Vol. 78 No. 12

NEWS • 02

LIVING • 05

Georgia State researchers University Library return from Gulf of Mexico. for impending

SPORTS • 09

ENTERTAINMENT • 13

PERSPECTIVES • 17

prepares Up next for football: BCS Vince Vaughn, Kevin James Misogyny finals. national champs Alabama. bring comedy to Atlanta. not be

in music should considered art.

SIGNAL PANTHERS CLINCH WINNING SEASON

the

VOL. 78 • ISSUE 12 • NOVEMBER 9, 2010 REGISTER ONLINE FOR BREAKING NEWS AT

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

Football holds off Lamar Cardinals, ensure winning inaugural season

Becker opening office to students

By MISHALL REHMAN Staff Writer

By SAAKIB ZAFRANI Associate Sports Editor Riding a two-game losing streak, the Georgia State Panthers righted the ship on senior night, defeating Lamar 23-17 in the final home game, guaranteeing the Panthers a winning inaugural season.

Sidney Haynes started the game with a bang as he rushed for 62 yards on the first play of the opening drive. His run set up a 33yard Iain Vance field goal and also set a school record for the longest run from scrimmage.

The Panther defense also made a statement on Lamar’s opening drive, forcing a three and out.

On the ensuing punt, Jordan Giles made the team’s first punt block of the season.

Redshirt Freshman Drew Little then connected with Haynes in the back of the end zone to give Georgia State a 10-0 lead.

Head Coach Bill Curry’s team looked like a well-oiled machine five minutes into game, but appeared to run flat shortly after.

“I think we started with a lot of zip but then we sort of fizzled, and we have done that three weeks in a row,” Curry said. “I think the charge of flat is accurate. I don’t pretend to understand it. It’s a disturbing trend, and it’s something we need to work out before November 18.”

To start the second quarter, Little orchestrated a 12 play, 58-yard drive, but Vance pushed the 34-yard field goal attempt left.

Vance would make it up with a field goal from 47 yards in the third quarter.

Lamar took the ball at their 20-yard-line and drove 76 yards on the Panthers’ defense, which held the Cardinals to a field goal in the red zone.

The Cardinals started the fourth quarter on their own one-yard line, but they drove 99 yards for a touchdown to cut the Panther lead to 13-10.

On the following drive, Ryan Clark picked off Little and took the ball 54 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, putting the Cardinals up 17-13.

After losing the lead, the Panther offense restarted their engine and drove down the field for 69 yards.

From the two-yard line, Little threw for Arthur Williams, but a Lamar lineman tipped it in the air, reminiscent of the game-ending play in the overtime loss against Jacksonville State.

“I just told myself, ‘not twice, not in one year,’” Williams said. “When he tipped it, I said, ‘Oh no!’ But, it was in my reach. So I said, ‘I have to make this catch.’”

The touchdown put the Panthers up 2017.

SAAKIB ZAFRANI | SIGNAL

Redshirt Freshman Parris Lee leads all Panther rushers with four touchdowns

On Lamar’s next drive, Jamal Ransby picked off Doug Prewitt. That led to a tough 29-yard field goal for Vance.

“Kicker Iain Vance had a truly heroic game. He was injured and would not come out of the game even when I wanted him to.

He made a [29]-yarder that ended up being the difference in the game and we had to almost carry him off the field,” Curry said.

To their credit, Lamar tried to make a game of it, and heaved the ball to the endzone twice from the Georgia State 39 yard line. Both times, wide receiver Danny Wil-

liams, inserted as a safety in the prevent defense, batted the ball down. The second one ended the game and gave Georgia State a winning inaugural season.

“We have a lot to work on, but the bottom line is this, we have a winning record for the year and we have a winning record at home,” Curry said. “We have one more piece of business to take care of and we are already allowing ourselves to think about it now. We will have a plan for when we go to Tuscaloosa and we will play our hearts out and let the chips fall where they may.”

Starting Nov. 10, Georgia State President Mark Becker will begin holding regular office hours with individual students.

“I am fortunate to interact with many students through a variety of means, including student life, academic, athletics, and arts events, and the addition of office hours provides a new and different way to UNIVERSITY RELATIONS connect with individual students,” Becker President Mark Becker. said.

Becker’s decision to begin holding office hours with students is part of his ongoing plan to increase communication with students, faculty and staff, serving as a meet-and-greet between the president and students.

According to Andrea Jones, Director of Communications, the president has always been interested in students and their activities. He also meets regularly with Student Government Association President James Dutton.

“Dr. Becker is interested in what’s going on with students. This will give students a face-to-face opportunity to meet with the president and bring up any issues,” Jones said.

Roundtable meetings with faculty and staff are also in the works. The first faculty roundtable is on Nov. 11 and the first staff roundtable will be in early December.

Prior to the decision to hold office hours with students, several questions were raised about whether students were allowed to meet with Becker.

Jones denies that there was ever an official policy that restricted the president from meeting with students and attributed this belief to miscommunication. She stated that beginning office hours was a way of solidifying a process of meeting with the president even though doors had been open to students previously.

So far, 50 students have signed up for the Nov. 10 office hours. According to Jones, Becker is open to discussing any issue. However, Jones stresses that issues such as grade appeals need to go through proper channels.

Office hours are open to all undergraduate and graduate students. Due to his busy schedule, students will be allowed one hour per month to meet with the president. The first session, on Nov. 10, will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. with ten-minute intervals with each student.

Students interested in scheduling an appointment with President Becker must e-mail or call Chandler Brown, coordinator of Presidential Communications. Brown’s e-mail is chandlerbrown@ gsu.edu. Students can call him at 404-413-1361.

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 Living Editor Miranda Sain msain1@student.gsu.edu

Atlanta Public Schools risk accreditation

By SUCHI SAJJA Staff Writer

DANIEL DEOCAMPO

One of the marshes the research group identified in Barataria Bay.

Researchers return from Gulf Georgia State scientists continue their analysis of oil-degrading microbes

By DANIEL BEAUREGARD News Editor Georgia State researchers have returned from their second trip to Barataria Bay, La., where they have been conducting microbiological research in marshes affected by the recent BP oil spill.

The group, headed by geology professor Dr. Daniel Deocampo and microbiology professor Dr. Kuki Chin, began their research in August after receiving a one-year $61,537 Rapid Research Response (RAPID) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

In September, they went to Barataria Bay, off the coast of Louisiana, and gathered samples to analyze from oil-contaminated marshes. They also covered the area in mineral-rich clay to see how it would affect the sediment there.

“The purpose of this project is to see how minerals and microbes interact… It’s been shown in other labs that when you add certain clay minerals to these microbes it helps them get their nutrients and it helps them break down the oil faster,” Deocampo said in August, adding that there hasn’t been much significant testing of this theory in the field.

On their second trip, the group went back to the marsh they had previously located to gather more samples and located another contaminated area where they added clay minerals. They also established un-contaminated marsh areas that could be used as a control.

“It’s a little bit of a puzzle though really because the whole region is contaminated, but these areas are much less contaminated than the ones we’re focusing on,” Deocampo said, explaining that in some of the marshes they’re studying, much of the vegetation is dead and

there’s a visible oil-weathered crust which “when you pick at it, underneath there’s crude, almost fresh oil.”

The two also recently attended the Principal Investigator Conference on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill organized by The National Science and Technology Council’s Joint Sub-Committee on Ocean Science and Technology. It was hosted by the University of South Florida at the Don CeSar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Oct. 5 and 6.

The conference sought to bring together top scientists who are conducting research relating to the BP oil spill. However, according to both professors, much of the focus of the conference was on either the marine setting or the coastal sections, and many of the oceanographers and members representing federal agencies were there to concentrate on damage assessment rather than the long-term effects of the oil.

Part of the reason why there was so much emphasis on studying the oil in a marine setting most likely has to do with the way that some of the areas along the Gulf Coast that rely heavily on the fishing industry have been affected both economically and environmentally by the spill.

“There were a lot of scientists there who actually belong to different fisheries and they’re very focused on the fishing industry and how it’s going to affect the lives of those involved … so they have to respond to the public who have been damaged by this incident,” Chin said.

Both added that, in large part, many of the scientists and organizations at the conference were there representing organizations acting in response to an emergency situation. Their job is to assess damage and figure out the financial impact the spill has caused.

Deocampo explained that in an emergency situation such as this, there is an entire laundry list of competing demands being put on the scientific community.

“You have the National Resource Damage Assessment group, which is really on behalf of the taxpayers, then you have BP hiring scientists to defend themselves, SEE RESEARCHERS, PAGE 4

Atlanta Public Schools may lose accreditation because of the members of the Atlanta Board of Education.

The board’s governing ability is in question, according to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which oversees accreditation in the South. “[H]igh schools operate under the governance of the Atlanta Public Schools Board, and therefore the effectiveness of said Board impacts the accreditation of the high schools and may be placing their accreditation at risk,” according to a letter SACS sent to the board.

Following the CRCT cheating scandal, the nine-member school board split against each other and, in July, the majority group proposed a change that would modify the way the board votes. Instead of needing a two-thirds vote, the board now requires a majority vote, which puts the majority group in control of all the school board’s decisions.

The majority group voted LaChandra Butler Burks out of her position as the board’s chairman and Cecily Harsch-Kinnane out of her position as vice chair. The two were subsequently replaced with Khaatim Sheerer El as the new chair and Yolanda Johnson as vice chair.

The minority group then sued the majority group. Filed on Oct. 27, the minority claims that the majority broke the law when they replaced the chair and vice chair positions in the middle of their term. The board elected Burks and Harsch-Kinnane to a two-year term in January, which is required by the charter. The final hearing for the lawsuit will be on Nov. 23.

Georgia’s Attorney General, Thurbert Baker, issued an opinion that said the school board did not have the right to re-elect new leaders.

The school board’s charter outlines certain situations where the chair and vice chair positions may change in the middle of a term, none of which applied in this case. Baker said that the charter is superior to the simple policy change made by the school board itself. Though his opinion is not an actual ruling, it will have substantial weight when this case arrives in court.

Possible loss of accreditation means graduates would not be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. Colleges give precedence to students who graduate from accredited schools, and many colleges and universities do not accept graduates of unaccredited schools at all, especially out-of-state colleges. Effects on the city could include decreased property values and less funding from the federal government.

In a statement released on Oct. 28, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said, “I am deeply disappointed by the Board’s actions, which are severely undermining the best interests of our students by risking the accreditation of the entire school system.

The Board should act immediately to comply with the opinion of the State Attorney General and then partner with SACS to ensure full adherence to its accreditation criteria. Enough is enough.”

A similar power struggle occurred with the Clayton County school board in 2008, resulting in lost accreditation. Currently, the Clayton County school system is on probation. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 3,500 of 48,000 students transferred to different counties or enrolled in private schools after the district lost accreditation.

The SACS said the school board must improve by Dec. 1. If not, the district will lose accreditation.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Members of the Atlanta Board of Education.

NEWS

www.gsusignal.com/news

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

03

Leadership Conclave 2010 educates emerging leaders

By IRIS EBEN Staff Writer Hundreds of Georgia State students attended the annual Georgia State Leadership Conclave, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, to learn skills needed to succeed as tomorrow’s leaders.

On Oct. 30, leaders from the Georgia State community and greater Atlanta area conducted mini-seminars covering a range of topics like public speaking, dressing for success and time management.

Keynote speaker Corey Ciocchetti, an Assistant Professor of Business Ethics and Legal Studies at the University of Denver, defined authentic success and how to achieve it, as highlighted in his book Real Rabbits: Chasing an Authentic Life.

The breakout session format of the conference enabled students to create a customized leadership workshop experience. Students attended seminars from a diverse selection that appealed to individual leadership development needs.

Students seeking to bolster their public speaking skills attended Mike Wyatt’s “Navigating Your Highway to Leadership Through Public Speaking” presentation.

“Glossophobia is the medical term for fear of public speaking,” said Wyatt, a Senior Student Development Specialist. “77 percent of Americans have this fear.”

Wyatt instructed students how to deliver poignant speeches and provided tips for an effective PowerPoint presentation.

“Deliver your speech as passionately as possible no matter who you are speaking to,” Wyatt said.

