Vol. 78 No. 13

NEWS • 02

LIVING • 05

SPORTS • 09

ENTERTAINMENT • 13

PERSPECTIVES • 17

Human Resources to help Blue Light Café combines Tech holds off women’s Love and Other Drugs director Birth control should be covered employees quit smoking. service, performance art. basketball in season opener. discusses filming process. under health care reform.

the

SIGNAL

VOL. 78 • ISSUE 13 • NOVEMBER 16, 2010 REGISTER ONLINE FOR BREAKING NEWS AT

w w w. g s u s i g n a l . c o m

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

Officers Jasper Jackson and Devon Green converse as they patrol Hurt Park and regulate safety.

Higher enrollment, same police size

By SHELBY LOHR Copy Editor Additional reporting by SHEENA ROETMAN Editor in Chief With Georgia State’s acquisition of Atlanta-area buildings and its increasing student body, the university has become a veritable growth machine. Despite the school’s upward momentum, however, the police force numbers remain stagnant.

As Georgia State has proudly broadcasted, the school has been amassing a significant number of applicants. In fact, the school had more than 30,000 students apply for the fall 2010 semester. Consequently, enrollment numbers have made a swift upward climb, this year reaching a count of more than 31,000 students.

According to Andrea Jones, director of communications for the university, this growth has been both “deliberate and specific.”

These increasing numbers may result in more opportunities for people to meet, more packed courtyards, more classes to choose from, more expansion, slower internet and longer lines, but more than anything these numbers create more students in need of protection from crime.

The school’s burgeoning changes don’t end with student enrollment, either. The recently established Greek housing complex, Freshman Hall, Commons SEE POLICE SIZE, PAGE 4

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

Student Antonio Rosales sits and works on his laptop next to Georgia State’s newly renovated fountain in Library Plaza.

Fountain back on after two years

By NICOLE SCHIMMEL Staff Writer After two long, dry years, the Library Plaza fountain is making waves again. As of Nov. 4, the fountain has been restored and turned on again. Facilities Management oversaw the updates and restorations that totaled $1,800.

In April 2008, the state of Georgia placed a ban on certain kinds of watering, such as watering lawns, due to a drought.

Unfortunately for Georgia State, this ban meant turning off of the Library Plaza foun-

tain. In addition to the ban, the fountain’s piping was destroyed when water froze inside them during previous winters.

The restored fountain has new paint, new pipes and a slightly new design. The fountain has always had the Georgia State logo painted on it, but the circular water spouts have been varied a little.

“The reason they have re-done the ring was to prevent freezing,” said Abdul Momen, associate director of maintenance and operations.

Momen has worked at Georgia State for 18 years and spent the last two as associate

director. He works on projects such as exhaust manifolds in the Petit Science Center, so when University Relations began asking him about the fountain, he wanted answers.

After procuring the funds necessary to restore the fountain, Momen was told the work could be done in less than a week.

With the repairs made, the fountain will be turned on until the weather begins to stay close to freezing and will be turned back on around the end of March or early April.

“I came to Incept with my friend, and SEE FOUNTAIN, PAGE 3

Mixed reactions on elections

By CHRIS SHATTUCK Staff Writer

CHRIS SHATTUCK | SIGNAL

Jordan Crawford discusses his opinion of the midterm elections.

Following the most recent midterm elections on Nov. 2, student reaction remains mixed on how the general elections should be interpreted and how they will affect Congress and voters in Georgia.

Sofia Lipko, a member of the Progressive Student Alliance, believes the economy and lack of jobs was the primary issue for most voters and that shaped how they voted.

“I think there were many factors on how people voted, but I think [the economy] was the primary issue on

how people voted. It was the underlying problem, and I think it manifested itself in a variety of different ways,” she said.

Joey Hornbuckle, representing the Young Democrats at Georgia State, also believes the midterm elections were a reflection on the economy and the Democrats’ inability to create enough jobs. ”I think the reason they lost is because people are rejecting the economic environment that they’re in right now, which is that even though the economy has been saved and it’s growing again, most people don’t know that it’s growing and they see the unemployment rate not SEE ELECTIONS, PAGE 4

NEWS

News Editor Daniel Beauregard gsunews@gmail.com

w w w . g s u s i g n a l . c o m / n e w s

Associate News Editor Miranda Sain msain1@student.gsu.edu

Former AJC home donated to Atlanta

By MIRANDA SAIN Associate News Editor

TODAY’S SENIORS NETWORK

Georgia State employees can learn how to quit tobacco use through Freshstart, a four-part series sponsored by the Office of Employee Development and Wellness Services

Human Resources helps employees quit smoking

By MISHALL REHMAN Staff Writer Georgia State employees can learn how to quit tobacco use through Freshstart, a four-part series sponsored by the Office of Employee Development and Wellness Services (EDWS).

“Tobacco use is the number one preventable potential deadly killer. We know, without a doubt, if people stop using tobacco it can save lives. There is nothing positive about tobacco,” said Cheryl Ransaw, director of EDWS, a unit of the Human Resources Department.

Ransaw is facilitating the Freshstart program, designed by the American Cancer Society. Facilitators undergo training through the American Cancer Society before they can conduct workshops.

According to Ransaw, the series is targeted to university employees, but students are welcome.

The program is broken down into four-part sessions. The first session helps smokers and tobacco users understand the psychological reasons behind why they smoke. The second session discusses how to deal with withdrawal symptoms. The last two sessions discuss how those who quit can ensure they stay committed to their decision. The sessions will be interactive and give employees a support system and a chance to hear each other’s struggles with tobacco use.

An extra incentive for employees to quit tobacco use is the health care surcharge that all university employees using tobacco will be charged starting in January. The fee is mandated by the University System of Georgia and will be $50 a month. Since open enrollment for 2011 is open through Nov. 19, employees are required to declare if they use tobacco.

Employees who attend cessation programs such as Freshstart will be issued a certificate after completion that will remove the surcharge. Also, those employees who use cessation aids like nicotine gums will have their surcharge removed. For those who decide they want to quit, the University System of Georgia will cover the cost of their cessation aids.

The EDWS puts on a variety of health related and tobacco use programs for employees throughout the year, including individual sessions to help employees quit smoking. In the spring semester, EDWS will partner with the Respiratory Department to present workshops on quitting smoking that will be facilitated by student interns.

The series is free and will be held every Tuesday of November.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s parent company, Cox Enterprises, donated the newspaper’s former $50 million home on Marietta Street to the city of Atlanta.

In all, the donated property includes the 180,000 nine-story office building that housed the newsroom and offices, a warehouse with 30-foot ceilings and the building that houses the old AJC press.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed says that the city already has plans for 72 Marietta Street.

“Because of its ideal location, we will work to consolidate many of our offices around the city and house those departments at one facility,” Reed said.

With city council approval, Reed plans to “put police and fire training academies in the buildings, use the auditorium for public meetings, create a gallery space that formerly was at City Hall East, and use warehouse and parking space,” according to the AJC. “We’re thrilled to accept this generous gift from Cox Enterprises,” Reed said. “The former AJC property occupies a unique location in the heart of downtown Atlanta, near City Hall, Centennial Olympic Park and the proposed multi-modal passenger terminal.”

According to Reed, the donation of the building could save the city money by reducing what it currently spends on leases around Atlanta.

Reed’s spokeswoman, Sonji Jacobs Dade, said that the first year’s occupancy of the AJC building would cost $1.5 million, which is approximately half of what the city spends now on leases for offices and property.

The city will also have to put money into renovating the building before workers can start moving in during spring, she said.

According to Creative Loafing, there is a possibility the city may rent the building to

DANIEL BEAUREGARD | SIGNAL

The old Atlanta Journal Constitution building, which Cox Enterprises recently donated to the city of Atlanta.

Georgia State for office and classroom space.

However, the city and Georgia State have not confirmed or denied this possibility.

In 2008, the newspaper consolidated its print production to Gwinnett County. In April, the newspaper moved into a six-story building near Cox Enterprises’ headquarters in Dunwoody.

“Through our local media properties, the history of metro Atlanta and Cox Enterprises are inextricably linked,” said Cox Enterprises chairman Jim Kennedy. “For almost 150 years, our companies have covered the events that helped shape our city, from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights era and beyond, and we will continue to do so.”

Public health down the street, around the world

By DANIEL B. RINALDI Staff Writer Five blocks from Georgia State, more than 3,000 people from more than 80 countries gathered to share, learn and discuss scientific inquiry of tropical medicine and hygiene.

This was the 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene held at the Marriott Marquis and Hilton hotels on Nov. 3 through Nov. 7.

Georgia State Institute of Public Health Assistant Professors Christine Stauber, PhD., and Lisa Casanova, PhD., attended the meeting and presented in a symposium called “Scaling Sustained Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.”

Stauber has been teaching at Georgia State for almost three years. Her latest research focuses on reducing diarrheal disease by improving household drinking water quality. Three former Georgia State students accompanied Stauber in presenting her research.

“It was definitely pretty intense, because there were three posters and I gave a talk,” Stauber said. “There was a lot going on.”

Casanova’s latest research focuses on the effectiveness of water supply, hygiene and

DANIEL B. RINALDI | SIGNAL

Thousands crowded the Marriott and Hilton hotel ballrooms and conference rooms to discuss public health topics.

sanitation interventions in developing countries.

The topic of water supply, sanitation and hygiene that Stauber and Casanova research gets less attention at the annual meeting than the notorious diseases such as malaria and dengue, but attention to the topic is increasing, Stauber said.

Atlanta attracts tropical medicine and hygiene researchers because it houses the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions and other research institutions.

“Georgia State has been a great choice for being a place with resources to collaborate,” Stauber said.

Compared to the four representing

Georgia State at the ASTMH meeting, more than 30 people represented Emory University, about a dozen represented UGA and one represented the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Stauber found in her research, based in the Dominican Republic, that household drinking water could be more sanitary and hygienic if stored properly. If the water is not stored in proper containers, it will contain high levels of E. coli.

For more information on Stauber’s research and what Georgia State is doing in the public health field, visit www.publichealth.gsu.edu.

www.gsusignal.com/news

NEWS

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

03

Panel addresses the future of journalism

By IRIS EBEN Staff Writer Despite the competitive nature of the journalism field and the predicted “death of newspapers,” many Georgia State students aspire to become journalists. An entertainment panel discussion hosted a few weeks ago by Atlanta Association of Black Journalists Student Consortium (AABJSC) included media professionals giving advice on how to stand out in the cutthroat industry.

Panel members included Rashida Rawls, Word Editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Sonia Murray, a music critic and contributing writer for CNN.com and Jaya Franklin, a freelance journalist and co-creator of the online magazine Visionary Artistry.

For Franklin, a lifelong habit of writing led her to a career in journalism.

“I would write letters to my family members and slip them underneath their doors,” she said.

Rawls made the switch from magazines to newspapers after interning at Glamour magazine. “I figured out pretty quickly that magazines were not for me.” After graduating from Howard University and spending a summer just hanging around, Murray landed an internship with the AJC, and the rest is history, she said.

Each panel member expressed the importance of being a multiplatform journalist. With the arrival of the digital age, journalists must assume the role of photographer, videographer and web designer in addition to excelling at writing. Job candidates having familiarity with many forms of media will be chosen over those without it, according to Rawls.

Diverse media familiarity cannot substitute for excellent writing.

“You have to be able to write well. If you can’t do that, clearly you are in the wrong field,” Rawls said.

The panelists agreed that without writing expertise, knowledge of every Adobe product out there won’t help.

“In order to write well, you don’t have to write big words. You have to write according to your audience,” Franklin said. “If I have to grab a dictionary for every other word written... That’s crazy.” Panel members emphasized the importance of developing a voice, the writer’s unique style distinguishing them from other writers.

“To develop your own voice: write. Write all the time,” Rawls said.

“You become more confident as you write. Develop all your senses in your writing. If we sit at a concert, we are all going to see that concert differently,” Murray said.

Each panelist credited mentors for achieving career success. Many students had concerns about how to approach someone to create such a relationship.

“Just be yourself. Be straight up and straight out with them,” Franklin said. “If you can not approach someone and randomly ask questions... you probably should not be a journalist.”

Follow up with mentors once a relationship has been established, said the panelists. Murray recalled inviting an aspiring music critic to the BET Awards and the disappointment at finding out they would not make time for it. “I want to see great writers of color,” she said.

Having a mentor can provide instant access to a rich network of infinite opportunities for students, leading to the end goal: a job.

“I have never had to look for a job,” Rawls said.

“You have to make time for what you want to make time for,” Franklin said. Persistence and hard work is rewarded by opportunities, the panelists said.

“I went to school with Sean Combs, the biggest hustler. He was like that at Howard. That’s why he is where he is,” Murray said.

When the discussion was over, students put the some of the best advice into practice and networked.

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

Sarah Atcheson talks with a friend by the fountain.

>> FOUNTAIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 I’ve seen the fountain in pictures and I was like, why don’t we have that?” asked freshman Diamond Hill.

Hill also said that the fountain adds to the campus as a whole and it makes sitting in the courtyard “more than just sitting on concrete.” The returning fountain seems to have positive feedback from the Georgia State community, but there are some concerns about the fountain staying clean.

“It’s a nice fountain,” said freshman Soleil Lee. “How do they plan to keep it clean?”

According to Momen, Georgia State Facilities Management will take care of that. In addition to keeping the water free from cigarettes, leaves and other miscellaneous trash, Facilities Management is looking into going green. This would mean the water would be cleaned without chemicals.

