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1000 N. Dixie Ave. | Cookeville, TN | 38505
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Friday, October 24, 2014
RACLE Volume 99 | Issue 5 | Free in single copy
The primary news source of the Golden Eagles since 1924 Serving Tennessee Tech weekly during the fall and spring semesters
>>Page 7 > Brad Pitt im impresses audiences au wo worldwide in “Fury”
>>Page 4
IN THIS ISSUE: 2 Calendar 2 News 3 Living-Holiday Living-Community 4 5 Sports 6 Opinion 7 Entertainment 8 News
> EXCLUSIVE: Awesome Eagle helps as guest mascot at Preds game >>Page
> Ghosts? Here on campus? It couldn’t be possible... But it is
4
>>Page 3
>Craft Beer festival held in town
International student killed in Saturday night auto incident By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer & LUCAS MCCOY Beat Reporter On Saturday, Oct. 18 around 3 a.m., Tennessee Tech student Mohammed R. Albadi was killed at the Magnolia Court apartments after he was struck by a car driven by Marwan Hanawi. Albadi, a Saudi Arabian finance major, and Hanawi, another Saudi Arabian who was a former finance major, drove together to the Magnolia Court apartments in Hanawi’s car. According to the police report, Hanawi, 20, left his parking space, drove to the other end of the parking lot and turned his vehicle around. Albadi, 22, stood in the middle of the road and waved his hands at Hanawi before he was hit by Hanawi’s Mustang. After hitting Albadi, Hanawi left the parking lot traveling west on 10th Street, turned around in the Regions Bank parking
David McMinn | The Oracle David McMinn | The Oracle SCENE OF CRIME & EVIDENCE - Left: Orange markings cover the parking lot of Magnolia Court after Mohammed Albadi was struck and killed Saturday night. Right: Marwan Hanawi’s 2005 red Ford Mustang sits at the Cookeville Police Department impound lot Wednesday as the investigation continues. lot and returned to the apartments. Officer Jimmy Blankenship was first to respond, answering a call about the hit-and-run. “Upon my arrival, I observed a red Ford Mustang sitting in the entrance to the apartment complex facing south bound direc-
tion,” Blankenship wrote in his police report. “The car had substantial front end damage.” Blankenship’s report said he saw someone lying on the pavement in front of the car and that two men were restraining Hanawi. “As I approached them, they let the subject go and he got up
to run away, I quickly gained control of the subject and then handcuffed him behind his back,” said Blankenship. Blankenship called both Detective Sgt. Tim Terry and Cookeville Police Department traffic division for assistance. Hanawi was
arrested and placed in Blankenship’s squad car. Albadi was rushed to Cookeville Regional Medical Center and was proAlbadi nounced dead upon arrival. Hanawi was also taken to CRMC for a blood alcohol content test after Blankenship reported smelling alcohol on Hanawi’s breath. After the test was completed, Blankenship took him to the Cookeville Police Department. Hanawi was charged with criminally negligent homicide. According to tncrimlaw.com, a person acts with criminal negligence Hanawi when the person ought to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the alleged victim will be killed. See
“Albadi,” >>Page 2
Under the Lights: Golden Eagles upset No. 12 EKU SGA takes action to Golden Eagles revise constitution win 39-31 over previously undefeated Eastern Kentucky in Blackout game at Tucker Stadium By JORDAN PACE Asst. Sports Editor Eastern Kentucky University led Tennessee Tech 31-10 as the clock read 12 minutes, 51 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter last Saturday night at Tucker Stadium. By most accounts, the game is over. The fat lady has sung and the unhatched chickens have already been counted for EKU. The game is seemingly theirs for the taking. Furthermore, the Colonels have all but sealed their seventh-straight win, moving one game closer to a potentially perfect, undefeated season. The Golden Eagles had other plans, however. Not going down without a fight, the home team rallied and scored 29 unanswered points off four forced turnovers and upset the No. 12 team in the nation 39-31. In similar fashion to the Oct. 4 thrilling win at home over Murray State, the Golden Eagles made a late fourth-quarter push to come from behind and beat a team that had, for the most part, had their way with Tech’s defense through the first three quarters. During the postgame news conference, head coach Watson Brown expressed that while the defense struggled throughout the majority of the game, his team hung in there and made plays at opportune times to steal an
Student Government Association subcommittee presses for modification and clarifications in SGA constitution
By DANIELLE DAVIS Beat Reporter
------->GAME
CHANGER
Jim Dillon | Guest Contributor FLY LIKE AN EAGLE - Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle free safety Marty Jones (top) soars into the end zone for a game changing two-point conversion as Eastern Kentucky defensive back Kiante Northington unsuccessfully attempts to block the play. upset win from the highest ranked offense and defense in the OVC. “The kids that can make plays on this team made plays,” said Brown. “I thought that was the big difference for us tonight.” While some would call it a miracle, Brown attributes perseverance as the source behind his team’s comeback win. “Ever since I’ve been here (knocks on wood), I haven’t seen ‘em quit. They just don’t. They fight to the bitter end no matter what the score is,” said Brown. “We’re not real pretty at times, but we just don’t quit.” The 29 unanswered point turnaround for the Golden Eagles began after EKU defensive back Stanley Absanon blocked a 32-yard field goal and returned it 75 yards for a Colonel touchdown.
During that play is when Brown admitted it would have been the time to hang it up, roll over and accept defeat. “That would have been easy, as I tell our kids all the time, to throw in the white flag,” said Brown. “We just don’t have a white flag.” On the ensuing drive, Tech quarterback Darian Stone found receiver Brock McCoin on three catches for 36 yards including a 14-yard touchdown, a career first for the redshirt freshman from Livingston, Tenn. McCoin, who finished Saturday’s game with 11 catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns, became the team’s first receiver to haul in over 100 receiving yards in a game this season. The touchdown proved to be the initial spark that lit the team’s fire of unanswered
scoring. What kept the fire alive, however, were key stops and turnovers made by a defense that appeared to be absent in the first three quarters. During the fourth quarter alone, EKU quarterback Jared McClain forked over two fumbles and an interception with quarterback Bennie Coney giving up a pick of his own. The Golden Eagles responded to the EKU turnovers with touchdowns, two of which were in the skies on a 3-yard catch by Cody Matthews and another Brock McCoin touchdown, this time for 27 yards to put the score at 31-30, EKU with three minutes, 41 seconds remaining in the game. See
“EKU Game,” >>Page 5
Pre-Law student cited for drug paraphernalia Freshman student warned for window tint violation and a citation for the possession of marijuana pipes and a marijuana grinder in his personal vehicle. By REANNA YOUNG Beat Reporter Tennessee Tech student Joshua Murner was pulled over Oct. 16 at 9:27 p.m. for a violation of window tint. Officer Brandon Tayes pulled over Murner, who was unable to provide proof of insurance. According to reports, Murner seemed very nervous when Officer Tayes approached the car. When Tayes proceeded to ask Murner if he had anything illegal on him, Murner admitted to having a pipe in his pocket and something in his backRead More Online
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pack located in the floorboard. Tayes found the pipe where Murner said it would be during a pat down search. Murner gave the officers verbal consent to search the vehicle. Assisting Officer Lintz searched the vehicle and retrieved a marijuana grinder and a second pipe from Murner’s backpack where he told officers it would be. Murner walked away with a warning for the window tint and a citation in lieu of continued custody for drug paraphernalia. Murner, of Crossville, is a re-admitted freshman currently studying pre-law.
