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O

THE

RACLE

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

Volume 96 | Issue 9 | Free in single copy | November 30, 2012

Tech lands among top national rankings for eighth straight year

By MICA BILBREY Beat Reporter Tech’s ranked in the top 100 Best College Buys for the eighth consecutive year through Institutional Research and Evaluation, Inc. According to 100bestcollegebuys.com, the organization specializes in identifying the top 100 American colleges by focusing on high quality education at a low cost.

Robert Hodum, tech enrollment management, said he thinks students choose Tech because it’s affordable, and they collect less debt while in college.

“We try to help students along the way to think about once you graduate, we want you to have the least debt,” Hodum said. “We understand that students look at the present time.

If we can help them down the road by having a low student debt, that helps it become more affordable for the student.”

The Tennessee ranking bases the schools by the in-state and out-of-state costs for students and from prospective students’ GPA, SAT and ACT scores submitted to the college.

The four schools included with Tech are Belmont University, Union University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Tennessee at Martin. Tech has the lowest in-state tuition in the TBR region and second lowest in-state and out-of-state cost in Tennessee.

Tech’s in-state cost is $14,674 and out-of-state is $29,542.

Hodum said one way to keep debt down is by counseling students when they take out student loans.

“The financial aid office works with students to say to the student that they might qualify for $6,000 in loans but they really only need $3,000 to pay their bills, so we council students to keep their loan debt low,” Hodum said.

LGBT employees may benefit from committee proposal

By GERILYN LEMONS Beat Reporter Tech’s Faculty Senate is set to review a resolution regarding benefit equality proposed by the Faculty Senate at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville during its meeting Nov. 12.

The Resolution on Support for Benefit Equality presented by

2012-2013 COST OF A ATTENDANCE

Voting for the spring 2013 SOLO concert opens today, with students choosing from five comedians.

The selection of comedians are Aziz Ansari, Gabriel Iglesias, Ralphie May, Joel McHale and Bill Engvall.

Students are excited about the genre and have varying opinions on who they want to come perform.

“We’ve got great choices this time,” Kimberly Manning, Tech student, said.

Aziz Ansari is best known for his work on the television show “Parks and Recreation,” where his character Tom Haverford is one of the main characters. He also recently Ansari hosted the 2012 MTV Movie Awards and has appeared in movies such as “Get Him to the Greek,” “I love You, Man” and “What’s Your Number?”

Gabriel Iglesias is best known

35,000

FRIDAY 53/40 °F

$ , $29,542

30,000 $26,816

25,000

20,000

$17 844 $17,844 4

1. Belmont University

3.53

2. Tennessee T Tech University T

3.39

3. Union University

3.65

4. University of TTennessee - Knoxville

3.78

5. University of TTennessee - Martin

3.41

ENTERING FRESHMAN SAT/ A /ACT SCORE A AVERAGE

$14,674

$14,026 6

15,000

COLLEGE

SAT/A A CT AVER A AGE

1. Belmont University

5,000

1160/26

2. Tennessee T Tech University T

10,000

Belmont University

TN Tech T University

Union University

In-state Costs

University of T Tennessee Knoxville

University of T Tennessee Martin

Not applicable/23

3. Union University

1180/26

4. University of TTennessee - Knoxville

1160/26

5. University of TTennessee - Martin

Not applicable/Not applicable

Graphic by Will Housley America’s 100 Best College Buys 17th Annual Report

Out-of-state Costs

for appearing on season four of “Last Comic Standing” as “the fluffy guy.” He has done numerous comedic specials such as “Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat...

I’m Fluffy” and “Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution.”

Iglesias also appeared in the film “MagIglesias ic Mike.”

Ralphie May is best known for appearing on season one of “Last Comic Standing,” with appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Wayne Brady Show.” He has also had comedy specials such as “AustinTatious” and “Too Big to Ignore.”

“I am probably going to vote for Ralphie May,” Scotty Litton, May Tech student, said.

Joel McHale is best known for being the host of “The Soup,” a show that pokes fun of current is-

SATURDAY 56/45 °F

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$34,080 0

$33 920 $33,920 0 $33,920 $33 920 0

the Benefits and Professional Development Committee proposes all benefits of employment at UTKnoxville extend to all employees without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.

The resolution was adopted April 2 and suggests that while members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered, or LGBT, Community contribute to the success of the university just as heterosexual faculty members do, the employee benefits for the LGBT employees are not the same.

Specifically, these benefits include family leave, child care, educa-

TNTECHORACLE.COM

COLLEGE

$36,334 4 $34,080 0

tional assistance and health insurance for the domestic partners of LGBT employees.

Two administrators at UTKnoxville, Chancellors Jimmy Cheek and Larry Arrington, initially received the resolution and were the subject of much ridicule from on-campus organizations such as the Commission for LGBT People when they denied the resolution, stating it is “inconsistent with the public policy of our state expressed in constitutional and statutory provisions.”

See “LGBT,” page 2

SOLO comedian concert voting starts today

By ARIEL PERRY Beat Reporter

ENTERING FRESHMAN GPA P AVERAGE

sues and celebrities. McHale is also known for making appearances on “Sons of Anarchy” and playing the main character Jeff Winger on “Community.”

He has also starred in such films as “Ted,” “What’s Your McHale Number?” and “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World.”

Bill Engvall is best known for his work on the “Blue Collar Comedy Tour.” He has also starred in “The Bill Engvall Show,” “Blue Collar TV,” “The Jeff Foxworthy Show” and is the current host of “Lingo.” Engvall has also had numerous solo comedy specials, such “Here’s Your Engvall Sign” and “Aged and Confused.”

“I’m voting for Bill Engvall,” Nick Cantrell, Tech student, said.

No matter the choice, a night full of laughs is expected during spring’s SOLO concert.

@TNTECHORACLE SUNDAY 63/48 °F

Photo Services

Approximately 925 Tech students are expected to graduate on Dec. 15. The ceremony is set for 10 a.m. in the Hooper Eblen Center.

