Appalachian The
Appalachian State University's student newspaper since 1934
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Vol. 88, No. 08
www.TheAppalachianOnline.com
BOE chairman’s brother involved
June 2013 Stacy Clyde Eggers IV, or “Four,” is not considered by
the North Carolina Board of Elections to be a part of the Watauga County Board of Elections because he was the county attorney, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. “He serves as the county attorney,” Josh Howard, a Republican chairman of the N.C. BOE said to the Winston-Salem Journal in a Sept. 15 article. “I don’t think he can do both jobs because the county attorney often has to advise the county board of elections.”
The following is a recap of events surrounding the actions of the Watauga County Board of Elections and Stacy Clyde Eggers IV’s alleged involvement
by Staff Reports
STACY CLYDE EGGERS IV
Stacy “Four” Eggers IV is the county attorney for Watauga County. He was a member of the Watauga County Board of Elections for eight years, but was not allowed to return after becoming the Watauga County Attorney. Four’s digital thumbprint was found on word documents that were signed by Luke Eggers, Four’s brother and chairman of the Watauga County Board of Elections. “Those were [Luke Eggers’] resolutions, and that’s what he wanted,” Four Eggers said about the content in the resolutions. Eggers said any involvement he had with the resolutions was his “involvement as a private citizen.” Four Eggers said he could not recall how much involvement he had in writing the resolution to move voting to the Agricultural Center, which was later scrapped by the board. But, he said that he did type the resolution that moved the voting to Legends for Luke Eggers. Luke Eggers was at the beach at the time, and Four Eggers said he typed the resolution on his computer while the two spoke on the phone.
The Watauga County Board of Elections adopted a resolution Aug. 12 that would consolidate Boone’s three current voting precincts into one, eliminating all but one of the voting sites used in the past. In a 2 -1 decision, the Watauga County BOE voted to condense three Boone precincts into one, eliminating Plemmons Student Union as a polling place. This decision was made due to low voting numbers within the precinct, according to the resolution. The Watauga County Commissioners Boardroom across from Mellow Mushroom in downtown Boone was established as the early voting polling place, and the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center on Poplar Grove Road was set as the Election Day polling place. Four Eggers said in a Sept. 16 interview with The Appalachian that he does not recall his specific involvement with the Aug. 12 resolution.
Aug. 12
At the Aug. 12 meeting of the Watauga County Board of Elections, the majority voted to implement a new one-stop voting plan that would move early voting to only the Watauga County Commissioner’s Boardroom. The plan needed to be approved by the North Carolina Board of Elections. After minutes were altered to reflect that the motion to adopt the resolution regarding the one-stop implementation plan was passed before approval from the N.C. BOE, Democratic Watauga County BOE member Kathleen Campbell sent a letter to Four Eggers. In the letter she asked for “a written opinion as to whether or not it is permissible for a single board member to modify the minutes by changing the report of what action was taken,” according to the letter.
Aug. 27
Four Eggers | Photo courtesy
DIGITAL THUMBPRINTS “A digital signature uniquely identifies the originator of digitally signed data and also ensures the integrity of the signed data against tampering or corruption.” -Technet.microsoft.com.
LEGALITY
Four Eggers replied in a letter to Campbell explaining that he could not provide legal advice for a single member of the board and could only advise the board as a whole as needed. “It has been the longstanding policy of Watauga County that its County Attorney does not provide legal advice to the members of the general public, the media or individual board members about legal matters involving the county,” Four wrote in the letter.
Aug. 28
The NCBOE voted to sustain the Watauga County BOE decision regarding one-stop voting. Approximately 60 people were in the room at the time of the vote when the board voted 4 - 1 to keep only one location for early voting.
Sept. 3
The Watauga County BOE voted to retract their earlier resolution made Aug. 12 to combine all three Boone voting precincts. The board voted to move the previous polling site for Boone’s second precinct from Plemmons Student Union to Legends nightclub.
Sept. 4
The Winston-Salem Journal reports that digital thumbprints left on documents show Four Eggers as the “author” of the resolution to move voting to Legends.
Sept. 15
Sept. 17 The Winston-Salem Journal reports that Four Eggers’ digital thumbprint was on a letter explaining the voting changes, sent Aug. 14 to Kim Strach, the executive director of the NCBOE. The letter was signed by Luke Eggers, who is the chairman of the Watauga County BOE and brother of Four Eggers. Four Eggers did not respond to the Winston-Salem Journal asking why his name was listed on this document.
