The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University
The Colonnade Friday, September 5, 2008
News We got spirit, Yes we do! In search for a fight song worth winning for. Page 2
Features
GCSU may join smoke-free club Smoke-free college club in Georgia Darton College Floyd College Gainesville College Gainesville State College Georgia Highlands College Medical College of Georgia North Georgia College and State University Southwest Georgia Technical College Photo Courtesy of the Web www.no-smoke.org
Flower Power Frances de la Rosa brings nature to canvas and to Blackbridge Hall Page 9
- www.gcsunade.com - Volume 85, No. 1
Sarah Giaratanna Staff Writer When students at GCSU need a cigarette, they walk a few feet out from any residence hall, classroom or on-campus apartment to light up. But Student Government Association, with input from the staff’s council, is in the process of proposing to make GCSU a smoke free campus. Other Georgia colleges, such as Darton State College, Gainesville State College, Georgia Highlands
SGA to propose a plan to ease stress during finals
said. “The underclassmen will really benefit because they don’t know what to SGA is working on im- expect with college exams. plementing a new policy Upperclassmen will benefit that will forbid professors because they have more diffrom giving any additional ficult courses and need to do tests during the week of fi- really well in classes having nal exams. to do with their majors.” The purpose of this new All classes and all propolicy is to reduce the al- fessors are different so the ready high stress levels, new policy will not affect and to have everyone the the students same. Evfocus solely ery student on their fihas different nal exams. ways of pre“SGA is paring for looking at exams, but this policy this policy because stuis meant to dents often make the complain process easabout havier for the ing to study students. for tests the “Every week beteacher I’ve fore finals,” had since SGA PresiI’ve been - Ryan Greene dent Ryan here has preSGA President Greene said. sented new “It will help material on students rethe last day tain material and not have to of class,” sophomore precram for a test before finals, med major Kyle Taylor and then for another, often said. “It wasn’t that they cumulative, final a few days gave us an exam immedilater.” ately before the final, it was SGA, along with many just that they tried to cram other students, feels that in the last bit of informathis will be a very positive tion right before the final change for GCSU. Finals which made it more stressweek can be very over- ful to study all the material whelming and students ap- throughout the year.” preciate any extra time to Greene recently learned study. about this new policy from “I think it’s a great idea a conference he attended at and really hope it gets passed,” junior psychology Dead week Page 5 major Megan Gernazian
College and North Georgia College & State University all have smoke-free policies on their campuses. Depending on the upcoming vote, GCSU might follow in their footsteps. “SGA has not made an official decision to go smoke free and will be posting online surveys on myCATS to allow students to vote on the issue,” said SGA president Ryan Greene, “There will be representative areas on campus for those who do smoke.” As word of the possible
change and upcoming poll spreads, students express different perspectives on this smoldering issue. “SGA’s decision will represent that of the student body,” Greene said. Some students express concern about a smoke-free policy affecting the decisions of possible applicants to GCSU. “[Without smoking] the campus would be restricted,” said Stephanie Sorensen, a freshman non-smoker. “By banning smoking, GCSU would lose students
Smoke -Free
Page 4
Courtney McMahon Staff Writer
‘Pajama’ Party Milledgeville players musical will do anything but put audience to sleep. Page 9
Sports Run, cat, run Cross Country opens season with trip to N.H. Page 12
First Down Sports Editor, Preston Sellers, discusses SEC’s dominance in college football. Page 12
Weekend Weather Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
92 70
91 71
91 70
10%
10%
20%
www.weather.com
1803 Year explorers discovered Jarret’s Spring and settled in Milledgeville. www. sweetwater.com
“SGA is looking at this policy because students often complain about having to study for tests the week before finals.”
Soccer kicks off season with a draw Matthew Perez/ Staff Photogrpaher
Junior Kara Teresi, mid-fielder/forward for the Bobcats, opens the soccer season against Belmont-Abbey at home. The game was a tie.
Bobcat Vision eyes all over campus Chelsea Thomas Staff Reporter Looking to provide students and faculty with an easier way to access information, the Student Government Association (SGA) has installed new flat-screen televisions in numerous buildings around campus just in time for the opening of the fall 2008 semester. The new television system is being called “The Bobcat Vision.” The Bobcat Vision is a system anticipated to supply students with a more organized method of communication about events and meetings scheduled to take place around campus. There have also been plans to make it an important instrument in reporting vital broadcasting information quickly, such as campus safety notifications. One of the major ways the SGA intends for Bobcat Vision to positively affect GCSU is by letting the Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs)
publish and advertise campus events. Ryan Greene, President of SGA, comments on its expediential value in relation to the student community. “(Bobcat Vision’s) overall purpose is to get out student-related messages to students in the university,” Greene said. “So, if you have RSO and student groups wishing to advertise upcoming events you can submit that and get it posted on Bobcat Vision.” However, amidst the positive enforcement heading up the new program, many students show their opposition. Due to this semester’s RSO funding cuts, there have been questions raised about where the finances were produced to fund this program. Some students dispute that the money should have gone to the RSOs and not to a program buying several flat-screen televisions. “I don’t think that Bobcat Vision was necessary. I doubt that it is help
Bobcat Vision Page 5
2 The Colonnade
On the prowl for a new growl News
September 5, 2008
The Tech’s got the wramblin’ wrecks, the Dawg’s got the mean machine in red and black. What will we have? Spenser Norris Staff Writer
As it has been stated at every “Welcome Back” function held by GCSU, the students’ SAT scores and GPAs rank with University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. However, these two larger institutions have something that GCSU lacks. What is it? It is a simple answer, something usually overlooked, but highly necessary. It is a fight song. Although GCSU does not have a football team, there is plenty of school spirit. A GCSU Bobcat’s sense of school pride can surpass that of a Bulldog at “Dear Old UG-A” or a “Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech.” So why do we need a fight song? Many students may not know this, but GCSU does have a song: the alma mater, “O Beacon Bright.” When talking to students about the song, the general consensus was that they had no
idea that GCSU had one. “I don’t even know what the words to our alma mater would be,” sophomore John Gose said. The fact is, the alma mater, while perfect for formal events, is a little too ceremonial. No one wants to be chanting, “of caring sage and ardent youth…” at a basketball game. Our teams need the musical encouragement that they deserve. Over the summer the Student Government Association attempted to write what they thought would be a great fight song. “It just wasn’t fightish enough,” SGA President Ryan Greene said. As a result, SGA, along with the Athletics Department, Department for Student Affairs and Campus Life, has put the creation of the fight song into the students’ hands. They have organized a competition in which a student or group of students can
Fight Song
Page 3
GCSU Alma Mater (O Beacon Bright) Georgia College and State University: Hail our proud and stalwart community! Hail, O Wisdom’s daughter, Faithful alma mater! We do pledge to honor right, With truth and love our shining light. Georgia College and State University: Hail, O beacon bright!
File Photo SGA, Campus Life and the Athletic Department are holding a competetion for a fight song worth cheering and remembering. In the past, the alma mater, was one of the few songs known to be officially used during school functions. However, students have failed to connect with the song and thus the search for a more peppy song is in order.
Georgia College and State University, Hear the rush of wing’d sincerity: Hail the phoenix strong; Triumphant is its song Of caring sage and ardent youth With humble heart, respect for truth. Georgia College and State University: Hail, O beacon bright!
Easing the voting process Christine Geiger Staff Writer Due to this year’s historic election, some GCSU faculty are making it easy for students to either register themselves to vote or to acquire an absentee ballot. Dr. Gregg Kaufman, coordinator of the American Democracy Project at GCSU, explains that students can either go to him, Kathleen Martin, GCSU Deputy Registrar, Dr. Jan Clark, rhetoric professor, or the voter registration office in the courthouse on Hancock Street to pick up an application to request an absentee ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s website, absentee ballots may only be requested 180 days prior to election day, November 4th. The absentee ballots must then be received by mail or fax by the county’s Board of Registrar’s office by 7 pm on Election Day. No absentee ballots are issued the day or the day before the election. If students are not yet registered, they may visit Kathleen Martin or Dr. Jan Clark, as well as many of ADP’s events, to receive a voter registration application. Some students may find it easier to register and to vote in Baldwin County rather than registering their home address and acquiring an absentee ballot. “Students can register in Baldwin County as long as they list a street address,” Kaufman said. “Every residence hall has a street address. One of the challenges for both student voters and the Baldwin County Voter Registration office is maintaining accurate address records.” However, if the voter’s street address changes, he or
she must re-register. Unless a student is particularly interested in Baldwin County and Milledgeville elections, it may be easier to maintain the home voter registration address and vote using absentee ballots, advises Kaufman. Sophomore marketing major Alana Israel explains that she will either vote via absentee ballot or drive home on Election Day. “I definitely plan on vot-
The ADP is also working with the College Republicans, Young Democrats and the Colonnade to host a mock debate where students can debate against each other. At each of the ADP events prior to the election a table will be set up at which students can get voter registration forms. The deadline to register to vote in time for this year’s election is Oct. 6. Also, be sure to mail or fax absentee
“You are today and tomorrow’s leaders and those of us who are your elders and others who are to follow will depend on an informed and actively engaged citizenry to address significant regional, national,and global challenges.” - Dr. .Gregg Kaufman Coordinator of American Democracy Project
ing on Election Day, but I hadn’t really thought about how yet,” Israel said. “I guess I would drive home if I had to, but knowing that absentee ballot forms are offered on campus is really helpful.” The American Democracy Project is hosting several events this semester to ensure that students are informed and ready to make their vote count. “The ADP and ADP RSO are hosting a number of election watching events including Senator Obama and Senator McCain’s nominating convention speeches, three presidential debates, and the Vice Presidential debate,” Kaufman said. “Currently, the library Books & Brew is the venue for most.”
ballots to your home county in time to arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day. This election will be a historic one, and it is important that the younger demographic make the effort voice an opinion. “You are today and tomorrow’s leaders and those of us who are your elders and others who are to follow will depend on an informed and actively engaged citizenry to address significant regional, national,and global challenges,” Kaufman said. For more information contact Gregg Kaufman, gregg.kaufman@gcsu.edu, Kathleen Martin, k.martin@ gcsu.edu, or Jan Clark, jan. clark@gcsu.edu.
