The Oracle - 03/05/10

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THE

Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505

BUS

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RACLE

Volume 93 | Issue 5 | Free in single copy | March 5, 2010

s l e e on the go h wmeow meow The

Four seek Dean of Library and Learning Assistance position

meow

Part two of the CATS bus route series follows a reporter and his bike

By BRANDON JELSON Staff Writer

Much akin to the greatest hit from Queen, “Another One Bites the Dust,” I’ve added another passenger to the ranks of the formerly sparse public transportation partakers. I am now waiting for the bus with another person!

And another one on / And another one on / Another one rides the bus...

Puns aside, this bus ride is going to be different: I have a bicycle.

Pedals scraping the new bus paint, chain getting grease on the seats, bike knocking over a complete stranger, bus driver saying “No.” As these horrible images of dragging the bike into the bus begin to mentally conjure, I remember the racks on the fronts of the buses. Problem averted. I think…

Right on time, the bus pulls up to Clement Hall. Irma Meade, the driver, watches intently as I decipher the bike racks directions. I survey the mechanism and quickly come to this conclusion: if you can count to three, you can use the bike rack.

It’s simple. Pull a lever to release the rack from its storage position, put bike in the desired track, pull hook up and over front wheel. Done.

According to the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency website, “assistance is available to first time users where it is safe for the driver to exit the bus,” just in case complications arise while loading bikes.

As I load my bike, the other passenger, a foreign exchange student, boards the bus.

“I don’t have any need for a car,

COMMUNITY BULLETIN

especially not now,” the student said earlier while waiting.

I board the bus with the same curiosity as I did on my first ride.

Greeting Irma Meade again, I ask, “Have you had a bike yet?”

“Yes, I’ve had a bike on before,” Meade said, “but you’re the first passenger with one. Before [CATS] opened, [UCHRA] had us train with a bike on front to get used to it.”

After showing Meade my Eagle Card, I find a seat near the front. I note the same familiar smell coming from the blue vinyl seats. This time, one more is occupied.

“I like it so far,” the student said. “It’s nice.”

Looking around the vast interior, I see a few crumbs of dirt on the floor, a thin coat of dust on the steps, and two footprints. It’s nice to see the bus has had some passengers.

“The bus that services the campus route gets most of the traffic. This one, not so much,” Meade said. “I imagine it’s kinda tough to get the word out.”

Other exchanges (the weather, my major, current news, etc) make time pass relatively quickly. I pull the thin yellow cord to signal that I want to get off at the Jackson Plaza Shopping Center.

Taking the bike off of the rack is as simple as putting it on the rack. Making sure the rack is in its locked and upright position, I bid farewell to Irma

By EVAN TAYLOR Staff Writer

and the CATS bus.

After riding over to TJ Maxx to pick up some swimming goggles, I head back home.

Cruising down the sidewalk alongside Willow Avenue, I see one of the buses turn onto campus. Hopefully Cookeville’s new installment picks up momentum because bike riding in the winter has the potential to makes one’s face hurt.

For bus routes, schedules and more information, visit www.uchra. com/cats.

The official kick-off for CATS is March 19. Congressman Lincoln Davis will speak at Leslie Towne Center at noon to mark the occasion. The event is open to the public.

Tech addresses parking lot construction plan Eleven acres of land are slated to be converted into parking lots by Fall 2011

By JENDA WILSON Staff Writer

Parking at Tech is expected to grow by 550 spots

by Fall 2011. These new spots will occupy land on the east side of campus in the area around Prescott Central Middle School.

The Tennessee Technological University Foundation— a non-profit corporation with the purpose of providing guidance and assistance for the program of private gift support for Tech— purchased PCMS, along with the 14 acres of surrounding land, for roughly $2.6 million last fall. The University plans to purchase roughly 11 acres

of this land to convert into the new parking lots.

“Our parking isn’t as bad as a lot of places, but this new property will really make it better,” President Bob Bell said. “It should also take the pressure off of parking in the center of campus, which is really strained right now.”

The Putnam County Schools system still occupies the property—and rents it from the TTU Foundation— while it finishes construction on the new PCMS building, located where South Jefferson meets Highway 111. The PCS system will vacate at its earliest convenience.

“They haven’t set a date yet, and when we purchased it from them—this was a government purchase that hap-

pened fairly quickly” Bell said. “I assured the County School Board that the building was theirs until they occupied the new PCMS building.”

Glenn Binkley, assistant director of Facilities and Business Services, says that the county will probably move PCMS over to its new location early next spring.

Since the spring weather will probably be inclement, it may be summer before they can begin developing the property into parking lots. Binkley estimates that the University will finish this project by next fall.

“This fall and next spring will be a tough time for us on campus,” Binkley said. “The residence hall phase two will

open up without any additional parking. That hurts; but if we can make it through that year, we will really be helping by opening up this additional parking. It is extremely congested on the east side of campus, so this should be an improvement Fall 2011.”

Binkley said the estimated cost of developing the PCMS property into parking is also $1 million since there are several things that must be done to complete it: cap paving, erosion control, some grading, the replacement of old base rock and lighting, just to name a few.

The topography of the land has also proven tricky See “Prescott”, page 4

The search is on for someone to fill the new position of Dean of Library and Learning Assistance.

The Dean of Library and Learning Assistance will oversee the running of the new learning commons, scheduled to be built on the first floor of the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library.

“One of the goals of the learning commons is, from a student’s perspective, learning assistance would be seamless,” said Allan Mills, chairperson of the Search Committee for the Library Dean.

“Unfortunately, right now they’re broken up.”

Last August, a search began for a new Dean of Library and Learning Assistance, resulting in four candidates.