Nearly 1,000 to graduate next month

By JESSICA SMITH Beat Reporter Tech alumnus Beecher H. Hunter will speak during the Dec. 15 commencement when, according to preliminary numbers, approximately 925 students are expected to graduate.

“It didn’t really sink in, I guess, until a little later when I was thinking about the honor that had Hunter been extended,” Hunter said. “How many people who graduate from school have the opportunity years later to be invited to come back to speak at commencement? That number would be relatively small, and to be included in that is humbling but very much appreciated.”

Hunter graduated from Tech in 1961 with a degree in English and is currently the president of Life Care Centers of America, which is the third largest provider of long-term healthcare.

“We give the speakers a fair amount of leeway in what they speak about, but it’s generally something motivational or inspirational,” Debbie Combs, coordinator of special projects,

said.

Hunter said he is still working on his speech.

“I think it’s going to be around the theme of ‘Now that you have graduated from a great university and are about to step out into the world or career and the rest of your life, what are some life lessons you’ll be learning?’ or something along that theme.”

As of Nov. 27, Tech anticipated 794 undergraduate students and 131 graduate students to get their degrees this fall.

The numbers included 111 master’s degrees: 48 College of Education, four College of Arts and Sciences, 33 College of Business, 16 College of Engineering, five College of Interdisciplinary Studies and five College of Nursing; 14 educational specialist degrees: four Educational Psychology, nine Curriculum and Instruction and one Instructional Leadership; and six doctorate degrees: two Environmental Sciences and four College of Engineering.

Numbers are subject to change after the Nov. 30 deadline for theses and dissertations and the Dec. 7 deadline, when grades of Incomplete must be changed to letter grades.

The preliminary numbers from the graduation office listed the youngest graduate as 20 years old and the oldest as 60 years old.

Commencement will be at 10 a.m.

Dec. 15 in the Hooper Eblen Center.

FACEBOOK.COM/TNTECHORACLE MONDAY 65/49 °F

TUESDAY 60/35 °F

WEDNESDAY 50/35 °F

CONTACT: news - 931.372.3285 - oracle@tntech.edu | advertising - 931.372.3031 - ttuoracleads@gmail.com

NEWS Page 2 | November 30, 2012

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CRIME BRIEFS: - Nov. 29 - 1:55 Classification: Trespass of Real Property Location: New Hall North (East Dorm Parking Lot) Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 26 -9:00 Classification: Drug/Narcotic Location: McCord Hall (Outtakes) Disposition: Closed. No suspects or wit nesses Notes: None.

- Nov. 26- 7:00 Classification: Theft from building Location: Fitness Center Disposition: Pending further Investiga tion.

Notes: None.

Nov. 19- 1:20 Classification: Other (Open theft) Location: Bruner Hall (Bike Rack) Disposition: Pending further investigation.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 27- 12:20 Classification: Destruction/Damage/ Vandalism Location: South Hall Disposition: Closed. No identifiable suspect.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 23 - 8:35 Classification: Burglary/Breaking & Entering Location: West Stadium (Concession Stand) Disposition: Closed. No suspects or witnesses.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 26 - 8:30 Classification: Theft from Building Location: Fitness Center (Basketball Court) Disposition: Closed. No identifiable suspect.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 20 - 2:45 Classification: Other (Open theft) Location: New Hall North (Bike Rack) Disposition: Pending further Investigation.

Notes: None.

- Not Available- 10:15 Classification: Disorderly Conduct Location: Dunn Hall (Lobby) Disposition: Closed. Referred to Dean of Students.

Notes: None.

- Nov. 15 - 10:19 Classification: Drug/Narcotic Violation Location: New Hall North (Dorm Room) Disposition: Closed. Subject arrested.

Notes: None.

- Sept. 18 - Not Available Classification: Theft from building Location: Prescott Hall (Storage Room) Disposition: Open Case.

Notes: None.

For up-to-date crime information, visit tntechoracle.com >> LGBT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The chancellors’ response stated, “We hope you understand that in our positions as leaders of an agency of the State of Tennessee, it is incumbent upon us to act consistently with the public policy of our state.”

Resolution supporters argue employee benefit equality should be extended to LGBT employees because the University of Tennessee

declares itself as an “EEO/ AA/ Title VI/ Section 504/ ADA/ ADEA institution in the provision of its employment programs and services providing equal consideration for employment without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Supporters also maintain denying the resolution goes against one of the University’s mottos, “Welcoming to all and hostile to none,” and puts the University at a disadvantage in establishing

diversity.

Currently, Tech has no policy regarding this issue, and many faculty members believe state legislation will need to be established before universities under the Tennessee Board of Regents can make policy changes.

Tech’s Faculty Senate will not make any comments on the matter at this time and plan to discuss conducting an official response to the resolution in its Jan. 25 meeting.

Physics and chemistry combine for fun times PRESS RELEASE The marble shot off the mousetrap, flying across the room and barely missing a chemical engineering student who had moved out of the way seconds earlier.

The accidentally launched marble was part of a Rube Goldberg machine designed by a team of freshmen chemical engineering students at Tech.

The marble was supposed to fly across the room after a paper plate fell from the weight of crayons melted by a hairdryer.

The plate would then nudge a toy car down a ramp to hit and knock over a cup of vinegar, which would flow through a funnel and react with baking soda to melt ice. The water was supposed to soak a sponge, and that weight would flip

Photo Services

Students show off their very own Rube Goldberg machine. the sponge and hit a toy tire that would fall and spring the mouse trap. Then the marble was supposed to go flying.

But none of it worked. “Engineers love to build,” Holly Stretz, chemical engineering professor, said “Real-world problem solving starts by rec-

ognizing that the things you have already experienced in life can be useful for some new function, and engineering and science teaches you to look at the world around you in whole new ways.”

This story continues online...