“Passing out a PowerPoint print out is the

kiss of death,” he added. “People won’t pay at- with integrity and chasing the right things. “Life tention.” is tough – it’s even tougher if you are stupid,” For students looking to achieve the bot- he said, quoting John Wayne. “Just look at Titom line of making ger Woods, Lindsay money, Larry JemiLohan, Paris Hilton son Jr.’s “Translating and the executives Leadership Skills” of Enron.” Numerseminar provided ous times, Ciocleadership tactics chetti emphasized for creating tangible that the chase for value and succeedmoney, fame or ing in life. prestige would lead “Be results-foto failure. cused,” said Jemison, According to an author and busiCiocchetti, small nessman. comprises of integAccording to rity develop into Jemison, a potenethical violations tial employer is later in life. Your not concerned as habitual actions much about how define you, he said. you did something, “Those guys at Enbut rather what you ron were not ... ‘All achieved. As for my life I have been successful living, honest, but today Jemison advised stuI’m going to hide a dents to “Imagine half billion dollars life without fear – I in my offshore achave selective amcounts.’” nesia – I remember His rules for UNIVERSITY OF DENVER things I did well and Corey Ciocchetti, Assistant Professor of being happy include push the negative to Business Ethics and Legal Studies at the finding contentUniversity of Denver, was the keynote speaker the side.” ment and chasing “What you at this years Leadership Conclave on Oct. 30. relationships with should be getting people. out of this conference is: I need to figure out “You can never get enough of what you what I am passionate about so I don’t hate the don’t need to be happy,” he said. “As soon as rest of my life,” Ciocchetti said at the beginning money defines you, you have lost.” of his keynote speech.

“A friend is a person who rushes into your He added that success means living a life life when other people rush out,” he said.

Will you be the next

to wear the crown?

Brains

&

Ciocchetti said knowing what is most important and prioritizing for family and friends is the key to success. “I have never met anyone who has work as their top priority and is happy ... If it is important enough to think about when you are dying, then why is it not important enough to think about everyday.”

“They are calling you the lost generation – you are so talented and have such high self esteem, but you are lazy,” he said. “I don’t blame you. I blame your parents.” Ciocchetti blames the new parenting behavior of not allowing kids to fail and giving praise for task completion as the root cause for mediocrity instead of excellence.

“Fight when things matter,” he said. “Everyone complains about the state of the country, yet 50 percent of Americans don’t vote. If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain.”

For some students, Leadership Conclave 2010 was a disappointment. Greek members, a significant portion of attendees, complained that mandatory attendance for Greek organizations should be discontinued.

“Kind of mad that I had to pay $10 for it,” said Erin Mingledorff, a sophomore biology student. “They wanted to teach time management, yet their time management was poor.”

For others, the content of the seminars was lacking.

“Dress for success was horrible. The speaker only talked about men,” said Ascenett Martinez-Lopez, a sophomore history student.

Despite numerous critiques, many maintained that the best part of the conference was listening to Ciocchetti. For Hannah Lozano, a freshman interior design student, Ciocchetti’s advice to do what you love or you will be miserable resonated for a self-proclaimed content art major.

Beauty

Miss Georgia State University 2011 An official Miss America Organization Preliminary All potential candidates must attend one mandatory orientation to become a contestant in the 2011 pageant on February 12.

Mandatory Orientation Sessions Room 404, University Center Wednesday Thursday Friday Cierra Gilchrist, Miss GSU 2010

November 10 November 11 November 12

6 - 7 p.m.

12:15 - 1 p.m.

3 - 4 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact Tari Wimbley 404/413-1610 or missgsu@gsu.edu

Supported by Student Activity Fees

04

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/news

NEWS

>> RESEARCHERS

Southern Co. CEO receives Ethics Advocate Award

then you have Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida hiring scientists, then you have third-party plaintiffs who might hire their own experts as well … So all of this is before you get to anyone who’s interested in what’s actually happening.”

The research that the Georgia State group is doing is unique because they’re looking at the impact of the oil spill on a microbiological level.

Both Chin and Deocampo said that there wasn’t anyone at the conference who was doing similar research, but that people were very appreciative and understood how important the microbiological aspect is.

The group hopes that the research they are doing will benefit the scientific community by generating a series of hypotheses that can be tested in the lab, where conditions are easier to control. By better understanding and hypothesizing what’s happening at a geochemical level, they hope to understand more about what’s controlling microbial communities in general not only in oil-contaminated sites, but in the environment as well.

“I think one source of impact from scientific research in general is the questions you have to answer along the way,” Deocampo said with a smile. “So we’re learning so many things along the way about clay in the marshes of Louisiana and the microbial communities that are there.”

The group plans to return at the end of November or in early December.

By MISHALL REHMAN Staff Writer

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

David Ratcliffe, CEO of Southern Company, received the 2010 Ethics Advocate Award from Georgia State’s Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility on Oct. 27.

Ratcliffe was chosen for this year’s Ethics Award for his leadership in creating diversity in the workplace.

“The Selection Committee voted overwhelmingly to honor David with this award for his leadership on creating diverse and inclusive workplaces,” said Molly Nuttall, Operations Manager for the center.

According to Nuttall, Ratcliffe worked to eliminate the accusations of job discrimination Atlanta corporations have faced.

“In the 1990s, Atlanta corporations faced a series of class action lawsuits alleging job discrimination.

David’s response as leader of Georgia Power and then the Southern Co. was humble, courageous and honest to the point of vulnerability. As a result, Southern Co. now leads the nation in its programs and policies regarding diversity and workplace ethics. David’s advocacy inside and outside the company modeled the way forward for his peers and for the region’s corporations,” Nuttall said.

Ratcliffe has been the CEO of Southern Co. since April 2004. Before becoming CEO, he was executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial

officer at Georgia Power. Ratcliffe is a native of Tifton, Ga. and received his bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University.

The Ethics Advocate Award, in its eighth year, recognizes individuals who have made a positive difference in the field or business community. The Board of Directors of the Center vote on a person who raises awareness of a particular issue that needs to be addressed, finds a solution to it and then inspires others to assist with making the goal a reality. Winners of the award can be from any part of the world.

“The principles of ethics only matter if they come alive in the actions of individuals and groups. We believe that it is just as important to celebrate the shining examples of advocacy on behalf of highest ethical standards as it is to call to account those who violate them,” Nuttall said.

Past winners of the award include Neville Isdell, Chairman of the Board of Coca-Cola, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Robert Benham, the first African American to serve as Georgia’s Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Last year’s winner was President and CEO of CARE USA, Helene D. Gayle.

The Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility is a part of the Robinson College of Business, was founded in 1993 and works to promote ethics in business. The membership of the Center consists of large corporations, small business and individuals.

JOHN SCHAFFNER | REPORTER NEWSPAPERS

David Ratcliffe, CEO of Southern Co., who received the 2010 Ethics Advocate Award from Georgia State’s Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility on Oct. 27.

Looking for an Exciting Study Abroad?

Join us in Costa Rica May 16-27, 2011

Learn about:

• The Costa Rican healthcare system • Social justice issues • Medical tourism • Local foods and Latin cooking • The Costa Rican court system • and take Spanish language lessons 3 Credit Hours

Sponsored by the College of Health & Human Sciences & Spanish Immersion Costa Rica

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

LIVING

Living Editor Noël Hahn

signalliving@gmail.com

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

Associate Living Editor Angel R. White awhite49@student.gsu.edu

Library prepares for finals

By LAURA APPERSON Staff Writer The cozy research office in Library South is filled with librarians searching the web or looking up a research book for a student.

A silver bell on the front desk greets anyone who walks through the door with a typed message next to it that states, “Ring if no one is in attendance at the desk.”

The people behind the desk are knowledgeable and anxious to help students. They are the Georgia State subject librarians. There are over 50 subject librarians at Georgia State who help students with research and work with students to find information that can be used for projects or papers. Some librarians even have office hours in their specific departments.

One of these librarians is Rebecca Drummond, who specializes in English. “My undergraduate degree is in English,” Drummond said. “But I have a master’s degree in Library Service from the University of Alabama.”

A subject librarian’s job does not end with helping students, however. Their day is filled with many projects and tasks for the library and for professors.

Librarians specialize in specific subjects

Subject librarians work at the reference desk in Library North and help students by answering questions and helping with research.

The reference desk not only caters to students at Georgia State – this service is open to the public and to high school students, who sometimes come to the library needing research help.

The subject librarians also have to tackle the task of buying library materials for their specific subject areas, including books and DVDs. They update the collection and widen the range of materials that students and staff have access to. They also inform professors and faculty about the new research materials that come out.

Library instruction classes are taught by subject librarians, which range from English 1101 to graduate level classes.

They also create research guides on the library’s website. These guides are organized by subject and have links to journals, pages for separate databases and even a how-to guide covering MLA-style citations.

“These were just put up in August with the new website,” Drummond said. These guides can be found at research.library.gsu.edu/ index.php.

Drummond works in three specific departments inside of the general English specialization: applied linguistics, ESL (English as a Second Language) and modern and classical languages.

Applied linguistics involves studying the issues within languages. Drummond cited a socio-linguistics course that analyzes conversation in different languages as an example of applied linguistics.

ESL is an intensive English program, similar to the freshman

composition courses English 1101 and 1102, but are designed specifically for international students.

“I love working at a university because I get to meet a lot of new people, and there is such a positive environment here. I also love being able to make a difference here,” Drummond said.

To find a specific subject librarian, go to the library’s website (library.gsu.edu) and click on “How Do I ... ?” Under this tab, click on “Find a Subject Librarian.” The subjects listed have the phone number and e-mail of the corresponding librarian.

Services and resources for finals

In addition to the benefit of having subject librarians, the Georgia State Library is bursting with services and resources.

According to the Georgia State Library website, the library, which houses over 1.5 million volumes, has over 400 computer workstations, 60 group-study rooms, a quiet study room and Saxby’s coffee shop. It is also home to the Learning Commons, which is a One Stop Shop where students can get help with research and writing or receive ESL tutoring and technical support. Students can also use the extensive reference materials, including atlases and online reference databases.

There is even an archive room, which is located on the eighth floor of Library South. Students can also rent Flip cameras, netbooks and laptops for a short time.

The study rooms that are located on the second floor bridge are available on a first come, first serve basis. However, the rest of the study rooms in the library need to be reserved for use and can be reserved weeks ahead of time. There is a seating capacity of four to six people in each study room.

In Library South, there is a media room that can be reserved for groups that need to watch a movie or use a projector.

The archives and special collections floor has tons of resources, including union records, university archives, a women’s collection, photograph exhibits, archives from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Johnny Mercer archives.

Firefox plug-in collects research sources

Georgia State also promotes Zotero, a Firefox add-on that collects, manages and cites research sources. This free application lives in browsers where you work and allows you to attach PDFs, notes and images to your citations, organize them into collections for different projects and create bibliographies in Microsoft Word.

Zotero even automatically updates itself periodically to work with new online sources and bibliographic styles. There are help sessions in February that show the layout and basics of Zotero. The first is on Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Library North’s Classroom 1.

The second is via vClass and will be held on Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information about Zotero and help sessions, visit research.library.gsu.edu/zotero.

SPOTLIGHT

Members of Spotlight at a previous Panther Prowl.

Panther Prowl returns to the ‘90s

By JILLANA JONES Staff Writer

PANTHER PROWL

The November PanWHEN Nov. 12, 7 ther Prowl will bring back p.m.-2 a.m. memories for Georgia WHERE Student State students this Friday.

Center Ballroom Mirrored after the VH1 “I Love” series, the “I Love the ‘90s” Panther Prowl will showcase the best parts of ‘90s pop culture.

“It’s a throwback to growing up in the ‘90s,” Spotlight Programs Board member Javier McIntosh said.

“We’re having giveaways, DJ Malik, a laser-plex, character artists, a whole room with different arcade games, a free-style battle and karaoke.”

DJ Malik is a DJ and a CEO of Black Executives, a promotion company based out of Atlanta.

Junior Andrea Ibeanusi was immediately intrigued by the idea of a nostalgia-themed Panther Prowl.

“I’ve always wanted to get my caricature done, so I’m going,” Ibeanusi said.

Her sister Jennifer also plans to attend.

“I would love to go to Panther Prowl because I was born in the ‘90s. ... it would be great to go to an event that shows things that I grew up with,” Jennifer said.

This is not a public event. Attendance is limited to Georgia State students and one invited guest per student.

Student designer’s fashion dreams become reality

By ANGEL R. WHITE Associate Living Editor

NOËL HAHN | SIGNAL

Georgia State junior Kelvina Burrell uses one of the available library computers to get her school work done.

A young lady dressed in a cheetah-print pullover and a silver-studded denim vest sits down and flashes a simple smile. Outside, the rain is scattered and the wind chilly, but even the dreary weather of November could not dim the bright personality and eclectic sense of style of this 19-year-old up-and-coming student designer from Ethiopia.

Seble Abebe is a sophomore majoring in journalism with a public relations concentration and marketing minor at Georgia State. Her desire to pursue fashion design professionally began when she and her mother took a visit to Thailand. She met with seamstresses and tailors and was able to network and build rapport. She believed that she was able to make her dreams reality.

