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Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505

O

RACLE

Tech Athletics restructures sports programs

Poll of the week What do you think about the passing of the health care bill?

Rifle and women’s tennis to be suspended July 1

I am for it and am glad it passed

PRESS RELEASE

45% 18% 36%

I am against it, but now that it has passed the House, I will go along with it

Volume 93 | Issue 7 | Free in single copy | April 9, 2010

I am against it and hope it is repealed

Tech may benefit from THEC funding formula The formula’s new standards focus on retention and graduation rates

Tennessee Tech University announced on Thursday a strategic restructuring of its intercollegiate sports programs. The move is an effort to maximize its financial resources and ensure sustained athletics competitiveness in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Two athletic teams – rifle and women’s tennis – will be suspended effective July 1. In keeping with NCAA and Title IX requirements, the university will continue to field 14 sports teams, and the student-athlete gender participation rate will continue to be proportionate to the university’s undergraduate student population. Scholarships will also remain budgeted according to Title IX standards.

“This was a difficult choice to make, given the history of our rifle and women’s tennis programs, but it was a necessary one made in the best interests of Tennessee Tech Athletics as a whole,” said Mark Wilson, director of Athletics. “It is not financially viable for us to continue to support the number of sports we do at the current level.

With this decision we are con-

fident that we will strengthen our remaining sports programs.”

The decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of the athletic programs the university offers, the costs required by each, and the strategic direction of the Department of Athletics, Wilson said.

Fourteen student-athletes

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THE BREAKING RACLE STORY

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said President Bob Bell. “As a university, we have been forced to make difficult decisions in response to greatly reduced budgets. While I hate to see these sports suspended, I recognize the need to make drastic cuts in some areas to keep other programs strong.”

TTU Athletics, an NCAA Division I member, will continue to compete in the OVC and support six men’s teams: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf and tennis; as well as eight women’s teams: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track

This was a difficult choice to make, given the history of our rifle and women’s tennis programs, but it was a necessary one made in the best interests of Tennessee Tech Athletics as a whole.

Mark Wilson, Director of Athletics

and one part-time coach will be affected. Tennessee Tech will honor scholarship commitments made to current student-athletes for the 201011 academic year and will assist any student-athletes who decide to transfer to another university.

“Like many universities, Tennessee Tech has been hit hard by the economic crisis,”

By JENDA WILSON Staff Writer

The restructuring is part of the university’s short-term and long-term steps to address budget reductions and increased costs. Tennessee Tech Athletics faces an estimated reduction in university general fund support up to $365,000, along with increased inflationary costs of scholarships and operating, which could exceed $400,000.

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(indoor), track (outdoor), and volleyball.

“With this strategic restructuring and our continued emphasis on identifying additional revenue, we believe we can position our resources to allow our teams to achieve great success in the OVC, regionally and nationally,” said Wilson.

BUS

s l e e on the go h w meow meow The

Tennessee’s higher education funding formula is undergoing several alterations for the 2011-2012 budget cycle, some of which could increase funding at Tech—if the University is able to raise and sustain retention and graduation rates, according to these recent Tennessee Higher Education Commission changes.

The previous funding formula focused on input-based funding: the more students enrolled at the start of a term, the more money a university was likely to receive.

However, now that the formula is shifting towards retaining students and completing degrees, some schools could actually lose funding due to low retention and graduation rates.

“Tennessee Tech certainly will not be a school that loses any funding through this new funding formula because of our high retention Percentage rate,” President Bob Bell said. of Tech’s “There is actually an opporfreshman-to- tunity for Tech to increase our funding since this formula is sophmore based on productivity and retention output instead of input.”

Tech has a 44 percent sixyear graduation rate for first-time, full-time students. The average six-year graduation rate at four-year colleges is 46 percent.

It was announced at the beginning of the year that Tech would actively pursue an 810 percent increase in its retention rate. The University currently has a 72 percent freshman-to-sophomore retention rate.

“We have a Retention Roundtable, led by the Provost, which meets every few weeks and discusses retention and how to improve ours,” Bell said. “I also have a special assistant to the president, Brittni Simmons, whose main focus is also on retention. She too serves on the roundtable.”

These funding formula changes are associated with the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010, which was passed on Jan. 21 by the Tennessee General Assembly.

meow

Sci-fi convention tomorrow at RUC

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Omni-Con, a science fiction and fantasy fan convention, will be held at Tech this weekend.

Hosted by Alpha Psi Phi, Tech’s science fiction and fantasy club, Omni-Con will take place in the RUC on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. If the weather permits, the Heroic Interactive Theatre plans to give demonstrations of live action role playing at Sherlock Park.

Fondly referred to as “a convention for all things geek” by Omni-Con chairpeople, the event is expected to attract 300 to 500 sci-fi enthusiasts.

Guest panels that explore the genres of science fiction, fantasy, anime, comics and gaming are headlining the event. In addition, professional and amateur artists will be featured in the Omi-Con art show and have the option to compete in an art contest. There will also be video game tournaments, film screenings and a costume contest.

Admission at the door is $6 for one day and $10 for two days. For more information about Omni-Con, visit www.omnicon.us.

See “Funding”, page 2

Part three of the CATS bus route series appreciates the patrons of public transportation

By BRANDON JELSON Staff Writer

As I embark on my journey with no destination, I await the bus by riding my bike up and down the sidewalk near Clement Hall, jumping and pulling wheelies off the curbs. The beautiful weather has me in a particularly chipper mood.

This time around, the bus is a few minutes past due. However, as CATS bus driver Irma Meade put it, “It’s always better for us to be a few minutes late, as opposed to early.”

