LRN February 2015 by Lenoir-Rhyne University

POPPIN’

THE

OSCARS Volume 109

Lenoir-Rhynean News

Issue 6

PG 4 & 5

KNOT

CAMPUS with cuba

EVENTS PG 6

PG 3

February 2015

The

tying the

tinder

trap

The do’s and don’ts of using the Tinder app

CAUTIO N

Your dream date, 20 By Cigi Sparks LRN Design & Layout Editor If you’re in college, you more-than-likely have a Tinder account and use the app on a weekly – if not daily – basis. According to Business Insider, more than 1 Billion profile swipes are made per-day on Tinder but only 12 million of those end in matches. It’s obvious that we all love Tinder and we all want to be loved on Tinder but we’re not all so great at getting those matches. We want those “You have a new match!” notifications, so why not do everything in you power to get them? DO Pose with animals in your pictures. Seriously, who doesn’t love animals? I mean really, a cute puppy can make even the most mediocre looking person look cute. Just don’t post pictures with weird pets, like a tarantulas or your fish – those are proof of your awkwardness and also a very good reason to not swipe right. DON’T Make your main picture one where you’re in a group of people. Why would you do that? Isn’t the sole purpose of Tinder to match someone based on their looks? If I can’t tell who you are, it’s a swipe left. Granted, it’s nice to know that you have friends but one or two group pics will suffice. DO Showcase your hobbies. Definitely include pic-

e t a d m a e r d r u Yo

tures of you playing guitar, shooting hoops, binge eating and watching Netflix – what ever your thing is. Pictures like that are great conversation starters, whether it’s something that we have in common or something that I’ve always wanted to learn to do, I now have something better than a cheesy pick-up line to send you in that first message. DON’T Post pictures that are from five years ago or pics from before/after you’ve lost/gained weight. If I actually meet up with you later on and you don’t look how I expected you to look – that’s just as bad as getting catfished. If you’re actually lucky enough to get a date out of a Tnder match and you aren’t at all what your match expected, chances are you won’t be getting a second date. DO Occasionally message your match first. Don’t torture yourself by waiting for your most recent match to send you a clever message. More than likely, your match is just as nervous as you are about starting the conversation. My advice, break the ice with a cute – not crazy – pick-up line. DON’T Post consecutive pictures of yourself with a member of the opposite sex. Is that your significant other? I don’t know because I don’t know you – but if it is, why are you on Tinder? Go chat with your bae! Not your Tinder matches! DO Message me if we have mutual friends. Hello

– great conversation starter! So how do you know (insert name here)? I seen that we’re both friends with them! DON’T Make a Tinder that isn’t connected to your Facebook. Why? That’s creepy. You could be lying about your age, your name, who you are... No one wants to be catfished. Everyone has a Facebook so who in their right mind would take the time to make an account on Tinder when you could just click a button. Plus, like I mentioned before, having mutual friends is a great way to start a conversation. DO Post pictures where you’re fully clothed. Ladies – that’s not cute and it will not make you get matches any faster. Plus, guy’s aren’t going to show you any respect if you don’t look respectable. Gentlemen – keep your shirt ON. You have a six-pack? Cool. I repeat, KEEP YOUR SHIRT ON! DON’T Please, please, please – do not make your bio 300 words long. I do not care, I do not know you and I will not read it. Keep it short and sweet. Now if you’re an A+ writer, extremely interesting and super-duper clever then you’re on the exception list. There you have it, folks – a fool-proof guide on how to have a top-teir Tinder encounter. The key is, don’t be an idiot around the opposite gender. Really, it’s that simple.

E d i to r i a l

What a load of

codswallop! Featuring: Airports

Ryan Baxter LRN Staff Reporter

In 1903, Orville Wright flew the first airplane over a North Carolina beach. The flight, like a disappointing one-night stand, lasted only 12 seconds. Add another 18 seconds onto that time (30 for anyone who’s not a mathematics major) and that’s how late I was to catching my connecting flight from England’s version of hell on

earth (Heathrow Airport) to Charlotte International. Out of breath, sweating and wishing I was Usain Bolt, I began my argument with the cruel witch who refused to let me on the plane. I could see the plane behind her, with my $62 isle seat and my free coffee awaiting me. She refused to believe my lies that I should indeed be on the manifest as I’m in business class and further ignored my fake outrage and threat that US Airways will be receiving a very angry letter. Instead of a calm and hassle-free flight with what I can only imagine had no screaming babies, no turbulence and a Michelin Star meal cooked by Gordon Ramsey himself. Instead I found myself in a five-hour line full of very angry families and a non-English speaking Bosnian man named Henning. I waited patiently with a scowl on my face and

