The Daily Beacon

Men’s basketball takes out North Alabama 117-79

Partly Cloudy with a 20% chance of rain HIGH LOW 64 39

PAGE 8

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 Issue 51

T H E

E D I T O R I A L L Y

PUBLISHED SINCE 1906

S T U D E N T

PAGE 7

http://dailybeacon.utk.edu

Vol. 112

I N D E P E N D E N T

Michael Jackson sells movie tickets from beyond the grave

N E W S P A P E R

O F

T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

T E N N E S S E E

Updates improve basketball ticket system Katie Freeman News Editor UT men’s and women’s basketball programs are going to a new ticketing system.

As with football tickets, the new system will utilize

the Big Orange Tix Web site with some differences, but basketball tickets will still be free and general admission.

SGA Presdient Laura Nishida said that many students have wanted to see a basketball ticketing system

for some time.

“People said they really would like to see it (basketball ticketing) because a reason a lot of students don’t attend basketball games is because long lines intimidate them,” Nishida said. “They see long lines,

and they think, ‘I’m not going to get a seat.’”

Despite the lines, Nishida said general admission seating was available for everyone who showed up at the games last year.

Associate Dean of Students J.J. Brown said

student reaction to Big Orange Tix during the football season has been positive.

“Initially, the thought was to try and tie it into multiple sports, and certainly basketball is that next transition,” Brown said.

Katie Hogin • The Daily Beacon

Freshman walk-on Skylar McBee dribbles the ball down the court in the exhibition game against North Alabama on Friday. The Vols finished 117-79.

Cobbins Moved The Associated Press KNOXVILLE — Convicted killer Letalvis Cobbins was moved Monday to a maximum-security prison after a state senator and victims’ families complained that a medium-security lockup was insufficient punishment for his role in the slayings of a young Knoxville couple.

Cobbins, 26, was convicted in August of first-degree murder in the Knoxville torture death of Channon Christian, 21, and facilitating the murder of her boyfriend Christopher Newsom, 23, in 2007.

The victims’ families were outraged that Cobbins was sent to the medium-security Hardeman County prison to serve his life-without-parole sentence.

After state Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, complained, Correction Commissioner George Little decided the maximum-security West Tennessee State Penitentiary in Henning would be more appropriate.

Corrections spokeswoman Dorinda Carter told The Associated Press that Cobbins arrived at the penitentiary Monday.

“I would say (Burchett’s call) maybe was a factor in the commissioner’s decision,” Carter said. “But he had already been looking at what would be the best placement for him (Cobbins).”

By contrast, Cobbins’ brother, Lemaricus Davidson, was taken to Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville within hours of being sentenced to death Friday in the Christian-Newsom slayings.

Two more defendants await trial.

Burchett told The Knoxville News Sentinel that he plans to file legislation next year that would have all inmates convicted of such “heinous” violent crimes sent into maximum security. Little said he would make it happen if “the Legislature is willing to put up the dollars.”

The state currently has about 900 maximum-security units and about 4,500 murderers — including the 90 inmates on death row.

Carter said the only inmates now sent directly to maximum security are those with death sentences. “The other cases we look at not just based on the offenses, but at the offender and what their behavior will likely be,” she said.

Burchett said he appreciates that, “but I think there’s also something to be said for retribution. If they are not going to be executed, they ought to spend the rest of their life in an eight by 12 box.”

While reserving a ticket before the day of the game will allow students to attend class or work up until the time the game starts, fans will not be assigned a seat through the system and can show up early for better seats.

“With basketball, they will not be incorporating the (loyalty) point system,” Nishida said. “The tickets are going to remain general admission, so those avid basketball fans can still go early and get those great seats.”

The loyalty point system implemented for football tickets allots points to students who regularly attend home games, according to BigOrangeTix.com.

“There’s no lottery,” Nishida said. “It’s first come, first serve.”

Because there are more basketball games per season than football, students will be able to reserve tickets for each period, usually three to five games, during one log-in.

Another revision to Big Orange Tix to accommodate basketball fans is making ticket records available on each student’s VolCard.

“Students are not going to have to print off tickets,” Nishida said. “Because it’s general admission, you just have to come with your student I.D., and we’ll scan the barcode on the VolCard.”

Students will also not be required to claim a ticket after seats have been assigned.

See TICKETS on Page 3

UT students utilize StudyBlue notes Web site provides study guides, facilitates effective collaboration Kristian Smith Student Life Editor StudyBlue, the student contentdriven study site, is making its mark at UT. Ben Jedd, StudyBlue chief communications officer, said more than 50 percent of undergraduates at UT are on StudyBlue.

“I am really impressed with the adoption (of StudyBlue) at UT,” Jedd said.

Josh Campbell, the StudyBlue campus representative for the university, said UT has the highest percentage of undergraduates on StudyBlue of all participating schools. Jedd said UT has more than 15,000 notes on the site.

As the campus representative, Campbell, senior in nursing, hands out T-shirts, fliers, highlighters and puzzles to increase awareness about StudyBlue. He said the feedback he has gotten about StudyBlue has been very positive.

“I always get good reactions when I am handing things out,” Campbell said. “People always say, ‘I love StudyBlue,’ when they see what I am handing out.”

Clarke Riner, senior in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, said he is a frequent StudyBlue user.

“It’s a good way to find notes that I’ve missed and to find tests from previous years,” he said.

Campbell said when he walks through the library to hand out Tshirts and fliers, he always sees people on StudyBlue.

StudyBlue has a lot to offer students. Because the site’s content is all student-created, students have much more say than on other sites, such as Blackboard. “(The creators of StudyBlue) were unhappy with Blackboard because there was too much professor power,” Jedd said. “StudyBlue is a place for students.”

Jedd said that, before StudyBlue, there were no strong study aids to

meet the needs of students. He said the best thing about StudyBlue is that it allows students to work together to study.

“Research has proven that collaboration is the best way to study, and StudyBlue gives students the opportunity to share information,” Jedd said.

Besides sharing notes, StudyBlue also allows students to create flashcards and has a new quizzing feature that asks true/false and matching questions based on study material.

Campbell said StudyBlue has

“

Research has proven that

collaboration is the best way to study, and StudyBlue gives students

the opportunity to share information.

Students receive 50 cents for each set of notes they add and an additional 50 cents for each person that rates their notes.

Some students have made hundreds of dollars by adding notes. Campbell said study guides seem to be the most lucrative.

“I put up a study guide for my 90person nursing class and made more than a hundred dollars,” he said.

Campbell said that problems with money scams last semester led StudyBlue to create a more foolproof system to rate notes.

“Now it’s harder to cheat the system, because to rate notes and get money for them, you have to be in the class,” Campbell said.

Campbell said people can still view notes in classes they are not registered for but cannot rate them.

StudyBlue also has a system to make sure notes on the site are quality study aides.

“If two students click a file to say that it’s bad, it is immediately removed from the site,” Jedd said.

Campbell, who said he was a frequent user of StudyBlue before becoming the UT campus representative, encourages students to use the site.

“It’s an easy tool to use if you miss class,” he said. “It is also a good way to double-check your notes and your answers on study guides.”

Jedd said StudyBlue was created in 2007 by two students at the University of Wisconsin. One student was in business and the other student was in computer science. Now the site has more than 2,100 universities and more than 1,800 high schools signed up.