However, this would be expensive and while they’re looking into some new technologies, the university will make sure the water is clear.

“We in-house maintain every-

thing,” Momen said. “It’s a little bit challenging being an open-water system, it’s important that the water system stays clean or it’ll be green in a few hours.”

Since the fountain was originally turned off because of the drought, the university is doing all it can to continue conserving water. The fountain does recycle its water, but Momen said the only problem is refilling it when water evaporates. Luckily, replenishing the fountain does not cost much.

With the school expanding so rapidly, it is likely there could be other fountains on campus. Additions such as new fountains are typically specified in the University’s Master Plan. This plan is a set process for improvements to the University. The Rialto Center for the Arts and changes to Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue are included in the Georgia State Master Plan. Momen would be more than willing to oversee more fountains on campus.

“The more support we get, then yeah,” he said. “It looks great. It’s worth the $1,800.”

GET THE MOST

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Visit www.gsubookstore.com for additional buyback hours and locations.

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December 14

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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>> ELECTIONS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

DANIEL BEAUREGARD | SIGNAL

The Georgia State campus police station is across from Woodruff Park.

>> POLICE SIZE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 and Petit Science Center draw a new level of activity to additional parts of Atlanta.

Moreover, Georgia State recently began admitting tenants into parts of the Piedmont North dorms, former hotels-turned-dormitories, further expanding the geographic scope of the school and hence the university’s police jurisdiction.

This expansion doesn’t show any signs of abating, either. With the acquisition of the Sun Trust building and Georgia State’s ultimate goal of having over 20 percent of the student body living on campus, the school is clearly planning on continued expansion. This provides more places for criminals to target students, making increased police force numbers imperative.

In an interview with Sgt. Kristal Perkins, Crime Prevention Unit, conducted by GSTV’s Panther Report, crime occurrences have risen while Georgia State’s police force numbers have stagnated. The school has increased the area that police officers must patrol but has not hired any new police officers to make up for their momentous gain in the school’s jurisdiction and the student population to cover.

In her GSTV interview, Perkins reasoned that the overall percentage of crime has likely reduced, considering the fact that student body numbers and their jurisdiction have both increased.

Repeated attempts to contact

the Georgia State Police Department went unanswered.

Students can access an extensive list of each reported crime at listserv.gsu.edu/cgi-bin/ w a ? A 2 = in d 1 0 1 1 B & L = S A F ET YHEALTH&T=0&F=&S=&P=76.

A perusal through the crime statistics for the campus, available at www.gsu.edu/police/33444.html, reveals that over the past few years crime statistics have been largely the same. However, some of the alarming changes include the increased frequency of forcible rape (three incidents in 2009, but none in the prior two years), theft (409 in 2009, but only 329 in 2007), motor vehicle theft (20 in 2009, but only four in 2007) and “other” assaults (there were 28 in 2009, but only three in 2007).

Some of the crimes whose statistics have remained largely the same over the past three years include disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing and aggravated assault. A few crimes have decreased. For instance, forgery and fraud went from having 20 incidents in 2007 to just six in 2009. and vandakism decresed as well.

Georgia State has created other initiatives to promote campus crime awareness and safety. Aside from the campus alerts that students receive, the Georgia State police department regularly conducts safety courses and from seven p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday through Friday they are available to escort students. Students may call 404-413-2100 for a police escort. Finally, police call boxes are located throughout campus for emergencies.

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going down. They see their incomes not going up and they make the conclusion that whoever is in office isn’t doing their job,” he said.

Hornbuckle also believes the Tea Party also had a substantial role in shaping the election by in producing “radical” candidates and preventing more Republicans from winning a majority in the Senate.

“Had it not been for the Tea Party, not only would [the Republicans] have had less radical candidates but they could have very well won the Senate,” he said.

Furthermore, he also does not believe that the new Congress, with its newly elected Tea Party members, will be any more effective in reducing unemployment or working in a bipartisan manner.

“It’s a strange time for President Obama right now because once he gets into his second term, I think he’ll be able to work with the Republicans, but, until then, their only objective is to see him get unelected and do nothing.”

However, Lipko believes that Democratic losses can be attributed not only to the economy but also to a communications failure in mobilizing grassroots support, like how the Republicans have done with the Tea Party, and actually implementing progressive policies.

“It’s definitely the Democrats’ fault. When Bush had that much support in Congress, he passed whatever he wanted. [Democrats] have been in retreat for 30 years.

Their rhetoric is often good, [and] they co-op virtually every progressive movement and any other third party.

But instead of actually fighting the right wing, they are fighting and dismissing the leftists in their own party.”

Austin Roebuck, a conservative political science major, disagrees and believes that the elections were not a referendum on the Obama administration or the Democratic Congress. He believes that most Republican gains can be attributed to voter frustration.

“I think the election is just a way of people saying ‘the Democrats didn’t work the last two years, maybe we can give the Republicans a chance.’ I’d say the elections

NEWS

were based mainly out of frustration and not, necessarily, an actual shift in America’s ideology,” he said.

Like most others interviewed, Roebuck was also worried that the split in Congress will only lead to gridlock and ineffectual policy-making for the next two years of President Obama’s lame duck session, the term for the two months following the first midterm elections, before new members arrive. However, he also believes that this gridlock could lead to Republican victories in the next presidential election.

“I’m hopeful the Republicans would be able to actually do something, but I’m skeptically with the Democrats still in control of the Senate and the Executive Branch. I think we’ll just be in a stalemate and the next two years could be wasted. I really think that what the next two years is going to do is help decide the next four years after that. This will set up who will win the next presidential election,” he said. He worries about what effect the Tea Party might have on future elections by splitting the Republican vote.

“The tea party is so scatterbrained. For instance, I can really agree with some of them but some I just can’t at all. I like the Tea Party in theory. I just think that they’re starting to split votes for other Republicans and costing conservatives offices,” Roebuck said.

However, for other Georgia State voters, like Jordan T. Crawford, the election was much simpler.

“I just wanted to make sure my opinion mattered in the election. I voted because that’s my duty as an American, to let my government know how I want it to operate,” Crawford said.

Still, he believes that modern elections have become too personalized and attack-oriented.

“I think it’s really dumb that all the candidates just bash away at each other without focusing on each other’s policies. Like I saw hundreds of Nathan Deal and Roy Barnes ads attacking each other, but neither one told me what they wanted to do to fix anything.”

Despite repeated attempts and several days’ notice, representatives from the College Republicans could not be reached for the story before publication.

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LIVING

Living Editor Noël Hahn

signalliving@gmail.com Associate Living Editor Angel R. White

w w w . g s u s i g n a l . c o m / l i v i n g

awhite49@student.gsu.edu

Blue Light Café combines service, performance art

By COURTNEY BOYD Staff Writer

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

GSTV news producer Ana Rodriguez films William Davis and Leslie Berling for a story in Panther Report.

GSTV’s ‘Panther Report’ brings news to students

By NOËL HAHN Living Editor Panther Report, Georgia State Television’s (GSTV) news program, is the latest initiative to help broadcast news across campus.

Over the summer, Kelly Murray, Ana Rodriguez and Kristy Breneman developed the Panther Report from scratch, coming up with not only the content of the show but also the name of the program and its graphics.

Another option for the title of the program was ‘On the Prowl,’ which Rodriguez decided was more of a tagline, so she came up with the name ‘Panther Report.’

“We came up with lots of names, but we decided on ‘Panther Report,’” Rodriguez said. “We thought [the] panther was our mascot and the report keeps students up to date, so it worked.”

Murray is the news director at GSTV and a Georgia State undergrad in the process of earning a dual degree in cultural anthropology and broadcast journalism. She started working at GSTV two years ago and has been the news director since the spring 2010 semester.

Rodriguez serves as producer of Panther Report. She is studying broadcast journalism and is pursuing a minor in marketing.

The news program is split into five segments. Anchors announce upcoming campus events in the GSU Happenings segment and Atlanta Happenings announces events occurring within the perimeter. Since GSTV only broadcasts on the closed housing network, the idea behind these two segments is to make students aware of events happening in the city and out of their dorm rooms.

On-site anchors, called package teams, cover on-campus events that have already occurred in a third segment called GSU Events. Panther Report ends with sports coverage and a “weather rap-

up,” which is a new approach to weather reporting that includes pop culture parodies. For instance, the most recent “rap-up” involved singing the weather report to the tune of “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem and Rihanna.

During auditions, Murray and Rodriguez chose anchor teams based on who worked well together.

“We want it to seem as natural as possible. There is a communication between the anchors. They have chemistry,” Rodriguez said of the two lead anchors, Crystal Jordan and Joseph Shepherd.

Volunteer crews make up the rest of the Panther Report team.

“We encourage the volunteer crew members. They aren’t just in and out.

They are an integral part of GSTV,” Murray said.

Panther Report has been part of the learning process for GSTV. “We probably could do [Panther Report] every week, but if we did we would be so stressed out. Grades are a priority.

We want quality over quantity. News is time sensitive, but we want a show that people want to watch,” Murray said.

To draw in its college audience, Panther Report has taken a fresh look at television news reporting. They try to find interesting angles for shots and sometimes play background music during reports. Lavalier microphones are also used so reporters have the ability to move around during the segments.

“We don’t want this to be your dad’s news program. We want this to be fresh and keep the students entertained. No shoulder pads allowed,” Murray said.

Panther Report premieres every other Monday on channel 75 and runs at 12:30 p.m. and six p.m. everyday for one week.

Volunteers are always welcome and experience is not required. Visit the website at www.gstvonline.org to sign up to become a volunteer or find out more about GSTV.

The men of the Pi Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., along with the Black Student Alliance and Conscious Collective, will host their 4th Annual Blue Light Café on Wednesday, Nov. 17. This event, named “A Cultural Experience,” will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Student Center lounge area.

Event Director Christopher Sumter describes the event as a night filled with music, poetry and artistic expression.

“The purpose of the program is to allow people to showcase their creative abilities to the student body,” Sumter said.

More than 300 guests attended last year’s event, which fused a coffeehouse atmosphere with the urban mystique of an “open mic” platform.

This year’s performances range from singing and playing music to spoken word and theatrical pieces. Not only will there be a diverse group of performers, but their crafts will explore many genres of entertainment.

Students were able to audition before a panel of judges during the week of Oct. 26 to Nov. 3. Judges deliberated for nearly a week before selecting the cast.

Performers were chosen on the criterion of stage presence, originality, audience appeal and the ability to work with others in a team setting.

Producers hope that this

DESMOND DICKERSON

Ryan Kulp sings at last year’s Blue Light Café.

BLUE LIGHT CAFÉ

WHEN Nov. 17, 8-10 p.m.

WHERE The Courtyard, Student Center ADMISSION Free

year’s Blue Light Café will usher in support from neighboring institutions and promote community involvement for those involved with the project.

“Our event is unique because we’re bringing in talent from surrounding universities as well, so it’s bigger than our campus,” Sumter said.

Since its establishment on the Georgia State University campus 15 years ago, the Pi Alpha chapter has honored its fraternity’s commitment to building mutually beneficial relationships with fellow Greek-letter organi-

zations and non-Greek organizations alike. Through programs and other initiatives, the chapter works to promote brotherhood and a culture of service for humanity.

Both the Black Student Alliance and Conscious Collective, organizations affiliated with the Office of African American Student Services and Programs, aim to promote students’ personal growth and uplift. Using a holistic approach, each group aims to provide community service projects for all students, regardless of race, gender, color or creed.

“This event is an outlet for those who wouldn’t have one elsewhere,” Sumter said. “We expect a great turnout. There will be plenty of free food, so come in, get comfortable and have a good time.”

Alpha Phi Alpha hosts annual fraternity pageant

By ZAKKIYYA ANDERSON Staff Writer

ZETA MU CHAPTER OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA

Cara Jackson is crowned as the 2010-2011 Miss Black and Gold by pageant chairman Justin Norman.

Last Sunday the “GQ” Zeta Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha hosted the 34th annual fraternity pageant and crowned sophomore Cara Jackson as the 2011 Miss Black and Gold.

“It’s amazing. I have accomplished a lot in my life, but this by far is the most exciting. I was really out of my comfort zone here,” said Jackson about her experience in the pageant.

Jackson’s comfort zone is focused in the area of athletics, where she excels as a basketball player. She not only finds solace on the court, though, as she is a wonder on the piano as well. For the talent portion of the competition, Jackson played “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven, swaying the judges in her favor.

The pageant aimed for a Las Vegas showgirl theme, hence the name, “Viva Miss Black and Gold.”

SEE PAGEANT, PAGE 6

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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LIVING

Know your natural sweeteners

By BROOKE MARSHALL Staff Writer Ever since my father sent me a half-gallon of maple syrup from my home state of Vermont, I’ve been thinking about the wide variety of natural sweeteners available.

But before I talk about them, I’d like to say a word about artificial sweeteners: Yes, they may be low- or no-calorie and yes, the FDA hasn’t found any definitive proof that they’re bad for you. However, researchers have found that there may be a link between the consumption of saccharine and the development of bladder cancer. Meanwhile, aspartame has raised controversy because it may be related to an increased incidence of brain tumors. And if these artificial sweeteners — once touted as completely safe by the FDA — ended up being linked to cancer, who’s to say Splenda won’t someday be surrounded by a controversy of its own?

As I said, none of these links are 100 percent definitive, but still, why risk it — particularly when you can enjoy a wide range of natural sweeteners that have been used safely for centuries? Here’s a look at some of the best ones.

