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THE APPALACHIAN TheAppalachianOnline.com

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Vol. 87, No. 37

SGA hosts student body presidential debate

by JOSHUA FARMER

A

News Editor

ppalachian State’s Student Government Association hosted the student body presidential debate Tuesday between the Dylan Russell and Michael Page ticket and the Nathan Bailey and Nicholas Smith ticket.

The format consisted of a three-minute opening statement and two and a half minutes to respond to questions with an opportunity for a 30-second rebuttal, as well as a threeminute closing statement.

Vice Chancellor of Student Development Dino DiBernardi served as the moderator for the debate.

Representatives provided questions from Emerging Leaders, Gamma Beta Phi, the Black Student Association and the Department of Student Programs.

The tickets worked in teams, with the president and vice president answering questions together.

In their opening statements, the tickets each stressed the overarching themes of their platforms.

The Bailey/Smith platform outlined the need for a focus on sustainability on campus and lowering costs and spending.

The Russell/Page platform highlighted the fact that their campaign came from student ideas on

SGA presidential nominee Nathan Bailey and vice presidential nominee Nicholas Smith during Tuesday night's debate.

1,778 notecards submitted during the limited campaigning period. They also focused on transparency and safety, as well as

work on a Blue Light application for smart phones that can be used to alert help if someone is in a dangerous situation. Russell also mentioned mental health issues.

“We can’t be safe without addressing mental health,” Russell said. “Michael and I plan to expand the counseling services.

We need to make sure that counseling services has the right resources to make sure all of our students are safe.”

Bailey also identified a need to address mental health.

“We want to work with the Mental Health Ambassadors to have an SGA-sponsored weekly event in order to increase knowledge on campus,” Bailey said.

Bailey questioned Russell in his effectiveness as the current director of campus outreach.

“One of the things that a lot of the students that have talked to us [say] is that they have no idea what SGA does,” Bailey

providing a 24/5 library.

The first question posed was regarding improving safety on campus. Page said he has already began

Individual found dead in aftermath of fire

by JOSHUA FARMER News Editor

The Boone fire department responded to a call around 4 a.m. Wednesday about a structure fire at 564 Homespun Hills Road, just off of Appalachian State’s campus near Bodenheimer Drive, where one victim was found dead, according to a press release.

According to the release, units were advised of a person possibly trapped inside the building. During the initial search of the structure, after the fire was knocked down, the victim was found.

There is no official confirmation of the victim’s identity as of press time, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

More details and updates will be added to this story at theappalachianonline.com

Appalachian State University selected for pilot program

by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY Senior News Reporter Appalachian State University will be one of five UNC schools chosen by UNC-system President Thomas Ross to participate in a pilot program for the Collegiate Learning Assessment standardized testing.

The pilot program is a result of the UNC system Board of Governor’s Strategic Plan, which mentioned one way the board would assess the schools is through the CLA standardized testing, Chancellor Kenneth Peacock said.

Appalachian has participated in the CLA twice before and may be one of the reasons it was chosen, Peacock said.

see Testing page 3

Photos by Nicole Debartolo | The Appalachian

SGA presidential nominee Dylan Russell and vice presidential nominee Michael Page during Tuesday night's debate.

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

said. “Clearly, something needs to change.”

Russell responded by calling for a shift in the outreach focus.

“Campus outreach doesn’t need to be so legislation-driven, it needs to be focused on how we get these people back to the table,” Russell said.

But the debate was more for the students than the candidates in principle. “[The job of ] students is to learn about these candidates and what they’re proposing,” DiBernardi said. “At the end of the day, it’s about the students getting out and voting and electing, from these two excellent tickets, the one that they think should lead us through next year.”

Junior Colin McCurry said the debate helped him to decide whom to vote for.

“It’s good hearing from them, what they plan to do and what their platform is all about,” McCurry said.

Appalachian student is candidate for ASG presidency

by STEPHANIE SANSOUCY

Senior News Reporter

Another Appalachian State University student will run for president of the UNC Association of Student Governments, following current president and Appalachian student Cameron Carswell.

Junior political science major John Secrest is the current vice president of student affairs for UNCASG and is now running for president.

Secrest said he decided to run for this position because the UNC system is a unique place and needs leadership that can communicate to all 17 campuses.

“I feel that Cameron did a really good job this year restoring a lot of the reputation of ASG, and I believe that with the right leadership we can expand upon that and we can make ASG beneficial to all students as much as possible,” Secrest said.

UNCASG is the “statewide student government representing students at North Carolina’s 17 public institutions of higher education,” according to uncasg.org.

Secrest said his current position is kind of a “catchall” position.

“I’ve handled things such as mental health, sexual assault and interpersonal violence issues, and I believe they are universal to all 17 campuses and need to be addressed,” Secrest said.

Secrest was involved in addressing those issues on Appalachian’s campus through helping to create the Interpersonal Vio-

lence Task Force as something he hopes to see all UNC campuses take advantage of, he said.

“I believe it’s not enough to look at your policies and make sure they are up to date,” he said.

“I think that each campus needs to take an in-depth look at not just the campus policies themselves but how they are handled and what programs they’re offering for outreach to victims. Just the overall issues themselves not just the policies.”

However, not all issues have one solution, Secrest said.

“What is a problem here at Appalachian isn’t necessarily a problem at all the other schools, and that’s probably one of my favorite moments during my committee meetings,” he said. “If we can foster a community where everyone feels they have an equal stake in it, then we can begin to share ideas and truly be one system.”

The ASG president needs to be able to talk to the Board of Governors and relate the issues of not just one school but all 17, Secrest said.

Secrest said he has been campaigning for two weeks by talking with delegates and making sure to get their thoughts, what works, what doesn’t work and how ASG benefit their campus personally.

The elections for ASG president will be held at the association’s meeting this Saturday where Secrest will run as a writein candidate with his running mate Anita Simha.

Simha is the current student body president of North Carolina School of Science and Math and

Paul Heckert | The Appalachian

Junior political science major John Secrest, current vice president of student affairs for UNCASG, is now running for UNCASG president.

will attend University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in fall 2013, Secrest said.

Only the schools delegations in ASG will vote on the position Saturday, said Frank Byrne, the current Chief of Staff for ASG and campaign manager for Secrest.

Each school has four delegates to the Association, making a total of 68 delegates, Byrne said.

If Appalachian were to have two students serve as President of ASG back-to-back, it would not impact the association, Byrne said.

“I don’t think its really matters where the ASG president goes to school as much as what they do as ASG president,” Byrne said.

“They could be located anywhere, it’s a matter of how effectively they do the job.”

ON THE WEB Follow our blogs at TheAppalachianOnline.com/blogs.

Study Abroad Follow three Appalachian students studying abroad as they document their experiences in Poland, Chile and Spain.

Photo Gallery Check out theappalachianonline.com for a photo gallery of the Harlem Globetrotters.

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| March 21, 2013

News

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Appalachian’s Wine to Water will host ‘Waiting for Water’ Friday

Michelle Pierce | The Appalachian

(Left to right) Ashley Ellis, Katy Cook and Michael John O’Neal are holding the Wine to Water jerry cans that will be carried in the walk Friday to raise awareness for the water crisis worldwide.

by MICHELLE PIERCE Intern News Reporter

Appalachian State University’s Wine to Water club has planned an event that allows students to put themselves in the shoes of those who live without clean drinking water every day, chapter president Katy Cook said.

Students will meet on Sanford Mall to receive jerry cans full of dirty water to walk around campus during an event called “Waiting for Water” to raise awareness for World Water Day. “Waiting For Water” is hosted in conjunction with Social Justice Week happening from March 19 to 28, where students will participate in a series of events determined to address some of the world’s most pressing human rights issues.

The fuel containers are similar to the canisters that people all over the world

have to carry for miles to gather contaminated water, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, Cook said.

The group has pledged to refrain from using water all day on Friday until the start of the walk and encourage other students to join them as well. At the end of the walk, Cook and the other club leaders will show students how contaminated water is cleaned with a powerful yet portable Sawyer filter.