Each of the four candidates takes part in a twoday interview session. The first day consists of an interview with President Bob Bell; Jack Armistead, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; and Mark Stephens, Each associate vice president for Acacandidate demic Affairs. The second day is participates a public information and questionin a public and-answer session.

Q&A Mary Duffy, interviewed last week, works at the University of session.

Texas El Paso library as head of their library information resource services.

Douglas Bates is the university librarian at Brigham Young University-Hawaii. His interview took place earlier this week.

Eloise Hitchcock is the associate library director at Western Carolina University and previous library director at Cumberland University. Her interview finishes with her public question-andanswer session today.

Rachel Galan is associate director for library services at the Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Her interview will take place after Spring Break, on March 22 and 23.

The public information and question-and-answer session for each candidate takes place on the morning of the second day of their interview in Room 260 of the School of Nursing and Health Services Building. These sessions are open to the public, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to come.

After each candidate has been interviewed, the Search Committee for the Library Dean will meet to make recommendations to Armistead.

“We hope to have the new library director in place by the end of the semester,” Mills said.

>> Poll of the week What are you doing over spring break?

32%

32% Going home

Going on a vacation

0% 5%

32% Other Staying on campus

Going on a mission trip

The Oracle returns in print and online on March 26. Have a relaxing Spring Break!

IN THIS EDITION Townsend takes on PETA Those Darlins rock the Backdoor Playhouse - Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT

Tech advances to OVC semifinals

- Page 2

- Page 5

SPORTS

OPINION

FRIDAY FORECAST SUNNY HIGH 47, LOW 25

OPINION

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Page 2 | March 5, 2010

Don’t waste your spring break getting wasted EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor

I’ll be honest. The only thing getting me through this past week was the reminder that spring break was only days away. I’m in need of a week of relaxation.

I’m sure most of you will be flocking to destinations so famous for spring break that MTV devotes a whole week to broadcasting from the beach. Panama City alone draws more than 400,000 college students to its shore every year. No doubt there will be a lot of underage and excessive drinking.

When you put thousands of scantily-clad college students together, there is going to be partying, but why does it have to be excessive and dangerous?

According to the Journal of American College Health, during spring break, the average male reported drinking 18 drinks per day and the average woman reported 10 drinks per day. That’s every day. For a week. How can anyone so intoxicated make clear decisions?

It’s called getting wasted, because (duh) you are wasting your body, your mind, and your morals.

But this isn’t about warning you against the harmful effects of alcohol. I’m sure you’ve heard all that before.

Rather, I wonder what kind of society we live in that views binge drinking as an acceptable pastime.

If someone came out to be and flat out said, “I don’t like being able to think clearly, and I am going to use my

spare time to make myself black out and forget what I did.” I would think that person is stupid, immature, and probably in need of some sort of counseling.

But excessive alcohol use is not uncommon amoung young adults. In fact, it seems to be the expected norm.

About 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth under the age of 21 years in the United States is in the form of binge drinks, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

And about half of all binge drinkers are in the 18-21 age group. Is getting wasted actually enjoyable or is it just a form of rebellion to a drinking age much higher than our European counterparts?

“Gee, I’m going to drink so much, I lose all my inhibitions and reasoning skills, dehydrate my body, vomit, harm my liver, pass out, and not remember any of it only to wake up with a massive headache the next day. That’ll show everyone I’m an adult.”

No it won’t, but it will prove to lawmakers that adults 18-21, who have the rights to vote, rent, marry, serve in the military, etc., do not have the brain functions to use alcohol appropriately. To respond to these adults who can’t act like adults, lawmakers are forced to spend time and money fighting against the underage drinking and binging culture.

Even with programs trying to stop binge drinking by providing information,

students are going to act irresponsibly, especially during spring break when surrounded by thousands of other high school and college kids who converge only to get plastered and have sex.

Binge drinking should be exposed as exactly what it is (a self-harming, irresponsible action) instead of a rebellious rite of passage.

Lowering the drinking age to 18 would make drinking less of an alluring taboo.

Then students might drink only as much as they can handle.

The 1920s is known for its flowing liquor and speakeasies. Why? Because it was illegal.

Why is spring break known for excessive drinking? Because underage drinking illegal, and binge drinking is risqué.

I’m not saying a lowered drinking age will cure the problem of binge drinking completely, but I believe it would reduce the number of college students who chose to drink excessive amounts at a time.

Spring break can still be a fun, relaxing vacation with friends. There can even be alcohol involved. But it has to be used responsibly or more people are going to suffer the physical effects of too much alcohol and the emotional effects of poor decisions made under the influence.

So I’m asking everyone to enjoy a week away from the stresses of school. But during the week, drink only to relax and enhance your good time, not to loosen your morals or reasoning, and definately not to harm your body so much you pass out.

And if you can’t drink alcohol without going too far, then you should seriously consider not drinking a

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drop and staying away from influences that encourage drinking.

We can’t afford to be a generation so eager to pass out from alcohol consumption that an entire week is devoted to the activity. Just as excessive drinking begins with peer pressure, it has to end with peer pressure too.

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Mechanical Phil makes silly holiday sillier SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

Every year on the second of February, the famous Punxsutawney Phil pops out of the ground to predict the weather for the next six weeks. Coincidentally, Groundhog Day is exactly six weeks before the first day of spring.

Regardless of how pointless the holiday is, Groundhog Day is a national tradition that rednecks and elementary school children would really miss if it were to be corrupted by crazy vegan extremists.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is trying to do just that. It recently proposed instead of using Phil the groundhog, a mechanical varmint should be created and used for this already absurd holiday.