Maple Syrup

I’m not talking about Aunt Jemima. If you take a look at the packaging of that brand and others like it, you’ll notice that they don’t actually claim to be “maple syrup.” Instead, they’re identified as “pancake” or “table” syrup. A glance at the nutrition facts reveals that they’re made of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial chemicals.

Avoid that stuff at all costs and splurge on real maple syrup. The best

of the best comes from Vermont, but you can get good syrup from Canada and other parts of New England. It’s great in oatmeal and, of course, on pancakes and waffles, but avoid it when you’re baking or sweetening hot beverages, because the delicate taste is easily overpowered.

Agave Nectar

If you’ve never had agave nectar before, imagine honey, only watered down, sweeter and with a more delicate taste. Extracted from the agave plant — the same plant that yields tequila — this nectar makes a great addition to tea, coffee and other beverages. You can also use the dark and amber varieties on pancakes and waffles.

Stevia

Another plant-based sweetener, Stevia, comes from the leaves of a shrub by the same name. It’s intensely sweet — up to 300 times as sweet as sugar — and has a slight licorice-like aftertaste. Stevia doesn’t have any calories but, unlike calorie-free artificial sweeteners, it’s been safely used for decades in some parts of the world and for centuries in others. It can be difficult to get your hands on, but you should be able to find it on the shelves of your favorite natural foods store.

Whole-cane Sugar

It’s raw. It’s unrefined. It’s wholecane sugar, and unlike its refined counterpart (the white, crystalline sugar you’re used to seeing), its brown. Its taste is slightly different too — still sweet, but with caramel or licorice overtones. Keep in mind that the refinement process robs sugar of naturally occurring nutrients, so the less refined it is, the better.

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

A Georgia State student eats strawberries with natural whole-cane sugar.

>> PAGEANT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 The event, hosted in the Student Center ballroom, was decorated accordingly. On the tables were poker cards, show hats and plastic champagne flutes.

“We wanted to do a cotillion debutante feel, but make it trendy at the same time,” said Pageant Chair Justin Norman.

Tickets for the pageant were on sale for almost two months at the price of $10 a ticket. Participants in the pageant raised money through bake sales and advertisements to support the individual costs of the pageant.

Eight ladies competed for the title of Miss

MEG BUSCEMA | UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

The Georgia State choral department will be performing “It’s a Jubilant Song.”

Choral ensembles anticipate successful fall concert

By LAURA APPERSON Staff Writer The Georgia State choral department, a part of the School of Music, will be performing this evening in Kopleff Recital Hall in their concert entitled “It’s a Jubilant Song.”

The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be divided into three sections. The three choirs (men’s, women’s, and mixed — also known as the University Singers) will be highlighted during the performance.

Choral Director Dr. Deanna Joseph described the first part of the program as “an eclectic mix of repertoire.” This section will have music from many time periods, including Eric Whitacre’s popular piece, “Sleep,” and Anton Bruckner’s “Os Justi.” Freshman Jason Arnold, member of the University Singers, says about “Os Justi,” “This is one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve sung and we have already performed it once very, very well. Dr. Joseph even described the first 16 measures as the best measures in choral writing and I couldn’t agree more.” All three choirs will have their own set in this section.

Part two of the performance features the University Singers and

Black and Gold. The contestants were Lauren Cummings, Y’Mine McLanahan, Shaina Salman, Victoria Wallace, Alexandria Ashley, Annie Wilson, Cara Jackson and Christian Simpson. The girls all competed in three events.

The ladies first showed off their swimwear attire while the audience was informed of each girl’s major and classification. Next, the ladies graced the Black and Gold stage with their respective talents, some of which included a liturgical dance, a native Haitian dance and a viola rendition of Bach’s “Minuet in G.” Finally, while dressed in elegant ball gowns, the contestants answered various questions showcasing either their wit or intellect.

In between the contestants’ competitions,

IT’S A JUBILANT SONG

WHEN Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE Kopleff Recital Hall ADMISSION Free

a professional orchestra. “Dr. Joseph was able to secure some of the best professionals in the Atlanta area, and for me personally, I get to experience singing with a professional orchestra for the first time,” said Arnold.

The choir will sing the Bach Cantata 80 in this section. Arnold, who has a solo in the piece, said that “it will be featuring a lot of really talented singers in a variety of different movements.”

The final section will feature all three choirs as one combined choir, singing Bach’s “Dona Nobis Pacem” from the b-minor mass. The professional orchestra will be playing in this section as well.

Dr. Joseph, who is beginning her first year as a professor at Georgia State, is looking forward to what else is in store for the choirs. The University Singers are beginning to tour locally soon and are to be performing at Spivey Hall in the spring.

performers sang to the guests with a music style that aligned with the theme of the show. Some of the performers include Morgan Robeson, who belted out “Fever,” and Kenneth Wright Jr., who seduced the ladies with his performance of Nat King Cole’s “Love.”

There were several special guests in attendance, including Miss Black and Gold 2010 from Georgia Tech and Miss Blue and White 2010 from Georgia State. However, one of the most important people in the audience was Denise Smith, Miss Black and Gold 1976. Smith was the first-ever winner of the national competition and won representing Georgia State.

Another winner for the night was Lauren Cummings who was elected as Miss Congeni-

“I would like them to tour abroad,” said Dr. Joseph. They also are eager to perform at conferences and make CDs. The choirs will also be performing in the Holiday Gala concert at the end of the semester. The performances, which will be on Dec. 4 and 5, will feature carols, a Hebrew piece, a Nigerian tune and many other pieces.

Though it is her first year at Georgia State, Dr. Joseph has previous experience. She has taught at Smith College, the University of Massachusetts and Hobart and William Colleges. She just completed her doctorate and is excited about living in Atlanta.

“We are looking to build up membership [in our choirs],” said Dr. Joseph. Trying out for a choir is simple; the auditions are open and by appointment. Students who are interested in joining a choir can email Dr. Deanna Joseph at djoseph@ gsu.edu for more information and to set up an audition time.

“Everyone here is so intense, so extremely gifted, and all are capable of great things,” said Arnold, “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else or in any other choir.”

ality by her peers. Cummings also received the Miss Spirit award by raising the most ad money and donations.

Christian Simpson racked up the accolades with three awards: Miss Photogenic, Best Talent, and People’s Choice, in which she earned $107.21 from the audience’s contributions.

The second runner up (Miss Sphinx) was Shaina Salman and the first runner up (Miss Zeta Mu) was Annie Wilson. Wilson will relieve Jackson if she is ever unable to fulfill her duties.

Jackson will go on to represent Georgia State at the state level of the pageant later on this year.

LIVING

www.gsusignal.com/living

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

07

Fashion show raises money for charity

By ASHLEIGH ATWELL Staff Writer The Black Student Alliance and Alpha Phi Alpha co-sponsored The Fashion Real, an annual charity fashion show, on Nov. 13. The show featured the designs of various local Atlanta designers and was a spectacle.

The Fashion Reel was not an everyday, run of the mill fashion show.

It was a combination of creativity, vibrancy and fierceness as models stomped the runway to an array of upbeat music. The show was divided into four sections, each with its own theme.

The show began with an ad for the upcoming Alpha Neophyte showcase and then the models started down the runway. The first designs displayed were by La Bella Vie Boutique and X Controversy. This section of the show was referred to as Modern Main and showcased militarythemed clothing.

The models in this part of the show wore a variety of trends that looked like they were ripped from the editorials of Vogue and Elle. The most notable trends were parachute pants, military jackets, leather and studs.

The first part of the show also included a trend that seemed to be popular with the designers and the

attendees: black. Black has always been considered the epitome of a chic color and this was evident throughout the show.

The models wore the color in a variety of ways, from the liquid leggings and cropped jackets in Modern Main to the evening gowns and cocktail outfits in Why Do Fools Fall In Love, the next segment of the show.

Why Do Fools Fall in Love was a display of clothing by local designer Raphael Cox. The segment was one of the more visually appealing. The clothes in the Cox collection reflected an air of elegance mixed with a flair for boldness.

The clothing included classic black evening gowns with bright vertical stripes and a mermaid silhouette. The Cox collection also featured vintage pieces, including dresses with a loose fit, strong shoulders and bright prints.

The Cox collection also displayed something for the men by showcasing a few dapper male models in sharp suits and shoes. The segment also had an aura of sensuality as female models slowly strolled down the runway.

Although the Cox collection was a tough act to follow, the show pressed on successfully, thanks to a few more exciting segments and an

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

Models for ‘The Fashion Reel’ walked the runway for charity.

unusual intermission show.

Another skit, Do the Right Thing, followed, which showcased bold street wear. The lines featured were Bliss Skate Company, Vallie Clothing, Pryourity and the Sugar Mafia.

Intermission shows usually consist of the students clearing the room while something or someone moderately entertaining gets on stage.

Mr. Nerd, of LameUniversity.com, performed and did not disappoint.

Mr. Nerd showcased his dance skills with an uncanny impression of the

late Michael Jackson and impressive breakdancing.

The show continued with the last three skits, Burlesque, Madhouse and Sex in the City (Hollywood). The Burlesque theme started off with a sensual dance performance followed by models slinking down the runway in flattering skin tight leotards, shimmery accents, plunging backs and bustiers.

The Madhouse followed with designs from La Bella Vie, Fhonia and Controversy Boutique. This segment had the most dramatic clothing in the

show, including a white catsuit with exaggerated shoulder pads and black accents.

The last segment was Sex in the City. The designs featured in this segment reflected the show it was named after, but it had a vintage twist. It could be described as Sex and the City meets the Eighties. Sex in the City included everything from bright floral prints, ruffles and plaid to sequined jackets and dresses. A standout was a teal sequined mini dress that was a combination of the sexiness and daring that encompassed the ‘80s.

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For more info, contact: Mary Ohmer, PhD at mohmer@gsu.edu or Spencer Middleton, MSW at smiddleton@gsu.edu http://chhs.gsu.edu/study-abroad.pdf Apply for scholarships through the Study Abroad Office

Application Deadline: February 1, 2011

08

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/living

CAMPUS EVENTS DATE

EVENT

Wednesday “Great American Smokeout” presentation

NOV. 17

Noon-1 p.m.

Capital Suite, Student Center Michael Eriksen, director of the Institute of Public Health, will give a presentation titled, “What will the Second Century of Nicotine Addiction Look Like?” as part of the Great American Smokeout Week Nov. 15-19.

Spending a Semester Abroad: Student Panel

Noon-1:30 p.m.

Lucerne Suite, Student Center Georgia State students who have studied abroad for a semester or longer will share their experiences with you and answer any questions you have about the application process, living abroad, and returning to Georgia State.

Leadership Lunch Series: Budgeting for Success Noon–1 p.m.

465 University Center

It’s Easy as A-B-C-D: Test-Taking Strategies

3 p.m.– 4 p.m.

Lanier Suite, Student Center Learn how to ace exams such as the GRE, LSAT and MCAT.

Brass Ensembles & Faculty Brass Quintet

7:30 p.m.

Florence Kopleff Recital Hall Directed by Cory Mixdorf. Featuring works by Olive, Wagner, Verdi, Wixon, Lauridsen, Teehan and Rossini (Brass Ensembles) and Crespo, Koetsier, Cheetham and Waller (Faculty Brass Quintet).

Thursday

NOV. 18

LIVING

November Panther Prowl steps back in time

By JILLANA JONES Staff Writer Georgia State’s Panther Prowls are great ways for students to interact and get to know people on campus.

Students came out in the hundreds for this month’s “I love the ‘90s” prowl to play laser tag, arcade games, sing their favorite ‘90s songs on karaoke, have their caricature done and listen to The Regulars Band rock out to popular songs of the day.

For students like senior Ashley Woolard, who don’t live on campus, Panther Prowl is her way of staying connected.

“I live in Alpharetta and the only time I really come out on campus is for classes,” Woolard said. “So when they do have Panther Prowls, I try to come out so I can talk to new people and hang out with some old friends.”

For junior Jonesia Smith, Panther Prowl is a free and alternative way to have fun on a Friday night.

“It gives me a chance to socialize and meet new people because everybody doesn’t go to parties,” Smith said.

The live, in-house band, The Regulars Band, is made up of brother and sister vocalists Lee and Lindsey Smith, guitarist Robbie Croy, bassist Clay Davis and drummer Jacob Irvin.

Lee, who also plays piano, is an

alumnus of Georgia State and was impressed by how the Panther Prowl events have transformed.

“My first year, in 2005, when I did go, it wasn’t like this, this is way bigger, they used to do it in the street and stuff, but it was never this big,” he said.

Members of The Regulars Band are well acquainted with Spotlight Programs Board and the Student Government Association, which has allowed them to be a regular staple at campus events.

“We’ve played GSU for the past three years, so we kind of got a little fan base here with the students but then again there are ‘19 million’ students,” Lee said.

The band had a sign-up sheet for students to put down their e-mails if they wanted to be added to the band’s e-mail list, but students can also go to their website, www.regularsband. com, for more information.

The karaoke station was a huge hit among students, including some who performed multiple times like sophomores, Kyrstin Bell, Arionne Morris and Alex Batchan.

“I come because it’s always so much fun, I get free food…and I’m always with my friends, it’s awesome,” Bell said.

Bell thinks that it’s important for students to come to Panther Prowl to

promote school unity.

“It brings the whole school together, not just one group of people and it shows that we’re all different and diverse, it’s a fun way to bring people together,” Bell said.