This year, Abebe made her first appearance as a featured designer in Infinite Enigma, Infinite Appeal’s annual fashion show. She hasn’t created a name for her SEE DESIGNER, PAGE 8

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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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LIVING

CAMPUS EVENTS DATE Tuesday

NOV. 9

EVENT Social Science Workshop

Classroom 2, Library North 12 p.m.

At noon on Nov. 9, the Georgia State University Library will provide a workshop on using ICPSR (Inter-University Consortium For Political & Social Research) the world’s largest collection of digital social science data.

Intermediate PhotoShop

Room 403, Classroom South 3- 4:00 p.m.

This course builds on the basics of PhotoShop learned in the beginner’s course.

Wednesday NAUI SCUBA Diver Certification Class

NOV. 10

Student Recreation Center 5-9:30 p.m.

Research Wednesday Speaker Series

Room 1030, College of Education 10 a.m.

Collaboratively navigating grant business issues for PIs and business managers. RSVP required. Contact Erin Whitney, 404-413-8090, ewhitney@gsu.edu.

Wellness Wednesdays

HR Conference Room/Basement, One Park Place Noon-1:30 p.m.

This program will help you take a comprehensive wellness assessment to find out about your wellness strengths and weaknesses, create a vision of how you want to manage your wellness and get direction, education and coaching on how to build a practical approach to wellness

Thursday

NOV. 11

Touch the Earth: Metro Float Trip

Metro Atlanta All day Contact Student Recreation Center, 404-413-1750

KENDALL HARRIS | SIGNAL

Michiko Hamasaki painted the above piece. This is one of the works on display in the exhibit.

Art exhibition shows Asian influence

By KENDALL HARRIS Staff Writer On Oct. 7, Georgia State opened the Spirited Calligraphy Exhibition in the Welch Gallery. This exhibition is sponsored by the Center for International Collaborative Arts, the Asian Studies Center, the Fulton County Arts Council and the Japan Foundation New York and features about 17 artists from China, Korea, and Japan.

The framework for the Spirited Calligraphy Exhibition began with Junco Pollack, an artist and professor of textiles at Georgia State, traveling to the artists’ native countries to ask for their participation.

The exhibition’s opening included performances by three of the artists whose work is being shown in the gallery. The three artists included

SPIRITED CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION WHEN Oct. 7-Nov. 19 WHERE Welch Gallery, Arts and Humanities Building ADMISSION Free

Japanese natives Michiko Hamasaki and Sogen Hirano and Taiwanese native Tsai Yulong.

Hamasaki demonstrated the practice of “Daijikigo,” making slow tai-chi movements with her body while drawing calligraphy on a large sheet of paper using a giant calligraphy brush. The average brush used by Hamasaki weighs about 15 lbs. The artist painted what she saw as the audience’s energy, and then invited au-

dience members to contribute their own writing or characters to the paper.

Sogen Hirano practices Shogei, a calligraphy practice which incorporates spirituality. He performed calligraphy on silk and cotton kimonos.

Tsai Yulong, an artist who strives to combine drawing and writing, composed a sūtra.

Genea Jacobs, an intern and a liaison for the Spirited Calligraphy Exhibition, says that the goal of the exhibition is to “show that calligraphy is more than just language and symbol, it’s emotional and spiritual and can be expressed in different ways.”

The gallery presents an interesting combination of both old and new artistic visions, bringing the timeless art of calligraphy into the modern day.

Veterans Tribute Luncheon

Veterans Memorial Hall, Dahlberg Hall 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The luncheon is in honor of veterans and family members of veterans. Georgia State University President Mark Becker has been invited to deliver remarks. The event is sponsored by the Student Veterans Association of Georgia State.

Free and Open to Public

STRONG ONE DAY. ARMY STRONG THE NEXT.

University Jazz Band

Rialto Center for the Performing Arts 7:30 p.m.

The Players of GSU Present: “Titus Andronicus”

Dahlberg Hall Theater, Dahlberg Hall 8-10 p.m. $5 for students and faculty with valid ID. $10 general admission. Make reservations at www.gsuplayers. com. Tickets available at the door. Continues on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.

Saturday

NOV. 13

Monday

NOV. 15

Young Leaders 2010 Conference

Commerce Club 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Leadership in the New World Economy: Competitiveness and Sustainability - contact Clare Morton, 404-413-7083, chmorton@gsu.edu

How to Afford Study Abroad Workshop

Speakers Auditorium, Student Center Noon-1:30 p.m.

Students will learn about how to research funding opportunities, how to seek corporate sponsorship, how the Office of Financial Aid can help, techniques for creating a strong application, and how other students have made it work for them.

What makes the Army Reserve different? It’s training close to home but always standing ready. It’s being able to work your job while serving your country. It’s the strength that comes from being a citizen one day and a soldier the next. To find out more, visit your local recruiter, log on to goarmyreserve.com or call 1-800-USA-ARMY.

ARMY RESERVE

STAY IN COLLEGE. PAY FOR COLLEGE. ASK ABOUT EDUCATION CAREER STABILIZATION. 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.

To learn more, call 1-877-259-6506 today.

©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

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LIVING

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

07

Carson tells students to think big did not have hope for success as a child. He had low grades in school and was often called “dummy.”

His mom changed things around. Sonya Carson limited her sons’ television time and demanded two written book reports each week from Carson and his brother. Carson said that she would mark and highlight the reports, even though she was illiterate at the time.

Within a year, Carson made the seemingly insuperable climb from the bottom of his class to the top of his class. Carson has since sought success with a learning attitude. Even as a top surgeon one has to continue learning, Carson mentioned.

Medicine interested Carson since childhood.

“I even liked going to the doctor’s office,” Carson said. “Needles, syringes, no problem. Going to the hospital was the best thing in the world.”

That dream eventually motivated Carson to enter the field.

Carson strives for success. He said a key factor in doing this is to search for solutions and not excuses.

Even racial challenges do not deter Carson from success. An NPR reporter asked him why he does not address race often.

“Because I am a neurosurgeon,” Carson responded. “When I go to the operating room and I cut the skin off, take off the bone flap and open the dura, I am operating

By DANIEL B. RINALDI Staff Writer Neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson entertained and educated the diverse crowd (not just medical students) last week at the Student Center Ballroom through his speech revolving around the concept of thinking big.

Of the many heroic operations he has performed, Carson is best known for being the first to successfully separate Siamese twins joined at the back of the head in 1987 along with a 70-member surgical team’s help.

Furthermore, Carson wrote three bestselling books: Gifted Hands, The Big Picture and Think Big. He is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University.

His life’s journeys and experiences led him to formulate his philosophy based around the acronym THINK BIG, which he shared with Georgia State.

Carson motivated Georgia State students to dream, strive for success and be knowledgeable in a field. He shared his story as an example.

As a child, Carson did not expect to become a neurosurgeon, a bestselling author or a professor.

He did not even expect to live past the age of 25 due to his violent surroundings as he was growing up.

Surrounded by gang activity, negative peers and poverty, Carson

10 COREY TANNER

Dr. Ben Carson motivated Georgia State to learn, be knowledgeable and seek a dream to be successful.

on that thing that makes that person who they are. It is not the covering that makes them who they are.”

The diversity of people in the U.S. strengthens, not weakens, the country. That strength should be used to solve problems, not make new ones, Carson noted.

“We need to learn how to love and help each other,” Carson said.

OrgSync is your gateway to involvement in student organizations. You can register your account and join your organizations online by following these simple steps:

with

/g

:/ http

g

or su.

Need more info?

Student Activities Office 404/413-1580 330 Student Center

Supported by Student Activity Fees

m

.co

c syn

minutes with...

DR. BEN CARSON

By SHELBY LOHR Copy Editor

You asked and now it’s here...

Get in sync

KELLY MURRAY

Create a Personal Account 1. Go to http://gsu.orgsync.com 2. Select “OrgSync Login” 3. Select “Register” at the top right 4. Find Georgia State University and click “Register” 5. Complete account information using ONLY your GSU email and current password 6. Complete profile information

Join an Organization 1. Log in to OrgSync.com 2. Select “My Orgs” in the navigation bar and click “Join an Org” 3. Browse organizations to join 4. Request to join OR enter the organization password provided by your organization leader

Signal: What’s the best advice you have for a college student?

Ben Carson: Learn how you learn, because everybody learns differently. Some learn through lectures, for some it’s discussion groups, for some it takes reasoning and for some it takes repetition—but if you find the way you learn and fit everything in that way, you’ll do much better Signal: What advice do you have for students hoping for success in medicine?

Carson: Learn how you learn! Because in medical school the first two years are likened to learning eight new foreign languages simultaneously in terms [of ] the material that you have to master. If you don’t have a good idea of how you learn, you should figure it out. You’ll master it.

Signal: Which book that you wrote is your favorite?

Carson: Probably the first one, Gifted Hands… although they all have their strengths. I’m working on a new book right now. It’s a book about the history of our nation and how that ties in with the opportunities that people have. [It’s about] how we shouldn’t throw away the things that make us a great nation for the sake of political correctness.

Signal: What got you into motivational speaking/book-writing? I’d imagine you’re busy enough doing surgeries.

Carson: After the Bender Siamese twins, publishers kept coming up to me.

Publishers kept saying, “You should really write a book.” I wasn’t as sure. Then they’d see me again and say, “You should write a book.” Finally, I said, “I should write a book!” Sometimes people come to me asking how I wrote books; it was that the publishers came to me.

Signal: You emphasize reading often in your books. What, in your opinion, are the advantages to avid reading?

Carson: The key thing is that you’re looking at words all the time, so learn how to spell. Words are strung together, so you learn syntax. All the while, you are making them into [neural connections], so you learn to use your imagination, all of which increases creativity.

08

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/living

LIVING

>> DESIGNER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 label, but she has developed concepts and collection pieces.

Some her designs include a form-fitting metallic gold dress with ribbons tied to the front rather than the back, and her closing piece for the show was an all-white feather-embellished cocktail dress.

“My clothes are very international and classic,” Abebe said. “Any girl can wear it, any size, and it’s very elegant.”

Abebe’s inspiration comes from travelling the world and exploring other cultures.

Most of her sketches include mostly women’s wear, lots of dresses with a ‘50s influence and Afrikana prints.

She is in full control of the designs, all the way down to picking the fabrics and matching pieces. The only job she leaves to the professionals is constructing and sewing the garments.

Abebe doesn’t necessarily admire the clothing designs of famous fashion designers, but admires their ability to create a brand for themselves.

She specifically respects Tom Ford, a leading fashion designer in luxury clothing, and his ability to branch out and develop an empire for his name.

When she isn’t sketching up a new piece, she enjoys reading and following music blogs. She is also involved on the Georgia State campus through her role in public relations for the Ethiopian Student Association and has served in the past as a Spotlight Programs Board volunteer and a participant in activities with Baptist Collegiate Ministries.

Financial aid workshop coming up

By ANNABELLA JEAN-LAURENT Staff Writer

SEBLE ABEBE

Seble Abebe made her first appearance as a designer at Infinite Enigma this year.

She’s also involved also involved in her global community. Abebe participated in a weeklong opportunity in her native country as a volunteer at one of Oprah Winfrey’s hospitals for women in Africa. She avidly believes, “You have to do good to get good.”

For those aspiring to work in fashion or design, Abebe said “Don’t give up and don’t be intimidated by other people’s aspirations. If you have a goal and if you’re hungry, it’s not going to be easy – being normal is easy.”

G S U RC 2011

Undergraduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to submit their scholarly and creative projects for presentation at the conference Date of Event:

MARCH 16, 2011

Event Location: Student Center Proposal Submission Deadline:

Studying abroad is a desire most students have while in college. But while many young hopefuls envision themselves spending a semester learning outside the classroom, they also worry about the costs involved.

The “How to Afford Study Abroad” workshop, taking place Monday, Nov. 15 in the Speakers Auditorium, will offer guidance and direction that will help alleviate student concerns about the financial burden of studying abroad. The event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Students will also learn about how to seek out funding opportunities, corporate sponsors and writing strong scholarship essays. What makes this event unique is that it will be conducted by former study abroad students who are ready to share their own experiences and answer questions.

“Former study abroad students who work in the Study Abroad Programs office will be offering advice, [presenting] tips on financial aid, fundraising and finding scholarships,” Study Abroad Coordinator Daniel Jansen said. “Students will [also] be able to pick up brochures and packets about scholarships, creative fundraising and other general study abroad information.”

Many scholarship opportunities are available to students interested in studying abroad, such as the IEF Study Abroad Scholarship, which is available to students who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program.

