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Which films missed out on Academy Award nominations?

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

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Issue 11

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Hopson bounces back, leads Vols in rout second-guessing myself on the basketball floor, I’m doing things well.”

Sports Editor The team certainty did things well after coaches Bruce Pearl’s postgame criticism of Scotty Hopson fol- preached to the players about getting back to playing the lowing Tennessee’s loss at Connecticut Saturday appeared way they had earlier in the year.

“Great effort by our kids,” associate and acting head to motivate the junior guard Wednesday night against coach Tony Jones said. “They came out with a mindset LSU. Hopson scored an SEC career-high 22 points, including and the focus, and they were determined to win this bas17 in the first half to help the Volunteers (13-7, 3-2 SEC) ketball game.

“Our message to our players was to get our identity cruise to a 75-53 victory over the Tigers (10-10, 2-3 SEC) in front of an announced crowd of 18,991 at Thompson- back. We built this program on toughness, aggression and playing Tennessee basketball.”

Boling Arena.

The Vols shot 46.8 percent (29-of-62) from the field “I don’t feel like I played up to my potential, the way I while holding the Tigers to just 34 percent (18-ofcould against 53) shooting.

U C o n n , ” “Overall, very happy with this performance,” Hopson said. “I Jones said. “I’m sure Bruce (Pearl) will be very just wanted to happy (after) watching the game at home when I have a bouncespeak to him tonight.” back game and UT led 43-27 at the half. The Tigers kept the get this team Vols’ lead to single digits during much of the first going.”

20 minutes, but a 12-3 UT run to end the half gave Hopson the Vols its biggest lead of the half at 17 points. came out “We had some breakdowns right before the half,” assertive, scorLSU coach Trent Johnson said. “We were within ing 10 of the striking distance, but when you’ve got a team as talteam’s first 16 ented, skilled, and on the edge like they were from points. His 22 (their) previous performance, you can’t let them points came on open a cushion.”

9-of-14 shootTobias Harris was held scoreless for nearly 17 ing from the minutes to start the game. The Vols’ freshman field, which scored six points in the first half but finished with included 3-of-6 11. Harris also had 11 rebounds, giving him his from threesixth double-double on the season. point range.

“Uncharacteristically, Tobias missed some easy “I just wantshots in the first half, right around the basket, that he ed to come out usually converts,” Jones said. “But I’m happy he batwith that focus tled back to get that double-double.” and aggression Harris made five of his last seven shots after startto put the ball Wade Rackley • The Daily Beacon ing the game 0-of-5 from the field. in the hole,” Scotty Hopson shoots over LSU’s Andre Along with Harris and Hopson, Melvin Goins and Hopson said. “I Stringer on Wednesday. Hopson dropped Cameron Tatum scored in double-figures for the Vols. think when I’m 22 points in the Vols’ 75-53 victory over the Goins recorded his second consecutive game with playing and not Tigers. double figures in scoring. The senior point guard

Matt Dixon

Wade Rackley • The Daily Beacon

Tobias Harris elevates over LSU defender Matt Derenbecker on Wednesday. Harris helped the Vols with 11 points en route to their 75-53 victory over the Tigers. scored 11 points and dished out a team-high six assists after scoring 15 against the Huskies on Saturday.

Tatum rebounded from a two-game slump to score 13 points. The junior had been held to just six points in the Vols’ last two games.

Tatum also added four rebounds, three steals and two assists to his effort.

Senior center John Fields blocked five shots, one shy of the school record, according to Jones.

Next up, the Vols will travel to Oxford, Miss., for a 4 p.m. tip-off with Ole Miss on Saturday.

UT Senate supports scholarship bill Blair Kuykendall News Editor UT’s Student Senate held a formal meeting on Tuesday, passing measures to support the extension of Hope Scholarship funding to summer study.

Adam Roddy, senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored this bill. He highlighted some critical benefits the funding could provide both to students and to the university at large.

“There is a minimal amount of financial aid available for summer studies, and the possibility to take class in the summer would free up classes in the fall and spring terms,” Roddy said.

He postulated that this measure could increase the state’s four-year graduation rate, and help students more efficiently achieve their educational goals.

“We want to send Nashville a message that this is a matter of concern for us, and keep this idea in their discussion,” Roddy said.

