Standing, Still

            On Oct. 27 2006, at age 18, Timothy Wyatt became something he hadn’t been
since he was two: an only child. A car crash took both his brother and his sister that day. Their car hydroplaned through the median into oncoming interstate traffic and was met by two 18-wheelers. This moment would forever be defining, but with time and the births of two children, it would become manageable.

            Timothy Kadyn Britton Wyatt, born June 27, 2008, and Laylee Bay Wyatt, born May 27, 2010, brought a certain completeness back to Timothy. He now had a son and daughter to help fill the void of his past siblings. Being a father was not something that came easy for Timothy. His father was absent most of his childhood, and he came to believe that fathers were an unnecessary commodity. He vowed to use his father as an example of what not to do. Now he always strives to be a part of his kids’ lives no matter what.

            At age 19, Timothy obtained his GED and was accepted into Eastern Kentucky University, where he attended for three years. He is currently a junior at the University of the Cumberlands.

            His career goal after college is to work for ESPN as a writer or sports reporter. He would also like to freelance for his favorite magazine, Sports Illustrated.

            Music is also a big part of Timothy’s life. He has been in several bands and has a very eclectic taste in music. The last three albums he downloaded are The Black Keys’ “El Camino,” Common’s “The Dreamer/The Believer” and Florence + the Machine’s “Ceremonials.”

            Timothy has learned to cherish every moment he has with those that are close to him. Love is a hard thing to find and an easy thing to lose.

           

           

The Execution of Leonard Siffleet

By: Yasuno Chikao

            This photograph was taken by an unknown Japanese soldier at the orders of Yasuno Chikao, the sword wielder shown in the picture. This picture appeared in LIFE magazine and Australian newspapers It is interesting to point out that this photograph was found on the body of a dead Japanese soldier and is the only surviving depiction of a western POW being executed by a Japanese soldier. The man about to be executed is Sgt. Leonard Siffleet, an Australian commando of World War II.

Siffleet and two companions were on a mission in Papua New Guinea when they were ambushed and captured by a large group of local tribesmen who later turned them all three over to the Japanese. The men were beaten, interrogated and tortured for approximately two weeks.

            On the afternoon of October 24, 1943, Siffleet and his comrades were taken to Aitape Beach, bound and blindfolded, and in the presence of a large number of Japanese citizens, beheaded.

            This photo is an obvious example of conflict, not only because it was taken during a time of war but because it depicts an action that isn’t something people were accustomed to seeing at that time. It also would hold proximity to those close to Siffleet.

Chernobyl

 By: Sergei Supinsky

            This photograph displays a kindergarten room in the abandoned town of Prypiat, Ukraine. Dust consumes the assorted toys and lone gas mask that lay forgotten in the school room. This picture was taken by Ukrainian photographer Sergei Supinsky in 2010. 

            On April 26, 1986 during a system test at reactor number four of the Chernobyl plant there was a sudden power output surge. As a precaution workers attempted an emergency shutdown, leading to an even greater spike in power output which caused a reactor vessel rupture and a series of explosions. Authorities ordered an immediate evacuation of the town, forcing people to leave everything they had behind. The city now stands frozen in time. School books still lay open on desks. Tables still lay set for a meal that won’t come. A ferris wheel stands in the middle of town that will never grant another smile.

            This photo contains a variety of news elements. Impact is obvious to see. Proximity would apply to those located within the vicinity of this town. For individuals who had to leave their lives behind on a whim, this could hold some conflict.

       “The Passion of the Che”

           By: Freddy Alborta

This photographs depicts Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara after being killed by Bolivian officers with assistance from the CIA. Freddy Alborta took this picture on October 10, 1967 and has been noted as the primary source for Che Guevara images.

            Aside from being a revolutionary, Che was also a myriad of other things, including a physician. It was that role that helped lead him to who he became. Traveling throughout Latin America as a medical student he witnessed things that brought him to his conclusion that the only way to implement change was through world revolution. Che played a large part in the Guatamalan overthrow of  Dictator Batista and the Cuban Revolution.

Che went to Bolivia to help “liberate” them from their government. His group was well-armed and had early success against Bolivian forces. He had planned on only dealing with the Bolivian military, which was poorly trained and armed, and wasn’t aware that they had been supplied by the United States and trained by CIA officers. On October 7, 1967 an informant led a group of 1,800 troops to Che’s camp, where he was surrounded, wounded and captured. He would be tied up in a local schoolhouse for three days before the president of Bolivia ordered him to be executed.