Appalachian’s Wine to Water chapter is separate from the Wine to Water based in Boone and located on King Street. The club raises money to give to the actual organization, which uses the money for water filtration systems in areas all over the world.

“Water is something we think every human being has the right to,” said event and awareness coordinator Ashley Ellis.

The Numbers of Wine to Water

1,000,000,000 people who lack access to clean water 500 dollars for a well in Cambodia 100 dollars for a filter in Uganda 35 dollars for a filter in Haiti 20 seconds a child dies from a water related disease 9 countries have clean water provided from Wine to Water

Source: www.winetowater.org

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

News

March 21, 2013 |

Appalachian hosts annual Appalachian Studies Conference

by JORDAN MILLER Intern News Reporter

Appalachian State University will host the 36th annual Appalachian Studies Conference March 2224, an event last hosted by Appalachian in 1998.

“There will be a lot of interesting papers, films, presentations, music, readings and discussions throughout the daytime,” said Mark Freed, an adjunct instructor at Appalachian and Boone’s Cultural Resources Coordinator. “The conference really offers something for everyone, with most disciplines represented, from humanities to sciences to arts and more.”

Each year, a different region in the Appalachian Mountains is chosen to host the event, which includes different presentations and workshops. Last year, over 700 Appalachian scholars and enthusiasts went to Pennsylvania for the event.

Rebecca Keeter, a professor in the Appalachian cultural arts and theatre and dance department, said the conference is important to Appalachian students be-

cause of the strong sense leading scholar of tradiof culture within the com- tional dance calling in the munity. world and has attended the “When students come conference every year since up to Appalachian, the cul- 2001. ture becomes part of their “ASU has a very strong heritage and they’ll always program in Appalachian remember it,” Keeter said.

Studies, and also the amazKeeter said she plans to ing Appalachian materials attend the conference. collection in the library, “Whethso that er they alone take a class, “Some of the mystique of makes it learn how great the region and uniqueness aplace to dance, to of the region is true and learn how come,” some of it is not, but it to play an Jamison remains to be a distinctive said. “I instrument region in our country and u s u a l l y or hear so it has been a fascinat- a t t e n d an instrument bevar ious ing region to study.” ing played, sessions Phillip Jamison Warren Wilson College they are and I going to professor of Appalachian music, Appala- do learn chian studies and mathematics. get the exsomeposure here thing that they n e w w o u l d n’t every get if they were at another year, but I also make conschool,” Keeter said. “It is a nections with people with part of what this commu- similar interests in the renity is.” gion.”

Phillip Jamison is a proLegends will host the fessor at Warren Wilson conference’s community College who teaches in the events.

Appalachian music, AppaThere will be a $2 social lachian studies and math- at Legends that people can ematics departments. He attend to visit and socialize is acknowledged by Ap- Friday at 8 p.m. Legends palachian Scholars as the will also feature a concert

with local traditional music, storytelling and dance Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will be followed by an Appalachianstyle square dance with a Watauga-based old-time string band and some of the nation’s top dance callers.

“The Appalachian region has, for generations, had a certain mystique in the minds of Americans,” Jamison said. “Some of the mystique of the region and uniqueness of the region is true and some of it is not, but it remains to be a distinctive region in our country and so it has been a fascinating region to study.”

Event Info Place: Legends Date: Friday, March 22 Time: 8 p.m.

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go to asurentals.com or call 828.262.1571

SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION

many things,” Koch said.

“The CLA does not capcontinued from page 1 ture the complexity of the learning experience.”

The Faculty Assembly “I prefer that be- voted to oppose the use cause when they are of standardized testing implementing policy Jan. 8, Koch said.

“There is also a concern and they are measuring the value of some- that this would create inthing, I like Appala- centives toward teaching chian State to be at to a test and really unthe table with a voice,” dermining the faculty’s Peacock said. “I pre- role in establishing a curriculum,” fer that he said. f r o m T h e some“The CLA does not other inone else d o i n g capture the complexity stitutions of the learning chosen to it and experience.” participate we just in the pilearn Government and Justice studies lot prothe reprofessor Andy Koch gram are sults.”

FayetteT h e ville State p i l o t Western program will allow University, monitoring of the test Carolina University, East to see if it will be ef- Carolina University and University of North Carfective, Peacock said.

Because the test is olina at Pembroke, said part of a pilot pro- Director of Institutional gram, it will not be a Research and Planning part of any student’s Bobby Sharp.

Sharp said that the transcripts or files, timeline for the test that Peacock said.

The test will assess is currently being considwhat a student knows ered would put the first when they enter Ap- administration of the palachian and how test in fall 2013 to the much he or she knows incoming freshmen. The upon graduation, Pea- test will also be given to seniors in spring 2014. cock said.

The test would be givGovernment and Justice studies profes- en to a random sample sor Andy Koch is the of up to 300 students chair of ASU’s del- from each class, but the egation to the state- students selected can opt wide Faculty Assem- out of taking the test, bly in North Carolina. Sharp said.

Appalachian has adKoch said that the Faculty Assembly was ministered the CLA very much opposed to twice before in the span the use of standard- of 2009-12, Sharp said.

However, with this proized testing.

The assembly does gram, a revised version not think that a stan- of the CLA will be used, dardized test is a good called CLA Plus.

“Its not anything new measurement of what a student learns while to us in terms of how to in college because administrate the logistics students study in dif- of the test,” Sharp said. ferent subject matter,” “The test itself will be what is new.”

Koch said.

The test is adminis“There is also a concern about what tered online and is monthe CLA measures itored as well as timed, because we teach so Sharp said.

Testing

Appalachian State University’s Morgan Lecture Series in the Sciences PRESENTS

Dr. Michael Mann The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars

Thursday, March 21 7pm, Blue Ridge Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union Free and Open to the Public Q&A and Book Signing to Follow

SPECIAL GUESTS: RANDY MCQUAY(ROOT SOUL PROJECT) , AYR MOUNTAINEERS(CHAPEL HILL) MARCH 26 LEGENDS 9PM $ 7 PSU $10 PUBLIC/DOOR

APPS.APPSTATE.EDU APPS@APPSTATE.EDU

3

Dr. Michael E. Mann is the director of the Penn State Earth System Science Center.

His research involves the use of theoretical models and observational data to better understand Earth’s climate system.

As a lead author on the Observed Climate Variability and Change chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr. Mann contributed to the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. He is co-founder of the award-winning website RealClimate.org., and his most recent book, The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines (2012), is on Amazon’s best seller list.

Sponsored by Appalachian’s College of Arts & Sciences and University Forum Committee

4

News

| March 21, 2013

The Appalachian

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

SGA presidential candidates discuss platforms, goals

Nathan Bailey | Courtesty Photo

Nicole Debartolo | The Appalachian

Voting for the SGA president and vice-president began Wednesday. The Appalachian had a chance to ask both tickets questions about their platforms and goals for the next school year.

Nathan Bailey and Nick Smith

by JOSHUA FAMER News Editor

The Appalachian: What do you think the role of SGA is and how will you help it fulfill that role?

Nathan Bailey: “We are a recommending body for the student body, and so it’s our job to really take in what the students want to see on this campus and really make it happen in one way or another. That means connecting the students’ voice with the faculty and administration’s voices because that’s where the real change happens.

We’re thinking about pulling back on [required SGA] committee meetings so we can [send senators] to a university committee meeting such as Library 24/5 so we have those senators going out there and spreading out so we can externally get the students’ voice heard.”

TA: Why are you different from the other ticket?

NB: “Our platforms do have some similarities, but the main difference between the two tickets it that Nick and I have much more experience working with faculty, administration and working within SGA.”

TA: What are the big issues that you plan to address first?

NB: “One that is really important is getting the Appalachian State 2050 plan of being carbon neutral.

Also, safety on this campus.

We know about policy that needs to be changed focused around sexual assault [and] focused around mental health stigmas.”

TA: What specifically would you change about these policies?