Chancellor search committee seeks student input
by Michelle Pierce
News Reporter
A student forum for the chancellor’s search committee will be held Sept. 25 in the Linville Falls room of Plemmons Student Union. Michael Steinback, the University Board of Trustees chairman, is the spokesman for the chancellor search committee, making him the only member out of the 21-person
committee permitted to speak on the group’s behalf. “We are all here for the students,” Steinback said in an Aug. 28 article in The Appalachian. The search committee has recently hired Baker and Associates LLC, an executive consultant firm, to assist in the university’s search for a new chancellor.
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ON THE WEB
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Luke Eggers
Maggie Cozens | The Appalachian
There is no formal conflict of interest regarding Four Eggers helping Luke Eggers with resolutions, said Christopher McLaughlin, assistant professor of public law and government at UNC-Chapel Hill. “It would be tough to argue that the attorney breached professional standards in this situation,” he said. The county commissioners can ask Four Eggers to stop helping Luke Eggers since Four Eggers works for the county, but McLaughlin said it is unlikely that will happen because of political lines. The majority of the county commissioners are Republican, as well as Four and Luke Eggers. "It appears that the majority of the county doesn't have a problem with the attorney's actions and the county can only speak through the majority of the board [of county commissioners]," McLaughlin said. The county attorney can also decide if he has a personal conflict of interest. “If an attorney's personal interest conflicts with a client's interests to the extent that the attorney could no longer zealously and competently represent that client, then the attorney has an obligation to terminate the representation of that client,” McLaughlin said. “This determination is to be made by the attorney, and is obviously very subjective. But based on what I've read about this situation it seems that a reasonable person could conclude that the county attorney can still competently represent the county despite his informal involvement with the county board of elections.”
CAMPBELL Watauga County Board of Elections member Kathleen Campbell was denied legal consult by Four Eggers because of the Watauga County policy that the county attorney does not give legal consult to individuals, but to various Watauga County boards, according to Four Egger’s letter to Campbell. Campbell said she sent a letter to Four Eggers after minutes from the Aug. 12 meeting of the Watauga County Board of Elections had been changed. Campbell said the minutes she received lacked comments from her, and said that the one-stop voting implementation was passed when it was not, due to the fact that North Carolina Board of Elections was required to approve the plan before it was to go into effect. Kathleen Campbell After Campbell refused to pass the Aug. 12 minMaggie Cozens | The Appalachian utes at the Aug. 20 meeting of the board, she said she was informed that there were three sets of minutes. Campbell said she does not understand how Four Eggers could help his brother Luke Eggers without infringing upon the same policy Four Eggers stated in his letter to her. “There is a fallacy in what he is saying because he is saying he couldn’t help me because I am an individual member,” Campbell said.
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News
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Appalachian
General Assembly gives $2 million for Health Sciences by Chelsey Fisher Senior News Reporter
The Appalachian State University College of Health Sciences is now looking into the possibility of constructing a new building after receiving $2 million from the North Carolina 2013-14 state budget. This has been a goal for the university for many years, but has not had the funding needed, said Susan McCracken, vice chancellor of External Affairs and Community Relations. In 2008, the General Assembly allocated between $4-5 million for a health sciences building, but because of state budget issues, Appalachian lost that funding, McCracken said. The new health sciences building will cost approxi-
mately $82 million. While $2 million will allow planning to begin, the university will need 10 percent, or $8.2 million, to complete the planning phase. McCracken said the university is incredibly thankful for the allocation. “It is a huge step in the right direction,” McCracken said. “It’s a huge endorsement from our legislators who take the funds that they have – and we know how difficult the budget has been – and set aside money for this project. We’re incredibly thankful for that.” If Appalachian receives the remaining $6.2 million before December 2014, the College of Health Sciences could receive 9 to 10 acres of land for free, McCracken said. “The Appalachian Regional Healthcare System foundation made a pledge two years ago that if we had sufficient
Corrections: An article from the Tuesday, Sept. 17 issue of The Appalachian titled "Alumna hopes to ‘level the playing field’ in municipal election" contains the following errors: Rennie Brantz, not Brants, is an adjunct instructor in the Department of History and is not a retired faculty member; Brantz and Quint David are not assisting Peña's campaign, as the article suggests, but are running their own; Peña has lived in the High Country for approximately 10 years, not living in Boone for nine years; and Jennifer and Gus Peña did not meet at the SGA function mentioned in the article. The Appalachian apologizes for the errors.
