RACE FOR THE CURE | PAGE 3
IS OBAMA OVERCONFIDENT? | PAGE 4
NASHVILLE ZOMBIE WALK | PAGE 8
More stories and exclusive content at tntechoracle.com
THE
Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505
O
RACLE
Volume 95 | Issue 2 | Free in single copy | September 23, 2011
Graduate enrollment bucks trend By KAYLA GULLEY Staff Writer Official enrollment numbers show that Tech has reached record undergraduate enrollment for the 11th consecutive year while graduate enrollment has decreased. The final count for 2011 enrollment overall is 11,768, a 2 percent increase. Undergraduate enrollment shows a 5.1 percent increase. There has also been a 9 percent increase in the number of transfer students and a 3.1 percent increase in the number of incoming freshmen. “I believe that a prospective student really feels that there are a lot of people at TTU that genuinely care about student success when he or she visits TTU,” Alexis Pope, assistant director of Admissions said. “I’m not sure how long we can keep it up, but we’ve managed to do more with less when it comes to informing prospective students about the
quality education to be had here at TTU.” The graduate numbers, however, are down 2.1 percent. This decrease is seen especially in the College of Business and the College of Education. Although the College of Business overall only lost 2.9 percent of its enrolled students, its graduate program enrollment lost 8.6 percent. The College of Education lost 4.2 percent of enrolled students. However, the graduate program had a 22.4 percent drop in enrollment numbers. According to enrollment figures, the education graduate program has 227 fewer students than in 2010. “The graduate enrollment is down because the College of Education has seen a significant decrease this year,” Francis Otuonye, associate vice president of Research and Graduate Studies, said. Otuonye said three main factors lead to the decrease in the College of
Tech student arrested with multiple weapons By WILL HOUSLEY Managing Editor A Tech student was arrested by university police for the possession of a loaded revolver, a shotgun and several knives on Sept. 21 in a Tech parking lot. According to the university police report, Robert Erik Haggard, 19, of MS Cooper Hall, was arrested on the Possession of Weapons on Campus (T.C.A. 39-17-1309) charge. Shortly after 11 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Bulakowski and Sgt. Sandy Thompson were patrolling the north paved lot of Jobe Hall when they noticed suspicious activity at a parked truck. Officers approached two male subjects and asked them who owned the truck. One of the men claimed he didn’t know, but police continued to question the men. While investigating, the officers observed what appeared to be a marijuana grinder and green leafy traces of what appeared to be marijuana, through the truck’s window. Sgt. Thompson also observed a bullet in the center console,
prompting a search of the vehicle. After identifying Haggard as the vehicle owner, officers questioned him about the visible items in the truck. Haggard denied any knowledge of the items. University police found a fully loaded .22 Mag. Heritage revolver wrapped in a green rag, a 20-gauge New England Firearms shotgun behind the driver’s seat, one 4and-a-half inch blade buck knife, one 3-anda-half inch blade buck knife, a switchblade, a revolver cylinder with four rounds of ammunition, a total of 50 .22 rounds, and four 20-gauge rounds. According to a supplement report, the officers also found drug paraphernalia items, including a small pipe and a large pipe. A small amount of marijuana was also found in a cigarette box. Haggard was transported and booked into the Putnam County jail, where bond was set at $1,500. According to a court affidavit, Haggard has a court date on Oct. 17.
TNTECHORACLE.COM FRIDAY 73/47 °F
SATURDAY 75/52 °F
Graphic by Meredith Purcell and Kayla Gulley
Education. The first is a change the state made in the Institutional Leadership Program, so that many
students do not have the credentials to get in. The second factor is that the assistantship programs does
not have enough money. Finally, the local economy is down and professionals with a bachelor’s
degree who have a job do not want to take out more loans to pay for a master’s degree.
New bike share program sees success By LOGAN NICKLESON Staff Writer Wheels are spinning as a result of the new bikeshare program that is fostering both community and healthy living among the Tech population. The free bicycle rental concept introduced this semester by the “Treehouse,” Tech’s environmental learning village, has been met with much interest and enthusiasm. “Initially we thought, ‘it’s a nice idea, but is anyone going to do it?’” Andy Smith, Tech instructor of English and faculty head of the Treehouse, said. “The response has far exceeded expectations.” Caitlin Mccown, assistant coordinator of the Treehouse, estimated that there have been 400-500 people who have rented out bikes over the past three weeks. A total of 14 men’s and women’s cruiser-style bicycles are available between 7 a.m. and midnight daily to all Tech students, staff and faculty. “It’s a great program for people who want bikes but don’t have them or if you have to go all the way to the STEM Center or something,” Michelle Best, a junior at Tech, said. According to Best, the
Brittany Ritzman
Fourteen cruise-style bicycles are available to Tech students are various locations on campus.
only problem with the program is that the bikes need frequent maintenance; but even this issue is swiftly addressed. Dedicated bike racks are located at both New Hall North—the headquarters of the Treehouse—and Dunn Hall. Bicycles can be rented from the front desks of either residence hall. Each biker is required
@TNTECHORACLE SUNDAY 74/52 °F
to sign liability forms before receiving an optional helmet and a key to the bicycle lock. In addition to the health-related and environmental benefits, the bike-share provides functional benefits. “People are always complaining about parking,” Smith said. “This is a great way to avoid hunting for a parking spot.”
The bike-share program is funded by the Sustainability Campus Fee, which the Tech website defines as, “an $8 per semester fee to increase efforts for clean, renewable energy and conservation projects.”
FACEBOOK.COM/TNTECHORACLE MONDAY 70/49 °F
TUESDAY 76/49 °F
WEDNESDAY 80/54 °F
CONTACT: news - 931.372.3285 - oracle@tntech.edu | advertising - 931.372.3031 - ttuoracleads@gmail.com
NEWS
More stories at www.tntechoracle.com Career Services Offers Resume Tips Tech Students Gain Valuable Experience Abroad
tntechoracle.com
Page 2 | September 23, 2011
B.o.B tells of his biggest challenge, greatest influences as a musician
Will Housley
B.o.B performed at the Hooper Eblen Center Sept. 20 as a part of the SOLO Concert Series.
