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THE APPALACHIAN TheAppalachianOnline.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2012

Vol. 87, No. 21

Petitions for U.S. states to secede is ‘ludicrous’

by CHELSEY FISHER News Editor by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY Senior News Reporter

petition to the White House for North Carolina to secede from the United States has 27,669 signatures from citizens, as of press time. Every state except Vermont has started a petition. However, seven states have over 25,000 signatures, as of press time, according to petitions.whitehouse.gov. Any petition with over 25,000 signatures will get a formal response from the Obama Administration. The website lists Randy D. from Pittsboro as the creator of the petition for the Tar Heel State’s secession. However, for a secession to happen, it would have to be decided by the state legislature, not citizens, political science pro-

fessor Adam Newmark said. “It’s just a bunch of people who aren’t happy with the election results,” he said. Newmark said in most states, it’s just a “handful” of people who are upset about the election results. It would be difficult for a state after it secedes, since the “vast majority” of states currently trying to secede receive more federal funding than they give in taxes, Newmark said. “People will grumble for a few months but then this will die down,” he said. The biggest issue for a state that seceded would be allocating things within the state, Newmark said. “This is just so ludicrouss, it’s not going to happen,” he said. Political science professor Brian Ellison, said he too believes a succession is not possible. “North Carolina would have to defeat the U.S.

Source petitions.whitehouse.gov

military to secede,” Ellison said. “That’s the model and precedence set.” Vice Chair of the College Republicans Wesley Gwinn said, in his opinion, he could understand the sentiment and anger felt by the creators of the

petitions, but doesn’t think seceding is the correct answer. “Not only is it unconstitutional in the state constitution, but it’s not the right way to approach this,” Gwinn said. “It hides real solutions we could

University works toward susatinability by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY

Senior News Reporter

be getting to. It diverts from addressing the actual problem with an extreme approach.” Sophomore psychology major Evan Sakrison said even though he supports government at the state level, he does not agree

with the petition. “I find it hilariously ridiculous that states are attempting to secede from the union, especially after Obama’s re-election,” Sakrison said. “It completely deviates from people’s cries for ‘unity.’”

Club takes a stand for freedom for 27 hours by KELLI STRAKA

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series looking into different aspects of Appalachian State’s sustainability initiatives.

tion because it seems so crazy and unjust,” Barnett said. Appalachian’s IJM Vice For 27 hours, more than 100 President Taylor Smith came students are taking turns stand- Wednesday night to “raise ing for the estimated 27 million awareness across campus about slaves in the world today. the injustices in the world toThe event, Stand 4 Freedom, day.” takes place on Sanford Mall Smith said he hopes people from Wednesday at 5 p.m. to become more aware and conThursday at 8 p.m and is hosted science of what’s going on it the by the university’s International world. Justice Mission club, a human “Our generation is a generarights agency that secures jus- tion of people that want to be tice for victims of slavery, sexual involved and want to make an exploitation and other forms of impact,” Smith said. “We’re a violent oppression. very cause-oriented generation “We just exist for the purpose and I think this is a cause everyof raising awareness and educat- one can agree on and rally being our camhind.” pus, as well as Appalafundraising chian’s IJM “We’re college students for InternaPublicity and we’re all poor and tional Justice Coordinator starving, but for us to be M i s s i o n s , ” able to give a little back to Chr istopher President of people who really need it Ward, a seIJM Madisson nior industrial is a cool opportunity.” Barnett. design maThis is the Appalachian’s IJM Publicity Coordinator jor, stood on Christopher Ward club’s first seSanford Mall mester as an We d n e s d a y official orgaevening. nization. Ward said he came out to sup“It’s amazing how many peo- port what IJM stands for and ple don’t know slavery is still a the 27 million “voiceless” slaves problem in the modern day and around the world. we want people to know, because “This is our chance to support there are things people can do them and raise awareness for with their voice,” Barnett said. that,” he said. Barnett, a senior political As publicity coordinator, science major, hopes to have Ward said it was “exciting” to around 270 students come and organize the club’s first big raise $2,700 in donations to event of the year, and to “unite support the work of IJM. the campus for a common goal.” Currently, they have raised “We’re college students and about $1,400, Barnett said. we’re all poor and starving, but “I’m really excited and en- for us to be able to give a little couraged about reaching our back to people who really need goal,” Barnett said. “We might it is a cool opportunity,” Ward be poor college students, but we said. can give up a latte every now Stand 4 Freedom is a fall and then and just donate $5.” campaign for IJM, which AppaBarnett said she wants to en- lachian is one of seven universicourage students to give a little ties piloting the campaign. bit of their time and money for Donations will be accepted IJM. until the end of the semester at “When people are aware of ijm.org/campus-chapters/appathings like this, it turns into ac- lachian-state-university. News Reporter

Physical Plant Director Mike O’Connor said while Appalachian is sustainable, there is still room for improvement. “Are we doing everything 100 percent sustainability oriented? The answer is no,” O’Connor said. “There’s lots of room for improvement.” REI Brian Zimmer is a geology professor at Appalachian who considers sustainability to be a hobby of his. “Based on just looking at the specs [of the Broyhill wind turbine] myself, at its optimum output, at its optimum efficiency, the thing would be profitable in five to 10 years,” Zimmer said. “The problem is that we don’t have high class winds on top of the Broyhill. That pushes back the profitability time to 40 to 50 years in order for the turbine to pay off and that’s getting close to its time span.” The wind turbine, which was placed in 2009, was not put onto Howard’s Knob where it would produce eight times as much power because Appalachian does not own the land. Zimmer’s concern was that this “gives ammunition” to opponents of wind power because they can argue that it’s not profitable. Zimmer said if the wind turbine is looked at as a symbol and a learning tool then it is worth the time and money. But depsite the location, Zimmer said he still upholds the notion that the wind turbine is sustainable. “To say it’s not sustainable isn’t true,” Zimmer said. “Economically viable may be where it runs into trouble.” Crystal Simmons works in the Office of Sustainability and was the project manager for the wind turbine at the Broyhill Events Center when she was a student at Appalachian. “The mission of the REI is to offset the university’s fossil fuels and so where the university operates, that’s where we need to be installing renewable energy because it offsets our use,” Simmons said. She said the power the wind turbine generates compared to the power used on campus is less than a 10th of a percent. The Broyhill Events Center and the baseball field use the power generated by the wind turbine

Malik Rahili | The Appalachian

Photo Illustration | Olivia Wilkes

The wind turbine, located at the Broyhill Events Center, was placed in 2009 and produces power for the center and the nearby baseball field. Appalachian is among the most sustainable universities in the nation, receiving a score of 98 out of 99 on Princeton Review's 2010-11 Green College rankings.

when it is in use. “If any of the projects that the REI does were motivated by the paybacks, we wouldn’t do any of it,” Simmons said. “This is because Appalachian is a state institution and can not use state or federal tax credits.” Physical Plant O’Connor said the Physical Plant has been involved in sustainability through energy.

The Physical Plant has made investments in buildings to make them more efficient, which means better Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning controls, installation of efficient lighting – such as LEDs – and working on Appalachian’s steam system. Appalachian burns natural gas to turn it into steam and through a pipe system sends the steam into see SUSTAINABILITY, pg. 3

Correction: In the Nov. 13 issue of The Appalachian, the article “Residence halls working toward sustainability” cited sars.aashe.org, instead of stars.aashe.org. The Appalachian apologizes for the error.

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News

| November 15, 2012

The Appalachian

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REI receives nine solar panels, will use them immediately by ANDREW CLAUSEN Senior Sports Reporter

The university had nine Sanyo solar panels donated to the Renewable Energy Initiative over the summer. REI allowed graduate student Steve Sciara in the technology department to use their mock roof at the Solar Lab in order to complete his graduate thesis. After he was done, Sanyo donated the panels to him.

REI Chairperson Doug Willson said they are working with another graduate student, Linda Toth, who came forward with an idea on how to use them. “She is now working with an REI committee member on a more formal proposal to use them as part of a bicycle shelter on campus, however this is only in the idea stage,” Willson said. If, for some reason, this proposal falls through, Willson said they would run a contest

in the spring to see what ideas students could come up with on how to use them. Josh Brooks, who works with REI public relations, said the donation of panels would only impact Appalachian positively. “The mission of the good folks at the Renewable Energy Initiative is to lessen the environmental impact we have on our campus by utilizing renewable energies such as solar power to run the university,” Brooks said.

