The Appalachian 10/25/19

The Appalachian

Oct. 25, 2019

High Country thinks pink

Spotlight: Homecoming Week

OPINION: Is Pisgah next?

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News

Brews in Kidd Brewer

Oct. 25, 2019

University continues to strategize sales, safety and overcrowding

Rachel Greenland | Managing Editor Nora Smith | Reporter App State football constantly defies expectations on the field. House Bill 389, however, may have come up a few yards short of a touchdown for the first three games of the 2019 season.

Gov. Roy Cooper passed HB 389 in June, allowing UNC System schools to sell beer and wine at athletics facilities. Many football fans expected this law would lead to large profits for the university and reduced illegal activity at games.

“Most of the adults, parents and visitors are all over age, and if you don’t sell it in there, they’ll just take it in there in mini bottles or something like that,” said James Lucas, whose son is a freshman at App State. “And, it creates a lot of revenue for the university.”

Attendees no longer have to stuff their pockets with liquid gold to keep their buzz, but gold isn’t exactly flowing into the pockets of App State Athletics.

At the season opener on Aug. 31, fans bought 6,030 cans of beer. Cans are $7 for domestic beers, like Miller Lite, and $9 for local beers from Booneshine and Appalachian Mountain Brewery. AMB’s Yosef Golden Ale, crafted specifically for App State, constituted 35% of beer sales.

Despite the thousands of cans sold, Joey Jones, senior associate director for strategic communication for App State Athletics, said profits are margin-

al, especially compared to the department’s $25.1 million revenue in 2018.

“We’ve been pleased with the sales, but it hasn’t been a dramatic, huge turnout of beer sales that will somehow spike our revenues,” Jones said. “We realize that it’s going to be a minor revenue-generating thing, but more so that it’s an in-stadium amenity that we can give fans.”

Some tailgating students said they were hesitant to pay the high prices for in-stadium alcohol. Jones said the pricing was strategic.

“The prices we set are standard across a lot of college and professional venues,” Jones said. “Some of the pricing model is to make sure that we’re not selling it so cheaply that it is easy to over consume.”

Athletics met with University Police and the university’s risk management department during the preseason to create measures that ensure a safe game day experience for all. Alcohol vendors are trained to spot false identification, and officers keep underage visitors away from the lines. Guests can buy only one beer per transaction.

Data from University Police show law enforcement’s responses at games have remained largely stagnant compared to past seasons. Police chief Andy Stephenson said the alcohol sales haven’t warranted additional staffing,

although game days are a mandatory workday for all University Police officers and student cadets.

“We didn’t have to bring in additional personnel to staff the stadium venues with this new policy in effect, but we realigned what we were doing,” Stephenson said. “We did want to have some eyes and ears with radio capabilities close to those points of sale in case there was a problem.”

Stephenson said the largest hurdle for police and fans alike has been the stadium’s infrastructure. “(The stadium) was not built for a Division 1 FBS football powerhouse that’s drawn 30,000-35,000 people here for games,” Stephenson said. “This was built for an FCS Division 1 AA 5,000fan type of contest.”

Jones said App State Athletics knows the concourse has experienced increased crowding but attributes it to a combination of construction, regular concessions and beer sales. When construction on the new end zone facility is complete, Jones said fans will be able to spread around the stadium, reducing overcrowding in the concessions area.

Athletics employees will continue strategizing how to improve sales, safety and overcrowding after each game and address visitor concerns.

Graphic by Nora Smith

App State will no longer host Black and Gold Convocation Jackie Park | News Editor

The university will no longer host the Black and Gold Convocation, which welcomes new students to App State.

Provost Darrell Kruger announced at the last Faculty Senate meeting Oct. 7 that after feedback, primarily from faculty, the program would be replaced with a similar one during the fall semester welcome weekend.

Faculty Senate Chair Michael

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Behrent, said faculty gave feedback during the Faculty Senate retreat in late August.

“The concerns were, primarily, that relatively few people, including faculty, showed up at the event, and that canceling Tuesday classes, which they did for that event, interfered with teaching schedules,” Behrent said.

Behrent said he shared these concerns with Kruger during their

monthly meeting.

Megan Hayes, associate vice chancellor and chief communications officer for University Communications, wrote in an email that the comments faculty members provided supported the goal of continual improvement for convocation.

“This feedback, as well as that from event debriefing meetings, indicated that changes in both the event structure and moving it ear-

lier in the semester could increase attendance and make the event more meaningful as an event that celebrates the commencing of the academic year and for many, the start of their college experience,” Hayes wrote.

Behrent said despite faculty concerns over missed class time, the administration said all classes offered this semester had the same number of “meeting minutes.”

Hayes wrote that no plans are set in place for the fall 2020 event.

“The teams that work on the student orientation and welcome week programming are continually seeking ways to improve attendance as well as the academic and community-building experiences connected to the critical first few weeks in a new student’s college experience,” Hayes wrote.

News

Oct. 25, 2019

Breast cancer awareness in the High Country Boone prepares for flu season High Country Breast Cancer Foundation and ZTA fight breast cancer

Michael Lillywhite | Reporter

Josie Barnes | Reporter

Flu season is here, and with it comes flu shots. MS Shook Student In light of breast cancer aware- supporting breast cancer awareness in ple about breast cancer,” Kinser said.

Health Service and other businesses ness month, the High Country com- the High Country together “under one To kick off “Think Pink Week,” in Boone like Walgreen’s, CVS and munity has gathered to bring aware- umbrella,” Sawyer said. the first week of October, ZTA held Boone Drug now offer flu shots. ness to the cause. The High CounThe money raised from the 5K “Pie a Tau,” where students could pay Health services and Boone Drug try Breast Cancer Foundation is of- is given to men and women fighting to pie members of ZTA, Alpha Tau have already seen students with casfering hope to cancer-stricken families breast cancer in the High Country.

Omega and Delta Tau Delta. All of es of the flu.

Margaret Bumgarner, administhrough financial aid and education.

“It’s a fun event and a really great ZTA’s profits went toward their initiatrative director for health services, On Oct. 26, HCBCF will host its cause,” said Olivia Kinser, director of tive to recognize survivors and educate said health services has seen 153 stuthird annual High Country Walk/Run philanthropy and service for Zeta Tau people about breast cancer. dents with flu-like symptoms so far. for Breast Cancer.

Alpha, whose national philanthropy ZTA also hosted Joy Wade, who Bumgarner said the flu vaccine HCBCF is a volunteer organiza- is breast cancer education, awareness travels the country to educate people is important because of how quicktion and 100% of the funds raised by and survivor recognition. on what’s normal and what’s not when ly the illness can spread through the organization remain in the comParticipants of the 5K will meet checking yourself for breast cancer, on crowds, residence halls and classes. munity. at the American Legion in Blowing Oct. 3.

