Saturday gameday preview - Page 8
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Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505
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Volume 94 | Issue 8 | Free in single copy | November 12, 2010
Tech looks to end three game skid versus EKU By BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor
The Tennessee Tech football team looks to win its first Homecoming game over Eastern Kentucky since 1955 as the Colonels come to Tucker Stadium on Saturday. The Golden Eagles (4-5, 33 OVC) are looking to recover from injuries that forced nine starters to miss last week’s game at Murray State. Tech dropped that contest 44-13. “We could still be in trouble [this week],” head coach Watson Brown said. “We’re frustrated to have this many injuries.” Five offensive playmakers are listed as either out or doubtful for this week’s game. Among those is sophomore quarterback Tre Lamb who was forced to sit out last week with a knee injury. According to Brown, Lamb is “nip and tuck” this week, leaving senior Cass Barnes with the starting job. Barnes threw for 203 yards and an interception last week against Murray State and rushed for 37 yards on 15 carries and one fumble. On Homecoming, Tech is 43-35-1 all-time since 1930. The only time the Golden Eagles did not hold a homecoming game was in 1944, when they played just three games due to World War II. Tech is
Tech is 5-5 in Homecoming games over the past decade. 5-5 in its last 10 Homecoming games. EKU (4-5, 3-3 OVC) is coming off of one of the biggest upsets of the year, topping number two Jacksonville State 49-37 last week in Richmond, Ky. “Eastern [Kentucky] is a good football team,” Brown
SOLO Fund benefits to begin next semester By CASSIE TESAURO Staff Writer
The Student Organization Life Opportunity Fund launches Spring 2011, carrying the weight of a hopeful SGA and an impatient student body. The SOLO Fund attempts to help increase student retention by sponsoring a major concert each semester and helping student organizations finance campus activities. A $20 tuition hike per semester for full-time students, collected for the first time this fall, sustains the fund. SGA is using this semester to form a base for the SOLO Fund. “We didn’t want to jump right into it,” SGA president Sean Ochsenbein said. “We wanted to make sure it was organized and secure because officers change every year. If these officers ran everything without building a base, it wouldn’t be as sturdy for the following years.” The need for financial stability also concerns SGA. Extra money in the SOLO accounts lessens the likelihood of future issues due to overspending, such as those experienced at East Tennessee State University. “There are only two universities in the Tennessee Board of Regents system with funds like SOLO,” Ochsenbein said. “ETSU has a program called the Better University Community Fund. They spent too much money last semester and went minus. I want to make sure there’s enough money in there for us to have a little wiggle room.” Two separate funds make up SOLO. A super fund to finance a concert each semester holds 75 percent of the money collected. The other 25 percent goes into a mini-fund for student organizations. Committees overseen by executive officers are developing the technical details for the SOLO Fund.
TTU Sports Information
said, “but when their offense gets going, they’re really good.” The Golden Eagles are 26 all-time against EKU during Homecoming in Cookeville with Tech’s two wins coming in 1953 and 1955. “We’re pretty thin,” junior Joc Crawford said, “but
hopefully we’ll pull together and pull off a victory this weekend.” A 238-pound running back, Crawford has rushed for a team-high 443 yards and six touchdowns on 93 carries since transferring from Kansas. “I’ve only got two games
left,” he said, “so I’m going to make the best of them” EKU has lost its last eight road games extending back to last season. The Colonels lead the league in rushing defense, allowing less than 80 yards per game, but are last in pass defense, giving up more than 310 yards/game.
Tech custodians reassigned to third shift By CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor
Rainy days on campus are typically met by rain boot-clad, umbrella-wielding students. Days like that also result in slick floors and a custodian tasked to mop the buildings’ entryways. This is no longer the case for several buildings on campus. On Oct. 29, Facilities and Business Services announced the reassignment of custodians to third shift (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.). According to Mark Greenwood, Custodial and Grounds Services director for Facilities, the shift change was to allow students the benefit of entering a clean building in the morning. “We’re doing it so that we can clean the buildings more quickly and more efficiently,” Greenwood said. “Many classrooms and labs are almost impossible to clean on first and second shift due to high usage, so moving to third will allow us a better opportunity to get to those.” Residence halls, Tech Village, the RUC and Derryberry Hall are some of the areas not affected by this change and will retain custodians throughout the day to accommodate the constant upkeep required of the buildings’
high-traffic nature. However, custodians assigned to academic buildings were told to make the change to third shift. “We have put all academic buildings on third shift, meaning buildings where classes and labs are the vast majority of each building’s function,” Greenwood said. “Due to the nature of their usage, some—but not all—athletic buildings remain on first shift.” The new Some faculty and staff custodial members think shift that custodians schedule affected by the shift change page 2 may not have been properly represented in the decisionmaking process. Additionally, some think the custodians were given too short a notice and are not properly compensated to make the shift change. Greenwood confirmed that third shift custodians received a 50 cent raise to their hourly pay rate. “There was no consideration whatsoever,” said a departmental secretary who wished to remain anonymous. “[Custodians] are the people who don’t have a voice. Where’s the Tech community spirit that we’re advertised for having?” Members of the Faculty Senate expressed that very
INSIDE
concern. “We take great pride in a campus tradition that encourages administrators, staff and faculty to voice concerns so that we may develop policies that promote the common well being,” Faculty Senate members said in a letter to President Bob Bell. “For these reasons, the decision to alter the working hours of our custodial staff came as a shock. Why were faculty [members], who routinely interact with the custodians, not consulted? Why were many highranking administrators left uninformed?” Greenwood, however, said the opposite. “[The change] was announced by upper management about two weeks prior to the official start date,” Greenwood said. “However, [custodians] were made aware that the change was being orchestrated some months in advance. As I recall, we first mentioned it to the supervisors in June, and I started receiving inquiries from custodians and other campus personnel shortly thereafter.”
Student reactions Although the shift change was put into effect to benefit the students, some agree with the concerns raised by the Faculty Senate. “It was basically a ‘Guess what, you’re going to third
See “Fund,” page 2
Page 5
FEATURES
[shift], no questions, no negotiations, get ready’ deal,” Brittany Godsey, senior sociology-criminal justice major, said. “I have heard that it was supposedly for the students’ benefit, so we could walk into a clean building every morning. “To be honest, I’ve been here for five years and couldn’t care less about how spotless the floors and windows are. The bathrooms are another story. In Henderson, when the custodians were working normal day shift, those bathrooms were spotless. Now, at mid-afternoon they look like a toilet paper tornado swept through them.” However, senior professional communications major Ruthe Wood sees the shift change from another angle. “I am not exactly sure why the administration has chosen to do this. I have heard this is one of two phases: move them to third shift in hopes that most of the workers would quit, so that in the summer the school could outsource the custodian workers. I personally do not see any positive coming from this change—at least not in the student or custodian perspective.”
More concerns The new policy requires faculty and staff to contact Facilities and Business Services if something needs to be See “Custodians,” page 2
IN THIS EDITION Guns and grenades: A day in ROTC
“We’re playing one of the better teams in the league,” Brown said. “Our players know Eastern Kentucky is good. “They could be the best team in our league on any given day.” Despite all his team’s injuries, Brown remains optimistic. “We’ve got a chance to win the game,” he said. Saturday’s contest marks the first time the Golden Eagles will host EKU for Homecoming since 1989. The Colonels took the win in that game 21-20. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. at Tucker Stadium. Admission is free for all Tech students with a valid ID. To reserve a space in the Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park, contact Misty Pearson, director of Corporate Sales and Marketing for Tech Athletics by calling 931-372-3937. The game will also be broadcast live on the Golden Eagle Sports Network via Magic 98.5 and Free TeamLine. For more information, visit www.TTUSports.com. Tech will end its season at home next week against Jacksonville State. “We still have a chance to win games,” Brown said. “It’ll be a dogfight,” he added. “Every game has been a dogfight.”
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Custodians CONTINUED from page 1
cleaned up during the day. “What if someone vomits during class or spills something in the hall?” the departmental secretary asked. “It’s going to sit there until Facilities sends someone over. What about when it rains or snows, and a student slips and breaks a bone? It could mean a lawsuit for the University.” “The decision to place one or two custodians, many of them in their 50s or 60s, in empty buildings while campus is virtually deserted exposes them to security risks,” Faculty Senate members pointed out. Additionally, custodians hired by Tech are required to have background checks. However, custodial workers for temporary hire are not. Kelly Services, the temp agency Tech uses to hire most of its temporary custodial workers, opts to screen applicants during the interview process rather than requiring applicants to go through a formal background check.
Angela Puckett, a representative for Kelly Services, confirmed that potential temporary employees are asked to divulge criminal history over a seven-year span. If there is mention of a felony or similar history, the applicant does not advance past the interview stage. “A positive to [the custodian shift change] is that the University saves money,” English professor Bill McRae said. “Meanwhile, trash cans are overflowing and classrooms and bathrooms become messes throughout the day. I don’t want to work in an environment like that. We have a job to do, and it’s not just about saving money.” English instructor Jennifer Golz said, “The only positive is that it brings us together,” referring to the relationship between Tech faculty and custodians. “And we want them back.” “Tech tried the same thing thirty years ago,” an anonymous Tech employee said, referring to the utilization of a third shift cleaning schedule. She went on to explain that when faculty and staff continually contacted Facilities to clean things up, the policy was changed to accommodate one custodian
during the day and another for third shift. Eventually, all custodians went back to working days. Custodians who were contacted for interviews declined due to job security concerns. “[The custodians] can’t quit,” the departmental secretary said. “For some, that is their only source of income. Some had to quit second jobs in order to accommodate moving to third shift.” History professor Katherine Osburn said, “Some of the custodians have worked for Tech for about a decade. They should have input, and they didn’t. I hope the administration reverses this. “President Bell is a fair man,” Osburn continued, “and he will hear the voices of his faculty.” The Tech chapter of the American Association of University Professors will sponsor Karly Safar of United Campus Workers to speak about the current custodial shift change at Poets on the Square from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information, contact Safar at 615-519-0157 or Josie McQuail, Tech chapter AAUP president, at jmcquail@tntech.edu.
Meet the Homecoming candidates By Sarah E. DeRossett / Photos courtesy of SGA
Kelley Ramey & Chuck Hill Ramey is a senior biology health science major from Knoxville. Hill is a senior mechanical engineering major from Mount Juliet. Ramey
Hill
Amanda Miller & Ben Hobbs Miller is a junior communications-public relations major from Cookeville. Hobbs is a senior turf-grass management major from Nashville. Miller
Hobbs
Kelly Augspurger & Gerel Harlan Augspurger is a senior accounting major from Loveland, Ohio. Gerel is a senior business marketing major from Cookeville.
