The Oracle- November 8, 2013

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O

THE

RACLE

Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505 | Est. 1924

Volume 97 | Issue 7 | Free in single copy | November 8, 2013

ROTC is back in action

Rocky Horror

sells out Backdoor Playhouse

By HAYDEN MCMILLEN Beat Reporter It was hard for those who came late to find a chair at the Rocky Horror Show.

With lines out the door, excited playgoers scrambled to find a seat at the sold out show.

The show kicked off on Halloween night with ushers in fishnets, heals, and makeup escorting individuals as they walked through the entrance of the Backdoor Playhouse.

Some students who had no background about the production said they were in awe after attending the show.

“I had absolutely no idea,” said junior Holly Smith. “I knew it was going

to be weird, but I didn’t know exactly how weird.”

Junior Kaitlin Spink said she felt like the performance aspect was really incredible.

She said the singing, costumes, makeup, and actors impressed her.

Members of the production said they have also been surprised with the turnout of this year’s fall production.

“In the 21 years that I have been here, it’s the first time that we have sold out every performance,” said Mark Creter, artistic director of The Backdoor Playhouse.

“So far we have done five performances and everyone has been sold out.”

The show has received many standing ovations and people have lined up after the play to take pictures with

By MATTHEW HILL Beat Reporter

James Dillon Dr. Frank-N-Furter may not be “much of a man by the light of day,” but at night he’s portrayed by senior business management major Buster Shadwick in the Backdoor Playhouse’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. the cast.

“It has just been phenomenal to have this amount of people, not only sold out, but that we have been turning away an average of 50 people a night because we just don’t have room for them, which is very hard to do,” said Creter. “I hate to tell people but we only have 200 seats and when they are full, they are full.”

The Rocky Horror Show has been one of the most popular productions in Tech history by connecting the current generation to previous ones.

“I think that so many people have heard of the movie and many people have seen it,” said Creter. “It has that kind of generational appeal. People love the show

either because they have seen it and they dig it or they have heard about it and always wanted to see it.

“Every night you look at the mix of people,” Creter said. “At the midnight show, 70 or 80 people were high school kids that were so excited to see the show.”

Aside from its tradition, some believe the production’s features are what have attracted so many individuals.

“We are raunchy, we are in drag on stage, and [the audience] gets to cuss at us, so it’s perfect for the collegiate crowd because they get to interact with us that way,” said Houston Fehrman, a junior student. “They get to be as degenerate that they can be, that college kids are seen and stereotyped as.”

Guess who’s back?

Tech is one of 13 schools nationwide that will continue its ROTC program after being informed of program closures last month.

Tech’s ROTC program was one of 13 programs across the nation that was identified for closure which appeared to be linked to a budget decision and the Army’s desire to have more diverse ROTC participants, according to last month’s press release.

Tech officials received word from Washington Wednesday evening in a report stating that it would continue its ROTC program through a 24-month probationary program for schools failing to meet the evaluation criteria.

The Army has suspended the closure of the 13 programs, plus their partnerships and affiliated schools, and directed their immediate placement in a probationary status, according to a report by the office of the assistant secretary of the Army.

The Army’s decision to close the 13 programs raised many questions last month as University and State leaders pushed hard in search of answers.

“The president of the University lead the charge,” said Mark Ochsenbein, director of student activities.

“He put together a great task force to work this issue.

There were political leaders, senate and congressional leaders and even the governor who went out there and fought the fight big time.”

Ochsenbein said 40 percent of soldiers that are in the Army are out of the Southeast and nine out of last month’s 13 ROTC program closings were in the same region.

“When a preponderance of your forces is out of the Southeast, the decision to close nine programs

doesn’t make sense,” said Ochsenbein.

The Army will develop a formal 24-month probationary program for schools failing to meet the evaluation criteria, according to the report.

Programs that do not demonstrate improvement by the end of the first year will receive one year’s notice of intent to close the unit.

However, programs that do show improvement in meeting evaluation criteria will be retained on probationary program for a second year, according to the report.

Ochsenbein said he’s not going to launch into this probation period expecting to fail.

“We are looking to win and continue this program so we are absolutely going to continue to go out and recruit to get new men and women into the program,” said Ochsenbein.

At the end of the 24-month period, schools retained for a second year will be re-evaluated. At that time, programs will either receive one year’s notice of intent to close the program or be retained, according to the report.

Senior Battalion Cadet Commander Nick White said the University’s program is important to the school and to the community of Cookeville.

“Tech’s program is important in continuing the stride to increase military awareness and growth throughout the city of Cookeville,” said White. “By reinstating the program, the Army will receive very well trained engineers and nurses, as well as many other degrees.

“This school has one of the longest running programs in the country and has a history of producing several Army generals,” said White.

Pinpoint Evangelism returns to campus, open-air preaching receives limited student reaction.

By MEGAN WILLIAMSON Beat Reporter DRAKE FENLON Managing Editor John McGlone and his team of open-air preachers made their second appearance of the semester on South Patio Wednesday.

This is the third time Pinpoint Evangelism has visited Tech’s campus in less than a year.

For some students, it was the first time they had acknowledged the preachers

and stopped to listen to what they had to say. While most students ignored the speakers, several said that they did not appreciate the way that the preachers spoke to them about their beliefs.

“Some of the stuff he says is true and I agree with very little of it,” said Caleb Anderson. “But I don’t agree with how he goes about it.

I’m also really surprised that there aren’t as many people around today. Usually a lot of people are out here.

“I’m only out here because I have class in thirty minutes and have nothing

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better to do,” Anderson said.

This is a change of pace for students compared to the two most recent visits from the evangelists. In the past, students have gathered around in hoards on South Patio to hear the preaching.

However, most students tended to continue walking

by Wednesday.

“I generally haven’t stopped to listen to them,” said Allison Geer, a sophomore student. “I heard them talk last time and was offended when one preacher told me I would be condemned.

While they were talking to-

day, I just kept walking with my headphones in.”