my arms folded like a woman whose one-night stand lasted just 12 seconds. After a lifetime of waiting and three bottles of water that British Airways gave me as a means of apology, I made my way to the front of the line only to be told I would be put in a hotel for the night and would have to return tomorrow to get a re-booked flight. I accepted the terms of my death sentence of having to stay in London for another 24 hours as long as my hotel room had a king sized bed and Wi-Fi. (I didn’t get the king sized bed – outrageous I know.) I did receive a free meal in the Renaissance Hotel but of course, it tasted like school dinners blended together with prison food. It’s depressing sitting in a hotel restaurant on your own, there’s only so many times you can look like you’re texting someone before you genuinely consider asking

someone if you can sit with them. The large serving of coffee and walnut cake I got myself afterwards made me look like I’d had a bad breakup to a long-term relationship. After a stressful night of raiding the mini-bar for novelty-sized liquors, shedding masculine tears of frustration and being put on hold by British Airways for 30 minutes. I awoke at 5 a.m. to be back at the next dimension of hell that is Heathrow Airport to rebook my flight which took three hours of standing around and about 30 minutes of actual work. It got to around 9 a.m. when I found myself sitting in another restaurant (again by myself) ordering a full English breakfast and a cheeky vodka orange. In case anyone was wondering, I was in and out of Charlotte International within 45 minutes. God Bless America!

Relaciones Nuevas con Cuba President Obama works to establish ties with Cuba

Jake Fisher LRN Staff Reporter

PHOTOS FROM WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

President Barack Obama talks with Ricardo Zuniga, Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, after the President delivered a statement on Cuba and the release of American Alan Gross in the Oval Office, Dec. 17, 2014. National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice is present.

El Presidente Barack Obama y Raúl Castro hicieron historia el 17 de diciembre de 2014. Los líderes anunciaron algunos cambios entre las relaciones de los Estados Unidos y Cuba para normalizar lazos diplomáticos. Las naciones intercambiaron presos y aliviaron regulaciones para viajar entre los Estados Unidos y Cuba. También tendrán discusiones sobre poner fin al embargo antiguo y abrir embajadas en los dos países. Sin embargo, para poner fin al embargo los Estados Unidos necesitan cambiar algunas leyes a través del Congreso. Este proceso podría llevar mucho tiempo porque hay mucha gente que se opone a estos movimientos recientes del Presidente Obama. El Senador Marco Rubio y otros líderes creen que los Estados Unidos están ignorando una historia agitada con Cuba. La historia incluye algunas violaciones de los derechos humanos del régimen de Castro y un sistema comunista que divide la población de Cuba. Por otro lado, las acciones del Presidente Obama y de Castro

fueron celebradas por muchos dirigentes del mundo. Antes de los anuncios formales de Obama y Castro, el Papa Francisco estaba dirigiendo conversaciones secretas con los líderes. Él estaba muy feliz con los anuncios y fue acompañado por muchos líderes europeos, centroamericanos, y sudamericanos. Ellos creen que las políticas exteriores necesitaban cambiar debido a la destrucción que causaron a la población cubana. Según la cámara de comercio de Estados Unidos y el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores cubano, el embargo cuesta 1,1 trillón de dólares para la economía cubana y 1,2 billón de dólares cada año a la economía de los Estados Unidos. Según noticias de Heritage.org, los cubanos han estado sufriendo en una economía débil que genera mucha pobreza en el país. Recientemente la Subsecretaria de Estado para Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental de los Estados Unidos, Roberta Jacobson, habló con una delegada de Cuba, Josephina Vidal. Después de las conversaciones, ambas expresaron las preocupaciones de cada uno de sus gobiernos y dijeron que las conversaciones podrían tomar mucho tiempo especialmente por algunos temas relacionados con disidentes cubanos en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, hubo un gran cambio en las naciones que ha dado muchas esperanzas a personas que han querido normalizar las relaciones entre los países. En las recientes palabras del Papa, “Hoy estamos contentos porque hemos visto como dos pueblos que estuvieron distanciados durante tantos años dieron un paso hacia los demás.”