A Student Government Association committee started major revisions on their constitution over fall break. SGA’s constitution is a document that lays out the duties and responsibilities of SGA and all of its officers. The constitution also has information on the procedures that SGA has to follow on and off campus. The committee revising the constitutions is made up of five SGA senators that volunteered to revise the document, with input from the SGA, as well as the general student body. “It is important that the SGA constitution states the correct procedures and
guidelines that SGA must follow and uphold,” said Emily McDonald, SGA president. “Therefore it is important that the constitution be revised so that SGA can effectively represent the students.” The last revision to SGA’s constitution was in 2010 when the Student Organization Life Opportunity (S.O.L.O.) bill was added. Since then, other bills have been approved by SGA but have not been approved by the Administrative Council and a two-thirds majority of the student body, as is necessary by the current constitution. “As an SGA we have evolved to best meet the needs of the TTU students, See
“Constitution,” >>Page 2
New Homecoming election rules enacted By MATTHEW PHILLIPS Beat Reporter The Student Government Association has adopted a set of rules involving the election of Homecoming candidates. The new rules allow for students to actively campaign prior to election day. Active campaigning involves the distribution of campaign material (handouts and posters), advertisement in campus news and radio, and setting up booths and tables on campus to promote the candidate. Active campaigning will begin after yesterday’s candidate meeting. Candidates may only post material on the ground floor of the RUC and in other campus buildings, provided University policies are followed. “Instead of coming on the day of elections and trying to get as many people to vote as possible, we are wanting to see a creative style of campaigning,” said Roy West, SGA chief of staff and Homecoming chair. “We would like for the candidates to get to know the students better.” Another rule added this year is a limit of campaign
funds. Each campaign will be limited to $750 and must have a budget submitted to the SGA treasurer before any campaigning begins. “If we did not have a budget, it would leave a disadvantage to small organizations that do not have a large income,” said West. “We really would like everyone to be on a level playing field.” An additional rule will not allow candidates, nor West their agents, to pass out electronic devices that enable students to vote on the day of the election. Bribes and coercion will also be banned. “We really want the candidates to be the ones who are getting students to vote,” said West. “We want it to be an unbiased election; we do not want students to feel pressured because a person is offering them a reward for their vote.” Homecoming election day will be Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional rules and information regarding Homecoming, visit the Tech SGA website.
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>> “Constitution” Continued from Page 1 needs of the TTU students, our constitution has not,” said Nick Russell, SGA member. “It is important that we revise the constitution so that it most accurately meets the needs of the TTU student body and matches what we as an SGA do. With a revised constitution, we will be a stronger SGA for Tennessee Tech.” The revisions made to the constitution were substantial, for it had been a while since the document had been revised. With Tech constantly growing, evolving and changing, SGA had to adapt the constitution to better fit our current needs. “I hope the revisions that we make will be relevant forever. A more clean and impactful constitution will always be a good thing,” said Russell. “I also hope that going forward, as an SGA, we will visit the constitution more frequently, making sure that it is in line with the needs of the student body.”
Jobe and Murphy to close for renovations events @ tech Residence halls Jobe and Murphy will close for renovations at the end of the Fall 2014 semester. 296 students will be required to move out of the halls before leaving for December break.
By SARAH TATE Copy Editor The Jobe and Murphy residence halls will be closing at the end of the semester in preparation for renovations, causing the students staying there to find a new place to live. The halls will be upgraded with new plumbing, air conditioning units, paint, flooring and furniture. Ellington and Warf Halls and M.S. Cooper and Pinkerton Halls have all been renovated and met with praise. Instead of starting renovations at the beginning of the fall semester, work will begin during winter break when students have gone home. According to Andrew Moneymaker, Residential Life coordinator, there are fewer students in the residence halls during the spring semester than the fall. “Usually we lose anywhere from 200 to 300 students for various reasons,” said Moneymaker. “It’s easier to take the students out of
that building and place them in the open spaces we have in the other buildings.” The renovations typically take six to eight months to complete, but because Jobe and Murphy is a larger building, this will be a yearlong project. One hall, unknown as Moneymaker of now, will open up in the fall while the other will open Spring 2016. All 296 students living in Jobe or Murphy Hall are dealing with moving out of their rooms before winter break for the renovations. “I think it’s a little inconvenient,” said Murphy Hall resident James Stackhouse, a freshman mechanical engineer major. “As long as I can find a place to live that’s not a hotel, it’s just a part of dealing with renovations.” Stackhouse said he doesn’t think he received any email stating he would have
to move out of his room and found out through hearing other students talk. However, he said he wants to go back to Murphy when it reopens. “Ellington and Warf look really nice, so I’m definitely going back,” said Stackhouse. According to Moneymaker, the names of returning Jobe Hall and Murphy Hall residents will be put on a randomized list and assigned a number. Whichever number they are given will be their waitlist number for a new room assignment. At the start of the semester, 115 students were placed in temporary housing at the Cookeville Motel 6 and Days Inn because of the lack of available rooms in the residence halls. Senior interdisciplinary studies major Lauren Roach said she stayed in Motel 6 for one week. “It wasn’t horrendous, but it wasn’t pleasant,” said Roach, who now lives in Crawford Hall. “I was mostly frustrated that, as a senior, I wasn’t allowed into the dorm
right away and bypass the hotel completely.” Roach said when she was placed in temporary housing in 2009, she was told she would be there all semester but was put into a residence hall two weeks later. All 115 students were placed in residence halls within the first month of classes as the room assignments of students who didn’t show up or have dropped out get filled. A kitchen will also be added to the upgraded residence halls, as well. According to Moneymaker, pots and pans are provided and can be used as long as they are brought back clean. “Our goal is to get students to think of it as their home,” said Moneymaker of the residence halls. “As they leave for Christmas break, or leave for the summer, when they come back to campus, they’re telling their parents that they’re coming home rather than just coming back to school.”
The Women’s Center will play films in RUC Room 342 twice this November. Both screenings will cover topics that are often overlooked by society. “Latching On: The Politics of Breastfeeding in America” will play at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 for 40 minutes, and “In the Name of the Family” will play at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18 for 60 minutes. Both films will be followed by a short discussion. “We don’t normally show movies, but last year we found that it’s fun to show a short, provocative film and then follow up with discussion,” said Angela Jones, a Women’s Center
>> “Albadi” Continued from Page 1 The requirement of criminal negligence is also established if it is shown the defendant acted intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, according to the Tennessee Code Annotated. Criminally negligent homicide is a Class E felony, punishable by imprisonment of no less than one year and no more than six years, as well as possible monetary fines of up to $3,000. Rideout “It is definitely an incident that I never expected to hear about, but the situation was handled very well,” said Courtney Smith, resident of Magnolia Court. “And our small neighborhood does not feel unsafe because of it.” The TTU Saudi Club shared their thoughts on the club’s Facebook page in a memorial post for Albadi. “We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt
student worker. “A group of students and Women’s Center staff chose the movies.” “Latching On: The Politics of Breastfeeding in America” is about filmmaker Katja Esson’s sister who gave birth in Germany and could breast-feed her newborn anywhere. Upon her arrival back to New York, she realized this simple act was hardly used. The documentary analyzes all different sides of the act of a child being breast-fed. Information from doctors and specialists as well as opinions from a diverse group of mothers are all provided in this film. Throughout the movie, current practices in the United States are compared with the standard in other
sympathy to the people of the late and herewith,” the post said. Naif Alharbi, president of the Saudi Club, said he will visit Hanawi this weekend because of obligatory measures as club president despite Hanawi not being a member of the club. “We all as Saudis here in Cookeville feel sorry for both of them,” Naif said in an email. “This rare kind of incident happening to young kids makes it harder on Alharbi us.” Albadi and Hanawi met each other three weeks prior to the murder. “I will always remember his smile in my class,” said Jennifer Rideout, professor of English, in a comment on the post. Rideout said she had Albadi in one of her English composition classes in the past and remembered he always had a “pleasant personality in class.” Hanawi is currently in custody at the Putnam County Justice Center without bond. He made his first appearance in court on Oct. 20.
The hearts of The Oracle staff go out to the friends and family of Mr. Albadi
countries. “They chose this movie because it’s educational while being interesting,” said Jones. This film provides the audience with graphic scenes filled with specific statistics and diverse situations. The viewers will then be able to analyze the facts and come up with individual opinions. “In the Name of the Family” portrays a different situation. Jones had more to explain. “It brings attention to a specific kind of domestic violence called ‘honor killings.’ This topic, for the most part, is unknown to most Americans,” said Jones. This film shows a situation that often occurs without anyone bring-
ing attention to the subject. Told in the perspective of four teenage North American girls, this movie shares the treatment young women faced. “This behavior was a remnant of patriarchal tribal cultures,” said Diana Lalani, administrative associate in the Women’s Center. When the women would not respond accordingly to male authority, the women faced cruel treatment. “The choice of movies reflects the Women’s Center’s desire to promote the education, encouragement and advancement of women,” said Jones. The TTU Women’s Center Facebook page has more information regarding upcoming events.
