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Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505
Volume 95 | Issue 8 | Free in single copy | November 18, 2011
Nursing professor loses battle with cancer Tech international student dies By JENDA WILSON Beat Reporter
in Friday night car accident
Tech nursing students are mourning the loss of a nursing professor who passed away Nov. 11. Sharon Thompson, associate professor for the Whitson-Hester School of Nursing, died at her home after battling stage IV pancreatic cancer. Thompson announced her diagnosis to students in October. “We have an extremely close class and she wanted us to know,” Vickie Brown, a second-semester senior nursing student, said. “Some of us were at the hospital, at our clinicals all over the Upper Cumberland, not just in Cookeville. It was pretty devastating, a rough couple of days.” Brown said that Thompson asked faculty to share her diagnosis with the nursing students immediately after she found out. The second-semester senior nursing students, 36 students total, decided almost immediately that they wanted to do something for Thompson. “We had made a video of our thoughts for her,” Brown said. “She told us that it meant a lot to her and that you usually don’t get to hear how you have impacted people while you are alive. It made us feel like we really did something special for her, showed her how much we love her.” Katy Bradfield, also a member of the second-semester senior class, found information about a candlelight vigil held in Chattanooga in honor of pancreatic cancer awareness. When she asked if the other students would attend it with her, Brown said she decided to try to have one at Tech.
By DHIR JOSHI Beat Reporter
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Courtesy of Sherry Gaines
Sharon Thompson (far left) passed away Nov. 11 after battling stage VI pancreatic cancer. A vigil is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. in her honor. “I asked my instructor if she thought the school would give us a blessing to hold a vigil here,” Brown said. “We just ran with it after they gave us approval, almost right away. “ PurpleLight National Vigils for Hope are held in November by thousands of people around the country, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. A vigil is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. in the courtyard of the nursing building. The event will be moved to the auditorium of the building in the event of adverse weather. Purple glow sticks are being provided for all who wish to attend
Tech police are currently investigating a report from a student that he was struck by a vehicle on campus Nov. 8. Robert L. Ryder, 22, a senior mechanical engineering major from Knoxville, Tenn., told Tech police that the vehicle hit him at 1:29 p.m. as he left the Volpe Library to walk across University Drive toward Bruner Hall. According to the report, Ryder tried to step back when he noticed the vehicle wasn’t going to stop, but the passenger-side mirror hit his left arm. “I noticed [the driver] was going pretty fast,” Ryder said. “I was in the middle of the crosswalk and noticed that he wasn’t looking at me at all.” Ryder said the driver didn’t stop his vehicle until he had passed Ryder. According to Ryder, he and the driver exchanged angry dialogue about the right-of-way at crosswalks. “He jumped out and immediately, with cellphone in hand, came
over within inches of my face and said ‘What the hell is your problem?’” Ryder said. Gay Shepherd, Tech chief of police, said that although Ryder assumed the driver was a faculty member because of his parking hangtag, the investigation has proven that the driver is not a faculty member. Ryder said that the driver left without exchanging information, but three or four people witnessed the incident and later spoke to Tech police. Ryder said he continued to his class after the alleged incident, but took notes to the Tech police station afterward where he explained the situation. According to Ryder, he described the vehicle to the police as a white Chrysler minivan with a cracked windshield, a Tech parking tag and a Knox County plate. Ryder said that the police seemed uninterested in many details of his story. When he asked the police to release the driver’s information for insurance purposes, Ryder said the police refused.
See “Investigation” page 2
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Alnasser
the student around 2:30 a.m. “We then reported to the embassy and the family was notified.” Fahad Alanzi, president of the Saudi Club of Cookeville said that Alnasser’s body was sent back to his family and was received on Wednesday. He said he was saddened by the tragedy. “Hassan will be missed by everyone who met this very special young man,” Alanzi said. “I wish my condolences to his friends and the Saudi students at Tennessee Tech.”