September
23 Various Events & Locations
For the first time, Chiddy Bang was the opening act for B.o.B at Tuesday night’s second concert in the SOLO Concert Series at the Hooper Eblen Center. B.o.B, a mainstream hip-hop songwriter, performer and producer, headlined the concert. B.o.B has performed on multiple college campuses in Tennessee, including East Tennessee State University in April 2010. “[When performing for college students,] it feels more like I’m performing with the people I’m attracted to,” B.o.B said. “It’s good to be back in front of people my age.” B.o.B describes himself as a “studio nerd,” because he spent so much time in the studio producing music throughout his career. According to B.o.B, compared to the studio setting, performing doesn’t come naturally to him. B.o.B has worked with various musicians throughout the years, including Hayley Williams, of Paramore, Lil Wayne, Bruno Mars, Lupe Fiasco, Eminem, and Justin Bieber. “I had the most fun with Lupe [Fiasco],” said B.o.B. “He’s just real organic, bringing in guitars and just rocking out.” B.o.B, 22, has been in music since the age of 15. Growing up, he listened to musicians
like Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and James Brown. “My brother, who was old enough to buy rap albums, got me into Snoop Dogg, Biggie, Tupac, DMX, and Eminem,” B.o.B. said. “And, growing up in the South you’re just influenced by all of the Southern music.” B.o.B didn’t attend college. He graduated high school and focused on pursuing his musical goals. “[Before music,] I just worked at Subway and got fired,” B.o.B said. “So, it was music and that’s it.” B.o.B started to gain mainstream recognition in 2007 with an underground single of “Haterz Everywhere.” “My biggest challenge as a musician is trying to make the music,” said B.o.B. “Instead of just allowing it to happen.” The SOLO Concert Series is funded by tuition dollars to host a major concert on campus every semester. Students vote on a list of artists of a certain genre, determined in advance by the SOLO bill, to come to campus. Tuesday’s concert selection was the results of the hip-hop genre poll, next semester’s genre is pop.
Safety concerns lead to vehiclefree main quad
All day Last day for 25% refund 8:00 a.m. Middle TN Antique Engine & Tractor Association Hyder Burks Pavilion
24 8:00 a.m. Middle TN Antique Engine & Tractor Association Hyder Burks Pavilion 7:00 p.m. Football v. Southeast Missouri State Tucker Stadium
25 4:30 p.m. Benefit Organ Recital, Faculty & Guest Artists Wattenbarger Auditorium
27 11 a.m. TAB Event - Frisbee Giveaway First Floor, RUC 11 a.m. Chapter 606 (SMAC) Committee Meeting RUC 224
By BRITTANY RITZMAN Copy Editor “It is a fire lane and any vehicles parked there will impede emergency vehicles trying to respond to an actual emergency,” Glenn Binkley, director of Facilities and Business Services, said. This problem was visible just before administration decided to close the drive to motor vehicle traffic. “We brought in the fire department to do pre-planning [for fire safety plans] recently, and there was a car parked in the way,” Butler said. “That’s a problem. [Closing the main quad] was really mitigation for safety.” However, this change has not been implemented without complaint. Faculty in Bartoo Hall and South Hall were concerned that they were not receiving package deliveries as a result of Quadrangle Drive being closed to delivery trucks. However, this problem has been addressed and delivery
events @ tech Until Sunday Family Weekend
By WILL HOUSLEY Managing Editor
University administration made the decision to block Quadrangle Drive from motor vehicle traffic effective fall 2010. This decision was based on recommendations from the University’s Master Plans from 2001 and 2010. The two master planners agreed that the area should be closed off from personal vehicles for safety. “A concern for me when I was visiting campus for my [hiring] interview was the exposure that those buildings had to emergency services,” Jack Butler, associate vice president of Facilities and Business Services, said. “My thoughts concurred with what the Master Planner had been thinking, but I was just another set of eyes.” Vehicles were not only being driven around the main quad, they were also often left illegally parked along the sides.
O
11 a.m. Resume Design on a Dime Workshop Tech Pride Room 2 p.m. Resume ER is back! Tech Pride Room Brittany Ritzman
Sophomore Jared Phillips, senior Andrew Russell, freshman Matthew Bell and sophomore Shelton Neill gather on the main quad during dead hour. schedules should return to normal. “There was confusion from UPS and FedEx on what their delivery route was,” Butler said. “We were at UPS Ground and FedEx earlier this week to make sure that these problems were put to bed.” Though the main quad is now closed to motor vehicle traffic, the University still allows bicycles, foot traffic and student activities in the area. Butler said he even hopes that
the lack of motor vehicles will make the green space more appealing. Accommodations can be made to assist organizations that host large special events in the main quad. “We’re dedicating the Quad to University usage and we do what we can to help functions go smoothly,” Butler said. “We made arrangements for everyone to set up on the quad for all of the Week of Welcome ac-
tivities and other events but then they had to move all of their cars once they were finished.” The sawhorses that currently block the lane to motor vehicle traffic will be replaced with spring-loaded bollards that will serve as barriers to personal vehicles but can be pushed over by emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances. After the vehicle passes, the bollard will spring back into place.
29 11 a.m. Career Fair Tip-Off Workshop Tech Pride Room 5 p.m. Surviving the Storm Derryberry Hall Auditorium
tntech.edu/calendar
Baja team brings home 12th win By EMILY HAILE Staff Writer
Emily Haile
Senior Tyrell Laxton, co-captain of the Baja team, performs maintenance on this year’s Baja vehicle.
The Society of Automotive Engineers’ Baja team won its 12th championship over the summer. With this win, the team boasts a new record because it holds twice the number of championships compared to any other Baja team in the world. Faculty Adviser Dale Wilson said that the team’s disadvantage when compared to the other top teams is the financial situation. “We have some students that do their University Academic Scholarship hours with us, but there are no scholarships,” Wilson said. “About
25 percent of our funding comes from SGA, and the rest is from sponsors.” Each year Tech’s Baja team spends about $10,000 to build a new car for the races. Labor is free because the students build the car and a lot of the parts are donated by local companies. According to annual price reports, Cornell University has a budget of $30,000 on a team car. Cornell has only won a championship once. Even with such a low budget compared to other schools, the Baja team still finishes in the top 10 at least 80 percent of the time. According to Wilson, the advantage comes from being at Tech. “The school attracts people who want to put in the time and work to be successful,” Wilson said. “The
other advantage is that each year, the students have more knowledge that they can build upon to make a better car.” Tech’s Baja team is also known for good sportsmanship. If another team is having problems with a car, Tech helps to get it running correctly. “We’re glad to help anybody get second place,” senior Tyrell Laxton said. The team consistently shows that while more financial support from the school would be beneficial, money isn’t all that matters when it comes to winning. The lack of funding is a disadvantage, but the team has learned how to work around the negatives and come out on top.
