The Patriot - December 2012

December 2012 10th Anniversary Edition

The

Patriot

Last minute

Christmas gift ideas

Past staff of

page 8

The Patriot Where Are They Now? pages 20 - 32

Sports Superstitions page 15

2

Staff

A note from the Editor-in-Chief: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” series, Bilbo Baggins is known to have said, “It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

As the staff of The Patriot, we are out on a journey. Along this journey, we’ve kept you in mind. The time has come for something new, something fresh. So, we decided to do away with the hard to hold and even harder to fold broadsheet newspaper layout; instead, we’ve brought in a more modern, compact page design.

But we didn’t stop there. Not only have we changed our cover, but we’ve also changed what comes inside that cover. We felt like we needed to change our style and content to become something that’s more visually appealing as well as more relevant for you, our reader, through in-depth stories and features focused on students and their lives.

Our goal is to present you with a publication that is fresh and modern, not just in the format but also in the content we bring to you. Welcome to the redesign of The Patriot, your campus publication that is written, edited and designed by your fellow students.

As we mark the publication’s 10th anniversary with this issue, we’re reminded that our design journey is never complete; it simply keeps moving forward.

Our Staff Editor-in-Chief Zac Bruckner

Managing Editor Christin Miller

Design Editor Kasey Malone

Online Editor Ashley Lingard

Copy Editors: Kelly Allen Brandy Norman Andres Pedraza Matthew Williams

Staff Writers: Kelly Allen Caleb Hetrick Natasha Jones Morgan Miles Brandy Norman Caleb Vander Ark Whitley West Solomon Whitaker Alex Williams Matthew Williams Timothy Wyatt

The official student publication of the University of the Cumberlands

Faculty Advisor: Jeremiah Massengale

Editorial Review Board: Lisa Bartram Jeremiah Massengale Marianne Worthington

NEWS

3

Conversation partners

International students at UC can learn better English through converstaions with native English speakers.

Laura LaMonica and Amber Dickison work together to improve LaMonica’s English through the Conversation Partner program.

BY ALEX WILLIAMS

Photo by Morgan Miles

Staff Writer

International students at the University of

McKnight, who has an interest in teaching

The Conversation Partner program was

the Cumberlands have the opportunity to

abroad, helped promote the program through

started a few years ago. McKnight hopes that

improve their English speaking skills through

the use of flyers and word of mouth.

the same for me if I were over in their countries,” Hetrick says.

the program evolves and will allow interna-

Laura LaMonica, an international student

McKnight is interested in teaching abroad

tional students and volunteers to meet right

from Brazil, is part of the Conversation

In this optional program, native English-

and the program is preparing him for just

when school starts instead of in the middle of

Partner program. She says that she enjoys the

speaking students are paired with internation-

that. McKnight says, “Throughout the year I

the semester.

program and that her favorite part is meeting

al students for informal conversation. The

am able to learn about life and culture in

program helps international students learn

places I may never get to visit.”

the Conversation Partner Program.

Caleb Hetrick, a communication arts and

new people.

business major at UC, volunteers for the pro-

The program is currently accepting vol-

English through conversation and listening

The international students in the program

gram. His favorite part of the program is how

unteers. Students interested in applying for

while making new friends at the same time.

can speak some English, but most of these

quickly he forms a connection with his part-

the program can visit Ron McKnight in the

Approximately five students volunteer for the

students are fresh out of high school with

ner and how “non-mechanical” it is.

International House in the Boswell Campus

program.

very little formal English training. “There is a

“I really like hanging out with interna-

lot to learn in a little time,” says McKnight.

tional students. I also know that it would be

Conversation Partner program. He is also the

“Sometimes it can be overwhelming to spend

very hard for me to go to another country and

lead instructor of the UC Intensive English

weeks working on the basics, but ultimately it

live there by myself, away from my family

program, which prepares international stu-

is very rewarding to see students grow more

and friends, so I just want to make things eas-

dents for the English Composition course.

confident in the language.”

ier for them and I would hope they would do

Ronald McKnight is in charge of the

Center parking lot or contact him at ronald.mcknight@ucumberlands.edu.

4

Features

Figure 4 Fallout “We’re taking over like Hulkamania...”

Hosts of the Figure 4 Fallout radio show: Matt Campbell, Russell Ridenour, Kasey Malone and Casey Pollitte.

Photo by Natasha Jones

BY NATASHA JONES Staff Writer

counselor, is the founding father of the pro-

nected to the wrestlers.” Interviewees have

“Talking to CD [Daniels] was great! I have

like

gram with the most experience both in broad-

included Ryan Dookie, Derek “The Real

followed his career for quite a while now so

Hulkamania” says Russell Ridenour, lead

casting and the knowledge of professional

Deal” Neil and Shawn “The Virus”

to actually speak with him about his journey

host of WCCR’s radio show, “Figure 4

wrestling. Also, on the program is UC sport

Harddrive.

throughout the business is awesome to hear.

Fallout.” The dimly lit broadcast studio is

statistics & photography coordinator, Bo

Kristin Reese, a former UC student says a

filled with microphones and shelves stacked

Kidd who has been a fan of pro wrestling

few of her favorite things about the show are,

with CDs, Russell Ridenour, Bo Kidd, Casey

since age 3. Eric Skelley , UC’s head swim

“The guys not only tell the facts on what hap-

“We’ve had a lot of success this past

Pollitte, Kasey Malone and Matt Campbell

coach, is a part time host, as well as a long-

pened but their opinions. And they do it with

semester developing a relationship with

get together Tuesday nights to discuss profes-

time wrestling fan. UC freshman Matthew

such comedy you can’t be mad at them for it.

wrestlers. I would love for it to continue on.

sional wrestling. Ridenour starts the show at

Campbell, a newcomer brings a fresh new

But I really just love the show and the guys

For more people to have that dream and

6 p.m. with the “Figure 4 Fallout” theme song

perspective to the show.

hosting it. I moved all the way to Texas and I

desire, for others to chime in”, says lead host

“It’s an outlet, to share a passion in a way

still listen to every show.” Reese started lis-

Ridenour when asked his opportunity to

“YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, we’re

everywhere.

Taking

over

which was produced by UC assistant profes-

He is a phenomenal athlete who is actually just nearing the peak of his career.”

Jeremiah

we can share our thoughts with others in the

tening to the show when she heard Malone

interview Pro Wrestling Freedom wrestlers.

Massengale. Ridenour then introduces every-

community”, says Ridenour. When asked if

talking about it, she says, “I loved it from day

When I asked Reese, a fan of the show what

one in the booth before going over the review

the success of this show would be considered

1. Of course I’ve been a huge wrestling fan

hopes she had about the future of Figure 4

of that week’s WWE matches.

a dream come true to him, Ridenour said,

for years so it was fun to have people to talk

Fallout she said, “I hope that they continue

to who shared my interest.”

doing the show for as long as possible and

sor

of

communication

arts

“Figure 4 Fallout” is a professional

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction for

wrestling talk show hosted by faculty, staff

me, to become more involved in radio”. Pro-

In October, the group interviewed

that the guys stick around. I mean, that’s the

members and students on campus, where they

wrestling shows that are discussed consist of

Christopher Daniels, a current Impact

whole fun of the show is hearing Bo, Skelley

discuss the points and views of the current

“Monday Night Raw,” “Impact Wrestling,”

Wrestling star (who works alongside “Hulk”

and Russell pick on Kasey and Casey.”

product of professional wrestling as well as

“Friday Night Smackdown” and each

Hogan on SPIKE TV) and former Ring of

”The show has come a long way, and con-

discussing the history of the industry. All of

month’s two pay-per-view shows.

Honor star who is a multiple tag team cham-

tinues to change for the better with every new

the hosts are longtime fans of the sport of

This semester, the gang at “Figure 4 Fallout”

pion. Malone described the experience as, “It

edition. They hope in that listenership will

professional wrestling. “Getting to talk about

have interviewed multiple pro-wrestlers from

was out of this world. I was actually talking

continue to increase, but it will become a

something that I absolutely love without any-

the organization Pro Wresting Freedom, a

to someone that I’m a fan of. To actually

more mainstream show. With the inspiration

body telling me I couldn’t, is a dream come

new independent pro wrestling organization

know that they’re taking time to answer my

and drive behind those involved in the show,

true,” says UC sophomore Kasey Malone.

based in Corbin, Kentucky. Malone says,

questions is something that I’ve always

it can only continue to blossom.

UC senior Casey Pollitte, is the wrestling

“We can’t express how much we appreciate

dreamed about, especially being a lifetime

historian of the group. Pollitte says.

the talent we get to work with. I feel more

fan.”

Ridenour, now a UC graduate admissions

connected to this show because I feel con-

Another fan of Daniels, Bo Kidd, said,

Features

5

Wesley’s strings

Wesley Hale warms up on her violin.

Violinist Wesley Hale mixes a passion for UC and music.

BY ZAC BRUCKNER Editor in Cheif

Photo by Zac Bruckner

She unzips the faded green case and pulls

However, in her desire to learn how to

Hale insists that to her, UC “is not just a

day. I’m gonna get up there and not be nerv-

out her violin and its bow. Then she begins to

play every instrument to be found in an

school.” She likes its Christian foundation,

ous. I can do it. One day I will actually con-

apply rosin to the bowstrings: “It’s almost

orchestra, Hale is currently one of the two

the convocations and the people. “I love the

quer it – sometime …” She laughs again.

like oil for an instrument. It just loosens up

students learning to play the cello under Dr.

whole community,” she states simply. She

your bow and makes it sound a lot better.”

Steven Sudduth, assistant professor of music.

even likes room checks.

And her bow is going to need loosening up; it

She’s also learning to play the piano, as every

hasn’t been used in over a year.

She has two years to overcome her fear before her senior voice recital where she will

“I love to have a clean room,” she says,

be in the spotlight. The following year, she’ll

music major does.

but she admits that she isn’t likely to clean

be student teaching. Hale is a music major

Wesley Hale has been playing the violin

She is pursuing her dream, if not as directly

without someone pushing her to do it. Except

with an education minor. She hasn’t decided

since she was in fifth grade. Now she’s a

as she expected. “I came down here really

when she’s mad. If Hale is cleaning her room,

whether she wants to teach kids about music

sophomore at University of the Cumberlands,

excited because I thought there was going to

it might be smart to come back later.

or if she wants to have a choir and make

but, unfortunately, the college doesn’t have a

be an orchestra program – there wasn’t, but I

“You’re not violent, you’re not yelling at any-

music.

violin teacher.

loved the school too much, so I came any-

body, you’re just getting the stress out –

way,” she says with a smile.

things are cleaner, the end. It’s a good thing,”

tle kid one. I love little kids,” she says.

she says.

Logan Butler, Hale’s fellow cello student,

Since her violin hasn’t been played in a

“I think I’m leaning more towards the lit-

while, it needs to be tuned. She sits at the

Dr. Jeff Smoak, chair of the music depart-

piano and alternates between pressing one of

ment, says that the reason UC doesn’t have a

Sometimes anger proves to be a motiva-

shows up for practice in the McGaw Recital

the keys and plucking a string on the violin,

string program is that there hasn’t been

tion, like when she had her violin restrung

hall. When he sees her violin, he asks, “Is that

comparing the two sounds. “I don’t have per-

enough student interest. “Also, in order to

and she got “the Cadillac of strings” for it.

[violin] full sized?” Primarily playing the alto

fect pitch, and I don’t even pretend to,” she

begin such a program, we would need to

She says, “I thought that if I got better strings

saxophone, Butler also knows how to play

says about having to use the piano for tuning

employ at the very least an adjunct violin

that I would sound better. I didn’t think it was

the violin because he had a grandfather who

her violin. One of the strings reverberates

teacher,” Smoak says, and the closest avail-

the practicing, I thought it was the strings.”

was a fiddler, but it’s obvious that he hasn’t

with a particularly loud twang, obviously

able violinist is in Lexington or Knoxville.

But she has been known to get mad at herself

seen her with her violin before. Christin

and force herself to play a piece until it

Miller, a fellow musician and close friend of

sounded right.

