

Michaela Hunter to the line. She sank them both and pushed the lead back to five. Parson then scored a quick layup, but Tech was never able to get the ball back. “We don’t need to be playing catch up for the whole game,” said freshman guard Catherine Taylor. “I’m disappointed, but we need to put two halves together.” Junior Diamond Henderson led the Golden Eagles with 28 points. Henderson broke the 1,000-career point mark late in the first half after knocking down a corner three. She would end the night with 1,018 points, becoming the 27th player in Tech history to join the 1,000-Point Club. Hannah Goolsby and Candace Parson both would

end the night in double digits, as well. Kayla Brewer pulled down 16 boards, a career single game high and four blocked shots. Eastern Kentucky had four players in double digits with leading scorer, Marie Carpenter finished with 25. “I have complete confidence in our student-athletes and coaches to finish the regular season strong and make a run at the OVC Championship in the tournament,” said Wilson. With only three remaining conference games before the tournament, Tech will be off until the Feb. 24 when they will play Southeast Missouri State at 7:00 p.m. in the Hooper Eblen Center in their final home game of the season.

RUGBY

Victory in regular season finale leads to tournament play A hard fought win against Covenant College secures a second place spot for Tech in the Dixie Conference. Conference playoffs set for March 1. PRESS RELEASE

The Tennessee Tech Rugby Club traveled to Chattanooga Saturday to face off with Covenant College in the final matrix match-up of the regular season in the East Division of the Dixie Rugby Conference. Though the game was a tight one most of the way Tech pulled out a close 20-19 win over Covenant. This win secures second place in the East Division of the Dixie Conference and

qualifies Tennessee Tech to advance to the Conference play-offs to be hosted by MTSU March 1st and 2nd. After 26 minutes of sloppy muddy action Covenant College scored but missed the conversion taking a 5-0 lead in the game. Tech received a penalty kick at about the 22-meter line. Warren Clapp’s kick attempt was good and at the half the score was 5-3. At the 57 minute mark of the game Tech would score again. The point after at-

tempt by Clapp was good to put Tech ahead 10-5. At 70 minutes, Covenant score and the convert to retake the lead 12-10. Tech would answer with a score of its own, this time by Scrumhalf Clapp, but the conversion was no good. Captain Miguel Lastres would run in the last score for Tech to push the lead to 20-13. Covenant would score late but a missed conversion would seal the victory for Tech.

The Golden Eagle men’s basketball team is heading into the final stretch of its season, looking to finish strong going into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. The team is currently 6-6 in conference play, and has won three of its four games this month. Tech currently sits in fourth place of the OVC East Division and has an overall record of 13-14. With the tournament looming, the team is looking to finish this month off strong with games against UT-Martin, Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky, and Morehead State. “We need these wins to basically be in the tourna-

ment,” said senior guard Jeremiah Samarrippas. “So, we‘re going into these matchups as must wins. In order for us to finish strong and be prepared for the tournament, we have to be more focused and in tune during practices and scouting reports here on out.” In its previous matchups, Tech defeated Jacksonville State and Eastern Kentucky but suffered its first lost this month to Morehead State last Saturday night. They bounced back with a 9183 win over UT-Martin on Thursday. Samarrippas led the Golden Eagles with a double-double, 20 points, going almost perfect from the free throw line 7-8, and 10 assists. Senior forward Dennis

Ogbe had 17 points while junior center Dwan Caldwell scored 11 and sophomore guard Josiah Moore finished with 10. Javon Mckay also added had seven assists on the night. Tech will host Jacksonville State at home on the Feb. 22 for senior night. The boys will wrap their season up with two road games on the following Thursday, Feb. 27 at Eastern Kentucky in a doubleheader with the women’s team and first of March against Morehead State. Saturday night’s game can be watched on WCTE Channel 7 or via webcast on the OVC Digital Network at 7 p.m. The game will also be available to listeners on 106.1.

Jamal Ferguson | The Oracle SETTING UP THE OFFENSE - Senior guard Jeremiah Samarrippas brings the ball up court in an earlier contest against the UT Volunteers.