NEWS Page 3 | September 23, 2011
tntechoracle.com
New learning villages decided By JACKSON CRESSWELL Staff Writer Tech plans to have two new learning villages on campus by next fall. Ellington and Warf Hall will be the home of the arts and media village while a global village will be located in M.S. Cooper. The arts and media village is meant to appeal to students involved with music, art, and communication and the global village is for students interested in a global perspective. However, students do not have to live in the residence halls in order to take advantage of what the learning villages have to offer. “You don’t have to live in the village to be a member,” Scott Northrup, a faculty member of the Learning Villages Advisory Committee, said. “In fact, we want to reach out to commuter stu-
ONLINE: •Crossword •Multimedia •Crime Map •Polls •Virtual Edition
O
dents and people that don’t even live in Cookeville,” Tech is already home to four other learning villages: the environmental village in New Hall North (referred to as “The Treehouse” by village members), the service learning village (which is also known as “The Service Center”) in New Hall South, a women’s village is located in Crawford Hall and an engineering village is currently stationed in Maddux and McCord Halls. The learning villages are intended to have a general focus on their respective themes, but are also intended to be places on campus to socialize. “The idea of these themes is not to dial in on a specific discipline on campus, but to try to bring in people from widely different programs that have a common theme,” Northrup said. While students may be
familiar with the environmental village’s campuswide recycling initiative, the learning village also offers tutors, a bike-share program, mixers, and, according to Northrup, it has even held raves for its members. Development of the learning villages will continue by adding two new villages every year. As for next year, the committee is leaning toward starting a health and wellness village, but is still open to other suggestions. “We’re very open to input from outside if people have ideas,” Northrup said. “If students have visions for what kind of villages they’d like to see started on campus, we want to be responsive to what’s out there.” For more information on the learning villages, visit http://www.tntech.edu/reslife/livinglearningvillages.
CRIME BRIEFS REPORTS:
- Sept. 14 - 11:22 a.m. Charges: Stolen laptop from classroom (unattended) Location: Bruner Hall - Sept. 14 - 4:56 p.m. Charges: Unlawful photography Location: Bruner Hall - Sept. 19 - 7:41 a.m. Charges: Theft of books Location: RUC - Bookstore - Sept. 20 - 12:10 p.m. Charges: Theft of gasoline from vehicle Location: Facilities - Inside Gate - Sept. 21 - 4:31 a.m. Charges: Alcohol violation Location: McCord Hall - Sept. 21 - 10:10 a.m. Charges: Theft from vehicle/backpack Location: Open Lot North - Jobe Hall
tntechoracle.com
Please recycle your copy of The Oracle.
For a daily crime report, visit www.tntech.edu/police/police-crimelogs
Courtesy of the Office of Communications & Marketing
Runners race to the finish line during last year’s Race for the Cure. This year’s Race for the Cure will be Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Race for the Cure to be held Sunday afternoon By SARAH DEROSSETT Asst. Ad Manager The Upper Cumberland Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, Sept. 25. The race is a sanctioned 5K event approved by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a global leader of the breast cancer awareness movement, having invested more than $1 billion in research since its inception in 1982. Komen’s promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. “This year in the United States alone, more than 10,000 young women under 40 will be told that they have breast cancer,” Affiliate Coordinator Faune Nunnery said. “Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women under age 40. Bobbie Maynard, Race for the Cure marketing chair said, “Last year we had more than 1,600 participants and raised $120,000 to fight breast cancer in the Upper Cumberland. “Up to 75 percent of those funds remain in the Upper Cumberland to provide breast health research, diagnostics, screening, treatment, services and education for uninsured or underinsured women. The remaining 25 percent of funds raised goes to support national research to discover the causes of
breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures.” Race day events will include a breast cancer survivor ceremony starting at 12:30 p.m., a one-mile family fun walk or run taking place at 1 p.m. and the race beginning at 2 p.m. The Awards Ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. The Race Village, stationed in the parking lot between the Hooper Eblen Center and Tucker Stadium, will open at 11 a.m. Live entertainment and water stations will line the raceway. Many national and local sponsors will have interactive booths with free giveaway items, including a chance to win two American Airlines tickets. Top local sponsors for this year’s race include host sponsor Tennessee Tech University, Country Giant 94.7, WCTE, Lite Rock 95.9, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Kroger, Highways Inc., Averitt, and the Herald-Citizen. “We are hoping to have 2,000 participants this year, and it’s not too late to participate,” Maynard said. “You can still register in person the day of the race. All registered race participants will receive a T-shirt. For more information about Komen Upper Cumberland and the Race for the Cure, visit www.komenuppercumberland.org, call (931) 303-0096, or e-mail info@ komenuppercumberland.org.
COMFORT FOOD. COMFORTABLE PRICE. FEATURING OVER 40 MENU ITEMS $8.95 OR UNDER!
Fish Tacos $6.95
Pile of Onion Straws Classic Burgers $4.95 $4.75
1385 Interstate Dr. – Cookeville
931-520-0411
www.blueplategrill.com
Home of the Big Dawg Challenge!
”Like“ us on Facebook for a chance to win gift cards!
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 clarity. tntechoracle.com
Page 4 | September 23, 2011
Enough with the tests CASSIE TESAURO Editorial Editor
Courtesy of whitehouse.gov
President Obama addresses the nation in the East Room of the White House.
Obama: four more years? return from their recess next month—got to get in a few good rounds of golf first.
JONATHAN FRANK Asst. Editorial Editor
Last Thursday, President Barack Obama spoke to a room full of donors at a campaign fundraiser in Washington D.C. sounding very confident of his chances for re-election. “Here’s one thing I know for certain,” Obama said. “The odds of me being re-elected are much higher than the odds of me being elected in the first place [in 2008].” News networks quickly picked up the story, with some conservative media outlets taking Obama’s statement slightly out of context, as was the case with the Fox News headline, “Obama: Odds Are I’ll Get Re-Elected.” But while Obama may not have said exactly that, his remarks still create a narrative that is anything but helpful to him as he mounts his 2012 reelection bid. Obama’s re-election committee plans to chart new territory in presidential campaigns by raising $1 billion and unfortunately, campaign finance laws won’t allow Oprah to bankroll that by herself. It’s a fundraising goal that may prove to be especially difficult in this recessionary economy
and while it’s important for any candidate to portray confidence in their odds of success, the last thing you want to do when shaking people down for money is pronounce yourself the winner of an election nearly 14 months out from the day voters will actually go to the polls. Obama would be wise to frame this as a competitive, tight race even if all signs pointed to an easy road for his re-election. But in fact, they don’t. A Rasmussen poll released Monday indicates that only 22 percent of voters strongly approve of Obama’s job performance, while a separate Gallup poll released this week also shows Obama’s approval rating at an all-time low among liberals. A quick survey of recent events under the Obama administration reminds us why. The August jobs report was published three weeks ago showing no new jobs created in that month and unemployment rates still at upwards of 9 percent. Interestingly, the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority, has a jobs bill on the calendar but is not set to discuss it until after they
Additionally, Obama is now backtracking on promises he made in 2009, and, failing to see that our nation’s debt stems from a spending problem rather than a revenue problem, is proposing $1.5 trillion in new taxes on the very people who are creating jobs and putting money back into the economy. The media has now uncovered a number of fees hidden within the president’s tax package including a doubling of federal security fees for airline passengers and a pay cut for federal workers. Add to this the fact that the nation’s credit ranking was downgraded for the first time in history over this summer and a swelling national debt of more than $14.7 trillion, $4 trillion of which was accumulated on Obama’s watch, and you have a president who faces a very tough road to re-election. If Obama wants to be a two-term president, he needs to either cut a check to Michele Bachmann’s GOP primary campaign or, perhaps the better option, level with his supporters, admit where he has erred, and humbly explain why he so badly needs their time, resources, and votes. Otherwise, his time in office may be running out, and we may all be better off for it.
