Tech’s Interfraternity Council is sponsoring an Angel Tree on campus this holiday season and is encour-aging students, groups and organizations to sponsor a child.

Ben Toline is a mem-ber of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and serves as the vice president of philanthro-py on IFC’s executive coun-cil. Toline is responsible for organizing the Angel Tree on campus.

“I am super excited to get our campus involved in the Angel Tree program, be-cause it is a charity that with one simple act of kindness you are directly infl uencing a local child’s life”, Toline said. “Many of us cherish childhood memories from Christmas. By sponsoring an-gels, we can make sure these children can have the op-portunity to have Christmas memories worth cherishing.”

Those who would like to become involved with the Angel Tree should select a tag from the Christmas tree in the RUC lobby to support a child. Gifts can be dropped off between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. Dec. 3 in the Tech Pride Room.

IFC will be sponsoring a wrapping event in con-junction with Late Night Tech Night. Westlee Walker, IFC Vice President of Administrative Affairs, said

the event will have many activities for students or volunteers.

“It’s a drop party for people to bring their gifts in,” Walker said. “We are going to have an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a DJ, free food and door prizes. We will decorate Christmas orna-ments and wrap the donated presents, also.”

Walker said IFC is ex-cited to get involved with the Putnam County community.

“Being on IFC council is

about the betterment of fra-ternity men, leadership in our university and community involvement,” Walker said. “Any chance we have to get involved in the Cookeville community and help out, we love to take it.”

The Angel Tree program is being sponsored in con-junction with Cookeville’s Life Care Family Services.

“It’s not a Greek thing; we’re just sponsoring it,” said Toline. “It’s such a great charity.”

Fifty-two percent of more than 3,300 students voted earlier this week to ap-prove a $100 fee per semester to build a new fi tness center at Tennessee Tech University.

The vote was the product of a bill passed unanimously by the Student Government Association that called for a referendum about the building.

Plans for the fi tness cen-ter will include six gyms, a climbing wall, a weight room three times the size of the ex-isting one and more aerobics space.

The current building opened in 1991 when the uni-versity had approximately 6,000 students on campus. Now that there are nearly 12,000 students at Tech, the space is too small to meet demand and accommodate hundreds of intramural teams, fi tness classes and other activities.

The proposed building is designed to accommodate an anticipated growth of at least 15,000 students in the next fi ve years. It will also have specialized spaces for veterans returning to school,

people with disabilities, se-nior citizens and other users with specialized needs.

It will cost approximately $40 million and the building could be built within 16-24 months if all goes smoothly, according to David Mullinax, director of TTU Campus Recreation. Building plans are still fl exible, and students are welcome and invited to give input on the plans.

During the three days of voting, Fitness Center employees and graduate students were at the voting

stations and fl oating around campus talking to students about the vote.

“We talked to a lot of stu-dents one-on-one and once they understood what we were trying to do, they sup-ported it,” Mullinax said.

“It’s going to be a magnifi -cent space and it’s an invest-ment in their campus for them and future generations of students.”

The location of the build-ing has not yet been decided. The University is in talks to purchase several plots of land along Willow Avenue, and the unrenovated portion of Tech Village is slated for demolition.

The fi tness center is one of several large construction projects planned.

Over the summer, the

university will begin expan-sion of the intramural park-ing lot to stretch behind the Averitt Baseball Complex and the other half of Tech Village. A science complex is also planned and fundraising efforts have already begun.

THE OORACLEVolume 97 | Issue 9 | Free in single copy | November 22, 2013Tennessee Tech University | Cookeville, TN | 38505 | Est. 1924

A SALUTE TO THE SENIORS | PAGE 5 GUEST CRITIC DIGS NEW BAND | PAGE 3 LYDIE WORKS OUT HER ANGER | PAGE 4

FRIDAY

CONTACT: news - 931.372.3285 - oracle@tntech.edu | advertising - 931.372.3031 - ttuoracleads@gmail.com

57/38 °FSATURDAY

45/23 °F

TNTECHORACLE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/TNTECHORACLE@TNTECHORACLE

More stories and exclusive content at tntechoracle.com

SUNDAY37/21 °F

MONDAY43/29 °F

TUESDAY41/28 °F

WEDNESDAY41/26 °F

““

It’s going to be a magnifi cent space and it’s an investment in their campus for them and future generations of students.

—David Mullinax, Fitness Center Director

Drake FenlonNathan Cole picks an ornament off of IFC’s giving tree. Each ornament has a list of gifts to buy for children in need.

By SARAH REESECopy Editor

Interfraternity Council sponsors Angel Tree

Ellington and Warf Residence Halls are set to close for renovation at the end of the semester.

Much like MS Cooper and Pinkerton Halls renova-tions last year, Ellington and Warf will have complete-ly refurbished rooms and hallways.

Andrew Moneymaker, coordinator for Capital Quad, said the new look is al-ready in place at MS Cooper and Pinkerton and is better than the old design.

“It’s cleaner looking, it’s nicer looking,” said Moneymaker. “It’s due time to ‘spread the love’ to all the other buildings.”

Moneymaker also said the renovation is part of a project to renovate all the older residence halls on campus.

“This is gonna be anoth-er 6-year project of a building going offl ine every year until it’s done,” said Moneymaker.

One might think the clos-ing of a residence hall would create in a shortage in hous-ing space and would yield

a limited amount of RA po-sitions available. However, Moneymaker said this loss in housing space would not signifi cantly affect either of these areas.

“It doesn’t really affect it as much as everybody thinks mainly because in between the fall and spring semesters, we are always going to lose RAs [for various reasons].”

Moneymaker also said Residential Life placed several graduating RAs in Ellington and Warf so when it comes time to close the building, there will not be much of a transition. Five se-nior RAs will be graduating, leaving only three other RAs to be moved to other halls in the spring.

Moneymaker said the renovations will take place in the spring because there are less residents in the halls during the spring semes-ter than in the fall semester. Therefore, housing space will not be a problem, despite the halls closing.

Ellington and Warf reno-vation will begin at the end of the fall semester and will be fi nished by August of 2014.

By AARON VICKBeat Reporter

Ellington Hall, Warf Hall to close over break for facelift

PRESS RELEASE

Fit vote passesAfter a heated election, students approve a $100 fee increase for new fi tness and intramural facility.

Tech’s very own Awesome Eagle recently received a second place bid to the 2014 National Cheerleading and Dance Team Competition. This is the fi fth time Tech has en-tered this competition since the 90s.

Although Awesome hasn’t placed in national competitions until recently, he did participate in a few competitions in the 90s. Awesome placed in a nation-al-level competition for the fi rst time in 2012.

This will be the third time Awesome has competed at the national level. In the past two years, Awesome has placed both second and third.

“It only makes sense to win fi rst place this year,” said a spokesperson for Awesome Eagle.

There are two divisions for which any mascot across the nation can qualify.