NB: “There is one policy regarding self-harm. You can be fined or referred to student conduct for harming yourself, and we feel that is not the right message we want to send to our students. If someone is that far down along the road, we want to make them feel safe, we want to refer them to the counseling center, we want to get them into a tight circle of friends so that they don’t feel that need to harm themselves.”

TA: How specifically would you address the 2050 plan?

NB: “Not everything can be changed overnight, so it starts with simple solutions, like motion sensor lighting.

We have the Eco Clamshell system, we want to expand upon successful programs like that by giving students reusable tote bags when they enter their rooms as freshmen, so instead of getting plastic bags from the market, they can just use this one tote. We talked about the visual aspect of sustainability, having art students create a bench or something [out of recyclable materials]. It all works together.”

TA: How do you see that creating the artwork will help?

NB: “Having a visual staple of Appalachian’s sustainability helps with the mind shift. We have so many recycling bins on campus, we have solar panels. When you see those things, you think ‘sustainable.’ With promotion and education, you change the mindset of a school.”

TA: Why are you running for student body president and vice president?

NB: “There is a lot of change that needs to happen. We’ve passed a lot of legislation and we work together with a lot of faculty and administration, but there’s more we can do. This is really important to me.

I’ve found a passion with this.”

Nick Smith: “My big personal reason for running is we label ourselves as a sustainable school and we don’t have a whole lot to show for it besides very little things, and I want to get that personality of App to be more defined. Increasing the role of sustainability on campus.”

TA: How would you get more students involved with SGA? NB: “It all starts with spreading the message. It’s about public relations; it’s about advertising and informing people about what SGA really does.”

Dylan Russell and Michael Page The Appalachian: What do you think the role of SGA is and how will you help fulfill that role?

Dylan Russell: “The role of SGA is to make sure the students’ voices are being heard. We have an extensive glass door campaign, which involves reforming how senators do research. We’re going to put surveys on AppalNet. We’re going to email what specifically senators are accomplishing. We’re going to use iClickers so that students can track what their senators are voting for. It’s all about making things crystal clear.”

Michael Page: “We have developed a platform that is based solely on research from students during limited campaigning. We collected 1,778 student opinions through limited campaigning.”

DR: “We took the students’ ideas and we figured out some tangible ideas to make them happen. We are running off of a platform that we did not create. We are running off of the students’ platform.”

TA: Why is yours the right ticket to vote for?

DR: “Our platform is based off the needs of all the students.”

MP: “We’ve reached places that have told us they’ve never been reached by student government before.”

DR: “Michael and I

have been involved in organizations ranging from the smallest of clubs to housing and SGA. We reach everywhere. That’s another way were going to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.”

TA: What are the big issues that you plan to address first?

DR: “Definitely transparency.”

MP: “Campus safety is an issue we face. We’ve already begun with bringing this Blue Light application to campus [which can be used to alert someone if you are in a precarious situation].”

DR: “We need to continue to promote wonderful programs like the Red Flag Campaign and the It’s Up to Me campaign.”

MP: “One issue that we have brought to the table is the ASUnity gender neural housing, and that really boils down to a campus safety issue. We want those students to feel at home.”

TA: Why are you running for student body president?

DR: “I’m extremely eager to serve this university.

Redefining, reclaiming and refocusing Student Government Association, and moving forward together.”

TA: How would you get more students involved with SGA? DR: “You have to change the stigma of SGA. Being

a senator should be one of the most prestigious titles one can hold at this university.”

TA: How will you try to implement a 24/5 library?

DR: “We will make sure that the people representing the student body on the tuition and fees committee are the people that will make sure that students get something out of the tuition and fees increases. We want to look into options as to how we can keep it open and it be a feasible thing for the university.”

TA: How are you different from the other ticket?

MP: “We combine for two more years at this university, two more years of involvement. We address things that we have gathered from student opinions that are not mentioned on their platform.”

DR: “I’m a local. I was born in Boone, raised in Boone. I know people on the school board, the county commissioner. We have these connections that combined are going to propel our administration to new heights. We don’t have to worry about saying, “Hey, I’m Dylan. I’m student body president, nice to meet you.” We can just go straight into, “Hey, let’s get down to work.” Our experience is different from theirs.

It’s more expanded than just SGA- and Housingfocused.”

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A&E

The Appalachian

March 21, 2013 |

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

5

Social Justice Week kicks off Tuesday Review: with Concert for Justice David Bowie’s

by LOVEY COOPER

new album a success

Senior A&E Reporter

T

he Concert for Justice kicked off Social Justice Week at Appalachian State with a combination of solo performers, a capella groups and dance groups from around campus Tuesday night.

Each group performed songs based around a theme of peace, love and justice.

Between songs, different people from various events of Justice Week discussed upcoming events that are taking place, said Tommy Wrenn, a junior political science major and coordinator for the concert that was sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Wrenn said that the night was intended to promote Justice Week, inform students about all the events in a more casual context and to give students a performance opportunity.

A capella group Treble Attraction performed at the concert.

The group has performed at a few other charity events in the past, including a blood drive and Acapellageddon, and was contacted by organizers for the opportunity to perform as a donation to the cause as well as a chance to practice in front of an audience before other upcoming concerts.

Sophomore international business major Rachel Long is a member of Treble Attraction.

Long said that the concert went well, and was not what she expected.

“I’m really glad I was able to be a part of it and I can’t wait for some of the events this coming week,” she said.

Long said she had heard little of the upcoming Social Justice Week until she became involved with the show.

The concert also served to help incorporate art into the week of

by COLIN MOORE A&E Reporter

Editor’s Note: The following represents the opinions of the author.

Courtney Roskos | The Appalachian

Treble Attraction (top left), G-Fresh and the Big Wiggle (bottom left) and Enharmonics (right) perform Tuesday evening at the Concert for Justice in Plemmons Student Union. The concert kicked off Social Justice Week and featured a capella, dance and solo acts.

social-awareness in order to show that social justice can be embodied in a variety of forms.

“Music and artistic expression have had a tremendous impact on shaping social movements and inspiring people to work toward building a better world,” said senior Amanda Moore, a global studies major and organizer of Social Justice Week.

Social Justice Week is a new series of events intended to address social and human rights is-

sues through the efforts of clubs and organizations across campus.

“I knew that other student’s would be interested in an initiative like this, so we all met up and started to plan what we wanted this week to look like,” Moore said. “Initially, it was only going to be five days long, but as more and more groups found out about SJW, we grew.”

The week consists 13 separate events, including a wide range of film screenings, lectures, discus-

sion panels and performance art, all sponsored by 20 different student clubs and organizations and relating back to a core human rights issue.

“Social Justice is everything, it relates to everyone and every major in some way, shape or form,” Moore said.

One goal of the week is to generate interest in social justice to eventually establish a Center for Social Justice and Human Rights on Appalachian’s campus.

Bombadil returns for third show at Legends

by COLIN MOORE A&E Reporter

Indie Durham-based folk band Bombadil will return to Legends on Thursday. This week, the Appalachian caught up with drummer James Phillips, who talked about the band’s plans for this year and the anatomy of their shows.

The Appalachian: You guys just announced your new album, “Metrics of Affection.” What was the process of making the album? How has your approach changed since your 2011 album?

Mitchell Kearney | Courtesy Photo

Durham-based folk band Bombadil will play at Legends Thursday. Bryan Rahija (top right) performed on the album ‘Metrics of Affection,’ but no longer tours with the band.

James Phillips: “We recorded ‘Metrics’ ourselves over a two month period last summer in

an evening with

BOMBADIL March 21 ST

9 PM

Legends $4 ASU students adv.

$6 at the door Purchase your

apps.appstate.edu ticket at the PSU app@appstate.edu info desk with your express account!

a house we rented in Old North Durham, a beautiful neighborhood adjacent to downtown. I engineered the sessions, and we spent a lot of time on arrangements and making sure performances were great. We then spent the fall having a friend mix the record and making small adjustments. It was a much more intense and deliberate process than our last record, which we recorded during 10 days living in a barn in Oregon. The process was more difficult, but ultimately I think more rewarding. Our last record was more about coming back together and having fun together, this record we took more seriously.”