Students petition Bell to reconsider outsourcing
DEVELOPING STORY
Police investigate report of student hit by van on campus By WILL HOUSLEY Managing Editor
the event in honor of those who are battling or have battled pancreatic cancer. These were donated privately by individuals and instructors of the nursing school. Members of Thompson’s family, including her husband, will be attending the vigil and will be speaking about pancreatic cancer. Brown and nearly 70 nursing faculty and students attended the celebration of life memorial service for Thompson held Nov. 16 at the Lantana Road Baptist Church in Crossville, Tenn. Brown said that Thompson’s family shared pictures of her, made those in attendance laugh and encouraged them to celebrate the legacy Thompson left behind. See “Thompson,” page 2
A Tech International student from Saudi Arabia died in a one-vehicle crash traveling North Bound County Farm Road late last Friday night, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol. The victim was identified as Hassan M. Alnasser, 25. Alnasser was a senior finance major scheduled to graduate this December. “Alnasser was as funny and helpful a person as I ever have seen in my life,” said Bhyrin Alajmi, Alnasser’s roommate and vice president of the Saudi Club of Cookeville. “I was in Nashville when this incident happened, and hospital called me nine hours after his death.” Alnasser was a very active member of Tech’s Saudi Club. According to THP, the victim was driving a 2007 Lexus E35. The car ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The crash caused the vehicle to break into two pieces. “We found out about incident within an hour, around 12:15 a.m.,” Andrew Bleignier, immigration specialist for International Student Affairs, said. “We were working on identifying victim and in the meantime we were trying to get in touch with the Saudi Embassy. And finally, we got complete information about
By BRITTANY RITZMAN Copy Editor Two Tech students presented petitions opposing custodial outsourcing with more than 1,500 signatures to President Bob Bell Tuesday. Shayne Bilbrey, secondary education major, and Paige Sawyers, sociology major, delivered the petitions, which had been signed by Tech students, staff and faculty as well as members of the Cookeville community. “[Bell] understands our concerns,” Bilbrey said. “He personally said, ‘I hate to make a decision like this. This would be a terrible decision regardless.’ He has optimism that there could be a happy outcome with not outsourcing the custodial positions.” Bell said that he has to make a number of cuts from the budget and deliver this to Governor Haslam by March 1. At this point, the issue is in the hands of the budget committee. If Facilities and Business Services can cut a sufficient amount from its budget, the custodial positions may not have to be outsourced, according to Bilbrey. The original request for proposal for custodial outsourcing stated that the Intent to Award letter was scheduled to be delivered to the chosen company Nov.
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16, but this date has been pushed back at least a few weeks because of delays in other steps of the bidreceiving/ awarding process. The first of next year, the process will enter competitive bidding, where each prospective company will have the opportunity to enter a proposed bid amount and the University will have the choice to accept the lowest bid. If the Office of Facilities and Business Services can match or surpass that bid amount by cutting its budget without cutting personnel, the University may not have to outsource its custodial services. If budget cuts cannot make up the difference between the current cost and the lowest bid, the University will most likely choose to outsource the service. Sawyers said that her biggest concern was healthcare coverage for the employees of private custodial companies compared to coverage currently offered to Tech’s state-employed custodians. “I asked if companies generally would offer healthcare and he said ‘yes, but not like Tennessee Tech for the state would offer,’” Sawyers said. “I’ve had that healthcare before, I’m pretty sure. It sucks.” Tech students, faculty, custodians and members of the United Campus Workers gathered on the steps of Derryberry Hall Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil in
acknowledgement of those whose livelihoods might be threatened by the privatization of custodial services. Vigil attendees shared a common concern for the loss of the feeling of safety on campus if custodial services are outsourced. This includes the trust faculty have for custodians who enter their offices in the evenings and the trust the University places in those custodians who work around students. Andy Smith, instructor of English and UCW member, said that in the post-Virginia Tech and now post-Penn State campus environment, “security and health and safety and integrity are huge issues” especially with people who are working within the residence halls. “I think today, if not a victory, it’s certainly a moment of acknowledging that the work we’ve been doing was worthwhile,” Smith said. The outsourcing process has been delayed, but the UCW is currently unsure how long the delay will last. “I don’t think we’re out of the woods, but I think we should feel that our presence and our voices have made a huge impact in this community and on this campus around this issue.” Video footage of the candlelight vigil can be found at tntechoracle.com.