PETA believes that the lights and noise poor, furry Phil is exposed to on this holiday is bad for him and that creating a mutant robot metal contraption made to look like Phil that will supposedly know to look at its own artificial shadow, is the

best solution.

Did I mention that Phil is kept in a climate controlled area and is probably living in better conditions than the average child raised in a middle class family?

I was a vegetarian for a long time and even I see how ridiculous this proposal is.

Have these people lost their vegan marbles? Or are they just bored of tossing blood on people wearing fur?

This is like outlawing the Easter Bunny and replacing him with a plastic rabbit.

Can’t a fuzzy little animal keep a job anymore?

The amount of money and work an engineer would have to put into making a robotic groundhog, and to make it function properly for years to come, is probably enough to feed a needy American family for quite a while. I am no engineering genius, but surely that’d be an expensive endeavor for something so utterly pointless.

Maybe every few years official groundhogs can retire

and get replaced by younger, friskier groundhogs. Phil might be tired of his “job” at this point. The world still has zoos though. Those animals get gawked at everyday and kids throw snow-cones at them every once in a while.

I don’t hear vegans crying about that nearly as often, so why is PETA so worried about this one groundhog who probably eats better than I do?

There was even a professor so inspired by this idiotic idea he made it a project in his classroom to make an animatronics groundhog.

I think there are plenty of important things on which we as Americans should be focused, such as issues in health care and technology that will save human lives, instead of the comfort of a rodent.

I’m not insinuating that we shouldn’t be nice to the little, fluffy creatures. However, the improvement of the lives of human beings is a much worthier feat.

But hey, I could say to my future grandkids “Oh, I remember way back when the groundhog was a real live groundhog!” and they could all ooh and ahh at how ancient I must be and go back to tweeting.

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CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor

SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

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Tennessee Technological University--nondiscriminatory on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities including employment and admission of students to the University as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and regulations based therein and published in CFR, part 86.

Tennessee Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

BEAT REPORTERS: Erica Betschart, Ellie Boles, Courtney Clifford, Matt Davis,

Justin Duke, Casey Elrod, Jordan Farrell, Darrel Ferris, Christina Gillim, Kayla Gulley, Karla Hammac, Hannah Harris, Ross Harvey, Lauren Huxford, Brandon Jelson, Christopher Jones, Dhir Joshi, Jonathan Kaulay, Samantha Kendall, David Lane, Gerilyn Lemons, Leasa McCall, Amber McCarty, Amanda Miller, Bailey Morgan, Aleksandr Peterson, Jonathan Pierce, Ashlee Polk, Brittney Robinson, Nicholas Rollins, Jessica Smith, Brandon Stephenson, Evan Taylor, Laura Vaught, Dakota Weatherford, Geri Anna Wilson, Jenda Wilson

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Page 3 | March 5, 2010

Counseling Center aims to shed light on binge drinking

By ASHLEE POLK Staff Writer As spring break approaches, the Counseling Center is doing their best to bring awareness to the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more alcoholic drinks in a row, on a single occasion.

“Somebody would tell us maybe 12 beers is not much, but we think it is,” Cynthia Bryant, Counseling Center assistant director said.

The Counseling Center offers a variety of ways to assist in the rec-

ognition and prevention of alcohol abuse. There are free screenings, such as e-CHUG, available on the counseling center’s page of Tech’s Web site. There are also counselors available to talk about alcohol abuse or warning signs if you think you, or someone you know may have a problem.

“If you drink two and feel like you have to have another one, that could be indicative of a problem,” Bryant said.

This year, the Counseling Center will provide information on how to have a safe spring break with tips from alcohol safety and safe sex to wearing proper sunscreen. Information tables will be set up for this

event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 through 5 on the first floor of RUC. Incentive items, funded by CHASCo, will also be given away.

CHASCo is the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities, which is a state-wide organization that provides funding for addressing alcohol and other drug related issues to several participating Tennessee colleges. CHASCo also provides Tech with funding for core surveys on these topics as well as the e-CHUG and e-TOKE applications on the Counseling Center’s page of Tech’s web site.

The e-CHUG and e-TOKE applications are designed for students to electronically answer questions and

enter information about drinking patterns or drug use, then receive feedback.

In a core survey taken in 2007, of 925 students at Tech, anonymously 83 percent said they had never missed a class due to drinking.

“Signs of a problem may be drinking more and more where you feel like you can’t quit,” Bryant said.

“Or if you feel like you have to drink more to get the same affect.”

If you feel like you or someone you know may have a problem take, the e-CHUG quiz online. If you would like a more personal approach, contact Cynthia Bryant of the Counseling Center at cbryant@ tntech.edu.

events @ tech March

06 6 p.m India Nite 2010 RUC Multipurpose Rm. Community event, $10

08 Until March 12 Spring Break No classes University offices open

15 6 p.m.

“Maybe I was lucky” Center Stage Event Volpe Library, Rm. 110

16 11 a.m.

Beach photo op First floor, RUC 7 p.m.

Immaculée Ilibagiza Center Stage Event Derryberry Auditorium All day Until March 18 Sigma Phi Epsilon Queen of Hearts

17 10 a.m.

Senior Salute Tech Pride Room, RUC

22 All day Until March 26 Kappa Delta Shamrock Project -- tntech.edu/calendar

2010 Golden Eagle Prose Writing Competition Short Story & Narrative Essay First prize: $100 Second prize: $50 Deadline: March 7 Visit the English Department for more details

online edition

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Page 4 | March 5, 2010

Women’s History Month activities coming to a close, two events left for Tech students

By BAILEY MORGAN & BAILEY DARROW Staff Writer / Copy Editor Two opportunities remain for Tech students to explore Women’s History month.