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funding for planning and construction prior to Dec. 31, 2014, they would gift approximately 9 to 10 acres of land that’s across from the hospital for the purpose to provide a home for the college,” McCracken said. The land is valued at more than $10 million, according to healthsciences.appstate.edu. The university is currently looking into various ways to help fund the remaining cost of the building, McCracken said. Appalachian has hired a consulting group to see if ideas, such as a public-private partnership are viable. A public-private partnership involves both public money and private money being used to pay for the construction of a building. Once the building is completed, it is used for both private and public uses for a set amount of time. There are
not very many examples of a public-private partnership, so the university’s consulting group is still working to see if it would be a sustainable longterm option, McCracken said. Even though it started accepting students in 2010, the College of Health Sciences now has 11 majors and is the second largest college on campus, said Fred Whitt, founding dean of the college. But classes are still spread out among eight different buildings, so a single building is needed, Whitt said. “We’re doing everything we can to try and make this happen,” Whitt said. “It’s a high priority for the chancellor, the whole College of Health Sciences – it’s certainly a high-need area. We have the resources, the students, the faculty – we just need the space.”
| TheAppalachianOnline.com
SEARCH
FROM PAGE 1 The company’s search process will begin by understanding the purpose, goals and needs of the university in order to find qualified candidates, said Vice Chancellor for Student Development Cindy Wallace. The student forum will be used as a public hearing for students to voice opinions to the university and the consultant firm about what is important to them about Appalachian’s campus and what they value in a chancellor candidate, Wallace said. Students are welcome to attend the forums being held Sept. 26 and 27 as well, Wallace said. Dylan Russell, student body president, is the only student on the search committee and will lead the student forum.
SGA continues work to lift skateboarding ban by Gerrit Van Genderen Intern News Reporter
The Student Government Association has been working with Appalachian State University officials and the Town of Boone to potentially lift the skateboarding ban, said SGA President Dylan Russell. The Town of Boone does not allow skateboarding on sidewalks or streets, according to Town of Boone Ordinance Section 71.10. Appalachian prohibits skateboarding on the entire campus as well. Skateboarding violations carry a $50 fine. “We are trying to take the emphasis off of specifically skateboarding and move toward the idea of encouraging humanpowered transportation,” Russell said. “With the removal of the skateboarding ban, it would lead to an overall improvement in the campus’ sustainability.” Russell said that the
university wants to work for and with the Town of Boone and discuss collaborative ideas to continue the progress of lifting the ban. Carson Rich, SGA director of sustainability, said that in general, the idea of human-powered transportation is not well understood on campus. “The idea of increasing human-powered transportation is somewhat of a culture change to many,” Rich said. “The more students we can get onboard with the concept, the better our campus’ sustainability will be.” Appalachian was ranked the 18th greenest college in the nation by Sierra magazine. Rich said that the human-powered transportation concept includes walking and using bikes, scooters and skateboards. A data-driven pilot plan that both the university and town could use is a work in progress, said Eric
Lacy Matusek | The Appalachian
SGA is advocating for the Town of Boone to lift the ban on skateboards, saying that lifting the ban would help the university in its goal to become more sustainable.
Frauman, chairman of Appalachian’s Transportation Subcommittee, a component of the Sustainability Council. Frauman said that the rising popularity of skateboarding for commuting purposes locally and nationwide has prompted revisiting the ban. Appalachian Skatepark, which was located at the Watauga County Recreation Complex, closed in
2009, leaving the town with few legal skating venues. “The Town of Boone will ultimately require Town Council approval to lift the ban,” Frauman said. “It will take student initiative, including student government and the skateboarding community, for the issue to move forward at Appalachian, since the majority of users are students.”
Opinion The Appalachian
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
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Staff Opinion
Staff Opinion
Counseling Center reports higher numbers of walk ins each year
Grand Theft Auto V’ is not the cause of violence in society
Counseling and Psychological Services Center Dan Jones told Inside Higher Ed. It seems as if students are having a more difficult time adjusting to the stresses of college life. Anxiety is a major cause of students seeking help, with 41.6 percent of students attending counseling appointments for anxiety related issues, according to the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors’ annual survey. Upon hearing these statistics, perhaps the simplest conclusion to jump to is that the transition between high school and college is not easy for every student.