CORRECTION In “Semester starts with construction underway” in the 9/16/11 edition, the Henderson Hall construction completion date was printed
O
incorrectly. Construction is actually expected to be completed by the end of the semester. Also, Tech Village West renovations are finished. A couple of building in Tech Village East will soon undergo renovations.
Is it just me, or is our society obsessed with test taking? It feels like every time I finish studying for supposedly the most important test of my life I turn around and start studying for an even more important test. In elementary school, it was all about the TCAP. Teachers would desperately cram in as much testing material as possible to the point where they had to teach only for the test. You want to know why fish have gills? Too bad. It’s not on the TCAP. I remember one year in elementary school my teacher stopped teaching social studies and history completely a month before the TCAP began because so much was riding on students scoring high in math. Even at that age, I remember noticing how stressed the teachers were. We would practice how to fill in bubble sheets all the time. At least once a day teachers would warn us about test anxiety. I wasn’t nervous about the test at first, but after the 20th time I was told not to be nervous, I started to get pretty anxious. It felt like everything was riding on this test. That’s a lot of pressure for a second grader. I was sitting there trying to decide what ice and steam had in common, and all I could think was, “Don’t
be nervous! Fill in the bubble completely! Budget your time wisely!” Years later, I entered high school. Before I even memorized my locker combination, I was warned about the ACT. By sophomore year I still hadn’t purchased a practice book and I started to get nervous. As a bit of a side note, has anyone looked at the prices of standardized test practice books lately? Some of them are obscenely expensive. I have college textbooks that cost less. Finally I gave in and bought a practice ACT book. Every Saturday I’d spend a little time working my way through the book. Compared to the pressure to score well on the ACT, the TCAP test was nothing. There were posters up all over the school with a clear message: Want to go to college? Score high on the ACT. Right next to that poster would be another one with the message: Want to be successful? Go to college. The photographs on those posters always bothered me. Remember the “study hard” posters? There was a beautiful model in a sweater vest smiling as she highlighted terms in a brand new looking textbook laying on a clean desk. I don’t know about you, but when I study for a big test I’m surrounded by books,
handouts, notes, empty soda bottles and granola bar wrappers. I’m wearing an old hoodie, not a sweater vest. And I am most certainly not smiling as I highlight three different names for the exact same thing. You know what I’m talking about. “A, also known as B, is commonly referred to as C.” I have a sneaking suspicion that some members of academia rename things just so they can get their name in a textbook. For my sanity’s sake, please stop. You get your name in the index. I get five points taken off when I can’t remember your word. My entire potential as a functioning member of society is narrowed down to a transcript filled with test scores. If I had gotten one point higher on the ACT, my scholarship amount would be almost double what it is now. You have no idea how much that one point haunts me. Just one more correct answer about one more vocabulary word and my financial burden would have almost disappeared. In case you hadn’t already guessed by the tone of this editorial, I’m once again experiencing the joys of standardized test taking. Even as a senior in college I can’t escape them. Now it’s time for the GRE. Then again it could be worse. A lot of you are studying for the LSAT, the MCAT or an entrance exam created for one specific school. Keep your spirits up. I’ll be with you in the library, coffee in one hand and calculator in the other.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Patriotism Does Not Equal Racism I am writing this in response to a cartoon that was featured in the Sept. 16, 2011 edition of the Oracle on page four. This drawing showed what seemed to be a gas station sign with the words, “American-Owned” on it. I have seen several stores around Cookeville that have similar signs as this one. The drawing included a special camera that took a picture of the sign and claimed that the “blunt truth” that the sign was making is not really that the store is Americanowned. Rather the truth is that “American-Owned” means
“Racist Welcome.” This bothers me. Since when is patriotism considered racism? Since when is American synonymous with racist? If the sign had said, “Americans Only,” then I could see why that could be called racist. That is not what it said, though. The statement that these convenience stores and other businesses are making with the commonly used “American-Owned” sign is not one of racism. It is one of patriotism and one that needs to be said. People have a right to know that when they spend their money, it is staying in the United States. With the economic situation that our country is in right now, money
shipped outside of these borders can hurt our economy more than it helps. To call someone a racist for letting their customers know that their money is staying within their country, or to call someone a racist for shopping at a store that does so is utterly wrong and shameful! I am proud to be an American and want to do everything I can to benefit my country in the economic crisis we are in, including buying American-made products from American-Owned stores. If that makes me racist, someone better rethink the definition of racism! It is patriotism!
Greg Evans Gaevans42@students.tntech.edu
Poll of the Week: What did you do to commemorate 9/11? I watched special news coverage - 41% I kept the victims and emergency responders in my thoughts - 38% Other - 21%
This week: What do you think of the new Treehouse bike-share program?
The Oracle regrets the error.
Go to tntechoracle.com to vote!
THE
ORACLE
Weekly. Student operated. Tennessee Tech University TTU Box 5072 Cookeville, TN 38505 WILL HOUSLEY Managing Editor NICHOLAS ROLLINS Asst. Managing Editor BRIDGETTE BUCHANAN Ad Manager DAKOTA WEATHERFORD SARAH DEROSSETT Ad Assistants BRITTANY RITZMAN Copy Editor CASSIE TESAURO Editorial Editor
JONATHAN FRANK Asst. Editorial Editor ROSS HARVEY Sports Editor ANDY RUTHERFORD Asst. Sports Editor CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor WILL SHECKLER Asst. Entertainment Editor HOLLY COWART Faculty Advisor
CONTACT US
VOICE YOUR OPINION
Advertising 931.372.3031 ttuoracleads@gmail.com
Opinion 931.372.3285 cetesauro42@students. tntech.edu
Newsroom 931.372.3285 oracle@tntech.edu Address TTU Box 5072 Cookeville, TN 38501
REPORT AN ERROR Editor 931.372.3285 wahousley21@students. tntech.edu
The Oracle encourages readers to write letters and commentaries on topics of interest. A few guidlines: 1. Letters shouldn’t exceed 300 words. Commentaries should be around 500
a
4. Letters may not run in every edition due to space.
2. Originality is required. Plagiarized works will not be considered.
5. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity.
words and picture.
include
3. For verification, letters and commentaries MUST include your name, e-mail address, home town and classification or title.
6. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
BEAT REPORTERS: Ashley Ayub, Lindsay Blakely, Ellie Boles, Jillian Boreing, Jacob Cook, Ashton Corbin, Jacson Cresswell, Sarah DeRossett, Jamal Ferguson, April Gilbert, Julie Graham, Kayla Gully, Emily Haile, Karla Hammac, Drew Haston, Biskie Holman, Emily Homan, Caitlin Jared, Dhir Joshi, Samantha Kendall, David Lane, Justin Matheney, Amanda Miller, Logan Nickleson, Sarah Reese,
tntechoracle.com
Shannon Rountree, Megan Severe, Aubrey Smith, Ashley Smith, Haley Smith, Brandon Stephenson, Heather Veatch, Jacob Walker, Lindsey Wallace, Emily Weinzetl, Geri Anna Wilson, Jenda Wilson, Camille Woods
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this newspaper DO NOT necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University’s employees or of its administration.
SPORTS tntechoracle.com
Page 5 | September 23, 2011
Tech hosts SEMO Saturday By ANDY RUTHERFORD Asst. Sports Editor
Sports Information
Andrea Meloff (center left) and Emily Homan (center right) celebrate after Meloff scored Tech’s game-winning goal against Lipscomb Sunday. It was Meloff’s first goal of the season.
Tech Soccer beats Lipscomb, heads into OVC this weekend Using momentum to continue success through weekend is key, team says By ROSS HARVEY Sports Editor Tech soccer enters Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend with momentum following a win over Lipscomb, in which the Golden Eagles had 23 shots, controlled possession throughout and won 2-1. Coach Daniel Brizard said going into the game that he hoped his team would be able to get a win, and they were able to do so, getting goals from sophomore Ellie Iaciofano and junior Andrea Meloff. Meloff also had an assist in the game. Brizard said after the win was that it was important for Tech (3-6-1) to gain confidence prior to visiting Eastern Illinois (1-6-2) on the road Friday. “We needed that confidence boost as a team,” Brizard said. “I think we’ve played well, I just think sometimes the result hasn’t gone our way. “To actually get the result in terms of playing well and in front of a fantastic home crowd, hopefully it will give
us some momentum we can take into this weekend.” Starting sophomore goalkeeper Becca Toler said the key to so many offensive chances was solid team play. “We are always strong in the back,” Toler said. “We’ve been working even harder on the attacking third, just being more creative with our forwards and we are very close to becoming a great team.” Iaciofano said that a slight style change had a big effect on the way the forwards played during the game, which helped her notch her second goal of the season. “We were playing more through balls, making more runs on the outside,” Iaciofano said. “[When I scored] the ball went over the top to Andrea [Meloff]… I was just giving her an option and she gave me a nice through ball. I struck it; I thought it might go wide, but it hit post and went in. “We had much more attack in the game [Sunday], and it will give us confidence to score.” Tech’s two opponents for the weekend are EIU, who
Tech tied last year 1-1, and Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville (2-2-1), who is in its first year of official OVC play. Tech and SIUE did not match up last year. Brizard said last week that his goal for the team was to win conference championships. Iaciofano said a good start was the first step towards that goal. Tech is 8-5-2 all-time in OVC openers. “We need to start conference off with two good wins,” Iaciofano said. “We are making more chances, executing our chances is what has to happen. “We just need to capitalize.” No matter what happened leading up to conference play, Toler said, the time to peak is now. “It’s a fresh new start… we have confidence. We have business to take care of,” Toler said. “It starts with this weekend.” For more information on Tech Soccer and all of Tech Athletics, please visit TTUSports.com.
The Golden Eagle football team (2-1,1-0) is set to host the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions, the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (0-2,0-0), this Saturday in its first conference home game of the season. Tech holds the lead in this series 11-8, but the Redhawks came away with the victory in their last encounter, 23-21, last season in Cape Girardeau. “This should be a great game to watch,” Tech Head Coach Watson Brown said on Tuesday. “You better beat SEMO. They’re not a team that’s going to beat themselves. They don’t turn the ball over, they don’t have a lot of penalties, you’ve got to Brown beat them.” Brown said that SEMO’s 0-2 record “means nothing” as far as preparing to play them. “[Tech’s win last weekend] means nothing to turn around and lose at home,” he said. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Tucker Stadium and the Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park opens at 4 p.m. “I encourage everyone to come out because this is such a big game,” Brown said. “I believe a good crowd could cause a seven point swing in the ballgame.” The game will also air on WCTE-TV and the Golden Eagle Sports Network. Although SEMO is off to an 0-2 start,
their statistics show they still have a dangerous, high-powered offense led by senior dualthreat quarterback Matt Scheible. He is on pace to become the first quarterback in OVC history to have 4,000 career passing yards and 2,000 career rushing yards. He currently has 3,587 and 1,735 respectively. Tech is coming off a big road win last weekend where they defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-2,0-1) in the OVC opener in Charleston. Defense was the story in that game as they forced four turnovers and held the Panthers to negative six yards on the ground. The defensive unit was led by senior defensive back Richmond Tooley, who led the team with 10 tackles and three pass deflections. Tooley was named OVC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. “He’s been the best corner in our league already this early in the season,” Brown said of Tooley. “If there’s a better one, I Tooley haven’t seen him yet…I’m very proud of Richmond.” Senior wide receiver Tim Benford received national recognition by being named to the College Football Performance Awards for the second week in a row. Benford caught eight passes for 124 yards. The victory also gained attention for the program as a whole as they received 41 points in The Sports Network/Fathead.com poll and seven votes in the FCS Coaches Poll.