The new custodial shift schedule 1ST SHIFT (7 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
3RD SHIFT (11 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
Athletic Performance Center Baseball Intramurals Hooper Eblen Indoor Tennis Center President’s Box Residential Halls Safety and Security/Telecom Tech Village Walton House
Bartoo Brown Clement East Stadium Henderson Johnson Kittrell Lewis Library Matthews Daniels Memorial Gym West Stadium
2ND SHIFT (3 p.m. - 11 p.m.)
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Augspurger
Harlan
Katie Pierce & David McClurkan
Bruner Bryan Fine Arts Foster Jere Whitson Nursing Old Maintenance Pennebaker Prescott South STEM Center T.J. Farr
Pierce is a senior psychology major from Winchester, Tenn. McClurkan is a senior communications-journalism major from Nashville. Pierce
McClurkan
Terra Kimes & Charles Newton III
Derryberry Facilities Compound Regional Health University Services
Kimes is a senior agriculture major from Celina. Newton is a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Lexington, Ky. Kimes
Source: Facilities and Business Services
Fund
CONTINUED from page 1
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SGA Treasurer Lee Gatts runs the committee to plan the spring concert. “They picked a bunch of bands that were in our price range and were in the first genre on our rotation, alternative,” SGA Secretary Kristin Holder said. “After they call all of the possible bands, they’ll know [which are] available. Those will be narrowed down and passed through the senate. Then students will vote for one.” Holder’s committee formulates the process through which student organizations apply for campus activity funding. Ochsenbein plans on holding a meeting with organization presidents towards the end of the year to explain the details. Any organization that has a constitution with Student Affairs qualifies for funding. “There’s going to be a lot of confusion the first year,” Ochsenbein said. “People might not under-
stand what the money is used for or how they get funding.” A lack of communication between SGA and the student body has caused many students at Tech to have mixed feelings about the progress of SOLO. The absence of a concert this fall frustrates some students who voted in favor of the fund last year. “I definitely thought there would be an event this semester,” said Chelsea Newsbaum, junior English major, “but so far nothing’s happened. “I know that I’m not the only one who wonders where my twenty bucks went.” The confusion expressed by students has reached the attention of the SGA. “I apologize to them,” Oschenbein said. “That’s lack of communication. But they’ve got to realize that putting on a concert on campus is a lot. You’ve got to realize that we’ve got to get all of Tech motivated. ” Some students question the rationality of the SOLO fund. The need for more parking prevails among the main complaints against SOLO.
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I apologize to them. But they’ve got to realize that putting on a concert on campus is a lot. You’ve got to realize that we’ve got to get all of Tech motivated. Sean Oschenbein SGA President
A number of students would rather see the extra $20 in tuition going towards academic improvements. “I personally feel that the SOLO fund, while potentially good at bigger colleges, is just a waste here at Tech,” said Eli Ramsey, sophomore computer engineering major. “There are too many things that can to be improved on campus to warrant having money taken out for frivolous things like concerts.” Many look forward to the advantages SOLO will bring student groups. Katie Williams, university programming and greek life coordinator, commends SGA on their implementation of SOLO. “A lot of student or-
”
ganizations really don’t have adequate funds or they don’t raise enough dues,” Williams said. “We get a lot of questions in here about TAB’s ability to sponsor a band or co-sponsor with another student organization. And while we’d like to do that, our budget is pretty limited.” The real test for the SOLO Fund begins next semester. “We’ll have to wait and see until they actually start to distribute the money,” Williams said. “That will be the tricky part. I know it’s a limited number of dollars they have to distribute, and there are a lot of student organizations that really do a lot of great work.”
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Health Services promotes safe sex to prevent STDs By HANNAH HARRIS Staff Writer
College is a time for learning and growth, and for some students, sexual activity. Some students will choose to engage, and others will not. Believe it or not, sex does happen in college. Becoming sexually active in college comes with a lot of risk. One in every four American will get an STD at some point in life, states a brochure given out by Health Service. This scary reality has Health Services speaking out on safe sex and how to prevent students from getting an STD. When students were asked to share what safe sex is, they gave a variety of answers. “Not having it. If you do, use a contraceptive and a condom, not one or the other” a freshman said. A freshman male said, “Pull-it-out.” While a senior male said, “The only way to be safe is to be abstinent.” A female student said, “The only true safe sex is if you are in a completely committed or exclusive relationship.” Other students repeatedly said to use a condom or birth control or do not have sex at all. With so many different views on safe sex, what is truly safe and what is not is questionable. “We encourage prevention. There truly is no safe
sex except for abstinence,” Nurse Scott Bilbrey said. “If you are going to have sexual relations, we encourage you to date awhile before engaging.” Some problems nurses are seeing with STDs are patients coming in that have being drinking the night before or just had a one-night stand. When people drink, their inhibitions are low, and they do not always make clear, conscious choices. That includes with whom a person chooses to engage in sexual relations. An STD is easy to catch when having a one-night stand because partners may not know each others sexual history. “Getting to know your partner before engaging in sexual relations is important,” Nurse Scott Bilbrey said. “Being honest about your past sexual history is as well.” Having a good relationship with the person you chooses to become involved with is important because you can learn a lot about a person’s intentions and behaviors. This lowers inhibitions about a person. Each partner being tested for STDs before becoming sexually active is encouraged by Health Services. They do STD testing at Health Services, some for a fee and others free of charge. Testing does not take long and the results takes seven to 10 days to get back. “Testing before, and a good relationship with the person is the best way to go,” Nurse Phyllis Kilgore said. With Chlamydia and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) neck-and-neck
on Tech’s campus, students should know that there is more than one way to get a STD. A person does not have to have sexual intercourse to catch an STD. That’s right. You can be a virgin and still get a STD. Oral sex is one way an STD can be transmitted. “Be aware that if you kiss someone, they could have an STD in their throat,” Bilbrey said. Students believe that putting a condom on is one of the safest way to go. However, you can still get pregnant and get STDs using a condom. It doesn’t prevent either of these. Health Services says one reason is because males do not know how to properly use them. Health Services offers a pamphlet on proper condom use. Another reason is that oil-based condoms break down; water-soluble condoms are less likely to break down. “If someone comes in, we do have condoms available,” Bilbrey said. “All you have to do is sign-in by putting your name, T-number and a huge C with a circle around it, and we will give you a bag of condoms. It is done in a discrete manner.” Students believe that using a contraceptive and “pulling-it out” are other safe ways to have sex. However, birth control is not always effective and you can get pregnant. If a woman is taking a prescribed medication, most commonly antibiotics, the medication can interact with the birth control, causing it to be ineffective. If the pill is not taken at the same time every day,
Resources available at Health Services • Condoms
• STD testing
• Birth control, if a student has had her yearly pap smear
• STD information
• Plan B (the morning-after pill)
the pill might not be as effective. “Pulling-it-out” is not a solution because pre-ejaculate most likely occurs. One can still become pregnant on pre-ejaculate fluids. Health Services recommends that students check themselves regularly and take care of themselves to help lower the transmission of STDs. “Don’t be afraid to look and see what you have going on ‘down there,’” Nurse Phyllis Kilgore said. “If you do not know what normal looks like, how will you know what
• Help if a student becomes pregnant. Health Services refers patients to a medical specialist and offers prenatal vitamins
something abnormal looks like.” Bilbrey says, “Do not shave ‘down there,’ trim. The open pores you get when shaving can allow in bacteria.” Health Services is always there for students to talk. There are male and female nurses to make patients more comfortable, and everything is 100 percent confidential. “If there is any question in your mind whether you have an STD or not, call Health Services and make an appointment.” Tompkins
said. This list can be overwhelming. How do you know what to look for? How can you catch it? If you don’t get treated, what can happen? Health Services has a brochure that answers all these questions about each STD, and it is available to everyone. “Don’t listen to what people say,” Kilgore said. “Be educated.” For more information on STD testing or to make an appointment, contact Health Services at 931-372-3320.
Tech teams place in ‘Battle of the Brains’ By DAKOTA WEATHERFORD Staff Writer
Tech hosted a portion of the 35th annual regional round of “Battle of the Brains” in which the University’s four teams placed among the top 12. Sponsored by IBM, the competition challenges teams of three students to solve complex and rigorous real-world problems by using open technology and advanced computing methods under a brutal five-hour deadline. During the challenge, the students complete an entire semester’s worth of
computer programming. “The Battle of the Brains is the Olympics of the computer programming world,” Michael Karasick, IBM Software Group strategy and technology vice president, said. “The amount of talent that we have the opportunity to witness each year is truly impressive and a testament to the value of this competition.” The regional round firstplace winner was Middle Tennessee State University’s team Blueraider #1, solving seven problems correctly and in the least amount of time. Placing second was Tech’s Thrashing the Cache with six solved problems. Tech had three other placing teams. The Gutsmen placed fourth, Battletoads placed ninth and
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Narcoleptic Sparkin’ Penguins placed 12th. “This year’s groups of students were very enthusiastic at practice sessions,” Martha Kosa, computer science associate professor, said. “They truly worked well together on their respective teams, both during practice and the real contest. I am very proud of them.” Other schools involved with the competition were Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, University of Tennessee- Knoxville, University of North Alabama and Maryville College. The overall winner from 100 three-person teams will be determined at the March 4, 2011 World Finals in Egypt.
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Bystander intervention presentation gets Tech involved By TALLULAH GILLIAM Copy Editor
If you heard someone degrade another person, would you say something? What if they were yelling? What if they hit the person? What makes one form of abuse less socially tolerated than another? “People assume a situation has to be violent before they intervene,” Samantha Clouse, Genesis House primary prevention educator, said. “That’s not true though.” Clouse is scheduled to lead a seminar titled “Respond-ability: Intervene before It’s a Scene” at 11 a.m.