Other students seemed intrigued by them and what they had to say, but still said they believed the preachers to be slightly eccentric.

“I think these guys are crazy, but he’s kind of interesting to listen to,” said senior Seth McDonald.

“It just isn’t worth it to give them the attention they want,” said sophomore Cecilia Monroe. “They aren’t preaching the truth. I feel like they stereotype [young adults] and judge us all as a whole.”

@TNTECHORACLE SUNDAY 66/41 °F

Photos courtesy of Sarah Dingwall John McGlone (left) and Kerrigan Skelly (right), of Pinpoint Evangelism, preach on South Patio Wednesday. McGlone and Skelly drew smaller crowds than their past two visits to Tech’s campus.

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NEWS Page 2 | November 8, 2013

tntechoracle.com

CRIME BRIEFS: - Nov. 1- 3:00 Classification: Open theft Location: Foster Hall Disposition: Open case.

Notes: Theft of banner.

SGA passes bills for students events @ tech

By MELISSA EDWARDS & CAITLIN JARED Beat Reporters

- Nov. 1 - 7:15 Classification: Destruction/Damage/Vandalism Location: Evins Disposition: Open case.

Notes: Pellet gun shot through the small window above the emergency door. No known subjects or witnesses.

- Nov. 1 - 8:40 Classification: Disorderly conduct Location: West stadium Disposition: Closed. No further action.

Notes: Altercations on field and in stands during high school game.

- Oct. 31 - 10:55 Classification: Liquor law violation Location: New Hall North parking lot Disposition: Closed. Closed subject arrested.

Notes: None.

- Oct. 29 - 5:00 Classification: Theft from motor vehicle Location: Frisbee golf course Disposition: Open case.

Notes: None.

Up to date campus crime information at: tntechoracle.com

SGA passed two bills Tuesday night that will affect both student parking and dining services.

SGA passed the “Parking Lot Maintenance Act of Fall 2013” in order to better distinguish parking areas from nonparking zones for students and faculty.

Senator Matthew Simpson proposed the bill in response to receiving a ticket a month ago for parking in a non-designated spot.

“Some students cannot distinguish a parking space from a no parking zone due to poor line paint in the parking lots,” Simpson said. “This would allow the campus police to be able to determine if a student is committing a parking violation more accurately.”

Simpson said Chief of Police Gay Shepherd expressed her concerns with ticketing students parked in poorly

lined parking spots and would like to see clearer lines painted.

The bill passed with a majority vote to begin implementing the project.

“As long as we get the building grounds committee onboard, it should be done in a weekend,” Simpson said.

After brief discussion, SGA also passed the “Cafe Fast-Pass Act of 2013” regarding lengthy lines during high traffic hours in the cafeteria.

The bill aims to implement self-service scanning by students with their Eagle Cards.

Meal exchanges, credit cards, and cash transactions will remain under the current system.

Junior Senator Scott Hill proposed the bill.

“It’s always very difficult to get into the cafeteria during peak hours,” Hill said. “I think the problem with it is the cashier line. It would be a lot easier if people could scan themselves rather than having to wait on someone doing a food exchange transaction.”

Scott proposed that after

sliding their cards, students would enter through a set of turnstiles, very similar to how one would gain access to the Fitness Center.

During the discussion, senior senator Elissa McLerran expressed her support of the bill and mentioned a similar system currently being used on UT-Knoxville’s campus, where her brother attended.

“They have fast pass lanes.

He was an engineering student and he didn’t have much time to eat and so it worked out really well for him to be able to breeze through in there,” McLerran said.

Other senators questioned how the lanes would affect guests. Hill specified that guests would continue to use a separate line for entry.

After further discussion, the bill passed unanimously 35-0.

Implementation will take effect after further discussion between campus administration and student advocates of the bill.

Blindfolded dinner teaches “A New Perspective”

By PAIGE STANAGE Beat Reporter

Tech’s community had a taste of what life is like with a visually impaired disability last week at “A New Perspective,” a residential life program created by the new Able Bodies Community club to raise awareness about visually disabilities.

Participants began the night by being blindfolded.

Next, they were handed a white cane to help find their way through a maze of chairs and tables outside at Capital Quad.

A question and answer session was held with Butch Price and Hannah Willis, club members with vision

disabilities. Most participants engaged in talking with them about what their lives are like living with a disability.

“I think this was a real eye-opener for everyone here,” said Stephanie Tanksley, a communications major.

The second half of the program included eating dinner in the dark. The participants were blindfolded and served pizza, corn, grapes, and a Capri-Sun. Most participants said the corn was the most difficult portion of the dinner to eat.

The club’s president Josh Hunter and vice president Price said it was important to them and club members that everyone came together at

this event to help their cause.

Brandon Patterson, a residential hall director at Capital Quad, said, “The program’s turnout was awesome. We had 151 people attend, which is huge for an educational program.”

The ABC club’s membership drastically increased after “A New Perspective.” At the beginning, of the fall 2013 semester, the club included 12 people. On Nov. 4, the membership had risen to 103 people, according to the Able Bodies Community Facebook page.

“We hope our membership continues to grow,” said Price. “We want as many people within the community that we can get.”

Student conduct Post office poses problems distracts performers

By DRAKE FENLON Managing Editor

Music department disappointed in students’ behavior at performance events

By RICHARD MOSLEY Beat Reporter Every semester, students in various classes are required to attend concerts as a course requirement.

However, Jennifer Shank, chair of the music department, said most students do not practice proper concert etiquette.

“We love having an audience of students from all around campus, but being respectful to others attending and to the musicians is important,” said Shank.

Shank said this problem isn’t something new and that it is a problem that the music department faces every semester. Students that attend these events for other classes usually do not present proper concert etiquette and cause distractions to others attending and the musicians performing by texting, taking pictures, talking, or leaving in the middle of shows.

“Music halls are created to carry sound,” Shank said.

“That’s why there aren’t any microphones or sound systems. Not only does it carry sound to you, but it also carries your sound back to the musicians, which can distract them from reading and playing music.