September 5, 2008
News
Fight Song Continued from Page 2... write and submit their own creative ideas for a fight song to be performed at basketball games by the pep band. A recording of the song will be made to be played at other activities where the band will not be present. Dr. Doug O’Grady of the music department will be composing the song. “I am going to wait until I get the lyrics to do anything with the song,” O’Grady said, “It should be a collaborative process between me and the writer.” The winner of the competition will be working with O’Grady to make the song the best it can be. The song has to be composed for the entire pep band. O’Grady said he has been preparing for the creation of the fight song by listening to other universities’ fight songs and getting a feel for them. He also suggests this method when preparing to write the lyrics for the song; it has to feel like every other fight song. “We’re a school that has a history, and that history needs to be incorporated in the
song,” O’Grady said. Other hints that O’Grady mentioned were to include something personal to GCSU that only those who attend the college would understand. “Alabama has the yellow hammer, which still to this day I do not understand.” O’Grady said of his own fight song. However, he did understand that it meant something to the school, and it worked to get the crowd pumped up. A song invoking school pride, respect and spirit is obviously necessary. Some helpful hints when writing your submission are to include anything that relates to GCSU, such as bobcats, columns, liberal arts and the colors green and blue. A $250 grand prize will be given to the winner, and his or her name will be attached to the song. The competition starts now while the deadline for submission has not been announced. The winning song will debut during Homecoming Week, Feb. 16-21, 2009.
Obama or Nobama? No way McCain or All the way McCain? Political issues and the upcoming election matter to our generation more than ever as we approach Decision 2008. We want to know where you stand in your political views. YOU decide. Watch out for our politics watch and forum next week online and on The Colonnade. Write us a letter or visit us at www.gscunade.com
The Colonnade
3
Flipping through choices Tim Graham Staff Writer If you live on campus, the television channels don’t stop at 85 anymore. True. it doesn’t show up on the channel list placed in every room or on the scrolling guide on channel 2, but it’s there and you may want to know about it. The newest channel, 87, is home of Resident Life Cinema, or just Res Life Cinema. It is one of many new features that Georgia College is bringing in to help enhance the community living on campus. Run by the same company that CAB uses for their big movie nights, the most current being the showing of Iron Man during the Week of Welcome, Res Life has a unique approach to what is shown on their channel. “We are always looking for amenities to help improve our residence halls and apartments,” says Cindy McClanahan, Marketing Coordinator for GCSU Housing. “We thought it would be a great addition and something our students would enjoy. Similar to HBO, a selection of about 20 or so movies per month are selected to be shown. Res Life provides commercialfree viewings of these movies, showing a mix of classic titles along with movies that may have only recently been out in the movie theaters or on DVD. Where Res Life allows the students get to choose from an extensive list what they would like to see rather than just being forced to watch whatever comes on, much like the newer “on-demand” broadcasting that many satellite and cable companies now provide. Brought to the school by RSA, Resident Student Association, currently students involved in the organization choose the movies that are shown, but that is soon to change. “We are working to get an on-line voting capability,” says McClanahan, “so that students can go online and select their top five favorites [movies], and we’ll make sure to show those.” Along with movies, other educational and informational programming can be added to the channel’s network. Certain movies can be selected to coincide with
certain themes or holidays and observances such as National Hispanic Month and World Aids Day. Similar to Bobcat Vision seen on Main Campus, messages such as important dates and safety reminders can also be broadcast on the Res Life channel, getting students out to everyone who lives on campus. Also, how-to videos can be added, which can be anything from making meals to, yes, learning how to wash clothes. “There’s also the the possibility for adding training videos,” says McClanahan. “There’s actually a ‘Laundry 101’ video.” Student involvement will play a large role in how successful this new channel will be both in watching and selecting what will be shown. Regardless, the opportunity for communication and programming through Res Life are something to keep an eye out for. Just be sure to keep flipping up. For more information go to www.reslife. com.
Movies to be shown in September: Semi-Pro Fools Gold Rambo In Bruges Vantage Point Across the Universe American Gangster Awake The Bourne Ultimatum Cloverfield 28 Days Gridiron Gang Stranger Than Fiction United 93 Coach Carter Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Days of Thunder 1408 23 Forrest Gump
Photo Courtesy of the Web
4 The Colonnade
News
September 5, 2008
Sweetwater continues tradition
Amidst lawsuit and internal restructuring, festival proceeds this fall Brittany Henderson Staff Writer While the Sweetwater Festival and the Milledgeville’s
Mainstreet Downtown Development Authority undergo positive and internal modifications, the Sweetwater lawsuit remains unresolved. The Atlanta-based Sweetwater Brewery filed a lawsuit against the Sweetwater Festival, Milledgeville Mainstreet, and sister organization Milledgeville in Motion, and organizers of the annual event for alleged misuse of the name. Sweetwater Brewery claims that the name came from when the brewery co-sponsored the festival a few years ago. According to the festival organizers, the name “Sweetwater” originates from a few commissioners who came upon Jarrett Springs in search for a new capital city. They mixed whisky with the water and because of its sweetness; they called it “sweet water.” Meanwhile, MMDDA, a public private entity that promotes the annual Sweetwater Festival, is still preserving Milledgeville’s history and the downtown area. They base activities off of the Main Street Four Point Approach: design, organization, promotion, and economic restructuring. Originally located the GCSU’s Campus Theatre, MMDDA moved to the City Hall annex on Hancock Street parallel from the post office. “We are still in negotiation,” said Lindsey Hornsby,
MMDDA’s temporary holding director. In addition to internal changes within the MMDDA, festival chairman Frank Pendergast continues to make improvements to the festival. Statistics show that in 2004, the festival had 15 vendors and a budget of $11,000; as of last year the $157,000 budgeted festival had 35 additional vendors. More than 13,000 people from all over Middle Georgia and neighboring states attended to experience the food, fun, and entertainment last year. This year’s festival has an even larger layout and expansion of the Music Mainstage. The Bellamy Music Mainstage lineup, announced last Wednesday. It includes artists: Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Bomb Chewey, The Blackout Farmers, the GCSU’s Jazz Band, and the Milledgeville 2008 Idol Winners: Brenda Tollison, Joe Simmons, and Tristan Tollison. The festival, originally called Fest-of-Ville, will be held on October 25th 2008. Starting at 10 a.m., the festival is home to KidsZone, the artist market, the antique car show, the EndZone-complete with recliners for those sports fanatics- and the People’s Choice Award Memphis BBQ Network Cook Off. This year the townspeople can eat famous barbeque and vote for the best tasting barbeque samples. The People’s Choice winner will receive $ 750. Tickets are available on www.sweetwaterfestival.com/. Volunteer applications are also available online.
Sweet Water Roots The scoop:
2008
1868
Atlanta becomes Explorers were said Georgia’s capital to have settled in the heart of Georgia upon discovering the sweet taste of the water from a spring. People 1803 have been settling Milledgeville in Milledgeville ever is settled and Jarret’s since. Spring was found
1997 Sweet water Brewing company founded
Milledgeville celebrates 5th annual Sweet water Festival. Sweet water Brewery files for a lawsuit.
2006
1995 “Fest-of-ville” began in Milledgeville
Milledgeville event files for a federal trademark Photo Courtesy of the Web
File Photo
Smoke Free Continued from Page 1...
File Photo The smoking ban on campus will be passed when students vote on the issue in the coming months. Students should be aware that this would include designated smoking areas around campus much like designated smoking spaces in airports.
and diversity.” Some students find that the nicotine in cigarettes helps calm their nerves during stressful situations. “Cigarettes help you relax,” sophomore smoker Patrick Burns said. “With the workload we have, like with work-study, we have the right to relax the way we want.” Debates about the right to smoke appear often in conversation. “It’s that person’s right,” said Stacy Troutt, a junior non-smoker, “even if I don’t like it.” Other students with medical problems take a different stance on the smoking issue. “With my sensitive asthma, I’d enjoy a smoke free campus,” said freshman Ellie Ebert. Freshman Ryan Nichols watched his grandmother struggle with lung cancer during his childhood. “Smoking is unhealthy, but it is a personal decision,” Nichols said.
In the upcoming weeks, students will be able to vote on the issue of smoking on campus. “My vote depends on where the smoking areas are,” sophomore Justin Doll said. “Because if they are in common areas anyway, the adjustment wouldn’t do anything.” Sophomore Mandy Labra said she will definitely vote. “I don’t think it’s fair for people who do smoke,” Labra said. “We already cannot smoke in the buildings.” To Burns, the right to smoke is a basic freedom present in a liberal arts education. “As a liberal arts college,” Burns said, “we have many choices unavailable at other universities.” The decision to make GCSU a smokefree campus now lies not in rights but in ballots, which will be available for students both on myCATS and in print in a few weeks.