I see the large, blue box on wheels pull up to the intersection of Peachtree Avenue and University Drive. Quitting my adolescent antics as the bus pulls to a stop, I dismount and place my bike on the bus’s front-mounted rack. Showing my I.D. to Meade, we pick up conversation where we left off weeks ago.

“It’s nowhere near busy, but we’ve actually had an increase in riders this week,” Meade said enthusiastically.

Ironically, when I board, the bus is empty. What better time to shoot

IN THIS EDITION Is the iPad another materialistic fad?

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Movie Talk: Clash of the Titans - Page 7

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

the breeze?

I ask how many people she has had so far today. She pulls out a clipboard from the console-mounted compartment.

“Five so far,” Meade said, “We actually have to keep track of how many people get on the bus, where they get off, what age bracket they are in and other stuff like that. We even have to write down whether or not they were Tech students.

“But I write it all down once I get back to the hub. I don’t want to hold up traffic or cause an accident because I was writing on a clipboard,” Mead said jokingly.

We talk about gas prices and the weather. Then the exchange makes its way toward movies as usual.

We talk about Redbox being such a good deal and picking up cheap DVDs and cassettes at yard sales: titles like Tooth Fairy, Marley and Me and Gangs of New York. We don’t forget the “B movies” because quality doesn’t exactly have to be high for it to be a good deal.

Our talking comes to a halt at the bus stop right beside Wal-Mart,

See “Bus”, page 3

Goodwin responds to suspension of rifle, women’s tennis teams

NEXT WEEK in SPORTS FRIDAY FORECAST SUNNY HIGH 62, LOW 37

NEWS

More stories at www.tntechoracle.com CMR faces budget cuts, changes focus Housing and Design students Chattanooga bound Civil engineers take 5th place at regional conference

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Page 2 | April 9, 2010

Funding CONTINUED from page 1

The act was influenced by Complete College America—a nonprofit organization funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and dedicated to improving states’ graduation rates—and was developed with suggestions from Stan Jones, CCA president.

“The new state funding formula will focus on an incentive structure of outcomes instead of inputs,” Bell said. “Then the Tennessee Higher Education Committee will calibrate the formula so that they don’t expect Tech to have

the same focus as other schools, like Vanderbilt or Austin Peay.”

One of Tech’s main focuses would be the attainment of bachelor’s degrees for first-time, traditional students. But a school like Austin Peay—which is situated closely to Fort Campbell, Ky.—would have a substantial focus on degrees completed by those enrolled in the military.

Bell has been appointed to the Statewide Master Planning Committee, which is developing and reviewing the new funding formula.

He expects it to take a few years before the formula will officially coordinate with every university’s individual mission and goals.

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FORMULA HIGHLIGHTS EDUCATION COMMISSION:

American colleges will give back to the little people of education next week by celebrating National Student Employment Week.

Tech is one of many schools across the country that devotes five days in April to rewarding student employees in work-study programs and University Academic Services. The Student Worker of the Year week will be the center of attention next.

“Most of the students don’t even know they’ve been entered until they win,” said Adriane King, assistant direc-

tor of Financial Aid. Here’s how it works: Supervisors from each department turn in short essays or other creative works telling the award committee why they think their favorite student worker should win.

Then the committee decides which faculty member wrote the most convincing submission and chooses his/her student as the Student Worker of the Year.

“We’ve had some departments submit poems, some essays, and some other cute and creative things,” King said.

Each year, two winners are chosen—one work-study student and one University Academic Services student.

The award is 100 flex dollars

TENNESSEE TECH:

• GOAL

• GOAL The Tennessee Higher Education Commission funding formula’s purpose is raise and sustain retention.

Tech’s goal is to maximize funding by pursuing a 10 percent increase in its retention rate.

• FUNDING The new funding formula will be based on student retention and graduation rates instead of the number of students enrolled.

• CURRENT RATES Tech’s current retention rate is 72 percent. A 44 perect sixyear graduation rate for firsttime, full-time students.

to spend in the RUC, plus various knick knacks donated by other departments on campus. In the past, the bookstore has donated free t-shirts, and the fitness center has donated goodie bags.

Financial Aid staff usually surprise the students at work to notify them of their selection.

“It’s kind of like the prize patrol,” King said.

She said that many departments also host parties for their student workers during the week to let them know they are appreciated.

Tina Campbell, work study director and Student Employment Week organizer, said, “I would encourage the supervisors to do something special for their workers.”

SGA ELECTIONS NEXT WEEK

• RETENTION The average six-year graduation rate at four-year colleges is 46 percent.

• FORMULA The formula will be be changed to focus on individual schools needs. Tech’s formula will focus on bachelor’s degress for first-time, traditional students.

”

Tennessee, Delaware only two states to receive education funds PRESS RELEASE

Tennessee is one of only two states to be awarded Race to the Top funds in the first round of the competition for $4 billion in federal funds. The U.S. Department of Education announced today that only Tennessee’s and Delaware’s applications will be funded in the first round.

Tennessee requested $501.8 million to support its application. The funds will be received over a four-year period, with 50 percent of the funds to be distributed directly to local school dis-

tricts under the existing Title I formula.

Tennessee’s application was a strong contender following the special legislative session in January, in part because it had won the support of TEA, every Tennessee school district and 90 percent of TEA’s local affiliates.

Tennessee’s—and TEA’s—work has just begun as efforts begin to execute the ambitious plans laid out in the state’s Race to the Top application. Local districts will have 90 days to develop their scope of work that aligns with the state application. Local affiliates will need to partner with local districts and, in many cases, bargain contract

language to address issues related to the local scope of work. Local leaders should consult with their UniServ Coordinators to determine next steps.