“Even whispering the time to someone can be a distraction to those performing,” Shank said.

There are a few ways that students can exhibit good concert etiquette while attending these performances.

“It’s not that people need to sit there rigid,” said Alex Davenport, a sophomore mu-

sic education major. “It’s just the little things they can do to help reduce distractions.”

One way to help decrease distractions is by arriving before the concert starts.

“When people come in late all attention is drawn to them automatically,” said Davenport.

Another key to concert etiquette is to turn off all electronics while attending a concert because the bright lights can be distracting to other viewers. Also, use of electronics for taking pictures can be illegal at certain concert events because of copyright laws.

Members of the audience should not talk or whisper because the sound carries easily in music halls. Do not get up and leave during a performance, because it draws the attention away for the artists performing and can creates a distraction for the musicians.

Lastly, save clapping for the end of complete pieces.

“When the audience talks, especially in quieter pieces portraying a specific feeling, it can change the whole feeling or mood,” said Davenport. “They are trying to tell you something with their music and little distractions can take away the meaning from the musician and everyone else.”

Davenport said this isn’t only a problem at Tech; it happens anywhere music is performed.

“There is a fine line, between accidentally causing a distraction and just being disrespectful,” said Davenport.

“And all we ask is that students just be respectful.”

Several students have run into trouble this semester when dealing with their campus mailboxes.

Freshman Gabriella Farley said she had trouble opening her campus mailbox at the beginning of the school year. She said at first she was confused about which box was hers and then there was a problem with her key code.

“My code wasn’t working,” said Farley.

Unable to gain entrance to her mailbox, Farley informed the post office staff and they opened her box for her from the back. Farley said the staff then gave her the contents of the box.

However, she said once she got back to her residence hall, the contents of the box

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surprised her.

“I thought it was a little weird when I got a card that said ‘Happy birthday from the math department’ because I’m not in the math department,” Farley said. “I had all this mail addressed to Kyle Carter. I still need to get that back to him.”

Additionally, there have been rumors around campus that claim multiple students are assigned to the same box.

Don Davis, Director of Printing Services and the Post Office said that this a security issue and is untrue of the campus post office.

He did say that there are more students than there are mailboxes.

“We haven’t had enough mailboxes,” said Davis.

“Over 300 students went without boxes this year.”

}

931-372-3031

Davis said because of this, 300 students received refunds of their $16 post office fee.

Some students said they have found additional problems with the campus post office system.

“I’ve been told that the lock on my box would be fixed since day one and it’s not happened yet. I am now a sophomore,” said student Chase Hamblen. “They are very helpful, otherwise.”

“The boxes are older and students have a hard time opening [them],” said Davis.

Davis hopes that increased funding and future campus improvements will make the post office a more usable resource for students as time progresses.

“Our goal is to serve the students,” Davis said.

November

8

12 a.m.

Last day to drop classes with “W”- advisor signature required

9 1 p.m.

Football vs. Southeast Missouri State University

2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Clarinet Studio Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Craig Wilcox, trumpet, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Kelsey Dye, clarinet, Senior Degree Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Josh Voiles, voice, Senior student recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

10

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Bryan Symphony Orchestra Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

11

All Day

Registration begins

7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

The Stache Bash Tech Pride Room

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

TTU Trombone Choir Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

12

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Frederick Kennedy, piano, Faculty recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

13

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

TTU Fall Trumpet Festival Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

14

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

TTU Fall Trumpet Festival Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

ENTERTAINMENT tntechoracle.com

Page 3 | November 8, 2013

ABC scores with new comedies ‘Ender’s Game’ is thought-provoking fun

By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor F i n a l l y, ABC has a Tuesday night comedy hour that works.

I am in love with its new comedies ‘The Goldbergs’ and ‘Trophy Wife’. These two shows fit and flow together wonderfully.

Tuesday nights on ABC, beginning at 9/8 central, is an hour of television filled with laugh out loud fun and awesome writing and acting that provides audiences with constant laughter.

The first half of the hour begins with ‘The Goldbergs’.

Based on the life of creator Adam Goldberg and set in the 80s, it has been exactly what I had hoped for freaking hilarious.

The family comedy is nonstop fun and connects easily with viewers. Casting for the show is right on the money. Jeff Garlin and Wendi McLendon-Covey play Murray and Beverly Goldberg, Adam’s parents.

Garlin is perfection in the role of Murray, and I appreciate his shouting. McLendonCovey is my sprit animal in this show and she’s got my vote for best new TV mother of the year. She brings a certain controlling, loveable nature to the character that shines through the screen and one cannot help but love her. Her antics to mothering her children are flat out hilarious. She slays in every way and I want her to hug me.

One reason I love this show is because of the 80s

nostalgia that it brings to life.

With that being said, I was not alive in the 80s, nor was I even a thought, but I have always enjoyed learning and looking back at that era. The music, films, and overall way of life from that decade is enthralling to me. The show has a special way of bringing that all together in 30 minutes to invite the audience into a past time that truly makes them feel as if they are back in 1980 something.

The rest of the cast includes: Troy Gentile and Hayley Orrantia as Adam’s siblings Barry and Erica, Sean Giambrone, who portrays Adam, and George Segal as Albert ‘Pops’ Solomon, Beverly’s dad. They, and the aforementioned cast, all contribute to make 30 minutes of great television.

‘The Goldbergs’ airs Tuesday nights on ABC at 9/8 Central.

Coming on right after is the surprise hit, ‘Trophy Wife’. Now, to start off, I have to apologize to everyone involved with the show as I wrote it off before it even aired. I did not include it in my “TV shows to keep an eye on” articles back in September. It flew completely under my radar.

Looking back now, I was an idiot.

After the pilot of ‘The Goldbergs’ aired, I decided to watch it because my next show did not come on until 9 p.m. Not only did I find myself laughing at almost every scene, I completely fell for this show. It is one of those shows that maybe does not have the best title necessarily, but is a solid show. ‘Cougar Town’ for instance fits in the same boat,

with having a bad title, but I have loved that show since episode one and have never missed a scene. This show is luring me in just the same way.