Oldham confident of keeping federal aid

By JUSTIN DUKE Beat Reporter President Barack Obama’s plan to connect federal funding to tuition costs not have a negative impact on Tech.

“I don’t think it will affect us,” Tech President Philip Oldham said. “I think we’re so far down on the spectrum by cost that’s probably not a realistic concern on our part.”

Obama’s proposal for student aid reform consists of shifting aid away from colleges that fail to keep net tuition down, and toward colleges and universities that do their part to keep tuition affordable, provide good value and serve students well.

Oldham said every state funds their public higher education differently. Some states support theirs to a higher extent than others do, but some universities in other states have had to raise tuition because of lack of state support.

Oldham went on to say the tuition at Tech has gone up significantly in the past 10 years, but that has been driven primarily by the reductions on the state’s side of support, not because the costs have gone up that much.

“Universities have actually controlled their costs and cut about as much as you can cut to keep costs manageable,” Oldham said. “Ultimately, it has to be paid for in some way, so if the state doesn’t come up with it, it generally falls on the shoulders of the students and their families, unfortunately.

Whatever support from federal government, in terms of Pell Grants and low interest loans support, is a good thing.”

Karen Lykins, associate vice president for communications and marketing, said according to a Newsweek study, Tennessee Tech is the 12th most affordable university in the country and the only school in Tennessee to make the list.

Oldham said, “Tennessee Tech students fare very well financially. We have the lowest student debt load in the state and among the lowest in the nation.”

A 2010 study by U.S. News & World Report found that 60 percent of Tech graduates left school debt free, and students with debt had an average debt of less than $10,000, the lowest in the South.

TKE gets charitable for children in need, hunger

By WILL HOUSLEY Editor-in-Chief

The brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon are planning their first community-wide charity event.

Cole Spurgeon, a junior finance major at Tech, has spent the past several days planning a concert that will serve as the collection point for donations for Toys for Tots and Move for Hunger, a coalition of moving companies that collects non-perishable food families leave behind when they relocate, and gives it to families in need.

“Originally, it was just going to be campus wide, but that wasn’t enough for me, so I moved it to be community wide,” Spurgeon said. “I plan on there being 1,000 faces come through the door that night to donate.

That may be ambitious, but we’ll try.”

The fraternity members, and others from Greek Life, will be collecting donations from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today in Memorial Gym. While they are collecting the donations, Legacy, a Cookeville-based cover band, and a student band, Poor Richards Almanac, will perform. Food and drinks will be provided.

39 West Broad Cookeville, TN 38501

Donations are not required to get into the concert, but they are recommended.

All Greek organizations at Tech spend time volunteering and organizing for charity every year, but this is the first time TKE has worked for Toys for Tots or Move for Hunger.

“I’ve always been a fan of Toys for Tots,” Spurgeon said. “I’ve always been a part of it because I come from a really small town, so you could see the direct effects of the drive.”

The fraternity got involved at the request of Cookeville’s Duncan & Sons Moving and Storage, one of the moving companies that works with Move for Hunger. A member of the Duncan family is a TKE alumnus, and he suggested they partner with the young men at Tech. Spurgeon said it may become an annual partnership.

“I’m hoping, if it goes well, that we’ll continue doing it,” he said. “It’s the week after Thanksgiving, so everyone will be in the holiday mood.”

Lori Shull, a writer for the Office of Communications & Marketing, contributed to this article.

Simple Foods,

Simply Amazing

events @ tech November

30

All Day Vote for SOLO Comedy Concert 7:30 p.m TTU Candlelight Christmas Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building 8:00 p.m Men’s basketball at Lipscomb University

December

1 7:30 p.m TTU Candlelight Christmas Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building 8 p.m Women’s Basketball at Vanderbilt University

2 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m Open Auditions for the “Vagina Monologues” Backdoor Playhouse 3:00 p.m Saxophone Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m Open Auditions for the “Vagina Monologues” Backdoor Playhouse 7 p.m Men’s Basketball hosts Berea College 7 p.m Cookeville Christmas Parade

4 11:00 a.m TAB Poinsettia giveaway RUC Lobby

6 5:30 p.m Women’s Basketball hosts Samford University 7:00 p.m Men’s Basketball hosts The Universirty of Wisconsin-Green Bay 7:00 p.m ASG Christmas Party Foundation Hall 8:30 p.m Swing Dance Memorial Gym- Basement

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tntech.edu/calendar

FEATURES tntechoracle.com

Page 3 | November 30, 2012

City of Cookeville, Tech students to participate in annual parade

By BRITTANY FRANKLIN Beat Reporter

Oracle Archive

IFC raises money for prostate cancer

By ASHLEY AYUB Beat Reporter

Mustaches and facial hair have taken over many faces on Tech’s campus, turning November into Movember.

Tech’s Interfraternity Council has been raising money and awareness this month for its annual philanthropy, Movember.

Movember is a worldwide philanthropy, which involves participants growing mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.

“This year for Movember, I am trying to get as much people involved so IFC can raise a lot of money for this philanthropy and have fun while doing so,” Jordan Young, IFC vice president of philanthropy, said. “The more people we have involved, the more difference we will make on campus and in our community.”

For the first time IFC decided to involve the Panhellenic sororities on campus, making each sorority eligible to compete in Movember.

“It is great that the sororities are getting involved this year and are helping the fraternities raise awareness for Movember,” Young said. “It is important to show them even though this philanthropy affects males directly, indirectly women will probably have a male at some point in their life that is affected by prostate cancer.”

Kappa Delta member Chandler Witt agreed.

{

“I am very excited that sororities will be able to participate in Movember this year,” she said. “Having Panhellenic involved with IFC philanthropy is a great idea that brings us together for a great cause.”

Each fraternity that participated chose one member to represent them as their candidate. The candidate started with a clean-shaven face at the beginning of the month and grew their facial hair for the month of November. Each sorority that participated also chose a representative from any fraternity on campus to be the candidate for their sorority. Every candidate registered on the Movember website and raised money for donations.