Mascot division IA covers the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools and will have 10 mascots competing. These include Auburn University’s Aubie, UT-Knoxville’s Smokey, and Wisconsin’s Bucky Badger. The open mascot division covers the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and has 5 schools competing, including Tech’s Awesome Eagle, University of Delaware’s YouDee, WU Shock from Wichita State, Wiley D Wildcat from Wilmington University, and Roomie the Lion from Southeastern Louisiana University.

In order to enter this competition, mascots must submit a video that counts for 50 percent of the total score if offered a bid. The video is judged based on fi ve categories: game situations, crowd involvement, cheer band and dance integration, campus activities, and com-

munity involvement. The open mascot division

gives out fi ve ranked bids. Awesome Eagle received the second place bid this year.

The other 50 percent of the fi nal score comes from the fi nals competition, held at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. during Martin Luther King weekend in January. There, the mascots will have to perform a live 90-second skit. During the fi nals, mas-cots are required to use props, but cannot use more than ten.

“I can’t tell you this year’s theme just yet because I don’t want the enemy to be reading The Oracle and get-ting in [Awesome’s] plans, but I can let you know it is going to rock the competition right out of their fur,” said Awesome’s spokesman.

Awesome Eagle will be competing at the National Cheerleading and Dance Team competition Jan. 17-19, 2014 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

By RICHARD MOSLEYBeat Reporter

Over the past two yearsAwesome Eagle has placedsecond and third, but nowhe now aims for fi rst as hetravels to Orlando, Fla. inJanuary. He will compete inthe UCA Mascot NationalChampionships.

Drake Fenlon

Awesome Eagle to compete at national championshipTech’s mascot will compete against four other mascots from across the country at the 2014 Universal Cheerleading Association Mascot National Championships in Orlando, Fla. in January.

The Oracle will return, in print and online, Jan. 31, 2014

Page 2 | November 22, 2013 tntechoracle.com

NEWS

techtech@eventsevents

2828All Day Thanksgiving- No Class

262611 a.m. - 12 p.m. SGA Town Hall Meeting Derryberry Auditorium

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The University Orchestra Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

25257:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. TTU Horn Choir Concert Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

24241 p.m. - 2 p.m. Samantha Grissom, clarinet, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Ryan Ramsey, saxophone, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Aubry White, piano, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Brittany Sluder, voice, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Alex Nelson, saxophone, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

November

22228 a.m. - 9 p.m. All-Star Instrumental Symposium Bryan Fine Arts Building

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. TTU Jazz Ensembles Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

23231:30 p.m. Football vs Austin Peay Tucker Stadium

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Stephanie Veal, voice, Senior Student Recital Wattenbarger Auditorium, Bryan Fine Arts Building

ADVERTISEADVERTISEWITH USWITH US

t tuoracleads@

t tuoracleads@

gmai l .com

gmai l .com

931-372-931-372-30313031

By SARAH REESECopy Editor

Oracle alumnus cites 50th assassination anniversary

29292 p.m. Tommy West Barrel & Poles Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion: Main Arena

3030All DayTommy West Barrel & Poles Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion: Main Arena

29292 p.m. Tommy West Barrel & Poles Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion: Main Arena

December

02029 a.m. - 5 p.m. United States Department of Justice Chapter 7Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion: Multi-purpose Room

04048 a.m.Putnam County Retired Teachers Quarterly MeetingHyder Burks Ag Pavilion: Multi-purpose Room

Food pantry celebrates one yearBy CAYCE MCDONALDBeat Reporter

A year after the idea was conceived, the Tech food pantry has become a consistent and secure food source that benefits dozens of students.

“There are a lot of students and employees of Tech that do fall under the poverty line,” said Kaitlin Salyer, assistant coordinator of University Services, the department that organizes the pantry. “I think that this is a good resource for them to use.”

Located in the cafeteria of Foundation Hall, the food pantry has been largely successful thanks to ample food donations from various groups. So much food has been donated that in one year that the panty has outgrown its location.

Salyer said an abundance of food is a good problem for a food pantry to have.

“I have been more than happy with the amount of donations that have come in,” said Salyer. “We’ve had them come in from different student organizations, local churches, faculty and staff, and students, in general.”

The pantry also benefits from the donation of perishable items. Fresh eggs from the Tech farm are regularly donated, and Stevens Street Care Center donates bread. Salyer said being able to provide more fresh food to those in need is one of the long-term goals of the pantry.

The pantry gives two bags of food to each student in need of assistance. Also, one bag is given for each additional family member. Not only is the pantry providing food bag to students, the pantry has opened its doors to Tech employees, including third party company employees.

“We started small with students and, now that we have seen that we have the monetary donations and the food donations coming in, it just seems like the logical idea to go ahead and open it up

to them,” said Salyer. Coordinators have

many goals and ideas to ensure the long-term success of the pantry.

“In the future, we would like to see more baby items,” said Salyer. “We would like baby food and things like that. We have discussed have basic toiletry items. Fresh food is a big one. We always are coming up with new ideas. I think our biggest task at this point is just getting the word out.”

Those in need of assistance from the pantry are asked to fill out an online application, which allows for the pantry volunteers to distribute

the appropriate food items to each individual.

The Tech food pantry is a way to connect those who are at risk of going hungry to those who have a passion for helping others.

“I think one of the coolest things is seeing how excited the people get when you give them all those bags of food,” said senior music business major Kolby Denham, who volunteers at the pantry. “They get so excited, and that’s pretty neat!”

Food is distributed each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo Services Students organize food in the Tennessee Tech’s food pantry due to large amounts of donations from the surrounding community.

Snowglobes shake up TAB TuesdayThe Tech Activity

Board and the Offi ce of Communications & Marketing’s Photo Services teamed up last week for the annual Snow Globe Giveaway.

The giveaway was on the fi rst fl oor of the RUC lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday of last week.

Students had their pic-tures taken, printed, and placed into their own custom snow globe.

“The thing that sets this year apart from other years is the amount of snow globes that were given away,” said Katie Williams, coordinator

of student activities.TAB bought over 1,500

snow globes for this year’s giveaway, which cost $4,000 (just under fi ve percent of TAB’s annual budget.)

“We’ve been doing this ever since I’ve been here, so probably eight years,” said Williams. “When we fi rst started, we would order around 100 snow globes, and now it is one of the biggest giveaways we do all year.”

“The only giveaway that draws more of a crowd than the snow globes are the Build-A-Bears,” said Williams. The Build-A-Bears event takes place in the spring.

Williams said TAB’s bud-get comes from a fee of al-most $5 that is added to every student account. All of TAB’s

giveaways and various other student activities come from this budget.

Kevin Anderson is a graduate student working in the Student Activities Offi ce. Anderson said TAB is put-ting out online applications this week for a spot on the TAB committee.

“There is a committee chair in charge of giveaways,” said Anderson. “They basi-cally decide on the weekly giveaways, and the special giveaways like the snow globes and Build-A-Bears.”