Kate (Malin Akerman) finds herself as an instant stepmom after falling in love with a Pete (Bradley Whitford) with 3 diverse children (Bailee Madison, Ryan Lee, and Albert Tsai) and two crazy ex-wives (Marcia Gay Harden and Michaela Watkins).

This show is packed with hysterical moments episode after episode, scene after scene. It has grown week to week into a more complete show, with a talented cast. I cannot even begin to describe how good their chemistry is and how well they complement one another. From top to bottom, each cast member brings a fun, new characteristic to the series that makes for excellent television.

Harden’s character, Diane, is my sprit animal as well.

The tactics she employs as a parent are some of the same things I could foresee myself doing one day. I applaud all of her schemes.

Ackerman and Whitford make for a hilarious couple who are head over heels in love with one another. The two scene stealers of the show are Watkins and Tsai.

This mother - son duo is so good together and so good in scenes without each other.

The show also stars Natalie Morales who brings her comedic talent to the show as the witty, fun loving best friend of Kate. “Trophy Wife” airs at 9:30/8:30 central time on ABC.

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic “Ender ’s Game” is a film based on the popular book series by Orson Scott Card.

The film about a near future Earth invaded by a hostile alien race, which narrowly escapes annihilation with the heroics of Mazer Rackam (Ben Kingsley). Under the command of Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Military, the brightest young minds are trained to combat in preparation of a future attack. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield) is pulled out of his school to join the elite soldiers, advances through his training quickly, and is chosen as the next great commander of the International Military to save the human race. The film was number one at the box office last weekend and also stars

By KIMMY MANNING Entertainment Critic History was made on Sunday night, Nov. 3 as our beloved i n t e r n e t sensations crossed over to the real world as the first ever YouTube Music Awards streamed live worldwide.

The winners of all categories were based off the website’s viewer opinions, their commentary, as well as

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immune from being difficult to follow. Some aspects, like Ender’s communication with the alien species, are so briefly mentioned that an audience without an understanding of the novel will not comprehend the significance. The intricacies of the politics back on Earth, along with the true isolation of Ender during his training, are left out, which leaves little room for character development or the motivation behind Ender’s actions in the final scenes.

Overall, the film maintains much of the emotional substance that most adaptations seem to lose. It has action, but still manages to be a mildly thought-provoking film for audiences about what is right and wrong in a war setting. The story is wellwritten and the effects are spot on, making “Ender’s Game” deserving of its number one box office spot.

The film is rated PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material.

YouTube Music Awards a hot mess

BAD ROOMMATE Takes advantage THE PERFECT PERFECT ROOMMATE: OOMMA E:

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Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis, Ben Kingsley, and Abigail Breslin.

The film features strong performances from young Asa Butterfield and much older Harrison Ford. The film is heavy in sci-fi, futuristic action and effects, especially in the intense battle scenes.

The underlying themes of protecting the greater good and the necessity of war are apparent to audiences along with raised ethical questions about drones, child soldiers, and preemptive strikes. While incredibly gifted, Ender is isolated and picked on by the other soldiers, so the audience identifies with him and roots for his talents as he advances through the ranks and completes his battle simulations with ease. Without reading the book, the audience is impacted by a slightly predictable, yet still powerful ending.

Unfortunately, like most book to movie adaptations, “Ender’s Game” is not

dislikes and likes on certain videos. With such diverse groups of voters that also reign in as the audience, we were also left with a miscellaneous amount of acts that performed that night. Eminem, Lady Gaga, and M.I.A. were among the top musicians present.

Jason Schwartzman and Reggie Watts hosted and were more than ready to handle their unscripted roles in the award show.

This show had such a great opportunity to push boundaries on how music awards could be and to promote fan interaction.

However, this was not the case. After watching the award show, I was a bit frazzled as to how they pulled this one off.

According to USA TODAY, “The YouTube Music Awards sought to redefine expectations for a celebration of popular music, and instead fell short of revolutionizing them.” Not only were they negatively

backing up this event, but Entertainment Weekly thought the show’s artists “performed not one but two improvised songs and [the hosts] in the show’s most awkward moment carried babies through the crowd and tried to interview Macklemore and Lewis as they cried.” But you’ve got to give it to YouTube considering that this was their first go around.

Lady Gaga came out and performed in almost nothing but flannel and a trucker cap, Vanessa Hudgens returned to “act,” and the hoss were left demolishing five cakes in order to find the category’s pick. Ultimately, what could have been tasteful and by any means interesting, was only just as good as what you find these days on YouTube.

Though the crowd got full participation and the audience worldwide could poll in on the votes, all of the innovation and excitement built around this event ultimately failed.

OPINION

Send letters to the editor to 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.

Page 4 | November 8, 2013

tntechoracle.com

A tale of two opinions A word from the President In case you have not heard the news, the proud 63-year-tradition of ROTC at Tennessee Tech continues!

Thanks to tremendous support from Senators Alexander and Corker, Congressman Black, Governor Haslam and countless alumni and friends, the Army has reconsidered its plans to immediately close 13 ROTC units around the country including TTU. We officially will be placed on a two-year probation and be given the opportunity to prove once again that Tech is where we need to be.

This is all we have been asking—to have the chance to review the Army’s criteria, understand the expectations and strengthen our program

in response. I am confident and fully committed to ensuring that ROTC remains at TTU for many years to come.

I have come to know and appreciate our tremendous cadet corps even more in the past few weeks. I have no doubt they will continue to make us all proud and serve our country with honor. I applaud the Army’s change of position and commend them for doubling back and ultimately doing the right thing.

Thanks again for all your support.

Go Eagles!

-President Oldham

This piece is courtesy of President Oldham’s blog.

More information and more blog posts from the President can be found at

http://blogs.tntech.edu/president/

SARAH DINGWALL Opinion Editor

Dear readers, This week’s opinion piece is being split down the middle because two important events happened this week. If you haven’t already guessed by the front page, one is the R.O.T.C. extension! The other is another attack of the “South Patio preacher.”