The entire senate pulled together in support of the resolution, with a unanimous verdict of 56 senators in favor of its passage.

“We have done quite a bit of research, making sure that this is a statewide issue among UT institutions,” Ross Rowland, student senate chair and Tennessee Higher Education Commission representative, said. “Our main concern is that the legislature is unaware of this issue, making some whistle-blowing necessary on our part.”

A letter-writing campaign has been suggested to further support the bill.

“This is an issue that students all across the state have been concerned with for some time now,” Rowland said. “I hope the efforts to make this public to the legislature have a great impact.”

Rowland initiated the meeting with reports on the progress of initiatives the senate has been working on since last semester. He welcomed an official update from the administration.

Maxine Davis, dean of students, began by highlighting the importance the university is placing on the upcoming 50th Anniversary of African American Achievement on campus.

“The kick-off for the Achievement March will take place on Feb. 1,” Davis said. “We want all

students to participate in that march, so please spread the word.”

The dean also updated senate members on the progress being made around bills passed last semester.

“Senate Bill 02-11 was passed to create crosswalks in front of Ayers Hall, and now that Ayers has been completed, Facilities Services would like to observe pedestrian traffic patterns before they put pathways in place,” Davis said. “It has the attention of the administration, and by the end of the semester that proposal should be moving forward.”

The senate had also been focused intently on improving the parking situation last semester, culminating in the passage of a resolution to make campus parking easier on students.

“A bill to extend the parking ticket grace period to 15 minutes is being taken up with Parking Services by the administration, and I will keep you updated as it progresses,” Davis said.

The dean of students also expounded upon the possibilities for honoring students at the Chancellor’s Honors Banquet.

“This is an opportunity for students to be recognized and honored for their achievements,” Davis said. “Particularly Torchbearer nominations should be considered with great importance.”

The dean was pleased with the recent accomplishments of the senate, providing representation for the university population.

“I want to thank you for the work your’re doing on behalf of our students,” Davis said.

The senate is also introducing a new computer program that will allow the direct uploading of proposed legislation online. The student senate database will allow senate members to communicate more effectively, more rapidly addressing student concerns.

“The student body has been wanting transparency from the SGA, and this new database system should facilitate that,” B.T. Peake, sophomore in computer science, said. “Attendance information will be made available to the public, keeping them more informed.”

Students will also be able to access proposed legislation online, as well as view the roll call voting records of student senators.

“We really appreciated B.T.’s efforts, and we Joy Hill • The Daily Beacon look forward to the increased accessibility the Students ride on the T:Late Nite on Thursday, Jan. 20. The T:Late Nite runs from 6 site will bring,” Angie Sessoms, vice president p.m. until 2 a.m., connecting all of campus and Fort Sanders. of the senate and senior in English, said.

2 • The Daily Beacon

InSHORT

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Crime Log Jan. 25

a.m. on Jan. 25.

A UT student reported that items were stolen from his white 1994 Lexus while it was parked in the G11 parking garage between midnight on Jan. 9 and 7:45 a.m. on Jan. 25.

A male UT faculty member reported a theft that occurred in Room 316 of the Dougherty Engineering Building sometime between 5 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 9 a.m. on Jan. 18. The report stated that the value of the stolen items was exactly $44.97.

A male UT staff member reported a theft that occurred at the loading dock of the Dougherty Engineering Building sometime between 4 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 7

— Crime Log is compiled by Robbie Hargett

Compiled from a media log provided to the Daily Beacon by the Universty of Tennessee Police Department.

All persons arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. People with names similar or identical to those listed may not be those identified in reports.

1 8 88 : Natio nal Ge o g ra p h i c S oc i e ty founded O n Ja n . 2 7 , 1 8 8 8 , t he Nat i o n al G e o g ra p h i c S o c i e t y i s f o u n d e d i n Washington, D.C., for “ the increase and diffusion of ge ographical knowledge.”

The 33 men who originally met and formed the National Geographic S ociety were a diverse group of geographers, explorers, teachers, lawyers, cartographers, milit ary officers and financiers. All shared an interest in s c i e n t i f i c a n d ge o g ra p h i c a l k n o w l edge, as well as an opinion that in a time of discovery, invention, change and mass communication, Americans were becoming more curious about the world around them. With this in mind, the men drafted a constitution and elected as the S ociety ’s presid e n t a l a w ye r a n d p h i l a n t h ro p i s t n a m e d G a rd i n e r Gre e n e Hu b b a rd .

