Vol. 78 No. 15

NEWS | PAGE 2 Ongoing issues loom over 2011.

OPINIONS | PAGE 6 The TSA has gone too far.

SPORTS | PAGE 9 Men’s golf eyes successful season.

ENTERTAINMENT | PAGE 13 ‘The Fighter’ a knockout biopic.

CAMPUS LIFE | PAGE 17 Students volunteer over break.

THE SIGNAL

VOLUME 78 | ISSUE 15

www.gsusignal.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

Georgia State lacks open job placement records

By MIRANDA SAIN Associate News Editor Georgia State boasts to its prospective students about its new football team, its honors program, its Top 100 law school and its diverse student body. However, one element that Georgia State fails to tout is its job placement rate.

As a university, Georgia State does not collectively keep an open record of the job placement rates of its recently graduated students.

The last known university-wide survey of job placement and salary data was conducted in fall 2006 before the recession. Only 11.5 percent, or 356, Georgia State graduates participated in the survey. Of these 356, 88 percent indicated that they were working for a salary. The median salary was $33,000.

Students are puzzled as to why Georgia State does not advertise or keep track of these numbers on an annual basis.

“I think it makes the school look unorganized. Many smaller schools, even technical schools, post this information annually. Why can’t a school the size of GSU?” said Logan Bachus, a senior public relations major. “It makes me think that the job rate must be too bad for the school to want to post.”

“They should be keeping track of the place-

ment rate. How can they tell that their program is successful? And how are they recruiting students without evidence that the programs offered will get perspective students where they want to go?” said Victoria Lang, a sophomore studying journalism and religious studies.

Bachus said that the university needs these numbers and figures to promote Georgia State’s academics instead of its football program.

“If we are implementing things like football and on-campus Greek housing to draw in new students, we also need to be keeping up with and implementing programs that are based on education to keep pulling in the best and brightest students,” Bachus said.

The Robinson College of Business annually surveys its December, May and August graduating class for their salary data, career status and rankings data.

The average salary of a Robinson graduate with a Professional MBA is $100,467. Those who graduate with a Flex MBA will start in the salary range of $45,000 to $130,000. The average starting salary for a master’s degree is $65,579. Bachelor’s degree earners get an average starting salary of $42,857.

However, Robinson College does not have an open record of the job placement rate of its recent graduates.

SARAH BALTER | SIGNAL

Students are showered with confetti at graduation. Now they’ll have to go out and find a job, which might not be as easy as they think.

Collegiate cheating on the rise

By CASEY ECHOLS Staff Writer

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

Film major Jibri Morton uses Georgia State’s e-reserves website.

Publishers have sued Georgia State for unauthorized copies of materials.

Publishers sue school over E-Reserves material

By MIRANDA SAIN Associate News Editor Georgia State is making headlines not for its new football program, but for its copyright infringement.

On April 15, 2008, three major publishers filed suit against Georgia State’s former President Carl Patton, the Provost, the Provost for Information Systems and Technology and the Deans of Libraries, alleging copyright infringement.

The publishers, Cambridge Uni-

versity Press, Oxford University Press and Sage Publications, allege that Georgia State engaged in copyright infringement by allowing the widespread, unauthorized use of copyrighted material on E-Reserves.

E-Reserves is the electronic version of the traditional library “reserve” model, where a professor can make a limited number of physical copies of articles or book chapters available for students to use for supplemental maSEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 5

The end is finally in sight.

Winter break, when students and faculty can finally relax after a long semester, is less than a week away.

However, winter break does come just after another benchmark in the academic calendar: finals week. As students study for finals, this time can be especially overwhelming and the most stressful part of the school year for many.

“It just sucks because everything is usually cumulative and every other test isn’t, especially when you’re taking four out of five classes and working a job or two,” said Georgia State senior Yegor Zyranov. “It becomes hard trying to balance those things and somehow maintain somewhat of a social life to keep your sanity.”

In such a time for students, many may crack from pressure and resort to cheating on final exams. “I cheated on my history final via phone,” one Georgia State sophomore, who wished to remain anonymous, said. “It was just too

ERICA LENTI | SONIC ECLECTIC

Cheating is still a widespread problem in the university system, and each year students are expelled for academic dishonesty.

much information and too hard to remember. So, I cheated, and got the grade I needed.”