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N ew s 3 OBAMA OFFERS FREE COLLEGE with employers to create tailored training programs to meet economic needs within their communities such as nursing, health information technology and advanced manufacturing. The America’s College Promise proposal would create a new partnership with states to help them waive tuition in high-quality programs for responsible students. Specifically, here is what the initiative will mean: Students who attend at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 GPA while in college, and make steady progress toward completing their program will have their tuition eliminated. Building High-Quality Community Colleges: Community colleges will be expected to offer programs that either (1) are academic programs that fully transfer to local public four-year colleges and universities, giving students a chance to earn half of the credit they need for a four-year degree, or (2) are occupational training programs with high graduation rates and that lead to degrees and certificates that are in demand among employers. Other types of programs will not be eligible for free tuition. Ensuring Shared Responsibility with States: Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. States that choose to participate will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate community college tuition for eligible students. Building on State and Local Programs. In the past year, Tennessee and the City of Chicago initiated free community college programs. In the first year of the Tennessee program, 57,000 students representing almost 90 percent of the state’s high school graduating class applied for the program. The scholarship is coupled with college counseling, mentorship, and community service that early evidence suggests supports greater enrollment, persistence and college completion. These Tennessee Tech Centers have a graduation rate of 80 percent and a job placement rate of 85 percent.

PHOTOS FROM WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

President Barack Obama recently announced that he hopes to begin offering free college tuition for community college students.

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE President Barack Obama has unveiled the America’s College Promise proposal to make two years of community college free. This plan will allow responsible students to earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree and earn skills needed in the workforce at no cost. To make it work community colleges must strengthen their programs and increase the number of students who graduate, states must invest more in

higher education and training, and students must take responsibility for their education, earn good grades, and stay on track to graduate. The program would be undertaken in partnership with states and is inspired by new programs in Tennessee and Chicago. If all states participate, an estimated 9 million students could benefit. A full-time community college student could save an average of $3,800 in tuition per year. Obama also announced his proposal for a new American Technical Training Fund to expand innovative, high-quality

technical training programs similar to Tennessee Tech Centers that meet employer needs and help prepare more Americans for better paying jobs. These proposals build on Obama’s other higher education mandates, including a $1,000 increase in the maximum Pell Grant, the creation of the $2,500 American Opportunity Tax Credit, reforming student loans to eliminate subsidies to banks, and making available more than $2 billion in grants to connect community colleges with employers to develop programs designed to

get students good jobs. Forty percent of college students are enrolled at one of America’s more than 1,100 community colleges, which offer students affordable tuition, open admission policies, and convenient locations. They are particularly important for students who are older, working, need remedial classes, or can only take classes part-time. For many students, they offer academic programs and an affordable route to a four-year college degree. They are also uniquely positioned to partner

Cops vs. the rest of us? Community leaders discuss police brutality By Jake Fisher LRN Staff Reporter

sparked protests throughout the nation, including the Lenoir-Rhyne University campus with a DecemThe U.S. has historically been ber “die-in” protest in the Cromer plagued by racism and many of its Center. “It’s important to understand citizens have pushed to end prejuthe root of any problem,” said Ledice and bigotry. From the abolition of slavery, to noir-Rhyne University Director of Multicultural Affairs Emma the Civil Rights Act, to the election of the first black president, the Unit- Sellers. “How did we get to this ed States has seemingly made prog- point? How did the people who are ress countering institutional racism. meant to protect people, become Lately, the conversation has ones that some people fear?” Some community leaders befocused on police officers – particularly those in Ferguson with the lieve that similar problems exist shooting of Michael Brown, in within Hickory. “A lot of officers would want New York City with the choking of Eric Gardner and in Cleveland with to believe that they do not engage the shooting of Tamir Rice. Many in racial profiling but contrary to popular belief, there is quite a bit of say we’re still fighting racism. In response to court decisions in racial profiling that goes on,” said Ferguson, President Barack Obama community activist and former ressaid, “The situation in Ferguson ident of Hickory, Rev. T. Anthony speaks to broader challenges that Spearman. “Not necessarily to the we still face as a nation. A deep same extent as what we see happendistrust exists between law enforce- ing in other communities. It may ment and communities of color. not be covert but more overt – ofSome of this is the result of the leg- tentimes some officers are guarded acy of racial discrimination in this when they venture into communities where the population is precountry.” Claims of racial profiling have dominately non-white. There have