Tuesday in RUC Room 342. The event, presented in collaboration with the Women’s Center, is free and open to the public. “Often people know they’re supposed to do something,” Clouse said, “but don’t know what that something is.” The presentation is structured to teach people about safe intervention, and encourages attendees to work towards changing the social norm of minding your own business when witnessing abuse. “When situations arise, people sometimes don’t react because they fear what others will do,” Clouse said. “If we all intervened, we wouldn’t need shelters anymore be-
cause we would all be treated equally. “I think college aged people are more likely to get involved.” Clouse offered advice to those trying to help an abused person. “The first thing to do as a friend is to believe them. Too often these things come down to victim blaming. Second, listen. Don’t push your opinion or try to make them talk. Third, if they’re responsive, try to make them get help. Don’t push too hard though, or it might discourage them instead.” Diana Lalani, Women’s Center secretary, said, “Given a chance to rationalize, people realize that they could help, wanted to help, but didn’t
know how to help. It’s a bit of a self-discovery process.” Information on abuse and violence is always available at the Women’s Center, and Lalani is available to speak with students about any problems they may be having. If the severity is beyond her capabilities or the problem out of her realm, Lalani refers students to the Genesis House, located east of campus on Ninth Street. All services from the Genesis House are free and available to any woman who requests them. While it does not offer the same services to men, Genesis House will assist men in other ways and refer them to other organizations and agencies that can help.
Genesis House has a hotline available to discuss domestic violence, sexual assault or if a caller just needs someone to listen. Services for women include a domestic violence shelter. Women from any area are welcome to stay at the shelter with their children when trying to overcome domestic abuse. Court advocacy is offered to support women emotionally but not legally. Rape counseling is available with referral to outside sources if needed. A rape and sexual assault center with a nurse on call 24 hours a day offers confidential medical attention to victims. For more information, call the Women’s Center at 931-372-3850, or call the Genesis House at 931-526-5197.
Wheelchair ramp to be fixed during winter break By BRITTANY RITZMAN Staff Writer
Efforts are being made around Tech to make our facilities compliant with federal regulations specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, some of these efforts have been met with complications. For example, a new wheelchair ramp was built over the summer and scheduled to be open this semester at Prescott Hall. While the ramp is finished, it is still closed at both ends because two large cooling pipes spanning the ramp are difficult to walk over, let alone get a wheelchair across. This unusual blunder leaves many students and faculty wondering what happened. “When an engineer was working on the project, the plans showed the pipes being 12-15 feet north of the project site,” Glenn Binkley, Business and Financial Services assis-
tant director, said. “When excavation began, voila!” Prescott was built in 1969, and the original blueprints were the only resource planners had to refer to for this project. “It’s not uncommon to find discrepancies between an architect or engineer’s plan and what a contractor actually does,” Binkley said. The repairs are scheduled to be made over the coming holiday break and should be completed by January. There are other ramps that allow wheelchair access into the building in the meantime. “During December, when we have a scheduled chill water outage, we will close University Drive and tap into those chill water lines and run new lines to the north side of Prescott,” Binkley said. “This will also give us an opportunity to install new cutoff valves, so we can isolate a specific building or area if we have a problem in the future. We have the valves now, but they are so outdated that we
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don’t know how reliable they are.” Prescott Hall has struggled with wheelchair ramp problems more than once. The original wheelchair ramp on the east side of the building has served as a runway for rain water straight into the ground floor for years. This summer, that problem was finally addressed by installing drainage grates in the parking lot around the building and on the ramp itself. Renovations were also made to bring the ramp up to federal specifications. The ADA requires that a wheelchair ramp rise only one foot for every 12 feet of length and that for every 30 feet of length, there must be a level rest area. Funding for the renovation projects is provided by the state. Construction is completed as funding is received and while students are gone for semester breaks.
More than 70 local businesses offer discounts to the Tech community. Businesses participate in the purple pride program to show their Tech pride and appreciation of students’ business. “The influx of students is really good for our local community,” Marketing Director Bobbie Maynard said. “It’s a way for a business to say thank you for its Tech supporters.” Many require a Tech ID to get the discount or promotion, but some only require the customer to mention the
November
12 5 p.m. Homecoming 2010: Pep Rally Memorial Gym 6:30 p.m. Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner Multipurpose Room 7 p.m. NPHC Step Show Derryberry Auditorium 7 p.m. Volleyball v. Eastern Illinois Hooper Eblen Center
13 9 a.m. Alumni Breakfast 2nd floor lobby, RUC 10:30 a.m. Homecoming Parade South Dixie to 12th St. 11 a.m. Sorority Chapter Suites Open House New Hall North 11 a.m. Faculty and Alumni book signing University Bookstore
Spencer Tidwell
A cooling pipe hinders people from using the recently constructed wheelchair ramp at Prescott Hall. The pipe will be removed during the December holiday break.
Pride partners offer discounts to students By RACHEL STEIN Staff Writer
events @ tech
Tech pride offer. “These are mainly discounts for students,” Maynard said, “but some are offered to faculty and staff as well.” A variety of businesses participate in the program. The businesses involved include restaurants, retail stores, banks and gas stations. The list of participating businesses includes 19 restaurants and coffee houses and 18 retail stores. Applebee’s, Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Smoothie King, and Burger King are just a few of the restaurants involved. Some apartments offer discounts to Tech students. For example, Eagle’s Landing Apartments will waive the application fee, and Hampton Creek Apartments offers
Welcome to John’s Place Alumni, Students & Friends BBQ, Pork Ribs, Boston Butts We’re A Tech Tradition “Where Everybody is Somebody” New: Liquor and Spirits by the Drink 11 Gibson Avenue
Cookeville
Mary Alice McClellan, Owner/Operator
50 percent off deposits. Game Stop, Hills IGA, French’s Shoes & Boots and Sam’s Club are just a few of the participating retail stores. These businesses sign up to offer discounts throughout the school year. “Each year we contact businesses to ask if they want to be part of this program,” Maynard said. “It’s no cost for a business to be a pride partner. “It’s really the only way for businesses to advertise on our web site.” There is a form on the Tech web site for businesses wishing to participate. Students can view all of the pride partners and discount details at www.tntech. edu/pridedays/partners.
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11 a.m. Alumni and Friends Tailgate Lunch Magic 98.5 Tailgate Park 1:30 p.m. Homecoming Football Game v. Eastern Kentucky Tucker Stadium 4:30 p.m. Volleyball v. Southeast Missouri Hooper Eblen Center After game Wesley Foundation Reception Upstairs, Wesley Foundation 6 p.m. Ag Foundation Banquet Hyder-Burks Pavilion 7:30 p.m. Coffee House Event Wesley Foundation basement
14 8:30 a.m. Wesley Foundation Sunday Morning Service Wesley Arena Chapel 10 a.m. Black Alumni Reunion Worship Service Trinity Baptist Church
15 Until Friday Senior Exit Exams Various departments 7 p.m. Women’s Basketball v. Alabama A&M Hooper Eblen Center
tntech.edu/calendar
FEATURES Page 5 | November 12, 2010
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Bell, celebrities speak out against bullying, discrimination, intolerance By WILL HOUSLEY Asst. Managing Editor
It dates back to prehistoric times. Bullying, discrimination and intolerance have been around for as long as humans have. Fast forward to the 21st century, and it’s a seemingly bigger phenomenon. Since last month, there have been countless headlines about teen suicides, hate crimes, bullying, discrimination and intolerance. It has been on the media agenda for quite some time. It’s even become a popular discussion between celebrities and public officials. Ellen DeGeneres, Adam Lambert, President Barack Obama, and even employees of Google and Facebook, have mainstreamed their support for the “it gets better” project on YouTube. “Being a teenager and figuring out who you are is hard enough without some-
one attacking you,” DeGeneres said. “This needs to be a wake-up call to everyone that bullying and teasing is an epidemic in this country.” President Obama said, “Things will get better, and with time you’ll see that your differences will be a sense of pride and strength.” You may recall the story about Tyler Clementi, an 18year-old Rutgers University freshman, who committed suicide in September after he discovered that his roommate posted a video of his sexual encounter with a man on the Internet. This incident sparked national discussion about bullying in all forms, especially in an educational setting. Clementi’s roommate has been charged with a hate crime and invasion of privacy. As a result of the Clementi story, colleges have amped up their awareness of and fight against bullying. Though no profound incidents have surfaced at Tech, bullying is a problem everywhere you go.
“This is a University where we should be able to celebrate differences,” President Bob Bell said. “I was probably bullied in school. I was small, red headed and had a number of things that people thought were funny. It’s not uncommon for people to feel a little bullied about some things.” Tech has no policy against bullying, but many discrimination and harassment policies are in place and carry heavy consequences for misconduct. “We don’t have a policy on murder either,” Bell said, “but it’s against the law and we don’t have to say much more about it. Our policies on harassment are pretty clear.” In the online student handbook, under student conduct and disciplinary sanctions, section 2: disci-
plinary offenses, there are three offenses that cover harassment but have strong ties to bullying, according to Bell. Those offenses include conduct dangerous to others, disorderly conduct and harassment. Bell In an e-mail to Bell, Ed Boucher, dean of students said he believes “a reading of the language contained within the disciplinary offenses will allow us to effectively deal with conduct which adversely affects the institution’s pursuit of its educational objectives.” Multiple resources are available to those who feel they have been victimized. Students can go to the Dean of Students office, Tech police, or the counseling center, according to Bell. “I recommended they contact the Dean of Students first,” Bell said. “But, if it’s an immediate, more hostile problem, then Tech police are
the ones to get involved.” Bell referred to human nature and culture being culprits in bullying and discrimination but said we should embrace our differences. Bell offered advice to people who are bullied. “Talk about it rather than internalizing it,” he said. “It often helps.” The Clementi story is just one of many stories regarding bullying and intolerance that surfaced in recent months. It goes beyond sexual orientation. For instance in Pennsylvania, as many as 30 Asian students were physically attacked at a local high school. Many analysts are blaming technology and social media, saying that it is a forum for ignorance and a medium for the broadcasting of hate. In almost every story recently, social sites such as Facebook, Twitter and personal blogs have been the starting point for rumors and viral information. The analysts claim that bullies hide behind a persona on the Internet as a way to
generate popularity and often times they’re successful. Rolan Martin, a columnist for CNN, says that it’s the parent’s job to protect their children from bullies. Others claim that educational administrators are responsible for protecting their students from bullies and discrimination, while some say government legislation is responsible. “I’m not sure we can ever stop [intolerance],” Bell said. “You can’t legislate intolerance, but you can legislate behaviors. It needs to be discussed.” There are dozens of resources for anyone who believes they are the victim of bullying, discrimination, harassment or intolerance. On the national level, resources include the Jason Foundation, the Give a Damn project, It Gets Better project, and To Write Love On Her Arms. “I don’t think [bullying at Tech is] a problem any more than it is in any other human organization,” Bell said.