Neither a scientist nor a geographer, Hu b b a rd re p re s e n t e d t h e S o c i e t y ’s desire to reach out to the layman.

Nine months after its inception, the S ociety published its first issue o f Nat i o n a l G e o g ra p h i c m a ga z i n e .

Readership did not grow, however, until Gilbert H. Grosvenor took over as editor in 1899. In only a few years, Grosvenor boosted circulation from 1,000 to 2 million by discarding the magazine’s format of short , overly technical articles for articles of general interest accompanied by pho-

tographs. National Geographic quickly became known for its stunning and p i o n e e r i n g p h o t o g ra p h y, b e i n g t h e first to print natural- color photos of sky, sea and the North and S outh Po l es .

The S ociety used its revenues from the magazine to sponsor expeditions and research projects that furthered humanity ’s underst anding of natural phenomena. In this role, the Nat i o n a l G e o g ra p h i c S o c i e t y h a s been instrument al in making possible some of the great achievements in exploration and science. To date, it h a s g i v e n o u t m o re t h a n 1 , 4 0 0 grants, funding that helped Robert Pe a r y j o u r n e y t o t h e N o r t h Po l e , Richard Byrd f ly over the S outh Pole, Jacques Cousteau delve into the sea and Jane Goodall observe wild chimpanzees, among many other projects.

Today, the National Geographic S ociety is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational i n s t i t u t i o n s . Nat i o n a l G e o g ra p h i c continues to sell as a glossy monthly, with a circulation of around 9 million. The S ociety also sees itself as a g u a rd i a n o f t h e p l a n e t ’s n at u ra l re s o u rc e s , a n d i n t h i s c a p a c i t y, focuses on ways to broaden its reach a n d e d u c at e i t s re a d e rs a b o u t t h e u n i q u e re l at i o n s h i p h u m a n s h av e with the earth.

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

— This D ay in History is courtesy of history.com

Cal McKinney, junior in ecology and evolutionary biology, Schuyler Graham, sophomore in theater, Molly Hornbuckle, junior in journalism and electronic media, enjoy a day in the amphitheater, located along the Pedestrian Mall, on Monday.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Graduate Admissions office to be redesigned The Graduate Admissions office space, 201 SSB, will be redesigned Thursday beginning at 1 p.m. until Friday at 5 p.m.

During this time, the office will be opean but some of the services may be limited.

On Thursday, from 1-5 p.m., staff will be available but will have limited access to computers and phones. For assistance, contact Yvonne Kilpatrick at ykilpatr@utk.edu or 974-1339; Greg Tipps at gtipps@utk.edu or 974-1353; or, Carla Poore at cpoore@utk.edu or 974-1338.

On Friday from 8 a.m.-noon, the front office staff will be available but may have limited access to computers and phones. The director, associate director and residency reviewer may be contacted by e-mail or phone, as noted above. The following staff will be working in other areas of the building and will be available only be e-mail: Margaret Carver (mcarver6@utk.edu), Marty Lesher (mlesher@utk.edu), Donna Marine (dmarine@utk.edu), Lindsay Pope (lpope4@utk.edu) and Gayle Roberts (brobert8@utk.edu).

On Friday from noon-5 p.m., front office staff will be available and should have access to computers and phones. If needed, continue to contact the director and associate director by phone or email. Admissions specialists, domestic reviewers and the communication specialist will continue to have access to e-mail only.

UT’s accounting programs in top 25 among public universities The undergraduate and master’s level accounting programs in the UT College of Business Administration have been ranked top

The Daily Beacon • 3

NEWS 25 in the country among public universities, according to the 2010 Public Accounting Report (PAR). Both programs ranked 21st among programs with comparable faculty sizes.

There are over 300 U.S. academic institutions (public and private) with accounting programs; approximately half are accredited.

PAR is the industry’s benchmark publication that annually ranks accounting programs worldwide.

The UT accounting programs are not alone in garnering impressive rankings for the college. The College of Business Administration’s executive-level MBA programs, full-time MBA program, undergraduate business curriculum, and supply chain/logistics curriculum are ranked by organizations and in publications such as U.S. News & World Report, Financial Times, The Princeton Review, Modern Healthcare, EdUniversal, The Journal of Business Logistics, AMR Research, Supply Chain Management Review and Forbes.