Price of water and sewer increases, most apartment rent does not by KELLI STRAKA

money because they pay us a lot of rent but it really doesn’t work that way,” he said. News Reporter “If you’re lucky in my business, you’ll have The price of water and sewer increased a little left over in the end.” Next year, Rob Holton, owner of Holton for the town of Boone this year, but some apartment rental companies have kept the Mountain Rentals, said students can exmajority of their rents the same despite the pect the price of rent for some apartments to decrease. increase. “I think we’re going into a more comWater and sewer minimums were proposed to increase at 25 cents for residential petitive market,” Holton said. New apartments that are “renting for and city commercial accounts and inside top dollar,” make the marcity consumption rates are ket more competitive, he proposed to 25 cents per said. 1,000 gallons in each tier, Each year, Holton said according to an article in “Students think we The High Country Press make a bunch of money he re-assesses his rent according to the from June 2012. because they pay us a prices market, what’s available, The cost of insurance, lot of rent but it really what the competition is waste pick-up and materials to do business has doesn’t work that way.” charging and where the business wants to be in increased, President of Harold Tilley, president of the market. Appalachian South ApartAppalachian Management “We want to try and ofments Renae Ward said. fer the best value,” Holton Ward said the rent over said. the last five years has reThe location of the mained the same. The apartment affects the cost price has remained the same because of the market and the de- of rent in terms of cost of construction and access to the town’s water and sewer, mand to remain competitive. “It’s not a... money making business,” Holton said. Boone has zoning restrictions about Ward said. “But we employ a lot of folks.” He said the price of rent is influenced where apartments can be built, as well. If an apartment is built outside the by expenses, such as taxes, mortgage, insurance, water, sewer, recycling and waste town’s limits, Holton said contractors must figure out how to supply water, which can pick-up and management. Harold Tilley, president of Appalachian add to the cost. Building property is more Management, said the majority of their expensive in Boone because flat land is apartments’ rents will stay the same next hard to find. The cost increases due to grading and year. He said rent is driven by what the building a sturdy foundation, he said. cost of operation is. The building season is also shorter, On average, management is 10 percent of the rent, but is either higher or lower which adds to the cost. Contractors have approximately from depending on the owner of the apartment, May to November to finish the outside Tilley said. “Students think we make a bunch of work of a new apartment.

Brooks said the REI will work toward the mission of improving the campus and also will further the use of solar technology. “This understanding will pave the way for better efficiencies and greater output.” Brooks said. “It is small donations like these solar panels that create the big change we need in the long run.” Willson agreed they would be beneficial. “These panels are of great ben-

efit to the students who have the opportunity to get a renewable energy system up and running,” Willson said. “There is also benefit in showcasing creative uses of renewable energy. Solar paneled bike shelters would get people thinking.” Willson said he hoped REI would have the request for proposals go out before the end of the semester, bringing the university that much closer to a big energy savor.

Watauga first to collect one million pills by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY

Senior News Reporter

Watauga County’s Operation Medicine Cabinet reached a total of one million pills collected after their latest pill take back event. The number of pills collected last month made Watauga County’s Operation Medicine Cabinet the best in the state, outperforming Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville, according to a press release from Operation Medicine Cabinet. Of the 95,731 pills collected in the county in the most recent collection, 8,883 pills were collected on campus in Plemmons Student Union, Watauga Riverkeeper Donna Lisenby said. This achievement means that Watauga County has “one of the best programs in the state,” Lisenby said. “That is a record breaker nationwide,” said Director of Communications and Outreach in the Sustainability Department Crystal Simmons. “No other collection, to date, combined, has collected that many pills.” Since 2010, Operation Medicine Cabinet in Watauga County has been recognized as model for other communities who have decided to create their own pill take back organizations, according to the press release. The ASU Police was involved in the collection due to DEA requirements for law enforcement “to be the

Photo Illustration | Maggie Cozens

Watauga County was the first to collect one million pills during this year’s Operation Medicine Cabinet.

responsible agency for collecting and turning the drugs over to them,” ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr said. Doerr said the recordbreaking number of pills collected is a “wonderful success story.” Operation Medicine Cabinet is a “great program,” Doerr said. “Not only does it help keep the environment and water supply cleaner it also reduces the risk of someone

misusing an old prescription that has been sitting in someone medicine cabinet for years,” Doerr said. Operation Medicine Cabinet was started in 2009 to try and reduce the amount of unwanted drugs going into the water supply and staying in homes. Pill take back events have been held every May and October to coincide with the county’s household hazardous waste day, according to the press release.

The Appalachian

News

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SUSTAINABILITY Continued from page 1

all the buildings on campus, O’Connor said. The Physical Plant has invested $16 million in repairing the steam plant, which has caused an improvement over the last five to six years, he said. With the addition of economizers, which make water heating in the boiler system more efficient, and improving the amount of condensate that comes back through the steam system, O’Connor said Appalachian was able to pay the same amount of money for natural gas in 2011 as they did in 2001, despite the addition of 1.4 million square feet to the university and a rise in cost. The Physical Plant has also improved training for HVAC personnel to more efficiently identify problems and fix them sooner. O’Connor said the Physical Plant has also contributed to Appalachian’s sustainability by “reducing waste on the front end.” The Physical Plant has seen the addition of a new compost facility, which takes pre-consumer waste and mixes it with wood chips created by New River Light and Power when it clears land. This creates soil, which is then used on campus. “We’re diverting 47 percent now,” O’Connor said. “We do not use any hazardous or dangerous chemicals to maintain the grounds.” The Physical Plant has added alternative, or green housekeeping techniques, O’Connor said. These techniques include steam cleaning to disinfect bathrooms and the usage of natural chemicals. The Physical Plant, with the help of REI, has looked into using photovoltaic solar panels – panels that create electricity – on a much larger scale, but is difficult to make the cost benefit work because O’Connor said North Carolina has cheap power. Another factor is New River Light and Power, Appalachian’s electric company. “We sell power to the town,” O’Connor said. “So when I make my campus more efficient, I’m selling less electricity, that means I’m not making as much money, which means it’s impacting my bottom line.” The Physical Plant wants to be efficient, but the more efficient they are, the less revenue is created, O’Connor said. AppalCART Simmons said AppalCARTs use a diesel blend, also called biofuel. Through technology and research developing in the 1970s, Simmons said diesel can be created from vegetable oil. “Everything is the exact same about it except it does not have the associated greenhouse gas emissions” she said. Simmons said since North Carolina has such

a large poultry industry, chicken and poultry fat could be turned into biodiesel. Appalachian gets its biofuel from through state contracts. The suppliers of the state contract change from time to time, O’Connor said. Poultry fat is solid at room temperature, and can congeal at around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. “In the summer time, AppalCARTs will use a blend

Appalachian’s energy is generally produced by Duke Energy, which then passes through Blue Ridge Electric to New River Light and Power. Therefore, Appalachian has no control over what Duke, the biggest emitter of the three, uses for power, Willson said. “The second biggest emitter is our steam plant,” Willson said. “And that’s come down, mostly because the Physical Plant

Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian

The AppalCART uses a more sustainable type of fuel called biofuel, which lowers greenhouse emissions.

that’s called B-20” Simmons said. B-20 means there is 20 percent biodiesel 80 percent diesel, she said. In the winter, because the poultry fat can become solid in cold temperatures, they can only use about B-5 – five percent biofuel and 95 percent diesel – Simmons said. University Between 2011 and 2012, Appalachian had 848 classes that were sustainability related and 141 sustainability-focused classes. Chancellor Kenneth Peacock signed the American College and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2008, according to sustain.appstate.edu “The ACUPCC encourages higher education institutions to take a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by implementing LEED building standards, increasing energy efficiency, developing renewable energy, according to sustain.appstate.edu. The Office of Sustainability does an inventory of greenhouse gases every year to keep track of everything Appalachian emits, Doug Willson, committee chair of REI, said. “On that one hand, I feel like compared to other schools we are ahead” but with carbon emissions our school has “a long way to go,” Willson said. To reach the university’s carbon neutrality goals set in 2010 by the Climate Action Plan, Appalachian would have to decrease its emissions 19 percent by 2015, meaning three percent each year starting from 2009, Willson said. In the past two years, Appalachian has added more square footage and more students. And since 2006, the university reduced its consumption of energy per student and square foot, however emissions have increased four percent overall from 2009-11, Willson said. “But obviously we are accustomed to the way things are and so it’s going to be a bit of a challenge to figure out how we are going to make this shift,” he said.

has made it more efficient” There are other technologies that would have a lower carbon footprint, such as biomass gasification. However, it is not likely that Appalachian will make big changes to the steam plant until the boilers are up for replacement, which could be 10 to 20 years from now, Willson said. “I think it’s going to take a commitment from the entire community,” he said. “The departments, the faculty, the staff, the students.” REI is looking to help Appalachian get a 300-kilowatt photovoltaic system on campus, producing over 300,000 kilowatt-hours of energy every year. That is about three times the size of what the wind turbine is generating, Willson said. “And its still not a huge factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but at least it’s making a blip now on the map,” he said. REI’s projects include university and AppalCart Biodiesel tanks, Kerr Scott Hall Photovoltaic Array, Raley Photovoltaic Array, the Broyhill wind turbine, Plemmons Student Union Solar Thermal System, The Solar Homestead solar canopy, Big Belly Solar compactor and Recycling stations, according to rei. appstate.edu. “These little projects helped raise people’s awareness,” Willson said. “It also gives students a chance to manage a project and install a system but the overall energy impact is overall nothing.” Willson said the Raley solar panels are not the most efficient way to create energy, but there is value in that project because it “showcases” Appalachian’s commitment to exploring alternative energy and it acts as a learning tool, as well. “If we look back we can feel pretty good about where we have been,” Willson said. “But I’d feel better if we were always looking forward because we have so much to do. I really love this university, and the attitude people take towards things here. I am confident that the it’s about will more than it is about technology.”