In the Academic Integrity section of the Georgia State student handbook, the university defines cheating on examinations as giving or receiving unauthorized help before, during or after an examination. Examples of this form of academic dishonesty include the

use of notes, texts, books and electronic sources without permission or copying another’s exam. If a student is found cheating, consequences can vary from failing an assignment, failing the entire class or being expelled from the university, depending on the severity of the situation.

SEE CHEATING, PAGE 5

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

NEWS

EDITOR Daniel Beauregard gsunews@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Miranda Sain

msain1@student.gsu.edu

www.gsusignal.com/news

Editor-in-chief of UGA’s student newspaper resigns

By DANIEL BEAUREGARD News Editor The editor-in-chief of the University of Georgia’s student newspaper, The Red and Black, resigned on Nov. 29 after being asked to leave the president’s box during their game against Georgia Tech on Nov. 27.

22-year-old Daniel Burnett was drinking at a tailgate party before the game and, according to an assistant to university president Michael Adams, he was “disruptive enough that he was asked to leave.”

Among the other guests in the president’s box were Governor-elect Nathan Deal and current Governor Sonny Perdue.

According to an article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jim Galloway and Jamie Sarrio, Burnett confessed that he was disappointed in his actions and believes he made the wrong choice but “on the same token, I thought that it was blown up into something much larger.”

The story has also been picked up by news organizations like the Huffington Post and Washington Monthly, as well as numerous media outlets around the state.

Burnett had been invited to attend the event on behalf of the newspaper and was joined by Red and Black News Editor Mimi Ensley. In an article about Burnett’s resignation on the newspaper’s website, Burnett said “I think they smelled the vodka.”

The Red and Black, an award-win-

RED AND BLACK

Daniel Burnett, editor-in-chief of the University of Georgia’s Red and Black, stepped down after controversy regarding his ejection from the president’s box for drinking at the UGA v. Tech game.

ning newspaper, was established in 1893 and has been independent of the university sine 1980. It is the largest college newspaper in Georgia and the 10th largest newspaper in the state.

In a letter sent to President Adams on behalf of The Red and Black, publisher Harry Montevideo said “I can only hope Daniel and the rest of our staff take away a valuable learning experience from this unfortunate incident — one that will surely haunt Daniel and The Red & Black for many years to come.”

WILL PETT | THE VOICE

Protestors line the sidewalk at the Georgia Capitol to protest recent cuts in education.

Ongoing issues to watch in 2011

By MIRANDA SAIN Associate News Editor In 2010, current polarizing political issues leaked over into the higher public education system — as the economy continued its recovery, the Georgia Board of Regents continued its institution fee and increased tuition.

The financial strains experienced by the University System of Georgia affected other areas like Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Program and brought the controversial issue of illegal immigration in education into the national spotlight.

Despite experiencing a growing fiscal shortfall in the year, Georgia’s politicians continue to strive to keep HOPE afloat. However, it is having increasing difficulty in doing so as the Board of Regents continues to increase tuition.

A coalition of Georgia students, Georgia Students for Public Higher Education (GSPHE), which was formed in late 2009, continues to be active on state campuses.

On Dec. 1, Georgia State’s chapter of GSPHE hosted its own event to discuss the budget cuts, tuition hikes and illegal immigration.

In March, 19-year-old Kennesaw State University student, Jessica Colotl, was stopped by a campus police officer for allegedly blocking traffic while awaiting a parking space. Colotl was arrested for not having a valid driver’s license because she was an illegal immigrant whose parents brought her across the border when she was 10 years old.

Colotl’s case catapulted Georgia’s university system into the national limelight because she was receiving discounted in-state tuition.

In response, the Board of Regents imposed a policy requiring all illegal immigrants to pay out-ofstate tuition.

Georgia’s legislature has expressed desire to add more stringent measures and requirements to control illegal immigration in the state.

A committee of Georgia law-

makers was tasked with examining Georgia’s immigration laws and will consider a bill like the nationally controversial Arizona immigration bill from earlier this year.

The issue of illegal immigration in education has sparked the idea for federal bill called the DREAM Act. The proposed DREAM Act would give many illegal immigrants who attend college or join the military a path to legal status.

While the bill is new, it has already garnered criticism from its opponents.

On Nov. 11, four pro-immigrant protestors were arrested outside the monthly Board of Regents meeting.

Georgia’s university system will continue to be a prominent battleground for activists in the coming year. The faces of student organizations protesting these issues will not fade from campus any time soon.