Additionally, applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements of 2.75 for undergraduates or 3.2 for graduate students. Up to $1,500 or more is awarded, depending on the length of the trip.

A brand new aid packet, The Global Experience Scholarship, is also available to students enrolled in a degree or certificate program. However, it is reserved for students who have never traveled outside the U.S. Among other qualifiers, applicants must meet the GPA requirements of 2.75 for undergraduates and 3.5 for

graduate students, and students must be eligible for at least one type of need-based financial aid such as the Pell Grant or Stafford Loan. “[Students] should look for scholarships early and ask family members for assistance,” Tarey Milton, a senior with a dual major in anthropology and sociology, said. “I was fortunate enough to receive the IEF scholarship, and the professor sponsoring the trip nominated me to be her assistant which provided [further] payments.”

Milton, who traveled to Brazil this past summer, said that her experience overseas was rewarding and has shaped her academic future. “The trip allowed me an opportunity to experience a culture different from my own, and it has assisted me in my future graduate studies. I plan to revisit Rio as a researcher.”

Jansen said that students gain dynamic skills as international learners – an experience that is hard to acquire simply from a textbook or slideshow.

“Studying abroad is the principal, and arguably the quickest, means through which students can begin the journey of becoming global citizens.

It is a great way to build relationships, as well as enhance your resume, build intercultural communication skills and have tons of fun!”

Besides scholarships and financial aid, Jansen has noticed students come up with unique and interesting ways to fund their trips. “We have had students write letters to family, friends and religious groups, employers and others asking for donations,” Jansen said.

Jansen has also witnessed students having yard and bake sales and even car washes to raise money to fund their study abroad expenses.

Tips like these will be offered during the workshop and the Q&A session. Finally, the workshop will provide students the opportunity to win prizes.

“By taking part in an international academic experience, students gain dynamic skills that are vital in today’s global environment,” Jansen said.

JANUARY 28, 2011

at 5 p.m.

Notification of Acceptance:

February 14, 2011

ANNABELLA JEAN-LAURENT | SIGNAL

Workers in the Study Abroad Office are available to help students out with any questions they may have.

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

Women’s soccer falls in CAA Championship

By SARAH MALKIN Staff Writer The women’s soccer team made their way to the CAA championship for the first time ever this weekend, after a nail-biting win against UNCWilmington last weekend. The Panthers went to Hempstead, N.Y., to face top-seeded Hofstra for the first game of the CAA championship, and fell to the Hofstra Pride 3-0.

Head Coach Dominic Martelli was pleased with the Panthers’ performance this season.

“The entire season was a great game-to-game, play-to-play season,” Martelli said. “We just saw it all come together.”

However, all of the Panthers’ training and optimism did not prepare them for their second matchup against No. 18 Hofstra, who

was 11-0 against CAA competition going in. The Pride scored their first goal just two minutes into the game. A foul on the Panthers inside the 18-yard box resulted in a closerange penalty kick for the Pride’s Amy Turner.

A few minutes later, Turner again attempted a goal, this time a header, but the shot was saved by Georgia State junior Kellianne Collins. At minute 17, the Panthers had their first chance to score, thanks to a corner shot from sophomore Jocelyn Baker. The shot was saved

by Hofstra’s Krista Thorn, and the Pride kept control of the ball for most of the period, except for a few attempted shots by Baker and freshman Alyssia Feronti. The Panthers went into halftime scoreless.

SEE CHAMPIONSHIP, PAGE 12 UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA MEDIA RELATIONS

Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram will be a stiff test for the porous Panther run defense.

Football takes on Alabama

By D.J. DUNSON JR. Staff Writer

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

After an injury to All-CAA goalkeeper, senior Heidi Blankenship, junior Kellianne Collins did a solid job of keeping the Panthers alive for their run to their first CAA Tournament.

Volleyball keeps CAA hope alive

By LAUREN-ASHLEY MINCEY Staff Writer The Panthers volleyball team (14-12, 8-4 CAA) defeated James Madison Friday night (23-25, 2426, 25-23, 25-19, 16-14) with a 3-2 comeback and George Mason on Sunday afternoon (16-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-23) with a 3-1 win.

Both these wins were musts for the Panthers’ push for the CAA Tournament, putting them in a four-way tie for third place with James Madison, Northeastern and George Mason.

During the James Madison game, redshirt junior Vineece Verdun had 19 kills, while redshirt senior Audrey Cantrell scored 30 digs.

James Madison dominated the first set, and the second would have

been Georgia State’s, but Ashley Jones made an error that allowed James Madison to take it, giving the Dukes an early 2-0 advantage.

Georgia State recovered, and the Panthers would win a hardfought third set 25-23. The Panthers had momentum and took it into the fourth set with a convincing 25-19 win. The fifth set was a back-andforth affair with eight ties, each team clawing for a spot in the CAA Tournament.

Georgia State appeared to have control after taking the lead 8-5, but James Madison tied the match at nine. The two teams traded blows until a James Madison player made an error, allowing Georgia State to tie it at 14. The winning point came SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE 12

On Nov. 18, the Georgia State Panthers (6-4) will go on the road to face the BCS National Champion, the Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2) in Tuscaloosa at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be televised on ESPNU and, needless to say, the Georgia State Panthers are an underdog. The Crimson Tide has more national championships in their cupboard than the Georgia State Panthers have wins. It’s been labeled a battle of David vs. Goliath, but at least Goliath met David on his turf. In reality, it’s more similar to Jack climbing the beanstalk.

Georgia State’s glaring weakness, defensively, has been their rushing defense. Alabama isn’t necessarily explosive on offense but they are methodical, operate with expert precision and take care of the football. Quarterback Greg McElroy for example, is a game manager who has thrown 13 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 69.4 percent completion percentage. His favorite target is 6-foot-4 wide receiver Julio Jones, a future first-round pick that will likely see double coverage.

The Alabama offense is spearheaded by Heisman Trophy-winning junior tailback Mark Ingram. Ingram has rushed for 641 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging six yards per carry. Ingram will split carries with sophomore Trent Richardson, who has rushed for 634 yards and four touchdowns on an average of 6.9 yards per carry in addition to four receiving touchdowns. The two bruis-

FOOTBALL VS. ALABAMA WHEN Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE Bryant Denny Stadium, University of Alabama

ing runners are arguably the best yards-after-contact runners in college football.

Georgia State’s run defense finally had a solid performance holding the Lamar Cardinals to 84 yards rushing. However, Lamar is the fourth worst rushing offense in the FCS Division with only 61 rushing yards per game. If the Panthers don’t wrap up Ingram and Richardson early, Alabama’s third string tailback, Eddie Lacy, will be getting carries in a rout.

Defensive Coordinator John Bond will have to devise a blitz scheme to pressure Alabama’s Greg McElroy. The Panthers have only recorded 15 sacks this season. The Muasau brothers have accounted for nine of those sacks, as pass rushers from the linebacker position and, of course, junior defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi, who leads the team with five sacks. Anything less than a Herculean performance from the Panthers’ front seven won’t be enough to stop the Tide’s offense.

Offensively, the Panthers can’t expect to win with the one-dimensional offense they displayed in losses to Old Dominion and South Alabama, where they abandoned the running game. Alabama cornerback Dre Fitzpatrick will be tasked with covering freshman standout Danny Williams, but that matchup won’t

matter if the offensive line can’t block defensive end Marcell Dareus.

If there is a silver lining, it’s that this young Crimson Tide defense isn’t quite as dominant as the 2009 edition. The 2010 Alabama defense is allowing 125 rushing yards per game in comparison to the 78 rushing yards per game they allowed in 2009.

Georgia State has shown a propensity for playing up or down to their competition. One week after losing to the Lambuth Eagles, an NAIA program, the Panthers took FCS No. 4 Jacksonville State, which defeated Ole Miss in their season opener, into overtime.

Georgia State Head Coach Bill Curry has a special connection to Alabama. Not only did he spend three seasons as the Alabama head coach, from 1987 to 1989, but Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium is the location of the defining win of his coaching career.

In 1981, as a young Georgia Tech head coach, Curry led the Yellow Jackets, coming off a 1-9-1 campaign in 1980, into Tuscaloosa for a thrilling 24-21 victory in the season opener. It was the only victory of the season for the ’81 Yellow Jackets, who finished 1-10.

After the upset victory, Curry said he spoke to legendary Alabama Head Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

“He was very gracious,” Curry said. “He told me, ‘I hope this helps your program.’”

With a winning season guaranteed and 12 days to prepare, Curry has nothing to lose by pulling a few trick plays from his sleeve for the Panthers’ inaugural season finale.

10

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/sports

SPORTS

Losses to George Mason, Towson seal men’s soccer fate

By WILL HOLLAND. Staff Writer After an up-and-down season, the Georgia State men’s soccer team stumbled to the finish line, after making a legitimate push for the conference playoffs.

The Panthers (7-7-3, 4-6-1 CAA) fell to Towson (9-6-2, 3-6-2) 4-2 at home after losing to George Mason (8-6-2, 4-4-2 CAA ) 3-0 the previous week.

The loss against George Mason all but erased any hope for a first CCA playoff berth. It was a tough way to celebrate Senior Day, as the Panthers held strong against one of the toughest squads in the conference.

On that day the squad honored the services of seniors Joe Castaldo, Darryl Evans, Donald Kirkland and Joey Syfert. All played a hand in this year’s march toward that elusive playoff spot.

With goals from George Mason in the 29th, 68th and 81st minute, it was a difficult afternoon for the Panthers, culminating in an Ayokunle Lumpkin red card near the end of the match. Even with four saves on the day, Vincent Foermer couldn’t keep out the Patriot deluge.

Georgia State had opportunities through sophomore Gimel Gordon and freshman Evan Scott in the first half. In the end, however, sophomore Alex Vivanco provided most of the offense long range from his midfield position with three shots.

Against Towson, the Panthers came out strong but faded late in their final match of the season. Towson scored first, but Georgia State was undeterred and answered in the 16th minute on a Vivanco strike from outside the box. It was his third goal of the season.

Using the equalizer’s momentum, Georgia State kept up the pressure. After a poor clearance inside the Towson penalty area, Evan Scott latched onto the loose ball with his head and pushed it past the Tiger goalkeeper, giving Georgia State the lead in the 32nd minute.

Towson was quick to reply and equalized before the half. Sitting near the bottom of the conference table, it would have been easy for the Tigers to give a lackluster performance on the road, but they came out with good intention in the second half, just as they did in the first.

Just three minutes into the half, Towson came out striking and scoring on a piece of individual play by Marco Mangione. Beating one defender, he slotted the ball home easy on the right to give the Tigers the edge.

Sophomore Yasser Majluf carved out a good opportunity in the 61st, but the Towson goalkeeper was up to the challenge.

The Panthers kept the pressure on, with Gordon providing an excellent opportunity in the 76th minute.

Gordon made a superb run down the left channel and put the ball on

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Eric Lawrence plays a long ball.

a dime to Scott, but Scott scuffed his shot and sent it over the cross bar.

Any hope of a Georgia State comeback came to an end when a combination play from Towson beat the defense in the 87th minute and ended the Panthers’ season on a sour note.

There are plenty of positives to come away with from Head Coach Brett Surrency’s first season at the helm. A mostly-sophomore group was able to challenge for post-season action and, according to Georgia State Athletics, the Panthers managed to earn their most conference wins –

four – since 2005.

As the Panthers graduate some key squad members, Surrency will expect his rising juniors and sophomores to raise the bar even further next season.

Open Forums Georgia State University’s Diversity Strategic Plan 2010-2015 The Diversity Strategic Planning Committee (DSPC) will host open forums for comments on the draft Diversity Strategic Plan in November. The dates are: November 10, 2010, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Freshman Hall, Freshman Dining Facility November 17, 2010, 2:00-3:00p.m.: University Center, Suite 480/485 Please visit our website at www.gsu.edu/diversity to review the draft and provide your comments.

“We must become a national model for diversity in higher education, where all combinations of gender, race and ethnicity succeed at high rates.”

President Mark Becker, April 2009 State of the University Address

SPORTS

www.gsusignal.com/sports

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

11

LESSONS FROM LEGENDS GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

By SAAKIB ZAFRANI Associate Sports Editor

certain errors. But if we did that, we’d have a chance to prevail in that game.”

In 1980 the Empire struck back, Dustin Hoffman finally “graduated” to an Academy Award, and 3-M gave the world Post-It Notes.