Campbell said Wisconsin has the second-highest percentage of students on StudyBlue, topped only by UT. To get involved with StudyBlue, Jedd said the site offers internships and other jobs, such as bloggers and campus representatives, that can be found by clicking on the “jobs” section at the bottom of the StudyBlue home page.

”

– Ben Jedd, speaking about StudyBlue and its rising popularity.

recently created an application for the iPhone, where students can view notes and flashcards on their phones. He said an application for the Blackberry may also be in the works.

Besides a study tool, StudyBlue can also be a source of income for college students. Jedd said the site has a rewards program that pays students for their contributions.

CAMPUS CALENDAR

2 • The Daily Beacon

InSHORT

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

?

What’s HAPPENING AROUND CAMPUS

Nov. 3 - Nov. 6, 2009 Tuesday, Nov. 3—

• 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. — Former ambassador to Poland and mayor of Knoxville Victor Ashe speaks about international communication opportunities and his own experiences in the Baker Center’s Toyota Auditorium.The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by MediaWorks.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 —

• 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. — The School of Art hosts its annual holiday pots and prints sale in the atrium of the Art and Architecture Building. Proceeds from the sale benefit the UT potters’ club, print club, visiting artists and scholarships in the School of Art. Katie Hogin • The Daily Beacon

• 6 p.m. — The Medieval Studies Club screens the film “The Name of the Rose,” which is based on the novel

by Umberto Eco and stars Sean Connery and Christian Slater. Held in Room 252 of Hodges Library, the screening is sponsored by the Marco Institute for Medieval and Renaissance Studies and is free and open to the public.

• 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. — The International House hosts an evening exploring the Turkish culture, including a discussion of Turkey’s architecture, food, music and religion.The event is free and open to the public.

Friday, Nov. 6 — • 5 p.m. — Alternative spring break applications due. Applications are available online at teamvols.utk.edu.

After submitting an application, students are required to stop by the TeamVOLS office to sign up for an interview time.

Grad student Nolan Wildfire and Beacon relationship columnist Robin Overby meet for the first time over tea at the Golden Roast Sunday evening.

THE CRIME Thursday, Oct. 29 • 12:32 a.m. — An officer observed an older suspicious white male on a bicycle at Gate 9 of Neyland Stadium, near the VolCard office. He began to leave the area on his bike when he noticed the officer, who followed in his patrol vehicle. While the officer followed him, the man looked back several times to see if he was being followed. At Staff Lot 9 the officer activated his emergency lights to stop the man. The officer issued verbal warnings out the window of the cruiser and over the PA, to no avail. The subject continued to flee on his bike, crossing over the grassy median to the upper section of Staff Lot 9. The officer then activated his siren and tried to make contact with the man. Finally at the intersection of Andy Holt and Philip Fulmer, two officers blocked the man’s path. He was ordered off of his bike and told to lie face down on the ground with his hands behind his head. He was detained and read his Miranda rights before being questioned. The man stated his reason for fleeing was that he had consumed a few beers and was afraid of being arrested for public intoxication.

LOG

He stated that he felt pretty good and wanted to see if he could out run the officer and get away from the police. He was arrested for evading arrest.

• 10:15 a.m. — An officer was dispatched to the Volunteer Hall office to investigate a burglary of a motor vehicle. He spoke with a complainant who reported that someone had gotten into her car and taken items from her backpack. On Oct. 29 at 9:50 a.m. she parked on the first floor of the Volunteer Hall garage and went to her room. She returned at 10:05 a.m. and discovered someone had gone through her backpack. The items missing included her pink iPod valued at $300 and her iPod car charger valued at $80. Three prescription bottles of pain medication were also missing: one bottle of 10 mg OxyContin with one pill inside, one bottle of .5 mg Percocet with ten pills and one bottle of 7.5 mg Hydrocodone with five pills.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY • 1948 — The Chicago Tribune jumps the gun and mistakenly declares New York Gov. Thomas Dewey the winner of his presidential race with incumbent Harry S. Truman in a front-page headline: “Dewey Defeats Truman.” Many of America’s major newspapers had predicted a Dewey victory early on in the campaign. A New York Times article editorialized that “if Truman is nominated, he will be forced to wage the loneliest campaign in recent history.” Perhaps not surprisingly then, Truman chose not to use the press as a vehicle for getting his message across.

• 1964 — Residents of the District of Columbia cast their ballots in a presidential election for the first time. The passage of the 23rd Amendment in 1961 gave citizens of the nation’s capital the right to vote for a commander in chief and vice president. They went on to help democrat Lyndon Johnson defeat republican Barry Goldwater in 1964, the next presidential election. Between 1776 and 1800, New York and then Philadelphia served as the temporary center of government for the newly formed United States. The capital’s location was a source of much controversy and debate, especially for Southern politicians, who didn’t want it located too far north.

—Courtesy of History.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Daily Beacon • 3

STATE&LOCAL

Debate rages on handgun privacy The Associated Press

UT v. Ole Miss game time announced The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that Tennessee’s Nov. 14 visit to Mississippi is being televised by CBS and kicks off at 11 a.m. Central time. The telecast is part of a CBS doubleheader and marks UT’s third road game appearance on the network this season.

The Vols lead the series against the Rebels 43-18-1, having won the last 12 games. Tennessee is 3-0 all time in Oxford, with wins in 1951 (46-21), 1988 (20-12) and 2004 (21-17).

Vols assistant head coach Ed Orgeron was the Ole Miss head coach in 2005 when UT defeated the Rebels 27-10 in Knoxville.

UT safety named SEC Freshman of the Week Tennessee safety Janzen Jackson earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors after making a career and season high seven tackles during Saturday’s win over South Carolina.

The true freshman from Lake Charles, La., also forced a fumble and contributed two pass breakups during the 31-13 victory. Jackson’s big hit on the game’s third play from scrimmage resulted in a Gamecocks fumble that Tennessee recovered and turned into seven points just two plays later. The Vols capitalized on four Carolina turnovers to score 24 of their 31 points.

“I don’t know how he did what he did; he was everywhere,” head coach Lane Kiffin said. “I’d like to figure out what it is and let everybody else have it because he was unbelievable.

That’s a freshman. He’s knocking people out left and right all around the ball, and then on kickoff coverage he’s still the first guy down.

“I’d like to say he’s going to be a great player, but he already is.”

Jackson has started seven of eight games this season and stands as the leading freshman on the team with 33 tackles.

He’s also tied for third in special teams tackles with five.

Alternative Spring Break taking applications The TeamVOLS Alternative Spring Break is an opportunity to get out of Knoxville, do community service and socialize with other students from UT. Applications will be available online at http://teamvols.utk.edu until Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m.

After submitting an online application, don’t forget to come by the TeamVOLS office and sign-up for an interview time.

Interviews will be held the week of Nov. 9-13.

Circuit court hosts event to fight domestic violence In an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence, the Fourth Circuit Court for Knox County will hold Order of Protection Day on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the UT College of Law. Judge Bill Swann will lecture about domestic violence and orders of protection at 8 a.m. Courtrooms will be set up in Rooms 132, 135 and 136. Hearings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until 4:30 p.m., with a break for lunch.

Swann and two Special Masters are likely to hear matters involving the granting of civil protection orders as well as contempt proceedings. Domestic abuse, substance abuse, family law, criminal assault and civil procedure issues may arise.

Numerous community programs and organizations that deal with domestic violence issues will have informational booths in the hallways, and all events are open to the public.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Supporters of blocking public access to the names and addresses of Tennesseans with handgun carry permits appear to have a hard time keeping their hands off the records.

