THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 www.easternprogress.com Independent student publication of Eastern Kentucky University since 1922
Student on the hunt for child predators
DAN KLAPHEKE/PROGRESS
Bryan Phillis, a senior broadcast and electronic media major, sits at his apartment computer and watches his video, The Predator Hunter, which has garnered over 400,000 views online.
By DAN KLAPHEKE daniel_klapheke@mymail.eku.edu
Bryan Phillis is an average guy. A broadcast and electronic media major, he spends most of his class time in the Combs building. He indulges in everything Gonzo and often has a cigarette between his fingers, and he just trekked to Indiana to see Black Sabbath on the band’s final tour. But in his downtime, Phillis pretends to be a 15-year-old girl and talks to men online. “The streets are lurking with child [molesters],” Phillis said in his debut video for his Youtube channel, The Pred-
ator Hunter. Armed with a pair of video-recording sunglasses and a botched Australian accent, Phillis started The Predator Hunter in early August as a way to get a lot of Youtube views, fast. Inspired by Chris Hansen’s To Catch a Predator series and similar videos on Youtube, Phillis settled on the idea of hunting pedophiles. “If I was going to do something that would get a lot of hits, better to do something productive and good for the community than doing stupid stunts and hurting myself,” Phillis said. Once he had his idea, Phillis started hunting. He down-
loaded the Yik Yak anonymous app and posted “I’m new in town and looking to make some friends,” and Phillis said he immediately started getting contacted by men around Richmond. “From there I told them that I was underage, and it was after that point that they engaged the sexual nature of the conversation,” Phillis said. As Yik Yak is a college centric app, one of the first to bite was a 20-year-old EKU student. Phillis and the student moved the conversation to the Kik chat app, where things
›› SEE PREDATOR, PAGE 3
Tech Commons adds new technology and spaces
KENDRA ISAACS/PROGRESS
A student uses the Oculus Rift Virtual Reality headset in Tech Commons' new Makerspace. The area, along with the new Underground Media space, is free and open for students.
By KENDRA ISAACS progress@eku.edu
Tech Commons, the student workspace in Powell, unveiled two innovative additions during a grand opening event on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. The IT Geeks have designed these additions, Makerspace and Underground Media, specifically to stimulate student productivity and creativity—and everything is free. Makerspace is located in the cove directly behind the main desk in Tech Commons. This area focuses on tangible projects and features everything from a Lego wall to 3D Printers. “Makerspace is essentially an area where students can come in and just tinker with electronics and create,” said Andrew Hurt, Lead Geek Coordinator. Students are encouraged to play with the various electronic and robotic components on site, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Robotlinking kits. Using these interactive supplies, students can experiment with building their own computers, doing their own networking, or loading their own operating systems. For further exploration, there is also a computer running the Linux operating system. Additionally, Makerspace houses a 3D modeling and rendering PC loaded with various design programs, including TinkerCAD and Maya. This allows students to both design and print projects right in Tech Commons. Students
may submit designs online as well for printing to a second 3D printer dedicated solely to online requests. The Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Experience Station is included in Makerspace to allow students to encounter the latest craze in computer technology. This virtual reality headset contains various pre-downloaded experiences to give viewers life-like encounters with music videos and action scenes. “This would be neat for drawing," said Anthropology major Joe Benton as he sampled Oculus Rift during the grand opening. Tucked into a separate hub behind Makerspace, Underground Media expands upon the technology support mission of Tech Commons. This bright workspace with comfy chairs and funky art contains a media lab with five iMac computers, five sets of hi-fidelity headphones, a color photo printer and a fax machine with basic color printer. Four of the iMacs are loaded with audio editing software, the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite and additional media editing programs. The fifth iMac supports the Wacom Ituous Pro drawing tablet. Students can use this tablet to hand draw designs that will be immediately converted to a digital rendering on screen. Students can add the final touch to documents in the lamination station. This area houses a variety of basic office equipment, as well as a paper cutter, an
CHRIS BUNDY/PROGRESS
Jessi Bentley uses one of Tech Commons Makerspace's 3D printers. The space has two available for students.
electric three-hole puncher, a laminator and a document binding machine offering either spiral or comb binding. Tech Commons provides supplies at no cost, and IT Geek staff members are available to help students as needed.
The presentation suite is an area still in progress in Underground Media. Students can privately record presentations and skits in this acoustically-treated room equipped with echo-reducing
›› SEE TECH, PAGE 3
Page 2
The Eastern Progress, Thursday, Sept 8, 2016
CAMPUS BRIEFS
POLICE BEAT
SGA Senate Meeting
Aug. 26 A female resident reported a male resident had been continually harrasing her by pinching her, “karate chopping her in the abdomen,” and following her around campus. According to the female resident, the male had asked her on a date and she had said “no.” The male said he had never asked her out or laid hands on her in any manner that was not playful.