Homecoming: Is it outdated? By JODI LAWRENCE Staff Writer
Even after the passing of nearly a hundred years, students and alumni still seem to enjoy the Homecoming tradition. Homecoming has been around since the mid-19th century. In all that time, the events have remained basically the same: a banquet, a sporting event, a parade and the crowning of a Homecoming queen and sometimes a king. These events have remained classic and are still bringing alumni back to their alma mater and entertaining students. “Last year we fed around three 300 people at our alumni luncheon,” Advancement Director Tracey Duncan said. “This year we are expecting between four and five hundred.” That is a large amount of alumni to be returning to Homecoming here at
Tech and only accounts for the members who attended the luncheon. However, do the students feel the same way about Homecoming as alumni? “Homecoming is a great tradition,” Tech student Allyson Witt said, “especially on college campuses where many may feel lost in the crowd. Events like Homecoming bring people together, students and alumni, to feel at one with their peers and their school.” Standard Homecoming events are effective, but some schools have started going the extra mile to celebrate. One growing trend is to host a major concert on campus during Homecoming. Last year, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga hosted a concert featuring major hip-hop artist Jeremih, and other schools are doing the same. This is a method used to attract more alumni and their families, especially their children who may be considering attending the
University. Some campus organizations are scheduling alumni reunions based on Homecoming this year at Tech. For example, Phi Mu Fraternity will be hosting their alumni banquet in conjunction with the schedule of Homecoming. This gives the organization the opportunity to attract more past members to return because they can attend more events during their visit. These efforts, combined with good oldfashioned tailgating and football, seem to make the alumni pour back to their universities. Modern events like concerts get the students involved. The expected number of alumni illustrates that Homecoming is not an outdated practice. It shows that this age-old tradition has withstood the test of time.
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Major Bret Martin instructs cadets on how to correctly execute the ambush.
Guns and grenades: A day in ROTC By BRANDON JELSON Staff Writer
The incredibly sharp “crack” of a rifle is both bloodchilling and heart-pumping. Witnessing the immense power behind each shot fired is enough to bring goose bumps to the flesh of the novice gun range attendee. Standing next to cadets while they fire 30 machine gun rounds as fast as they want is almost enough to make an adrenaline junkie overdose. “Shooters, place your weapons on semi-automatic and fire at will,” the range master said over the loudspeakers. The cadets were each given a 30-round ammo belt to shoot as quickly or slowly as they desired. Some were finished in a mere few seconds, leaving all targets standing. Others were more precise with their bullet placement, leaving very few untouched. “The goal of the shooting day is weapons familiarization,” Major Brett Martin said. “Besides, it’s so much fun to blast off a bunch of rounds for the heck of it.” After the gun range, we followed the other half of the cadets into the woods, where they were beginning an am-
bush exercise. “First they’re going to establish an Objective Rally Point,” Martin said. “This is where they drop their unnecessary, cumbersome gear about 30 meters from the objective. After that, they’ll continue with the mission, in this case the ambush. As soon as that’s completed they’ll meet back at the ORP, get their gear and high-tail it out of there. ” Martin explains how everything is going to happen as we walk behind the squad, stepping carefully around branches and other potentially noisy surroundings. Stealth is mandatory when performing an ambush. We lie down, getting as low to the ground as possible, taking cover behind some moderately sized trees. Everyone remains still as two “targets” walk down the path. The cadets are all relatively hidden from sight of the road. There are no movements or noises until a simulation hand grenade is thrown at the oncoming enemy. As soon as the mock explosive detonates, the cadets jump to their feet and rush toward the “casualties,” giving cover fire when needed and paying careful attention to their surroundings. They don’t know if more enemies are down the path or not, so speed is vital.
Once the area is clear of danger, a smoke grenade is ignited, giving off huge plumes of bright purple smoke. The squad then immediately evacuates, heading back to the ORP. “In ROTC, we use the crawl-walk-run method,” Martin said. “Right now, these cadets are walking. Sure, I could point out a hundred different things they didn’t do perfectly, but for now they are doing things on their own. That’s how they really learn.” Afterward, the squad talks about the mission’s execution. They cover what was done correctly, what was done incorrectly and what they can do to improve next time. “The more you sweat in training, the less you’ll bleed in combat,” Sergeant First Class Brian Joyner said in passing. “They’d better be sweating their tails off out here!” With a successful mission behind them and the sun starting to set, the cadets get in the shuttle vans and head back to the dining hall for spaghetti, green beans, corn, rolls and icebox pie. The cadets deserved the much needed sustenance for an entire day spent learning how to put their lives on the line for their country.
OPINION
Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your name, e-mail address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday. We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and content. www.tntechoracle.com
Page 6 | November 12, 2010
Sexual harassment deserves zero tolerance punishments the people who sexually harassed them. This contributes to a hostile learning enSARAH TOWNSEND vironment and adds to the anxiety of the victims. Asst. Editorial Editor Though Tech seems to have less crime on campus, that doesn’t mean harassment situations shouldn’t be examined or that the At the beginning of the tile environment in which crimes committed should semester, you probably took the victim must still see the be treated less seriously. something called “sexual ha- offending individuals evMany times it is difrassment training.” Student ery day. Sexual harassment ficult for victims to report workers, University 1010 shouldn’t be another prob- and speak out against their students and faculty are re- lem to worry about while in harasser due to embarrassquired to read some informa- college. ment or fear. The biggest And is there any ques- problem with not filling a tion and to take a short test to prepare for sexual harass- tion why some victims don’t report is that the person want to come forward with responsible can sexually ment issues. Some of us at Tech ap- their reports when they see abuse another person and parently didn’t read that in- that nothing is done? potentially get away with Colleges, Tech included, it. formation very carefully. According to a study don’t want a lot of attention The third student I done this year by The New for violent crimes. It’s obvi- spoke to about her assault York State Coalition Against ous that if parents hear about never reported her abuse. Sexual Assault, one in four students getting harassed or Despite friends trying to percollege women will be a vic- raped at a particular school, suade her, she was worried tim of sexual assault in her they won’t want to send their about her reputation and college career. Unfortunately, children there. The problem her parents finding out. So is that a reputation is not as her story, which is by far the Tech is not an exception. Though most violent I feel safe on among the campus and three women have never I spoke to, If you believe you might have thought twice goes without been the victim of sexual about sexual investigaharassment tion, and the harassment by a student or here, recently perpetrator is teacher, you probably were. three young free to comwomen have mit the act -- Sarah Townsend admitted to me on another Assistant Editorial Editor that they have individual. experienced If you here what abbelieve you solutely qualmight have ify as sexual been the vicharassment or tim of sexual important as the safety of harassment by a student or assault. Because of the sensitive students. Issues concerning teacher, you probably were. nature of their stories, I have violence, bullying or sexual Of course, some people chosen not identify them by assault should be handled for are more easily offended, the welfare of the students, but if a physical or verbal name. The broad list of acts not the image of the school. sexual behavior is directed A sophomore I have towards you that leads to described on Tech’s website that could qualify as sexual known personally since my a hostile learning environharassment doesn’t mention first week of college reported ment or makes you feel unany specific punishment for a serious incident after be- safe, don’t keep it to yourperpetrators or how reports ing persued by a Resident self. Report the incident to will be handled. It states that Advisor. Many times sexual protect yourself and your there will be a punishment harassment occurs between follow students. acquaintances or people conwhich could be expulsion. Unreported cases are One female student I sidered to be friends. Her one reason universities do spoke to about her case said case is so recent, the proce- not react to sexual violence the young men responsible dure Tech will use for han- as seriously as they should. for her discomfort were dling her physical assault is If you live in a dorm, tell emailed and told to apologize not yet clear. your RAs, and they’ll help I had the understanding you file a report. If you live to the teacher for disrupting Tech had a zero tolerance off campus, you can tell a class. That’s all. One email policy for violence and sex- trusted friend or mentor. somehow is an appropriate ual abuse, but apparently it A lot of victims don’t want punishment for a malicious depends on the specific situa- anyone to know, and that is act of a sexual nature against tion. The most appalling part understandable. But your of these personal accounts I report is confidential, and another student. This was not a simple have heard from classmates your voice is needed to redirty joke. This was verbal is the fact that both students duce sexual harassment on abuse, which created a hos- still have to sit in a class by campus.
“
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Sexual harassment on college campuses 39% of students who experienced sexual harassment say the incident or incidents occurred in the dorm.
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This week: What do you think of Tech’s new e-mail system? Go to tntechoracle.com to vote! 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. 5 and Nov. 10, 2010 at www.tntechoracle.com.
Non-traditional student offers advice By MICHAEL CASSELLA Guest Columnist For me, the best place to be is right here at Tech. A gorgeous, well kept, modern yet historic campus nestled in the world’s best little city in beautiful Putnam County. I am blessed to be a freshman here and go to class with the coolest, most honest, most well-behaved students ever assembled. I am being taught by the most pedagogically proficient teachers in the profession. I appreciate and am thankful for everyone I have encountered here, including the nice ladies that work at the Wild Greens salad bar, the uniformed employees, the library workers, yoga instructors and all the staff in Derryberry Hall. Traditionally, I have been a student, first K-12 in West Haven, Connecticut with never missing a day of school ever, then Syracuse University in upstate New York for two years on a full tuition Army ROTC scholarship. Next, I took a few science and gym classes when I was a full-time employee right here at Tech. I then graduated Med Vance with a 4.0 average in the Pharmacy Technician Program. I am now a full time student here taking 17 credit hours and am determined to become a secondary science teacher. Thank God it’s Sunday as
THE
I’m writing this, and I can’t wait to go to class on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I am pumped about going to the Homecoming game with my two sons (I also have two daughters), and I know the Golden Eagles will win because they have a great passing game and some breakaway runners. I voted for the Homecoming queen, and I am announcing my candidacy for Homecoming King next year. Let’s all be loyal fans and root for our team all the way until the end of the game. As a veteran student, I have some solid advice for my younger peers. It’s basic Economics 101: you should get what you pay for. If you pay for a class, attend it, participate in the discussions, do the homework, ask any questions, get extra help , do extra credit and don’t drop the course. If you don’t, you are just ripping off yourself. Everyone working here is ultimately paid by you, the student, “the customer,” and the customer comes first. The administration and the faculty are here to serve you, and you must let them know your needs. Many students have complained to me about having teachers they can’t understand and miss important lecture material. Demand good communicators be hired that cater to your way of speaking.