Boone Drug pharmacy managIrene Sawyer, founder of HCBCF Rock at 8 a.m.

“She does interactive workshops er Brent Henderson said he encourand breast cancer survivor, said she was Closer to home, ZTA is making with breast models and a PowerPoint ages students to get their flu shot to inspired by the support she received strides to promote breast cancer aware- to make sure women are knowledge- protect not only themselves, but also from her community during her jour- ness on campus. able about their breast health,” Kins- people around them who are medically unable to receive the vaccine. ney with breast cancer. This motivated ZTA’s philanthropy will “recog- er said.

“We already have seen some her to bring the businesses involved in nize survivors as well as educate peocases of the flu even with the university and their students and just being in such close quarters with other folks, it is a good idea to go ahead and get vaccinated,” Henderson said.

Bumgarner said last flu season, health services gave about 250 flu shots and saw 558 cases of the flu.

The flu shot is a completely inactivated virus, meaning a person can not get the flu from the shot, Bumgarner said. She said if someone gets the flu after receiving the vaccination, they were already infected but not yet showing symptoms, or they got a strain of flu not covered by the vaccine.

App State offers flu clinics that provide a convenient opportunity for all students to get vaccinated, said Kyra Patel, coordinator for student social wellness. “(I) mostly (got the shot) just so I don’t make other people sick. Because I know if I get it it’s no big deal, but if I give it to my grandparents or my nephews who are both under three, it could be a much bigger problem for them,” freshman biology major Sarah Mace said.

At the clinics, students who make an appointment are given priSophomore marketing major Savannah Kamper was one of the many sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha who wore pink attire in honor of breast cancer ority, but walk-ins are welcome. Stuawareness at Friday’s Homecoming Parade. The High Country Breast Cancer Foundation will host its annual High Country Walk/Run Saturday dents swipe their AppCards, fill out consent forms and are vaccinated by Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.

Dakota Ussery

a nurse.

Health services will continue to offer flu shots at its clinics. Hours can be found on health services’ website.

At Walgreen’s, CVS and Boone Drug, flu shots are offered with a $0 copay from most health insurance providers because it is considered preventive medicine. Without insurance, the vaccine costs about $40.

Flu shots are available daily with appointments or for walk-ins until 6 p.m. at Walgreen’s and CVS. Shots are offered at Boone Drug Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

To prevent the illness, health services recommends getting the flu shot, washing hands frequently, getting eight hours of sleep each night, cleaning common surfaces in rooms, especially if a roommate becomes sick, and not sharing food or drinks.

People over age 65, pregnant women and children under five years old are at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Common symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, fatigued muscles and chills. Those experiencing pain in the chest or abdomen, difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, or seizures should seek immediate medical care, according to the CDC.

2018 Flu season App State Flu Cases

558 cases of the flu 250 flu shots GIVEN APPROX. Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

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News

Oct. 25, 2019

Local nonprofit Out of Your Mind helps those struggling with mental illness Ansley Puckett | Reporter

About 47.6 million Americans struggle with mental health each year, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

After dealing with depression, anxiety and panic attacks herself, Kat Dolan decided to create Out of Your Mind, a nonprofit in Boone that aims to help those who struggle with a mental illness, or what Dolan calls a “mental opportunity,” feel less alone.

“I saw a huge gap between suffering and silence and seeking very formal, most of the time expensive, forms of therapy and medication,” Dolan said. “So, Out of Your Mind for me is that space between suffering and silence and formal therapy.”

Out of Your Mind is not therapy, but rather a different approach to understanding mental health. Those who attend events do not talk about what they’re dealing with, but instead attend events to better understand themselves and others who are working through “mental opportunities.”

“It’s very important to have something to look forward to; I can’t emphasize that enough because social isolation is hurting us in a way that we may not even feel right now,” Dolan said.

The organization hosts free or do-

nation based events twice a month in locations around Boone.

Dolan said the pricing for the events allows her organization to “meet them where they’re at.”

“I created it with the intention of it being accessible to anyone in the community,” Dolan said.

Out of Your Mind hosts open mic nights, group hikes, creative writing workshops and flower picking.

Dolan said Out of Your Mind is a creative approach to mental health and working with local artists and entrepreneurs has become a large part of the organization.

“We want to support the people in our community and have some type of connection between the people who are living in Boone and the wonderful establishments that we have here,” Dolan said.

Quinn Fisher, a summer intern for Out of Your Mind, said they believe Out of Your Mind’s work with the arts allows people to better work through life’s hardships.

“I know there’s definitely the stereotype of the tortured artist and I think that is true,” said Fisher, a senior communication advertising major. “I think what happens is when this world

kind of gets too much, it’s really nice to just be able to escape somewhere else.”

Dolan said she hopes to create strong ties with App State and its students through the App State Out of Your Mind Club, which held its first interest meeting in September.

Dolan said the organization is still “figuring it out,” but ideally, the club will meet once a week and host two on-campus events each month.

“This is the first university club that we are going to establish,” Dolan said. “Right now, what we’re thinking it’s going to look like is a weekly meeting where we’ll hold a space for students who are members of the club to come and maybe do homework together, or have a meal together or maybe go on a walk together.”

The organization is also expanding to Winston-Salem.

Sean Townsend, creative director, chairman of the board and spearhead of the Winston-Salem chapter, said the organization creates a new way to work through mental opportunities with art.

“Anything arts related is right up my alley, but then the combination with mental health and the arts is just a huge opportunity for the mental health community,” Townsend said.

Dolan and Townsend said expanding the organization to Winston-Salem was a natural step to grow Out of Your Mind.

“It just made sense to expand from Boone, the mountain community and Appalachian State also in the same area, but then to move it over and start a chapter in a bigger city and a little different geographic area,” Townsend said.

As both the Winston-Salem and Boone chapters grow, Townsend said the organization is a “fully positive perspective on mental health” that is needed more than ever as loneliness and suicide rates increase.

“It’s just such a needed organization and such a needed perspective,” Townsend said.

Out of Your Mind is a nonprofit organization that provides a space to help those who suffer from mental illnesses. The organization often hosts free or donation-based events that aim to help participants better understand themselves rather than just talk about what they are going through.

Courtesy of Kat Dolan

Students trade fall break for Alternative Service Experiences Hayley Canal | Reporter

Three student service groups piled into vans and took off across North Carolina and Georgia to use their four days of freedom to give back this fall break.

Alternative Service Experiences are peer-led domestic and international service trips offered by Appalachian and the Community Together every fall, winter and spring break.

Some students helped at a weekend camp for children with autism, two groups focused on issues of human trafficking and women’s rights, and others worked on a farm sanctuary that rehabilitates abused or surrendered animals.