Staff Reporters Ryan Baxter Elijah Blackwell Jake Fisher

Bailey Leanord Ricky Wallace

been a number of instances where black men have been questioned for being in certain communities in Hickory.” Some in law enforcement have a different perspective on the issue. “Law enforcement is not being treated fairly because people are not all in the positions of officers,” said Catawba County Sheriff Coy Reid, adding that if citizens are frustrated with the police, they should “fight it in court, not in the streets.” Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins said his department is focused on helping officers build relationships with the people in the communities they police. “When our citizens see us as normal people, they see that the only difference between us is that during our day, we have to enforce the laws that our government has provided for our society,” he said. “Every (official) encounter with the police that we are reacting to is uncomfortable for our citizens and even for our police officers.” Spearman and Adkins worked together on issues like race relations and social justice in the 17 years

ADKINS

before Spearman lived in Hickory, before taking the helm as pastor of St. Phillip AME Zion Church in Greensboro last year. That amicable relationship that has let them discuss community issues through productive conversation. Spearman says discussions on racial profiling should take place in Hickory to “truly understand the many dimensions and dynamics

that occur for a person when they’re in the throes of poverty – there is the root of problem that relates to racism.” Adkins agrees that the people should understand that “better living conditions, better economic situations, equal opportunity to rise above present situations, and having a good family structure and mentoring, can help reduce crime.”

2014 - 2015 LRN

Faculty Advisers

Editorial Staff

Dr. Lisa M. Harris

Jazmine Charles

Prof. Richard Gould A special thanks to all of our contributing writers!

REID

Editor-in-Chief

Cigi Sparks

Design and Layout Editor

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N ew s

WHITE WASHING THE

OSCARS By Ryan Baxter LRN Staff Reporter The 2015 Oscars nominations have launched a wave of controversy. The Academy didn’t nominate any candidates of color in the following categories: Best Actress, Supporting Actress, Best Actor, Supporting Actor, Best Director and Best Screenwriter.

This isn’t the first time the Academy has been under scrutiny for racial controversy. In 1940 Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American to win an Oscar for her performance in Gone with the Wind. After McDaniel accepted her award she had to make her way to the segregated table at the back of the ceremony. Over the years, the Academy has become less bluntly racist but is still run by the majority votes of white men whose average age makes them eligible for retirement. The Oscar voters are 93 percent white, 76 percent male and their average age is 63, according to a Los Angeles Times survey. Not what most would consider a diverse crowd. The one film that seems to have been snubbed this year is “Selma,” which tells the true events leading up to the infamous racial-equality march led by Martin Luther King Jr. While nominated for Best Song and Best Picture, a vocal segment of the public feels that “Selma” is being overlooked for the Best Director (Ava DuVernay) and Best Actor (David Oyelowo). “If a movie has a diverse bent to it, it’s looked at differently. Certain movies segment the audience,” said LR’s Professor of Multi-Cultural Studies and Associated Dean for Engaged and Global Learning Charlotte Williams. The academy can argue that “12 Years a Slave” won Best Picture at the 2014 awards, so is it fair to other films if “Selma,” a film with similar themes, wins the most coveted prize of the night? “The whole feeling of ‘we’ve-been-progressive’ has died down a little bit, so by doing spot things that seemingly improve race-relations is something the academy prides themselves in,” Williams said. “It’s not at the forefront of normal regular behavior.” “We, as a country in general, have swung back a little bit like a pendulum,” Williams said. “The makeups of our senate, congress and local government have gotten very republican, prior to that it

How much do you know about Weight of an Oscar Statuette

8 lbs.