Two Center Stage productions are scheduled later this month. One event will spotlight a survivor of the brutal Rwandan genocide, who hid in a bathroom for 91 days with seven other women. The other presentation will showcase a popular women’s rights author known for her grit and frankness.

“The focus this year on various types of activ-

Prescott CONTINUED from page 1

for the University and the developers.

“The Upland Design Group, our regional architectural engineering firm, estimated that because of the way the land is tiered behind Prescott—similar to stair steps—it would take a lot of money to grade it,” Binkley said. “This means we will probably develop it into three small lots of differing heights, which unfortunately reduces the number of possible parking slots.”

Since the property is some distance from campus, the University plans to make it as convenient as possible for student utilization.

“The nearly 12 acres of parking that we will open up will be a big step forward for us,” Bell said. “At the current time we will be putting a shuttle service into that so that students will be picked up there in the parking lot and brought either over to the University Center or they can connect with the CATS bus that is running around campus.”

There will also be several of the blue emergency phones scattered around the PCMS property, as well as multiple lighting sources to help students feel safer in the remote location. President Bell also

ism not only reflects some aspects of history, but also contemporary interests and the diversity of academic fields and ways of communicating in our society,” said Gretta Stanger, Women’s Center director.

The Women’s Center, in collaboration with the National Women’s History Project and other campus organizations, recognizes this year’s theme, “Writing Women back into history.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month.

Immaculee Illibagiza will share her story of Rwandan genocide survival at 7 p.m., March 16 in Derryberry Auditorium. In

1994, 22-year-old Illibagiza hid in a bathroom with seven other women as killers hunted them with machetes. For three months, the women listened in horror as thousands of people were murdered. During this time, Illibagiza clung to her faith and found strength through constant prayer.

Illibagiza is the author of various books and speeches depicting her story as well as sharing her faith and strength. She has appeared on several television programs including “60 Minutes.”

Jessica Valenti, founder and executive editor of Feministing.com and

a young but seasoned women’s rights activist, will present “Feminism: Alive and Well?” at 7 p.m., March 23 in Derryberry Auditorium.

Valenti offers a fresh take on women’s issues and presents a new vision of feminism as she discredits common myths and stereotypes. Her focus is the future, and her wit and sense of humor endear her to younger audiences.

“Valenti draws attention to things that are in the media and pop culture that we know are there but don’t always stop to think about,” Stanger said. “Her tone is accessible, and we felt that students could

speculated that there may be a dining service, similar to Outtakes, in the building once it is renovated.

The parking lots, however, are not the only project on the University’s agenda for the PCMS property. It will be working in cooperation with the TTU Foundation to renovate and update the school’s building as well.

“Most of the costs of the purchase will be used for updating and renovating the Prescott building,” Bell said.

Surge space offers flexible space in the event that another building on campus becomes unusable due to things like immediate renovations or fires. Classes from this building would be able to resume the next day in the designated surge space.

Several offices on campus, like University Advancement and Alumni

75-year-old Tech student set to graduate

“We’ve got a lot of work to do, and the Facilities and Business Services office on campus will be mainly busy with that.

“Again, the Foundation will own the building so anything that will be done will be in cooperation with them. But their main mission is to support the University, so they are certainly going to do good things over there.”

The University hopes to preserve the history of the building—which has been around since the 1930s— while implementing it as office and surge space.

R e l a tions, will move over to the PCMS building. The TTU Foundation will have office space there as well.

“I would think that the 2011 year is when we will really ramp up the playing field for this new property,” Bell said.

The image above is the subdivision plat for the newly acquired Prescott Central Middle School building and surrounding acreage

By CHRISTINA GILLIM Staff Writer

A 75-year-old student is set to graduate in May. To Ronald Tiller of Vonore, Tenn., a degree is more than a ticket to good job; it is a vital piece that is missing from his life. He does not need a degree in order to get a well paying job, but here he is taking classes in order to walk across the stage in May. Not having a degree “has always been a burden,” Tiller said.

Tiller started his college experience at Tech over fifty years ago in 1956 majoring in animal husbandry. He continued his education here through 1960, but life happened and he ended up leaving without a degree.

Tiller and his wife have three children. His oldest son lives in Vonore with

relate to what she has to say.”

Feministing.com is an online community and blog that encourages young women to speak up for themselves and take a stand on today’s issues.

“She takes a realistic and practical view of feminism,” Stanger said.

“While acknowledging the negativity that seems to surround current notions of feminism, Valenti challenges us to rethink some of our ideas about the women’s rights movement and move forward.”

Valenti has a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies, national and international experi-

his wife and two kids.

Tiller’s daughter lives in Denver with her husband.

His youngest son lives in Houston.

Tiller’s kids grew up not knowing that their father had not finished college. He dreaded the day when they might ask him about it. Luckily for him, that day never came.

Tiller heard about the online program at Tech through the Finish-YourDegree programs article in the Visions alumni magazine that is distributed each fall. He got in contact with Jane Sipes, RODP/Distance Learning Coordinator in partnership with the school of Interdisciplinary Studies. She, along with Tammy Boles, Coordinator of Programs in the school of Interdisciplinary Studies, looked into his records and got him set up to start back to Tech in the fall of 2009.

“Tennessee Tech is

ence in women’s activist movements and is the author of “Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman’s Guide to why Feminism Matters,” “He’s a Stud, She’s a Slut...and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know,” “The Purity Myth,” and is also co-editor of the feminist anthology “Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape.”

All Center Stage events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lalani at Dlalani@tntech.edu. For more information about Women’s History Month, visit www.NWHP.org.

very important to him,” Boles said.

It was just something he had to do for himself.