Megann Southworth, a senior sustainable development major, and Megan Aeschleman, a senior middle grades education major, a co-led trip

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to Camp Twin Lakes in Atlanta.

According to its website, the camp offers “fully adaptive, medically supportive and deeply impactful camp experiences” for children and young adults with disabilities and serious illnesses.

Seven students joined Southworth and Aeschleman as volunteers, along with RaShaun Robinson, a graduate assistant for ACT who served as the group’s supervising faculty or staff member, otherwise known as their learning partner. During their stay, the group assisted with the “You B You Family” camp, which is offered to families of children with autism.

The group was divided among families to assist with accommodations and requests. After the families left, they assisted with grounds main-

tenance at the camp.

Southworth said her favorite experience at the camp was watching children perform for their families in a talent show. She said she teared up watching.

“It was amazing to see kids go all in with their emotions and their talents and just show off in such a genuine away and see their parents beaming with happiness,” Southworth said.

The trip marked the first time ACT has partnered with Camp Twin Lakes. The service partnership came after an App State alum and previous peer leader who worked with the camp, reached out to Summer Wisdom, the assistant director of ASE, suggesting she send a group.

Kennedy Little, a senior social work major, and Ann Sekutowski, a

senior nutrition and psychology double major, led a trip to Ziggy’s Refuge Farm Sanctuary.

Back in North Carolina, Ziggy’s refuge provides rehabilitation and a safe home for farm animals on 175 acres of land in Providence, North Carolina. Owners Kristin Hartness and Jay Yontz named the refuge after “Ziggy the Traveling Piggy,” their famous 250-pound pig featured in The Dodo and People Magazine.

Little and Sekutowski’s group assisted with tasks the owners lack time for in their daily routine of caring for over 60 animals. For the majority of their stay, ASE participants painted barns and cleaned up after the animals.

“You weren’t necessarily working directly with the animals, but (the par-

ticipants) were kind of contextualizing why this farm existed,” Sekutowski said.

Little said many participants had never had close experiences with farm animals prior to the trip.

Jordan McKay, a sophomore psychology major, said she bonded with the “yard horse,” who ate apples from her hands.

During the trip, group discussions centered around veganism and animal abuse within factory farms, Little and Sekutowski said. By the end, participants were brainstorming ways to fundraise for the sanctuary, as the owners are attempting to crowdfund $300,000 to purchase the full 175 acres.

Oct. 25, 2019

News

Inspiring international girl power

Student helps sprearhead Global Girls panel to the United Nations

Emily Broyles | Associate News Editor On a whim, an App State student clicked a link. A few weeks later, she landed a spot on Global Girls, a global panel that presented to the United Nations about women’s rights.

“I was very surprised, but it was awesome,” said Ashlyn Stone, senior sociology major.

She said the panel spent three weeks on the Girls’ Bill of Rights project, creating and declaring rights girls have, written “for girls, by girls,” according to its website.

After the panel presented to the UN, the Albanian government was one of the countries to contact panelists about steps forward in women’s equity. NPR also covered Global Girls’ UN presentation at the International Day of the Girl celebration in New York City on Oct. 11.

Stone said she found out about Girls’ Bill of Rights through the club She’s The First, a nonprofit organization that advocates for education among all women, which she is vice president of on campus.

After she was chosen to participate on the panel and help write the bill, she joined a team of 14 young women from around the world. The panel of women worked through WhatsApp Messenger on the Girls’ Bill of Rights while battling geographical barriers and time differences.

“It was hard because the time zones were so off. There (were) people from all over the world,” Stone said.

“I would be up at 1 a.m., and they would be just waking up and starting on it all.”

Stone said while panel members came from different backgrounds, they shared the same desire to help women and communities around the world.

“I think we all have similarities in different organizations we’re a part of that brought us all together, but it was almost like working on a class project together,” Stone said.

While Stone couldn’t present with the group to the UN, she said she

Ashlyn Stone, senior sociology major, spent three weeks collaborating with Global Girls, a panel of women from around the world, on the Girls’ Bill of Rights. Stone says she was inspired by being immersed in women-centered organizations, like her sorority.

Courtesy of Ashlyn Stone

was proud of what the panel created.

Stone wrote the eighth statement in the bill, which states “all girls have the right to decision making about their body and sexuality.”

“Mostly just knowing that the wording was presented to the UN was really cool for me,” Stone said.

Stone said her passion for women’s rights started when she was 16 or 17 after an abusive relationship.

“For me, my whole fight is always against violence. That’s (why) I want to be a lawyer. That’s where my passion lies: giving a voice to victims and letting them see the light,” Stone said.

She said her inspiration comes from the organizations she is a part of like She’s the First and Kappa Delta Sorority.

“Once I started working for She’s The First and working alongside Kappa Delta in college, I was like, ‘Okay, this is actually a bigger thing than just myself and the society I live in, this is a global thing,’” Stone said.

President of Kappa Delta’s App State chapter, Rachael Beller, said Girls’ Bill of Rights is only part of Stone’s advocacy.

“She’s already busy enough as it is, with a job and with school and with Kappa Delta, but she takes the time to really make sure that her passions get put into action,” said Beller, a senior business marketing ma-

jor. “She’s done a tremendous job with that.”

Beller said she’s become close with Stone this past year as they apply to law schools together. She said Stone is one of her “biggest role models.”

“Just knowing that she’s fighting so hard for girls currently but all women to come — it’s something to look up to,” Beller said. “At the end of the day, she’s doing everything she does to help women have an easier tomorrow.”

Fellow Kappa Delta sister, Bridgette Brody, said she didn’t know the impact of “girl power” until she met Stone.

“I think that this is coming full circle with everything that she’s been through in her life and a lot of the challenges and adversity she’s faced as a woman,” said Brody, a junior child development major.

Brody said while women face adversity, so do many other communities on campus and around the world.

She said Stone’s work is an example of how someone can make a difference in a community that leads to global change.

“You have things like this where you see someone making this kind of impact, and it makes all that effort worth it,” Brody said.

Brody said she supports the Girls’ Bill of Rights because she knows Stone, but also strongly relates to the bill as a young woman.

“Having that on a piece of paper, it just puts so many girls’ stories on that global platform, and I think that’s so powerful,” Brody said.

Stone said the Girls’ Bill of Rights sparked a conversation among politicians and students alike, but it shouldn’t stop there.

“It’s not just about the global scale. It’s something that we should all read and notice and work towards every single day,” Stone said. “We should be advocating for one another, standing up for one another and promoting each other.”