In Atlanta, Ted Turner introduced CNN, the first all-news network, while William B. Hartsfield International Airport opened. Ronald Reagan ousted incumbent Jimmy Carter from office, and a college dropout named Bill Gates signed a deal with IBM. It was also a year for war. In the mountains of Afghanistan and in the oil fields of Iraq and Iran, there was war. In Lake Placid, N.Y., the true “Cold War” was being waged, as the U.S. men’s hockey team collided with the Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics. But there was another war in 1980, another “miracle,” when Dan Devine led his No.1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish into battle with the Yellow Jackets at Grant Field in Atlanta on Nov. 8. First-year head coach Bill Curry was there to greet them.

Dodd preached field position

Lombardi emphasized teaching

Curry said. “But he had been a high school quarterback. He was the only person on our team that had taken a snap at all, so there really was no choice.”

After a three-and-out, the young freshman began to move the ball down the field with the aid of the running game.

“You just knew that at some point a disaster would happen because he’d [Whisenhunt] make a mistake,” Curry said. “But he didn’t, he never did, the whole day.”

Where the offense stalled, the defense came through. They would force another punt and Whisenhunt would get another go. As the half began to wind down, the Georgia Tech offense found itself in a position to take the lead.

From 39 yards out, Johnny Smith split the uprights and Georgia Tech was besting No. 1 Notre Dame 3-0.

Just before the half, Notre Dame equalized and both teams went into the locker rooms tied 3-3. Holding that offense to three points and squeezing three points out of Dan Devine’s stingy defense was a small victory in itself, but there was another half to play.

In 1964, Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers drafted Bill Curry.

“Coach Lombardi was from Brooklyn, Coach Curry was well known at Georgia [and] he was very aggressive in his coaching. He Tech, even before his head coaching position. was profane, [and] he was in your face all the He attended Tech and played for the legendary time, everyday,” Curry said. “I never forgave him Bobby Dodd. for not being Bobby “[Dodd] was a Dodd … But I learned loveable, cheerful guy, that the most imporbut don’t you dare cut tant part of coaching a class, [or] he’d make is teaching, and he your life so miserable,” was a great teacher.

Curry said. “He’d run He taught us a system, us up and down the [and] we learned to stadium steps or put execute that system.” us in study hall evCurry snapped ery night. My sense the ball to legendary of priorities about Packer quarterback what’s important for a and NFL Hall-ofstudent athlete in colFamer Bart Starr in lege came from Bobby Super Bowl I. Dodd. Your religion, “We had great Badgett taught toughness your family, your eduplayers, and I learned cation and our footleadership from the “Football is just life marked off in 100 ball team.” men on that team,” Shula stressed work ethic BILL CURRY yards, men,” Bill Badgett would repeat over and Curry instilled Curry in his first year as a Green Bay Packer.

Curry said. over again to his players at College Park High the values he learned With Curry proIn 1967, Curry was traded from the Packers School in Atlanta. Among them was Bill Curry. from Dodd in each of tecting him, Starr to the Baltimore Colts, where he was coached “His [Badgett’s] biggest contribution was his players and implemented the knowledge of won the first Super Bowl MVP Award. Starr by Don Shula and snapped the ball to Johnny pure physical toughness and he forced us to de- the game he acquired on every down. knew Curry had what it took to be a leader.

Unitas. cide whether or not we were going to be physi“He also taught me the absolute critical “He [Curry] raised the bar for a lot of peo“Work ethic, from Unitas and Shula, cally aggressive football players,” Curry said. nature of ball security and the kicking game,” ple, but he did it by raising the bar for himself I learned amazing work ethic,” Curry said.

“And you can’t play this sport without being ag- he said. “You win football games by hanging on initially,” Starr said.

“Coach Lombardi had 10 days of 2-a-day pracgressive. It is a hostile, almost jungle-like envi- to the ball when you have it and taking it away Notre Dame’s drive following Kelley’s in- tices. Coach Shula had six weeks of 2-a-days. I ronment on the field. You either hit or you get from the other guy, and by being great at field jury resulted in a punt, and the Irish coverage couldn’t believe it … Johnny Unitas would work hit, every play.” position. We worked on that all day, everyday.” downed the ball at the Georgia Tech five-yard for five hours at two practices, [and] it would be It certainly was a jungle-like environment To hang with the Irish, Curry and his men line. With less than 100 degrees. We’d go on that warm November day. Curry’s record were going to have to grind it out. The Yellow five minutes remainin and take a shower, with the Yellow Jackets was 1-7, and with No. Jackets defense made a statement early on by ing in the first quarchange clothes, and 1 Notre Dame coming to town, things weren’t forcing a three-and-out on the initial drive. ter, Curry called on I’d look back out and getting any easier. But it was a new day, with Mike Kelley came out gunning and his first pass walk-on freshman and there’s Unitas and another 100 yards on which Curry and his men went for 18 yards but, shortly after, the drive defensive end Ken Raymond Berry still would make a stand. fizzled.

Whisenhunt to lead throwing and catchNotre Dame’s The Tech de- the offense. ing.” vaunted offense was fense continued to “He made people Curry implanted averaging more than cause problems for buy in. I think Bill that work ethic in his 28 points per game, Devine, and it ap- would’ve been a good players, especially the and their defense was peared that Kel- preacher,” said Wildefense. ranked sixth in the naley was able to lie Davis, NFL Hall of The defense was tion after shutting out find holes in Notre Fame defensive end, relentless in the secNavy 33-0 the week beDame’s defense. and Curry’s teammate ond half, and the Irish fore.

But then, without while at Green Bay. didn’t score again.

For Tech fans, the warning, disaster Curry kept it simple Curry and the Yellow BILL CURRY outlook was bleak. For ensued for the Yel- and had no problem Jacket defense would the men on the field, low Jackets. Kelley getting Whisenhunt Curry on his first day of coaching the hold the No. 1 team in Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. one ray of hope was the came to the sideline ready. the nation, and force return of starting quarholding his shoulder “Get the snap them to swallow a tie. terback Mike Kelley, after a failed third from the center, that’s all. Please get the snap,” Though Georgia Tech finished that season who had missed time down conversion. Curry said to Whisenhunt. “He [Whisenhunt] 1-9-1, it didn’t matter what anyone would say. with an injury.

He wouldn’t re- smiled and said, ‘No problem, coach’ and he ran Bill Curry had proven his men could stand their “What we tried to turn, Tech’s second- out on the field like he had been doing it all his ground against the best.

BILL CURRY do every week was to Bill Curry standing along side former string quarterback life.”

“Football is just life marked off in 100 yards have the men believe Georgia Tech coach Bobby Dodd. couldn’t go, and the To this day, Curry is still impressed with men,” Bill Badgett would repeat over and over that we could actuthird string quarter- Whisenhunt’s fearless effort. again to his players at College Park High School ally win that game,” Curry said. “Now we would back had a previous injury. Curry was out of op“He had never played a play in a college in Atlanta. Among them was William Alexanhave to do certain things, and we’d have to force tions, so it seemed. game at any position, [and] he was a walk on,” der Curry.

12

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/sports

ATHLETIC EVENTS

Volleyball at Delaware

Men’s Cross Country

>> VOLLEYBALL

EVENT Men’s Basketball at Clark Atlanta (Exhibition)

NOV. 11

Sports Arena 7 p.m.

Friday

Women’s Basketball at Georgia Tech

NOV. 12

Alexander Memorial Coliseum, Atlanta 5 p.m.

Volleyball at Towson Towson, Md. 7 p.m.

Saturday

NOV. 13

Newark, Del. 7 p.m.

NCAA South Regional Championship Hoover, Ala. TBA

Women’s Cross Country

NCAA South Regional Championship Hoover, Ala. TBA

Tuesday

Men’s Basketball at McNeese State

NOV. 16

Lake Charles, La. 8 p.m.

Thursday

Football vs. Alabama

NOV. 18

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Georgia State came out fighting in the second half, keeping the ball in Hofstra territory. Two minutes into the half, freshman Jewel Evans fired at Hofstra’s goal after a pass from junior Lindsay Mortellaro. However, Hofstra’s Brittany Butts smothered the shot.

Although the Pride quickly got ahold of the ball, Collins managed to save several more Pride shots. With just 30 minutes left in the game, senior Apryl Goodwin found herself at the top of Hofstra’s 18-yard box, one-onone with the Pride’s goalkeeper. Goodwin fired a shot, but Hofstra’s Emily Morphitis made a sliding save, and blocked the game-tying shot.

Just six minutes after, Hofstra’s Salma Tarik scored the Pride’s second goal of the match, thanks to a pass from teammate Laura Greene. The second goal gave the Pride momentum that they would not relinquish, and at min-

DATE Thursday

>> CHAMPIONSHIP

Bryant Denny Stadium, University of Alabama 7:30 p.m.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 from a kill by Ashley Jones and a block from both Muki Kangwa and Raquel Jones, and the Panthers were still alive with George Mason to play Sunday.

Kangwa had 21 kills, nine digs and a total of three blocks, while Ashley Jones made her twelfth double-double this year, with 16 kills and 13 digs, according to Georgia State Athletics. Chelsea Perry had her eighth 50-plus assist match, and Emily Averbeck had 15 kills and two aces.

To stay in contention, the volleyball team needed another win against George Mason. This was the last home game for seniors Rachel Boryc, Cantrell, Ashley Jones and Raquel Jones, and the seniors were honored before the 3-1 victory over George Mason.

The Panthers started slow many times this season, and the trend continued with George Mason winning the first set 25-16. But Head Coach Tami Audia’s Panthers came to play, and the resilient squad pummeled the Patri-

SPORTS

ute 74, Tarik scored the third and final goal of the game, once again off a pass from Greene. The Panthers tried to rally and substituted half the players in the final five minutes, but the game ended with a victory for the Pride, who would go on to lose the CAA Championship to James Madison.

The Panthers remain optimistic about the next season. Despite the loss of goalkeeper Heidi Blankenship, Georgia State will return with scoring threats like freshman Jewel Evans and sophomore Sarah Bennett to lead the Panthers back to the CAA tournament with more experience.

“We are a young team, and we have progressed so much,” Bennett told Georgia State Athletics. “I think we’ve had the opportunity to mature. Instead of ever getting down on ourselves, we were able to step up, look at what we had to fix and do better. We have been able to thrive off the good moments and continue to improve.”

ots to start the second set 10-1.

George Mason was not ready to roll over, and the Patriots fought back to bring the score to 13-11, in favor of Georgia State. The set went back and forth before the Panthers were able to overcome a 24-24 tie, thanks to two attack errors by the Patriots.

Georgia State fell behind 8-6 in the third set, but tied it and never looked back, winning 25-22. The Panthers’ victory came in the fourth set with a kill from Verdun and blocks from both Perry and Raquel Jones.

Ashley Jones has been extremely consistent for the Panthers, notching her 13th double-double against George Mason.

The team will look to continue their four-game winning streak next Friday at 7 p.m. against Towson, along with their final regular-season match Saturday at 7 p.m. against first-place Delaware. The Blue Hens will be looking to avenge the stunning loss they suffered against the Panthers in Atlanta earlier this season.

ENTERTAINMENT www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

Entertainment Editor Jhoni Jackson

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

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Kevin James (L) and Vince Vaughn star in the upcoming film The Dilemma.

Comedy giants come to Atlanta

By SAVANNA KEO Associate Entertainment Editor This Thursday, two of Hollywood’s best known funnymen will be passing through Atlanta on a 14-city national comedy tour. Roll on the floor, barelybreathing laughs are to be expected as Vince Vaughn and Kevin James host the show and perform live sketch comedy with three other headliners, as well as a few unbilled special guests.

The Vince Vaughn and Kevin James Comedy Roadshow began in Boston on Nov. 1, and will travel down the East Coast before stopping in Atlanta on Nov. 11. The comics will be performing at the Cobb Energy Center starting at 8 p.m.

The tour will then travel a little through the South and finally mark its finale with a show in San Diego.

Although the pair hasn’t worked together before, both Vaughn and James have made big names for themselves in the industry and are considered to be two of Hollywood’s biggest comedic actors working today.

Vaughn catapulted to fame with the 1996 film, Swingers, about the lives of single, unemployed actors living in Hollywood during the Swing Revival of the ‘90s. Since then, Vaughn has appeared in big blockbusters including Old School, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Wedding Crashers.

James is nationally recognized for his role as Doug Heffernan on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens, but has also stepped into movie roles alongside seasoned Hollywood actors. James has starred a slew of popular comedies, including Hitch, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Grown Ups. Nationally recognized comedians Owen Benjamin, Steve Byrne and Richie Minervini are also on the bill, and will be performing their stand-up comedy at all stops on the tour.

“A huge part of comedy is being with people offstage as you travel and tour, and that’s what makes our group special — they’re just really awesome people,” said Benjamin Owen.