Aug. 29
The Student Government Association had their first official meeting 5:30 p.m. September 6 in Kennamar Room located in Middle Powell. Sebastian Torres, SGA vice president, led the meeting beginning with the pledge of allegiance. 14 senators were in attendance; of the 14 senators, eight were appointed to senate chairs. The names and titles are as follows: Jacob Ludwig, committee on committees chair; Michael Beasley, academic affairs chair; John McKinney, registered student organizations chair; Theodore Herr, information technology chair; Victoria
Aug. 31 A female resident reported her bike had been damaged in front of Burnham hall. She said she put the undamaged bike on the bike rack in front of Burnham. The resident said due to her dropping the bike lock she was unable to secure it. The damage on the bike is estimated to be around $65.00.
A witness reported that someone broke a glass window in the Pedway.
Tillman, student rights chair; Wendi Smith, residential affairs chair; Andrew Pendleton, sergeant of arms; Reanne Melhorn, clerk. All of the newly appointed chairs were approved with no future discussion and all said they were excited to be a part of SGA. Following the senate chair appointments, Collin Potter, SGA president, reminded the members of upcoming events which they need to attend this semester among other SGA business. After Potter spoke, Allie Maples, chief-of-staff, said members need to remember to vote on September 13 on EKU Direct and to encourage their friends to do the same. Torres made closing remarks after no additional business, announcements or discussions were made. “I think we have a very good group this semester,” Torres said.
Relaxation and Meditation Group The Counseling Center is hosting a relaxation and meditation meeting at 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays in Whitlock 568. The meeting is open to all faculty, staff and students and lasts an hour. No experience is necessary to participate in exercises that can help calm and relax the mind. The counseling center will provide yoga mats, pillows and blankets. No appointment is required to join, but it is requested those who are interested should attend five minutes before the start time. The counseling center also advises those attending to wear comfortable clothing. For more information, contact Natalie Deering at Natalie. Deering@eku.edu or visit counseling.eku.edu.
THETHE COLONEL’S COLONEL’S CALENDAR CALENDAR Week Nov. 813 – Nov. Week of of Sept. - Sept. 14 19
THURSDAY 4 p.m.
Public Planeterium Show - One world, one sky: Big Bird’s Adventure Hummel Planetarium
7 p.m.
Football vs University of Pikeville Roy Kidd Stadium
FRIDAY 4 p.m.
Volleyball vs Youngstown State University Akron, OH
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
12:30 p.m.
Volleyball Univeristy of Akron
7 p.m.
National Society of Collegiate Scholars Coates 117
MONDAY
1 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
6 p.m.
3 p.m.
Soccer vs Western Carolina University EKU Women’s Soccer Field 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Keene Hall
Noel Studio Grammar Hour Noel Studio Breakout Room 3
TUESDAY 6 p.m.
CRU meeting Ravine
WEDNESDAY 7:30 p.m.
WERQ Dance Fitness Roy Kidd Stadium
Relaxation and Mediatation Group Whitlock 568
5th Annual
ASSURANCE OF LEARNING DAY Friday, September 30
FACULTY— This is your day to evaluate student learning outcomes and make meaningful changes in your programs to enhance student learning. Resources: http://oie.eku.edu/assurance-learning-day-resources All EKU day classes will be dismissed. (Classes resume at 4 p.m.) STUDENTS— Scheduled activities include:
3nd Annual Freshman Academy for Diverse Students Fall Symposium For more information, visit http://freshmanacademy.eku.edu/.
Explore service activities with Student Life, including on-campus and Danville-campus activities and the Paddle Out Pollution project. To learn more and sign up, visit communityservice.eku.edu.
The Eastern Progress, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016
Page 3
Chautauqua lecture focuses on defiance By TAYLOR SIX progress@eku.edu
EMILY VINSON/PROGRESS
The addition to the New Science Building is slated to complete fall 2017, but the building is still unnamed.
Naming buildings not a one-man job By EVAN DAULTON progress@eku.edu
Powell, Keen Johnson and Whitlock are buildings students pass daily, but rarely consider further than a passing glance, and the names on them are not often considered any more than titles. It’s easy to assume that the buildings at EKU are named after whoever donated the most money, but it goes deeper than that. To have a building named after someone is an honor, and the person the building is named after becomes a cemented part of AKU’s history. Kristi Middleton, EKU’s chief external affairs officer, said during the process of naming a new building the decision doesn’t solely fall on President Benson.Rather, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations offer up recommendations. These recommendations go to both the Board of Regents and EKU’s president, who decide among themselves whether or not to act on the recommendation. For example, Doug Whitlock, former EKU president who retired in 2013, was immortalized by the Student Success Building being renamed in his honor three years ago. “It was his [President Whitlock’s] vision to help students succeed,” said Middleton, discussing the naming of the Whitlock Building. "So when he announced his retirement, the uni-
versity renamed the Student Success Building in honor of him and his vision.” Almost every building on campus holds a similar story to Whitlock’s. The Powell Student Center was named to honor former EKU president J.C. Powell, and the Keen Johnson Building was named to honor Keen Johnson, a former regent of EKU. More recently, the atrium in the Business and Technology Center was named in honor of EKU provost, Janna Vice, who has served over 40 years on EKU’s campus. The New Science Building has remained unnamed for the past four years. This isn’t uncommon, however, considering it was 11 years before the Whitlock Building was named. “Martin Hall will remain as Martin Hall,” said Middleton. "There have been no public announcements concerning the naming of the New Science Building and the New Residence Hall.” While there’s certainly no rush from students to see these buildings named, the New Science Building can only be new for so long. The names of the buildings students live, study and eat in don’t represent a pile of money. Those who are given the honor of having a building named after them earned it, and spent their time connected to campus and assuring EKU develops and moved forward.