To the administrators, I have to say great job so far, and I truly appreciate being part of this highly-rated university. Yet there are two issues I insist that you address. One, as I mentioned earlier, is that you must consider the communication skills of any faculty members before you hire them. Most of the students live here in Tennessee, and teachers should be chosen to share dialogue with ease. The other issue is that I have heard from reliable sources (Pastor Bobby Davis, Cookeville First Assembly) that there is an anthropology or sociology professor here that is making anti-Christian stances in the classrooms. Naturally the Christians here will turn the proverbial other cheek to this nonsense, but you as the leaders must investigate, terminate and prevent this atrocity on this campus. As for the Information Technology Department, you all get a big F- for always having technology problems. As I write this, there are no working printers in the library, and no one is being sent to fix them. Half the computers are always broke or unavailable. There has been Giga problems across campus all semester, and I never see one soul working on anything. You have caused frustration throughout the entire campus and are the one big flaw in a near-perfect college.
ORACLE
Weekly. Student operated. | P.O. Box 5072 Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN 38505
51% of male college students admit to sexually harassing someone in college.
22% of male college students admit to harassing someone often or occasionally.
31% of female college students admit to harassing someone in college.
CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor
EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor
WILL HOUSLEY Asst. Managing Editor
SARAH TOWNSEND Asst. Editorial Editor
SAMANTHA KENDALL Ad Manager
BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor
DAKOTA WEATHERFORD DHIR JOSHI Ad Assistants
ROSS HARVEY Asst. Sports Editor
TALLULAH GILLIAM Copy Editor
CHUCK ACHESON Entertainment Editor
Tennessee Technological University--nondiscriminatory on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities including employment and admission of students to the University as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and regulations based therein and published in CFR, part 86. Tennessee Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.
BRENDA WILSON, Faculty Adviser
Almost 81% of on-campus and 84% of off-campus sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Source: U.S. Department of Justice and American Association of University Women
BEAT REPORTERS: Brittany Anderson, Kyle Buckner, Brandi Campbell, Courtney Clifford, Matthew Davis, Sarah DeRossett, Katrina Dvorken, Lee Ferris, Lindsey Gore, Julie Graham, Candice Griggs, Hannah Harris, Brandon Jelson, Pavel Koshkin, Jodi Lawrence, Leasa McCall, Bailey Morgan, Justin O’Dell, Ariel Perry, Aleksandr Peterson, Jonathan Pierce, Ashlee Polk, Christina Riddle, Brittany Ritzman, Kaitlin Salyer, Ashley Smith, Dustin Smith, Rachel Stine, Evan Taylor, Cassie Tesauro, Isaac Wright
OPINION Page 7 | November 12, 2010
www.tntechoracle.com
Listen, elevator abusers
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Campus parking The parking at Tennessee Tech is limited. It is very difficult to find a parking spot remotely close to my class. Some of my friends commuting from Livingston have to park at the T-mart, a gas station close to campus. I know that this is not entirely Tennessee Tech’s fault. My friends could come earlier and find a better parking spot. I am just worried about later because Tech is a school that is growing fast. I have heard that Tech has bought some more land near campus, but that could just be a rumor. There are only 3,500 parking spots on Tech’s campus. Tech sold 7,000 parking passes last year. That is double the amount of parking spots available. Eventually Tech will either have to start cutting students or create more parking spots and places to live. This is an issue I fear will get out of hand. I trust TTU will have a plan to fix this problem very soon.
Dillon Petry Alpine, TN
Tech ignoring law honoring U.S. flag Why does TTU choose to violate federal law as codified in 4 USC § 1 et seq., more commonly known as the U.S. Flag Code? I refer specifically to the practice of hoisting and retreating the colors at the beginning and end of the business day respectively. Section
on Barnes and Noble fees for using school property. Price negotiation should be an area of interest for those involved in the negotiation of this contract. I sincerely believe the Barnes and Noble bookstore on campus is taking advantage of the students who buy their school supplies there.
Douglas Summers Jamestown, TN
Christine Seiber
The intramural parking lot is open for commuters. This picture of available spots was taken on a Tuesday morning. 6 subsection A of title 4 United States Code reads: “It is a universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twentyfour hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.” Upon finding that Tennessee Tech Police acquired the responsibility of flag detail, I spoke with one of the officers. The officer respectfully informed me, “It has always been this way, and I don’t foresee changing anytime soon.” We owe it to our service members and veterans, on campus and around the world, to treat the flag with the utmost respect by following the law as it is written. If the agency responsible in enforcing the law refuses to follow this law, what else are they not doing?
Justin Jones student veteran Cookeville, TN
Bookstore prices The costs of supplies in the school’s Barnes and Noble bookstore are considerably higher than they should be. An example is a notebook. This notebook at Barnes and Noble costs over twelve dollars. The same notebook at Wal-Mart costs a little over nine dollars. For textbooks, I purchased all of mine much cheaper from Amazon.com. I personally saved almost two hundred dollars simply because I shopped elsewhere. It’s my understanding that the bookstore signs a contract with the school in order to function on the school grounds. I would think that it’s sensible to get the products at a discounted price for the students. I also think that it’s not unreasonable for Barnes and Noble to have competitive pricing with the surrounding community. This would also help prevent students from spending excessively and unnecessarily. As a reward for doing this, TTU could drop the price
Halloween tradition This year the decision to cancel the highly anticipated Trick or Treat event passed. Time constraints and low figures for the candy budget led to the sad dismissal of this 12th annual affair. According to several new merchants moving into West Side, they wanted to produce a big, carnival-like festival, but due to lack of time, this request did not happen. In response to their suggestion, Toni Evans, director of Cityscape said, “We want to do it up right, and that will take some time, as well as lining up the volunteers to do it.” As a person who thoroughly enjoys Halloween and all its festivities, I felt disappointed by the decision. I hope that next year’s event makes up for the lack of one this year and is worth the time, effort, and money used to bring this festival to life. Regarded as a fun family and community event, this Wide Side event was gravely missed.
Holly Arms Algood, TN
EMILY BOOKER Editorial Editor Dear fellow elevator users, I have my usual morning routine. After my first class, I enter the RUC on the ground floor, check my mailbox and take the elevator The Oracle office on the third floor. Am I lazy? Sure because I am perfectly capable of taking the stairs, and the elevators are meant for people who aren’t capable of using the stairs or for people moving large items. The reason I starting taking the elevator is the same reason most of you probably don’t know there is a third floor of the RUC: no one staircase goes from ground to third. There are stairs from ground to second. There are stairs from first to third. But for some reason, no set of stairs covers all the floors, meaning stair users have to switch staircases to go from ground to third. When on the first floor, I’m more likely to take the stairs, since they go directly to third. But my laziness at avoiding one set of stairs then crossing the building to take a second set of stairs is superseded by those who take the elevator to go up (or worse, down) one floor. Really, one floor? That big spiral staircase from ground to first is too much to handle even though I just watched you sprint over to the elevator before the doors shut? There is barely time for that awkward elevator silence before you hop off 8 seconds later. And then someone else
gets on there to go up one floor. You’re not carrying anything heavy, usually just a phone, which you get frustrated at when the service goes out after the doors close. (Hint: service doesn’t go out on the stairs.) What should be a mundane 20 seconds of my life becomes an irritating few minutes as the doors open and close and open, and stay open because you’re pressing the door open button for your friend who is finishing a text before entering. I stand in the corner so as not to get in the way of the bustle. I wonder why you don’t use the stairs, especially when you turn to me and complain about how old and rickety the elevator is. I am aware that each time I use elevators in the RUC, I stand a risk of getting trapped. Statistically, I’m probably due for it to jam with me inside. So if you see me on there, take the stairs. You are also the one who hits the second floor button before saying, “Oh, I meant first,” meaning I get to stop on an extra floor for absolutely no reason. Did you really forget where the caf was, or are you just button happy? But I suppose I have to thank you, annoying elevator abusers, because when I see you gathered, waiting for two or three minutes for that one-floor ride when the stairs would have taken 15 seconds, you encourage me to avoid you and just take the stairs.
Alumni Announcement The date has been set, so mark your calendars now to aƩend Tennessee Tech’s Homecoming 2010. More informaƟon about Homecoming events for TTU alumni and friends is available at www.Ʃualumni.org/homecoming2010. You may also e-mail TTU Alumni RelaƟons at alumni@tntech.edu or call (931) 372-3205 or (800) 889-8730. We hope to see you there!
SPORTS www.tntechoracle.com
Page 8 | November 12, 2010
Tech Gameday Preview EKU (4-5, 3-2 OVC) at Golden Eagles (4-5, 3-3 OVC) WHEN: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Tucker Stadium LAST WEEK: EKU beat #2 Jacksonville St. 49-37, Tech lost to Murray St. 44-13 BY BRANDON GOODWIN
THE BREAKDOWN
Tech
EKU
QUARTERBACK Tech’s Lamb is battered and Barnes is unproven. EKU’s Pryor has thrown ten interceptions, but is going up against a injury-riddled defense.
RUSHING Tech’s three top rushers have each been injured in the last couple of weeks. EKU averages just 139 rushing yards/game Crawford
Barker
Johnson
Trio of FBS transfers make big impact at Tech By BRANDON GOODWIN Sports Editor
What do you get when you give a Jayhawk, a Beaver and a Wildcat a Tech uniform? A stellar combination of rushing, kicking and defense. Joc Crawford, Matt Barker and Will Johnson each transferred from Football Bowl Subdivision programs to play for the Golden Eagles this season, and each has been a significant addition to the roster. Crawford is a 6-foot-1-inch, 238-pound running back from Memphis. He transferred from the University of Kansas after the 2008 season. After sitting out last year due to NCAA rules, Crawford has made his presence known, leading the Golden Eagles in rushing yards (443) and rushing touchdowns (6). “A situation happened at Kansas where I didn’t feel comfortable there anymore,” he said. Crawford rushed for 232 yards and four touchdowns in his lone season as a Jayhawk. “I loved Kansas,” he said, “but things just didn’t work out the way [Kansas coach Mark Mangino] and I had talked about. “I felt like I needed a change,” Crawford said, “so I decided to come here.” After visiting Lamar and Abilene Christian universities, he chose Tech as the school at which he wanted to end his career. “I sprained my MCL and didn’t want to sit out a year in Texas so far away from my family,” he said, “so I decided to come closer to home.” Crawford said he is happy with his decision to come to Tech. “I get along fine with Coach Brown,” he said. “He’s a great coach and he really doesn’t take any crap from anybody. “It’s a good fit for me.” Barker, a sophomore kicker from Spokane, Wash., transferred to Tech after spending a year at Oregon State. “I was at Oregon State, and things weren’t working out,” he said. “After my freshman season there, they fired [Dave Ungerer], the coach that recruited me.”