            This photograph holds several news values. Conflict, impact, and prominence are all relatively simple to point out. Proximity would affect both the people of Bolivia and those in Latin America.

Johnny Cash’s Finger

 By: Jim Marshall

            This photograph shows legendary, country music icon Johnny Cash expressing his growing resentment towards the Nashville country music establishment. Jim Marshall took this photo in 1969 when Cash was at San Quentin Prison performing for inmates. The image never surfaced until 1996 after his album “Unchained” won a Grammy. Cash and his producers decided to publish the photo in Billboard Magazine as a “thank you” to the Nashville country music industry.

            Jim Marshall was a dominant photographer of the ‘60s and ‘70s, focusing mainly on musicians. Marshall is responsible for the famous picture of Jimi Hendrix setting his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival and was the only photographer allowed backstage at the Beatles’ final concert.

            Cash’s resentment for the Nashville country scene developed as he grew older. He felt like the industry had abandoned him and fellow pioneers of country music for younger, more pop-oriented country artists such as Garth Brooks. In fact, his Grammy-award winning album named above was almost completely ignored by the industry.

            Conflict is displayed from two different angles here. The first is blatantly obvious, the second is conflict between Cash and the country industry in Nashville. Cash is also very well-known, making it an issue of prominence.

“The Kiss”

 By: Richard Lam

            Richard Lam was among the thousands of people flooding the streets of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on June 15, 2011, but he wasn’t fighting, setting fires or pillaging. He was taking pictures. Following the Canucks game seven loss to the Boston Bruins, downtown Vancouver exploded into anarchy. Hundreds of people were injured or arrested, several people were stabbed and a handful of police officers were hurt. But despite all the horrible scenes taking place that night, Lam managed to capture a truly beautiful moment amid all the destruction.

            Lam is a freelance photographer for The Canadian Press and other various publications. He is based in Vancouver, British Columbia and specializes in editorial, sports and commercial photography. Lam is also the official photographer for the University of British Columbia’s Athletic Department. 

            The lip-locked couple in the photo got caught up among rioters and were being forced down the street by police officers wielding riot shields. Alex Thomas was tripped up during the squabble and fell to the ground. The officers eventually passed her over as her boyfriend, Scott Jones, swooped in to help. Still laying in the street, Alex was hysterical and unsure of what was going on. In an attempt to calm her down, Scott leaned in to give her a loving kiss. This is what Lam captured on film.

            This image depicts conflict, timeliness and currency. It is also bizarre in the way that this is very unusual and isn’t something you may ever see again.



   

“Rumours” Has It

            If you’ve been unfortunate enough to only ever hear one Fleetwood Mac song, chances are that song is from “Rumours.” Released over 35 years ago, this album is still worth more than just a second look. From iconic anthems like “Go Your Own Way” and “Don’t Stop” to the hauntingly beautiful devotion Stevie Nicks captures in “Silver Springs,” “Rumours” is hands-down their best effort and arguably one of the best albums ever recorded.

            “Rumours” (technically Fleetwood Mac’s eleventh studio album) was the sophomore release of the band’s most famous line-up, consisting of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie (the only remaining original members), Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. Part of what made “Rumours” so raw and unique were the struggles within the band during its creation and their ability to draw from them. John and Christine McVie were in the midst of a divorce, Buckingham and Nicks were failing an on-off again relationship, and Fleetwood had just learned of his wife’s infidelities.

            The opening tune “Second Hand News” sets the tone for the album, lyrically speaking. Right out of the gate emotion takes the lead (despite the misguidingly optimistic music) with, “I know there’s nothing to say, someone has taken my place.” The following tracks,“Dreams” and “Never Going Back Again” openly convey the sentiment they were attempting to portray.

“Dreams” is anchored heavily by a groove mixture of drums and bass. John McVie jams almost exclusively on two notes while Fleetwood taps a simple four count. Quiet droning from the guitar helps play on the heartbreak displayed in Nicks’ voice as she recites,“Now here you go again, you say you want your freedom. Well, who am I to keep you down?”and “Women, they will come and they will go. When the rain washes you clean you’ll know.”

Buckingham’s solo opus, “Never Going Back Again,” demonstrates many of the same feelings from a more subtle point-of-view. Buckingham’s guitar is the lone musical fixture in this piece, repeating one of the most technical finger picking riffs I’ve ever tried my hand at playing. With a running time of only 2:17 and only a handful of lyrics, the power this song possesses, more than anything, is a true testament to Buckingham’s deftness on guitar.