Sophomore Charlotte Conley performed a 90s classic, “Weak” by SWV. “‘Weak’ is a song that I always sing,” Conley said. “I actually wanted to do ‘Dangerously in Love,’ but they couldn’t find that one.”

Onlookers received Conley’s performance with an enthusiastic applause. She said performing in front of people is nothing new for her.

“I sing in choirs, I’ve been in choirs and talented choruses, I’ve tried out for American Idol, but I’ve never done anything professionally,” Conley said.

This is only Conley’s second Panther Prowl, but she plans to make it a regular part of her college experience at Georgia State.

“Why go to college if you’re not going to be a part of the experience?” she asked. “It’s always entertaining, there is always fun stuff to do and a lot of your peers…so I just come out to see what’s going on with everybody.”

Panther Prowl is a monthly event hosted by the Spotlight Programs Board held in the Student Center.

Broadening Horizons: Minority Students and Study Abroad Student Panel

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Court Salon, Student Center Listen as former minority study abroad students engage in a discussion about the joys and challenges of studying abroad. Bring questions and be prepared to be inspired to broaden your own horizons.

Career Chat Panel: Careers in Rehabilitation Counseling

12:30–2:00 p.m.

Room 245, University Center Employer representatives from various career fields are invited to participate in dialogues with students regarding specific career fields.

After Effects

3-4 p.m.

Room 403, Classroom South Creating motion graphics and visual effects with the industry’s standard software.

Friday

NOV. 19

University Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m.

Rialto Center for the Arts

Absolute Beginner’s InDesign 1-2:15 p.m.

Room 403, Classroom South

Chemistry Special Seminar: Dr. Alexander Angerhofer

3:15 p.m.

Parker H. Petit Science Center – Room 101 Dr. Alexander Angerhofer from the University of Florida will present: “EPR Studies of the Mn-dependent enzyme oxalate decarboxylase.”

Hosted by Dr. Aimin Liu.

Sunday

NOV.20

Les Violoncelles

3 p.m.

Florence Kopleff Recital Hall

Want to see your event in this space? Contact Noël Hahn with your event’s name, time, date, location and a brief description of the program. All events listed in the Campus Events calendar must either take place on campus or be produced by a Georgia State-affiliated organization.

Keep our aircraft flying.

Not to mention your career.

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SPORTS

Sports Editor Kirkland Carter

signalsports40@gmail.com

w w w . g s u s i g n a l . c o m / s p o r t s

Associate Sports Editor Saakib Zafrani sjzafrani@gmail.com

Volleyball comes up just short of CAA berth

By JILLANA JONES Staff Writer

SAAKIB ZAFRANI | SIGNAL

Freshman Kendra Long led all Panthers with 13 points, including 10 in the second half.

Tech holds off women’s basketball in season opener

By SAAKIB ZAFRANI Associate Sports Editor Despite a gritty effort, Georgia State fell to Georgia Tech 66-56 in the women’s basketball season opener Friday at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.

This marked the 34th meeting of the two downtown Atlanta teams and was also the beginning of new head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener’s campaign at Georgia State.

The game was level at five points two minutes into the first half, but the Yellow Jackets took off on an 11-2 run and never looked back.

With four minutes remaining, Tech put together an 8-2 run and closed the half at 35-20.

The difference in the first half was 21 turnovers committed by the Panthers compared to the Yellow Jackets 11.

“Those turnovers cost us a ton of possessions with no shot attempted and limited our chances to score,” Baldwin Tener told Georgia State Athletics.

The second half began with more of the same as Tech came out with a 9-2 run in the first four minutes.

Down 64-40 with five minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers found the on-switch and composed a gutsy 16-2 run. In those final minutes, the Panthers only turned the ball over once, while the Yellow Jackets committed six turnovers.

The run came too little too late, but it showed the character of the team, and Baldwin-Tener was pleased with the team’s second-half performance.

“I guess the positive in a loss is that we kept fighting until the end and we executed a whole lot better in the second half,” Baldwin-Tener told Georgia State Athletics.

Georgia State shot 45.5 percent and netted five three-pointers, while Tech shot 44.4 percent and was three for three from the arch.

Freshman Kendra Long made her debut as a Panther and led the team in scoring with 13 points, including 10 in the second half.

Junior Chan Harris had a good showing with 15 rebounds, 12 points and three blocked shots.

Senior Angelique Burtts also scored in double digits with 12.

Tech’s guard, Tyuanna Marshall, led in scoring on the day with 18, while Metra Walthour netted 15.

“They were a lot bigger and it was good that we fought to get more rebounds, but we will work on getting tougher down low, too,” Baldwin-Tener told Georgia State Athletics.

The Lady Panthers hit the road to take on Stetson on Nov. 21 and Bethune-Cookman on Nov. 23.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Senior Ashley Jones finished 2010 with 13 double-doubles.

The Georgia State women’s volleyball team concluded their 2010 season with a 3-1 loss to Delaware on Saturday, after a 3-0 loss at Towson Friday..

The Panthers travelled to Towson, Md., over the weekend to fight for a bid to get into the CAA championship.

They saw a tough 3-0 loss to Towson Friday night with 20 ties and seven lead changes, 15 of them occurring during the first set.

In his post-game blog, “Dig This,” Towson head coach Bruce Atkinson explains that the win against Georgia State was possible because his team “executed [their] game plan from start to finish.”

The loss forced the Panthers into needing a Saturday win against Delaware and a James Madison loss to stay in the hunt for the CAAs. Georgia State stunned the Blue Hens in Atlanta earlier in the season in a thrilling comeback, handing the pre-season favorite what would be their only CAA loss in 2010.

This time the Panthers would have to do it on the road, and Delaware’s Katie Dennehy was ready for Georgia State this time.

Dennehy led her team to victory with a match high of 22 kills and a .442 hitting percentage.

“That was an unbelievable all-around performance by [Dennehy] tonight,” Delaware head coach Bonnie Kenny said in an interview with www.bluehens.com.

Delaware finished their season at 24-5 and 13-1 in the CAA. Towson, who also didn’t make it into the conference championship, finished their season with a win against UNC Wilmington and with a record of 16-15 overall and 4-10 in the CAA. Although they will not be going to the championship, the Panthers can be proud to claim the best record since 2005 with eight SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE 12

Cross country posts five records at regionals

By ABBY CARNEY Staff Writer Cross Country traveled to Hoover, Ala. this past weekend to take on the best teams in the South at the NCAA Regionals held at the well-known Great American course.

“I’m pleased with how the teams ran,” head coach Chris England told Georgia State Athletics. “We had several personal bests and we competed with some of the best runners in the south. It was great experience for our young teams as we build for next season.”

The women’s race took off at 9:45 a.m. and the travel squad put forth a solid performance to wrap up the season. In the field of 185 runners, freshman Anna Sinclair (71st) led the Panthers to the finish line with a personal record of 22:01.51. This was a 22-second improvement on her 22:23 conference finish just two weeks ago.

“The course felt fast, and it was just a beautiful day,” Sinclair said. “The course was SEE CROSS COUNTRY, PAGE 12

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Anna Sinclair led all Panthers with a personal best of 22:01.51. The fleet-footed freshman trimmed 22 seconds off her previous personal best from two weeks ago.

10

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/sports

SPORTS

BASKETBALL FALL 2010 PREVIEW Chemistry, athleticism key to men’s basketball success

By MARQUIS A. DAVIS Staff Writer

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

First-year head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener talking to her team during a timeout in the exhibition game against West Georgia.

New coach, new system for women’s basketball

By WHITNEY JONES Staff Writer For the women’s basketball team, nonconference competition has begun, and the Panthers will look to new head coach Sharon Balwin-Tener to prepare for the all-important conference play.

Baldwin-Tener, an 11-year veteran, decided to start regular practice earlier than most Colonial Athletic Association teams. “[Practicing early] gives us more time to put in our system,” Baldwin-Tener told Georgia State Athletics. Beginning practice back on October 4, the Smyrna native wanted her squad to focus on the fundamentals. “[We’ll work on] dribbling, passing, shooting and defense,” Baldwin-Tener said.

Redshirt junior Chan Harris and senior Angelique Burtts are two players that BaldwinTener expects to help lead the team. Burtts posted a triple-double in the win over Murray State in November of last season, with 19 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Harris sat out for the majority of last season with a foot injury, but the Macon native should be a major piece of the scheme for Baldwin-Tener will build around.

“We know those two are good leaders and players,” Baldwin-Tener told Georgia State Athletics. “We just have a lot of pieces in our puzzle to get together.” After losing one of the CAA’s top scorers, second team All-CAA player Danyiell McKeller, the Panthers will need some players to step into the scoring role.

The CAA teams to watch are CAA Championship winner James Madison, runner-up Old Dominion, Delaware, VCU, Hofstra and Drexel. Aside from JMU, who competed in the NCAA tournament after snagging the CAA title, all five of these schools were invited to attend the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

Sophomore guard Jerlisa Taylor is looking

forward to challenging the Dukes and the Lady Monarchs.

“I am most excited to play James Madison and Old Dominion because JMU won the conference tournament last year and ODU [is] looked at as the powerhouse team in our conference.

According to the preseason poll of the 12 CAA coaches, JMU was rated first in the CAA. “Powerhouse” Old Dominion received the second most votes while Delaware was third.

Georgia State, ranked ninth, will certainly have the opportunity to exceed expectations.

Last year the Panthers had the best defense in the conference, but they’ll have their hands full with two of the conference’s top-five scorers, All-Americans Elena Delle Donne of Delaware and Dawn Evans of James Madison, who are both returning this season. Delle Donne was named both 2010 CAA Player and Rookie of the Year, and the 6-foot-5-inch Blue Hen averaged 26.7 points per game, and finished the season with 774 points. Averaging 24.6 points per game, the sharp-shooting Evans finished third nationally in three-pointers per game.

Fortunately the Panthers no longer have to be concerned about Gabriela Marginean, Drexel’s first player to amass 2,500 points, 900 rebounds and 200 steals, according to www. caasports.com. After the 2009-2010 season, Marginean was drafted by the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

The CAA partnership with Comcast SportsNet, The Comcast Network, ESPN and CSS will broadcast four GSU basketball games to television. Panther fans can catch the CAAopener when the women match up against George Mason on Jan. 2 in Fairfax, Va., on CSS at 2 p.m. At least 125 CAA games will be televised, while over 300 games will be available through the internet. CAA women’s basketball has scheduled at least 19 televised games.

Georgia State’s men’s basketball is upon us, as head coach Roy Barnes leads another charge this season with a renewed focus, complimented by what Barnes has said is the most athletic roster he has ever coached.

The team lacks experience playing together, but they did get to build some chemistry during their trip to Bahamas over the summer.

Despite not playing many minutes on the floor together, the consensus among the players and coaching staff is that this team has great chemistry.

Coach Barnes noted how the Bahamas trip did a lot for the team.

“This is our closest team,” Barnes said.

“We have great team chemistry.”

He spoke highly about the leadership of the team co-captains Marques Johnson and Jihad Ali. They’ll certainly need to work together this season. The Panthers lost 6 seniors from last year’s roster and have added 8 new players. Devonta White of Alpharetta, Ga., is one of four new freshmen and is regarded as Georgia State’s point guard of the future. He should make a push for some playing time playing behind the only returning starter, senior Marques Johnson.

Johnson, the 6-foot-5-inch point guard, joined the Panthers last year as a transfer from North Carolina State University. He averaged 2.3 points and 2.6 assists per game for the Panthers, while starting 20 of the final 24 games at the point guard position last season.

Barnes will look to Johnson for his experience.

“Having Marques [Johnson] at the point is key, because there is no substitution for the experience he brings at the position,” Barnes said.

Look for the Panthers to rely heavily on their returning players at least to start the season. This should allow the new players some time to adjust and find their roles with the team before CAA competition begins.

Barnes expects a scoring punch from returning wingman Jihad Ali. Ali averaged 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds off the bench last season, including a career-

best 22-point effort against George Mason. Ali said both the team’s confidence and chemistry are up from last year, and he plans to help the team win however he can.

“Coach wants me to be more aggressive on offense and focus more on defensive rebounding,” Ali said. “Anyway I can help the team win is what I’m here to do.”

Last year the men’s basketball team finished with an overall record of 12-20 and a CAA conference record of 5-13, and Barnes hopes to improve on last year’s start.

“Our first goal is to improve on our number of wins from last season,” Barnes said. He noted the tough schedule from last season which had the team playing on the road for 9 of their first 11 games.

Old Dominion won the CAA Tournament last season and will be returning four of their starters along with 5 returning lettermen.

Of those five, 6-foot-8-inch Keyon Carter averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game off the bench, while starting 13 games for the Monarchs.

A huge loss for the conference champs was losing the reigning tournament MVP Gerald Lee, who graduated and is preparing to play professionally in Italy. Despite the loss, look for ODU to compete for another conference title, as they maintained the majority of their core from last season.

Other notable CAA teams are Northeastern and William and Mary, both of which made the NIT Tournament. Both teams boasted excellent conference records last season and are typically forces within the CAA. The Georgia State men’s basketball team has their work cut out for them this season, but there are many positives Panthers fans to look forward to this season. The new athleticism should create more of a threat for big plays as well as give Georgia State point guards more opportunities to create easy baskets for their teammates.

“The biggest addition for our team this year is our versatility,” Barnes said. “If we need to go big we can go big, or if we need to go small we can go small and fast.”

Next game: Friday, Nov. 19 versus Troy at 7 p.m. at the Sports Arena.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Head coach Rod Barnes will look to improve last season’s 12-20 CAA record.