What do you think? Join our forum and tell us what you think about the proposal online at www.gcsunade.com
September 5, 2008 Bobcat Vision
Continued from Page 1... ful enough to make up for the money that was lost for the RSOs,” says sophomore Heather Luyk. However, the more common response is voiced by senior history major Erin Beall. “I think it’s a good idea, but as of right now I haven’t seen any pertinent information on the TVs around campus,” Beall said. But if they were to start using it for organizations and event notifications, that would be great.” Almost as if hearing Beall’s comment, Greene explains how event announcements from RSOs and student groups are expected to begin showing by mid-September. Campus Life will be in control of the content and design going into the program. There will be forms available online to submit notices to be broadcast. In response to the disputes about funding, Greene made clear that the funds for Bobcat Vision had no effect on the cuts made in RSO funding. “The money funding Bobcat Vision did not come from last year’s fees. So the different RSOs whose funding got cut need to know it was not related to this project. The money came from a separate account,” Greene said. RSO financing is directly related to the accessibility of student fees that come in every year. The money financing the Bobcat Vision project came from a reserve account Greene said, that had been put aside as a
safety protocol in case of emergency. The “reserve account” had gathered too much money, therefore SGA decided to put some to use with the installation of this new system. Justin Reeves, President of Eta Sigma Alpha and Justice on the Student Judicial Board, supports the new program. “I think the Bobcat Vision televisions and broadcast systems that are being placed around campus are a great way to keep the student body informed during emergency situations as well as on a day to day basis,” said Reeves. One of the main benefits from Bobcat Vision is also the positive reduction of paper waste on campus. With Bobcat Vision, there is hope to reduce the use of flyers on campus. “One of the main benefits we foresee with Bobcat Vision is to cut down on paper waste. We are trying to be more sustainable and more green. We simply have too much paper waste. Our thought was to put LCD monitors around campus and allow information to be accessed that way,” says Greene. Overall, with the 19 flat-screen monitors placed around campus there is hope to strength the student community and involvement, as well as maintain less paper waste. Perhaps Bobcat Vision will prove itself as a vital instrument to the campus.
Dead Week
Continued from Page 1... Georgia Tech. Universities all across the nation use similar policies and are very happy with its outcome. SGA also hopes to get positive feedback from the GCSU faculty and is working hard to satisfy everyone. “I believe there will be some hesitation from faculty,” Greene said. “SGA has been, and still is working with faculty, staff, and administration to make this policy work in the best interest for students, faculty, staff, and the GCSU campus as a whole.” Greene said that this new policy will barely affect the academic calendar so faculty should be open to the idea. No major changes to the curriculum will be needed, but it will take time to get familiar with the new policy and to see how truly beneficial it can be. “I see the reasoning behind this propos-
al and I do think students should be given ample time to study,” English Department teacher Park Parkison said. “But my guess is that, if this passes, you’ll see a much more stressful semester for students in which they’ll be completing the same number of assignments with less time.” SGA is still working with multiple parties of GCSU to get ideas, recommendations, and suggestions for this new policy. SGA is trying hard to get this passed quickly, but most likely will be voted on before spring semester. “We hope to have this come in front of the university voting bodies before the end of the academic year, and probably to be fully implemented in fall of 2009,” Greene said.
News
The Colonnade 5
Opinion
The Colonnade’s Forum for Public Debate
Friday, September 8, 2008
www.gcsunade.com
Editor in Chief, Corey Dickstein
The Hard Press bj James
Odom
All sides are equal This week, the nation watched as both the Democratic and Republican parties announced their respective nominees after months of grueling campaigning from the East to the West coast. We have been bombarded with so much information and the time for action and a decision will soon fall into our hands. As your campus newspaper, it is our duty to inform you (our readers) about the opinions that the student body holds. And if you read that previous line carefully, we, The Colonnade, represent your voice and your opinions. The Colonnade has closely followed both, if not, most political parties in this election. Contrary to popular belief, and to some nay-says, The Colonnade remains apathetic in our collective political views. We are an eclectic bunch here in the newsroom. We have varying opinions that represent all beliefs from the very liberal, to the moderate, to the very conservative, to the unsure, and to the I don’t care group. We are individually, a boisterous crowd and are very outspoken when it comes to our politics. Collectively, The Colonnade, does not side with or affiliate with any political party. What you see, ladies and gentlemen, in the Opinion section are, as the heading states, the opinions of our columnists, who can be any student who choses to write - including you. So, when we get complaints that the paper has suddenly become a conservative or liberal platform, it is not because we care more about one party or the other. We believe you should tell us those opinions and The Colonnade is your paper where you can debate these issues. We strive to present the most accurate and most unbiased opinions when it comes to our articles. We also strive to represent opposing viewpoints to the best of our ability with our columns. We strive to be the best of these thing, but we can only be as good as what is given to us. What we can give is up to you and your loyal readership. We continue to be better and better as each issue because you tell us what we can improve on, what you like, and what you want. So, instead of whining about how conservative/liberal/ green/blue/purple we have become, why not exercise that good ‘ol first amendment and let us hear what you know about it. Participate. It’s about time you stopped waiting for someone else to do it and take matters into your own hands. Comment on stories online at GCSUnade.com, write a letter to the editor and send it to colonnadeletters@gcsu. edu, or vent your opinion anonymously by IMing ColonnadeVent. Without you (our readers) we are nothing, so please keep us informed so that we can inform the campus community.
Editorial Board Corey Dickstein Editor in Chief colonnade@ gcsu.edu Ana Maria Lugo News Editor colonnadenews@ gcsu.edu Ashlee Mooneyhan Features Editor colonnadefeatures@ gcsu.edu Preston Sellers Sports Editor colonnadesports@ gcsu.edu Erin Gish Photo Editor
Amanda Boddy Asst. News Editor P.J. Schinella Asst. Features Editor Kyle Collins Asst. Sports Editor Chelsea Thomas Spotlight Editor Bobby Gentry Asst. Photo Editor Kim Brumfield Copy Editor
Why McCain is still standing
Andrew Adams Columnist You’ve probably noticed many in the media racking their brains the last few weeks to answer a simple question. Why is the race between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama so close? The President’s approval ratings are at all-time lows, and the Republican Party is in shambles following a horrible defeat in 2006. The Iraq War is going a little bit better than it was a year ago, but a large majority of Americans still oppose it and believe we should pull out in the near future. Even scarier for the Republicans is that they have come to the point where even the solid South isn’t so solid. It should be the Democrats’ year. Americans prefer Democrats on nine out of ten major election issues according to a recent Rasmussen
Lee Sandow Webmaster Tyler Anderson Business Manager
Ad Disclaimer
Copyrights
The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.
All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.
Macon McGinley Faculty Advisor
Corrections The Colonnade wants to correct mistakes appearing in the newspaper. If you believe we have made a mistake, please call us at 478-445-4511 or 478445-2559 or e-mail us at colonnade@gcsu.edu.
Republican, is because he isn’t much of one. During a presidential campaign, most candidates run from their party extremes to the middle to sway independent voters. This is something John McCain hasn’t had to do this year, because he’s spent almost his entire career in the Senate running away from his party. In fact, his appeal to independents is so powerful, that John Kerry considered naming McCain his running mate in his 2004 campaign against President Bush. But McCain’s strong poll numbers against Obama, who should be a shoo-in, aren’t only thanks to McCain’s independent streak, but also Obama’s liberal streak. The non-partisan National Review ranked Obama as the most liberal senator in 2007. According to the Congressional Quarterly, Obama voted the party line in the Senate 97 percent of the time in 2005 and 2007. In 2006, he was a little more moderate, only voting with Democrats a mere 96 percent of the time. According to the Congressional Quarterly, McCain has voted with the Republican Party as low as 67 percent of the time. There are two things that
most American voters are not: stupid and extremist. Americans see these two candidates, and they know the basic views of both of them. Likewise, most American voters don’t like candidates that won’t compromise for the good of the nation. Obama’s votes show that he knows nothing about compromise. And yet all the Senate bills with names like McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Feingold, and McCain-Lieberman show that John McCain probably knows a little too much about compromise. In the end, this election is about the political ideology of two men. Obama is an extreme liberal, and McCain is so moderate that I think there might be a chance he’s really a Democrat in disguise. While this nation has been moving more liberal in the past few years, I don’t think America will be at the stage to elect someone as liberal as Obama by November. Even as I write this, I’m not sure I’m willing to bite the bullet and vote McCain. But it doesn’t really matter, because whether he wins my vote or not, I can’t imagine a foreseeable scenario in which John McCain does not win the election.
Reflections of a “PAWS” addict
Claire Kersey Asst. Copy Editor
Christa Murphy Ad Manager colonnadeads@ gcsu.edu
Poll. And the Democrats have done everything right. They nominated an energetic, intelligent young man. There’s no question that Obama is a wonderful speaker, and he certainly has charisma. Obama is a stark contrast to the old, stoic, Vietnam vet McCain. While Obama’s party views him as little short of the Messiah, McCain’s party has historically had a love-hate (mostly hate) relationship with him. Yet, in one of the oddest turn of events in modern politics, McCain was able to easily secure the Republican nomination in a crowded field that split the conservative vote. In all fairness, I don’t really like McCain. I’m a libertarian-minded voter that usually prefers a small government Republican over a nanny-state Democrat. Out of the entire Republican Primary field, McCain would probably have been my very last pick, but now that we’re about two months away from the election, I’m thanking God that he’s the nominee, because he’s probably the only Republican that would stand a chance at winning. The reason John McCain is actually competing in this close race as a
Matthew Chambers Columnist One lazy August morning around 3 p.m. I logged on to PAWS to switch my ridiculously early Biodiversity class for a later one that allowed for the most sleep. Simple enough, I thought—three or four clicks and I’d be sleeping my way through noon every day. Then, it happened. Standing in the way of my slumber were two obstacles: a small red stop sign with a black X and its partner in crime, the
phrase, “You’ve made too many attempts to register this term. Contact your registrar for assistance.” Let’s rewind real quick, and I’ll explain how this tragedy happened. Hi, my name is Matt, and I am an addict. Some teens are addicted to cigarettes, porn, or the evil of all evil, Gossip Girl. How easy my life would be if this was the case! Instead, I am addicted to checking PAWS for classes. I check PAWS in search of the perfect schedule at least twice a day, sometimes more. I never have found the perfect schedule to sleep in, go to class, and then work part time, but I have had satisfying schedules so far. So when the red stop sign appeared on my screen, my life was shattered. In an attempt to reconcile the prob-
lem I dug into my little bag of computer tricks—restarted my computer a few times. That didn’t work, I decided to listen to the error message and called for reinforcements. A nice sounding lady, Rose, answered the Registrar office’s phone and I explained my crisis. After giving her my information, Rose read my account and laughed, I certainly had reached the limit. I used indecisiveness as my excuse for all the changes (the denial stage of my addiction). She promised to call back with some help. Later, my phone rang and I was happy to hear back from Rose only 45 minutes after we talked. She informed me that the technology department could do nothing and that I’d have to register in person. Rose also mentioned that I was the second person in GCSU history that
this has happened to. After hearing that, my whole mood changed. I went from being slightly annoyed to feeling honored and, frankly, special. How many people can say that they have been blocked from adding or dropping classes? Two, that’s it. Me and one other person. By now you’re thinking of me in one of two ways. You either respect and admire my accomplishment, or you think I’m totally nuts. It doesn’t matter to me which mindset you have, but I feel it’s my moral duty as a history buff to inform others of this very little-known limit to adding and dropping classes via PAWS. So the next time you decide to get a later class, be careful, it might be your last, electronically at least.