TA: How many times have you guys played Legends? How do you like working with APPS? JP: “This will be our third show at Legends.

I love working with APPS. The studentrun vibe is great and it seems like a lot of thought is put into the programming and the event itself. That really makes a difference for us.”

TA: What are your shows typically like?

JP: “Our shows are typically pretty dynamic. We like to do everything from slow solo ballads to full on barn burning rockers. I guess we’re a bit different than many bands playing Legends because we’re a trio and we don’t have a guitar in our band anymore.”

TA: Since the show is just you guys with two sets, will there be any-

thing different about how you approach the show?

JP: “Essentially, it will be like giving two shows. I like to try to make the first set a little more sedate and a little more focused on old material, and then be a bit more upbeat and play newer material in the second set. Fortunately, we have four records under our belts now, so we have a lot of songs we can choose from and that we like to perform. We actually like playing a couple of sets more than just playing one. It gives us a chance to settle in, to get to know the audience, and to play some of the tunes that we don’t play as much, which is a lot of fun for us.”

TA: What other plans do you have coming up for this year besides your new album release?

JP: “We’ll be playing a number of festivals, and are doing our first West Coast tour in almost five years. I lived in Oregon while we took a break from the band, so I’m really excited to get out there with the band and play for my friends.

We’re also hoping to get most of the next record recorded this year, as we’ve got a whole raft of tunes that need a recorded home.”

Bombadil will play two 45-minute sets back-to-back with an intermission. Doors for the APPS Club Show open at 9 p.m. Tickets for students are $4 in advance and $6 at the door. The event is BYOB with proper identification.

The problem with many “comeback albums” is that they often just feel like cheap cash-grabs.

This isn’t necessarily the fault of the artist, but rather the intense cultural environment albums are born into, where relevance is more of a commodity than an aesthetic goal.

David Bowie, no rookie at reinventing his image, effortlessly sidesteps these expectations.

“The Next Day,” his first album in 10 years, feels less like a comeback album and more like a continuation of Bowie’s fascinating, chameleonic career.

Though some of the album features clear references to various eras of Bowie’s career, they pass quickly and function more as jumping off points for the much more dense, frenetic sound Bowie explores throughout the album.

For example, the title track kicks off the album with a plastic-sounding drum hit reminiscent of the mutated drums on the first half of Bowie’s masterpiece “Low.” But the song immediately goes off on a disturbing yarn about an angry mob committing murder, its victim barking out the chorus: “Here I am, not quite dying!”

The rest of the album deals with similar aging-rock-star subject matter, with songs about existential crises, school shooters, fading relationships and impending mortality.

Bowie’s never heavy-handed with this approach; in fact, it fits him perfectly. His voice sounds incredible, imbued with a raspy, approachable pathos.

The production and musicianship of this album supports this, with a thick, vibrant mix from longtime collaborator Tony Visconti.

Two of the session musicians especially stand out – King Crimson bassist Tony Levin provides several thrilling, elastic bass lines worthy of Bowie’s best work, and saxophonist Steve Elson rips through album highlights “Dirty Boys” and “Boss of Me.” The album is also remarkably consistent at 14 songs in 53 minutes. The longest song here is under five minutes, allowing for an impressive, diverse flow from the energetic opening songs to the spare, haunting album closer “Heat.”

Though intense arrangements are packed into each track, “The Next Day” is a fairly accessible pop-oriented album, with songs like “Dancing Out in Space” and “You Will Set the World on Fire” boasting some of his best hooks.

Additionally, though the album lacks the long-form experimentation of his 1970s output, the songwriting here is taut and compelling, leaving the listener wanting for nothing.

The only real fault with “The Next Day” is its album cover, a cop-out “recontextualization” of the classic “Heroes” cover.

Thankfully, the concept behind the cover art rarely, if ever, makes it into the music. This is no stale, recycled comeback album.

“The Next Day” is simply an excellent, idiosyncratic artistic statement from one of music’s greatest polymaths.

Rating:

3.5 out of 4 stars

6

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Official University News & Announcements

Meeting Notes

Send copy to David W. Freeman, Director of Student Publications, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, second floor, Plemmons Student Union, or e-mail: freemandw@appstate.edu.

Truman Capote Literary Award

Applications for the Truman Capote Literary Trust Award in Creative Writing for 2013-2014 (for prose, fiction, creative nonfiction and drama) are available. To apply for the $3,125 scholarship award, submit a file folder or large envelope with three (3) collated, stapled copies each of two (2) works: fiction, creative non-fiction, plays, or a mix of two. Play scripts must be submitted in standard format. Please double space prose; number pages and staple them.

The deadline is Thursday, March 21, by 4 p.m. Deliver entries to: English Office, Sanford Hall, second floor, drop-box, beginning Tuesday, March 19.

Final Judge: Sandy Ballard is the editor of the Appalachian Journal and co-editor of the literary anthology Listen Here: Women Writing in Appalachia (University Press of Kentucky, 2004) and The Collected Short Stories of Harriette Simpson Arnow (Michigan State University Press, 2005). With Leila Weinstein, she edited Neighbor to Neighbor: A Memoir of Family, Community, and Civil War North Carolina (Center for Appalachian Studies, 2007). Her most recent project is Appalachian Journal’s first CD-ROM, The Southern Mountaineer in Fact and Fiction, by Cratis Williams (2011).

Please write your name, ASU Box, email address, and telephone number on the first page of each entry. The winner will be notified and results will be posted by the last day of Spring classes for 2013. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Weinberg (262-2871/weinbergsc@appstate.edu).

Open to rising juniors and seniors who are majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing or who intend to do so; it is also open to English B.S. students who have taken two or more creative writing classes at Appalachian.

The Club Hub is open!

The Club Hub is open. What is it? A resource center to help support clubs. Where is it? 219 Plemmons Student Union across from SGA and The Appalachian. (the old CSIL offices) What is in it? Currently, there is extra meeting space for clubs.

There are 2 conference rooms able to be reserved by clubs.

Contact CSIL at 262-6252 to reserve them at this time. Also, there is casual meeting space if you are looking for a quiet place to have a club conversation. The refrigerator room is available for 48 hours at a time to store any supplies for your meeting in the Union. Contact CSIL at 262-6252 to reserve the refrigerator room. What else will be there? Coming soon will be a poster room and team building supplies that can be checked out. QUESTIONS? Contact CSIL at 828-262-6252.

2nd floor in the new section of the Student Union.

Spring Counseling Center groups

Understanding Self and Others Group—Issues commonly addressed vary from depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, self-esteem, issues of family conflict or abuse, etc. Students who want to resolve specific concerns as well as those seeking personal growth are welcome. Mondays 1:30-3 p.m., Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. USOGet Moving (moving your body to increase wellness- see below for details), Wednesdays 2:30-4 p.m., Thursdays 1:30-3 p.m. (Transitions to ASU Group, doesn’t start until October) and USO-DOG 3:30-5 p.m. (group Therapy with co-leaders and a therapy dog) Lesbian/Gay /Bisexual Therapy Group—This group will present an opportunity for lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals to explore life challenges. Fridays 1-2:30 p.m.

Painful Pasts, Promising Futures Group—This group is designed for those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives or who come from backgrounds in which they did not feel safe. Wednesdays 3-4:30 p.m.

Transgender Therapy Group—This group is similar to the “Understanding Self and Others” group in that a variety of issues will be explored in a safe and supportive environment.

Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m. (For information contact Sheri Clark: 262-3180 or clarksl@appstate.edu) Food/Mood Group—This group is designed for students who use food and/or exercise to cope in ways that would be considered “unhealthy”. To Be Determined.

An Introduction to Mindfulness Group—Mindfulness involves stepping out of “auto-pilot” reactions and learning to pay more attention to our present experiences. Mondays 3:30-5 p.m.

USO-Get Movin’ Active Bodies Healthy Minds—Did you know that exercise is one of the best mental health interventions we know of? Tuesdays 3-4:30 p.m.