SPORTS

www.gsusignal.com/sports

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

11

Individual accolades, tough losses highlight men’s season

By WILL HOLLAND Staff Writer

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Junior Charlotte Guilleaux, of St. Maur De Fosses, France, is one of seven women’s golfers at Georgia State. Two are from Georgia, with the remaining five from Columbia, Denmark, Finland, Norway and France.

Bridging the gap

By ANQUANNET WRIGHT Staff Writer and KIRKLAND CARTER Sports Editor It’s no secret that Georgia State is one the most diverse universities in Georgia. This is not limited to just students, as the student-athletes hail from six continents, 20 countries and 26 different states, according to Georgia State Athletics.

The Georgia State University women’s tennis and women’s golf teams are two of the more diverse teams, with athletes hailing from the Czech Republic to Vietnam to Finland. These hand-picked players often speak two or three different languages, but sometimes they arrive on campus speaking very little English.

Both of these sports are technique-based, and the two head coaches are charged with bridging this gap to prepare the athletes for collegiate competition.

“We have players from all over, France, Columbia, Denmark, Finland and Norway,” said Cathy Mant, head coach of the 2010 CAA Champion women’s golf team.

Head Coach Miha Lisac of Georgia States Women’s Tennis team speaks Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian and some German, but the 2009 CAA Coach of the Year prefers to teach his players in English for academic and athletic purposes.

“The players and I tend to always communicate in English,” Lasic said.

“It is not easy for the foreign players at the beginning, but it is the best and the fastest way for them to adjust and become comfortable communicating and studying in English.”

When it comes to non-verbal

communication with the players, one common technique is visual representation.

“The best way to deal with a situation of a misunderstanding or language barrier is showing an example visually.”

Lisac also implements drawing boards similar to those used in basketball, with the tennis court outline to help illustrate certain patterns and strategic corrections.

For golf, visual communication between coaches and players is important when working in hands-on situations such as the short game, course management and mental process.

“You know it’s disturbing to think that I don’t speak any other languages, but I admire my players that can and can not all the same,” Mant said.

Mant’s team has overcome the language gap, and the CAA Champions will look to win their thirdstraight title in 2011, while the women’s tennis team will look to improve on their performance in 2010, when they lost in the semifinals of the CAA Tournament.

“We are looking to have a good team in place that will be contending for the CAA title again,” Lisac said.

The women’s tennis team will kick off their season in the spring, with home games at Piedmont Park.

The Women’s Golf team recently played in the Paladin Invitational and finished second. The 2010 CAA Women’s Golfer of the Year, Charlotte Lorentzen, finished second at the Lady Paladin Invitational on the way to earning her sixth-career CAA Women’s Golfer of the Week honor.

Despite an up-and-down season, Georgia State men’s soccer will enter the 2011 season with a sense of accomplishment under first-year head coach Brett Surrency.

The Panthers wrapped up the season with a 7-7-3 overall record and 4-6-1 in conference–their best record in the CAA to date.

They will be disappointed to have lost their final two matches with an outside shot at play-off action, but key performances will surely be used as building blocks.

With wins against the CAA tournament four-seed Delaware (6-9-3, CAA 5-4-2) and Old Dominion (96-2, CAA 5-4-2), who finished tied with Delaware on points, the Panthers proved they can defeat elite opposition.

Georgia State also disrupted UNC-Wilmington’s (8-6-4, CAA 4-3-4) play-off hopes through a tough draw and James Madison’s (9-7-2, CAA 4-6-1) chances were dented as well by a 1-0 Georgia State victory.

It was an extremely competitive season in the CAA with only four points separating Georgia State from the fourth playoff team, Delaware, and five squads sandwiched in between them.

On an individual level, the Panthers will return seven sophomore starters and a number of significant contributors off the bench as well.

Juniors Chris Peacos, Jacob Hamilton, Ayokunle Lumpkin and Tim Nixon will take on the mantle of the team’s veteran players with the departure of senior midfielder Joe Castaldo, midfielder Darryl Evans,

defender Donald Kirkland and midfielder Joey Syfert.

The Panthers will return nine starters in all.

Individual honors were also given to sophomore goalkeeper Vincent Foermer and sophomore midfielder Yasser Majluf. Foermer earned a place on the Second Team All-Colonial Athletic Association and Majluf was selected in the AllCAA Third Team.

Foermer recorded 84 saves in the 17-game season to lead the CAA. The Seevetal, Germay native kept four shutouts and finished with career bests in nearly every goalkeeping category. Despite Foermer’s success, the Panthers will do well to prevent opposing offenses from continually forcing the best out of the sophomore goalkeeper.

A fulcrum of the midfield and offense, Majluf earned his recognition through two game-winning goals and two assists. His goals came in one non-conference match against Florida International and in a critical conference match against Northeastern. He also led the team in shooting with 32 shots taken while putting 13 on goal. Combining with fellow sophomore Eric Lawrence, they proved to be a dynamic midfield tandem throughout the year.

Head coach Brett Surrency was pleased that his sophomores earned some conference recognition.

“I am really proud and happy to see these guys be recognized for their hard work,” Surrency told Georgia State Athletics. “Both Yasser [Majluf ] and Vince [Foermer] put in a lot of time training this summer and it’s exciting to see their efforts rewarded. With that said, knowing

both of these two, I fully expect that they won’t be satisfied and will want to train even harder this upcoming year so that they can make it on the All-CAA First Team.”

Other standouts include sophomore wide-man Gimel Gordon, who led the team with four assists and was able to bag two goals.

Freshman sensation Evan Scott, who started on the bench the majority of the season, showed his goal-scoring ability by scoring three goals on just 13 shot attempts. He provided two assists on the year as well.

Four players were tied as the team’s leading goal-scorers with three each including Scott, sophomore midfielder Alex Vivanco, Lawrence and junior forward Lumpkin.

Sophomore Viktor Nkomah stepped into a prominent position on the offense, starting 13 games and providing three assists. Junior Jacob Hamilton and sophomore Alex Rejes also contributed off the bench, with Hamilton scoring two goals and Reyes scoring one while assisting on two goals.

The defense was solid with sophomore standout Peter Vania leading the back line with 17 starts followed by freshman transfer Michael Nwiloh at 15.

Focus will be imperative for the Panthers next year as they dropped games to bottom table teams Towson and Drexel. In the end, these losses may have been the difference between Georgia State’s first CAA play-off berth and an impressive season to build upon.

Still, the squad achieved their best record in the CAA, and they look poised to continue their success in 2011.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Sophomore Yasser Majluf earned CAA 3rd team honors.

12

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/sports

ATHLETIC EVENTS DATE Tuesday

EVENT Men’s Basketball at McNeese State

NOV. 16

Lake Charles, La. 8 p.m.

Thursday

Football at Alabama

NOV. 18

Tuscaloosa, Ala. 7:30 p.m.

Friday

Men’s Basketball vs. Troy

NOV. 19 Sunday

Sports Arena 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball at Stetson

NOV. 21

DeLand, Fla. 3 p.m.

Tuesday

Men’s Basketball vs. Utah Valley

NOV. 23

Sports Arena 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball at Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, Fla. 7 p.m.

>> CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

a bit hilly, and I love hills, so it worked to my advantage.”

Personal bests were also posted by senior Jasmine Love (106th) at 22:41.97, sophomore Alison Bishop (134th) at 23:10.36 and redshirt junior Lauren Postma (136th) at 23:14.17. Junior transfer Kacee Houle (116th) ran a season best of 22:51.39.

The regional meet marked the end of the season for the team and the last collegiate cross-country race for Love.

“It was emotional at the start line,” Postma said. Postma didn’t get the start she wanted, but the North Gwinnett High School standout gradually picked off the com-

>> VOLLEYBALL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 conference-play victories (8-6 CAA) and 14-14 overall, finishing sixth in the CAA. “The future of Georgia State volleyball is bright and I can’t wait for next season,” head coach Tami Audia said to Georgia State Athletics. “This was a tough weekend for our team and it hurts now because we were so close to the CAAs.” The fight to the championship was very close, with the final three slots not being filled until the last weekend of the regular season.

SPORTS

petition throughout the race.

“I didn’t go out as fast as I usually do, but everybody really took off. When I could actually see the finish line, I really picked it up and started passing people,” she said.

For the men’s side, freshman Tyler Tomy led the way in the 10k race, placing 83rd out of the 147 runners and finishing in 32:59.16. Junior Chris Harper (103rd) followed with a time of 33:39.08, and freshmen Carlos Galindo (117th) and Shyam Kapadia (133rd) completed their first NCAA Regionals race with times of 34:11.43, and 35:02.35 respectively.

The conclusion of the season marks England’s first season with the team and a positive beginning for the talented young team comprised mainly of freshmen.

“But this was a special season. We came together as a team and fought to the end for a berth in the CAA’s,” Audia said.

Senior Audrey Cantrell finished second in the career all-time digs lineup just 36 behind the record of 1,628.

Vineece Verdun, a redshirt-junior, had 11 kills in the game against Towson and 14 against Delware.

The championship will be hosted by Delaware and will begin on November 20. The first match will be between second-seeded James Madison and third-seeded Northeastern. Delaware who claimed the top seed will play Virginia Commonwealth University, who landed in the fourth seed on Saturday night.

ENTERTAINMENT www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

Entertainment Editor Jhoni Jackson

signalentertainment@gmail.com Associate Entertainment Editor Savanna Keo skeo1@student.gsu.edu

A welcomed bug infestation at OVO

By SAVANNA KEO Associate Entertainment Editor Ever imagine what goes on in the miniscule world of bugs, and whether that society of creatures living right beneath our feet emulates our own? The latest production of Cirque du Soleil to grace the Atlantic Station arena transports and immerses the audience into the universe of arachnids, insects and vermin, whose mere sight makes our very skin crawl. But bug spray and fly swatters are not needed under this tent.

Cirque du Soleil’s OVO, its 25th production in 25 years, provides a look into the life of a bug — all the toil, interactions and movements of the various insects are blown up and put on a life-size scale. The arrival of a mysterious egg into the insects’ ecosystem becomes the catalyst of the intrigue of the creatures and the overarching plotline for the show.

There are crickets, ants, spiders, scarabs, ladybugs and more, and each actor is dressed in aesthetically-pleasing, avant-garde costumes and makeup that are able to hold the eye’s gaze for every second of all the acts.

However, when insects of more than one variety grace the stage at one time, it is easy to become distracted by the mass conglomeration of color.

The soundtrack of the night transports you to a different world altogether. The Brazilian-inspired sounds make you feel as though you’ve stepped into an anthill in South America. The show not only appeals to the senses of sight and sounds, but also manages to cater to the audience’s sense of smell during the show: Mid-show, a giant, perfumed flower blooms center-stage.

A spotlight-stealing arachnid with acrobatic finesse was a crowd pleaser. With poise and barely human strength, the acrobat was suspended 30 feet above the group, performing on a thin tightrope. Another showstopper was an ensemble of crickets, a team of more than ten men performing a routine meticulously choreographed on a wall and a floor of trampolines. The trampoline-hopping, wall-climbing crickets provided one of the biggest wow factors of the night.

Between the feats of physical strength, there were frequent clown antics dominating the stage. Although these frolicking jokesters served to progress the plotline, there was no element of surprise to the humor and it served, at best, as a mildly entertaining filler

20TH CENTURY FOX

Love and Other Drugs stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway.

‘Love and Other Drugs’: the art of the invisible director

By CHELSIE ROHLEN Staff Writer

BENOIT FONTAINE

Cirque du Soleil’s latest show, OVO, features stylized, life-size creepy crawlers performing incredible physical feats.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: OVO

WHEN Nov. 4-19; one nightly performance Tuesdays-Thursdays, two performances Friday-Sunday WHERE Atlantic Station ADMISSION $50-$355 for adults; children’s tickets start at $35

between awe-inspiring acrobatic acts.

The “OVO” of the show, an ominous egg that penetrated the bug community early in the show, loomed over much of the production, whether rolling in the background of

a scene or in the limited conversations between bugs. A birth or other surprise element was expected from the egg, perhaps as the closer of the show, but the shell was never a cracked.

Cirque du Soleil has an esteemed reputation of delivering the best in theatrical and acrobatic performance. In OVO, the crew mostly lives up to those high expectations.

But though the colors and physical ingenuity of its performers will leave the audience in awe, there were very few unexpected elements in the act that deviate from what’s easily anticipated.

Add some caffeine to your party with Whynatte

By MICHAEL MESSING Staff Writer Party full throttle with both the literal Whynatte — the tasty canned beverage — and its founders, a rock band with funk and rap tendencies and a bevy of likeminded locals ready to throw down as hard as you are.

Whynatte is celebrating its second anniversary with a party at Smith’s Olde Bar on Wednesday, Nov. 24. The drink, which you may have seen at Saxby’s in Library North or for sale at a multitude of off-campus establishments, was created

by Andy Wessels and Jesse Altman.

It’s a canned latte that tastes good on its own, but is also a great mixer for

WHYNATTE TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

WHEN Nov. 24, 8 p.m.

WHERE Smith’s Olde Bar ADMISSION $12 in advance, $15 at the door; 21 and up

alcoholic drinks. The coffee-and-energy combo separates itself from the other dairy and energy drinks on the market because it isn’t super sweet, and contains fewer calories than most.

Considering its small-scale beginning SHAWN DURRANCE

SEE WHYNATTE, PAGE 14

Jesse Altman, co-founder of Whynatte.