September 5, 2008
L etters
The Colonnade 7
Opinion
E ditor
to the
Southern hospitality intro Dear Editor,
When I signed the lease on my apartment in Milledgeville, it had as much to do with the location (two blocks from campus) and the price (too cheap for print) as it did with my realtor dropping everything to show me the place and introducing it with an honest “Keep in mind, this ain’t the Taj Mahal.” Also, she had pretty hair. After stuffing my face (and consequently, my belly) at Buffington’s the other night, I ordered a six-dollar dessert – one dollar for each precious extra second I’d get to spend with my waitress. Coincidentally, she also had pretty hair, and kept calling me “hon” in a way that made my ears turn red. I tipped her forty percent. I imagine most of you are used to it – the vast majority hailing from Georgia or parts nearby – but for someone who drove 600 miles to get here, the transition from Northern Aggression (in a bad way, usually) to Southern Hospitality can be a tricky one. Now, I’ve lived in two countries, four states, and countless counties, and I can
attest to the fact that there are attractive women everywhere. (Even Germany. Case in point: Heidi Klum.) The thing is, they’re not always so nice. In fact, they’re never so nice. It might be unbearable if it weren’t so adorable. I have to keep telling myself that these women aren’t flirting with me, that they’re just being polite in a way that would be considered flirting in any other part of the country (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Still, it’s hard to resist, and it’s going to take some getting used to. The next time I go to Buffington’s, I’m not going to order the fried cheesecake (not by myself, anyway). But my ears will blush, and my tip will burgeon, because my waitress deserves it. We Northern natives are the ones who have to adjust. These Southern belles are fine just the way they are.
“It was interesting; I really got into it.” Brent Cone, freshman
“Yes, but we should have had a choice of books.” Lisa Hunt, sophomore
Even Allgood Graduate Student Creative Writing
The Colonnade Policy: Letters
The Colonnade encourages readers to express their views and opinions by sending letters to the editor at: CBX 2442; Milledgeville, Ga. 31061 or by email at colonnadeletters@ gcsu.edu All letters must be typed and include: • names • address/ Email address
Did you enjoy your summer reading book (freshman year)?
• telephone number • year of study • major Only your name, year of study and major will be listed. • Unsigned letters will not be printed. Names will be withheld only under very unusual circumstances. • Letters longer than 300 words may be condensed.
“The end left you hanging and pondering the outcome of characters.”
to the
Editor
• All letters will be edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. • All letters become the property of The Colonnade and cannot be returned. • We are not able to acknowledge their receipt or disposition. Letters will be printed at the discretion of the Editor in Chief.
Ryan Cone, freshman
“It was too strange for me.” Sarah Hunt, sophomore
“It was an exquisite use of P.O.V.”
Colonnade editors’ blog at GCSUnade.com
Spencer Litland, junior
Every week each of The Colonnade’s editors will update their blogs on gcsunade.com. Be sure to log on and read what’s on each editor’s mind every week. Blogs will include insight into The Colonnade, goofy stories the editors want to share, and random ramblings from the minds that bring you The Colonnade.
Reported by Drake Simons
Poll of the Week Graphic by Corey Dickstein
What political party do you most closely affiliate yourself with? Republican 59%
It would be nice if The Village could let people know before they just cut off all the key card door entries, so when I come back to my apartment after work at 6 p.m. (after office hours) I’m not locked out of my apartment!! Dear ColonnadeVent, this has been an amazing summer. I never want it to end!!!! Dear ex boyfriend. it is NOT my fault that you can’t get over this, and it doesn’t mean ANYTHING just because you’ve never been this upset over an ex before. If anything it means that you were a s***** boyfriend to them!!! So do us ALL a favor and GET OVER IT ALREADY!! Stop whining, stop being so freaking emo, and MOVE ON!!!!!!! Thank you. Dear ex-boyfriend, STOP BEING A PRINCESS!!!!
Other 7% Democrat 30%
Apathetic 4%
Next week’s question: What do you think about the proposed smoking ban on campus? • I’m all for it! • I hate it! • I don’t really care.
Vote online at GCSUnade.com
Got more to say? Let us know with a letter to the editor!
To the incoming freshman: If you go out, get drunk underage and do something stupid, keep in mind you are only adding to my reading pleasure every week in the Colonnade’s “Public Safety Report”. I hate move in days. To future neighbors downstairs: We apologize in advance for any loud noises you hear from our apartment. We have two very fat cats who like to fall on the floor. So, no matter how loud you play your music, it is not us who are stomping on the floor... blame it on the cats. They don’t like the music either. I love being alone on my birthday. Hey, I even have to make my own cake! Yay! :( Okay, it’s only Tuesday after Labor Day and I’m already wanting the weekend to be here...Or just Friday...Since GCSU doesn’t have a football team. I smell a repeat of 2004’s Milledgeville Monsoon! Everybody get your rain boots! The cost of rent at The Village increased, but the worth of living here sure didn’t. I still have slow internet, noisy people all around me, and there’s never room for me on the shuttle. It sure did look good on the website, though!
Want to vent about something? Send us a message about what’s bothering you to screen name ColonnadeVent using AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), or by E-mail to colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu, with the subject ‘Vent.’
Features
The Colonnade’s Guide to Art and Entertainment
Friday, September 5, 2008
www.gcsunade.com
Section Editor, S. Ashlee Mooneyhan
Acoustic jam sessions resonate downtown
Blackbird coffee shop opens up the stage and turns on the mic By Roxanne Barnett Staff writer With a new school year come new bands: bands of friendship, bands of brotherhood, and bands of rock! Roommates and friends team up to create a fresh sound to kick off another year of college. To showcase these up and coming bands, there is Acoustic Night. Acoustic Night is held every Tuesday from 8 until 10 p.m., in the basement of Blackbird Coffee. Acoustic Night is a place for those starting out in the music world and seasoned professionals. Each band or solo act gets a chance to play two or three of their favorite songs for the awaiting crowd. Songs can be covers of a classic or an unheard original. Every genre is welcomed.
Upon arrival, musicians sign up for their spot on stage. There are two microphones provided as well as one amplifier. A variety of instruments can be showcased. They range from guitars to bongos to kazoos. Casey Sullivan began Acoustic Night three years ago. “(I have) never had anyone to not feel warm and welcome while performing on stage,” Sullivan said. “It is just a cozy environment.” Sullivan created Acoustic Night to make people feel comfortable and offer them the opportunity to find other people with the same interest in music. “People at Acoustic Night have a lot of respect for what you like and love Acoustic page 11
Weekly Events starting @ 8 p.m.
Tuesday Acoustic Night Wednesday Poetry Night coming soon
Thursday Improv Night
Special to The Colonnade The locally owned Blackbird Coffee invites patrons to show up and show out at Acoustic Nght.
Art exhibit sparks interest By Garlaine Luc Staff writer
Editor’s pick for wild art file photo of the week. The fountain behind Atkinson Hall.
File Photo
Milledgeville Players don pajamas By Claire Dykes Staff writer The Milledgeville Players are preparing for their next big musical, “The Pajama Game.” The upcoming performance of this hit Broadway production showcases GCSU students and faculty along with community members’ talents. This mesh of Milledgeville residents and university students only happens twice a year for the Players. Behind the flowing curtains of a Milledgeville Players production everyone comes together with encouragement and
critique to make the play as professional as possible. Two GCSU students costar in this 1954 comedy. Erin Ebrite, music education major, plays Babe Williams, the head of the Union Grievance Committee at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. In the play, she falls in love with Sid Sorokin, the factory’s complaint manager, played by Mathis Wilkens, political science major. Dr. Tom Toney, biology professor at GCSU, directs the play. This is his first time directing a major production, though in the past Toney has produced and acted.
Tennyson Mosher / Staff Photographer The Milledgeville Players rehearse for “The Pajama Game.”
Toney has an unusual mix of theatre and teaching is, “I’m a natural ham and a pop culture fanatic.” Toney said being a director and a professor allow Toney to live his passions. “This is a great play about the battle of the sexes,” Toney said. “Students will recognize some of the songs from their parents listening to them.” An orchestra directed by GCSU band director Dr. Todd Shiver accompanies the play. The orchestra, composed strictly of volunteers, keeps toes tapping throughout the entire play. Hits such as “7 1/2 Cents,” “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway” pull the audience in with their upbeat music. “It has the kind of catchy music that gets stuck in your head,” Ebrite said. “The Pajama Game” extends Ebrite’s resume to include three shows with the Milledgeville Players. She has also had roles in “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.” “I like the fact that Babe is spunky. She’s someone that I would want to be friends with,” said Ebrite about her starring role. Wilkens likes his role of Sid. “The character is multisided,” he said. “I get to be a jerk and a lovesick fool.” Many of the musical’s actors and actresses have been coached by GCSU’s Jennifer Flory. This is her first time helping with a Milledgeville Players’ production. Flory is the director of the Max Noah Singers, University Chorus and Women’s Ensemble. She spends the majority of her Pajama page 11
A reception was held in honor of artist Frances De La Rosa on Aug. 28 at Blackbridge Hall Art Gallery, where she gave an art talk while her works were being exhibited. De La Rosa spoke about her exhibition, which is on display. “I have an interest in gardening, and in gardening I like to plan and design the grounds. This …transforming of nature, making it take certain shapes, plains, certain textures, different configurations, that is very intrinsic in my personality, so when I look at a landscape I get more of a sensual feeling from it,” De La Rosa said. “Like, how the sunlight feels on my face, the breeze, the colors, the sounds. That’s really what I try to capture…a sensual memory of an experience.” Nature is a common theme of her work.