Erica Badenchini Opinion Writer
The Appalachian State University Counseling Center has discovered in recent years that the growing number of walkins far exceeds the time slots available for counseling during the first few weeks of class. The number of students making appointments at the Counseling Center has increased 66 percent since 2009, and between 20-25 people walked in the front doors during the first week of class this year, Director of the
The AUCCCD’s annual survey also indicates that 19 percent of universities with psychiatric services on campus report that these services are not up to par. To make matters worse, the staffing situation is an issue as well – public colleges tend to have far fewer employees in their counseling centers than their private counterparts. Considering the high incidents of anxiety in college students, universities should take steps to accommodate the increasing need for a larger staff. If struggling students receive the help they need immediately, they are far less likely to suffer more serious
problems later in the year. Jones told Inside Higher Ed that in order to get an appointment during the first three to six weeks at Appalachian, you must get to the Counseling Center early because slots fill up quickly. This tight schedule may be a problem with so many students seeking help. Hopefully, this increase in demand will prompt the expansion of services, as well as other advancements in campus psychological care during the coming years. Badenchini, a freshman cellular molecular biology major from Apex, is an opinion writer.
Editorial Cartoon
The scandal in Watagua government
Andrew Cox | The Appalachian
Staff Opinion
‘Brotherly love’ has no place in function of government Salem Journal, “digital thumbprints left on resolutions approved along party lines by the Republican-controlled Watauga County Board of Elections show that the ‘author’ of those resolutions is not the county elections director or board members.” Curiously, the author of the resolutions is actually the brother of Luke Eggers and county attorney, Stacy Clyde Eggers IV, also known as Four Eggers. The county Board of Elections has been far from perfect so far, but this crosses the line. Not only does Four Eggers bring a bias to the table as Luke Eggers’ brother, but questions also arise about how someone could act as both a neutral adviser to the board and also a personal adviser to the board chairman. Can he do both jobs in good conscience? Considering it took the dis-
Cory Spiers Opinion Editor
Luke Eggers, Republican chairman of the Watauga County Board of Elections, has been surrounded by extensive press attention over the past month. Talks of voter suppression in the county were followed up by speculation that Eggers had violated his oath by consulting with Watauga County Republican Party Chairwoman Amanda Marie Yates about the voting plan because her brother is running for office, according to WRAL. Eggers was able to omit key details from the minutes of that meeting in August, but this time, he might not be so lucky. According to the Winston-
The Appalachian The Editorial Board
MICHAEL BRAGG
CORY SPIERS
JOSHUA FARMER
ANDREW CLAUSEN
ABBI PITTMAN
MALIK RAHILI
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor Copy Editor
STEPHANIE SANSOUCY News Editor
ALEXANDER MCCALL A&E Editor
Opinion Editor Sports Editor
Production & Design Editor
JUSTIN PERRY Photo Editor
JACKSON HELMS Video Editor
covery of digital thumbprints on resolutions for this information to come out, it appears that Luke Eggers himself didn’t want to see this news making headlines. In this sense, it seems that he knows what was going on was wrong. In June, the N.C. State Board of Elections did not consider appointing Four Eggers to the county elections board, despite the fact that the state Republican Party put his name down as their No. 1 choice. It seems, however, that the move makes no difference. His voice is still coming through loud and clear, whether that’s ethical or not. Stella Anderson, a Democrat and former chairwoman of the elections board, said Four Eggers can’t act as Luke Eggers’ brother, friend or adviser without “simultaneously acknowledging that he’s always acting as county attorney,” according
Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 FAX LINE (828) 262-6256 Associated Collegiate Press
The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space.
to the Winston Salem Journal. Luke Eggers has been unavailable for comment on who wrote the resolutions, making things look worse for him. When controversy surrounds Luke Eggers, he seems to disappear from public view. He was not available for comment after the alleged consultation of Yates in August either. With these disturbing new developments, it seems that if you want to hear something from Luke Eggers, you must address the one truly pulling his puppet strings behind the scenes. Direct your questions about policy and county happenings to Four Eggers. He is, after all, heavily involved, as we see now. There is nothing like brotherly love, but it doesn’t have a place in local government. Spiers, a junior journalism major from Charlotte, is the opinion editor.