After redshirting his sophomore year, Barker decided to transfer. Coach Ungerer contacted the staff at Tech and got Barker in touch with them. “This looked like the best bet as far as football goes,” Barker said, “and as far as the school setting that I wanted to be in.” Barker is 6-9 on field goal attempts this season, with each of his misses coming from beyond 40 yards. “I didn’t want to be in a really small town,” he said. “[Tech] is one of the bigger schools that I looked at.” Barker also looked at other FBS schools but did not want be forced to sit out a year. “I think it worked out pretty well,” he said. “I’ve had a pretty good season, considering it’s my first season. “I’m looking to finish the season strong and get a couple of wins then coming back strong again next season and trying to get a title.” Johnson is a 215-pound linebacker from Nashville. A graduate of Pearl-Cohn High School, he played his first two seasons of collegiate football at the University of Kentucky. He also transferred to Tech due to a coaching change. “The head coach that I went there with [Rich Brooks] retired,” he said, “so I decided I was going to leave too.” Johnson said he looked at other schools, but because he already knew some of the players at Tech, he decided to come to Cookeville. “Howard Griffin got me in touch with Coach Brown,” he said, “and from then on, I knew I was going to come here.” Johnson opened the season with an eight-tackle outing at Arkansas, earning a starting job at TCU with that performance. “I’m happy with the decision,” he said, “besides being hurt right now.” Johnson has totaled 43 tackles this season including a sack and four tackles for loss. He also has three pass breakups and leads the team with a pair of fumbles forced. Barker and Johnson each have two years of eligibility as Golden Eagles after this season. Crawford, however, will sport a Tech jersey for the final time as he celebrates senior day at next week’s game against Jacksonville State.
PUSH
RECEIVING Neither team has a great passing game, but the EKU secondary does give up over 300 yards/game through the air. Oh yeah, and Tech has Tim Benford.
KICKING Barker has revived Tech’s kicking game, making 6-8 with his misses coming from over 44 yards. EKU’s O’Connor is just 4-11 and 3-7 from under 40 yards.
HISTORY EKU shut Tech down after the opening drive last year in Richmond. The Colonels have won 49-17 overall in the series, including each of the last three.
STREAKING The Golden Eagles have won seven of its last eight at home while EKU is on an eight road game losing streak.
INJURY REPORT • QB Tre Lamb (doubtful), RB Dontey Gay (doubtful), OG Scott Schweitzer (doubtful), TE Cory Powers (doubtful), LB Will Johnson (doubtful), CB Caleb Mitchell (doubtful), OL Malcolm Jones (out) • Colonels: RB Kyle Lumpkin (out), QB Brendon Gregory (out), WR Shannon Davis (out)
PREDICTIONS Brandon Goodwin - EKU 24, Tech 17 Ross Harvey - Tech 31, EKU 21 Chuck Acheson - Tech 38, EKU 27 Will Housley - Tech 32, EKU 27 Christine Seiber - Tech 27, EKU 21
TECH’S TWO-DEEP VS. EASTERN KENTUCKY OFFENSE Left Tackle - 74 Wes Sherrill (6-4, 290, Fr.) 76 Jacob Hoot (6-5, 306, RS-Fr.) Left Guard - 65 Ryan St. John (6-4, 315, Jr.) 63 Matt Mercy (6-3, 295, Jr.) 67 Ben Davis (6-0, 260, Jr.) Center - 66 Michael Baker (6-2, 270, So.) 60 James Normand (6-2, 285, Fr.) Right Guard - 73 Slade Adams (6-6, 315, So.) 60 James Normand (6-2, 285, Fr.) Right Tackle - 72 Hunter Beedle (6-3, 285, So.) 62 Randall Reeves (6-2, 290, Fr.) Tight End - 87 DaJuan Brown (6-5, 255, Fr.) 84 Tyler York (6-3, 245, Jr.) B-Back - 1 Jocques Crawford (6-1, 238, TR-Jr.) 23 Cody Forbes (5-11, 195, Fr.) 39 Josh Perez (6-1, 230, So.) A-Back - 16 Zack Ziegler (6-0, 200, So.) 22 Tremaine Hudson (5-9, 190, Jr.) 24 Ronquez Beech (5-7, 190, RS-Fr.) W-Back - 17 Demetrous Garrett (5-9, 175, So.) 20 Doug Page (6-2, 225, Fr.) X-Receiver - 3 Tim Benford (6-1, 195, Jr.)
DEFENSE
Renegade - 31 Jake McIntosh (6-2, 230, Jr.) 54 Matt Moran (6-1, 210, So.) Field Corner - 21 Richmond Tooley (5-11, 185, Jr.) 4 Mauricio Wallace (5-10, 185, Jr.) Rover - 45 Dustin Dillehay (5-9, 190, Sr.) 28 DeShawn Harris (6-1, 195, So.) Free Safety - 11 Marty Jones (6-1, 195, So.) 12 Corey Watson (5-10, 180, Jr.) Boundary Corner - 10 Corbin Miles (5-10, 175, Sr.) 12 Corey Watson (5-10, 180, Jr.)
Bear - 5 Jamere Hogue (6-4. 260, Jr.) 13 Marcus Edwards (6-1, 225, So.) Anchor - 97 Justin Hilliard (6-3, 285, Sr.) 96 Dedrick Miley (6-1, 280, Sr.) Rock - 83 Travis Adkins (6-5, 275, Jr.) or 98 LaDarrius Verge (6-3, 275, So.) 13 Marcus Edwards (6-1, 225, So.) Ram - 49 Dwight Evans (6-1, 230, Jr.) 48 Tommie McBride (6-1, 235, So.) Bandit - 35 Justin Vann (5-11, 215, Jr.) 42 Kedrick Towles (6-2, 225, So.) Bull - 52 Kelechi Ordu (6-0, 225, Jr.) 51 Jerry King (6-0, 235, So.)
Placekicker - 91 Matthew Barker (6-1, 185, TR-So.) 99 Timothy Donegan (6-0, 190, So.) Punter - 93 Nick Campbell (6-2, 225, Jr.) 89 Jason Lennartz (6-1, 200, Sr.) Long Snapper - 61 Jordan Adams (6-3, 200, So.) 30 Taylor Hennigan (6-0, 180, So.) Holder - 93 Nick Campbell (6-2, 225, Jr.) 45 Dustin Dillehay (5-9, 190, Sr.) Returns - 27 Henry Sailes (5-7, 180, Sr.) 17 Demetrous Garrett (5-9, 175, So.) 16 Zach Ziegler (6-0, 200, So.)
81 Colin Allen (6-2, 195, Sr.) Z-Receiver - 27 Henry Sailes (5-7, 180, Sr.) or 2 Alden Olverson (5-10, 185, Jr.) 80 Ryan Tilghman (6-2, 190, RS-Fr.) Fullback - 43 Charlie Stevens (6-1, 230, Jr.) 40 Seth McDonald (5-11, 225, RS-Fr.) Quarterback - 8 Cass Barnes (6-2, 185, Sr.) 14 Clint Brewster (6-1, 200, Jr.)
SPECIAL TEAMS
SPORTS Page 9 | November 12, 2010
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Tech basketball previews Men’s team picked to finish sixth in conference By ROSS HARVEY Asst. Sports Editor
Four seniors will play their final home matches this weekend.
TTU Sports Information
Volleyball senior day Saturday By ASHLEY SMITH Staff Writer
As senior weekend kicks off tonight at 7 against Eastern Illinois, the Tech volleyball team looks to clench a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. “It’s sad that this is our last weekend of home games,” senior Leah Meffert said. “I’ve been playing volleyball since first grade. I’m looking forward to starting the real world.” Meffert will enter tonight’s match needing just eight kills to break Tech’s alltime kill record, which was set by Rachel Melchiorre in 1997. “It would be like setting a standard for those to come,” Meffert said. “It will be really special to leave my impression. I’m more focused on winning and making it to
the conference tournament, but breaking the record will be in the back of my mind.” If Tech wins both matches, it will lock up a position in the OVC tournament. With a record of 7-9 in conference play, Tech is at a dead tie with EIU. “Last time we played EIU, all of the sets were really close,” senior Marie Peddicord said. “We have improved a lot, and it will be a good match-up. The ball is in our court. We just have to take care of business.” The next home match will be tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 against Southeast Missouri. This will mark the last home match for Melanie Culp, Leah Meffert, Marie Peddicord and Laura Pierce, and they will be honored for their four years of success at the Senior Day activities. “Even though SEMO’s conference record does not show it, they al-
ways give us a run for our money,” Peddicord said. “We can’t take them lightly. They beat us last year at home and took pictures in front of our basketball goal, so that left a bitter taste in our mouths. We won’t let it happen again!” SEMO has a record of 3-9 in conference play and has been defeated by Tech 3-2 in the last three seasons. “It has been a great four years,” said Peddicord. “I am glad to have made such great friendships and memories.” Peddicord and Meffert agreed that their greatest memory of their careers was winning the conference tournament their sophomore year. “Getting into the conference tournament is what we train for,” Meffert said. “If we win the conference championship my senior year, words would not describe how happy I would be.”