Is defiance a vice or virtue? Arguably both, said Nancy Nyquist Potter, a University of Louisville philosophy professor who opened Eastern’s Chautauqua Lecture Series last Thursday. Speaking to some 130 people in O’Donnell Hall, Potter opened her talk by differentiating between heroes, mavericks and psychopaths. Potter, who has published books and articles in ethics, psychiatry and philosophy, said she became interested in the specific idea of defiance while investigating mental disorders and various forms of personality disorder. Defiance in society, Potter said, typically holds a negative social stigma, but a lot of that stigma depends on a particular community’s social norms and the authority in power that enforces the laws. That leaves room for defiance to be justified, such as in areas where oppression or other adverse conditions are the norm. During her lecture, Potter explained some social disorders, discussing whether acts of defiance, in those cases, could be morally justified. As an example of anti-social personality disorder, Potter talked about the story of Christian Gerhartsreiter, a German immigrant who conned people by impersonating a Rockefeller for years. Gerhartsreiter inherited millions of dollars before he was finally outed and apprehended. Potter said Gerhartsreiter's act, perhaps one of defiance, was nonetheless both morally and legally wrong, with no benefit to
a larger cause. During the Q&A portion of the Chautauqua lecture, Potter was asked about the NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s recent stance in which he refused to stand for the singing of the National Anthem. “He [Kaepernick] acted in good defiance speaking out as an oppressed group member in a way clearly not accepted as a social norm," Potter said, adding that Kaepernick's actions were taken in attempt to cause a greater good. "I would say he is a hero.” Erik Liddell, Chautauqua series coordinator, said there are a lot of reasons why he chose Potter to open this season’s lecture series. “Order and chaos is an age old theme, and defiance fits perfectly within that subject,” Liddell said. "Potter brings a philosophic perspective, giving people multiple ways to think." Psychology major Christopher Campbell said he hadn’t heard of Nancy Potter before the lecture, but was definitely intrigued by her ideas. He said he liked her so much he purchased her book at the door and got it personally signed on the way out. As for his take on Potter's talk, Campbell said he thinks defiance is both a virtue and a vice. “It is pretty subjective with the social norm surrounding it,” Campbell said. "Celebrating 400 Years of Cervantes and Shakespeare" is the next Chautauqua lecture to appear in the Order and Chaos series Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Hall of the Whitlock building. The event is free to the public.
TAYLOR SIX/PROGRESS
Nancy Nyquist Potter gives her lecture on definace Thursday, September 1, as part of EKU's shautauqua series on order and chaos
PREDATOR FROM PAGE 1
quickly went south in terms of legal conversations to have with a minor. “Basically, he would ask for something and I’d give it to him,” Phillis said. “Or he would ask me a question, I’d respond to it.” The student’s requests included “Can I see a pic of you? Naked or with clothes is fine lol,” which Phillis provided thanks to a donation from a 19-year-old friend. Eventually, the student asked to meet up with Phillis so he and the faux 15-year-old girl could “maybe masterbate [sic] together lol.” He was the first of the men Phillis was contacting who asked to meet, and Phillis scrambled to get ready. But did Phillis have a plan going in? “Not really,” Phillis said, laughing. “I was just hoping, ‘Alright, well, hopefully if he tries to attack me I can get away.’” The student asked to meet on campus, so Phillis and his roommate jumped in the car and headed for Telford Hall. Phillis got out to confront him, and opened conversation by asking where he could find a bite to eat. After a moment of small talked, Phillis drastically changed the subject. “You know if they serve underage children on the menu?” Phillis asked. “What do you mean?” the student re-
turned. “I think you know what I mean, mate,” Phillis said. What followed was a back and forth argument between Phillis and the student regarding the legality of what each other was doing. The student said he wouldn’t have carried out anything sexual with the minor if she was real, despite what the messages said. “If she even came close to us doing that stuff, I would have sent her on her way home or I would call the cops,” the student said in the video. Phillis informed the student that what he was doing was illegal, and that he would be arrested if he turned the video into the police. The student argued that Phillis didn’t have anything against him, and that Phillis would be the one facing the law. “I can also get you on charges,” the student said in the video. “For?” Phillis asked. “For catfishing,” the student answered. “Catfishing isn’t illegal, my friend,” Phillis returned. The day after the meeting, Phillis uploaded the video and advertised it on his personal Facebook page. Views from friends and family trickled in, but World Star Hip Hop, an online social media-focused news source, picked it up and posted the video on their front page. The post quickly spread. Phillis said he wasn’t happy about not
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getting credit, so he contacted World Star and they agreed to link the video directly to Phillis’ page. However, the video was reported and taken down by Youtube, but not before garnering 447,848 views on World Star. Phillis said The Predator Hunter page received roughly 120,000 views before the video was taken down. “At this point I know that the demand is there because of the success of the first video,” Phillis said. The student who met Phillis was arrested August 25 after EKU Police were made aware of the incident. The student, identified as Geordi Scott, was charged with prohibited use of electronic communication systems to procure a minor/peace officer, according to police reports, a sexual offense and Class D felony. Scott had been a member of EKU’s Greek community and part of EKU’s Housing staff before his arrest. He was still being held in the Madison County Detention Center with a bond of $5,000 as of September 7. Phillis admitted he’s no child predator expert or activist, but said he does understand the impact he has on his victims’ lives going forward. “I do sympathize with the people who have these urges but know better than to act on them,” Phillis said. “It’s once they act on them that I lose that sympathy. Because at that point it’s not just you, it’s someone else. These people are going to severely po-