For more information on TAB giveaways or how to apply for the TAB com-mittee, visit the Student Activities Offi ce in the RUC or go online at tntech.edu/studentactivities/tab.

By LEE WHITEHEADBeat Reporter

Nov. 22, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the as-sassination of President John F. Kennedy, a story only The Oracle reported in Putnam County on the day of his death.

Tech alumnus Harold Freeman was serving as the copy editor for The Oracle when the assassination oc-curred. He visited the Offi ce of Communication Thursday and shared his experiences at Tech with several journal-ism students. Freeman told the audience his story of how The Oracle came to report the assassination to the Upper Cumberland.

“Nov. 22 was a publica-tion Friday for The Oracle,” Freeman said. “Another edi-tor and I stopped for lunch on our way to the Herald-Citizen’s offi ce and printing plant. At the restaurant, the lady at the front asked if we had heard. We asked her, ‘Heard what?’ and she said, ‘The President’s been shot.’”

Freeman told students about the trip back to cam-pus. Kennedy was assas-sinated at 1 p.m. and The Oracle went to press in just a few hours.

“We did not have the advantage of the Associated Press or any wire service for that matter,” Freeman said. “We were just a campus newspaper.

“We got a reporter, a sports reporter, to sit in front of the TV and radio and put together a story,” Freeman said. “We ran into an Oracle student ad salesman and he

said he had been sitting in the lounge listening to student opinions and comments. He gave us a story on student reaction.”

Freeman said by 6 p.m. The Oracle staff has compiled a paper and printed 1,000 extra copies. The 3,000 total copies were brought back to campus and handed out to the 3,300 students enrolled on campus and the people of Cookeville.

“The Herald-Citizen was only published two or three times a week,” said Freeman. “That made us the only paper in town to have printed the news the day of.”

Freeman said the newspaper staff put a pic-ture of Kennedy on the front page, as well as a picture of Derryberry.

“We took a picture of Derryberry with the fl ag at half-mast,” Freeman said. “Of course, that was when Derryberry Hall was still occupied President William Derryberry.”

Freeman’s journal-ism experiences did not end when he graduated from Tech. Freeman gradu-ated with a math degree and physics minor and spent sev-eral years teaching children in Ethiopia with the Peace Corps. He was eventually drafted and served time in Vietnam.

Years later, Freeman became a state reporter for The Augusta Chronicle in Ga. He later took a position as an editor with The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky. He retired from his career and still resides in Louisville with his wife, Linda.

Tech graduate speaks to students about The Oracle and the Kennedy assassination

tntechoracle.com Page 3 | November 22, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

James Wallace livens up quiet Poet’s crowdBy JAKE THREETEntertainment Editor

By HANNAH BENJAMINEntertainment Critic

By KIMMY MANNINGEntertainment Critic

‘Hunger Games’ fashion goes on sale

‘The Best Man Holiday’ is a winner

“The Best Man Holiday” opened in second place at the week-end box offi ce with over $30.1 million.

Courtesy of IMDB

Fans have been waiting 14 years for the sequel to the 1999 sleeper hit “The Best Man”. I, too, am a huge fan

of the movie, but I’ve been waiting a shorter amount of time than some, because I didn’t watch the original until years after its release. When the news broke back in 2011 that Malcom D. Lee was developing a sequel to his successful predecessor, I was instantly fi lled with excitement. As time progressed, all nine original cast members joined the project and it was a go.

The sequel, “The Best Man Holiday” opens with a quick recap leading up to the time of the current fi lm. It helps those moviegoers who may not be familiar with the original see how the group of friends got to the point from which the new movie opens. From there, we dive right into the present day lives of every cast member and quickly see what each have been up to in the time since the fi rst fi lm. The fi rst hour of the fi lm jumps right into establishing the plot and getting everyone back together.

From there, all hell breaks loose. Secrets, deceptions, and deep emotions all come out to play. Don’t let the commercials fool you, this movie is not all lollipop, rainbows, and fi lled with laughter. There is laughter, and it’s abundant at times. There is also plenty of drama, gut-wrenching moments that will drive a knife into your heart, and feel good moments that will warm your soul.

My favorite thing about this fi lm is the way that it feels real. It is unafraid to show a mixture of raunchy comedy, foul language, and devout faith all wrapped into one fi lm. I appreciated that, maybe more than anything else, because it felt genuine to me. That is real life. That is how people react, deal with, and grow from events in his or her life. The relationships and the trials and tribulations this group of friends goes

through shines through like a real life experience. The fi lm deals with relationships between spouses and friends in an exceptional way, yet shows their imperfections beautifully.

It was wonderful to see the entire original cast reunited and back in action. Each character is so different in his or her unique way. The chemistry between all of them is still incredible. I know it’s hard to imagine nine cast members all having great chemistry, but it was true in 1999 and it is true now. Terrence Howard’s character, Quentin, is my favorite. Just when you think the drama is getting too high or the sadness is too much, he is there to hysterically lighten the mood. Monica Calhoun gives a strong, uplifting performance that stole my heart and emotions in the movie, and when you watch you will see why. I could go on about everyone else, but that could be a separate article in itself. They are all marvelous and, when watching the

fi lm, you will see why.It is hard to write this

review and not give away the details, plot, and ending. I will say this, though. From beginning to end, the fi lm is absolutely outstanding and is pure joy to watch. It is everything fans wanted and more for the sequel, but there a lot of surprises in store that ultimately help this group of friends story evolve into something wonderful.

Sure, there are things that audiences may see coming with hints of foreshadowing in the fi lm, but, when it’s all over, that was really the only way to end this movie correctly. From a fan of the original, I give this fi lm an A- rating. If the ending is set up like I think it’s supposed to, I cannot wait to watch what happens next with this group of friends. I recommend watching the fi rst fi lm before going to see the sequel because it will make you appreciate this new fi lm so much more.

“The Best Man Holiday” is rated R for language, sexual content and brief nudity.

Combine bright colors, vivid details and a dash of Nicki Minaj’s o b s c u r e selection and you’ve got

yourself an outfi t from the Capitol building. Yep, I said it; straight from the scenes of the “Hunger Games.”

Why does this seem relevant? Well, fashion-merchandising company “Net-a-porter.com” is launching a high-end clothing line known as Capitol Culture. It is a collection of clothing designed by “Catching Fire” costume designer Trish Summerville. Fans of the series will soon be able to shop for outfi ts that are inspired by Effi e, Katniss and some of the other prominent characters.

S u m m e r v i l l e ’ s collection will include “ready-to-wear clothing, jewelry, and leather goods, a mix of designer items inspired by the movie and original pieces designed by Summerville herself,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Also, according to the teaser on Net-A-Porter’s online page, this new line will include “laser-cut leather, streamlined silhouettes and dramatic eveningwear.”