The Tennessee Evaluation Advisory Committee, created by the Tennessee First to the Top Act of 2010, held its first meeting on March 18 and will meet again on April 1 at the TEA building. At its first

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TTU’s International Festival 2010 A Center Stage Event Sponsored by the College of Business

• Student Government Executive Officers Elections Tuesday, April 13 -- 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Symposium from 10:10 to 11:00, Friday, April 16, in the RUC Multipurpose Room Festival from 10:00 to 5:00, Saturday, April 17, in the Roaden University Center

• Student Government Senator Elections Thursday, April 15 -- 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

SATURDAY ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Voting System web site: https://wserve.tntech.edu/mis/WebVote/SGAVoteServer/default.asp

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SOURCE: Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Student workers to be recognized next week

By ALEKSANDR PETERSON Staff Writer

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online

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Multipurpose Room Stage

Tech Pride Room Stage

10:00 Appalachian Clogging

10:00 Renaissance Recorders

10:30 Mandala Award

10:30 Drum Circle

10:45 Arabic Fusion/Flamenco/Tango

11:15 Filipino Wedding Dance

11:15 Uzbek and Eastern Mix

12:00 German Music on Accordion

12:00 Irish Step Dances

12:30 Eastern Dances

12:30 Dor L’Dor Klezmer Band

1:00 Didgeridoo crafting & playing

1:30 Chinese Lion Dance

2:00 Trio Vendaval

1:45 Chinese Cultural Dances

2:30 Scottish Pipes, Drum & Dance

2:15 Indian Dance and Song

3:00 Instrumental Music from Java WCU Gamelan Ensemble

3:00 Danny Salazar Band 4:00 Saudi Arabian Dance 4:15 La Voix du Djembe Polynesian Dance West African Dance

3:45 Celtic Music with Heather Hayes and Shannon Duncan 4:30 Greek Dances

Unity Unity...It’s like blue jeans for the soul Church We love everyone and everyone is welcome of the Services at 11 am Cumberlands

823 E. 10th Street Cookeville, TN 38501

931/520-1017

Sunday mornings cookevilleunity@yahoo.com

FEATURES

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Bus CONTINUED from page 1

[the property owners still won’t allow the CATS buses to enter the shopping center] when we see a group of four passengers waiting for the bus to arrive. This is the biggest group I’ve seen get on during my travels. Our conversation doesn’t halt because of embarrassment or awkwardness with the newcomers, but because sometimes it’s just fun to listen: “Why do you gotta sit all the way over there, are we not friends anymore?”

“Shut up, man. Give me time, I’ll get over there soon enough.”

“When are we going to get

Page 3 | April 9, 2010

somethin’ to eat, I’m starvin’?”

“Ooh, there’s McDonalds. Man, those McGriddles are fire [awesome]!”

Obviously close friends, the two guys and two girls banter back and forth, not really caring where they are or who’s listening. Regardless, it’s entertaining: I can see a smirk on Irma’s face through the rearview mirror.

Continuing the fraternizing, the four friends talk about nothing particularly interesting, yet their sarcasm and quick wits serve as great complements to the afternoon sun shining through the lightly tinted windows. It looks like the weather has made everyone’s spirits high today.

Slowing to a stop, we gain two more people for a total of seven passengers. It is a monumental occurrence. Even though each passenger could have had two seats to his or

herself, having this many people on board means the word is finally getting out about public transportation.

Of the two gentlemen that climb on, one is holding an aluminum cane that has a tennis ball-sized plastic end piece.

“Hello Irma,” the man said.

“Hi John. Someone is in your usual seat today,” Irma replied.

“Oh, that’s no big deal,” John said. He used the cane to tap the ground in front of him.

“Straight ahead,” the other gentleman said.

I make quick conversation with the two new additions. The gentleman with the cane is John Quest.

He’s a non-traditional student in the Accounting program at Tech.

The other is Matt Curry, employee of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency and a student at Tech.

John was directed to the CATS bus by Tech’s Disabilities Office.

Matt was sent from UCHRA to help John get more acquainted with the different areas that the CATS route services.

I can only imagine the challenges that being blind can create when commuting across town. However, they don’t stop John.

As coincidence may have it, John is actually working with some lawyers and the property owners of the Wal-Mart shopping center.

“Public transit in Clarksville and Knoxville can pull up five feet from the doors at Wal-Mart. I just don’t understand what the hold up is,” John said.

Conversation goes smoothly, and I set up an interview time for later in the week and will follow through with some leads given by John. It’s funny the paths that cross and the circumstances involved.

Hopefully through his efforts, the Wal-Mart scenario will clear up. We exchange information as we turn on Jackson Avenue. At the next stop, I depart.

I get off at my usual stop, Jackson Plaza Shopping Center, to look at some tools in Sears and pick up some foodstuffs at Food Lion. I wave to the driver after removing my bike from the rack.

Headed back to campus, the four friends are still cutting up and having a good time. I head back that direction as well, but trade the box on four wheels for my much simpler two.

Read parts 1 and 2

Keywords: CATS bus

events @tech April

09 1:30 p.m Men’s & Women’s Tennis host TSU 6 p.m.

ASG Charity Ball 7 p.m.

Comedian Meechie Hall Derryberry Auditorium

10 Until April 11 Omni-Con Kappa Sigma 5K 10 a.m.

Celebration of Craft Appalachian Center for Craft 1 p.m.