“There are some periods in my work where I have used the human figure in a landscape environment, and metaphors.” she said. De La Rosa grew up in Uniontown near Selma, Ala. “It’s called the black belt region because of the rich dark soil,” De La Rosa said. “My parents had a farm, so working with the soil and landscape was a big part of my childhood.” The color of the soil worked as an under painting to many of her paintings, including the color of red Georgia clay. Many students who attended the reception came to hear her talk and to gather information for a paper assigned by professors in the art department or to earn extra credit. “We get extra credit for English if we come (view) all the art, and write a paper on what we thought about it.” said attendee Amberleia Henson.
“I really like the repetition,” says art professor Cynthia Brinich-Langlois. “The textures seem to vibrate, all these points of light are floating, things overlapping. The work here is a lot more abstract, it seems to capture that same energy, but through pure forms (rather than) identifiable objects.” Students gathered around De La Rosa’s paintings attempting to discover some of the methods and styles she used to create the pieces displayed in the exhibit. Sam Cole, Tyler Griffin and Mandy Ellis stood together and studied the painting “Blue with Squares.” De La Rosa commented on one of the paintings hanging in the gallery titled “Blue With Squares.” “It’s reflecting on water, and how you look into it, but when you look into it you also see the reflections of the things that are behind you,” de La Rosa said, “So
Tennyson Mosher / Staff Photographer Students Sarah Flinn and Matt Arnold browse through the gallery housing Frances de La Rosa’s paintings.
Tennyson Mosher / Staff Photographer Junior engineering major Claudia Ramirez, and junior art major Gia Chang discuss the composition of artist Frances de La Rosa’s paintings.
10 The Colonnade
Features
GIVE Center: by the numbers By Taylor Ferrell Staff writer
A record 77 students and 20 groups at GCSU received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2007 and in total contributed 17,492 hours of community service. “This gives us a way to monitor the amount of hours volunteered on our campus and gives us a way to recognize and reward those who go above and beyond,” said Kendall Stiles, director of The GIVE Center. The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created by The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in 2003 as a way to thank those who serve their community. GCSU has been participating in this award for four years. “This award is given to students who have served over 100 hours in a 12 month period. We really wanted to push students to track their hours and participate in this award,” Stiles said. “It only costs us $3 and it is the most cost effective form of recognition we can give our students.” Jill Marie Thomas, a senior at GCSU, received this award this past year. She had over 400 hours of community service as a member of the Dance Marathon Executive Committee and as a volunteer with Adopt-A-Grandparent. “I believe that this is a prestigious award even though many people may not know about it,” Thomas said. “Many students
may not understand the depth of what goes into receiving an award like this.” In April, The GIVE Center hosted its first annual President’s Volunteer Service Award ceremony. Students were treated to a catered meal and received a certificate of service. “I felt that after all the hard work these students put in, they deserved something nice in return,” Stiles said. “We want to keep this going and make this an annual thing every year.” The students enjoyed meeting others who shared their interest in volunteering. “It was great to be with so many people and share stories about the year and the meal they served us was awesome,” said Alissa Torchia, award recipient. “The GIVE Center really made us all feel special.” Many students who received this award found it difficult to track all of their hours. “You have to constantly remind yourself to fill out your paper,” Torchia said. “I keep mine in my planner that I carry around with me everywhere. But sometimes you get so caught up in what you’re doing that you forget that what you are doing is actually service and can be counted. You have to be constantly aware.” The GIVE Center plans to coordinate even more volunteers this year. At the Bobcat Marketplace during the Week Of Welcome, over 100 students signed up to volunteer at the GIVE Center. “This year I really think
that we will see 100 students receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award,” Stiles said. “Students who have accumulated over 100 hours between January 2008 and December 2008 will be eligible to receive this award next year.” With the large amount of students being recognized for their community service, this trend is bound to continue. “I really hope that students will continue to give of themselves. It’s amazing the opportunities we have as college students and they only keep growing,” Torchia said. “Service also gives us an opportunity to socialize and have fun while giving college students a positive reputation.” Stiles believes that there are two reasons that students are so interested in serving. “I think that overall this generation is a very giving generation,” Stiles said. “I believe students are seeing more of the benefits to serving, such as building your resume, figuring out what career you want, and the many networking opportunities.” The GIVE Center has over 90 student-coordinated programs that allow students to serve the Milledgeville community. “We are provided with numerous opportunities to serve, and I believe that our generation’s mindset is more willing to serve others,” said Thomas. “There is nothing greater than the joy I get from seeing those who I am able to help.”
September 5, 2008
Check out www.gcsunade.com for a movie review by Chris Moskaly on ‘Bangkok Dangerous,’ starring Nicolas Cage.
Quick Guide:
Arts, entertainment & culture Department of English, Speech, and Journalism
Judson Mitcham Wednesday, September 10, 7:30p.m. A&S Auditorium GCSU’s Fall 2008 Writer-in-Residence, two-time winner of the Townsend Prize for Fiction, reads from his award- winning fiction and poetry. Free and open to the public. Tanya Barfield Thursday, September 25, 8 p.m. A&S Auditorium A reader’s theatre presentation of work by the award-win ning playwright is followed by audience discussion with the author and actors. Free and open to the public.
Student Activities
First Friday Foreign Film: Kukusha (The Cuckoo) [Finland]
Friday, September 5, 7 p.m. A&S Auditorium Free film showing, introduced by Dr. Dwight Call.
Theatre Milledgeville Players: “The Pajama Game” Sunday, September 7, 2 p.m. Russell Auditorium Once a hit Broadway show, this musical is played by local actors--some from GCSU, and others from the commu nity. $15 general admission, $12 student ID, $10 children
The show will go on...
Theatre department begins a new season By April Argo Staff Reporter In the basement of Porter Hall, there is a single hallway. It is usually loud and crowded. This small part of campus is known as the “theatre hall” because it houses the theatre faculty and a few theatre classrooms. It can be daunting to anyone who is not a frequent visitor. To those who haunt it during the school year, though, it is home. “There is one couch in the middle of the hallway,” says senior theatre major Erin Williams. “That is where you will usually find us circled around. It isn’t very practical, but it’s ours.” This hub of activity has seen change as school resumed. The big story is a double faculty swap. “We are excited for the new faces. There are a lot of hopes and aspirations for this new year with new people joining our team,” said sophomore theatre major Nic Marrone. “We have a lot to get done, but there is no doubt it will all go really well.” Karen Berman is the new theatre department chair. She is an Atlanta native with many accomplishments, including degrees from George Washington University and The Catholic University of America. Berman is currently doing research on campus for her Ph.D. She was also recently inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre at the Kennedy Center. Only about 170 people have been named Fellows, including Pulitzer Prize winners.
Much of Berman’s career work is geared towards her support of theatre for social change. When Berman was the president of the Association of Theatre in Higher Education, she initiated a program called The Katrina Project. “It is a project to aid high schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild their drama programs,” Berman said. “We worked in collaboration with the Black Theatre Network on this project as well.” Also joining the Theatre Department is Eric Griffis,
cause I have had the most amazing teachers in my life,” Griffis said. “I kind of feel like I owe it to the world at large to give back what has been given to me.” With a full cast of faculty and students, the theatre department has hit the ground running. “This season’s theme is ‘Women in the Spotlight: Plays by Women.’ It is different than anything that’s been done here,” Berman said. “I am really excited about bringing something like this to our campus.” Running in October, the first play of the year is “Eurydice,” written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Amy Pinney. It will feature original music by Doug O’Grady of the GCSU Music Department. “Yours, Anne,” written by Enid Futterman and directed by Byron Grant, will premiere in November. “The Rover,” written by Aphra Behn and directed by Berman will come to the stage in February . There will also be a variety of senior capstones to see, including student productions and one-man shows. The annual Arts & Letters Festival and 24 Hour Plays will open in spring. The Theatre Department is also having guest artists, workshops and luncheons throughout the year. Stop by and visit the theatre hall in the basement of Porter Hall if you have any questions or simply want to get involved. There is always a resident theatre expert standing by.