            “Don’t Stop” and “Go Your Own Way” have to be the best known songs on this album’s line-up, both still seeing moderately excessive radio play. Though one is buoyant in nature and the other is basically a pleasant way of telling your lover to “screw-off,” the music shares a lot of the same pop value with loud 4/4 drum beats, catchy hooks, choruses sang in unison, and danceable loops throughout.

            “Rumours” boasts several unforgettable melodies, but none more driving and compelling as guitar-laden “The Chain” (the only Fleetwood Mac song in which every member played some part in the creative process). The call and response between Nicks and Buckingham as they sing, “If you don’t love me now, you will never love me again,” the thumping 1-2-3-4 of the bass drum during verses, the bass and guitar solos, and the group harmony of “the chain will keep us together” adds character that no other track on this album can match.

            Fleetwood Mac transcended pop-rock standards with “Rumours.” This album helped instill their legacy amongst other powerhouse bands from the 70s and deserves every ounce of praise given to it. So, if you’ve been unfortunate enough to only ever hear one Fleetwood Mac song, do yourself a favor and go check out “Rumours.”

The Road to Eight

            “All I do is win, win, win, no matter what…” is the song that resounded from the PA system inside Rupp Arena as Kentucky’s preseason Blue and White scrimmage came to a close, foreshadowing a moment “Big Blue” fans had been waiting 14 years for. But, finishing the season at 38-2 and raising a National Championship banner in Rupp wasn’t due to any one person’s feats it was truly a team effort.

            The “one and done” rule has gutted Kentucky’s roster the past two years and as of last week, will be doing it a third, something for which Coach John Calipari has been praised and scrutinized for. “One and done,” is a rule held by the NBA Player’s Assoc. that requires high school seniors to attend college before being eligible to play in the NBA, but allows these athletes to declare for the draft after only one season of college ball. So, some say Calipari is ruining college basketball, and though I don’t agree with the rule I stand on the other side of the fence, the side that says he has just found the best way to adapt and take advantage of a situation he can’t control.

Calipari did something not too many coaches can get a young team to do: put their egos aside and play as one. Starting three freshmen (Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist), two returning sophomores (Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb) and one of the best sixth men in the nation (Darius Miller), Calipari found a way to blend each player’s strengths and styles into a mold-breaking team.

            Kentucky’s non-conference schedule was tough, not because of the opposition but  because of the team’s struggle to find it’s rhythm together. Early and often Marquis Teague looked like he didn’t know where to fit in. Overshadowed by Calipari’s long line of exceptional point guards, (see: Derrick Rose or John Wall) Teague was constantly tagged as the weakest link. He would drive the lane and miss open layups. He would run the break and miss open layups. He would make poor decisions at costly times in the game. But, despite all this, Kentucky managed to win (Let’s not talk about Indiana).

            During conference play is where Kentucky really hit its stride. Davis was a shot blocking machine; Lamb was bombing three-pointers; Jones was getting rebounds; Kidd-Gilchrist was outrunning everyone; Miller was playing great off the bench; and Teague had finally figured it out. Calipari and his team breezed through the conference with an undefeated record, but not without a few true challenges. Florida, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State gave Kentucky a couple of scares, but the Cats always managed to pull it out (Let’s not talk about the SEC tournament).

            Kentucky dominated their first two NCAA Tournament match-ups, putting away Western Kentucky and Iowa State. The Sweet 16 game pitted them against the only team to beat them during the regular season, Indiana. The whole team really shined in this game, but none brighter than Kidd-Gilchrist, who put up 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, helping the Cats slide past the Hoosiers.

            Baylor awaited Kentucky in the Elite 8 looking for a potential upset. That sentiment was quickly put to rest when they led by 20 at the half. Davis controlled the paint and the boards, picking up 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kentucky proved to be too much to handle as they won convincingly.

The Cats rolled into New Orleans for their Final Four showdown with in-state rival, Louisville. The Cardinals pushed this game deep into the second half, but never could gain control. Once again, Davis stood out, finishing with a double-double and adding in five blocks.

            Kansas made a tournament run that not many could have predicted. They had made their mark in the tournament with several come from behind wins. So, when Kentucky went to the locker room up 18 at the half, it was still in the back of everyone’s mind. Despite many rallies in the second half, Kentucky prevailed. Lamb led all scorers with 22 points, but Davis was the game changer. He only sank one bucket during the course of the game but made up for it with incredible defense. His stat-line included 16 rebounds, six blocks and three steals.