Tech Rugby heads to Vanderbilt for Oak Leaf Cup Tournament following thrashing of Bryan
Samantha Kendall
Golden Eagle Player Profile Claudia Harke
The former Wisconsin Softball Gatorade Player of the Year is from Appleton, in northeast Wisconsin. The junior pitcher had a 2.64 ERA in OVC games last year. If I could play any other sport: “Basketball. I played forward for four years in high school and I like the fast-paced contact.” Favorite Food: “Fettuccini Alfredo, from Olive Garden. It’s better from Olive Garden.” Favorite NFL team: “The [Green Bay] Packers. I grew up with them; it’s in my blood. And I hate the Bears.” Favorite Musical Artist: “Eric Church.” Pets: “A kitten. His name is Lambeau.“ (The Packers play at Lambeau Field, named after Packers co-founder, player and coach Curly Lambeau.) What I do when I am bored: “I watch Bravo or E! I’m obsessed with any of the ‘Real Housewives’ shows or anything Kardashian.” Favorite Movie: “Summer Catch. Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Jessica Biel. It’s such a sappy movie, but it’s good.” Something not many people know about me: “When I was born, my left arm was broken, and that’s the arm I pitch with now. That’s pretty cool. And also, I’m afraid of birds. I watched The Birds when I was little. Hitchcock.” Favorite Quotation: “Lisa Fernandez (Pitcher for the USA Olympic Softball team) said, ‘Never be satisfied.’”
A Bryan College rugby player is tackled as Logan O’Dell (center) and captain Brooks Robinson (right) look on. Tech defeated Bryan 82-0. Look for a recap of the Rugby Team’s weekend games at Vandy in next week’s issue of The Oracle.
For More Information: The Oracle
Tech Athletics
TTUSports.com Use your smartphone to scan these QR codes to take you directly there!
SPORTS Page 6 | September 23, 2011
tntechoracle.com
Weekly Roundup Cross Country Sets Records Again The Georgia State Invitational cross country race was a day of record breaking by the Tech Golden Eagles. Between the men’s and women’s teams, seven Tech runners set new personal best times for their distances. This landed both Golden Eagle teams a fifth place overall. The front runner for the men’s team was John Greene, besting his record from last week with a 26:59 on the 8k course. Coming in right behind Greene was Matt Bishop with a time of 27:03. Once the first two Golden Eagles were across the line, Michael Mahan, Adam McLeod and Charlie Jordan all finished with new personal best records. The women’s team, in spite of missing two of their key runners according to Team Captain Traci Jones, set three new personal best records of their own. “We have a young, strong group of girls that stepped it up on Saturday,” Jones said. “I’m very proud of everyone.” Some of the standout competitors for the Tech women’s team were Peri Winborne, Rebecca Cline, Leah Bradley, Megan O’Donaghue, Emily Williams, Amelia McCoy, and Traci Jones. O’Donaghue, Cline and Jones all set new personal best records on the 6k course. The Golden Eagle cross country teams will return home for the TTU Invitational on Friday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m.
Tennis Weekend Recap This past weekend, the members of the Tech men’s tennis team compiled more than 15 victories in a tournament in Knoxville, including a win in the doubles on
Weekend Schedule Friday 9/23 Women’s Soccer @ Eastern Illinois Women’s Volleyball @ Murray State Saturday 9/24 Women’s Volleyball @ SE Missouri St. Football vs. SE Missouri St. Sunday 9/25 Women’s Soccer @ SIU Edwardsville
This week’s sports stories at a glance
the Goodfriend side of the bracket. “Our team played pretty well for the first time of the season,” Coach Kenny Doyle said. Five of those victories came in doubles matches and the remaining 10 came in singles matches. Tech’s Justin Kirstein started the season off with a bang by winning an early Friday morning debut over Nicky Kunz of Davidson 6-2, 7-6, before his day ended in singles play losing to Xavier’s Richard Canales 6-2, 7-6(4). Kirstein teamed up with Ezequiel Gils in doubles play and they lost to UT Chattanooga’s Pavels Girgorievs and Michael Barroetavena 8-5. Gils got off to a slow start losing his two matches on Friday the first 6-2, 6-1 to Liberty University’s Tanner Brown, and the second 6-2, 6-3, to Connor Sherwood of Wake Forest. Vasily Eremeev got off to a hot start by winning his two singles matches. Eremeev won his first match 6-2, 6-3, over Xavier’s Michael Moe. He won his second match 62, 6-2, over Winthrop’s Luka Stanic to advance to the semifinals. Eremeev and his doubles teammate James Crawford also won their doubles match, advancing to the semifinals. Crawford wound up splitting his singles matches losing his first to Matti Bourbon in three sets 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-7(2). Crawford regrouped and downed Winthrop’s Chase Altieri 6-2, 6-4, advancing him to the semifinals in the consolation round. Alex Chen and Syrym Abduhkailikov also paired up to win a doubles match Friday advancing to the semifinals. Chen split his singles matches losing to Brandon Fickey of Tennessee 6-1, 6-3, although he responded with a win over Eastern Kentucky’s Nik Shroeder 6-0, 6-1. Abduhkailikov also split
his first two matches, losing the first to EKU’s Hugo Kilentovsky 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, and winning the second against Oliver Strecker of Liberty 4-2 (retired). Saturday, Chen and Abduhkailikov won their semifinals match 8-4, against Tennessee’s Peter Nagovnak and Taylor Patrick. Their win propelled them to Sunday’s finals in the Goodfriend Doubles bracket against Xavier’s Richard Canelas and Marc Pretorius. Crawford and Eremeev continued Tech’s winning ways as they downed Jordan Faith and Orlando Lourenco. In the doubles consolation match, the duo of Giles and Kirstein took a loss at the hands of East Tennessee State’s Robin Asker and Rogerio Roberio. In singles matches Eremeev, Chen, Crawford, and Giles all took losses. Abduhkailikov continued marching through his side of the bracket by advancing to the semifinals because of forfeit victory over Adam Lee of Wake Forest. In the semifinals, he defeated Davidson’s Ethan Kalik. He is set to take on Wake’s Daniel Kreyman in the consolation finals. Sunday, Chen and Abduhkailikov defeated Xavier’s Canelas and Pretorius in Sunday’s final 9-7. The other doubles duo of Eremeev and Crawford lost to Xavier’s Mesa Mei and Michael Moe 8-6. Abduhkailikov also competed against Wake’s Kreyman but fell short 6-3, 6-2. The men’s tennis team plays this weekend at the Southern Intercollegiate Championships in Athens, Ga. For more information about Tech Cross Country, Tech Tennis and all of Tech Athletics, please visit TTUSports.com. This week’s Weekly Roundup contains stories by Staff Writers David Lane and Justin Matheney.
with ROSS HARVEY
THE MAILBAG
Answering this week’s questions from all around the sports world Q: What’s wrong with Chris Johnson? A: Yes, the man who received a whopping $53.5 million dollar extension for the Titans has averaged a paltry 2.3 yard-per-carry average this season. Yes, he has run into the back of his linemen more than he has run for first downs. Yes, he’s been outplayed by multiple backup running backs. However, I wouldn’t worry about Chris Johnson. He missed the entire preseason and training camp, and although he had been “working out” during the offseason, there’s a difference between good shape and football shape. Give Johnson another few weeks and he should be fine. This Sunday’s game at home vs. the Broncos should be a test of how Johnson is progressing. Q: Why doesn’t Tech have a Men’s soccer team? A: The long version: “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,” in other words, Title XI, part of the Education Amendments of 1972. In plain English, the basis of Title XI is that no gender can be discriminated against when it comes to college athletics. Any college must provide athletic opportunities that are “substantially proportionate to the student enrollment,” or have no gender that is underrepresented. Basically, since Tech has a football team, which has the largest roster on Tech’s campus, the women’s sports have to be equal in number to the men’s sports. At this time, Tech has six men’s sports and seven women’s sports, but each gender is equally represented.Confusing?