Tennis courts remodeling project still underway By MARk HORTON Beat Reporter The old tennis courts on campus were aging quickly and, with a renovation in mind, Tech decided to make the courts the next big tackle. Tennessee Tech is about to finish resurfacing the tennis courts, a project that has been ongoing for the past few months. “The renovation of the tennis courts is a resurfacing and recoating project to enhance the surface for the Tennessee Tech tennis team as well as general University use,” said Mark Wilson, director of Athletics. “The renovation was to fix the existing cracks, and the asphalt overlay should prevent immediate cracking.” The old courts were a solid green color with no branding of any type, but this time around will be much different from before. “We took this opportunity to add some Purple Pride to the facility with purple court areas and the windscreen to be installed at the conclusion of the project will be Tennessee Tech branded,” said Wilson. According to Wilson, the courts will be opened as soon as the project is completed, whether that takes a month or just two weeks. The new tennis courts will be a unique stand out point for the University and will be a great place once again to show off your awesomeness.
24 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Women’s Soccer hosts Southeast Missouri State University Tennessee Tech University
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball hosts Eastern Kentucky University Hooper Eblen Center
7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Adam Mullican, Euphonium, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Center
8 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Ryan Snell and Robert Wormsley, Tuba and Euphonium, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
25 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Women’s Center to show movies on unaddressed issues By ELLEN CONTI Beat Reporter
October
Lincoln Meyers, Tuba, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Guy Bortz and Wimberly Hall, Euphonium, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
John Paul Powers, Tuba, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball hosts Morehead State University Hooper Eblen Center
7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Jalen Tally, Tuba, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Cody Dailey, Euphonium, Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
26
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Women’s Soccer hosts Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Tennessee Tech University
4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Tuphonium Quartet Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building
27 All Day
Michael Aurbach sculpture exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery
All Day
Spring 2015 class schedule available online
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Sarah Tate l The Oracle
POP, LOCK AND DROP IT- Renovations on the tennis courts are still ongoing and have yet to open for students.
New faculty research seminar with Dr. Arias Chavez Prescott Hall 225
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Merchandising Association Fashion Show RUC Multipurpose Room
28
All Day
Michael Aurbach sculpture exhibition Joan Derryberry Art Gallery
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
UC College Fair Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion
Sarah Tate l The Oracle
RESURFACED - Tech’s tennis courts were resurfaced and are in the process of having “Purple Pride” added to the new and improved look.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Project Reality Runway RUC Multipurpose Room
www.tntech.edu/calendar
Friday, October 24, 2014
COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3
Holiday Features <<
LIVING
Kelly Mills | The Oracle HALLOWEEN HORRORS- Above: The sign to the Zombie Hunt Paintball Adventure at Fear Farm warns of the dangers of the upcoming zombie invasion you experience on the attraction. Right: A ghoulish employee at Hidden Hollow sits in a wheelchair covered in blood in attempts to scare guests.
Kelly Mills | The Oracle
Area haunted attractions bring fun,horror to all ages By KELLY MILLS Beat Reporter & BRITTANY LYNCH Beat Reporter Around this time of year is when goblins, ghosts and ghouls come out to play. It’s also when folks want to get scared or scare their friends. This year, the Upper Cumberland has many happy haunting places for people of all ages. Some scarier than others and some more centered on the kiddies. This October, The Oracle has provided some information on a few attractions sure to get any Halloween lover in the spirit of the holiday. Hidden Hollow Haunted House and Hay Ride
>> Scary: >> Cost: $ >> Family: Hidden Hollow just off Mount Pleasant Road is filled with spooky adventures. A scary hayride takes you through a forest and stops at creepy scenes filled with skeletons, ghosts, blood and ghouls. There are things lurking and waiting to jump out at you to make you squeal. “Ninety percent of our decorations are homemade,” said Vince Taylor, Owner of Hidden Hollow. “We buy a few things like the hanging masks, or we will buy a mask and then make the body.” As you go up the hill on the back of a trailer, there are scenes lit with strobe lights. The scenes are filled with fake blood, skeleton bones, missing limbs, spiders and turn back signs. The people who work there make many of the decorations.
“We get the yellow gloves and we spray them with foam and that kind of makes hands,” said Taylor. “Or we get the latex gloves, spray that insulation foam in there and it hardens so it makes a hand and then you just paint it red. It’s just little tricks like that make the scenes.” After the hayride, participants get off and walk to a shed splattered with bloody tarp where they’re met with a scene of a torture chamber with a man covered in his own blood begging for someone to help him. “Our chain saw broke,” said Brandon Hunter. “It got caught on one of the volunteer’s shirts so when the y’alls came up, we had to come up with something.” Hunter has been working at places like this for 11 years but has worked at Hidden Hollow the longest. “I practiced on my mom,” said Calvin Medley, who portrayed a guy in a wheelchair covered in blood. “My favorite part is entertaining people.” It’s not all just scaring the guests with this ghostly crew. Everyone pitches in and has a good time even if it’s just getting the jump on each other. “We’re all the time trying to spook a spook. Trying to scare your help, they’re all macho, and say ‘You can’t scare me,’ then you step out and they squeal like a little baby,” said Taylor.
Flynn’s Lick Spooky Hollow House and Hayride
>> Scary: >> Cost: $ >> Family: The next stop on our ghostly tour brings us a little
farther out of town. Past the city of Gainesboro, in Jackson County, lies a small community by the name of Flynn’s Lick. This is the home of Flynn’s Lick Spooky Hollow Haunted House and Hayride. A drive of roughly 30 minutes beginning at Tech will bring you to the small community center. After paying for your ticket, you will be given a ticket stub with a number, so relaxing is a highly recommended suggestion. Once your number is called, it’s time to load up. You take a seat on the trailer with more daring souls before entering the ride of your life; or afterlife if you prefer. Flynn’s Lick Spooky Hollow Haunted House and Hayride consists of a fivemile hayride with a haunted walk-through at the end. Participants make a stop at four different spots on the hayride, which are set up and acted out by members of the community. “It’s a lot better this year. There’s one more extra stop,” said Travis Agee, volunteer truck driver for the event. “This is our 26th year. It started as just a community thing for the children in the community,” saud Tyler Smith, director of the haunted house. “A couple of years into it, it looked like it was something that was going to continue to grow, so we started off with $3 a person and a tractor trailer, and that’s grown into 3400 people a year, even people from surrounding states. Still keeping eight dollars a person for the last 12 years.” All proceeds from the haunted house go to both the fire department of Flynn’s Lick and to the Jackson County Rescue Squad. “It really impacts our entire county, it’s a really great fundraiser,” said Smith. This haunted adventure
even has a few secrets behind the scenes. There are four stops to make on the wagon before you get to the house at the end of the road. “The first stop is the Jackson County hydro Coalition, the second is the Flynn’s Lick Fire Department and the next two are kind of a coalition of just everybody in the county,” said Smith. It takes a lot of people to put on this big of a show, and when asked about the number of actors within the production, Smith said, “At the house we have approximately 12 to 15 on a given night but throughout the hollow, close to 100.” The first scene is a party where a teenage girl is drinking and her friend, who is not drinking, is trying to convince her not to drive. The scene ends as you pull off to head into the hollow. On your way back, you encounter another scene with these two actresses but now it’s later on, after the party. The non-drinking teen has been involved in a crash caused by the drinking girl. The sober girl lies on the ground and recites a poem before two mock paramedics place a sheet over her and the scene goes dark. The Haunted Hollow is big for their messages against drinking and driving. A scene always plays out the message, but half of it is the beginning of this ride. “Lot of young kids need to see that and adults,” said the Ribera Family, a group of riders on the first wagon of the night, with a few who were reoccurring participants for the past two years. For the thrills and chills of the Halloween theme, Flynn’s Lick seems to be doing something right. Opening night, Oct. 17, gave them a record of 451 willing victims to climb aboard. Are you brave enough to join them for the rest of the
month?