THE GLOBAL written by girls for girls

ALL GIRLS HAVE THE RIGHT TO... free, quality education

protection from harmful tradtions & enjoyment of positive cultural practices

equality

safety from all forms of violence

involvement in decision-making & access to leadership positions

decision-making about their body & sexuality

documentation

protection under law without fear or unequal treatment

comprehensive sexual education & access to free, quality reproductive healthcare

freedom from exploitation

Information courtesy girlsbillofrights.org Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

#G IRLSB ILLOFR IGHTS 5

A&C

Oct. 25, 2019

“Build Yosef Up” Homecoming 2019 features parade, Lip Sync finals, a nearly naked mile and Apptoberfest Homecoming Parade

Apptoberfest

Laura Boaggio | Reporter

Ethan Murphy | Reporter

King Street’s atmosphere turned into an uproar of school spirit as the homecoming parade made its way down the street Oct. 18.

The parade included floats, cars and walking groups representing university organizations and clubs. App State ‘s Math Club, Catholic Campus Ministry, Watauga Residential College and other campus groups made an appearance. The Boone Fire Department rolled down the street in its firetrucks and the Geological and Environmental Science Lab brought its mobile science lab.

“I’ve never been to a homecoming parade before, so this is sweet to see for my last year,” said Olivia Botello, senior industrial design major.

Sororities and fraternities marched in matching shirts and drove by in packed floats while chanting “App State.”

The High Country Cloggers tapped down the street, and the marching band played for the parade goers.

Along with various activities including inflatables and a ferris wheel, a live band of App State alumni played music for the homecoming crowd during Apptoberfest on Oct. 18 in Peacock Parking Lot. Arson Daily played through the chilly night for the festival crowd.

“The university sent us an invitation, and we were like, ‘Absolutely.’ It’s really nice being back in Boone, very nostalgic,” said Zach Dunham, Arson Daily’s lead singer.

The set list included unreleased songs from their upcoming album and a handful of covers, like “Rocketman”

by Elton John and “Helter Skelter” by

Lip Sync Battle Finals

Becca Bridges

Nearly Naked Mile Elaina Woodlief | Reporter

Meredith Nanney | Reporter Hard hats, flannel shirts and neon construction vests were in abundance on the Schaefer Center stage for the Homecoming Lip Sync final competition on Oct. 17.

Ten student organizations performed construction-themed lip sync routines after earning their spot in the finals at the preliminary round on Oct. 8.

Junior political science major Ivasun Carter competed on behalf of International Appalachian.

“I was really nervous to do it at first, but I’m really glad that I did because I really enjoyed myself. Even though it was really nerve wracking, I loved it, and I would do it again,” Carter said.

Although they did not place, International Appalachian garnered cheers and applause from the audience for their routine that included

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The Beatles.

In addition to energetic music, there were also a variety of food trucks, like Betty’s Biscuits and Blue Deer Cookies. Younger audiences also enjoyed cornhole, inflatable bounce houses and hula hooping. A beer garden was open for those 21 and older.

“This event is awesome because a lot of students, families and alumni can come around and have a good time while they get excited for the game,” said Elizabeth Serrano, junior political science major.

After attendees rode a ferris wheel and sampled food trucks, a fireworks show and more live music ended the night.

Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” and USA for Africa’s “We are the World.”

The Student Ambassadors’ routine, which incorporated the song made famous by the app TikTok, “The Git Up” by Blanco Brown, and the associated dance, earned responses from the audience.

Alpha Omicron Pi and Lambda Chi Alpha performed a routine inspired by the children’s television show “Bob the Builder.”

Sophomore public health major and AOPi member Montgomery Hedgecock was front and center throughout her organization’s performance.

Sigma Kappa and Phi Sigma Kappa won first place with a routine inspired by the HGTV show “Fixer Upper.” Appalachian Educators placed second and Kappa Delta and Sigma Nu placed third.

Clothed in body paint and not much else, runners lined up to participate in App State’s fifth annual Nearly Naked Mile during the Homecoming Kickoff Oct. 16 on Sanford Mall.

Runners were required to donate two articles of winter clothing and recommended to wear as little clothing as possible.

“The run is supposed to show the importance of how the runners might be cold during this five minute run, but people in the community are this cold all the time,” said Holly Young, a sophomore Student Ambassador working at the event.

The donated winter clothing was given to Hospitality House for people in the community who cannot afford jackets, scarves and other warm clothes.

“It gives me a perspective of what people actually experience,” said Katherine Powell, a senior exercise science major running at the event.

Check out The Appalachian Weekly News on AppTV Oct. 25 at 3 p.m. for an interview with Top of the Rock winner Nia Robinson.

Becca Bridges

A&C

Oct. 25, 2019

Sexual and Gender Alliance highlights LGBT literature Camryn Collier | Reporter

Foggy Pine Books is usually filled with the sounds of books being flipped open, a cat meowing, water boiling for hot cocoa and the hushed whispers of customers.

On Oct. 17, the bookstore was instead filled with the voice of owner Mary Ruthless discussing “lesbian necromancers in space” as part of Bi-Annual Queer Lit Night.

Foggy Pine partnered with the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, an App State club, to organize Bi-Annual Queer Lit Night, which highlights about 30 books at the bookstore every semester.

The literature night started when App State alumnus Dalton Parry had a queer literature night on campus that didn’t have a great turnout.

“There were so few books that we had coming out to our gay lit nights, and I knew surely there was more, and there was,” Parry said.

Parry said he was introduced to Ruthless when Foggy Pine was still in the smaller space across the street from where it currently sits.

When he met Ruthless and found out she was moving to the bigger store,

Parry said he knew he wanted to “do something, but make it gay.”

Parry said he knew Ruthless would be happy to create an open space for his idea. True to his word, Ruthless accepted the idea with open arms.

“We’re in the South, and we’re in the Bible Belt,” Ruthless said. “It’s really hard sometimes as queer folk in Appalachia to find a community.

We’re really lucky we live in a university town where groups like SAGA help create those spaces.”

SAGA has worked with Ruthless for five semesters to put on a queer literature night to create open dialogue and networking opportunities for the queer community in Boone.

“The goal is to highlight queer voices in literature,” Ruthless said.

“With few exceptions, all of the authors are queer authors, and a lot of them write about queers’ issues, but also the intersections of race, and gender and sexuality.”

The books discussed were from different genres including non-fiction, erotica, fantasy and sci-fi.

Foggy Pine Books hosted its Bi-Annual Queer Lit Night in partnership with the Sexuality and Gender Alliance on Thursday, Oct. 17. SAGA has worked with Foggy Pine Books for the past five semesters organizing the event, which intends to “highlight queer voices in literature,” owner Mary Ruthless said.

Cameryn Collier

• • • • •

Some of the books discussed included: “Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston “A Queer History of the United States” by Micheal Bronski “In West Mills” by De’Shawn Charles Winslow “He/She/They/Me: For Sisters, Misters, and Binary Resisters” by Robyn Ryle • “Bingo Love” by Tee Franklin

Most of the books were unique, ranging from the lesbian necromancers in “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir, to discussion pieces with “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches” by Audre Lorde, Ruthless said.