It was a moment unlike any other to see this team showered in colorful confetti as they clutched each other at mid-court. It was also a moment many had doubted was possible for such a young team, but these kids had done it. They had done something one of the best fan bases in college sports had been salivating over for what seemed like an eternity. Calipari brought this team together, but more than that, he brought this state together. So, some say Calipari is ruining college basketball…those people aren’t Kentucky fans either.

My Old Kentucky Home

            Kentucky is a land of diverse beauty, from the mountain tops in the southeastern part of the state to the lush river culture along the western perimeter. Home to the Kentucky Derby, Cumberland Falls, Bourbon Country, and one of the most storied programs in college basketball, Kentucky is a state enriched with tradition and character. The next five posts take a quick look into why “The Bluegrass State” is the best that there is.

C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!!!

            The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865 by John Bowman as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky, but the tradition that now engulfs seven months of many Kentuckian’s lives didn’t begin until 1910. This is the year that Kentucky basketball was born.

            The University of Kentucky Wildcats are one of the most storied teams in college sports. UK is the most winningest team in all of college basketball, not just in all-time wins, but also in all-time winning percentage with an all-time record of 2088-649 (.763%). Ready for some more records? According to the Kentucky Athletics web page, UK has played in a record 52 NCAA tournaments, a record 155 NCAA tournament games, a record 43 NCAA Sweet-16 appearances, a record 34 Elite-8 appearances, and is the only school to win multiple NCAA and NIT titles.

The team isn’t the only exceptional thing about Kentucky, the fans are just as unique. UK fans are possibly the most devoted and loyal of any fan in the country and are constantly noted for their traveling with the team to fill up opponent arenas or tournament sites. Long-time fan, Freda Lawson, encapsulated the true passion of a Wildcat fan when she said, “They’re the lifeblood of the state. We rise and fall with them and it’s probably the strongest common thread amongst Kentuckians.” Ain’t it true, Freda, ain’t it true.

Win, Place, Show

            The Kentucky Derby is arguably one of the biggest attractions in the world. It draws hundreds of thousands of individuals including celebrities, presidents and even members of the royal family. The derby is ran at Churchill Downs and often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and is a 1.25 mile race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The first race to ever be ran at the derby was in 1875 when nearly 10,000 people watched 15 horses run a 1.5 mile course (1.5 was the standard at the time). Derby winners soon started being run in the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes for the ultimate title of “Triple Crown.”

            The Kentucky Derby is also rich with tradition. Since 1938 the Mint Julep has been sipped on by derby goers. The drink is iced and consists of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup. It is offered in souvenir glasses revised for each year and lists all the former Kentucky derby winners. There is also a traditional food made with beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables called burgoo. Probably one of the most known traditions of the derby is the infield, which is a spectator area inside the track. It provides the cheapest seating and the least opportunity to actually see a race, but it makes up for it in downright ridiculous partying.

            The derby is something many Kentuckians hold dear to their heart and is something that sets us apart from the rest of the world. James Huddleston, a frequent derby goer, said “The derby is a tradition that is uniquely Kentucky and it’s something that we embrace and look forward to each year.”



One Bourbon, One Bourbon, One Bourbon

                        One of Kentucky’s most long standing traditions is in bourbon and Bourbon Country. This corn-based, caramel colored icon has been a staple in Kentucky since the early 1700s. There is even a yearly festival held in Bardstown, dubbed the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, that draws people from all over the state, country and world.

            The Bourbon Trail takes you right through the heart of Bourbon Country and provides some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer, from white-water rapids to green fields of grazing thoroughbreds. But the trail offers more than just a pretty picture. Six of the state’s powerhouse distilleries lie within the trail, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Woodford Reserve.

            While bourbon can be made anywhere that it is legal to distill spirits, it is generally associated with Kentucky in particular and has been reported that 97% of all bourbon is aged and distilled near Bardstown, the self-proclaimed “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Kentucky bourbon was even deemed the official spirit of the United States by Congress in 1964.

            Many Kentuckian’s roots are connected to this historical tradition and process. Scott McVay, life-long Kentuckian, said, “Through tracking my ancestry I’ve discovered that my family was actually a part of the earlier folks who began making bourbon as an easier way of transporting goods to market.”   

            The aforementioned bourbon festival is “six full days of smooth Bourbon, delicious food, and great entertainment, with a healthy dose of Kentucky hospitality thrown in for good measure,” according to its website. Patrons can enjoy over thirty different events within the festival, such as “Bourbon, Cigars and Jazz” or “Bourbon Cocktail Mixology.”