“It is a good way for men, especially in the Greek system, to come together for a common cause regardless of our affiliation and do something as men together,” Phi Gamma Delta member Byron Nickens said.

Sigma Chi member Zach Andreasen said, “Participating in Movember not only connects you philanthropically with your university, but with a giant network of Mo Bro’s around the country, all dedicated to bond together to fight prostate cancer, which plagues nearly a quarter of our gender.”

Throughout November each participating organization has been raising money not only from donations, but also through T-shirt sales and banquet ticket sales. The money earned will go directly to a foundation helping to research prostate cancer.

There is no place like home for the holidays, but while students are still on campus, they can escape the stress of finals and enjoy the Cookeville Christmas parade.

Cookeville is hosting its 46th annual Christmas parade Dec. 3 starting at 7 p.m. The event was originally scheduled for Nov. 26 but was rescheduled because of the weather.

The theme for this year’s parade is Memories and Mistletoe.

Students can take a City of Cookeville break from the projects, papers and studying to The 46th annual Cookeville Christmas parade will take place attend the Christmas pa- at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. The parade will start on Seventh Street. rade to get in the holiday spirit. marched in the parade five community for giving supSome students who times. port throughout the year,” have lived around CookevThe groups from Tech Amanda Thatcher, athletille since they were little go in the parade are Athletics, ics administration, said. to the Christmas parade as a the dance team, Awesome “It showcases the creativfamily tradition. and Grandpappy, and the ity of the members of our “It’s something that my Student Council for Excep- Student-Athlete Advisory family did every year from tional Children.

Committee, who volunteer the time I was 7 or so, and The Student Council for to create the theme and decit’s also something I wanted Exceptional Children joined orate the float.” to continue with my son,” the parade two weeks ago, Thatcher also said the Becky Lauer, junior, said. and this is the first year it parade gives the students “It’s not really Christmas will be in it. athletes a chance to interact until you go to the parade.”

“We are going to walk in with members of their fan Lauer also said one of the parade with a few of our base off campus. the reasons she still goes, members and some of their According to the other than taking her son, family members that have Cookeville Christmas pais because she feels like she disabilities,” Kayla Walker, rade’s Facebook page, it gets to be a kid again, too. student council member, will run from the corner of She said her son loves seesaid. “We wanted to enter Seventh Street and Washing the Christmas lights the parade mainly because ington Avenue to the square and fire trucks in the pano one knows that we exist. at Broad Street and on to the rade, like she always has.

We want our community to Cookeville Depot Museum.

Other students go to the The Cookeville tree know that our club is out Christmas parade just to there, and we would like to lighting has also been refeel the holiday cheer in the start being involved more.” scheduled for Dec. 3 beseason the parade brings Tech Athletics will ginning at 5:30 p.m. on the out in the community. also be participating in the front steps of the Cookeville “I like watching to see parade this year, and the Performing Arts Center. the new youth talents and For any more infortheme for its float is Memthe hard work our commuories of Championships, mation about the parade, nity and businesses put into 931-526-2211, which is a play on the main contact spreading a little holiday the Cookeville Chamber theme of the parade. cheer,” Ciara Jones, senior, “Our department and of Commerce, or email said. all of our student athletes cookevilleparade@yahoo.

Jones also said she enjoy the parade as way com. likes going because she has to thank our Cookeville

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OPINION

Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your name, email address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday.

We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.

Page 4 | November 30, 2012

tntechoracle.com

It is time to be honest about religion

SEMESTER IN REVIEW •

There was some sort of election over the semester.

We voted for Homecoming, and “American Idol” does not start until January, so we are not really sure what all the hullabaloo was about.

•

Your friend made a better grade than you, even though they never studied, never took notes or attended class.

•

Grades plummeted through the month of November as “Black Ops 2,” “Halo 4” and “Assassin’s Creed III” were released.

•

A professor offered extra credit if you went to a campus event that you were totally going to go to but went to Spankies instead.

•

Many students wondered why Mitt Romney’s obscene amount of arm hair never became an election issue.

•

Tech is looking to implement a new software in the future to make advisement easier with the goal of giving students only one thing left to complain about at the end of the Fall Semester: Parking during TSSAA.

•

Printers never worked anywhere on campus ever, yet you still went over your quota.

JONATHAN KAULAY Opinion Editor

With the recent flare up of violence between Israel and Palestine, it is becoming increasingly hard for me to ignore the elephant in the room.

The elephant is the single source of this conflict between these two groups of people that has essentially been raging since the beginning of recorded history. That source is religion. Religion is the source that causes a whole plethora of issues, in fact.

The reason we are so far behind on stem cell research is religion. The reason a little less than half the country does not believe in climate change is religion. The reason many public schools do not teach evolution despite it being the current paradigm of biology is because of religion.

Lastly, and most importantly, the reason the gay community and women are oppressed is because of religion.

I am not saying all members of religious groups feel this way. In fact, most of the people I know who are religious are some of the most tolerant and compassionate people I know, but the most vocal members and those in power positions within these religious groups are not.

It is now that I am

tempted to talk about how the Bible may have some anti-gay message in it but that the overall message is love and acceptance, but I realize it is not my place to do that as an outsider of religion. In fact, it is this overwhelming tolerance created by liberals that has also created the atmosphere in which we think we have to be tolerant and respectful of everyone and their beliefs even if those beliefs lead to the civil rights of people being denied and in some cases these groups of people being ostracized from society.

It is up to the members of these religions to change the anti-gay and anti-intellectual views their church, temple, mosque or synagogue holds.

Yet when a religious leader, whether it is a preacher, priest, rabbi, etc., preaches intolerant views, members often remain silent and ignore it. It is like when grandpa says something racist or sexist at Thanksgiving dinner, the family simply thinks, “That’s just his way” or “He is from a different time.”

The problem with not questioning these authority figures is if they go unquestioned, then their views remain prominent and are the

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Just the right amount of Awesome This letter is in response to Michael O’Rourke’s negative anti-Awesome letter published in The Oracle Nov. 1.