November 15, 2012 |

ASULearn outages due to bug in system initated during routine maintenance by CHELSEY FISHER News Editor

The recent ASULearn outages last week were due to a disruption in the Storage Area Network System, Director of ASULearn Steve Breiner said. The ASULearn system was updated over fall break. During the first routine maintenance after the update, a hard drive was replaced, which initiated a bug in the system, Director of IT Infrastructure David Hayler said. Replacing hard drives is a “fairly common practice” since they are used so much, which causes them to break, Hayler said. HE said the SANS used for ASULearn currently holds about 350 hard drives. There are two SANS locations. Usually, when one has problems, the other one will start, causing no problems in usage, Breiner

said. The two locations constantly sync with one another to prevent a disruption, he said. However, the bug initiated last week temporarily disabled the two locations to sync, causing the program to completely shut down. “We then tried to restart the system,” Breiner said. “But the system didn’t allow the program to restart.” However, last Sunday’s outage was not due to the bug, Breiner said. This outage was due to “too many people hitting the server at the same time,” Breiner said. “The server had not seen this kind of load before,” he said. “A lot of extra people were hitting it. It was clearly a setting issue.” The recent disruptions caused biology professor James Barbee to postpone an exam to give students time to study. Barbee uses ASULearn

to post common files, lectures, clips, videos, weblinks and other material, he said. “For my class, it’s very important,” Barbee said. Barbee said his entire class is not online, because he likes meeting with students and enjoys class time. However, for him, ASULearn is a good way to give all information to all students at the same time, he said. ASULearn has worked properly for two and a half years, Breiner said. Barbee has used ASULearn for several years, and said he has no complaints about ASULearn. “They’re pretty reliable and flexible,” Barbee said. “It’s just the nature of the system.” But Breiner still apologized for the outage. “We want to avoid taking the system down, but sometimes technology breaks,” he said.

New building named Appalachian Hall by LINDSAY BOOKOUT

“We are very excited about moving into this new space and being, once again, close to those honors students who live in the honors The honors college’s offices and classrooms residential community,” Jones said. “It will will be moving from the downstairs base- complete the vision of the chancellor for an honors college space that ment of East Hall to the will illustrate his comnewest building in the mitment to the program Honors and Leadership “We are very excited about and the students.” Engagement Village, ApHonors students are palachian Hall, by early moving into this new space January, said Leslie Jones, and being, once again, close just as excited, if not more excited, for their director of the honors colto those honors students classes to be nearby once lege. who live in the honors again, sophomore biolJones said the name Apresidential community.” ogy major Meredith palachian Hall was chosen Gragg said. by the Board of Trustees. Leslie Jones, director of the honors college “It’s going to be way It is planned that the nicer and I really like the building will be certified 24/7 study rooms that for occupancy by midthey’re going to open,” Gragg said. December. Gragg said that considering she almost For spring semester, there will be eight classes offered in Appalachian Hall, Jones had an honors class in the Living Learnsaid, but there will be more classes offered in ing Community this semester before it was it for the following fall semester once people dropped, having honors classes next door is going to be great. see that the new building is open. News Reporter

OPINION

The Appalachian || TheAppalachianOnline.com The Appalachian TheAppalachianOnline.com

| November 15, 2012

THE APPALACHIAN Your student newspaper since 1934 MICHAEL BRAGG Editor-in-Chief

ANNE BUIE

Managing Editor

STAFF OPINION

Our country is too big to function as one union, why not secede and try something new?

ABBI PITTMAN Copy Editor

CHELSEY FISHER News Editor

R. SCOTT MORRIS A&E Editor

KEVIN GRIFFIN Opinion Editor

MAGGIE COZENS Photo Editor

MALIK RAHILI Graphics Editor

LIBBY DALLIS Video Editor

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 FAX LINE (828) 262-6256 Associated Collegiate Press

LINDSAY BOOKOUT A majority of the states, including North Carolina, have filed petitions to secede from the union, according to The Washington Times. In order to receive comment from the president, the petitions must have at least 25,000 signatures. Several have surpassed the 25,000 signature mark. The first was Texas, according to whitehouse.gov.

North Carolina has accumulated over 25,000 signatures, as well, according to whitehouse. gov. I, for one, am glad we surpassed the 25,000 signatures mark. I think there are too many states to function as one entity. America is in utter shambles. The fact that our country must choose between two men for president is horrible. That ratio is ridiculous. And since we don’t count the popular vote in elections, it seems to me that my vote does not even count. It also means that we are not a democracy, as most people are taught, but a republic. I don’t think there is anything that President Barack Obama or Gov. Mitt Romney could do to fix our nation. I thought that

perhaps presidential candidate Gary Johnson could, which is why he received my vote. But since that idea did not pan out, I’m searching for another. If our state, or any state for that matter, were to secede, I think it might prove to be the governmental change we need. Yes, I’m aware that the last time this happened, a civil war broke out. That is only because the northern states did not allow the southern states to secede. If a state does not want to be a part of this nation anymore, I think that they should be allowed to secede, as long as their petitions receive enough signatures. Just think about how much better the states would function as individual nations, assuming

all former states were still allies of one another. There would be much less drama concerning federal laws and regulations. Colorado and Washington have already voted on legislation that legalizes marijuana. The fact that the 48 other states have not shows that there are differences of opinions in our country, which is not shocking, considering how vast America is. Take the time to educate yourself on the petitions and what could possibly come of them. Do not simply write it off as a dumb idea. Think about how this could change the world. Bookout, a sophomore French and English major from Charlotte, is a news reporter.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Our Mission The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and insure its First Amendment rights.

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments. Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

STAFF OPINION

Give thanks

Allison Langewisch | The Appalachian

STAFF OPINION

Students should balance learning and career pursuit KATIE REULE Thanksgiving is almost here, and that means it’s time to bust out the turkey, fill up on stuffing and take some time out of our busy schedules to be thankful for what we have. The first Thanksgiving was in celebration of a plentiful harvest and followed a more religious standard. While the first Thanksgiving might not have been the same festival that we celebrate today, it’s all within context. Besides, the first Thanksgiving was about being grateful so why not carry on the tradition? Today, ‘thanksgiving’ is defined as “the act of giving thanks.” And seeing as we define Thanksgiving as a day to be thankful, it seems to me that it is worth celebrating just as much as any other holiday. It is all about coming together with family and friends over a delicious meal, reflecting on the good things that have happened in the past year and being thankful for what we have. But it’s not just about stuffing your face with turkey or pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is about taking time to reflect on what you are blessed with in life. You don’t have to get sappy or philosophical about it, but think about what Thanksgiving really means this year. Realize the great opportunity you have to celebrate with whoever you choose in a nation that is free and full of things to be grateful for. So eat to your heart’s content, be with the people you love and enjoy celebrating the aspects of life you are grateful for this year. Reule, a journalism and public relations major from Charlotte, is an opinion writer.

RYAN SCOTT I originally came to this school as a communications major. I did not care about money, I just wanted to do what I liked. I quickly realized, however, I was making a mistake by doing that. When a handful of professors begin the semester with a warning about how dismal your

current career path is, you learn to take the hint and look at another major. At a certain point, I had to realize that a large pizza did a better job at feeding a family of four than a communications major. I am now a computer science major, and I feel it’s a great fit. I’ll be the first to admit, though, a huge factor in me switching to this major was the fact that I’d have a pretty good shot at getting a good job. This past Saturday, the News and Observer reported that the UNC Advisory Committee on Strategic Directions is meeting to deal with the issue of help-

ing students prepare themselves for a future career, while still making college an intellectual experience. Back in March, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported student loan debt had surpassed credit card debt, amounting to $870 billion. This is a tough issue to tackle. On one hand, you could say that with student loans being such an issue for college graduates, universities must focus on helping students deal with the debts they gave them. On the other hand, reducing college to a funnel to a better job takes away a huge part of the experience.

