Vol. 2 Issue 7

February 2015, Vol. 2, IsSUE 7

February 2015, vol. 2 issue 7

ALL HAIL THE SAIL FULL COVERAGE, PGS. 8-9

Photo by Alyssa Keeve, The Crow’s Nest

INSIDE INSIDE THE THE NEST NEST

Talk about 50 Shades of grey Arts & Ent.| pg. 10

Learn About Classroom etiquette OPINIONS| pg. 7

Worth Reading THe Big read returns ARTS & Ent.| pg. 11

Worth Doing Cheap Spring BReak & St. Pats Lifestyle| pg. 12-13

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Coastal corner

CCGA OLYMPICS

Team Captain Patrick Mickey enjoys the sweet taste of victory!

SGA CCGA Olympics Team Poses before the event.

Education Cohort Team takes the gold home after winning tthe CCGA Olympics.

SGA CCGA Olympics Team fights hard during the tug-of-war match.

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

Education Cohort Olympics Team pulls to victory during the tug-of-war match.

POLICE BEAT

Coastal corner

Feb 2015

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Reports are provided by the College of Coastal Georgia Police Department.

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Jan. 29, 4:17 p.m. - Officers responded to the Andrews Building for a report of a student who was disorderly. The Incident was investigated and turned over to the Dean of Students.

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Jan. 30, 8:21 a.m. - Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person in the Pedestrian Mall.

A female visitor was escorted off of the property.

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Feb. 3, 6:40 a.m. - Officer discovered suspicious person sleeping in the Andrews Building before normal business hours. The commuter student was issued a verbal warning.

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Feb. 4, 10 a.m. Officer responded to Lakeside Village for to a report of fraud. The investigation is ongoing.

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Feb. 5, 12:36 p.m. - Officer responded and mediated a confrontation between as student and a visitor in the Main Parking Lot. The incident involved “road rage” that occurred off campus and the visitor followed the students back to the College.

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Feb. 5, 3:45 p.m. - Officer witnessed and responded to a traffic accident with injuries on Altama Ave, north of the college.

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Feb. 6, 7:50 a.m. - Officer counseled student about an online fraud scam. Students should be careful ordering anything online from company that is not repeatable.

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Feb. 7, 2 a.m. - Officer assisted the Glynn County Police with DUI investigation involving a CCGA student.

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Feb. 16, 9:30 a.m. - Officer responded to a report of a suspicious male outside of Lakeside Village. Officers checked the area thoroughly, no one was found.

Inside the Nest Editorial Department:

Editor in chief.............................. Drew Miller editorinchief@ccga.edu DESIGN EDITOR ............................. Alvin Fernando copyeditor@ccga.edu WEB EDITOR ...................................... Kara Neisen webeditor@ccga.edu SPOrts EDItor ..................... Garrett Dutton sportseditor@ccga.edu Ad Manager ................................. Lexi Holloway admanager@ccga.edu ADVISOR ......................................... Andrew Smith asmith@ccga.edu

Staff Writers & Contributors: C. Garrett. Dutton Alaric Shearer Ashton Rowland Kara Neisen

Na’Chanelle Brown Zach Dismer Jay Landow Drew Miller

Statement of Operations: The Crow’s Nest is the official student newspaper of the College of Coastal Georgia, owned and operated by CCGA students using facilities provided by the College.

MISSION: Our mission is to provide the Coastal Georgia community with thruthful and ethical content of interest.

Any questions regarding content or anyone wishing to report corrections and errors please call 912.279.5898 or email crowsnest@ccga.edu.

Publication Information: The newspaper published approximately every three weeks during the academic year and is printed by The Brunswick News Publishing Co. in Brunswick, Ga.

INSTAGRAM:

@ccga_crowsnest

Advertising: The Crow’s Nest allots advertising space each issue for both on-campus and off-campus entities. For more information about rates, payment methods, formatting, and deadlines, please call 912.279.5898 or email admanager@ccga.edu.

Notice: Unauthorized removal of multiple copies from a distribution site constitutes theft under Georgia law, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine and/or jail time. The advertiser is responsible for all information in a given ad. Students should beware of disclaimers presented in the ads, which are previously screened by our staff before placement in our publication.

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.com/ccgacrowsnest

We ask that you please do Mother Nature a favor and recycle this newspaper when done reading.

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Editorial

TCN staff travels from the Nest to the Classic City

Kara Neisen Web Editor Looking back two years ago, I would have never seen myself today working for The Crow’s Nest. Why you ask? I was a full time student-athlete for College of Coastal Georgia, and my daily life consisted of going to practice, attending class, eating, sleeping, and repeating. I was simply going through the motions, and was comfortable with my lifestyle.

On Feb. 6 and 7, my Crow’s Nest co-workers: Drew C. Miller and Alvin Fernando, and I headed to Athens for the Georgia Press Institute Conference.

We were stoked to represent CCGA and to ultimately gain more knowledge to improve our newspaper for our readers. We felt encouraged and are looking forward to use the information we received to enhance our layout designs, website layouts, and blog/social media posts.