Fear Farm
>> Scary: >> Cost: >>Family:
$$$
For those with smaller children and a sense of adventure, there is a new attraction to behold just off Cookeville’s U.S. Highway 111. Right across from 111 Flea Market on West Netherland Road sits a menacing looking trailer with the words Fear Farm. In this brand new, unique attraction, fight the outbreak of zombies as you arm yourself with paintball guns and climb aboard a specially made zombie-hunting vehicle. “It’s just the zombie trucks are just so neat. Just watching the bullets go in and it’s just fun. And everyone just feels like they’re the terminator,” said Charles Roberson, director of events at Fear Farm. While there is no age limit on the Zombie Hunt, parental discretion is advised. Your adventure begins with practice shooting and then it’s on to the real deal. Have no fear about contracting the zombie virus, the zombies do not climb aboard with passengers, but they will stumble within shooting range of paintball guns. For the sensitive survivor, no zombies were hurt in the making of this production. All zombie actors are fitted with the utmost protection against paintballs. “They have full paintball helmets. That’s front and back protection and then they have a mesh that goes over the top. Then they wear layers, we got catcher’s mitts, we’ve got layers, pad guards. And probably two or three
suits,” said Roberson. The price of the Zombie Outbreak Hunt is $25 but this also includes a trip into the haunted corn maze. Visitors are given a light and sent into the rows of corn to make their own way out. More actors are hidden in the corn maze waiting to give unsuspecting victims a real treat for their dollar. The maze includes dead ends, zombie babies, clowns, blow horns, body parts, sound effects and a lot more spook-tacular fun. “I started with some church groups. I knew some college church groups and went from there,” said Roberson about his actors. “And then I needed more. I have over 100 employees that have worked here at one point or another. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes.” The Fear Farm is fun for the whole family, both young and old. “I let the last one [zombie] have it,” said Bailer Davis, with his parents Kevin and Rebecca Davis. “Great family fun. We’ll probably be back again this year,” said Rebecca Davis. These are only three of the many attractions found around the Upper Cumberland, but many more await daring souls. Will you be brave enough to take up the challenge of these haunted Halloween adventures?
Be sure to visit these attractions before it becomes too late Happy Haunting
Where are there ghosts on campus? By CHARLI BRAY Beat Reporter With Halloween just a week away, a popular activity is to visit haunted houses. However, local folklore suggests our very own campus may be home to a few ghosts and ghouls. Derryberry Hall is said to be haunted by one of Tech’s most well-known presidents. “President Derryberry’s funeral was held in Derryberry Hall Auditorium. Some say that President Derryberry himself may be seen walking the halls from time to time,” said Graham Kash, professor of English.
Legend suggests President Derryberry is not the only ghost lurking around Tech’s campus. The Backdoor Playhouse, located in the basement of Jere Whitson Building, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former student. “His name is Michael. He was a student about 15 years ago. He was very active in the theater program, but he had some problems and he committed suicide,” said Mark Creter, Backdoor Playhouse artistic director. After Michael died, his mother told Creter that Michael had always been a prankster and not to be
surprised if he haunts the Playhouse. “It grew from that. There are times light cues happen at the wrong time or something wonky happens with the machines for no apparent reason, so we say that it was Michael who was the culprit,” said Creter. According to Creter, Michael is a friendly ghost committing only playful pranks. “Michael is our ghost and he is a good one. I certainly don’t do anything to dissuade the stories. I think it’s fun. Most theaters do have a ghost. We turn a ghost light on when we leave the theater;
that’s a theater tradition,” said Creter. The Phi Delta Theta fraternity house just off campus has a ghost of its own, based on the fraternity’s lore. Legend has it that decades ago, a brother died in one of the upstairs bedrooms. “It had been some time since that happened and a brother was at the house alone. He thought he heard somebody, so he started calling for someone. That’s when he heard from upstairs somebody say ‘howdy.’ He looked for who the voice could have come from but no one was home,” said Phi Delta
Theta President Austin Long. After that incident, the house ghost was nicknamed Howdy. “I lived here for a year and I would wake up and my blanket would be thrown off my bed completely across the room, or something that I put on the table would be placed somewhere else,” said Long. “It’s small stuff, but you definitely notice it.” The Phi Delta Theta house has belonged to the fraternity since 1969. Before that it was the home of the Crawford family, one of the founding families of Tech. According to the
brothers, the house’s age and creaky floors add to the eeriness of the legend of Howdy. “The only real experience I had with him was when I heard him run up the stairs; it was clear that somebody had run up the stairs, but no one was there,” said Phi Delta Theta member Jacob Marlett. Some people believe the ghostly legends and stories surrounding Tech, while others choose to chalk up the stories to made-up lore. “Whether you believe it to be true or not, it is fun to hear the stories,” said Kash.
Page 4 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN
LIVING
Friday, October 24, 2014
>> Community
Awesome Eagle hits Smashville as guest mascot at Thursday’s Predators game Pre-season injury causes Tennessee Tech mascot, Awesome Eagle also, to assist injured Nashville Predators mascot, Gnash at Thursday night’s Predators game in Bridgestone Arena. By TYLER RANDOLPH Beat Reporter
Tech’s Awesome Eagle took to the ice and filled in for the injured Nashville Predators mascot, Gnash, Thursday night. Gnash suffered a broken fibula in his left leg during “his rigorous offseason training regimen” and called out to some of his fellow mascot friends, including Awesome, to help him cheer on the Predators in his place. While the injury to Gnash was unfortunate, Awesome Eagle and Tech were able to benefit from the time the Predators mascot will be recovering. “Gnash and I have been friends for quite a while now,” said Awesome. “So when he called asking for my help, it was a no-brainer. I told him I would be glad to help him in his time of need.” “I found out a few weeks ago that Awesome would receive this opportunity [to fill in for Gnash],” said Andrew Halford, Spirit Squad interim head coach. “We are really excited Awesome got in there and got recognition on a national level.” A news release sent out by the Predators on Sept. 24 announcing Gnash’s injury said, “Well-known for his daring stunts that include rappelling from the Bridgestone Arena ceiling, using a sled to slide down the lower bowl stairs and more, Gnash’s injury came in the midst of his rigorous offseason training regimen.” The injury is expected to keep Gnash out for an extended amount of time. Predators
Senior Vice President of Communications Gerry Helper said on the Predator’s website, “Predators mascot Gnash suffered a broken fibula in his left leg and is being treated by a team of physicians and trainers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Nashville Predators. We expect him to make a full recovery in six-to-eight weeks.” “When I heard of Gnash’s injury, I felt terrible for him,” Awesome said. “I know how hard he works to bring the spirit and the energy it takes to get the fans pumped up in Smashville.” The fill-in will be a great spotlight not only for Awesome but for the University as well. Awesome Eagle is an experienced mascot that won the open mascot division of the 2014 Universal Cheerleaders Association national competition in Orlando, Fla. in January of this year. Filling in for Gnash, while big shoes to fill, should be a doable task for the eagle. “It was an incredible ordeal not only for Awesome to get the recognition but also an opportunity for Tennessee Tech to be represented,” said Halford. “Everyone in the spirit program works really hard all over the campus and Cookeville; it’s very exciting we can spread out and represent our school and town in different places.” When asked who accompanied Awesome to the Predators game, Halford said, “Only Awesome got the opportunity to go, but I hope we talked everything up enough that our student body traveled to support Awesome and Tennessee Tech.”
Robert Reavis | Guest Contributor
UNLEASH YOUR AWESOME, GNASH- Left: Awesome Eagle and Gnash pose before hitting the ice at Thursday night’s game. Right: Awesome Eagle sits back in the stands to reflect on the high number of people in Bridgestone Arena during Thurday’s game.