Owen Benjamin was a regular on MTV’s Punk’d and has made sev-

LIONSGATE

THE VINCE VAUGHN AND KEVIN JAMES COMEDY ROADSHOW

WHEN Nov. 11 at 8 p.m.

WHERE The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre ADMISSION Tickets range from $38 to $75.65

eral appearances on Chelsea Lately on the E! Entertainment network. While performing in Los Angeles, comedian Adam Sandler saw Benjamin and cast him in Chuck and Larry and in a small role in House Bunny. His comedic career took off from there.

Steve Bryne’s stand up comedy has been featured on various late night talk shows, including appearances on the shows of Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel and Carson Daly. The comedian also hosted a one-hour special on Comedy Central, The Byrne Identity.

Richie Minervini is a veteran comedian who has headlined other tours as a stand-up comic and has credits in the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop and on the show The King of Queens with James.

Benjamin said that he is most looking forward to the camaraderie that will be built between the comics on the tour, all of whom he admires and is looking forward to working with. Hitting a different city every night is exhausting, he said, but the comic expects the show to evolve and get better as they pass through each city.

The group hopes that the tour will bring in a large number of people who are looking for a night of good laughs.

“The best time to write is when you are in front of that many people. You can really see if something is good then,” Benjamin said about performing in front of more than an estimated 42,000 people total during the tour.

“Comedy nervous is more like firstkiss nervous than fall-out-of-a-plane nervous — it’s more exciting. You know something really cool is going to happen and your heart is racing, but it isn’t fear,” Benjamin said.

WIRE IMAGE

Vince Vaughn

Notable Film Credits: Swingers (1996), The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Old School (2003), Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004), Wedding Crashers (2005), Couples Retreat (2009) Fun Fact: In 2008, Vaughn was at the top of Forbes list of actors who “give studios the best return on their initial investment.”

For every $1 that Vaughn is paid, his movies make an average of $14.75 for the studios. (From imbd.com.)

Kevin James

WIRE IMAGE

Notable Film Credits: Hitch (2005), I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), Grown Ups (2010) Notable TV Credits: The King of Queens (CBS, 1998-2007) Fun Fact: James was discovered in 1996 when he won Montreal Comedy Festival’s “Just for Laughs” award.

The dynamic duo of Vaughn and James can be seen gracing the silver screen after the tour has stopped at its final destination. Vaughn and James will star in the Universal Pictures comedy, The Dilemma, slated for release on Jan. 14. The film, directed by Ron Howard, will feature a cast consisting of Queen Latifah, Channing Tatum and Winona Ryder.

Saw 3D: Game over

By KEON-JAMAAL STEELE Staff Writer All things must come to an end, and after seven installments it is with joy that we say farewell to the Saw series. Although Saw 3D is being promoted as the final chapter in this yearly gore-fest, we won’t collect on that bet until next October. But when a franchise resorts to 3D antics, somehow you know the party’s over.

Saw 3D starts exactly where Saw VI ends, with Detective Hoffman, played by Costas Mandylor (Beowulf, Saw) surviving the trap he was put into by Jill, played by Betsy Russell, and hunting her down to seek his revenge. This installment featured more traps than the others, but the shock value just was not there.

Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery) is dealing with his newfound fame by going on a shameless selfpromotion tour. Guided by his sketchy media team, Bobby, the survivor of one of Jigsaw’s dangerous traps, writes a book about his grisly experience. An unhappy Jigsaw watches from afar and eventually Bobby finds himself in a trap, where he is fighting for the survival of himself and his friends.

It is confusing how little Jigsaw, the actual person, appears in the film. Played by Tobin Bell, Jigsaw died in Saw III — but still manages to get a decent amount of camera time in each sequel, usually via flashbacks or videotapes he left behind. But in this film, he could almost be described as making a small cameo.

Saw 3D raises the stakes, with a new trap being conducted in full view of the public. The scene itself sounded silly at first, with a trap being put out on public display like is was for sale. But it starts the film with a very edgy opening that the movie seems to retreat from as it progresses.

Each succeeding trap is sufficient, but not better than, the hurdles used in previous films. The only mystery left in the franchise is who is funding Jigsaw’s work — with the complicated, elaborate and specific traps he sets up, Jigsaw must have Donald Trump backing him.

As expected, the 3D does not provide any Avatarlike effects. But Director Kevin Greutert adds much needed energy with explicit angles of flying blood and guts. The screenwriters, Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, have delivered much better work on the series than in this film, but Saw 3D is not its lowest point.

14

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bigger budget, fewer scares

By KEON-JAMAAL STEELE Staff Writer More than a year ago, Paranormal Activity left such an impression on viewers that a rushed sequel was unavoidable. But its highly-anticipated successor, Paranormal Activity 2, falls short.

The film takes place about two months before the events of the original film and before Katie Featherson, star of the original film, was affected by any paranormal events. Everything appears normal. The family — Katie’s older sister Kristen and her husband Dan — is constantly documenting their infant son’s every move on their video camera, which is clearly director Tod Williams’ way of slowly building suspense.

But one day, they arrive home to find the entire house in shambles —

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Voyeurism at its creepiest in Paranormal Activity 2.

here comes the scary — and things take a turn for the worse.

Thinking it was a break-in, Dan quickly installs security cameras throughout the house. A little extreme after just one incident, but how else will viewers get a first-hand view of what’s happening in every room?

Good thinking, Dan.

The first film was centered mostly on the bedroom, while the sequel gives a view of the entire house.

In an obvious attempt to add layers to the first film, the writers stick with the same family when they could have focused on another group of people totally unrelated to the original.

The film doesn’t give much

more reasoning for the presence of demons than the first, but it does elicit sympathy from its viewers — how could one family could have so many supernatural issues?

The family dog is a great addition to the cast. The scenes where he tenses up while growling at thin air are quite creepy, and are among the

few memorable moments in the film.

Otherwise, there aren’t enough scary moments to make up for all the time viewers spend with the family.

Most of the activity is not paranormal, but happy, cheesy family time.

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3) Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. See dealer for details.

The marks of General Motors, its divisions, slogans, emblems, vehicle model names, vehicle body designs and other marks appearing in this advertisement are the trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors. ©2010 General Motors. Buckle up, America!

ENTERTAINMENT

www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

15

Cee Lo takes another shot at standing solo ALBUMS IN HEAVY ROTATION 01

The Hundred in the Hands The Hundred in the Hands (Warp

02

Opticks Silje Nes (Fatcat)

03

Music for a While Revolver (Astralwerks)

04

Halcyon Digest Deerhunter (4AD)

05

Wild Go Dark Dark Dark (Supply & Demand)

06

Album of the Year Black milk (Fat Beats/Decon)

07

The Roots of Chicha 2 Various Artists (Barbes)

08

One of Us Pomegranates (Afternoon)

09 10 11 12 13 14 15

Chicha is a term for ‘60s-born Peruvian music that was baptized in electric guitars, organs and synths. The underlying rhythms are cumbia-like, but the general feel is breezily psychedelic.

Cee Lo Green The Lady Killer Elektra

Guided by Tom Jenkinson of electronic solo act Squarepusher, Down There this synth-heavy, Avey Tare (Paw Tracks) somewhat Jojo Burger Tempest mysterious Working for a Nuclear Free City (Melodic) electronic rock band is Blind Threshold the realized Beats Antique result of Just a Souvenir, a 2008 d’Demonstrator Squarepusher Shobaleader One (Warp) album inspired Ring

by Jenkins’ Glasser (True Panther Sounds) conceptualized band in the same The Fool vein.

Warpaint (Rough Trade) Turning On Cloud Nothings (Carpark)

16

Autumn, Again A Sunny Day in Glasgow (ASDG)

17

Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier Sun Airway (Dead Oceans)

18

The Age of Adz Sufjan Stevens (Asthmatic Kitty)

19

New Chain Small Black (Jagjaguwar)

20

Swanlights Antony and the Johnsons (Secretly Canadian)

21

The Burnerz Zumbi & the Are (JahWorks)

22

Face Tat Zach Hill (Sargent House)

23

Everlasting Grandchildren (Green Owl)

24

Science and Sorcery Wolf & Cub (Last Gang)

25

Sick of Love J.C. Satan (Slovenly)

26

Pyramid of the Sun Maserati (Temporary Residence)

27

Small Craft on a Milk Sea Brian Eno (Warp)

28

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

29

Burning Bush Supper Club Bear Hands (Cantora)

30

Again and Again Thieves Like Us (deBonton)

The indie folkpop singersongwriter’s latest is laced with electronic sounds, and title references the late Royal Robertson, an artist who turned his schizophrenic visions into fantastical paintings.

Australian psych-rock that would feel just as at home in a too-cool, smoke-filled club as it would cozily accompany a tragic character’s drugfueled breakdown on film.

A dreary brand of synth pop, this American-Swedish band’s sophomore LP is as happily depressing as “Drugs in my Body,” the standout infectious track that carried their debut.

By WHITNEY JONES Staff Writer Meet the Lady Killer, Cee Lo Green’s newest alter ego. He’s best known as the rockstar counterpart to Danger Mouse in the psychedelic, Euro-pop group Gnarls Barkley.

Those who have followed him prior to the Gnarls inception know him as the soulful, fire-spitting rapper in the homegrown super-group Goodie Mob. Regrettably, very few know him as a solo artist.

Fortunately for us, Cee Lo Green has given us another chance to appreciate his talents. This is the multi-talented rapper-singer-writerproducer-spoken-word artist’s third solo effort, and although his previous releases solidified his capabilities of solo stardom, The Lady Killer is the boost he needs to launch into the mainstream pop stratosphere on his own.

The Lady Killer loosely tells the story of a jilted lover who loses his love, finds a new one, courts her, breaks her heart, tries to win her back and finally rekindles that love.

Heavily influenced by ‘60s and ‘70s Motown-era soul, Green manages to shape a nostalgic sound into contemporary relevance.

The first single, “F**k You,” is a witty yet snarky, emotionally charged kiss-off to a gold-digging ex-lover and her new beau. Green laments, “If I was richer/I’d still be with ya/Now ain’t that some s**t?” The definitive doo-wop sound softens the profanity-laced diatribe, but only just a tad.

On “Bodies,” Green, seemingly channeling Marvin Gaye’s sensual side, beautifully alludes to his Lady Killer persona. Dark and sexy, Green paints a story of a chivalry that leads to a passionate overnight stay. The slow, syncopated tempo accompanied by the breathy voice of a woman matches the relaxed, sensuous flow.

“Cry Baby” is a goodbye ode to his new love. The up-tempo track is accented by a jazzy horns section, which is quite opposite to the message of the song. Sad and remorseful, Green belts out an apologetic farewell to his inconsolable lover.

Once The Lady Killer realizes how much he actually loves that woman, “Old Fashioned,” the pinnacle of the album, serves as his at-

tempt to right his wrongs and prove how reliable and unchanging his love is. “It’s right on time and it’s timeless/ And it’ll be right here for always,” he sings in the hook. Reminiscent of Jackie Wilson and Smokey Robinson, Green sings with just as much passion as his soulful predecessors. A cover of indie folk-pop act Band of Horses’ “No One’s Gonna Love You” is Green’s final shot at professing his undying love.

Green sings with so much conviction and bravado, it becomes easy to forgive the fact that he’s no longer the rapper that many of us grew up listening to. At least he stays true to his creative roots with slick wordplay and soulful melodies.

jority of the album lacks any kind of identifiable beat. While this free form structure could easily become tiresome, it manages to be consistently engaging—thanks to the vicious energy layered within Tare’s voice.

Lyrically, the album contains some of the most engrossing wordplay and prose found in modern music. More often than not, lyrics meander on depressing refrains that fail to hold any sort of emotional relevancy and instead are vague statements of angst. Tare expertly dodges this pitfall through saying a lot with very little language.

Almost every few stanzas could define the whole album, whether it’s the opening lines, “The flies in the dark with their ways of shedding some light/Now I’ve lost all my day,” on “Laughing Hieroglyphic” or “Thinking to myself/Hearing myself breathe/There are no more eyes, what is it I see?” (“Heather in the Hospital”).

Existential confusion is rarely done better as Tare gives special attention to every word, leaving not one single syllable wasted. Down There follows the same flawless track record of Animal Collective and furthers Tare’s ability to shift what’s possible in the music.

Avey Tare

Down There Paw Tracks

By PAUL DEMERRITT Staff Writer Swamps are not a new thing to rock music. Blues was born within their murky depths and many artists still try, mostly in vain, to recapture that mysterious aesthetic.

Yet when I say that the style on Animal Collective founding member Avey Tare’s newest solo effort Down There is “swampy,” Robert Johnson isn’t what comes to mind. It is as if the gravely-voiced musicians lying around those legendary Louisiana bayous are replaced by a population of whispers and ghosts endlessly filing through an otherworldly fog.

