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Volume 96 | Issue 13 | Free in single copy | February 22, 2013
SGA President, student ejected from game following altercation By MEREDITH PAINTER Beat Reporter Tech students Michael Cox of Sigma Chi and SGA President, Lee Gatts of Phi Delta Theta, were kicked out of an intramural basketball game Jan. 30 for fighting. The intramural basketball game between Sigma Chi and Phi Gatts Delta fraternities got heated and a punch was thrown by Gatts during play. The scoreboard was 38-11 with Sigma Chi. Cox, Sigma Chi forward, brought the ball down the court, releasing the ball to a teammate. “I was dribbling down the sideline and I turned my back up to the top of the key,” Cox said.
“The guy came up and bumped me out of bounds continuously. I guess that’s his form of defense.” Lee Gatts, Phi Delta Theta defensive player said, “Both teams were playing competitively and realized Cox the referees weren’t calling very much for either side. I really didn’t think there was much of a situation.” Spectator Justin Handley said, “Cox threw his hands up after he released the ball motioning for the foul to be called by the ref, but nothing ever got called.” Cox said both referees were inexperienced and had not been making calls the entire game. “Gatts gave me a nudge in the back so I turned around and shoved him back. He pushed me
Student reports BB gun drive-by shooting attempt By APRIL GILBERT Beat Reporter A Tech student was the victim of a drive-by shooting with a BB gun near New Hall South Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. According to the police report, the student noticed an older model, fourdoor, small car with four college-aged
again and I stumbled into the Phi Delta sideline,” Cox said. “While I was turned around trying to get out of the Phi Delta circle it was said that he threw a punch at me, but I didn’t see it.” Handley said, “After Cox got out of the Phi Delta sideline, Gatts threw a punch right at him and missed.” “Cox tensed up but didn’t go after him because by that time they were already breaking everything up.” Both Cox and Gatts were ejected from the game and Phi Delta was given a technical foul for the push and thrown punch. Intramural employee Jake Reel officiated the game. “It was a situation that escalated due to competitiveness. The intramural staff and student employees handled the situation incredibly well,” he said. Gatts said that he believed the situation to have been dealt with.
students in it crossing in front of New Hall South. The occupant of the vehicle then stuck a toy pistol with an orange barrel tip out of the window and began firing at the student. The occupant starting laughing and drove off, the report said. Donna White, administrative associate for the Tech police, said the case is considered aggravated assault. “Simple assault is just when you use your hands. If you have to go to
Twitter/@blakeaallison
Word of the incident traveled by social media. Tech student Blake Allison’s tweet was retweeted by four people.
“I believe this may be an example of an ant hill trying to be a mountain but there really wasn’t any kind of situation,” Gatts said. “All players from both teams have been cleared to play all intramural sports.” The fight received social media attention from several members of the student body. Blake Allison, student, tweeted “@TNTechSGA president Gatts throws punches while playing intramural basketball game” after hearing of the “al-
most fight.” Allison said that he was blocked by the SGA’s Twitter account after the tweet was published. “I wasn’t the only one to get blocked,” said Allison. “Half of intramural got blocked by the SGA account for tweeting about the incident.” Sigma Chi ended the game with a 30-point victory and both players are considered in good standing with Tech’s Intramural at this time.
the hospital it becomes aggravated. And because they used a weapon, it’s an aggravated assault,” White said. She also said the victim would have to press charges since the police were not present at the time of the incident. Officers are still looking for the car. According to the report, the car is a small, four-door, older model car with a bike rack on the top and a Tennessee license plate.
$3.5 million renovation makes way for Global Hall By BISKIE HOLMAN Beat Reporter Residence halls M.S. Cooper and Pinkerton are undergoing extensive renovations to upgrade mechanical and plumbing systems in order to house students August 2013. Built in the late 1960s, the halls house 180 people and have never had renovations. “We’re really excited about the changes taking place. Students will get to enjoy the renovated facilities, but they still get to interact with each other in the halls and common areas,” DeLayne Miller, project manager of Facilities and Building Services said. The renovations include but are not limited to include: removing asbestos materials, replacing the Heat Vent Air Conditioning system, renovating the bathrooms, replacing interior doors, as well as updating flooring and furniture in offices, common areas and resident rooms. In addition to these renovations, space in the residence hall will be renovated to accommodate a new learning area, Global Village. “The plan is to rename M.S. Cooper and Pinkerton Global Hall,” said Charles Macke, president of Residential Life. Global Hall will house international students and American students who want to live with international students. “Roughly one-third of the space will be for returning international stu-
Brittany Stovall
Student Jennifer Nordhoff collects her printed papers at the library. Student printing allowance have been increased from $25 to $30 per semester.