‘‘
Predators mascot, Gnash, suffered a broken fibula in his left leg and is being treated by a team of physicians and trainers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Nashville Predators. —Gerry Helper,
,,
Predators Senior Vice President of Communications
Craft beer festival brews up good times in Dogwood Park By BEN CRAVEN Beat Reporter
Dogwood Park played host to Blues and Brews, Cookeville’s first Craft Beer Festival, last Saturday. The event showcased over 50 different craft beers from brewing companies across the country, as well as several home brewing groups from around Tennessee and live music from Carissia and Company and Jonell Mosser. Blues and Brews started seven years ago as a fundraiser for WCTE, Cookeville’s Public Broadcasting Service station, and has been held in locations such as Southern Hills Golf and Country Club, the Cookeville Golf Club and the Leslie Town Center. However, after hitting the maximum capacity at these previous venues and the interest for attending still rising, the event needed to be moved to a more fitting location. “With the increase in popularity among a younger demographic for Craft Beer Festivals, we felt that the event had matured to a point to grow the event,” said Becky Magura, CEO of WCTE. “The event was designed to partner with the city and University to help build a diverse group that enjoys Craft Beer.” The Calfkiller Brewing Company, a popular legal brewing company based in Sparta since 2010, has been showcasing their many craft beers at Blues and Brews for the past five years. “The layout was different the last four years, so this is the first year for a full-on beer festival atmosphere,” said Dave Sergio, one of the two brothers that started the company. “We enjoyed it very much. It is nice to get out in front of the people of our community and show them what we do.” Hosting Blues and Brews in a completely new outdoor location did not come without its issues. The event grew exponentially this year in both size and attendance. “It was unchartered ter-
Robert Reavis | Guest Contributor
Craven has got a cravin’ for good, local craft beer By BEN CRAVEN Beat Reporter
Ben Craven l The Oracle
LAST CALL FOR ALCOHOL- Above: Crowds gathered at the Blues and Brews Festival to see beers showcased from different brewing companies. Below: 50 different craft beers were showcased at the Blues and Brews Festival. ritory for us as a station and for the community,” said Jodie Pitts, the assistant event coordinator. “We had to think about all the logistics of the event while trying to utilize the venue to the fullest of its capabilities. We also had to secure a committee and several volunteers from the community.” Dogwood Park ended up being a great place for the event, with ample space for the breweries and all the patrons in attendance. The many breweries in attendance were not the only highlight of Blues and Brews. Many small groups of home brewers came out to showcase their creations, and to educate the public about the near endless possibilities of making beer in your own home. Local home brewer Jim Patten was an integral part of organizing the home brewers at the event. “She [Magura] knew that I and a lot of other people in the area brew, so it was a great opportunity to expose the art of home brewing to the general public,” said Patten.
Blues and Brews was a huge success. I have attended another, much larger craft beer festival in Chattanooga, called the Southern Brewers Festival, both as a teen and as an adult. Blues and Brews has all the elements that make the Southern Brewers Festival so popular, right in our backyard. I was absolutely blown away with the size and quality of this festival for being in a place like Cookeville. There was a multitude of craft beers to try, and some of them were brews I had never even heard of. The home brewers that showed up had several fantastic, creative brews to try, including one with ghost peppers in it. All of the brewers and volunteers were very polite and just happy to be there, which made for a wonderful atmosphere. The weather was perfect for an outdoor festival like this, and the live music was great. Overall this event was a big hit, and I personally loved it. If Blues and Brews returns to Dogwood Park next year, I will definitely be there.
Photo courtesy of Stock X Change
Crank it up!! Ben Craven l The Oracle Some of the home brewing groups included Caney Fork Brew Works and the Backwoods Carboys out of Tullahoma. Blues and Brews ran from noon until 5 p.m. Saturday and was fairly packed the entire time. The weather managed to stay clear, and the event seemed to go without a hitch.
“All in all, our planning paid off and we were very pleased with the flow of the event and how well everything came together,” said Pitts. “We hope the festival will continue to grow and be something the community can enjoy, while continuing to raise funding for our programming here at WCTE.”
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Page 5 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN
Friday, October 24, 2014
Inside the Game <<
>> “EKU Game” Continued from Page 1
During the routine extra point kick to tie the game, longtime placeholder and 6-year senior free safety Marty Jones botched the snap. Jones quickly recovered the drop, rolled out left and dove into the end zone, flipping over EKU defensive back Kiante Northington for the 2-point conversion and a 32-31 lead. It was the first Tech lead of the night. Jones, who says he’s never botched a snap since his place kick holding career began in junior high, took full responsibility for the mishap. “I’ve never botched a snap in a game in my life,” said Jones. “It handcuffed me a little bit and I just dropped it. I picked it up and I just started rolling out.” Jones said kicker John Arnold told him he was “throwing up blocks” for the free safety as Jones dashed for the end zone on the 2-point conversion try, but said he’d have to see the film to believe the kicker. Watson
Brown jokingly added “it wasn’t pretty.” On the following drive, Tech’s defense forced a three and out on an EKU offense that had previously converted 18 first downs. Tech running back Ladarius Vanlier fair caught the punt at his team’s own 37-yard line, and on the following play, took the ball, cut outside to the left and ran untouched along the sidelines for 63 yards for a Golden Eagle touchdown. The one-play, 63-yard scoring drive took all of 10 seconds and resulted in the game’s final score. With only two minutes remaining, EKU needed to drive the ball 75 yards for a touchdown and covert a 2-point conversion if they had any hopes of surviving the upset. The Golden Eagles had other plans. Marty Jones, who gave his team the first lead of the night after what could have been a costly mistake, intercepted EKU quarterback Bennie Coney with just over a minute left to play. The Golden Eagles, however, came up empty on their effort to run the clock out and were forced to punt. The final dagger to the Colonels was then delivered as Jones intercepted his fourth pass of the night, this time from EKU quarterback Jared McClain. The fourinterception performance
Shea Haile | The Oracle CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES-Harrison Reid celebrates a big defensive play during Saturday’s Blackout game against EKU. broke a Tech record while tying an OVC record for the most in a game. Although happy with his individual performance, Jones credits his opportunities to his team’s offense for forcing their opponent to throw the ball and make a comeback of their own. “You get into that situation [on defense] because the offense kept us in the game up to that point,” said Jones. “When they have to throw, that puts us where we can really pin our ears back and rush the quarterback. It really makes my job a lot easier.”
Jones left Tucker Stadium Saturday night with video game-type numbers grabbing four interceptions and 12 tackles. He also took home a handful of accolades for his career performance. Jones was named the OVC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career. The College Football Performance Awards and the Sports Network also recognized him nationally as the FCS National Defensive Performer of the Week. A pair of other Golden Eagles received honors for Saturday night’s win as well.
SPORTS
Senior quarterback Darian Stone was named OVC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to lead his offense over EKU. Junior running back Ladarius Vanlier received several awards for his OVC season-best 264 all-purpose yards as he was named the OVC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time this season. Like teammate Marty Jones, Vanlier was also recognized by the College Football Performance Awards. Vanlier was named the FCS National Punt Returner of the Week by CFPA for the second time this season for his 79-yard punt return for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter against EKU. It was his second punt return for a touchdown in 2014. “When I saw the ball in the air I just took the opportunity,” said Vanlier. “The punt return team made great blocks. I looked for a crease and when I got it, I just ran to the end zone.” Although Brown has stated before that his all-purpose, all-OVC running back has come a long way from dropping kicks last season, he says Vanlier has been the best running back for Tech this season. “The thing I like about him is he’s not very big, but he doesn’t play small,” said
Brown. “When he gets loose, good luck, because you’re not going to catch him. That ain’t gon’ happen.” Saturday night’s home win was the first for Brown against EKU at Tucker Stadium since his arrival in 2007. It was also the first “Blackout” win for Tech since the tradition began in 2012. The “Blackout” promotion is to encourage fans to wear black clothing while the Golden Eagles wear their allblack uniforms. The Golden Eagles are now 3-4 overall, 2-2 in OVC play and rank fifth in the conference. They move forward from last week’s upset win over the No. 12 FCS team to face No. 6 Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks will be the fifth nationally ranked opponent Tech has faced this season. While Brown admits his team’s schedule has been tough to say the least, he also says he’d be surprised if his team traveled to Jacksonville and didn’t put up a similar fight as Saturday night. “I don’t know if anybody’s had a schedule like this. It’s just been brutal,” said Brown. “The biggest positive to me is that through this tough schedule, these kids don’t quit. I would be shocked if we go to Jacksonville State and lay an egg. I think we’ll play our hearts out.”