Throughout the weekend, the three of us had the opportunity to experience a ton of bonding time. After all, it was a twoday event with the daily sessions lasting about five hours. While in Athens, we experienced an overwhelming sense of freedom. We had a chance to get away and have an adventure. Exploring the city together, making numerous inside jokes, and the long road trip talks will be memories I will never forget and truly cherish.

Even after experiencing this impressive conference with my co-workers, it wasn’t until we were driving all the way back from Athens that it all hit me. Your college endeavor is 100 percent based off of the experience you make it. CCGA isn’t the Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

biggest college, the most beautiful, or the most entertaining. Whoop-di-do. Your happiness here is solely based on what you do with what you have and create your own experience here. There’s a reason why we are all here. Stepping outside of my comfort zone, getting plugged in on campus somewhere, and creating those relationships are vital steps in having an emotional attachment to the college you attend.

I can’t stress enough the importance of relationships and investing into people’s lives on campus. Drew and Alvin are so different from me, but that is the best part of it all. Honestly, I would have probably never made friends with them outside of this job. I love my job because of these people. I spend half of my time giggling from the amount of joy these relationships have brought me. I find myself still laughing 20 minutes later and feeling like a psycho because of it. As Alvin said to me, “I owe my life to The Nest.”

As a part of The Nest, we obviously enjoy our jobs to the full capacity and even beyond. What’s even more special about our jobs is that we are serving our college and community. We spend countless hours producing the best possible newspaper for our student body. We are secretly feeding you with all of the resources you need to get involved, not only with The Crow’s Nest but with any club/organization on campus. Essentially, The Nest is doing the leg work for you. All you have to do is read it and act upon it. Nothing can substitute a fulfilling college experience.

Left to Right: Alvin Fernando, Kara Neisen, and Drew Miller.

Campus NEws

Feb 2015

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The Advantages of Peer Academic Support Linny Bailey Crow’s Nest Contributor As a college student, if you encounter academic difficulties, your professor should always be the first individual you ask for help. If you feel the need for additional support or do not feel comfortable asking your professor, peer tutoring is available through the Academic Tutoring and Instructional Center (ATTIC). Peer academic support is available in two forms here at CCGA: Supplemental Instruction (SI) and peer tutoring.

Many of you may have noticed a SI is available in many of your core subjects such as Satistics and Probability, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, or Biology. SI leaders are students who have previously completed and earned a high grade in the course. These leaders are trained to work with your professor to facilitate and guide study sessions aimed at promoting effective learning and study habits for this course.

Peer tutors have also previously completed and earned a high grade in the course they are tutoring. They often provide one-on-one support on a firstcome, first-serve basis to students who need academic support. Peer tutors are highly trained and prepared to utilize

various learning strategies to help students achieve. Peer tutoring is available in the Correll Center for Teacher Education & Learning and the library on both campuses.

Why peer tutoring? What are some of the advantages of peer academic support?

Some of the most compelling reasons are as follows: • Peer tutors can often create pathways to learning in addition to those provided by the professor.

• Peer tutors are able to speak the same language and reduce anxiety levels that can prevent a student from learning the material.

• Peer tutor have often experienced the same frustration and difficulties in the same course they are now tutoring and can effectively relay their experiences to the student.

• Peer tutor can assist with helping students determine the correct way to study and how to prepare for a course and exams.

• Peer tutors can help student gain the confidence needed to excel in their studies.

At the ATTIC, we encourage students to “Get help early, get help now!”

Bringing Live Theatre to The Golden Isles for 58 Seasons Casino Theatre, Pier Village – St. Simons Island

AUDITIONS “Bye Bye Birdie” Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Lee Adams DIRECTED BY Greg Santora

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday March 15, 16, 17, 2015 at 7:00 pm At the Casino Theatre, Pier Village St. Simons Island

Performance Dates: May 15th - 31st, 2015 (Weekends)

www.TheIslandPlayers.com Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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Campus NEws

Student Secures Spot on Young Riders Team Alvin Fernando Design Editor Ashley Brandies, a middle grades education major, aspires for more than just teaching fertile minds in the classroom.

Brandies, 21, is one of the elite 12 out of 63 applicants that have been chosen to be a member of the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Young Riders Team. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) created the U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Young Riders Teams to develop younger riders for future Saddle Seat World Cup competitions How and when did you get your first horse?

I didn’t get my actual first horse until I was 14 and it was a surprise from my parents but before then I would ride, show, and take lessons on other horses. I started taking lessons in third grade and I got used to falling everyday.

How do you balance your adacemic commitments in the education program and training for something big like this?

I’ve done it for so long it’s like 2nd nature to me, but being able to go out to the barn and ride horses is so natural to me, I’ve done it for so long it’s like riding a bike.

The hard part is getting out of class. A lot of our competitions start on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

So when will your actual competition start?

The actual competition is in New Orleans, during last week of June. I had my first practice the weekend before we started school (Jan. 9) in Louisiana to meet with my team for the first time.

How did you get along with the team?