“It is different than anything that’s been done here...” - Karen Berman an associate professor and costume designer. Griffis received degrees from Southern Arkansas University and the University of Southern Mississippi. He has worked in a variety of jobs, including a casino and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in the wardrobe department. “All my experiences taught me how to work with people,” Griffis said, “because, in theatre, you meet all kinds.” GCSU drew Griffis in with not only a job opening, but the familiar smalltown feel of his home town and alma mater. A job as an associate youth director of a community program in Louisiana inspired Griffis and eventually led him back to teaching. “The reason I want to teach in the first place is be-
September 5, 2008 Acoustic
continued from page 9...
to do,” she said. She also designs Acoustic Night shirts. Anyone can get a shirt by bringing a plain shirt to Sullivan on Acoustic Night. The Acoustic Night stage has a slightly new look thanks to Sara Fleetwood. Fleetwood painted “The Nest” mural behind the performance area. Fleetwood has been attending Acoustic Night since it began. “It was something to do on weeknights that was good and free,” Fleetwood said. Fleetwood enjoys listen-
Art exhibit
continued from page 9...
you’re looking in but seeing backwards at the same time. I really enjoy that mesmerizing experience.” “I like this painting in particular because the other artists use primarily solid colors, individual colors,” said Griffin. “This one (seems) blended. I like the jest of using one color, then paint over that. It looks like a grid.” “But I think we decided its not a grid though,” said Ellis, “I really see what (she) was trying to portray, with the water.” The students also noticed some very important details which included the mixture
Pajama
continued from page 9...
time working with students, but in this play, she uses her expertise to benefit the cast as a whole. Emphasizing consonants and projecting voices are only some of the qualities she expects her actors and actresses to use. “The groups mingle very well,” Flory said. “They get along so well I forget which are students and which aren’t.” The play “The Pajama Game” is based on the novel “7 1/2 Cents” by Richard Bissell. It started on Broad-
Features
ing to the various bands even though she has never performed. “My favorite part would have to be all of the untraditional instruments and seeing people from the community come out and play.” Fleetwood said. Fleetwood is also an employee at Blackbird Coffee and works most Tuesday nights during Acoustic Night. “Sometimes, I run downstairs, watch a song I like, and then run back upstairs,” she said. Mandi Baughman and Hary Mitchell are regulars at Acoustic Night. The duo performed together last year and are kicking off the new year together as a
‘not-yet named’ band. They performed at the opening Acoustic Night. For their first song, Hary did a solo folk song from the 1920s titled, “St. James Infirmary Blues.” Hary and Mandi performed “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michelson. Unlike most bands that played, Mandi did not play an instrument. Her vocals were accompanied by Hary on the guitar. Their favorite part of Acoustic Night is listening to other performers, in particular Noelle Rose and Casey Sullivan. The public can come out, enjoy a cup of coffee, show their support and, maybe, their talents.
of organic and geometric elements in all the paintings. Students sat cross-legged with notepads and pencils to hear the talk. Gallery director Carlos Herrera welcomed students to the artist reception. He announced that there will be two art shows every semester showcasing visiting and student artists. Courtney Mims served as the event‘s curator. “(Mims) was always very diligent about getting her work done.” Herrera said. “What you see here is a kind of a testament to (that.)” According to Herrera, the exhibition took a year to prepare. The show was scheduled to take place in September, but Herrera convinced both Mims and De La Rosa to allow it to take
place earlier. Mims is the curator of the exhibitions both in Blackbridge Hall and the GCSU museum. “I really enjoyed working with Frances De La Rosa,” said Mims. Painting has been De La Rosa‘s passion for a long time. “I am 50 years old, and I started painting when I was 13.“ she gives some words of wisdom for aspiring artists. “Just keep persevering, and painting what seems to be intrinsically connected to you, and truthful expressions,” de La Rosa said. “When you’re confronted by that blank canvas or that blank piece of paper, investigate. Be a detective, dig deep and see what is you, what should be your expres-
way in 1954 and was choreographed by Bob Fosse. He went on to work in the production of “Liza with a ‘Z,’” the original “Chicago” and many more. “The Pajama Game” is one of Toney’s favorite Fosse production. “Fosse is one of the most celebrated choreographers to this day,” Toney said. GCSU students, Mary Katharine Schaap, Meghan Flemming, Robin Eckenroth and Danielle Pratt also play significant roles in the musical. The Milledgeville Players produce two major plays each year and several smaller productions in be-
tween. The first official play performed was “The Robber Bride Groom.” Since the group formed in 2001, several people have had the chance to act. The performances are Thursday, Sept. 4, through Saturday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, will have a matinee showing at 2 p.m. All showings are in Russell Auditorium. General admission is $15; students with ID $12; children under 12 are $10. Group rates are also available. For more information, contact Milledgeville Players at 478-314-4054.
Tennyson Mosher / Staff Photographer The Milledgeville Players include members of the community as well as GCSU students, staff and faculty.
Spotlight
The Colonnade 11
By Chelsea Thomas
GIVE Center moment: AmeriCorps
The GIVE Center is promoting the Hands On Georgia AmeriCorps program, asking all students interested to come get more information. AmeriCorps is a program through which members can gain valuable work experience and give back to the baldwin community all at once. AmeriCorps members are often seen providing solutions to problems facing our country. Eligibility requirements for AmeriCorps state that members must be at least 17 years of age, have high school diplomas, and be willing to serve 1700 hours full time or for a certain period of time. Members are partnered with
local Hands On Georgia delegates to support volunteer recruitment, training, and leadership development. They are also responsible for building the capacity of community based non-profit organizations through encouraging and preparing volunteers. One major benefit to becoming an AmeriCorp member is that those members who successfully complete a term of service are then eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725. To learn more go to www.americorp.gov. To apply contact Kendall Stiles, the GIVE Center Director, at 478-445-5700 or her email at kendall. stiles@gcsu.edu.
Top 7 ways to make GCSU home
1) Have an open mind toward new experiences, and don’t be so quick to rule something out.
2) Establish yourself by joining RSOs, student ministries or intramural groups. This is the best way to meet lots of new people! 3) Get connected to local non-profit organizations. Volunteer in the community through the GIVE Center, spend some time helping at the Animal Rescue Foundation, or visit the local nursing homes.
4) Get out! Enjoy the outdoors by taking a hike in the Bartram Forest, throwing frisbee on front campus, or spending a day on Lake Sinclair. The weather will only get colder from here. 5) Take advantage of local businesses, such as restaurants, salons, and boutiques. These venues offer things soley unique to Milledgeville. 6) Get to know the history that has molded your new home town. Go on a tour at the Governor’s Mansion, walk the Antebellum Trail, or venture to the Memory Hill Cemetery. 7) Surround yourself with organizations and people that will further assist you in your future endeavors.
Sports
The Colonnade’s Guide to Athletics and Recreation
Friday, September 5, 2008
www.gcsunade.com
Section Editor, Preston Sellers
Soccer solid, settles for draw by
Rebecca Saxton, Staff Writer
The Bobcats soccer team began its 2008 season on Aug. 29, showing potential in a 0-0 game against Belmont Abbey College. GCSU was matched against a solid opponent in the Crusaders, who challenged the ladies to bring out all of their skills. The two teams seemed to be in a deadlock with each other as neither team was able to pull away for a winning point. This was definitely a battle royale between two teams of comparable skills and talents, which they showcased. Even in his first season with the team, Head Coach Juan Pablo Favero seemed to have a powerful influence on the ladies and their performance. “I told the girls at the beginning of the game that I believed in them and trusted them and I really do,” Favero said. With the confidence Favero has, there is a growing bond between the new coach and the players, an important ingredient for any winning team. In this game, the ladies showed the Crusaders and the home fans the results of the new training system that Favero coordinated for them. The Bobcats were quick to the ball and did not look tired, even late in the game. Favero’s strict summer workout regimen has obviously paid off for the Bobcats. This was an intense game between two teams that were evenly matched in most aspects of the game, and the 0-0 score after two overtime periods seemed to be the correct result. With sophomore Mary Rob Plunkett in goal for the Bobcats, no shots connected for Belmont Abbey. However, Crusader goalkeeper Anna Donaldson, stuffed two close scoring opportunities for GCSU, which could have given them the win. Senior goalkeeper Kristen Moore said her teammates did everything they needed to win except score.
Brittany Stephens, Staff Writer
As most students headed home for Labor Day weekend, the GCSU men and women’s cross country teams were already in New England for their first meet of the 2008 season. The Bobcats left campus Wednesday afternoon and flew into the Boston Airport that night from Atlanta, giving new meaning to the term “cross country”. Thursday was spent mostly sightseeing around Boston and visiting historical landmarks in the area. “It was really cool, especially as a freshman, to go to Boston for my first college race,” first-year runner Colin Conroy said. The team left Boston on Thursday night for New Hampshire to scope the courses and mentally prepare for the races on Saturday. The Bobcats were the only Division II team running in the meet on Saturday, and were overmatched against the top-level competition. However, the team had an optimistic outlook following the race, according to second-year runner Dani Destiche. “The team got creamed in the race in New Hampshire, but we didn’t let it get to us,” she said, “because we were racing against Boston College, New Hampshire University, and Providence, all very competitive Division I schools.” The men’s team, who ran an 8-kilometer course as opposed to the women’s 5-kilometer, began the season with strong times by all the runners. New to the 8-kilometer race, Conroy lead the team by posting a 28:45 and placing thirty-second
THE SHORT STOP
Side
Line
By Preston Sellers Sports Editor
Matthew Perez / Staff Photographer Junior Jamie Nevin beats her opponent to the ball in Friday’s home opener. Nevin and the rest of the offense were held in check in the scoreless draw, and look to get on the board Friday against Tusculum.
“All we have to do is push our effort, never give up, go strong all the way, and get the ball in the back of the net,”she said. Senior forward Hayley Ferrell, the Bobcats’ main offensive weapon, said she felt the game was the Bobcats’ to win. “We should have won because we pretty much dominated, but other than that it was a really good game,” Ferrell said. Favero, Moore, and Ferrell all said that in this game the defense was on, but the offense was a little off. The Bobcats look to shake off the result and get the offense rolling in their first away game on Friday at Tusculum College. They then return home for a 2 p.m. game against Limestone College on Sunday.
Matthew Perez / Staff Photographer Senior Beth Coughlin battles a Belmont Abbey player for the ball as her teammates look on.
Cross Country heads north, finds valuable freshmen by
The
overall. “It was really different running an 8K instead of a 5K because I have never done an 8K before,” Conroy said. “You also see a lot better competition than you did in high school.” Junior Josh Hollar placed thirty-fifth with a time of 29:15. Sophomore Erik Ottoson placed thirty-eighth in 29:42 and Daniel Horseman was fortieth in 30:02. Ottoson reflected on the results against tough competition. “It’s barely into the season and the team is really young. Out of the six guys racing, four were freshmen,” Ottoson said. “You know, we still got to get our gears oiled.” The women’s team, led by Destiche with a time of 20:09, scored 151 points at the meet and took fourth place overall. “Most of us are counting on improving our times before the end of the season,” Destiche said. “Since this weekend was our first race and we haven’t done many speed workouts, our times were not as fast as they will be by conference.” Destiche, who placed thirtyfourth, finished just one second ahead of the thirty-fifth-place runner, freshman teammate Karissa Eckstrom. Junior Heather Raines and freshman Sarah Balkcom placed thirty-eighth and thirtyninth with times of 20:45 and 20:50, respectively. “It was a good opening race to get us ready for the preconference race this Saturday,” senior captain Sarah Hakala said. The Bobcats will host the first race ever held at GCSU at West Campus on Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m.
