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‘SENIOR YEAR’ ROCKS side Disney’s HSM3 invades American theaters. Pg. 11 in
MONDAY November 17, 2008 HI: 49ºF THE METER LO: 27ºF Serving the Tennessee State University community since 1950 N, T. WWW.TSUMETER.COM V , I ‘JUICY’ WEB SITE WREAKS HAVOC ON CAMPUS Web site proves that not all 'Juice' is good for you By DeShanee Miner Senior Staff Reporter
The latest online sensation to hit TSU's campus is www.juicycampus.com. Unlike typical community Web sites, Juicy Campus has garnered negative attention from students as well as university administration. In response to several complaints and posts published on the site, Juicy Campus is now banned on the university Internet network. Vice president of Student Affairs Michael Freeman returned a call at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 12 from a parent who was outraged by allegations of their child on the site. "I looked through the site and the level of conversation on the site," Freeman said. "The students have the right to get to it, but there is no right that says we must host (Juicy Screenshot of the JuicyCampus.com hompage. The site was banned on campus Wednesday, Nov. 12. Campus)." After receiving this phone call, Freeman placed a call to Denis Gendron, vice president Campus gossip scene gets ‘Juicy,’ site banned of technology and administrative services with the request to block the site from the By Jennifer Butler phenomenon were introduced to it, a Web site from Clinton, Miss. "I was like, 'What is this?'" TSU network. News Editor that purports to provide "online anonymous "It" was JuicyCampus.com, a Web site Unknowingly, SGA President Patrick free speech on college campuses." launched in 2007 by Matt Ivester, a Duke- Walker-Reese was making the same request Apparently, the bathroom stall isn't the "I went into the computer lab (on educated Web entrepreneur. TSU's piece was on behalf of the students. only place to find out who's doing what. Tuesday) in Performing Arts, and everybody added on Sept. 2 of this year, along with 184 "I was personally outraged," said On Tuesday, Nov. 11, students who had was on it," said Sophia Hefner, a junior mass other schools, but had not garnered much Walker-Reese, a senior history major from not yet heard about the Internet's next social communications and psychology double-major See “Gossip” on page 3 See “Administrators” on page 14
INDEX WEATHER...... 2 PROFESSOR BRINGS RELATIONSHIP FORUM...... 4 BUSINESS...... 9 A&C...... 11 FORUM TO CAMPUS. See “Campus” on page 7 2 November 17, 2008 • The Meter NEWS Tennessee State University events calendar Racial crimes result from Obama's win monday, nov. 17 Since Nov. 4, when president-elect counties have so far seen the most damage, The ban, which was voted on in the NACWC presents Beauty Seminar Barack Obama won the presidential and at least 13 people have been reported Nov. 4 presidential election, amended Wilson Hall • 7p.m. election, many racial crimes have been as injured. California law to legally define marriage as Women’s Center Tea & Talk reported across the country. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has being between a man and a woman. Ford Community Ctr. • 6-8 p.m.. Incidents range from nooses being declared states of emergency in Los It overturned a decision by the state's hung from trees, to posters of the first Angeles and Santa Barbara County, when Supreme Court that legalized gay marriage. tuesday, nov. 18 family being defaced with death threats, to 111 homes in the star-studded community Honors Lecture Series cross burnings. of Monticito burned down. The happier you are, the less FPCC Rm. 210 • 6 p.m. A Georgia woman has even At least 5,400 residents have had a pizza box filled with feces been ordered to evacuate since TV you watch Chicago Club Meeting left on her front stoop. News Friday. The cause of the fire is The National Opinion Research FPCC Rm. 217 • 7:30 p.m. In a Yahoo! news article, unknown, and is currently under Center's General Social Survey has found wednesday, nov. 19 Mark Potot, director of the Briefs investigation. that unhappy people tend to watch more Intelligence Project at the television on average than their happier General Assembly Southern Poverty Law Center, counterparts. FPCC Rm. 210 • 8 p.m. said, "(There is) a large subset of white Gay-marriage ban in The survey was administered to 30,000 thursday, nov. 20 people in this country who feel that they Americans at the University of Chicago. California causes national Gateway to Heritage meeting are losing everything they know, that the protests While people identified as happy FPCC Rm. 219 • 7 p.m. country their forefathers built has somehow In response to the passage of watched an average of about 19 hours of been stolen from them." Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage TV weekly, those categorized as unhappy “Life is Like a Box of Chocolate” Obama is the first black president- in California, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual viewed 25 weekly hours. LRC Auditorium • 7 p.m. elect of the United States. Transgender goup and supporters across It also found that happy people the nation have marched and demonstrated tend to be more socially active, attend First Ladies Roundtable Discussion Wind-swept wildfi res rage in in protest. church regularly, read the newspaper more Ford Community Ctr. • 7:30 p.m. southern California Rallies have taken place in the state, frequently and vote more often. friday, nov. 21 At least 1,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Researchers are unsure if unhappiness “Good Men Are Hard Not to Find” have burned to the ground as wind-blown Francisco, and around the country, in New causes more television watching or vice- Poag Auditorium • 6 p.m.. wildfires spread quickly throughout York and Chicago. versa. They make note of the fact that many southern California since Friday morning. Protestors carried signs with such people who watch TV tend to enjoy it.• Santa Barbara, Orange, and Riverside messages as, "No More Mr. Nice Gay." Compiled by Winston Mize STAFF