For more information about the UT Knoxville College of Business Administration, visit http://bus.utk.edu UT researcher finds swear words less offensive on cable than broadcast television Four-letter words may offend you more depending on which television channel you watch, according to a recent study out of Florida State University and UT. This study, published in the January issue of Mass Communication and Society, found that some TV viewers believe swearing on premium channels and cable is less offensive than vulgarity on broadcast channels. Similarly, viewers are more tolerant of swearing on the premium channels than they are on the advertiser supported cable channels. This differs from previous research, which found that how swear words reach people does not affect how offensive they are.

Authors Daniel Shafer and the late Barry Sapolsky, both from Florida State University, and Barbara Kaye from the UT School of Journalism and Electronic Media, also found sexually suggestive words to be the most offensive and excretory language to be moderately offensive, while more mild language and religious blasphemy were less offensive. This applies in general conversation and TV viewing.

The study consisted of 500 college students in the southeastern U.S. The students completed an online survey that asked them to rate the offensiveness of swear words over three types of programming: broadcast, cable and premium channels. These stu-

dents also answered questions on their political and religious views, as well as how often they swore themselves.

How offended they were by profanity was linked to the social, religious or political group they are affiliated with, the authors found. Swearing by college students, for example, was generally more accepted because it often was not taken literally. The study also found that women tend to be more offended by swearing than men, as are conservatives compared to liberals, and regular churchgoers compared to less religious individuals.

The increased use of colorful language in recent years on TV may make vulgarity more normal as might the lack of distinction between broadcast and cable channels, the authors wrote. Fewer people are watching channels broadcast directly over the air, and those who remember doing so are becoming fewer and fewer as the population ages. Nonetheless, according to the study, viewers currently are much less likely to take offense to cursing by Dexter Morgan on Showtime or Conan O’Brien on TBS than by George Stephanopoulos on ABC. Donna Thomas named interim director of Thornton Center UT Women’s Senior Associate Athletics Director Donna Thomas is now serving as the interim director of the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. She will oversee the center in addition to her current position as senior associate athletic director.

Eric Brey, who has been serving as director of the Thornton Center, has assumed a position in the Student Success Center working with Ruth Darling, assistant provost for UT. Thomas is in her 20th year with the Lady Volunteers and is involved in multiple campus committees. She is co-chair of the Council on Diversity and Interculturalism and has worked closely as the representative for men’s and women’s athletics with the Thornton Center. Thomas is also the campus’ representative for NCAA athletic certification. She is also responsible for numerous aspects of the athletics department, including oversight of facility construction and renovation, managing the Lady Vols portion of the adidas contract, development and implementation of department policies and procedures and oversight for scheduling of competition for all sports.

Thomas first joined the staff as the head manager of the Lady Volunteer basketball team from 1978-1982 while working toward her bachelor’s degree in secondary physical education. She then returned to Tennessee in 1990 as a graduate assistant in athletic administration and earned her master’s degree in recreation and athletic administration.

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Alyssa Sparks, freshman in psychology, and Mason McAlister, freshman in biology interest, chat in the lobby of Hodges library on Friday, Jan. 21.

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OPINIONS

4 • The Daily Beacon

Thursday, January 27, 2011

LettersEditor to the

Importance of grades overshadows social competence My whole life, all I’ve ever heard is how important it is to get good grades for that allimportant Grade Point Average in college. In high school, my grades would affect my high school GPA, giving me the opportunity to not only apply to certain colleges, depending on the strength of my GPA, but to also receive money from scholarships. However, I feel the need to mention that the GPA isn’t necessarily as important as everyone makes it out to be.

Do not misunderstand me, please. A student’s GPA is very important to overall academic success. A higher GPA grants awards and honors, and many scholarships require certain levels of GPA. These two facts alone make the GPA very important.

Yet I can’t seem to feel like this becomes the sole focus of many students, and they forget how important other aspects of growing up in this world can be, such as developing personality, skill, organization, and pride, or simply living life in general. The best way I can imagine to represent this point is by example.