Hale’s, says that she has never heard Hale

way off key, and she says, with a straight

Hale’s family has its own history at UC

face, “That sounds perfect. In tune, complete-

that played a part in bringing her here. Her

ly.”

play the violin before.

brother is an alumnus and her parents met on

“Anger is my motivation sometimes.

When Hale came to Cumberlands two

campus. When she visited for the first time

Anger makes me clean, makes me practice

As they continue to practice together,

years ago from Cincinnati, she knew that

herself at age eight, Hale said she “saw that

more,” Hale says. Anger, however, does not

Hale and Butler chat about trying to get a

there wasn’t going to be a violin teacher for

everything was so pretty” and it seemed to

help her when she performs.

string ensemble together. They’re sure there

her, but she came anyway, because she loved

stick with her. Later she returned and attend-

Hale isn’t a shy person when it comes to

are other people who play stringed instru-

the school and everything about it. At least

ed the Madrigals, a renaissance musical event

talking to people, but she confesses, with a

ments, but since they don’t have a teacher,

for now, her violin isn’t for performing. She

at UC, falling in love with them and telling

laugh, to having “serious stage fright.” The

they, like Hale, just don’t play much or at all.

also plays the guitar, and since it’s quieter

herself, “I’m going to be in that choir. I don’t

nerves come about because she worries about

However, Hale insists that with her violin,

than a violin (and she doesn’t squeak on it),

know when, but I’m gonna.” In her second

people evaluating how she does. Determined

she’s “gonna find ways to keep going.”

she plays it more often.

semester, Hale was a part of that choir.

to overcome, she states, “I’m gonna do it one

6

Features

Miles of Pinterest

BY MORGAN MILES Staff Writer

Having bare, white walls in your dorm

Step 6: Use black paint (or even a black

room is, quite frankly, depressing. You want

sharpie) to paint (or draw) whatever you want

to decorate your room, but you have no idea

on top of the layers of newspaper: an inspira-

where to start, so that’s where I come in! I

tional quote, a tree, or even birds on a tele-

was browsing Pinterest and thought this

phone wire. I thought the birds on the wire

would be a fun craft. Basically its recycling

would be something simple yet still make a

old papers into a decoration that is simple to

statement. It doesn’t matter what you choose,

make yet pleasing to the eye. It’s a craft for

just be creative and have fun with it.

those of us that are a little artistically challenged. Its perfect for getting a group of friends together for a craft night to revamp those blank walls.

Step 1: Put on some good music, grab

I’ll spend my time testing crafts on Pinterest to make sure that you don’t waste yours!

Step 7: Hang it on your wall and enjoy your handiwork!

As an alternative to newspaper, you can even try this with pages of an old book, or colorful comics.

some friends and prepare to be creative.

Step 2: Get a canvas board or a sturdy piece of cardboard and a few newspapers.

Step 3: Cut out various sections of the newspaper; an article you loved, the crossword, a random column or even your favorite comic. Don’t worry about cutting them into perfect squares; it actually looks better with lots of different shapes!

Step 4: Use Mod Podge glue and start throwing your cutouts onto your canvas. It’s easiest if you completely cover the piece with the glue (the glue is white but don’t worry, it will dry clear) Place your cutouts randomly on the canvas, some upside down or at an angle. You don’t want the pieces to be perfectly straight or it will look boring and weird. Put enough pieces on the board to completely cover it. Then add some more just to give it a layered look.

Step 5: After you’ve glued all the newspaper cutouts you want on the board, put another layer of the Mod Podge glue over the entire thing. Let it dry for at least four hours, or until the glue is completely clear.

Photo by Morgan Miles

The final product.

Features

7

Black Friday How to survive one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Customers look for great Black Friday deals on televisions at the Best Buy Store in Albany, NY on November 23, 2012.

Courtesy of Flickr's samsungtomorrow. Used with permission.

BY KELLY ALLEN Staff Writer

Black Friday has once again come and gone. While some say it is the best time to

Know the route which will get you to the

If there are any additional coupons have

stuff you want the fastest.

them organized and ready.

Don’t take small children.

Small children are only going to hold you

find sales, others say that people are crazy for

Stores have maps on their official web-

Some stores will give out an additional

back and can cause a distraction when you

going out in the weather and the masses of

sites and some even provide maps of the local

coupon that you need for special items. If this

are trying to shop for good deals. Keeping a

people just for a good deal. Whether you par-

stores especially for Black Friday. This is

happens to be one of the items that you want,

child in the cart only takes up valuable space

ticipated in this year’s event or even if you

important because you need to know the

make sure you have it. No one wants to have

that you might need later when the items start

stayed home wrapped up under the covers

quickest way to get to the items you want the

to wait in line any longer than they have to.

stacking up.

thinking to yourself that you might go next

most, so others won't get the items before you

Most people have a bunch of other stores and

year, here are some tips for surviving Black

do. Most items are going to be where you

sales they are trying to hit and can get crazy.

Be prepared to fight with people over high-

Friday 2013.

think they should be, but make sure you

So, holding up the line could endanger your

ticket items.

check the map.

life.

Black Friday seems like the only time to get the best deals of the season. People are

Know which stores open first.

Knowing what stores to hit first is the

Prioritize which items are the most impor-

Print the store advertisement from home.

going to be going after whatever big sales

There are probably going to be tons of

they can get their hands on. Even if they do

their deals at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day

If there is an item that is on sale for a

people in line in front of you by the time you

not have a need for an item now, they will

while others started at midnight or 5 a.m. on

ridiculous price and there are only so many of

get there and they will probably get all the

buy it just to say that they got one. Yes, this is

Black Friday. This is important to know

them that each store gets, make sure that you

sale papers. Once again just like the store

truly the only way to shop and find good

because the products with the best deals will

go for that one first. There are going to be lots

map, print this from home and save yourself

deals. Know the items that you are willing to

be gone early. For example, Toys”R”Us

of people trying to get it so don't think that

some real trouble later on. Different stores

go to war for and pick your battles wisely;

might open at 4 a.m. If getting a child that

you can just go for something else first and

put the advertisements up online at different

some items probably aren't as worth it as you

new Barbie Jeep is the most important thing

come back for the other later. Trust me, it

times,

think.

on your list, go there first.

won't be there.

Thanksgiving Day they are all available.

main thing. This year, some stores started

tant.

but

usually

around

noon

on

8

Features

A last minute list of gift ideas

BY CHRISTIN MILLER Managing Editor

It’s that time of year again! Christmas is

is add water. The “Magic Egg Baby” then

only weeks away and I’m sure you still have

grows grass that looks like hair… kind of like

some shopping left to do. Here is a list of gift

a Chia Pet. The “Magic Egg Baby” can be

ideas for those you’ve yet to check off your

found at Currentcatalog.com, and this cute

list, and since most of us are broke college

gift is only $5.49!

students, they are all under $25.00!

9) A great gift would also be a Furby.

1) Many people enjoy reading so why not get them a book? If they have a Kindle, you

4) For those who like to write or draw, get

Depending on who you get it for, it could be

can purchase kindle gift cards at Walmart, or

them a new journal or sketch pad. A set of

funny and will also bring back good, or not so

from Amazon.com.

writing and drawing utensils would be great

good memories, from when they first debuted

to go along with it too.

in 1998.

7) For something funny but useful, how about “The Butt Station Assistant?” It’s a tape dispenser, pen and sticky note holder all in one! Made to look like an indistinct figure on a toilet, this amusing office assistant can also be found at Amazon.com for only $15.95.

2) Fix them a gift basket of goodies! Fill it with things you know they like, such as

5) What about a photo album? This would

10) Last but not least, perfume or cologne.

candy, popcorn and a movie, or maybe fill it

be great for newlyweds, new parents or even

It’s always nice to smell pretty.

with candles, lotion and bath salts.

a significant other. To make it more meaningful, add a few photos of special memories you share with them.

8) What about a game? Everyone loves a

3) Get them something decorative for their

good board game, and maybe after the gift

11) Bonus gift: if worst comes to worst and

exchanging is done, everyone can sit down

you still don’t know what to get them, give

and play.

them a gift card. Whether it’s for food, clothing, music, gas or a Visa gift card that they

home. A cute, “unzipped glass zipper bag” bowl which is a candy bowl that looks like a

6) For someone who has everything, how

can use on whatever they want; you can’t go

zipper bag. (found at Uncommongoods.com

about a “Magic Egg Baby?” It’s a little egg

wrong.

for $17.50) is something unique and useful.

with a face drawn on and all you have to do

Features

9

Why UC?

Kimberly Jones

Zack Morrow

Three freshmen give their reasons for choosing to come to UC.

Elvis Eneh

BY NATASHA JONES Staff Writer

This year’s incoming class was one of the

convocation. In his first three months at

She’s a part of the UC Singers class and loves

nities, and, of course, good people.” He’s

biggest University of the Cumberlands has

school, his favorite things are the really nice

its fast pace as well as the way it relates back

playing basketball for UC this semester and

ever seen. There are probably a lot of reasons

and welcoming people he’s met. He says he’s

to her beliefs with songs, devotionals and

will be doing track and field in the spring. He

for that, so I decided to ask a few students

been impressed by how much all the students

prayer requests. She hopes to advance on to

also let me know that he is part of the soon-

“Why UC?”

get along and how willing they are to help

Show Choir or Chorale if she can make time

to-be Intramural Flag Football Champs. His

each other if needed.

for it. Her favorite things about campus are

favorite things about UC are the people, family environment and pretty campus.

Zack Morrow is a guy from Wayne County, Kentucky who enjoys keeping busy

Kimberly Jones is a biology major from

the dorm life and learning to be responsible

and is very enthusiastic about attending UC.

Knox County, Kentucky with multiple rea-

with guidance from the faculty and staff at

His major at the moment is undecided, but he

sons for picking UC to continue her educa-

UC.

first became interested in UC when he

tion. Jones said, “It was far enough away

Elvis Eneh is a friendly and fun-loving

learned about scholarship opportunities and

from home but wasn’t too far away. I wanted

guy who came to UC from the country of

the university’s good reputation from some

to go to graduate school and this was one of

Nigeria. When I asked why he picked UC, a

college students from his hometown who are

the few universities around that have pre-vet.

school so far away from his home, he said,

go to UC. He also likes the good environment

I wanted to experience dorm life on a safe

“Basketball, first off, and my major of inter-

that Williamsburg has to offer. He works at

campus, and I love the religious background:

est, which is chemistry. Nice tuition rate, and

the Grill on campus and enjoys attending

it helps me stay on track with my faith.”

UC offers a lot of great scholarship opportu-

As you can tell from this trio, this year’s freshmen class holds a variety of characters that bring a lot of potential and different interests to campus.

10

Features

Chris Morrison performs at The Kingdom’s Cypher event Photo By Whitley West

Features

11

The Kingdom Engaging students with truth through self-expression in hip-hop, spoken word, music, poetry, comedy and dance.

BY WHITLEY WEST Photo by Whitley West

Staff Writer

Casey Hamm and Ezra Anderson sing together at Rhapsody.

Walking toward the mid-BCC at the

sounding as if he had sat down and written it

viding more entertainment on campus, creat-

verance. Although I would like for it to be

University of the Cumberlands, I hear a bass

all out before. White Toaster and the Strudels

ing an avenue for self-expression, and

better now, I know it will get there one day as

pounding, loud music playing, and the voice

return with goofy and lame, but still funny,

encouraging creativity, The Kingdom wants

long as we keep seeking improvement and

of Casey Hamm, the semester missionary

jokes. Anderson returns with lines composed

to engage people with truth through expres-

get more people involved. So yeah, I’m defi-

working

as excellently as the first time. White Toaster

sion in many different art forms such as: hip-

nitely pleased with the results so far.” Hamm

returns with the same sub-par jokes.

hop, spoken word, music, poetry, comedy

also has hopes that The Kingdom will expand

and dance.

and reach other campuses in the future.

with

UC’s

Baptist

Campus

Ministries, announcing what is to come. I walk through the doors and take a seat and

Hamm asks the crowd to cheer for who

observe my surroundings. There are lots of

they thought won. The response to Ezra

Each event The Kingdom hosts will be on

The Kingdom is composed of Hamm,

enthusiastic people anxious to get this night

Anderson’s name blows White Toaster com-

Monday evenings at 9 p.m. in the mid-BCC.