THE METER E C: e Measure of Student Cara Anthony M E: correction Opinion and Sentiment M. Antonio Silas C D C: Tennessee State University Tiff any Williams • Contrary to the Nov. 10 issue 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. A. C D C: Campus Box 1246 Rechelle Jackson article titled Annual contests kicks Nashville, Tenn. 37209-1561 C Darius Williamson off Homecoming, James Bland Phone : 615-963-7530 Ashley Harrison III did not win third place. Fax: 615-963-5452 E-mail: [email protected] Jason Bates Melanie Hughes won third Web site: www.tsumeter.com O E: Marshall A. Latimore place and Bland won fourth O E: MISSION STATEMENT place. e Meter’s mission is to accu- Seth E. Davis • In that same issue, the report rately and responsibly report L E: the “highlights and lowlights” of Kevin Terrell TSU students celebrate, march to Tennessee State University and N E: Fisk University, incorrectly stat- its community so that we may Jennifer Butler foster positive results while re- A C ed that a prayer would take place fl ecting the university’s multicul- E: on Nov. 11. tural student body. Gregory Brand Jr. B Instead, the prayer took place SUBMISSION T E: the day after Election Day, Nov. 5. REQUIREMENTS Shannon Cohen e Meter invites submission by S E: • For clarification purposes, all members of the Tennessee State Patrick Comer the correct number of electoral University community. Timelines A M: and clarity are factors in selecting Jasmine Locklin votes as of press time was 364 to material for publication. Materi- O M: Obama and 163 to McCain. als must adhere to the following Michael Hart guidelines: S R: Ashleigh Taylor a.) All contributions must be typed Ashley Washington and sent by e-mail. Winston Mize Faith Foxx b.) Opinions and letters should not exceed 400 words. Ashley Eaton Jessica Moseley c.) e Meter reserves the right to P: reject letters, articles or ads with- Mario Stuart out explanation and to edit others I A: HI: 49ºF HI: 45ºF HI: 56ºF HI: 47ºF HI: 50ºF as necessary. M LO: 27ºF T LO: 28ºF F Tameka Winston weather W LO: 36ºF T LO: 26ºF LO: 25ºF Source: Accuweather.com CIRCULATION: 2,000 Tennessee State University NEWS November 17, 2008 • The Meter 3 Free ‘Juice’ site faces little legal recourse
Jennifer E. Butler Title 47 U.S.C. Section 230 reads, "No defendants from federal criminal law, the post continues. "Your ISP, then, would News Editor provider or user of an interactive computer intellectual property law and electronic typically have to be served with another service shall be treated as the publisher or communications privacy law. subpoena and/or search warrant in order to Removing TSU from JuicyCampus. speaker of any information provided by If a student's rights are found to be actually reveal your identity." com may prove difficult. Removing another information content provider." violated, or if a case concerning said Students posting to the site should not individual posts about people, however, In the case of JuicyCampus, the Web violation is formally made, JuicyCampus. feel as if they are completely immune to may be impossible. site acts as the "interactive computer com may have to act. prosecution, though. Under certain laws, Web sites that host service," and the anonymous posters are "If a crime can be linked to an online The Stored Communications Act, Title information some may view as libelous are considered to be the "another information post, a subpoena could be issued," said 18 U.S.C. Section 2701, may help at least free from most forms of legal prosecution. content provider(s)." Michael Freeman, vice-president of Student one target of TSU's JuicyCampus postings. "JuicyCampus is the provider of an Additionally, Section 230 of the United Affairs. According to the Stored Communications interactive computer service," states the States Codes, as it is a federal law, provides Even JuicyCampus acknowledges the Act, whoever "intentionally accesses Web site in its frequently asked questons interactive computer services immunity truth behind this statement, stating in the without authorization a facility through section. "Pursuant to Title 47 U.S.C. Section from state and local laws passed to the FAQ section that they will comply with which an electronic communication service 230, JuicyCampus is immune from liability contrary. lawful subpoenas. is provided … for purposes of … malicious arising from content posted by users." This means is that Matt Ivester, and However, they take care to note that destruction or damage" may be subject to According to the Center for Democracy JuicyCampus.com, are almost completely they do not provide favors, and that even if fines and up to 5 years' imprisonment. and Technology, Section 230 was created safeguarded against legal recourse they cooperate, the case against the offender "I don't think anyone will go to jail," as part of the Communications Decency concerning posts made to the site. is not won yet. said Brandon Anderson, a sophomore Act of 1996, which for the most part was "I think it's fair," said Mekiel Hill, "We comply with lawful subpoenas (of business information systems major from later determined to be unconstitutional in its a sophomore electrical engineering major ISPs) because we have to," the FAQ's answer Chattanooga, Tenn. "They have blogs all restriction of free speech. from Indianapolis. "It's called the First begins. "But if some university President over the Internet with the same stuff. It However, Section 230 was deemed Amendment; it's freedom of speech—just called us asking for a favor, we'd tell him to probably is possible, though." legal, and survived in the Constitution. It is like a blog." go screw himself. Lisa Atkins, TSU's legal counsel and now a key defense in many Internet affairs, The only provisions made within "Even with an IP address, that only tells Chief of Staff, was not available at press including blogging and online forums. Section 230 are that it does not protect them who your Internet service provider is," time for comment.• Gossip storm pervades campus in matter of days Continued from page 1 some of it was true—I've heard some of the Assocation and TSU administrators decided been contributing purported screen captures of attention on campus until recently. rumors before. But after yesterday, some of to ban the site from school servers. various students' Facebook conversations, and JuicyCampus.com took TSU's campus it seemed to be made up, like it was done Michael Freeman, vice-president for many people mentioned on the site have been by storm in a matter of three days, receiving just in spite." Student Affairs, believed that the move was addressing it in their Facebook statuses. its highest number of hits and becoming the Kirkwood's sentiment seems to be in the best interest of the university and the However, some students are already fed most-searched school on Tuesday. shared by many of his classmates, who students it serves. up with the site, and wish their fellow Tigers "It was probably the most-searched believe that the site's most popular topics After Freeman received a phone call would stop acknowledging it. school on Tuesday because it allowed people were started out of malice. from a parent concerned about the Web "The more you post it and talk about who maybe had negative feelings towards Darnell Henderson, who has been site, and after discussing the matter with it, the more people are going to go to the others to anonymously discredit their names featured on