In one of my classes, we were required to prepare a short speech, selling ourselves to the class as a worthy team member for a group project: an "Elevator speech.” It was not a hard assignment — it had no written portion, was only two minutes in length and included a resume we had to hand out. However, I couldn’t help but feel that several students in the class faltered with their speeches, bringing me to my current assessment on the importance of GPA. More than once, a student would stand up, pass out the glowing resume (which usually had a wonderful GPA on it), and present a considerably short speech that was clearly improvised and not prepared in the slightest. The speech barely described the student’s ability and made it clear that, since the speech was not for a grade, the student did not care to represent him/herself well.

At this point, a contradiction enters my mind: why would a student with such a high GPA prepare a lackluster speech on such an easy topic as telling people what kind of person he/she is? My own GPA is nothing to be proud of (2.9), yet I presented a fully prepared speech to tell the other students I’m competent, sociable, able to converse, creative, and have some general common sense. Why the drastic difference with these “smarter” students?

While not the most neutral example, this situation represents to me the overrated altar the Grade Point Average has been placed upon. It is important to do well in school and achieve high grades, however these students showcase a disregard in personal pride, preparedness, enthusiasm, and overall personality when a grade is not a concern. While some of these qualities are arguably important to a high GPA, clearly they get lost in the struggle for good grades.

Life is so much bigger than a Grade Point Average. After college, it’s hardly going to matter outside the scope of one’s career. There is so much more to enjoy: family, friends, hobbies, love, mistakes, and everything else the world has to offer. It’s important not to forget about these things, or you may lose yourself in the process.

It seems that it can be very easy to get soaked up into your GPA and all the hard work it requires to get that wonderful job and career, but try to not lose yourself, and all that you have to offer the world, in the process.

Mitch Harp junior in marketing mharp@utk.edu

Recycle Your Beacon THE GREAT MASHUP• Liz Newman

Columns of The Daily Beacon are reflections of the individual columnist, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or its editorial staff.

Options exist surrounding abortion Immut abl y Right by

Treston Wheat On Monday, half a million protesters went to Washington to show their solidarity for life. Although Roe v. Wade happened in 1973, where the Supreme Court erroneously ruled that abortion is a “constitutionally protected right,” abortion still remains a contentious political issue today. It gives me hope to see how many people came to the March for Life and to see the public trend that Americans are becoming increasingly pro-life.

It is no secret that I would like a constitutional amendment banning what I see as infanticide. However, considering that is most likely not going to happen, I would like to proffer two solutions that are more likely because I am tired of the Republicans using social issues like abortion and gay marriage to get elected and then doing nothing for their religious base.

The first is that Republican governors, and hopefully a Republican president, should start appointing conservative, activist judges. Now, the libertarian reader would cringe at this thought, but it has broader implications for conservatism as a whole.

A conservative, activist judge will differ from his or her liberal counterparts in that he or she will strike down unconstitutional laws and overturn egregious court decisions rather than legislate from the bench. This will include everything from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Roe v. Wade/Casey v. Planned Parenthood.

Too often the conservative is afraid of the courts, believing that it should hold little power. I fundamentally disagree. Judges are powerful tools, and the Republican Party needs to learn this. Immediately they need to start appointing judges that will go after immoral and unconstitutional laws and decisions. Otherwise nothing will happen concerning abortion.

One might ask why judges are necessary for this issue.

It is because there are only two ways to overturn a Supreme Court decision. Either Congress passes, and the states ratify, a constitutional amendment, or a later Supreme Court overturns what the previous one ruled.

Seeing as there have been only 27 amendments and

10 of them were passed at once, it is highly unlikely that the first route will work.

The other suggestion is for pro-life people to take the initiative to create a “culture of life,” as the late Pope John Paul II put it. How can we expect women who are considering an abortion to “choose” other options if there are none available? By this I mean the government and private citizens should actively work to establish a system where the women and children of those situations can actually do something besides terminating the pregnancy. The two other options a woman has are either to put the child up for adoption or to keep the baby.

First, adoption can be difficult, and the state should do everything to make it easier. It should not cost any money to adopt a child, especially if they come from foster care, although there definitely should be strict rules and extended background checks. Here I would like to note that to really create a culture of life, private citizens should start adopting children immediately. If every Christian family followed the tenets of their faith and adopted at least one child from the foster care system, there would be no more children in need of families.

Currently there are 9,017 children in foster care in Tennessee. It is time pro-life people took the initiative to alleviate problems that could lead to more abortions.