In addition to the rise of popularity concerning outfi ts in the fi lms, an auction was held this week. Over 200 wardrobe pieces created by Judianna Makovsky from the fi rst fi lm were up for sale by Blacksparrow Auction to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Items such as Katniss’s “Girl on Fire Gown” and her custom made distressed brown leather jacket began with the highest starting bids, at $10,000

and $5,000, respectively. Other merchandise included Effi e’s reaping suit (starting bid $2,000), Peeta’s training uniform (starting bid $600), and the black and white uniforms worn by the Peacekeepers (starting bid $600).

“Fashion plays an important role in The Hunger Games series and is especially prevalent in Catching Fire,” said Holli

By SARAH TOWNSENDGuest Critic

What do you get when to mix a Nashville band and a Monday night at Cookeville’s Poet’s on the Square? Under normal circumstances, you get a spotty and less-than-enthused crowd of twenty-somethings. However, James Wallace and the Naked Light’s Monday evening show was a delightful exception that awakened a sleepy audience.

Phantom Farmer opened with soulful and smooth lyric-driven acoustic tunes and ended with an unexpected yowl. The solo project of Joel Mcanulty, also a Tennessee songwriter, did not disappoint the many who had gathered to hear rising talents, James Wallace and the Naked Light.

Currently touring as a quartet, James Wallace and the Naked Light began their journey in a room full of eager Cookevillians drinking in every word and chord. Although their recent album, “More Strange News from Another Star”, features a saxophone player and was seven members strong, it is safe to say that the set captured the essence of what makes their album appealing to a diverse group of listeners.

“Worst Things Have Happened” could be considered the defi ning track of the album. The video which featuring the band’s touring van can be described as a striking and

eerie visual representation. It was released last week and can be viewed on vimeo.

While classifi ed as indie-folk, this label doesn’t quite do their sound justice. One part storytelling and two parts instrumental prowess, “More Strange News from another Star” is a fi ne example of seasoned songwriting. They stay true to their Nashville roots with hints of gospel infl uence while employing the use of unexpected musical devices. For example, the band would sing into the receiver of a repurposed rotary telephone, which gave some of their songs an unexpected, nostalgic twist.

I often enjoy Nashville musicians, but many of them have a similar sound and keep simplistic lyrics. James Wallace’s lyrical style was anything but simple. What would begin soft and serene would end in a wild energetic frenzy from all members, jumping

and howling the chorus. The highlight of the

show was defi nitely whenthey played “Saved At TheBottom” from their fi rstalbum, which was a raretreat as it is so infrequentlyplayed, several members wereunsure of their parts in thesong. This did not take awayfrom the magic of the melodyand front man Wallace’shalf-sung, half spoken talewhich spun together imagesof nature and misfortune.

Find their music at jameswallace.bandcamp.comwhere you can hear the newalbum. Check out their 2009album titled “I Smile All DayI Smile All Night” or catchthem on their ongoing tourand buy one of their records.

Tomorrow, James Wallaceand the Naked Light areplaying in Knoxville at PilotLight. They will make their nextappearance in their homebaseNashville at the Stone Foxwith The Soil and the Sun.

Rogers, a fashion director of Net-a-Porter. “Fans of the franchise will see the fi lm reference in the collection,” Rogers said in a recent press release.

As the premier of Catching Fire began today, so the clothing line, Capitol Culture plans on publishing its website to all. For more information, visit http://www.net-a-porter.com/capitolcouturecollection.

Hannah’s top holiday movie picks

This time of year is huge for the movie industry. As someone who slings popcorn at our local theater, I can

tell you personally how many people fl ock to our doors for family time and quality entertainment this time of year. These movies have generated a lot of buzz and will surely keep us busy at the local Highland 12, but more importantly give you all something to do during our beautiful fi ve week break that can’t come soon enough. “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

Opening this weekend is “Catching Fire”, the second in “The Hunger Games” series, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth. In this riveting action movie based on the books, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s Hunger Games win is short-lived. The evil President Snow is outraged as their

unconventional victory has kicked up a rebellion in some of the districts of Panem, and organizes a special 75th Hunger Games, selecting past victors to compete in yet another fi ght to the death.

The fi lm opens November 22nd and is rated PG-13 .“Frozen”

This Thanksgiving, we have Disney’s kid-friendly “Frozen”. In this fi lm, the fearless Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his reindeer in an epic, magical journey to stop her sister Elsa, who has trapped their town in an eternal winter with her icy powers.

This fi lm opens Thanksgiving, November 27th, and is rated PG.“Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas”

Just in time for Christmas, we will be treated to a number of fabulous movies, but none seem to generate as much buzz as the new Tyler Perry movie, “A Madea’s Christmas.” In this continuation of the series, Madea gets coaxed into helping a friend give her daughter a surprise visit in the country for the

holiday season. As the small rural town gets ready for its Christmas Jubilee, new secrets are revealed and hilarity ensues while Madea dishes out her own brand of holiday cheer.

This fi lm opens December 13th and is rated PG-13.“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”

In this sequel to one of the most quotable comedies of all time, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) returns with the whole gang to help launch the country’s fi rst 24-hour news network in New York City. With the 70s behind him, Burgundy will have to fi ght to stay classy in unfamiliar territory.

This fi lm opens December 20th and id not yet rated.

With so many fi lms coming out this season, being bored is not an option this holiday! Honorable mentions to this list include “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” “American Hustle,” “47 Ronin,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.”

Stay safe and have a wonderful break!

James Wallace and the Naked Light members (above) per-formed at Poet’s on the Square for more than an hour.

Courtesy of No Country for New Nashville

Est. 1924. Weekly. Student Operated. Award-winning.Est. 1924. Weekly. Student Operated. Award-winning.Tennessee Tech UniversityTennessee Tech University

TTU Box 5072TTU Box 5072Cookeville, TN 38505Cookeville, TN 38505

DRAKE FENLONDRAKE FENLONManaging EditorManaging EditorKIM BIGGSKIM BIGGSAssistant Managing EditorAssistant Managing EditorKATE SHELTONKATE SHELTONBusiness ManagerBusiness ManagerJACQUELINE ATKIELSKIJACQUELINE ATKIELSKISales AssistantSales AssistantSARAH REESESARAH REESECopy EditorCopy EditorSARAH DINGWALLSARAH DINGWALLOpinion EditorOpinion EditorLYDIA BROWNLYDIA BROWNAsst. Opinion EditorAsst. Opinion EditorJAMAL FERGUSONJAMAL FERGUSONSports EditorSports Editor

SHEA HAILESHEA HAILEAsst. Sports EditorAsst. Sports EditorJACOB THREETJACOB THREETEntertainment EditorEntertainment EditorKIMMY MANNINGKIMMY MANNINGEntertainment CriticEntertainment CriticHANNAH BENJAMINHANNAH BENJAMINEntertainment CriticEntertainment CriticDAVE MCMINNDAVE MCMINNWeb EditorWeb EditorWILLIAM SHECKLERWILLIAM SHECKLERCirculation ManagerCirculation ManagerJON EZELLJON EZELLFaculty AdviserFaculty Adviser

BEAT REPORTERS:BEAT REPORTERS: KIM BIGGS, LINDSAY BLAKELY, WHYTNIE CLEMMER, COURTNEY DODD, MELISSA EDWARDS, DRAKE FENLON ,

JAMAL FERGUSON, APRIL GILBERT, KYLE GOSSETT, MATTHEW HILL, BISKIE HOLMAN, EMILY HOMAN, ARTHUR JACKSON, CAITLIN JARED,

RACHEL KERR, JUSTIN MATHENEY, CAYCE MCDONALD, ALLISON MILLS, HAYDEN MCMILLEN, SARAH REESE, SARA SHANKS, WILLIAM

SHECKLER, PAIGE STANAGE, SARAH TATE, SARAH TOWNSEND, AARON VICK, CASEY WOODARD, WILL WEBB, REANNA YOUNG.