the site, invites the student body SGA president Patrick Walker-Reese and site," Henderson said. "The people putting with no repercussions," said Mr. TSU James to consider the sources. other concerned students, he met with other it in their (Facebook) statuses are feeding Alderman, a senior engineering major from "The simple fact that people are doing administrators and had the site blocked from into it." St. Petersburg, Fla. "It provided a new form this behind anonymous posts suggests that TSU wireless. Many grassroots solutions to the of entertainment; people could go on and it's not true," said Henderson, a junior speech "There is nothing we can do about problem have been mentioned in various read some crass things vindictive people communications major from Memphis. "If JuicyCampus.com," said Michael Freeman, conversations on campus. had to say about others." they were so interested in being informative vice-president of student affairs. "It exists Those most frequently heard include Between Monday and Wednesday, the they'd put it in a public forum." in a free market environment. The most we ignoring the site's existence, posting more Web site boomed on campus, becoming the The anonymity of the site has caused can say is that we don't support it, and we're positive topics and refusing to respond to school's hotspot for all things gossip. many students to disregard it as a source of not going to host it." negative ones. On Tuesday, computer labs across factual information. Though this has prevented many people Whatever the solution, many people campus transformed into gossip stations, Some students, however, believe that from getting on the site, and greatly reduced are disappointed at the student body's as just about anyone near a computer was the Web site has hidden gems of truth. the number of hits TSU's section receives involvement in and reaction to the site. exposed to the site. As a result, TSU was the "This information is quite helpful, daily, students have already begun finding "It just shows what our generation has most-searched school for that day. mostly true, and I will use this (sic) more ways to access the site on campus. come to," Hefner said. "We can't depend "That Web site is a mess," said Courtez than Wikipedia," wrote an anonymous Though the site has slowed down in on anyone else to lift us up; we have to lift Kirkwood, a sophomore computer science poster to the site. posting, it has not died in ferocity. ourselves up."• major from Memphis. "Before (Tuesday), On Wednesday, Student Government A frequent poster named Lady Q has LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK ABOUT JUICYCAMPUS.COM ON TSUMETER.COM 4 November 17, 2008 • The Meter FORUM Tennessee State University What We Think Financial Aid story not off its mark Posted on Nov. 12 in the Nashville-area While not every issue that students bring If they are getting that type of service, it should not be torturous at all. event and news magazine, the Nashville into the office can and will be solved, there something needs to change— now. The climate can often be so discourteous Scene, is a story titled, Financial Aid Woes, is a way to do everything and the Financial that students leave the office angrier than Poor Student Service Dog Tennessee State Aid department is not doing it. Right now in a nutshell, TSU Financial they should. The spill-over anger is felt by University, where TSU's Financial Aid One of The Meter's very own had a Aid is a horrible place to have to go for four everyone else. department is again put under accusations similarly negative experience in the main reasons. For example, the Bursar's Office has of poor customer service toward university Financial Aid office. 1.) The lines are the dubious task of facing students after students. He went to the office to always long. At prime they have been slapped in the face by the In the story there are detailed accounts simply ask a question. “The personal periods the line can Financial Aid department. of people going to the Office of Financial Thankfully, he needed no accounts of encompass the entire TSU has had a problem with retention Aid and being berated, ignored and even assistance getting money; third floor of the student and attrition since, according to the Nashville dismissed without the help of the officers he just needed to verify a discomfort and center. Scene, a majority of us are "poor and black," and staff working there. deadline. dissatisfaction 2.) The wait itself better treatment in financial aid may be able While usually the concept of people Not only was he are becoming is monstrous. A student to keep us, or at least make us want to come being mistreated or handled callously by greeted without a smile; could be in the eternal back. their university would be considered he was effectively ignored so frequent line all day and not get to We understand that the Financial Aid "isolated experiences," this is too frequent a or pushed off for nearly that the the sign-in desk. office has a great responsibility in regards complaint to be considered so. 30 minutes before he was university 3.) There are tired, to student funds for the university but they While the Nashville Scene's story helped. To his credit, he over-worked people need to remember students come here for slightly sensationalizes––the repeat use had ample time to waste. should take placed there to aid education and need their help and support. of "poor and black" in several forms is a He hollowed out his day note...” students that might TSU alumna and legend Laura little too much––the issue of discourteous even though he had only a have had one too many M. Averitte wrote in the Alma Mater, service at TSU in regards to advancements minor question. panicked people in front "Alma Mater kindly mother, shine on and improvements to the TSU financial aid The real issue is, what if someone goes of them. Tennessee…" program, it is not wrong in calling attention to Financial Aid not as prepared as the 4.) The appointment system is piss-poor While no one should need a hand to to this apparent problem on campus. aforementioned Meterite and with a bigger at best. Why does it take forever to make an be held in dealing with the rigors of college The personal accounts of discomfort problem? Is that the service their university appointment that will happen next week? life, real kindness and consideration might and dissatisfaction are becoming so frequent chooses to give them? Are they pushed to be enough to end this seemingly nasty trend that the university should take note and the side or ignored while they endure a While students end up in that office between students and the Office of Financial make the appropriate actions against it. financial crisis? only when they absolutely need to go there, Aid.
