Students seek signatures for marijuana p 4 referendum >>See page
Future of video games lies in virtual reality >>See page 10
In-state winning streak puts target on softball team’s back >>See page 11
Apparel and merchandise offered by Volunteer Traditions. • Courtesy of Mason Jones and Volunteer Traditions
UT alumnus finds calling in Tennessee apparel company Marina Waters Staff Writer
You do not have to venture too far down Volunteer Boulevard before you are met with those three stars congregating in the center of a pastel-colored cap or on the back of a Tennessee-themed pocketed t-shirt. When Mason Jones, UT alumnus and CEO of Volunteer Traditions retells the
Volume 131 Issue 65
story of how his star-clad company came to be, it starts on that same street. It is the story of how a college student turned a classmate’s South Carolina flag belt into one representing his home state of Tennessee. “There in those days, we didn’t really know what we were doing,” Jones said. “We got those (belts) in and started there. It was kind of cool to see how it just came together.” However, Jones’s journey from a start-up idea that operated out of his closet to a
company with merchandise sold in stores from Memphis to Bristol was just beginning. “Getting the word out was slow and tricky,” Jones said. “Because of that we took our time, and I think that really helped out. I did it part-time out of my house; I had a full-time job working as an attorney … I feel like that was a very beneficial time.” Although he has a degree in accounting and law from UT, the Volunteer Traditions CEO said he gained the most from being
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around other driven students while he attempted to find his calling. “Those majors and that education really put me around other people working really hard,” Jones said. “When you get around other people who work hard, it makes you want to work hard. It really ramps up your problem solving, which is something they certainly don’t really teach in general.” See VOLUNTEER TRADITIONS on Page 5
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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INSHORT
The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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Dolly Parton decides not to cancel North Carolina concert Country music legend Dolly Parton has decided not to cancel her upcoming concert in North Carolina amid controversy surrounding the state’s anti LGBT legislation. Parton said that any issues she may have with the state’s recent law could be addressed on stage. She is scheduled to perform in Greensboro, North Carolina, on June 3. Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Star, Pearl Jam, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato and Boston, as well as the performing troupe Cirque du Soleil have all cancelled performances in the Tar Heel State as a sign of protest against House Bill 2, which forbids transgender individuals from using the bathroom conforming to their chosen gender identity while also striking down local LGBT non-discrimination ordinances passed throughout the state. Parton said that she usually does not get involved with controversial issues.”I have no plans to cancel the show. I think I serve better from the stage. I think everybody should be treated great and with respect, and everybody knows that about me. I can address that from the stage,” Parton said.
Blake Griffin out for rest of playoffs, Chris Paul out indefinitely The Los Angeles Clippers will go through the NBA playoffs without their two best players. Power forward Blake Griffin will miss the rest of the postseason, while Chris Paul will be out indefinitely, the Clippers said on Tuesday. Griffin suffered a left quadriceps injury in Game 4 of the team’s first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. The Clippers lost the game 98-84. An MRI of Griffin revealed no further structural damage, and the team expects Griffin will be ready for the start of training camp. Paul underwent surgery Tuesday morning in Los Angeles to repair a right hand fracture that he suffered in the third quarter of Monday night’s game. The timetable for Paul’s return is unclear. The series with Portland is tied 2-2. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Los Angeles. If the Clippers survive to win the series, they will most likely play the Warriors, who lead their series against Houston 3-1. The Clippers have never advanced past the second round.
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Finding “Becky with the good hair” Since the release of Beyonce’s visual album “Lemonade” on Sunday night, her fan base has been decoding key moments of the album and coming up with several speculative conclusions. One of these speculations revolves around the identity of “Becky,” a woman’s name Beyonce references in a song “Sorry” about a cheating husband. The lead suspect for who the artist was outing is Rachel Roy. As a long time friend of Jay Z and ex-wife of the rap star’s former business partner, Damon Dash, Roy has been embroiled in Jay Z drama previously. She was accused of causing the altercation between Jay Z and Beyonce’s sister, Solange Knowles, which occurred a few years ago, but the rumors were never proven. The designer received attention as a potential “Becky” when she posted an instagram picture with the caption “Good hair don’t care...” hours after Lemonade was released. British singer Rita Ora is another potential suspect due to her professional relationship with Jay Z and several recent posts by the singer, including a Snapchat of her wearing a bra featuring lemons.
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Al-Qaida says it killed Bangladesh gay activist, friend
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Associated Press
LETTERS POLICY: The Daily Beacon welcomes all letters to the editor and guest columns from students, faculty and staff. Each submission is considered for publication by the editor on the basis of space, timeliness and clarity. The Beacon reserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliance with available space, editorial policy and style. Contributions must include the author’s name and phone number for verification. Students must include their year in school and major. Letters to the editor and guest columns may be e-mailed to letters@utdailybeacon.com or sent to Editor, 1340 Circle Park Dr., 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. CORRECTIONS POLICY: It is the Daily Beacon’s policy to quickly correct any factual errors and clarify any potentially misleading information. Errors brought to our attention by readers or staff members will be corrected and printed on page two of our publication. To report an error please send as much information as possible about where and when the error occurred to Editorinchief@utdailybeacon.com, or call our newsroom at (865) 974-5206. The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Wednesday during the summer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 11 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year, $100/semester or $70/summer only. It is also available online at: www.utdailybeacon.com The Daily Beacon is printed using soy based ink on newsprint containing recycled content, utilizing renewable sources and produced in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.