“It was something that I should have done fifty years ago,” Tiller said. “Everybody that starts to college should have a degree, in my opinion.”

Tiller said he has “thoroughly enjoyed going back to the classroom and being involved with this experience.”

Tiller is “very anxious” about his graduation in May. He has even rented the ballroom at the airport Hilton in Maryville to celebrate his graduation.

“I am excited about it.

Ms. Sipes is excited about it. Everyone seems to be excited about it,” Tiller said. “I even want you to be excited about it.”

May 8

date of graduation

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SPORTS

Page 5 | March 5, 2010

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Last second shot trumps Peay, Tech takes on Morehead next

By BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor

For the first time in four years, the Tennessee Tech men’s basketball team will travel to Nashville for the semifinal round of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

On Tuesday, the No. 6 seeded Golden Eagles (15-16, 8-10 OVC) topped No. 3 Austin Peay (17-15, 11-7 OVC) in Clarksville in the opening round of the tournament by a score of 68-65.

Tech struggled early, shooting just 38 percent from the field in the first half, but made up for it in the second half, draining 19 of its 29 field goals.

The Golden Eagles trailed by four at the half and that lead was extended to eight just under seven minutes into the second half.

Sophomore Kevin Murphy scored just two points in the first 27 minutes, but then lit up the scoreboard with 16 points in the remaining 13 minutes including a game-winning 3-pointer with six seconds to play.

“We work on those things in practice and I was just looking to get to the hole, but they left me open for the three so I took it,” Murphy said. “It was my first buzzerbeater and it felt good. Their fans were all over us all night so it was nice to quiet them at the end.”

Junior Alfred Jones also put up 18 points on the night and finished with four rebounds and a pair of blocks.

“It is sweet to beat them on their home floor,” said Jones. “This shows how much we have improved since the beginning of the season. We just want to keep going.”

Senior Elijah Muhammad led Tech in rebounds with nine, all defensive, and tacked on nine points and five assists.

“The whole game I was thinking I couldn’t let this be the last game for the seniors,” said Jones. “I kept thinking about that the whole game. I love those guys. It wasn’t about me, it was about them.”

The Golden Eagles will take on No. 2 Morehead State at 8 p.m. tonight at the Bridgestone Arena (formerly the Sommet Center). Student tickets are available for $5 with a valid ID. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU. With a win, Tech would face the winner of the Murray State/Eastern Illinois game at 7 p.m. on Saturday for the championship. That game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.

“You have to play well to win and you have to earn the right to advance and we did that tonight,” said head coach Mike Sutton. “To advance again against Morehead, we will have to earn it.”

Tech is 20-39 all-time in the OVC tournament and has not won the tournament championship since the 1966-67 season.

All-OVC Awards For the first time since the inception of the All-OVC newcomer team in 1982, Tech did not have a single player named to any conference award.

Women fall in opening round of OVC tourney to Austin Peay Tech unable to overcome halftime deficit

By ERIKA BETSCHART Staff Writer

The Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team fell short to Austin Peay State University in Clarksville on Tuesday night by a score of 79-61.

The loss put an abrupt halt to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament dreams of the Golden Eagles (14-16, 8-10 OVC).

This is the first time the Golden Eagles have played the Lady Govs in the OVC tournament since 2001-02 when APSU narrowly won with a final score of 85-83.

“Austin Peay showed why they were the defending champions,” Head Coach Sytia Messer said.

“They really want to defend their title.”

Tech trailed from the beginning and could not overcome a 13-point deficit at the half. A three-point play by freshman Kellie Cook with just over 11 minutes remaining cut the lead to 12, but

Photo by Tony Marable

4th and Long

By BRANDON GOODWIN

Sports Editor bagoodwin21@tntech.edu

that’s as close as Tech could get.

The Golden Eagles were led by Cook with 18 points while sophomores Tacarra Hayes and Krystal Stirrup contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively. Hayes, who ranked second in the conference in scoring coming into the game, also tacked on eight assists.

A win was still in sight until the Govs increased their lead to 70-55 with six minutes left in the game.

Tech had to overcome being the youngest basketball team in the nation with five sophomores and six freshmen.

“We adapted well and overachieved some people’s expectaCook tions, but not our own,” Messer, in her first year at Tech, said.

Tech was selected in the preseason to finish eighth, but pulled out a sixth-place finish.

The Golden Eagles finished the season with an overall record of 14-16, the best since the 2005-06 season.

They had an overall 8-10 record in OVC play.

“We let four or five games slip away that we should have won,” Messer said.

After starting the season with a loss to Alabama, Tech rebounded with an 81-49 win over Air Force and that was all the motivation it needed.

Tech dominated in Cookeville earning an 11-3 record at the Hooper Eblen Center.

The Golden Eagles faced ranked teams, #8 Baylor and # 23 Louisville, as well as many other fierce opponents, all while battling inexperience and youth.

“No other freshman class in the country played as much as ours,” Messer said.

The future for Tech women’s basketball looks bright with a stellar recruiting class being molded by Messer and her staff.

“I’m looking forward to our players having more experience with a year under their belts,” Messer said.

All-OVC Awards Tacarra Hayes was named first-team All-OVC while Kellie Cook took home All-Newcomer honors.