THE OORACLE

tntechoracle.comtntechoracle.com

CONTACT USCONTACT US

Advertising 931.372.3031

NewsroomNewsroom 931.372.3285931.372.3285oracle@tntech.eduoracle@tntech.edu

REPORT AN ERRORREPORT AN ERROR

Editor 931.372.3285ddfenlon42@students.tntech.edu

VOICE YOUR OPINIONVOICE YOUR OPINIONOpinion 931.372.3285sarah.dingwall07@gmail.com

The Oracle encourages The Oracle encourages readers to write letters readers to write letters and commentaries on and commentaries on topics of interest. A few topics of interest. A few guidelines:guidelines:

1. Letters should not 1. Letters should not exceed 300 words. exceed 300 words. Commentaries should be Commentaries should be around 500 words and around 500 words and include a picture.include a picture.

2. Originality is required. 2. Originality is required. Plagiarized works will not Plagiarized works will not be considered.be considered.

3. For verifi cation, letters 3. For verifi cation, letters and commentaries MUST and commentaries MUST include your name, e-mail include your name, e-mail address, home town and address, home town and classifi cation or title.classifi cation or title.

4. Letters may not run 4. Letters may not run in every edition due to in every edition due to space.space.

5. The Oracle reserves 5. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, the right to edit for style, grammar, length and grammar, length and clarity.clarity.

6. Submissions must be 6. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.Tuesday.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily refl ect those of Tennessee Tech University’s employees or of its administration.

ttuoracleads@gmail.com

Page 4 | November 22, 2013 tntechoracle.com

OPINIONSend letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include your Send letters to the editor to oracle@tntech.edu. Include yourname, email address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymous name, email address and limit letters to 300 words. Anonymousletters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday. letters are not accepted. Deadline for letters is 4 p.m. Tuesday.We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.We reserve the right to edit grammar, length and clarity.

SARAH DINGWALL

Opinion Editor

LYDIE-CLAIRE BROWN

Assistant Opinion Editor

Over commercializing Christmas?

What is a holiday without family? What would the holi-days be without commercials selling all the toys a kid could want? I would love to fi nd out one day.

It wasn’t all that long ago we enjoyed holidays without obnox-ious commercials one right after the other. It was a time when we could all just enjoy our families; even the terrifying aunt who always pinches your cheeks even after you have turned 20.

Thanksgiving and Christmas have been mightily abused by marketing schemes and money grubbing big compa-nies who want people to go into debt over the toy that their kid “has to have.” They make com-mercials that appeal to the kids and parents don’t have much of a chance when it comes to their kids and the pleading look or horrendous spelling errors on their Christmas list.

Admit it, unless you have a backbone made of steel, it is hard to resist a kid at Christmas. I love getting presents, too, but I also understand the need for a budget during this holiday sea-son. Don’t go broke over me, please.

I do have a solution. Maybe

Fitness is a failing of duty

Letter to the Editor

Andrew FerryEnvironmental Chemistry

Junior

Tech’s registration process causes anxiety attacks

“Many improve-ments can be made, but this one seems to truly be just re-

feathering the eagle, not teaching it how

to soar.”

When I’m having a bad day, I like to take a time-out and drive down a country road with my windows rolled down and Kings of Leon turned up. I climb into my brand-spanking new Jeep Grand Cherokee and cruise along until I feel relaxed. Then, the words “check engine soon” light up in red on my dashboard, and I suddenly realize I’m still driving my ’04 Pontiac Grand Prix that has a door that won’t unlock and is on the verge of breaking down every day. Talk about a dose of reality.

The depressing fact that always diminishes any dream I have of owning a Grand Cherokee in the near future is that I don’t have a cool $30,000 to spend on a new car right now. I go to school full-time, and going to school full-time means work-ing limited hours. Sadly, work-ing limited hours does not add up to buying a new car. After all, $30,000 is a lot of money, right?

Ironically enough, the bill that I have racked up at Tennessee Tech University since the fall of 2010 is just a few

JESSICA WILSON

Guest Opinions Writer

dollars shy of being $30,000. According to Eagle Online, my total charges for attendance thus far at TTU come to $29, 340.89. Cha-ching. With the amount of money I’ve forked over to Tech for things like books, parking tickets and food combined with the student loans I’ll be pay-ing off for years to come, you’d think I could at least register for classes each semester without having a nervous breakdown.

For crying out loud, I could buy my dream car with the kind of money I’ve handed over to Tech!

The registration process at Tech is so incredibly skewed that freshmen and sophomores are getting Monday and Tuesday registration times when they are signing up for classes like Biology 1010 and Psychology 2010, which are auditorium classes with 300 spots. On top of that, they have multiple years left of college to enroll in 3000 and 4000 level classes. This leaves juniors and seniors with Wednesday, Thursday and even Friday registration times to sign

up for core classes that have 15 to 20 spots and are only offered in the spring semester every 17 years. Okay, maybe it’s not every 17 years, but that’s how it feels.

I have always been told that registration times are as-signed randomly. In my opinion, a registration time that could leave a student needing to go to school an extra semester or two shouldn’t be left up to a random, luck-of-the-draw assignment.

Reid Christenberry, chief information offi cer of Tech’s ITS department, said the registra-tion times aren’t random. They are set up by the Registrar’s of-fi ce on a priority system that is supposed to ensure each ma-jor has the classes available for their students to make academic progress on schedule.

If their priority is to send juniors and seniors into fi ts of rage and panic over not getting the classes they need, they are successfully accomplishing their mission. There are few things that irritate me like being forced to beg for a permit to get into a course that I pay thousands of dollars to take each semester. There are also few instances in life when having seniority is a bad thing. With Tech handing out Monday registration times to

freshmen, it is clear that senior-ity means nothing to them.

In my opinion, the most logical way to organize regis-tration would be in relativity to graduation; the closer a student is to graduation, the earlier he or she gets to register.

Sure, I’ve dropped near-ly $30,000 on Tech in the last four years, as opposed to Mr. Freshman’s $5,000, but I love taking that Thursday night reg-istration time over his Monday morning. Having altercations with department secretaries is exactly what I need a couple of weeks before fi nals. Not.