They were really cool people: some from down south, Michigan, California, New York, New Jersey. We stayed in a really cool hotel, and had practice in a barn in New Orleans.

With all of you being the best of the best, did you feel any competition within the team?

It wasn’t really wasn’t like that at all. I felt like it wasn’t about who was the best, but rather the fact that we were a whole team competing for our country. It’s a big team atmosphere, we know we are the 12 of the best in the United States and we’re going to kick butt.

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

ASHLEY BRANDIES

How did you find out about trying out for the Young Riders Team?

In the horse world everyone knows about the United States Equestrian Federation. It’s a big deal; these are like our Olympics.

When was your first competition?

Our first competition was the weekend of Feb. 6 in Gainesville, Fla. We have a lot of upcoming competitions but our biggest one is in Louisville, Ky., which is the World Championship Horse Show in August.

How does the competition work?

You only have one practice, which we’ve already had, you go to the competition and pick a horse you’ve never seen or ridden.

Then you have 20 minutes to practice with that horse and enter a ring with 20 more riders. You get judged on your ability and then you come back out and do an individual workout, which consists of patterns on the same horse that you’re unfamiliar with.

What are your dreams after the Young Riders Team?

I just want to be known as the best.

I wouldn’t mind being someone who teaches lessons, trains horses, and travels to competitions as a rider and a teacher. I want to train other people to be better than I was and transfer my skills onto them. After The Young Riders, I want to try out for The Above: Coastal Georgia junior Ashley Brandies poses with her horse, Iggy. Below: Brandies World Cup Team; they get to travel to South practices with her U.S. Young Riders teammates. Photos provided by Brandies Africa and compete.

Where do we go if we want to watch your competitions?

There will be a webcast available either through http://www.richfieldvideo.com or http://eventmixpromotions.com If you want to learn more about The USEF or The U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Young Riders Teams visit www.usef.org

opinions

Feb 2015

Classroom Etiquette: You’re Not In High School Anymore

Alaric Shearer Staff Writer If we had enough time, I’m sure all of you reading this could share volumes of horror stories of people who have ruined classroom experiences by their relentless banter and rude behavior.

Have you ever had someone in your class that just wouldn’t shut up about anything? Maybe they just felt like it was necessary to tell their whole life story in under an hour.

Most people don’t understand what it means to have respect for not just themselves but for instructors and other students in the classroom. Think about it, college students pay a couple thousand dollars to complete one semester at the College of Coastal Georgia, and a great number of students are being funded by a scholarship or financial aid.

We have students who still act like they are in high school, having never learned what respect is because they’ve been

Feb. 22

2:00 p.m.

IM Soccer Athletic Field

March 1

2:00 p.m.

IM Soccer Athletic Field

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coddled since kindergarten. Not everyone can grow out of that stage until they are hit with a dose of reality.

“To be an adult, you need to be treated like an adult,” added Dr. Catherine Culver, Assistant Professor of Philosophy. “It’s annoying to have students talk over me; you don’t want to be the schoolmarm who says, ‘okay class it’s time to be quiet now.’”

College isn’t all about acting prim and proper, there are blatant settings and events where it involves fun and games. However, when you’re in the classroom, it’s about respect and consideration because there are others spending their precious time and money to go to school.

It must be considered that some of these students are paying out of pocket for their education, and such a negative experience can truly affect how they react to certain things said and done during class time.

Feb. 24

7:00 p.m.

BIG READ MOVIE: Cotton Comes to Harlem Stembler Theatre

March 2

9:00 a.m.

Mock Interview Monday Of�ice of Career Service

Think about the professors, who of course would love to hang out and joke around, but most of them didn’t get their PhD’s so they could listen to your mediocre stand-up routines. They come to teach at Coastal because it’s their passion and profession.

When it comes to catching them out of the classroom, it’s totally fine to ask them whatever you would like to ask, but within the classroom setting, fruitless conversations and distractions are inappropriate and immature.

“We have different kinds of relationships, that allow you to have more than one relationship with another human being,” said Dr. Chris Wilhelm, Assistant Professor of History. “Be professional and realize that we may be friendly, but in the classroom it’s different, so have respect for teachers as well as students.”

“If you have anything interesting to

add to the conversation; if what you have to say is beneficial to the greater good then say it,” exclaimed sophomore Bryan Merritt. “Internalize it first, and make it relevant.”

Nothing is more annoying than incessant jibber-jabber in the classroom. With limited time during the day, it is genuinely hard to get the material in that instructors need to teach.

Respect is something we all need in a classroom environment and to show how little you care about your classes isn’t just discourteous to other students but to yourself.

“Essentially, you’re paying for school, and when you disrupt other people in your classroom then you aren’t really getting anything out of it and when you interrupt other students like that. Then it’s like pouring paint on someone else’s nice car,” said Charis Peterson, Freshman.

Calendar of Events

Feb. 25

Feb. 26

March 4

March 5

12 p.m.

Open Mic Camden 120A 3,6,8 p.m.

Family Movie Night: Male�icient Stembler Theatre 9:00 p.m.