To get started with a Counseling Center group, come to the Counseling Center during Walk-In Clinic, call 262-3180 or visit our website for more information www.counseling. appstate.edu. If you are interested in group but these times do not work for you, please get in touch with Chris Carden at 262-3180 or cardendc@appstate.edu.

Global Women’s Series in March

The campus and local community are invited to attend the first Global Womens Series, scheduled for March 2013. The theme for the series is “Women and the Environment: Ecofeminism and Activism.” We encourage faculty to participate and have their students attend.

Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m.: Keynote presentation with Dr. Chris Cuomo, “Eco-Feminism and Climate Change”; Parkway Ballroom, 4th floor of new addition in Plemmons Student Union Dr. Cuomo is professor of Philosophy and Women’s Studies at the University of Georgia, and an affiliate faculty member of the Environmental Ethics Certificate Program and the Institute for African-American Studies.

The Global Womens Series addresses contemporary global issues affecting women and girls and is a collaborative effort between faculty, students, staff and community members.

The program is co-sponsored by the Office of International Education and Development, Womens Studies, and the Belk Library. For more information, contact Sarah Bergstedt at bergstedtss@appstate.edu.

Visiting Writers begins today

Appalachian State University’s Spring 2013 Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series continues with poet Nathalie Anderson reading from her works on March 28 in Lecture Hall 114, Belk Library, at 7:30 p.m. A Craft Talk, “Writing Around,” will be held in Attic Window Room, Plemmons Student Union, at 2 p.m.

Fiction writer and memorist Brett Lott will read from his works on April 4 in the Table Rock Room, Plemmons Student Union, at 7:30 p.m. A Craft Talk, “Writing With So Great a Cloud of Witnesses,” will be held in Table Rock at 3:30 p.m.

A Service of the Division of Student Development

Novelist and poet Darnell Arnoult will read from his works on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Table Rock Room, Plemmons Student Union. A Craft Talk, “The Sublime Fiction Triangle,” will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Table Rock.

ACT to sponsor May event

Appalachian & the Community Together (ACT) at Appalachian State University will sponsor an International ASE May Break event May 13-28, in Thailand and Ghana. Sign up now in the new ACT Outreach Center located in Plemmons Student Union. A $500 deposit and your ID is required.

Wellness Workshops are planned

The Counseling Center at Appalachian State University presents “The Wellness Workshops: Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood!” Workshops are: Get Movin’ to Reduce Stress, Anxiety and Depression (wear clothes and shoes you can move in), March 26, 5 to 6 p.m., Table Rock room of the student union; Born this Way: Learning to Love Yourself, April 11, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Rough Ridge Room of the student union; Express Yosef: Self Expression through Art, April 15, 5-6 p.m., Attic Window room of the student union. For more information contact the Counseling Center at 262-3180 or counseling.appstate.edu.

APPS Films ready for spring showings

The Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS) Films Council is pleased to announce its remaining schedule for the Spring 2013 semester. Our Popular Film Series at I.G. Greer SuperCinema will feature some of the most acclaimed movies of the awards season, as well as a blockbuster or two, and a few gems that are not as well known. The CinemaVintage series in the Greenbriar theater will start out creepy, reflect some dystopian tendencies, then veer off toward the tales of unruly ghosts and science run amok. Show times are listed with the schedule and as always, admission is still only $1.

Here’s what APPS Films is bringing: IG Greer SuperCinema Popular Film Series: (All Showings at 7 and 9:30 p.m., except where otherwise noted; Admission $1.) Match 21-23 - Silver Linings Playbook; April 4-6 - The Hobbit (7 and 10:15 p.m.); April 11-13 - Les Miserables (7 and 10 p.m.); April 18-20 - Rise of the Guardians; April 25-27 - Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (Show times TBD); May 2-4 - Warm Bodies.

Greenbriar Theater CinemaVintage Series: (All showings at 7 p.m.; Admission $1.); Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (‘89); March 21* - Jurassic Park (‘93); March 27 and 28* - The Land Before Time (‘88); April 3 and 5 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (‘88); April 10 and 12 - Peter Pan (’53); April 17 and 19 - The Fox and the Hound (‘81); April 24 and 26 - Cinderella (’50); May 1 and 3 - The Nightmare Before Christmas (‘93) * denotes showings on Wednesday and Thursday. All titles, dates and show times are subject to change.

If you would like to have some input on what movies are brought to campus, the APPS Films council meets at 5 p.m.

Thursdays in the Rhododendron Room of the Plemmons Student Union. If you would like to suggest a film for viewing on campus, APPS Films can make arrangements for you to come to a meeting and make a case for it to be shown.

The event is presented by ASU Library in conjunction with the ASU Humanities Council, with grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH Bridging Cultures, Muslim Journeys grant and the Bivens Fund for Library Excellence.

This is the third in a series of programs that compose the 2013 Muslim Journeys Program.

More about the film: Could a regional love of hummus be the recipe for peace in the Middle East? This was the question on director Trevor Graham’s mind when he set out to film Make Hummus Not War, a documentary about the Middle Eastern conflict you don’t see on the nightly news.

One of the oldest-known prepared foods in human history, hummus is claimed by multiple Middle Eastern nationalities.

So when Trevor Graham, a self-described hummus tragic, learned of a 2008 Lebanese plan to sue Israel for acting as if it had proprietary rights over the dish, he was intrigued and hungry for more. With Israel, Lebanon and Palestine fighting once again - over who ‘owns’ the hummus heritage - he set off on a personal journey into a colorful culinary history.

“Hummus and chickpeas are a symbol of our common humanity. I want this movie to say ‘We have more in common than divides us.’” - filmmaker Trevor Graham.

For more information contact Allan Scherlen, scherlnag@ appstate.edu.

CEO Lecture planned for March 27

The 51st Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series will be held Wednesday, March 27. The featured speaker is Kelly King, CEO of BB&T, who will discuss “Economic Realities – Post Election” at 2 p.m. in the Holmes Convocation Center. The event is free and open to the public.

A reception will follow on the floor of the convocation center at 3:15 p.m.

This is King’s second CEO Lecture. He was the featured speaker in Fall 2009, discussing leadership in turbulent times.

During his 40 years with BB&T, King has held key leadership roles. He was named President of BB&T Corporation in 1996 and served as COO from 2004-2008. He was named Chairman and CEO of Branch Bank and President and CEO of BB&T Corporation in 2009.

King assumed the Chairmanship of BB&T Corporation in 2010.

Under King’s leadership, BB&T remained financially stable through the recent recession and was among the first institutions to repay TARP funds. Since 2008, BB&T has led U.S. banks in total awards for small business and middle market banking by Greenwich Associates.

King serves on the boards of The Clearing House, The Financial Services Roundtable, the Piedmont Triad Partnership, and he is a member of the Federal Reserve Federal Advisory Committee. He holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting and a master of business administration from East Carolina University. He is also a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.

24th Morgan Lecture Series to start Global service learning workshop The 24th anniversary of the Morgan Lecture Series in the Sciences, sponsored by the Morgan Committee, in cooperation with the College of Arts & Sciences and the University Forum Committee, announces the first Morgan Lecture speaker will be Dr. Michael Mann, Distinguished Professor of Meteorology at Pennsylvania State University, and author of the book, “The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars.” He will present two lectures on campus this semester, both on Thursday, March 21.

The first lecture will be to the combined science departments at ASU. It is titled Dire Predictions: Understanding Global Warming. This talk will be at 12:30 p.m. in Room 183 Rankin Science West. The second talk will be a public lecture and is titled The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars. This lecture will be at 7 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Ballroom in the Plemmons Student Union.

The second Morgan Lecturer, Harold McGee, will be on campus Wednesday, April 24, to deliver a public lecture, The Chemistry of Food and Cooking. McGee is a noted journalist who specializes in explaining the chemistry of food and cooking to the public. He is author of the bestselling book, “On Food and Cooking: the Science and Lore of the Kitchen.” McGee’s public lecture will be at 7 p.m. in I.G. Greer Auditorium.