Records obtained and reviewed by The Associated Press show that copies of the state’s database of more than 257,000 handgun permit holders were recently requested by the state Republican Party and a direct mail contractor that has done extensive work for the GOP’s legislative caucus.

Asked about those requests Monday, House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada, of

Franklin, said he opposes using the database for political purposes such as fundraising or get out the vote efforts.

“I know they’re going to use it for campaigns, but there’s people that would use it to break into homes and steal guns,” Casada said. “And I just wish we could keep personal information like that private.”

The latest effort to close the records came after The Commercial Appeal newspaper of Memphis posted the full database on its Web site last year.

No Republican opposed closing the records to the public last session. The bill — which would have closed the records for all uses, including campaign purposes — failed to pass by just

one vote in June.

State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney said the party doesn’t take a position on whether the records should be open.

“We are operating under the laws as they are right now, and if they change we’ll operate under those standards,” he said. “We were seeking that information, it’s public information, and we wanted to have it.”

Also among those requesting the database was a woman named Michele Wood, who said she was requesting the records on behalf of the National Rifle Association. A spokesman for the organization said Wood does not work for the NRA, and Wood did not immediately reply to messages seeking comment.

TICKETS continued from Page 1 “There’s only a demand period,” Nishida said.

“The second you log in and demand ‘I want a ticket,’ it loads it on your VolCard. There’s not a follow-up step to claim your ticket. We didn’t want to punish the student who signed up but couldn’t claim on time.”

Nishida suggested that students who don’t want to miss opportunities to reserve tickets can select the e-mail reminder function on BigOrangeTix.com.

Brown said tickets are now available for the men’s exhibition game against Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 4, the women’s exhibition game against Carson-Newman on Thursday, Nov. 5, and the first games of the season.

4 • The Daily Beacon

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

OPINIONS

LettersEditor to the

Pride of the Southland surpasses others in quality,discipline First off, I would like to clarify that I am writing this not as a former member of the UT band but as a concerned supporter. I am disgusted with the recent editorials bashing the directors of the UT marching band. I really can’t believe that so many people are coming out to say that our band is mediocre, and that we get shown up by the other bands. How many of you people are out there?

Because everyone I’ve ever met loves the Pride of the Southland Marching Band and wouldn’t take those other bands in its place for anything. Like Gabe Johnson, who started this whole mess, I was in the Pride for two years. But unlike him, I understand the reason the directors make this band into what it is.

When a band like Florida or Auburn plays, it sounds like a bunch of kazoos. If you prefer that sound, then go ahead and transfer to one of the hundreds of colleges in the country with a band like that! We sure won’t miss you! It takes hours of hard practice to get the sound that we have. I don’t even really agree that we aren’t as loud as those bands, but in any case the idea is quality of sound, not quantity.

Anyone can pick up a horn and scream into it. It takes actual skill to make good, loud music with it.

On top of that, those other bands don’t have anywhere near the discipline that we do. They goof off right up until their show starts. They scratch themselves when they’re supposed to be at attention. And they apparently get more respect than we do? I just don’t understand it. And as for some of our shows not being up to our skill level, we can’t play Circle Drill every week. In fact, the easier shows usually come right before Circle Drill so the band can start working on it at the same time as the easy show.

The directors and the band work too long and too hard to be treated like this. Our band is really something to be proud of, and if you think other bands are better I really don’t know what to tell you.

They don’t put the effort that our band does into their performance, and it is obvious. At the Georgia game this year, at one point the band started playing a new, funky-sounding tune in the stands. The entire football team started dancing along with it! I have never seen that happen at other schools, and I’ve been to most of the stadiums in the SEC. I would not trade our band for anyone else’s, and I am proud of what our directors strive for. I hope I’m not alone!

Risky date proves romance still alive R obin on R e la t i o n s h i p s by

Robin Overby

Mary Hall Junior in animal science

Band directors deliver qualified leadership, uphold traditions This letter is written response to the recent columns and letters about the Pride of the Southland Band. As a former member of one of the greatest organizations on campus and in the nation, I would like to take a moment to vent about the recent bashing of the directors and the band.

The Pride of the Southland is one of the most prestigious and classiest bands in the U.S. While Burks, in his Oct. 29 letter, may disagree, Ohio University’s marching band was a joke. Just because they got on all fours and acted like a bunch fools on the football field does not mean they are a great band. They did not even come close to being at the same level as the Pride. If you are tired of seeing the band, you can go get a delicious Neyland dog during halftime.

Why does the Pride need new directors? Each one of the directors has an impressive resume and has upheld the traditions and standards set by W.J. Julian himself. Under the band’s current leadership, the band has made its very first international performance in Ireland. In addition, the band has played in the last 12 presidential inaugurations representing the state of Tennessee. I challenge you to find another band that has played in that many consecutive presidential inaugurations.

In closing, I would like to comment on Gabe Johnson’s columns in the Oct. 6 and Oct. 13 issues.

Being an alternate for both years you marched gives you no right to question the abilities of the directors or the difficulty of the drill or music. To further comment I would like to say, “Thank you, sir. Go Vols!”

Joshua Ogle Senior in music

SUPER BROCCOLI • Sumter & Starnes

In a letter to the editor on Oct. 29, Nolan Wildfire put the ball back in my court. Would I be willing to go on a date with a complete stranger to prove that dating without mixed signals and technology’s impersonal communication is preferable? Of course I would.

The reaction to the letter from the girls I know (and probably those I don’t) proved my earlier point about the lack of creativity and clarity in our generation’s version of dating. These girls seemed excited and fascinated that a guy would make such a grand gesture, and I felt like I was representing every girl hoping to find romance and sincerity in dating.

The idea of a guy publicly declaring his intentions to take a girl on a date and not waste time playing the game before making his move was a shock for most of us. Then again, it is out of the ordinary for a guy to use the school newspaper as a means of communication, but I admire his ingenuity. Not only was it a bold move, but it was flattering.

How could I not agree to go on this date and expect my column to hold any credibility? With no reasons to refuse and every inclination to accept, I called Nolan and said “yes.” I spent the next two days actively telling people not to tell me anything about him (coincidentally, we have several mutual friends) because if he was willing to forgo any reconnaissance work via Facebook or other means, then so was I. After all, that would be technology stealing the mystery. Going through the emotions normally associated with a date — nervousness, excitement, curiosity — I was still questioning his sincerity. Was this guy serious or was this some sort of mean joke? Either way, I was willing to respect his courageous move and take a leap with or without him.

Sunday night as I waited outside the Golden Roast I was nervous to see just how awkward this

first date would be. Fortunately, it wasn’t. From the minute he introduced himself, Nolan was friendly and assertive, an encouraging breath of fresh air in a culture that almost encourages males to be timid and indirect with females as a means to be “sexy and mysterious.” He opened the door, chose our table, ordered (and paid) for our drinks and instigated every minute of the conversation. I sat down to drink tea with a guy I had never met who asked only for thirty minutes of my company, “nothing more, nothing less,” but I definitely think I got something more. This was a first date in its purest form, just a guy and a girl getting to know each other in a neutral setting with no strings attached.

We laughed about the unique situation and how he came to use The Daily Beacon to ask me out on a date. He explained that he had read a few of my columns this semester and talked to one of his friends about how he liked me and what I had to say, to which his friend responded, “So, what are you going to do about it?” This question would be responsible for his letter and our date. Across the table we found common ground and discovered similar values. We talked about everything from our families to politics to Boy Scouts.