Secondly, if the mother wishes to keep the child, a better system needs to be in place to help her care for the child. This does not necessarily mean increased welfare spending or larger government because, again, the pro-life community needs to step up and do what it supposedly believes. Churches should work together to create support where mothers can go for anything from food to clothing to diapers. Some of this already exists, admittedly, but pro-lifers need to do a much better job if they want to mitigate abortion as an option.

Finally, I would like to say that although this is an emotionally charged issue on both sides, the central theme in the debate needs to be love: love for the mother and love for the child. If a woman chooses to abort the fetus, pro-lifers should never judge her acrimoniously.

They need to offer comfort and love so that if she regrets her decision, she has a place to go. Those that post signs of aborted fetuses and yell at women entering family planning clinics have no place in the pro-life movement.

Let’s change the culture in America so we can promote life.

—Treston Wheat is a senior in history and political science. He can be reached at twheat@utk.edu

Manipulation often worst tool in politics Off the Deep End by

Derek Mullins

Zac Ellis

Ally Callahan

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XiaoXiao Ma The Daily Beacon is published by students at The University of Tennessee Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Friday during the summer semester. The offices are located at 1340 Circle Park Drive, 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The newspaper is free on campus and is available via mail subscription for $200/year, $100/semester or $70/summer only. It is also available online at: http://utdailybeacon.com.

LETTERS POLICY: The Daily Beacon welcomes all letters to the editor and guest columns from students, faculty and staff. Each submission is considered for publication by the editor on the basis of space, timeliness and clarity. Contributions must include the author’s name and phone number for verification. Students must include their year in school and major. Letters to the editor and guest columns may be e-mailed to letters@utdailybeacon.com or sent to Zac Ellis, 1340 Circle Park Dr., 5 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0314. The Beacon reserves the right to reject any submissions or edit all copy in compliance with available space, editorial policy and style. Any and all submissions to the above recipients are subject to publication.

Did you catch the State of the Union address Tuesday night? If you missed it, President Barack Obama highlighted the economy, potential for job creation, and made a mad dash for the center that would have made Bill Clinton blush in 1994. Yep, it was pretty much business as usual for a president facing a divided Congress. There was, however, one glaring difference.

In light of Jared Lee Loughner’s attacks in a Tucson, Ariz. shopping center that killed six people and injured 14 others, including Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, with a 9mm pistol, it was decided that members of Congress would exercise a mixed seating arrangement in order to “show unity.”

That’s right, instead of being divided along party lines (as is tradition), they utilized mixed seating in what was one of the biggest political farces broadcasted on national television since George W. Bush played dress up on the deck of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln in 2003 and declared, “Mission accomplished!”

Now, you could make the argument that Congress getting together and singing “Kumbaya” and the “I Love You” song from Barney again and again until Obama walked in and spoke about bipartisanship is a powerful showing of American resilience and/or comradery by those who occupy the seats of power in the U.S. The truth, however, is that this is only a sham cooked up by two parties that are looking to utilize the attack on Congresswoman Giffords to their political advantage in a manner similar to what I shared in my first column this semester.

“But, Derek,” I hear some of you moaning. “They put aside their differences to issue a message of brotherhood to the country!” No, I’m sorry, they did not.

In order to placate those who argue that it was partisan politics that set the wheels into motion in Loughner’s head, someone made the decision to give elected officials assigned seating to a constitutionallyrequired status report like they were kindergarten students. The reality of the situation is that this

symbolic demonstration means nothing and neither this would-be display of unity nor emotions over Giffords’ struggle to recover from her wounds will change anything.

Will this little hand-holding session bring both sides together to settle their disputes over heath care reform and halt John Boehner and his Republican cohorts from trying to repeal it? No. Does public interest in Loughner’s motivations and the role partisan bickering played mean that the upcoming election season will be anything less than a full-on mudslinging exercise that will make the last three or four look like tea parties? I really do not think so.

Look, maybe I am just another cynic with a column, but the fact of the matter is that travesties like what happened in Tucson have happened again and again throughout the annals of history, including in American history, and things have never really changed. Of course there are exceptions, such as in times of war and, most recently, in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but the evidence points to the idea that this shooting, Giffords’ struggle, and this demonstration will be, at best, a blip on the pages of history.