I feel the need to cover them both because of the impact they both have had on this campus.

Both stories affect us as students, faculty, staff, and even in some capacity, alumni.

-Sarah Dingwall

South Patio preacher returns too soon As I am sure everyone knows by now, the South Patio screaming preacher returned to campus this week.

All I can say to this is how poorly timed this visit was. It is one thing for them to appear at the beginning of the semester when classes haven’t really gotten underway, but it is totally another when they disrupt us with five weeks to finals.

However, I will make my comment on this subject anyway. First, the preachers need to stop yelling at us. We are pretty much innocent bystanders.

Next, they need to stop yelling “Jesus will take your sins away.” It is only true when you first become a believer. His blood that was shed at Calvary washed us white as snow, but that is only for our past sins, not the ones to come. Once a person accepts Jesus into his or her heart, it is his or her job

to make the decision not to sin any more.

And trust me, it isn’t easy, but it gets easier if you rely on Jesus.

Finally, thank you, students. Thank you for not fueling this overzealous group of “Christians.” They are nothing but trouble because they go seeking trouble. You all were the bigger people for not engaging their stupidity.

The last thing I wish to say on this matter is this - maybe Tech should consider making a rule for groups coming onto campus from outside of the Upper Cumberland Area.

Maybe it should say something like “they can only come once a semester and only at the beginning.”

This is a place of education. We don’t need stupid distractions like these guys any more.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 marks one of the most amazing days for this school.

After the shocking revelation from the Army at the beginning of October about our R.O.T.C. program being one of 13 schools slated for shutdown, our school went into overdrive to help these students out.

The students in the R.O.T.C. have behaved admirably during this time of stress and even a little duress. But, all of the hard work by the University and all of the news coverage has paid off.

All 13 of the programs slated for shutdown have been given two years to make improvements and show the Army they are worth every dime.

In my opinion and the Tech’s R.O.T.C.’s

impeccable history, I believe they can do it!

The group of students in the program now is dedicated and I am sure they will help make the program grow.

Honestly, this proposal by the Army is an answer to many prayers. Thank you to every one who believed in this program and worked to get the decision overturned.

Dr. Oldham, a special thanks to you for fighting for these students and this longstanding tradition of excellence.

Now, to the students, actually cadets, get to work. The decision will be based on you.

You all do a wonderful job, but now is when push comes to shove and I know you all can do it.

R.O.T.C. is in the clear........... for now

Wendy and the Lost Girls

Letter to the Editor

LYDIA-CLAIRE BROWN Assistant Opinion Editor

Once upon a time, in a land that’s the second lone star to the right and straight on ‘til Mexico, a group of Lost Girls rallied around their new leader, Wendy. It sounds like a gender-swapped Peter Pan, but its not – it’s the emergence of a new Democratic force in the Texas state capitol. Regardless of political leaning, I think everybody has to acknowledge Wendy Davis as a superhero.

She stood and spoke on one subject, without going to the bathroom, without leaning against anything, for 11 hours.

I can’t do anything for 11 hours, not even sleep!

She made her now famous stand back in July, and by doing so struck a blow for not only the reproductive rights of Texas women, but also for their democratic rights. Did you know that during the grandiose and operatic abortion law debate male members of the Texas State Senate tried to literally out-shout their female colleagues? As Sen. Leticia Van de Putte put it, “At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over her male colleagues?”

THE

The struggle for Wendy Davis and her fellow Texas Amazonians to fully participate in the government the same as their male colleagues shares a cultural problem with the debate over abortion. The Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade made the right to obtain an abortion fundamental, both for the protection of the mother’s health and her bodily sovereignty. It also protected the physician’s ability to freely practice medicine without the undue intervention of the government.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court decided that the decision to have an abortion should be a private affair between patient and physician. They completely rejected the idea of the fetus’ right to life. What does this have to do with Wendy Davis and her compatriots speaking in the Texas State Senate?

It matters because the law preserves a woman’s bodily sovereignty. That includes her voice.

The people who try to take away women’s right to bodily sovereignty will first take away her opportunity to voice her opinion. I hate to tell you, but freedom of speech

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DRAKE FENLON Managing Editor KIM BIGGS Assistant Managing Editor KATE SHELTON Business Manager JACQUELINE ATKIELSKI Sales Assistant SARAH REESE Copy Editor SARAH DINGWALL Opinion Editor LYDIA BROWN Asst. Opinion Editor JAMAL FERGUSON Sports Editor

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Dailykos.com Texas Senator Wendy Davis presents a heroic wave as she stands through an 11 hour filibuster in June. doesn’t mean squat when others actively and literally drown it out.

Why are the right to my own body and the right to my own beliefs and opinions less because of my sex? Is it because I’m physically weaker than a man of my height and weight? Perhaps because I, and other women, are essentially Other to the current dominant power structure. What does it say, though, about male legislators that they feel the need to silence an “uppity” woman?

Not strong enough to take a challenge?

Female voters will not be cowed and quieted with meaningless platitudes anymore.

If members of state or federal legislature propose groupspecific laws and then refuse to let members of those groups speak, is that not extremely suspicious? Women cannot, and should not, permit men to make decisions on their behalf, uninvolved in the process, not

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even allowed to sit at the table.

If we do, we will only continue to live in a world where discrimination and sexual hegemony rule.

I’m not a Lost Girl in the Never-Never-Land. I’m not isolated without direction, searching for a parent to tell me what to do. I am a freethinking, independent person with my own opinions; to tell me my intellectual legitimacy is compromised by my sex is bewildering at best and misogynistic and primeval at worst.

Stop asking to get punched.

Wendy Davis is Wonder Woman, not because she refused to let an unfair antiwoman law be passed, but because she refused to be shouted down, bullied into silence, or give in to the physical exhaustion expected of her sex. Now, on the eve of the Texas gubernatorial election, we’ll see if she can pull of the great magic trick of turning Texas from red to a deep, dark blue.