Tigrè By David Houston
what’s wrong, chica? Ju, worry too much. it’s just hateful rambling yo, did you hear, they said from a bunch of punks who some chick, got caught doing oh, t, it’s terrible. don’t have the courage to a stripper act with a jelly they’ve been spreading say things to people’s face. donut bra for two emu and nasty rumors about my besides most of it is so a oompa loompa on a candy soros on this web site radical it’s hard to take cane oikel even posted her and i;m worried. serious. number, i’m ‘bout to holla! Tennessee State University FORUM November 17, 2008 • The Meter 5 Tigerville By Orterrius Burnett
are you ready for yeah, this is the dance-a-excus- it, we’re up man, what thon? next. we got to happened? the stage and slipped on some ice. 6 November 17, 2008 • The Meter FORUM Tennessee State University Tennessee State University NEWS November 17, 2008 • The Meter 7 AKAs get back in the groove with Dance-a-thon
By Ashleigh Taylor to campus after nearly a year and a half a program that fits into education, social Sparksville, S.C. "I like to dance and have Staff Reporter hiatus, when the chapter was suspended by awareness, brotherhood/sisterhood and fun – it's the best of both worlds." the national organization. the economic plight of people in our Tickets have been sold for the last few The Alpha Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa The event has not happened for the community,” Pitts continued. "The event weeks. The last tickets will be available Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host their Annual past two years due to the organization's was a good choice. Students are going on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from noon – 2 Dance-A-Thon on Saturday, Nov. 22. suspension. to have fun. It's doing something to help p.m. in the Floyd-Payne Student Center. The all-night extravaganza will be held Chapter members hope that the event someone else." Ticket prices are $5 for singles and $10 for in the basement of Kean Hall, room 040. will reintroduce the chapter to campus, and Participants are asked to dress up as couples. This year the chapter will incorporate a establish a positive rapport with the student their favorite music groups, or in the style Alpha Psi members encourage canned food drive for a local charity. body. of their favorite decade. Although not participants to have fun but remember the Door prizes and giveaways will be "We hope that everyone has fun and we mandatory, the costuming corresponds with reason for the season. offered throughout the entire night. hope that it is a good event," McDaniel said. the theme. "Our mission for the Dance-A-Thon is "The Dance-A-Thon is a fundraiser," "We've been off the yard for almost a year A $100 gift card will be the grand prize to raise canned goods for the less fortunate," said Tiffani McDaniel, a senior journalism and a half now. People need to know that for the winner or couple that continues McDaniel said. "I believe with all my heart, major from Clarksville, Tenn., and event the AKAs are back. So everyone needs to dancing the longest without stopping. if we just get two canned goods, somebody's chairperson for the event. "We are trying to stay tuned." "If you stop you are out of the life could be touched - even if it's just one raise money so that we can bring events to Campus administrators agreed with the competition," McDaniel said. "If your feet person. the TSU community, and with it being so sorority's choice and applauded them for hurt you need to hop on one leg." "It also lets the TSU community know close to Thanksgiving, we also want to do a continuing the tradition. Alpha Psi invites the entire student that AKAs are back on campus and we canned food drive. "I think the Dance-A-Thon is a great body to partake in the annual event. are helping those in need," McDaniel "We wanted to give back and return idea for students," said Keith Pitts, Greek Several students are looking forward continued. to the yard with something exciting that life coordinator at TSU. "Each organization to the event, including Hypnotize Dance Doors open at 8 p.m., but the all students can participate in," McDaniel has national programs that need to fit into Troup member Brain Cohen. competition lasts from 9 p.m. to midnight. continued. chapter programs. "I can't wait to participate," said For more information, e-mail McDaniel This will be the sorority's formal return “Every Divine Nine organization has Cohen, a sophomore nursing major from at [email protected]• Campus professor, husband to host relationship forum By Cara Anthony Chris Jackson said the purpose of the in the classroom. Numerous, recent requests communications major from Detroit. Editor in Chief program is to empower a generation of have prompted them to host a seminar Grant, who is also the president of the college students with positive personal and dedicated to sex and relationships. TSU's chapter of the National Broadcast Falling in love, dating and the single relationship practices to help fulfill their "We need some type of guidance in Society, thinks that the forum is a good life can get complicated in college. purposes in life. selecting the type of people that we are opportunity to help raise money for the That is why one professor and her "I hope young ladies walk away more bringing into our lives," said Lester George, organization. husband are hosting a seminar for TSU empowered and understanding (of) how a junior, accounting and business law major Although it is free to attend the seminar, students; Sex & Relationships: The Naked significant they are," Coreen Jackson said. from Calibishie, Dominica. any donations raised will help send NBS to Truth About Love Lust & Lies. The edutainment format will be a two- The interactive seminar will feature the organization's national convention in TSU communications professor Coreen part seminar led by the Jacksons and will DJ Crisis, video interviews of students, New York City in March. Jackson and her husband Chris Jackson will include a talk show with video clips from door prizes, giveaways, presentations on Chris and Coreen Jackson have been discuss relationships with students during previously-recorded campus interviews. relationship topics by both Chris and Coreen conducting marriage and relationship an interactive forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Although the Jacksons frequently Jackson and live serenading music. seminars for over 15 years. Chris Jackson Nov. 18 in the Performing Arts Center speak to audiences around the country about Audience members will also be featured is the author of the book "Dating and Auditorium. relationships, this will be their first time as part of a live taping. Sexuality." "It is important that I see the next hosting a forum for TSU students. "I hope this event goes well and I The NBS and Nashville African generation not make the same mistakes of For over a decade both Jacksons have hope people get a better understanding of American Healthy Marriage Initiative are previous generations," Chris Jackson said. shared their perspectives about relationships relationships," said Kenya Grant, a junior sponsoring the event.• MODEL CALL THE METER IS LOOKING FOR MODELS. Send us a resume and headshot to [email protected] 8 November 17, 2008 • The Meter ADVERTISEMENT Tennessee State University THE METER BUSINESS T E C H N O L O G Y Monday,& November 17, 2008 Volume 59, Issue 11 Shannon Cohen Social networks can be fun, be cautious Business & By Ashleigh Taylor Social networking site automatically safe. Technology Editor 3. Forget that once something is Staff Reporter Do's and Don'ts posted on the Web, it is there forever, Do: even if taken down. money bytes It is not uncommon to hear students 1. Use sites to stay in touch with on campus yelling to their friends, 'Hey, 4. Post pictures of friends without friends and make new ones. their permission. It may be considered just Facebook me.' Several college stu- 2. Use sites to get involved with the SITE BAN LIMITS STUDENTS' dents have fully immersed themselves in a legitimate invasion of privacy or may campus community and learn what is jeopardize their chances of a job or successful cyber networking. happening. FREEDOM OF SPEECH Facebook.com, Myspace.com and scholarship. 