At a recent community forum at UNC-Chapel Hill, María DeGuzmán, professor of English and comparative literature, stated that she believed a fixation on jobs would lead to a forsaking of the liberal arts. “Reducing university education to, quote, ‘getting a job,’” DeGuzmán said, “is to capitulate to the worst sort of – as William Faulkner would have said – ‘jobism.’” Thinking about it more, while computer science gives me a better chance at a good job, the few communications courses I took taught me vital life skills I would never learn in the

sciences. College should not be boiled down to a straight line to a good job. If that’s how you treat it, you’re missing out on so much. I realize I’m a tad late for some of you, but with this being the time for class registration, I suggest picking up an extra class simply for the sake of learning. I sound incredibly cliche, I know, but college is the last time of your life where your main priority is to just learn. Let’s make the most of it.

Scott, a sophomore computer science major from Huntersville, is an opinion writer.

STAFF OPINION

Write good, sound smartly and learn grammar

LINDSAY BOOKOUT Many people complain, about having to learn grammar and how, it is not important to everyday life. Reading that sentence was difficult, wasn’t it? That is because there were commas in the wrong places. That is grammar. If a person spoke like that, I would wonder if there was something wrong with him or her. Maybe it’s because my two ma-

jors are languages and I want to be an editor after graduation, but I just have to disagree with the inclination that grammar isn’t important. I edit for a history periodical, and my job is to edit the papers that are sent in. Sometimes the papers are not good enough because the writer simply cannot get his or her point across well enough, but other times it’s because the writers do not understand how grammar functions. Now, while grammar is very important for writing papers, it is also important in everyday life. If a person does not know how to properly form a sentence, he or she simply sounds unintelligent. I have met people in college who do not know the difference between “their,” “they’re” and

“there.” And of course we’ve all seen the horrible “your” versus “you’re” internal debate that people face. Those words, while they sound similar, all have completely different meanings. If a person says, “I’ll see you their,” I get confused. I think that he or she did not finish his or her sentence properly, and I’m wondering “their what?” Because “their” is a possessive, like “your.” Not knowing how certain words work simply confuses those who do. There are also people out there who say “I did good” instead of “I did well.” I know, it is shocking. It literally hurts my ears to hear phrases such as that, and the problem is, the person doesn’t know what he or she is doing wrong.

The fact that grammar is being taught less and less scares me quite a bit. It shows that our government truly does not care if we sound like we are the most uneducated people. I am truly glad that Appalachian’s general education curriculum forces students to take an English class every year that they are here, and I am especially glad that they force a “writing in your discipline” section, because it shows students why writing is pertinent to their specific field. Hopefully this class will show students why they need to not only be educated, but be able to portray themselves as educated.

Bookout, a sophomore French and English major from Charlotte, is a news reporter.

The Appalachian

Opinion

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Apple is crooked to its core

Big White Planet discriminates with emojis

Right now, there are 58 smiley face emojis, a gay couple, a pair of lesbians, 29 white emoticons, an Asian man, emotional cats, expressive monkeys and icons for different holidays across the world. And despite all of that, there are not any black emojis. When the emojis first came out, I assumed it was an oversight by the creators. But after downloading the iOS 6 upgrade on my iPhone, I am not so sure anymore. The company that makes emojis, ironically named Big White Planet, is based in Kounov, Czech Republic, according to their website. In the Czech Republic, there are three major ethnic groups: the Czechs, the Moravians and the Slovaks, which all make up 96 percent of the population. The other four percent are listed as minorities, according to cia. factbook.gov. Therefore, it could be said that since the Czech Republic is

STAFF OPINION

STEPHANIE SANSOUCY

November 15, 2012 |

home to very few people of African descent, the company doesn’t realize they are missing from the repertoire of emoticons. However, if I were a global company marketing an app that has the potential to be downloaded by every iPhone user, I would think about including more races in the emoticon menu before putting in every recognizable phase of the moon’s lunar cycle. From a business perspective, it only make senses to expand the diversity of your product to match the demographics of all of your consumers rather than restrict it to a handful of audiences. Our modern society makes a conscious effort to end discrimination in every way possible. The United States government has set up anti-discrimination laws for schools, sports and employment. “Politically correct” is a household term. Even the Disney princesses jumped on the bandwagon when they added Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” Disney’s first black princess. Yes, we live on a big planet. But it’s time for us to be allinclusive, even when it comes to emoticons. Sansoucy, a freshman journalism major from Raleigh, is a senior news reporter.

STAFF OPINION

MALIK RAHILI The electronic market today is flooded with iPads, iPhones, iHomes, Apple TV, Apple this and iThat. Apple has become a dominating force in the electronic industry, and now they are using that position to play on people’s gullibility and sell sub-par equipment at outrageous prices. Now, I have an iPhone 4 and have generally been happy with its performance the past year and a half I have had it. It is a good phone compared to the two Androids and Blackberry I used to have. I am not saying Apple products are bad, people just need to realize that their iDevice is not a revolutionary product, no matter how much Apple says it is and that they are paying double what the device is worth. The iPhone 5, compared to Android’s leading smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S III, has a smaller screen, shorter battery life, less storage space, a slower processor, less RAM and a lesser quality front-facing camera. The GS III has a voice feature called S Voice that is on par with

Siri and costs only $250 for the high-end model versus the lowend iPhone 5, which retails at $200. Droids are no longer lagging behind in the smartphone race. They have actually jumped in front of Apple, but people do not realize that. The new lineup of Mac computers are the most over-priced electronics of the Apple lineup. For $1,000, consumers can get an 11-inch MacBook Air with 64 GB of flash storage, 4 GB of RAM and an Intel i5 processor. Sounds all fancy and high-tech, right? To put that into perspective, my 15-inch Sony Vaio with an i5 processor, 500 GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM cost me $500. Apple also prevents their users from upgrading their computers. If an Apple owner wants a better computer they have to spend another $1,000 to get an upgraded model. PCs allow users to really control and access their machine. That means to double the performance of my laptop, it would still cost less than a base model MacBook Air. The iPad lineup is the same way. Compared with the new Microsoft Surface or the ASUS Transformer Infinity, the iPad 4 base model feature’s just cannot compete. I do not even want to talk about the iPad Mini that even dared to try and take on the seven-inch market that’s already dominated

by the Kindle Fire HD or the Google Nexus 7. The upside for Apple products is that they are great for design and they have a very user-friendly operating system. Apple is also fantastic at their iPod lineup and the simple, but elegant, design of their products is what makes them so appealing. But what ruins their image for me is their buisness model. They build up their products to be revolutionary, when the technology on them has been around for years, the devices are overpriced and they limit users on what they can do with the product they paid for. They also purposely hold back features from their products so they can release a new model the next year and charge another $300 so users can take a panoramic photo. People buy these products thinking they are getting the most for their cash when they are not. If processor speeds, RAM, display quality or any of that other jazz does not matter to you and you just like Apple for the look and don’t mind spending a lot of money, by all means, go buy Apple products. But if you want the most bang for your buck, research and compare before you buy. Rahili, a freshman computer science major from Durham, is the graphics editor.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Petraeus’ choice to step down was the right one to make

ANNE BUIE Initially, when I first heard about former CIA director Gen. Petraeus stepping down from the CIA because of an affair, I was livid. I was infuriated by the idea that someone’s personal life could ruin his or her work life. From what I could tell, Petraeus was well respected. For a while after the presidential election results were announced, Twitter lit up with the hashtag #petraeus2016, The Washington Post reported. But then, the world was shocked the following day when Petraeus made his announcement. Like I said – I was originally furious. But now, almost a week after the scandal has been exposed and with more facts coming in, I have realized I was wrong. As head of the CIA, Petraeus knew confidential information that I can not even begin to imagine. But a person whose life is filled with keeping secrets can’t have their own secrets. When you accept a position in the public eye, there is no room for mistakes. Stakes are higher if you make one misstep, and unfortunately for Petraeus, his mistake cost him his job. Originally, it was a shame to me that he stepped down. His 14-month stint as CIA director was one that seemed to impress many people. But his rise to fame was indeed too good to be true, and now Petraeus is left with the shambles of his marriage and his career. CNBC recently reported that the mistress, Paula Broadwell, had confidential information on her computer. If so, then Petraeus compromised America’s safety by revealing information. My roommate for next year is trying to intern with the FBI. And because of that, I have to get a background check, solely because the FBI wants to see who my roommate is hanging out with. If they care that much about interns on the FBI level, then I can’t imagine the levels of background checks that the mistress should have gone through. A week ago, I thought it was a shame that Petraeus would step down. Now, I just think it’s a shame that America has been so disappointed by his failure to put his country first. Buie, a sophomore political science major from Charlotte, is the Managing Editor

Andrew Cox | The Appalachian

STAFF OPINION

Money, better quality food would make for better donations to those less fortunate

MICHAEL BRAGG When the end of the year holidays come up, food donation drives and charitable opportunities are visible and easily accessible to those who have the means to make a generous and meaningful donation. Every year, we’re asked to donate canned and nonperishable food items to those less fortunate. You know, getting in the season of goodwill toward all men and the spirit of giving. So why do we pull the disgusting, unwanted canned food from the back of our pantries and cupboards or buy the cheapest thing at the store and think that’s acceptable for those who could use a helping hand?