In response to the article titled “Standing Room Only” from the November 1, 2013 edition of The Oracle, I would like to commend English Department Secretary Linda Fisk for her diligence in providing a safe environment.

Teaching two first-year composition classes, in addition taking courses in Henderson Hall, I often must navigate the building quickly from the basement to the top floor. In years past, the resting bodies of students burdened with the arduous toil of marching from their distant car or even more distant dormitory forced feats of deft agility from me and other inhabitants of Henderson Hall. I’ve witnessed twists, turns, jukes, jives, and even one jump over the quivering mass of an enervated student sprawled precariously on the floor.

I thank God every day for retaining all my physical and mental faculties.

Without them, I would have tumbled down staircases more than once, as I have nu-

Chuck Acheson Graduate Student cpacheson21@students.tntech.edu

CORRECTION NOV. 1

T

he photo accompanying the story “New spot for bikes raises concern for bike rack continuity,” was printed with an incorrect photo credit.

The photo was actually taken by James Dillon.

The Oracle regrets the error.

VOICE YOUR OPINION Opinion 931.372.3285 sarah.dingwall07@gmail.com

The Oracle encourages readers to write letters and commentaries on topics of interest. A few guidelines: 1. Letters should not exceed 300 words.

Commentaries should be around 500 words and include a picture.

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Plagiarized works will not be considered.

3. For verification, letters and commentaries MUST include your name, e-mail address, home town and classification or title.

5. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity.

6. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

4. Letters may not run in every edition due to space.

BEAT REPORTERS: KIM BIGGS, LINDSAY BLAKELY, WHYTNIE CLEMMER, COURTNEY DODD, MELISSA EDWARDS, DRAKE FENLON ,

JAMAL FERGUSON, APRIL GILBERT, KYLE GOSSETT, MATTHEW HILL, BISKIE HOLMAN, EMILY HOMAN, ARTHUR JACKSON, CAITLIN JARED, RACHEL KERR, JUSTIN MATHENEY, CAYCE MCDONALD,

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merous times stumbled over two students, sitting side-byside, regaining their strength on the stairs following their long sojourn from far off lands, such as South Hall.

I cannot imagine the experiences of impaired students, faculty, and staff in the same situations. Nor can these poor, struggling ablebodied students languishing like Pheidippides following his run from Marathon to Athens.

As such, I thank Mrs. Fisk for taking this initiative by promoting a safe environment and her diligence in doing so despite bombastic, boorish, and churlish remarks comparing her to fascist war criminals by some of our enlightened students and endorsed by The Oracle through news page publication. I implore anyone who enjoys the ability to easily, and safely, navigate Henderson Hall to thank Mrs. Fisk, as well.

ALLISON MILLS, HAYDEN MCMILLEN, SARAH REESE, SARA SHANKS, WILLIAM

SHECKLER, PAIGE STANAGE, SARAH TATE, SARAH TOWNSEND, AARON VICK, CASEY WOODARD, WILL WEBB, REANNA YOUNG.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University’s employees or of its administration.

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Page 5 | November 8, 2013

Football struggles with EIU, heads to SEMO this week Baseball closes

By JUSTIN MATHENEY Beat Reporter

The number two nationally ranked EIU Panthers continued their run through conference play on Saturday, handing the Golden Eagles their fifth straight conference loss, 56 – 21, in Charleston, Ill. “That’s the best team I’ve played,” head coach Watson Brown said. “They don’t have a weakness.”

The defense forced two fumbles during the game on Saturday to go along with an

interception.

The first fumble was caused on the opening drive of the game by junior safety Austin Tallant. Tallant hit EIU quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as he released a pass in the first quarter. The ball went flying backwards behind the line of scrimmage.

Tech’s Jimmy Laughlin was the only player on the field who immediately reacted to the play as a fumble.

Laughlin scooped the ball and returned it to the EIU 35yard line.

Tech’s offense was un-

able to capitalize on the opportunity.

Tech dug themselves a 28 – 0 hole before putting any points on the board.

Krys Cates caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman backup quarterback Jared Davis in the second quarter. The one play 15-yard drive was set up off of an interception by sophomore safety Patrick Prewitt.

The third turnover of the day was created by Tech linebacker and OVC leading tackler Tra’Darius Goff. Goff stuffed EIU’s runningback

as he broke the line of scrimmage. Goff punched the ball out, causing a dog pile at the EIU 21-yard line. Prewitt was credited with the fumble recovery, giving the ball back to the Golden Eagles. This time the Tech offense turned the turnover into seven points.

Davis hooked up with receiver Eric Belew for a seven yard touchdown.

Tech’s special teams struggled throughout the game on Saturday missing a field goal right before half and giving up two long punt returns for touchdowns.

Each of the past five teams Tech has played, at one time or another throughout the season, have been ranked in the top 25. The team’s final games of the year are against two of the bottom three teams in the league.

Tech will travel to South East Missouri Nov. 9 to take on the Redhawks.

Tech will reach their much needed bye week after the SEMO game. Tech has played 11 straight games this season. After the bye week, the Golden Eagles will host in-state rival Austin Peay.

Golden Eagles cruise in exhibition

By JAMAL FERGUSON Sports Editor

Jamal Ferguson

Junior guard Diamond Henderson blows by a defender on her way to the basket during the Golden Eagles’ 93-54 rout of Truett-McConnell on Nov. 5.

Golf finishes fourth at Hummingbird Invitational

By JAMAL FERGUSON Sports Editor

The Golden Eagles men’s golf team finished up its fall season with a fourth place finish at the Hummingbird Invitational.

Headed into the third round, the Golden Eagles were in position to make a run at first place but struggled early and would finish fourth.

“The front nine, we really struggled and that put us in a bad position,” said head coach Polk Brown.

“That’s really where we put ourselves behind the 8-ball. To win tournaments, you have to get off to a good start.”

Sophomore Mitch Thomas finished inside the top 10 with a final score of 215. Thomas is currently sitting inside the conference top three.