TECH
FROM PAGE 1 foam panels, a green screen, hi-fidelity microphones, an HD camcorder and a flat screen TV. In the upcoming weeks, the presentation suite will include a docking station to allow students to connect PowerPoint presentations on their own computers to be included in their recordings. In the near future, Underground Media will also add a separate collaboration space for group projects. This will be a dedicated area with seating, a white
tentially traumatize somebody for a very long time just so that they can get their rocks off.” As for why the video got so popular so fast, besides being posted on a major website, Phillis said he thinks viewers want to see morality prevail. “There’s the justice aspect of it,” Phillis said. “People like to see these people getting caught." Phillis also said he thinks viewers want inside the mind of a predator. “It’s really interesting just to see how they respond to that sort of situation because at that point they realize, ‘OK, if I don’t talk my way out of this I’m in a lot of trouble,’” Phillis said. “So they need to find some sort of explanation where there’s really no good explanation.” After meeting with EKU Police and the Dean of Students office, Phillis said he’ll no longer be hunting on campus. But he’s not through, and plans to expand his efforts to other social media platforms and a wider area. He’s a one-man band, and Phillis said he’s not some sort of wannabe hero. But he said to watch out, as the predators he encounters don’t have a particular look. “They just seem like normal, everyday people,” Phillis said. “We’ve all probably got a friend who does this stuff, and that’s the scary thing.”
board, a flat screen TV and a computer docking station for students to work together on assignments. “The whole goal with this space is to foster creativity,” Hurt said. Turnout during the grand opening seemed to indicate that the spaces' mission is underway, as Hurt said student and staff interest was high, with at least fifteen students taking the full tour on the first day alone. Attendees were particularly interested in trying Oculus Rift. While everything is free for students, there are a few basic rules to ensure the best experience for everyone. None
of the electronic components in Makerspace may be taken from Tech Commons. Projects for the 3D printer may not exceed 5” x 5” x 5”, and online submissions are limited to one per month. VR experiences are limited to 15 minute sessions. Students are also advised to make appointments online to use the presentation suite and Oculus Rift to ensure availability. Appointments and 3D printing requests can be submitted at geeks.eku. edu. Students are also welcome to call 622GEEK or stop by Tech Commons for more information.
OPINIONS
Julia Dake, Editor
The Eastern Progress | www.easternprogress.com
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Page 4
Heroin epidemic a health issue, not one of morality
ROMAN FAWNS At a population of around 7,000, Mount Sterling is the canon small town. The people are generally friendly, a traffic jam consists of being stuck behind a tractor and the hot gossip around town is when exactly that new Steak ‘N’ Shake will be opening in place of the old Jerry’s diner. But the innocent atmosphere makes it easy to ignore an ugly truth: Mount Sterling has a drug problem. It's a fact that most of us in town only want to acknowledge when we see a drug bust in the local paper or worse. That “or worse” would qualify as seeing a segment on the news about 12 people overdosing on “super-heroin” in my hometown, leaving one man dead. My reaction was of obvious heartbreak and grief, and yet on social media I found myself in the minority. Comments about “natural selection at work” piled up under WKYT articles. To most people, the idea of a heroin addict dying from overdose seems more natural than
the sky being blue. One news event had turned my Facebook feed into a massive commentary asking the same question: “Why should I care about a dead heroin addict?” And look, I get it. To most people a drug addict is the little kid who gets burned by touching the hot stove, except he never learns his lesson. There’s no point in saving someone who just doesn’t care about their own well being. And I understand the outrage at these programs, and how they seemingly enable addicts, but we often forget that these are people. It angers me when I see social media celebrating the deaths of drug addicts. People are ignoring the human element involved for the sake of their soapboxes. Shortly after the string of recent overdoses, I found myself in a conversation with a girl I had grown up around, but never really hung out with outside of church and mutual friends. She told me she was a recovering heroin addict, who found help after she witnessed her boyfriend almost die for the third time by overdose. I asked her what she wanted people who despised addicts to realize about someone who deals with drug addiction. “We’re not bad people who deserve to die," she said. "We love, probably deeper than most.” To her, the person struggling with addiction struggles with themselves the most. You can despise an addict, but
they “despise themselves” more. “Everyday we wake up and don't want to look in the mirror because of the person that [the] drugs, especially heroin, turn us into,” she said. For those of you who would say to me “you don’t know what it’s like to live with a drug addict or have addicts for siblings or friends,” you are absolutely right. You have a right to be angry at someone who uses and I wish you never had to go through that experience. However, I’m not saying that we should condone drug
use, because we shouldn’t. All I ask is that you take 30 seconds to think before you post that tweet to criticize someone who’s overdosed. Think about the people underneath, people who need help. For every habitually destructive person abusing with no remorse, I am willing to bet that there are, at the very least, a few others silently begging for help. If we take the time to listen to them, you and I could be the difference between a recovering addict and another news headline.