As thirty minutes turned into four and a half hours, I realized this was the date every girl (and guy) deserves. The chance to get to know someone without trying to figure out their intentions by reading between the lines. The whole experience was so much simpler because I was able to enjoy his company without worrying about any mixed signals. It makes me wonder why we are almost willing to give up the security of knowing just to avoid the vulnerability of being honest about what we want. We have to decide where the line is between playing the game and being happy.

For every girl still hoping that good dates exist, I want to tell you they do. For everyone afraid to take the leap and be vulnerable to someone else, I say jump.

Editor’s note: See page two for a photo of Robin and Nolan on their date.

—Robin Overby is a senior in journalism and electronic media. She can be reached at roverby@utk.edu.

Culture of fear extends reach, yields profit T he Pop Co lu m n by

Robbie Wright

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jenny Bledsoe MANAGING EDITOR

Nash Armstrong ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR

Flora Theden CHIEF COPY EDITORS

Theresa Parrish Robby O’Daniel DESIGN EDITORS

Krista Lewis Patrick Relford PHOTO EDITOR

Katie Hogin ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Scott Martineau NEWS EDITOR

Katie Freeman STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Kristian Smith ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Katharine Heriges

ADVERTISING MANAGER Matt Nielsen CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Sarah Fadule ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Ally Callahan, Scott Crump, Devyn Downey, Lynette Williams

To report a news item, please e-mail the newsroom@utk.edu or call the managing editor at 974-2348.

To place an ad, please call retail advertising at 974-5206.

To place a classified, please call the classified manager at 974-4931.

SENIOR ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTIST Geneva Hill

If you think something has been reported incorrectly, please contact the managing editor at 974-2348.

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION ARTIST Sarah Wagner

Advertising: (865) 974-5206

EDITORIAL PRODUCTION ARTISTS

Classifieds: (865) 974-4931

Faith Barger, Jenna Cross, Jake Lane

Editor: (865) 974-2348

COPY EDITORS Kevin Letsinger, Brandi M. Panter, Chauntele Scarlett

Main office: (865) 974-3231 Managing Editor: (865) 974-2348 Newsroom: (865) 974-3226 Newsroom fax: (865) 974-5569

CARTOONISTS

Photo: (865) 974-5212

Josh Schendel, Ben Sumter,

E-mail: newsroom@utk.edu

Enoch Starnes

letters@utk.edu

The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Friday during the summer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 5 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: http://dailybeacon.utk.edu.

SPORTS EDITOR

Brad Merritt ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Zac Ellis RECRUITMENT EDITOR

Jenny Ratledge

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. 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@utk.edu or sent to Jenny Bledsoe, 1340 Circle Park Dr., 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The Beacon reserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliance with available space, editorial policy and style.

This past weekend was Halloween, and everybody was talking about its origins and purpose, just like they do every year. Some think of Halloween as an opportunity to try on a new identity for a night. Some think of it as an opportunity to try on something slutty for a night. I think it’s really interesting that a holiday exists, at all, which we have totally dedicated (at least in name) to scaring ourselves. Think about it: Why does America drop everything to watch horror movies and go to haunted houses and buy witch decorations at Walgreens that cackle at you when you walk by?

Well, Halloween is over now, and we can all get back to scaring ourselves more creatively. What scares me? The apocalypse, and also, therefore, talking about global warming. It is one of the most odious topics a person can raise in conversation. Any slight mention of it in front of the wrong person, and suddenly a massive conversation involving guilt, fear and mass extinction is unleashed. That is not to say that I don’t think the problem is real. And I like Earth.

I’ll buy all-natural Clorox products and stuff. I’m down with being green. But I am going to stop doing it if being environmentally-conscious means always having to talk about our imminent death and being told it’s my fault.

You know who does want to talk about our imminent death? Hollywood. America. Probably you.

Turn on TLC and watch a show about a face-eating tumor. Go to a movie any day of the year and see films such as “Knowing,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “I Am Legend,” “The Road” and the soon-to-bereleased film “2012.” This is all evidence that somebody out there thinks our fear is a goldmine. I don’t know, maybe you guys enjoy them, but I always leave the theater after one of those movies thinking about how much time I will have wasted studying and appeasing people I don’t respect, all to get flattened by a meteor, apparently in a couple of years.

I realize that the end of times has been a human obsession since the dawn of time, but I’m beginning to feel like our culture is becoming defined by fear, and not just the haunted house kind. If it isn’t rising sea levels, it’s epidemics, nuclear bombs and so on. I’m starting to get angry. It seems there is a huge profit to

be made by the powers that be, simply by convincing us to offer ourselves sacrificially to a juggernaut of negativity. There seems to be a collective effort to wrest from us a sense of control over our own fates and make us run amok, crazed by a nameless fear. But some fears have names, and that’s why I am angry.

I was inspired to write this column, not by Halloween, but by recent news. The Weather Channel has, for more than 25 years, been a repetitive but reliable source for news about the most pertinent issue in our lives: the weather. Now, according to the Weather Channel’s press release from Oct. 20, they will begin showing feature-length films on Friday nights, to “further demonstrate how weather is an allencompassing part of our lives that entertains and inspires us,” or, in other words, to boost their ratings.

Anything to avoid giving us weather news.

True, you can get weather on your iPhone now, so maybe we don’t really need round-the-clock weather coverage. But, after all, we are living in the age of “An Inconvenient Truth.” In real life, the scariest effects of global warming are manifested in the weather. And that, in turn, scares me, because I start thinking about tornadoes. I, like many others, have lain in a bathtub with my little sister, clutching a couch cushion on top of our heads, as a tornado passed over the house and thought, “This is it for us.” And I think about hurricanes. There are people along the Gulf Coast who endured nights of Hurricane Katrina’s roaring winds and emerged to see the dead bodies of neighbors floating past their homes. That is real fear.

So, Weather Channel, what’s so wrong with a little information, a little reassurance, even if it’s boring?

Maybe this is the natural progression of your network, as a business, but all I can think about are those times, right before the power went out in our house, when I heard a Weather Channel anchor’s voice on the TV in the other room and felt a little less isolated and scared.

I’m sad that you, TWC, are joining the rest in choosing revenue over responsibility. Now, when we turn on the Weather Channel, we will get sensationalized movies about mostly fictional natural disasters, not news we can use to prepare for disasters that could actually happen to us. Maybe the concept of “real people” providing useful information, in real time, has become antiquated. However, in this culture of fear, a channel that could tell me, in a calm human voice, exactly which enemy to fear and which way it was headed, was a rare resource, and I think America will be sad to see it go. Lame, Weather Channel.

Lame.

—Robbie Wright is a senior in English literature.

She can be reached at rwrigh24@utk.edu.

STATE&LOCAL

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Suspected serial rapist indicted in West Tenn.

MARTIN, Tenn. — A man suspected of being a serial rapist has been indicted by a Weakley County grand jury for three separate rapes that occurred in Martin this year.

Thirty-five-year-old Bruce Tuck of Gleason has remained jailed without bond since his Sept. 2 arrest.

According to radio station WCMT, the three “true bill” indictments contain a total of 22 criminal charges including multiple counts of rape, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, theft, vandalism and sexual battery.

Prosecutors said Tuck is also a suspect in other rapes reported in Shelby County although he has not been formally charged with those crimes.

Tuck will remain jailed pending arraignment Thursday in Weakley County Circuit Court on the charges listed in the indictments.