Coffeehouse Campus Center

11:00 a.m.

Career Corner Campus Center 11:00 a.m.

Employer Spotlight: Peace Corps Campus Center 4:00 p.m.

Student Employment Orientation ACS 111

Feb. 27

5:00 p.m.

Midterm Grades Due 9:00 p.m.

Karaoke Night The Anchor

March 6

11:00 a.m.

Education Career Fair Campus Center Lobby

Feb. 28

11:00 a.m.

Employer Spotlight: Westin Resort Jekyll Campus Center

March 7

Spring Break Begins!

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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Cover Story

the making of a

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mariner mascot #3

#2

#1 In the College’s 50-plus years of existence, the school has never had a physical representation of a mascot.

After a long five decades the College finally put their dreams into action and started the process of creating a mascot.

It did not happen quickly, as Coastal has been in the process of creating a mascot for at least two years. First, a group of staff members, faculty, and students

formed a committee to collaborate on options for the mascot.

Renderings of several versions were created by legendary artist Jack Davis.

Eventually, the committee and results of a campus-wide vote determined a mariner would be the best option.

Want to weigh in on the mascot? Let us know what you think on Twitter, @ccga_crowsnest, using #mascot.

School colors change Administration Physical Costume of from green and begins the process Mascot unveiled at yellow to blue, grey, of creating a mascot Homecoming Tailgate and white First academic Gerald Cox takes over College community votes year of four-year as Athletic Director on preferred mascot for competition for and changes name to Mariner beats out Pelican athletic teams “Mariners”

Classes begin in Brunswick; Junior College Athletic Teams play under the name “Buccaneers”

College charter is approved by The Board of Regents

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1964

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

1982

2010

2011-12

2013

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Cover Story

Feb 2015

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jay's BRAND WITH THE SPANKIN' Q&A... NEW MASCOT

Jay Landow Sports Writer

On Feb. 7, the College of Coastal Georgia reached a major milestone, one that will be remembered in the annals of history.

The Mariner mascot was debuted for the first time at the 2015 Homecoming Weekend. As would be expected, the new mascot has been the talk of campus over the past few weeks. Students have posed for photos with the mascot, and been eager to talk with him and learn more about his origins. After some serious negotiations, The Crow’s Nest was able to get an exclusive interview with The Mariner to find out who he is, why he’s here and what makes him tick.

Mariner, the school is thrilled by your arrival, and everyone wants to know more about you. For starters, why don’t you tell us about where you are from?

‘Tis a most wild tale. I was born on the Ragnarök, my seafaring parents’ vessel.

We lead our lives sailing the briny deep, navigating all of the Seven Seas. En route to the Port of Savannah, the rage of Neptune bestowed us with a maelstrom of epic proportions. It was unlike any other storm we had witnessed in our years of traversing the oceans. Behemoth waves reaching 50 feet pummeled our boat into smithereens. Flailing in the water, I managed to secure myself to a piece of the splintered mainmast. I searched and called for my parents in vain. Their weathered souls live at the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker with the fragments of their beloved Ragnarök.

What happened next?

We shipwrecked off of Jekyll Island.

My mangled and tired body washed upon a shore most alien; it was as though the trees were growing out of the sand itself.

With solid ground beneath me and sunlight beaming down, I did not stand a chance.

I fell into a deep slumber, only to be awakened by one Earl Hargett.

This man happened to be the first president of CCGA, back when Coastal was a community college. Since he was the president, I decided to enroll. Thus, I am a Brunswick Community College alumnus and earned my Associate’s degree from here, many moons ago.

So where did you end up after graduation?

After spending a few years among the landlubbers, I got a great ache in my heart. I

longed for my mistress, the sea; navigating her tides, reading the night skies. The only way to satiate my sense of nautical wanderlust was to simply return to her. I sailed to all corners of the earth in search of adventure, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

Why did you decide to come back to Brunswick?

‘Twas fate, I say. While sailing across the Atlantic, with no land around for miles, a glimmer from the sun caught my eye off of port side. After emptying my net, I realized it was a bottle containing the most important paper of my life: an application to the College of Coastal Georgia. The only land I ever called home finally had a four-year institution. It was as though if Neptune himself was sending me a message to return to my Alma Mater. So, weighing the decision of continuing to explore the world or returning to Coastal, I decided to end my voyage and return.

Where on campus do you live?

I be living on the fourth floor of the residence hall, Lakeside Village. I can keep a watchful eye on campus from up there.

What about your seafaring vessel?

Where do you leave your boat?

That is a secret I don’t readily share… but it will tell ye. I leave it at a hidden cove off of Jekyll’s western shore. A place called Coffin Cove. Search you may, but you will never find it.

So, now it’s time to get serious.

You have made the voyage back to Coastal, but what exactly do you hope to contribute to the students and the campus?

First and foremost, I’m the No. 1 fan of the Mariner athletic teams. I’ll be at as

many home games as possible cheering on my favortie teams. Beside that, it be my hope to inspire students to take the straight and narrow; to study hard and grow into fine, professional adults. It be my wish to be a reminder, whenever you see me on campus, that you are here to learn and succeed and find your own path.