Imagine that you are down on your luck and in need of assistance and someone who is clearly doing well and can spare a few bucks, offers you a plate of food that they didn’t even plan on eating because it looked gross and unappetizing. And before the assumption is made that canned food drives are unwarranted and unnecessary, it is needed just as much now as it always has been. Feeding America reported that in 2011, 15 percent of the American population were living in poverty. Additionally, in 2011, the organization reported that 50.1 million Americans lived in food insecure households. While the national average of household food insecurity is at 14.7 percent, North Carolina’s percentage stood higher at 17.1. And food drives have critics that say monetary donations are so much more effective than a handful of canned goods. According to slate.com, if several donors were to give an assortment of cans each, versus those donors giving a monetary dona-

tion – matching the amount originally spent on canned goods – then the organizers of the food drive can pool all of that money together and buy more items in bulk, resulting in a cost effective alternative approach to the donation process. If you give to a canned food drive this year, I’m not asking that you drop a gift certificate for a steak dinner or one $10 can of food, but I ask that you don’t pull the most repulsive thing from the back of your pantry and think that is OK. Have a favorite soup from a can? Donate that instead of that pack of green bean cans that are a dollar at the grocery store. Food banks are a great asset to the holiday season that reflect the spirit of giving and peace that several customs, peoples and religions embrace this time of the year. Make your donation something you feel great about.

Bragg, a junior journalism and public relations major from Lillington, is the Editor-inChief.

| November 15, 2012

The Appalachian

ppalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

ews

Official University News & Announcements

Meeting Notes

Send copy to David W. Freeman, Director of Student Publications, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union, or e-mail: freemandw@appstate.edu.

Spring Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group—Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. Mondays 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. USOGet Moving (moving your body to increase wellness- see below for details), Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m. (Transitions to ASU Group, doesn’t start until October) and USO-DOG 3:30-5 p.m. (group Therapy with co-leaders and a therapy dog) Lesbian/Gay /Bisexual Therapy Group—This group will present an opportunity for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. Fridays 1-2:30 p.m. Painful Pasts, Promising Futures Group—This group is designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m. Transgender Therapy Group—This group is similar to the “Understanding Self and Others” group in that a variety of issues will be explored in a safe and supportive environment. Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m. (For information contact Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu) Food/Mood Group—This group is designed for students who use food and/or exercise to cope in ways that would be considered “unhealthy”. To Be Determined. An Introduction to Mindfulness Group—Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Mondays 3:30-5 p.m. USO-Get Movin’ Active Bodies Healthy Minds—Did you know that exercise is one of the best mental health interventions we know of? Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m. To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit our website for more information www.counseling. appstate.edu. If you are interested in group but these times do not work for you, please get in touch with Chris Carden at 262-3180 or cardendc@appstate.edu.

Music therapy group at Wellness

Are you looking for support in making a lifestyle change or recovery regarding alcohol, substance use, or other addictive behaviors? Music therapy may help you in this journey! No musical training or experience is needed, and a variety of musical experiences will be used. For more information, call 262-3148, or come by the ASU Student Wellness Center, 2nd Floor Annas Support Building, beside Health Service), starting in October, date and time TBD.

13th annual Queer Film Series begins

The 13th Annual Queer Film Series continues today, at 7:30 p.m. in Library 114, Facing Mirrors (Iran, 2011, Unrated, 102 min., in Farsi with English subtitles) - The first narrative film from Iran to feature a transgender main character, Facing Mirrors is a story of an unlikely and daring friendship that develops despite social norms and traditional beliefs. Rana drives a cab in order to survive financially and pay off the debt that keeps her husband in prison. By chance, she picks up Eddie, who’s on the run and desperately awaiting the passport he needs to leave the country. When the religious and inexperienced Rana learns that her wealthy passenger is FTM, conflicts arise, but maybe they also can help each other out of their dire situations. Winner of the Best Feature-Length Movie of the 36th annual Frameline LGBT Film Festival. Also, four special screenings sponsored by APPS Films with a panel organized by QFS: Monday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. in I.G. Greer Auditorium, Bully (USA, 2011, Unrated, 98 min.) - This documentary, directed by Sundance and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, offers an intimate, unflinching look at how bullying has touched five kids and their families. Filmed over the course of the 2009/2010 school year, Bully opens a window onto the pained and often endangered lives of bullied kids, including 16 year old lesbian, Kelby, revealing a problem that transcends geographic, racial, ethnic and economic borders. It documents the responses of teachers and administrators to aggressive behaviors that defy “kids will be kids” clichés, and it captures a growing movement among parents and youths to change how bullying is handled in schools, in communities and in society as a whole. A discussion panel will take place between showings each night. All movies are free and open to the public. Discussions follow the films.

Flu vaccine clinics for students

Students, don’t spend weeks sick in bed, missing classes and finals. Protect your health by getting your free flu vaccination. A Daily Flu Vaccination Clinic will be held MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at Student Health Service, 2nd floor Miles Annas Building (post office building). After Hours Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m., Student Recreation Center.

New tool to aid students to plan

DegreeWorks, a web-based academic advising and degree audit tool, is now available to students at Appalachian State University. It is an academic planning tool with real-time counseling capabilities, giving students meaningful and consistent direction and providing advisors and student records managers with up-to-date curriculum information. With a theme of “Finish in Four,” the Division of Academic Affairs has implemented the degree audit tool for students in response to a request from the Student Government Association to help students navigate curriculum requirements and keep them on track towards completing their college degree in four years. “We believe DegreeWorks will empower students to assume more responsibility for taking the appropriate classes required in their intended major,” said Susan Davies, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Appalachian. “This online tool makes degree requirements more transparent for the student, which will free up time in their advising appointments to focus on career aspiration rather than asking ‘What classes do I need to take,’” she said. DegreeWorks allows students to explore “what if” scenarios, such as how a change in their major will impact the number of additional courses that will be required to graduate in four years.

A Service of the Division of Student Development

Freshmen who entered Appalachian this fall learned about DegreeWorks during summer orientation. Rather than keeping up with paper degree checklists used in the past, they and other students will have access to their program of study 24 hours a day through the web-based program. In the next year, additional options will be added to DegreeWorks. Students will have an opportunity to create a fouryear plan using a curriculum planning tool, and academic departments will be able to use that information to better understand demand for certain classes when they are creating departmental class schedules. More information about DegreeWorks is available at http:// degreeworks.appstate.edu.

BSA to host ‘Adopt-A-Family’

Black Student Association will host an “Adopt-A-Family” Event with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 11-17. Events include: Nov. 17, “Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Day.”; Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., Belk Library, “Innocence and the Death Penalty: Featuring Darryl Hunt.”; Nov. 28, 6 p.m., Legends, “Kwanza Celebration.”

Registration is now open for the Gobbler 5K, a race scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8:30 a.m. at Duck Pond Field. The cost is $16 and includes: race day t-shirt; warm cobbler; entertainment. Register by Nov. 13 to be guaranteed a t-shirt. All proceeds support International Service-Learning Scholarships (ACT) and the Community Care Clinic. For more information contact Jessica Blanford, blanfordjl@appstate.edu.

Logo, Video contest; Win money!

Appalachian’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Marketing Team is hosting two contests for Appalachian students, a logo and video contest. The contests provide opportunities for students to exhibit their artistic abilities while helping to advertise Appalachian’s Global Learning QEP. The QEP’s theme is “Global Learning: A World of Opportunities for Appalachian Students.” Prizes are: First place, $500; Second place, $300; Third place: $200. The logo must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. The use of the phrase “Global Learning” within the logo is at your discretion. It is not mandatory. Entrants can use official Appalachian marks from the virtual toolbox, but must not alter them in any way. Official Guidelines. Logos must have all original content; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. Both full color and black and white versions of the logo must be submitted. Logo images must be scalable from thumbnail to billboard size. The contest is open only to current Appalachian students. Students may enter individually, or in a group of no more than two students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). All logos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission. Complete an entry form and submit your logo via email to Terri Lockwood at lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send DVD submissions to Terri Lockwood, 1028 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Nov. 30. The video must convey the spirit of Appalachian and global learning. The emphasis is on global learning opportunities here on campus. Describe what the QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan) is and why it is important. The contest is open only to current Appalachian students. Students may enter individually or in a group of no more than four students (this includes undergraduate and graduate students). Only one submission per individual/group. Videos must comply with the Student Code of Conduct. Videos must have all original content, music, images, etc.; contestants cannot use unauthorized, copyrighted material. The video should not be longer than two minutes or shorter than 30 seconds. Please do not submit videos produced via cellphones - submissions will be judge on video quality. All videos become the property of Appalachian State University upon submission. Complete the entry form and email videos to lockwodtl@appstate.edu or send a DVD to Terri Lockwood, 1037 Anne Belk Hall. Submissions are due by 5 p.m., Dec. 7.