Soldier arrested over explosives in Tenn. field CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — An Army Special Forces soldier was arrested Monday after a pair of hunters found about 100 pounds of explosives outside his home near Fort Campbell.

Maj. April Olsen, a spokeswoman at the sprawling Army post on the

Tennessee -Kentucky border, said the unidentified soldier was being held in the county jail.

Federal and military officials searched his home outside Clarkesville after the hunters found the C-4 plastic explosives in a field late Sunday. Ted Denny, spokesman for the Montgomery County sheriff, said they appeared to be military ordnance.

Joel Siskovic, a spokesman for the FBI in Tennessee, said the agents from the Joint Terrorism Task Force were called to the scene, but after conducting interviews, they determined there was no connection to domestic or international terrorism.

Judge allows defense attorney, sequesters jury KINGSTON, Tenn. — A judge overseeing a second murder trial of a Roane County man accused of shooting a deputy and another man said he will sequester the jury now being chosen.

Leon Houston faces trial again in the 2006 shooting deaths of Roane County Deputy Bill Jones and former police officer Mike Brown.

WBIR-TV in Knoxville reported Judge David Hayes also on Monday allowed attorney Jim Logan to again represent Houston, who had earlier said he wanted to defend himself, then changed his mind.

The Daily Beacon • 5

Logan represented Houston at his first trial, which ended in a mistrial last year.

1 of 3 minor quakes felt in East Tennessee CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The U.S. Geological Survey reports three small earthquakes within hours of each other in East Tennessee, including a magnitude 3.0 earthquake that shook enough for people to notice Sunday.

USGS spokeswoman Tish Tuttle said records show 27 people called about the magnitude 3.0 earthquake that was recorded just after 5 p.m. EST Sunday near Cleveland.

Tuttle said Monday from the USGS office in Memphis, Tenn., that there were two smaller earthquakes early Monday in the same area of the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, a magnitude 1.5 and a magnitude 2.0.

She said the small earthquakes are common.

EMPLOYMENT

TRAVEL

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

CONDOS FOR SALE

CONDOS FOR SALE

2BAHAMAS SPRING BREAK $189 for 5 DAYS or $239 for 7 DAYS. All prices include: Round-trip luxury cruise with food. Accommodations on the island at your choice of thirteen resorts. Appalachia Travel. www.BahamaSun.com 988-9383.

Basement apartment furnished West Hills. 10 min to campus. Convenient to I-40.

Great for visiting professor, grad or law student.

(865)363-9005.

Only a Few Left Located close to campus, furnished 1 & 2BR condos.

Rents start at $475/mo. Free parking, water, pest control and trash pick-up. Amenities include pool, cabana w/gas grills on site, laundry and 24 hr. emergency maintenance, school term leases available.

Call Kingston Place Student Condominiums 673-0236.

$133,400 new condos.

8 miles from campus.

Visit www.cherrybrookvillas.com FHA approved. 3.5% down.

Dabney Hansard Realty Executives Associates (865)693-3232 (865)300-3668

High Gate Condos 2BR 2BA, neat, clean, quiet, secure condo. Just 2 miles west of campus on Lyons View Drive. $149,500. Call Richard Smith with DeanSmith at 588-5000.

October Openings $15 base appointment. Starting people in sales/service.

PT/FT. Conditions apply. All ages 18+. Call (865)450-3189. www.workforstudents.com.

PART-TIME WORK Great pay, flexible schedule, permanent/ temporary.

Sales/ Service. Conditions apply. (865)450-3189.

Pride & Joy Children’s Academy 4418 Kingston Pike, (across from Western Plaza in the Sequoyah Hills area) has an immediate full-time position available working with our toddler classroom.

Previous experience with this age group preferred.

Please call Jenny @ 414-6072 or 524-7907 to set up an appointment.

PT child care, household help needed in West Knoxville. Hours negotiable.

Please send resume to yvonnca.taf@charter.net.

Survey takers needed. Make $5-$25 per survey. www.getpaidtothink.com.

Want to make a difference in the lives of youth? Serve as an AmeriCorps member in an urban afterschool program! Receive a living allowance and money for school!

Positions start early January.

Part-time only. Contact rbenway@emeraldyouthfoundation.org.

UNFURN APTS 1 and 2BR Apts. UT area. $450-$550.

(865)522-5815.

Ask about our special.

KEYSTONE CREEK 2BR apartment. Approx 4 miles west of UT on Middlebrook Pike. $485. Call (865)522-5815. Ask about our special.

WEST TOWNE MANOR 1BR and 2BR apartments.

(865)584-6271.

FOR RENT $199 Move in special. Convenient to downtown, UT area. 2BR apartments available now. $475/mo (865)573-1000.

3 or 4BR, 1BA, Convenient walk to class location. Newly remodeled. Central H/A, W/D furnished. $1275/mo.

Must see before you rent.

(865)388-6144 4th AND GILL Houses and apartments now available. Please call Tim at (865)599-2235.

ALTAVIA APTS 2329 Highland Ave., The quite side of the Fort area.

Quaint 1BR, 1BA apt. Approx.

600 sq. ft. H/W floors, water, garbage pick-up and free parking, laundry on site.

1st. month free.

Call 522-5815 for appointment.

CAMBRIDGE ARMS Just 4 miles west of campus.

Small pets allowed. Pool and laundry rooms. 2BR at great price! Call (865)588-1087.

Get a jump on Fall 2010 student housing. Why live in an apartment with a balcony when you can have a front porch and yard? Great selections are available in Fort Sanders area with multiple bedrooms and off-street parking.

Call (865)521-7324.

HUNTINGTON PLACE UT students! Only 3 miles west of campus. We have eff. to 3BR. Hardwood floors. Central H/A. Pets allowed. Call (865)588-1087.

Ask about our special.

IMMEDIATE MOVE IN BARCLAY HOUSE APTS 1BR apartment- $575. $50 application fee WAIVED. $250 security deposit WAIVED. Take advantage of this offer while it lasts! Call or stop by today! 1631 Laurel Ave (865)522-6987.

Lease Purchase $850/mo.

2BR 2BA, garage, 8 miles from campus. Dabney Hansrard Realty Executives.

865-300-3668 dabney@vic.com.

LUXURY 1BR CONDOS 3 min. walk to Law School. $480R, $300SD. No app. fee.

865 (4408-0006, 250-8136).

Victorian house divided into apartments located on Forest Ave. 1BR $400/mo. 2BR w/ private deck $600/mo.

Private parking, water included. 3BR house on 16th St., W/D included $900/mo.

Deposit and references required. Armstrong Properties 525-6914.

Renaissance II Condo for rent starting immediately or for Fall 2010. 1, 2 or 3BR 2BA with W/D and 2 parking passes. Call George at (865)694-4808. bigredbuck@comcast.net.

Looking for a campus condo visit www.knoxcondotours.com.

Dabney Hansard, Realty Executives Assoc. 693-3232.

Roommate Friendly two bedroom with two full baths! Super location - Only 3 minutes to West Town Mall and an easy 12 minute commute to campus. Super nice updated interior with all new kitchen appliances, French doors, washer/dryer connections, and Exceptional closet space! Free Recycling! Large or small pets are welcome. Lease before 11.15.09 and receive 1 month Free Rent!!

Call Today!

(888)703-1453

HOUSE FOR RENT Beautiful 2BR 2BA. Amenities. 5 Minute drive to UT. Available now. $625/mo.

(865)850-0983.

