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Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505
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Volume 95 | Issue 4 | Free in single copy | October 7, 2011
Parking garage in the works By SAMANTHA KENDALL Staff Writer
A long-rumored parking garage will be built according to Tech’s Master Plan. Building the STEM center displaced approximately 286 parking spaces and greening of the Capitol Quad courtyard will remove 142 additional spaces, according to the master plan used by the Facilities and Business Services. To compensate for the lost spaces, the garage is projected to be three-stories tall and will provide approximately 720 parking spaces. It will also have the potential to be expanded to the north and west and add an additional floor, allowing nearly 1,100 parking spots, according to the master plan. “It will probably be open parking with permit,” Jack Butler associate vice president of Facilities and Business Services, said. “I think this is an awesome idea,” Danielle Hennig, junior nursing student, said. “It will be very good for Tech to have more parking on campus for commuters and students living on campus. I think this will also help with the reduction of class tardiness and, in some cases, absences because of
between the STEM center and the Upper Cumberland Regional Health Facility. Though still in the preliminary stage, the garage is expected to cost Tech $20,000 per space. According to Butler, the temporary gravel lot across the street from the Bryan Fine Arts Building was replaced with a permanent lot recently acquired at Prescott Middle School. This new lot is planned to be expanded to allow 500 to 650 additional spaces, replacing the new rugby field. “Paving over a great, open field that is already in use by a club sport for a parking lot, that is still a several minute walk to the nearest academic building, doesn’t seem to make much sense,” Rugby Captain, Brooks Robinson said. “And I know I speak for more than just myself when I say I would much rather see my tuition money go toward the maintenance of this recreational area than to a parking University Advancement lot that would cover more perfect field space.” The proposed parking garage will be loAccording to Butler, another cated directly behind the STEM Center. new parking area will be built next to the Athletics’ Performance Center, adding 100-128 spaces. This lot not finding a parking spot. I wish they is in the design stage and is expecthad started the plans 10 years ago, so ed to be available sometime in the we could benefit from it now.” 2012 spring semester. The garage is planned to be built
Eight Phi Gamma Delta brothers allegedly involved in theft ring By WILL HOUSLEY Managing Editor A Tech student and FIJI fraternity member was arrested by Cookeville City Police on embezzlement Crouch charges at a sporting goods store in Cookeville on Sept. 23, according to a Cookeville Police report. The report filed by Officer Justin Long said Hunter Nelson Crouch, 19, of East 10th Street, was arrested at Dunham Sports on West Jackson Street for allegedly stealing $4,000 worth of merchandise from the store. Officer Long responded to a call at approximately 2:22 p.m., where Melissa Leopold, the store manager, reported that Crouch and “some of his friends” had been caught stealing items from the store. Crouch works as a cashier at Dunham Sports, where he allowed nine other individuals to pass through the checkout line
without requiring payment. Leopold told Long that Crouch’s friends would “pick out items in the store and bring them to Crouch’s checkout line,” where he pretended to scan items, but didn’t actually do so. “Mr. Crouch told me that all except for two of the suspects were fraternity brothers of the FIJI group,” Long’s report said. The stolen merchandise included golf clubs, golf balls, golf shoes, cleats, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, socks and other clothing, a fishing rod and reel, shoes and duffel bags. Later, Crouch was booked at the Putnam County Jail, where bond was set at $10,000. He has an Oct. 17 General Sessions Court date. The names of the nine other individuals allegedly involved haven’t been released by CPD. Tony Marable, faculty adviser to Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) and Melissa Leopold, Dunham Sports store manger, declined to comment on the incident. Crouch is from Nashville, Tenn. and a nursing major at Tech.
Weapons charges prompt policy review
Tech looks to increase pedestrian awareness Presidential
By JULIE GRAHAM Staff Writer
Every year, a few pedestrians are hit on Dixie Avenue by passing cars because of distractions and ignorance. With only six crosswalks from William L. Jones Drive to 12th Street, many students walk across the street outside of the crosswalks. Tech’s communications department was asked to raise awareness by President Bob Bell’s office. To do so, the department put together a video titled “How to Cross the Street” and posted it on YouTube. This video is intentionally silly and the department is trying to get it shown around campus where students normally spend time, according to Lori Shull, writer for News and Communications and the Office of Communications and Marketing. According to Shull, this Xtranormal video was uploaded to YouTube Sept. 14. The video is monotone and is meant to be corny. “It’s always been a concern of ours, there’s always that fear,” Shull said. “Anything we can do to promote awareness and try to get students to look both ways, or not talk on their cell phone, not text on their cell phone while they’re crossing the street, we are certainly willing to do it and we are going to try. Shull said, “It’s going to
A recent incid e n t has administrators looking at weapHaggard o n s laws and trying to protect the safety of students on campus. Two weeks ago, Robert Erik Haggard, 19, was arrested for the possession of weapons on campus. According to the police report, 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 standing around a truck. Inside the truck, officers found a loaded revolver, a shotgun, and several knives. The truck was later identified as Haggard’s. Police arrested Haggard and transported him to Putnam County Jail where he was booked. “I cannot comment if the student is still on
campus, but I can say that in situations in the past, the student was removed from the University,” Ed Boucher, dean of students, said. The student handbook states that weapons are not allowed on property owned or operated by Tech. State law prescribes a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $3,000 for having weapons on school property. Violation of this law is a felony. Even individuals with handgun permits may not bring handguns on property owned or operated by Tech. “When a situation like this happens, I have to meet with my behavioral and intervention team for quick action,” Boucher said. The behavioral and intervention team meets every Thursday to discuss student safety on campus. The team is made up of the dean of students, the director of Residential Life, the chief of University Police, the director of the Counseling Center, and Disabilities Services. See “Weapons” page 6
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By SAMANTHA KENDALL Staff Writer
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A car stops for Angi Sakamoto as she crosses Dixie Avenue. be an ongoing effort.” According to Gay Shepherd, chief of University Police, speed has never been a factor on the driver’s part. The accident is normally the pedestrian’s fault. Pedestrian’s right- ofway in crosswalks law 558-134 states that “no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.” “Pedestrians have to begin to take responsibility for their own actions,” Jack Butler, associate vice president of Facilities and Business Services, said. “As students walk across, they need to follow the same basic prin-
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ciples that you would in any other city. “Walk across at pedestrian walkways, pay attention and look both ways before you walk across the street like your momma taught you when you were little, and follow standard protocol as a pedestrian.” According to Shepherd, if the accident is the pedestrians fault, your tuition will not be paid for unless you have a good attorney, and the chances are still slim. Though Butler does not expect to see any major changes to the road, he is making efforts to have the city install an illuminated walk/don’t walk sign for Dixie Avenue.