The Extra Point By ROSS HARVEY
Asst. Sports Editor raharvey42@tntech.edu
Earl Lloyd: First in all aspects Let me start off the column with an easy question: who was the first AfricanAmerican to play in a Major League Baseball game? The answer: Jackie Robinson, in 1947. Now, a not-so-easy question: three years later, who was the first AfricanAmerican to play in a National Basketball Association game? Don’t know? His name is Earl Lloyd. If I was asked this question before last weekend, I wouldn’t have been able to answer the question either. But this past Sunday I had the great privilege to meet Lloyd during an event hosted by the Athletic Program and Men’s Basketball coach Mike Sutton. The event, “Celebrating 60 with Earl Lloyd” was held on the 60th anniversary of the day Lloyd played in his first NBA game. Let me first commend all who were involved in the planning of the event on an extremely well done job, culminating in the presentation of a retired Number 22 Tech jersey and a photo spread featuring Lloyd in his playing days. To recognize a man that has achieved so much in life is no small feat, but to do it in such a grand and professional way as I witnessed on Sunday was beyond belief. Hall-of-Famer Bob Lanier introduced Lloyd as a representative of NBA Commissioner David Stern. I have to admit that I was more excited to see Bob Lanier, the 1970 number -one NBA draft pick and eight-time All-Star, than I would have been if David Stern had entered the room. Being in the same room as Lanier was a huge deal in itself. Lanier spoke about Lloyd, who helped draft Lanier when he scouted for the Pistons. He spoke fondly about their close relationship. The 6-foot-10-inch Lanier, a great player that I had heard my father speak about many times was a treat to listen to. And although Lanier wears size 22 shoes, it was Lloyd’s shoes that could not have been
filled on this day. As Lloyd stepped to the podium following some glowing words by Sutton, the room went silent in captivated awe. It was hard to imagine a person who accomplished so much being so humble and friendly. Lloyd was exactly that. He spoke about his college career, during which he was an All-American twice, and he led West Virginia State to an undefeated season in 1947. He spoke of former players that influenced his career and experiences that stuck out in his mind. The room was no longer silent as we all laughed with Lloyd during many of his incredible accounts. He opened the floor to attendees and allowed them to ask him any questions they might have. After he was done speaking, he invited everyone to come to the front to visit and take pictures with him. As I made my way to the front, I will admit that I was nervous. After shaking his hand and posing for a few pictures, I was even more impressed with Lloyd. He acted as if he was a regular human being. It’s an example from which some sports stars of today should learn. In addition to being the first AfricanAmerican to play in the NBA, he was the first bench coach in the NBA and was a head coach for the Pistons. The Hall-of-Famer was also the first African-American to play on a NBA-championship team. To be a man of such incredible firsts and have such class, he is no doubt a first-class man, plain and simple. I cannot imagine some of the things that Lloyd would have heard and seen growing up and living in segregated America. To push past that negativity and to step out as a pioneer for the NBA we have today is an unbelievable achievement. Basketball fans today, including myself, have Lloyd and those like him to thanks. And I am exceptionally grateful.
Recent winners in the Ohio Valley Conference Men’s Basketball tournament have won due in part to the depth and balance on their rosters. That recipe for success has Tennessee Tech hoping to come away from this year’s OVC tourney, which will be hosted in Nashville, satisfied. While listing the positives that his team has showed so far this season in practice and exhibitions, Ninth-year Tech head coach Mike Sutton listed depth and balance. “[They] are keys for us,” he said. “We have a variety of guys that can score the ball. With such good, skilled players all around, it gives us flexibility and makes the game easier.” Although Tech was picked to finish sixth in the regular season, the same place they ended the previous season, Sutton said he feels his team is better than that. However, he’d rather let his team prove it on the court. “All the games are decided between the lines. We concentrate on that,” he said. “We’ll work hard and let the rest come to us.” A key to success may be junior forward Kevin Murphy. As Tech’s only Preseason AllOVC selection, Murphy was fifth among all OVC players a year ago. Sutton talked about Murphy and returning starting forward Alfred Jones. “[Murphy] has good size, he’s a hard worker and he can shoot, handle the ball and attack the boards,” Sutton said. “We challenge him to be the best guy on the floor at all times.
That’s where he has got even better from last year. [Jones] has also improved. Inside, on the boards, they will make it fun to watch.” Liam McMorrow, 7-foot center newcomer, made his presence felt when his first Tech basket was a thunderous dunk against CarsonNewman on a nice pass from Charles Newton III. He looks to add size to an already talented front court. Along with Terrell Barnes and Byron Pickens at the forward spot, Jud Dillard and Murphy can play the four spot. The versatility of the team makes matchups hard for opponents. When Bassey Inameti returns from a wrist injury, he adds another big body underneath the goal. “We have bodies inside. On a game-togame basis, we have flexibility,” Sutton said. Coming off their Redshirt seasons, guards Chase Dunn and Zac Swansey look poised to make an impact. Swansey looked good running the offense during last Thursday’s exhibition game, and Dunn knocked down open opportunities from the 3-point range. Add them to the experience of junior Zach Bailey, who can play both guard spots, and the back court is almost as deep as the front court. Sutton hopes this is a winning combination. In addition to a strong OVC conference, Tech plays North Carolina State, Michigan State and Lipscomb, three teams with success in their conference. “We have a tough schedule, but we can play it,” Sutton said. “It’s easy to get up for these games, but we’ve been there before. We have professional guys who play together. This group is talented. “I hope the students will come, enjoy it, and make ‘The Hoop’ a hard place [for visitors] to play because we will be fun to watch.”
Hayes, Cook picked to preseason All-OVC team By JOSEPH GWYNN Staff Writer
The Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team is looking forward to its upcoming season with great expectations. Coach Sytia Messer, who is in her second year as the head coach at Tech, is excited about the season and the talent that she has on her team. The Golden Eagles were picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference in the preseason polls. “We want to win,” Coach Messer said, “but we understand that is going to take hard work. We are just going to take it one possession at a time.” The Golden Eagles have set their goals to make the defensive aspect of their game the main focus. They have been working hard on defensive drills and hustling in practice. “We spend maybe an hour and a half of our two and half hour practices on defense and getting better at defending as a team,” Messer said. “We are very excited and committed
on the defensive end.” The Golden Eagles have set a goal for the season to try to force an average of 20 turnovers per game. Even though the Golden Eagles are a team with no seniors and only four juniors on the roster, they have plenty of experience between them. A lot of the leadership responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of its two preseason OVC players Kellie Cook and Tacarra Hayes. Hayes finished the season last year earning a spot on the 1st team All-OVC team, while Cook earned a spot on the All-OVC freshman team. Hayes led the team in scoring last year with 16.9 points per game, while Cook followed right behind her with 12.6. Hayes also led the Golden Eagles in the rebounds and assists categories, while Cook finished second in rebounds and third in assists. The Golden Eagles have a slew of newcomers to complement their style of play. Freshman Briana Jordan, daughter of Brian Jordan who played for the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons, has been a key acquisition for the Golden Eagles because she is
Men’s 2010-11 Basketball Schedule Nov. 12 at North Carolina St. Nov. 20 at East Tenn. St. Nov. 23 Appalachian St. Nov. 28 at Michigan St. Dec. 1 SIU Edwardsville Dec. 4 at Jacksonville St. * (DH) Dec. 8 High Point Dec. 11 Lipscomb Dec. 19 Eastern Ill. * (DH) Dec. 21 SE Missouri St. * (DH) Dec. 30 Crowley’s Ridge College Jan. 2 Bluefield Col. (DH) Jan. 6 at Morehead St. * (DH) Jan. 8 at Eastern Ky. * (DH) Jan. 13 Tenn.-Martin * (DH) Jan. 15 Murray St. * (DH) Jan. 20 at Austin Peay * (DH) Jan. 22 at Tennessee St. * (DH) Jan. 27 at Eastern Ill. * (DH) Jan. 29 at SE Missouri St. * (DH) Feb. 3 Eastern Ky. * (DH)
a true point guard with a pass first mentality that seems to open up players such as Hayes and Cook for more scoring opportunities. Also, another key player that should prove to be a big difference for the Golden Eagles, both figuratively and literally, is junior Brittany Darling. Darling is a 6-foot5-inch center that will play a big role in shutting down the paint along with freshman Candace Parson, who is currently out indefinitely with an injury. “I think Brittany will cause some matchup problems in the OVC because there’s not a lot of girls her size in our conference,” Messer said. “The number one thing she will do for us is alter shots.” The Golden Eagles also have many other newcomers that should impact the season. With the experience and leadership of some of those upperclassmen and some newcomers stepping in as leaders as well in their respective roles, the Golden Eagles will try to push through the OVC and capture an OVC championship.
Women’s 2010-11 Basketball Schedule Nov. 15 Alabama A&M Nov. 18 at Lipscomb Nov. 21 at Belmont Nov. 27 Tenn. Wesleyan Dec. 1 Middle Tenn. (DH) Dec. 4 at Jacksonville St. * (DH) Dec. 7 at Kentucky Dec. 11 at Drake Dec. 19 Eastern Ill. * (DH) Dec. 21 SE Missouri St. * (DH) Dec. 29 at Central Florida Jan. 2 St. Louis (DH) Jan. 6 at Morehead St. * (DH) Jan. 8 at Eastern Ky. * (DH) Jan. 13 Tenn.-Martin * (DH) Jan. 15 Murray St. * (DH) Jan. 20 at Austin Peay * (DH) Jan. 22 at Tennessee St. * (DH) Jan. 27 at Eastern Ill. * (DH) Jan. 29 at SE Missouri St. * (DH) Feb. 3 Eastern Ky. * (DH) For full schedules, visit TTUSports.com
ENTERTAINMENT www.tntechoracle.com
Page 10 | November 12, 2010
Bryan Symphony staging ‘Peter and the Wolf’ Sunday By KYLE BUCKNER Staff Writer
Photos / Christine Seiber Above: Pseudolus (Charles Anthony Long) and Hysterium (Steven Harris) plan their next move. Right: Philia (Elissa Longfellow) and Hero (Richard “Rico” McMahon) embrace each other.
‘A Funny Thing’ wraps up this weekend By CHRISTINE SEIBER Managing Editor “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” opened Nov. 4 at the Backdoor Playhouse to an expectant audience. “Musicals tend to do very well here,” director Mark Creter explained after the final dress rehearsal on Nov. 3. “We expect a large crowd. It’s a fun, fast-paced show.” Set in ancient Rome, “A Funny Thing Happened” has the plot twists and character profiles of a modern day sex-fueled comedy flick. The entire play takes place on the street in front of the houses of Erronious, Senex and Lycus. Once the characters are introduced, plot lines and back stories begin to intertwine among the households. In the house of Senex, a young man named Hero (Richard ‘Rico’ McMahon), flirts from afar with the girl next door, Philia (Elissa Longfellow). McMahon and Longfellow have incredible stage chemistry, and it is emphasized by their hungry glances to each other across the
stage and with well-placed virgin jokes directed toward the pair by cast members. Naturally, in true comedic form, the main couple’s romance is hindered by a frustrating circumstance. In Philia’s case, it is that she lives in the house of Lycus, the whorehouse that Hero is forbidden to approach. Another notable pair is the friendship of Pseudolus (Charles Anthony Long) and Hysterium (Stephen Harris). Both slaves in the house of Senex, Pseudolus’ scheming but endearing qualities are pleasantly buffered by Hysterium’s desire to be the model citizen. Long and Harris have the most stage time, and their high-energy relationship screams the definition of “buddy comedy.” Meanwhile, the house of Erronious serves as a highly effective third-tier plot line to maintain the play’s comedic thread. Erronious, which is Latin for “wandering”, is indeed a wandering old man in search of his missing children. Shane Cummingham, who plays Erronious, does a spectacular job of portraying someone who is many decades his senior.