As I said in my previous diatribe on the subject of the Tucson shooting, the worst thing politicians can do is try to manipulate this tragedy to their gain. It is simply shameful for anyone on either side of the American political spectrum to try to utilize the anguish felt by the families and loved ones affected by Loughner’s senseless acts to further political interests or ideological aims, especially while claiming to champion the cause of bipartisan unity in the capital.

The memorial for those who died and the speech given

by Obama at the event was enough. Do not operate under the guise of trying to herald bipartisanship when you really are trying to advance an agenda.

If you are someone who really needs to find a sense of triumph in the wake of this tragedy, I suggest you find the video of soon to be ex-Press Secretary Robert Gibbs responding to a question from a Russian journalist who inquired whether or not Americans realized that our free speech and firearm ownership civil liberties played a role in this attack. Gibbs did exactly what I suggest: he responded to the question in a concise and effective manner and moved on. He did not try to use it to promote an agenda or downgrade anyone. He simply answered and moved along. If only the rest of Washington could take a hint.

—Derek Mullins is a senior in political science and history. He can be reached at dmullin5@utk.edu

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Daily Beacon • 5

ENTERTAINMENT

Oscar ballots exclude worthy alternatives been too long ago for voters to remember. At least it picked up a nomination for Best Achievement in Costume Design. That’s more than one can say for “Shutter Island.”

Aaron Eckhart for Best Supporting Actor “Rabbit Hole” was a “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” for small film that featured Arts & Entertainment Editor Anything a performance from Easily one of the year’s most interesting Nicole Kidman worthy films, “Scott Pilgrim” failed to receive a nomiof an Academy Award In late January of each year, nominations for the most presnation in yet another award ceremony. The nomination. Her cotigious prize in film, the Academy Award, are released. While acting categories didn’t really deserve anystar, Aaron Eckhart, the process unveils many good surprises (this year’s nominathing, but to be beaten out for Best delivered a performtions of Hailee Steinfeld, John Hawkes, and Javier Bardem), Achievement in Visual Effects by the horrible ance of the same calInception • Photo courtesy of Stephen Vaughan there are always a few straggling films left behind.

CGI in “Hereafter?” That’s just cold. iber but was not so This column will focus on the biggest losers of this year’s lucky. Both he and Andrew Garfield from “The Social nomination list. From the appalling choices to “Kick-Ass” for Anything Network” were caught in a category that had too many good performances that were just shy of being finalThis is another film that strangely does- performances this year. ists, here’s to the unfortunate few. n’t have a single nomination. Also released very early last April, “Kick-Ass” certainly “The Town” for Best Picture Ryan Gosling for Best Actor deserved at least costume design or someA few months ago, “The Town” was considered by most “Blue Valentine” is mostly known for its thing else in the technical categories. critics to be one of the best films of the year. It’s funny how original NC-17 rating that has since been “Salt” got nominated in sound editing, for quickly people can forget a film. Jeremy Renner picked up his changed to R by the Motion Picture second Oscar nomination in as many years, but the Ben crying out loud.

Association of America. For those who have Affleck film failed to be included in the running for the cereseen the powerful film, it cannot be denied that Mila Kunis for Best Supporting mony’s top prize. So much for the expansion to 10 Best its lead actors deserve award recognition.

Picture nominees being the answer to snubbed films.

Actress Sadly, Michelle Williams walked away with the Many people were probably scratching film’s only nomination (Best Actress).

Christopher Nolan for Best Director their heads at Kunis’ absence from the list The Academy must really not like Christopher Nolan. of nominees Tuesday morning. Most crit“Waiting for Superman” for Best ics praised the young actress for her per- Arguably one of the best young filmmakers around, the direcDocumentary Feature formance in “Black Swan,” as she received tor couldn’t even garner a nomination for his work on Documentary snubs usually don’t get every- Kunis • Photo courtesy of Glenn Francis a Golden Globe nomination in December. “Inception.” Although the film did pick up a total of eight nomone in a fuss, but the lack of a nomination for In the end, it appears she was just playing second fiddle to inations, no awards will be going to the director’s chair. To be this film, about the need for education reform in America, is fair, the five filmmakers who made the shortlist are all very talBest Actress favorite, Natalie Portman. tragic. The other features that made the Oscar list are imporented in their profession as well. tant, well-made films that range in topics from art, to corrupt Lesley Manville for Best Supporting Actress business practices, and even American troops in the Middle — Will Abrams is a senior in journalism and electronic “Another Year” was one of 2010’s best independent films East. Unfortunately, “Waiting for Superman” finds itself on the that missed most audiences’ radar. Although it did grab a nom- media. He can be reached at wabrams1@utk.edu outside looking in. ination for its screenplay, the performance from Manville was “I Am Love” for Best Foreign Language Film also fantastic. The actress easily This lovely little Italian picture starring Academy Award could have taken the place of Winner Tilda Swinton garnered a lot of buzz throughout the Helena Bonham Carter for “The year. As is so often the case, its March release may have just King’s Speech.”