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, front-runner in the recent Florida straw poll, will make a campaign stop at Tech Oct. 15. Cain is scheduled to speak to students about his presidential campaign at Derryberry Auditorium at 8:30 a.m. This event is open to the public, and is free. Also on Oct. 15, there will also be a continental breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at the Southern Hills Golf and Country Club, hosted by talk radio host Steve Gill. Cain’s victory in the Florida straw poll took place Sept. 24, where he was one of eight candidates. He took 37 percent of the votes, with Rick Perry coming in second with 14 percent. Other Florida straw poll victories have proven to be significant, as three out of the last five winners later became president. This trend includes Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. Cain also won the National Federation of Republican Women’s Convention straw poll Oct. 1 with 48.9 percent of the vote. For information on tickets, contact the Southern Hills Golf and Country Club.
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Page 2 | October 7, 2011
Spirit Squad introduces new mascots this season By EMILY HAILE Staff Writer
Emily Haile
Grandpappy Eagle is being hoisted by the Purple and Gold Morphs. All of these characters are new mascots to Tech.
The Tech Spirit Squad has added three new mascots this year to complement Awesome Eagle at appearances. Grandpappy Eagle and the Purple and Gold Morphs, or nest keepers, have been added to the program in order to get more of the crowd involved at events. “We had thought about it before but never had this kind of dedication to the program until now,” program coordinator Robin Burroughs said. “The characters can play off each other, and it helps to expand the program.”
CRIME BRIEFS: - Sept. 28 - 10:31 a.m. Charges: Stolen TTU Property-iPad Location: Smyrna, Tenn. - Sept. 30 - 3:11 a.m. Charges: Vandalism to outer door Location: Evins Hall - Oct. 1 - 1:03 a.m. Charges: Firecrackers/Smoke bomb at door Location: New Hall North - Oct. 2 - 3:15 p.m. Charges: Vadalism to light pole and globe Location: Tech Village West
- Oct. 2- 1:00 p.m. Charges: Theft of personal property Location: New Hall South - Oct. 4 - 6:30 p.m. Charges: Theft from vehicle Location: Parking lot at Browning/Evins - Oct. 5 - 1:10 p.m. Charges: Broken car window Location: Cooper Hall - Oct. 5 - 8:18 p.m. Charges: Trespassing Location: RUC
For a daily crime report, visit www.tntech.edu/police/police-crimelogs
The new mascots have been added to give back to the community, according to Awesome Eagle. Awesome wants to interact with all the people that support him, and the new mascots can help Awesome spread Tech Pride. According to Awesome, the community is what defines Tech. He wants to put on more of a show and make events even more enjoyable for the people who support him. Grandpappy Eagle is Awesome’s grandfather. He used to be Tech’s mascot and recently came out of retirement to join his grandson at sporting events and other appearances. According to Awesome, Grandpappy may
be slower, but he has the same playful spirit that’s expected of the Eagle family. The Purple and Gold Morphs were added to the program to entertain the crowd. According to the Gold Morph, the Eagles represent the image of Tech, and the morphs are spirit-based. Grandpappy and the Purple and Gold Morphs participate in skits with Awesome during football tailgating. Each skit has a different theme. The themes so far have been Grease and video games, and the next game will have a skit based on the circus. Homecoming’s skit is a surprise. Each skit will be performed again during basketball games.