Playgoers will be curious to see how Erronious’ storyline eventually works its way into the lives of the other two households, but the keenest eyes should be able to spot it by the end of Act One. If the allure of quality acting, a solid plot and a finely-tuned orchestra don’t make you want to see this play, the set design will. As the Backdoor Playhouse is a modest venue, and its stage can only accommodate humble horizontal space, the set design was taken vertically with three-story set pieces and signature Roman columns. This play is highly recommended if you enjoy blatant innuendo and saucy humor. Parents should not be wary of bringing small children to the play, as the sexual jokes are sparse, used when necessary, and are only able to be understood with a teenage mentality. If Homecoming festivities aren’t your thing, “A Funny Thing Happened” shows tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. Tech students are free with ID. The Backdoor Playhouse charges $12 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens and $5 for non-Tech students.
The Bryan Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a classic children’s tale, “Peter and the Wolf,” as well as Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7 at 3 p.m. Sunday in the the Bryan Fine Arts Building Wattenbarger Auditorium. “Peter and the Wolf” is a story about a young boy who ventures into a meadow outside of his grandfather’s house with his pet cat and a duck that lives in his grandfather’s garden. The group plays in the yard until Peter’s grandfather comes to scold him for leaving the grounds of the house, saying that a wolf could come out of the forest at any moment. Peter returns home and leaves the duck and the cat in the meadow, only to escape over the garden wall later.
The wolf shows back up, and then the plot thickens. “This is a very special performance because dancers from Stage One Dance Academy will be accompanying the BSO during this performance,” Gail Luna, Bryan Symphony Orchestra executive director, said. “We’re very excited about the collaboration.” In addition to the choreography, Mark Creter, Tech theater professor and Backdoor Playhouse director, will narrate the piece. A concert preview will be held at 2 p.m. in Bryan Fine Arts Building Room 223, and a reception will be held at 5 p.m. in the lobby following the performance. Adult tickets are $30, senior tickets are $26 and student tickets are $8. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Bryan Symphony Orchestra box office at 931-525-2633.
Entertainment Homecoming Events “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Final Shows November 12th and 13th @ 8 p.m. “Peter and the Wolf” presented by the Bryan Symphony Orchestra November 14th @ 3 p.m.
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Spin Dat Record: Sufjan Stevens’ ‘The Age of Adz’ By KYLE BUCKNER Special to The Oracle The musical palette of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Sufjan Stevens is one that is ever expanding, all-inclusive and awe-inspiring. One can never be sure what he’s up to at any point in time. Whether it’s an instrumental album or an album about a state of which he is fond, which was the case for his 2003 album “Michigan” and his 2005 release “Illinois,” Sufjan Stevens seems to be constantly at work. For his sixth studio album entitled “The Age of Adz,” Stevens decided to go in a direction that no one really expected. On his previous albums, he’s tended to tote the traditional acoustic guitar and banjo, with a choir or two in the background for good measure. He has also favored soft, whispery vocals in the tracks of his previous albums. This time he dropped the strings, kept the choir, picked up a synthesizer, and started yelling a bit more. The first track on the album, “Futile Devices,” is a beautiful track. Short but sweet, the track employs simplistic lyrical style and pairs soft and lilting piano with floating guitar. This is a misleading first track, however. The second track, “Too Much,” starts with some electro-noise blurbs, followed by a jaggedly catchy synthesizer melody. This sounds much like a typical Sufjan song aside from the music, which seems like its exploding and shooting off into different directions in the background. The title track “The Age of Adz” is an eerie track crammed with so many unidentifiable, creepy background noises that is sounds like an old sci-fi movie or something. The vocals are synthesized; the choir hangs out in the background for the occasional refrain, and some
brass instruments show up here and there to make it extra ominous. This is an extremely interesting and complex 8-minute track. I don’t see how he does it. The next track that I really enjoyed was “Now that I’m Older.” The song opens up with the charPhoto Courtesy of Sufjan Stevens acteristic choir Sufjan Stevens performing during a concert in 2009. floating up into the rafters of some cathedral. He really has some tal- ally confusing and mysterious and debilented ladies in his crew, and their voices itating. It was a virus I had that affected are a wonderful addition to the chaos. my nervous system and I no longer had This song doesn’t have much of a tradi- control of my responses to circumstances tional melody, but it’s beautiful none- and events...It was really bizarre.” The last song that I wanted to mentheless. Sufjan’s voice moans and yelps tion is “I Want to Be Well.” This song is all over the place. He layers the abrasive sounds of his voice with the pure and most definitely not a classic-style Sufpitch-perfect vocals of the choirgirls, and jan song. The music is very choppy and quick. Flutes soar and an array of other the sound is really dense and unique. “Vesuvius” is probably my favorite cryptic sounds dance around Sufjan’s track on the album. It’s the closest thing lonely voice. This took me by surprise to a typical Sufjan song. Soft keys hold because Sufjan really lets loose and disdown the song while electronic noise proves what people think of him. He’s darts from headphone to headphone been known as indie music’s poster child next to screeching synth guitar. Sufjan of all things cute and nice. In this track, suffered from a severe virus last year however, he gets darker and even curses that put him in poor health, so I think about twenty times toward the end. This is such a well-rounded, bizarre this song is how he translated what he complex installment in Sufjan’s catawent through. “I probably shouldn’t go into the logue. After hearing this it’s easy to tell gory details of what I went through,” that Sufjan can make any kind of muSufjan told pitchfork.com, “but I will say sic…and make that music uniquely his that I did get very sick last year and had own. He sounds like no one else, and no some serious health issues that were re- one else can imitate. This is a fantastic album. Five stars, Sufjan, old boy.
Local Honey with Kassi Thomas: Levi Weaver Exactly four years ago next week, I drove to Nashville to see Imogen Heap. Picked up in England by way of Texas, Levi Weaver opened the show. Dressed like Nashville’s own Man in Black with a “Johnny Cash is a Friend of Mine” T-shirt on under his black leather jacket, Weaver performed a set which revealed his reign as governor in the state of mind where break-up ballads are penned, or in his words “an angel of the death of love.” There was no use in trying to pin labels to him--singer/songwriter, one-man band, multi-instrumentalist, live-looper–-as he masterfully fused grit with silk before my eyes (and ears, of course). A few months after the conclusion of Imogen Heap’s 2006 US tour, Levi moved to Music City to continue to pursue writing and recording. In late 2007, he released “You Are Never Close to Home, You Are Never Far
From Home,” and toured extensively in support of it, including a stop at our own Backdoor Playhouse the following year. In 2008, “All My Best Friends Are Mostly
Strangers,” a cover song EP that featured a stunning oneman performance of Mew’s “The Zookeeper Boy,” came out. In 2009, Levi announced
his next project; a full-length record entitled “The Letters of Dr. Kurt Gödel.” Beginning in September, one track per month would be released as it was completed. The process was to conclude after one year. Having committed to abandon the years spent reliving unrequited love stories in smoky pubs by leaving the break-up songs behind, Weaver’s writing took an incredibly personal turn. However, the ambitious song-permonth deadlines proved to be too rigid for the creative process, and a brief hiatus occurred to make way for soulsearching. He blogged a few times about calling it quits, but stuck to finishing the album he set out to make.
This story continues
Photo Courtesy of Levi Weaver
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Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) and Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) embark on a horribly unfunny cross-country journey.
Let ’s Talk About CHUCK ACHESON Movies By Entertainment Editor
When the funniest part of your movie is a clip from “Two and a Half Men,” you might be in trouble. “Due Date” tries to do for “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” what “Hot Tub Time Machine” did for “Back to the Future,” but the result is undoubtedly causing John Candy to spin in his grave. The story follows Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.), who after a misunderstanding aboard a plane heading to Los Angeles lands him on a no-fly list, travels across country with an unlikely compatriot in Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis). Highman hopes to make it home in time for the birth of his first child while the two learn about themselves along the way. The story is mildly inspired as Highman and Tremblay make their way across the nation with several moments that are almost tender and heart-warming. When Highman nearly leaves Tremblay behind at a rest stop, you start to feel bad for him, and you get a glimpse of what this movie could have been. It’s unfortunate that these rare moments of visual pleasure are sandwiched between jokes about dog masturbation, which brings me to the humor of the movie. With very rare exception, the humor in the movie fails time and time again. Instead of going for many sophisticated or thoughtful jokes, director Todd Phillips decides to go for the lowest common denominator of humor. Was “Freddy Got Fingered” too highbrow for you? You’ll love “Due Date.” I get it. This is Phillips’ forté and sense of humorhe’s raunchy. Good for him. But just because he succeeds in spades at being raunchy
doesn’t mean it’s funny. At several points, I wanted to leave the theater, but because either I am a self-masochist or I have a warped sense of duty to stay until the end, I sat through all 100 boring minutes. By staying until the end of the movie, however, I did witness one thoughtful joke. When Highman makes it to the hospital where his wife is in labor, he ran into the wrong delivery room and the joke built on earlier parts of the movie. But, this joke came far too late in the movie to change anything. As I sat there bored throughout the movie, one question kept reoccurring to me. Hasn’t Michael Cera taught us anything about character design? Galifianakis takes on the role of Tremblay just as he played Alan Garner in “The Hangover” and Therman in “Dinner for Schmucks.” Originality is entirely overrated. Not to be outdone in the battle of “who can play the same character in everything until it stopped being funny three movies ago,” Danny McBride makes a cameo. Guess what he plays? If you guessed anything other than an even trashier version of Kenny Powers, you’re wrong and a hopeless optimist. Downey supplies some relief in the desert of boredom, but even he is way off his game in “Due Date.” Jamie Foxx is pretty funny; unfortunately, he’s in the movie for all of five minutes. You should steer clear of this disaster. “Due Date” has some heartfelt moments you can dig, but unfortunately, it’s as funny as a holocaust museum. Make sure to check back next week as we wrap up the final issue of The Oracle with “Skyline.”
MPAA Rating: R
Final Grade: D
Read The Oracle, become sophisticated.
By MATT KNIELING | For more comics, illustrations and information, check out www.inanimateshorts.com or the Inanimate Shorts: Comics and Illustrations by Matt Knieling Facebook group.
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