Super Smash Bros. eased my transition to college
ADAM THOMPKINS When I first arrived at EKU, I was terrified. Coming from a small mountain town of less than 800 people to a university that had over 16,000 students was culture shock incarnate. Between my meekness, social anxiety, low self-esteem and being dropped off in this new territory, it's a wonder I didn't immediately chicken out
and withdraw. The RA at Keene at the time, Matthew Phelps, lifted that fear off me from day one. He made me feel welcome at EKU, and took time out of his day to check on me and see how I was doing my first year there, something that I'll always be thankful for. But still, making other friends was extremely difficult for me. I had a few classmates that I chatted with here and there, but no one that I felt I really fit in with. I took a hiatus from school for personal reasons, coming back in Spring 2016. My roommate welcomed me warmly, my professors in journalism were ecstatic to see me return and I was getting back into the swing of things. But I still kept to myself, holed up in my dorm room, only making contact with the odd comment with classmates. Then I discovered the Game Cave in Powell. I didn't know it was there at first,
but being the huge video gamer I am, I was drawn to it. I could either bring my own games to play, or rent games out, or try out games I'd been meaning to try like DOTA 2 and League of Legends. I was in there a lot, usually playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and that's when it happened. One day, I met these two guys, Andrew and Michael. They were playing Smash Bros. and told me to get a controller and join in. I was shocked; they were INVITING me to join in?! I jumped at the opportunity and had the biggest smile on my face, not even caring that they were absolutely slaughtering me. They asked me how I usually play, and they gave me some tips that have increased my skills dramatically. Then they invited me up to Middle Powell since someone brought a Wii U and Smash Bros. 4. I met the other people playing, played a few rounds and had so much fun. For the first time in my college life, I didn't spend the entire
day holed up in my dorm. I was out there, hanging out and having fun. No, not having fun; I was having a BLAST! Ever since then, I've been hanging out with these guys every chance I get, playing Smash Bros. Brawl, Project M or Smash 4. I've gotten to know them so well, my skills in the games have increased tremendously and we've experienced so many hilarious moments from our matches. It's a part of my life I wouldn't trade for anything. I've finally found my place in college where I feel like I truly belong, and I have Super Smash Bros to thank for that. If I hadn't happened to walk in there when Andrew and Michael were playing, I doubt I'd be as fulfilled as I am today. It shows that if you find where your interests are, you will find others with the same interests. So Nintendo, HAL Laboratories, Masahiro Sakurai, Andrew and Michael, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Fall recruitment one of the best decisions I made
KATELYN FRALEY Freshman year of college can be extremely overwhelming. You have to adjust to living in a new place and sometimes a different state. That's all in addition to making new friends, eating different food, and balancing new classes, and you’re sup-
posed to have fun while doing all of this at once? Then to top it all off, people start talking about Greek Life and how they’re so excited to rush and join a sorority. Personally, I had no idea what this really meant. I thought how on earth would I ever be able to balance my school, work and social life with the addition of a sorority? After my first semester at school, I was much more comfortable living the life of a ‘college student,' but my sole focus was still academics. I ended up not rushing as a freshman, and I watched the majority of my friends go through recruitment and join sororities. The feeling was one I’d never experienced before or even expected. I felt lost and left out of something that I didn’t even think I wanted to be a part of. What I didn’t know was how the future was going to play out and how everything
would work out for the better. I ended up rushing my sophomore year; despite the uncomfortable feelings that come along with pushing yourself past your comfort zone, rushing was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. For all the girls that may be going through this same feeling, I want to encourage you to rush as a sophomore because it’s never too late, and you should always do what you think is best. I think everyone should have the experience of going through formal recruitment in the fall, and if you’re on the fence about it, here’s what going through formal recruitment has taught me: If anything, you are at an advantage as a sophomore because you’re able to see firsthand which sororities your friends have joined and how well they are able to manage their time and prior commitments.