Flu shots available at Health Services By CAMILLE WOODS Staff Writer With flu season approaching, students are faced with the task of deciding where to receive their flu shots. Health Services has flu shots available to students for $11 and faculty for $15, but there are only about 400 shots in stock with some on back order, according to Scott Bilbrey, men’s health coordinator for Health Services. In recent years, all of Health Services stock of flu shots has been depleted, but it is too soon to tell if this school year will follow the same trend. “We’ve got plenty right now,” Bilbrey said. “And right now it’s just a little too early because usually the flu season hits around January, but, of course, each year varies.” Students are not able to file with their insurance companies due to the fees that are included in their tuition, regardless of whether their insurance will pay for flu shots or not. However, several pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, offer flu shots that
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are covered by some major insurance companies. “We check with your insurance company to see if it’s covered,” Laura Busenbark, CVS pharmacist in charge, said. “We give you a $5.00 gift card if your insurance doesn’t cover it.” Although flu shots are $29.99 at CVS, she stated that many Tech students come in to receive them. “Why pay $11 for a shot I can get for free with my insurance at Walgreens,” Christine Horn, multidisciplinary studies major, said. “I guess it would make a difference if I used $11 in gas to get there, but I don’t.” Bilbrey said that he believes that the cost of the shots at Health Services is minimal in comparison to what customer service patients receive at Health Services. “A lot of times, we make our faculty and students wait 20 minutes just to make sure they don’t have a reaction,” Bilbrey said. “I like that we take that extra precaution and the convenience of being able to come over here since it’s right on campus.” For more information or to receive flu shots, contact Health Services at (931) 3723320.
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Contact your TTU recruiter for more info. Toby Rowell: trowell@peacecorps.gov or (404) 562.3468
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events @ tech October
7 7:30 p.m. Charles Faulkner Bryan Centennial Celebration Wattenbarger Auditorium
9 3:00 p.m. Bryan Symphony Orchestra Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium
10 3:00 p.m. Commission on the Status of Blacks Black Cultural Center 3:30 p.m. Faculty Senate Meeting President’s Conference Room
11 11:00 a.m. Project Reality Runway RUC Multipurpose Room 7:30 p.m. TTU Wind Ensemble in Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium
13 7:30 p.m. TTU Jazz Bands in Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium 8:00 p.m. Women’s Rugby Interest Meeting RUC 371
14 3:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer v. Murray State 7:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer v. SIU Edwardsville
15 8:30 a.m. Presidential candidate Herman Cain to speak at Tech Derryberry Auditorium 2:00 p.m. Women’s Volleyball v. Eastern Illinois 7:00 p.m. Football v.Tennessee State Tucker Stadium
16 2:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer v. Austin Peay
17 Fall Break No Classes
18 Fall Break No Classes
19 Monday Classes Resume
tntech.edu/calendar
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 3 | October 7, 2011
Think before you speak CASSIE TESAURO Editorial Editor
We need to have a frank discussion about what we’re saying in public settings. I’m talking to you, woman on your phone in Walmart describing you menstrual cycle in detail. I’m talking to you, too, freshman boys loudly comparing sexual histories in the dorm lobby. I suppose it’s possible that some of you don’t realize how loud you’re talking. But for the most part, I suspect you either don’t care or you want us to hear you. But why? First, let me state the obvious. No one else wants to hear what you’re saying, probably not even the poor soul stuck in the conversation with you. It’s getting to the point where I have to listen to my iPod everywhere I go just to drown you out. Even in my dorm room, I can’t escape you. You stop in the middle of my hallway to talk about what you did in a bathroom stall this morning. I’m in my room memorizing all the bones of the human skull. Everyone else on this floor is doing homework, getting some sleep or simply trying to relax. So take your pointless conversation to your own room and give the rest of us a break. Today alone, I’ve heard
several loud, public conversations from men and women on topics so base that I’m sure my editor wouldn’t approve me describing them in this article. We’re in college, people. A little class would be fantastic. What’s even worse than these conversations are some of the so-called cat-calls or comments yelled across campus. When I worked at a desk on campus, I had groups of male college students walk right up to the desk and make blatant sexual remarks. I’ve put up with comments like these since I was a preteen and usually I can shrug them off. But to have this happen on my campus and to have a group stand there taunting me in an almost threatening manner is completely unacceptable. Is this some kind of attempt to prove your masculinity? If it is, let me assure you that it’s not working. You look like a lot of things while yelling out of your buddy’s car window. Manly is not one of them. To the guys doing this on campus: if you want to be treated like a man, then start acting like one. The women on this campus have no time to waste on overgrown boys acting like they just hit
puberty. To the guys who see this happening on campus: step up and help the girl. You wouldn’t want your mother, sister or girlfriend to go through that. I can tell you from a lot of personal experience that cat-calls aren’t taken as compliments. They have a definite feel of hostility. Cat-calling signals disrespect mixed with sexual thoughts. When those two come together, it’s a dangerous situation that can escalate quickly. Even if you plan on only yelling out your car window as a harmless joke, a woman has no way of knowing that’s where you draw the line. So stop hassling us. I know I’m not the only person here who’s tired of inappropriate conversations or comments in public settings. Maybe these people just never learned better. So let’s educate them. Tell them to take bathroom talk somewhere else. Tell them to show some respect to your female classmates. I’m a huge advocate for freedom of speech. But just because I have the right to talk about personal hygiene or how sexy you look doesn’t mean that I’ll yell it out in public. I have too much self respect to waste my freedom with pointless, offensive remarks. Want to yell something out? Go ahead. Just make sure it’s something worthwhile. The world is waiting to hear you say something that matters.