Niagara of the South

            Sitting just inside Whitley County is a state park devoted to one of Kentucky’s finest gems, Cumberland Falls. Known also as the “Niagara of the South” or the “Great Falls,” this large waterfall draws visitors from all over the world. Encased by lush woodlands and rolling hills, the fall’s beauty is truly a sight to be seen.

Aside from its unique location, the other popular reason visitors come from far and wide to visit the falls is to catch a glimpse of the rare moonbow that can be seen at certain times of the year on a clear night. Cumberland Falls is one of only two places in the world where the moonbow can be seen, with the other location being Victoria Falls in Africa, making it not only a local treasure, but a national one.

            Locals take pride in the falls and its grandeur because it is just something else that helps set them apart. Jane Perkins, a state park employee, said, “The falls really are special to this area. It brings a lot of people to and through this region that otherwise probably wouldn’t be here.”

Notable People from Kentucky

            Everyone comes from somewhere and everyone calls somewhere home. People like George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise, however, can call Kentucky “home.” There’s a long list of familiar names of people that were either born or raised in the bluegrass, some of those names being: Diane Sawyer, born and raised in Glasgow; Larry Flynt, born in Lakeville; even Charles Manson, raised in Ashland.

            One of the most polarizing figures in the history of sports was born and raised in Louisville. Muhammad Ali, or “The Greatest,” is arguably the best boxer to ever put on gloves. Ali is a three time World Heavyweight Champion, the pioneer behind a handful of boxing techniques and in 1999 was crowned “Sportsman of the Century” by Sports Illustrated.

            More names you may know: Florence Henderson, Jim Varney, Cris Collinsworth, “Papa” John Schnatter, Harland Sanders--all from Kentucky, hell, two-fifths of the Backstreet Boys were born in Lexington.

Stephen Long, student and life-long resident of Kentucky, said, “It really is surprising the number of prominent people that have ties to the state.” The truth is that Kentucky is a great place to begin one’s journey, the names above serve proof to that.

A Man Among Teachers

            ”I never had any plan of being here teaching more than six months. Then I realized, I like teaching and then I realized that I had bills to pay and this was a job. Now, this is home. Ten years later I’m here and I like it here and I like the pace of life here.”

            --Tim Cooper

            Tim Cooper doesn’t look much different than what you might expect a high school teacher to look like: a button up decorated with a tie, dress pants and, on occasion, a pair of glasses. What sets him apart certainly isn’t his appearance it’s his demeanor. He has a calm aura about him that seems to draw you in. It has a lot to do with his faith in God and the way he chooses to express that faith, but it also has to do with the fact that he is genuine, kind, and loves what he does.
           
            Cooper is a high school social studies/history teacher at Whitley County High School and these characteristics shine through his teaching style as well. He teaches with a passion that is clear to see. Aside from teaching, he also does a lot of work within his church  as a music and worship leader.

            Cooper was born in the Philippines while his parents were serving there as missionaries. Six months later when his family returned to the United States they settled down in the little town of Camdenton, Mo. where his family started a church in their home. He attended William Jewell College where he received a political science and history degree. Cooper then moved to Williamsburg, Ky. for his current teaching job at Whitley County High School. While in his first years there he also attended graduate school at Union College and more recently obtained his masters from University of the Cumberlands.

            Students know that he is there for them, not just as a teacher but as a person. Former student Tiffany Philpot said, “I enjoyed having him as a teacher. He was very caring andconsiderate towards students. He would always help the students better understand the material ifthey needed it. He was always open to questions and discussion.”

            Cooper has a heart for his students and generally cares for them as individuals. He has a desire to help prepare them better as students and as people. Cooper said, “I try to take time to make students think about beliefs, whether or not they agree with me. I just want to plant a seed that there is something other than what we see. It’s just to say, you need to struggle with these things. A teacher is supposed to make you ask questions. I think that’s a part of the role as a teacher.”

Dustin Lawson, another former student, said, “Tim Cooper is a person that really cares about the education of his students and is very hands-on. He takes great care in teaching and developing his students.”

            Cooper’s care and consideration also extends to his church family. If he isn’t in the classroom then most of his time is taken up with church or church activities. He and his wife both works actively in the church and routinely host prayer meetings and worship services in their home. His home church, Cornerstone Community Church, describes his focus on their website as follows: “His passion is to work with young men, working intensively on building spiritual relationships, focused on discipleship, accountability, and intentional dialogue on how faith intersects and directs all areas of life.”

            Tim Cooper doesn’t look much different than what you might expect a high school teacher to look like, but he is everything you hope for a teacher to be.