Mountain photo contest opens

The 10th Annual Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition (AMPC) is accepting submissions through 5 p.m. Friday. This competition celebrates the unique people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians and it attracts entries from across the United States. Amateur and professional photographers 13 years of age and older are encouraged to submit entries at http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org. A panel of professional photographers will review all entries and select those that will be displayed in exhibition at Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts March 1 through Aug. 16, 2013. The judges will also select the final winners that will be showcased during the exhibition. The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is a partnership among Appalachian’s Outdoor Programs, Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. For more information about this photography competition, please visit http://www.appmtnphotocomp.org, or call Outdoor Programs at 828-262-2475.

Get published in The Peel

The Peel Literature and Arts Review is accepting submissions of all media, including poetry, photography, short stories, illustrations, etc. Deadline is Nov. 20 at midnight. For information about submitting, visit http://thepeel.appstate.edu/ pagesmith/5. For questions, email thepeel@appstate.edu.

Who’s Who nominations underway

Each year, Appalachian State University participates in the Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges Program. This program recognizes students for academic and leadership excellence. Students are selected for this honor based on the following criteria: scholarship abilities, participation and leadership in academic and extracurricular activities, citizenship and service to the community and Appalachian State University, and potential for future achievement. Currently enrolled undergraduate students who have earned at least 75 semester hours prior to fall semester, 2012; have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50; and have not been previously elected to Who’s Who are eligible for nomination. The selection procedure offers students the opportunity to nominate themselves. The nomination form is located at www.studentdev.appstate. edu by choosing Leadership and Service Awards, and then selecting Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. All nominations must be submitted electronically.

Nominations close at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 30. If you have questions, please contact Micki Early, rggsbmg@appstate.edu, or 262-2060 in the Office of Student Development.

Pay attention to spring bill dates

Planning on attending ASU in the spring? As you register for classes for the spring 2013 semester here are some dates to mark on your calendar. The initial spring bills will be emailed on Nov. 20 with a due date of Jan. 3, 2013. Cancellation for non-payment will occur on Jan. 4, 2013. For payment options visit the Student Accounts website at www.studentaccounts. appstate.edu. If you will be receiving financial aid or third party payments make sure you have completed all related requirements to insure you receive credit on your account.

‘Common Threads’ screening

The LGBT Center will screen “Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt,” the 1990 Academy Award-winning documentary about the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, today, at 7 p.m., in Belk Library, Room 114. This screening marks the opening of the Center’s commemoration of World AIDS Day 2012. Beginning Monday, Nov. 19, LGBT Center volunteers will host a contact table in Plemmons Student Unions to allow students, faculty and staff to create a panel of hope in honor of World AIDS Day 2012. All panels will be sewn together to create Appalachian’s Quilt of Hope to be shared in a ceremony on campus on Thursday, Nov. 29. Narrated by Dustin Hoffman with a musical score written and performed by Bobby McFerrin, “Common Threads” focuses on several people who are represented by panels in the Quilt, combining personal reminiscences with archive footage of the subjects, along with footage of various politicians, health professionals and people living with AIDS. Along with these personal stories, the film reviews the history of the NAMES Project and shows the process of creating quilt panels. The film concludes with the first public display of the-then complete Quilt on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 11, 1987 as part of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The screening is free and open to the public.

Diversity video contest on tap

The 2013 Diversity Celebration is holding a video competitionVideos must be uploaded to Vimeo or YouTube, and the link to the video page included in the submission form. The video clip can only be 30 seconds long, use no vulgar language (this is an event for all ages), and include Diversity Celebration 2013. The Diversity Celebration Marketing Committee will vote and choose the top three video entries. Those three videos will be posted for students to vote on, and choose the winning video. Video submissions opened Oct. 30 and close Nov. 25.

Wilkes chief deputy to speak today

The Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association announces that Chief Deputy Doug Cotton, with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s ODepartment, will speak on “Explosive Situations: Identification, Analysis, and Disposal of Explosive Materials.” An Appalachian State alumnus, Cotton will share his experience as a Bomb Squad commander and his dealings with explosives and hazardous materials, as well as other aspects of the criminal justice system. Everyone is welcome to attend the event today, at 6 p.m., in Room 011 Anne Belk Hall.

Abigail Adams dinner tonight

Join the ASU Women’s Center tonight, 6:30-9 p.m., in the Solarium of Plemmons Student Union for the Abigail Adams Scholarship Dinner and Silent Auction. This is the longestrunning Women’s Center event. Auction items have been donated by area businesses. Money bid will go towards a scholarship for a non-traditional Applachian student as determined by ASU Financial Aid. At this year’s event, last year’s scholarship recipient will speak on how the scholarhip has affected her and her studies. This year’s theme is “Honoring Women of our Nation Among and Before Us.” Admission is free, but bring money to bid with. .

2012 Multicultural programming Fall Programs Tuesday, Nov. 27, Legends Nightclub, 6 p.m., Kwanzaa Celebration. Kwanzaa is the first African American holiday established in the United States. Friday, Nov 30, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 5 p.m., Find Yosef a Holiday Festival. This fair-style event offers an “a la carte menu” of the images, sounds, foods, and activities that represent winter holidays from around the world. Attendees will learn in fun and interactive ways about many international holidays, cultures and customs. Spring 2013 Programs Tuesday, January 22, 2013, Holmes Center, 7 p.m., The 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration: An Evening with Maya Angelou. Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves; Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. Dr. Angelou, born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis was raised in segregated rural Arkansas. She is a poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. She lectures throughout the U.S. and abroad and is a lifetime Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina since 1981. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, Blue Ridge Ballroom, 7 p.m. “Hidden Voices: The Lives of Queer Muslims.” Participants will learn about sexual and gender minorities within the Muslim world and examine the complex intersection of Islam, sexuality and gender. Faisal Alam is a queer-identified Muslim activist of Pakistani descent. At age 19, while trying to reconcile his sexuality with his faith, Faisal organized the firstever gathering of LGBT Muslims, which led to the founding of Al-Fatiha, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex & questioning (LGBTIQ) Muslims, and their allies. Today, Al-Fatiha has sister organizations around the world including Canada, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine & Indonesia.

A&E

The Appalachian

November 15, 2012 |

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Appalachian sophomore recycles unwanted, donated skateboards into new furniture

by KALEY CAMPBELL A&E Reporter

y recycling old, broken skateboard decks and turning them into affordable furniture, sophomore psychology major Gabriel Arrandt started his own business in June of last year selling the resulting benches, stools and chairs. So far, Arrandt has transformed skateboards into 13 functional pieces of furniture. At the start, donations were hard to come by due to the lack of skateboarders in Boone, and the quality of the skateboards Arrandt received was fairly low. “I’ve been driving all over North Carolina to meet with people responding to the website about donating skateboards, and I’ve got a lot of supplies now, so I’m working on getting a couple more pieces done soon,” Arrandt said. Arrandt’s creative energies were first put to work while he was in his hometown of Weddington, and was in need of a Father’s Day present. Because of his hectic work schedule, Arrandt did not have time to shop for a gift and the unused skateboards in his garage gave him the idea. “I didn’t like seeing them uselessly sit there, so I thought of what I wanted to do with them and started designing a bench,” Arrandt said. After about three days

Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinions of the author.