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 readers’ opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and ensure its First Amendment rights.
Malik Rahili Head of Production and Design
With the recent release of “Grand Theft Auto V,” the argument about the effects of violent video games on young players has once again entered the media. “Grand Theft Auto” is notorious for its violent, gang-related, murderhappy gameplay. Over the years, parents, stores and states have banned “GTA” and games like it from the shelves. The argument is that kids who play these games are subject to violence and become desensitized to real violent acts. Thus, children will go out into the world and perform the acts they see in GTA. As a gamer, I am living proof that the argument about video game violence translating to the real world is invalid. Video games have been a huge hobby of mine, and I have played everything from “Viva Piñata” to “Gears of War” and I have never shot, maimed, beaten or killed anyone (in real life). But, I may be the exception. I could have learned right from wrong and realized that I’m just playing a game. Other children could be susceptible to the influence of “GTA” and it’s horrible gameplay. However, psychologist Vaughan Bell wrote in British newspaper The Observer that, “violent video games cause a reliable short-term increase in aggression during lab-based tests.” “However, this seems not to be something specific to computer games,” he wrote. “Television and even violence in the news have been found to have a similar impact.” Bell said another psychologist, Christopher Ferguson at Texas A&M International University, “has examined what predicts genuine violence committed by young people.” “It turns out that delinquent peers, depression and an abusive family environment account for actual violent incidents, while exposure to media violence seems to have only a minor and usually insignificant effect,” Bell wrote. It is the lifestyle and moral teachings with which these children are raised are what perpetuate violence in young children and adults. “GTA” does not turn people into criminals. Rahili, a sophomore computer science major from Durham, is the production and design editor.
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. 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.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
The Appalachian
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Weekend Events
File Photos | The Appalachian
Rural Theater Academy
A.P.P.S. Heritage Council presents the Rural Theater Academy on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. on Sanford Mall. The Rural Theater Academy features horse-drawn wagons and low-powered theater equipment. The entire act is powered by a modified bicycle. Admission is free.
Toubab Krewe
A.P.P.S. Stage Shows presents Toubab Krewe with The Broadcast at Legends on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. Toubab Krewe is an Africaninfluenced jam band from North Carolina. Tickets for students are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Tickets for the public are $12.
The Bling Ring
A.P.P.S. Films presents
The Bling Ring Thursday through Saturday at I.G. Greer Super Cinema at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The film, which stars Emma Watson, follows a group of fame-obsessed teenagers as they rob celebrities’ Hollywood homes. Admission is $1 and concessions will be available.
Learn To Fly
CASE and Outdoor Programs presents Learn To Fly with Benjamin Jordan and Godfrey Masauli, the producer and co-producer of the film "The Boy Who Flies", which is showing at Banff Film Festival this weekend. The event is Friday on Sanford Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Contra Dance
A.P.P.S. Heritage Council presents Contra Dance
featuring the Roan Mountain Hilltoppers and caller Laurie Fisher Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Hailing from Roan Mountains, Tennessee, The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers have been performing their classic oldtime music since 1974. Caller Laurie Fisher has been playing instruments and calling dances for the past 25 years and helped to build up the Asheville contra dance scene. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for the public.
Little Shop of Horrors
A.P.P.S. Films presents Little Shop of Horrors Friday at 7 p.m. in Greenbriar Theater. A nerdish florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed. Admission is $1
and concessions will be available.
Jam Session
The Jones House presents an Old Time Jam Session Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Jones House. The jam session features folk tunes and bluegrass pickers. Admission is free.
Stick Boy 5K
The 14th Annual Stick Boy Bread Company Mayview Madness 5K and Blue Ridge Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine 1 Mile Kids Fun Run will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 8 a.m. Held on some of the most beautiful roads in the High Country, there are sure to be breathtaking views. The event benefits the Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work with willing landowners and local com-
munities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.
Peace Day Yoga
Join Vicki Rodriguez on the lawn of the Watauga County library for yoga starting at 11 a.m. as part of the International Day of Peace. Admission is free.