Is that why you have such a large compass?

That be right, matey. My compass is big so it can intimidate and remind students to stay on course.

What about your interactions with the surrounding community in Brunswick?

Aye, I hope to do much to help uplift the

C R O W ’S N EST EXCLUSIV E! community surrounding the school. I will hope to be a visible figure in the community, by visiting elementary schools, taking part in parades and events, so that the youth and adults of the community know me as a beacon of light that will inspire them to become more educated and provide better lives for their families.

Oh, I almost forgot, can you give me your name please?

Uh, about that… I seem to have a minor lapse in memory. I was struck by St. Elmo’s Fire last winter, and can’t remember my name. I have decided to leave it up to the student body to name me, since I am their mascot. Polls will be available soon.

The Mariner poses with members of the women’s basketball team at the homecoming tailgate on Feb 7. Photo by: Alyssa Keeve Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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arts & Entertainment

of lame.

DES

Na’chanelle Brown Staff Writer

If you have already managed to somehow barrel through one or two mediocre books of E.L. James’ 50 Shades of Grey erotic trilogy, then you have a slight idea of what the raging buzz for what this supposedly hot screen adaption was about.

However, if you haven’t the brain capacity, curiosity, or care to read such uninspiring literature, your personal ideas and beliefs should be all the preparation you need to either condemn the release of this lascivious film, or praise Universal Pictures for their assistance in making it happen.

The tale follows the life of virginal, recent college graduate Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) as she encounters a very steamy, unorthodox affair with emotionally inept, enigmatic young billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) whose presence leaves a lot more than just her stomach in knots.

How did the movie, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, stack up against the book you ask? I’ve compiled a raw and rich list of reasons you would rather not waste your time to pay for such a bummer of a film:

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If you’re looking for dirty, terrifically explicit content thwarted with unbelievable sex scenes, you’ve come to the wrong place. The nudity is seemingly mild considering the wild depictions the book details. Director Sam TaylorJohnson was explained to not want extreme nudity in the film and contracts were signed so that actress Dakota’s no-no spot would not be revealed. Fair enough.

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The many acts of emotional manipulation of Anastasia by Christian is a looming theme that uses expensive gifts and stalker power to coax a girl into bowing to a guy’s whims. This poises a huge problem for healthy ideas of relationships.

Anastasia ultimately consents (very thinly) to endulging in Christian’s wild world so that she won’t lose him. No ma’am, just no. Don’t go against your standards just so that someone will stay with you.

(Ref. my previous article on scolding).

3

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and author E.L. James had their share of feuds during the filmmaking process.

James was said to be heavily involved in on-set decision making for the film, which led to hardy disagreements between the two artists. That’s a recipe for disaster. Let’s see if Taylor-Johnson sticks around for the sequels. At The Crow’s Nest, we vote they stay out of the grey and choose to throw up the dueces.

Despite the film’s faults, millions of fans turned out for the release. The movie managed to bring in a record-breaking $81.7 million in three days this past Valentine’s Day weekend.

I’m sure the big wigs on Hollywood Blvd. aren’t too disappointed. But we as an audience are I tell you. Highly, disappointed and dismayed.

As for our cast in the treacherous film of the century, I give you one piece of advice: Don’t sign on to do the sequel.

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

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The two lead characters were said to “hate each other” during external interviews. Well to be honest, that doesn’t transpire to genuine, non-cinematic onset chemistry, now does it? It definitely managed to show on camera. Think of those times where you were forced to eat your aunt’s unforgivably bad fruitcake during your holiday get-togethers and someone filmed you. Yeah, same thing.

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Overall, it is entirely evident to see that this movie was nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Whoever sat back and allowed for a movie to be released in such ill-form needs to be checked. Everything from the cinematography to the cold, transcription from book to screen was very underdeveloped. But then again, I supposed the trite theme of the book left little wiggle room to work with.

arts & Entertainment

Feb 2015

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Ashton Rowland Crow’s Nest Contributor

Ashton Rowland

See You at Dockside Deli!

IS HERE TO STAY Let’s be honest, in the age of technology and social media, reading for pleasure is slowly dying out. But there are those who still have faith in the benefits of reading for pleasure. Hosted by the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Council, The Big Read represents the desire to bring pleasurable reading back to the forefront of selfentertainment. For the eighth consecutive year, The Big Read will make its mark, not only on the College of Coastal Georgia campus, but on the entire Brunswick community.

There’s more to The Big Read than just Googling Spark Notes for the assigned reading in your English 1101 class. The committee for The Big Read chooses novels every year that will be read by CCGA classes, all the way down to elementary schools in Glynn County. For 2015, not only has a novel been chosen, but also a general theme. The novel chosen this year is by Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God, an emotional journey that can easily relate to the commonly shared feelings brought out in modern day relationships. Those who are unfamiliar with the book may recall seeing the movie based on the book starring the Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.