You’ve had the chance to really get your school commitments and grades together to a point where you feel comfortable adding such a big commitment to your life. You’ve had the time to join other organizations and clubs around campus without feeling like you took on too much all at once. You will NOT be awkward, out of place, or looked at differently no matter what year in school you are. Going Greek has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, inspire others, grow internally as an individual, develop friendships that will endure a lifetime, nd pursue a common goal of excellence through scholastic achievement, cooperation and community service.
››Editorial Staff Dan Klapheke
Editor-in-Chief daniel_klapheke@mymail.eku.edu
Cassy Grey
Managing Editor cassandrea_grey1@mymail.eku.edu
Noena Zerna
News Editor noena_zerna@mymail.eku.edu
Curtis Conrad
Emily Vinson
News Designer curtis_conrad6@mymail.eku.edu
Copy Editor emily_vinson1@mymail.eku.edu
Julia Dake
Taylor Weiter
Opinion Editor julia_dake@mymail.eku.edu
Corey Wall
Features Editor corey_wall4@mymail.eku.edu
Sports Editor taylor_weiter@mymail.eku.edu
Kaitlin Wright
Sports Designer kaitlin_wright55@mymail.eku.edu
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: To submit a letter to the editor, visit www.easternprogress.com and click on the "Submit letter or press release" link at the top of the page.
Corey Wall, Editor
The Eastern Progress | www.easternprogress.com
Thursday, September 8, 2016 Page 5
The Most Expensive Books For EKU Classes Human Physiology Package
By CASSY GREY cassandrea_grey1@mymail.eku.edu
BIO 301
$626.95
All students, aside from student athletes and those in the Honors program, know the pain of buying textbooks. You open up the EKU bookstore website with the faint hope that your books will total under $300 this semester. Time and time again, you’re left disappointed and broke, with only a hardly used textbook as a reminder of what could have been. Some majors have it worse than others. I wanted to know how bad a textbook price could really get for some, so I spent a few hours looking at the stereotypically expensive majors, such as math and science. I went through each course for the major, looking at only one section, and wrote down the two most expensive books (which were occasionally packaged in with an online resource and workbook) if they were bought new. This research has left me horrified and thankful; horrified because one book could be the price of a month’s rent and thankful that I’m not smart enough to be a biology major. In some instances, such as nursing, it wasn’t so much that the majority of books were expensive. There were just so many needed for a class. The good news for people looking into a nursing major is a lot of the books are used in multiple classes. In other cases, I suspect the jobs students are hoping to receive with majors like accounting and biology will be high paying. How else could a person pay off the loans they’ll need to take with book expenses? I don’t think I need evidence, but in case someone out there is actually skeptical about our plight as college students, here are some of my findings.
Human Anatomy Package BIO 171
$598.55 Taxation of Individuals ACC 422
$501.35
Intermediate Accounting
General Chemistry Package
Biochemistry – Text
The Cosmic Perspective
$255.80
$484.25
$291.35
$210.00
Modified Mastering Astronomy AST 335
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Are Horoscopes Meaningful or Disposable? By KORI HINKLEY progress@eku.edu
Cancer. No, fortunately, I do not have it. It’s my astrological sign. Anyone born June 21 – July 22 can relate. We’re stubborn, emotional, loyal people who can also be known to be manipulative, moody and suspicious. Although, I do read my horoscope every day, I don’t worship astrology. Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. It can be seen as a scientific explanation, connecting celestial objects to beings on Earth, which is pretty much the premise of horoscopes. Contrary to what pessimistic “rational” thinkers of the world say about how irrelevant astrology may be, I think it’s awesome. People are vulnerable, we have emotions. We have bad
days and good days, and wide ranges of imagination. A daily horoscope can be uplifting. Everyone loves reassurance, no matter how much of a realist you are. Today my horoscope reads, “An amazing blend of luck and perfect timing may soon help you make a dream come true.” This could probably apply to every single person on this planet, but why question it? I mean who really knows what is in store for the future? Well, except for psychics, but don’t get me started on those amazing beings of supernatural human existence. Seriously, though, the future is questionable. It’s not even promised, we live day by day wondering what is in store for tomorrow and have no idea what to actually expect. I think that reading your horoscope can lift your spirits and give you something to look forward to. As mine
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said, a dream is coming true for me, and honestly I’m hoping that at some point in my life, my dreams do come true. I’m not saying horoscopes should be treated as a holy piece of information sent to you by powerful beings, I am simply saying that they’re fun. Who doesn’t love fun? Except for maybe an Aries, who is apparently the worst match for me. Although, the horoscope I read every day may just be coincidental and the correlation to my life is just one of the general human experience, I support the daily read of horoscopes. What can reading your horoscope really hurt? Maybe yours says that tomorrow you will meet the love of your life, or find $100. With horoscopes, dreaming is encouraged. Read your horoscope, and see what’s in store for you. After all, it is in the stars.
