Issue 20, Volume 121
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Chick-fil-A upsets UT’s LGBT Justin Joo Staff Writer When it was revealed earlier this month that the new dining establishment in the Presidential Court Building would be a second Chick-fil-A, not everyone on campus was pleased. Those that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, and those that support the LGBT community are all a bit distressed by the presence of not one, but soon to be two Chick-fil-As. This past summer, controversy arose when Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A’s chief operating officer, made statements against same-sex marriage. Anger also arose from LGBT support groups over Chick-fil-A’s charity endeavor, the WinShape Foundation, which donates millions of dollars to organizations that, amongst other things, are anti-LGBT, such as Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council. The resulting uproar led to both protests against the restaurant chain as well as support in the form of “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day.” While the national fervor may have died
down, there is still some resentment and even anger among the LGBT community at UT. Donna Braquet, center coordinator at the OUTreach LGBT & Ally Resource Center, has seen many of the LGBT students come through the center with a variety of thoughts about the two Chick-fil-As on campus. “You could probably find people on either side,” Braquet said. “(There are) some people who would really hold a grudge about this and then some people who are gay themselves and (are) going to get some chicken nuggets. “Of course, I can’t speak for the entire community,” she added. Braquet said that while several of UT’s LGBT and ally students have gone so far as to resolve to never eat at Chick-fil-A again, some are concerned about it in other ways. One student, she noted, was worried about being employed at the restaurant because Chick-fil-A was the only place the student could find available work. “... They are concerned how their friends might perceive them working for a company that is outwardly anti-gay,” said Braquet.
Tara Sripunvoraskul • The Daily Beacon
Students pass by the construction of the new Chick-fil-A at Presidential Court Monday. Chick-fil-A will replace the previous IHOP and should be completed in October.
See CHICK-FL-A on Page 3
JEM alumnus recognized • Photo courtesy of Cyrus McCrimmon • Photo courtesy of Wonderworks
Breathtaking views are seen in a Wonders of Flight view. The new attraction provides a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains.
Pigeon Forge attraction offers balloon rides RJ Vogt News Editor After months of anticipation, Wonders of Flight will have its grand opening Friday. Pigeon Forge has long been a weekend destination for many UT students as well as for tourists from around the country. WonderWorks’ new “Wonders of Flight” attraction will add to the allure of Pigeon Forge and Dollywood as a state of the art tethered hot-air balloon, taking 30 passengers at a time and more than 400 feet into the sky. Todd Jolley is the manager of the North American operations for Aerophile, the maker of Wonders of Flight. He has had the chance to ride the balloon a few times and is excited to open the experience to the public as autumn descends upon East Tennessee. “I’m hoping that people will come for the fall color change to see it in the differ-
ent perspective,” Jolley said. “I think it will be absolutely gorgeous when the leaves change.” By boarding a gondola beneath the enormous green and blue balloon, the adventurous riders steps foot onto what will soon become a flying balcony. Aerophile, the world leader in tethered gas balloons, manufactured the Aero30NG balloon in France. With over 50 balloons sold in more than 22 different countries, the attraction is worldrenowned. Due to helium shortages across the nation, the Pigeon Forge balloon’s grand opening has been delayed for more than four months. On Friday, however, Pigeon Forge will finally join Disney World as the only locations to offer tethered gas balloons in the Southeast. China’s OCT East Amusement Park and France’s Disneyland feature similar experiences, as do Berlin, Istanbul and Paris. See FLIGHT on Page 3
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Staff Reports Journalist Woody Paige is best known for his sports knowledge and wit. The ESPN broadcaster and Denver Post reporter and columnist credits UT’s journalism school for building a great foundation for his career. Monday, Paige was honored with an Accomplished Alumni award. The Accomplished Alumni pro-
accomplished alumni program, including CEOs of major corporations, Olympians, authors, artists, musicians, US ambassadors, and civic leaders. Woody Paige gives students a surprise lecture to an advanced sports writing class for undergraduate journalism and electronic media students. The award was presented by College of Communications Dean Mike Wirth during an Advanced Sports Writing class for undergraduate journalism and electronic media students. “Woody Paige is one of the most talented sports journalists in the world,” said Wirth. “His remarkable ability to share his knowledge of and — passion for — sports, through his columns and books and on television, is
why Woody has won more than 100 local, state, and national media awards.” Paige gave a surprise guest lecture, sharing some wisdom about the field and life in general. “I tell young people to work harder than everybody else, be passionate about what you are doing, and be creative,” said Paige. “Those three things, combined with reading and writing, will help you succeed in the most difficult economy I’ve ever seen.” Paige, a native of Memphis, began his career as a sports columnist with The Whitehaven Press after attending UT from 1964 to 1968. He later went on to cover politics for The Knoxville Journal and civil rights for The Memphis Commercial Appeal and the Rocky Mountain News.
Around Rocky Top
Tia Patron • The Daily Beacon
Jesse Weber, senior in environmental studies, and Chris Freye, senior in chemistry, practice in the rain for their next intramural volleyball competition.
Vols prepare for Akron game on Saturday page 6
gram recognizes notable alumni for their success and distinction within their field. “This is incredible because I was the most incorrigible student in the School of Journalism,” joked Paige. “The school is responsible for whatever I’ve accomplished because it set the landscape for me to succeed.” Paige is currently a sports columnist for The Denver Post and regular panelist on ESPN’s sports talk program, Around the Horn. Over his 35 year career, Paige has covered sporting events in more than 22 countries. His résumé includes numerous Super Bowls, Summer and Winter Olympics, World Championship fights, as well as the World Series and the NBA and Stanley Cup Finals. He joins a variety of outstanding alumni that have been featured through the
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