It’s been a long, lonely time since a romantic comedy has deeply affected the seasoned moviegoer. While a bad romantic comedy is nothing new, it seems as if a slew of unoriginal, cheesy, array of them have plagued the theaters more than ever recently. Thankfully, a pensive, articulate director has stepped in and saved the sanity of the apprehensive romantic comedy watcher, changing the norm in a way nonpareil to anything we’ve seen in recent years.

Not that he’d ever admit it. Upon meeting Love and Other Drugs director Edward Zwick, equanimity of comfort that overcomes you trumps the fact that you’re shaking hands with the director of sweepingly epic movies like Blood Diamond, Defiance and Glory. If those titles don’t make you realize the talent possessed in this man, try watching I Am Sam without crying. Revisit the short-lived, Golden Globe-winning television series My So-Called Life without reliving teen angst. Or try the classic Legends Of The Fall, which solidified women around the world’s everlasting love for Brad Pitt.

Yes, Mr. Zwick has produced all of these films, sprawling across all genres, featuring more A-listers than you’d see in an episode of E! News. While he almost has a right to reject a lowly interviewer’s questions or to answer shortly and promptly exit the room, instead he explained directorial choices carefully, explaining what works, what doesn’t and the mastery of becoming an “invisible” director.

In fact, he said that becoming imperceptible to the audience is the thing he is most proud of in Love and Other Drugs — it’s a craft he’s worked years to bridle. Becoming invisible, he said, secures that the actors, the characters, and the plot are forward, “as [they] should be.” With this assured, he was able to make the movie he wanted.

“I think the movie has in it the amount of joy that I wanted it to have, even in circumstances that seemed difficult or edgy. Each of these actors I think is as good or better than they’ve been in their careers,” Zwick said.

“Good or better” is an understatement from the phlegmatic director. Both of the film’s stars deliver solid, equalizing performances throughout.

Anne Hathaway plays Maggie, a tough, unsentimental twenty-something dealing with early onset Parkinson ’s disease, something that she copes with through blasé sex and reckless banter. She portrays SEE DIRECTOR, PAGE 16

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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ENTERTAINMENT

>> WHYNATTE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

JHONI JACKSON | SIGNAL

The Back Pockets and their merry theater performers at Criminal Records on Oct. 2.

The Back Pockets: An acid trip without the LSD

By JHONI JACKSON Entertainment Editor In the afternoon daylight on the stage at Criminal Records, a six-piece fusion of neo-hippie folk and punk rock grit took the stage. It was the inaugural performance of the Other Sound Festival, an annual showcase of local bands.

Emily Kempf, a messy blonde in a monochromatic red get-up of a tank top and highwaist shorts, stood at the forefront. Blasé yet striking, she was clearly the band’s ringleader.

But as much as Kempf ’s appearance was disarming, what happened in the audience while she sang was even more captivating.

Their layered white outfits should have given some indication that the youthful crowd members were associated. A male standing closest to where Kempf was singing began ripping pages from a magazine he’d been furiously flipping through seconds before, and Kempf ’s eyes met his. As he crumpled one glossy sheet after another, she grinned.

That’s when the rest of the members joined — and soon the binding of the magazine was discarded among the misshaped paper balls that now littered the floor. And within minutes, the group — who all appeared to be sober, but with a glaze of excitement in their eyes — discarded their clothing, too.

A long-haired brunette stripped down to a bra and thin pants, a few males went shirtless and the pioneering page-ripper wore only his underwear. The brunette handed him a pair of scissors, and to her delight, he began snipping away at her locks.

A few songs later, the group held hands and weaved — slightly bent-over, as if they were sneaking silently — in and out of the crowd of onlookers. Some people joined in; some just stared, open-mouthed. The band continued to play.

The uninhibited crowd members conducting the antics were the Back Pockets’ theater group. The Back Pockets is a large band, and includes Kempf, drummer Billy Mitchell, Haley Murphy (back-up vocals), guitarist Britt Tuesink, Gage Gilmore (bassist), Lam Dang Nguyen (fiddle player), several other rotating players and a multitude of actors guided by Orion (Bryan Crook) and Henry Detweiler. Altogether, around 30 people comrpise the band.

THE BACK POCKETS

WHEN Nov. 18, 9 p.m.

WHERE The Star Bar (437 Moreland Ave.) ADMISSION Free

It’s an overwhelming roll call, and practicing is likely just as messy. But the Back Pockets insist on accessorizing their shows with nontraditional, outside-the-box theatrics.

“One of my goals in the very beginning was to…create a show where people thought they were on acid when they saw it,” Kempf said of her vision for the Back Pockets’ performances.

But before the Back Pockets was a band, the medium for the same endeavor — “a big, crazy, event spectacle,” Kempf called it — was a play.

“There [were] all these people involved and week to week, we’d get together and sometimes people would come in and out and we didn’t know…if everyone [would] show up,” she said.

With a show booked and only a few weeks to rehearse, Kempf feared the performance wasn’t going to work.

“So we were like, ‘We need a plan to pull out of our back pocket at the last minute,’” she said.

The band was an afterthought, Kempf explained, but served as the perfect replacement for her ill-fated directorial debut. When practicing, Kempf “found out” she could sing, she said. The band idea stuck.

Though she can sometimes sound childlike, Kempf ’s voice easily crescendos to a raw and raspy place that matches the often band’s off-kilter melodies. On “Story Song,” a standout track on their second LP, Blissters N Basements, Kempf talks her way into a scream. She explains how at 15 years old, she followed a boyfriend to upstate New York, took too many drugs and basically felt like she was rotting inside.

And though Kempf is clearly the outfit’s experienced, steadfast matriarch, the Back Pockets wouldn’t be the shocking powerhouse that it is without its theater group.

The theatrics are typically more absurd than what occurred at the Criminal Records show, a performance considered off-the-wall

enough as it was. For a show at the High Museum, the band was costumed as blend of mystical forest creatures and Victorian era elite.

The theater group wore likeminded outfits, and twirled each other like it was a hoedown before the mostly idle crowd. It looked like an Of Montreal concert, only without the stiff choreographing and rigid separation of stage and audience.

Sometimes the band members are unaware of the theater clan’s itinerary, Kempf said. The band and theater acts practice often, but mostly separately.

Kempf described another recent show: “They brought a giant tarp in and unrolled it across the audience. We were looking at each other like, what the f**k? It literally covered the entire bar.”

“Everyone was on chairs holding the tarp in the air. It was this epic…it was incredible,” she said.

One connective element in the Back Pockets’ shows is a direct offer for the crowd to participate. Drum sticks are given to as many people as possible, and everyone’s encouraged to play along, whether they beat the floor, the wall or a nearby trash bin.

Once the theatrics emerge during a show, the band as a whole seems much like a commune of hippies, like the LSD-loving Merry Pranksters in Tom Wolfe’s The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test.

“People use the word hippie a lot for us, which is okay. It doesn’t offend me,” Kempf said.

But nobody appears to be on drugs during their performances — the free-spirited vibe the Back Pockets emanates feels natural.

“Natural acid from the mother,” Haley Murphy, a back-up vocalist, joked when the subject arose.

“Battery acid,” drummer Billy Mitchell chimed in.

Although a cult reference did come up, considering the camaraderie and non-creepiness of the members, Kempf ’s description of the band as a generously inclusive family rings true.

“People come up and [say], ‘I want to be in your band,’ and I’m like, ‘Okay,’” she said.

“Theater is always looking for new people,” Kempf said.

— the idea for the drink developed from an inside joke between Altman and Wessels — Whynatte’s growth is astounding. Its success can be credited in large part to the Atlanta community’s ready embrace. According to Altman, the city has welcomed Whynatte with open arms.

“None of this would have worked if we hadn’t had the support of the community,” he said. Altman believes that because of how much Atlanta has coddled Whynatte, the drink has had a chance to flourish in a market that, for the most part, Altman and Wessels created. Whynatte is basically the only coffee-based beverage used as a mixer in bars across Atlanta.

“I mean, it’s crazy how people have really rallied around our company and embraced it, and really gone out of their way to provide us opportunities that are just insane,” said Altman. “Business owners, bar owners, convenience store owners, all these people who have stood up for us. When other larger companies have tried to come and kick us out of bars, we’ve had that support,” he said.

Although Wynatte has seen overwhelming backing from the Atlanta community, the company and its founders feel their tasty latte stands out among the other ready-to-drink lattes on the market.

“Community support is huge,” said Altman.

“But I also feel like we have a great product. So at the end of the day our biggest challenge is getting people to try it. Because once they try it they like it and they become loyal customers.”

The Whynatte brand has tried its best to stay true to itself. The company knows its consumer and what they look for, and have planned their marketing and events accordingly — like their two-year anniversary party.

“From a marketing standpoint we just go with our gut,” said Altman. The company’s goal is to have Whynatte in a total of nine markets in the southeast, including Atlanta, in the next two years.

“We go with the things we’d like to see if we were being marketed to,” Altman explained. “Like the Constellations are a good example. We try to team up with the music [I] actually listen to when I’m driving around. We just try and do a gut-check with everything out there and say, ‘You know is this in line with the brand, and will the people think it’s smart and not stupid?’”

Keeping true to their customer and the things the founders like themselves, the Whynatte folks have done a good job of making their drink and their information readily available to their consumer. There is a Whynatte iTunes App, they’re on Twitter and their website even lists tons of drink ideas for the adult consumers out there. From sports bars like Stats to trendy tapas restaurants like Loca Luna and, of course, smoky late-night spots like 97 Estoria, Whynatte is sold at an increasingly incredible number of area establishments.

The Constellations, the group headlining the party, are from Atlanta, but have been touring nonstop for two years. They’re excited to return home and help celebrate Whynatte’s success.

“I think we both started about the same time, us doing live shows and them promoting their product and getting it out there, and very early on we’ve partnered with them,” said Elijah Jones, lead singer of the band.

Jones said the band is going to try and bring something special to the show to help celebrate such a big day for their friends.

“We’re just gonna go out there and rage, you know,” Jones revealed. “We’re brainstorming to think of some new stuff to add. We always like to bring some new stuff to Atlanta.”

“I miss Atlanta,” Jones said. “We’ve done [more than] 260 shows this year, so whenever we get a chance to be back in our hometown we can hopefully pull out all the stops.”

If you’re a fan of bands that rage and boozefueled lattes, head to Smith’s Olde Bar on Wednesday, November 24. Help celebrate the two-year anniversary of an Atlanta start-up before they blow up.

Whynatte?

ENTERTAINMENT

www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

15

Rihanna’s reign remains strong on fifth release ALBUMS IN HEAVY ROTATION 01

The Fool Warpaint (Rough Trade)

02

d’Demonstrator Shobaleader (Warp)

03

The Age of Adz Sufjan Stevens (Asthmatic Kitty)

04

Autumn, Again A Sunny Day in Glasgow (ASDG)

05

The Hundred in the Hands The Hundreds in the Hands (Warp)

06

One of Us Pomegranates (Afternoon)

07

Down There Avey Tare (Tracks)

08 09 10

Dreamy L.A. art rock that’s an entrancing as it is catchy.

Rihanna Loud

Def Jam

Synthunderscored indie pop with Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier echoing vocals Sun Airway (Dead Oceans) and danceworthy beats, Opticks like a chilledSilje Nes (Fatcat) out Animal The Roots of Chica 2 Collective.

Various Artists (Barbes)

11

Turning On Cloud Nothings (Carpark)

12

New Chain Small Black (Jagjaguwar)

13

Everlasting Grandchildren (Green Owl)

14

Science and Sorcery Wolf & Cub (Last Gang)

15

Sick of Love J.C. Satan (Slovenly)

16

Pyramid of the Sun Maserati (Temporary Residence)

17

Small Craft on a Milk Sea Brian Eno (Warp)

Psychedelic influenced, laidback garage pop.

18

Music for Honey & Bile William Ryan Fritch (Asthmatic Kitty)

19

Burning Bush Supper Club Bear Hands (Cantora)

20

Again and Again Thieves Like Us (deBonton)

21

Halcyon Digest Deerhunter (4AD)

22

Ring Glasser (True Panther Sounds)

23

The Burnerz Zumbi & the Are (JahWorks)

24

Face Tat Zach Hill (Sargent House)

25

Wild Go Dark Dark Dark (Supply & Demand)

26

Sports Weekend (Slumberland)

27

Some Place Simple Martina Topley (Ipecac)

28

Play it Strange The Fresh & Onlys (In the Red)

29

Penelope Sarah Kirkland Snider, Shara Worden & Signal (New Amsterdam)

30

Full Circle Shigeto (Ghostly International)

Atmospheric and dizzy with guitar work, this San Francisco trio’s debut still manages to be an infectious kind shoegaze.

Often ambient, borderline trip-hop jams with jazz and dubstep accents — the perfect album to chill out to.

of the song). “Raining Men” pairs Rihanna with a more compelling partner: Nicki Minaj. Minaj’s quirky rap adds some needed personality to the song. Finally, the album closes with a haunting, effective sequel to the Eminem/Rihanna collaboration “Love the Way You Lie,” with Rihanna taking the lead on this version of the song.

Ultimately, Loud should keep Rihanna on the charts for at least another year. Its diverse set of songs will likely help with future singles. As an album, though, it does feel largely like something Rihanna could have made a few years ago.

By ELIJAH SARKESIAN Production Editor It’s hard these days to become — and remain — a truly viable pop singer. For every artist like Beyoncé, who can create a media frenzy when releasing a new album, there are scores more like Ciara, who has lost almost all of the buzz she held five years ago.