Q: Will there be an NBA season this fall? A: My gut says no. The NBA lockout is much different than the NFL lockout. The owners in the NBA claim that many of them are losing money due to ticket sales and other rising upkeep costs, so they are plenty content to rent out their venues to acts other than basketball. The NBA is not the NFL; that is, the owners of the NFL would have lost money by missing an entire season, and the NFL has a much broader following than basketball, and the revenue split the owners have proposed will cost the players 150 million dollars of basketball-related monies (not including any salaries). Before even mentioning the salary cap issues that the NBA Players Association is dealing with, the owners and players are far apart. And with basketball executives saying they want a full season or no season, and with more players (the latest being Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin) signing to play overseas, I say we will all be watching hockey come November. But I hope I’m wrong. Q: Who’s gonna win the MLB World Series? A: I’ll make the safe choice and say the New York Yankees will beat the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win the World Series. Why? Why not? Philly has just lost five straight games for the first time all season, and the Yankees are arguably the hottest team during the second half of the season. But don’t sleep on the Texas Rangers. They have the third most potent offense in the league, and they eliminated the Yankees last year to go to the World Series. I don’t see that happening again, however.
ENTERTAINMENT Page 7 | September 23, 2011
tntechoracle.com
Lonesome Road finishes New Vegas story The fourth downloadable content pack for “Fallout: New Vegas” offers conclusions regarding the Courier’s tale with a flourish at the end. By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor I know for most of you out there, the release of the fourth DLC for “Fallout: New Vegas” was not the biggest title to drop on Tuesday. Don’t fret; we’ll take a look at “Gears of War 3” next week after I’ve had time to log enough hours to give the game a fair shake. In the meantime, “Lonesome Road” completes the story of New Vegas from the view of the Courier. Finding a new location in the Mojave, another courier, named Ulysses beckons you forth to explore a weapon ravaged, storm swept location known as The Divide. With promises of explaining the ambiguous history between you two, the Courier plunges into The Divide after the courier bearing the Old World flag. While exploring the new area, the Courier encounters several new enemies including, The Marked Men. Turned red by the radiation, the player finds members of both the New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion banded together in an effort of survival. As you traverse further into the radioactive wasteland, other mutated horrors await, including everyone’s favorite: deathclaws. During his travels on his lonesome road, the Courier learns more about the region and the specific role it plays in the Fallout universe. At the end of the campaign, the player finds that the ghosts of
Courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda Softworks
Ulysses, bearing the flag of the Old World, serves as the main antagonist in the content expansion, baiting the player onward to learn the truth of his history. the Old World remain active and has a momentous decision to make. As a huge geek of the Fallout series, I have spent hours upon hours at night reading developer journals and publications trying to learn every idiosyncrasy of the game universe. So when the offer of discovering the mysterious past of Ulysses, I jumped at the chance. The plot of the expansion is solid throughout the experience, though as with all Fallout games, the player
decides how much he learns via the amount of exploration you are willing to do. By looking a bit off the beaten path, the content pack shares plenty of information that makes exploration as satisfying endeavor. Straying too far off the path is best done with ready weapons, however, as new enemies, such as the Marked Men and Tunnelers, wait for you to drop your guard. The new slew of enemies offer a tough challenge as well as the final showdown with Ulyss-
es, should you choose to fight him. The world is engrossing and well designed, giving the player a truly unique experience. Although “Lonesome Road” is for the most part excellent, a few problems plague the Courier in The Divide. The overall length of the experience is a bit short. Exploring thoroughly the new area, I logged about five hours before the final showdown. I understand not bloating the experience with unnecessary junk, but at the $9.99 price point, the expansion needs a bit more content. In addition, a reoccurring problem with the title, another problem was the number of bugs and glitches I found. Nothing was earth shattering, but having to reload the game is always annoying. “Lonesome Road” is not going to make any new fans of the series. However, the expansion, problems aside, offers a fitting conclusion to the Courier’s tale before the climatic end of the game. Raising the level cap and bringing new perks to the table is always nice even though you still can’t play past the Second Battle of Hoover Dam. I recommend the DLC if you’re a fan of the series, if you’re not, you might want to hold off on purchasing or maybe wait until the ludicrous Steam sales in November.
Final Grade: B
Time-bending comic ‘Casanova’ begins third series: ‘Avaritia’ By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor Continuing a very successful run, Matt Fraction and Gabriel Bá’s “Casanova” enters its third volume, “Avaritia,” with another memorable first book. Picking up the story after the climatic end to the second volume, “Gula,” the series continues down the trippy, time-bending road on which it started. Bá’s artistic direction of the book compliments Fraction’s storytelling ability with a truly unique style. The story follows the tale of Casanova Quinn as he is abducted from one timeline into a parallel one by Chairman Xeno. After his cross time journey, the dimension of time begins breaking down in the present timeline causing a variety of prob-
lems that Quinn and his on again, off again allies at E.M.P.I.R.E. must fix. If you couldn’t tell from the last paragraph, the story is fairly complex and makes you flip back pages occasionally to make sure you didn’t miss something. Offered at the beginning of the issue, a brief synopsis brings a new reader up to speed on previous events, although I recommend a fresh reading from the start of the series. Once you break the shell of the story, “Casanova” gives the reader a rich experience that challenges concepts of the comics genre. Bá, taking over art duties from his twin brother Fabio Moon, continues the strong artistic element of the book. “Casanova” is an interesting read and well worth your time and money as the third volume looks to keep up the high quality of the series. Casanova Avaritia #1
By MATT KNIELING | When not trying to expose “Family Circle” as an oval, Matt Knieling writes and draws funny pictures for The Oracle. Find more of his comics at inanimateshorts.com or on Facebook at tinyurl.com/mattartfb.
Courtesy of Bold Films
The main character (Ryan Gosling) talks with his neighbor from down the hall, Irene (Carey Mulligan), before her husband returns from prison.