That’s what she said
DEAR SHE SAID: Is there anything outdoors to do in this town? And do any restaurants give discounts? -Broke freshman DEAR BROKE: Most restaurants in town actually offer a 10 percent discount to Tech students. There are also some places that have Tech nights. If you like to do things outdoors, then you should check out Burgess Falls. It’s a good place to hike and see the falls. Fall Creek Falls and Rock Island are both within an hour’s drive of Cookeville, as well. Cummings Falls is another place to go. DEAR SHE SAID: I am a sophomore business major but I think I want to switch to Human Ecology Merchandising and Design. Did I wait to switch my major too late? Do you think it’s a good idea to switch
majors in the middle of the school year? -Confused on campus DEAR CONFUSED: If being a business major is something you do not want to do anymore then you definitely should switch to something you find more interesting and you enjoy. It’s hard coming to college with your mind made up on what exactly you want to be. Most people who come in with a set major change it at least once before graduating. You should also see if credits will switch over and you might still be on track. The professors will not get mad and they are here to help you succeed. Good luck and hope it works out for you. If not, you can always switch to something else. DEAR SHE SAID: I am graduating in May and have no clue where to even start
looking for a job or what exact career path I want to choose. -Scared to face the real world DEAR SCARED: First, go visit Career Services. Alice Camuti and Don Foster are there and willing to help you be successful when you graduate. Get your name out there and have a well established resume ready to hand out. Don’t worry about finding your dream job right off the bat. You will most likely switch companies several times and even might do something that will have nothing to do with your major. You might want to even create a LinkedIn account and ask professors if they have any connections anywhere. The more time and commitment you put out there the better result you will get.
Have a question? The Oracle’s new advice columnist is here to help. Submissions can be sent to the editorial page editor at cetesauro42@tntech.students.edu
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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 Adviser
Photo courtesy of bachmann.house.gov
Media misunderstands evangelicals JONATHAN FRANK Asst. Editorial Editor
Recently, political pundits and news anchors have spent a lot of time discussing, and in many cases, making light of, Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann’s claims that she “talks to God.” While Bachmann may bring much of the criticism on herself in the sometimes puzzling way that she articulates her faith, she is yet another example of the many policymakers and candidates for public office who are shamed by the media because of their evangelical beliefs. Former President George W. Bush became fodder for late night comedians when it was revealed that he believed God had called him to seek the office of the president. Similarly, former pastor and 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee came under strict scrutiny for his religious views during his run for office. For example, in a 2007 debate, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer asked Huckabee about the creation process by saying, “Do you believe literally it was done in six days and it occurred 6,000 years ago?” It was a question that,
as Huckabee noted in his response, would have been more appropriately asked of someone seeking to write the curriculum for a science textbook than someone running for president of the United States. Most recently and most troubling is Bill Maher’s recent declaration during the opening monologue of his nightly HBO talk show that “In today’s Republican Party, there’s a term for people who hate charity and love killing - Christian.” It all points to an outof-touch, largely prejudicial mainstream media that consistently fails to show the same deference for those who hold Christian beliefs as they do for those of other faiths, instead needling conservative Christian politicians and opinion leaders on the intricacies of their religious ideology, hoping for an inflammatory sound bite or politically incorrect remark. Ultimately, this practice does a disservice to voters, who are not afforded as much of an opportunity to hear candidates discuss the issues that affect their daily lives. Though the national
debt stands at upwards of $14 trillion, unemployment numbers remain high with no job growth shown in the month of August and the future of social security is uncertain, the media keeps wrenching our political dialogue back to things such as Rick Perry’s off-the-cuff remark more than a year ago that the BP oil spill may have been an “act of God” and Michelle Bachmann’s claims about being a “submissive wife.” With the stakes so high, voters deserve a better discourse than that. Centuries ago, Martin Luther stood before the papal commission investigating his supposedly radical beliefs and exclaimed, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” I imagine that many of our conservative Christian candidates for public office would echo that sentiment. These are their bedrock convictions. They may not always be politically expedient or fall in line with the views of the various cable news anchors and talking heads, but this is what they believe and they cannot, in good conscience, depart from that. As both the primary election and the general election in November 2012 draw nearer, it’s time for the media to end the open season on evangelicals and engage us in a responsible discussion of the issues. Amen.
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Page 4 | October 7, 2011
Tech cheerleaders prepare for national competition By JILLIAN BOREING Staff Writer
Tech’s cheerleading squad prepares for the Universal Cheerleading Association’s National Competition at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 13-15. The squad members put in nine hours of team practice per week along with tumbling classes and at least 30 minutes of additional stunting six days a week in order to get ready for competition. They also cheer for all home football and basketball games. “It’s a lot of commitment for them but it will be worth it,” Coach Robin Burroughs said. “I want them to be as prepared as they can be for competition this year. It’s a good feeling to know that you are ready and have done all you can do.” In previous years, Tech has had two school squads, All-Girl and Co-ed, but Burroughs has combined them into one small co-ed squad. “By having one squad, we can focus more on having a stronger program for competition,” Burroughs said. The squad will perform a twoand-a-half minute routine that consists of a crowd cheer, tumbling and stunting. They must also prepare a crowd tape, a compilation of the squad’s game and community involvement, that will be shown at the championship and accounts for
Robin Burroughs
Tech cheerleaders perform in front of the crowd at Tech’s first football game this season. The squad is currently getting ready to go to the UCA’s National Competition in January. 15% of their score at Nationals. “It’s a lot work getting the videos ready but the squad has done a great job of working hard and practicing to get the skills they need,” Burroughs said.