Voices of Peace
The "Voices of Peace" concert on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Rosen Consert Hall is sponsored by The Center for Judaic, Holocaust, and Peace Studies. The concert is the conclusion of the month-long events honoring Peace Day, a.k.a. the International Day of Peace, sponsored by the Mountain Peacemakers.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Rural Theater Academy
Learn To Fly
Stick Boy 5k
Voices of Peace
SEPTEMBER 2013
THURSAY
20
19
Sanford Mall 7:30 p.m. Free
21
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free
I.G. Greer Theater 8 a.m. $1
I.G. Greer Theater 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m $1
Greenbriar Theater
Watauga County library
Jones House 7:30 p.m. Free
I.G. Greer Theater 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m $1
The Bling Ring
Jam Sessions
Sanford Mall
Little Shop of Horrors
7 p.m.
$1
The Bling Ring
Contra Dance
Legends Night Club 7:30 p.m. $3 - Students $5 - Public
Peace Day Yoga
11 a.m. Free
The Bling Ring
I.G. Greer Theater 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m $1
22
Rosen Consert Hall
2 a.m.
Arts & Entertainment
The Appalachian
| TheAppalachianOnline.com
Thursday, September 19, 2013
5
On Stage
Excitement builds for Banff Mountain Film Festival
by Lovey Cooper
Senior A&E Reporter
T
he Banff Mountain Film Festival will make its 17th annual appearance at Appalachian State University on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets already sold out before Labor Day. Since 1976, upward of 10,000 filmmakers, adventurers, explorers and spectators flock to the tiny town of Banff in Alberta, Canada, in late October to view 400 films from as many as 40 countries. The films all relate to the topics of mountain culture, sport or adventure. Over the course of two and a half weeks, an international jury votes on those films until the 50 best are chosen and taken on a world tour of approximately 400 adventurous cities in the world – including one in Antarctica – slowly making their way to the town of Boone. “It’s probably the world’s preeminent collection of mountain films,” said Rich Campbell, director of Outdoor Programs and organizer for the event. The event this weekend will feature films selected by Outdoor Programs from the Banff 2012 finalists, as well as guest speakers and appearances by filmmakers and others involved in the films, also chosen by the university. Boone’s location is seen as a favorite among traveling speakers. “Boone has a culture and lifestyle that is reflected in the films touring within the Banff Mountain Film Festival,” said Seana Strain, tour organizer for the U.S. and Canada stretch of the tour. Strain visited Boone once with the tour several years ago.
“Boone has a strong sense of community and that community shows up at this Festival,” she said. “That vibe can be felt before we even roll the opening film.” The Boone event serves as one of the longest running dates on the tour, Strain said. High-energy audiences are anticipated at this weekend’s events, in part because the festival is overdue in Boone. After delaying the usual screening of the 2012 finalists in March, this weekend’s events come in preparation for the October festival in Banff, and its ultimate trip back to Boone again this coming March. “It’s been a while since we screened this so I think people are really chomping at the bit,” Campbell said. This year is the first that the From the film Himalayan Gold. Image © Eric Valli festival will serve as a part of Above and below are images from the fims Himalayan Gold and Crossing the Ice, both of which were the Performing Arts Series, featured in the 2012 Banff Mountain Film Festival. This year the festival will be held in the newly conwarranting its use of the new structed Schaeffer Center for the Performing Arts. Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, which recently underwent a name change and a $7 million refurbishing project. “It has added such a diverse mix to the series this year, and we are so thrilled to be involved with such a successful event that the community loves to attend every year,” said Megan Stage, marketing and public relations manager for the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs. The first Banff screening at Appalachian 17 years ago drew in approximately 150 spectators, and since then, the festival has grown exponentially in popularity, selling out last year with 1,734 tickets. Photos from the film Crossing the Ice. Image © James Castrission and Justin Jones. Boone’s success, along with that of the next closest stop in region have about the nature ple are still really excited and palachian students and coorBrevard, have sparked interest that surrounds them. take a lot of pride in the loca- dinators “open-minded and among organizers in adding “Even people who aren’t tion here at ASU,” Campbell curious to travel to all corners another tour date in the re- hardcore into the mountains, said. of the world through the films gion. Organizers attribute this the people who don’t go out This excitement is felt at and to take part in a myriad of success to the pride that those paddling or rock climbing ev- the national and international adventures, even if from a thewho live in the Appalachian ery weekend, even those peo- levels as well. Strain calls Ap- atre seat.”