I would say, Dr. O’Rourke, I truly think you are under-appreciating the meaning of the word “awesome.” As it is my first name, I think it is a fairly important word. Although the word has been used as a cliché over the years for the more relaxed and less professional members of our society, for the more dignified and educated people, in which I assume you are a part of, the word stands by its definition of “inspiring awe” or “exemplifying terrific or extraordinary qualities.” I personally think we as a university are fully “awesome.” Our programs are rated as some of the best in the Southeast, our sports teams rank among the top in our conference and our campus is completely stunning. All of these things in my book are “awesome.”

As for our website and slogan urging students to

THE

“unleash their awesomeness,” I think that is one of the greatest things we can do. It is a great advertising campaign. Most other universities tend to place their schools up on a pedestal of being large, no-nonsense institutions and then shove the vapid and stale aspects of education down the throats of potential students, which can tend to frighten some.

However, we don’t do that.

Tech encourages students to look inside themselves and truly find what is awesome to them and then peruse it and study it. We give students something to relate to and make the choice of a college a personal one. The cartoon version of myself on the website is there to give a sense of school pride, which we should all have as members of the University.

As for me personally, I’ll have you know I like my name, and I’m pretty set in my gender. And I’ll let Goldy Gopher from the University of Minnesota know that you think he has a girl’s name. He’ll just love that.

- Awesome Eagle

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WILL HOUSLEY Editor-in-Chief DRAKE FENLON Managing Editor BRIDGETTE BUCHANAN Business Manager KRISTINA DYESS Sales Assistant EMILY HAILE Copy Editor JONATHAN KAULAY Opinion Editor HALEY MULLINS Asst. Opinion Editor ROSS HARVEY Sports Editor

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Biblical end of times explained HALEY MULLINS

“Religion Holds Darwin Hostage” By Alden Bruce

loudest voices in the room.

I realize I am not going to change the world with an opinion piece in a college newspaper, but I do hope those who read this will challenge the authorities of their respected religions because as an outsider they are not going to listen to me anyway.

I could not think of a better way to utilize my last opinion piece here at The Oracle than to attempt to call on the sane members of religious groups to challenge the intolerant and anti-intellectual views of their respected churches because tolerance of intolerance is no virtue.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR You can’t blame Obama for everything This letter is addressed to Haley Mullins, in response to her article “We still want answers regarding the attacks in Benghazi.”

As I read your articles week after week, I am reminded that in this great nation we can have such vastly different ideologies and not only coexist but have intelligent and meaningful conversation in the open about them. And I must thank you for writing an article so reprehensible that I am compelled to join the public conversation against my better judgment.

As an editor, I assume it is within your duties to have reliable, accurate data in order to formulate your opinions. Further, I feel if given data that shows how wrong and misguided you are, you would, being a scholar and having the critical thinking skills instilled upon you by this great institution, undoubtedly change your opinions due to such facts. I am here for you. I wish with all my being I could give you all the facts your article has somehow gazed over.

However, because of time and word constraints, I shall be brief and to the point.

Your preposterous accusation that Obama has a telephone service he has promised to underprivileged citizens is blatantly wrong.

This is service that was a Congressional act in 1996, the Telecommunication Act, which was merely strengthening an idea of President Reagan in 1984. This is paid for with fees, not tax dollars, a minute but important distinction between the two.

Blaming the president on someone else’s inability to control their zipper is as wrong as blaming the president for everything for which the Conservative Party blames him. As a party that publicly desires a smaller government, you sure do put a lot of power into Obama’s hands.

“Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone.

The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories. And to render them safe, their minds must be improved to a certain degree.” –Thomas Jefferson

- Timi Roberts tsroberts42@students.tntech.edu

Assistant Opinion Editor

There are several verses in the bible continually misinterpreted and often used by skeptics to try to prove the Bible is wrong.

Let me assure you, the Bible is never wrong, and the words in it are true and exact.

The Bible is like a puzzle, and you must connect the pieces to completely understand it, especially when it comes to End Times Prophecy.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows,”(Matthew 24:6-8).

These are very controversial verses when it comes to End Times Prophecy. Many skeptics will say there have always been wars and troubles since the beginning of time. They’ll say famines, pestilences and earthquakes have always occurred, so to say this is a sign of Christ’s return is ridiculous.

I agree we have always experienced these calamities, but you must keep reading.

In the same book and chapter of Matthew when you continue reading you will come across these verses: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

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So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled,”(Matthew 24:32-34).

Now, I want to break these three specific verses of scripture down, so you can fully understand what God is saying here.

When Jesus was here on Earth, he was a wonderful storyteller. He often spoke in parables and analogies, and when something is described in the Bible, it is never changed.

Scripture refers to the “fig tree” in many places throughout the Bible, and it is always referring to an actual fig tree or Israel.

What this verse tells us is when the fig tree is in bloom, you will know His return is near. This is referring to the nation of Israel being reborn.

It is imperative to understand Israel is the key to the Bible and prophecy.

Israel became a nation again May 14, 1948, and it had not been a nation since its destruction in 70 AD. This rebirth of the nation of Israel sets into motion the return of Christ.

In verse two, Jesus tells us when we see all of these things in conjunction with the rebirth of Israel to know His return is near. It is so close he gives us another major clue.

He says, “that generation shall not pass for which they see my return.” Get ready for the ride up!