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball serves up OVC success By SHEA HAILE Sports Editor
Two weekend trips to Kentucky were successful for the Tennessee Tech volleyball team. Tech began last weekend with a win at Morehead State Oct. 17. The victory was the first time the Golden Eagles defeated Morehead on their court since Oct. 17 2009. Outside hitters Cody Dodd and Kellie Williams dominated, combining for 29 kills. Williams shined again Saturday against Eastern Kentucky with 22 kills, which lead the team and was a game high. Tech had to endure five sets with EKU, who is ranked second in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Golden Eagles finally put them away 15-6 in the final set. Nov. 11, 2011 was the last time Tech defeated the Colonels in Richmond prior to Saturday’s match up. The match was also the third straight conference win for the Golden Eagles who are now 5-3 in OVC play. Coach Dave Zelenock highlights consistency as the reason for
the team’s recent success. “We have hit a little stride here where we are fairly consistent,” says Zelenock. “Our passing is pretty good. Our setting is pretty good. We are fairly low in hitting errors while still being aggressive. I think that has been the key.” The team’s confidence has also received a boost following their early success. Last year, the team finished with only one conference win. During this year’s campaign, the Golden Eagles are halfway through the conference schedule and already own five victories. Young talent has made an impact early this season. Freshman middle blocker Jordan Wachowiak leads the team with a .217 hitting percentage and averages the most blocks per set with 1.19. “It [confidence] is definitely high, especially coming off of what they had been used to in years past and knowing that our class is really making a difference here,” said Wachowiak. A bizarre schedule has the Golden Eagles facing EKU and Morehead
again this weekend at the Hooper Eblen Center. Senior Courtney Smith is expecting to see an EKU team with some extra motivation. “I think its exciting to play them back to back because it will really show our character and their character,” said Smith. “They are definitely going to come back mad and come into our home court and want to beat us the same way we did to them.” The play at the libero position will be key in today’s match up. Smith is ranked second in the OVC in digs while EKU’s libero, Dena Ott, is ranked first. Tech will face a talented but struggling Morehead State team Saturday. Morehead is currently 0-22 and sitting at last place in the OVC. “I do not know how they are 0-22,” said Zelenock. “Their middles and rights can score pretty much at will. They have got very aggressive outsides.” Today’s contest with the Colonels begins at 7 p.m., and Saturday’s match against Morehead State will start at 4 p.m.
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Shea Haile | The Oracle THE OVC GRIND - Courtney Smith and Cody Dodd defend their home court against Southern Illinois University-Evansville during the opening weekend of OVC action for Tech. The Golden Eagles are currently 5-3 in OVC play.
QUIDDITCH
Quidditch takes down a dozen in Gold Cup By ELISSA LONGFELLOW Beat Reporter The Tennessee Tech Quidditch team left North Carolina undefeated after they crushed 12 teams in the Gold Rush Cup II Saturday Oct. 18. The Golden Hippogriffs competed against several teams from the South and Mid-Atlantic regions including Virginia Tech, University of South Carolina, Duke University and University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Tech first flattened the three teams in the first round of pool play and then moved on to beat the University of South Carolina 120 to 70 in the semifinals. They finished the tournament Saturday with a 140 to 20 win over Virginia Tech in the finals. According to team cofounder and chaser Kellie Davis, the victory was due, in large part, to the well-prepared defense. “Our defense was exceptional this weekend. Our
team played a tight man-toman defense and our beaters focused on stopping the quaffle very well,” said Davis. “Beaters are our best line of defense and are a great asset when used wisely.” Quidditch is a sport that was invented in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. It has since been adapted for muggles, or non-magic folk. A team consists of seven players: one keeper, three chasers, two beaters and a seeker. The object of the game is to score the most points by putting the quaffle (usually a volleyball) through one of the three goal hoops. The Golden Hippogriffs are currently ranked 21st in the nation. “We finished last season ranked 26th in the world and hope to be ranked even higher this year,” said Davis. Before the team can make the trip to Florida to compete in the World Cup, they must first place high enough in their region to qualify. Tennessee Tech competes in the South region, which re-
ceives nine bids for the World Cup. “We still need to work on our snitch catching consistency and getting good drives and shots on offense,” said Davis. Chaser and senior chemistry major Alex Ewton suggests getting more physical in their defensive approach. “Some of the other teams hit really hard; that’s something I think we could work on,” said Ewton. “Whether that means we all go to the gym together or not, or just practicing getting good form down, if we could become a bit more physical, that would help.” Even with the acknowledgement that the team still has work to do, Ewton is certain the Golden Hippogriffs will return to the World Cup playing field. “I will say with 100 percent confidence that we will go to the World Cup this year,” said Ewton. “I would say that we are among the top four teams in our region. At this point, it’s just a fact.”
Page 6 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN
Friday, October 24, 2014
>> Think Free
Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu oracle@tntech.edu.. Include your name, email 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.
Voting on Amendment 1 By KIMMY MANNING Opinion Editor We have a voice. Let’s use it. We have a choice. Let’s use it. We have a life. It’s debatable. Well, at least that’s how our nation views the value of human life, and that’s currently the political situation Tennessee is in. Come Nov. 4, the state of Tennessee has a right to vote yes on Amendment 1 being upheld. This will “open the door for informed consent for women and girls considering abortion, inspection or regulation of abortion facilities, and hospitalization requirement for later term abortions,” according to YesOn1TN.org. Seems like a lot of gibberish, right? I spent about four hours just trying to understand what “no” really meant and what “yes” stood for. So here I am to try to break it down. The state of Tennessee houses many out-of-state abortions because of our current regulations. “Yes on 1” claims that this amendment change will make out-ofstate abortions cease to exist. Yet, parallel to this, “No on 1” citizens say that abortions in general will cease to exist, not only for out-of-state people, but also to residents of Tennessee. This situation is tricky. I believe everyone has a right to make decisions—including the baby. That baby, whether made from love, abuse, incest or rape, is still a baby. We can agree on that
Courtesy of Shutter Stock
CONFLICTED - Citizens of the state of Tennessee get the opportunity to vote on Nov. 4 on whether or not they would like Amendment 1 to be changed. Changing this amendment will result in changing guidelines statewide regarding abortions. fact, right? I bet if that baby could make a decision it would choose life. Why? It’s a basic human right. However, I still have a problem with the “Yes on 1” campaign. This campaign demands the government intercedes on our behalf to make decisions for us. To choose when life is given. Whoa now that is just too much power for them. I would love if every baby conceived was born, raised by loving parents, received education, met the spouse of their dreams and became president—but that’s not guaranteed if they don’t
have life. Ideally I wish those considering abortions made this conscious decision, not the big guys at the Capitol. If you’ve read my articles before, you know how passionate I am about equality. And if you’ve stayed up-todate on the news you have probably seen the campaign running with the United Nations right now called HeForShe. In the campaign’s opening speech by actress Emma Watson, she states the actual and true definition of the word feminist; but its nature has a different meaning than what we are used to.