The 2012 competition will be Tech’s third showing at UCA Nationals and Burroughs says she hopes the third time’s a charm. “I’m really excited about the talent of our cheer team this year,”
Burroughs said. “It’s a step up as it has been every year.” Ashley Farris, senior exercise science, physical education and wellness major, is a captain of the cheerleading team.
Greene wins men’s individual, leads team to second overall Sophmore Winborne among three Tech women to finish in Top-10, women also finish second at home meet By DAVID LANE Staff Writer
Southern Hills Golf Club hosted the TTU Invitational 8k race in which the Golden Eagles took second overall in both the men’s and women’s divisions in front of a home crowd. This marks the best finishes of the season for both teams, trumping their previous spots in fifth overall in the last two races. Tech junior John Greene crossed the line first to take the individual win after closely following Jacksonville State’s Mickey Sanders for the majority of the race. In the final lap of the course, Greene pulled a lead on Sanders and finished five seconds ahead of the JSU David Lane runner. Greene, who has set John Greene (pictured above) beat his personal record once again and reset new personal best as spectators look on. Greene placed fi rst overall in the race. records at the first two races of the season, broke his own have such a good race in front Rounding out the top three record again by finishing with of them,” Greene said. “I was was Tech sophomore Matt a time of 26 minutes, 39.49 secreally happy with my time and Bishop with a finishing time onds. everyone else’s. I’m excited to of 27:12.37. This was almost “I was really excited about see what we can do this next enough to give Tech a first racing in front of our home week on a faster course.” place overall, but six runners in crowd and I’m glad I could
the Top 10 from JSU edged out a win with 25 points over the Golden Eagle’s 33 points. After the men’s race was in the books, the female competitors lined up to make their 5k run at the first place title. Sophomore Peri Winborne was the first Tech female to cross the line in fifth overall, recording a time of 20:13.67. Winborne had help securing the second place overall from teammates Rebecca Cline and Traci Jones, who also finished inside the Top 10. “I felt stronger at the finish than I have in a while and I’m so proud of how everyone on the team did,” Winborne said. “We’ve really improved since last year and everyone is working hard to keep improving for our conference meet.” Rounding out Tech’s women’s team were Leah Bradley, Beth Miller, Megan O’Donoghue, and three freshman runners Kara Webb, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Katie McCrary. The Golden Eagles will be lining up again for the Jacksonville State Invitational Oct. 8.
Golden Eagle football ranked 21st in FCS poll By ANDY RUTHERFORD since November 2001. Tech and #12 JacksonAsst. Sports Editor The Golden Eagles (4-1, 3-0) received national recognition this week as they cracked the top 25 in the polls for Football Championship Subdivision. Tech is ranked 21 in the FCS Coaches poll and 23 in the Sports Network/Fathead.com poll after a 34-31 victory over the UT-Martin Skyhawks (1-2, 1-1) last Saturday. “It doesn’t mean a lot but yet it’s nice,” Head Coach Watson Brown said on Tuesday. “It’s still early in the year but it’s definitely better than the alternative.” This marks the first time that the Golden Eagles have been ranked since the 2002 preseason polls. It is the first time they’ve held the honor during the regular season
ville State (4-1, 3-0) are the only two Ohio Valley Conference teams in the top 25 and are currently tied atop the conference. “Anytime [you are ranked] you are getting two things, recognition for your school and recognition for your league,” Brown said. “Those make it pretty neat. “Other than that, you can’t really use these. You’ve just got to get ready for the next game.” The team has an off week this week, then they have a conference matchup as they host the Tennessee State Tigers (1-4, 0-2) Oct. 15 at Tucker Stadium at 7 p.m. This will be the second of three Sgt. York Trophy games this season. For more information, visit TTUSports.com.
“Our program is a very closeknit, hardworking program and I think we all want to see it move forward,” Farris said. I think that’s our biggest goal for this year. Ashley Mitchell, junior education major and also a captain of the cheerleading team said, “The dedication and skill level of the squad have gone through the roof. It takes a lot of dedication to compete. We really have to make sure everyone keeps up on their skills and working out if we want to win.” She says her favorite part of cheerleading is competing. “It’s such an adrenaline rush,” Mitchell said. “You’re kind of nervous but once you step out onto the mat, the nerves go away and you just do what you’ve been working so hard to do.” Last year, Tech competed against 15 teams in Small Co-ed Division 1. Competitors included the University of Oklahoma, George Mason University and the winner, Hofstra University. Tech competed on day one of competition however did not make it into the finals. “Last year we didn’t do as well as we had hoped but the level of skill and dedication has increased a lot this year,” Burroughs said. “I’m already extremely proud of the team and I know they are just going to continue to get better and better.”