The books were also chosen to have connections to North Carolina, or national appeal with multiple books being on the Indie Next List.

After discussing the books, the audience members talked about some of their own personal favorites, which included books like “Carry On” by Rainbow Rowell.

Freshman apparel design and merchandising major Lani Maynard came to the event with freshman social work major Nadia Chauhan.

They said they’re just beginning to experience Boone, and Foggy Pine is a highlight so far.

“I like queerness; I like literature.

I really like queer literature,” Maynard said.

Foggy Pine is hosting an author reading featuring Dale Neal on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

Final season of “Supernatural” kicks off with “Back and to the Future” Ebony Foster | Reporter

Graphic by Mickey Hutchings

“Carry on my wayward son” are words that have graced television screens for 14 years. Sadly, the CW television series “Supernatural” began its final season.

“Supernatural” is about two brothers named Sam and Dean Winchester, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, who lost their mother in a horrific fire set by a yellow-eyed demon when they were children.

Since then, as Dean said in Season 1, the brothers have saved people and hunted things — the family business, per the Winchester’s motto.

They’ve taken on ghosts, demons, angels and the devil himself. But, nothing could prepare them, nor their fanbase, for the ultimate foe who closed out

last season with an apocalyptic bang: Chuck, aka God. This was an unorthodox choice for the writers, but “Supernatural” is anything but orthodox.

The final season began where it left off — in a cemetary after the murder of Jack, who is the son of Lucifer.

Chuck said, “Welcome to the end,” as he opened the gates of Hell, setting loose every monster the Winchesters have killed the past 14 seasons.

Fighting alongside Castiel, their angelic friend played by Misha Collins, the Winchester brothers fended off the legion of the dead and tried their best to escape the chaos with Jack’s body.

Trapped inside a mausoleum,

Jack rose not as himself, but as a demon named Belphagor who offered to help the brothers. Out of options, they accepted his aid not only for themselves, but also to save a nearby town from the murderous chaos Chuck unleashed. The first episode brought dramatic flair that only “Supernatural” can pull off.

We get decent character introduction to Belphegor and no time wasted. It reestablished information from Season 5 that could be an obstacle for the brothers and added character development for Sam, who finally stood up against his worst fear: a ghostly killer clown.

The “Supernatural” writers set up the possible recurring theme of

free will and how the brothers will attempt true freedom from constant cosmic manipulation before a final cut, mirroring the end of the first seasons first episode.

Though a long time coming, fans seem both excited and saddened by the “Supernatural” final season. The big evil is truly larger than life, and there is no telling the twists and turns that lie ahead. Fans will be graced with the familiar tune of “Carry On My Wayward Son” one last time, which will truly signal the end of an era.

In the meantime, all fans can do is keep calm and carry on as they watch the Winchesters get to work.

7

A&C

Oct. 25, 2019

The Appalachian Theatre opens its doors after 8 years Marlen Cardenas | Reporter

The Appalachian Theatre, located at 559 W. King St., reopened its doors on Oct. 14. The first movie showing in the renovated theatre is “Hocus Pocus” on Friday and Saturday.

Courtesy of Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

A

fter eight years, help from 500 volunteers and $10 million of donations, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country opened its doors again on Oct. 14 with a performance by the band The String Wizards.

“Keep in mind that the theater had been completely gutted,” said Keith Martin, vice chair of the Appalachian Theatre. “All the architectural flourishes and things like that had been removed. It was in

8

foreclosure.”

The previous theater owner, a developer from Florida, went bankrupt trying to reopen the theater. The “Save The Appalachian Theatre” task force convinced the Downtown Boone Development Association to purchase it, Martin said.

The task force bought it back from the DBDA after forming The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, a nonprofit.

“We did feasibility studies,

then we incorporated and formed a board of trustees, then we interviewed architects. We interviewed and hired a fundraising consulting firm to help us with what we could raise, and we almost doubled what they said we could raise,” Martin said.

Susan McCracken, director of Career Development & Economic Engagement, was a voting member on the ATHC board of directors.

“All projects have their complications, but renovating a historic theater in the middle of a business district is particularly challenging,” McCracken said.

Six years ago, McCracken was on King Street and saw the theater door was open. She walked in and met John Cooper, chair of the board of trustees, and asked if she could help re-open the theater.

“In Boone, Blowing Rock and on campus at Appalachian, we have lost or removed many of our historic structures that remind us of the past,” Martin said. “It is important to me to reuse and safeguard what we can, and make those buildings functional for modern uses.”

The Appalachian Theatre first opened in 1938 and was the first arts theater built in the High Country.

The theater has 620 seats, a spacious lobby and community room.

Martin said he has already received inquiries from clubs and event planners interested in using the venue.

McCracken wants

the theater used as a gathering and learning space for the community. “(The community can) be exposed to new ideas, whether that is a film, a lecture, a play, opera or a concert. A place that will be here for the 50th reunion of the Appalachian Class of 2020 and will be a part of their college memories — a place that contributes to the economic vitality of downtown,” McCracken said. “At its heart, the Appalachian Theatre is Boone's theater.”

Bill Pleto, former dean of the Hayes School of Music, helped provide musical input, such as giving feedback on how the construction would best serve music groups.

“I am a believer in a thriving downtown,” Pleto said. “This will provide tremendous opportunities and expand Boone.”

Pleto said because Boone is located between Nashville and Raleigh, the theater is in a good place for touring companies and could bring more people to the High Country.

Martin said he also wants to focus on the benefits that are intangible, such as adding to the nightlife and enhancing the quality of life for Boone residents and visitors.

“We are expecting to host more than 200 activities this season, and 60 of them will be destination draws for cultural tourism that will attract patrons from a radius of several states,” Martin said.

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Sports

Oct. 25, 2019

GAME DAY

Game 7 | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. | Ladd-Peebles Stadium | Mobile, AL

Appalachian State (6-0, 3-0 Sun Belt)

VS

South Alabama (1-6, 0-3 Sun Belt)

Game Notes:

After taking down UL-Monroe, App State is once again bowl eligible and still undefeated. The Mountaineers have achieved not only a school best, but also the best ranking in the history of the Sun Belt Conference at No. 21 in the AP poll. App State will look to continue its historic year against the Jaguars of South Alabama, who have one win this season. The Mountaineers will need a win against the Jaguars to keep the hopes of a New Year’s Six bowl alive.

Top vs Bottom

While App State resides at the top of the Sun Belt at 3-0, South Alabama sits at the bottom with a 0-3 conference record. The Jaguars have one victory this season, with a 23-point win over Football Championship Subdivision opponent Jackson State.

Perfection For the first time since joining college football’s premier Football Bowl Subdivision level, the Mountaineers have started their season 6-0. The last time App State won its first six games was in 2010.