3. Use privacy setting on accounts 5. Leave profiles logged into on a Students were surprised when they found that Friendster.com offer easy methods of to monitor who can and cannot look at public access computer. they could no longer access the increasingly popular communication, including instant mes- profiles, especially if underage. gossip Web site, juicycampus.com saging, picture sharing, wall posts and 4. Use good judgment with profile Keep in mind the Internet is a pool The Web site was created to allow students to anonymous messages. postings. Future employers, administra- of unknown and anonymous users. share gossip about their colleagues and warn others In the age of technology, young tors, faculty and even parents are able Anyone can access it. Stalkers are real, about clandestine circumstances. adults have even adapted to a stringent to see what is posted. so being aware of friends added is very Although 200 campuses were listed on the site, vocabulary and lucid language to com- 5. Remember that the administra- important. It is possible the unknown TSU was ranked No. 1. municate. tors are not monitoring these sites, but friend could be an unwanted stalker. TSU students quickly took onto the site Although these social networking may act on any violations of law or uni- Facebook.com, Myspace.com and revealing and discussing some of the most personal sites offer functional modes of commu- versity policy if brought to their atten- Friendster.com are social networking secrets. The topics included, but were definitely not nication for students on the go, respon- tion sites designed with Web literate users limited to, Biggest Man Whores, Down Low TSU sible use is strongly encouraged. in mind. Guys and Worst Weaves. Cnn.com recently reported the Do's Don't: Utilize the site for all necessities. Students did not hesitate to post their comments and Don'ts of cyber networking. 1. Post overly personal informa- However, make sure to practice sound as to who they believed best fit the respective Contributing efforts came from tion such as cell phone numbers, dorm judgment since there is life after the topics. Colby College, which offered a com- addresses and class schedules. Internet. Coincidentally, when some of the more popular plete list of benefits and pitfalls of 2. Think just because an "edu." e- Courtesy of Colby College, Campus students were insulted, the Web site was suddenly cyber networking.• mail address is registered that one is Life: Facebook Do's and Don'ts banned on campus. This action immediately raised the question, is this violating the First Amendment? The First Amendment clearly prohibits Congress from making laws "respecting an establishment of religion" or prohibiting the free exercise of religion, Nashville professor creates green bag Web site laws that infringe the freedom of speech, infringe the freedom of the press, or limit the right to Local Belmont University professor electronics, they are often recycled and The Sacramento Police Department peaceably assemble or limit the right to petition the Teresa Van Hatten-Granath is engaged in shipped to countries like Nigeria. has recently busted numerous teens government for a redress of grievances. the 'green' epidemic. While the electronics are often suspected of advertising sex on popular The key words in the amendment that directly Granath created and used her own repaired and reused, those that can not be Web site craigslist.com. tie to the banning of the site are freedom of speech. eco-friendly bags instead of the typical repaired are tossed out in landfills. Consequently, the site has pledged Students were simply expressing their freedom paper or plastic bags. An estimated 500 containers of to crack down on ads for prostitution. of speech on the site by posting their opinions of After launching her own Web site, secondhand electronics are imported by As part of craigslist's agreement with their colleagues. What is the harm in that? greenbaglady.org, the one-time project Nigerian businessmen to be resold to attorneys general around It is apparent that those who were directly quickly turned into a hobby. a population desperate for cheaper the country, anyone insulted were so hurt by the site that they went the The professor has made more than electronic goods. who posts an "erotic extra mile to get it banned. 2,300 bags, and given away the bags for This environmental plot is Biz & Tech service" ad will be If the allegations were false then there should free to anyone who requests one. quickly turning into a disaster and Briefs required to provide not have been any problem with students accessing The only catch is that she requires the country is being filled with a working phone the site and posting their opinions. everyone to use it daily instead of plastic unusable electronics. number and pay a fee The university felt the need to ban the site based bags and to send her a picture of them The electronics are unfortunately with a valid credit card. T on the emotions of a few students mentioned on the using it. Her goal is to get as many being imported quicker than they can be he Web site will then provide that site. The prohibition of the site disallows students to people using the bags as possible. recycled. information to law enforcement if openly express their opinions. subpoenaed. Unfortunately, the university does hold the right Old computers pollute Police reveal teen prosti- The site will still allow legitimate to ban any Web site they please. Welcome to a state Nigeria escort services to post ads. school. • Whenever Americans throw out old tutes online ads Compiled by Shannon Cohen• 10 November 17, 2008 • The Meter ADVERTISEMENT Tennessee State University THE METER ARTS C U L T U R E Monday,& November 17, 2008 Volume 59, Issue 11
GregoryGregory Brand,Brand Jr. Jr. Kiddie musical charms for third time ArtsArts & Culture& CultureEditor Editor High School Musical: Senior Year Grade: B KEEPIN’ IT REAL The long-awaited third installment of Disney's record-breaking High School WEB SITE PRODUCES Musical franchise comes to the big screen with more teen angst, more struggles, and ONLINE COWARDS of course, more songs. In record numbers, fans of the film This week TSU was forced to add a Web flocked to theatres to see the adventures site to the slim (non-existent) list of Internet of Troy, Gabriella, Chad, Taylor, Ryan, destinations that are not to be accessed by uni- Sharpay and the rest of the HSM gang. versity network computers. That Web site is of High School Musical: Senior Year is course, JuicyCampus.com. exactly how it sounds. The plot revolves While the site itself has only been in exis- around the characters' senior year and tence for a little over a year, its power to cause their struggles to imagine life beyond high damage has been felt, not only by our campus school. but college campuses as a whole. The movie shifts gears from its prede- The site functions as a sort of message cessors with the high-octane opening num- board where posts can be initiated and com- ber, Now Or Never. Courtesy of disneyPiCtures ments can be made about the posts. Unlike the past films, the number is While this function sounds typical it is a The cast of Disney’s High School Music:Senior Year, the third installment of not really performed. It is more like back- the High School Musical series. little different than the usual Web site. ground music, in this case. Anyone can access the site and without so From there, the movie seems to devel- student, are also introduced, but are mostly This film