Weekly Roundup Tech V-ball goes on road again The Tech volleyball team will hit the road again this weekend for a pair of crucial Ohio Valley Conference matches at Morehead State University and Eastern Kentucky University. The Golden Eagles (2-15, 1-6 OVC) will take on the conference-leading Morehead State Eagles tonight at 7 in Morehead, Ky. “I think that we are really starting to put the pieces together, even though it’s a little slower than we would have hoped,” said junior Katrina Dvorken.. Tech started its season with eight straight losses, facing tough teams, including Louisville, Georgia Tech, and Kansas State. Tech returns home Oct. 14 and 15 to host Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville and Eastern Illinois University. The matches are free to the public. For more information, visit ttusports.com.
Men’s basketball recognized with preseason accolades
Three were named preseason All-OVC selections by College Sports Madness on Tuesday and senior guard Kevin Murphy was the pick for Player of the Year in the conference. Murphy was also named first-team All-OVC and was a second team All-Mid Major selection, which recognizes 20 players who represent the best the midmajor conferences have to offer. Senior point guard Zac Swansey was named second team All-OVC and junior guard Jud Dillard was named fourth-team All-OVC. This week’s Weekly Roundup contains stories by Staff Writer Ashley Smith and Sports Editor Ross Harvey.
FCS Coaches Poll - Week 5 1. Georgia Southern (26 first-place votes) 2. Northern Iowa (2) 3. Montana State 4. Wofford 5. North Dakota State 6. James Madison 7. New Hampshire 8. Appalachian State 9. William & Mary 10. Lehigh 11. Delaware 12. Jacksonville State 13. McNeese State 14. Montana 15. Sam Houston State 16. Richmond 17. Southern Illinois 18. South Dakota 19. Indiana State 20. North Dakota
4-0 3-1 4-0 4-1 4-0 4-1 3-1 3-2 3-2 4-1 3-2 4-1 3-1 3-2 4-0 3-2 2-2 3-2 4-1 3-2
21. Tennessee Tech
4-1
22. Southern Utah 23. Chattanooga 24. Coastal Carolina 25. Jackson State
3-2 2-3 3-1 4-1
ENTERTAINMENT Page 5 | October 7, 2011
tntechoracle.com
Love Your Body Day promotes fashion reality
By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor
Project Reality Runway, Tech’s alternative fashion show, returns Tuesday at dead hour in the RUC Multipurpose Room. Promoting positive selfimages, organizers of the fashion show want participants and guests to leave understanding beauty is not just skin-deep. Challenging the standards placed on women and men by the media, Project Reality Runway celebrates individuals who are willing to be just that, individual. On Tuesday, a diverse faculty and student group will strut their stuff on the walkway. Reinforcing the message of the day, each participant will wear an outfit that shows who they are as a person. Even if you are not in the fashion show, organizers encourage all guests to follow suit and wear something that shows you for you, not what the media expects. In addition to the run-
TTU Women’s Center Hanna Miller, Shavonda Jones, and Jessica Smith helped rock the runway in 2010. They love being fun, stylish, and comfortable.
way show, WTTU DJs will be playing music and emceeing the events with plenty of free goodies for everyone who visits. Several of the pictures taken of participants and guests will be shown in November on the Be-You-tiful Display Board. Project Reality Runway
is part of the Love Your Body Day program brought to life by the TTU Women’s Center with the help of TTU Lambda and WTTU. For more information, check the TTU Women’s Center website at http://www. tntech.edu/women/
Summit and Mandate Pictures Kyle (Seth Rogen) assists Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) with shaving his head following Adam’s diagnosis of cancer.
Movies on my Mind: 50/50 By WILL SHECKLER Asst. Entertainment Editor Let’s think about the movie 50/50. Based on a true story by the screenwriter Will Reiser, this movie is about the struggle to live life as normally as possible after being diagnosed with cancer. It’s a film about life, filled with tribulations, friends, family and humor even in the gloomiest of situations. The movie starts with Adam and Kyle on the way to work living their regular lives. They live normal everyday lives and we get to know their personalities. Adam (Joseph Gordon-Lovitt) mentions having back problems to his friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) while waiting in the coffee shop one morning. He decides to check it out with a doctor. As it turns out his unusual back pain is because of a type of rare cancer he has with a survival rate of “50/50.” Darn. And all he wanted to know was if it was stress or if he could take meds for a quick fix. Who could blame this guy that, as the doctor keeps yakking away about fancy words and options he has, the only thing Adam can do is sit in a state of shock totally ignoring the doctor who really doesn’t show very much emotion, either. Now we notice and we can begin to put ourselves in his shoes as we follow him trying to live his life as normally as possible. He first tells his girlfriend, Rachael. Emotions of dread and sadness come across her face with a hint of confusion what to do now or how could
this happen. I blame the mood lighting. His girlfriend says she’s not going to leave him, but throughout the rest of the movie her excuses become more frequent. The best thing she did was adopt a retired race dog named Skeletor that definitely lives up to his name, but Skeletor grows on you throughout the movie. The second person he informs is Kyle, his best friend. He has a mini spasm, holds back crying, and even learns that Patrick Swayze is dead. You’ll have to see it for yourself. Kyle sticks alongside Adam better than the girlfriend does, but that could be partially because his friend having cancer is a convenient way to hit on ladies. He even throws a huge party for Adam, but while the party thrower, Kyle, hits on women the rest of the party lines up to chat with Adam like it’s his own funeral procession already. Lastly, he informs his mother and father about the cancer. Not to sound like a bad guy, but I don’t find it a bad thing that he tells his parents last about the cancer. The problem I have, though, is the way he waits to tell them both. If I remember right, he waited three days. To top it off, he invites mom and dad over for dinner with his girlfriend without telling them what’s going on. His mother believes that he’s going to propose… Whoops. Sorry about the bad news, mom. His dad cannot really react too well. Because of his severe Alzheimer’s, he doesn’t quite know what is going on. After he tells mom what is wrong, she goes ballistic and she tells him, “I’m mov-