By MARY McGILL progress@eku.edu
“You may be yearning for richer, more meaningful relationships, Aquarius.” This is the beginning of my horoscope for today. As if this is some sort of revelation instead of the most widespread human emotion in the world. “This may be coming from the desire to find your place in the world, and to find companions who understand you well and deeply,” my prophecy continues. My first reaction is, “wow, I can totally relate to that!” Alas, I then think, is there a single person alive who couldn’t relate to that in some way, shape or form? Probably not. However, I am to believe that these commonplace feelings are reserved for me, an “Aquarius”, at this specific time simply because of the month I happened
to be born in? I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong, in no way am I trying to dismiss the study of Astrology. I believe it to be completely fascinating and worthwhile. I also believe, however, that it should be taken with a grain of salt and not seen as an almighty force controlling the world and defining someone’s personality. There are stories and posts that can be found all over the internet about “the astrological signs as girlfriends” or “the astrological signs as animals”. These really confound me. Apparently, as an Aquarius, I should be considered the “tomboy girlfriend.” I would love to know how that conclusion was drawn, because I do not see how there is any relevance whatsoever. However, I guarantee there is someone out there who is bewildered
by these readings, and how they seemingly relate so well. Really, it’s just a coincidence. It is true that you can probably relate to at least a small piece of your daily or weekly horoscope, but the likelihood of every part of it being completely accurate is very slim. In the most important ways, the human mind and experience is pretty universal. Therefore, being told that “this week you are not seeing eye to eye with someone” will draw your mind to any disagreement that you’ve ever had and make you think it is an accurate prediction. Generally, these horoscopes end with some sort of uplifting sentiment. I think we are all just looking for some kind of reassurance that individually, our lives have importance.
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A Tale of Three Kings WHICH QUARTERBACK SHOULD START THIS SEASON? By TAYLOR WEITER taylor_weiter@mymail.eku.edu
Since his transfer to Eastern in the offseason, Maty Mauk has been the talk of the town. Fans asked when Coach Elder would announce his starting position, ESPN announcers rightly assumed he would be stepping onto the field for the Colonels first drive and even I assumed veteran Bennie Coney, the man who destroyed defenses last season, could not hold up to Mauk’s prestige. While all of us assumed, we continuously ignored Coach Elder’s hesitancy to announce the starter. And now we know why. Maty Mauk is good. His career both in high school and college prove that. And Coach Elder knows he is good— Mauk was recruited by Elder out of high school—but at this moment, Mauk is not working. The world found this out after Mauk went 2/7 and had 57 total yards, 0 TD, and 2 INT in Saturday’s game against Purdue. Instead, it was Redshirt-Senior Bennie Coney who took control of the Colonels offense—passing for 158 yards and 1 TD. In the Colonels’ third drive, Coney looked just as poised and ready as he did when EKU nearly upset UK. The offense came alive, the sideline got excited and for a moment, the impossible came possible. The Colonels had fought their way back in the second quarter, going to half-
GRAPHIC BY KAITLIN WRIGHT
(From left to right) Tyler Swafford, Bennie Coney and Maty Mauk are all fighting for the starting quarterback position with the EKU football team.
time with a score of 28-18. Similar to other games during opening weekend, the much favorited FBS team was in serious trouble of getting knocked out by its lesser counterpart. But with halftimes come adjustments, and Purdue’s coaching staff did an excellent job of finding what worked and sticking with it. Meanwhile the smaller roster of EKU found itself in trouble after injury struck Coney and caused a void in the Colonel’s productive offense. The injury caused Coach Elder to seek help again in Mauk, and Redshirt-Sophomore Tyler Swafford. In Swafford’s one drive with the Colonels, he completed 5/6 passes for 46 yards and 1 TD. It seemed that while everyone went back and forth over Mauk and Coney, Swafford is just as capable to run Angelo Mirando’s offense. So now Elder and company are faced with a decision they warned media and
fans of in the offseason. The Colonels have three quarterbacks who have all proven themselves at the collegiate level—but which one gets the start? Being passé and stating Bennie Coney may be too easy. The veteran has a better rapport with the offense, seeing as though he has played with them before, and has shown his range of talents during his three seasons. With Coney in the pocket, the Colonels’ spread offense can add variations that may not be possible with Swafford or Mauk in charge. But with a previous injury, and new coaching staff, Coney still may not get the start. Rather, Mauk, despite a rough showing in Saturday’s game, could be Thursday’s starter. As a quarterback who has played against higher-level opponents, Elder might have more trust in Mauk’s power.
At Missouri, Mauk played in an offense similar to that of EKU’s and his poor play against Purdue could just be him adjusting to a new staff, team and audience. It is also unlikely that a Division 1 transfer such as himself would not be given more opportunities to shine. But if neither Mauk nor Coney are up to the task, Elder seems to have found a sturdy passer in Tyler Swafford. The 6-1 Tennessee native shined in the Colonels’ last drive, earning him the first touchdown of his collegiate career. While less experienced than both Mauk and Coney, Swafford showed consistency and patience against the Boilermakers. Though none of the quarterbacks’ efforts were enough to match Purdue in their first loss of the season, the game left many fans hopeful that each quarterback will push the others to be better in a fight for the start.