NEW DELHI (AP) — The Bangladeshi branch of al-Qaida claimed responsibility Tuesday for the killing of a gay rights activist and his friend, undermining the prime minister’s insistence just hours earlier that her political opponents were to blame for the attack and for a rising tide of violence against secular activists and writers. The claim by Ansar-al Islam — which said it targeted the two men on Monday night because they were “pioneers of practicing and promoting homosexuality” — raised doubts about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s repeated assurances that authorities have the security situation under control. The victims of the attack were identified as Xulhaz Mannan, an activist who also worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development, and his friend, theater actor Tanay Majumder. Mannan, a cousin of former Foreign Minister Dipu Moni of the governing party, was also an editor of Bangladesh’s first gay rights magazine,
Roopbaan. Majumder sometimes helped with the publishing, local media said. At the White House, Press Secretary Josh Earnest took note of Mannan’s advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender causes and said there were “reports that indicate that he was targeted because of his advocacy for these human rights and that makes his death even more tragic than it seems.” He said the U.S. government had been in touch with the government of Bangladesh to make clear that a thorough criminal investigation should be a priority. At a funeral for Mannan on Tuesday, his brother said free speech was something Islam should protect. “A true Muslim will always consider that he has freedom of expression,” Minhaz Mannan Emon said. “We should respect that opinion. We hope... particularly I, on behalf of the family, hope that no other family loses their child or brother like us in the future.” Mannan had written openly about the frustration of living “in the closet” as a gay man in Bangladesh, where homosexual relations are considered a crime. In a May 2014 blog, he said
gays and lesbians in Bangladesh experience “A country where the predominant religions say you are a sinner, the law of the land says you are a criminal, the social norms say you are a pervert, the culture considers you as imported.” He launched the magazine in 2014, giving the country’s small and secretive LGBT community its first open platform. Earlier this month, he tried to organize a Rainbow Rally in the capital, but was foiled when police briefly detained him and three others. Ansar-al Islam, the Bangladeshi branch of al-Qaida on the Indian subcontinent, or AQIS, claimed responsibility in a Twitter message on Tuesday for what it called a “blessed attack” on Mannan and Majumder. It said the two were killed because they were “pioneers of practicing and promoting homosexuality in Bangladesh” and were “working day and night to promote homosexuality ... with the help of their masters, the U.S. crusaders and its Indian allies.” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters the U.S. could not confirm the claim of responsibility, but also did not have a reason to believe “this was not the case.”
CAMPUSNEWS
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
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Changes to UT wifi start this summer
Trump, Clinton aim for sweeps of Northeastern primaries
Changes are coming to UT’s wireless networks this summer that may increase the throughput of the system. OIT is reducing the number of networks from four to two, eliminating ut-visitor and ut-wpa2 starting July 25. UT-open will be an unsecured network open to faculty, staff, students and visitors. A new visitor’s portal will be added to manage network registration and access. The Eduroam network will be secured and available to faculty, staff and students only. It will take the place of the ut-wpa2 network while offers its same functions. UT faculty, staff and students will be able to connect to this network at participating Eduroam institutions.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Looking to stretch their leads, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton aimed for a sweep of all five Northeastern states holding primaries Tuesday. Their rivals vowed to fight on regardless, even with their paths to nomination increasingly narrow. For Clinton, wins in most of the states holding contests — Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island — would leave little doubt that she’ll be her party’s nominee. She’s already been looking past Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, barely mentioning him at campaign events except to push for party unity in a general election. During a town hall Monday with MSNBC, Clinton said that when she lost the 2008 Democratic primary to Barack Obama, “I did not put down conditions” for supporting him. “I hope that we will see the same this year,” she said. According to exit polls, about a fifth of Democratic voters said they would not support Clinton if she gets the nomination. The exit polls were conducted in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Staff Report
The service is offered in 76 territories across the globe including Argentina, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Lithuania, Russia and several more. The Eduroam network offers secure access to servers like T-Storage and the Microsoft Licensing Server. Those currently connected to ut-open will not have to take any action following the changes, but those connected to ut-wpa2 are encouraged to switch their connection to Eduroam. Instructions on how to connect to Eduroam are accessible through the OIT Knowledge Base. More information about Eduroam is available at the eduroam website . If you have any questions or need assistance connecting to Eduroam, contact the OIT HelpDesk online or call (865) 9749900.
Associated Press
Sanders’ senior adviser Tad Devine said that campaign would “wait and see what the numbers are” in Tuesday’s contest before making any decisions about strategy going forward. Still he said, “Bernie is going to be in this race through the District of Columbia.” That’s the end of the primary season. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said Sanders should do as he thinks best. But when Reid was asked if he thought his Senate colleague still had a path to nomination, he said, “No, I do not.” Democrats are competing for 384 delegates in Tuesday’s contests, while Republicans have 172 up for grabs. While Trump holds a substantial lead in the Republican delegate count, the GOP contest continues to be chaotic. The businessman is the only one left in the GOP race who can reach the 1,237 delegates needed to clinch the nomination before the July national convention, but he could very well fall short, pushing the nominating fight to the party’s July gathering in Cleveland. Of the five states voting Tuesday, Trump can afford to lose only one and still retain a chance to reach his goal. Pennsylvania Republican voter Laura Seyler cast her vote for Trump, saying she believes he will “take the bat and straighten things out.”