Running Game While App State ranks No. 18 in the country for rushing offense, South Alabama’s rushing defense ranks No. 109. The Mountaineers will likely look to take advantage of this weakness and test the Jaguar defense on the ground all day.

PLAYER TO WATCH

POINTS PER GAME

42.8

#3 Darrynton Evans Jr. Running Back

OPP. POINTS PER GAME

21.7

YARDS PER GAME

438.7

OPP. YARDS PER GAME

357.8

POINTS PER GAME

16.3 OPP. POINTS PER GAME

South Alabama struggles to contain the run, giving up 203.6 rush yards per game. They have the No. 22 worst rush defense in the country.

Evans was voted the preseason All-Sun Belt First Team running back by the 10 Sun Belt head coaches and certain media representatives.

Evans rushed for the eighth-most touchdowns of anyone in the country with ten through his first six games, and ran for enough yards to make him No. 24 in the nation in total rushing yards.

30.4

YARDS PER GAME

312.6

OPP. YARDS PER GAME

404.7

9

Sports

Oct. 25, 2019

Malik Williams’ improvement boosts receiving core

game day grades 52-7 Overall team grade: A+

The Mountaineers made a statement to the Sun Belt and the rest of college football with their 52-7 dismantling of ULM. The offense couldn’t be stopped and the defense was nearly impenetrable for the entire game. After the win, App State jumped from No. 24 to No. 21 in the AP Top 25. Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz is still undefeated, and now bowl eligible in his first year. At this point, App State is the obvious team to beat in the Sun Belt and will look to make its case for a New Year’s Six bowl in the second half of the season. As long as the Mountaineers stay focused, they will be a tough team to beat.

To read the full grades go to www.theappalachianonline.com

Quarterbacks

Defensive line

Running backs

Tight Ends

A

a+

Wide receivers

a

Linebackers

B

a+

A+

A+

Offensive line

10

A

Special Teams

Becca Bridges

Junior receiver Malik Williams has made a name for himself as a consistent pass catcher and teammate for Mountaineers' football. App State's receivers have combined for 85% of the team's total catches so far this season, where Williams is second on the team in catches.

Lynette Files

Franklin Bogle | Reporter Last season, Malik Williams was known as a big play receiver in App State’s Sun Belt leading offense. This season, as a junior, he has emerged not only as a player who has a knack for big gains, but also as a consistent pass catcher. After recording only 23 catches for 257 yards in the 2018 season, Williams has 26 receptions for 312 yards in 2019.

“I’ve worked on my route running, getting separation from (defensive backs) and making sure I catch the ball every time, not just looking for the big play,” Williams said.

Williams is second on the team in catches this season, with only junior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan ahead of him. The App State receivers have combined for 85 of the teams 100 catches.

Since junior receiver Corey Sutton returned against North Carolina in week four, Williams’ production has increased, along with Hennigan’s. All three have double-digit receptions, making it easy for junior quarterback Zac Thomas to spread the ball around.

“We know what we have when we play with each other; we have that bond, and against every team, we play the same way we’ve been playing.

We know we have a great receiving core,” Williams said. “You key in on one of us, then the others are going to show out.”

Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said he knows

the depth his team has at wide receiver.

“Our guys know that we believe in all of them. It’s who performs throughout the week at practice that determines who gets those looks,” Drinkwitz said.

Williams continues to earn looks from Thomas. He has seen playing time throughout all of his three years as a Mountaineer. His freshman season he recorded 19 catches, improving that by four last year. This season, Williams is on pace to double the amount of receptions he had last season.

One of the more important jumps Williams made, beyond catching the ball, is as a blocker for App State’s running game.

“We know what we have at the running back position. O-line blocks for first down; we block for touchdowns,” Williams said.

Williams and his fellow receivers have helped form one of the most dangerous offenses in the country, and they are a big part of the reason App State is ranked No. 21.

Williams said he knows how well he and his teammates are doing, but he also knows they are hungry to achieve even more.

“We have to continue to take it week by week,” Williams said. “Study our opponent and keep doing what we do. We know how good we are.”

Sports

Oct. 25, 2019

Writing history

App State blows by ULM 52-7 on homecoming, makes Sun Belt history

Moss Brennan | Editor-in-Chief

Super Bowl champion and App State alumnus A.J. Howard, App State all-time leading rusher Marcus Cox and former star cornerback Clifton Duck watched from the sidelines as the Mountaineers defeated the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 52-7 on homecoming weekend on Oct. 19.

The then No. 24 Mountaineers started the game on defense and allowed the Warhawks to march 82 yards down the field to take a 7-0 lead. It would be the Warhawks’ only score of the game. The Mountaineer defense only allowed 121 yards of offense for the remainder of the game. App State went on to score 52 straight points and secure its first win as a ranked team in program history. This is also the first time a Sun Belt Conference team has won a game while ranked.

“We were well aware that no Sun Belt team has ever been ranked for two straight weeks in the history of the conference, and so we were motivated to write our own history,” head coach Eliah Drinkwitz said.

The Mountaineers’ first drive ended on their third play of the game when redshirt junior running back Darrynton Evans sprinted for a 59yard touchdown to tie it up at 7.

A momentum-shifting play followed in the first quarter when sophomore defensive lineman George Blackstock forced a fumble. Senior safety Josh Thomas scooped up the ball and flipped the field with his return, going 37 yards to the ULM 24-yard line, which led to a redshirt junior quarterback Zac Thomas 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Thomas also had a 6-yard passing touchdown to junior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan in the first quarter.

“I thought our defense did a nice job after that first opening drive of settling down,” Drinkwitz said. “Our of-

My last

word

Silas Albright | Sports Editor

The best in NC Brooks Maynard | Columnist

Junior running back Darrynton Evans runs into the end zone for a touchdown against ULM Oct. 19. The Mountaineers toppled the Warhawks in a 52-7 victory, and compete this upcoming Saturday against South Alabama to maintain their undefeated record.

Becca Bridges

fense did a really good job of answering that score and settling the game back down. They went three-and-out, and we went back down and scored.”

The offensive onslaught continued into the second quarter as Thomas passed to senior tight end Collin Reed, who caught it in the back of the endzone and managed to get both feet down in bounds.

Junior kicker Chandler Staton also added to the points in the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal.

App State received the kickoff to start the second half and continued to dominate on offense.

The only points of the third quarter came on a 15-yard screen pass touchdown from Thomas to Evans, making the score 38-7 in favor of App State.

On its next possession, the Mountaineer offense methodically moved up the field, mostly with short gains that kept the clock running from junior running back Marcus Williams Jr. Williams completed the drive with a 1-yard touchdown to extend App

State’s lead to 45-7 in the fourth quarter.