Anderson, Norman and four others who are

started; waiting to see what the event called

pletely out of the water. The crowd loved

Plus, another night later in the week will be

committed to the project. The group is look-

Rhapsody event is all about. Claps of hands,

Anderson. The night is over, and I am pleas-

used to highlight specific events during

ing for people interested in participating in

cheers of approval, encouragement for fellow

antly surprised about my experience.

Monday’s event.

the events. Anyone who is interested in join-

peers to step up to the challenge that Hamm

“It was really fun watching different stu-

The idea for The Kingdom came about

ing the group can contact Casey Hamm or

dents get up and express themselves. I think

when Hamm, Anderson and UC student

Julian Norman for more information.

Who is going to rap battle with UC stu-

it’s a unique and entertaining way to both get

Julian Norman were all chatting and the idea

During the next event, everyone can come

dent Ezra Anderson? No one steps up. A few

to know more people and just watch a good

to have an improvised freestyle rap battle

support Hamm and his crew by attending

awkward, quiet seconds pass by. Still no one

free show, or even jump in if you want!” said

called a Cypher was sparked and it just

Rhapsody. You won’t want to miss a fun

comes. Finally, White Toaster, UC’s Sam

UC freshman Cherly Deputy, who attended

expanded from there. Rhapsody, The

night of hip-hop, hanging out, music videos,

Meredith, with his 1980s wannabe gangster

the event.

Kingdom’s open-mic night, was originally

free food, and live performances.

had issued them.

jacket accompanied by his silly-dressed com-

Rhapsody is just one of many projects

called Cypher, but the name was later

panions, the Strudels, storm to the front and

that UC’s student-led group The Kingdom

changed because it has become something a

they approach the microphones. Hamm starts

has created. According to Hamm, The

little different than originally pictured.

playing a catchy beat of instrumentals and

Kingdom was created with the intention of

When Hamm was asked if he was pleased

Anderson begins to spit out a web of intricate

discovering unknown talents of UC students

with the progress so far, he responded, “With

rhymes all being created on the spot but

and showcasing them. With the goals of pro-

things like this, it takes patience and perse-

12

Features

Behind the movie making magic with John Varley

BY KELLY ALLEN Staff Writer

John Varley, assistant professor of communication arts, works on a video project for campus in the UCTV 19 editing bay on October 24, 2012.

Photo by Christin Miller

John Varley, a communication arts assis-

ter’s in fine arts at Wake Forest University in

rations, and his advice for aspiring filmmak-

was drawn by the opportunity to manage the

tant professor and the UCTV-19 station man-

2011. Varley has been presented with an

ers.

student TV station and oversee a group of

ager, came to University of the Cumberlands

extreme honor. His documentary film, “My

Kelly Allen: How did you come to

work-study students who wanted to learn

last year. After living overseas during his

Brother, My Sister” which shows how two

Cumberlands?

how to produce videos and write stories. I

childhood, he finished his bachelor of arts in

white brothers and two black sisters were for-

John Varley: While at Wake Forest, with stu-

was also given quite a bit of leeway in decid-

2004 with a degree in anthropology from

ever changed by their activism in Florida's

dent loans looming, I started to apply for jobs

ing what classes I wanted to teach and how to

Michigan State University and then got his

Civil Rights Movement, has been screened at

that would allow me to both teach and have

do so. It has been an amazing experience for

master’s degree in mass communication from

the Daytona Beach Film Festival and at the

some involvement in hands-on production

me, and I am really glad to have been given

University of Florida in 2010.

the opportunity to teach at UC.

Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival

work. I had offers from a couple different

After deciding that he wanted to continue

where it won first place. In this interview, we

schools

his education his pursued and gained his mas-

discussed making the documentary, his inspi-

Cumberlands stood out as the place for me. I

but

The

University

of

the

Features

13

KA: What made you decide to make the

JV: My filmmaking partner, Jameil Weldon

KA:. Did living overseas during your

of these years about their brother’s death and

documentary, “My Brother, My Sister”?

first showed me the copy of the book and we

childhood have any effect in the film?

having the opportunity to share their pain and

JV: I read a book (“Freedom in the Family”)

did a short film focusing on Patricia

JV:I think we always carry experiences from

their love really helped them. Going into the

co-written by one of my subjects, Patricia

Stephens. Then while reading the book the

our past into whatever new experiences we

interview I was feeling bad, wondering if

Stephens

daughter,

light bulb went off in my head to expand the

have. Specifically, I would say having seen

maybe we were taking advantage of their

Tannanarive. Patricia told the story of racism

film to include Patricia’s sister and her

some real disparities in wealth and resources

pain. Afterwards, they thanked us. This is

and the Civil Rights Movement in Florida in

friends Dan and Jim Harmeling. So, it was a

among and within different societies informs

part of why we thought it was so important to

the early 1960s, and Tananarive told the story

team effort.

my feelings about equality. This isn’t some-

make this film. By sharing these stories, we

of racism today. It was eye-opening for me

KA: What was your role in the documen-

thing that you don’t see in the USA, but it is

celebrate those who sacrificed so much and

for several reasons. I wasn’t aware of

tary?

perhaps a bit more stark of a contrast in some

remember the sacrifices they made.

Florida’s dark past as one of the most segre-

JV: Jameil and I did everything for the film.

of the countries I lived in. Also, being the

KA: What do you want people to walk

gated and violently racist states. I also hadn’t

Researching, scriptwriting, writing interview

child of a U.S. diplomat, I was in a position

away with after watching the film?

considered that those activists who were

questions, transcribing interviews. We both

to go to school with and to see how the more

JV:I hope people walk away from this film

protesting racism in the ‘60s were conflicted

sat in the editing room together and pieced it

wealthy people in those countries lived.

inspired to look around them and think about

when it came to celebrating the changes they

all together, etc. We spent a lot of time

KA:. Did living overseas during your

how they can make things better. Everyone

made happen. The glass is both half full and

together working on this project. Other teams

childhood have any effect in the film?

can make a difference.

half empty when you consider race relations

edited parts of their films separately, but we

JV:I think we always carry experiences from

KA: What is one piece of advice you would

today. As I was reading the book Patricia

sat together in the editing room piecing every

our past into whatever new experiences we

give to someone who is trying to get start-

talks about the toll of participation in the lives

frame of the film together. It was a madden-

have. Specifically, I would say having seen

ed in documentary film or who might be

of activists beyond their activism, and she

ing process, but having a partner was

some real disparities in wealth and resources

interested in documentary filmmaking?

related the story of Dan and Jim Harmeling

absolutely essential. When one of us would

among and within different societies informs

JV:I would say start reading about documen-

briefly in her book. It was a very touching

get burnt out and just feel like collapsing on

my feelings about equality. This isn’t some-

tary filmmaking. It is one thing to watch

chapter and Dan and Jim’s story in particular

the floor, the other seemed to always be ready

thing that you don’t see in the USA, but it is

films and appreciate them, and that is impor-

intrigued me. So did Patricia and her sister

and able to pick them up and dust them off

perhaps a bit more stark of a contrast in some

tant, but it is another to learn how to inter-

Priscilla’s. So I said, “Hey, what if we put

and re-energize the team. By the end of edit-

of the countries I lived in. Also, being the

view, how to shoot, how to research, etc.

these stories together?”

ing, we were spending 70 hours a week in a

child of a U.S. diplomat, I was in a position

KA: Explain the documentary.

little room staring at the computer screen

to go to school with and to see how the more

JV: “My Brother, My Sister” is a documen-

watching the same 40 minutes of video over

wealthy people in those countries lived.

tary about the effects of Florida’s Civil Rights

and over and over… you don’t even hear the

KA: What had the most effect on you while

Movement on two brothers and two sisters.

words or see the images any more after

making the film?

Dan and Jim Harmeling and Patricia and

spending that kind of time looking at it.

JV: We interviewed Jim and Dan’s sisters and

Priscilla Stephens fought for justice as stu-

Luckily, we were both really passionate about

brother during a family reunion in southern

dents in the 1960s. Each experienced events

our film and our subjects and we wanted to

Florida. We asked them to allow us to do this

that would shape the rest of their lives.

do their story justice.

in order to bring Jim’s character to life

Beyond being an intimate portrait of these

KA: Where did you draw your inspiration

because he died in the late 1960’s. The details

heroes, it is a story of tragedy and triumph

from?

surrounding Jim’s death were something that

that mirrors the history of our country.

JV: The courage of our subjects were the

the family had never talked about openly

KA: Who were your partners for the proj-

inspiration for this film. It was the inspiration

before. It was a very emotional interview, the

ect and what did they bring to the table?

on those long 10-12 hour days in the edit lab

emotional wounds that they had buried for so

JV: Jameil Weldon had worked as a news

making such small adjustments that it didn’t

long were opened up and they allowed us to

producer at a TV station in Pittsburgh, so she

seem like we were getting anything done. I

film them. It was the most powerful moment

brought an expertise on the writing side of the

never felt like it wasn’t worth it or I was

I have ever filmed. The most surprising

storytelling, where I brought expertise on the

wasting my time because in the back of my

moment was when we were done filming

visual side of storytelling.

mind I knew how important it was to tell this

everyone said they felt a profound sense of

KA: Who came up with the idea for it?

story.

relief. They had been suffering silently for all

Due,

and

her

14

Sports

Sports in 2012 A top five countdown of the best sports moments in 2012.

BY TIMOTHY WYATT UK wins the 2012 National Championship.

Staff Writer

Dunks, touchdowns, upsets and champi-

lined due to injuries.

rumors surfaced that he was out of shape or

the most hyped. He had to win a title this

onships—we’ve seen them all this year, but

In Lin’s first five games he scored a com-

that he hadn’t seen the pool in quite some

year. If not, the Heat was a bust. But he made

not all sports moments are created the same.

bined 136 points, which, according to

time. Needless to say, he put those thoughts

true to his promise of bringing a title to the

So far, 2012 has cranked out some of the best

Discovery News, is more than any player in

to rest. Sure, 2012 wasn’t his most stellar per-

fans in South Beach; now he just has to win

storylines in sports, not to mention some of

that span of time since the NBA and ABA

formance, but even winning one gold medal

six more.

the most long-awaited ones. Here is a recap

merged in 1976. Hype around Lin grew so

is an incredible triumph and he still won four

1. Kentucky gets #8.

of the top five.

large that famous ice creamers Ben & Jerry’s

gold medals at the Olympic Games in

5. Tebow knocks off the Steelers in the

even sold a flavor called “Taste the Lin-

London.

playoffs.

Sanity” around Harvard Square in Boston

People love him; people hate him.

(his alma-mater).

Phelps announced, following this year’s

At Kentucky, basketball has always held its standard at a level that could rarely be met.

And seeing that most of the 2000s weren’t

games, that he is heading into retirement.

particularly favorable for the Cats, that stan-

Regardless of how you feel about him, he

During the height of the craze, he led the

When you’re 27 and already the “greatest of

dard was routinely unmet (see: Billy G.).

turned the Broncos’ season around. When

8-15 Knicks on a seven-game win streak

all time” in your sport, there isn’t much left to

Luckily, there is always a light at the end of

Denver slid into the Wild Card round by the

before falling to the Hornets by two points—

do. He holds 22 total Olympic medals, 18 of

the tunnel, and for Kentucky that light was

seams of their jockstraps, they were the

proving that all good things do come to an

which are gold.

John Calipari.

heavy underdog. Pittsburgh was obviously

end.

2. LeBron gets his first ring.

the better team and Roethlisberger was obvi-

3. Michael Phelps becomes most decorated

ously the better quarterback, but talent does-

Olympian in history.

n’t always win out.