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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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CAMPUSNEWS
Outreach homes receive help from UT students Alex Harward
Staff Writer A student-run Indiegogo campaign began fundraising in early April to help a Christianbased outreach home purchase 15 new beds for residents who live in the house, as well as those transitioning to independent living. Agape Outreach Homes simultaneously combats homelessness and mental illness by providing men with a place to live and offering treatment programs for its clients. Eric Pelehach, a sophomore in supply chain management and one of the students involved with the campaign, explained how he and his friends got involved with Agape. “My friends and I got involved through an English project for our public writing class, but it has come to mean so much more to us,” Pelehach said. “The reason we are invested in this campaign is because Agape is a valuable organization for the health of our community.” Agape is located next to Central High School on Jacksboro Pike in Knoxville and has been a part of the community since 1983.
It is a 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by the State of Tennessee TennCare system, but it also relies on individual donations. The home currently houses 24 men. The treatment programs offered at Agape involve everything from relearning simple tasks, receiving medication and therapy for mental illnesses and learning new skills for the future. “Not only have I learned invaluable skills about fundraising, campaigning for a cause, public writing and a variety of mediums (sic), but I have also seen firsthand how hard it is to persuade people to support you,” Pelehach said. “Because of this, I feel as if every service I do for this organization is impactful.” The class group spends anywhere from five to six hours a week campaigning and fundraising for Agape, as well as posting and reading for their class. “Each one of us fervently believes that this organization serves a purpose for everyone, even those uninvolved with the organization,” Pelehach said. Graham Hawley, sophomore in business administration and another member of the
Each of us ferverntly believes that this organization serves a purpose for everyone, even those uninvoled with the organization.”
Eric Pelehach, Sophomore in supply chain management
team involved with the campaign, explained how Agape has been important to him and changed his life. “It’s made me more thankful and appreciative of what I have. Ever since we intervened with (an Agape graduate), I have been enjoying the little things more,” Hawley said. “He
told me to appreciate what I have because tomorrow can change things in the blink of an eye.” Pelehach also served at Agape once prior to the English project. “I will never forget some of the conversations I had with the guys there,” Pelehach said. “They were such genuinely good people, and ever since that day, I knew I wanted to come back.” Hawley also spoke about staying committed to Agape after the end of the semester and the conclusion of his English class. “I’ve seen first hand the good they do for people, and it really touched my heart and opened my eyes,” Hawley said. “Life can change in the blink of an eye, and sometimes you have to rely on others to make you well or help you when things go bad.” The goal of the overall campaign is to raise $1,500 before the project’s ending date on April 28. To donate, visit: https://www.generosity. com/community-fundraising/reaching-outfor-agape--2.
Students petition for marijuana reform in Knox County Tucker Shull
Contributor For Knox County residents, the November voting ballot may offer an opportunity to do away with restrictions on marijuana use. Miranda Gottlieb, senior in political science, is pushing a petition on Pedestrian Walkway this week to secure a vote to alleviate these restrictions as part of the broader Tennessee Marijuana Initiatives. Gottlieb is chapter president for the Students for Sensible Drug Policy and said she is passionate about this issue. “I’m involved in the ballot petition because we have a vested interest in marijuana reform,” Gottlieb said. Gottlieb explained the petition aims to place on the ballot two specific objects: seeking legalized medicinal marijuana and aiming for legalized “adult use,” effectively recreational use, of the drug. Gottlieb said she feels very good about the initiatives’ odds in a vote. “I’m really optimistic,” Gottlieb said. “I think that if nothing else, being on campus has proven that there is significant interest.” Protesting current marijuana legislation has gained more participation from stu-
dents on campus than other initiatives Gottlieb has presented in the past. “We’ve had more people register to vote than I’ve ever gotten to register tabling in other capacities for voter registrations,” Gottlieb said. “We’ve got maybe almost 4,000 signatures.” Gottlieb said the group’s goal is to get 20,000 votes by June 15. One of the signatories Brandle Bogle, freshman in forestry, explained his support for marijuana reform. “I just believe that you should be allowed to put anything in your body if it’s not harming anyone else,” Bogle said. The efforts were largely organized by local activist Steve Cooper, who has until June 15 to get 20,000 signatures in order to get two questions pertaining to marijuana use on the Knox County ballot in November. The questions, one calling for the legalization of medicinal marijuana and the other for recreational, could be approved by voters in Knoxville, though referendum would not carry the force of law. Signees for the petition must be registered voters of Knox County in order to be considered. The booth will be open for more signatures on Wednesday, April 27 and Friday, April 29 from 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.— 3 p.m.