In this fog lies an expanse of washy synthesizers and organic electronics all swirling around Tare’s desperation for meaning. For anyone accustomed to Animal Collective’s wild euphoria, Down There is a starkly different mood of soul-searching cast within an imagery of spirits, werewolves and alligators. The sound echoes the earthy feel of Feels or Sung Tongs-era Animal Collective mixed with more current electronic influences.

The bass-heavy groove in “Ghost of Books” could easily be found among the sets of dubstep DJs, and the melodic blips scattered throughout “Heads Hammock” are somewhat reminiscent of The Postal Service. The percussion retains the same seamless blend of electronic and West African rhythms that Animal Collective are known for, but the ma-

El Guincho Pop Negro

Young Turks

By BROOKE MARSHALL Staff Writer Pop Negro is the third full-length from Barcelona’s El Guincho (the name on his birth certificate is Pablo Diaz-Reixa). On his previous albums, he offered layers of sonic experimentation augmented by a hearty dose of sampling, all driven by Afrobeat and dub-inspired percussion. His last album, 2007’s Alegranza!, was widely lauded, drawing comparisons to Animal Collective and Os Mutantes and earning a very respectable 8.3 from the heavyweights at Pitchfork.

Suffice it to say, Pop Negro has a lot to live up to, at least in indie music circles. Unfortunately, with the exception of a few stand-out tracks, the album fails to deliver on the promise of El Guincho’s previous work.

At its best, Pop Negro is intricate, erudite dance music.

SEE EL GUINCHO, PAGE 16

16

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

ATLANTA EVENTS DATE Wednesday

EVENT

NOV. 10

Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved, Blood Red Throne and Dawn of Ashes

Thursday

Meet Us Where We’re At

NOV. 11

Friday

NOV. 12

Masquerade, 695 North Ave. 6:30 p.m. $21, all ages A four-band-strong metal lineup headlined by Norway’s beloved Dimmu Borgir will assault eardrums and test the venue’s sound system.

Kai Lin Art, 800 Peachtree St. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. $20 suggested donation, all ages The cover includes drinks, art and entertainment.

Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Harm Reduction Center, a nonprofit that advocates for the health of marginalized locals. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.archbenefit.wordpress.com.

Buried Alive Film Fest

Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. 6:30 p.m.-midnight $7 per screening, all ages See independent films at the Plaza Theatre during this horror-centric fest. For $30, you can purchase an all-inclusive pass.

Generations Art, Music and Motorcyle Show

The Archive Gallery, 611 North Ave. 6 p.m.-1 a.m.

Free, all ages Included in this mash-up art show are local acts Sonen (danceable electro-pop), Vegan Coke (droning metal-punk), House Cat (tropical folk-pop) and DJ Seanny. Complimentary wine and light bites will be served, and Pabst will be offered for $2.

Saturday

NOV. 13

Buried Alive Film Fest

Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. 1 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

All ages The fest continues, beginning with a Fangoria-sponsored film, “Satan Hates You.” The 4:30 screening is free for Georgia State students and staff.

Atlanta: Hip Hop and the South book event

Criminal Records, 1154-A Euclid Ave. 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Free, all ages Michael Schmelling will be on-hand at the Little Five Points record store to talk about his book of photographs, which also includes essays by Kelefa Sanneh and interviews by Will Welch. The chronicle of Atlanta’s hip-hop culture features staples like Outkast, Gucci Mane, Young Dro, Ludacris and The-Dream.

Transformers Photography Exhibition

The Gallery at Cherrylion Studios, 889 Morris St. 8 p.m.

Free, all ages Check out photographer Chris Buxbaum’s showcase of Atlanta’s most flamboyant and fabulous drag queens and late-night personalities.

Sunday

NOV. 14

The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. (final two shows) $20-$50, all ages Written by local playwright and Oprah Book Club author Pearl Cleage, the romantic comedy centers on glamorous black debutants who aren’t as wellmannered as their upper-class lifestyles imply.

Monday

NOV. 15

I Am Industry Mondays

Halo Lounge, 817 West Peachtree St. 9 p.m.

Free, 21 and up Show off your fancy footwork and enjoy drink specials ($2 shots, $3 beers and $5 cocktails) at this trendy lounge’s weekly party.

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.

>> EL GUINCHO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Opener “Bombay” is chilly but joyful, repetitive but exploratory, powered by eclectic percussive elements that speak to El Guincho’s Tropicália influences. Following on its heels is the beachy and utterly delightful “Novias,” which melds an infectious pop melody with a dare-you-notto-bob-your-head beat. It’s cheerful and evocative, reminiscent of a hazy summer evening spent drinking and dancing around a beach bonfire. Later in the album, listeners are treated to the aptly named “FM Tan Sexy.” The track is sensual without going over the top, and would appropriately fit on the playlist at a smoky club on a Saturday night.

Aside from those three tracks though, the rest of the album falls disappointingly flat. The spare rhythms of “Muerte Midi” come off as halting and a bit disconcerting. “Soca Del Eclipse” can only be described as musical ADD. The melody meanders without any clear direction, seemingly losing track of its original intention and exploring different melodic options just for the hell of it, before ending abruptly, almost as if to say, “All right, never mind, let’s just try another song and maybe this time I’ll remember where I was going.”

The bulk of the album sounds like this — a grouping of tracks that touch on interesting melodies and brush tantalizingly close to provocative musical ideas, but ultimately fail to hook into anything truly interesting. There’s genuine interest in songs

like “Bombay” and “FM Tan Sexy,” but the rest of Pop Negro, while worth a cursory listen, fails to find its footing.

Husky Rescue Ship of Light

Catskills Records

By KENDALL HARRIS Staff Writer Each airy track on ambient pop band Husky Rescue’s Ship of Light paints a picture both ethereal and melancholy. The Finnish act delicately strings together the album with unpredictable synthetic sounds, and the vivid imagery created in each track adds up to one visionary tale.

Lead singer Reeta-Leena Korhola’s vocals, somewhat of a Goldfrapp and Lykke Li hybrid, are lightweight and eerie at times, offer haunting lullabies that make for an enchanting siren song. Although Korhola’s entrancing sound certainly enhances the ambient instrumentals, Husky Rescue’s charm does not exist merely

ENTERTAINMENT in the vocals.

Ship of Light begins with a purely instrumental and captivating track (“First Call”). The album continues with a love song (“Sound of Love”) that pays homage to the “sweet sound of silence” in its lyrics. “Fast Lane” mixes light melodies with the occasional hard-rock guitar lick.

The instrumental first half of “Wolf Trap Motel” sets the gloomy tone until Korhola begins crooning, “I welcome you to Wolf Trap Motel/ So this will be your home and shelter.”

In “Man of Stone,” the fifth and most haunting track on Ship of Light, Husky Rescue layer eerie synth sounds over light vocals, which prove to be just as mysterious as the song.

Korhola airily sings, “Children come to ask/Why do I wear a mask.”

Husky Rescue also introduces mysterious lyrics on “When Time Was On Their Side,” where the singer repeatedly whispers, “Are you on our side or are you on their side?”

The band incorporates ampedup nature sounds in “Grey Pastures, Still Waters,” offering the listener more vivid imagery. Husky Rescue creates a kind of muted fight song in the following track, “We Shall Burn Bright.”

The last two tracks (“They Are Coming” and “Beautiful My Monster”) represent the end of the tale.

Husky Rescue introduces “They Are Coming” with only whistling and drums. “Beautiful My Monster” is a lullaby (“Now you’re waking/Now I’m sleeping”) and a perfect final chapter to the album’s story, a tale of mysterious and fascinating dreams.

PERSPECTIVES

Perspectives Editor Syeda Hira Mahmood

signalperspectives@gmail.com

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

Misogyny in music is not art

By MIRANDA SAIN Associate News Editor

RK BYERS

Though the Tea Party experienced success this election season, they will not make substantial change.

Tea Party’s rhetoric is empty

By J. AARON BROWN Staff Writer After the 2010 congressional midterms, I’m pleased to see that the Tea Party rhetoric I’ve been enduring for the last year and a half has proven to be almost entirely hype.

While the Republicans have managed to eke out a majority in the House, the Senate remains in the hands of the Democrats, albeit by a thin margin. The Republican resurgence promised by establishment and Tea Party Republicans alike, not to mention various news outlets, has simply failed to materialize.

Most heartening to the moderate-minded are the losses of fringe Tea Party candidates across the country. With a few exceptions, the core representatives of Tea Party ideology have lost their bids for relevance in American politics.

Alaska’s senate contest is a case in point. Joe Miller won the Republican nomination by claiming the mantle of the Tea Party, but his establishment challenger, Lisa Murkowski, refused to bow out of the race. Instead, she ran a write-in campaign without the formal blessing of the Republican Party, and as this issue goes to print, she seems poised to actually win the Senate seat. Look forward to months of desperate legal wrangling as Miller pulls every dirty trick in the book to get Murkowski’s write-in votes tossed out on technicalities.

Arizona’s truly incompetent Sharron Angle also went down in flames, saving the career of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Angle is a candidate who exemplifies the demagoguery of the Tea Party: completely without ideas, running solely on the phrase “take back our country” without any notion of what that might substantively mean. Angle has actively refused to discuss her positions on the issues, even going so far as to tell an interviewer asking foreign policy questions, “I will answer those questions when I’m the senator.” Uh, what?

Most delightful of the Tea Party failures is Christine O’Donnell’s monumental loss to Chris Coons by a whopping 40 to 56 percent, according to the New York Times at the time of printing. Readers may recall O’Donnell as the evolution-denying anti-masturbation whackjob from Delaware. She claimed during a debate that the Constitution doesn’t call for separation of church and state. (Check the First Amendment to be sure!) At a Tea Party rally, that probably would have gone over well. The debate, however, was being held at a law school, where people know the law, and the crowd actually laughed at her. Here’s

hoping that sets a pattern for the foreseeable future.

Then there are the illusory Tea Party wins, where establishment Republicans have wrapped themselves in the Tea Party mantle and run as the most disingenuous of “outsiders.” Tom Coburn of Oklahoma is a paradigmatic example. Coburn has been a cog in the Republican machine since election to the House back in 1994, but this term he slapped a “Tea Party” label on himself and got elected to a second term in the Senate. Yes, the “outsider” got elected to a second term. Look for Tea Partiers to claim this as a victory — never mind that both of Oklahoma’s Senate seats have been occupied by Republicans for 15 years.

Jim DeMint of South Carolina is almost exactly the same story: re-elected to a second term in the Senate after a career in the House. The only difference is that DeMint was elected to the House in 1998, not 1994.

In a somewhat less clear-cut case of faux Tea Party “wins,” Rand Paul has been elected the successor to a Republican Senate seat in Kentucky despite his history of insane right-wing claims, like arguing that businesses ought to be able to refuse service to minority patrons. While this nudges the Senate a bit to the right ideologically, it doesn’t change the balance of power between the two parties because Paul is taking a seat that was already held by a Republican. Though Paul has more credibility as an “outsider” than Coburn or DeMint, he has proven himself willing to toe the party line time and again over the course of his campaign.

Don’t get me wrong, there were a few real Tea Party victories this year, but not enough to establish them as a political force of any real significance. For the most part, “real” Tea Party candidates got shellacked and establishment cogs simply rode the wave of popular resentment right back into power.

It remains to be seen, however, what Republicans will do with their newfound power in the House.

While both President Obama and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell are uttering the usual platitudes about working together, I have my doubts, especially in light of the fact that Republicans have spent the last few months promising to stop the federal government in its tracks.

The last time Republicans took control of the House under a Democratic president, they used the opportunity to flood Bill Clinton’s White House with muckraking Congressional subpoenas, one of which culminated in his impeachment. I expect to see Republicans undertake the same tactics again, but only time will tell.

It has been said many times that the beauty of art is in the eyes of the beholder.

Our culture prizes Michelangelo’s Renaissance sculpture of a nude David and the ancient Greek painting of a barechested Venus de Milo.

We often study the Sumerian love songs of Inanna, who is constantly wondering “Who will plow my vulva?”

Some in the pornography industry argue that porn is a work of art because it documents the erotic human experience of sex.

But at what point does nudity become crude?

Historically, like with the examples above, nudity represented beauty and power. However, this is most certainly not the case with the porn industry today. Many scholars and feminists argue that the industry exploits and eroticizes women.

However, while the average American is not exposed to pornography on a daily basis, there is one crude art form that most everyone uses everyday: music.

Like the porn industry, the music industry has crossed the line in what is art and what is crude.

In Lil Wayne’s Grammy winning rap song, “Lollipop,” he insists that “Shawty wanna hump/And ooh I like to touch ya lovely lady lumps/ She wanna lick the wrapper.”