With Coach Cal’s arrival in 2009 came a

From the first time “King” James ever

number one ranked recruiting class featuring

laced-up his sneakers in an NBA uniform, it

John Wall, the eventual number one overall

Michael Phelps is not a man. He is a

seems that critics have been heckling him

NBA Draft pick. In one short year, Calipari

Denver kept the score close and forced

swimming machine, and a gold-medal-win-

about not being able to win the “big one.”

had returned UK to its former glory as a

the game into overtime. Once there, some-

ning machine at that. Since the 2004

When James stepped out of Cleveland and

perennial contender.

thing

Olympics, Phelps has won at least four gold

into Miami in 2010, the hecklers only got

hit

medals every time he’s competed. During his

louder.

Demaryius Thomas on a post route with only

“breakout year” in 2008 though, he broke the

The following season, the Heat were

one man to beat. Thomas stiff-armed a

Olympic record for gold medals won at one

NBA analysts’ heavy favorites to come out of

Championship game. Anthony Davis and

defender and took the catch 80 yards for the

time by winning eight and setting world

the Eastern Conference. While the analysts

company didn’t disappoint either. When the

game-winning touchdown.

records in seven of those eight events.

were right, the team (specifically LeBron)

final buzzer sounded, after 14 long years, col-

amazing

happened.

Tim

Tebow

2010: Elite Eight. 2011: Final Four. Then finally, in 2012, Cal’s team marched into the

promised

land:

the

National

During the following years, it became

couldn’t close the deal against an aging

lege basketball’s greatest tradition sat atop

Jeremy Lin stepped into the national spot-

hard to turn on your television and not see

Dallas Mavericks team in the Finals. The

the basketball landscape as champions once

light after New York Knicks’ stars Carmelo

him. Maybe he was endorsing Subway or

hecklers bought bullhorns.

again.

Anthony and Amare Stoudemire were side-

your favorite cereal. Prior to the 2012 games,

4. “Lin-sanity.”

James’ second year in Miami proved to be

Sports

15

Very superstitious UC baseball believes

BY BRANDY NORMAN

Photo by Brandy Norman

Staff Writer

Do you get scared when you see a black

Dr. Dennis Trickett, a professor of psy-

Dr. Kristy Keefe says, “Most people, at some

tines and superstitions can clearly cause anx-

cat run in front of your car? Do you purpose-

chology at UC, states that a superstition is

point in their lifetime, engage in superstitious

iety for athletes. But is it causing real prob-

ly avoid “splitting” an object as you walk by

generally the result of coincidental reinforce-

behavior; be it wearing a particular sweatshirt

lems for them off the field?

it with another person? Is there something

ment.

to help your team win the game or avoiding

Trickett says, “Most superstitious behav-

cracks as to not cause your mother back

ior is harmless even though most people will

pain.”

agree that their behavior is irrational. In some

that you have to do every day to ensure that

“Two things occur at the same time and

luck is on your side? If you said yes to any of

the person assumes a cause-effect relation-

these, you might be a little superstitious.

ship between them. Once that coincidental

Although these old sayings seem silly and

ways the behavior becomes a self-fulfilling

Superstitions are crazy things that can

connection has been made, repeating the

strange, many people will do whatever they

prophecy – ‘I’m wearing my lucky socks …

consume anyone’s mind. Old wives tales and

behavior becomes a way of ‘controlling’ the

can to avoid certain outcomes, especially bad

I’m going to play well.’ The only time it

folklore can cause an irrational fear of almost

outcome for them,” says Trickett. “Obviously

ones. Sometimes, people can even associate

becomes problematic is when the supersti-

anything, including simple things like a lad-

they aren’t really controlling anything, but

their routines with bad things that have hap-

tions turn into obsessive rituals (as in OCD)

der. Although anyone can be affected by

they believe they are and that causes less anx-

pened so that good things will happen.

and the person feels compelled to engage in

these bizarre beliefs, athletes are more likely

iety and more confidence about their per-

to have routines set around superstitions, par-

formance.”

ticularly baseball players.

“I always draw a cross on the back of the mound before I pitch. I have done this since

the behaviors for fear of some dire catastrophe.”

Most baseball players from high school to

my grandparents passed away my sophomore

What is it about baseball and supersti-

“I played with a guy that chugged a Red

the big leagues follow the same superstitious

year of high school. When I don’t do it, I get

tions? Maybe it’s the curse of “The Great

Bull before every game, and then smashed

patterns. As a player, you don’t walk on the

really nervous because I have lost before

Bambino,” or maybe it’s just something that

the can in his face,” says UC assistant base-

foul line, you tap your bat a certain amount of

when I didn’t do it,” says UC freshman

players pick up by watching their teammates.

ball coach Colin Duffie. “That kid was nuts.”

times before hitting and you always sit in the

Landon Case.

In any case, if players can create their own

Duffie also says that in his time as a player

same spot in the dugout. However, a few

Many other players like Case, also like to

and a coach, pitchers were, and are, more

players at UC take it a little farther than that.

use the loss of a loved one as the motive for

superstitious than the rest of the players.

“I always have to put my things in my

“When I played, I always ate the same break-

locker a certain way and wear eye-black to

UC sophomore Zack McRoberts says, “I

can easily get discouraged when expectations

fast the morning before and the same dinner

every game,” says UC junior Jared Martin.

always look up to the sky and think about my

aren’t met. So, if you can break the pressure

at night before I pitched,” he said.

“Also, the way I put the tape on my wrists

summer coach that just died last January. I

by using superstitions, go ahead and knock

Even hardcore fans partake in these rou-

varies from game to game depending on the

don’t know if I’ve ever lost or won because

on the wood.

tines so that they don’t feel responsible if

outcome. If we win, I keep wearing it the

of it, but I don’t feel as good about the game

their team loses and so that they can feel a

same way, if we lose, I change it again.”

if I don’t.”

sense of achievement if their team wins.

Associate professor of psychology at UC,

their game day routines.

Not participating in these game day rou-

positive reinforcement by developing a daily routine, then let them be.

College athletes as well as non-athletes

16

Sports

The sport of soccer

More than a game; a way to help

BY ANDRES PEDRAZA

Photo by Andres Pedraza

Cedric Muteshi leads the way in the Christmas season by his thoughtfulness and generosity toward those less fortunate than himself.

Staff Writer

Many people look at soccer as only as a

involved taking the old UC uniforms that

organizing to get everything going. So he

things can bring joy to those that need it, and

sport, where the results show how good or

were going to be replaced for the 2012-13

partnered once again with his older brother

that is why soccer goes beyond the result of a

bad a team can be. Soccer, however, is not

season during this last summer to the team

Boni, a coach from the Fever Soccer Club in

game or championships. The effort put for-

only about winning or losing, but also about

that allowed him to play during his youth

Fort Wayne, Ind., who set about to collect

ward by Muteshi through soccer helped to

sharing experiences and guiding others.

years, the Green Santos.

unused cleats to take to Kenya and add them

change lives through providing a better

“Everything was a team effort,” said

to those that Muteshi had already gotten from

opportunity for those who enjoy soccer to

success, not just in the game, but in life.

Muteshi about putting his plan into action. He

his teammates. They were able to gather 29

practice which will help them to become bet-

This is the case of Patriot Soccer captain

shared his idea with the Patriot Soccer Head

pairs.

ter at the sport, but also better at life.

Cedric Muteshi, from Nairobi, Kenya.

Coach, Brenton Benware, who readily com-

“They were very happy. Their faces grinned

Muteshi had the idea of giving back to the

plied, saying, “Soccer is not just in the field,

with joy and I knew that I had done a great

soccer club that he used to play for back

but also outside, how we can contribute to

thing. The cost for uniforms is very expen-

home, the Dagoretti Green Santos, before he

society is important to reflect the kind of pro-

sive and getting one for free was like a mira-

enrolled four years ago at UC to represent the

gram we have here.”

cle,” said Muteshi about giving away the

Soccer can allow players to be examples of

Patriots.

Part of Muteshi’s way of giving back

From that moment on, Muteshi knew it was just a matter of time and a little bit of

cleats and uniforms.

What we see as regular and common

Faith & Ministry

17

BY ZAC BRUCKNER Editor-in-Chief

Get rid of stress, the biblical way The word stress isn’t in the Bible; howev-

problems and see the many (often insignifi-

ning of time, Adam and Eve lived in a gar-

stressful times coming? Prepare for it or, if

er, it does ask in Matthew 6:27 (NKJV),

cant or seemingly silly) things that He has

den: “The LORD God planted a garden east-

possible, just get out of the way. Don’t wait

“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit

done for you, like when the sun is shining,

ward in Eden, and there He put the man

until an assignment is on top of you to start

(eighteen inches) to his stature?” This verse

when an assignment is postponed or when the

whom He had formed” (Genesis 2:8). There

working on it (a sure-fire way of losing sleep

questions why you would bother to get

Caf has cinnamon raisin bagels. Psalm 75:1

is no other place where the presence of God

and getting stressed) or don’t go to that party

stressed when it doesn’t do anything for you.

says, “We give thanks to You, O God, we

can be felt more distinctly than in the world

if you know someone who aggravates you

The Bible also gives us truths like Proverbs

give thanks! For Your wondrous works

that He has given you to live in. Take your

will be there. When midterms and finals roll

17:22 which says, “A merry heart does good,

declare that Your name is near.”

time, slow your steps and enjoy the natural

around, plot your study schedule. A lot of stu-

like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the

Read some truth

world around you.

dents aren’t big on making lists or schedules,

Tell a friend

but lists can be a huge help in managing time

bones” and challenges like Psalm 125:1

Sitting down to read the Bible isn’t

which states, “Those who trust in the LORD

always easy to do when you’re stressed. It’s

While God wants you to talk to Him and

in a more efficient manner and thereby help

are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved,

too deliberately thoughtful. When you’re

tell Him your woes, remember that He’s also

you to get more done with less stress. Don’t

but abides forever.”

stressed, you don’t usually feel like sitting

given you friends in your life for a reason.

let stress take you by surprise; be ready for it.

Here are a few tips about how to get rid of

down and contemplating life, but with a con-

Jesus Himself had 12 close disciples for com-

Move

the stress that is wearing you down with some

scious, prayerful reading of God’s word, you

panions while on earth, and out of those 12

This doesn’t have to be exercise strictly

verses to encourage and help you through the

can be confronted with a truth that will con-

there were three that were particularly close.

speaking, but physical exertion is a great way

process:

front, challenge or comfort you. For example,

All of your friends don’t need to know your

to channel heightened emotions out of the

Pray

this not so well-known verse in Psalm 56:8

problems, but having one or two close friends

body. Go for a walk, a run, a bike ride or,

As a follower of Christ, one of the most

says, “You number my wanderings; put my

can be a good boon for you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-

even better, go for a hike. I Timothy 4:8 says,

important things you can do when you’re in

tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your

10 says, “Two are better than one … for if

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godli-

trouble is to cry out to your heavenly Father.

book?” God is with you so often and cares so

they fall, one will lift up his companion. But

ness is profitable for all things.” Spiritual

Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in Him at all times,

much about you that He keeps all of your

woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he

health and physical health often reflect each

you people; pour out your heart before Him;

tears in a bottle. How amazing is that? God’s

has no one to help him up.” Life is a commu-

other, so don’t forget the physical and focus

God is a refuge for us.” God wants to hear

word is a powerful letter written to you and is

nal and social activity, so don’t think that you

wholly on the spiritual. Physical health is also

what is happening to you. He wants you to

readily available and is the most direct way

have to handle it all on your own.

important to God. So if you’ve got some agi-

come to Him like you would a friend, confid-

He can speak to you. The psalmist also says,

Listen to music

tated energy, get out of your room or the

ing in Him all the things that are weighing

“My soul clings to the dust; revive me

you down. God cares a great deal about you.

according to Your word” (Ps. 119:25).

music is best. Lyrics can be more distracting

That saying may have lost a lot of its weight

Get out in nature

And not just any music, instrumental

library and expend that energy by burning some calories.

when you are trying to relax than you might

Whatever the stress may be and whatever

Get away. Leave the campus, the bustle

realize, so find an instrument you enjoy lis-

you do to let it go, remember this: “Which of

cant.

and the technology behind and escape some-

tening to or playing and just sit back and be

you by worrying can add one cubit to his

Give thanks

where like Cumberland Falls or Indian

still. Psalm 81:2 says, “Raise a song and

stature?” Stressing won’t do you any good

over the years, but its truth is no less signifi-

Although it may seem strange to make a

Mountain State Park in Jellico. A friend or

strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the

because it doesn’t change anything; you’ve

point to be thankful when feeling down, if

two can go with you, but don’t make it a big

lute.”

got to be prudent and choose to lean on God’s

you start thanking God for all that you have

group. If you don’t have time to leave cam-

Take the initiative

wisdom and strength, not your own.

and the things that He has done, you may find

pus, just get a blanket and soak in the sun.