ITS increases print allowances By JORDAN KERLEY Beat Reporter
Jake Threet
Chad Zinchini walks past the fenced off M. S. Cooper Hall while it undergoes renovations slated at $3.5 million. dents. The other two-thirds will be for new international students and American students who are interested in being involved with the Global Village and international students,” Macke said. Tennessee Board of Regents approved the renovations in advance to allow the University time to appropriate funding and commission the project.
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Commissioning is done by third party design to ensure that the new building systems meet the owner’s needs, and the safety guidelines for a lower cost. Within the next seven years, the campus’s master plan includes renovating all seven residence halls. Each renovation costs approximately $3.5 million and will take one to two semesters for completion.
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Information Technology Services has increased students printing allowance from $25 to $30 per page due to the amount of money that has been saved since the Pharos printing system has been implemented. This semester, students have an increase in the amount of papers they can print and a decrease in the cost per page to print. “In 2010 ITS was supplying 71 cases of paper and 28 toners per month to the labs around campus,” Annette Littrell, director of academic and client technologies, said. “Now there has been a decrease in use for paper and toner and for the fall semester only 38
cases of paper and 13 toners per month were supplied which means consumption has been cut almost in half.” Last semester students were paying 10 cents per one-sided copy, and 15 cents per double-sided copy but with the new printing allowance, students will pay 8 cents for one sided-copy and 13 cents for doublesided copy. “If students take advantage of double-sided printing, they will see a significant increase in the number of sheets they can print,” Littrell said. “Last semester students could print about 330 pages before exceeding the quota, and this semester students should be able to roughly double the amount of pages they can print.”
See “Allowance,” page 6
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NEWS Page 2 | February 22, 2013
CRIME BRIEFS: - Feb. 7- 7:00 Classification: Drug/Narcotic Violation Location: New Hall North (Sidewalk) Disposition: Closed. No Suspects or witnesses Notes: Small bag of marijuana was found and turned into Tech Police. Evidence sentenced to destruction. - Feb. 10 - 4:46 Classification: Drug/Narcotic Violation Location: New Hall North (Dorm room) Disposition: Closed. Reffered to Dean of Students Notes: None. - Feb. 11 - 5:00 Classification: Theft from motor vehcile Location: University Services Building (USVC) (Parking Lot) Disposition: Open Case. Notes: Vehicle left unlocked. - Feb. 11 - 4:00 Classification: Theft from building Location: Fittness Center (Locker Room) Disposition: Open Case. Notes: Locker left unlocked. - Feb. 14 - 4:30 Classification: Burglary/Breaking & Entering Location: Browning (Dorm room) Disposition: Open Case. Notes: Resident left room unlocked. - Feb. 17 - 2:27 Classification: Liquor Law Violation Location: New Hall South (Lobby) Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested. Notes: None. - Feb. 18 - Not Available Classification: Theft from building Location: Dunn (Laundry room) Disposition: Open Case. Notes: Theft of chairs. - Feb. 18 - 9:45 Classification: Intimidation Location: Crawford (Parking lot) Disposition: Closed. Refferred to Dean of Students Notes: None. - Feb. 15 - Not Available Classification: Destruction/Damage/ Vandalism Location: Jobe (Parking Lot) Disposition: Open Case. Notes: 2 TTU Department vans- Driver’s side rear ire flattended.
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SGA moves to improve communication events
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By CASEY WOODARD Beat Reporter
Two new bills were presented and voted on at the SGA meeting Feb. 12 including an act to open the entrances of New Hall South and another to inform students about events via text message. SGA senator, Jordan Meador presented the idea to remove the blocks at the New Hall South entrances. “The removal of the blocks would mean easier access for student drop off and unloading along with better fire safety,” Meador said. Students that park in front of the building would have a time limit of one hour. Former President Bell initially blocked the two entrances because students were using the area as parking for extended periods of time. SGA senator, Nathan
February
22 All Day Tennessee Collegiate Honors Conference Nursing Building 3 p.m. Baseball vs. Niagara University Alyssa Adkisson Members of the Student Government Association meet during a general assembly on February 12.
Cole proposed the second bill to involve a text message system similar to the current Rave alert system. The new system would inform students of all events taking place every day including athletic events, fraternity and sorority activities, cultural events, etc. “Students would sign
up on their own and pay on their own. A possibility for this system might be giving students a way to customize what kind of events they receive information about,” SGA President, Lee Gatts said. Both bills were voted on and passed by a majority vote.