He goes on to rap about her behind saying, “I ain’t never seen an a** like hers/That pu**y in my mouth had me at loss for words/I told her to back it up like burp burp/And make that a** jump like shczerp shczerp.”

As for what shczerp shczerp is, I have no idea. However, you get the point.

While rap has rightfully received harsh criticism for its objectification of women, it is not the only guilty genre.

Underlying messages of misogyny and the objectification of women have been bleeding into the pop genre as well.

For example, in the 2005 hit “My Humps” by the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie promiscuously invites listeners to get “love drunk” off her hump and buy her many expensive items from “Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, and that Donna,” of course.

Recently, Lady Gaga sang about her urge to “take a ride on your disco stick.”

Other familiar examples would be Ludacris’ “My Chick Bad,” Rihanna’s “Rude Boy,” “Play” by David Banner, and Young Money’s “Bedrock” to name a few.

Perhaps the most notable example of misogyny and the objectification of women as less-than-human sex objects is the discography of Eminem.

Maybe the most disturbing song on his discography is the 2000 song “Kim.” The song depicts a domestic dispute between Eminem and his former wife, Kim, in which he chokes her.

Another song that garnered a lot of criticism was his 2002 hit “Superman,” in which he says he will “Put anthrax on your Tampax and slap you till you can’t

GARY HERSHORN

Crude lyrics in music that encourage misogyny and homophobia should no longer be accepted.

stand.”

In his most recent hit “Love the Way You Lie,” he raps about tying a woman down to a bed and setting the house on fire.

Thees lyrics and those in the examples above are not art. They are simply crude. These lyrics are sending severely damaging and unacceptable messages that violence towards women and the treatment of them as sex objects is acceptable.

If Eminem was rapping this way toward African-Americans, he would not be as wildly popular. What is not acceptable on racial terms should not be acceptable on gender terms.

I am not solely criticizing Eminem or the rap genre itself. Instead, I am criticizing all genres that advocate for violence against women like Eminem or embrace the sexualized image of the female body like Fergie. I’m also not only criticizing male artists. Female artists like Rihanna, Fergie and Ke$ha are responsible for perpetuating these impressions too.

Having a song with a catchy beat and semi-rhyming words does not make an “artist” exempt from standards of humanity.

These songs desensitize boys and girls alike to violence towards women by making it acceptable and normal.

The popularity of these songs among women is sending the wrong message to men and boys. These songs have manipulated an art form to mask and justify the practice of bullying, violence and the degrading of people, especially women and gays.

As consumers, we have the power to voice our distaste for such lyrics by the music we buy and chose to listen to.

Here are some lyrics from Eminem’s song “Stay Wide Awake”: “Hi there girl you mighta heard of me before/See, whore, you’re the kinda girl that I’d assault and rape/And figure why not try to make your pu**y wider/F**k you with an umbrella then open it up while that sh*ts inside ya.”

Is this okay with you? It is most certainly not okay with me.

18

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

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CORRECTIONS / RETRACTIONS / CLARIFICATIONS From the October 28 issue: • “Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business moves overseas,” page 4: The article stated that “Georgia State will have both a nursing and business school at the new facility.” According to Gary McKillips, Director of Communications and External Affairs, Georgia State will only “assist” with the development of these programs.

From the November 3 issue: • “GSU Players modernize Shakespeare play,” page 5: Quotes attributed to Rose Heasarkisian should be attributed to Rose Agasarkisian.

PERSPECTIVES

EDITORIAL CONTENT Oil companies distort university research

By SYEDA HIRA MAHMOOD Perspectives Editor The world’s biggest oil companies have recently taken a great deal of interest in public research universities such as University of California at Berkeley, University of Colorado, and our comrades in midtown, Georgia Tech.

The Center for American Progress released a report titled “Big Oil Goes to College,” detailing agreements made with private companies funding academic research. Companies such as Chevron, ExxonMobil and BP have signed long-term contracts with publicly-funded research universities to conduct studies on energy-related research.

Administration officials such as Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Undersecretary for Science at the Department of Energy Steven Koonin have shown strong support for the industry funding research to find a viable solution for alternative energy. Before Chu and Koonin joined the Obama administration, both men negotiated a $500 million contract between BP and UC Berkeley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The contracts made between private corporations and public universities are long term agreements that vary from five to 10 years. The contracts allow the oil companies to control the supremacy of the research. This includes what research proposals will be funded, what information faculty can and cannot disclose and when certain publications can be released.

What are the implications of companies funding university research? Why is this problematic?

There are several aspects of public universities that I deeply value.

Students at public universities often realistically reflect the demographic of the urban community. The students vary in age, ethnicity and socioeconomic background. They also typically have part-time jobs and they make problems of the urban community forefront issues of the university. All of these positive qualities of a public university are reflected in Georgia State and Georgia Tech.

This is also why it is particularly troubling to have a for-profit entity such as a multi-billion dollar oil company inject their own agenda into a public university. An oil company does not share the same concerns of public university students.

An oil company does not help resolve problems of an urban community, but

ANTHONY GIBSON

Oil companies are now investing in research universities to skew research findings.

propels them. Certainly an oil company injecting its own agenda into a research university will damage the school’s priorities.

The document from the Center for American Progress had an overview of specific contracts made between oil companies and the universities. The agreement between Chevron and Georgia Tech in no way indicates that Georgia Tech can retain majority governance over research. The contract also fails to recognize the necessity for an impartial peer review.

The positive qualities of a public research university like Georgia Tech are in jeopardy when private companies place themselves into public higher education. A rich company like Chevron will shift the university’s priorities and put Chevron’s needs in front of the university students and faculty.

If I’m causing dismay for expressing socialist sentiments by explaining my dislike of the privatization of public universities, then I will level out my concerns with thorough-

ly American sentiments. Public universities are funded by U.S. taxpayers and private oil companies are housing their research projects at public universities. Companies such as BP can set up shop in the middle of Berkeley, conduct research and use the facilities at Berkeley, use student labor but still work in privacy.

Any student currently doing research knows very well that this requires a great deal of labor.

Oil companies conducting research is not a bad thing. In fact, I encourage it because we need to fundamentally change our relationship with natural resources. However, I don’t think it’s outlandish for me to say that I don’t have faith in oil companies and I certainly do not feel comfortable with oil companies functioning in the safe haven for progress that is the university.

As private entities continue to push their agendas in public spheres, we need to acknowledge how private companies are taking advantage of the public education system.

www.gsusignal.com/perspectives

PERSPECTIVES

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

STUDENT VOX

“I think it would put a dent in the drug wars in Northern Mexico and create infrastructure.”

- Preston Goins

“I think it is a very bad thing. The physical effects are dangerous.”

- Mazen Alkhalaiwi

Freshman, English as a Secondary Language

Senior, Spanish and History

SIGNAL SURVEY 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. Results will be posted in the November 16th 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!

19

How do you feel about marijuana legalization?

“I’m kind of on the fence about it [...] it would control [the] number of citizens in jail, but it’s a slippery slope.”

- Garry Smith

“Cigarettes and alcohol are way worse and both of those substances are legal.”

- Nouman Tanweer

“It’s no more dangerous and psychoactive than alcohol.”

- Tom Gagne Junior, French

Junior, Biology

Senior, Computer Information Systems

Athletes should reevaluate their priorities

By ISABELLE AHANOTU Staff Writer It starts in high school when the football coach asks a teacher to allow the star quarterback to make up a test without a valid excuse or the leading wide receiver skips class unpunished because he needs to win this weekend’s championship game.

The politics of football and competition have caused thousands of athletes to move forward in their academic careers believing that there is no success without the sport coming first. They’re recruited from high school into college and not often encouraged to pursue above-average achievement in their studies, but only on the field.

The discussion of a NFL lockout for the 2011 season removes the chance of college football players to be drafted like they’ve always wanted.

The lockout isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The shutdown of professional football for the time being may be what these student-athletes need in order to focus on classes and their futures outside of sports.

The NFL lockout is a money issue for owners and a health issue for players. Players have been receiving 59 percent of the industry’s total revenue based on their most recent player’s union agreement. The owners want more money, so that percentage is expected to become lower. As the past agreement expires in the 2010 season, the players, owners and everyone in between are unable to come to a mutual arrangement, causing a possible lockout.

The likely pause in America’s most uniting sport is potential for football student-athletes to take a breather in their time on the field and really hone in on receiving good grades that will get them somewhere further than a touchdown will.

Earlier this year, several teams from SEC schools announced their GPA averages. The University of Kentucky was at the bottom of the list with a 2.352 average. The required GPA to be eligible for the following season is a 1.8, but an average of 2.3 is not a decent GPA for student-athletes to maintain for future academic

JOHN CURRY

University of Georgia’s credit hour requirement has had a positive effect on the football team’s overall GPA.

opportunities. This is only one public example of a top SEC school performing on the field but not in the classroom, but there is an exception to every argument.

A look at the release of University of Georgia’s NCAA self-study revealed the standardized test scores and grade point averages of football players as well as the graduation percentage rate. The average core GPA for a football player was 3.01, with every player taking a minimum of 15 credit hours. Since 2007, an above-3.0 GPA has been recurring at UGA with student-athletes taking 15 credit hours, which exceeds NCAA academic standards for studentathletes. UGA makes the mark. We can only hope other schools will do the same.

With a lockout in place, football student-athletes could become more alert in their scholarship and less pressured in their athletic careers.

This would assist the college programs in building GPA averages, structuring academic principles and securing a higher retention rate with players, causing the NCAA to raise standards

for future recruits. Eventually, players may become more encouraged to finish their collegiate careers and enter professional football at a later time because of their commitment to an education and their team.

Collegiate football teams from all over the country have gathered on Saturdays for championship and tournament kickoffs in the Georgia Dome, the same home stadium as the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons. There are football players of all ages whose dreams of playing in the largest domed structure in America may never happen, but of the few that do have the opportunity, many of them hope to continue it professionally.

All of these possibilities and the potential action expected by the NFL for 2011 should be taken into consideration by student-athletes. As they must realize that the NFL is not an immediate or necessary option, they will see the value in a college education, team loyalty and selecting career alternatives that display their other talents away from the fields and stadiums.

s ’ t a Wh ning e p p a H mpus! on Ca d by Supporte Activity Fees Student

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD Join us for a 90’s-themed Panther Prowl, where you can enjoy an arcade room featuring every old school game you can think of, including Pac Man, Asteroid and ’s” 0 9 e h t Frogger. Play laser tag and sing all of your favorite “I L♥thveer Prowl 90’s hits in karaoke. Fill up on free food, including a wide Pan November 12 variety of the childhood snacks we all love! The Regulars Friday, 2 a.m. will play live music throughout the night, and you won’t m o o r . l a .m p B 7 want to miss the freestyle battle or ending the night nter e C t n e d Stu with DJ Malik on the 1’s and 2’s.

CINEFEST FILM THEATRE November 8 - November 14: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” 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.

November 15 - November 21: “Inception” Monday - Friday: 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.

COURTYARD STAGE SERIES

Student Center, First Floor Thursday, November 11 A Sunset Performance Featuring Valerie Custer, Acoustic, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and Lena Hood, Country, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. $2 Einstein Bros. coupons available at performance

All show s free fo Georgia State Un r iversity students w it h 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 Activingities

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un Aw vem The Trotftoerr contributions to sthaere due by Friday,uN. o leader graduating senior kclement@gsu.ed 88. at of 13-15 Nominations to Kristina Cleme,ntca l Clement at 404/4 nger r u n H io . t s a v m r o y f in it s For more n: Obe ite, Student Cente of hunger io s s u c is D ! u e BIG IDEAmSber 16, Noon, Sinclair SAmerica and thesisuesus collide? is in e is ove Tuesday, Nrd of the obesity ctrishappens when thinesthe discussion. kely hea orld. Wha ? Come jo ccess u S ip You haveplieople across theawbout it as a leader h s r e for to Lead ber 18, 3 p.m. u do s o t y e r n c a c e S t a Wh Novem er ThursdaSyu, ite, Student CentRabbits: Lucerne ti, author of “Reales leaders dvis chet Corey Cioacn Authentic Life,”n aand laugh.

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Orientation Sessions Miss Georgia State U for 20 1 1 niversity 404 Unive rsity Cente

r Will you be the next to All potential candidates wear the crown? mandatory orientation must attend one to in the 2011 pageant. Fo become a contestant call Spotlight Programs r more information, Board at 404/413-1610.

Wednesday, November Thursday, November 11, 10, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

12 Friday, November 12, 3 :15 p.m. - 1 p.m. p.m. - 4 p.m.