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“She was a person who cared and wanted us to do well,” Amanda Hargis, a nontraditional second-semester senior nursing student, said. “She always went out of her way to help us and to make sure we came to class.” Thompson graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2000, at the age of 37. She joined Tech’s faculty in 2008. Hargis said that Thompson encouraged her to never give up, especially as an older student. “I think the biggest thing she taught me was to always be a patient advocate,” Hargis said. “Doctors and nurses don’t always follow that, and Mrs. Thompson was a big advocate of patients’ rights. She believed in doing what was best for them.” According to the American Cancer Society, patients with stage IV pancreatic have a 1 percent five-year relative survival rate. This means that 94 percent of patients diagnosed will die within five years of a diagnosis, with
74 percent dying within one year. “It is the only cancer whose mortality hasn’t changed since the Federal Cancer Act of 1971,” Brown said. “Only 2 percent of federal monies go towards pancreatic cancer research. This won’t change if we don’t start advocating around the country.” Brown said she encourages everyone to visit the advocacy section of www.pancan.org in order to help join the fight against pancreatic cancer by writing a letter to Emily Weinzetl local representatives. Tech has created the Dr. Daniel Combs, biology professor, is currently taking care of a two-headed snake in PenneSharon S. Thompson Cour- baker Hall. The individual heads are named Dumb (right) and Dumber (left). age Award in her honor. This award was established as a scholarship for non-traditional nursing students. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Tennessee Tech University, P.O. Box By EMILY WEINZETL Even though in captivity now, the snake 1915. Checks can be made faces many other obstacles for survival. A Beat Reporter to the University, with the common abnormality in two-headed animals note “Dr. Sharon S. Thompis a small kink in the neck where the two son Courage Award” in the The two-headed snake donated to the spines of the heads join together. This bend in memo section. Biology department in October made its first the neck can cause lodging of food, disrupting live appearance to the Cookeville community the digestive system. Luckily, this particular two-headed creaHomecoming weekend, but still faces multiture showed no complications at the bend ple threats to survival. Paul Carver of Clarksville, Tenn., donated in the neck and was successfully able to comthe two-headed baby king snake to Tech’s Bi- pletely digest and pass the meal. The popularity of the snake has also posed ology department after discovering the snake in his backyard. The snake made statewide complications, as excessive human contact news coverage as Carver told reporters at may deter it from eating. “I’ve pretty much left him alone,” Combs WSMV Nashville that he was “worried about said. “I’ve had a lot of experience with small which head was going to bite me.” It was originally taken to Tennessee Wild- snakes and generally what I’ve found is the version of the alleged in- life Resources Agency Officer Dale Grandstaff more you leave them alone, the better chance cident. who declared the snake’s two separate heads you have that they’ll eat.” Ryder said that on attached to the same eight-inch body have fulCombs says that a number of people have Nov. 11, he visited the ly functioning brains and forked tongues. called in to make recommendations about how emergency room and Since the snake arrived at Tech in Octo- to care for the reptile, including a Harvard was examined by a phy- ber, it has been residing in Biology Profes- adjunct who has published several works on sician who told him his sor Daniel Combs’ office in Pennebaker Hall. two-headed snakes. shoulder’s rotator cuff Combs has kept the serpent under close per“I’m going to do everything I can to keep was damaged. Ryder said sonal watch to document the snake’s behavior it alive,” Combs said. “It’s still really healthy he has been referred to an as well as to ensure minimal human contact. right now, but at the same time, it’s reached a orthopedic surgeon to de“Sometimes if you mess with them too point where I’m concerned about it again.” termine if surgery will be much, they just won’t eat and you can starve Combs has shown eagerness to protect necessary. them to death,” Combs said. “I did get it to the snake not only by housing it in his own ofAccording to Tech po- eat once about two-and-a-half weeks ago, but fice, but also by considering drastic measures lice, the investigation is it hasn’t shown any interest in eating since to provide it food. ongoing. Since the snake has a particular taste for then.” Because the investigaCombs fed the snake a tiny lizard for its lizards, Combs has contemplated making a tion is active, Tech police first meal at Tech, noting that the right head trip to South Florida in order to catch small will not release informa- was the only head showing any interest in eat- anole lizards as prey, since a lizard population tion on the driver or dis- ing. The left head is described by Combs as is not readily available in this region. cuss his version of the in- “the subordinate head,” since the head on the “It’s become such a celebrity that I don’t cident. want it to die under my watch, “ Combs said. right is slightly bigger and straighter. “It’s clear the heads are independent of “I’m sure there are a lot of people out there each other,” Combs said. “It’s sort of indeci- with more experience in raising two-headed snakes, but at the same time I’m not a comsive.” While the department houses several oth- plete novice.” It’s not certain whether the snake will