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

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

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

BEAT REPORTERS: Jared Anderson, Ashley Ayub, Mica Bilbrey, Brandi Campbell, Andrew Chaney, Kayla Clouse, Candace Cutlip, Danielle Davis, Justin Duke, Brittany Franklin, Chayce Gaw, Ryan Gibbons, Lindsey Gore, Hayley Greenhouse,

Callen Harrell, Drew Haston, Matthew Hill, Emily Homan, Dillon James, Travis Johnson, Jonathan Kaulay, Jordan Kerley,

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Perry, Matthew Phillips, Will Sheckler, Jessica Smith, Karen Smith, Brittany Stovall, Kelsey Tack, Katie Vaughn, Suzi Vaughn

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

SPORTS tntechoracle.com

Page 5 | November 30, 2012

Senior Barnes makes big impact on, off the court

By KATIE VAUGHN Beat Reporter

Jamal Ferguson

Tech senior Jud Dillardthrows down a dunk in the Hooper Eblen Center. Dillard scored 35 points against Coastal Carolina.

Men’s basketball grabs two wins over break

By CALLEN HARRELL Beat Reporter The Tech men’s basketball season continued through Thanksgiving break with the team racking up wins over Coastal Carolina University and East Tennessee State University and a loss to the University of Evansville.

Coastal Carolina came to the Hoop Nov. 15 to get a taste of the Golden Eagles.

Tech trailed at halftime of the game 35-30 behind the Chanticleers’ Anthony Raffa’s 25 points.

However, the Golden Eagles had a star outshine Raffa to push Tech toward the victory.

Jud Dillard picked up his first double-double of the season, scoring 35 points and grabbing 12 boards. “It was a great win,� Steve Payne, head coach, said. “We could have folded.�

Despite trailing by five at the half, the Golden Eagles out-played the Chanticleers in the second half by scoring 41 points compared to Coastal Carolina’s 34 to polish off the close 71-69 victory for Tech.

The Golden Eagles carried that

momentum east down I-40 to take on the Buccaneers of East Tennessee State Nov. 17.

Tech went to the locker room at halftime trailing 29-26.

However, powered by Dillard’s second double-double in as many games, the Golden Eagles outscored the Buccaneers 39-33 in the second half to complete back-to-back one possession victories with a final score of 65-62 over ETSU. “Jud’s just playing good basketball,� Payne said. “It’s hard to coach against a guy like that when they are that relaxed and just playing ball.�

Dillard scored 25 points and had 10 rebounds but also had a good showing from his supporting cast to aid in the team’s second half comeback.

Jeremiah Samarrippas, Tech’s transfer from Southern Methodist University, sank a clutch jumper with less than 15 minutes remaining to give the Golden Eagles the lead.

Freshman guard Ammanual Diressa knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead.

The Golden Eagle loss to

Weekly Roundup This week’s sports stories at a glance Men’s basketball hosts OVC-newcomer Belmont in January The men’s basketball team will welcome Ohio Valley Conference newcomer Belmont University to the Hooper Eblen Center Jan. 5. “It’s another good team,� Steve Payne, head coach, said. “But I don’t expect them to come in here and dominate our league.�

Belmont left the Atlantic Sun Conference last season after winning the season and tournament championship.

They won the A-Sun for the fifth time in six years and reached the NCAA tournament for the fifth time in seven years. They were in the conference from 2001-2012.

The Bruins finished last season with a 27-8 overall record. That would have placed them only behind Murray State University last season, who finished 31-2 for the best overall record in the OVC. “Our league was good before they came in,� Payne said. “Playing Belmont to us is no different than playing any other quality team in our league.�

Tech finished last season as one of five OVC teams with a record of .500 or better, finishing 19-14.

Payne feels his Golden Eagles will match up against the Bruins. “I expect us to compete very well,� Payne said. “Before Belmont, we had already won games in four straight postseason tournaments, and we produce NBA players just like them.�

The Golden Eagles will host the Bruins Jan. 5 at the Hooper Eblen Center at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on Tech basketball and all Tech athletics, visit TTUSports.com.

Scan this QR Code to go to

TTUSports.com

Women’s basketball to Christmas tournament December schedule

Evansville Nov. 20 was the first loss of the season. “They are usually an NCAA tournament caliber team,� Terrell Barnes, senior member of the men’s basketball team, said. “It gives us a good measuring stick, so we can evaluate ourselves.�

Once again, Tech trailed at halftime by a score of 33-17.

Tech actually held a 15-11 lead midway through the first half but only scored two points during the last 10 minutes before halftime.

The Purple Aces’ scoring attack was led by a 15-point performance from Ned Cox, while Tech’s leading scorers, Lanerryl Johnson and Dennis Ogbe, had 10 points each.

The Golden Eagles were dominated on the boards and were outscored on second chance points 14-3 by Evansville, leading to the 6250 victory for the Purple Aces.

Tech now has a 3-1 overall record.

They will travel to Nashville tonight to take on the Bisons of Lipscomb University at 7 p.m. before returning home to face Berea University Dec. 3 and the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay Dec. 6. visit NY for amid rough

The Tech women’s basketball team will face a challenging December schedule, including games against Vanderbilt University and Samford University, as well as the St. John’s Christmas Tournament.

Coming off a 2-3 home stand, the team hits the road for the first time playing at 3-3 Vanderbilt tomorrow at 1 p.m. “Vandy is a quality SEC opponent with good size,� Jim Davis, head women’s basketball coach, said. “So we’re working hard in the post and limiting touches in the paint.�

Tech’s women’s basketball team continues to grow every game with more players contributing. “This team is growing, and we look forward to every team we meet,� Davis said. “Samford and Louisiana-Monroe are good teams. We’re looking forward to Jacksonville State. Every game is important to us.�

Tech has already faced the University of Louisiana at Monroe, falling 59-48.

The team will travel to New York, NY, to take part in the St. John’s Christmas Tournament Dec. 15 and 16 against St. John’s University, St. Mary’s College and the University of California, Los Angeles. “There are really good teams,� Davis said. “UCLA is in the top 25. We’re going there to win, and we want them to get a good education too.�

Tech plays host to Samford Dec. 6 at 5: 30 p.m. at the Hooper Eblen Center as part of a doubleheader with the men’s team playing the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay at 7:30 p.m.

Tech opens Ohio Valley Conference play Dec. 29 facing Jacksonville State University at Jacksonville State at 2 p.m.