Softball hosts UT Martin

12 Until April 14 Pi Kappa Alpha Pike’s Peak 7 p.m.

Cha Kpii!...Woo! with Dr. Obiajulu Emejulu Wesley Arena Theater on 9th Street

13

6 p.m.

Baseball hosts Belmont 7 p.m.

Cross Canadian Ragweed Sherlock Park

14 7:30 p.m.

Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble Wattenbarger Auditorium

tntech.edu/calendar

online edition

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OPINION

Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your name, e-mail address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and content. www.tntechoracle.com

Page 4 | April 9, 2010

Tech parties just as much as others SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

If you live in a dorm or pay attention in the University Center, I’m sure you’ve seen a plethora of posters with statics that say things like, “50% of Tech students prefer alcohol-free parties” or “In the past two weeks, 75% of Tech students had four or fewer drinks.”

I realize Tech wants to look good, especially with tours groups coming in but really I question these statistics. This is a college campus.

People drink—even in the Bible-belt.

I’m not implying that drinking should be acceptable on campus, but I know more students here that do partake in alcohol than students who don’t.

According to the posters, this survey is from 2007 and was done with 925 students.

Why is it that these posters were only put out this semester? It is 2010, and a number of the people who participated may have already graduated.

I decided to conduct my own small anonymous survey of Tech students. I printed 50 surveys and gave them to R.A.s, international students, people in my classes, and members of Greek organizations. Most of the participants were people I didn’t know.

The survey consisted of questions that pertained to drinking and were worded as closely to the poster as possible. I realize that because I could only survey 50 people, my results are not as accurate as a survey of 1,000 students, but my statistics are more recent than the ones from 2007 plastered all over the residential halls.

Most of the results actually surprised me. I surveyed 15 freshmen, 13 sophomores, 8 juniors, and 11 seniors (3 chose not to specify).

Sixty-two percent of the students I asked said they had missed a class due to a hangover, and 32% admit to driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

I asked participants if they preferred alcohol-free parties to parties with alcohol and found that 52% preferred parties with alcohol, 28% had no preference, and only 20% preferred alcohol-free shindigs.

The survey also included a question about how many drinks the participant had in the last week. Surprisingly, 44% said they had none. 2% chose not to respond, 6% had 1-2 drinks, 14% had 3-5 drinks, 14% had 6-9 drinks, and 20% had 10 or more in

the last week.

I have decided that, on average, Tech students probably drink as much as students on other college campuses. Despite the fact that my survey pointed to more drinking than the Tech posters statistics boast, most Tech students agree that Tech students probably drink less than students at other colleges. Only 10% of participants think Tech students drink more than students on other campuses, 2% chose not to respond, 38% think Tech students drink less, and 28% think it is probably the same amount.

Just because Tech doesn’t carry the same reputation for partying like UTK or MTSU, it doesn’t mean that most students don’t party. A lot of the surveys came back with comments like, “What else is there to do in Cookeville?”

You may not agree with me, but I think Tech parties as much as any other school. We have fewer students than other big schools in Tennessee, but I think that the same percentage of people party here as on any other college campus.

Do you think Tech students drink as often/much as other Tennessee schools?

Vote in our online poll.

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RESULTS OF SARAH’S POLL 62% admit to skipping class because of a hangover 52% prefer to have alcohol at parties 32% admit to driving while intoxicated 48% had 3 or more drinks in the last week 20% had 10 or more drinks in the last week 38% feel Tech students drink less than other schools 28% feel Tech students drink about the same as other schools This poll was conducted in Spring 2010 and surveyed 50 Tech students.

We’re greedy kids in Apple’s candyshop EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor

Apparently, there was a revolution this week.

No, I’m not talking about the Tea Party. I’m talking about the release of Apple’s iPad. Though criticized for being a glorified, enlarged iPod Touch, the media latched onto the release of the iPad in adorationg as if it were the moon landing.

Steve Jobs was on the cover of Time. Jenna Wortham’s blog on the New York Times Web site focused on what the lucky, elite owners downloaded onto their new gadget. “Racing games, simplified word processors and stargazing assistants are among the applications capturing the eyes and clicks of iPad owners” was the swooning subhead.

TV stations camped out in front of the Manhattan Apple store, filming the thousands of people camping out in front of the Manhattan Apple store.

I’m not sure who is sillier: the people who have nothing better to do than wait in line for a new toy or the people that report on and watch them.

Based on news reports, you would think the iPad is a revolutionary, technological marvel that will change our everyday lives. It will go down in history books, and school children will wonder how people survived without it.

I’m sure the iPad is great.

I have no problem with Apple, and I’ve got to give it to its marketing team who has convinced the media that the

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iPad is worthy of all the attention and free advertising.

But the plain truth is that it’s not. It’s just another electronic device that does what plenty of devices before it has done.

The release of the iPad is not the invention of the printing press, or advent of radio, or the beginning of the Internet—all communication revolutions that changed the way people received information, formed opinions, expressed themselves, and communicated with people far away.

How materialistic are we when a new toy is treated as a must-have, revolutionary innovation?

I’ll admit that while I’m writing this on my laptop, I’m also watching TV, listing to my iPod, and occasionally texting on my phone.

Technology is convenient, and in America today, it’s necessary to be connected.

But it is not necessary to get every new gadget with every latest

capacity. That’s materialistic.

That’s greedy.

If it was just a few Apple fans who were all psyched for the iPad, I wouldn’t bother.

We’re all entitled to our hobbies. But when the media religiously follows the latest Apple release with over-thetop focus and discussion, it says something about society as a whole. That we care way too much about the next “coolest” thing. We’re a bunch of kids who still throw a tantrum until we get that sugary cereal in the supermarket.