The unfairness of Tech’s registration process is something I’ll never understand. There is no reason it should be so diffi -cult. Tech is constantly market-ing for more students, but they don’t have room for them all. They punish the current stu-dents by increasing enrollment but leaving the class sizes the same. More students should equal more teachers and bigger classes. It isn’t rocket science. It is common sense. We pay thou-sands of dollars to these people, so the least they could do is en-sure an anxiety-free, simpler reg-istration process for the students.

Letter to the EditorAs a former Marine and

exercise enthusiast, my fi rst re-action to hearing of new plans to place a new FIT Center un-der construction was “hmm…cool.” I have been using the facilities for many years now with complete satisfac-tion. That reaction only lasted seconds until I then consid-ered the other issues that in my opinion should take priority over this venture, namely park-ing. For years now, I have had to deal with an insuffi cient and ineffi cient parking situation. In order to make it to class on time, I am generally required to start looking for parking nearly half an hour in advance of my class. Most weeks, I burn at least a couple of gallons of high priced fuel, circling around and around parking lots in search of a vehicle leaving a space. I have had grades lowered, had less time on tests, and have had to deal with dirty looks from classmates, all due to tardiness

caused by having to park on the complete opposite end of cam-pus from my classes. I have also had to pay several fi nes when the only parking left is in a faculty spot. In my opinion and that of nearly every student I converse with, TTU needs to consider this parking situation a priority. People can always modify their own personal free time to use the FIT facilities dur-ing a time of less student/alum-ni frequency. Unfortunately, most students cannot modify the time they have between classes just to fi nd effi cient parking. Additionally, the cre-ation of more parking spaces is a drastically less expensive venture than that of construct-ing a new FIT center. I vote to put this FIT Center venture off until the parking situation is resolved.

it is time to teach children what it is to give instead of receive. Make it a family project.

I know that I can’t afford to buy anything for my three neph-ews and one niece, but I can give

them memories that last longer than the hard plastic toy that will go into the next garage sale.

Memories, not toys, are what will last because they be-come the legacy.

I am planning on getting a box of

plain ornaments and having my nephews make ornaments for our family. I want them to under-stand that it is better to give than to receive. I want them to have fun and enjoy the memories.

So this is my rebellion against the commercialization of Christmas and Thanksgiving. My holidays will be spent with my family, not me spending all my money for a few moments of smiles until someone breaks their toy.

Responsibility. That is all this Tennessee Tech student wants. I attend this university not because of the “perks” of having an Eagle Card; I attend this university to receive an education.

When I fi rst heard about the plans for a new fi tness cen-ter, I had mixed emotions. After further thought, it became clear to me how unfi t (pun not in-tended) this plan is.

Our current fi tness center (although crowded) CAN ac-commodate the current student population. In a university so focused on RENOVATION over construction (the exception be-ing the new science building), I am astounded by the thought of raising tuition for a brand new fi tness center. South Hall, Tech East Village, Evins Hall, Southwest Hall, Warf Hall, all of these building are being ren-ovated (and for good reason.)

So why in the world would the Fitness Center, just barely reaching TWENTY-TWO years old, be set aside to build an en-tirely new fi tness center? Why not merely renovate?

Beyond those com-plaints, let me quote from the “Act to Build a New Fitness/Intramural Facility” SGA Bill F13-009.

“A new facility… would serve as a landmark on the

university campus.” I’m not sure about you, but I want the “landmark” of my univer-sity to be its academics, not a foolishly built fi tness center. And honestly, I don’t know if I would be proud to attend a university that considers its “landmark” to be its gym.We are bombarded by prob-lems at this university that are all VASTLY more important than not getting the time you wanted on racquetball court #4. Classes fi ll up impossibly fast and then go over capac-ity (sometimes by an extra 10 people), we’ve been putting students in MOTELS because we don’t have enough dorm rooms due to renovations, and DON’T even get me started on parking. The last thing I want to pay $100 extra per semester for is a new gym when we have a perfectly functional, young, fi tness center.

Please express your opin-ions (either in agreement or disagreement) to any member of the SGA. For specifi c peo-ple to point fi ngers at, Nathan Cole (Senator, College of A&S) submitted Bill F13-009 with Andrea Shook (Senator, College of A&S) sponsoring.

Mike Gelembiewskimagolembie31@students.

tntech.eduSenior Music Business

As you all know, the University administration has plans for a new itness center. The bill, “An Act to Build a New Fitness/Intramural Facility”, submitted by SGA Senator Nathan Cole but admittedly re-searched and written by SGA President Clay Stubblefi eld, pro-poses not only the building of a signifi cantly larger fi tness cen-ter on land we have not yet ac-quired, but the levying of a new student fee to pay for it: $100 per semester.

I won’t lie to you: I ini-tially voted in favor of the bill, but since then every time that a friend, neighbor, or constitu-ent from the College of Arts and Sciences shares with me their opin-ion on the matter, I wish that I hadn’t. In fact, upon ex-tended refl ection, the only ones who seem to feel ve-hemently about the new center are those students who are already involved in several different or-ganizations on campus.

It is my belief in SGA poli-tics and the American repub-lican tradition that calls me to veto this proposal. Not only as an individual, but also as an elected representative do I think that a new fi tness center is an unnecessary expense. I was elected to represent students of the Arts and Sciences, who I rou-

tinely consult about what SGA could do for them. My constitu-ents believe the idea rushed and students pressured into voting for something undesired: a new fi tness center is not what the people want.

There are many things at Tech that need improvement more than our fi tness center. Yes, we do need a new science build-ing. Yes, a green pedestrian cam-pus would be benefi cial both for foot traffi c, landscape aesthetic, and overall campus health. And of course, additional parking is much needed. But what about a larger and newer Performing Arts complex? Additional hous-ing for the overfl ow of students?

Or the creation of new and innova-tive majors, such as the very suc-cessful agr itourism major, a possible Film Studies and Production major, or the very fi rst univer-sity departments –

Classics and Philosophy? I love Tech. It has been a

blessing to my life, and I would love to see it grow and con-tinue to improve the lives of Tennesseans, Americans, and International students alike. Many improvements can be made, but this one seems to tru-ly be just re-feathering the eagle, not teaching it how to soar.

“Admit it, un-less you have a backbone made

of steel, it is hard to resist a kid at

Christmas.”

New design for the future Tech Intramural Sports and Fitness Facility coming to campus upon TBR approval.

Michael Brady Inc.

“My favorite moment was when we won the championship. I really believe it is one of the moments I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Just being a part of that year with that senior class and having the feel-ing of winning it and bringing it back to the city of Cookeville.”

The Golden Eagles’ men’s basketball team (3-3) looks to put together its fi rst streak of the 2013-2014 sea-son on Nov. 23 with a win over Wisconsin-Milwaukee (4-2).