Former Miss Kentucky Golf off to fast start at Eastern By ROB RISTANEO progress@eku.edu
While many of Eastern’s other athletic programs have garnered serious attention for their successes, EKU Women’s Golf has been quietly rising above the rest. In the past four years the Colonels have won three OVC championships and made three NCAA Regional appearances. With former Miss Kentucky Golf Elsa Moberly at the reins, EKU hopes to continue their reign. Golf runs deep in Moberly’s family as her dad is a registered PGA member and taught her the ins and outs of the game. While the sport was never forced on Elsa, which can be the case with children whose parents are athletes, Moberly said she felt like she needed to do sports as a child. “In my house, you always had to be doing something,” Moberly said. “I did swimming for a while, but realized I was too short, so I just picked up on [golf] and really grew to love it.” Moberly was named Miss Kentucky Golf after graduating from Pulaski County High. During her high school career, Moberly earned three allstate honors and finished in the top-five in the state tournament three times. When it came time to choose where she would take her talents, the Colonels were quick to call as her father is an alumnus of the university.
She ended up taking visits to multiple schools before committing to the Southeastern Conference university Mississippi State. She enrolled a semester early and spent a year and half in Starkville until she said she realized she wanted to move back to Kentucky. “I wanted to branch out and go somewhere new,” Moberly said, “but seven hours was a long way away and I just wanted to get back and be closer to family.” Being highly coveted coming out of high school, other in-state schools contacted her soon after she announced she was coming back to the state. The decision ultimately came down to what she said was the homely feeling of EKU. Her father and grandparents had graduated from EKU, so she felt a family enviroment being on campus. Moberly’s career thus far at EKU has gotten off to a great start. Last week, she broke the single round record at the Thundering Herd Kickoff after shooting a 67 on her second round. She shot a 74 on the first round and finished first with a total score of 141 (-1). “I didn’t know about the record until the round was over and a teammate told me about it,” Moberly said. “I’m very competitive so I was really excited.” Moberly has turned her sights to the women’s team’s next competition, the USA Intercollegiate, hosted by South Alabama on Sept. 10.
NICK PERRI / PROGRESS
Elsa Moberly works on her swing during a practice at the Colonel Golf & Learning Center.
Nationally-ranked Cross Country dominates opening meet By TAYLOR WEITER taylor_weiter@mymail.eku.edu
PROGRESS FILE PHOTO
The men’s cross country team prepares for a race at a 2015 meet.
For the first time in program history, Eastern’s men’s cross country team began their season ranked in the top10 of all Division 1 cross country teams. According to a preseason poll released by by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, the Colonels are ranked ninth in the nation under wellknown universities such as defending champion Syracuse, Stanford and Georgetown University. The news, though exciting, should not come as a shock to Colonel fans as the program has consistently ranked high among its peers thanks to Head Coach Rick Erdmann’s direction. Erdmann is in his 36th season with the program and has a repertoire that includes 48 OVC cross country titles and 17 OVC track and field championships. In the last five years, Erdmann has led the Colonels to the NCAA Cross Country Championship, a tournament that only accepts 31 teams and 39 individual athletes. While the Colonels have yet to crack the top-10 in NCAA Championships, all top runners for the men’s team have returned for the 2016 season including regional qualifiers Jamaine Coleman, Erick Rotich, Luis Luna, Jakob Dybdal Abrahamsen and Ambrose Maritim. Despite sitting out most of EKU’s top runners, and all regional qualifiers, both the men’s and women’s teams dominated their first competition of the season at the Ea-
gle Opener hosted by Morehead State University. The men’s team placed four of the top five individual results, finishing the meet with 19 points while competitors Morehead State and Marshall University finished nearly 40 points behind with 54 and 61 points, respectively. Freshman Fred Kanda won the Men’s 5K with a time of 15:41.3 followed closely by freshman Samuel Abascal with a time of 15:47.5. Additionally, the women’s team came into the meet with high expectations. Coach Erdmann said he expects both the men’s and women’s teams to compete at the NCAA region and national level this season despite the women’s team graduating three of their top runners. The women’s team, voted to win the OVC Championship by a conference coaches poll, have won 9 OVC titles in the past ten years and hope to continue dominance under the Colonel’s top runner Charlotte Imer and seniors Ann Tum and Madison Zeitz. Imer won the Eagle Opener 5K with a time of 18:39.5, while Lilian Kiborus, Haley Yost and Meggan Grams rounded out the top five individual performances. As a team, the women’s results were similar to the men’s—the women earned 19 points to Marshall University’s 58 and Morehead State’s 62. The men will return to competition at the Bluegrass Invitational in Lexington on Sept. 10 followed by the women’s return on Sept. 17 at the Commodore Classic in Nashville, Tenn.