Students sign a petition on Pedestrian Walkway regarding restritctions on marijuana in Knox County. Akshata Dusa • The Daily Beacon
ARTS&CULTURE
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
VOLUNTEER TRADITIONS continued from Page 1
Understanding the history of the university’s traditions and style was also beneficial — particularly the style found on a game day in Neyland Stadium. Jones aimed to add a touch of nostalgia from game days past in the ‘80s in ‘90s through retro logos such as the iconic Tennessee rifleman. “People wore coonskin caps and waved Tennessee flags at the game,” Jones explained. “Do I think that’s what people will do now? No, but I do think that they’ll wear a lot of retro logos that really remind them of that classic style that takes them back to that.” These retro logos are meant to throw Tennesseans back to game days with their father or grandfather back when players like Peyton Manning called Knoxville home. However, the outlandish styles found in some vintage items will not be featured on a Volunteer Traditions shirt anytime soon. Instead, Volunteer Traditions creative director Kimber Cline explained the company’s constant goal in all of their designs. “We find that simple classic designs work the best. It’s what sells the best for us, and it’s what comes together the most naturally,” Cline said. “Every time we come up with an idea, I try to strip it down to the basics because that’s what’s gonna work for us.” Jones is also ready to extend his apparel’s focus and branding slightly. After success with items such as tri-star caps and belts, the UT alumnus is focusing on female customers through their new inventory like Volunteer Traditions jewelry and the latest addition, a new line of active clothing under the name of Harper Knit. “We’re really just trying to say ‘Alright, what we’ve seen is that these people (women) are buying our products. How do we continue the products that they want?’” Jones said. “We really wanted to look at making essential comfort wear to enhance your entire day.” However, the Tennessee-themed company will not be speeding towards too large of a change; although Volunteer Traditions has produced some products that appeal across all southern states, Tennessee will always be a main priority for Jones. “Really what that (creating more universal products) came back to was we want to make the best
Mason Jones, entrepreneur and creator of Volunteer Traditions. • Courtesy of Mason Jones products that people in Tennessee can wear,” Jones said. “I’m really proud of that, that we’ve been able to focus in and say ‘alright, we’ve done a lot of different stuff for a lot of different states, but let’s focus in and do the best Tennessee stuff.’” Jones may be committed to producing apparel for his home state, but this new-found commitment comes with a price and the weight of expectations. “It’s scary,” Jones said. “My grandparents were mad that I wasn’t an attorney that they saw on TV commercials. My mom was disappointed that she couldn’t tell her friends that her son was an attorney and that he sold belts instead. That’s hard. It’s a constant battle. “People have expectations whether it’s their own fault or not from parents, from friends and they don’t feel like they can say, ‘This is what I really wanna do.’” But Jones has another motivation for continuing his work on Volunteer Traditions. “You just wanna be able to do something to make a difference,” Jones said. “In wanting the best for you, they want to put you down the middle of the road to be the most average person in the world, when no one in the world is good at anything if they’re average at everything.” After grappling to find a calling that was anything other than average, Jones is CEO of the well-known Volunteer Traditions — and that is a story he is thankful to be able to tell. “When I got out, I could see I was not made to be an attorney,” Jones said. “I was blessed. If I had (become an attorney), I would have never been able to pull out the strengths I am pretty good at.”
Apparel and merchandise offered by Volunteer Traditions. • Courtesy of Mason Jones and Volunteer Traditions
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VIEWPOINTS
The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Sorority women honored for Appreciation of African American Women The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated: Prestigious Pi Epsilon Chapter would like to extend a warm congratulations to the honorees for the Appreciation of African American Women this year! These women have set the bar high as they achieve goals exemplary of others to follow. Their names are Jamesia Terry (Senior Journalism Major and President of the UTK Chapter of NAACP): “She is a natural leader; a pivoting force behind the NAACP’s growth throughout this school year […] inspires others to be great in spite of setbacks & obstacles.” Crystal Hardeman (Associate Director in MSL): “She is an amazing mentor and
It takes an army
Summer Awad Quite Contrary
It’s my last week of classes as a college student, and honestly, the last thing I want to be doing right now is writing this column. It’s 2 a.m., I have an essay due tomorrow that I haven’t finished and I have three hours of classes in the morning followed by an 11-hour shift at work. I haven’t showered today, I didn’t wear a bra and I ordered Oscar’s for dinner. It is a typical college evening in late April, and I do not have the energy or the motivation to whip up some profound reflections on the meaning of the college experience. And so, instead, I’m going to use this space to thank all of the people and organizations I need to thank for getting me to where I am, ready to walk across the stage and leave my post as a Daily Beacon columnist forever. Thank you to the Haslam Scholars Program, for getting me immediately plugged in to relevant programs, scholarships and organizations on campus very soon after my arrival. Thank you to the College Scholars Program, which has been the most supportive and nurturing honors program I have been a part of and has encouraged me to follow my dreams, even if they are nontraditional. Thank you to the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships, for encouraging me to achieve my potential beyond UT and for teaching me how to reflect upon
advisor. She has always had a welcoming spirit to students & specifically minority students. Ms. Crystal is a professional that students can come to & trust she will give the best advice whether that be personal or professional. She ensures that students aim to better themselves in all aspects of life.” Nequel Burwell (Hall Director at Volunteer Hall): “She is dedicated to not only her staff but the residents. She is supportive professionally and academically on top of her positive social endeavors and is a vital mentor.” Ashley Redix (Former GA in MSL and Advisor for BCPC): “She did a lot for the office including leading events as well as serving as an advisor for BCPC. She
my experiences so that I may present my best self. Thank you, alumni Brianna Rader and Jacob Clark, for creating Sex Week at UT, which profoundly changed both campus culture and my own college experience. And thank you to the entire executive board of SEAT, whose energy and passion for comprehensive sex education inspires me every day. Thank you to every professor, supportive administrator or staff member who has ever had a meeting or informal conversation with me to talk about my goals and plans, even when those plans changed or fell through entirely. Thank you for still supporting me when I was characteristically late, severely depressed or irresponsible. Thank you to the UT theatre department and Clarence Brown Theatre staff for supporting my creative pursuits and allowing me to achieve a major goal of seeing my own play produced. Thank you to the staff at the Student Counseling Center, for getting me through a really rough time and allowing me to thrive in my last couple years at UT. Thank you to my friends who knew I probably wouldn’t show up to their parties due to social anxiety but who invited me anyway. Thank you for always providing a listening ear or an approving heart in a GroupMe. Thank you to the roommates who have put up with me, in all my messiness and
also goes out of her way to support her students.” Andraya Carter (Junior Basketball Player): “She utilizes her impact on others to create a positive influence for the youth” Bri Holmes (Junior Volleyball Player): “Her passionate drive is shown highly through her sportsmanship as she works towards a promising future” We hope that you continue to prosper and pave the way on the road to success, and cherish this form of recognition for the rest of UTK to see! With Great Appreciation, The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated: Prestigious Pi Epsilon Chapter
clumsiness and forgetfulness and weird hours. Thank you to that one guy who helped me up when I fell down the stairs outside HSS a couple years ago and skinned my knee and to the people who helped me when I was throwing up during a protest the other day. Thank you to every activist who has fought for black lives, living wages, genderneutral pronouns and bathrooms, justice for sexual assault victims, freedom for Palestine and so much more. You have given me hope and courage to keep pressing forward, even when we are up against a legislature and a society that is trying to hold us back. Thank you to every person who has read my column and who has written back to me, even if it was to disagree. This column has helped me grow as a writer and forced me to strengthen some of my arguments and positions. Thank you to the Daily Beacon for helping me engage in dialogue about issues that are important to me. I think that’s what college is all about. It’s 2 a.m., and I’m sure I will think of others that need thanking after this column has been submitted. My point is, it takes an army of people to shape one student on this campus, and I am deeply indebted to those who have been part of my journey. Stay strong, kids. Only a couple more weeks. Summer Awad is a senior in College Scholars. She can be reached at sawad@ vols.utk.edu
Columns of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon's editorial staff.