2009-2010 schedule (14-16, 8-10 OVC) Nov. 5 TN Wesleyan (Exh.)W, 97-51 Nov. 13 vs. Alabama % L, 73-68 Nov. 14 vs. Air Force %W, 81-49 Nov. 17 at #8/4 Baylor L, 100-55 Nov. 22 at #23/19 Louisville L, 84-54 Nov. 28 at Middle Tenn. L, 76-39 Nov. 30 Lipscomb W, 73-65 Dec. 5 at Jacksonville St.* W, 68-59 Dec. 12 Southern Illinois W, 59-56 Dec. 19 Belmont W, 72-69 Dec. 23 at St. Louis L, 78-58 Dec. 30 Bluefield W, 94-62 Jan. 2 at SE Missouri* L, 61-56 Jan. 4 at Eastern Illinois* L, 79-68 Jan. 7 Morehead State* L, 71-63 Jan. 9 Eastern Kentucky* W, 75-47 Jan. 14 at UT Martin* L, 56-52 Jan. 16 at Murray State* L, 82-72

Tech’s Kevin Murphy attempts a dunk against Austin Peay on Tuesday.

Jan. 21 Austin Peay* W, 77-56 Jan. 23 Tennessee State* L, 65-62 Jan. 28 Eastern Illinois* L, 80-59 Jan. 30 SE Missouri* W, 59-56 Feb. 4 at Eastern Kentucky* L, 61-60 Feb. 6 at Morehead State* L, 80-45 Feb. 11 Murray State*W, 80-67 Feb. 13 UT Martin* W, 85-41 Feb. 15 at Tennessee St.* W, 76-73 Feb. 20 at Austin Peay * L, 78-70 Feb. 23 SIU Edwardsville W, 68-60 Feb. 27 Jacksonville State* W, 77-61 March 2 at Austin Peay& L, 79-61 * denotes OVC games % Texas A&M Corpus Christi Tournament & OVC Tournament All rankings are AP / ESPN / USA Today

Let me begin this week by saying that I like women’s sports: basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, etc. Sports are sports and, to me, they are all exciting—that is, within the sport.

With the recent retirement of Don Meyer, media outlets have been showing the list of all-time wins by NCAA coaches.

My problem with this is that they keep showing Pat Summit at the top of that list.

Pat Summit does not have the most NCAA coaching victories. To date, she has 873 NCAA victories.

Herb Magee has 1117. What about Don Meyer with 923 or Bob Knight with 902?

How about Dean Smith with 879 or even Adolph Rupp who had 876? Why are these men being overlooked when their numbers are clearly better? Is it because of Title IX? I’m not saying that she doesn’t deserve any credit. She does. That credit, however, needs to be for her achievements as a women’s basketball coach, not as a comparison to men’s coaches.

No, I am not sexist. Hear me out.

When Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma reaches the ranks of the elite (he is only 157 wins behind Summit and has been coaching 6 fewer years), he deserves credit, but in women’s basketball only.

Comparing coaches between sports disgusts me. To hear people saying Summit is a better coach than John Wooden should be considered blasphemy, but it is accepted.

Women’s and men’s sports are entirely different entities. Comparing Summit’s record to Magee’s would be like comparing baseball and softball records.

Summit and Auriemma are great at their jobs, but you cannot compare the two sports.

Let’s delve into Title IX now. It states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance...”.

If anything, the nature of sports has become sexist against men. More men play sports in high school than do women, yet collegiate men’s programs must be cut to even out opportunities for women. How does that make sense?

Title IX proponents often argue that money is the reason women’s sports are behind men’s.

Yes, it is. That is because men’s sports bring in more money than women’s. Of course Tech’s football program has more money for scholarships because it brings in the most fans. Title IX cannot make people enjoy watching women’s sports more.

Sports are a great source of revenue for schools. Should a money-making men’s program be cut to add a women’s sport that not many people will watch? In my opinion, the answer is no. This is, however, the goal of Title IX. Title IX needs some serious revision.

Did you know that men’s rugby isn’t an NCAA-sanctioned sport, but women’s rugby is?

According to the NCAA, there are 19 sports offered specifically for men. Women, on the other hand, have 23 sports. I guess Title IX doesn’t work both ways.

“I’m glad you’re doing this story on us and not on the WNBA. We’re so much prettier than all the other women in sports.”

- Martina Hingis

Who’s Hot?

Callie Schmidt. The junior hit three home runs and went 8-16 at the plate last weekend at the Frost Classic, scoring five runs and driving in six.

For her efforts, she was named OVC Player of the Week.

Who’s Not?

Stephen Pryor. The junior gave up nine earned runs on nine hits and hit two batters in his two innings against Vanderbilt early this week.

He also walked one and struck out a pair, throwing 70 pitches in the two innings.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Page 6 | March 5, 2010

Jill Andrews & Those Darlins rocked the Backdoor Playhouse

Those Darlins and Jill Andrews performed last night and brought down the Backdoor Playhouse. The two groups helped raise awareness for several great causes during the show. The concert was put on by Center Stage, WTTU 88.5 FM, The Tech Players and The Women’s Center.

Photos by Chuck Acheson

And, the winner is...

Hollywood’s Big Night Promises to be Memorable

By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor The 82nd Annual Academy Awards are this Sunday on ABC at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m.

CST. The evening promises to be full of surprises including a few shocking winners.

Here’s a look at my predictions on who’s going home with some extra gold.

Best Picture

Best Director

The winner of this year’s “Best Picture” will be The Hurt Locker.

The Hurt Locker has been picking up momentum over the last few weeks and looks to be a lock for the award.

This would mark the first time a movie about the war in Iraq won the award.

Following the win at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Kathryn Bigelow’s magnum opus probably has a big night in store with this award and several others.

The only movie that looks to have a chance of spoiling the night for The Hurt Locker is James Cameron’s Avatar.

For some reason, after being visually and intellectually insulted for almost three hours, people leave the theater thinking they just saw some resplendent combination of The Smurfs, Star Wars and The Last of the Mohicans.

Don’t worry, Avatar will still win all the truly meaningful purchasable Oscars for effects. But, effects don’t win the big one. Especially when District 9 made the same moral points better and on a budget a fraction of the size of Avatar’s.