Review
The Weeknd disappoints on major label debut ‘Kiss Land’ On the 2011 single “What You Need,” Abel Tesfaye – better known as avantR&B act The Weeknd – croons “He’s what you want. I’m what you need.” On “Pretty,” a track off The Weeknd’s major label debut album released this month, “Kiss Land,” Tesfaye sings, “He can’t make you feel this pretty.” On the surface, they’re similar sentiments. The difference is that “What You Need” also scans as desperation. In the nihilistic world of The Weeknd’s first mixtape “House of Balloons,” satisfying psychological needs seems mandatory. In the world of “Kiss Land,” there’s no urgency. The narrator in “Pretty” focuses on hollow aesthetics rather than emotional connection. This shallow materialism was present in The Weeknd’s acclaimed 2011 mixtapes, but it was countered by sparkling, energetic production and impressive storytelling. Both of these aspects have been left behind with the project’s shift to a major label. Tesfaye isn’t telling stories anymore; he’s detailing his graphic obsessions with little or no justification. It doesn’t help that his old producer, Illangelo, has essentially been replaced by copycats. It’s true that “Kiss Land” retains much of the dark, textured atmosphere that made those mixtapes fascinating, but it comes at the price of feeling and innovation. Most of these tracks glide by on crisply produced drum patterns and huge washes of synths and guitars. The album wants to be grand and cinematic but ends up numb and uncomfortable. “Belong to the World” cribs Portishead’s “Machine Gun” beat but drains it of all menace. “Wanderlust” shoots for mutant disco but quickly loses steam. The confessional two-part title track seems like it should work; the first part
The Weeknd Kiss Land sports a glittering, processed hook while the second part amps up the song’s shockingly literal depravity. Where past Weeknd songs made this two-part structure engaging and effortlessly cool, “Kiss Land” is just creepy and lackluster. It’s telling that Tesfaye ends the song with, “This ain’t nothing to relate to, even if you tried.” It begs the question: Why make art at all if you don’t want people to engage with it? It’s a shame that “Kiss Land” is a disappointment, but fans of The Weeknd and other strains of underground R&B shouldn’t lament yet. Tesfaye is obviously talented and has released an incredible amount of music for a young artist, and that says nothing about his peers Frank Ocean and Miguel, who’ve arguably broken more ground than he has. Hopefully, Tesfaye will heed his own call that he “belongs to the world” and leave behind the self-obsession that immediate success seems to have provoked in him. - Colin Moore, Senior A&E Reporter
Correction: An article from the Tuesday, Sept. 17 issue of The Appalachian titled "NOUN improvs carries on comedic legacy with three new members" claims the group has a show at Legends scheduled for Oct. 30. The show is scheduled for Oct. 23. The Appalachian Apologizes for the error.
The Appalachian
GAME D Y
| TheAppalachianOnline.com
Matchup:
Thursday, September 19, 2013
SoCon play begins for App State
6
vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Elon Phoenix 6 p.m. - Elon, N.C. Rhodes Stadium
by Andrew Clausen Sports Editor
How App State Can Win: The Mountaineers are in desperate need of a win, and that desperation needs to transform into an aggressive attack both on offense and on defense. With both Kameron Bryant and Jamal Londry-Jackson listed as possible starters, the offensive end remains unclear. But with Tony Washington and Andrew Peacock leading the Southern Conference in receiving yards, either quarterback will have weapons to use. Defensively, they are going up against another top SoCon team. But defense is by far in App State’s favor, and they will need to remind Elon of that at every available moment. How Elon Can Win: Elon ranks third in the SoCon in total offense with 377 yards per game, and after their loss to N.C. A&T last week, are behind only App State in total passing offense. This is thanks largely to the productivity of their junior quarterback Mike Quinn. He leads the SoCon with 236.3 yards/game and will lead the attack in their home stadium. The Phoenix will need to hit hard early because if App State’s offense can heat up, Elon’s struggling defense will be in serious trouble down the stretch. The Bottom Line: Fans will get to see the number one and number two quarterbacks in the SoCon square off if Bryant and Quinn play. Both teams have a history of great offenses, but the Mountaineers have yet to take the wraps off theirs. If both teams show up, it could be a shootout. Both teams want to win, but if the Mountaineers want to avoid the first 0-3 start in 20 years, they’ll want it a little bit more and should pull out the win.
FINAL SCORE 24-17 App State
Justin Perry | The Appalachian
Senior wide receiver Andrew Peacock runs the ball down the field during last year’s homecoming game against Elon. App State defeated Elon 35-23.
by Nick Joyner Intern Sports Reporter
A
fter two losses and a bye-week, the Appalachian State football team has an opportunity to redeem itself.
