Mixed results for Papa John’s

Holiday-themed event delivers lackluster results as Santa, Elves take the reigns

To those that suggest that Christmas has become too commercialized, Papa John’s turns a deaf ear. By hiring Santa Claus and his elves to run their nationwide pizza chain in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the restaraunt hoped to attract customers seeking an early dose of holiday fever and capitalize on the increasingly early fervor that accompanies the season. The difficult task was getting Santa away from the North Pole at such a busy time of year, but a spokesman for Father Christmas confirms that nothing has suffered from his divided commitments, but indeed, by doubling production over the summer the entire crew finished their production demands well ahead of schedule. Several elves confirmed that while the summer was rough, it was worth it to enjoy a break from the endless monotony of toy-making. “We’ve been making toys for literally forever, so naturally, pizza was a delicious break,” one elf told this reporter.

Student responds to former Ambassador Staples

By ERIK LANHAM, Staff Writer

On Nov. 17th, the Global Scholars Program managed to secure George McDade Staples, former ambassador to Rwanda. He is the former director general of the Foreign Service and director of human resources for the U.S. Department of State. From 1998 to 2001, he served as U.S. ambassador to Rwanda, followed by four years of service as U.S. ambassador to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Currently, he serves as political advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO in Belgium. Mr. Staples spoke on U.S. diplomacy works and briefly about his term as ambassador to Rwanda. He explained how diplomats were given the responsibility of not only securing peace and treaties with other countries, but also protecting American citizens who happen to be visiting another country whether it be for work or pleasure. His four-year term as ambassador was filled with tasks trying to secure the trust of the people and unification processes that are still going on today.

Exchange student experiences first Thanksgiving

By TORI BACHMAN-JOHNSON, News Editor

As Georgetown students pack into their cars and head home for a long holiday weekend, visions of turkey and stuffing (scratch that— visions of any and all home-cooked meals) dancing in their heads, one freshman is preparing to celebrate his very first Thanksgiving. Ariel Gutierrez Muñoz, an 18 yearold exchange student from Temuco, Chile, is spending his first Thanksgiving holiday with Junior Adam Standiford of Paris, Ky. The two will travel to Standiford’s home and spend time with his parents and grandparents, and then have a second meal with his great aunt.

Student focuses on giving thanks

By WHITLEY ARENS, Staff Writer

With the holiday season upon us, like everyone else, I’ve begun to think about Christmas. Admittedly, I’ve been imagining the glittering lights and planning gift purchases in my mind. I’ve even guiltily listened to Christmas music a few times (Shhh…don’t tell). I guess there’s really nothing wrong with that, but the part I find sad is that before Thanksgiving is even said and done, everyone has already mentally hopped up onto Santa’s sleigh. How do think this must make Thanksgiving feel? Surely it feels ridiculously unimportant like the forgotten middle child between Halloween and Christmas. I mean, it’s not really Thanksgiving’s fault that Christmas has to be such a showoff and an attention hog, and Thanksgiving really can’t help it if Halloween is such a sweet brown-noser. I guess what I’m trying to say is that Thanksgiving is a little underappreciated.

Living in a dream world

Several actors/actresses are making waves of their own in the music industry

By JACKSON SILVANIK, A&E Editor

While many aspiring actors and musicians toil their lives away around the nation, desperate for any type of success, a handful of talented individuals are making waves in both areas of the arts simultaneously. In a trend that either has enormously pleasing or drastically awful results, the nation has been flooded with the mythic “actor-musician” as of late, and a small group are making it work quite well. Perhaps most notably, a recent album by actress Zooey Deschanal has found its way onto most major year end “Best of” lists, with Paste Magazine even naming it the top release of 2008. The album is called “Volume 1” and is the product of a collaboration with successful and well-respected musician M. Ward. On his own, Ward has produced several notable albums and is currently recording a new work to be released in early 2009. The collaboration was the product of a mutual friendship that blossomed into a recording project, with Ward providing most of the music and Deschanel concocting the lyrics. The album was recorded considerably quickly, over the span of several days during which the duo tossed ideas back and forth, deciding on several cover songs and writing quite a few of their own.

Upcoming Releases

Keep your eyes peeled for these end-of-the-year releases:

Kanye West “808’s and Heartbreak”: As Kanye continues his quest to become deeply entrenched in American pop-culture, we see his “transformation” as an artist with this selection of auto-tuned pop offerings. Don’t expect any of Kanye’s trademark lyrical quips here, as there is hardly a single line of rap on the entire album. Despite numerous guests from the industry, Kanye throws everyone for a loop with what he calls his “pop opus.”

Kentucky Cruises to Victory Over Lancers

Patrick Patterson set a career high with 28 points to lead Kentucky to an easy 91-57 win over Longwood on Monday night. Patterson, seven months removed from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left ankle, added 12 rebounds and a career high six assists for Kentucky (2-2), which needed just nine minutes to build a 24-point lead in winning its second straight. Jodie Meeks added 17 points, Josh Harrellson scored 12 and Ramon Harris had nine points and eight rebounds for the Wildcats, who shot 52 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Lancers 50-33.

Chesser, Garnett Run in NAIA National Championships

Georgetown College Junior duo Britney Chesser and Lucas Garnett participated in the NAIA National Championship on Saturday. It was the third year in a row for Chesser, while Garnett qualified for the first time. Chesser finished 53 out of 327 runners with a time of 18:37. Her time was ahead of any other Mid-South Conference runners competing in the national meet. Garnett ran a time of 27:51, 266th out of 331 in the race.

GC Athletics Website

Filiatreau honored as coordinatorof blood drive

The first Georgetown College American Red Cross Blood Drive held Monday, Nov. 17 was a big success, bringing in 95 productive units of blood for the national organization. Senior Katie Filiatreau served as the coordinator of the event and said that by day’s end, people were turned away due to depleted supplies. A point guard for the Tiger Women’s Basketball team, Filiatreau was chosen to participate in a two-week internship last summer at the American Red Cross International Headquarters in Washington, D.C. with 11 other NAIA student  athletes from across the country. Filiatreau’s summer experience motivated her to raise blood donation awareness on her own campus.

Defense, rebounding lead UK hoops over George Washington

The Kentucky women’s basketball team used a stifling full-court press and a strong effort on the boards to mount a 67-48 win over George Washington Sunday in front of 3,813 fans in Memorial Coliseum. Four Wildcats scored in double-figures led by junior Amani Franklin’s (Stone Mountain, Ga.) gameand season-high 16 points. Sophomore Victoria Dunlap followed with 13 points and a career high-tying 14 rebounds, her second season and fifth career doubledouble. Senior Eleia Roddy (Columbus, Ohio) and sophomore Amber Smith (Winter Haven, Fla.) added 12 points each.