live er snakes, including several ball pythons, an eight-foot boa constrictor, two Kenyan sand or not, even though Combs has extended exboas, and other classifications of king snakes, perience in raising very small snakes to adultthis particular reptile is the most unique to hood. “If the snake dies, I think it would be a study. “Hopefully we can learn how this muta- major loss to students who are interested in tion affects the development of the snake and herpetology,” Tanksley said. “Plus, the dehow we can handle different animals in the partment has been doing so well with it so future that have this type of mutation,” Elisa far.” Regardless of the snake’s unknown future, Tanksley, sophomore conservation biology Combs has named the snake’s separate heads major, said. Combs added, “Basically what we’re “Dumb and Dumber,” after the 1994 film starwanting to do with it is put it as part of our ring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. “He’ll probably need another name as he snake collection. If it was a normal snake I’d probably just let it go if it wasn’t eating, but of becomes a bigger celebrity,” Combs said. But course we can’t let this one go—he wouldn’t for now, Dumb is the right head, and Dumber is the left. survive in the wild anyway.”
Two-headed snake donated to Tech, now faces challenges in survival
Investigation CONTINUED from page 1
Ryder said he returned to the police station in response to a voicemail he received asking him to complete the police report Nov. 10. During this time, Ryder said he notified an officer of several inconsistencies in the police report including the location and the make and model of the vehicle. Ryder said the officer never made the changes to the report. Ryder’s story became public when on Nov. 8, Ryder posted a note on his Facebook profile entitled, “Hit and Run on Tech Campus,” which was addressed to President Bob Bell and described his
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18 6:00 p.m. STEM FAB Friday STEM Center 7:00 p.m. TTU Wind Ensemble in Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium
19 8:00 a.m. Dance for Diabetes TTU Fitness Center 1:30 p.m. Football v. Austin Peay Tucker Stadium
20 2:30 p.m. Emily Loboda, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium 4:00 p.m. Trombones at Tech Wattenbarger Auditorium 6:00 p.m. Patrick Sewell, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium 7:00 p.m. Natalie Raymond, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium
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Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your name, e-mail address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday. We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity. tntechoracle.com
Page 3 | November 18, 2011
Students Sound Off: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?
“My favortie Thanksgiving food is pumpkin pie.”
“My favorite is dressing. After Thanksgiving, I still crave it for months.”
“My favorite Thanksgiving foods are dressing, honey smoked ham and chitlins.”
Rachael Holloway special education major, senior
Jasman Brewster nursing major, freshman
Terrell Howard communications major, freshman
“My favorite is sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top”
“Mine is pumpkin pie, because my grandmother always made the best pumpkin pie every Thanksgiving.”
Stephanie Sellers elementary education major, senior
Lucas Campbell environmental biology major, senior
Anti-Muslim fear-mongering ends here JONATHAN FRANK Asst. Editorial Editor
Last weekend, Republican state representative Rick Womick, of Murfreesboro, sparked controversy when he called for Muslims to be removed from the United States military. “Personally, I don’t trust one Muslim in our military,” Womick stated in an interview with Thinkprogress. org. Murfreesboro’s Daily News Journal followed up with Womick after the initial story containing the incendiary remarks was released, but Womick did not apologize, instead doubling down and telling the publication, “We’re at war with Muslims.” It’s amazing how such vast amounts of intolerance and ignorance can fit in to so few words and it’s saddening to consider that these words were uttered
by an individual entrusted with the power to make laws, and elected to serve the interests of all of his constituents. Let’s be clear: Rick Womick’s remarks are hate speech, plain and simple. His words are discriminatory, unworthy of the office in which he serves, and ultimately, unamerican, standing in direct contrast to those sacred ideals embedded in our constitution of freedom of religion and equal protection for all Americans under the law. Furthermore, Womick’s offensive words discount the sacrifice that Muslim men and women have already made, and continue to make for their country. In an appearance on “Meet the Press” in advance of the 2008 election, Gen. Colin Powell lamented the anti-Muslim sentiment that
has become all too common in America. He talked about a photo essay he read concludingwith a striking picture of a mother in Arlington Cemetery sitting by her fallen son’s headstone, marked by the star and crescent of the Islamic faith. His name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan. At 20years-old, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting in Iraq. He was an American, and he was a Muslim. The fear-mongering ends now. While Rick Womick is not the first local politician to make such polarizing remarks and pit Tennesseans against their Muslim brothers and sisters in our communities, he must be the last. The voices that continue to conjure up such hate and perpetuate this discrimination must be quieted. There is indeed a seat at the table for this all too often marginalized group of Americans and it’s time we make some room.