VIEWPOINTS
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
I’m over speaking my opinion
Maria Smith Bleeding Orange, Being Different
It pains me to say that the Tennessee legislature passed the bill to cut all diversity funding last week. Although the money now is going towards minority engineering scholarships rather than police car stickers that were to say “In God We Trust” (the irony in trusting in God as those who are supposed to protect us beat us senseless), this setback in funding is still inexcusable. Yes, the money is going to support the education of minorities, but not every minority wants to be an engineer. How am I, a black woman that Mattel has just made a Barbie to fully represent all of my complex nature, supposed to be anything that I aspire to be when I am only guaranteed funding for a career that does not appeal to me in the least? Not everyone is engineered (catch that?) to work with science and mathematical equations. But when you only put all this money in a singular direction, wouldn’t the best option be to compromise what I want to be for what a group of government officials will only sponsor me to be? No one should have to compromise when it comes to their own fate in this world. Why else do you think this student body held countless protests and rallies to try and keep themselves from having to
do just that? In simple terms, the legislature only gave us two options, with one being fixed on false hope: either fight for what is rightfully ours as students in diverse fields of study or allow them to take and do as they please. Though we fought, they still took what they wanted, leaving engineering scholarships as their only apology. Am I angry? Yes, I am. Not only does this cut threaten the livelihood of many students who currently attend here, but it also already determines the fate of our campus ever becoming more diverse with equal opportunities. In no way are the engineering scholarships to minority students a negative addition to this university, but by only placing the funding there, a stigma is created as to what the state and the university sees us to be good for. As a minority, you already have the odds stacked against you by drifting from an institution where the population mostly identifies to be the same as you. But when you choose not to be a scientist or a mathematician, you add more solid red bricks to the wall of limited opportunities. In a society that is only focused on technological advancements rather than mental stimulation and artistic expression, it is hard to succeed in a career
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based within the liberal arts. Fact: I’d be paid more as a doctor than a writer trying to pursue their dream as a bestseller. There’s a reason that the terminology is “starving artist” and not “starving computer science engineer.” It just doesn’t work that way. No one who has a dream of pursuing a career within liberal arts should have to settle for anything that they don’t want to just because they choose art over algebra. Maybe I’m “nitpicking ” or maybe I’m speaking solid facts. I’m over just speaking my opinion. As a black woman, you try to break the stereotype of being angry, but since all of this has started, I’ve been pissed (maybe that negates the idea of angry). And now that the legislature has made their decision despite countless cries of unrest from the students, I’m in rage. Even if this doesn’t kill the stereotype of being angry, it surely does support the other stereotype of having to be an independent black woman. You know, because with no funding, what more can you do but support yourself? Maria Smith is a sophomore in journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at msmit304@vols.utk.edu
Many groups play important role in history
Elle Johnson I Learned Something Today
When I was young, I loved to collect coins. From state quarters to buffalo nickels, my heart would fill with joy every time I had the chance to pop a new addition into my growing collection. However, from my coins collected to the paper currency passed through my hands everyday, no figures other than white men were featured, beyond the occasional gold dollar. The worst part is, for me, I didn’t truly realize this discrepancy until relatively recently. My prominent currency always featured only white men, never changing. My U.S. history classes always displayed an overwhelmingly positive view of American history, constructed solely by a few great white men. With these dominant views prevailing throughout my childhood with little to no opposition from different interpretations, it was easily for this ideology to construct an image of what is “normal and natural.” While our common story of American history doesn’t completely eliminate the struggles of marginalized groups in the United States such as slavery, the fight for suffrage and colonization, it displays these issues as completely resolved, ignoring continued oppression through the lack of equal
rights through outlets such as wage and opportunity. Maybe, just maybe, however, we may be taking major steps to change what is considered “normal.” Last Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury announced a move to diversify America’s currency by 2030 or sooner, adding figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony to the backs of the $5 and $10 bill. Most importantly, Harriet Tubman will be replacing former president Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, becoming the first woman in more than a century and the first African American to grace the front of a paper note. Of course, as with any major change, critiques are made, with many arguing that the capitalism the dollar represents is the very type of oppressive structure that Tubman and others were fighting against. Additionally, 2030 feels lifetimes away, seems vaguely taunting in the sense that the decision could be easily revoked within the next 14 years. However, to me, this victory still feels very sweet despite its limitations. I do not think this change will obliterate all the problems facing marginalized groups in America, but I see it as a step forward towards being