After defeating Indiana-

Kokomo (0-6) on Nov. 21 92-39 in the Hooper-Eblen Center, Tech will take on the Panthers who are also look-ing to bounce back after a loss in their most recent game against DePaul Nov. 19.

Tech traveled to Wisconsin-Milwaukee last season and defeated the Panthers 69-58 behind great

scoring from then senior guard Jud Dillard.

The Golden Eagles have a four game home stand that started with the matchup against Indiana-Kokomo Nov. 21. The Golden Eagles’ next contest lies with Wis.-Milwaukee, then in-state foe East Tennessee State comes to visit Nov. 26 from the

Eastern Time zone. Finally,Tech will face the new-est inductee to the WesternAtlantic Conference. UtahValley will make its fi rstappearance in the Hooper-Eblen Center Nov. 29 to closeout the month’s games andthe home stand.

Tech will spend almostall of December on the road.

tntechoracle.com Page 5 | November 22, 2013

SPORTS

@ t n t e c h o r a c l e :

For the latest news, e n t e r t a i n m e n t , opinion and sports, follow The Oracle on Twitter and Facebook.

Seniors look to close season with win

Golden Eagles remain undefeated in the HoopBy JAMAL FERGUSONSports Editor

Jamal Ferguson

In Saturday’s season fi -nale, the Tennessee Tech (4-7, 1-6 OVC) Golden Eagles will host winless in-state rival, Austin Peay (0-11, 0-7 OVC) at 1:30 p.m. in Tucker Stadium. Saturday is Senior Day and marks the last time 11 seniors will take the fi eld.

Tech played in 11 games this season before reaching their much needed bye week.

“I’d love to get some of these guys who didn’t play two Saturdays ago back,” Watson Brown, head coach, said. “Our biggest goal this past week was health.”

The Golden Eagles went to Cape Girardeau, Missouri and trampled SEMO, 41-16, while missing nine key players.

Two weeks ago, starting quarterback Darian Stone had his best game of the sea-son. Stone and the offense plan to keep the momentum rolling this Saturday against the Governors. The Austin Peay defense is ranked in the bottom half of all ma-jor defensive statistics in the OVC, setting up the Golden Eagles’ offense well.

Tech defense looks to continue its high level of

play Saturday, as the players are currently tied for second place in the conference with 24 forced turnovers for the season. Austin Peay ranks last in the OVC conference in scoring offense, passing offense, rushing offense, total offense, and pass effi -ciency. Tech’s junior

linebacker,

Tra’Darius Goff, leads theconference with 96 total tack-les. Redshirt junior MartyJones is tied for second inthe conference with 91 totaltackles and closely followsGoff. Senior defensive end,Malcolm Mitchell, is tied forthird in the conference with6.5 sacks, as well. Mitchellranks ninth in the conferencewith 10 tackles for a loss onthe season.

Saturday is not onlySenior Day at TuckerStadium, but it is alsoMilitary Appreciation. TheGolden Eagles will be wear-ing new camoufl age uni-forms to honor the military.

By LINDSAY BLAKELYBeat Reporter

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Senior Farewell:

Senior Cory McDonald runs down fi eld to cover a kickoff in the season’s opening win against Cumberland 60-13.

FOOTBALL

After a tough loss to the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs (3-0) 90-45, the Golden Eagles women’s bas-ketball team (1-2) will return home on Nov. 24 to play Valparaiso (0-4).

The Crusaders, members

of the Horizon League, are currently winless after three games. They were preseason picked to fi nish last in their conference, also.

The Golden Eagles’ home court stay will be short lived with only the Valparaiso game before they travel to Las Vegas for the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout Nov.

29 and 30. They will con-tinue the away games with a matchup against Alcorn St on Dec. 5 and South Alabama Dec. 7.

Tech will return home to face the Lady Tigers of Memphis on Dec. 14 followed by the Florida International Lady Panthers Dec. 16.

By JAMAL FERGUSONSports Editor

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Tech returns home after Miss State loss

Junior Javon Mckay throws down a fast break dunk in the Golden Eagles 92-39 win over Indiana-Kokomo.James Dillon

Lamar Moore, NG

Blake Adams, LB

Zack Ziegler, WR

“The last fi ve minutes of the Austin Peay game, my junior year, 2011. We were up 49-7 and the coaches started pulling starters out. That was when I knew we were going to win the OVC and go on to the playoffs.”

Chad Zinchini, P

“I’ve had a good senior year. It’s been fun leading the conference in punting this season.”

“When Coach Brown was jiggin’ in the locker room after we won the champion-ship.”

Cory McDonald, DB

“The OVC championship two years ago was one of the best moments I’ve had. It was such a good year for Tech and such a good team. Not to mention the friendships I’ve made with my team-mates throughout the years.”

“In 2011, when we played Austin Peay to win the championship 49-7, and just remembering all the talks we had with Watson. He said, ‘Tough times don’t last, but tough people do,’ and that will always stay with me.”

“Winning the OVC and the bond we had together as a team, and being able to watch Coach Brown ‘Dougie’ in the locker room after receiving the trophy.”

Jordan Johnson, NG

“The fi rst season when I got here and we played Oregon. I liked the fact that we got to show our talent against one of the best teams in the country.”

Wesley Sherrill, OL

“Beating Austin Peay and winning the OVC championship, since it hasn’t happened in so long here.”

Seth McDonald, LB

“The highlight of my years with Tech football is the great friends I’ve made because those friendships will last for-ever… and obviously winning that big ring two years ago.”

James Normand, OL

“It wouldn’t be just one moment. It would be the camaraderie we have especially in the offensive line room. We are a collective group that does stuff together.

Day and marks the last time 11 seniors will take the fi eld.

Tech played in 11 games this season before reaching their much needed bye week.

“I’d love to get some of these guys who didn’t play two Saturdays ago back,” Watson Brown, head coach, said. “Our biggest goal this past week was health.”

rolling this Saturday against the Governors. The Austin nPeay defense is ranked iin nthe bottom half of all ma-jor defensive statistics inthe OVC, setting up the Golden Eagles’ offensee well.

Tech defense looks to continue its high level of

linebacker, ranks ninth in the conferencewith 10 tackles for a loss onthe season.

Saturday is not onlySenior Day at TuckerStadium, but it is alsoMilitary Appreciation. TheGolden Eagles will be wear-ing new camoufl age uni-forms to honor the military.

Malcolm Mitchell, DE

Jerry King, DT

Lindsay Blakely asked seniors to refl ect on their favorite moment as a Golden Eagle

Bid big on beards before break at BCMAppalachian Center for Craft presents Holiday Festival

Page 6 | November 22, 2013 tntechoracle.com

NEWS

Students will auction off their beards to raise money for global missions Monday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

Students will be able to bid on a beard at the BCM’s annual Beard Auction. Winners can shave the beards however they wish. Money raised will go to-ward students’ summer mis-sions and projects, including trips to India, China, and New York.