Poll of the Week
How do you feel about parking on campus? 20% - It’s
but I gu
46% - It’s an absolute
worse.
aggrava
ting uld be
ess it co
nightmare. 11% It’s not as bad as everyone is making it out to be.
“I definitely would have to say dressing. I look forward to it every year.”
Katie Barnhill public relations major, senior
LETTER TO THE EDITOR There are a total of 2,484 parking spots designated for students that are commuting to school. This number does not supply enough parking spots for the students going to 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. classes but does supply enough parking spots for students going to 12:00-1:20 p.m. classes. Tech thinks that there are enough spots for every student to park, but this is not the reality. The total number of parking spots on the entire campus is 4,923, which includes student parking, dorm parking, faculty and staff parking and other parking. The total number of parking passes issued for the 2011 fall semester is 9,156. Obviously, not every person issued a parking pass is on campus every hour of every day, but even if one person over the 4,923 parking spot count needs a spot, then they will not be able to find one and they will be fined because they choose to park in a non-designated parking spot. Last year there was $160,614 made from the University from fining students for parking in the wrong spots. Tech is making money off students choosing to go to class and risking getting a
Tech Parking Spots A student’s worst fear is to arrive to school 20 to 30 minutes before class and not find a parking spot. Many times throughout the school week, a student only needs about five to 10 minutes to park and get to class, but not on Tuesdays and Thursdays from around 9:3010:50 a.m. There are 2,752 students who are enrolled in 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. classes on Tuesday and Thursday. There are 2,263 enrolled in 12-1:20 p.m. classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Statistics show that 30 percent of students who are in 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. classes and 12:00 to 1:20 p.m. classes stay on campus during the dead hour break so they do not leave their parking spots. This means that 826 students from the 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. classes stay on campus the entire time during dead hour. There are 1,437 students coming to campus for their 12:00-1:20 p.m. classes who will need to find parking spots. Now let’s compare the amount of students at the peak of needing parking spots to the actual amount of parking spots on campus.
“
fine as opposed to skipping class and leaving campus all together because they could not find a proper parking spot. It’s a huge contradiction when you purchase a parking permit, but there are not enough parking spots during certain times of the day. School is stressful enough. Let’s not add to the stress by not having access to the proper amount of parking. One way to fix this is to add parking spaces via parking lots or a parking garage. I know they are expensive, but Tech could spend less money paying the tech police to drive around fining students. Another way that other colleges solve the issue is to tell freshmen that they cannot drive until they are sophomores. Here at Tech, this would open around 1,401 parking spots for commuters. Either way something needs to be done because Tech is growing every year. In our conclusion we found that there are many more parking passes issued for students than they allow parking spots for.
Tia Woods tbwoods21@gmail.com
Quotable Campus He jumped out, and immediately, with cellphone in hand, came over within inches of my face and said, ‘What the hell is your problem?’
This poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those who chose to participate. It does not reflect the public as a whole. Voting for this poll took place online between Nov. 11 and Nov. 17 at tntechoracle.com.
Rob Ryder, Student
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SPORTS Page 4 | November 18, 2011
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TECH BATTLES FOR OVC CHAMPIONSHIP Tech Gameday Preview Austin Peay Governors (3-7, 2-5 OVC) at Golden Eagles (6-3, 5-2 OVC) WHEN: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Tucker Stadium LAST WEEK: Austin Peay lost to Murray State 56-24, Tech defeated Eastern Kentucky 28-21 Defensive back Richmond Tooley (left) is one of 20 Golden Eagle seniors who will play their last game at Tucker Stadium in Saturday’s game vs. APSU.