Counseling Center gears up to combat eating disorders By ELISSA LONGFELLOW Beat Reporter
“Everybody Knows Somebody” is the theme for this year’s National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, NEDA. According to a 2004 survey conducted by Princeton University Health Services, 30 percent of college students have or will experience with eating disorder symptoms during their college years. Eating disorders are a growing problem for college students, and raising awareness is important to the University. The Counseling Center will set up an interactive display on the first floor of the RUC and the fitness center Feb. 25- 29. The Counseling Center teamed up with the School of Human Ecology to present a workshop for NEDA week Feb. 28 at 11a.m. in the Tech Pride Room. The workshop will be lead by senior nutrition students who will explore weight loss and eating disorder issues. “The media sets a standard that normal, real people will never achieve,” Christina Mick, assistant director of clinical services, said. There are a number of various factors that may lead to eating disorders, however, the growing prominence of
the media and their narrow definitions of beauty remain among the most likely causes. It is important to recognize the possible warning signs of someone suffering from an eating disorder. Some typical warning signs are dramatic weight loss, preoccupation with weight and food, excessive diuretic or laxative use, withdrawal from usual friends or activities, digestion problems, and throat issues or complications. “Eating disorders are real, and they come in all shapes and sizes. I think it’s important for friends to recognize the issue and seek professional help for their loved one,” Candice Allen, counseling center graduate assistant said. Those suffering from an eating disorder can benefit from having supportive friends who are willing to provide them with resources, encouragement and avoid being judgmental. The Counseling Center is always available to assist students with any concerns. Please visit room 307 in the RUC or the Counseling Center’s website to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions regarding NEDA week, visit the National Eating Disorder Awareness website for more information.
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OPINION
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Page 3 | February 22, 2013
Ask yourself this: ‘Why am I really here?’ KRISTY HARDIN Opinion Editor
With the semester in full swing and midterms less than a month away, the importance of studying is really hitting home. Most of us can agree that studying occurs outside the classroom, in the form of papers, projects, and worksheets. For some, studying and learning occur inside the classroom, as well. Today’s society has taught us that we have rights, and the rights of an individual are paramount to anything else on earth. While I can certainly identify with this philosophy, when it comes to my education, I’m forced to disagree. Yes, spending thousands of dollars on tuition money entitles people to any education they want. Yes, ultimately and in the long term, the only person you hurt if you do not learn is you. But when those texting distracts those of us who appreciate the financial sacrifices it took to get us here–when it disrespects the teachers who are dedicated to educating in order to provide a better tomorrow, then we’ve got a problem. Some students may only be here because it’s an escape from mommy and daddy’s rules. They may only be here because it allows them to stay out all night partying with no real consequences. That’s their
prerogative. Do you want to know why I’m here? I’m here because no one in my family has ever gone beyond a four-year college, and I’m one of only two who has completed that. I’m here because I want to not only provide for my family and myself. I want to help others in the process. I cannnot accomplish that without having a master’s degree. The glaring screen and clicking keys, can’t stop me from getting a degree and the most quality education my tuition can afford. As a hearing- and currently vision-impaired student, my teachers and classmates who are speaking need my undivided focus in order for me to understand concepts and discussions. When my peripherals, vision or hearing, pick up on something aside from normal classroom behavior, it causes me to have a “squirrel moment” to identify it and recognize if it’s something worth paying attention to. When I see that it’s just some inconsiderate oaf on a cell phone, not only am I distracted, I’m “ticked off” that I lost those precious seconds of information from my professor, information that could have been valuable for personal growth and academic tests. Students want to keep using their phones
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Thanks to technology, cheating, passing notes, and distracting others is easier than ever.
in class, that’s fine. If posting on Facebook, playing Words with Friends or texting your boyfriend/girlfriend, so important do us both a favor and just stay home. By bringing it to class, my time, the professor’s, and also your own is wasted, and Heaven forbid class distracts from what’s really important, right? Now, I know the argument can be made that cell phones can access the internet,
thereby allowing students to do more indepth research as quickly as Tech’s internet connection will allow. You can also tell me that having the calculator on your phone allows you to complete simple computations without dragging around a bulky TI-85. But like a popular sign addressed from a teacher aimed at texting students, “I know when you’re texting in class. Seriously, no one looks down at their crotch and smiles.”