ROOMMATES

MERCH. FOR SALE

MERCH. FOR SALE Brand new Apple Iphone 3G S 32GB (unlocked) $450.

Sidekick LX 3G 2009 $200.

Nokia N97 32GB $450.

Playstation 3 80GB $300.

Samsung 54lcd TV $800.

Brand new Canon 1DS Mark III camera $1,000 (Buy 3 get 1 Free/ Buy 5 get 2 Free).

Contact mobile_electronics@rocketmail.com for purchase.

Attn. UT students BUY, SELL, TRADE CENTER now open near you. We buy, sell, trade audio video, TV’s, DVD’s, CDs, Video games and video system, Cell phones and much, much more. See us at 3926 Western Ave. (865)249-6463.

This could be YOUR classified ad.

Call 974-4931 NOW!

Read the Beacon Classifieds!

This space could be yours. Call 974-4931

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD • Will Shortz Across

42 43 45 46

1 Moth-repellent closet material 6 Osprey’s claw 11 E.R. hookups

48 50 51 53

14 Get around 15 First month in México 16 “Just kidding!”

17 *Dangerously unpredictable sort

56

19 Old “Up, up and away” carrier

57 58

20 Even-tempered

Walk to school! Laurel Avenue room for rent. Fully furnished. 4BR, 2BA house. $385/mo. Female only. teresab@wcs.edu (615)351-7358

Kingsport woman charged with soliciting officer KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Police in Kingsport said a woman flagged down a passing car, got into the front passenger seat and offered sex to a police officer.

The Kingsport Times-News quoted a police document in reporting the Saturday night arrest of 29-year-old Tracy Lee Solomon of Kingsport.

The document indicated the officer wasn’t in uniform and told Solomon, when she asked, that he wasn’t a policeman.

The report said after Solomon told the officer prices for sex acts, he drove her to the police station and told her she was under arrest for prostitution.

The officer wasn’t identified.

Supporters of closing gun database seek records NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Supporters of blocking public access to the names and addresses of Tennesseans with handgun carry permits appear to have a hard time keeping their hands off the records.

An Associated Press records search has found copies of the state’s database of

2 year old teacher needed in West Knox center. M-F, 2:30 -6. Experience with young children required. Call Starting Points Child Care. at 966-2613.

Morning Star Child Development Center in West Knoxville is hiring PT afternoon infant/ toddler teachers from 2-6PM. Education majors preferred. Please call (865)671-0244.

more than 257,000 handgun permit holders were recently requested by the National Rifle Association, the state Republican Party and a direct mail contractor that has done extensive work for the GOP’s legislative caucus.

Asked about those requests, House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada said he opposes using the database for political purposes like campaign fundraising or get out the vote efforts.

No Republican opposed closing the records to the public during a vote in June. The bill failed to pass by a single vote.

60 61 66

21 Last choice on a questionnaire 23 Nasty habit 26 Silverstein of children’s literature 27 Christmas carols 28 Take a breath 30 Commercial prefix meaning “low price” 32 Add fuel to, as a fire 33 Harvest 35 “___ first you don’t succeed …”

38 Sleuth, slangily 39 *Junk

67

Monk’s title ___-Seltzer Irish Rose’s beau Coming-clean declaration Clued in ___ Boys’ Choir Cousin of a foil Bottom of a 40Down Three-stripers: Abbr.

Entrance to a bay They’re on your side Bygone muscle car *Inviolable, as rules Abbr. on an input jack Harold who directed “Groundhog Day”

E L O I S E

R A U L

E D N A

M I L L E R

F L I P F M A L B L O A L P

R A D T I E R E Z R A M I B T E A Z L I I C S

A Z U R E T I S

E C R U

2

3

4

5

6

14

7

8

9

17

18

24

26 30 33

38

39

43

44 48

35

40

41

45

46

49

52

53

57

54

55

58

67

68

69

70

71

R A M A D A S N A S H O L I N Y B O N R N A

D S A P D Y O V I D

T E N S

A P E M E N

L I S B O N

65

47

56

66

D R U G B U S T

64

42

59

61

A C R O B A T

37

50

60

W E G G A L E A R K E Y Z E T T E O A R O N B L K D U T U N J O E O P T S S A H E R R E S I G S O P E

36

22

31

34

69 “___ and ye shall receive” 70 “But of course!”

71 Clueless … or where the answers to this puzzle’s starred clues were all first used

13

27

29

32

12

19 21

25

28

51

11 16

20 23

10

15

68 May and June, but not July

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE R E C O U P

1

62

11 *Likely to happen

63

40 It may be cocked or cupped 41 Noon, on a sundial 44 Bide-___ 2 “Evil Woman” band, 13 Roster at the 47 Healthful claim on for short Oscars labels 3 Roy Rogers and 18 Private eye’s project 49 Joint: Prefix Dale Evans, e.g.

50 Blood line 22 Collette of “The 4 Marketers’ Sixth Sense” 51 Summation symbol “language” 52 Nay sayers 23 Scene from a 5 Fishing line holder summit 54 Any Beatles tune, 6 Show the ropes now 24 Big chipmaker 7 Photographer 55 Bill of fashion 25 *Jammed Leibovitz 59 ___ Krabappel of 29 Set the pace 8 War aid program “The Simpsons” 31 Cost-of-living stat. passed by 62 “That feels so-o-o Congress in 1941 33 Insurgent group good!”

34 Prefix with center or 63 Morning hrs.

9 Conquistador’s cycle quest 64 Visit with 65 Luggage inspection 10 “That is completely 36 Ain’t right? org.

37 Triumphant cries the wrong way!”

Down 1 Animation frame

12 One of five different ones in “sequoia”

6 • The Daily Beacon

Afghan President calls for boycott KABUL — President Hamid Karzai’s challenger plans to call for a boycott of next Saturday’s election runoff in hopes the vote will be postponed until spring, dimming U.S. hopes for a stable Afghan government for months. Karzai rejected Abdullah Abdullah’s conditions for the vote, including removing top election officials whom the challenger accused of involvement in cheating in the first-round balloting in August.

Glitch with foreign SS numbers fixed CONCORD, N.H. — Two federal agencies that put Americans at risk for identity-theftlike problems have fixed a glitch that linked U.S. Social Security numbers to those issued by three foreign countries, officials said.

The problem, which mostly affects Maine and New Hampshire, involves three Pacific Island nations that receive disaster loans, grants and other aid from the United States in exchange for military privileges in the region.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, one of the agencies that issues the aid, has replaced all the Social Security numbers of affected borrowers in its loan processing system with new characters that don’t match any U.S. numbers, an agency spokesman told The Associated Press, which first reported the problem in August.

Man without vehicle steals ambulance EAST CHINA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities said a 31-year-old Detroit man who was stranded at a southeast Michigan hospital faces charges after he stole an ambulance. Police said the man stole the ambulance from the St. John River District Hospital in St. Clair County’s East China

NATION&WORLD

Township on Saturday night after people inside the facility refused to give him a ride to St. Clair where his vehicle was located.

Michigan State Police Sgt. Craig Nyeholt told The Times Herald in Port Huron that the man fled in an ambulance left idling outside the emergency room entrance, but was arrested a short time later.

Police have not identified the man, who was expected to be arraigned Monday.

Headscarf ban a misunderstanding DALLAS — A Texas health clinic operator said it regrets telling a Muslim doctor applying for a job that she couldn’t wear her traditional headscarf.