“Reading for pleasure helps stimulate your imagination. It helps you think and expand your base,” says Heather Heath,

Executive Director of Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Council. “The Big Read is important because it’s about community involvement and everybody coming together. It’s such a great way to bring everyone together for the same purpose.”

The next part of The Big Read is a series of activities that are designed for the month long event. From movie screenings to live music concerts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Seeing that Hurston was one of the main contributors to the Harlem Renaissance, the biggest event tying into theme this year will be the Tribute to the Harlem Renaissance Concert, which will be held on Feb. 21, at the Ritz Theater.

This concert will consist of live jazz ensemble and spoken word from literature of the Harlem Renaissance era. “It’s only five dollars!” emphasizes Heath on the admission fee.

There is truly something for anyone and everyone to relate with at The Big Read.

Heath admitted that The Big Read is an event that is be gaining momentum and will continue to operate for years to come.

So stash your iPads, delete your Twitter accounts, and quit taking those blatantly over-filtered selfies for Instagram. Pick up a book, get involved, and expand your horizons.

For more info about The Big Read, visit their website www.neabigread.org.

Sushi Bob® Tuna Roll

Sushi Bob® brings tasty varieties of fresh and delicious sushi to CCGA.

ASK FOR MORE! kpseafood.com/SushiBob © 2014 King & Prince® Seafood

KP088A CCGA Crows Nest Ad Fall.indd 1

9/3/14 9:36 AM

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Lifestyle

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THREE UNDER $30

MEET YOUR budget-friendly

spring break

School’s out for Spring Break and you’re stuck in Brunswick. What to do, what to do?

Nothing, you may think. However, perception is key. Whilst you may find yourself wallowing while your friends are packing their bags for tropical destinations, there is a beacon of hope surrounding you.

These seemingly clandestine options are hidden gems, and are all under $30.

The Hostel in the Forest - Brunswick, Ga. A number of Mariners are not from the area. This is a great advantage consiering this makes you eligible to stay at The Hostel in the Forest. Turn your brain off. Sleep in a treehouse. Eat like Royalty. Swim in the moonlight.

Unleash your inner Tarzan at the rope swing pool. Meditate, relax, and decompress before you return to the post-vacation school grind. www.foresthostel.com 3901 US-82, Brunswick, GA 31523 (912) 264-9738

Itchetucknee Springs - Fla. Just three hours south of Brunswick, Itchetucknee Springs is a three to six hour float via innertube or kayak, down a spring emitting from subterranean caverns. Immerse your self in nature, and witness various forms of wildlife such as manatees, and the great wild redneck in its natural habitat. www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings 12087 US-27, Fort White, FL 32038 (386) 497-4690

SunRay Cinema - Jacksonville, FL Cinema and Pizza; a holy union. Order a pitcher, order some nachos, order a pizza, order whatever. The point is, this food will be delivered to you while you stare at the silver screen. This fun house turned movie house turned restaurant is the bee’s knees, folks. www.sunraycinema.com 1028 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 (904) 359-0049 Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

Lifestyle

We asked Mariners if they knew why St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated. These were your responses: he t e rat b ele rty ” son c “ To pa John rey o t n -Ke In reality, St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast day in Ireland to celebrate the arrival of Christianity to the land, and to commemorate the patron saint responsible for relegating paganism. While St. Patrick’s Day has been recognized throughout Ireland since the ninth century, the holiday was first observed in the United States in 1737 by Irish immigrants wishing to honor their homeland. Since, the celebration has spread across the globe becoming the most widely

“ To wre ak havo c on the streets of Savann a -Brittan h” y Lanie r observed holiday to honor Irish culture and heritage.

After many Irish were freed from debtor’s prison, they left Ireland to join James Oglethorpe’s new colony in America, now known as Georgia. Needless to say, this influx of Irish immigrants produced a large Irish-American population which annually mark the holiday. So, if you want to put on your dancing shoes and green, Southeast Georgia is the right place. Here’s a list of nearby activities celebrating the holiday:

Feb 2015

13

“ To pinch people on the butt ” -Julia Dixon

Put your Dancin shoes on it's time to get Irish

Savannah, GA:

Savannah’s annual St. Patrick’s Day is wild. Nearly half a million people visit the city to attend the celebration and the city caters for its guests. Live music, dancing, and food can be found near Forsyth Park, but the most attractive event though is the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The large, three hour ceremony courses through the squares of the major downtown streets and features entries like the Clydesdale Express, the Irish Air Corps Pipes and Drums, and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, among others.

The parade begins at 10:15 a.m. on the holiday. To avoid getting boxed in by the parade, check the map to the right.

Townsend, GA:

Each year, the Friends of Shellman Bluff sponsor a St. Patrick’s Day Parade to help raise money for the local fire department. The theme for this years parade is “Casting for Shamrocks”. Please note that this celebration is held the Saturday after Saint Patrick’s Day on March 21.

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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www.ccga-crowsnest.com

HOME GAMES Men’s Basketball Thursday, Feb 19 Coastal Georgia vs Auburn-Montgomery

7:30 p.m.