Zero-tolerance policy leaves students wondering who’s bullying whom SARAH DINGWALL Assistant Opinion Editor
“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent -- the Lord detests them both.” Proverbs 17:15 (New International Verson) Under Tennessee schools’ current zero-tolerance policies, any student involved in a fight at school faces disciplinary action. This means that the student being abused, even if they don’t fight back receives the same or worse disciplinary action as the abuser or attacker. Students in Tennessee schools are not allowed to physically defend themselves when other students start to physically abuse them, but I as an adult, can defend myself when another adult starts to abuse me. I believe this is a double standard. How is it wisdom to punish the innocent? Punishing a student who did nothing to provoke a fight is not fair. It is not biblical either. State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, R-Lancaster, and State Sen. Reginald Tate, D-Memphis, are sponsoring the student self-defense bill, which would eliminate the notion of zero-tolerance and allow
THE
students to fight back in defense of themselves or to step in and fight in defense of a fellow classmate without fear of punishment, according to WSMV.com. “A quick-tempered person does a foolish thing,” Proverbs 14:17 (NIV) Sometimes a fight will break out and it is because one student is just looking to start trouble. Teachers know these students because they see them roaming the halls with that look about them that says “try me.” As soon as the teacher turns around that student picks the kid right in front of them and starts a fight that will land him in out-of-school suspension along with the other kid who did nothing but be in the right place at the wrong time. “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 (NIV) If soldiers do what it takes to avoid a fight but have to defend themselves by fighting back, or they stand up to the bully who started the fight, they are called a hero. Is it not the same thing when one student stands up to another
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No matter who instigates it, all parties in a fight are guilty, according to current zero-policy statutes in Tennessee.
in defense of another classmate? I propose that we need to start empowering students to stand up to the bullies who just want to fight and drag more people down with them, for misery loves company. We need to encourage them to take a stand without fear of disciplinary action. I am not saying we should allow them to start fights or promote fighting in schools, but I am saying that we need to empower
the good students to find peaceable solutions. Just like with the military, they do try to seek peaceable solutions to avoid conflict. “The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.” Proverbs 21:8 We are innocent until proven guilty and I truly believe we all have a right to protect ourselves. Instead of looking to just lay the blame at the feet of both parties in a fight, I suggest teachers, admin-
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istrators and students, take into consideration all possible avenues for why the fight started in the first place. Who knows, the one who started the fight could have been the original victim because they were the one being bullied. Bullying is the real problem here. Are we even paying attention to the signs? I was a victim of bullying in high school and if I could have I would have fought back with all that was in me. But I was the passive student who tried to handle it on my own and, when it went to far, I finally went to the people in charge who should have been paying attention, but weren’t. Not everyone is brave enough to fight back on his or her own and students shouldn’t have too. But I will stand and applaud the one who stands up to the bully and fights for the ones who cannot. I want this problem fixed now. In the future, I will encourage my children to fight back. Walking away from a problem doesn’t make it go away, it only makes it worse. The situations in our schools will not get better until legislation is passed to get rid of the “zero tolerance” bill. If I can defend myself as an adult, why can’t students to do the same? Turning the other cheek doesn’t and can’t apply when dealing with bullies.
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SPORTS Page 4 | February 22, 2013
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This Weekend’s Sports Lineup Feb. 22
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Tech senior Judd Dillard posterizes an opponent in a recent game at the Eblen Center. Dillard and the Golden Eagles will take on the Kangaroos of UMKC Feb. 23 in the Ramada Worldwide BracketBuster and it is also long time Tech tradition “Blizzard” game.
Forecast calls for ‘Blizzard’ on Saturday By CALLEN HARRELL Beat Reporter Tech’s men’s basketball team looks to bounce back with a “Blizzard” Saturday after back-to-back OVC losses against Eastern Kentucky University and More-
head State University last week. “When you play good offensive teams, they’re going to score no matter how good your defense is,” head coach Steve Payne said. “If we don’t take care of the basketball our chances of winning go way down.”