I’d love to see District 9 win the award. It was a devastatingly beautiful film about racism, but I doubt the Academy would give it to a sci-fi indie film.

Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) will be the first woman to win the award.

In addition to being the first female recipient of “Best Director,” another twist makes this award race truly interesting. Bigelow is divorced from Cameron.

Cameron is a hot contender to steal this award from Bigelow. But, with the chance to finally give the award to a deserving woman, which is long overdue, who happens to be divorced from another top contender, the storyline is too good for the Academy to pass up.

Best Male Lead After two breaks from tradition, I think the Academy is keeping it close to home for “Best Male Lead.” I’m going with George Clooney (Up in the Air).

As part of his powerful

performance, Clooney helped develop and create a character most people can connect with on some level and, despite his job as a corporate downsizer, with whom can sympathize.

Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) is definitely the strongest competitor for Clooney for the award. And, Bridges could very well finally strike gold with his fifth nomination.

Best Female Lead This is the category with the potential for the most dramatic fireworks and I think the Academy will deliver a shocker by selecting Gabourey Sidibe (Precious).

In a field with several legendary actresses, Sidibe will climb to the top because of her gut-wrenching performance and a split vote. Sidibe benefits from a contingent of voters who had her picked from the beginning, while Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren and

Meryl Streep divide the rest.

Best Supporting Male This category has a few strong choices, but I am going with Woody Harrelson (The Messenger).

Harrelson’s portrayal of a soldier given the duty of informing next-of-kin about a relative’s death in the war is tear jerking as he is forced to look at himself in the process.

Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds) looks to be a likely runner-up with his portrayal of a Nazi colonel.

Best Supporting Female Giving the movie a sweep of the female acting awards, Mo’Nique (Precious) will take the award home for her role in Precious.

Mo’Nique brought herself to the edge playing the abusive and cruel mother of Precious in the film. She broke away from her comedy background and delivered in spades.

Either of the nominees from Up in the Air, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick, have a chance at the prize.

Best Animated Film And now, the biggest shocker of the night... not really, Up will take this award.

At some point, the Academy might as well go ahead

and rename this award after Pixar. There is only one company that can take the idea of Up and deliver a movie that breaks your heart and lifts you back up at the same time.

Wes Anderson’s charming Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the Roald Dahl classic book is a nice second-choice.

But come on, there is no way Up is losing this one.

ENTERTAINMENT www.tntechoracle.com

Page 7 | March 5, 2010

Spin Dat Record: Beach House’s “Teen Dream”

BY KYLE BUCKNER Special to The Oracle A spacecraft fashioned with bright, pulsating colored lights hurling through space in slow motionthis is what it feels like to listen to the newest dream pop masterpiece from Baltimore, Maryland’s Beach House.

Their third album, Teen Dream, is their most impressive release to date.

There has been a huge buzz about Beach House in the indie music scene since their self-titled release in 2006.

Their combination of using classical piano composition, modern electronic instruments, alternate guitar tunings, simple percussion, and soft harmonies truly give them a distinct sound.

Lead vocalist Victoria Legrand’s firm alto voice erupts past the slow,

head nod-inducing music that drifts in the background. Guitarist and keyboardist Alex Scally’s droning synthesizer perfectly compliments his dreamy, minimalist guitar style.

The album’s first single, “Zebra,” is like a carousel ride, floating the listener around and around surreally. In the song, Legrand compares an individual’s character to the colors in the coat of a zebra. She sings: “Oasis child.

Eyes so mild and wide. Don’t I know you better than the rest? All deception.

All deception from you…Black-andwhite horse, arching among us.” The zebra’s black-and-white fur seems to be a metaphor for the moral conflict that exists in humans. Perhaps a commentary on how purity and darkness can coexist in all of us? I don’t know.

Another track from the album en-

titled “Silver Soul,” like many of the other tracks from the album, is futuristic, lilting, and cryptic. A fuzzy bass line growls in the background under high-pitched guitar and light falsetto vocals, and a keyboard punches out an otherworldly melody.

Overall, this is Beach House’s most mature release yet. Their previous album, while fantastically put together, still lacked a certain distinction of sound. Teen Dream tells us that Beach House has found their sound, and it’s a unique one, to say the least.

The album, released on January 26 on Subpop records is available on vinyl, CD, and digital format. If you decide to buy the album, I suggest buying it on two-disc vinyl. The vinyl issue gives you a free digital download, a poster, an art book, and a DVD

that has a music video for every track.

Pretty great deal.

Also, look for Beach House’s Zebra EP that coming out on April 17.

The album art for Teen Dream

Four campus music groups play throughout semester for students

By LEASA McCALL Staff Writer Music has been a part of Tech since the institution was founded in 1915, but it wasn’t until 1948 that an official music department was established. More than 60 years later students continue to enjoy a wide variety of entertainment. Tech is home to several ensembles including the Bryan Symphony Orchestra, The University Orchestra, TTU Concert Band, and TTU Symphony Band.

The University Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m on Tuesday, April 13.

The TTU Symphony Band and Concert Band will perform a joint concert at 7:30p. m. on Friday, April 23.

The Bryan Symphony Orchestra will perform two more times this semester, once at 3 p.m. on March 21 and again at 3 p.m. on April 18. For BSO tickets call 931-525-2633 or visit http://www.bryansymphony.org.

All performances are in Wattenbarger Auditorium of the Bryan Fine Arts Building.

The music department is a busy place. With so many concerts it can be difficult to

determine what concert is right for you.

The BSO consists of members of the community, Tech professors, and a select number of Tech students who audition.