Sports

Spring Sports in Full Swing

Saturday, Feb 21 Coastal Georgia vs Faulkner

4:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

C. Garrett Dutton Sports Editor

Thursday, Feb 19 Coastal Georgia vs Auburn-Montgomery

Saturday, Feb 21 Coastal Georgia vs Faulkner

5:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Men’s & Women’s Tennis Wednesday, March 4 Coastal Georgia vs Mobile

1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10 Coastal Georgia vs Austin Peay

1:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 12 Coastal Georgia vs Missouri Valley College

10:00 a.m.

Softball Friday, Feb 20 Coastal Georgia vs University of South Carolina - Beaufort

Friday, Feb 27 Coastal Georgia vs Brenau University

2:00 p.m.

*Doubleheader

1:00 p.m.

*Doubleheader

Saturday, Feb 28 Coastal Georgia vs Middle Georgia State College

Saturday, March 7 Coastal Georgia vs Emmanuel College

Friday, March 13 Coastal Georgia vs Thomas University

1:00 p.m.

*Doubleheader

1:00 p.m.

*Doubleheader

1:00 p.m.

*Doubleheader

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

The College of Coastal Georgia’s men and women’s tennis programs have served up the start of their 2015 campaign. Both teams opened up this season with a home contest Feb. 6 at Marta Torrey Tennis Complex in Brunswick. The two teams faced off against the men and women of NCAA foe St. Leo University.

At the end of the day the Coastal teams would both suffer their first loss of the season, the men losing 1-8 and the women 0-9. The men’s No. 3 doubles pair, freshmen Joel Hunter from Brisbane, Australia and freshmen Mateo Garcia from Barcelona, Spain; won in their first ever competition as Mariners.

While those sorts of defeats can seem demolishing to any team, the Mariners remain optimistic. St. Leo men’s tennis team is nationally ranked No. 14 in NCAA Division II, while their women have a strong team as well. Senior Eric Bermudez said the team likes early season challenges.

“I think coach (Kemper) Baker decided to make the first match against St. Leo University because he wanted to see how we match up mentally, physically and competitively when playing against a high level tennis team,” Bermudez said.

Baker is hoping to pick up this season right were he left off last year. The Coastal men are coming off a 13-8 overall record in their 2014 campaign, going 6-3 in conference play. In the 2014 the Mariners made their first appearance in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics national tournament and won their opening round match 5-4 against Olivet Nazarene University. At the start of 2015 season the men come in ranked No. 13 in the NAIA. Bermudez, at native Caracas, Venezuela, will compete as the Mariners No. 1 in singles. Sophomore Rhan Burton, from

Queensland, Australia and senior Robin Lucas, from Braincon, France, make up second and third spots in singles.

The Mariner’s No. 1 doubles pair is Burton and Bermudez.

“Coming into the season with such high expectation is tough, but exciting at the same time,” said junior Daniel Rush. “You get nervous when performing. [You want to] do as well as you can for the team, but at the same time it’s such a rush being in the mindset of expecting so much from yourself and from your team.”

The women of Coastal Georgia’s tennis team are no strangers to success since Baker’s arrival. Coming off the 2014 season, during which the Mariners posted a 12-8 record overall, finishing 8-2 in conference play. However, the Mariners had five players that did not return including four seniors. At the start of 2015 the Coastal women were ranked No. 3 in a preseason poll by coaches in the Southern States Athletic Conference, and No. 16 in an NAIA national poll.

Sophomore Daniella Caruso, from Venezuela, is set to play No. 1 singles after transferring to Coastal from Webber International where she also played in the top singles spot.

In the women’s No. 1 doubles position, the Mariner’s plan to open with Caruso and freshmen Emy Alplund, from Sweden.

“Although our team is young, we have a lot of talent and we all work very hard,” said sophomore Alden Minick. “All of us have high expectations and not only ant to win, but also want to improve our game.”

With conference play for Coastal Georgia’s tennis teams just around the corner, the Mariner’s plan to use the knowledge they gained from facing such a high quality opponent in their first match to their advantage. Both teams start conference play Feb. 20 with a doubleheader against No.3 SSAC ranked Auburn University-Montgomery, followed by a contest with Bethel University in Mobile, Alabama.

Sports

Golf Preps to Defend Title C. Garrett Dutton Sports Editor

College of Coastal Georgia’s men and women’s golf teams hosted the 2015 Coastal Georgia Winter Invitational Feb. 16-17, taking to the Sea Island Retreat and King and Prince golf courses on St. Simons Island.

CCGA’s men’s team is coming out of the 2013-14 season in which the team became the first ever CCGA gold program to achieve the National Athletics of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championship.

Head coach Mike Cook, now in his fifth season, was named the NAIA Coach of the Year after last season’s impressive finish.

The Mariners are also returning quality players such as senior Hunter Cornelius from Ringgold, Georgia; who was named to the SSAC All-Academic team last season.

The Mariners also picked up senior Alistair Tidcombe during the off-season. Tidcombe is a Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada native who transferred to Coastal from University of Cumberlands in Kentucky. In 2014 Tidcombe won the Nova Scotia Amateur Championship.