Junior Lee Whitehead finished with a 214 and made the podium in third place. His third place finish was the lowest finish of his career and earned him all-tournament honors. He would later grab a co-Ohio Valley Conference male golfer of the week award.

The men’s team does not have any more tournaments this fall but hope to continue to improve during the break.

“Each tournament, they’ve gotten better and better,” said Brown. “That’s

encouraging because these next three months are going to be just practicing, not playing in tournaments.”

The team has some areas of the game that Brown said need work in order to give them a better chance to win.

“Inside 100 yards is where the guys need to improve,” said Brown. “And they can’t beat themselves.”

Brown also said the team needs to continue with improving on consistency and putting together three good rounds.

“We still have a long way to go but we’re competing,” said Brown.

“Sooner or later, we’re going to get a win.”

Exhibition or not, the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team hung up 93 points in its first action at home against Truett-McConnell.

“An exhibition game is a learning experience, whether you win it or lose it,” said head coach Jim Davis. “You come into it knowing it doesn’t count on your record so you’re trying to get some experience and learn some lessons that’ll help you down the road.”

The Golden Eagles certainly learned that they could score on Nov. 5.

Head coach Jim Davis talked about facing an opponent from somewhere else, finally saying that they were tired of “beating up on each other.”

The Golden Eagles were a bit cold from the field to start the game, even trailing the Lady Bears at a point early in the first half. However, Tech would warm up behind guard Diamond Henderson’s 11 first half points and take a 40-26 lead into the break.

Every player in a Tech uniform saw double-digit minutes in the exhibition.

Sophomore Maria Dean led the way with 14 points.

Meanwhile Henderson, preseason All-OVC, would finish with 13. Freshman Catherine Taylor had the third highest total with 12. The Golden Eagles also score 42 of it’s 93 points in the paint.

Dean came off the bench and went 4-6 from the field and 100 percent from the free throw line.

“She came in and shot the ball well,” said Davis.

Taylor also came off the bench and put up 12 in her first action in the Hoop.

Volleyball still searching for second OVC win

By MATTHEW HILL Beat Reporter

After tallying another set of losses last weekend, the Golden Eagles volleyball team will continue to look for its second OVC win this weekend against SIUE and Eastern Illinois.

The Golden Eagles fell to 1-11 in OVC play last weekend as they dropped matches against Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky, but not without a fight.

The Golden Eagles were knocked off 25-20, 25-19, 2521 in three sets by Morehead State Friday. However, their efforts did not go unnoticed as they were met with a postmatch standing ovation from the crowd at the Hooper Eblen Center.

Senior Elise Robertson and junior Ellen Conti lead the Golden Eagles offensively as both landed seven kills Friday evening.

Senior Ashleigh Hancock aided the offense, tallying 22 assists, four digs, one

block and one kill.

“We stepped up as a team and were competitive with the number one team in the OVC,” said Conti. “We only lost by five but we still lost Conti and that’s frustrating. We have to get over the hump and start closing out matches and I think we are getting close.”

Sophomore Cody Dodd took hold of the Golden Eagles defense as she led her team with six blocks.

Tech lost in three sets by an average of only five points, a much-improved margin from October’s outing, when an average 8.3 points difference through three sets swept the team.

Morehead State sits atop the OVC with a record of 12-0.

Tech took Friday’s offen-

sive improvements and ran with them as they came out hot Saturday afternoon against Eastern Kentucky.

Tallying 17 kills in the opening set, the Golden Eagles looked to dominate the Colonels.

While Eastern Kentucky put down two less kills in the opening set, the team’s .351 hitting percentage flattened the Golden Eagles .267 percentage, leading to a go ahead 25-23 victory to start the match.

Tech was led again by junior Ellen Conti who put away 11 kills and seven digs while junior Courtney Smith led the team defensively with 20 digs.

Unable to play ahead, the Golden Eagles fell to the Colonels 25-23, 25-21, 25-17 in a three set sweep that put Eastern Kentucky 8-5 in OVC play.

The Golden Eagles travel to SIU-Edwardsville Nov. 8 for a 7 p.m. match. Then face EIU on Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. in the last away match of the season.

The Golden Eagles return home to finish the season with

Dean and graduate student Kayla Brewer, also coming off the bench, would tie for rebounds on the night, each with 8.

“We don’t lose a whole lot when we go to our bench,” said Davis during a post game interview. “We’re going to be able to play a lot of people.“ In fact, Tech scored 57 bench points on the night.

“It’s a good problem to have,” said Davis.

“Everybody works hard in practice and everybody deserves a chance.”

Davis also said that the game plan was more focused on feeding the ball down low to make outside shots easier.

“That was the game plan to start with and we weren’t as disciplined as we needed to be and started jacking them up,” said Davis.

“Once we got in down there, it was a whole lot easier to those shots on the kick Davis out.”

The Golden Eagles did struggle keeping TruettMcConnell off the free throw stripe. The Lady Bears capitalized on this and earned 33 of their 54 from the charity stripe.

Coach Davis cited the new hand checking foul call as the cause for some many free throws.

The women’s team opens its regular season at home Nov. 9 against Tennessee Wesleyan at 7 p.m.

fall with Purple and Gold series

By SHEA HAILE

Assistant Sports Editor

While its season does not start until spring, the Tech baseball team is already preparing for next season.

The Golden Eagles featured a series of intrasquad scrimmages this fall and hosted the annual Purple and Gold series. The Purple and Gold series is a best three out of four series that feature two teams, a purple team and a gold team.

Senior players draft the remaining players to both teams. The baseball team encouraged fans to come out to watch their scrimmages.

“We had our family day on Saturday,” said head coach Matt Bragga. “We had about 200 to 250 fans come that day. It was great for us and our guys.”

One of the main goals of fall practice is to get an idea of where the team is in its preparation for the upcoming season.

Coach Bragga Bragga said he is already noticing some positives from his squad.

“When I look at our team this fall, I see really good pitching depth,” said Bragga. “We also have really good player leaders. We have passed the baton from last year’s seniors to this year’s seniors.”