Are we really willing to be people who place the iPad over earthquakes, mining accidents, and civilian deaths in the hands of U.S. troops?

Let’s get our priorities straight. The iPad is cool. But it’s not worth the attention and certainly not worth adoration. It’s probably not even worth the time I’ve spent complaining about it.

Courtesy of Apple

Above: Apple’s latest gadget, the iPad. Not pictured: Revolutionary technology that will in any way change our day-to-day lives.

ORACLE

Weekly. Student operated. | P.O. Box 5072 Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505

CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor

SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor

WILL HOUSLEY Asst. Managing Editor

BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor

SARA BOHANNON Ad Manager

JAMES SCHIERMEYER Asst. Sports Editor

ALLISON WHEELER DIANA CARSON Ad Assistants

CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor

EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor

TALLULAH GILLIAM BAILEY DARROW Copy Editors

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.

BRENDA WILSON, Faculty Adviser

Polls!

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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

SPORTS

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Page 5 | April 9, 2010

Schmidt hits three-run walkoff, Tech wins 6-5 PRESS RELEASE Callie Schmidt hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to propel the Tennessee Tech softball team to a 6-5 victory over Kennesaw State on Wednesday in Chattanooga.

With two runners on and TTU trailing 5-3, Schmidt stepped to the plate as the winning run. After falling behind in the count 0-1, Schmidt battled back and worked the count in her favor with three balls and one strike.

“At first I was looking for a homer, and then coach called timeout and told me to look for a base hit,” Schmidt said. “Then I shortened up my swing and just tried to hit a line drive.”

On the fifth pitch of the at-bat, Schmidt connected with a fastball on the outer half of the plate, sending a line drive over the right-center field wall. The homer was Schmidt’s teamleading seventh of the season and helped the Golden Eagles improve to 15-21 overall this season.

“That’s my pitch,” Schmidt said.

“I’m good with a 3-1 or 3-0 count, and I knew she was looking to bring something close to the plate.”

Tech’s win was its second over Kennesaw State this season, sending the Owls to a 17-16 record overall.

“It was great to see her step up and come through with an obviously clutch hit,” said Golden Eagle head coach Tory Acheson. “We’ve needed something like that for a while so hopefully that’ll be the spark to get us going.”

After falling behind, 1-0, follow-

ing the top of the first inning, the Golden Eagles took the lead in the bottom of the frame. Jordan Leff evened the score at 1-1 when she came around to score on a KSU error before Whitney Cummings put TTU ahead with a sacrifice fly that plated Kaleigh Gates from third base.

Tech’s lead was short-lived though as Kennesaw State scored twice in the second inning and once in the fourth to take a 4-2 lead after four innings.

Cummings brought the Golden Eagles within one run in Tech’s half of the fifth inning with an RBI double off the left-center field wall that scored Melody Christian from second base, making the score 4-3.

Kennesaw State led off the top of the seventh inning with a solo homer that gave the Owls a two-run cushion going into Tech’s final at-bats.

Melody Christian started off the inning by beating out an infield single.

Anna Zdroik then reached base on a fielder’s choice, and Gates walked to put runners on first and second, setting up Schmidt’s game-winning homer.

Claudia Harke (1-4) pitched the seventh inning for the Golden Eagles and earned her first career victory. Holly Thomas started the game for TTU and went three innings in the circle before Maddie Schmissrauter pitched the next three innings for Tech.

“It felt great to just win,” Schmidt said. “We needed a win going into this weekend.”

The Golden Eagles return to action this weekend with a three-game homestand against OVC-leading UT Martin.

Callie Schmidt now leads Tech in home runs with seven.

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Photo by Brandon Goodwin

Oberacker slams Bison in eighth Lipscomb’s four homers were overcome as Oberacker, Donaldson went long

By JAMES SCHIERMEYER es and Tate McMillan tied a school record with his fourth Asst. Sports Editor

Chad Oberacker hit his second career grand slam and earned the victory as Tennessee Tech defeated the Lipscomb Bison 12-8 Wednesday evening in Bush Stadium.

It was the second time in as many nights that Tech (1317) used a late rally to secure the victory over interstate rival Lipscomb (10-20). Home runs lit up the night sky as both teams combined for six round trippers.

Cory Hale and Kyle Henry each hit a pair of homers for the Bison who had established a two-run lead going into the bottom of the eighth inning when Tech put six on the board. Oberacker and Casanova Donaldson went deep for Tech. Oberacker and A.J. Kirby-Jones both had three of Tech’s 13 hits. Austin Wulf, Frankie Beech and Casanova Donaldson also added two hits apiece in the effort.

Tech took control of the game with a six-run rally in the eighth. Chad Hayes got things started with a one-out single. Frankie Beech followed suit with a liner up the middle for a single. Austin Wulf singled to load the bas-

walk of the game bringing in Hayes to make the score 87. Kirby-Jones roped an RBI single to center scoring Beech and tying the game at eight.

Oberacker then hit the third pitch he saw deep over the right field fence for the game winning grand slam.

The Bison drew first blood on a seeing-eye single to left field by Teschner with two outs in the top of the second.

Cory Hale increased the Bison lead to 2-0 when he blasted a home run over the center field fence in the third inning.

The Golden Eagles broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of the third when Kirby-Jones singled home Beech to make the score 2-1.

Kyle Henry then took Shepherd deep with one on in the top of the fourth to increase Lipscomb’s lead to 4-1.

Tech claimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth.

McMillan scored on a bases loaded wild pitch making the score 4-2. Donaldson then took Matt Bowling’s 1-2 offering over the right field wall giving Tech a 5-4 lead.