Both games went into halftime with just a threepoint difference in the score. EKU outplayed the Golden Eagles in the second half and took advantage of a late flagrant foul call against junior guard Dennis Ogbe. The final score was 80-69. The Morehead State game was a low-scoring affair that came down to the wire with Tech falling short 65-63. The Golden Eagles will look to avenge these losses at home this weekend against the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the Ramada Worldwide Bracket-Buster game. “The bracket-buster game allows us to play on national television which we don’t get to do very often so that’s always fun,” senior forward, Terrell Barnes, said. UMKC is coming to Tech looking for a win to solidify their trip to the NCAA basketball tournament. However, The Hoop’s forecast is featuring some “inclement weather” that may hinder
the Kangaroos’ chances. The “Blizzard” is a tradition, which started in 1984 when students celebrated the first successful shot made by the Golden Eagles in a basketball game against Middle Tennessee State University by throwing showers of “Tech Squares” [toilet paper] into the air. Since MTSU has moved to the Sun Belt Conference, the “Blizzard” is now performed against Austin Peay State University and games of big significance, such as a bracket-buster. “The ‘Blizzard’ is a fun way for the fans to get involved with the game,” said Senior Forward Terrell Barnes. “It also gives us a little psychological advantage for the next couple of possessions which is always good.” The game starts at 7 p.m. Saturday with the “Blizzard” occurring shortly after tip-off. The Golden Eagles will remain at home for the rest of the season with games against Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State.
Baseball opens season with two wins and two losses By DREW HASTON Assistant Sports Editor
Senior Austin Wulf drills pitch for a double in the Golden Eagles first win of the season on Feb. 16 over Illinois. Tech took the series 2-1.
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Weekly Roundup
Matthew Hill
The Golden Eagle baseball team split their first four games of the season with two wins and one loss against Illinois over the weekend, and a 12-1 loss to Lipscomb Tuesday afternoon. The game against Lipscomb (4-1) was highlighted by a ten-run fifth inning for the Bisons. “Big innings kill you,” head coach Matt Bragga said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re playing the best team in the country, the worst team in the country or somebody in between, you have to make them earn their runs. We didn’t do that in the fifth.” In the inning, the Golden Eagles gave up three walks, a hit batsman and an error.
This week’s sports stories at a glance
Womens basketball tied for second in division with three games left in regular season Tech women’s basketball team returns from their weekend road trip with a big win and close lose in Ohio Valley play. The Golden Eagles started the weekend on a strong note with an 84-70 win at Morehead State University Saturday Feb.16. Tech finished the game shooting 50 percent from the field and out rebounding their opponents 43 to 25. Leading the way for Tech was junior guard Diamond Henderson, who finished with 26 points. Strong contributions from senior guards Jala Harris and LaShay Davis, who finished with 13 and 10 respectively, helped Tech on their way to victory. Another strong point for the Golden Eagles was sophomore forward T’Keyah Williams, who finished with her second straight double-double on the season. Her 11 points and 13 rebounds effort helped Tech keep deficit large all game. The second contest took place Monday night against Eastern Kentucky University. Despite strong performances again from Henderson and Williams, who both finished with double digits, the women’s team was never able to get ahead after falling behind early. Tech struggled from the field, in comparison to other games, shoot only 37.9 percent. The loss leaves Tech tied for second place in the Ohio Valley
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Lipscomb was able to send 14 batters to the plate. “Beyond the fifth, Nick Price pitched well the first four innings,” Bragga said. “Baugh (Garrett) kind of fell on hard luck. He had a couple of ground ball base hits that rolled through, and as a coach, I can’t be upset with that. Its just part of the game.” Bragga said that the offense needed to do a better job of “working their plan” saying that the hitters needed to be more patient and work the counts more. The Golden Eagles did take the series against Illinois (2-1) last weekend, with one of their two wins coming off of a walk-off home run from junior Brandon Thomasson. Tech battled back for their two wins in the series after dropping the first one, 13-2.
The two wins were both one run wins for the Golden Eagles with a 6-5 win Saturday and a 7-6 win on Sunday. “Last Friday’s game reminded me of Tuesday’s,” Bragga said. “What our guys were able to do on Saturday and Sunday was understand that we need to throw more strikes, we need to play better defense, we need to have more patient at-bats.” “I believe in our guys,” Bragga said. “I believe with all my heart that we’ll rectify those issues that we’ve shown in two of our first four games.” The Golden Eagles will look to bounce back in the win column as they open a three game series against Niagra University (0-4) Friday at the Averitt Baseball Complex at 3 pm.
Conference’s eastern Division with the Belmont Bruins. In order for the team to capture the number one seed for the conference tournament, they must win their last three remaining games of the season. “The last three games are very important,” reserve junior guard Christina Caddy said. “Playing SEMO and Eastern Kentucky back to back will be tough on us. This is a critical part of the season and these games should put us in the position we need to be in come the OVC Tournament.” The women’s Golden Eagles go back on the road next Monday to take on Southeast Missouri State before wrapping up the season with two home games against Easter Kentucky and Morehead State.