introduces the audience to much as verification, a sign in name or profile, op many subplots for its main charac- subtle components to the overall plot. 10 new songs. Although they are appro- information can be put up about anything and ters and epic lovers, Troy and Gabriella. Considering that this film franchise priate to the film's plot, they happen to in the case on college campuses, anyone. Real life off-screen couple Zac Efron and is a musical one, there are the required be less catchy and commercial as the last In Ms. Miner's story, there is reference of a Vanessa Hudgens reprises their roles to songs and music sequences. These serve bunch of songs from previous HSM films. young lady dealing with the strife of life after a portray the iconic couple. as elements to explain and entertain, but While many of the songs have rape at Vanderbilt University. New characters Jimmie, aka most likely serve as a means to not bore cheesy set ups, usually with lines that Instead of support during her trying time, Rocketman, and Tiara, a British exchange the viewer. make viewers think, 'Here comes another she had to endure an additional trauma. The trauma came from Juicy Campus. There were actually posts saying she deserved what happened to her! Musical soundtrack resonates fi lm's sensibility Now let us not put the blame in the wrong place. Juicy Campus is simply the canvas her High School Musical 3: The While the CD will constantly keep that accompany them in the film are lost. personal struggle was smeared over. Someone Soundtrack listeners dancing and laughing, some However, this does not hold true for had to write it. Grade: A- songs can be a little annoying and drag on every track. I Want it All is a deliberately While some anonymous posters came to for long periods of time. catchy song, sang by cast members Ashley her aid and admonished the cruel words in the The unbelievably successful High School Songs such as Walk Away, Now or Never Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel. post, others either did nothing or joined in on Musical franchise returns with a third install- and A Night To Remember are done with such It leaves listeners feeling like nothing the "juicy fun." ment, High School Musical: Senior Year, and intricate detail, the audience can tell the High is impossible, and that they can take on Thankfully, nothing so horrific has been a with the movie comes the soundtrack with its School Musical 3 cast spent a great deal of the world. commented topic at TSU link of Juicy Campus; own distinguished sound. time in the studio on this album. This CD is aimed more for the family/ however, the posts that have gone up are still a In contrast to the other two albums, Even without special cameos or addi- kid crowd or High School Musical fans, serious problem. which deal with changing, growing up and tional material, the album still provides a the franchise's target audience. This site has been used as a catalyst to put staying true to oneself, this album is about good vibe for listeners. While the songs happen to be less people's sexual activity and orientation under senior year and the characters coming to Devout fans and listeners are also in catchy than the previous films' songs, fire and even been used to slander people with- terms with life after high school. for a surprise. The album features a new these tracks enveloped a sense of maturity out their knowledge. The interesting elements in this album rendition of the original main song, We're to them. The level of discomfort has been so great are the superb vocals, the different beats, and All in This Together. The subject matter expressed in the that some students took their problems to the the positive messages each song provides. Alas, the 10-track album contains songs ranges from self-discovery to love, university administration. The most impressive part is that the songs that are completely bland. and even hope for the future. It is hard to believe that something so toxic songs do all that without losing the listen- Unless you have seen the movie, the Victoria Moore• See “Brand” page 14 er's attention. meaning behind them and the sequences 12 November 17, 2008 • The Meter ARTS & CULTURE Tennessee State University Gospel duo tries new ‘sound’ with third album The Sound meditation on the excellence of God and Mary Mary his grace. Grade: A The chorus' lyrics read, "I never ever wanna press rewind/never wanna go back in Perhaps it has been a while since gospel time/not much glory/in that story but it's mine fans have heard much from the Campbell so I'm/lovin who I am today/the past has passed sisters, but a little rest and relaxation from away/finally I/have forgiven me." the rigors of the music industry may have On the tracks Dirt, Seattle and I Worship been just what the duo needed to create their You, the sisters explore an alternative sound. fourth studio release, The Sound. Though elements of their R&B A fresh new sound and host of foundation manifest in the form of an collaborations make The Sound one of this 808 or moving bass lines that have more year's hottest purchases. characteristics with hip hop, the intent to Although the album is full of obvious honor all music is clear and the attempt is experimentation in various genres and appreciative; even beautiful. styles, it is not lacking in lyrical content and The final track of the album, It Will All inspirational messages. Be Worth It, returns to the majestic style of This is certainly the case with the contemporary gospel. Beginning with the album's first single, Get Up, a bass-thumping Photo Courtesy of mary-mary.com softness of a flute solo, the track captures a Gospel duo Mary Mary released their latest, The Sound. and high-energy track. Simple but powerful message that is evident in the lead single. lyrics accompany the Warryn Campbell- bass line. The song, though it adopts a Beach from God. Overall, the album has a separate and produced track. Boys sound, quickly turns into an all-out This fresh take on an older sound collective message that ministers to people, The song sets the tone for many more gospel party and guides the song through will not only connect new listeners with struggling with the trying times of today's exploratory tracks that follow. several key changes. an invitation to serve the Lord, but it also world. Every sound explored on this album The David Banner-featured Superfriend The trip down memory lane continues reminds returning listeners that God's love is well done and in direct connection with and Kierra "Kiki" Sheard-featured God in Me with the Motown-melodic I'm Running. inspires and delivers in a variety of media. the church. are indicative of the sisters' trek into hip-hop. Sampling the bass line of Little Peggy Immediately following I'm Running is Nonetheless, the duo tackles each subject The duo takes a journey to the past for March's Billboard hit, I Will Follow Him, the ballad Forgiven Me. The well-produced with reverence, assurance and a sound that is the title track, The Sound. On this track, the the track blends more traditional gospel track is reminiscent of the Beatles, but takes as gospel as any offering this year. sisters belt out thoughtful lyrics to a driving lyrics with an earnest plea for direction listeners for a journey that comes from Marshall A. Latimore• Hip-hop standout releases his sixth LP, Paper Trail