Lipscomb tied the score at five when Henry hit a twoout solo home run to right

center field in the top of the sixth.

The Bison then reclaimed the lead in the top of the seventh when Hale hit his second home run of the contest. This one was a two-run bomb over the fence in left.

Tech closed the gap to one in the bottom half of the seventh. Oberacker hit a triple to deep right center field and scored on an errant throw from the shortstop to third base.

Lipscomb stretched the lead to 8-6 in the top of the eighth. Wilkins hit a single with one out to get things started.

Henry followed with a walk and Matt Brewer advanced both runners two bases with a hit to right field.

Tech returned secured the victory scoring half of their runs in the home half of the eighth inning.

Tech starter Matthew Shepherd went seven innings striking out three in the no decision.

Oberacker (1-2) pitched the final two innings to earn his first win of the season. Josh Cotham (0-1), the second of four Lipscomb pitchers was handed the loss.

The Golden Eagles travel to Southeast Missouri this weekend for a three-game conference series against the Redhawks.

Weather affecting intramural softball

By BRITTANY ROBINSON these phone call complaints and text messages, students Staff Writer Softball season is back in swing intramural style and many students are wondering why the fields are not in better shape.

According to Darren Gregory, Intramural coordinator it’s all because of the weather.

“It doesn’t help the fields at all because when they get wet,” Gregory said. “They just hold the water this is usually when I get 15-20 phone calls or text messages from people wondering why we aren’t going to play when the sun is at its highest.”

Although Gregory gets

do offer to help by raking the fields and even pouring the top soil.

What does it take to make the fields ready for playing on? According to Gregory it takes a considerable amount of time to wait for the fields to dry. To combat the moisture, Gregory uses top soil.

“What we do with the top soil is fill in the holes and the lower levels of the fields, because that is what holds the most water,” Gregory said.

“In the infield area we use what they call quick dry because it dries in a couple of hours when left in the sun,” Gregory said. “We have also purchased two tarps from

the Tennessee Tech baseball team,” to help avoid the problem with the weather.

“Hopefully [with the use of the tarps], we won’t have as many complaints as we have in the past. They should really help when it rains,” Gregory said.

Although softball has already begun, there are still intramurals to play and still time to sign up. The upcoming sports to sign up for are bowling and golf. Bowling is a one day tournament and will be held on Thursday, April 8.

As far as golf is concerned, the golf scramble consists of a four person team, and the deadline to enter the scramble is April 14. The scramble will be the weekend of April 17.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Oracle Gaming Corner Red Steel 2 (Wii): B+ Just Cause 2 (Multi): B+ God of War III (PS3): A www.tntechoracle.com

Page 6 | April 9, 2010

Backdoor Playhouse opens spring show: Hands Around (Reigen) The Tech Players debuted their spring production last night before a packed house

Meet the Cast:

By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor The Tech Players began their spring show last night, Hands Around (Reigen), before a crowded Backdoor Playhouse.

Originally written in 1900

by Arthur Schnitzler, the play deals with sexual morals and class ideology. The action unfolds through a series of ten dialogues occurring before or after a sexual encounter between two characters of different stature.

The play was originally set in Vienna in the 1890s, but due to the “modern” feel, Director Mark Creter changed from Austria.

“This play is definitely for a mature audience,” Creter said.

In fact, when Schnitzler first began circulating the play only among friends. The first public performance occurred in 1920, when it cre-

“This play is defintely for a mature audience.”

-Director Mark Creter ated a storm of controversy over its sexual themes.

Critics attacked him as a Jewish pornographer and the social disturbance became known as the “Reigen Scandal.”

The various titles of the play, the German Reigen and French La Ronde, relate to a round dance, like the one found in the children’s nursery rhyme “Ring Around the Rosie.” The imagery shows the transmission of sexual diseases particularly of syphilis.

The show goes on at 8 p.m. on April 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 17. The late show is at 10 p.m. on April 15 and the matinee is April 17 at 2 p.m.

As with all TTU Centerstage Events, Tech students get in free with ID. Other-

wise, tickets cost $5 for nonTech students, $8 for senior citizens and $10 for general admission.

Make sure you come out and see this play before it ends; it’s a thought-provoking piece that is sure to entertain everyone.

Due to sexual content and partial nudity, this play is recommended for mature audi-

ences only.

For further information contact the Backdoor Playhouse box office at 372-6595 or go online to www.tntech. edu/bdph.

The Backdoor Playhouse is located in the Jere Whitson building. The Tech Players is the University’s drama club and puts on at least one show per season.

Tart - Jordyn Strilecky Soldier - Adam Combs Chambermaid - Lydia Brown Young Gentleman - Evan Montgomery Married Lady - Chessilyn Angel Husband - Dave Davidson Sweet Young Girl - Kristen Crawford Poet - Matt Hunter Actress - Simone O’Dell Count - Matthew Wilson

Left: Most of the cast sprawled out on the stage. Right: The cast wearing updated clothing to match the modern changes during rehersals for the show.

Go inside the booth: Dr. Deborah Barnard

By KASSI THOMAS Special to The Oracle

Q: Have you had any other past shows?

On behalf of The Oracle, Kassi Thomas sat down with Dr. Deborah Barnard, a French professor at Tech to talk about her show “Radio Francophone, Cookeville.”

DB: I did college radio as an undergrad back in the day, and I’ve been doing “Radio Francophone” at WTTU 88.5 FM since 2008.

Q: Tell us about your show.