Coppell, Texas-based CareNow called the ban a misunderstanding. It said in a statement it plans to clarify its policy and continue training current workers to prevent confusion in the future.

Dr. Hena Zaki of Plano says she was shocked when CareNow officials told her last month in person and later by e-mail that a no-hat policy extended to her hijab.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote to CareNow, explaining federal law requires employers to reasonably accommodate religious practices of an employee.

NM police link suspect to 11 rapes ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Authorities say a man arrested in Colorado is suspected of raping 11 women in New Mexico and Texas over 15 years and recently trying to kill a police officer.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Department in Colorado arrested 47-year-old Robert Howard Bruce of Pueblo on Oct. 6 after an officer found a 30-pound propane tank rigged

to pump the explosive gas into his home.

Police say Bruce was tied to the Albuquerque rapes after his DNA matched one of the cases, and investigators are trying to determine if he’s tied to crimes from 1991 to 2000 in Albuquerque and a 2006 rape in Austin, Texas.

It was not immediately clear if Bruce entered a plea in the Colorado case.

Prosecution and defense lawyers did not immediately return calls for comment. eBay removes anti-abortion memorabilia from site WICHITA, Kan. — Online auction house eBay says it has begun removing several items put up for sale by anti-abortion activists trying to raise funds for the man accused of killing a Kansas abortion provider.

The San Jose, Calif., company said Monday the items violated its listing policies.

Activists say at least 10 items were removed. But some items from supporters of Scott Roeder could still be found on eBay as of Monday afternoon. Roeder is charged in the May 31 fatal shooting of Dr. George Tiller in his Wichita church.

One of the items still up for sale was a worn Bible that had belonged to Shelley Shannon, an Oregon woman who shot and wounded Tiller in 1993.

Roeder’s supporters say they were putting the items on eBay to raise money for his defense.

Investigators examine Coast Guard colli sion SAN DIEGO — Investigators met Monday to look into the cause of a crash involving a Coast Guard plane and a Marine helicopter that killed nine people, as the search for bodies and wreckage continued off the Southern California coast.

Helicopters, Navy and Coast Guard vessels continued their weekend search of more

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

than 600 square miles of the Pacific, but there was scant hope of finding any survivors and the mission was now characterized as one of recovery, Coast Guard officials said.

In addition to debris, Coast Guard Lt. Josh Nelson said searchers would watch for the “black box” cockpit recorders carried by the aircraft. They might supply information about the final moments before the Coast Guard C-130 and the Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter collided Thursday evening.

Stanley Works tool maker to buy Black & Decker CHICAGO — The tool maker Stanley Works is buying rival Black & Decker Corp. for $4.5 billion, the two companies said Monday, uniting two of their industry's most iconic brands.

The deal would create the largest U.S. toolmaker, Morningstar analyst Anthony Dayrit said.

Stanley shareholders will own about 50.5 percent of the combined company, which will be called Stanley Black & Decker. Black & Decker shareholders will hold a 49.5 percent stake after the all-stock deal is complete.

"This is a unique opportunity to bring together two great companies, each with first-rate brands, and provide enhanced opportunities to generate superior returns as we build on this new, larger platform," Stanley Chairman John F. Lundgren, who will be president and CEO, said in a statement.

Black & Decker shareholders are to receive about 1.28 shares of Stanley Works for each share they own. The nine members of Stanley Works' board will remain in place and be joined by six new members from Black & Decker's current board.

The deal will cut costs by $350 million within three years, likely in part through job cuts, and grow earnings per share by $1 within three years, the companies said.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

TuesdayTAKES

The Daily Beacon • 7

Jackson film offers unbiased insight Katharine Heriges Entertainment Editor

Photo courtesy of RottenTomatoes.com

Michael Jackson fans have protested the release of the concert film, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” The documentary, which chronicles the rehearsal process behind the much-anticipated Jackson concert at London’s O2 Arena, was suspected by the MJ loyal to be an exploitation of the artist’s memory.

It’s not hard to understand their fears: “This Is It” could have easily been a creation of melodramatic mush that romanticizes the singer’s life and history — in short, nothing different from the 24-hour CNN coverage that followed his death.

While there is a fair bit of melodrama in the opening segment (courtesy of Michael’s hysterical backup dancers), for the most part, this movie is exactly what was promised: a look behind the scenes of the concert.

No mention is made of Jackson’s death by any of the subjects interviewed in the film, because all of the interviews took place before June 25th, the day Jackson died.

The footage displayed is nothing more than the rehearsal images. No weepy look at his memorial service, no introspective of his career, and best of all, no input from Jackson’s parents or siblings.

What’s interesting about “This Is It” is that it’s clear from the footage that the actual concert really would have been “It.” Jackson was planning a live performance of epic proportions, one that would deserve to go down among his other legendary tours. “This Is It” offers viewers a taste of

how an immensely complicated stage show like Jackson’s is put together.

It also demonstrated how involved Jackson was in the molding of the production — he was there to help choose the backup dancers, to work one-on-one with the musicians and to give input on just about everything else. The director of the concert (and the film), Kenny Ortega, never seems to balk at Jackson’s insistence on having so much say, but instead seems to be very excited to be working with an artist that cares so much. Ortega, the director of many concerts and the “High School Musical” film franchise, gave the impression that there are few artists like Jackson who put so much into their live shows.

What was also interesting was Jackson’s backup musicians; each of them have a personal story to tell, and their stock will most definitely be up after their appearance in the film. (Two that stuck out were Judith Hill, the singer who performed with Michael on “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” and the female lead guitarist, Orianthi Panagaris, that tore up “Black and White.”)

Jackson fans really have nothing to be worried about with “This Is It.” Yes, the film’s release is a little bit of a cash-in, but on the other hand, this show was going to be great. It would have been the icing on the cake of his career. The fact that America is getting to see it for the price of a movie ticket instead of the cost of a flight to London and a monstrously expensive concert seat is a nice treat.

And getting to see The King perform one last time is even nicer.

Creed releases album after five year hiatus Will Abrams

Staff Writer In the music world today, it’s not often that musicians get a second chance. Sure, Britney Spears got a free pass after shaving her head and going Don Quixote on a paparazzo’s car with her umbrella, but rock bands usually don’t have the same celebrity status to save them from sheer humiliation. That is why it came as a shock when the world found out that the late -90’s rock band Creed was getting back together.

In 1997, the Florida natives were a glorified garage band that managed to sell several million

copies of their first album, “My Own Prison.”

Around the beginning of the new millennium, Creed was considered a commercial success when their second album, “Human Clay,” sold over 10 million copies. This, however, was the peak of their success.

By the time the band’s third album, “Weathered,” was released, it seemed like they were running out of steam. After an incident at a late 2002 concert where several concert-goers attempted to sue the band for performing drunk, Creed was circling the popularity drain. Eventually, they disbanded in 2004.

The band’s newest

album, “Full Circle,” was released on Oct . 27th, roughly two weeks after the end of their comeback tour.

One of the first things that listeners will recognize with the new album is the group’s new sound.

Back in their original run, Creed was a band that sounded a lot like early Pearl Jam (usually a little too much) with a grungerock feel.

The music on “Full Circle” sounds more like a mix between Breaking Benjamin and Theory of a Deadman, though. This change is mostly due to the guitar-play of Mark Tremonti.

After Creed broke up, Tremonti joined with

drummer S cott Philips and bassist Brian Marshall to form a new band, Alter Bridge.