Proverbs 22:3 states, “A prudent man

that your heart will feel considerably lighter,

Savor the solitude and overall stillness and

foresees evil and hides himself, but the sim-

because you’ll be able to see outside your

beauty that God’s creation has. In the begin-

ple pass on and are punished.” Can you see

18

Photos

game day at Cumberlands Photos by Brandy Norman

Senior Dekeldric Felton steps away from his team to get prepared for his last home game on Nov. 17.

Drum Majors Tyler Vaughn and Sarah Wheeler lead the UC Marching Patriotsaround the track for the football game.

Photos

19 Freshman Whitney Davis is all smiles as she waits for the game to start.

After playing hard, the Patriots come out and win the game 42 - 24.

Painted Patriot fans cheer on the football team against the MidAmerica Nazarene Unviersity Pioneers.

20

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

The first issue of The Patriot Newspaper made its debut an entire decade ago on November 20, 2002. To mark the campus newspaper’s 10th anniversary, we decided to catch up with some of the former members of our staff. From publishing novels to writing for Rolling Stone to teaching in Japan, just to name a few, we think they’re all up to amazing things these days. Where they are now just might surprise you.

Kelly Foreman The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

KF: After college, I worked for The Times

KF: My favorite journalism quote is, “There

Tribune daily newspaper in Corbin and the

is no news in the newsroom.” In other words,

KF: I am a Public Information Officer in the

Southeast Kentucky Family magazine. I then

you can’t find out what’s going on in the

Kelly Foreman: I began working with The

Communication Office of the Kentucky

moved on to the Richmond Register daily

world around you by sitting at a desk and

Patriot in its infancy in spring 2002, as a

Department of Criminal Justice Training. My

newspaper in Richmond, Ky. Because of

waiting for the phone to ring. Get out, talk to

group of us began discussing re-creating the

primary responsibility is writing features for

today’s digital nature of newspapers, the

people, build relationships with people in the

campus newspaper and cultivated its cre-

our Kentucky Law Enforcement Magazine. I

Associated Press and the CNHI news service,

know and be a journalist who can be trusted.

ation. From the fall 2002 semester until I

also moonlight as a children’s clothing

some articles from those papers have been

It is so important to establish a name for

graduated in 2004, I served as The Patriot’s

designer with my company, Faith & Fancy.

carried across the nation. As previously men-

yourself as someone who is easy to work

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

tioned, I also write today for the Kentucky

with. Because when the hard stories crop up,

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

Law Enforcement magazine, and those arti-

the people who run from the other media will

you get to where you are today?

cles have been re-published in a variety of

answer the phone when you call if you have

publications. I have written for newsletters,

earned their respect.

editor-in-chief.

TP: Which story that you covered at The Patriot first comes to mind? Why? KF: The Patriot was a pivotal point in my

blogs and other Internet publications as well.

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

KF: The story that always comes to mind for

journalistic path. It led me to make connec-

me is when the beam of steel from the World

tions which led me to my first post-college

TP: What do you remember most from your

Trade Center was brought to campus by

career job. It helped me to learn about man-

experience at the campus newspaper?

Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley. As

agement, organization, deadlines, responsi-

most people do who lived through the Sept.

bility, controversy and the craft of creating a

KF: Stress, followed by accomplishment. It

it all in and remember each day that four

11 terrorist attacks in 2001, I remember

publication. My dreams of being a working

was hard work, I think even more so because

years pass in the blink of an eye. Get

exactly where I was when the planes hit – on

writer were guided into reality because of

we were making up the rules as we went

involved, work hard, have fun and make the

campus in the BCC. The emotional impact of

The Patriot.

along.

most of it.

personal one for me. It also was the first time

TP: Where has your work been published

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

I had an opportunity to cover a topic that

since your time at UC?

you’ve actually followed?

such a hurry to get out in the real world. Take

bringing a piece of the terror home was a very

affected people on a national level.

KF: Enjoy your time in college! Don’t be in

Celebrating 10 Years

21

Where are they now?

Tiffany Sokolowski

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

Tiffany Sokolowski: Assistant Editor -

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

pers throughout Central Kentucky in addition

you’ve actually followed?

TS: I am the circulation manager at The

to working at The Richmond Register and

Winchester Sun Newspaper.

The Winchester Sun. I am currently working on a novel and

degree you are trying to attain. Are you

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

other personal writing adventures on the side,

majoring in something that's becoming obso-

you get to where you are today?

as well.

lete? Are you going somewhere that there

2002-2003.

Editor-in-Chief - 2003-Fall 2005.

TS: I have been freelancing at many newspa-

will be jobs in your future? We all hear that

TP: Which story that you covered at The Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

TS: The Patriot molded me into a well-

TP: What do you remember most from your

the newspaper industry is dying.

rounded newspaper person. I was able to

experience at the campus newspaper?

dying, it's changing and we have to be able to change and adapt with it.

TS: The "vs." columns that I did with

dabble in all different types of roles at The

Jeremiah first come to mind.

We always

Patriot. Learning a little about stories, photg-

TS: I remember loving every minute of the

found something interesting to debate about...

raphy, layout, working with reporters, work-

hustle and bustle of it! My favorite memory

whether it be the colors blue and pink or

ing with advisors, etc., all helped me find my

was the early morning pick up of the newspa-

something more pertinent like Frosty and

place in the newspaper world.

per and getting to hold that fresh copy in my

Rudolph at Christmastime.

TS: Look at the real world application of the

hands, knowing how much went into it. The

I also really

enjoyed being able to "take a stand" in Letters

TP: Where has your work been published

finished product (even today at my real world

from the Editor.

since your time at UC?

job) is still very rewarding.

It's not

22

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

Jolina Petersheim

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

and getting pretty feisty about it. It was one

Green Gables.” I thought that series was a

CAB. They watched movies like “Edward

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

of the reasons I realized was not cut out for

classic before college (sorry, Dr. Fish).

Scissorhands” and munched snacks. I would peek out of the office and admire Johnny

inverted pyramid, black-and-white journalJolina Petersheim: 2004-2008: I was a

ism, but for fiction.

work-study student my freshman year (wrote two articles per edition). After I became an

TP: Where has your work been published

Depp before snatching something and scurry-

since your time at UC?

ing back to my hole.

JP: I've had the privilege of meeting a com-

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve actually followed?

TP: What are you doing now?

RA in Gillespie and gave up my work-study, I submitted articles that Heather Mays, the

JP: I live in the foothills of the Cumberland

munity of authors who are very supportive of

editor, accepted regardless of the subjects

Mountains with my Mohican-man husband

each other. Through them, my writing's been

buzzing around in my head. Bless her.

and our darling baby girl (who is a slightly

featured on the radio, a nonfiction book,

JP: Be concise! Don't muddle your message

smaller version of him, but without the

small literary journals, and creative writing

with extraneous words and compound modi-

TP: Which story that you covered at The

scruffies). I am a happy work-at-home mom

websites. My blog, The Happy Book Blog, is

fiers (right, Mrs. Worthington?). I still strug-

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

whose debut novel, “The Outcast: a modern

syndicated with the on-line edition of The

gle with this but, thankfully, have a wonder-

retelling of The Scarlet Letter,” will be

Tennessean. My novel, of course, is the crazi-

ful editor in my husband, who sees my first

JP: My first story was about UC alumnus and

released with Tyndale House in June 2013.

est

drafts even before my fiction team at

Olympic wrestler, Toccara Montgomery. I

Getting to tend my child and create stories

Sometimes I pinch myself . . . or let my

will always remember that article, because

while she sleeps is a dream come true. I know

daughter do it.

(1.) I was terrified to interview Tocarra. I

I am blessed.

publishing

experience

I've

had.

Tyndale.

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

TP: What do you remember most from your

knew if I asked the wrong question, she could put me in a pretzel hold in a second flat. (2.)

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

I wrote this long, passionate description

you get to where you are today?

experience at the campus newspaper?

JP: Go after your dreams but, in the process, don't forget those who are your life. When the

JP: I remember spray painting filing cabinets

glamor fades, they will still be standing

ect." that got chopped before going to print. I

JP: It helped me learn how to write more like

black in frigid weather as we prepared the

beside you.

remember reading the new version in the

Hemingway and less like--well, L.M.

new office in the lower BBC. Once we

cafeteria (albeit far, far better than my own)

Montgomery, who is the author of “Anne of

moved, I loved that our office was so close to

about the "fire in her eyes, rippling muscles,

Celebrating 10 Years

23

Where are they now?

Rachel Worley

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

RW: I am currently living in Japan and teachRachel Worley: I was a staff writer at The

ing English to junior high school and elemen-

Patriot from 2007-2009.

tary students.

TP: Which story that you covered at The

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

you get to where you are today?

in a journalistic style helps them to follow

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

what I say. I give them clear, concise infor-

you’ve actually followed?

mation in order of most important to least.

RW: The best piece of advice I ever received TP: What do you remember most from your

was from an elderly man who said, “You

experience at the campus newspaper?

know all those things you've always wanted to do? Do them.

RW: Being a staff reporter at The Patriot taught me to looker deeper into events and

RW: Since I also took creative writing and

RW: My time with The Patriot increased my

people. The real story is usually not what you

journalism courses, I can’t remember which

skills as a writer and my understanding of the

see on surface. This has been beneficial to me

stories I actually submitted to The Patriot and

English language. This has proved helpful as

while abroad because it has helped me to

which were used.

I teach English. Also, my students have a

understand foreign cultures and people better.

short attention span and so speaking to them

24

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

Heather Conley

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

tiful. You will have a deeper appreciation for

TP: What are you doing now?

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

HC: I’m an English teacher at North Laurel

TP: What do you remember most from your

what you have. It may even change your

experience at the campus newspaper?

mind set on the world around you.

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

Heather Conley: I was part of The Patriot

High School in London, KY. I live in London

from 2005-2008. I was the layout editor and

with my husband—Janson Conley—my

HC: I remember the friendships and spend-

then the assistant editor.

son—Brody—and our two dogs.

ing time in the office the most. I miss the people that worked at The Patriot. We don’t

HC: The Patriot is definitely a chapter in my

TP: Which story that you covered at The

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

get to see or speak to each other very often,

life that will always hold special memories

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

you get to where you are today?

but when we do, it’s as though nothing has

for me. I learned a lot about myself as a

changed. I still consider my co-workers as

writer, editor and person through my time

close and dear friends.

with the newspaper.

HC: I wrote a column on wedding planning

HC: I was always afraid of writing, even

during the 05-06 school year while I was

though I was an English major. The Patriot

planning for my own wedding. It was the

helped me to relax about my own writing and

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

first time I had ever written anything for the

not worry so much about letting others see

you’ve actually followed?

paper. It was fun to help others who were

what I had to say. I learned a lot about writ-

sharing my experiences. Now I have a way

ing and editing from doing the work first-

HC: Travel. See as much of the world as you

to remember that time in my life.

hand. I also learned a lot of neat computer

can. The world does not exist in a bubble

tricks.

inside of Kentucky. Other cultures are beau-

Celebrating 10 Years

25

Where are they now?

Ryan Reed

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

RR: When I enrolled at UC, I had no idea

ried for two-and-a-half years.

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

TP: What are you doing now?