Length of the red carpet at the Dolby theatre

Number of Oscar statuettes given out at the 85th academy awards

500

feet

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NO DIVERSITY IN THIS YEARS ACTING CATEGORIES

was democratic. So, like a pendulum swing, we’ve headed into a different direction for the time being and that’s reflected into society.” While many actors and actresses take on diverse roles, it can be said that certain roles for certain actors are favored more by the academy. “A great example is Denzel Washington. All the amazing characters he’s performed as but gets nominated for ‘Training Day’ where he plays a corrupt police officer,” said LR’s Assistant Professor of African-American Studies Veronica McComb. “The same could be said about Halle Berry who got her Oscar when she played a single, bankrupt and abusive mother.” Controversy is going to surround this year’s Oscars no matter what result “Selma” receives. Huge numbers of the public has used social media to express their outrage of the decision. Many feel that if “Selma” wins Best Picture, the academy is simply backtracking to cover any controversy. If it doesn’t, then public will continue calling the academy racist. #OscarsAreWhite is trending worldwide with the calls for the academy to bring in a diverse group of judges. “Historically, the awards have gone to the more mainstream targeted films,” McComb said. “The Academy needs to make the decision to either change with the times in terms of complexity and diversity or stick with its tradition.” McComb has personal experience in dealing with racial ignorance as she once worked in the movie business. “Once working as an intern in Hollywood in 2002, I was sitting in a development meeting of a film which required a strong, female lead which the producers wanted to be of color. They were tossing around names like Lucy Liu and Salma Hayek as if they were the same race,” McComb said. “I was then asked my opinion of what black people like because I’m black. Is there any wonder there is such a representation or lack of for colored people in film?” There’s still work to be done. “To resolve these issues, filmmakers and industry leaders must create movies that cross race and gender boundaries,” LR’s Director of Multi-Cultural Affairs Emma Sellers said. “Casts need to reflect diversity and lead roles must be given to a variety of actors and actresses.”

Hollywood’s biggest night? Estimated average U.S. audience who watched the 85th academy awards

40.3

Seating capacity of the Dolby theatre on Oscar night

3,300

million

Height of an Oscar Statuette

13 inches

N ew s

ALCOHOL POISONING KILLS SIX PEOPLE IN THE U.S. EACH DAY

FROM THE CDC More than 2,200 people die from alcohol poisoning each year in the United States – an average of six deaths each day – according to a new Vital Signs report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three in four alcohol poisoning deaths involve adults ages 35-64 years, and most deaths occur among men and non-Hispanic whites. American Indians/Alaska Natives have the most alcohol poisoning deaths per million people. Alcohol poisoning deaths are caused by drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. This can result in very high levels of alcohol in the body, which can shutdown critical areas of the brain that control breathing, heart rate, and body temperature - resulting in death. More than 38 million U.S. adults report binge drinking an average of four times per month and consume an average of eight drinks per binge. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men on an occasion. The more you drink, the greater your risk of death. “Alcohol poisoning deaths are a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of excessive alcohol use, which is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.,” said CDC Principal Deputy Director Ileana Arias. “We need to implement effective programs and policies to prevent binge drinking and the many health and social harms that are related to it, including deaths from alcohol poisoning.” Alcohol poisoning death rates varied widely across states, from 46.5 deaths per

million residents in Alaska to 5.3 per million residents in Alabama. The states with the highest death rates were in the Great Plains, western United States, and New England. CDC scientists analyzed deaths from alcohol poisoning among people aged 15 years and older, using multiple cause-ofdeath data from the National Vital Statistics System for 2010-2012. Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) was identified as a contributing factor in 30 percent of these deaths, and other drugs were noted to have been a factor in about 3 percent of the deaths. While this study reveals that alcohol poisoning deaths are a bigger problem than previously thought, it is still likely to be an underestimate. “This study shows that alcohol poisoning deaths are not just a problem among young people,” said CDC Alcohol Program Lead and report coauthor Robert Brewer, M.D., M.S.P.H. “It also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing binge drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening and counseling in healthcare settings, and high-quality substance abuse treatment for those who need it.” Vital Signs is a CDC report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, or MMWR. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, healthcare-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, and food safety.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/alcohol-poisoning-deaths/infographic.html#infographic

CONVENIENCE WITH A COST Pirating movies could land you in a world of pain

By Elijah Blackwell LRN Staff Reporter With the rise of the digital era, convenience has become an expected luxury. Technology can now be used to easily speak to their long distance friends or to conduct business. Internet convenience can also be used in a way that is highly illegal. Intellectual property theft--often referred to as digital piracy--is the practice of illegally downloading copyrighted movies, music, video games and any other digital product. Users can download anything for free off certain websites or programs. “Me and my dad had a huge library of music,” said Lenoir-Rhyne freshman Walker Harrison. “We could get anything.” A user could upload his files to share them to others -- often times called a leak--obtaining movies before they’re even released is an obtainable goal. There’s dangers involved in digital piracy. “We often times got viruses,” Harrison said. “Not everybody on those programs were good people.” Since most pirating programs were free, some pirates would upload what seems to be a song but really is a virus. Anti-virus programs may not catch the invasion, resulting in a malicious software taking over someone’s computer. “You didn’t really get what you asked for.” Harrison said.