S omewhere around this time, Tremonti learned to play music that actually sounded pretty good. His earlier work with Creed sounded like something that the bronze medal winners at a high school Battle of the Bands performed, but the new album features some pretty good riffs in tracks “Overcome,” “Good Fight” and “A Thousand Faces.”

Two of the album’s other highlights are tracks “Away in Silence” and “Time.” These are the band’s slower tracks, comparable to “With Arms

Wide Open” on their “Human Clay ” album.

This time, however, singer Scott Stapp doesn’t make the entire room laugh at his voice.

Something that any Creed fan can attest to is that Stapp has always been the weak link. This is why the band has to rely on macho rock songs most of the time. Stapp has shaved off his long hair for the new album, and it appears that some of the bad vocal skills came off as well.

While the first half of the album sounds promising, the rest seems like a combination of everything the band has done wrong on its last three projects. One of these

problems is that the band constantly feels the need to sound like hard rockers. This results in very unintelligent songwriting and lyrics in songs like “On My S leeve.” This, combined with Stapp’s weak vocals, results in the album being barely anything more than bearable.

At the end of the day, fans will most likely enjoy the new approach while those who dislike the band will continue to ridicule. Creed still may not be an amazing group, but they are growing as artists, and that is something that any music lover can appreciate.

SPORTS CALENDAR

8 • The Daily Beacon

?

Hopson, Vols take out North Alabama in exhibition victory

What’s HAPPENING IN SPORTS

Nov. 4 - Nov. 6, 2009

Anthony Elias Staff Writer

Wednesday, Nov. 4 — Women’s Soccer Florida Orange Beach, Ala. 6 p.m.

Men’s Basketball Lincoln Memorial (Exhibition) Knoxville 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 5 — Women’s Basketball Carson-Newman (Exhibition) Knoxville 7 p.m.

Women’s Tennis ITA Indoor Charlottesville, Va. All Day Men’s Tennis ITA National Indoor Championships New Haven, Conn.

All Day

Friday, Nov. 6 — Men’s Swimming South Carolina Knoxville 2 p.m.

Women’s Swimming South Carolina Knoxville 3 p.m.

Men’s Tennis ITA National Indoor Championships New Haven, Conn.

All Day

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

THESPORTSPAGE

Staff Reports The S outheastern Conference unveiled its sixth annual men’s basketball coaches preseason AllSEC teams Monday, and a pair of Tennessee seniors earned inclusion.

Guard/forward Tyler Smith was one of six unanimous first-team selections, while forward/center Wayne Chism landed on the eight-man second team.

A total of 27 different players received votes for the teams, and Tennessee, Kentucky, Ole Miss and S outh Carolina led all schools with two selections each.

This was the second

official first-team preseason All-SEC award for S mith, who last month was named to the media’s squad. Chism, however, was left off the media’s All-SEC listing.

Smith and Chism both were named to last season’s SEC Tournament All-Tournament Team after leading the Volunteers to the championship game. B oth are also members of Tennessee’s 1,000-point club. A native of Pulaski, Tenn., Smith enters his final college season ranked 39th in school history with 1,079 points.

Chism, a native of Jackson, Tenn., ranks 36th with 1,141 points.

F I R ST T E A M

Po s

Ht

Wt

Devan Downey, South Carolina Tasmin Mitchell, LSU A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt Patrick Patterson, Kentucky Tyler Smith, Tennessee Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State Michael Washington, Arkansas Terrico White, Ole Miss

G F C F G/F F F G

5-9 6-7 6-11 6-9 6-7 6-9 6-9 6-5

175 235 250 235 215 230 239 211

SECOND TEAM Dominique Archie, South Carolina Wayne Chism, Tennessee JaMychal Green, Alabama DeWayne Reed, Auburn Trey Thompkins, Georgia Alex Tyus, Florida John Wall, Kentucky Chris Warren, Ole Miss

Po s F F/C F G F F G G

Ht 6-7 6-9 6-9 6-1 6-10 6-8 6-4 5-10

SMITH

CHISM

Cl

H o m e t ow n

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

Wt

Cl

200 246 220 175 247 220 195 165

Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr.

Chester, S.C. Denham Springs, La. Sydney, Australia Huntington, W.Va. Pulaski, Tenn.

Brownsville, Tenn.

McGehee, Ark. Memphis, Tenn.

H o m e t ow n Augusta, Ga. Jackson, Tenn.

Montgomery, Ala. Houston, Texas Lithonia, Ga. St. Louis, Mo. Raleigh, N.C. Orlando, Fla.

Even though it was an exhibition game, it was a long night for the North Alabama Lions.

Tennessee ran North Alabama out of the building 117-79 in their first exhibition game at Thompson-Boling Arena on Friday night.

From the starting tip-off to the final buzzer, the Vols’ shooting was on target as UT shot 65.7 percent overall and 58.8 percent from beyond the arc. UT head coach Bruce Pearl feels that though the team was able to click offensively, there can be ways to help the team get better, especially with ball control.

“We had way too many turnovers,” Pearl said. “We gave up too much to them offensively rather than taking a charge. Our press is not as effective as I want it to be. It did create the tempo we were looking for; it forced up the tough pass. And I think you can see that offensively we can shoot the ball and spread the floor out.”

Scotty Hopson led the Vols’ offense with 20 points, two assists and four steals while shooting 80 percent from beyond the arc, paving the way for seven different Vol players scoring in double figures.

“We were trying to get a lot of guys playing time tonight,” Pearl said. “This was the best Scotty Hopson has shot this year.”

Among UT’s seven players in double figures was Kenny Hall.

He finished with 14 points off of a perfect 5-for-5 shooting. Hall also shot 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

The Tennessee bench didn’t make it any easier for the Lions, outscoring North Alabama’s bench 62-21.

North Alabama came into Friday night’s game trying to help shake off the large amount of inexperience from their lineup; the Lions enter this season with 12 new players. Forward Jared Strode provided the offense for

the Lions, leading the team in scoring with 20 points and five rebounds despite shooting 0-for-4 from behind the arc.

Strode was able to get support from the Lions’ Daviel Clements, who scored 17 points and grabbed five boards. North Alabama couldn’t take care of the ball, however, and the Vols capitalized on the Lions’ 28 turnovers in the game.

“We just wanted to come in and play hard and compete,” North Alabama head coach Bobby Champagne said. “Their press really bothered us early, bothered us a lot. We have only had 13 practices so it was kind of hard for us to work on those kinds of things with this game coming so quickly. We were only able to work on the press for two days.”

The Volunteer offense clicked early in the first half as Wayne Chism and Hopson combined to score UT’s first 11 points en route to an early 15-6 run before a timeout. Hopson and J.P. Prince both made North Alabama pay in the paint, pushing the Vols ahead 3924 with 8:22 left in the first half.

The tenth-ranked Vols took off in the second half and used a 249, sparked by a Renaldo Woolridge alley-oops and aggressive scoring in the paint by Brian Williams, to extend their lead to 82-52 with just under 12 minutes to play. Woolridge helped jump start the Vols offense in the second half, where he scored 10 points of his 12 points, allowing the Vols to hold their lead.

“In practice, coaches stress our shooting a lot, and we’ve been getting a lot of shots in, so I think that really prepared us for today,” Woolridge said. “If we continue to do that, I think if we keep working at it, we’re going to keep being more successful in that area.”

The Vols play one more exhibition game against Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Thompson-Boling Arena before opening up the regular season on Nov. 13 against Austin Peay.