Golden Eagle softball at .500 headed into third weekend tournament
The Golden Eagle softball team went even on the weekend, going 2-2 at the Kennesaw State Classic Tech capitalized on their chances Saturday, beating both Liberty and Mercer. The Golden Eagle offense was strong, finishing the day with 13 runs on 20 hits. “Saturday we did a good job of not letting the conditions effect us,” said sophomore pitcher Taylor Ketchum. “We are working on staying in the game and not letting outside factors take us out of the game.” The game went back and forth between Tech and Liberty forcing the game into extra innings. The Golden Eagles were able to exploit Liberty’s defense, scoring seven runs to win the game in the eighth inning. “We kept the momentum going into the next game on Saturday,” said freshman Madison Taylor. “We were working together and everything was falling into place.” The tides turned for Tech on Sunday however, falling to both Ball State in five innings and host Kennesaw State. “We got down the first game on Sunday,” said first year coach Bonnie Bynum. “In the second game even though we didn’t win I thought we played hard and focused. We just didn’t get the hits when we needed it.” The team was unable to come back against Kennesaw State and suffered a tough loss with a score 3-0. “The biggest thing was that we weren’t ready to play, so hopefully they will come out this weekend and be ready.” The Golden Eagles return to Tennessee this upcoming weekend at the Frost Classic in Chattanooga. They will play in five games against Northern Kentucky, Niagra, Miami (Ohio), Missouri State, and Ohio. This week’s Weekly Roundup features stories from Beat Reporters Sam Omachonu and Emily Homan
ENTERTAINMENT tntechoracle.com
Page 5 | February 22, 2013
Awards season recap, Academy Awards predictions By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor Sunday, Feb. 23 is the 85th Annual Academy Awards and the outcome is anybody’s guess. The last two months actors have dressed up and got prepared for award show after award show. Sunday, Feb 24 is the granddaddy of them all and the biggest achievement an actor can reach in his or her career. Top films nominated in this year’s slew of awards include: “Silver Linings Playbook”, “Django Unchained”, “Lincoln”, “Les Misérables”, “Zero Dark Thirty”, and “Argo”. The Critic’s Choice Movie Awards was the first to begin the awards season followed by the Peoples Choice Awards. It is not a big predictor of the upper echelon of Awards Shows, but it is always a fun way to start the awards season. Next were the 70th Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the British Academy Film Awards. Some of the top awards were swept at every show, while others were not so predictable. Every award show has given us something new and predicting the Oscars is harder than usual this year. Now for the predictions, here we go. Best Picture Nominees: “Amour” “Argo” “Beasts of the Southern Wild” “Django Unchained” “Les Misérables” “Life of Pi” “Lincoln” “Silver Linings Playbook” “Zero Dark Thirty” Should win: “Lincoln” and “Silver Linings Playbook” both deserve the award because both films are incredible. If it were up to me, the latter would
ScreenRant
The 85th Academy Aawrds ceremony will take place this Sunday on ABC with presenters including: Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, John Travolta, Jamie Foxx, and the casts of “The Avengers” and “Chicago”.
win because it was such an amazing film. I really loved it and of all the movies I could have sat in the theater and watched it right over again. Will win: While deep in my heart I have hope for a silver lining upset, “Argo,” will probably claim the top prize. It has won the exact same award at every award show it has been nominated. It is not undeserving at all, but it just is not as good as others. Politics may play a part in its win as well. I am crossing my fingers for an upset, but we shall see. Best Actor Nominees: Bradley Cooper in “Silver Linings Playbook” Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln” Hugh Jackman in “Les Misérables” Joaquin Phoenix in “The Master” Denzel Washington in “Flight” Should win: Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal as Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest performances
by an actor of all time and his performance deserves this award. His acting in this movie is far and away from the rest of the competition. I will say this, however, Bradley Cooper deserves a runner-up Oscar because his performance in “Silver Linings Playbook” was excellent. Cooper had to work extremely hard to craft his performance in the film and his hard work paid off because peopel now consider him a serious actor. Although he has not received any mainstream awards for his role, there is no doubt that he is runner up for the lead actor statue. Will Win: Daniel DayLewis has swept the rest of the award shows in this category and his Academy Award collection will only get bigger Sunday. Best Actress Nominees: Jessica Chastain in “Zero Dark Thirty” Jennifer Lawrence in “Silver Linings Playbook” Emmanuelle Riva in “Amour”