Let ’s Talk About CHUCK ACHESON Movies With Entertainment Editor
Simply stated, “Drive” is a beautiful film. Getting paid to watch movies and write about them has always been a great privilege. Movies such as “Drive,” however, make me think I have the best job in the world. Based on the 2005 James Sallis novel by the same name, “Drive” follows the story of an unnamed main character (Ryan Gosling) as he tries to do what’s right. Standing between him and freedom are a slew on west coast mobsters and a whole lot of bad luck. In addition to working as a part time stunt driver, Gosling’s character pulls jobs as a getaway driver. The movie opens with the driver in the middle of a job that sets the pace for the rest of the movie. After falling for the pretty girl, Irene (Carey Mulligan), a few doors down in his apartment building, Gosling agrees to help her recently paroled husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), pull one last job to save his family. While in the joint, Standard developed a hefty sum in protection money. Surprisingly, the job goes awry, leaving the Driver on the wrong side of a couple mobsters, which with whom he recently went into business as a stockcar driver. The remainder of the movie deals with the Driver trying to save Irene. Throughout the film, an ethereal soundtrack guides the story from sequence to sequence with soft, smooth tones, contrasting the visual elements of the movie. Planted in portions throughout the film, the final song of the movie, “A Real Hero” by College featuring Electric Youth, ends “Drive” on a hauntingly beautiful note. The direction of this film has only one real recent analogue for me, “The Social Network.” The pacing in the film by Nicolas Winding Refn, who won “Best Director” at the Cannes Film Festival for this movie, shows great poise and an appreciation for the understated. Simple camera shots blossom into revealing sequences, adding increasing depth as the plot progresses. Watching “Drive” through the lens afforded us by Refn makes one thing clear, cool is back. “Drive”
oozes a sense of style that many other modern films try to accomplish, yet nearly all fail. If I had to prove this point in a single example, it would be as follows: look at the main character’s jacket. Done. In addition to the swagger lent by the jacket, the scorpion on the back of the jacket strikes an important thematic chord. An allusion to the fable of the scorpion and the frog, we learn that some people are going to commit certain actions, regardless of the outcome. To explain any further might stray into a spoiler, but it’s important to note as it helps delve into the psyche of the main character. Continuing down the thematic road, the element of bad luck serves as an important part of the film. If everything went according to plan, life would be so much easier, but let’s use the tagline from another movie that explores this theme too: there are no clean getaways. Taking this line from the Coen Brother’s “No Country for Old Men,” “Drive” incorporates many similar ideas that something just has to go wrong. Something that did not go wrong was the acting. Gosling’s portrayal of the main character was nearly flawless, nailing the stare downs with other characters perfectly. Bryan Cranston, playing Shannon, adds to the overall excellence of the acting in “Drive.” “Drive” is absolutely fantastic. However, this movie is not for everyone. Violent sequences are few and far between but the few are quite violent. Also worth noting, the violence serves a purpose. In addition to helping display the mental state of the Driver, the violence creates a startling contrast with the aural aspects of the movie. “Drive” is sleek, cool and one of those rare movies that excels in every facet. Unforgiving and unrelenting, “Drive” challenges the action movie standard with thoughtful direction and artistic style. Sure, you can write “Drive” off as art house, but you would be cheating yourself out of a rare experience at the movie theater. Simply repeated, “Drive” is a beautiful film.
Final Grade: A+ MPAA: R
ENTERTAINMENT Page 8 | September 23, 2011
tntechoracle.com
Stephen Yeargin
Participants in previous Zombie Walks draw numerous stares from bystanders while collecting canned food for Second Harvest. The amount of detail in costumes varies with some participants going all out.
Annual Nashville Zombie Walk collects canned food, stares In two weeks, the yearly Nashville Zombie Walk will traverse the streets of Nashville, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Going on its eighth year, the event has become a staple of autumn in Nashville. By WILL SHECKLER Asst. Entertainment Editor What do we want? BRAINS! What’s even better than just collecting brains? Collecting canned goods for the needy while participating in a truly unique experience on Nashville’s streets. In two weeks, the streets of Nashville will be crowded with the walking dead for the annual Zombie Walk 2011. The Nashville Zombie Walk is an official participant in World Zombie Day. The World Zombie Day organization began the walks
in Pittsburgh, Penn. and now the walks have become internationally recognized as events for fun and the goal of breaking the world record for the city with most zombies at one time. Come out Oct. 8th to Riverfront Park with your fellow swarms of the undead to take part in this annual Nashville Zombie Walk 2011. Organizers collect canned food for donation to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, but it is not mandatory just encouraged. Items that are needed are peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruits, rice, beans,
macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, and canned meats. Arrive early around 3 p.m. to gather, learn the route, meet, greet, photograph, and to further get drenched in blood and dismantlement. The walk begins at 4 p.m. and lasts for about an hour as zombies parade the streets, sidewalks, block traffic, and get glorified by tourists and locals. Now where would a good zombie mob be without survivors thrown into the mix? Not only do people dress as zombies, but there are even survivors tossed into the mix,
comprising the role of movie and comic book heroes, such as, Umbrella corps, renegade cops, Bruce Campbell’s, Rick Grimes, and more. Survivors are great not only for great video, pictures, and laughs but also where else are the zombies going to get their unquenchable craving for brains? While costume supplies already are starting to get put on the shelves for Halloween, it’s a great time to find fake blood and make up. There are also many how-to-make-fakeblood articles on the internet for those who really wish to get crafty.
It is recommended to use clothes you’re not going to miss too much since they will get messed up. Zombies aren’t always the best at living the glam life unless, of course, you’re in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video. Check your closets for old clothes and check out some discount clothing stores for ideas. Just dress-up and act have fun. Remember, the walking dead can unexpectedly come from anywhere. How were you ambushed? They got me looking snazzy last year and the two years before I was a pirate and a bearded mama zombie.
can test-drive a lifetime commitment The HTC Tablets featuring HTC Scribe Technology™ Innovation inspired by YOU™
htc.com HTC Scribe digital pen sold separately. ©2011 HTC Corporation. All rights reserved. The HTC logo, Innovation inspired by YOU, the HTC quietly brilliant logo, and HTC Scribe Technology are trademarks of HTC Corporation. Best Buy logo is a trademark of BBY Solutions, Inc. All other trademarks, trade names, logos and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Screen image simulated.
Available at
Trust me... they’ll find you. Every year the walk in Nashville grows substantially and this year will be no different. The walk usually last about an hour then ends where it started; people then generally take more photos and then go to the parties at the local venues dressed as zombies. The event is free, but due to the distance factor set aside time to shop, eat, and have some fun after the walk. Check out the Nashville Zombie Walk 2011 on Facebook for more information and directions.