Sports Information
On senior night, everything is on the line By ANDY RUTHERFORD Asst. Sports Editor
A conference championship, a share of the Sergeant York Trophy, and Tech’s first-ever playoff appearance are on the line as the Golden Eagles (6-3, 5-2 OVC) host the Austin Peay Governors (3-7, 2-5 OVC) in a high-stakes game Saturday afternoon at 1:30 at Tucker Stadium. A win in this game would clinch Tech’s first OVC title since 1975 and send them to the FCS playoffs for the first time ever by way of an automatic berth. “It’s come down to one game,” head coach Watson Brown said. “Everybody wants to play for a championship. Now we’ve got our shot. We’ve had a really good year and that could turn into a great year with a win Saturday.” A loss would not put the Golden Eagles out of contention, but they would need losses by Jacksonville State and Eastern Kentucky as well. Tech could also earn a share of the Sergeant York Trophy— a trophy given to the OVC school in Tennessee with the best head-to-head record— with a win. The actual trophy would go to Tennessee State, however, because of tiebreaker rules. Although they have had a losing season, Austin Peay could also clinch the York Trophy with a win and they would get to take home the award. “(Austin Peay) has a lot to play for in the Sergeant York Trophy,” Brown said. “This is not the best time in the world to play them because they’ve just got their quarterback back.
We’re going to catch their best shot and their best shot is good enough to beat us. We may be ranked but this is a toss-up game Saturday.” Tech holds the all-time lead in this series 27-16 including wins in four of the last six meetings and the last two in a row. The Golden Eagles came away with a 34-21 victory in last year’s meeting in Clarksville. The Golden Eagles are coming off a key win last weekend where they defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 28-21, on the road. The game marked the first win over the Colonels during Brown’s tenure here, and the team’s first win in Richmond since 2000. “We hung around and hung around and ended up winning’” Brown said about the game. Junior quarterback Tre Lamb led the charge by completing 16 of his 20 pass attempts for 126 yards, rushing for 70 yards on 16 carries, and scoring three touchdowns. His last, a rushing touchdown from four yards out with 6:35 left in the game, proved to be the game winner. The running back tandem of junior Adam Urbano and senior Dontey Gay was also a major contributor. Urbano ran for 137 yards and also led the team in receiving yards, while Gay scored his OVC leading 14th rushing touchdown. The win kept the Golden Eagles in the FCS Coaches Poll where they are ranked no. 21 and put them back in the Sports Network/Fathead. com Poll where they sit at no. 23. The Governors are coming off their fifthstraight conference loss after losing to Murray State 56-24 last weekend. For more info, go to ttusports.com.
THE BREAKDOWN
Tech
Peay
QUARTERBACK Peay has been forced to play two quarterbacks due to injury, one being a freshman. Tre Lamb poses a threat on the ground as well as in the air.
OFFENSE Tim Benford leads the OVC in receptions and receiving yards and Dontey Gay is the conference leader in scoring with 14 rushing touchdowns.
DEFENSE Tech leads the OVC in total defense and rushing defense, is second in scoring defense and is third in pass defense. The Golden Eagles may have the best second-half defense in the OVC.
SPECIAL TEAMS Zach Sharpe leads the OVC on PAT efficiency with .974. The punt team has also held opponents to less than a yard average on punt returns.
INTANGIBLES Peay has struggled lately in the OVC, but this team has pride. The Governors’ seniors are playing in their last game just like Tech’s seniors, so don’t expect them to just roll over.
PUSH
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION This will be smash-mouth game with both teams giving it everything they have and leaving it all on the field. In the end, look for Tech’s defense to be the key.
Austin Peay 13, Tennessee Tech 27
Weekly Roundup Tech rugby club finishes undefeated season The Tech rugby club defeated Lee University 50-0 in last Saturday’s match. The win avenged the 77-8 loss they suffered to Lee in the spring season. “This was a huge confidence booster for all of us,” hooker Miguel Lastres said of the game. “The last time we played, Lee we lost badly and never seemed to be in the game. This time around, the tides had turned and we showed how effective we are when we work together as a team.” With the victory last weekend, the team also capped off an undefeated season. “It proved to all of us that we can compete with the heavyweights of our division and now that we have set the tone for next semester we are far more driven to succeed in our matrix,” Lastres said. “I think this was a very special season should go to Brooks (Robinson) as he has instilled a sense of dedication amongst all of us, and he leads by example both on and off the field.” Tech jumped on Lee early when fullback Grant Snyder kicked a penalty kick to put Tech on the board 3-0. Throughout the course of the match prop Patrick Wehby, winger Zach Clendenen, 8 man Connor Doyle, and fly half captain Brooks Robinson each had one try. Winger Joe Cardio had three. Snyder scored on five extra kicks and scrum half Greg Freeman scored one.