The final score of the game came with just under seven minutes left, when junior backup quarterback Jacob Huesman found junior wide receiver Jalen Virgil.

Virgil, who is also a member of App State’s track team, made the catch near the 50-yard line before out sprinting the Warhawk defense for a 56-yard touchdown reception, puting the Mountaineers up 52-7 for good.

With the win, now No. 21 App State improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the Sun Belt, while ULM dropped to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Sun Belt.

App State is officially bowl eligible with the win.

“It was said in the media that this was an opportunity for ULM to make a statement, and we decided we wanted to make a statement,” Drinkwitz said. “That was what this day was all about, was trying to make history and make a statement.”

App State is the best football team in North Carolina.

There. I said it.

Now sitting at an undefeated 6-0 record and ranked No. 21 in the nation, the Mountaineers the highest ranked of two teams in the state ranked in the AP Top 25.

They’re the only undefeated team in North Carolina, and one of only 10 undefeated teams left in the nation. The only other ranked in-state team, No. 25 Wake Forest, scored 10 fewer points at home against the two programs’ only common opponent, North Carolina, which App State beat on the road.

The Mountaineers are among the top 18 teams in the country in rushing offense and the top seven in scoring offense; the only North Carolina team to do either.

Senior running back Darrynton Evans has the seventh most rushing touchdowns in the nation. No other player from a North Carolina school is ranked in the top 50.

I’m sure the Mountaineers will still receive disrespect around the country for all the normal reasons. But, they’ll just keep winning. The statistics show that.

11

Opinion

Oct. 25, 2019

It’s not autonomous, it’s automatic

Amy Waas | Reporter

the difference between robots and AI

Imagine a robot so realistic and sophisticated it could answer questions with original answers, communicate with emotions and think for itself. Imagine a robot so good at communicating with humans that it works as a secretary in an office and accepts a position as a news anchor as a side job. Imagine this robot has soft skin and hair with a female voice, and that’s Erica: the Japanese android venturing further into human-like aesthetics than any robot of its kind before.

When describing robots that resemble humans, two words are usually used: humanoid and android. Humanoid means vaguely human-like robots, like C-3PO in “Star Wars” or Ultron in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Androids transcend humanoid design to look even more like humans, with the possibility of exact replication. Androids are often presented in a way that makes them seem autonomous, meaning self-aware and capable. Most robots, however, are only automatic, meaning they operate via human-controlled algorithms and coding.

Two androids in particular have become famous in recent years: Sophia, from Hanson Robotics in Hong Kong, and Erica, a creation from Hiroshi Ishiguro, the director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory at Osaka University in Japan.

Both Sophia and Erica are incredibly interesting, if not creepy, to watch. After all, both are regarded as tangible, popular representations of artificial intelligence. This is because in interviews and conversations, Erica and Sophia seem to respond to human questions with original, reflective thought.

AI is associated with fictional characters like “Ex Machina’s” Ava

— supremely futuristic, autonomous and self-aware creatures who are almost too human to be considered robotic at all. Erica and Sophia are robots, not AI, but resemble the AI stereotype, which leads to a dangerous misconception.

AI is a multi-categorical scientific concept, and it has plenty of caveats. With the hype of new androids, eager and curious Google-searchers watch these technological feats in action and immediately assume the presence of AI technology.

It’s become a hot-topic issues

ration strongly suggests Erica has emotions, feelings, wants and dreams — Erica itself refers to Ishiguro as a “father figure” as it seems to joke, reflect and autonomously respond to the interviewer. But, it’s clear that the majority of Erica’s content was incredibly staged, if not entirely automatic. No real autonomy was ever exhibited.

However, the documentary called Erica “the world’s most autonomous android.”

Erica’s not alone. Sophia appeared on “The Tonight Show” with

Erica, a creation from Hiroshi Ishiguro, the director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory at Osaka University in Japan.

Graphic by Efrain Arias-Medina Jr.

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gain more views and clicks online than most real stories, especially in the age of social media. Thus, it’s often more profitable for news outlet, fashion articles and documentaries pertaining to android development that give the illusion of autonomy to robots, where in reality, most of their content is automatic. In no way are we near “Ex Machina” levels of AI development, no matter how eerily human some androids appear.

In 2017, The Guardian posted a documentary named “Erica: Man Made.” In this documentary, the nar-

Jimmy Fallon to sing a duet and answer questions about its newest developments, even debuting its “little sister.” The production presented Sophia in a manner that made it seem autonomous, but it’d be difficult to prove autonomy, considering its responses were oddly timed and clearly read from a pre-programmed response.

Though Sophia is an android, it is still automatic. There is no evidence for its autonomy.

There’s far more to the implications resulting from the creation of Sophia and Erica. Questions about the development of AI are valid, and questions about the creation of more androids and their improvements are important. It’s not a matter of if robots will reach sentience and autonomous programming, but when. However, irresponsible news and marketing cannot continue to misinform.

Making Sophia and Erica the faces of AI development also discredits the reality of AI development.

Companies like Tesla and Samsung are working to create fully self-driving cars and autonomous robots for health care purposes. With these creations and technological advancements, maybe more advanced AI could be a possibility in the future.

Until then, the difference between autonomous and automatic must be emphasized when discussing androids and robotics, no matter how “human” these technologies seem. Without this understanding, there’s too much potential for misinformation to create opposition to the technology of the future. Even Hanson Robotics acknowledges its work is more of “an AI research project, and a kind of living science fiction.”

Opinion

Oct. 25, 2019

The

Tea

Few trees grow in the swamp Tommy Mozier | Opinion Editor

For some of President Trump’s swamp creatures, impeachment and the media maelstrom surrounding it is, paradoxically, a positive. As the public and media sit understandably transfixed on what comedian John Oliver aptly calls “Stupid Watergate,” the Trump Administration attempted one of its boldest plans yet to destroy the environment.

The Tongass National Forest in Alaska’s panhandle is the largest temperate rain forest in the United States. The 16.7 million acres of old-growth forest is home to some of the richest wild salmon fisheries in the world, which drive the local economy.

The Trump Administration wants to exempt Tongass from a longstanding “roadless rule,” enacted under President Bill Clinton, which limits logging. The United States Forest Service originally planned a more modest regulatory rollback in August, but now wants to open the entire area up to logging, except for 5.7 million acres Congress designated as off-limits.

It may seem odd that the USFS is actively attempting to destroy the very thing it should be protecting. After all, its mission statement is “to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.”

It employs more than 25,000 dedicated foresters. But, in Trump’s swamp, it’s expected that leaders of environmentally-focused agencies work against the environment, journalist Micheal Lewis wrote in his book “The Fifth Risk.”

When Alaskan Republicans requested a “roadless rule” exemption, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue

enthusiastically supported them. The USFS falls under the USDA, paradoxically implying national forests are meant to be harvested like crops. Perdue, of course, is a climate change denier, a requirement to lead a Trump environmental agency.