Runners to watch this season
Josh Hollar, Junior - returning All-PBC selection and one of the leaders of the team.
Dani Destiche, Sophomore all-PBC selection who continues to improve.
Colin Conroy, Freshman was the top Bobcat finisher in his first ever college meet.
Karissa Ekstrom, Freshman - finished second to Destiche among Bobcat runners in N.H.
Quote of the Week
Upcoming Sports Soccer: Sept. 5 Sept. 7
6 p.m. 2 p.m.
Cross Country: Sept. 6
8:30 a.m.
@ Tusculum Limestone West Campus
“I got the bags back -- empty. So he’s got a bunch of my underclothes. What he’s going to do with that, I don’t know. He’s got some socks and boxers.” - New Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson, after having his bags stolen by Tatum Bell, the running back who was cut to make room for Johnson.
OK, I admit it. The Southeastern Conference is far and away the best in college football. I wanted to believe so badly that the other BCS conferences were right behind, and only needed a couple of big wins to prove it. Well, those wins haven’t come, and actually, in games where SEC schools are matched against quality BCS opponents, it’s the same story over and over again: the SEC dominates. My vision of parity among the BCS conferences was finally and completely shot down this past Saturday night. In the “game of the day”, Clemson faced Alabama in the Georgia Dome in prime time. I was ready for a great game, but instead what I got was more and more upset as the game progressed. As I watched a middleof-the-pack SEC team absolutely destroy the preseason pick to win the ACC, I silently accepted the truth that I had been fighting for years: the SEC is simply better than everyone else. Several SEC coaches have said it best: winning the conference championship is essentially winning the national championship, and that whole BCS thing is secondary. Having been to an SEC championship game myself, I won’t dispute that. The SEC is better because they do everything better, from the passionate fans to the highly skilled coaches and players. Schools shell out insane amounts of money for stateof-the-art facilities and the best coaches, who in turn pull in the best recruits. Give me an Arkansas-Ole Miss or Kentucky-South Carolina matchup over any of the supposed big games around the country, any day of the week. Why? Because there is more riding on low-level SEC games than top-tier Pac-10 matchups. When a team has to face the schedules of the SEC schools, there are no sure victories. No, I am not a UGA fan, let’s make that clear. But you have to respect a team that plays the following games in one year: at Arizona State, at LSU, at Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, at South Carolina, and Alabama. Are you kidding me? Just another season in the SEC.
Stat of the Week
11 Consecutive years the GCSU golf team has made the NCAA tournament, the longest active streak on campus.
September 5, 2008
Sports
Golf wraps up qualifying rounds
The Colonnade 13
One-on-one with the new A.D. by
Scott Thompson, Staff Reporter
GCSU has a new Athletics Director, Jud Damon. Damon is entering his twelfth year as a collegiate athletics director, and he has an extensive and diverse background in collegiate and professional athletics. Damon’s collegiate sports background began when he played for the University of Pennsylvania’s baseball team as an undergraduate. There, his team won three Eastern Intercollegiate Baseball League titles, the equivalent of winning the Ivy League Championship. After Penn, Damon played semi-professional baseball, and served as the player-manager of a semi-pro team. He stayed in the professional ranks following his time as a player. Damon served as the Assistant General Manager for farm teams in major league organizations, including the Montreal Expos and the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, Damon missed coaching, and went back to school to serve as a graduate assistant at the University of Massachusetts, working as a pitching coach while earning a Master’s Degree in sports management. Damon went on to become the Head Coach and Athletics Director for Trinity International University in Miami, Fla. There, he oversaw the Athletics Department for TIU while coaching the baseball team to a Division I National Christian Collegiate Championship in 1998. After TIU, he took the same position at the Savannah College of Art and Design. At SCAD, Damon diversified his experience, overseeing athletics such as rowing, equestrian, archery, fencing and sailing. With coaching in his background, Damon understands the importance of head coaches to college athletics. “Just like coaches want the best players, we want the best coaches,” he said. “When we have openings, we want to recruit good coaches so we can be nationally competitive. Head coaches must be outstanding.”
Damon Damon can also relate to coaches as a result of his experience. “I know what makes coaches tick. It’s good to be able to understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “My goal is for GCSU to field nationally competitive teams, and I’m here to help coaches get what they need to be nationally competitive.” Damon has established standards for adding a new team at GCSU. “It has to be determined that it would benefit the school. If we start a sport, we’re going to do it right,” he said. “We want to recruit great coaches and great players so we can hit the ground running and be competitive. Right now, I have to assess the situation here before we start making moves.” Damon understands what it takes to be successful in collegiate athletics. “I believe in building strong programs, instead of winning teams,” he said. “Strong programs produce winning teams through good recruiting and coaching. Every day, I ask myself ‘How can we get better today?’” With his background, Damon brings much experience and knowledge to the GCSU Athletic Department, making Bobcat sports fans eagerly await the upcoming year.
“My goal is for GCSU to field nationally competitive teams” - Jud Damon
Kyle Collins / Staff Photographer Junior transfer Pedro Lima (Sao Paolo, Brazil) tees off during qualifying. Lima has been a pleasant surprise thus far for the Bobcats, making the cut for the first tournament. Joining him will be two other juniors and a pair of sophomores, a youthful yet experienced squad.
Kyle Collins, Senior Reporter
by
The Bobcat golf team wrapped up its fall qualifying on Labor Day. The five rounds were widespread, from the Milledgeville Country Club to Lake Oconee. These qualifiers determined the top five golfers traveling to the season
opener Sept. 7-9 at Kiawah Island, S.C. The traveling team includes returning sophomores Joe Young (All-PBC) and Billy Shida, along with juniors Niclas Johansson (All-PBC) and Francisco Bide. Junior transfer Pedro C. Lima should also make an impact in his first year with the Bobcats.
Do you love sports?
14 The Colonnade
Sports
Intramurals: White Out looks to rebuild by
Mitchell Davis, Staff Writer
For four years now, White Out has reigned supreme in GCSU flag football. They have yet to lose a regular season or playoff game since the team’s inception. To say their performances on the field are dominating is like saying Michael Phelps is a good swimmer. Not only does White Out beat team after team, they do it with ease. This semester begins a new era for the team. White Out will have to play without two key players, as Derek Chitwood and Jon Collins have both moved on from GCSU intramurals. Both were key components in the team’s offensive system last season and provided outstanding defense as well. Chris Russell, a senior history major, is one of the new players brought in by White Out to fill the void. He is excited to be playing with some of his friends and moving to a team with high expectations and a winning tradition. “Coming to a team like White Out is very exciting,” Russell said. “White Out has a reputation as a flag football powerhouse not only on campus but at the state level as well. Having the chance to be a part of a team of this caliber is a one of a kind opportunity.” White Out has made flag football an entertaining part of GCSU intramurals. Speed and good decision-making are staples of the team. They combine crisp offense and
September 5, 2008
Bobcat baller takes game global Kyle Collins, Senior Reporter
by
Former Bobcat basketball star Aaron Clark signed a professional contract with a club team in Istanbul, Turkey. Clark leaves on Sept. 10 to join his new squad TED Istanbul. Clark, who played center for GCSU, will compete in Turkey’s second professional basketball division. TB2L contains two groups each with 12 teams. TED Istanbul finished the 2007-2008 season with a 7-13 record in Group B. Adjusting to the international style is not the only worry for Clark as the departure looms.
“I’m trying to figure out things like having a cell phone over there and working out the process for absentee voting,” Clark said. Also, training camp revs up soon after his arrival. Four years at GCSU developed his game beyond even his own expectations, Clark admits. Professional basketball was a foreign thought when he arrived freshman year. “I owe guys like (former Bobcats) Ronnie Dennis and Shejdie Childs for pushing me my first two years,” Clark said. “ They motivated me because we needed each other to win.”
A.C.’s Legacy - Last player to earn
PBC All-Conference in back-to-back seasons
File Photo White Out has raised the bar for flag football at GCSU. Their recruiting, preparation, and athleticism are the tools they use to dismantle opponents. After losing key players, the team must fill the holes quickly to defend their title.
solid defense with highlight-reel plays. “The swagger and tempo that White Out brings to each game is unlike any other. We like to win and let you know it,” Russell said. “We are a fun team to watch. We have some of the best athletes on campus and we put on a show every time we take the field.” Russell also has some advice for freshman teams playing intramurals this year. “Be patient with the refs and with each other. Don’t flag guard, don’t wear jewelry or pockets, ask questions and above all, have fun.” In 2007, White Out took first at the state flag
football tournament, beating DSGB, a team from the University of Georgia. They placed second at nationals, losing in a thrilling game to the team representing the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This year, White Out has already played in and won a preseason qualifier tournament at GCSU. Their march through the tournament was an easy one, finishing unbeaten. They defeated arguably the best fraternity team, Pike, in the semifinals and Kansas City Shuffle in the championship game. White Out takes their show on the road to represent GCSU at the Swamp Bowl in Gainesville, Florida in the weeks to come.
- Senior season: 13.1 points/ 7.6 rebounds per game - Second-leading rebounder in PBC 20072008 - 1,467 points total (fourth most in school history) - 847 rebounds (3rd most in PBC history/ 2nd in school history) File Photo A.C. goes up strong for two points. Toughness was a key component of his game during his four years of eligibility for GCSU.