ing in.” Adam tells her he is fine and he can take care of himself. Besides, he has Rachael to take care of him. This strikes a huge blow at his mother, but she relents as long as he calls her, which, for the longest time, he does not. Adam’s cancer therapist, Katie, is an organized mess. She goes straight by the books and is not quite sure what she’s suppose to do with this being only her third patient in her career. After a rough start and some odd choice of meditation music, Adam still goes to Katie for guidance because he needs someone to talk to about his problems, or because he wants to help her out, or just because she’s cute. The remainder of the movie follows Adam as he struggles with the cancer and life. He dumps his girl, flirts with girls, destroys a painting with his best friend that his ex made for him, does weed with old timers from the hospital, makes mistakes, and more as he gets closer to his chemo date. I am still unsure of how much of the movie is based on the true story and how much of it is clearly Hollywood. Either way, it’s a very interesting drama with bits of comedy that easily places the viewer into the shoes of the main character as his entire world is turned upside down. Definitely worth watching for anyone who wants a movie with a great story and is not in the mood for an action movie.
Final Grade: A-
Craig Thompson “Habibi” follows the story of Dodola and Zam as they try to find each other in a rapidly changing world.
Let’s Talk About Comics: Habibi By CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor Over the past week, I have been reading Craig Thompson’s newest offering, “Habibi,” and I am quite pleased with the graphic novel. Following the story of Dodola and her adopted brother, Zam, whom she raises like a son, the book looks into numerous facets of Middle Eastern life. Islam plays an important role throughout the text as means of guiding the characters and as numerous tales from the Qu’ran frame the primary story. During the story, men from the local palace captured Dodola, taking her to the royal harem where she was forced to surrender her body to the sultan over the course of six years. After Dodola went missing, Zam set out to find her while running into troubles of his own. As much as the story was about two people searching for each other, the story was about Zam finding himself. The unnamed Middle Eastern country went through radical changes in the six years and Zam must find a place for him and Dodola, should he find her, and the teachings found in the Qu’ran.
The content of the book strays from Thompson’s previous graphic novels, “Blankets” and “Good-Bye, Chunky Rice,” in that the book deals with very serious and graphic material. However, Thompson expertly weaved the story to a fitting finish. In addition to fine story telling, Thompson’s artwork rose to higher level with “Habibi.” Still operating in black and white, every panel aches with the amount of detail present. Thompson’s line work harkens to the style of Joe Sacco, fitting, of course, then that Sacco received a special note at the end of the book. Sprawling two-page layouts throughout the book just bleed style and substance. I can register only one complaint with the book. In certain panels, characters broke the fourth wall by acknowledging the reader through coy glances. On more than one occasion, this broke the flow of the page and just gave off an awkward feeling. Despite my complaint, I really enjoyed this book. The content is not for everyone, but the story is expertly told and drawn. The book is a behemoth, coming in around 640 pages, but well worth the time and money.
Final Grade: A
NEWS Page 6 | October 7, 2011
tntechoracle.com
‘Awesomeness’ slogan not effective By KAYLA GULLEY Staff Writer
Courtesy of the Associated Press
A Berkeley College Republicans member sells baked goods for their “Increase Diversity” protest.
Tech College Republicans support Berkeley bake sale By ELLIE BOLES Staff Writer The president of the Tech College Republicans said he supports the reasoning behind the controversial “Increase Diversity Bake Sale” that was held Sept. 27 on University of California, Berkeley’s campus. The bake sale charged differential prices to consumers based on ethnicity and gender. White students were charged $2, while Asians were charged only $1.50, Hispanics $1, African Americans were charged 75 cents, and Native Americans were charged 25 cents. Women of all races received a 25-cent discount on those prices. The race-based pricing was intended to protest California Senate Bill 185, which has since been passed by the state legislature and
now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s approval. The bill will allow the state university system to consider race and gender when making admissions decisions. Berkeley College Republicans president Shawn Lewis said the whole point was for the event to seem racist, but he said he believes the bake sale is no more racist than the bill that would give an individual an advantage in college admissions based solely on their gender or race. Tech College Republicans president Clay Stubblefield said he agrees with Lewis and thinks the bake sale wouldn’t have been news if it hadn’t been discriminatory. “No purpose would have been served by the bake sale being mundane and uncontroversial,” Stubblefield said. “They want the sale
to incite as much outrage as the bill they are protesting should.” Colleges across the country have held similar events. Generally, College Republicans organizations host these events. In some cases—such as Berkeley— the plan sparked controversy and protests. Other times, however, university officials stepped in. At Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, officials stopped a similar bake sale on campus. Officials at The College of William and Mary in Virginia said they were appalled at a race-based cookie sale on campus, and shut it off. A bake sale at Southern Methodist University in Texas was shut down after 45 minutes because of what officials called an “unsafe environment,” according to local reports.