TP: Where has your work been published

what my career--or life--would be like upon

since your time at UC?

graduation. I always wanted to write about music, but I wasn't brave enough to venture

Ryan: I contributed to The Patriot during most of my college career. If I'm not mistak-

RR: I do a lot of things. First and foremost,

RR: I think this covers it: Rolling Stone,

off to some far-away journalism program and

en, my first piece (an album review of The

I'm a freelance music journalist. I write

Billboard, Paste, eMusic, A.V. Club, Boston

take that plunge. I was complacent and

Beatles' “LOVE”) was published in late

album reviews, concert reviews, Q+A stories,

Phoenix, Metro Pulse (Knoxville), Chicago

unsure of myself. When I met my wife,

2006. I wrote quite a few reviews for The

and feature stories for tons of online and print

Reader,

Ultimate

everything changed: It wasn't a direct piece

Patriot before I graduated in 2009.

publications. (I also write movie reviews on

Classic Rock, American Songwriter, Relix,

of advice; it was a feeling of compassion and

Interview

Magazine,

occasion--something I hope to do more of in

BLURT, LEO Weekly (Lousiville), Filter,

mutual understanding. Jenifer gave me the

TP: Which story that you covered at The

the future.) In addition, I teach adjunct class-

Under the Radar, Consequence of Sound (for-

courage to pursue my dream, to be unafraid

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

es for UC: currently two Public Speaking

mer Associate Editor), PopMatters (current

of failure. Without her, I wouldn't be where I

courses and one writing course in the IEP

Associate Music Editor), Glide, Cleveland

am today, and I can't thank her enough.

RR: I have a pretty cool story to share. One

program. I live in Knoxville, TN with my

Scene, American Noise, AU, Culturedeluxe,

I got lucky.

of my first stories for The Patriot was a

wife and my Brittany Spaniel, Tegan.

The Line of Best Fit, Critical Mob, Skope, It's

review of Radiohead's 2007 album, In Rainbows. Radiohead were--and are--one of

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

my very favorite bands, so it was a really big

you get to where you are today?

deal for me to write about them. I was so

a Trap!

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

TP: What do you remember most from your

RR: Go for it--whatever "it" is. When I look

experience at the campus newspaper?

back on my Patriot days, I only wish I'd worked harder for what I wanted. If you're a

excited when the review was published. That

RR: The Patriot gave me my first real writing

same week, I got a Facebook message from a

experience. I grew substantially as a writer

RR: I remember the pure excitement of flip-

writer, write every day. If you're a photogra-

girl who also went to UC--her name was

during my college years, and The Patriot

ping the pages and seeing my name in print

pher, take pictures every day. If you're an

Jenifer Thoele. She'd read my review ran-

gave me a platform to hone my skills before I

for the first time. It was an incredible rush.

artist, create art every day. Don't waste time.

domly while she was waiting on one of her

entered "the real world" of journalism.

friends to come out of her dorm room. She

Without my experiences at The Patriot, I

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

told me she loved the review, and I thanked

probably would have lacked the confidence

you’ve actually followed?

her. Jenifer is now my wife--we've been mar-

to pursue a career in journalism.

26

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

Grant Doepel

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

GD: I currently work as a Digital Marketing

time experience never would have happened

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

without The Patriot. So in short, The Patriot

you’ve actually followed?

helped make my life the bomb-diggity.

GD: Don't be afraid of failing. Sometimes

Grant Doepel: I'm pretty sure it was January

Specialist for Naked Lime in the Cincinnati,

2007 to May 2009. And I was layout editor

Ohio area. I get to play on Facebook, Twitter

TP: What do you remember most from your

the best lessons we learn come from the times

and then editor-in-chief.

and Google all day long...and get paid for it.

experience at the campus newspaper?

we have failed. Be brave in whatever your

TP: Which story that you covered at The

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

GD: I remember spending pretty much every

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

you get to where you are today?

free moment I had in the newspaper office. At

endeavor becomes.

that time we had a crazy amount of people GD: The most memorable for me was when

GD: I'd say the main way The Patriot helped

working on the paper in general, so some-

Kaitlin Gotch and I stayed up all night of the

me was by teaching me how to work in a pro-

times that office got a bit crowded. However,

2008 election writing stories and doing cov-

fessional environment successfully. I was

the majority of my time wasn't spent writing

erage. Not only was that awesome, but we

given such a creative blanket when it came to

or editing articles (surprisingly), instead it

managed to have the paper out the following

running the paper that it allowed me to

was always spent using the "eraser" tool on

day in a special election edition. It might not

explore so many possibilities creatively to

Photoshop to constantly change our page

sound that impressive now, but we were pret-

expand the paper and myself at the same

headers for the upcoming issue. We printed a

ty dang proud of what we accomplished. And

time. The Patriot also helped me earn an

ton of issues over the course of those two

the articles, I like to think, were very biparti-

internship with Fox News in Washington,

years and there was never any down time.

san as well.

D.C. and I truly believe that once-in-a-life-

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Celebrating 10 Years

27

Where are they now?

Kendra Peek

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

County News, UT’s The Beacon and TNJN,

KP: Just keep at it and have faith. I believe

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

KP: I currently live near Danville, Kentucky,

and The Advocate Messenger.

strongly in God and that He has a plan. There

which is where I am working as a staff writer

TP: What do you remember most from your

were times after college when I thought

Kendra: My time at The Patriot was from

for The Advocate Messenger, a daily newspa-

experience at the campus newspaper?

things were going to work and times when I

2007 to 2010. I started as a staff writer (casu-

per.

KP: A lot of blood, sweat and tears.

God knew it all along and, eventually, I trust-

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

Seriously, though, there was something awe-

ed Him enough to see that. It seemed the

you get to where you are today?

some about seeing all your hard work: weeks

moment I stopped fighting Him, things would

of planning the issues, meeting the staff, writ-

work out. So have faith. Even if it feels like

KP: Working at The Patriot armed me with a

ing the articles, arranging layout, harassing

you're going to wind up sleeping on your par-

ally), then the news editor, and finally the managing editor.

TP: Which story that you covered at The Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

thought things were going to fall apart, but

slew of articles and experience, so that when

writers, editing the articles and so many other

ents' couch forever or have to eat ramen for

KP: I always think of some of those from my

I walked into my interview, I was able to

aspects; there was something about finally

every meal, it will get better. Take it from

senior year. For example, Ms. Connie

show them what I had done and the quality of

seeing the finished product. Part of the reason

someone who's been there.

Howard received the National Death

my work. Don’t ever doubt the things you

I love print, as much as it may soon be a lost

Educator of the Year award, and I was given

can learn on your college staff, no matter the

form, is that is tangible. You can hold it in

the task of writing about her. She was a pro-

size of the school or paper. At the end of the

your hands and smell the paper. It also is a

fessor I had heard a great deal about, but

day, some things have to be experienced and

community effort; not one person can do it

KP: Not really. Another bit of advice, per-

never had the opportunity to meet, until then.

writing is one of those things. Also, having a

all. There's a bond forged when you have to

haps. That would be, get outside of yourself.

Ms. Howard is quite inspirational in her quest

portfolio of any kind is better than not having

work for hours on end with others as you

Try something new, go somewhere new, meet

to help others through some of their toughest

one at all, so keep it all and make it look nice.

push to get this thing finished and in people's

someone new. Break out of your routine,

hands.

which is easy to fall into in college, and try

times. There are others like that, individuals that are doing things, which are completely

TP: Where has your work been published

ordinary to them, but rather surprising to the

since your time at UC?

rest of us. I love finding those stories.

KP: I have been published in The Casey

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

something different. There's a world out there TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

to be seen and experienced, all you have to do

you’ve actually followed?

is go for it.

28

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

Kate McKnight

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

a better future. This story showed me what

would interest my peers. I viewed the paper

KM: I remember our campus newspaper

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

journalism, for me, is all about: telling the

as a sort of personal challenge, particularly

group being like a family. We all had our dif-

stories of the everyday people and events of

when I had to break out of my introverted

ferences and didn’t always like each other,

Kate: I was part of The Patriot from 2007 to

our communities in order to incite action, cre-

bubble of comfort and interview people, but

but we were too small of a group to stay mad

2011. I started as a staff writer then became

ate purpose, and give hope.

it also showed me I love journalistic writing

and had to come together to get an issue out.

and sharing the untold stories of people I

I especially remember our times of celebra-

meet. I plan to continue writing and to use

tion and fellowship together, whether a picnic

journalism in the classroom to teach my

at the Falls or a pizza party in the Grace Crum

future students about language and writing.

lobby.

entertainment editor and worked as assistant manager part of my senior year.

TP: What are you doing now?

TP: Which story that you covered at The

KM: I am currently living with my husband

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

in Williamsburg, Kentucky, and working as a secretary on campus until I finish my mas-

TP: Where has your work been published

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

KM: Two stories first come to mind. I wrote

ter’s degree in teaching this spring. After that,

since your time at UC?

you’ve actually followed?

a feature on Heath Ledger soon after his

we’re hoping to teach English abroad wher-

death. That was my first big piece and made

ever God leads us.

KM: The Kentucky Philological Review

KM: I never had a clear-cut idea of what I

recently contacted me about publishing a ver-

wanted to do career-wise, so the best piece of

second story was a feature I wrote about

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

sion of my paper, “A Story That’s Truer Than

advice I’ve followed most recently in my life

Reclaiming Futures, a local organization, and

you get to where you are today?

True:” A Linguistic Exploration of Lee

is to find what you love to do, what you can

Smith’s Oral History, which I presented at the

do well, and what people will pay you to do.

me realize I love writing about people. The

really a network of individuals, who were working with at-risk young men in the area. I

KM: I joined The Patriot my freshman year

KPA conference last spring. I submitted my

When you discover where those three condi-

spent a lot of time observing karate lessons,

because I was looking for ways to get

edited final copy of the essay last week, so

tions intersect, you have found your dream

tutoring sessions, and group therapy discus-

involved on campus and because I loved to

hopefully that will be my first published

job. You may not know the end result of that

sions, and I was able to attend a banquet

write. The Patriot helped me increase the

work soon.

dream, but stick to the path it takes you down

where the volunteers, professionals, and

scope of my writing skills and increased my

community leaders who started this program

creativity because instead of writing wordy

TP: What do you remember most from your

were served dinner by the same young men

essays on literary topics, I was writing in

experience at the campus newspaper?

who now had a support system and hope for

straightforward language about topics that

and enjoy the journey.

Celebrating 10 Years

29

Where are they now?

Sarah Denison

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

a lot of time on a piece of literary journalism,

SD: My time with the Patriot challenged me

small office in the afternoons, and staying up

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

which is a genre I’ve discovered I love. It was

and grew my leadership ability and commu-

late rushing to finish an issue.

also really interesting to interview the profes-

nication skills. In addition to giving me the

Sarah Denison: I was involved with The

sors and faculty who knew Dr. Boswell and

confidence to apply to the Peace Corps, these

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

Patriot from fall 2008 through spring 2012. I

to learn more about UC’s past.

are all skills that have been incredibly useful

you’ve actually followed?

to me during my training and service.

have been a writer, photographer, assistant design editor, copy writer and my last year, I

SD: Something my dad always told me was

TP: What are you doing now?

was editor-in-chief.

SD: Right now I am a Peace Corps volunteer

TP: What do you remember most from your

to never quit once you started something.

experience at the campus newspaper?

This advice has gotten me through working at the Patriot as well as other aspects of my life.

TP: Which story that you covered at The

in Guinea (West Africa). I’m living in a vil-

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

lage called Khorira teaching middle school

SD: My favorite memory of the Patriot is our

English.

trip to the journalism conference in Indianapolis. It was a good bonding experi-

SD: I wrote an article about Boswell Park for a literary journalism class with Marianne

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

ence and we had so much fun. I also have

Worthington. It was the first time I had spent

you get to where you are today?

fond memories of everyone crowding into the

30

Celebrating 10 Years

Where arey they now?

Marc Webb

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

love and passion for Christian rock. It was

I always knew that I liked to write. The

printed. It’s hard to describe. But, you just

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

definitely a surreal experience by having the

Patriot inspired me to constantly write and

have this mixed feeling of anxiety and joy

former lead singer of my favorite group call

have a voice about the things I love.

when you see your work published. All the

Marc Webb: I contributed to The Patriot

me on the phone and do a 30-minute inter-

from January of 2011 to December of 2011. I

view.

served as an entertainment writer, photogra-

hard work and long hours definitely feel TP: Where has your work been published

worth it when you read your name in the

since your time at UC?

byline.