Lastly, the committee is finalizing a visit to ASU by Dr. Jerry Coyne, Professor of Biology at the University of Chicago on Thursday, May 2. Dr. Coyne is being co-sponsored by the Departments of Biology, Geology and the External Grants Program from the UFC. He is the author of a textbook on speciation and evolution, and the bestselling book, “Why Evolution is True,” which is also the title of his extremely popular blog on science, reason, and religion. Dr. Coyne will give a scientific presentation on speciation (his research specialty) at 12:30 p.m. in Room 183, Rankin Science West. Dr. Coyne will also give a public lecture on The Relationship between Science, Religion and the Acceptance of Evolutionary Theory in the United States, at 7 p.m., in the Blue Ridge Ballroom, Plemmons Student Union.

5K run for Autism is planned

Autism Speaks U at Appalachian State University is hosting a 5K run on April 13 starting at 9 a.m. at Watauga High School (300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC). The registration is $20 and the first 300 participants are guaranteed a T-shirt if registered by March 22. You are able to register as an individual or as a team. All money raised will go to Autism Speaks to fund research into the causes, prevention and treatment for Autism.

Please come out and support this amazing and important cause. Register online at https://events.autismspeaksu.org/ site/displaySite.do?siteId=240.

Film, discussion set for March 26

A Film and Discussion, “Make Hummus Not War,” will be presented Tuesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m., in Belk Library, Room 114. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Make Hummus Not War is a humorous film journey though the hummus bars and kitchens of Beirut, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and New York. Along the way the filmmaker encounters Palestinian and Israeli hummus cooks, chickpea farmers, political leaders, activists, Jewish settlers and others for whom hummus is a near religious obsession.

The film will be introduced by Dr. Curt Ryan, who will also lead a discussion on peace and cultural commonalities in the Middle East following the film. Dr. Ryan is associate professor of political science at Appalachian State, a scholar of Middle Eastern politics, and author of the books Inter-Arab Alliances: Regime Security and Jordanian Foreign Policy and Jordan in Transition: From Hussein to Abdullah.

ACT (Appalachian and the Community Together), the Hubbard Programs for Faculty Excellence, and the Office of International Education and Development will present their third joint workshop on topics related to global service-learning March 27 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Roan Mountain Room of the Plemmons Student Union. Lunch will be provided for registered participants.

A key to developing vital service-learning classes is developing good relationships with community stakeholders. Learn some of the principles of how to build strong partnerships, and find out more about the partners in our region who typically engage in activities that relate to international populations. Learn how your coursework can serve mutually beneficial outcomes of these agencies.

Here’s your chance to develop lasting collaborative relationships with local partners who serve international populations.

The workshop will be facilitated by two experts in these fields.

Dr. Bob Bringle, the Kulynych/Cline Visiting Distinguished Professor of Psychology, has published numerous books, articles, and studies on service-learning and on community relations.

Before coming to Appalachian State, he was the Director of the Center for Service and Learning at IUPUI. Mr. Todd Mortensen, Associate Director of Community Service, has been responsible for establishing and strengthening many of the community partnerships that Appalachian enjoys in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties. He developed our innovative Board Fellows Program that allows students to sit on the Board of Directors of local nonprofits agencies, and manages the partnerships for over 150 community partners.

As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to: Identify the principles of strong partnerships; Identify three local organizations that serve international populations; Describe opportunities for collaborative learning and research that exist at Appalachian State and in the region.

Register online. If you have questions, contact: Dr. Clark Maddux, Director of Service-Learning, at 262-8211, or email: madduxhc@appstate.edu.

Faculty Last Lecture set for April 22

The Faculty Last Lecture will be held April 22 at 6 p.m. Nominations are being collected from students for the Last Lecture.

We will extend the invitation to speak at the Last Lecture event, which includes dinner catered by Casa Rustica, to two faculty members who have the most nominations.

These invitations will go out to nominated faculty the first week of April.

The Faculty Last lecture is an event based on the book The Last Lecture, written by Randy Paush. Paush was a professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University who was dying of pancreatic cancer. On September 18, 2007, he stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” His lecture has become a phenomenon and the inspiration for this event.

Accept your Body Week at ASU

The week of March 18th is Accept your Body Week, sponsored

by The Counseling Center. Accept your Body Week promotes a positive self-worth for women and men and educating the campus on the prevalence and risk of Eating Disorders. On Thursday, March 21, 12-1pm Linn Cove Room of the Student Union, *How to Feel Confident in One Hour; Friday, March 22, 12-1 p.m. in 3rd Place, 132 Appalachian St., *Body Painting: Express What’s Inside on the Outside.

OPINION

The Appalachian

The Appalachian | TheAppalachianOnline.com March 21, 2013 | 7

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

THE APPALACHIAN Your student newspaper since 1934 MICHAEL BRAGG Editor-in-Chief

CHELSEY FISHER Managing Editor

ABBI PITTMAN Copy Editor

JOSHUA FARMER News Editor

R. SCOTT MORRIS A&E Editor

KEVIN GRIFFIN Opinion Editor

ANDREW CLAUSEN Sports Editor

PAUL HECKERT Photo Editor

MALIK RAHILI Graphics Editor

LIBBY DALLIS Video Editor

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 FAX LINE (828) 262-6256

EDITORIAL

New testing not helpful in identifying academic issues Editor’s Note: The following reflects the opinions of the majority of the editorial board.

It was announced Monday that Appalachian State University will be included in a pilot program along with four other schools that will implement standardized testing for students, specifically the Collegiate Learning Assessment.

Despite objections from the UNC-system Faculty Assembly, the plan will require the test be given to a group of freshman students and a group of seniors with the intention of identifying academic inefficiencies in the UNC system.

The test will be administered to up to 300 randomly selected students from each class, but those who are chosen may elect not to take the test, according to an article in this issue of The Appalachian.

Despite being optional, we see several problems with this pro-

posal and believe that it goes in the wrong direction in terms of identifying issues with the university system.

Standardized testing has become a major issue for education in the United States over the last decade, with school funding and student advancement being tied to performance on the tests.

This is problematic, as several issues with standardized testing in general have become apparent.

Appalachian has administered the CLA twice before, during the 2007-08 and 2010-11 academic years. In a review of the testing, collegeportrait.org found that “academic gains from freshman to senior year were as expected for students like ours.” The report also noted the limitations involved with the voluntary nature of the test and small sampling size.

Development psychologist and Williams College senior lecturer

Susan Engel conducted a review of more than 200 studies of K-12 standardized tests and published some of her reflections in Psychology Today.

Engel found, among other things, that there was no or very little evidence that testing improved student knowledge in classroom settings generally or that it was a good predictor of later life success.

This gives some credence to the common claims that standardized tests shift educational priorities to a focus on the test itself, forcing teachers to “teach to the test” rather than making sure students have necessary critical thinking skills.

And this is just in high schools where the curriculum is fairly standard for all. Imagine applying it in a college with so many different people with so many different educational paths.

One of the primary purposes of college is to give students exposure

to a wide range of knowledge, while also allowing them to branch off and specialize in areas of personal and vocational interest. Since evidence does not support testing as a good measure for later “life outcome,” as Engel says, it should not be used to detect issues in the university system or teaching methods.

One of the objections voiced by the faculty assembly was that the test might constrain teachers from having influence over curriculums.

Given the often narrow constraints that standardized testing imposes, we believe the concern is legitimate.

Relying on a method of evaluation that has such little supporting its effectiveness to pinpoint problems in the system, and one that carries the real possibility of limiting the educational of priorities of the university is an ineffective use of student and faculty time and effort.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Associated Collegiate Press

Our Mission The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and insure its First Amendment rights.

Letters to the Editor The Appalachian welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and include the author’s name, ASU Box, phone number, classification and campus affiliation, if any. The Appalachian reserves the right to decline publication of any letter and to edit letters for the purpose of clarity and space. Although we are unable to acknowledge those letters we cannot publish, we appreciate the interest and value the views of those who take the time to send us their comments.