The off-week was a chance to get some guys healthy and a fresh start heading into the team’s final season as a member of the Southern Conference. That opportunity comes this Saturday at Elon (1-2) at 6 p.m. “The bye-week gave us a chance to rest our body,” sophomore safety Kevin Walton said. “We’ve been going hard since spring all the way through camp, full pads. So, it was good to have a little break. But now, we’re ready to get back on the grind and come out here with a win in our first SoCon game.” An App State loss would drop the team to 0-3, a streak that hasn’t occurred since 1993, which was the team’s last sub-.500 season, according to appstatesports.com. The Mountaineers have won 17 in a row against Elon, and first-year head coach Scott Satterfield is looking to add to that total. Elon, like App State, is also coming off a loss against North Carolina A&T. The Phoenix lost 23-10 to the Aggies last week. Satterfield and his ball club have been chewing on the home defeat handed to them by N.C. A&T for over a week now, and running out of that tunnel Saturday evening is something the team is anxiously awaiting. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to get back out on the field and try to right what we’ve been doing wrong in the first two games,” Satterfield said. “We haven’t really had any big plays in two weeks.” Other than the 35-yard touchdown pass from Jamal Londry-Jackson to Marcus Cox on the opening drive of the N.C. A&T game, App State has not generated any “major plays,” Satterfield said. The Mountaineers are averaging a mere 6.1 yards per pass attempt, according to appstatesports.com Quarterbacks Londry-Jackson and Kameron Bryant have both seen a lot of live action over the first two games.
Londry-Jackson hasn’t quite regained the rhythm coming off of offseason knee surgery, which has led to opportunities for sophomore Bryant. “I just have to be ready at all times,” Kameron said. “[Former head] coach [Jerry] Moore told me a long time ago, ‘If you wait ‘til it’s time, you’re not going to be ready.’ So you just try to prepare yourself for anything.” Satterfield said that both quarterbacks have always received many first-team reps, but the starter would be determined during practice leading up to the Elon game. “Through two games, Kam has outplayed Jamal,” Satterfield said. “So we’ll see how it goes in practice these next few days to see which one actually goes out there first.” Co-offensive coordinator Dwayne Ledford is comfortable with both guys behind center Saturday. “We’re not asking one to do something that the other can’t,” Ledford said. “So, really, offensively, we kind of stick to what we’re doing when both of them are coming in there.” Big plays are something the offense must begin to generate, regardless of who’s taking the snaps at quarterback. “We’ve got to be able to throw the ball down the field so the defenses aren’t just playing us east and west,” Ledford said. “Blow the top off the defense, you know? Taking your shots down the field. That’s something we’ve worked on a lot, and something we obviously have to improve on.”
PIGSKIN PICK’EM Weekend Matchups Appalachian State vs. Elon Auburn vs. #6 LSU Texas State vs. #25 Texas Tech North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech #3 Clemson vs. N.C. State
The Sporting Network Poll Week 4
Andrew Clausen
Michael Bragg
Amanda Jacobson
Dylan Russell
Joshua Farmer
Kenneth Peacock
The Appalachian (4-6)
The Appalachian (5-5)
APPS (5-5)
SGA (4-6)
The Appalachian (4-6)
Appalachian State (3-2)
Sports Editor
Editor-in-Chief
President
President
Managing Editor
Chancellor
1. North Dakota State 2-0 2. Eastern Washington 2-1 3. Montana State 2-1 4. Towson 3-0 5. Sam Houston State 2-1 6. South Dakota State 3-0 7. Northern Iowa 2-0 8. Eastern Illinois 3-0 9. Montana 2-0 10. Wofford* 2-1 11. New Hampshire 1-1 12. McNeese State 3-0 13. Central Arkansas 1-2 14. Georgia Southern*^ 2-1 15. Coastal Carolina 3-0 16. Stony Brook 1-1 17. James Madison 2-1 18. Cal Poly 1-2 19. Bethune-Cookman 3-0 20. Villanova 0-2 21. Fordham 3-0 22. Lehigh 2-0 23. Richmond 1-2 24. Tennessee-Martin 2-1 25. Northern Arizona 1-1
*Sun Belt Conference ^SoCon Conference