DB: It started out as a way to incorporate music into my beginner French classes. My French classes have to make a French play list twice a semester, so I have a “people’s (students’) choice” show every semester, which draws from their assignments. I like to use different types of music from all-around the French speaking world. Occasionally, I do themed shows - cover songs, hip hop, etc.

Q: What are some of the artists featured on your show?

DB: Blankass, Kyo, Yelle, Natcha Atlas, Mickey 3D.

Q: What courses do you teach here at Tech?

DB: All levels of French and occassionally beginning Spanish.

Dr. Barnard addresses her listeners over the airwaves. The show’s unique focus on French culture sets it apart in the Greater Cookeville area and a staple in the WTTU 88.5 FM line up.

Photos by Kassi Thomas

“Radio Francophone, Cookeville” airs on WTTU 88.5 FM on Wednesday nights from 8-10 p.m.

You can also tune in online at www. tntech.edu/wttu, just follow the link on the page to listen using an array from media players.

Photos Provided by Mark Creter

Algood Diner offers affordable dining minutes from campus With various choices for each meal, Algood Diner Buffet and Grill looks to please everyone, even students on a budget

By SAMANTHA KENDALL Staff Writer

People always say the third time’s the charm.

I found that to be true when I went to a restaurant three times and finally went while it was open and the owner was there.

The Algood Diner Buffet and Grill is just a short ten minute drive from Derryberry Hall.

The first time I went was for a Friday night dinner, but little did I know they are only open for breakfast and lunch, so I got Taco Bell and went home.

The second time was for breakfast, but the owner was unavailable because of family matters. The waitresses there served me my big-as-a dinner plate waffle and orange juice for breakfast and tried to help as much as they could.

Before the third time, I spoke to the owner, set up a meeting with her, talked a little, and then ordered a delicious and huge three-egg ham and cheese omelet.

The two times I went and got to eat, I noticed something while I was there. Not only was the food really good and a large portion for little money, but also, the waitresses knew customers by name and knew what was going in their lives.

“We have a wonderful customer base,” said Carla Beck-

with, owner of the Algood Diner. “ They are truly our friends.”

Carla and Jack Beckwith took over the establishment almost four years ago.

“We really just wanted to be in business for ourselves,” Mrs. Beckwith said. “We get a lot of joy out of it.”

You can eat and get a drink for under $ 10, not a deal I can find anymore with as much good food as they serve here. With a full menu ranging from burgers and bar-b-que to spaghetti dinners and a buffet to a call ahead- drive up window, you will always find something to fill your appetite.

With some classic foods, a buffet, meat and threes, different options every day, and some foods that are a little different, like their Jack’s breakfast sandwich, you won’t run out of things to try at this diner.

With an appropriate “GREAT FOOD—GREAT PEOPLE” slogan this diner is one to try. Take 10th Avenue and keep going.

It’s the little yellow building on the left in Algood, three and a half blocks past the Wal-Mart.

Don’t make the same mistake I did. The restaurant hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon. They are closed on Sunday.

To try the call ahead drive-up window, call (931) 537-3654.

Friday’s Movie Releases

Date Night Letters to God The Square

www.tntechoracle.com

ENTERTAINMENT Page 7 | April 9, 2010

Heat got you down? Check out these movies while you chill inside If you burn like me when the sun shines, here are some interesting movies to watch while the aloe takes effect Fritz the Cat

Dr. Strangelove

Collateral

Best in Show

Released in 2008, as the first Israeli animated feature in over 45 years, Waltz with Bashir tells the story of Ari Folman as he tries to recollect the events he endured during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. As the film progresses, he reconnects with those events leading up to the Sabra and Shatila massacre.

This animated biography smoothly blends various types of animation into one breath-taking visual package. Add in an intriguing soundtrack coupled with excellent dramatic sequences and this film is a solid rental, although it can be ‘art house’ at times.

Fritz the Cat earned the dubious award of the being the first animated movie to earn an ‘X’ rating when released in 1972. However, when judged against the standards of today, the movie would receive an “R” rating.

Fritz the Cat is Ralph Bakshi’s adaptation of Robert Crumb’s character and during the film explores the politics of the left- and right-wing political movements of the 1970s. Along the way, Fritz offends every culture group possible while rasising several questions about society.

The movie is absolutely offensive but takes an interesting look at the 70s and plays an important role in the resurrection of animated feature films.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black comedy film that takes a look at Cold War hysteria in America and common heal beliefs about the era.

The plot opens with USAF Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper planning to use nuclear weapons on the Soviets for fear that a Soviet plot involving the fluoridation of water is turning Americans into Communists. From there, the film delves further into the era blending fact with fiction into a humorous yet head-scratching piece that everyone should see.

Released in 2004, before Tom Cruise went full-blown crazy, Collateral came out and delivered a shot of adrenaline to the film noir genre.

Cruise, in one of his best performances, is a contracted hit man traversing Los Angeles as he carries out his hits.

While going on his killing spree, he enlists the help of a reluctant Jamie Foxx who is working as a cab driver.

From there, the movie rockets toward the action packed finale.

The movie deals out several sequences that ooze atmosphere and cool. And, after watching this movie, I dare you to look at Paul Oakenfold’s hit “Ready Steady Go” in the same light.

Released in 2000, Best in Show, written and directed by Christopher Guest, tells the story of a wide variety of colorful characters competing in a dog show.

Guest’s humor, also vividly found in his other movies A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration, follows the dry wit paradigm of movies like Office Space. If you don’t enjoy this style of humor, then, Best in Show is not the movie for you.