Paper Trail showcased deftly on the radio friendly single, Limitations are most present on the T.I. Whatever You Like, and the personal and uninteresting Porn Star, and the seemingly Grade: B- heartfelt track, No Matter What. outdated What Up, What's Haapnin'. The T.I. still has the ability to incite laughter former comes off as too flashy, and the T.I., Southern hip hop ambassador to and empathetic nods from listeners, just by latter, while not all bad, sounds like a mock the mainstream music world, delivers an spitting a line, and that ability is still in full of a Jeezy song. album of rhymes and beats that resonates effect here. Despite slightly weaker verses this time with pop appeal. While a majority of T.I.'s past albums around, the album's production is solid. With Paper Trail, his sixth studio album, have had guests, there has always been a With a variety of beats and instrumentation, the hip hop heavyweight has opted to make bigger presence of the artist himself. Save the album is a pleasure for the ears. the commercial sound dominate his work occasional verses from members of his P$C Where the music and lyrics team up and the results are equal parts fire-hot and crew, the king went it alone. This album well, the album is redeemed. This is clear lukewarm mess. www.atlanticrecords.com/ti also marks a new deviation from his norm. with the Justin Timberlake featured Dead Lyrically, the album is on par with TI released his sixth album Paper With guest spots from Usher, John and Gone. It ends up being a standout track much of his previously released catalog. Trail. Legend, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, on the album. The delivery is there, the guest spots are Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Ludacris and Overall, the album is good, but not as there, and so is the production. a track that does just as well on the dance Swizz Beatz, it is apparent that a point was great as fans will undoubtedly expect. While The only missing element is the rapper's floor as it does in the headphones. The being made during this album's production. T.I. serves the penalty of his crimes for the next ever evolving trademark and thought driving beat and repetitive hook carefully The point was creating an album of year, he needs to give a better representation in provoking lyricism. wrap a message, needed in popular society. epic proportions, and on a large scale, it is a the streets to keep his fans fed. While the album is not totally devoid T.I.'s albums have been interesting success. However, not all of the guest make Bottom Line: The album delivers of attention-getting verses, the pop power listens for fans of distinctively hood hip hop, sizable contributions to the project. another solid work from the King of of the album limits what could have been a hip-hop purists and casual fans of "hip pop." On the catchy yet slightly over worked the South, but too much commercial masterwork. The varied classes of consumers are a Swagga Like Us, T.I. shares the spotlight attention prevents T.I. from truly reigning On the catchy and poignant Rihanna direct representation of T.I.'s universal skill with a whopping line-up that includes featured hit, Live Your Life, T.I. manages set and undeniable charisma on the mic. Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, and they universally. to blend hip hop and pop beautifully for The aforementioned charisma is fall to the background on T.I.'s own track. Gregory Brand, Jr.• Tennessee State University ARTS & CULTURE November 17, 2008 • The Meter 13 Video game adapted into film, succeeds Max Payne With an interesting story underfoot, Grade: B+ the film strikes out much differently from the video game. One major difference is the Landmark action/adventure videogame incorporation of demons in the storyline. Max Payne makes the translation to the While they are inner-demons in silver screen in the violent and interesting the videogame, the film incorporates feature-length film, bearing the same name. literal ones. While they are spiritual While the film makes upgrades to the representations of danger and death, the story with an element that adds feelings fact that they are a major visual presence of impending doom and horror, the story gives them more weight. finds its strength in the characters and a Visually, the film delivers. The city is layered plot. displayed as a living wasteland. Although The film opens with the introduction the city is neither in poor shape nor of Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) and his dilapidated, lighting and atmosphere are seemingly lonely existence within the solid influences for the scene. police force. He works alone and lives The film even gives a nod to the alone. He is presented as a loner, though game with a couple of its action sequences there is more to that story. by capturing flying bullets and the hero The current state of his life is presented dispatching villains as they come. in connection with his job as the managing Photo Courtesy of maXPaynethemoVie.Com The cast is very well placed and does a detective of the cold case unit, a unit for Max Payne, a video game adapted into a movie, hit theaters Oct. 17 great job. Wahlberg, Logue and Bridges do unsolved cases. The story then reveals very well in the film. Noted performances that he works in this unit because he has inadvertently finds the first lead since his Once Max is considered the main also come from That 70's Show Alumna a cold case of his own that has never been wife and child's murder. The downside to person of interest for the woman's murder, Mila Kunis, and hip hop icon Chris 'Ludacris' solved. this miraculous find is that he is framed in he begins to lose the remaining friends he Bridges as Det. Jim Bravura. Max Payne is living with the unsolved the mysterious woman's gruesome death has left. The film's only weakness is how slow death of his wife and infant daughter at the after his brief time with her. Despite being pursued by the police the story builds. While each element is hands of a group of killers; two of which While Max lives a life of virtual force he is a part of, he continues to search deliberate, it sometimes takes entirely too he was able to kill at the scene of the solitude, he does have a few friends. He has for clues behind his wife's death. long to get to the point. crime. The third has evaded his capture for an existing father-like relationship with his The film that follows gives an Bottom Line: Max Payne is a well- the past two years. father's former partner, BB Hensley (Beau interesting look into the main character's done action film with an interesting story. In a chance meeting with a beautiful Bridges), and his own former partner, Alex life and past, showing us that everyone in It just needs to get to the point faster. woman just before her death, Max Balder (Donal Logue). the film is not exactly what they seem. Gregory Brand Jr.• Gore fl ick reaches new heights in fi fth adaptation Saw V Grade: B of these traps as well. The movie is short on gore compared to its predecessors, but the shortfall is You won't believe how it ends... made up by the aforementioned storyline. The film's advertisements make this The acting in the movie is some of the best promise. The 88-minute gore-fest itself for this type of film. does not disappoint. Reigning horror king Tobin Bell is Saw V is the newest installment of still the star of the show, but he is not one of this generation's disgustingly alone in delivering a strong performance. entertaining horror series. Julie Benz and Meagen Good, starring In a nutshell, the film is good. Saw V's as two of the unfortunate "bad" people plot is overall the best in the series. While trapped in Jigsaw's current torture test, this is the franchise's fifth film, much is also deliver strong performances. revealed in regards to the characters, the The film's only weak point comes story and how everything is interconnected in the lack of gore shown on screen. to the previous movies, even as far back as Photo Courtesy of saw5.Com While there is blood and loads of torture, the original film. Saw V, the latest in the Saw series, hit theaters Oct. 24. overall, the entire film focuses more on The movie begins with what viewers understanding the torture, rather than have come to expect from psycho pseudo- In Saw V, viewers get an opportunity While previous films have taken dishing it out. serial killer Jigsaw. The disturbing puzzle