- Top 10 in school history (games played, steals, assists, blocks)
September 5, 2008
Community News
The Colonnade 15
Friday, Sept. 5Thursday, Sept. 11 Friday, September 5 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. CETL: Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts, Facebook, RSS, Youtube, and More, A&S 2-55 12:30 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. CAPC Meeting, A&S 2-16 2 p.m. “The Pajama Game”, Russell Auditorium 6 p.m. Lady Bobcat Soccer v. Tusculum, Colombus 7 p.m. First Friday Foreign Film: Kukusha (The Cuckoo), A&S Auditorium
Saturday, September 6 2 p.m.
“The Pajama Game”, Russell Auditorium
Sunday, September 7 2 p.m. 2 p.m.
Lady Bobcat Soccer v. Limestone, West Campus Bobcat Field “The Pajama Game”, Russell Auditorium
Monday, September 8
Wednesday, September 10 Judson Mitcham Reading, A&S Auditorium
Thursday, September 11 2 p.m. 7 p.m.
On August 8, at approximately 1:25 a.m. a female student reported that someone entered her apartment unlawfully at The Grove. She stated that her keyless entry was missing, but later that day, she located the keyless entry in an ashtray inside her apartment with a note saying, “Sorry, no hard feelings”. The student also stated that she and her roommate would find their apartment mysteriously unlocked on several occasions, after being sure the door was locked. She advised that she previously had a confrontation with a male who was intoxicated and stealing bicycles and thinks the male might be a link to the situation with her keyless entry. All locks have been changed and the case turned over to Detective Butler.
Rightful Owner
Tuesday, September 9
7:30 p.m.
Sorry, No Hard Feelings
Starting the Senior Job Search, 102 Chappell Hall Lady Bobcat Soccer v. Montevallo. West Campus Bobcat Field
Please send calendar submissions to colonnadenews@gcsu.edu.
On August 13, at approximately 2:47 p.m. a staff member reported a suspicious male in the Centennial Center. She advised that she asked him to leave, but he refused, stating that he owned the building. Sgt. Ennis made contact with the male subject and he was escorted to Public Safety and issued a trespass warning for all of GCSU property.
Toilet Malfunction
On August 16, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Officer Hicks was dispatched to The Village apartments in reference to a malfunctioning toilet. Contact was made with a female student, who stated her father was the last one to use the toilet before it malfunctioned. Physical Plant was called out.
A “hootch” of a story Georgia College and Macon's Douglass Theatre bring hit play to Middle Georgia The GCSU Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity will partner with Macon’s historic Douglass Theatre to present “Platanos & Collard Greens.” A single performance of the thoughtprovoking comedy is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 at the Douglass Theatre. In the spirit of community and civic engagement GCSU has partnered with the Douglass Theatre to bring the production free of charge to the Middle Georgia community in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. “Platanos & Collard Greens” tells the struggle of an African-American man and his Latino woman who are forced to confront and overcome cultural and racial prejudices while defending their bond to family and friends, according to Between the Line Productions. The play is “a simplistic morality tale rendered in cheerful tones, a look at the refraction of racial prejudice from one minority group to another, and a primer in how best to curtail pernicious stereotype,” according to The New York Times. GCSU also will host a “Black & Brown Unity Forum” Oct. 3 at the GCSU Center for Graduate and Professional Learning in Macon. The focus of the 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 forum is to inspire Georgia University System students to become agents of change on their campus and in their communities. The forum will feature keynote speaker Pancho McFarland, presentations by Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, the Mexican American Student Association (MASA) and Students for Latino Empowerment, a workshop and a poetical performance by Art as an Agent for Change. Students are encouraged to register by contacting GCSU at 478-445-4233. The registration fee is $10 and includes lunch and a ticket to “Platanos & Collard Greens.” For more information about “Platanos & Collard Greens,” or the Black & Brown Unity Forum, contact Nadirah Ross at 478-445-4233 or via e-mail at nadirah.ross@gcsu.edu. Georgia College selected for Lincoln Exhibit honoring President’s 200th birthday The Old Governor’s Mansion, a part of Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, has been selected
by the Lincoln Presidential Library to host “Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America,” an exhibit that highlights Lincoln’s life and times in honor of his 200th birthday. The exhibit will be on display from Dec. 19 through Jan. 16 in the education building of the Old Governor’s Mansion located on the Georgia College campus. “This is the only exhibit of its type in the nation, and we are thrilled that Georgia College was selected to host it as part of its tour across America,” said Jim Turner, Director of the Old Governors Mansion. “It is particularly fitting that Milledgeville was chosen, as the city was Georgia’s Capital during the Civil War, the most challenging time of Lincoln’s presidency. The selection process was very highly competitive. The Old Governor’s Mansion was selected out of hundreds of applications nationwide.” Turner said that the Old Governor’s Mansion will supplement the Lincoln exhibit with artifacts from its own Civil War collection, including letters and other items from Gov. Joseph Brown, who served as Georgia’s chief executive during the war years. “Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America” chronologically examines the 16th President’s life from his poor beginnings to his ascension as president and tragic assassination. The exhibit also focuses on Lincoln’s self-education and self-improvement, using his personal notes and comments to interweave compelling texts with quotes, photographs and maps. In addition, the exhibit incorporates numerous artifacts and reproductions, including a copy of his Gettysburg Address, his famous stove pipe hat, and Mary Lincoln’s music box. A highlight of the exhibit is the award-winning video presentation, “The Civil War in Four Minutes.” The video will be shown continuously during the exhibit’s stay in Milledgeville, Turner said. The display of the Lincoln exhibit will coincide with the annual Christmas tours at the Old Governor’s Mansion. As a special bonus, the Lincoln exhibit will be included as part of the regular admission price to the Mansion’s holiday tour. This special will run through the entire stay of the exhibit. The Old Governor’s Mansion is a part of Extended University at Georgia College & State University, a unit of the university’s Division of Academic Affairs.
On August 30, at approximately 1:58 a.m. Sgt. Pissott observed a vehicle traveling north on Jefferson Street run the red light at
The Senate is up for grabs! Much like the presidential elections, the SGA senate elections are sure to be a hotbed of competition this year. With only 25 senate seats open and a flurry of students bidding to represent the students of GCSU the election is going to be a close one. Similar to last year’s Mr. and Miss GCSU and the SGA Officer elections, voting will take place online. Be sure to log onto myCATS Sept. 10 and 11 and cast your vote for your senate picks! If you are interested in running for senate, it’s not too late! Stop by the SGA Office and pickup and application or download one from sga. gcsu.edu. Hurry though, because the applications are due Sept. 5 at 5 p.m.!
The Coming National Elections and SGA’s push for voter Registration In conjunction with the American Democracy Project and various other campus political action groups the Student Government Association will be launching a campaign to register voters and request absentee ballots for those students that will be out of precinct on Election Day. At these tables you will have the option to submit your application to register to vote or request an absentee ballot, and people will be on hand to help you out if you get stuck. Be sure to stay on the lookout for one of these tables popping up around campus!
Smoke Out! What do you think of a smoke free campus? A survey by the Student Government Association is being released via myCATS specifically to determine if making GCSU a smoke-free campus is something that the students desire. Additionally, the faculty and
Hancock Street. A traffic stop was initiated and contact made with the driver and 2 other passengers. While speaking with the driver, Sgt. Pissott could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person and vehicle. She advised she ran the red light because she needed gas. She also advised that the odor of alcohol was coming from the passengers because she had not been drinking. When tested on the Alco-Sensor, the driver tested positive for alcohol. She then advised that she had 1 cup of “hootch” several hours prior to the stop. When tested on the Intoxilyzer 5000, she registered .100. The driver was arrested and transported to Milledgeville PD and charged with DUI Under 21 and Disregarding a Traffic Control Device. The vehicle was turned over to a licensed sober driver.
A dent in the night
On August 29, at approximately 2:58 a.m. a male student reported seeing a white male jump on the hood of three vehicles that were parked at 321 West Montgomery Street. A primary suspect has been identified, but contact has not been made with him. The case has been turned over to Detective Butler.
Literally Facebook stalking
On August 28, at approximately 11:53 p.m. a female student reported that between June 2008 and August 2008, an unknown person has been obtaining information about her through her Facebook account. The case is still under investigation.
The not so good Samaritan
On August 18, at approximately 8:44 p.m. a female student reported that she had lost her cell phone at Bonner Park and when a friend called the number, a male answered the phone and stated he had found the phone while walking and told her that he would meet her at Church’s Chicken to give her back the phone and to bring $15.00. Sgt. Reonas called the number and the male was very belligerent and hung up on him. The student was advised to not make contact with the male, but to contact Public Safety if she heard back from him. Information compiled by Alana Llewellyn Please go online to gcsunade.com to download the extended Public Safety Report podcast.
staff are looking into the possibility in a paper health and wellness survey. With all of this data and individual testimonies, it’s something that SGA is looking into. This issue is surely going to be on the forefront of the Senate’s agenda once they reconvene in late September. Just remember, they can’t make the decision alone. What do you think? Many campuses around the state of Georgia have already gone smokefree, so could GCSU be next? Submit your opinion via myCATS now!
TVs Galore! The Bobcat Vision TVs are up but where’s the stuff? It’s on its way, not to worry! With all of the Bobcat Vision monitors fully operational, Campus Life, in conjunction with SGA, has begun the task of keeping all the screens up to date with information, events, and advertisements that will be beneficial for all the students at GCSU. There will even be opportunities to advertise your own student group’s content on Bobcat Vision very soon. For more information, just stop by the SGA or Campus Life offices.
That book cost how much?! The annual textbook requisition drive is perhaps one of the most effective programs by the SGA. Executives and Senators alike are working to decrease the cost of textbooks for the students by encouraging faculty to get their requisitions in early and avoid the high cost rush processing and overnight shipping. It’s a lengthy and complicated issue, but the fact of the matter is that SGA is doing everything in its power to lower the cost of that textbook for the student!