Will Abrams

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Britain Actress Lupino and 66 Flight board abbr.

Down others 1 Panama and Suez They’re usually white or brown 2 Snickered

1 “___ time”

21 22 25

29

3 Designer McCartney

23 Worker on a 43Across

4 Alternative to Ring Dings

24 Lab gel

5 A little peculiar

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

6 Spoil 7 They may be deal breakers 8 Opposite of invoices 9 One fighting urban sprawl, say 10 Black 11 Shop 12 Like some gas: Abbr.

13 Memento from an old flame?

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60 Prefix with conservative

6 • The Daily Beacon

THESPORTSPAGE

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kahlin major part of swim team Jason Hall Staff Writer

Colin Skinner Assistant Sports Editor One of the top SEC swimmers in the breaststroke this season is a member of the UT swimming and diving team.

Mattias Kahlin, senior in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, has had an impressive tenure at UT. Kahlin Mattias Kahlin was named to the AllFreshman SEC team, as the top freshman finisher in the 100-yard breaststroke and fifth overall.

Since his freshman year, he has placed in the top 10 in each of his three seasons on Rocky Top. During his junior year, he had his most successful outing of his career career; his times in the 100yard (54.72) and 200-yard (1:59.74) breaststrokes Wade Rackley • The Daily Beacon in the 2010 SEC Championships were his season bests.

Melvin Goins, Scotty Hopson and John Fields defend against LSU’s Eddie Ludwig He made the SEC Academic Honor Roll and on Wednesday. The Vols came out quick against the Tigers and never trailed on was named Tennessee’s scholar-athlete of the year their way to a 75-53 win. at the VOLSCARS, UT’s annual banquet for student athletes.

Born in Västerås, Sweden, Kahlin was an eighttime Swedish Junior Champion. Many people would expect a major culture shock for someone in his situation. Kahlin says his adjustment to the U.S. was an easy one.

“It’s kinda hard to explain,” Kahlin said. “It’s different, and there are some things that are better and some things that are worse. But that’s just the way it is.”

Kahlin is a big believer in teamwork.

“Being part of the team is excellent for us,” Kahlin said. “Coming together and being success-

ful is better than anything with individual swimming.”

His tenure at UT has also taught him a lot about learning from a successful coaching staff. In Sweden, Kahlin played the role of a “player coach”, as he handled many of the coaching duties while competing as a member of the team. The coaching staff at UT was the first he has had in years.

“The biggest thing I learned was trusting them,” Kahlin said. “Back home I was always a player coach. But here it’s more like letting go and trusting the program.”

UT swimming head coach John Trembley regards Kahlin as a premier swimmer and a great piece to the Tennessee swimming family since his freshman year.

“Since he has been at UT, Mattias has really benefited from training with some phenomenal breaststrokers,” Trembley said.

Kahlin also claims that the coaching staff played a major role in his decision to attend UT. “I talked to the coaching staff down in Arizona (before attending UT),” he said. “So I came in on a recruiting trip. I loved UT, I loved the coaches, and I liked Knoxville. It’s different but that’s what I liked about it.”

Kahlin began swimming when he was 9-yearsold. He entered school competitions and claims he kept going with it to improve and to win.

When he was growing up, however, he also enjoyed playing and watching soccer.

He credits Team USA breastroke swimmer Ed Moses as his favorite athlete. His favorite television show is “How I Met Your Mother.” His favorite movie all-time is “Rocky.” He also enjoys eating lasagna, which he admits is his favorite food.

Kahlin’s favorite color is blue, and his favorite American phrase is “y’all.” He has many goals for the future he wishes to accomplish.

“I want to swim as much as I can,” Kahlin said.

“I want to have fun. And I want to get my education and enjoy life.”