Stereotypically, feminists are known to be “men haters” and violently liberal, which could not be further from the truth. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, feminism is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” That’s it—equality. So as a human being and a woman of my word, I desire equality for men and women of all ages. Catch word: ALL ages. With that being said, this would include babies, even those unborn. In essence, by taking away the rights of a human
Think before pink:
By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer
Over the past few years October has become Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Professional sports associations like the NFL have taken to wearing pink gloves, shoes, and using pink towels on the sidelines. Now college athletes are wearing pink themed apparel and I feel that the pink has run its course. I do want to be clear, I have no issues with players, coaches or fans who want to wear a pink jersey or pink hat. I do think it’s great that a male dominated sport can show support for a disease that mainly affects women, however I think it’s unfair that the NFL does promotion for breast cancer and yet completely ignores prostate cancer. Prostate cancer awareness month is supposed to be in September, but you’d be hard pressed to find that
THE
and letting the government or another human choose whether it gets the chance to survive in this world is not equality. You are treating the baby as less than human. This issue becomes a matter on the value of human life and whether equality is ever attainable. We can’t preach feminism and demand for equality between both genders, yet neglect those who can’t speak for themselves. We’re running in a vicious cycle when we ask for equality for everyone and then pretend that everyone isn’t even a someone.
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Where does Susan G. Komen money really go?
as heart disease. Another thing that bothers me about all this awareness is that I feel the Susan G. Komen benefits a lot from it. The American Cancer Society is the official partner with the NFL to raise awareness but I always think of Susan G. Komen as the first organization of breast cancer research and awareness. So long as that organization remains out of the equation, I think it’s for the better. The CEO of Susan G. Komen, Nancy Brinker, makes over close to $700,000 a year and the organization has been shown to not give Courtesy of Storify all their donations to rePINK - Now not only is the NFL wearing pink in honor of breast cancer awareness month, but search. I think it’s a stretch to call to the foundation college footbal is as well. This is a picture of the current footbals in the NFL. “evil” as I’ve heard some out if you only hear about light blue trim to support many lives as heart disease people say, but I think getthe different cancers from prostate cancer? I’ve heard does in this country yet we ting a six figure paycheck watching sports on televi- the argument that prostate have an ice bucket chal- when you’re the CEO of a sion. I don’t understand that cancer isn’t as marketable as lenge for ALS. Again noth- foundation based around the if the NFL and now NCAA breast cancer and while I do ing against the fine folks death of your sister makes have time to make special understand this aspect of it that created the Ice Bucket me sick to my stomach. I understand the pink pink gear for players and I still think it’s unfair of the Challenge, that was a fun apparel is eye-catching and coaches to wear during the leagues to only show sup- and interesting way to raise funds for research and it was it’s supposed to make female month of October, is it re- port for breast cancer. ally that difficult to make Even then prostate and very successful but still ALS fans relate, but the NFL has breast cancer dont claim as does not take as many lives been doing this for years.
ORACLE
So if you’re still stuck on what exactly this vote entails, here are the main points: If you believe exceptions should be guaranteed and abortions made possible, then vote “no” on Amendment 1. If you believe in equality in its rawest form, not only highlighting the rights of women, but all humans, vote “yes.” It’s time for us to make decisions just for ourselves.
kemanning42@students.tntech.edu
1. Letters should not exceed 300 words. Commentaries should be around 500 words and include a picture of the writer.
The MLB even uses pink bats on Mother’s Day to promote breast cancer awareness. I do think that the pink trim and the gloves and the pink bats are very eye-catching and remind me of breast cancer everytime I see them but I really don’t think it’s necessary. I’d say by now if you aren’t aware of breast cancer, you probably don’t need to worry about breast cancer. In the end I like that professional and college athletics are trying to reach a wider audience and to help fight this disease, but to me I think their efforts could be put to use for more than just this issue. I hope someday we can see pink gear in conjunction with light blue to get both sides of the spectrum. And as for those who want to support the Susan G. Komen foundation all I ask is: Think before you pink. Adam Webb is a senior in Communication/Public Relations. He can be reached at abwebb42@students.tntech.edu
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COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 7
Friday, October 24, 2014
Reviews <<
ENTERTAINMENT
Early fall TV impressions “Fury” a raw, powerful film By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor
By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic
Almost two months into the new TV season, there are some clear winners. I already have my favorite, and below I have listed my favorite new drama, comedy and most surprising new show. Granted, there are a few shows that have yet to air, but I have full confidence that they would not have made my list anyways. Best New Drama “How to Get Away With Murder” Viola Davis lured me here, and she has not disappointed. Actually, the whole cast has not disappointed. Of the five episodes that have aired, not a single one of them has failed to make me gasp, think intuitively and crave more. Getting back to the cast, Viola Davis simply does not disappoint in her role as professor Annalise Keating. She joined the show because she wanted a meaty, juicy role that film was not necessarily offering her. Well, she got that and more. She absolutely kills it in this leading role. She is so commanding when she is on screen, and her take on her character is intimidating. Come award season time, if she’s not nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama, well, it’ll be a travesty. Her supporting cast excels at driving the show toward greatness. Jack Falahee’s portrayal as Connor, one of Annalise’s students, is particularly captivating. Falahee’s dark, witty and sneaky portrayal of the character easily steals a lot of scenes. It’s refreshing that creator Peter Nowalk and the show’s writers are not afraid to “go there” with Connor’s personal life and endeavors. I’m not sure a broadcast series has ever fully explored a character like this before. He is not the only fascinating character though. Every other cast member portrays their role extremely well and can also potentially steal a scene when least expected. Side note, can I say it’s such a pleasure to see Liza Weil on television every week again. That being said, every week the show ups the intensity more than the previous episode. The series has already been picked up for a full season, but it will be just 15 episodes. I suspect’s Davis’s film career obligations probably intervene. Nonetheless, the show dares to push the limits each week with sophisticated writing, top-notch drama and one hell of an ensemble cast. As the ABC tagline for Thursday night goes, “Thank God It’s Thursday.” But also thank god for Shonda Rhimes. “How to Get
Rounding out of the box office in the #1 spot, this intense World War II action movie delivers an emotional kick to audiences. The starstudded cast of Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Peña, and Jon Bernthal command a tank past enemy lines into the heart of the war. Set in April 1945, in the height of the German invasion, the team loses their assistant driver and young, inexperienced Norman (Lerman) is thrust in his place. The crew faces overwhelming odds in their attempts to take out as many Nazis as possible. “Fury” is a hard, gritty look at the horrors of war. Mud coats every scene and nothing is too bold or disgusting for this film to tackle. Lerman’s character Norman is young and innocent, and the film documents his struggle to keep his humanity in tact while becoming a coldhearted soldier. Some of the scenes in the film are grotesque and definitely worth the R rating. Nothing is glamourized or sugar coated, and the actors give a gravely realistic portrayal of “shell-shock” (PTSD). Though Brad Pitt has a history of portraying Army generals in World War II movies, he is able to define his character away from his performance in “Inglorious Basterds”. Shia LaBeouf
Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
IT’S MURDER- Viola Davis (above) stars in the new hit ABC show “How to Get Away with Murder”. She pushes her five law interns to their limits as they assist with cases at her firm.