Joey Johnson | The Appalachian

Gabe Arrandt creates furniture out of recycled skateboards. He uses donated and unwanted skateboards to make the furniture.

of work, the chair was complete. “Whenever people saw it, they had a lot of good things to say and told me I should keep it going,” Arrant said. He said he is a “nature freak” and did not like how he would previously trash his old skateboard decks. “Since I have a way to put them back into use and keep them out of the landfills, I want to reach as many people as I can to build something practical

Senior A&E Reporter

Downtown tattoo parlor Speakeasy Tattoo hosted its fourth annual Beard & Mustache Party on Tuesday night. Those with or without facial hair were encouraged to come and join in on the festivities, which included a beard and mustache contest, a raffle and free beer. This year’s party introduced a new, more accessible element: a family hour, open to all ages under 21. Lasting from 5 to 6:30 p.m., family hour was meant for families with young children who would also like to participate in the facial hair festivities. “We just had a lot of clients who said their kids would get excited about making their own beard or mustache at home, so this year I thought I’d try it as a trial to see if anyone would make it out,” said manager Nicole Kinnamon. “It’s kind of hard to promote two different types of parties, one being family-friendly and the other having free beer.” The party, which began as a customer appreciation event, has since evolved into what it is today, partly due to owner greg Kinnamon’s love of mustaches. Throughout the night, eventgoers had the opportunity to participate in a contest that judged their facial hair in multiple categories. These categories included men’s, women’s, fake, creepiest

out of what most people would call trash,” Arrandt said. As a former skateboarder, he knew that many others would throw away unused decks, as well. Arrandt made a Facebook page, “Recycle Your Skateboards,” two weeks ago. Since then, there has been an overwhelming response. Arrandt attended an art show held by Rarebreed Magazine, where his chairs received a lot of positive feedback

and interest. Arrandt expressed excitement over the interest of one particular potential buyer: rapper and skateboard enthusiast Pharrell Williams. Williams’ cousins were at the Rarebreed show and put Arrandt in contact with the musician. Arrandt prices his furniture according to his cost for supplies. Stools are $40, benches with a backrest are $120, a bench without the backrest is $75 and the chairs are $100. All the leftover

scraps are turned into key chains for $3. Arrandt also provides a 50 percent discount for his customers who donate supplies. If a customer donates upwards of 10 items, they receive a free stool. “I’m always trying to tailor prices to be affordable, even for students, since they’re a majority of my audience,” Arrandt said. More information can be found on the “Recycle Your Skateboards” page on Facebook.

and most creative beard. The winners are Tyler Hoskinson, Danielle Reynolds, Leslie Beninato, Jacob Wood and Kat Chaffin. Chaffin won best overall, as well. While some of the participants grew real beards and mustaches, other attendees sported drawn-on or cutout mustaches and beards. The event included a raffle, as well. Those who purchased tickets were put in a drawing to win Speakeasy merchandise or Speakeasy gift cards ranging in value from $50 to $500. “I came out here to Speakeasy tattoo to support a local business and local owners and to have a good time,” said Taylor Williams, an Appalachian State alumnus. While Williams wore a healthy amount of scruff to the event, he decided not to participate in the contest after seeing the competitors. “I did not sign up for a contest because the competition is too stiff,” Williams said. Other attendees, such as junior history major Matt Debnam, took full advantage of the contest. Though he didn’t win, he said it was an honor to participate. Debnam, who considers himself a supporter of all things facial hair, heard about the event while he and his dad got their first tattoos at Speakeasy last Monday. “From the most pencil thin goatee to the glorious radiance of the ZZ Top special, I’m for [facial hair],” Debnam said.

Olivia Wilkes | The Appalacian

Senior anthrapology major Michael Story shows his mustache to the judges at Speakeasy Tattoo Company's Beard and Moustache Party Tuesday night. To celebrate Speakeasy's third anniversary, the tattoo shop held a beard and mustache competition along with free beer and raffle prizes.

Students, faculty choreograph pieces for Fall Ensemble The Fall Appalachian Dance Ensemble began yesterday and is set to showcase an array of contrasting themes and styles. Of the seven pieces selected for the show, five are choreographed by students, one is facultydirected and one is choreographed by a guest artist Paul Ibey. The Ensemble selected 45 dancers out of the 70 that auditioned at the start of the fall semester. Once the students were cast in early September, rehearsals began in full swing and will continue until the start of the show. Five student choreog-

Soundgarden release first full-length album in 16 years A&E Reporter

by CONNOR CHILDERS

A&E Reporter

Review:

by WILL GREENE

Speakeasy Tattoo hosts Beard & Mustache Party

by KALEY CAMPBELL

raphers were selected to showcase their pieces at the ensemble. Each piece has its own unique theme based on concepts each choreographer was interested in. “Life and Natural Disasters,” choreographed by senior anthropology major Kelsey Gaude, explores how disasters in life have the ability to unite people through learning and coping with these experiences. Like the other student choreographers, Gaude personally selected each dancer for her production. The leadership role as a choreographer has been rewarding for Gaude, but it was not without its challenges, she said.

“I knew that choreographing was going to be a challenge, but I had no idea really that it would be as great of a trial as it was,” Gaude said. “There were just so many details to figure out, like movement, costumes, spacing and lights, and I know my fellow choreographers can relate that creating movement yourself and then putting it on a group of dancers doesn’t always work out as one would have imagined.” Although the process has been a challenge, Gaude said that the things in life that are the most challenging to accomplish “turn out to be the greatest.” Assistant professor Laurie Atkins choreo-

graphed the faculty piece, “Tensile Dreams.” Atkins is also the director of the production for the second year in a row. “[‘Tensile Dreams’] uses fabric to explore concept behind tension; how dancers explore geometrically through space, the lines on their body and how that creates tensions between the dancers,” Atkins said. This year, the Ensemble will feature a guest artist, Paul Ibey, whose piece is in a contemporary Japanese style known as Butoh. Ibey’s piece, “Le Martyre,” is centered around the spiritual journey of the dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein. The student choreog-

raphers have developed many real-life skills as a result of working with the Ensemble. “This is, for some of them, their first experience of what the professional world will be like,” Atkins said. “It will teach them how to meet deadlines, how to put their creative work on stage with a theatrical element and ultimately how to bring that to an audience where they watch and receive feedback.” The show will continue in the Valborg Theatre at 7:30 p.m. until Saturday. Tickets are available at Valborg Theatre box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., by phone and online at theatre.appstate.edu.

Soundgarden has seen better days. The Seattle-based grunge band helped forge a lane in popular music for a more aggressive sound, and a more aggressive lifestyle, with the grunge era of the mid 1990s. With Soundgarden’s 16year hiatus leaving fans and spectators alike foaming at the mouth for another studio album, 2012’s “King Animal” was easily one of the most anticipated albums of the year in any genre. The album is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but when compared to any other work Soundgarden has released in their lengthy career, and the sad attempt it makes at grunge revival, “King Animal” is by far the biggest letdown in their discography. The troupe of 40-somethings still has the same polished rebellion they had on earlier tracks, and tracks such as “Non-State Actor” show why they were once more important than Nirvana. The track also shows the often overlooked and unrecognized technical skill of drummer Matt Cameron. Cameron has always been overshadowed by the almost impossibly beautiful primal scream of lead singer Chris Cornell, and it is really quite a shame, because Cameron should be listed with the likes of Neil Peart, John Bonham and other greats in terms of ability and influence. The unrelenting hurricane that is “Blood On The Valley Floor” is a nice introduction to new listeners of Soundgarden, but they will have to do a great deal of backpedaling to understand what they have to offer in their back catalogue. Songs like “Taree” and “Bones and Birds” are virtually of a new vein of style for Soundgarden, almost as if they are attempting to be a Soundgarden cover band that plays 1990s rock ballad versions of Soundgarden songs. As with a great deal of Cornell’s lyrics, they tend to attempt a sense of depth that is seemingly lost in translation. Just trying to find an explanation for the lyrics on “Been Away Too Long” – “I am still hiding/Everyone inside/Tank girls and fly guns and silver boots on my way home,” – would be an afternoon’s worth of research yielding no results. On the same track, however, Cornell pens a fitting chorus, presumably about the band’s hiatus. “No, I never really wanted to stay/I’ve been away for too long,” Cornell sings, making it the perfect opener for a comeback album. “King Animal” is still generally the same Soundgarden that fans have come to expect. The only bad thing about this album is its purpose, namely the fact that there doesn’t appear to be one, which leaves “King Animal” a soulless attempt at a comeback album.

Rating:

2 out of 4 stars

SPORTS

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

November 15, 2012 |

BASKETBALL

Appalachian loses 86-64 to High Point, lacked ‘fight’ By ANDREW CLAUSEN

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Sophomore forward Jay Canty powers through a High Point defender to move the ball toward the basket. Canty scored a game-high 23 points, but the Panthers held their lead throughout the game for an 86-64 win over the Mountaineers.