more fully representative and honest of the people and the stories that have truly shaped our nation. This diversified representation does not diminish the accomplishments of white men towards our nation’s development but rather acknowledges that so many other groups have played just as much of an important role in our history as well. As for the time, 14 years does seem a bit long to wait for such a crucial change, and I am hoping that the process will be expedited by at least a few years. However, this date really makes me foresee the future, and to know that one day, young women and people of color will be able to see the gaze of an image similar to themselves when reaching into their wallets daily, I believe this change is well worth the wait. It’s been truly awesome to talk to you all weekly for the past year about feminism, pop culture and general advice and ramblings, Vols. Best of luck studying, happy finals and I’ll see you all next semester! Elle Johnson is a sophomore in College Scholars. She can be reached at ejohn100@ vols.utk.edu
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ARTS&CULTURE
The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Rooster’s showcases old fashioned bar scene Megan Patterson
Arts & Culture Editor Walking into Rooster’s may feel like entering a college bar from the 1980s that the class of ‘87 never left. I am not going to lie. I felt out of place. But I had been eating these wings via take out since I was seven, so I knew they would be good. Last night, however, was the first time I entered Rooster’s legally as a patron. It used to be a bar and grill, but in order to allow its customers to continue smoking cigarettes inside, it is now limited to 21 and up. So are you sold yet? It is a bit of a dingy place that smells like cigarettes and is filled with middle aged men. I would not be if I were you, but hear me out. I have eaten a lot of wings in my time, but everything has been a disappointment com-
pared to Rooster’s. Buffalo Wild Wings has moved in as the go-to place for a half price wing night. But every time I forget that I pay extra for every sauce and every time I swear I will never go again. However, other than wild wings cafe or Hooters, it is really the only other option. And we all know people do not actually go to Hooters for the wings. Never fear Knoxvillians! Rooster’s is here to answer your prayers. It is a bit of a drive, but if you are willing to go all the way out to Turkey Creek for Buffalo Wild Wings, then you can make the drive to the West Hills exit for Rooster’s. It is a neighborhood secret in a way, frequented mainly by the surrounding Rocky Hill residents, but it is a secret worth sharing. If you are 21, definitely come on Tuesdays to eat in for half-price wing night. If you are underage, then come on any day of the week to order take out and enjoy the best wings
Knoxville has to offer. To be fair, I have not tried much else that Rooster’s has to offer outside of wings and appetizers, but really that is all you should come here for anyway. They are cheap and delicious. Large and with plentiful options for seasoning. It is not as glamorous as b-dubs, but they trade class for quality. Do not expect napkin rolls at your table and do not wait to seat yourself. Do not worry; the server comes to the table quickly and checks in often. Do not forget to grab from paper towels from a roll sitting nearby before you dig into your wings. Make sure to scoot the ash tray with the left behind Pall Mall out of your way to make room for all the sauces your heart desires. Complimentary. Overall Rooster’s is unapologetically old fashioned, but if you do things perfect already, why change?
It is a
neighborhood in a secret way, frequented mainly by the surrounding Rocky Hill residents, but it is a secret worth sharing.�
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PUZZLES&GAMES
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
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Get Fuzzy • Darby Conley
NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz ACROSS 1 6
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I’m Not A Hipster• John McAmis 15 16
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Cartoons of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
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Fritter away Strongman player on “The A-Team” Spanish ___ It preceded “Eleven,” “Twelve” and “Thirteen” on the big screen Slip in a pot It becomes its own synonym when “cap” is added in front *Speedy shipping option Hollywood’s Ken or Lena Have confidence in International airport near Tokyo *Romantic comedy featuring two members of the Brat Pack A person’s soul mate Pink-slip Odin sacrificed one for wisdom Percentages and such
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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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ARTS&CULTURE
Virtual reality gaming promotes escapism, immersion Chase Biefeldt Contributor
Imagine living in a world where one can do whatever one desires, whenever one pleases, with no consequences. For some that might mean lying under the sun on a remote island with a lifetime supply of food and water, and for others it might include flying at the speed of light through an alternate universe. The obvious catch is that neither of those scenarios are real. But what was just described is the up-and-coming world of virtual reality gaming. For now, video games are still on televisions, computer monitors and phone screens but not for much longer. Oculus Rift, the first VR gaming headset, was released last month on Monday, March 28, while Playstation VR is planned for late 2016. While these are just headsets, Chris West, junior in political science, says they could set society down a dangerous road into the virtual world. “We will run into threats of becoming dependent on artificial experiences,” West said. “If you restrict yourself to a room, you are not going to get the full package of life.” West expanded on his point through an allusion to mountain climbing. “Instead of venturing to Mount Everest and having the accomplishment of standing on the top of world for yourself, you could then do the same thing in a virtual reality,” West said. “It’s just not the same … It will