Although expected at this point, the administration’s constant assault on the environment is still scary, particularly for anyone who lives near a national forest. Pisgah National Forest envelops Boone and most of western North Carolina. The USFS has worked on a new management plan for Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests since 2013. The plan could ensure protection for the forests’ diverse ecosystems — or could open them to the same exploitation the administration is attempting in Tongass.

The forest service reviewed more than 20,000 public comments about the plan and found 92% favored conservation and opposed logging.

But, Republican congressman and Trump stooge Mark Meadows, who represents much of Western North Carolina, seems to have other’s interests in mind.

In a 2014 letter to Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest management, Meadows wrote “I respectfully urge you to consider a balanced land management plan that incorporates the needs of all relevant stakeholders, including the timber industry and hunting and fishing groups.”

Apparently, the 92% of people who expressed they want to conserve the forests are not relevant to Meadows. It’s unlikely they mean anything to Perdue either. The forests themselves, the ultimate stakeholders, certainly don’t matter in the swamp.

we should support Buttigeig’s plan for medicare for all Ricky Barker | Reporter Health care a most pressing issue for many Americans. It’s a topic mentioned repeatedly on campaign trails. Candidates offer different solutions, but with such a complex issue, it’s hard to know what the best idea is.

Candidates constantly raise the question of which health insurance structure is best for the American people.

In the fourth Democratic presidential debate, Sen. Elizabeth Warren faced a multitude of questions lobbed at her from several candidates. One of the most pressing and interesting questions came from candidate Pete Buttigieg about Warren’s support of a medicare for all plan.

Buttigieg claimed “no plan has been laid out to explain how a multi-trillion-dollar hole in this Medicare for all plan that Sen. Warren is

putting forward is expected to get filled in.”

Warren’s plan for health care is “Single Payer Medicare for All,” which essentially means all health care financing is done through a government-run public institution. This does not apply to delivery of care, so hospitals, doctors and dental practices would be privately run. Health care would be paid through taxpayer dollars, instead of directly out of pocket.

Warren’s plan is the alternative to only private insurance companies running health care financing.

It does not necessarily have to be one or the other, as Buttigieg claimed during the Oct. 16 debate, when he said “I don’t think the American people are wrong when they say that what they want is a choice.”

Buttigeig supports a two-part plan system, which he calls “Medicare for all who want it.” His plan opens an affordable option in government health insurance for those who need it or want it. This still leaves private insurance companies those who would prefer that.

This is an excellent idea. It’s been proven successful elsewhere in the world. Several countries have similar plans featuring a two-tier system like Buttigieg suggests Canada is a great example.

The neighboring country has a public health care system paid through tax dollars; however, this only covers hospital care and doctor visits. If citizens want more options like vision care, dental benefits or outpatient prescriptions, they need a privatized plan.

Two-thirds of all Canadian citizens are on a private plan, while the rest are covered by the public plan, according to the Commonwealth Fund, a U.S. research group for health care.

Denmark, like Canada, has a basic public health care plan but also provides private plans that offer more options. Private expenditures accounted for nearly 16% of health care spending in Denmark in 2013, according to the Commonwealth Fund.

England is another good, although slightly different, example. England has a public health care plan with a broad range of coverage funded through taxes. However, wait times for treatments or benefits can be long. So, private health care plans offer quicker access to care when the patient needs it. About 11% of the population uses

expedited private health care plans.

A two-tier system could be exactly what the U.S. needs right now, giving more options to Americans while guaranteeing the most vulnerable get the health services they need. Consider North Carolina where 10% of all citizens are uninsured. North Carolina have the ninth largest uninsured gap in the country, the difference between being able to afford private health care and qualifying for government Medicaid .

That could be fixed with a plan like this. It takes the best from both systems and adds to each to make both plans better for citizens, a perfect middle ground for Americans in the divisive fight for health care.

13

Et Cetera

Sudoku

Oct. 25, 2019

MOSS BRENNAN EDITOR IN CHIEF

IRA DAVID LEVY ADVISER

EDITORIAL RACHEL GREENLAND MANAGING EDITOR

JACKIE PARK NEWS EDITOR

BUSINESS STEVEN CAUGHRAN

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BUSINESS MANAGER

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ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER

A&C EDITOR

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CHIEF COPY EDITOR

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VISUAL MANAGING EDITOR

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NEWS PRODUCER

App News

Oct. 25, 2019

Paid Advertisement

What to do Submit Announcements App News is a service of the Division of Student Affairs. Email editor@theappalachianonline.com for submissions with subject line: APP NEWS PAGE. Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference is given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

WEB MANAGER WANTED!

Spooky duke 5k &10k

If you have experience with WordPress or running a website, apply to be web manager for The Appalachian.

Experience in content management and coding is preferred, but not required. Interested? Contact brennanmp@appstate.edu for more details and an application.

Friday, Oct. 25 RECAPP: Research & Creative Activity at Appalachian 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Belk Library and Information Commons University & Chamber Singers 8-9:30 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

design the Appalachian

Let your fall spirit run free in the Spooky Duke 5K and 10K on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event includes a free costume march and contest where children, adults and pets are invited to show off their Halloween costumes. Proceeds from the run go to Parent-to-Parent and will kick off at 9 a.m. at the Peacock Hall Lot.

Want to lay out this paper? Have a flair for graphic design? Email editor@theappalachianonline.com to express interest! Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) preferred but not required. Opportunities available for student designers of all skill sets.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Sunday, Oct. 27

Monday, Oct. 28

Spooky Duke Annual 5 and 10K Race, Walk and Costume Contest 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Peacock Hall Lot

Volleyball vs. Texas State University 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Holmes Convocation Center

Brass Studio Ensembles 8-9:30 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

HSOM Piano Competition 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

Student Percussion Recital 2-3 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall Glee Club Performance 3-4 p.m.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church 140 Chestnut Drive, Blowing Rock

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Thursday, Oct. 31

Volunteer with the Children’s Playhouse 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Children’s Playhouse 400 Tracy Circle, Boone

Volunteer with the Children’s Playhouse 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Children’s Playhouse 400 Tracy Circle, Boone

Volunteer with the Children’s Playhouse 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Children’s Playhouse 400 Tracy Circle, Boone

Woodwind Chamber Ensembles 8-9:30 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

“The Seagull” by Anton Chekhov 7-9 p.m.

I.G. Greer Auditorium

“The Seagull” by Anton Chekhov 7-9 p.m.

I.G. Greer Auditorium

Percussion Ensemble 8-9:30 p.m.

Rosen Concert Hall

Football vs. Georgia Southern University 8-11 p.m.

Kidd Brewer Stadium

Tuesday, Oct. 29

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