Letters should be submitted electronically via our Web site or e-mail. Letters may also be mailed to “Letter to the Editor,” The Appalachian, ASU Box 9025, Boone, N.C. 28608. Letters may also be brought to the newsroom, located on the second floor of Plemmons Student Union.

STAFF LIST Senior Reporters Stephanie Sansoucy Lovey Cooper Kaitlyn Thruston

Andrew Cox | The Appalachian

STAFF OPINION

New pope could mean greater compassion for disadvantaged

Senior Photographers Olivia Wilkes Courtney Roskos

A&E Reporters Colin Moore Emma Speckman

Sports Reporters Jesse Ware Jordan Davis James Ashley

Opinion Writers Austin Mann Kent Vashaw Tyler Spaugh

Editorial Cartoonist Andrew Cox

Photographers Joey Johnson Aneisy Cardo Justin Perry Amy Kwiatkowski

Videographer Jackson Helms

Graphic Designers Ben Kucmierz Erin Gallahorn

Intern Reporters Nina Mastandrea Matt Smith Nolen Nychay Chella McLelland Krista Loomer Jessica Lyons Hannah Magill Jordan Miller Michelle Pierce Jess Lyons Natasha Bostok

Multimedia Interns Matt Abele Allison Clark Bowen Jones Mark Kenna Nicole Debartolo Maggy Boutwell Andre Trowell Ashley Spencer Andrew Orr

KENT VASHAW

A new pope in the Vatican could mean change for the Catholic Church.

Last week, the College of Cardinals announced that Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio would replace the still-living Pope Benedict XVI as Pope Francis I. Pope Francis stands out from other popes in many ways and has the

potential to accomplish a lot of good through his papacy.

Francis I is a first in many ways. He’s the first pope to take the title “Francis,” naming himself after St. Francis of Assisi. He’s also the first Jesuit and South American pope.

So what could these things mean for Pope Francis’ impact on the Catholic Church?

It is important to note that, in terms of his opinions on social issues, Francis is nothing new for the Catholic Church.

He follows a long line of socially conservative popes on values such as

gay marriage and contraception.

However, economically, Francis is a different story. His background reveals that he is dedicated to the people.

He refused to live in the archbishop’s mansion and ride in a limo. He also chose not to stand on a platform above the surrounding cardinals as he was introduced, CNN reports. Pope Francis is clearly a man with a passion for equality in his relationships with others.

The name he chose reflects this passion. Francis of Assisi, whom he honors with his new title,

was an ascetic who lived in poverty and worked tirelessly in order to help those less fortunate than himself.

More than just personally, however, Pope Francis I has advocated for the poor and downtrodden publicly. He has condemned economic inequality all around the world as a serious problem, saying that the unjust distribution of goods is a “social sin,” according to Think Progress.

This is an important message to those who view society as composed of “makers” and “takers.” Francis emphasizes that all Chris-

tians, not just Catholics, should remember that, as Jesus said, “the poor will always be with you,” and to extend compassion and aid to them.

Pope Francis has a chance to truly make an impact on the world.

He preaches economic equality and compassion, and seems to practice what he preaches.

With more than one billion Catholics worldwide following his example, who knows what could be accomplished.

Vashaw, a sophomore creative writing and mathematics major from Apex, is an opinion writer.

STAFF OPINION

Tax breaks may help further clean energy consumption

TYLER SPAUGH Representatives in the North Carolina state legislature have introduced a bill that would repeal mandates requiring North Carolina energy companies to get a minimum amount of their energy needs from renewable sources, according to the Watauga Democrat.

Current state law requires “investor-owned electric utilities” to get at least 12.5 percent of their energy needs from renewable sources by 2021. The intent of the

law is to encourage companies to invest more in renewable, or “green,” energy.

Transitioning to cleaner energy should be a long-term goal of any nation, but there are problems with laws such as this one that require the use of green energy.

There are conflicting reports on whether green energy is comparatively cheaper than more traditional energy sources such as coal or petroleum.

But if the state must mandate that energy companies use green energy, green energy must not be the most cost efficient option for energy utilities to use.

Instead of trying to mandate that companies use green energy, we should be trying to reduce the cost of green energy so that companies freely choose to use green

energy.

A study by the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Spain found that for every government subsidized green energy job in that country, 2.2 other jobs were lost, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. Spain has been cited by President Barack Obama as an example for us to follow in the area of renewable energy.

Requiring companies to use green energy is effectively a government subsidization of green energy jobs.

Again, the problem is that energy regulations raise energy costs by forcing energy companies to make business decisions that they otherwise would not make due to expenses.

Instead of forcing companies to add new green energy sources,

there should be government incentives to make the shift. This way, some businesses may even begin the process of providing green energy before 2021.

Additionally, many power companies such as Blue Ridge Electric have stated that repealing the green energy bill would save consumers money in the long run.

We shouldn’t give up on green energy projects. Making green energy more affordable through incentive programs for green energy use and green energy research would allow for companies to choose cleaner energy without it costing consumers and the company more for their electric needs.

Spaugh, a freshman accounting major from Winston-Salem, is an opinion writer.

8

SPORTS

| March 21, 2013

The Appalachian

BASEBALL

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

Spring Break Recap

Monday

March 11

Women’s Golf Benbow Invitational Tied Second of 10 Olivia Wilkes | The Appalachian

Junior pitcher Sam Agnew-Wieland executes a pitch against Cansius College earlier this season. The team lost five of the last nine games.

Baseball drops two series during break

by JORDAN DAVIS Sports Reporter

A

fter starting out the season on a hot 7-2 start, the Appalachian State baseball team cooled down some over the break, dropping five of its last nine games.

The Mountaineers (11-7, 3-3 SoCon) earned a series split at Georgia last week, but took series losses at the hands of Furman and Cornell before turning things around Tuesday with a resounding 10-2 win at North Carolina A&T. Cornell became the first school to take a series from App State at Smith Stadium since it opened in 2007, according to goasu.com.

“What our guys do is go out and compete for nine innings,” head coach Billy

Jones said. “ There is no one reason you can pinpoint – our guys just haven’t played as well.”

During this stretch, however, the Mountaineer bats seem to have returned to their early season form.

Appalachian was held without a home run for a six game stretch earlier this month, but have belted out nine in their past six games, led by freshman Dillon Dobson with three.

The Mountaineers tallied at least 10 hits in all but one game over spring break, including a 17-hit outburst during an 11-inning win against Furman.

Josh Zumbrook is currently riding an eight-game hit streak thanks to a change in his approach at the plate.

“I’ve changed my batting

stance a pretty decent bit,” Zumbrook said. “I was real down low and spread out, now I stand up a little more and get a bit more loose.

It’s been working out pretty well.”

The concern for the Mountaineers now is the starting pitching staff, which needs more production from their Saturday and Sunday starters, Jones said.

Sophomore pitcher Jamie Nunn continues to be the stabilizing force for a pitching staff that has been up and down this season. Nunn put together two more quality outings over the break, allowing only five runs through 15 innings with 14 strikeouts.

Taylor Thurber also performed well out of the bull-

pen for the Mountaineers over the break. Thurber threw four innings of onerun ball against Georgia and four perfect innings against Cornell.

“We need to get to the point where we can eliminate the big inning,” Thurber said. “That’s how teams get us on the games we do lose – with a three- or fouror five-run inning. If we can avoid that, I think we’ll be good.”

Second baseman Hector Crespo made history on the base pads over the break by becoming the school’s alltime leader in steals after stealing his 86th career base against Furman on March 8.

Crespo upped his total to 92 after another stolen base on Tuesday against North Carolina A&T.

Tuesday

March 12

Baseball App State (8-5) at Georgia (8-8) 4-9 (L)

Wednesday

March 13

Men’s Tennis App State (2-7) vs. Northern Illinois University (10-5) (at Orlando, Fla.) 3-4 (L) Softball App State (6-8) at Charleston Southern (517) 3-1 (W) Baseball App State (9-5) at Georgia (8-9) 8-5 (W) Women’s Tennis App State (9-3) vs. Gardner-Webb (3-6) 2-5 (L)

Information compiled from goasu.com

Renting now for Spring/Fall 2013 Efficiencies, One, Two, and Three Bedroom Apartments, Houses, and Duplexes

Information compiled from goasu.com

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The Appalachian

Sports

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

FOOTBALL

Former, current Mountaineers impress NFL scouts and coaches at Pro Day

March 21, 2013 |

9

Sport Schedule

by JAMES ASHLEY Sports Reporter

Football athletes have experienced long days of training, looking to raise their stock for the National Football League’s draft nearly a month away.