never be advanced enough to replace the experiences you have in reality.” Contrary to West’s beliefs about the rise of VR gaming, there are some students who love the idea of it. “It’s the future of gaming,” Natalie Torres, senior in English, said. “(VR gaming) is great, but it’s very expensive right now. It will never be considered a sound financial investment to the public unless the prices are decreased.” Although Torres is not worried about the potential social dangers associated with VR, she acknowledged why others might be. “I could see the risks with fully immersing someone in a video game,” Torres said. “There are people that will not be able to easily step away from their games, so it’s just amplifying the already present risks associated with gaming today.” Sebastien Dubreil is currently surrounded by gaming and game design at UT and thinks that the aspect of VR gaming is, in a word, “cool.” He recently taught a three month course for first year students titled “Gaming and/as Learning,” where the goal of the class was for students to create a fun, innovative and educational game. He is interested in the incredible potential of game-based-learning in VR. “It can foster learning and education in general,” Dubreil said. “Gaming is designed in a way that gamers are learning while they playing.” Dubreil hinted at the possibility of structured learning through VR gaming where people might not even be aware of how much they are learning because the game
There are peopleb that will not be able to easily step away from their games, so it’s just easily amplifying the already present risks associated with gaming today.” Natalie Torres, Senior in English
experience is so immersive and fun. He said he was lucky enough to experiment with a learning tool called “Labster” in which students were able to experiment in a virtual chemistry lab. “If we could design VR environments in which we can effectively deploy learning experiences,” Dubreil said, “then we have everything to win and nothing to lose.” However, he explained that the danger with VR gaming is that people play games for an escape. This could potentially cause gamers to completely lose connection with
the real world. “The day when people deploy their skills solely in a gaming environment without contributing to the well-being of other people and their planet — that is when we will be losing as a society,” Dubreil said. He continued to say that VR gaming could cause a societal empathy failure, which would cause social issues. “If we want to build a better tomorrow, we will have to continue to compose with people that are different from us,” Dubreil said. “This is the biggest potential threat associated with VR gaming. We need to keep our social dimensions in check.” In spite of these potential stumbling blocks, Dubreil thinks that the potential for VR gaming is unlimited. As a French professor, he thinks it would be amazing for students to roam the streets of Paris, France, and have the ability to interact with an unlimited amount of AI’s with multiple dialects and attitudes. For Dubreil, the advancement of gaming and technology is more beneficial than dangerous by inspiring people to be dreamers once again. “Very few people regret having too much fun when they are sitting on their deathbed,” Dubreil said. From this point of view, people can still be socially responsible citizens while enjoying video games on the side. “If we can have a good outcome with VR, and people can have fun doing it while coming together as a group,” Dubreil said, “then I am all for it.”
Prince’s sister says musician had no known will Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prince’s sister believes the superstar musician didn’t have a will and has asked a Minnesota court to appoint a special administrator to oversee his multimillion-dollar estate, according to court documents filed Tuesday that could signal a looming fight over Prince’s assets. Tyka Nelson, Prince’s only surviving full sibling, said in the court filing that immediate action was necessary to manage Prince’s business interests following his death last week. The documents don’t estimate how much his estate may be worth, but Prince made hundreds of millions of dollars for record companies, concert venues and others during his career.
And estimates of how much licensing his personal brand will generate after his death reach to the purple clouds. In just three days, the outpouring of grief and nostalgia after his death prompted fans to buy 2.3 million of his songs. Nelson asked that Bremer Trust, a corporate trust company, be named administrator of the estate. The court documents say Bremer Bank provided financial services to Prince for many years. Prince died Thursday at his famous Paisley Park complex in suburban Minneapolis, and he owned a dozen properties around the area, mostly rural land and some houses for relatives, worth about $27 million, according to public records. If he left no will or trust, divvying up his fortune could get complicated, said Susan Link, a top Minnesota probate lawyer. Link, who isn’t involved in the case, said attorneys
will need to get Prince’s siblings to agree on asset distribution, and that it could get extremely complicated if they don’t. “They will try to set the family down,” said Link, head of the estate planning group at the Maslon LLP law firm. “They’re not going to try to light the match and get a big fire going and get everybody fighting about this.” Mark Roesler, chief executive of CMG Worldwide, which handles licensing for the estates of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and other late stars, estimates that Prince’s postmortem earnings could match top-earning dead celebrities like Elvis Presley, whose estate made $55 million in 2015, according to Forbes magazine. “He was as big as they get,” Roesler told The Associated Press late last week. “Will there be a business built up around Prince 60 years from now like James Dean? The
answer is unequivocally, ‘yes.’” Nelson’s court filing Tuesday said she had “no reason to believe” that Prince executed a will or any other documents saying what should happen to his estate upon his death. Nelson said she doesn’t know her brother’s assets or debts, but said he had “substantial assets” that require protection. Nelson’s attorneys didn’t immediately return phone calls seeking comment Tuesday. Irwin Feinberg, a Los Angeles trust and probate lawyer who spoke to the AP before Nelson’s filing, said wealthy people usually create trusts to avoid the public spectacle of probate court. He said it would be unusual for Prince not to have done so. Under Minnesota law, if a person dies without a will — and with no surviving parents, children, or grandchildren — the next people in line to share in the estate are the surviving siblings, including half-siblings.