“I wanted to play for a team who was of the best quality, and it has always been my goal to win a national championship,“ Tidcombe says. “Plus coach Cook is a great mentor and a coach who knows what it takes to beat the best and obviously how to be the best.”

The men come into the season ranked fourth by the 2014-15 NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches Preseason Top 25 poll, which was released back in Nov. Sophomore Tucker Anderson sets the record straight, “Our expectations have never really changed. We just try to play our best and win each and each tournament we play in.”

In the first contest of the New Year the Mariner men cruised to a 17-stroke win in the Coastal Georgia Winter Invitational.

The Mariners secured the top spot among 18 teams after posting a two-day combined score of 577, a record low for the tourney.

Alastair Tidcombe a senior from Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada led the Mariner’s placing first individually with at two-round score of 142 (71-71). Allen

Bradford finised second overall with at 142 (73-71) and Hunter Cornelius (71-75) and Alan Barnhardt (70-76) tied for fourth at 146 in the tournament.

“Dalton State University and Faulkner University are two tough opponents in our conference,” said Cook. “ Even though we won the national championship last season the men finished second in the conference tournament, and this season we want the conference championship also.”

CCGA’s women’s golf program starts fresh with the New Year after a disappointing fall campaign. The women placed 14th in the NAIA fall preview at the Savannah Quarter Country Club; the same course that hosts the national championship event this spring.

The women returning from last year’s team know what it takes to succeed in the NAIA and have seen from the CCGA’s men’s golf program, that it can be done.

Sarah Gillard, a junior from Alma, moved to the top of the charts in 2013-14 by posting the lowest scoring average in school history with 77.19. Gillard was also named to the SSAC All-Tournament team and awarded CCGA’s Women’s Student Athlete Award in 2013-14.

Fifth year head coach Nicole Johns looks for contributors like Gillard to pave the way for underclassmen and led by example.

“I am looking for Sarah to make a huge impact this season,” said Johns. “ Gillard is extremely talented, and is excited about potentially winning the conference championship as well as the national championship.”

After the final hole was finished in the Winter Invitational the women had posted an overall score of 716 in the two-day tournament to finish sixth of 12 teams.

Madison Manning of Thomasville led the Mariner’s as she finished tied for 12th at 170 (81-89). Jessica Whitteker was close behing, her 172 (85-87) was good enough for 16th place.

The women play next at the Columbia College invitational on Feb. 23-24. The men play again on March 9-10 in the USCB Sand Shark Invitational.

Feb 2015

15

Sophomore duo leads softball to first wins of season

Senior outfielder Cali Bartholomew at the plate in a recent game. Photo Provided.

The wait is over; all of your long harbored anticipation for the start of the College of Coastal Georgia’s 2015 softball season is finally here.

The first pitch of the season was delivered when the Mariners rushed the diamond Feb. 7 for a triple-header in the annual Southern Challenge tournament.

The Mariners would go on to drop their first three games to the likes of: Webber International 1-0, Ave Maria University 7-3, and finally Southeastern University 15-5.

In their most recent event the Mariners travelled to Thomasville for a two-day four-game series against Truett-McConnell College and host school Thomas University. Second year head coach Mike Minink led the Mariners to finish their road trip Saturday, Feb. 14 with a 2-2 record during their away venture.

Both victories came against TruettMcConnell College, as the Mariners claimed their first wins of 2015 convincingly 8-0, 1-0.

In the 8-0 triumph, sophomore Dawn Stewart of Sylvania pitched a complete game giving up only two hits to the Bears.

Stewart finished the game seven strikeouts and gave up only one walk.

“I believe we have a chance of competing well in our challenging conference,” Minick said. “With our two top pitchers Dawn Stewart and Stacey Ward coming off their freshman season, I expect them to

make a huge difference in our push to the conference tournament.”

Even with two solid starting pitchers, will have to rely on the entire team to secure a winning season. Veteran catcher Haley Craven of Jacksonville, Fla. claims she knows what all it takes to compete in the always-tough Southern States Athletic Conference.

“The way our sport and team works is that everyone has to put 100 percent in.

We all contribute even if the role is small.”

Craven said. “It's takes all 13 of us playing as hard as we can to win a game. Everyone has a major role in the success of our team.”

The bats of Coastal gave Stewart great support in their favorable result Friday as the Mariners’ sophomore third basemen Katie Burns of Newnan, led the team with two RBIs and junior first basemen Katie Warren Orange Park, Fla. contributed with two hits.

Even though CCGA dropped two games to Thomas University the Mariner’s hope to use the momentum of winning their first two road games to build confidence leading into tough conference play.

“The No. 1 goal I have this year is to help our team be the first Coastal softball squad to make it to the conference tournament,” said sophomore Stacy Ward. “The seniors on our team have worked so hard and have so much heart for the game, we owe it to them to make it this year.”

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

WE ARE ASKING Which design should be the NEW fan section t-shirts?

CCGA

OPTION 1

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OPTION 2

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official fan section for the

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