For joke or for inconvenience some uploaders may replace what the file says with something totally different. A file that users thought was a movie turns out to be nothing or just a video of a black screen. Other pirates is not the only problem. Pirating is stealing. There is a wide range of United States digital piracy laws to be broken. According to the FBI, the most commonly broken offense is copyright infringement -- using a digital product and call it your own. According to federal copyright agencies, maximum penalty for copyright infringement is $150,000 for each work infringed and a prison sentence of ten years. Often times the FBI will send a cease and desist letter in the mail to someone suspected of piracy, if the directions are not followed, the penalty will be carried out. At LR if a student is caught pirating information, punishment could be as small as a warning or as severe as an expulsion. “Expulsion is not likely,” said Dean of Students Katie Fisher. “We would rather issue a punishment that would educate.” The Information Technology department monitors digital traffic going through the internet servers on campus. If someone is caught they are immediately sent to Fisher. “We would have a Student Conduct Council hearing,” Fisher said. “We would decide if the student should be held responsible.”

The Student Conduct Council is made up of faculty and one student. If the individual in question is found responsible, the appeal process then begins. “The student would then be under judicial review,” Fisher said. “Where the president of Lenoir-Rhyne appoints who attends.” This is where punishment is given. “It would more than likely end in a computer ban.” Fisher said. If a computer ban is issued, the student will not be able to log into any computer on campus. Their account will be out of the system. Community service may also be issued. Lenoir-Rhyne administrations’ hands are tied if a company sues a student. “If say Sony was to tell us one of our students pirated their software, we would let them deal with the trouble they brought themselves,” Fisher said. As of now--pirating is not a problem on campus. It’s a hard thing to catch and monitor. There are very few cases within the year. “Pirating is just a way to beat the ridiculous cost of music.” Harrison said. While pirating does seem convenient and is a stealthy crime, the punishment for it is costly. All information on computer usage policies on campus can be found in the LR student handbook or at http://student.lr.edu/cub/ home.

TOP 5 MOST PIRATED MOVIES OF 2014

The Wolf of Wall Street

Downloaded: 30.035 million times

2 Robo Cop 3 Gravity 4

Frozen Downloaded: 29.919 million times Downloaded: 29.879 million times

Downloaded: 29.357 million times

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Downloaded: 27.627 million times

N ew s

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Events taking place on campus and in the Hickory Community

DID YOU KNOW...?

Black History Month

•

Canada and the U.K. have their own Black History Months. Canada also marks it in February, but the U.K. marks its own in October.

•

Recent counts put the black population of the U.S. at 45 million. New York has the highest number of black residents, with 3.7 million, while Washington has the highest proportion of African-Americans, with 51 percent.

•

There are 46 black members in the 114th Congress. The first black senator was Hiram Rhodes Revels, who represented Mississippi from 1870 to 1871, and the first black congresswoman was Shirley Chisholm, who represented New York during seven terms.

•

“The Renaissance” was the name of the first black professional basketball team. They were nicknamed the Rens and once won an amazing 88 consecutive games.

•

Lincoln University in Oxford, Pennsylvania, became the first degree-granting historically black university in 1854. Now, the U.S. has 106, including Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro and Howard University in Washing-

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com

By Amber McKnight LRN Staff Reporter Black History Month is an ongoing thing for the whole month of February – from TV shows to different events hosted around the world. Here at Lenoir-Rhyne there are some very exciting events taking place on campus and in the community. All events are open to LR students and they are all free to attend. On campus, Black Student Alliance (BSA) will be hosting a Black History Quiz Bowl Game Tuesday, February 17 at 7 p.m. The location is TBD. Also, on LR’s campus on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m., Grace Chapel will be hosting “The Gospel Truth-History of the Negro Spiritual.” Convocation credit will be offered. Hosted by Catawba Valley Community College at the Tarlton Complex on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. NuGeneration is expected to sing some encouraging songs during the Black History Month Program.

In the community there will be a Photographer, Michael Cunningham, who will talk about his experience working with Black Women in Church Hats on Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Beaver Memorial Library. Also Feb. 7, at the Hickory Museum of Art, Michael Cunningham will be having an artist talk and someone will be able to win a photo by Cunningham. On Mar. 15 at 4 p.m., the Hickory Museum of Art will be having a HATTITUDE where everyone can come out and enjoy Champagne and chocolates as women strut down the runway showing off their church hats. For about a three month span, January 31- April 12, 2015, the Hickory Museum of Art will be hosting an exhibition of “Black Women…Their hats and their stories”. There are so many things going on in respect for Black History Month, that everyone should learn something new upon attending one of these events. All events listed are free and open to anyone who wants to come and take part.