SPORTS
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 • The Daily Beacon
SOFTBALL
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Softball team looks to extend 87 game streak David Bradford Staff Writer
Co-head coach Karen Weekly recognizes that Tennessee’s stature as the state’s elite softball program places a giant target on their back. On Wednesday, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles will aim to end the Vols 87-game winning streak against in-state rivals. Tennessee is 3-0 against such opponents on the season, with a pair of wins over Lipscomb and a victory over Belmont. “It’s another in-state opponent,” Weekly said. “And it’s the same thing. You’ve got that streak. Everybody wants to beat Tennessee. We know we’re gonna get their best, no question about that. I think for us, we look at every game as an opportunity to work on the things we need to work on.” The Vols are fresh off a 1-1 performance at the Tennessee Classic over the weekend. While Tennessee’s streak is the focus of Wednesday’s match-up with Tennessee
Tech, Weekly revealed a laundry list of areas where Tennessee must show signs of improvement. “Offensively, we still need to have the middle and bottom of our order attacking better,” Weekly said. “They need to be more aggressive and not take the strikes that we’re taking.” Gretchen Aucoin provided a spark with a grand slam on Sunday, but for the majority of the season, the Vols have struggled to find consistency in the bottom of the order. From a defensive standpoint, errors plagued Tennessee earlier in the season. But in recent weeks, after stabilizing the infield by placing Megan Geer at third base, the Vols cleaned up their defensive miscues. That was, until their fourerror performance against Oklahoma on Saturday. “I felt like we made a lot of strides in the last few weeks,” Weekly said. “But obviously this (past) weekend, there was some miscues. So we’ll do a lot of film work with the team and clean those things up.” Lastly, the pitching staff has struggled
It’s another in-state opponent, and it’s the same thing. You’ve got that streak. Everyone wants to beat Tennessee. We know we’re gonna get their best, no question about that. I think for us, we look at every game as an opportunity to work on the things we need to work on.” Karen Weekly, Co-head coach
with ball placement and overall quality of pitches when ahead in the count, an issue that resulted in a few hiccups against Lipscomb on Sunday. “We just make sure we’re executing better on our two-strike counts,” Weekly said. “I think that’s something that’s kinda bitten us.” Tennessee Tech’s offense is not known to bite offensively, as they feature only one
batter with an average above .300 and hit .247 as a team. The Golden Eagles also feature only one starter with a record over .500. Junior Danielle Liberatore is 12-12 on the season with a 3.28 ERA. The game will be played on Wednesday, April 27, at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, where Tennessee is 19-1 on the season. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
The Daily Beacon, UT’s editorially independent student newspaper, is looking for a student with impressive writing and management skills to fill the position of News Editor for Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. As News Editor, you will interview professionals and government officials and cover major news events for online and print publication. You will also recruit your own staff, plan your own stories, and work with other newsroom leaders to tell the story of the UT campus. The News Editor position is a paid salary position.
Qualifications: • Ability to coordinate coverage of breaking campus news •Ability to manage a writing staff and communicate effectively and consistently with other newsroom editors • Ability to plan story ideas six days a week • Some experience writing for publication • Strong work ethic
To apply: email a letter of interest, resume, and a maximum of three (3) writing samples to bmusil@vols.utk.edu
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The Daily Beacon • Wednesday, April 27, 2016
BASEBALL
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SPORTS
Vols get ugly win against Eastern Kentucky Shane Switzer
Staff Writer It wasn’t a pretty win by any means but coach Dave Serrano insisted it was still a win. Chris Hall came to the plate with Jared Pruett standing on second with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the game tied. Hall laced a hit to left field and Pruett was off as soon as the ball was hit and came around to easily score the game winning run. Tennessee (24-17, 6-12 SEC) won 4-3 over Eastern Kentucky (17-25) Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. “With two outs and a man in scoring position we gotta get him in,” Hall said. “You can’t try and do too much. I just wanted to find something over the plate.” Tennessee didn’t play its best baseball and Serrano was less than pleased. “Good thing they don’t paint portraits after victories,” Serrano said. “That wouldn’t have been a very pretty portrait.” Serrano said some of the players have been pressing and trying to do too much at the plate. Nick Senzel and Jordan Rodgers fall into that
category. At the moment both players are in a slump but Serrano knows eventually they will get turned around again and thinks winning games without those two leading the way bodes well for the Vols. “We’re winning some games,” Serrano said. “Even though some of them aren’t the prettiest games we’re winning some games. When they come out of this it may bode really well for us that we’re still winning games and they aren’t really at their best right now.” Vincent Jackson: While the rest of the lineup struggled, Jackson went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Jackson hit an RBI groundout in the first inning to drive home Tennessee’s first run and in the sixth hit a solo home run to right for the Vols second run of the night. Jackson now has 48 RBI on the year and seven home runs. “I backed off the plate just a little bit,” Jackson said. “(Taylor Blair) was working … It was a mistake but it came in a little so I just took advantage of that pitch.” Chris Hall: Hall was the other Vol who had success against Eastern Kentucky. Hall went
Good thing they don’t paint portraits after victories. That wouldn’t have been a very pretty portrait.” Dave Serrano, Head coach
2-for-4 with the game winning RBI. “That’s the guy I wanted up there,” Serrano said. “That’s the guy I felt most comfortable with because he was the most relaxed.” Hall said he knew that Tennessee had won the game as soon as he hit the ball. The rest of the team came swarming out of the dugout and
mobbed Hall at second base which Hall said was a good feeling especially coming off a big SEC series win over Vanderbilt. Keeping the momentum going was important. **Pitching out of jams:** More than once Tennessee pitchers were faced with getting outs with runners in scoring position. One such occasion occurred with Zach Reid inheriting runners on the corners with two outs in the top of the seventh. After relief pitcher Jon Lipinski walked Kyle Nowlin, Serrano went to the bullpen and brought in Reid. Reid faced Ben Fisher and went to a 3-2 count before getting Fisher to fly out to left field. “It was big,” Serrano said. “They made some big pitches at the right times. I thought we created some of our mess ourselves.” The pitching staff walked six batters and gave up 11 hits allowing a total of 17 base runners. Keeping Eastern Kentucky to just three runs was important given how the game ended. Up Next: Tennessee gets right back at it with Alabama State coming to Knoxville Wednesday, April 27. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.