“Playing next to their mentors is a great honor for most students” said Arthur Labar, director of the Music and Art Department.

The BSO performs five subscription concerts, one free outdoor concert, and a free children’s concert for all Putnam County 4th graders.

“The Bryan Symphony Orchestra is a professional and more formal concert situation, but it is open to students” Daniel Allcott said.

“We have discounted student tickets which are even available the day of the concert.

Many students who attend are surprised by the quality of the orchestra.”

The final concert of the year with the Bryan Symphony on April 18 will feature the return of a major artist, the pianist Di Wu. “For anyone who ever took a piano lesson, this will be a treat,” Allcott said. “She is glamorous, fun, and a phenomenal pianist.”

The University Orchestra

is open to all students that have experience playing a stringed instrument. The orchestra is an ensemble class, MUS 1080, and performs several concerts each academic year.

“University Orchestra is a great chance to see your peers perform great literature written from 1750 or so, to the present,” Allcott said. “Last semester we featured a living composer who had written a work specifically for us - a world premier event that we taped for future Television broadcast. We invited the audience to sit on-stage, MTV un-plugged style, and had the composer introduce each piece.”

The TTU Concert Band and TTU Symphony Band each offer something different. The Concert Band is comprised of music majors and non-majors and provides an opportunity for students to be a part of a Band which performs twice during the spring.

The Symphony Band is the principal concert ensemble and has performed for state, regional, and national conventions of the Music Educators National Conference and the College Band Directors National Association.

Meet the new DJs WTTU 88.5 FM has just graduated 22 new DJs, a new record. Here are the names, majors and ages of the new voices you’ll hear at the staƟon.

David Koci – Psychology – 30 Zachery Burke – Political Science – 18 Levi Holloway – MIT – 22 Cory Smith – Sociology – 22 Daniel Maynard – Business – 25 Ryan Hunley – Pre-Med – 20 Phillip Burr – TTU Staff – 34 Justin Patty – Biology – 18 Parker Randolph – Business – 19 Benjamin Fizer – CSC-IT – 19 Quinton Conatser – Journalism – 19 Nick Wilson – Business – 18 Jonathan Kaulay – Journalism – 22 Tiffany Eldridge – Journalism – 18 Brittney Barnes – Chemical Engineering – 18 Stephanie Raulston – Mechanical Engineering – 18 Ashlyn Terheggen – Bio-Health Services – 19 Amy Rauch – Civil Engineering – 19 Jaianand Jayaraman – ECE – 25 Isaac Wright – Journalism – 19 Rachel Burchfield – Secondary Education – 19 Vivekanand Todakar – Electrical Engineering – 24

Girard’s pieces in the Derryberry Gallery Photo by Chuck Acheson

Jack Girard on display in Derryberry Gallery

By KAYLA GULLEY Staff Writer Even though the economy is suffering, so far the Education Department at Tech has not had to make any cutbacks.

“We will not know if we have to make any cutbacks until the state Legislators meet,” said Larry Peach, dean of the College of Education.

Peach has a plan to keep the department functioning normal even if the state Legislators decide to cut funding.

“Cutbacks in the department won’t affect the students,” Peach said. “They will still get to graduate in a timely manner and have all the training they need.”

If they have to cut back, the department will be cut-

ting courses, limiting travel and limiting workshops.

Peach also suggested if someone is retiring, they would have to hire someone for less salary, and the courses that are not being filled may result in those instructors being laid off.

“The only department that might affect the students will be the graduate program, but I am hoping I do not have to do that,” Peach said. “I have a wonderful staff, which has stepped forward and are completely willing to take on extra tasks if cutbacks happen.”

The College of Education staff has came forth and said they would teach bigger sections and take on more advising. The staff has also been very open and communicates often to be ready if cutbacks happen.

Have a great Spring Break!

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Movie Talk

By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor

Cop Out Kevin Smith must be getting old. Clearly, he forgot he was making Cop Out and not another Jay and Silent Bob movie.

This comedy, if you can call it that, follows Jimmy Monroe (Bruce Willis) and Paul Hodges (Tracy Morgan) as they try to find a baseball card stolen from Monroe. Over the course of the film, they become embroiled with local drug lords.

I assumed Smith is getting old because from the beginning of Cop Out, Monroe and Hodges make all the same jokes from other Smith movies. However, the difference is, in Jay and Silent Bob movies, the jokes work.

Two dropout losers killing time outside the Quick Stop telling wiener jokes and cussing because they can is different from two New York cops doing the same. Crass humor has its place and can be funny, for example, Superbad is great, but the comedic timing is broken and the jokes fail throughout this film. The plot in Cop Out possess as little depth as the humor.

The plot exists only to get from one swear-dependent joke to the next and development of any type is nearly nonexistent.

Also, the movie depends too much on jokes that are overplayed. A swearing eleven-year-old?

That’s not a staple of how many other bad movies.

At times, characters completely disappear from the plot and don’t reemerge until they can participate in an off-color joke. But, based on the acting in this horror show, that might have been a good thing.

Willis fails miserably as a take-no-nonsense cop in this movie. You might ask, “how is that possible?

It’s the only role he plays.”

He misses the mark because throughout the film, he wears a smirk and expressions that depict even he knows how bad this movie is. From the beginning, he is aloof to the action happening before him.

Most of the lesser characters in the film came across as dull and forced.

The only respite from this exercise of nocuous acting is Morgan.

Even with Morgan doing his best and he is funny, this film is complete garbage.

This movie is a pitiful display of a once great moviemaker who has lost his way. I can’t recommend anyone see this movie because I wouldn’t be able to sleep well knowing I lied.

MPAA Rating: R

Final Grade: D-

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