For everyone else, however, Best in Show is an instant classic as it’s a fun movie filled with several charming and endearing characters that represent nearly every facet of society.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Courtesy of Arrow Films

Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Courtesy of Dreamworks

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor Waltz with Bashir

Spin Dat Record With KYLE BUCKNER It’s so easy for an artist or band to be looked over these days. Thanks to Myspace, Youtube and blogs, gaining access to and endless amount of music is almost effortless. Everything is so accessible, so sometimes it’s tiring to sift through all of the junk while searching for a jewel. One of those diamonds in the rough, however, is Nashville’s Clem Snide. The band got its name from a character from several William S. Burroughs novels. There are a few guys in the band. It’s not just a guy named Clem, by the way.

Forming in the early 90s, Clem Snide has never seen much commer-

Clem Snide’s The Meat of Life cial success. They didn’t even and the result was The Meat of Life. record an album until 1998’s On the new album, it’s easy to hear You Were a Diamond, which that songwriter, guitarist and lead vois an astounding record. Next calist Eef Barzelay has been through came Your Favorite Music in some tough times since the last re1999 and Ghost of Fashion in cord. His voice sounds more mature 2001. One of the tracks on Ghost and his poignant lyrics seem to drive of Fashion, “Moment in the Sun,” through even harder than before. was featured as the theme song The opening track, “Wal-Mart for the NBC series Ed. It seemed like Parking Lot,” is, presumably, about things were going pretty well. They a love gone sour. The narrator talks were about to set out on their North about driving all night after an alterAmerican tour, but it cation with a girlfriend was cut short by the and waking up in a Walevents on 9/11. This had Mart parking lot. You to have been frustrating really feel some sympafor the band, seeing that thy for this character, they were just gaining but he assures you he’s all right when he sings, steam and being rec“Sunrise in a Wal-Mart ognized. They released parking lot never looked two more albums, Soft so beautiful.”

Spot and End of Love, There’s another song and then split in 2005. on the album, “Denver,” Five years later, they The album cover for The that almost made me cry decided to give it a try, Meat of Life

the first time I heard it. Barzelay starts the song singing, “I hope that you never forgive me. Forever, deny me your smile. Because I met this woman in Denver, and now she is carrying my child.” The song tells a painful account from a guy who is trying to do the right thing. Truly, a beautiful story, and it sounds so sincere. I’m not sure if this is a true story, but he could’ve fooled me if it’s not.

This album is definitely different from any of their previous albums, but it’s definitely a gem. These guys deserve some attention, and they live right down the road.

Bands like Clem Snide make me want to urge people to dig deep.

Find the good stuff and embrace it, even if it doesn’t ever get the chance to grace the charts. Support independent music by going to shows and buying albums. These artists need cool people to listen to their good music.

Craft Center presents 12th Annual Celebration of Craft

By LAUREN HUXFORD Staff Writer The Appalachian Center for Craft will host its 12th Annual Celebration of Craft Saturday. Featured in its silent auction is artist in residence Melody Tiemann.

Tiemann’s work focuses on clay and uses earthenware, stoneware, underglaze and glaze.

“The question, ‘what happens if…’ was a dominant aspect in the creation of the work,” Tiemann said.

Her collection includes three pieces entitled “Spring,” four pieces entitled “Nos-

talgia,” two pieces entitled “Passing,” and various others.

“The imagery became reflections of my moods and inner thoughts about relationships, transitions and memories,” Tiemann said.

“I borrowed techniques from industry in the creation of for through the use of molds and templates and from printmaking for ideas about applying surface.”

The silent auction will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, and more information can be found at www.tntech.edu/ craftcenter/celebration.

Movie Talk

By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor

Clash of the Titans (3D) I think a quote from Clash of the Titans can best summarize my viewing experience, “Don’t look this ----- in the eyes.”

The story follows the tale of Perseus (Sam Worthington) as he tries to seek revenge upon the gods for killing his adopted family. Throughout the adventure, Perseus and his band of followers encounter numerous foes, including Medusa, before facing off against the spawn of Hades, the Kraken.

This remake suffers from several serious problems that plague the movie from beginning to end.

The first is the lack of action. While the movie had a few good action sequences, it was overall lacking. And, in the place of the action, the filmmakers added awkward stares and extended moments of painful silence.

Case in point, the final battle with the Kraken was the most anticlimactic fight sequence since a laser 500-miles away blasted Devastator in Transformers 2. In addition, the hokey matching of drumbeats to punches was lame.

The next problem was that the whole movie felt like a video game minus the interaction and fun.

For example, about every 20 minutes, Perseus found a new item to help on his quest. All that Clash of the Titans was missing was a blue box popping up to inform the audience that ‘Nondescript Character # has joined the party!’.

Which brings up the next shortcoming, the audience could not connect to any of the characters.

Members of Perseus’ crew leave as fast as they join for a myriad of reasons, usually a blurry death that isn’t made clear until five minutes later when you realize a character is missing.

Finally, the last major flaw was the black hole where any amount of writing should have been. I’m not even concerned about the acting because, let’s be honest, nobody went to this thing for the acting. But, wholly unoriginal lines reminiscent of 300 with modern slang?

C’mon.

The movie did have some bright spots, namely the cinematography. Wide expanses rolled into beautiful landscapes and verdant forest backdrops abounded. And, the showdown with Medusa was exciting and fairly thrilling.

But, these meager offerings don’t save this film from the bowels of Celluloid Hades. If Charon offers you a ride to this flick, tell him you forgot your coins and kindly pass.

MPAA: PG-13

Final Grade: D+

next Issue: Date Night

By Matt Knieling of www.inanimateshorts.com / Voyage of the Clementide is a weekly comic.

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