Intelligence Community top-five job FROM OFFICE OF NATIONAL SECURITY For the sixth consecutive year, Intelligence Community employee job satisfaction ranks the IC as one of the “Best Places to Work in the Federal Government,” according to an independent analysis of federal workers’ job satisfaction and commitment. The IC ranked fourth overall among large agencies that employ more than 15,000 full-time permanent employees, a category which includes 19 organizations. The Partnership for Public Service compiled the rankings and announced them in announced their results in December. Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper said the ranking is an indication of the workforce’s commitment to the mission. “The IC has remained a best place to work through the adversity of sequestration, unauthorized disclosures and critical public discussion of past IC programs,” he said. “We are a best place to work because we put many of our nation’s best and brightest minds to work on challenging missions that are critically important to our nation’s security.” The PPS is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization that aims to revitalize the federal government by transforming the way government works and inspiring a new generation to serve. According to PPS, the Best Places to Work rankings are “the most comprehensive and authoritative rating of employee satisfaction and commitment in the federal government” and “are an important tool for ensuring that employee satisfac-

PHOTOS FROM WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Govenment corporation Intelligence Community once again graces the top-five list of

tion is a top priority for government managers and leaders.” Rankings are based on data from the 2014 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which the U.S. Office of Personnel Management adminis-

ters, as well as from surveys administered by 11 additional agencies plus the Intelligence Community. The first survey was in 2003, but the IC has only participated since 2009 and has been ranked a top place to work

every year. Since the first rankings were produced, they have provided federal managers and leaders with data to help boost employee engagement. Additionally, the results are a re-

source for current and prospective employees, researchers, and policymakers. More details are available online at http://bestplacestowork. org.

NEW YORK TIMES BEST LR CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS... SELLING AUTHOR KATHERINE FROM LRN REPORTS The Lenoir-Rhyne University Concert Series is proud to present a performance by the Kruger Brothers and the Kontras Quartet on Sunday, March 29 at 3 p.m. in P.E. Monroe Auditorium. Tickets are $20 and are available at mus.lr.edu/concert. Tickets can be printed online or can be picked up at the P.E. Monroe Auditorium Box Office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Besides their considerable renown worldwide, both the Kruger Brothers and Kontras Quartet are well-known by our community. Together they bring a powerful combination of artistry and talent, creating a musical experience that redefines contemporary concert culture. The concert will feature original compositions for the ensemble by Jens Kruger. Since their formal introduction to American audiences in 1997, The Kruger Brothers’ discipline, creativity and their ability to infuse classical music into folk music has resulted in a unique sound that has made them a fixture within the world of acous-

tic music. The Kruger Brothers personify the spirit of exploration and innovation that forms the core of the American musical tradition. In addition to their regular concert schedule, the Kruger Brothers perform these classical pieces regularly with select symphony orchestras and string quartets – including the Kontras Quartet - throughout the country. Because of their virtuosity, vibrancy and energy, the Kontras Quartet has established an international reputation for their captivating and disciplined artistry. Their name, which means “contrasts” in Afrikaans, is fitting for a unique string ensemble comprised of artists from four different parts of the world: Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. It is this diversity that informs the group’s exploration of lesser-known music from Russia, South Africa, Japan and the U.S. (the quartet members’ home countries), and inspires Kontras to present the traditional quartet literature in a new light. For more information, call (828) 328-7234 or visit the website (mus. lr.edu/concert).

HOWE TO SPEAK AT LR

FROM LRN REPORTS Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Visiting Writers Series will present New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. in Belk Centrum. Howe is teaching at the university this semester as Visiting Writer-in-Residence. Howe’s first novel, The Phys-

ick Book of Deliverance Dane, debuted at no. 2 on the New York Times bestseller list, was named one of USA Today’s top 10 books of 2009. The book is a historical fiction tale that shifts between contemporary times and the Salem Witch Trials. As a descendent herself of two accused witches, Howe has drawn much inspiration for her work from the trials. In her third novel, Conversion, she draws a parallel between a modern day high school and the witch trials and gives a voice to a young woman doing the accusing. In 2012, Howe hosted the Expedition Week special “Salem: Unmasking the Devil” on the National Geographic Channel. She also edited The Penguin Book of Witches which debuted in September 2014. The book is a treasury of historical accounts of accused witches that sheds light on the reality behind the legends. Howe also received much acclaim for her second novel. “The House of Velvet and Glass” is a historical thriller set in Boston in