Weapons CONTINUED from page 1
The team is currently considering this recent incident and trying to find a way to alert more students about the laws on campus. “I am considering putting more signs up about firearms and other weapons on campus to make students more aware of the matter,” Boucher said. In Residential Life, monthly safety and health checks are done throughout the residence halls to make sure residents are living a safe and healthy lifestyle. “We want our residents to feel like this is their home,” Andrew Moneymaker, Residential Life coordinator said. “We want them to feel safe and not worry about weapons or problems in the dorms.” University Police is also concerned with student safety but new changes are not currently slated to take effect. “With this situation, I think there was no evil intent there,” Boucher said. “He
was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.” The Tennessee Board of Regents recently asked schools to send in a copy of their handbooks. “They asked us for a copy, because they want to make one general handbook for all TBR schools instead of having individual ones for each school,” Boucher said. The wording for the firearms and other dangerous weapons will soon read, “any possession of or use of firearms, dangerous weapons of any kind, or replica/toy guns, e.g. BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, water guns, cap guns, toy knives or other items that simulate firearm or dangerous weapons are not allowed on school property.” “The new wording is forthcoming, but we do not know as of now when it will be put into effect,” Boucher said.
HENNA TATTOOS ON SOUTH PATIO
The University encourages students to “Unleash Your Awesomeness,” but the Office of Admissions says the year-old campaign has created more of an atmosphere than a recruitment tool. Dr. Bobby Hodum, executive director of enrollment management, said the campaign is successful, but he did not credit the campaign to the influx of freshmen. Admissions records state there are 1,968 new freshmen this fall, which is 16.7 percent of the student population at Tech. Hodum said the admissions office asked new students why they chose Tech, and no students stated it was because of the campaign. “I chose Tech because of its size and that my sister goes here too,” Carly Owens, freshman from Morristown, said. Freshman Jacob Parkinson from Kingston, Tenn. said he did not recall the “Unleash Your Awesomeness” campaign. “I have heard of it, but I have no clue what it is,” Parkinson said. “I have only heard of it because I got a free t-shirt with that saying on it.” Jonathan Turner, freshman from Cookeville, Tenn. agreed. “I know its Tech’s slogan but other than that I do not know much about it,” Turner said. According to Hodum, the campaign is a piece of the puzzle that brings in students, but there are about 250 other factors. Such fac-
tors include academic offerings, affordability and campus comfortability. The Office of Communication and Marketing used funds that were set aside to develop brochures with the campaign slogan for each Tech department. The brochures were developed to make a consistent look for the University. They will be used for potential students or when faculty representatives visit high schools. “In the big picture, the campaign works well and provides a good opportunity for Tech,” Hodum said. “The old campaign ‘More Than Tech’ did not work well and departments had a hard time with the slogan.” Hodum said that the new campaign provides a healing process to all the departments on campus. The campaign launched fall of 2010 after a year of planning by the Office of Communication and Marketing. Focus groups, with seven student participants from the Upper Cumberland area, were held in high schools July 2010. The main goal of these focus groups was to get students’ opinions on the campaign. According to marketing records, 86 percent agreed that the “Unleash Your Awesomeness” message appealed to them in the focus groups. All of the students either agreed that the “Unleash Your Awesomeness” message made them want to find out more about Tech. “Focus groups are intended to be smaller and more intimate to really have a roundtable and in-depth discussion about the topics,” Bobbie Maynard, marketing
ies b om ness Z e me h T t eso e L ’t r Aw n o D You Zap
Mica Bilbrey
Gather At the Corner of Dixie Ave. & 9th St near Derryberry Hall
RIP Tech Family
On October 21 At 4pm
Join Us To Tell President
Bell: Don’t Bury Our Custodians’ Basmah Al Dossary gives freshman Morgan Reavis, basic engineering major, a henna tattoo on South Patio.
director said. Twenty-one high school students were surveyed while on a campus tour in July 2010. Most of the students who were surveyed were from the Nashville area. Marketing records show 76 percent agreed that the tagline message “Unleash Your Awesomeness” appealed to them. 67 percent agreed that the message “Unleash Your Awesomeness” makes them want to find out more about Tech. “We got mostly all good feedback from the focus groups and surveys,” Maynard said. In March 2010, an official Facebook page for the University was created as part of the campaign. By September 2010, the page had 12,871 likes and it currently has 23,153 likes. “The campaign means to me that when students come to Tech, the University will help you reach your full potential,” Maynard said. Some freshmen at Tech do recall the campaign when choosing a university. “I remember the campaign when deciding on a university and I thought it was cool and stood out from other universities,” Katy Cox, freshman from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. said. “I do remember the campaign when I was deciding on my university, and liked it because it distinguishes Tech from other schools,” Mary Kate Nalan, freshman from Memphis, Tenn., Said. A freshman focus group is to be conducted this fall. To participate in the focus group, contact bfmaynard@ tntech.edu.
Jobs
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