The first step for some of these athletes was Monday, March 18 at the Appalachian State Pro Day. Although the weather conditions were not favorable for the five App State players looking to be on an NFL team, some still impressed scouts.

Defensive back Demetrius McCray, linebacker Jeremy Kimbrough, punter/kicker Sam Martin, safety Troy Sanders and running back Steven Miller all were seen by about 20 NFL scouts and position coaches.

“All these guys did a lot of good things, they looked very sharp,” NFL liaison Kareem Young said. “We had real good reviews from teams. They were impressed with the explosiveness of our kids.”

Explosiveness is what took NFL scouts from just examining players to applauding Miller’s performance when showcasing his vertical leaping ability.

Miller’s recorded vertical was 43 inches, according to panthers.com.

That would tie him with Texas A&M’s Christine Michael, who also recorded 43 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“When you have coaches clapping for you, you put on a show,” Young said about Miller’s performance. “They have to know if you can take the pounding at the next level...I think he did a good job today at showing that.”

Friday

March 22

Wrestling Day Two - NCAA Division I Championships at Des Moines, Iowa 10 a.m.

Men’s Tennis Georgia Southern Boone, N.C. 2 p.m.

Saturday

Tyler Buckwell | Courtesy Photo

Safety Troy Sanders performs speed and agility drills for NFL scouts and position coaches on Pro Day Monday at the Sofield Family Indoor Practice Facility.

Another performance that raised eyebrows was that of Kimbrough.

Scouts had Kimbrough run through both linebacker and running back drills.

“I knew coming in that I was going to have to do some running back drills,” Kimbrough said.

“I just wanted to show teams that I’m willing to do anything to make the team.”

Kimbrough said that the last time he played running back was when he was in the third grade.

The athletes were at an advantage because Pro Day was at Appalachian.

Their familiarity with the stadium and conditions was the difference for McCray, who also participated in the NFL Scouting Combine Feb. 26 in Indianapolis, he said.

“I’m used to working out in these conditions,” McCray said. “I felt more comfortable with my surroundings than Indianapolis.”

McCray said that he had a personal record in all the drills that he participated in during the combine.

Punter/kicker Sam Martin was able to meet with coaches to talk

about kick and punt schemes. He also showcased his strong leg, both kicking and punting for the scouts.

Running back Rod Chisholm also participated for App State as well as two other former Mountaineers, Mark LeGree and Cedric Baker Boney. App State’s deep pool of NFL prospects could see it match or exceed its school record of three NFL Draft picks, according to goasu.com.

The prospects will continue training in hopes of getting drafted April 25-27.

March 23

Baseball College of Charleston at Charleston, S.C. 2 p.m.

Softball Chattanooga (DH-2) at Chattanooga, Tenn.

3 p.m.

Men & Women’s Track & Field High Point Invitational Outdoor Season at High Point, N.C. 8 a.m.

Sunday Women’s Tennis College of Charleston Boone, N.C. 12 p.m.

Positions are available for the 2013-14 Editorial Board of The Appalachian.

Contact editor@theappalachianonline.com for more information

March 24

The Appalachian

Sports

| TheAppalachianOnline.com

BASKETBALL

March 21, 2013 |

10

Boston Thurs. 3/21 @ Boston

Sacred Heart

March 23-25

Fordham Thurs. 3/21 @ Fordham

Army

March 27-29 James Madison Thurs. 3/21 @ James Madison

NC A&T

March 23-25

NC State Thurs. 3/21 @ NC State

Richmond

March 30 - Apr. 1

Old Dominion Thurs. 3/21 @ Old Daminion

Davidson

UNC Charlotte

March 23-25

Thurs. 3/21 @ UNCC

App State

March 27-29

Justin Perry | The Appalachian

Sophomore guard Katie Mallow fights for the ball during the second round of the SoCon tournament against College of Charleston.

Mountaineers earn WNIT berth, play Charlotte in first round

Florida Int’l Thurs. 3/21 @ Florida Int’l

Florida

March 23-25

FGCU Winthrop

Thurs. 3/21 @ FGCU

Appalachian State women’s basketball team’s section of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

by ANDREW CLAUSEN Sports Editor

UNCG

ONLINE

BRYAN

2013

The Appalachian State women’s basketball team earned its third consecutive berth into the postseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament, along with 63 other teams.

The Mountaineers’ first round matchup is Thursday, against UNC-Charlotte in an in-state battle. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Dale F. Halton Arena in Charlotte.

Neither team made it to the championship game in their respective conferences. Charlotte (24-5) lost to Temple University 48-47 in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic-10 tournament while App State (20-10) lost in the semifinals of the Southern Conference tournament to Chattanooga, the eventual SoCon winner, 72-67.

Head coach Darcie Vincent said they proved to themselves they could compete with the best in this year’s SoCon tournament.

“I think the biggest thing we realized was that when we want to play, we’re good enough to do it,” Vincent said. “We just had moments this season where we didn’t come with the whole mentality that we’re going to win at all costs.”

Vincent said having a strong mental toughness and being “nasty” is their game, but it hasn’t always been there this season.

“We got away from a lot of that this season and just trying to rely on their skills, and that’s not how this team was put together, that’s not how we recruited,” Vincent said. “We put a team together that is tough and nasty and gets every loose ball and rebound, and at times this season we didn’t play like that.”

Senior Anna Freeman, who leads the team this year in scoring and rebounding at 16.4 and 8.8 respectively per game, said she knows they need to get tougher.

“I think we have definitely taken some steps forward and [at practice] this week, you would have seen some anger, some issues going on,” Freeman said. “Nobody likes to lose. I think it’s finally starting to come

SUMMER Justin Perry | The Appalachian

Senior forward Anna Freeman attempts a layup during the second round of the SoCon Tournament against College of Charleston. out and people are realizing that [losing’s] not an option anymore.”

Freeman said the loss to rival Chattanooga proved to the team that they needed to compete at a high level from every position on the court.

“The outcome of the Chattanooga game wasn’t what we wanted, obviously, but I think we saw something in ourselves, some fight, when a week earlier [at home] we kind of rolled over and they basically kick our butts,” Freeman said.

“We came out with the fight, and if a couple different things had gone in our direction, we’d be sitting in the NCAA right now.”

The 49ers placed second in the A-10 and won a school-record 13 games straight to lead to their 11th straight postseason appearance and their fourth straight WNIT berth.

They are led by A-10 Player of the Year Jennifer Hailey, who averaged 15 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.

Charlotte leads the alltime series 15-4 against App State. Their current five-game win streak includes the last time they faced off on Nov. 20, 2009 at the Holmes Center

where the Mountaineers lost 57-74.

Vincent knows the talent on the other side, but knows how they can win.

“Player by player, Charlotte is more talented than we are – they’re a more skilled team,” Vincent said.

“The only way we have hope of winning this ball game is if we go in and play a little nastier and play a little bit more aggressive. If we get every deflection and every loose ball, then we’re going to be the ones pulling them in.”

Add in the fact that win or lose, this is seniors Anna Freeman, Courtney Freeman, Kelsey Sharkey and Raven Gary’s last run as Mountaineers, the motivation is definitely there.

“We came into the SoCon tournament like we were going to win it all, and that’s the same way we’re going into the WNIT,” Anna Freeman said. “We made it to the Sweet Sixteen [of the WNIT] last year and have no less expectations; we have more. We knew there was a postseason after the SoCon tournament, but this is it. Even if you win it, you’re done.

It’s a little bit more of ‘this is our last Cinderella fight.’

We’re going in to win it.”

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