Many athletic coaches form a bond with their players that comes from spending countless hours and days together. Here at Appalachian State, two of the women’s basketball coaches have been building this bond since 1995 before coming to Boone. Head coach Darcie Vincent and associate head coach Heather Kearney met each other at Slippery Rock when Vincent was coaching the then-player Kearney. Now the two coach alongside each other at Appalachian. Both women bring something special to the team – something that comes from their previous time together. “I think it’s everything she learned as a player and the way she played the game – now she’s coaching it that way,” Vincent said. “She’s doing the exact same thing, just with a different hat.” Vincent is considered to be one of the finest defensive minds in the nation, and it shows by the way she coaches her team. “I always felt as a player that you knew, every second of the game, just by how she coached, that she had just as much intensity,” Kearney said. “She was there with you. I think all the players feed off that kind of energy and excitement.” Coupled with Kearney’s aggressive, fast-paced offense, the team has consistently been improving in the

pointers. High Point ended the first half on a 25-13 run, pushing the lead to 48-26. In the second half, the Mountaineers switched to a zone defense, which Canty said was more successful than the man-to-man. “A couple of times we went in with a man and we got beat on the boards and were hitting shots,” he said. “Once we got in the zone, we were able to force tough shots and get rebounds and force the ball out to get into our offense.” Despite playing High Point even at 38-38 in the second half, ASU couldn’t counter the first half deficit. Capel said he thought his team didn’t come out to play with a sense of urgency. “Defensively, we didn’t do a good job,” he said. “I’m disappointed we didn’t put up much of a fight. We’re a team that I’ve said all along will have to do the little things extremely well all the time. 50-50 plays, executing, being tough – we didn’t do that tonight.” This was the team’s largest margin of defeat since losing to Davidson by 33 points in 2005 Appalachian will travel to Buie’s Creek to play Campbell Friday at 7:45 p.m.

Appalachian cross country doubles down on SoCon titles

Former player and coach now work alongside one another Senior Sports Reporter

n an impressive performance by the Panthers, High Point beat Appalachian State 86-64 Tuesday night at Holmes Convocation Center. High Point now improves to 2-0, while the Mountaineers fall to 1-1. The first half was all High Point, outscoring ASU 22-8 in the paint, 18-3 in points-off-turnovers and 10-0 in fast-break points. The Panthers played a zone defense for most of the game, which inhibited Appalachian’s offense greatly. Only shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range, ASU head coach Jason Capel said High Point shot “good shots, they didn’t drop.” ASU finished the night with five total assists, compared to 15 last Friday. “We run a run-and-replace game,” Capel said. “And tonight, I thought when we turned the corner we weren’t looking for the replace guy, who was open all night.” Forward Jay Canty led ASU with 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Guard Chris Burgess would finish with three rebounds and 16 points off of four three-

CROSS-COUNTRY

BASKETBALL

by KAITLYN THRUSTON

Senior Sports Reporter

Southern Conference. “There’s no way any head coach can be great at two things,” Vincent said. “...I have somebody that just completely makes us a double whammy. She’s led the conference in output in the last two or three years.” The relationship is strong because the women are so similar. “Our core values are the same,” Vincent said. “How we want to coach this game is so similar, you would have no idea who you were talking to.” Much of the similarity comes from Kearney having played under Vincent and coached alongside her at California, Pa. and at Appalachian. “I understand exactly what her expectation level is and I just kind of grew up under that frame of reference in terms of basketball,” Kearney said. “The fundamentals that were important to her were instilled in me from when I was 18 years old.” The two coaches balance each other out, and that makes for a better and stronger women’s basketball program here at Appalachian. “No head coach can be great at two things,” Vincent said. “Either you’re an offensive coach or a defensive coach, and when you’re trying to do both, one or the other suffers. We’re the double whammy of having both sides.”

by Jesse Ware

The ASU men’s team has now won seven of the last eight SoCon titles. After losing the title in The men’s and women’s cross-country teams 2011, the Mountaineers clinched SoCon champion- were glad get back to their ships for Appalachian for old ways. Mitch McLeod was the 2012 season. This the first time in 10 named to the All-SoCon years both teams have ac- Freshman Team. “It feels complished great to this feat in be able to the same “It feels great to be come right season. On Fri- able to come right onto onto a team and help day, Nov. 9, a team and help them them win,” the womwin,” McLeod en’s team said. “We took 11th Mitch McLeod, All-SoCon crosshad a great place at the country runner year, and I Southeast knew from Regional the beginChampionning I had ship while to be a part of this special the men took 13th. “It was a very humbling team.” The ASU women won feeling,” head coach Mike Curcio said. “To have two their first SoCon title since groups of young people 2002, and their 10th overall. The 321 points scored work so hard and diligently through the summer... then in the Southeast Regional put it together on that one Championship were first important day was hum- among SoCon teams. Senior Amanda Hambling.” Intern Sports Reporter

ilton led the Mountaineer ladies in six matches this season with a personal best time of 17:42.55 in the 5,000m. “We work together really well and motivate each other every day in practice,” Hamilton said. “We have been working toward the goal of SoCon since May, so to see it all finally come together is truly gratifying.” Senior runner Alex Taylor helped lead the Mountaineer men all season and ran a season best 24:42.1 in App’s title-clinching meet. “Winning the title this year was different from previous years,” Taylor said. “As a senior leader, it was my last chance to win a big cross country meet with my teammates and coaches.” Overall, the season was a success for both teams. “I feel confident that the mix of talented newcomers with a strong core of upper-class people made for a well-balanced and experienced team,” Curcio said. “That helps win meets.”

FOOTBALL

Running back Rod Chisholm is trying to make the most of his opportunities by CHASE ERICKSON Sports Reporter

Running back Rod Chisholm’s hand injury against East Carolina was just the sarcastic cherry on top of his collegiate career. Following the injury, Chisholm was out of the lineup once again. And after sitting out of competition all of last season, due to not meeting NCAA academic eligibility requirements, his hand injury just seemed to make things worse. But now, during Appalachian’s ensuing playoff run, Chisholm expects to be healthy and impactful. After Chisholm went down early in the season, senior Steven Miller earned the opportunity to be the starting running back. But now that Chisholm is back in the fold, all either of the running backs can do is smile. Miller explained that both he and Chisholm balance each other out. He added that their running back combination is like “wind and fire” and good for the offense. “I’m more of a slash and dash type guy,” Miller said. “He lays the wood.” “Both [Chisholm and Miller] feed off of each other,” ASU head coach Jerry Moore said. The particulars of how Chisholm got to this point in his football career are overwhelming. He had to overcome life in a single-parent home just to make it to Appalachian State. And after finally working his way up to earning significant playing time, his failure to meet the NCAA academic eligibility requirements forced him to sit out the entire 2011 season. After earning the starting job

File Photo | The Appalachian

Senior running back Rod Chisholm suffered a hand injury at the ECU game in August. He has made a full recovery, participating in practice and receiving playing time during the last few games.

during the offseason, his goal of having a healthy and prominent 2012 season was derailed almost as soon as it began. After regrouping in the classroom from a subpar academic performance in 2010-11, Chisholm returned to ASU athletics’ academic honor during the 2012 spring semester and regained eligibility. He was welcomed back with open arms, and his teammates voted him team captain over the summer. Chisholm was considered by his teammates to be one of the leaders of the offense.

After rushing the ball nine times for 37 yards in Appalachian State’s opening game against East Carolina, devastation struck once again. Chisholm injured his hand in the third quarter and it turned out to be broken. He then spent the rest of the game tracking the sideline, finding himself once again in a bad position. “At first it was hard, but my teammates got behind me and supported me,” Chisholm said. “My mom raised me to be strong, telling me never to let anyone see

me down and to never get down on myself, because at the end of the day, all I have is me and my lord.” Fortunately, the hand injury didn’t ruin Chisholm’s season. While it was important for Chisholm to let his hand heal, it was still the type of injury that he could successfully bounce back from before season’s end. Today, his hand is 100 percent healthy. He has been practicing and receiving playing time over the past few weeks, and now he has a shot at making an impact as Appalachian State football enters the

final stretch of the season. Chisholm isn’t going to be cautious, either. His mentality is focused on pushing himself to be the best on every play, knowing that each chance to play is precious. “I think when the guys look at me and they see that I am always positive, it translates toward them striving to be better,” Chisholm said. “I try to lead the right way and go 100 percent every day in hopes that my teammates will follow my example. I just try to give the guys some of the best advice to become better players as well as better men.” When the playoffs begin, the Mountaineers will be glad to have their mentally strong running back on the field. And Appalachian’s potent offense is going to keep getting better as the season continues. “It’s like a 1-2 punch” Chisholm said, referring to how he and Miller are used as running backs. “I haven’t been much of a punch yet, but I will be pretty soon.” Chisholm feels certain that he and his team will move forward successfully, partially because of the time he spent with the scout team during his ineligable junior season. “You have no substitutes on the scout team and you are the only one at that position,” Chisholm said. “So I was going 100 percent every day and every play, and just giving the defense the best I could. That made me into a better player – to realize that once I do have my opportunity that I need to go 100 percent every play. This is what I want. I have been playing this game since I was seven years old and I am going to get after it.”