Local students recognized at Saturday’s game Local students, from kindergarten through eighth grade, will be the special guests at the Tech football game against Austin Peay scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19. Tech is “Celebrating Academic Excellence” by recognizing not only student-athletes at Tech, but also top-achieving students
This week’s sports stories at a glance
from area schools who were named to the A and B Honor Rolls. “Our goal is to publicly recognize excellence in academics among all our area youth,” Lance Jasitt, assistant athletic director, told Sports Information. “We’re committed to academic success within the Tech Athletics program, and you can see the result in the large number of our student-athletes who are named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.” Every student from Kindergarten through eighth grade on the A and B Honor Rolls for the first grading period will receive an invitation to take part in the event through his or her school. Free admission is rewarded to those who exchange the Honor Roll voucher for a ticket at any Tucker Stadium ticket booth on the day of the game. Vouchers may also be exchanged at the Athletics Ticket Office in the Hooper Eblen Center prior to game day. All K-8 students who are eligible for participation are asked to arrive early and meet on the track under the scoreboard at 1:00 p.m. The Honor Roll students will have the opportunity to meet and talk to student-athletes from Tech on the field. They will be announced as a group and will be greeted by the Golden Eagle football team when it takes the field. The Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park, which features live music and other fun pregame activities, opens at 10:30 a.m. Families of the Honor Roll students are encouraged to come early to participate. “This event is a chance to show kids in all our schools how important it is to work hard in the classroom and achieve academic success,” Jasitt said. “By bringing these young kids together with the Tech student-athletes, we hope they see that learning is a lifelong process.” The Golden Eagles will be playing in the OVC Championship game for the first time in 36 years. Kickoff against the Governors is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. For additional information on “Celebrating Academic Excellence,” call the ticket office at (931)372-3940.
This week’s Weekly Roundup stories come from Samantha Kendall and TTU Sports Information.
ENTERTAINMENT tntechoracle.com
Page 5 | November 18, 2011
International violinist visits Tech from Afghanistan By BISKIE HOLMAN Beat Reporter
FilmDistrict
While attempting to overcome writer’s block, Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) engages in a mindbending adventure in Puerto Rico.
World-renowned violinist William Harvey will be performing at Tech Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Harvey will be performing at Tech because of joint efforts by Professor Dan Allcott and the Center Stage concerts. “Harvey is an incredible musician,” Alcott said. “He’s like my hero. He’s done so much with his music to help other people, and give them the opportunities to make their own music.”
Harvey and Allcott first worked together at the Indianapolis Symphony, Harvey’s hometown. Harvey later went to Juilliard School of Music, arriving in New York just days before the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Harvey began playing for the soldiers and rescue workers who had been clearing Ground Zero. It was by doing this that Harvey realized how music can unite people across the world. Harvey had the idea that he could begin by sharing his music in Afghanistan.
However, at the time, music was outlawed by the Taliban. But once the Afghan government heard Harvey and listened to his proposal, he was invited by the head of the ministry of education to teach at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul, Afghanistan. Harvey now resides in Kabul year-round and continues to teach. For more information on Harvey’s story, students can attend a convocation given by Harvey on Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. in the RUC Multipurpose Room.