‘Beautiful Creatures’ lacks any magic By LINDSEY GORE Entertainment Critic “Beautiful Creatures” tries to be a Romeo and Juliet romance film with a supernatural twist, with the key word being “tries.” Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich) spends his time reading banned books and counting down the days until he can run away to college and escape his small, Bible belt town in South Carolina. Lena (Alice Englert), the niece of a wealth hermit whose family founded the town, moves to town and Ethan’s life is suddenly exciting. Everyone but Ethan is weary of Lena because her family is rumored to be a bunch of devil worshippers. Ethan is unfazed by these rumors and quickly befriends and just as quickly sweeps Lena off her feet. Lena admits to Ethan that her family has magical powers and that when she turns 16 she will either be claimed by dark or light magic. Ethan takes the news with a shockingly cavalier attitude, but the situation quickly takes a turn for the worst. ‘Beautiful Creatures’ tries too hard to be Romeo and Juliet and Gothic without any type of balance. The sap of the romantic scenes paired with Lena’s magic comes across as tacky. There is this almost fascinating gawky gaudiness reminiscent of “Twilight” about the film’s entire feel
Quvenzhané Wallis in “Beasts of the Southern Wild” Naomi Watts in “The Impossible” Should win: Jennifer Lawrence gave a dazzling and stunning performance in “Silver Linings Playbook” and it was her best performance to date. Previously being nominated for Winter’s Bone, Lawrence is not a stranger at the awards. At twenty-two years old, she is only beginning what looks to be one impeccable career, but her time has come and deservingly so. Will win: Throughout the awards season, Lawrence and fellow nominee Jessica Chastain have been dueling it out for the top prize. Each won a Lead Actress Golden Globe for her respected film’s category, but when drama and comedy categories are combined the outcomes have been different. Chastain took home the Critic’s Choice Award, while Lawrence won the Screen Actors Guild Award. Also at the BAFTA’s,
Hannah’s must-see movies of the spring By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic
Teaser Trailer
‘Beautiful Creatures’ opened in sixth place at the box office with over 7.5 million dollars at the domestic box office.
that makes it difficult to take seriously. The film’s dialogue struggles to steer clear of cheesy lines that are awkward and unbelievable even in the world of magic. There is an awkward mesh of romantic and quirky with lines exchanged between Ethan and Lena, and any other lines are boring and lack any creative flare. Ehrenreich and Englert perform marginally better than mediocre, but supporting actors do nothing but add to the film’s already gleaming tackiness. Emma ompson’s performance
is especially disappointing. Having starred in several highly rated films such as the “Harry Potter” series, Thompson tarnishes her career a little with mediocre acting. Emmy Rossum overacts and puts too much sass into her already overwhelmingly sassy character. ‘Beautiful Creatures’ is a sad attempt at putting a magic twist on two starcrossed lovers that is fit for teenybopper eyes only. ‘Beautiful Creatures’ is rated PG-13 for violence, scary images and some sexual material.
which is the British version of the Academy awards, Emmanuelle Riva took home the top prize. Sunday only one will walk away with the statue and all my bets are in for Jennifer Lawrence. Best Supporting Actor Nominees: Alan Arkin in “Argo” Robert De Niro in “Silver Linings Playbook” Philip Seymour Hoffman in “The Master” Tommy Lee Jones in “Lincoln” Christoph Waltz in “Django Unchained” Should win: In what is the tightest race, and has been all awards season, any of these actors deserve an award for their performances in each of his esteemed films. Will win: It is very hard to make a decision in this category because all these men have won an award for his performance. Hoffman took home the Critic’s Choice Award, Waltz won the Golden Globe and the BAFTA, and Jones won the Screen Actors
Guild Award. Arkin and De Niro have not won at these bigger awards, but have plenty other accolades from their portrayals in each of their movies. I would not place odds too highly on one nominee over the other, but I am going with Waltz on this one because winning a Golden Globe and a BAFTA are a good omen for something. Best Supporting Actress Nominees: Amy Adams in “The Master” Sally Field in “Lincoln” Anne Hathaway in “Les Misérables” Helen Hunt in “The Sessions” Jacki Weaver in “Silver Linings Playbook” Should win: Again, like the best supporting actor nominees, this group of nominees is a hard win to predict. Each has proven their worth for the nomination and all have earned it. Will win: Unlike best supporting male actor, one lady has only won this race. Anne Hathaway has swept the awards season and has not lost. It is inevitable that she will win Sunday and I would take that bet all the way to the bank. We can only hope for a better speech than what she has given the last two months. No mater the outcomes on Sunday, winners will walk away with the most prestigious award an actor can receive. Those on the loosing end should notbe upset, as most will be back for another shot. As for any other predictions, whatever “Silver Linings Playbook” is nominated for I am behind it a hundred percent. I loved the movie and have seen it three times. It simply can do wrong in my mind. The Academy Awards, hosted by the hilarious Seth MacFarlane, airs this Sunday at 8/7 central on ABC.