With the fall coming to a close, Bragga said he felt that the team had accomplished what they needed.

“I am happy with our progress,” said Bragga.

Tech’s baseball team had one of the best seasons in the program’s history during its 2013 campaign. The Golden Eagles finished the season with a 40-17 record, which included a huge upset of the second ranked Vanderbilt, in Nashville. The team also won the OVC regular season championship.

Tech baseball has won three OVC titles in the past five years. Coach Bragga wants to keep his team focused on continuing its success in 2014.

“We do not want to rest on last year’s success,” said Bragga. “Last year is over. We are preparing for this year.

The chase is on.”

NEWS Page 6 | November 8, 2013

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Get Fit with trainers

By ALLISON MILLS Beat Reporter

The Fitness Center at TTU will be offering personal training sessions starting Nov. 11.

“Personal training is something that has been offered in the past but hasn’t been done in quite some time,” said TTU Health Promotions Program Coordinator Abbey Jaffe.

“We have had a lot of interest from members and students, so I think there will be a lot of people actually participating in the program. We are very excited about it and it’s going to be great.”

Participants will have the option to train one-on-one with a solo trainer, alongside a partner or with a group of three or more.

“We have realized that people can be less selfmotivated without a coach there,” Jaffe said. “The idea is to get people in the gym and to have a coach with them so they are pushing themselves

a little bit harder than they would if they were working out by themselves.”

Sessions will last no longer than one hour but can be split into 30 minute halves if so desired by the participants.

“Everybody’s sessions and routines are going to be different with their specific trainers,” Jaffe said.

“No one person is going to be doing the same thing as someone else because everybody is different and everybody deserves to have an individualized program.

If there is any piece of equipment in this fitness center that can be utilized by an individual, it will be used in personal training; anything from dumbbells to cardiovascular equipment to the pool. If people want to incorporate things like basketball or racquetball into their sessions, we can definitely make that happen, too.”

Freshman Kayla Dean is

looking forward to having the option of a personal trainer at the Fitness Center.

“I am really excited that Tech is offering the opportunity to have personal trainers,” Dean said. “I have always found that I push myself harder in a work out if I have someone there keeping me focused and on track. It’s awesome that you can tell The Fit ‘these are the results I want to see’ and then they design a program for you to be successful.”

Rates start at $35 for a single session. Partner sessions cost $20 per participant and the group rate is $15 per person. Punch cards will also be available for single session participants at a discounted price of four punches for $120.

All transactions and scheduling will be done through the Health Promotions Programs office and staff in the Fitness Center.

St e p s f o r S u c c e s s 1. L i s t e n t o WTT U. 2 . B e H a pp i e r.

Janet Coonce Savannah Nolen runs the 5K Golden Helix race on Saturday to raise money for the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the American Society of Chemistry. Students, faculty, staff, and others participated in the race.

Golden Helix races for funding

By WILLIAM WEBB Beat Reporter Members of the Cookeville community raced to benefit scholarship funding Saturday at this year ’s Golden Helix 5K on Tech’s campus.

Janet Coonce, this year ’s race director, said Saturday morning was chilly, but that didn’t stop the runners of Cookeville from lining up in front of Prescott Hall to await the explosion that kicked off the 3.1-mile race.

The Golden Helix 5K is a run put on by student members of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Tech. Coonce said the event had a small start several years ago, but has really taken off in recent years.

“ASBMB actually started the event four years ago with only a handful of runners that participated,” said Coonce. “However,

since then, we have seen the event grow more and more each year.”

Coonce said that the annual event is put on not only with the goal of gaining scholarship funding for students in the department of chemistry at Tech, but also with the goal of gaining funding for various student activities in the department such as attending national chemistry meetings in different cities every year.

Coonce said the event takes a lot of planning and preparation to pull off every year.

“We started planning and preparing for this event over a year ago,” said Coonce. “The biggest issue with planning this year ’s event was coming up with a date that didn’t conflict with Homecoming, the Ryan Burnett race, the Haunted Half race, or just any of the other races around the area.”

Coonce said that there is a lot that has to be done in order to make an event like this one successful.

“There are a ton of steps that go into setting up the event,” said Coonce. “We have to get a city permit, a police escort, and a certified race route to even think about having the event.”

Medals were given out at the event for the top three male and female runners overall, as well as the top three male and female runners in each of the nine different age groups, according to the event’s website.

There were also medals given out for the top three male and female runners in a stroller division. A trophy is presented every year to the fastest registered group of runners, and that trophy went to the Society for Women Engineers on Saturday.

have been most commonly seen on buildings and houses.

“The swarms have congregated around buildings to get in from the winter weather,” said Greene.

Although the ladybug surplus seems unusual, it has happened before.

“This isn’t the first time it has happened either,” Baier said. “I would say ten or twelve years ago we had the same problem.”

Baier said the pesky insects have been reported in surrounding counties as well as surrounding states.

“They seem to be increasing every year,” said Greene.

The original location or explanation of the abundance of ladybugs is unsure, but

Baier said he has a theory on why the bugs suddenly appeared.

“My speculation is because of the mild winter we had followed by the rainy summer,” said Baier.

Although they are a nuisance to residents, ladybugs are harmless and help protect surrounding plant life.

“They eat aphids, which are pests to the plants and trees around here,” said Greene.

Until the bugs relocate, Tennessee citizens must learn to live with them.

“This is a prolific problem all over but it won’t last forever,” said Baier.

Ladybugs invade Tennessee

By COURTNEY DODD Beat Reporter Starting in the month of October, Tennessee residents began to notice an abundance of ladybugs on their property.

These red, yellow and orange dotted insects came in swarms and covered people’s cars, houses and gardens, causing annoyance among residents.

Many people question where the ladybugs came from and why there seems to be an overabundance.

“They have no natural enemies so their survival rate is high,” said professor of animal science Bruce Greene.

Assistant professor of agricultural engineering James Baier said the ladybugs