Movies on my Mind: The Rum Diary By WILL SHECKLER Asst. Entertainment Editor Bringing us back to the era of the ‘50s, “The Rum Diary” centers around the misadventures of Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp), as he tries to find his own voice so he can go back to writing novels. Getting away from the hectic lifestyle of New York, Kemp traveks to Puerto Rico as a freelance writer for the San Juan Star local newspaper, which is on the verge of being shut down. His editor, Lotterman (Richard Jenkins), believes in Kemp like he’s the last salvation in order for this paper to survive, but when the only assignments he can cover are tourist bios and the daily horoscope column. One cannot blame him for drinking a little too much. Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) notices Kemp and
wishes to talk with him about a pretty substantial offer over lunch the next day. Everywhere Sanderson goes on the island, he sees a money opportunity and he needs Kemp’s help to exploit his capitalistic enterprise. His goal is to wait for a military testing island to go on sale, undercut the islanders, and once he’s bought it, start building it into an ideal vacation spot of tourists and primarily the wealthy. The rest of the film revolves around Kemp’s decision to help Sanderson exploit his scheme while at the same time flirting with Sanderson’s fiancé, Chenault (Amber Heard), and avoiding enraged locals. Kemps biggest problem is his excessive rum-drinking habit. I’m actually quite surprised that he is able to afford all these drinks, but it
is a movie and he’s in good company with many people that never seem to be in short supply of alcohol. “The Rum Diary” was an okay film, but it’s on the top of my list of recommendations. “The Rum Diary” is rated ‘R’ for language, brief drug use and sexuality. Pros: Johnny Depp, fast cars, parties and a lust to travel to Puerto Rico. Cons: Movie dragged on a lot and it wasn’t clear where it was going to end. Hmm: I still don’t know entirely what happened at the end. Also, I think the quote “Where’s the Rum gone” was slipped into the movie and reworded. Yar! Watch it: If it’s still in theaters after this week, I recommend a matinee or waiting until it comes out to rent.
Let ’s Tweet About Movies @J.Edgar - Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a spellbinding performance amidst an otherwise below-average movie. Wait until it hits rental services. Grade: C@JackandJill - Things worse than this movie: faminine, pestilence, plague, death, and “Bucky Larson” (though the last one only barely). Grade: F @Immortals - Worth seeing if the only other movie at your theater is “Jack and Jill.” Visually interesting, but otherwise dreadfully boring. Grade: D @BobbyFischerAgainsttheWorldDVD - Making chess far more exciting than “Immortals,” Fischer and his run from the law captivate. A must see. Grade: A By CHUCK ACHESON - Entertainment Editor / @chuckacheson
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Microsoft
The updated anniversary-edition brings high-end graphics to an already great game.
Microsoft releases updated Halo By WILL SHECKLER Asst. Entertainment Editor Believe it or not it’s been 10 years since Micro Game Studios released Halo: Combat Evolved. The genre of shooter adventures and console games have been shaped by this ever since. Last week, Halo: Combat Evolved 10th Anniversary edition came out for Xbox 360. At first I was a little hesitant to commit, but after discovering my original copy of Halo is now obsolete on the Xbox 360; I conformed... Curse you updates! The first difference you can see in the game is the graphics updates. High definition was added to Halo by 343 Industries, making this vintage game comparable to the graphics of today. Also, people who own 3-D televisions can utilize this feature in gameplay. Traditionalists, never fear! The game has classic view, which is nice when I want to be reminded how the game originally looked. Starting from the begin-
ning of the game, you see the graphics were pushed to their heights while staying true to the game’s original form. Captain Keyes’ makeover left me speechless. I had mixed feelings between this remodel and the face I remember from the hundreds of times I had played it before, but not bad. Not only has Keyes changed, but all the other characters in the game from Cortana to the marines and the crew. Sergeant Johnson’s mustache even looks thicker. One thing I remember wishing for with Halo was online co-op over Xbox Live and, with the anniversary edition, those dreams came true. I’m glad the game developers didn’t go overboard making it a four-player co-op just because it keeps the game true to the original form and the library just wouldn’t be as scary. Multiplayer is run through the Halo Reach engine which means maps from the original game along with a couple from the PC favorites of mine (Timberland) will be included. It will
also have jetpacks and other power-ups. The maps have also been revamped and extra scenery has been added for your gaming pleasure. Matchmaking, firefight and custom games are included along with theater and the forge. The game is out now for $40 instead of the usual $60+ and is a must-have for fans of the series. The re-release of Halo: Combat Evolved is for video gamers like the Harry Potter franchise is for muggles. We love all of it, from the games, novels, comics and everything in between. This is definitely recommended for fans and those looking for an allaround great game to play. Pro: The magnum is back! Cons: Haven’t found them all yet, but if the glitches haven’t been fixed that’ll be a big con. Hmm: Still makes me want to install the PC game back on my computer; more maps.