This week’s Weekly Roundup features stories from Beat Reporters Ariel Perry and Drew Haston.

Racquet Master

Senior basketball player Terrell Barnes graduates from Tech in May after four years of achievements both on and off the court.

Terrell Lamar Barnes was born Aug. 14, 1990 in Miami, Fla. He is the son of Ronald and Stephanie Barnes and brother to Chris Barnes, who also played college basketball for four years at the University of Georgia.

Barnes earned four varsity letters on his basketball team at Riverdale High School Barnes in Georgia under Coach Derrick Powell. He averaged 11.3 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks per game his senior season.

He also earned his team’s “Best All-Around Player� honor and led his team to a 24-7 record his junior season and a class 4A region championship. He excelled in the classroom, finishing high school with a 3.1 GPA. Barnes signed his letter of intent in 2009 under Coach Mike Sutton. “Terrell is a forward who can handle the ball,� Sutton said. “He can shoot, he’s a good passer and he has a really good understanding of the game. He makes players around him better. He finishes around the basket, and he does the little things right. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better.�

Barnes said, “After taking my visit I loved the place. It had a family feel to it while still being a big enough city that I wouldn’t get home sick.�

In his freshman year at Tech, Barnes started in 17 games and played in 28 games. “I wanted to play at a school where I could have the opportunity to play early,� Barnes said.

Barnes knew many of his fellow teammates early in his career at Tech. “Me and Jud [Dillard] played high school ball together, and I knew Murph [Kevin Murphy], Zac [Swansey] and Bassey [Inameti] from playing on an AAU team together in high school,� Barnes said.

Throughout Barnes’ career he has been involved with other programs outside of the Tech basketball team.

He has become involved with the religious group Chi Alpha and has participated in many of the organization’s programs throughout his senior year.

Last summer he competed with the U.S. Eagles Men’s Basketball Team in East Asia. He played with high-level and professional teams in several large cities throughout Asia. In addition to its basketball training, the program is meant for the players to be involved in a leadership development program designed to promote integrity and character both on and off the court.

Barnes has also been a featured published writer with his non-fiction piece entitled “Men in Black� for the book “Breathing Antecedent.� The book was created and co-edited by Tech professor Andy Smith and student Sarah Townsend. “I think Terrell has grown more as a person since he has been at Tech,� Russ Willemsen, assistant coach, said. “He is very caring towards other people, so I can see him doing something in the community with kids. Whether that’s coaching or helping the local youth centers, Terrell will have a great impact on society.�

Sports Editor says goodbye to Tech

By ROSS HARVEY Sports Editor

As I look back on my 4-and-a-halfyear career at Tech, only one thought runs through my mind. I’m extremely blessed. Sure, I’m excited to see where my life will lead after graduation in two weeks. It is a bit bittersweet to leave the place I have called home for the last (almost) 5 years.

However, the most important thing I have picked up along this journey is that I am blessed to be a part of the Tennessee Tech family.

Other than, of course, a fantastic education.

I’m blessed to have worked with some of the most talented journalists out there, which we have working on this very issue of The Oracle. I’m especially thankful for my assistants Jamal Ferguson and Andy Rutherford, who graduated a semester before me, and my Editor-in-Chief, Will Housley.

I’d like to say thanks to my SGA family, my FNA-PPE family, my “Live

with Sarah & Ross� director Lori Shull and my beautiful co-host and fellow graduate, Sarah DeRossett. Thank you also to my friends over in Athletics, Intramurals and Residential Life. Thanks to all the sororities and fraternities that have allowed me to take a place in your hearts and minds, while still allowing me to achieve my personal goal of staying true to my own name.

I’d like to thank all my fellow journalism majors, teachers and all my classmates I’ve come into contact with, and especially all my friends and family that have supported me in this endeavor.

Each one of you have been vital to my journey and hold an important place with me. I will not forget how much you all mean to me.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade any of these memories for the world.

And now, as I leave behind a place in the 3rd floor of the RUC and other spots around campus, I encourage all you Golden Eagles to continue running the race that God has set in front of you, and push toward the goal. Don’t ever give up. Just as I was blessed in my time here, you will be also. God’s glory, not mine.

Farewell.

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ENTERTAINMENT Page 6 | November 30, 2012

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‘Life of Pi’ a slice of Entertainment gifts galore film, theatrical Heaven just in time for the holidays

By LINDSEY GORE Entertainment Critic

By HANNAH BENJAMIN Entertainment Critic

“Life of Pi” is as visually appealing as the film’s emotional plot.

Based on the book by Yann Martel, “Life of Pi” begins with a man named Pi (Irrfan Khan) in India who has an incredibly farfetched story to tell. His family makes the decision to sell their zoo and move to Canada. They pack all the animals on a cargo ship, but the ship sinks, and Pi is left as the only human survivor.

Pi’s only companions are a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, an orangutan who goes by Orange Juice, a hyena and a zebra. Pi is left alone with Richard Parker as the other animals die one by one, and he must learn how to survive on the open sea with an adult Bengal tiger as his only companion.

Pi and Richard Parker must endure the sea’s many hardships together and depend on each other for survival.

“Life of Pi” is worth the price of a ticket for the visual presentation alone.

The use of color, camera angles and special effects are all handsomely done.

Richard Parker’s character looks incredibly believable in the action scenes, and special attention is given to detail for the landscape and storms Pi and Richard Parker brave in their 200 days at sea. The shipwreck scene is impressive, and a particularly magnificent scene involving a monstrous whale is breathtakingly beautiful.

Despite the visuals being

The wreaths are hung up on the town square, lights and trees are everywhere and the Christmas parade is next week.

That only means one thing: Christmas is here!

This holiday season, consider some of these hot new releases to either add to your wish list or give you something to do during your winter break.