Attempting to remain viable may include constantly producing new content, which may be why Rihanna is releasing Loud, her fifth album since 2005.

Loud blends some of the edgier, bad girl aspects of 2009’s criticallyacclaimed Rated R with the commercially successful sounds last found on 2007’s Good Girl Gone Bad. The clearest example is lead track “S&M,” which combines lines like “sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me” with a pulsating beat from Stargate, the producers behind previous Rihanna hits “Don’t Stop the Music” and “Rude Boy.” Stargate also contributes to the album’s first two singles, “Only Girl (In the World)” and “What’s My Name?” Both songs, especially “Only Girl,” rely heavily on European-styled dance production. With these tracks being used as the singles, listeners would likely expect an album filled with similar songs.

Those listeners are in for a surprise.

Outside of the Stargate tracks, Rihanna experiments with a variety of different sounds. “Cheers (Drink to That),” which features a sample of Avril Lavigne’s “I’m With You,” is a rock-influenced bar song, while “Man Down” features some Caribbean influences not felt from Rihanna since 2005’s Music of the Sun. Both songs also find Rihanna singing in a lower register and with a noticeably thick accent. Elsewhere, “California King Bed” finds Rihanna giving a remarkable vocal performance over gentle strumming guitars. As far as Rihanna’s repertoire of ballads goes, it may be one of her strongest selections.

Rihanna also brings in some heavy-hitting rappers for three of the album’s tracks. “What’s My Name?” features Drake in a rap that is fun, but ultimately unnecessary (Drake’s rap was originally intended for a remix

Slammed the Door.” Completely in French, the song incorporates Dave1’s passion for the language. He is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in French literature.

Though auto-tune has been able to bring success to some artists, Dave-1 relies on his raw vocals. His vocals lack range, thus leaving the majority of the tracks with the same formulaic sound.

Lyrically, Business Casual is hit or miss. On “The Right Type,” Dave-1 sings, “A knight in shining armor/Be the right type/Comes along more delight/And he’s exactly what he promised to be.” That one’s a miss.

Although they have yet to make a song that tops “Fancy Footwork,” Chromeo stays true to their roots and have shown a growth in their sound.

Like most catchy dance tracks where we’re content with disregarding the lyrical content, if we look past the album’s minor flaws, Business Casual provides tunes worth jamming to.

Chromeo

Business Casual Atlantic

By EMILY YANG Staff Writer After their breakthrough with “Fancy Footwork,” Chromeo is back with a third album, Business Casual.

The electro-funk duo from Canada consists of Dave-1 (real name David Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (real name Patrick Gemayel).

Chromeo puts a modern spin on ‘80s pop-style music. The production on Business Casual is clean and sharp, with smooth incorporations and a heavy use of talk box vocals, keytar and synthesizer.

The beginning of “Night by Night” builds up with the same hype found on Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger.”

Towards the end, Dave-1 breaks off into a guitar solo, followed with PThugg’s synthesizer stint. “Don’t Turn the Lights On” has an influence of Hall & Oates’ funky style, like what’s found on “I Can’t Go For That.”

Some other tracks worth mentioning are “You Make it Rough,” “When the Night Falls,” and “Grow Up.” “You Make it Rough” is the longest cut on the album, and ;ike the previous tracks, it follows the same formula — but what is interesting is that the song is broken up into two parts, the first including lyrics and the remaining is a long instumental break.

“When the Night Falls” features Solange Knowles (Beyoncé’s younger sister), who channels a sound reminiscent of Whitney Houston. This track sends a message of rekindling an old flame when the night falls.

Another standout track is “J’ai Claque La Porte,” translated to “I

Kid Cudi

Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager Atlantic

By EMILY YANG Staff Writer Trying to hold Kid Cudi to one musical genre is like trying to confine a rabid sugar-induced child to a timeout chair. In fact, his sophomore LP Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager has everything from indie to hip-hop to something we’ll just refer to as unclassified. Though it was recently leaked, Man on the Moon II definitely deserves a purchase. The album’s format gives listeners a deep understanding of the Man on the Moon himself, and reminds listeners as to why Cudi’s music is a refreshing change from the many roboticsounding productions of today.

In an era in which music is becoming more and more like an assembly line with the products completely controlled by trends that have worked in the past, the hip-hop genre has become dominated by dance tracks and less-than-impressive artistic direction and weak lyrical content.

But Cudi’s sound — an original and a somewhat odd take on hip-hop — completely shatters these stereotypes.

On his debut Man on the Moon: SEE KID CUDI, PAGE 16

16

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

ATLANTA EVENTS DATE Wednesday

EVENT The Music Never Stopped screening

NOV. 17

Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive 7:30 p.m.

Free with RSVP, all ages See the film almost one year before its official release. Starring J.K. Simmons (Law & Order) and Lou Taylor Pucci (The Go-Getter and Thumbsucker), the movie chronicles a father-andson relationship as it changes due to cerebral trauma and other hardships. To RSVP, visit www. themusicneverstopped-movie.com.

Thursday

Little Things Mean A Lot

NOV. 18

Friday

Swan Coach House Gallery, 3130 Slaton Drive 6-8 p.m.

Free, all ages Continues Tuesday through Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., until Jan. 8 The annual exhibit will includes more than 300 pieces for sale from artists around the Southeast, plus pieces from up-and-coming locals who have shown in galleries like Beep Beep, Eyedrum, Kibbee and Young Blood.

Magic is Science

NOV. 19

Sycamore Place Gallery, 120 Sycamore Place Free 7 p.m.-10 p.m., all ages The final exhibit in a two-part show combines hocus pocus and sci-fi, and includes light drinks and music from DJ Chuck Norton. Participating artists include Mike Klapthor, Sam Mitchell, Jason Mallory, Erin Armstrong, Kristina Ackerman and Rich Aviles (a magician). For more information, see www. magicisscience.com.

Saturday

Indie Craft Experience

NOV. 20

Ambient Plus Studio, 585 Wells St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5, all ages Start your holiday shopping at this annual two-day extravaganza. Tons of handmade items will be for sale, from home goods to jewelry to clothing Continues on Sunday, Nov. 21, same hours.

Tambor Party with Jihad Muhammad

595 North, 595 North Ave. 9 p.m. $10 for students with valid I.D., 21 and up Put your PantherCard to use — for a late-night dance party! Resident DJs StanZeff and DJ BE and New York-based guest DJ Jihad Muhammad will spin soul-shaking beats until the wee hours. For more on Tambor parties, see www.tambormusic. com.

Sunday

Junip and Sharon Van Etten

NOV. 21

The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. $15 8 p.m., 21 and up With the earnest and gentle-voiced José González as the Swedish trio’s frontman, Junip puts a rich, ‘60s-leaning spin on indie folk. Brooklyn-based Sharon Van Etten’s makes minimalistic brand of acoustic folk, and her soft croon is mesmerizing.

Monday

Bottoms Up Karaoke

NOV. 22

Tuesday

NOV. 23

Eastside Lounge. 485 Flat Shoals 9 p.m.

Free, 21 and up The Dugan Bros. have implemented a karaoke freefor-all into their raucous Monday night party. Take advantage of sweet drink specials and hit the stage.

Aloe Blacc

Masquerade, 695 North Ave. 7:30 p.m. $10, all ages E. Nathaniel Dawkins (also known as Aloe Blacc) boasts a soulful voice that’s unheard of in today’s world of R&B. But Blacc doesn’t stick to traditional notions of the genre — his sound is a genuine throwback to Motown and swinging doo-wop.

Want to see an event in this space? Contact Jhoni Jackson at signalentertainment@gmail.com with the event name, time, date, location and a brief description.

>> KID CUDI

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 The End of the Day, Kid Cudi was introduced to the musical world as a “lonely stoner,” a doubted deadbeat that marched to his own beat. “All Along” follows the dark and depressive tone set in Cudi’s first album and in it Cudi deals with his fears of spending his lifetime alone: “I hope they understand that I really understand that they don’t understand,” he sings. It is strikingly honest.

The album’s lead single, “Erase Me,” features Cudi’s good friend and the man who discovered him, Kanye West. The song adequately reveals Cudi’s versatile ability to appeal to a large audience by featuring a classic-type rock ‘n’ roll beat and Cudi’s trademark off-key and honest vocal tone.

Kid Cudi hits another one of the albums many highs with “Marijuana” — no pun intended. Cudi is heard over a soft and melodic hip-hop beat that parallels the relationship Cudi has with the drug. The track will definitely have listeners nodding their heads, whether they are feeling high or low (mood-wise, of course).

“Mojo So Dope,” produced by Emile, embodies Cudi as a whole. It features an indie-influenced hip- hop beat beneath Cudi’s raw and unfiltered style. Cudi croons about everything from his doubters to living without regrets and inhibitions.

In an industry dominated by executives who think they know fans better than the artists themselves, musicians and listeners have become accustomed to the processed sounds that seem to consume every

mainstream radio station in America.

Cudi’s raw, unfiltered take on his life and his craft make his sophomore album another classic.

N.E.R.D. Nothing

Interscope/Star Trak

By TYANA JACKSON Staff Writer Nothing, the fourth LP from N.E.R.D., is worth more than its name.

N.E.R.D.’s music — already familiar to most from tracks like “Lapdance” and “She Wants to Move” from earlier in the decade — is a mix of genres, from rock ‘n’ roll to hiphop to R&B to blues. There are even non-musical influences, like sci-fi, in the mix. The acronym for the band, which includes Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shae Haley, stands for No One Ever Really Dies.

The songs on Nothing were not the initial songs to be released. The trio created 20 songs, but the tunes were apparently not the sound fans

ENTERTAINMENT are used to, so the trio started over.

They went back to nothing, which is the meaning behind the album title.

The 14-track work commands attention with super funky and upbeat tempos, laced with thought-provoking lyrics.

“Hot-n-Fun,” featuring Nelly Furtado, is a spicy summer club track about letting go and having fun.“Help Me” is heavily influenced by ‘70s rock band The Doors. Pharrell sings, “No I won’t kill you/ But I’ll watch you die.”

N.E.R.D speaks to the kids on “God Bless Us All,” with encouragement for a young man to keep his head up because he was made to bring change, and is blessed with a gift to pursue.

On a less youth friendly note, Pharrell often sings about real topics in a sexy manner. On “Hypnotize U,” Pharrell sings, “Girl when you’re lost you know I’ll find you/If I’m not beside you/I’m inside you.”

“Perfect Defect” is about a girl who is misunderstood and regardless of what the other girls say about her, she is perfect to him — she is his Cinderella.

But N.E.R.D. can be serious, too.

“Life as a Fish” is an anti-pollution and environmental harm towards fish anthem: “Stop sending your trash to sea/Leave it on dry land, where the living screams, die man.”

The album is the modern world in a nut shell. Some songs are great for a party, while there are other tracks about sex, triumph, the environment, war and female admiration.

In this situation, Nothing has significant substance.

>> DIRECTOR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 the afflictions of Parkinson’s without flaw, a technique that did not come without effort.

“All that I did for Annie was to put her in touch with a number of [neurologists and support groups for patients], and she took it from there.

She met a lot of them, spent time, did her homework, because that’s the kind of actress she is,” Zwick said.

The tribulations of Parkinson’s are a main focus in the film. Fortunately, actor and long-time Parkinson’s sufferer Michael J. Fox had some wisdom for Zwick regarding the degenerative disease.

“When you’re talking [Parkinson’s], it can’t be funny enough. That’s how we deal with it,” Zwick said Fox told him. “[It] was really liberating to hear,” Zwick elaborated. “The older I get, the more I believe that nothing can be funny enough in life. So much of life is dark and tragic. I guess that I wanted to do a movie that aspired to have both of those colors in it, because that’s what I’ve come to understand life to be.”

In addition to a stunning performance by Hathaway, her counterpart shines in his most pragmatic role yet.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Jamie, a parttime idling electronics salesmen, part-time ladies’ man who is swallowed by the world of pharmaceutical sales (specifically Viagra), only to fall into Maggie’s life and into a whirlwind relationship.

The relationship befalls the audi-

20TH CENTURY FOX

Director Edward Zwick believes actors Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal deliver top-notch performances in his film.

ence with its progression — a theme that defines the film in itself: progression of a disease, progression of human connection, progression of the American dependency on pharmaceuticals and progression of love. But with progression often comes digression, and in this case, the digression of bitterness to a life of empty promises.

Much of the film features intentionally placed intimate looks at the sexual relationship between Maggie and Jamie.

“They serve a function in this story narratively. [It was] a conviction

that it not be gratuitous or exploitive but rather in the surface of a story.

Something changes in each scene.

They are there for a purpose. They are a scene with the beginning, middle, and end,” Zwick said.

While rumor has it that nude scenes are less than comfortable to film, everyone had a say on what went on in them.

Zwick said, “It was a group decision on all of our parts that if we would be authentic about drugs and about Parkinson’s and about all sorts of things then we wanted to be authentic about sex, too.”

PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives Editor Syeda Hira Mahmood

signalperspectives@gmail.com

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

Birth control should be paid for

By ASHLEIGH ATWELL Staff Writer The health care reform law has been controversial since its beginning and that controversy shows no sign of disappearing. One of the latest sources of controversy is how the bill will affect birth control.

According to The Week, if a panel of experts decides to classify contraception as preventative healthcare, birth control such as the morning-after pill could be given to women for free. I hope will pass. It could be the biggest stride made in reproductive rights since Roe v.

Wade was decided.

It feels like I hear a statistic about teenage motherhood or fatherless children every day.