to see exactly who is behind the elaborate the story from inside the "death traps" For lovers of gory horror and dramatic pieces begin to fall into place, much to traps that are designed to "change" the put together by Jigsaw and his apparent interconnected thrillers, Saw V is definitely the delight of anyone who is a fan of the wicked and help them to stop leading such accomplices, this one does double duty. worth seeing and cringing at. villain and his "method" of rehabilitation. destructive lives. Viewers see the planning and design side Patrick Comer• 14 November 17, 2008 • The Meter ARTS & CULTURE Tennessee State University Administrators block ‘Juicy’ Web site Brand: Students’ Continued from page 1 interest them the most, and in a manner of visited Web site on the TSU campus on comments on site Nashville. "It wasn't so much what was speaking deem most appropriate." Monday, having only about two pages worth said, but how fast it grew." Like TSU, some college campuses have on context. have gone too far The site was blocked from the TSU deemed the site inappropriate. By Wednesday there were seven pages network Nov.12 at about 12:20 p.m. Juicy During the spring of 2008, a Vanderbilt and hundreds of responses to the posts. It Campus operates under a forum set up University student Chelsea Gorman was raped quickly jumped to 15 by Friday. Continued from page 11 where viewers can introduce topics and while walking back to campus one night. The CIT Department managed to block could be coming from our students. comment on them. Later, viewers of Juicy Campus read a the site from the TSU network, but not the The sad part is the comments are com- While most forum and message board topic titled, "Chelsea Gorman Deserved It". server. Total blocking of the site might be ing from our students. sites require a registered membership before Even after receiving counseling, Gorman seen as too much restriction. While every dirty line and every foul posting, Juicy Campus allows posting still had to face the campus not only reading While Juicy Campus is apparently comment has no identifiable owner, some anonymously. her rape, but also talking about it. affecting TSU's campus, it is by no means a of the posts are down right nasty. The allowed anonymity is where many On TSU's campus link, the topics features new occurrence. While it is human nature to not always of the problems originated. subjects such as who is gay on campus, inside Publications both print and digital that be kind and dignified, we are not animals. "Their opinions are irrelevant because information of Pan Hellenic organizations, have been on campus include: Bleu Crush, We are always in control of what people don't leave their names or faces" who has STD's, HIV and AIDS, and even Firestarter, Dreamweaver, and Facebook's own we do and doing things like this to other said Gabrielle Jackson, a senior psychology personal student information. controversial application, the Honesty Box. people is not right as all. major from Mobile, Ala. Some people have even gone so far as "I even went to a bunch of laptops to Sure people are hiding stuff from the According to JuicyCampus.com the to post camera phone pictures of a seemingly try it," Jones said. general population. But who isn't? And site was founded on August 1, 2007. It was private Facebook message for the world to see. While the site's function on TSU's furthermore who decided you needed to be later launched on October 24, 2007. The Since anything by any anonymous campus is seemingly destructive, students the person to bust somebody out? mission of the site is stated as "enabling person can be added to the site, readers are anxiously ready to be past the The question is, are you really putting online anonymous free speech to college cannot be sure if the information is true. negativity. it all out there if you can't put your name on campuses." "I tried to get to Juicy Campus in the "Remember why you are here," Walker what is said? As of Nov.12, the site reported more Performing Arts Building," said Starr Jones, Reese said. "You're here to grow in your Only a coward will post what he con- than 13,000 posts on 500 college campuses. a sophomore speech communications and personal endeavors. Take the time and siders the truth in secret. Is it fear that moti- In the "About us" section of the site, theater major from Cincinnati. "When I energy you put on an individual on your vates the people that post there? it also reads, "Today it is a forum where logged in it took me right to the TSU site." individual growth."• On the flipside, people do talk and college students discuss the topics that JuicyCampus.com was merely a lightly have been talking since the beginning of time. They talked about Jesus Christ. In that How do you feel about “Juicycampus.com” being blocked on campus? regard, no one is above reproach. And people should also understand that reacting to every comment will only bring more trouble and comments. Regardless of the topic and loca- tion, slicing an enemy, "frienemy," casual acquaintance or even a friend is normal but we all have to keep an idea of what below the belt is. Danterio Curry, a senior Dacia McKinnon, a sophomore When we let that go, the problems real- Jamial Horner, a junior ly start. TSU now stands among Hampton exercise science major from criminal justice major from Oahu, electrical engineering major Memphis, TN Hawaii University and Howard University as a from Dickson,TN school that has deemed the site unfit for “ I don’t care. I think it was “ I think it’s a good thing. It’s so high “ It’s a good idea. A lot of that stupid. You shouldn’t put school. I just couldn’t understand why student eyes and apparently, fingertips. stuff wasn’t true and people I still don't believe there would be half people’s business out there people could put others full names were being slandered for no like that anyway.” on there...” as much trouble if it were possible to see PICKS OF THE PACK PICKS OF reason.” who was saying what.• Disney film features memorable music, maturing themes Continued from page 11 The greatest strength in the film is the character in a scene that mimics a music In an interesting twist, the characters song,' they are mildly entertaining. The seeing the main characters' growth and the video. The performance-style video is one seemingly break the fourth wall and give a songs and the connected scenes are also overall maturity of the overarching sto- of the many upgrades in HSM3. Everything, curtain call, signaling this really is the end. well equipped to keep the viewer engaged. ryline. While the storyline is cleverly deliv- from dance sequences to the wardrobe and Besides several unnecessary hints at sex and Songs such as I Want it All and The ered towards the target audience, it will the music itself, seems to have improved. implied stereotypes, the film commits no Boys are Back are only memorable thanks also grab the attention of parents and older While the film's conclusion comes other real crime. to the very elaborate scenes that accom- siblings that see the film too. rather abruptly, the story and its central Overall, fans of the franchise will find pany them. The acting in the film is great, Scream, a solo song by Efron's char- message never lose viewers. Followed by this movie splendid beyond belief, while compared to the others in the franchise. In acter Troy, is an example of the afore- a reprise of the original film's We're All in newcomers and parents will find the film terms of a professional feature film, it is a mentioned maturity. The song focuses on This Together, the film comes to a close mildly entertaining and amusing. little lacking. self-discovery and conformity, and it puts with the song, High School Musical. Winston S. Mize• Tennessee State University ADVERTISEMENT November 17, 2008 • The Meter 15 16 November 17, 2008 • The Meter ADVERTISEMENT Tennessee State University