“Last year our BCM presi-dent had his beard shaved re-ally badly,” said BCM director John Aaron Matthew. “He had to go into his senior engineering presentation with Dr. Oldham and a fi lm crew, so he had to ex-plain why his beard looked like that.”

The students must keep their beard shaved in whatever fashion for 24 hours. This year participants will be wearing special shirts to inform others of why their beard may look

ridiculous. “This is important because

we’re trying to do everything we can to make costs less expen-sive for students that are willing to give their spring breaks and summers to help people around the world,” said Matthew.

Matthew said some stu-dents are putting their hair up for auction as well.

“It raises money for mis-sions so I’m willing to bid high,” said junior interdisciplinary studies major Rachel Larkins.

Larkins has gone on mis-sion trips to Haiti, New Orleans, inner-city missions, and will go to Greece during spring break.

“When you go on mission trips, you have more motive to support because you know what it’s like,” said Larkins.

Matthew brought the idea to the BCM after participating while in college at Louisiana Tech University. He said the fundraiser usually brings in be-tween $700 and $1000 with 75 to 100 students bidding, but he hopes for a larger turnout.

“It’s fun and exciting be-

cause I have several friends who are participating,” said Larkins, who wants to give her friend ei-ther a handlebar moustache or

a beard like Seneca Crane from“The Hunger Games” movie.

The BCM will accept cash,credit, or check from bidders.

The Appalachian Center for Craft will host a Holiday Festival this season Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival will have handcrafted holiday gifts and pictures with Santa.

Friends of the Appalachian Center for Craft, a nonprofi t organiza-tion, have sponsored mini workshops for the festival, which include bead making and scarf marbling. The pro-ceeds from these workshops support outreach programs for students in fi fth through 12th grade.

This is the center’s fi rst Holiday Festival that will have Santa coming to visit with children. Free pictures will be available. Those pic-tures can be used for free per-sonalized holiday cards.

The sales gallery will have a variety of holiday pieces which include jewelry, scarves, ornaments and more. Lindsey Maestri, exhibitions and programs manager at the Craft Center, said popu-lar items among shoppers in-clude hand-carved wooden ornaments and hand-blown glass ornaments.

Along with the pieces at

the gallery, artists of these items will be showing dem-onstrations to the shoppers.

There will be a holiday exhibition that has a wide va-riety of items. These are piec-es from artists that the Craft Center would not normally sell out of season.

“It’s new work every year and it’s work that’s not in the gallery the rest of the year,” said Maestri.

Maestri said with new workshops, demonstra-tions, and a Santa appear-ance at the festival, the Craft Center’s faculty and staff are anticipating more families this year.

Gail Looper, gallery manager at the Center, said the festival has changed dra-matically throughout the years.

“Looking back, it started off as a more exclusive white-tablecloth event. Now, it’s grown into a more open festi-val for everyone of all ages,” said Looper.

The festival will be open Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Along with the galleries and demonstra-tions, there will be guided tours of the different art studios and a special holi-day menu available at the Center’s Redbud Cafe.

By SARAH TATEBeat Reporter

By PAIGE STANAGEBeat Reporter

GET YOUR SOCIAL LIFE IN BALANCE

WITH YOUR FREE DIGITAL-ONLYTENNESSEAN SUBSCRIPTION.

SIGN UP TODAY. IT’S SIMPLE.1. Scan or visit tennessean.com/

self-subscribe/tntech2. Create your account3. Start exploring

Stay up-to-date on breaking news, sports, weather and more — including the best

extracurricular activities in Middle Tennessee.

By WILLIAM SHECKLERBeat Reporter

Tech students need secure their car radios after last week’s string of vehicle break-ins.

Five break-ins to student and faculty vehicles occurred last week with only high-end radios stolen from the vehicles. University Police are investigating these reports.

According to police reports, most of the incidents happen around the Murphy Hall parking lots with one occurring

near Browning/Evins Hall. The radios ranged from $100 to $200.

“We’re increasing patrols in order to catch the thief or thieves responsible,” Gay Shepherd, Chief of the Tech Police Department, said in response to the thefts.

One police report mentioned an incident when Officer Michael Lambert was patrolling the residence halls on the Nov. 17. He noticed glass shards next to one the vehicles and, when he further investigated,

he noticed the radio was missing and the glove box had been searched. The victim stated that nothing, besides the radio, was missing from the car.

Another person lost a radio because the rear door was unlocked. Another vehicle had been left behind Jobe Hall for the weekend when it was burglarized.

Vehicle owners need to take precautions to prevent breaking and entering from happening, such as hiding items in the trunk.

“I would recommend

that vehicle owners withanything of value in themto remember to remove orhide them out of view,”said Shepherd. “Also, tryremembering to take theradio faceplate off or coverit up.”

If you have informationabout any of these crimesor any others, call CrimeStoppers at 520-STOP(7867). Crime Stopperspays up to a $1,000reward for confidentialinformation.

America Recycle Day raises awarenessBy DRAKE FENLONManaging Editor

The TTU Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) occupied South Patio during dead hour Nov. 14 as the group participated in a nationwide environmental awareness day.

The group passed out pro-recycling buttons, green eco-conscious water bottles, special event t-shirts and candy to those crossing South Patio. All of this was to done raise awareness about recycling. All items passed out, except the candy, were made from post-consumer recycled materials.

Visitors to the table received a water bottle along with a shirt and button. The Sustainable Campus Committee provided the bottles.

SEAC purchased the buttons and shirts for the event with money applied for through the S.O.L.O. fund.

Student and SEAC member Ben LaCroix designed the shirts that were handed out during America Recycles Day. The sky blue shirts feature a person listening to headphones created out of a system of roots. The bottom of the design has the

phrase “Get Connected”prominently displayed.

Additionally, thebutton pins were greencommemorative AmericaRecycles Day themedbutton pins.

In addition to SEAC’sevent on campus event,the Cookeville CleanCommission held alarger event with musicalguests, games, and foodin Dogwood Park onSaturday.

The event was bookended by two separatecommunity trash pickupson Thursday and Sunday.

SEAC presidentCarolyn Huppmann saidshe hopes that all Techstudents recycle.

“It is so easy,” saidHuppmann. “Tech hasdone a lot to help studentsbe more eco-friendly.”

Huppmann said withthe bike share program,ample number of recyclingbins, and water bottlefilling stations spreadacross campus, she issurprised people still don’trecycle.

America Recycles Dayis an event celebratedannually across the countryas a part of the nonprofitKeep America Beautifuland partially funded by theEnvironmental ProtectionAgency.

Josh Howard patiently waits to see his new face as Alya Whittaker shaves his beard last year. The BCM beard auction is held every November in order to raise money for mission trips across the country and around the world.

Ben Hay

Campus increases security in response to theftsPhoto courtesy of Drake Fenlon

NO, REALLY, WHOSE LINE IS IT?Braden Wahl (left)

and Houston Fehrman (right) perform at the Backdoor Playhouse during an improvisation night, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

The event is performed by the Tech Players.

This is the second time the Playhouse has hosted this event.