It is not uncommon to turn on the television and see a teen mom enduring some drama or a public service announcement about teenage parenthood.

Based on all the focus on teenage mothers, ideally everyone would be celebrating this possible decision. However, as expected, social conservatives are against it.

John Haas, president of the Catholic Bioethics Center, said “We don’t consider it to be health care, but a lifestyle choice. We think there are other ways to avoid having children than by ingesting chemicals paid for by health insurance.”

I agree that choosing to be sexually active is a lifestyle choice, but I also think birth control is a form of healthcare. In addition to prevent-

NATE GRIGG

Providing birth control can improve many other issues regarding women’s health.

ing pregnancy, contraceptives can help women who have issues with their menstrual cycles or hormonal disorders.

Also, family planning allows women to choose when they want to have a child. By having this choice, women can have a child when they are stable enough to have one. It allows a child to have the best start at life that they could possibly have.

Haas is not the only opponent with a strong opinion. According to the Associated Press, Jeanne Monahan, a health policy expert at the Family Research Council, said her organization would “oppose any mandate that lacks a conscience exemption for moral and religious reasons.”

She also asserts that abortion and contraception provider Planned Parenthood is the cul-

prit behind the campaign for free birth control.

Cecile Richards, a representative of Planned Parenthood, said “We can look at other countries where birth control is available for no cost, and what we see are lower pregnancy rates, lower abortion rates and lower teen pregnancy.”

According the Associated Press, The Contraceptive Choice Project has provided free birth control to as many as 10,000 women and tracked the results.

Their data report that 70 percent of the women chose long-term methods, such as IUDs, which have lower failure rates but are used less often.

It is alleged that cost is behind the low usage rates of long-term contraceptives.

I respect Monahan, her organization and their right to have their opinion, but I wish they

and others like them would stop trying to make the whole country live their lifestyle. If they do not want to have sex, that is fine. But there are other people who choose to be sexually active and have a right to do so.

People are going to have sex whether or not this decision is made. My hope is that it happens so people will have access to items allowing them to have a healthy sex life.

This possible decision means many of the problems that conservatives complain about, like teen and unplanned pregnancy and abortion rates, could be solved. An abortion would most likely be out of the question for a young woman who is able to afford an IUD. Haas, Monahan and their counterparts need to face it: people are going to have sex, but safe sex is the best sex.

We’re losing faith in democracy

By BENJAMIN BURTON JR. Staff Writer

JENNIFER INGALL

It’s important that the youth knows the value of their vote.

As many predicted and as preelection polls reflected, America’s young people appear to be falling out of love with the Democracy.

“I just don’t feel like I have too much pull with my one vote,” Xavier University sophomore Mallory Pie told the Washington Square News, New York University’s student paper.

A significant number of Ms. Pie’s fellow 18-24 year old voting age peers feel the same way. According to CBS, about 9 percent of voting age young people participated in this year’s midterm elections.

That’s roughly half the number of young voters that cast ballots in 2008’s presidential election.

Why the lackadaisical attitude towards voting? Could be a number of reasons, not the least of which being dissatisfaction with the ‘progress’ of the current administration. In our microwave society, memories are short and patience shorter; the enthusiasm that catapulted Obama to the presidency

only a year and a half ago seems to have waned significantly.

No doubt this is a consequence of the many issues, whether economic, social, or political that have come to light since the end of the Bush era. The financial meltdown, high unemployment and two terribly unpopular wars have definitely impacted my opinion of America’s “leaders,” and these issues have probably left a bad taste in your mouth, too.

So, what’s to be done? Normally, I shy away from offering unsolicited advice, but today, I’ll make an exception. Vote. It’s very easy to get fed up with the status quo and simply withdraw, but that’s a very, very dangerous route to go.

While you’re away, so to speak, the fat cats will play. John Boehner, the new House majority speaker, stands firm on his party’s pledge to repeal the current administrations healthcare bill and to seek the extension of Bush era tax cuts across income levels, but specifically to the wealthy, these latest obstacles couldn’t come at a worse time for the Obama administration.

“I think it’s important that we reduce spending to pre-stimulus levels,” Rep. Boehner said at a press briefing.

So what, right? What’s that got to do with me?

Everything. Generally speaking, when the GOP starts talking about budget cuts, education spending usually is the first thing to get revamped. This translates to higher tuition fees for you, me, and any aspiring college student. Not good when you live on shoestring budget and fine dining for you is Ramen noodles and flat soda.

In an ever-changing political landscape, it is important, no, it is imperative that you let your voice be heard. The way that’s done in a democratic society is to cast a ballot. Let the Washington elites know that you are paying attention and taking account of their actions.

Educate yourself about the issues at hand, the candidates running for elected office, and the political parties that are represented in each election cycle. Apathy got us into this mess; will your vote help to get us out?

18

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

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CORRECTIONS / RETRACTIONS / CLARIFICATIONS From the November 9 issue: • “Around the World: Financial aid worshop coming up,” page 8: Tarey Milton is referred to as a female instead of as a male.

PERSPECTIVES

EDITORIAL CONTENT Stop overreacting and start acting

By SYEDA HIRA MAHMOOD Perspectives Editor After the results of the November election, the entire nation is crying tears of joy or tears of pain.

Billions of dollars provided by everything from corporations to labor unions were poured into advertisements this election cycle. Attack ads accused opposing candidates of being racist, misogynistic, Satanworshipping or communist – maybe even all at once. Voters have no evidence of these qualities in any of the candidates, but that does not matter because the media has mastered the art of manipulating sound bites.

Republicans accuse the Democrats for being elitist and out of touch with “real” America. Democrats accuse the Republicans for not being progressive enough in their environmental and social views. The rhetoric used by both parties reached a new level of urgency and used words such as “tyranny,” “fight” and “freedom.”

In short, the November elections effectively demonstrated how completely lost both parties are. We can no longer depend on either of these parties for effective change because their loyalties are not with the people.

One serious criticism I have of Democrats and liberals is how they failed at incorporating the working class into their campaign. Throughout the ‘90s and in this past decade, Democrats became identified as elitist, and liberal Americans followed suit and took on this label. The environmentally conscious, socially aware, college educated, guilt-free consumer was born thanks to mainstream liberals and the Democratic Party. Another quality of Americans who identify themselves in these terms? They have money. The work-

RON EDMONDS

Protestors are using intense rhetoric that does not realistically depict our political predicament.

ing class does not have the luxury of shopping at Whole Foods and economic means becomes a powerful divide once Democrats abandoned the fight for the working class.

Republicans, on the other hand, incorporated the working class into their campaign brilliantly. It’s true.

While the Democrats gave no attention to the concerns of the working class, the Republicans swept them up and put them in their pocket. Republicans took the frustrations of the working class and applied it to their own political agenda, even though it is clear that the Republicans do not – and have never – had the best interest of the working class. Another quality of many Republican politicians? Like the Democrats, they have money.

An interesting relationship between social classes and party affiliation has developed.

The party that has traditionally addressed issues of the working class now pays no attention to the working class at all. Coincidentally, the party that has typically sided with corporations owes their November victory

EDITORIAL CARTOON by Rashawn Simmons

to the working class. Democrats and other liberal Americans have developed an animosity toward the working class, also known as the Tea Party, and this animosity does nothing but make it more difficult for the real victims of the economic collapse to reach a viable solution.

Everyone needs to realize that the Republican Party and the Democratic Party simply do not have the people’s best interests in mind and we need to consider other options. The working class needs an outlet that will sincerely address their concerns instead of being ignored by one party and manipulated by another. The frustrations that many Americans are feeling is real and legitimate, but we must find a new alternative that is more assertive and challenges our ordinary understanding of politics.

Tyranny, freedom, money, voting, politics and democracy are powerful words. We can’t have bickering politicians use this language against us. We need to take back these words and reassign them their true meaning.

PERSPECTIVES

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

STUDENT VOX

“I definitely find it aesthetically pleasing for a city campus. Other things on campus are probably equally wasteful.”

- James DiGiovanni

“I like that it’s a real fountain now.”

- Thomas Chapman Senior, Art Studio

19

How do you feel about the fountains in Library Plaza?

“It’s nice scenery, but if it’s funded with our tuition I’d rather not have a fountain.”

- Katherine Paist

“I’ve been waiting for them to turn the fountains on, so it’s good.”

- Chad Murdon

Freshman, History

“What else are we going to do with an empty fountain?”

- Laura King

Sophomore, undeclared

Sophomore, English

Grad, Philosophy

SIGNAL SURVEY Do you feel overwhelmed with finals this semester?

ANSWERS: • Always, but I’ve learned to manage my time better.

• Yes. Having a job to pay the bills leaves little time for studying.

• Not really. I’m more overwhelmed with all of the partying I need to catch up on.

• It’s time for finals already? I guess I should start going to class…

Answer online at www.gsusignal.com. Results will be posted in our November 30 issue.

From November 9: Do you think the Thanksgiving holiday is a sufficient fall break?

ANSWERS: • • • •

Yes, it’s plenty.

Yes, but I wish it were earlier in the semester.

No, I think we need additional time off.

I’m happy with any break I get!

Answer online at www.gsusignal.com. Due to an error with our poll not running online this past week, the question will be on our website and results will be published in our November 30 issue.

What do you think of our changes?

The Signal is making some changes to our layout...some you can see now, and some you’ll see next semester. If you have any suggestions, or if you want to comment on some of the changes you’ve seen in the past few weeks, email us at signalprod@gmail.com and let us know!

LIONSGATE

The themes explored in For Colored Girls are appropriate for all audiences.

‘For Colored Girls’ is for everyone

By THADDEUS MORGAN Staff Writer Tyler Perry’s films are one of the main outlets for African-American representation in film today, often starring Perry himself as the infamous Madea linking the films and the families in them together. However, Perry has recently ventured away from this linear scheme by directing a critically acclaimed remake of the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, shortened to For Colored Girls.

This film is taken from the ‘70s play by Ntozake Shange. Perry’s background in making films based off of his well-received plays makes his decision to turn this famous play into a movie an anticipated one. But, with a title like For Colored Girls, many people are left wondering if they can relate to the film.

Perry can be seen as a one trick pony and this doesn’t help with people’s perception of his newest film.

The majority of his films revolve around a struggling African-Amer-

ican woman, an African-American man who comes in to rescue said woman and life lessons provided by the wise yet unhinged Madea. Although these films do serve their purpose and shed light on issues in the black community, it’s easy to see where the key demographic of these films lies and how moviegoers outside of this demographic might be unresponsive to his films.

But never before has Perry specifically addressed the fact that this film is for more than just black women.

“You don’t have to be a colored girl to enjoy this film. It is for everyone,” Perry said on his blog after thanking fans for their support of his film. You would think that it goes without saying that, of course, this film is for whoever wants to see it, but to some it may not seem so obvious.

In general, Perry’s films are seemingly geared towards one audience, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be a part of that audience to enjoy it. His films also address problems within the black community,

but not problems that exist solely in the black community. It is definitely possible to be a white man and find yourself feeling associated with the characters in a Tyler Perry film.

The fault of his films usually lies within the plot’s repetition and predictability rather than the depth or meaning of the plot itself. For Colored Girls seemingly breaks this same repetitive cycle of the predictable African-Americans in Perry’s films with its star-studded cast and a plot that doesn’t leave the viewer knowing what’s going to happen before it happens in the movie.

People of any race, gender or religion should not shy away from seeing For Colored Girls because of its title. After all, it is just a title. I can’t recall anyone wondering if they should see the film Why Did I Get Married? because they don’t have any marital problems, but this film is still questioned in terms of for whom it is intended. Ironically, For Colored Girls could be seen as one of Perry’s most inclusive films in terms of audience, so don’t be fooled by the title.

s ’ t a Wh ning e p p a H mpus! on Ca d by Supporte Activity Fees Student LEADE RSH IP DE VE LOPMENT

Secrets to Leadership

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD Finals Break: Come enjoy a break from the stress of finals!

This is a Stress - Free Zone Have a relaxing evening and let us pamper you with

Tuesday, November 30 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom

a massage. There will be many games and activities, along with a southern-style dinner buffet as you enjoy a performance by Dad’s Garage, a local improv comedy group.

For more information, call the Spotlight Programs Board at 404/413-1610.

CINEFEST FILM THEATRE November 29 - December 5: “Troll 2” Monday - Friday: 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 1 p.m., 5 p.m.

November 29 - December 5: “Best Worst Movie” Monday - Friday: 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 9 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

December 6 - December 13: “Despicable Me” Monday - Friday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

Success

Thursday, No ber 18 , 3 p.m.

Lucerne Suite,veStmud ent Center Corey Ciocchetti, auth “Real Rabbits: Chasingor of Authentic Life,” advise an to hustle, fight, listen s leaders d laugh.

What does this haan ve do with leadership? to Come to this session to find out!

R: 15 - 21 BE vYEM No Y DA Fri MonDA v

11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m

.

SatURDAY - SunDAY:

1 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

All show s free fo Georgia State Un r iversity students with ID. Guests $ 3 before 5 p.m and $5 a fter 5 p.m .

For mor . e visit www information, .gsu.edu/c inefest.

Student ActRIivESit: ieBudgseting for Success H SE LEADERSHIP LUNC mber 17, Noon - 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Nove nter 465 University Ce

R.S.V.P. for S tudent A c t iv it le ab ie dt s un Ro e n vents Organizatio mber 2, Noon - 1 p.m. t h r o u g h ce De y, Thursda nter http OrgSync at Capital Suite, Student Ce ://gsu.orgsy nc.com