the aftermath of the Titanic tragedy. The novel was a USA Today and New York Times e-book bestseller. Howe currently serves as an American Studies lecturer at Cornell University in New York. She received her master’s degree in American and New England Studies at Boston University, and completed her undergraduate education in Art History and Philosophy at Columbia University in New York. Howe’s fourth novel, “The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen,” will be released in September of this year. This event is open to the public and free for all guests. No tickets or reservations are required. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. In its 26th season, the Visiting Writers Series brings world-renowned authors to the LR campus and community. Sponsors of the 2014-2015 Series include: Crowne Plaza--Hickory, WFAE 90.7-FM, Our State: North Carolina, Hickory Public Library, United Arts Council of Catawba County, and

Campus CAMPUS IS

BURSTING WITH FUN THINGS TO DO

By Ryan Baxter LRN Staff Reporter

PHOTO SPECIAL TO LRN

LR Campus Activities Board will be adding Bubble Soccer to the list of campus activities for the Spring semester at LR.

FEBRUARY Wednesday

Tuesday

Monday

2 The Biggest Loser starts! 9

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Thursday

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MARCH Wednesday

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Lenoir-Rhyne is set to unveil bubble soccer as one of the big events of the semester. Taking place on Apr. 13 and 14, all the students, faculty and staff will get together to play on the intermural field as long as they sign up a week before. Bubble soccer has taken off in the last year due to a YouTube commercial that was seen by millions world-wide. Junior nursing student, Lauren Hill decided to pitch the idea to Dean Katie Fisher. “As soon as my friend showed me a video of bubble soccer, I was pumped to have it on campus,” Hill said. “Dean Katie immediately called in Jodi Jabs who was all for the idea.” “On this campus and the surrounding Hickory area, there is a complaint of lack of things to do,” Hill said. “Giving the students something like this keeps everyone entertained. College should be the best experience of our lives.” It’s not just college students getting involved in various forms of the bubble sport. The local community is also starting to get behind the idea. The Boyles family, who live in Newton, North Carolina have recently set up their own company, Bubble Sports Inc. to grab the market while it’s still new. “I started this as a side business back in June 2014,” Co-owner Jon Boyles said. “Now I’m already looking to make it a full-time job.” “The bubble is lighter than you expect despite it looking sturdy and wide,” Shanda Boyles said. “You crawl into it with your arms straight like Superman, and

11Katherine Ho 12we

CAB Movie Night

Paul 26 LR 27 Muldoon Playmakers visits LR The Crucible

5 13

Red-Cross Blood Drive

Wednesday

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Friday10 free-for all

Spring Fling!

MAY Wednesday

Thursday

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LAST DAY OF CLASSES

7 Reading day

Exams

Fallen Stars Fallen Stars Tribute Tribute Keynote Address

Tuesday

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CAB Cafe Aromas

Educator’s Fair

Monday

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Surving23 the Holocost

The Biggest Loser ends

APRIL

Thursday

BSA poetry slam

visits LR

then you lift it up and wear it like a backpack.” LR will be bringing in a package deal with Kramer Entertainment, a company based in Michigan. This package includes both bubble soccer and hamster-wheel balls. “It’s going to be an exciting semester,” Director of Student Activities Jodi Jabs said. “We currently have 6 intermural events this semester but we felt we needed some more pizazz, and then Lauren came up with this great bubble soccer idea.” Bubble soccer is a true sign of bigger and better events for LR students, but it has come with a cost. “The deal with Kramer is $3,500 but that’s with a huge $1,000 discount,” Jabs said. “We still have a budget for more events.” LR’s spring semester has a lot more to offer its students, with a Biggest Loser competition which started earlier this month. “The biggest loser competition is for all students, faculty and staff. It will take place on Monday nights in the Bears Lair,” Jabs said. “The first 20 people will receive a free pedometer and there will be prize giveaways at the end on March 30th.” The spring fling is also coming up, where students can receive free bro-tanks, t-shirts and sunglasses. There will also be hula dancing classes taught by 3 professional hula dancers on the evening of Feb. 15. Overall, this semester at LR is going to be exciting – packed with fun things for students and faculty to take part in. For more information on upand-coming events, visit the Student Life page on LR’s website at student.lr.edu.

8 Exams

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