Spring can be an awkward time for the movie industry anticipating the big summer blockbusters. Here is a guide to assist you in finding some quality films for the rest of the semester. “Oz the Great and Powerful” The film is rated PG, shows in theaters March 8. The film stars James Franco, Michelle Williams, and Mila Kunis, this prequel to the time honored classic The Wizard of Oz tells the story of how a small time magician with questionable ethics becomes the greatest wizard Oz has ever seen. “Olympus Has Fallen” This film has an R-rating, shows March 22. Ex-Secret Service man (Gerard Butler) finds himself stuck in the White House in the midst of a large-scale terrorist attack. Using his previous experience, he works with national security to save the president. The trailer features every cliché action phrase known to man, but looks like it will feature enough explosions and stunts to entertain moviegoers thoroughly. “Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor” The film is PG13-rated, showing March 29. It is the newest Tyler Perry creation about a marriage counselor
who begins an obsessive relationship with a new client behind her husband’s back. Kim Kardashian and Brandy Norwood also star in the movie. “Evil Dead” This film has an R rating and shows April 5. This is the remake of the classic horror movie where five friends in a remote cabin accidentally stumble across a “Book of the Dead” and conjure up demons in the woods. All are possessed except one, which must fight for survival.
“42” This film is rated PG 13 showing April 12 in theaters. This biopic set to release this April documents the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American man to play major league baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The movie filmed sections in Chattanooga, Tenn. where locals were invited to be extras in the film. Cookeville native Dan Fenlon landed a role as the team’s clubhouse manager Babe Hamburger. He is on the IMDB page.
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NEWS tntechoracle.com
Page 6 | February 22, 2013
THE HARLEM SHAKE, TTU STYLE
Jacqueline Atkielski
Tech ROTC students participate in an aviation training exercise Feb. 16.
ROTC students practice aviation with Black Hawks BY ALLISON MILLS Beat Reporter Two Black Hawk military helicopters descended from the sky Feb. 16 for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps aviation training exercises. The purpose of the exercise was to familiarize Tech cadets with aviation by boarding, flying and dismounting a UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopters piloted by the Tennessee Army National Guard. “It was an exciting and great experience,” cadet Sam Dixson said. “It was a very fast vehicle. It’s going about 125 mph. You feel a lot of force on you because it moves more than a plane. Some were scared.”
Dixson signed a contract with the United States Army and plans on being an officer in the infantry. The cadets were in full camouflage uniform with helmets for protection. They met up at President’s lawn, devised a mission and dispersed into the massive, earsplitting helicopters. “Most have never ridden in a helicopter, much less a military helicopter,” Major Mark Tyndall, assistant professor of military science, said. “They get to plan the air mission, execute the plan, and finish it out.” When the Black Hawk military helicopter took off the wind from the blades created enough wind to blow people backward. Tyndall said that ROTC
plans the helicopter exercise at least once a year and it is a lengthy process to get the helicopters approved for arrival. He said ROTC has to meet the requirements of and get approval from Tech, the University Police and the Tennessee Army National Guard. He also said there are other aspects considered such as mechanical malfunctions and weather issues. One helicopter had a mechanical malfunction with the starter before takeoff and did not complete the planned flight. The National Guard flew a crew out to fix the issue. This event has been rescheduled once due to fog this year. Tyndall said that it is all about visibility.
Adam Webb
President Phil Oldham and hundreds of students gather at the Hoop for the “Harlem Shake” video shoot Feb. 15. The meme has taken YouTube by storm.
>> ALLOWANCE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 According to the ITS page on Tech’s website, last semester 750,000 pages were printed by students using the Pharos Printing, and the average amount printed by all students was 86 pages. Also according to the ITS page, about 259 students had gone over quota and of those 259, half of the students prints were less
than 100 pages more. “It’s good that students have been given more money towards printing,” Tiffany O’Connor, senior, said. “Many teachers post their PowerPoints online and with the extra money it makes it easier to be able to print all the notes. It’s good that Tech is saving paper and ink from the Pharos system in hopes that students will be able to gain more money each semester for printing.”
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