In the world of music, a few new albums are rolling out this month. Ke$ha’s new album “Warrior” will debut Dec. 4, featuring her single “Die Young.” Bruno Mars will release “Unorthodox Jukebox” Dec. 11, which features “Locked Out of Heaven,” while Green Day will put out the third part of their album trilogy: “Tre!” Some big-name video games have also been released recently, which could make a fabulous addition to any gamer’s collection.

“Assassin’s Creed III” was released Oct. 31 and is set in the American Revolutionary period with some stunning visuals.

“Halo 4” was released Nov. 6 and “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” was released Nov. 13.

For DVD releases, the huge summer blockbuster “The Dark Night Rises” will be on shelves Dec. 4. Seth MacFarlane’s comedy “Ted” starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis will be released Dec. 11, along with “The Bourne Legacy” and “Ice Age 4: Continental Drift.”

If you wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping, you can pick up

IMDb

After rave reviews, ‘Life of Pi’ earned $49 million in its worldwide opening on Nov. 21.

a major part of the film’s appeal, “Life of Pi” does not skimp when it comes to acting. Suraj Sharma plays the young Pi in his first film, and his performance could guarantee his appearance in more films to come.

Khan, however brief his appearance in the film may be, delivers a solid performance as well.

The story the film tells is right up to par with the visual experience it offers, and the two work together beautifully. There are no major plot holes, and the film flows from scene to scene with near perfection.

“Life of Pi” incorporates

messages of spirituality and religious diversity throughout the film. Pi explores numerous religions throughout the movie, and the point to the story he tells is that whoever hears it will believe in God. The spiritual elements are not so overbearing as to take the movie over, but they work as more of a direction and purpose for the film.

“Life of Pi” is potentially a visual masterpiece with a plot that is just as rewarding.

“Life of Pi” is rated PG for emotional thematic content throughout and some scary action sequences and peril.

TheCinemaSource

“Ted,” the summer smash starring Seth MacFarlane (voiceover,) Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis will be released on DVD Dec. 11.

either sci-fi action movie “Total Recall” or “Pitch Perfect,” the a cappella comedy sensation starring Anna Kendrick and Adam Devine from the hit show “Workaholics” Dec. 18.

As far as cinema goes, Christmastime always yields big, exciting movies that draw large crowds to the theater every year. This Christmas, we will not be disappointed. The first part of “The Hobbit” debuts Dec. 14. The prequel to Peter Jackson’s incredibly successful “Lord of the Rings” trilogy has been hyped up for quite some time and will be split into three parts. “Django Unchained,” Quentin Tarantino’s newest movie

since “Inglorious Basterds” will debut Christmas day.

The cast is star-studded with actors such as Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson. Another Christmas debut is the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Les Misérables” based on the book by Victor Hugo. Set in the French Revolution, this musical features Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

These are just a few suggestions to help you survive the shopping and enjoy the merry season.

Happy holidays!

Hits and misses of the freshman TV season so far this year

By JAKE THREET Entertainment Editor

Hits “Nashville” on ABC The drama centered in the home of country music has quickly become the critical darling of the fall, and it has garnered a good audience to date.

The ensemble cast, which includes Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, has an awesome chemistry among them all, which makes for a fascinating show.

Each week brings intense drama, sexy love triangles and plenty of new country music. It’s not too late to check into “Nashville,” airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. CST on ABC. “The New Normal” on NBC In this hilarious new comedy, co-created by “Glee” and “American Horror Story” creator Ryan Murphy, the laughs and good times are easy to come by.

With its share of serious and heart-touching moments too, the series is quickly becoming a hit.

The cast, which includes Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha and Ellen Barkin, is a genius mixture of character personalities that make this show seem realistic. I also have to give props to NeNe Leakes for making a name for herself on the show as the hilarious Rocky. Leakes

BET

NBC’s new comedy “The New Normal” is packed full of laughs and heart-warming moments. Above are: Justin Bartha, left, Andrew Rannells, Georgia King, Bebe Wood, Ellen Barkin and NeNe Leakes.

has outgrown ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and is headed for bigger things. “The New Normal” airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m.

CST on NBC. “Malibu Country” on ABC Reba McEntire returns to television in this new sitcom about a woman divorcing her cheating husband, living by a dingbat neighbor and raising her kids.

Sound familiar? If it reminds you of her first show, “Reba,” then you thought right. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. In “Malibu Country,”

Reba moves away from her home in Nashville and her cheating husband to the beaches of Malibu, Calif.

She moves to a house her husband had kept secret from her, and she begins to try to restart her music career. Along for the ride are her two kids and her mom, played by the amazing Lily Tomlin. Sara Rue stars as the ditzy neighbor next door. The show is funny, and one-liners are a common occurrence, which I can appreciate. It has the comfortable feeling of “Reba,” but when you really get down to it this show has a heart of its own. “Malibu Country”

airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

CST on ABC. Misses “Last Resort” and “666 Park Avenue” on ABC Both of these shows were doomed from the beginning.

Bad writing, horrible story lines and sub-par acting all contributed to the downfall of these shows. Neither was a hit with audiences, and they both bored me. I stopped watching after only the first episode of each, and apparently I wasn’t the only one. Not even 10 episodes into both shows, they were both simultaneously cancelled. I would have

much rather seen “GCB” renewed from last year to replace either of these shows. Both shows will air their remaining episodes they have shot. “Last Resort” airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. CST on ABC, and “666 Park Avenue” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. CST on ABC. “Guy With Kids” on NBC Fun, fresh and quickwitted are things not associated with this show.

I had high hopes for it, but it just never got off the ground. I was glad to see the return of Tempestt Bledsoe to TV, who famously played Vanessa Huxtable on “The Cosby

Show,” but I could only find myself wondering when Cliff and Clair were going to visit. The series has not been cancelled yet, but it’s not looking good.

“Guys With Kids” airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

CST on NBC. Everything on The CW After “One Tree Hill” finished its run on The CW, I figured I would be completely done with the network.

And I was right. There is not one show I feel is worth the time or pain to watch. If you need help falling asleep, catch any show this network has to offer. Boring.