MW: I’ve had four Christian rock album

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve actually followed?

TP: What are you doing now?

pher and copy editor.

TP: Which story that you covered at The

MW: I am currently living in Shelbyville,

reviews published in Fruit Magazine. This

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

Kentucky.

Christian publication is strictly for inner city

I am pursuing a Master of

Divinity Degree in Christian Ministry at the

and at-risk kids in Texas.

I also run a

MW: I don’t know if this necessarily counts

MW: The story that immediately comes to

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and

Christian rock blog. I post everything from

as advice, but I try to live by it every day.

mind is my interview with Peter Furler, the

studying to become a pastor.

artist interviews to artist testimonies to even

Stephen King said, “If you want to be a

some top ten lists. My site recently surpassed

writer, you must do two things above all oth-

90,000 views in just over two years.

ers: read a lot and write a lot.”

TP: What do you remember most from your

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

former lead singer of the Newsboys. After numerous phone calls, emails and a little help

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

from Jeremiah Massengale, I managed to

you get to where you are today?

land an interview with Furler. The Newboys

experience at the campus newspaper?

have always been my favorite band. I still

MW: That’s a good question. By going to

remember seeing them in concert for the first

Seminary, I am not pursuing a career in jour-

time when I was in middle school.

nalism. But, I think my time at The Patriot

MW: The main thing I remember is having a

really helped to foster a love for writing.

special feeling each time a new issue was

The

Newsboys played a huge part in shaping my

MW: Everyone should read The Patriot!

Celebrating 10 Years

31

Where are they now?

Setera Sears

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

SS: I am in my first year of the Clinical

enjoyed my writing. It felt really good to

and working with the staff. Even though my

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

Psychology Ph.D. program at UC.

make them proud of my work. Also, I was

focus in school is Psychology now, I still

asked to be a part of the cover for the last edi-

wouldn’t trade my time with The Patriot because it was an amazing opportunity!

Setera Sears: I wrote for The Patriot from

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

tion of my senior year, and it was a really big

2010-2012. I was a staff writer and did some

you get to where you are today?

honor to me and helped make my graduation special.

copy editing.

SS: Writing for The Patriot has helped my TP: Which story that you covered at The

writing in general. It’s helped me to be clear

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

and concise and also helped me to meet dead-

you’ve actually followed?

lines.

SS: Don’t wait until the last minute to get

SS: The feature I did on Mollie Creech,

something done! I definitely have to follow

which was for a feature series on graduating seniors. I feel like it was my best work and

TP: What do you remember most from your

feature writing is my favorite.

experience at the campus newspaper?

this advice now in my graduate program.

TP: Anything else you’d like to add?

TP: What are you doing now?

SS: I loved when I wrote a story about someone and that person told me how much they

SS: I really enjoyed writing for The Patriot

32

Celebrating 10 Years

Where are they now?

Kristin Gotch

ence. I think it gave me confidence to be able

KG: I remember so many things... The

to write material that would be available to

Patriot was a wonderful community and a

KG: I’m a graduate student in the MFA in

the public. I think it helped me form a con-

great learning experience for me.

Kristin Gotch: I was involved with The

Creative

Eastern

sciousness for time management and meeting

Patriot from 2009-2012. I served as staff

Washington University. My emphasis is in

deadlines. I also find that being a journalist

TP: What’s the best piece of advice that

writer/photographer, design editor, editor-in-

poetry. I am also an English 101 instructor for

helps me to be a better poet. I can write con-

you’ve actually followed?

chief and online editor.

the English Composition Department at

cisely. I can maintain focus. I am also more

The Patriot: What years did you contribute

TP: What are you doing now?

to The Patriot and what role(s) did you play?

Writing

program

at

EWU, and I am currently involved with

conscious of how elements in my work are

KG: I think the piece of wisdom that I con-

TP: Which story that you covered at The

Willow Springs (the literary magazine). I

functioning to reach a “universal” audience.

tinually return to is Jeremiah’s advice, “Done

Patriot first comes to mind? Why?

live in Cheney, Washington, which is a small

Working in editorial positions also provided

is good.” I still use this advice as I make les-

town just outside of Spokane. I drink coffee

me with much of the leadership skills that I

son plans and write papers for my own class-

KG: I remember a few stories...but I proba-

and grade papers at the Red Rooster Coffee

now use to manage my classroom.

es (of course I could follow it more than I do,

bly most fondly remember one of my first

Co. I really enjoy listening to live music in

interviews. It was with Dr. Robert Reising on

the city. I read a large number of books on a

TP: Where has your work been published

poetry—partly because Walt Whitman has

a book he was writing about a professional

weekly basis. I ride the bus a lot, and I enjoy

since your time at UC?

taught me that poetry is never finished...).

baseball player. I sat in his office for, literal-

running in the forest when it’s not too cold.

and I still haven’t been able to apply it to

Honestly, it saves me sometimes; I even lend KG: My work has been published in the

ly, two hours while he talked about his book.

There was no way I was going to tell him I

TP: How did your time with The Patriot help

Corbin Times Tribune, the Western Recorder,

was late for class. It was not only one of the

you get to where you are today?

PopMatters, and Still: The Journal.

also one of the most entertaining. His passion

KG: I think that The Patriot prepared me for

TP: What do you remember most from your

was astounding.

what I’m doing now in that it was really my

experience at the campus newspaper?

longest interviews I have ever conducted but

first writing and publishing/editing experi-

my composition students this same advice.

Technology

33

Tech Talk

Solid State Drives: is speed or size more important?

Mac Book Air.

BY CALEB VANDER ARK Staff Writer

If you have recently looked at purchasing

thousands of gigabytes of storage space.

times faster to a hundred times faster than

greater speeds and reliability, I would suggest

a new laptop, you may have noticed the

However, HDDs have the unfortunate disad-

normal HDDs depending on the application.

looking for a new laptop with a solid state

advent of what are known as “ultrabooks.”

vantage of being rather volatile in nature and

I installed an SSD in my personal laptop

Billed as thin, fast and incredibly portable,

susceptible to damage from moisture and

and the difference in speed was immediately

If you want to meet in the middle, look for a

this new form-factor is starting to gain trac-

accidental drops. They are also a bit slow, as

evident when Windows 7 loaded in less than

model with “hybrid” storage. These laptops

tion as people demand thinner and lighter

it relies on reading data from a spinning disc.

17 seconds. They draw less power, create less

usually utilize a small 24 gigabyte SSD to

notebooks.

On the plus side, HDDs are incredibly cheap,

heat and weigh less, which makes them per-

store the operating system, thus increasing

Popular models such as the Macbook Air, the

with 1,000 gigabyte models costing as little

fect for laptops. Unfortunately, SSDs are also

load times, while also employing a 500 or

Asus Zenbook and HP’s ENVY line are start-

as $75.

drive.

relatively small and expensive. While you

750 gigabyte traditional hard drive for maxi-

In recent years, another method of data

can get a 1,000 gigabyte HDD for about $75,

mum storage.

A key ingredient in the success of the

storage has risen up as an alternative to tradi-

that same amount of money would only buy

ultrabook is the widespread adaption of solid

tional HDDs. Solid State Drives, or SSDs,

about a 120 gigabyte SSD.

state technology. Traditionally, computers of

rely on solid state flash memory for storage;

Ultimately, you need to look at your per-

all types stored user data and other informa-

similar to an USB Drive or an MP3 player,

sonal needs when considering what type of

tion on a hard disc drive, or HDD. An HDD

but on a much larger scale.

storage to get in your new laptop. If you rely

ing to take the spotlight.

stores information on a spinning platter or

SSDs enjoy many immense advantages

on your laptop for storing thousands of pic-

over traditional HDDs. Because they have no

tures, videos and music files you may want to

Over the years HDDs have grown expo-

moving parts, they are incredibly reliable and

stick with the higher capacities of an HDD.

nentially in size, now reaching volumes of

accident-proof. They are anywhere from ten

disc similar to a CD or DVD.

If, however, you would prefer much

Based on my experience, I would encourage looking for an SSD-only laptop or ultrabook. You will notice and appreciate the difference.

34

Technolegy

Tech Talk A Christmas buying guide for laptops and tablets Christmas is just around the corner, and that means great deals on all sorts of tech

store and try out the different laptops to see

an additional $40 will get you a Nexus 7, and

dock.)

which models feel best to you.

that extra $40 is more than worth it.

Smartphones

products. However, before you splurge and

Keep away from HP, Dell and Acer

Both Apple and Android have over

The smartphone market is primarily dom-

buy that latest and greatest piece of technolo-

though as these companies tend to fall below

600,000 apps available. Windows tablets are

inated by Apple and Android. Both varieties

gy, here are some simple guidelines to help

average on reliability and customer satisfac-

new on the scene. Though they are as expen-

are excellent and it really comes down to per-

you in your search.

tion. Look for deals on amazon.com and

sive as Apple’s tablets, they feature a full-

sonal preference.

Laptops

newegg.com. These two stores generally

fledged operating system in the form of

Apple’s iPhone is smaller, but it features

have some of the best prices on laptops.

Windows 8. The Windows tablets generally

a more unified system across the rest of the

Tablets

First, decide what operating system you

have some of the best build quality. They also

Apple product line as well as integration with

The world of tablets has been shaken up

have SD card slots, USB ports and video out-

iTunes. It is a bit pricier than its Android

recently by Microsoft’s new operating sys-

put ports. If productivity and flexibility are

counterparts though.

If you prefer an Apple operating system,

tem: Windows 8. This has opened up quite a

key, then Windows is the way to go. If you

Android phones tend to have a larger

your only choice is to buy a Macbook. These

few opportunities for consumers. Now, one

can, try the different models out and find

screen and are more suitable if you want a

laptops are generally more expensive, but

can choose between an Android, Apple or

which one is best for you.

better web browsing experience or like to

usually have a higher quality construction.

Windows tablet. Each system has its own

Apple’s customer service is excellent, though

strengths and weaknesses.

feel the most comfortable with, either Apple or Microsoft Windows. Neither is really inherently better than the other.

their reliability is somewhat lacking.

Apple’s iPads are some of the most popu-

The following are some basic recommen-

watch movies on your phone. Android

dations for tablets:

phones also come in all shapes and sizes to

Android

meet various tastes.

On the Windows front, the best brands are

lar tablets. They are well built, reliable and

7 inch: Google Nexus 7. $200 for the 32GB

Asus, Samsung, Toshiba and Lenovo. These

fun to use. However, they are also a bit

model

brands historically have the best reliability

expensive compared to competitors, and the

and better than average customer service.

operating system itself is aging a bit.

Microsoft and Blackberry are attempting to stage a comeback with their respective

Kindle Fire HD (7-inch model). $200 for

operating systems, but I would recommend waiting until they mature a bit more.

the 16GB model

The following are a few basic recommen-

9 or 10 inch: Google Nexus 10. $400 for the

When looking for a laptop, choose mod-

Android tablets are cheaper, though many

els with an Intel processer. If you will be

do not quite match the build quality of the

using your laptop primarily for word process-

iPad. They have a pretty robust operating sys-

ing, listening to music and web browsing,

tem that is better oriented for a cross between

the 16GB model

Android

buy a model with an Intel Core i3 or i5

play and productivity. However, beware dirt

Apple

-

processer. If you will be doing any sort of

cheap Android tablets. If it’s less than $200,

7 inch: The iPad mini is priced too high to be

$150 - $200 for 16GB. Verizon, ATT, Sprint

gaming or video/photo editing, go for an Intel

stay away. Tablets falling under the $200

competitive

-

Core i5 or i7 processer as well as a dedicated

mark have extremely poor quality, reliability

10 inch: iPad. $500 for the 16GB model.

screen. $150 - $200 for 16GB. Verizon

Nvidia or AMD graphics processing unit.

and user satisfaction.

Windows

-

dations for smartphones: (note that prices are

16GB model Kindle Fire HD (9-inch model). $300 for

10 inch:

Microsoft Surface. $500

with a new 2-year contract unless specified) Samsung Galaxy S3.

4.8 inch screen.

Motorola Droid RazR HD.