Away with Murder” airs Thursday nights at 10/9 CDT on ABC. Best New Comedy “Marry Me” Have I mentioned I miss “Happy Endings”? Yeah, ABC, that’s still not sitting well. Thank goodness for NBC, though, because they have brought me the next best thing. Starring in this hilarious new show is “Happy Endings” alum Casey Wilson. Her, along with co-star Ken Marino, are such fun to watch together. It’s only aired for two episodes, but the chemistry is undeniable. Over two episodes I have cackled a lot, and I do mean a lot. The writing is sharp, extremely funny and the entire cast gives the dialogue such justice. It’s been awhile since NBC has produced a really good comedy, minus last year’s “About a Boy” which is amazing and you should watch it and love it. Of all the comedy shows in the past years, that one and this new one feel right to me and are great starting points for the network to build upon. Good thing they both air on the same night, in the same hour. “Marry Me” airs Tuesday nights at 9/8 CDT on NBC. Biggest Surprise “The Mysteries of Laura” Yes, I said it. Everybody was such a hater with this show coming into the new TV season, and most of them still are. I saw complaints calling it “momcop show,” “Debra Messing deserves better,” and that “it’s so oldschool.” I believed the hype in the beginning, but it’s Grace Adler, uh, I mean Debra Messing, and I was going to give it a shot no matter. So I did, and guess what? I loved it. So what if it’s a little bit old school? I love old school, and to me, this is a perfect fit for the 7 p.m. hour on Wednesdays. And to say
Debra Messing deserves better, well wouldn’t Debra Messing know when something was not a good fit for her? This is a great role and her portrayal is goofy, at times poignant and just plain hilarious. The show itself is a fun time and the supporting cast makes it even more enjoyable. It’s doing well in the ratings, averaging almost 9 million total viewers an episode, which for any network other than CBS is stellar. The all-so-important 18-40 age demographic is averaging around a 1.5, which for NBC is rather good. I’m with this show for the long haul. So if it’s just me and a bunch of 60-yearold people watching, I don’t care. I like what I like, and, in my opinion, this is a great show that has the potential to last some time, if the ratings hold. “The Mysteries of Laura” airs Wednesday nights at 8/7 CDT on NBC. Honorable Mention “Scorpion” I really do love this show. It’s smart, funny and fast-paced. I have been really impressed with it every week. The odd-ball cast meshes together extremely well and creates an exciting atmosphere. There is a great element of mystery to the show, which makes it even better. “Scorpion” airs Monday nights at 9/8 CDT on CBS. These new shows are great additions to each respective network. I expect them all to continue to be successful as the season progresses. The TV season is still young, and a lot can happen between now and then. Keep an eye out for trailers, commercials and other ads for new shows because there are a lot of new shows still set to premiere during the midseason. Both broadcast and cable channels are offering up some great new things.
Courtesy of The Hollywood News
KILL THE NAZIS- Brad Pitt (above) stars as an army sergeant who commands a tank and a five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines during World War II.
is outstanding and worth watching alone. After a brief crazy stint, it appears that he is in fact still famous and needs some work. His character is deeply religious, significantly contrasting with the brutality of murdering hundreds of German soldiers. The film is overwhelmingly dark and suspenseful. The emotional roller coaster of the final few scenes puts the audience on edge, patriotism and all. The only thing comical about the film was the depiction of firefight. In or-
der to distinguish the ammunition, the effects team made the bullets and tankfire light up like lasers. The “Star Wars” effects detract from the entire film and lose seriousness in otherwise intense moments. Overall, “Fury” is not a disappointment by any means and a perfect action movie for any history buff. The acting is superb, the story is raw, and the themes are real. “Fury” is rated R for or strong sequences of war violence, some grisly images, and language throughout.
Adam’s top albums to check out By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer Of all the albums being released in the coming months, these are the ones to lookout for: Taylor Swift Swift’s debut pop album “1989,” named after the her birth year, comes after her 2012 album “Red,” which blurred the lines between pop and country. Swift’s lead single, “Shake it Off” has proven that she can make a pop hit, albeit unoriginal. The rest of the album will show whether or not she has the pop chops to carry an album and separate herself from the pack. “1989” drops Oct. 27. Foo Fighters Foo Fighters new album “Sonic Highways” features the band trying to keep it fresh while retaining their sound. The album was recorded in eight different cities across the country, including Nashville, and should show us a side we have yet to see from the aging rockers. “Sonic Highways” will be in stores Nov. 10. Pink Floyd Pink Floyd hasn’t released an album in over 20 years, and there’s some
Courtesy of WBAB.com
HIGHWAY TO WHERE?- AC/DC’s new album “Rock or Bust” is set to be released on November 28th.
speculation “The Endless River” will be their last. The band has described the sound of the LP as ambient and instrumental songs. Pink Floyd has been known for their long, trance-inducing songs, so it will be interesting to hear if they have kept things groovy over the last 20 years or if they’ve run their course. “The Endless River” drops Nov. 7. AC/DC After the highly publicized departure of Malcom Young from the band, AC/DC is trucking on with their new album “Rock or Bust,” the first album without the founding member. The album is the shortest the band has made in years and could make or break them. If Aussies can survive the
death of Bon Scott in 1980, maybe they can rock through the departure of their rhythm guitarist. “Rock or Bust” will be released on Nov. 28. Lil’ Wayne In what he claims will be his final album, “Tha Carter V” has a lot to live up to. “Tha Carter III” was considered by many to be Lil’ Wayne’s best album ever. Lately the rapper has been trying to find that kind of success before he tried to “reinvent” himself as a rock star with “Rebirth” in 2010. This album comes hot off the heels of his 2013 album, “I’m Not a Human Being II,” and will show if Weezy still has what it takes in in the rap scene. “Tha Carter V” drops Oct. 28.
Page 8 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN
NEWS
Friday, October 24, 2014
>> Campus
Pi Kappa Phi stays a fraternity, but with new sanctions University ensures medical By DAVID MCMINN Web Editor
The cease and desist order placed on Tennessee Tech’s Iota Theta chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity Sept.12 of this year has been lifted, allowing the fraternity to resume normal operation under a few sanctions. While under cease and desist, fraternities must stop all operations outside of mandatory hearings and chapter meetings. Pi Kappa Phi was originally given the cease and desist order by Tech’s Office of Greek Life after allegations that an unregistered social event occurred on chapter property. Greek organizations are required to register all social events with the proper authority. The chapter’s Archon (president), Matthew Perry, claims the whole thing was due to a
miscommunication. Perry said he had previously been told by both the city of Cookeville and the Office of Greek Life that his home was not recognized as a fraternity house. In fact, he was threatened with a fine for displaying letters. However, after having a “small gettogether” at the property, allegations of an unregistered event on chapter property were raised. “At some point they decided ‘We are recognizing it as your fraternity house, and you had an event,’” said Perry. “It’s a lot of red tape. Evidently when the regime changed, the opinion changed. So on one side I can now use it for events, which is nice. On the other hand, it would’ve been nice for that to have been clear.” Aside from a basic disagreement with the allegations, Perry also expressed
frustration with the way the case was handled. “I told Katie (Katie Williams, Greek Life coordinator) the day after the judicial hearing I didn’t appreciate how the kangaroo court was run,” said Perry. “There is a set standard in our bylaws for judicial proceedings. They didn’t follow it. They never do. Which is common—it’s not court. With court, that is their career; they know how to do it.” “These men are in a volunteer position just like I’m in a volunteer position. So, yes, they may not do things to the book. But, especially when you’re handling something as serious as having the power of removing someone from campus, it needs to be taken not lightly. I’ve been in several where we weren’t in trouble where I felt things were taken very lightly.” Now that the cease and
desist has ended, Perry and the rest of Pi Kappa Phi are ready to get back to normal operations. “We’re effectively on probationary standing with Greek life. We’re completely free to operate the chapter. We have certain sanctions that we have to meet, such as alcohol awareness, which is something our national organization does on a persemester basis anyhow, so that’s not different from how we would normally operate. The only thing that hit home was that they mandated that our house be dry until 2018,” Perry said. “I’m really proud of my guys that, coming out of effectively a month of suffocation, we hit the ground running.” Attempts made to reach the Office of Greek Life were not immediately returned as of press time.
preparedness for potential Ebola outbreak on campus By ADAM WEBB Staff Writer Earlier this month, Tennessee Tech sent emails to all students, faculty and staff warning them about traveling to areas affected with the Ebola virus, like the West African nations of Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a level three notice, which asks people to avoid countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone for non-essential travel. According to webmd. com, Ebola in not as contagious as illnesses like the flu or the common cold. The only way to contract Ebola is through contact with an in-
fected person or animal, not contact with a contaminated object or surface. The virus cannot be spread through air, food or water. Symptoms of Ebola include high fever, weakness, lack of appetite, sore throat and joint and muscle aches. There is no vaccine or cure for Ebola. The virus is managed with blood transfusions, oxygen and fluids. Tech Health Services claims it is prepared to deal with Ebola if any cases are discovered. To report travel plans, fill out the form using this address https://newcms.tntech.edu/machform/view. php?id=54992 If you have felt any symptoms of Ebola call TTU Health Services (931) 372-3320.
Chuckles with Cheeny
Created by: "Cheeny the great"
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