4.7 inch

Google Nexus 4. 4.7 inch screen. $300

for 8GB (no contract required) T-Mobile

If you have no idea what any of those

Often, they are manufactured by cheap,

things are, just ask an employee at a store like

international companies looking to make

for the 32GB model (free MS Office with

Apple

Best Buy and they will steer you in the right

some easy money. The only notable excep-

purchase)

-

direction.

tion would be Amazon's 2nd generation

Asus Vivo Tab RT. $549 for the 32GB model

Verizon, ATT, Sprint

Which brings me to my last point: always

Kindle Fire. At $159, it is the only sub-$200

(comes with a form to send in for an awe-

go and try before you buy. Go into a retail

tablet worth considering. Though, spending

some free keyboard/extended battery combo

iPhone 5. 4-inch screen. $200 for 8GB.

Entertainment

35

Christian Rock of 2012 A top ten album countdown from 2012

BY SOLOMON WHITAKER Staff Writer

ture screaming vocals. A few clean vocals are

which still contain the signature raspiness of

In this album House of Heroes tried to

With their sophomore release from Tooth

mingled in as well. Altogether, this is the best

the vocalist. The pounding guitar, bass and

tackle the question “If this is the last album

& Nail Records, Sent By Ravens take a hard-

and catchiest album of theirs to date, with

drums hint towards the general World War II

we put out, what would we want to say?” The

er, darker route with their music. The theme

songs like “Fearless” and “Foundation.”

theme of the album. The lyrics are based off

lyrics for this album definitely answer that

of being honest, something Sent By Ravens

7. As I Lay Dying - Awakened

Bible stories and not as obscure as they usu-

question for the band as well as tackling other

10. Sent By Raven - Mean What You Say

has never had a problem with in their lyrics,

As I Lay Dying is one of the legends in

ally are, which, when combined with the

subjects, unlike in previous albums where

is complemented nicely with their blend of

modern Christian metal, and their new album

music, form a Rock masterpiece. A couple

they have told a story instead. The vocals are

singing and screaming (mostly singing). The

proves that they can continue to build upon

good examples are songs “Fall, Goliath, Fall”

very passionate and the guitar work is flow-

album is a pounding rock showcase, put on

their last. Mixing intense screaming vocals

and “SOTS”.

ing with great solos, which can be heard on

display in songs like “Prudence” and “We’re

and clean vocals on almost every song, they

4. Matt and Toby - Matt and Toby

songs like “Out My Way” and “Suspect.”

All Liars,” that will appeal to the hard-rocker

have crafted a very mature metal record with

Matt and Toby, from the band Emery,

inside.

strong lyrics. Throughout the album are

have come together and written a master-

9. Wolves at the Gate - Captors

intense metal riffs and catchy choruses, as in

piece. The vocals are as clear and strong as

This album is an impressive screamo

“A Greater Foundation” and “Wasted

ever and the guitar work fits the songs per-

debut for the band The Overseer, who just

at the Gate brings a fresh hardcore sound to

Words.”

fectly. The lyrics are passionate, some are

signed to Solid State Records. The music on

Solid State Records. With a delicate balance

6. The Classic Crime - Phoenix

Another sophomore release from Wolves

This is truly a rock album.

1. The Overseer - We Search, We Dig

even worship songs, and it comes together to

this album is original and has a lot of work

of clean and screaming vocals, the band

This new masterpiece of alternative rock

give the listener a great acoustic, light rock

put into it, something hard to find in this

brings a catchy sound that is light, but still

shows a slightly stripped down showcase, but

album with good songs like “Good Boys”

screamo genre. Vaguely reminiscent of

pounding. The thing that will catch the ears of

has hints of Foo Fighter sounds. The vocals

and “What Plays in my Head.”

Underoath, “We Search, We Dig” is a mixture

listeners the most is the straightforward lyrics

are just as passionate as ever, supported by

3. Showbread - Cancer

of screaming and clean vocals along with

about Christ, which can be heard in such

the rhythmic guitars, bass and drums with

Very experimental and always changing

pounding bass, drums and guitar riffs. The

songs as “Safeguards” and “Man of

solos here and there. The lyrics are strong

their sound from album to album, Showbread

lyrics are also straightforward and Christian-

Sorrows.”

and, when mixed with the music, create a

will not disappoint their fans with this album.

based, another characteristic that is hard to

8. For Today - Immortal

passionate, smooth rock enjoyment for the

The science fiction opera showcases punk

find in this genre. It all comes together to

listener. A few good examples are “You and

instrumentation as well as both clean and

form a hard-hitting screamo album that will

summer, For Today is one of the most popu-

Me Both” and “Let Me Die.”

screaming vocals. The lyrics are challenging,

have listeners banging their heads along with

lar bands on the heavier side of Christian

5. Project 86 - Wait for the Siren

controversial and convey stories, which can

songs like “Dredge” and “Estrange.”

Having just played at Warped Tour this

be heard in songs like “I’m Afraid that I’m

music. This album has a metal sound with

This album was destined to be a hit or

streams of punk influence scattered through-

miss after everyone but the lead vocalist left

Me” and “Anarchy!

out, which is only completed with their signa-

the group. It was a hit, carried by the vocals,

2. House of Heroes - Cold Hard Want

36

Entertainment

“Slender: the eight pages” Brings chills, thrills and terror

BY ALEX WILLIAMS Sataff Writer

The myth of the Slender Man has been

world by storm. In June 2012, “Slender: The

the pages. If you stop running in game, the

pearing when you no longer see him on the

lurking on the depths of the Internet since

Eight Pages” was released for download to

Slender Man catches you and a “game over”

screen.

June 2009. Since his creation, many people

the PC with much critical success. Despite

screen appears.

have created stories, photographs, and even

being just an indie game, it gained a lot of

videos revolving around this myth. However,

attention.

This game is well worth your time con-

The music of the game is the main source

sidering that it’s a free game you can down-

of terror with an eerie soundtrack that builds

load for the PC. If you’re familiar with the

in June 2012, one team managed to take it

The story for the game is very simple.

the tension. The game is silent, except for

mythos or not, it still brings scares and enter-

one step further. Mark Hadley and Parsec

You wake up in the woods with a flashlight

crickets and other wildlife, until you collect

tains. However, the biggest drawback of the

Studios plunged their audience deep in the

and a simple message: “Collect all eight

page one. As soon as you collect it, you hear

game comes with the replay value. It may be

woods and even deeper into horror. Their

pages.” Throughout the woods are eight

a beating drum that sounds just like a heart-

fun at first, but after the first initial run

video game creation is known as “Slender:

pages which are pinned on various landmarks

beat. With more pages come more additions

through it seems to get repetitive.

The Eight Pages.”

within the woods. However, there is one

to the soundtrack. When you finally see the

“Slender: The Eight Pages” is a free game

For those who don’t know who the

threat within these woods: the Slender Man.

Slender Man, you hear a sharp screech

for the PC (available at www.parsecproduc-

Slender Man is, here’s some backstory.

If you look at Slender Man long enough or if

accompany the music and this adds more to

tions.net/slender/) that brings plenty of

Slender Man was originally a Photoshopped

he touches you, it’s an automatic game over.

the tension and terror that already exists.

scares, thrills and entertainment. Its score and

image. The image featured a crowd of chil-

Though it sounds simple and harmless,

The graphics are well done, especially for

overall creepiness makes it a title that is

dren playing at a playground and a tall, face-

Slender Man makes it terrifying. He just

an indie game. However, the best part of the

worth both your time and effort. Though not

less figure with tentacles in the background.

appears out of nowhere and just stares at you

graphics is when you see Slender Man. The

perfect, it’s an excellent way to make you

The myth became part of online culture and

from afar. The more pages you collect, the

static is essentially your health bar of the

avoid woods at night.

soon many other images appeared with the

more aggressive and closer he gets. The real

game. The longer you see Slender Man, the

same premise shortly afterward, taking the

challenge appears when you collect most of

more static appears on screen. It starts disap-

★★★★

Entertainment

37

“Resident Evil 6”

Back to the horror

BY KASEY MALONE Design Editor

Werewolves, vampires and zombies. Oh

“Resident Evil 6” reminds those fans what

causes the gamer to switch from playing to

revamped the series and playing style.

my! To the current teenage population, and

it’s like to be stuck in the middle of nowhere,

observing, then back very often. If you are

However, “Resident Evil 6” takes the cake as

some of the adults, anything with horror-

trying to prove that you are innocent or

“here for the story,” a gamer mode that can be

arguably the best of the series yet. It gives a

stricken-characters is class-A material. TV

recover your memory, while a horde of zom-

chosen in the settings option, then this makes

redemptive quality to the beloved games,

shows and film series such as “The Walking

bies surround you.

the game even more entertaining.

which was needed after the flawed “Resident

Dead,” “The Twilight Saga,” and the

The story of “Resident Evil 6” follows

The gameplay changes have advanced the

Evil: Operation Raccoon City.” “Resident

“Underworld” series have become products

two very familiar characters from the earlier

game’s qualities tremendously. Be it the abil-

Evil 6” is something of a “must have” for

that this generation has clung too.

“Resident Evil” games and also one new

ity to change weapons while the game is still

serious gamers. During this holiday season,

One of the most recent releases to stimu-

character who has a very deep connection to

going on, being able to run and slide/dive

it’ll make for horrifying, undying, unforget-

late that addiction is the latest installment of

the previous games as well as to one of the

then aim from a floor position, or even move

table holidays.

the “Resident Evil” video game series.

other playable characters.

while you are aiming at the undead or bioorganic-terrorists, these advancements have

“Resident Evil 6” brings fans back to the hor-

The game is played from a third-person

ror-shock-value that had been missing in the

shooter style, which defiantly allows the

previous

games.

improved camera movement to be even more

The “Resident Evil” series has always

Providing an as-believable-as-possible-for-a-

noticeable. Its only foreseeable downfall is

been somewhat popular among gamers, espe-

zombie-apocalypse-game

that it has a very interactive story, which

cially “Resident Evil 4,” which totally

two

action-oriented

storyline,

made the game appear even more realistic.

★★★★★

38

Entertainment

Staff Playlist Find out some of the staff’s favorite songs

1. Imagine Dragons - “It’s Time.” This song deals with a

song because it reminds us that no matter what we’re going

6. Taylor Swift - “22.” I love to listen to this song whenev-

very difficult situation, a hard break-up. It’s takes the perspec-

through, God is in control and that He works “all things

er I’m really stressed with school; it’s a fun song that talks

tive of one of the members of the relationship as they look

together for good…” – Romans 8:28.

about letting go and not worrying about tomorrow.

“Everything will be alright if we just keep dancing like we’re

from the outside in on the wreckage of their relationship. The song has a good musical melody and it matches the emotion

4. The Rocket Summer - “Circa ’46.” This song is amaz-

that the lyrics call for.

ing because the lyrics speak truth in to my life with lines such

22.” It’s a fun song to sing to at the top of your lungs!

“Life will write the words, but you choose your own melody.”

7. Britt Nicole – “Set the World on Fire.” It’s an encour-

2. Green Day – “When I Come Around.” Green Day’s first

Even though my life is headed in a direction, I can choose

aging song stating that while we may not be “big” or “strong”

hit song, without it they might not have some of the amazing

how it gets there or the “melody.”

enough to make our dreams come true, God possesses the power to make anything happen.

music that they have today. The song can be interpreted in many ways; one message I found was to leave those who have

5. House of Heroes - “Out My Way.” This song has an

left you. Aside from that I like it because of its upbeat and fun

awesome rock sound that is hard-hitting but also has classic

8. Tame Impala – “Elephant.” It is a fun song with a psy-

tone. It’s a different spin on songs about bad relationships of

rock overtones. It is the first song off the Cold Hard Want

chedelic feel. Tame Impala sounds like a modern day version

any kind.

album and is saying that if this album was the last one House

of The Beatles, so anything they sing is going to be a favorite.

of Heroes wrote, then they are going to go out singing and 3. Laura Story – “Blessings.” This song is such a great

sounding the way they want to.

Comics

39

PhD Comics

The

Patriot

The Kingdom’s Ezra Anderson Photo by Whitley West