Trip to China expands globalization at the university

By SUCHI SAJJA Staff Writer

The beautiful Renmin University in Beijing China, who is currently broadening their relationship with Georgia State’s School of Music and working with faculty and students.

The Georgia State School of Music sent a group of students and faculty to Renmin University in Beijing, China in hopes of strengthening the ties between the two schools.

Founded in 1999, Renmin University’s Xu Beihong School of Arts includes three departments: the Department of Painting, the De-

partment of Art and Design and the Department of Music, as well as an Institute of Oriental Art. Currently, there are 500 students enrolled and 60 faculty members.

The four faculty members who went on the trip taught master classes and visited with dignitaries from the Beijing Language and Culture University and the Central Conservatory, while the students performed on Nov. 20.

This trip was part of Georgia State’s effort to broaden relations with Chinese universities, as well as to encourage students to learn about the culture.

Mark Becker, President of Georgia State, is an advocate for globalization at the university. Georgia State has numerous partnerships around the world, as well as plans SEE CHINA, PAGE 5

03

THE SIGNAL | NEWS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

GSTV now offers live streaming CAMPUS CRIME

By DANIEL BEAUREGARD News Editor

The programs available on GSTV are now streaming live online and can be seen by anybody, anywhere in the world, with Internet access.

The idea had been around for a while but, this past summer, with a shift in management, GSTV took the steps toward making the idea a reality.

“Initially, we simply didn’t know how to run a broadcasting tower into a streaming port. Then, after some extensive research, we found it to be a lot easier than [we] originally thought,” Program Director William Davis said.

Davis, General Manager David Hulbert, Internet Tech Robert Napier and Information Technology Director Andrew Pickelsimer were all heavily involved in getting the stream up and running.

“We had to get a chip installed into our broadcasting PC that basically converted our broadcast cable into a live webcam. That is the simple tech translation,” Davis said.

Any Georgia State student can now view GSTV and currently, they estimate their viewing audience at around 3,000, but with the new stream they believe their audience will increase greatly.

DANIEL BEAUREGARD | SIGNAL

Technical Advisor Andree Grogan with her camera trained on Program Director William Davis in the GSTV production studio.

“It’s literally like opening the floodgates… Now we have the possibility to broadcast to the entire student body of almost 30,000,” Davis said.

Students can already view GSTV on channel 75 in the Student Lofts, University Commons and the Greek Housing on campus.

GSTV offers a wide array of programming including sitcoms, reality television shows, entertainment shows and news and sports programming.

One of their more popular shows, Sophomores, a witty and humorous show created by Yonas Michael, follows a group of students in their day-to-day lives, acclimating to college life and learning life experiences. The Panther Report, headed by News Director Kelly Murray, gives students an inside look at news happening around the campus.

GSTV also shows WonderRoot Television, a series dedicated to the WonderRoot Foundation (www.

wonderroot.org) that displays media and different art forms developed

by Georgia State students as well as other local artists.

They also have a series called IndieATL, co-produced with the Digital Arts and Entertainment Lab’s Graduate Department in Film, which highlights performing guests and gives insight into networking contacts Georgia State can make as an industry-quality media developing university.

This semester GSTV also featured a show called The Coach’s Show, in which football’s Head Coach Bill Curry would highlight games and give a play-by-play.

“With the closing of the football season and the basketball season beginning, I can’t wait to see what the Sports Department will be interested in airing in the future,” Davis said.

For more information on GSTV, please visit their website at www.gstvonline.org. Streaming is available at www.livestream.com/gstv75.

NOVEMBER 30, 2010 NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER: A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a Georgia State staff member, stated that at 7:25 a.m. he noticed his Nextel 576 radio was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

GENERAL CLASSROOM BUILDING: A report was filed for Theft.

The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 3:35 p.m. he noticed his backpack containing a laptop computer was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

TURNER FIELD PARKING LOT: A report was filed for Duty upon Striking an Unattended Vehicle. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 8:40 p.m. a Georgia State student was observed backing into another parked vehicle, causing moderate damage to the rear driver’s side quarter panel. The case is being handled by Investigations.

DECEMBER 1, 2010 UNIVERSITY COMMONS: A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a Georgia State staff member, stated that at 1 p.m. he noticed two Pocket PCs were missing. The case is being handled

by Investigations.

TURNER FIELD PARKING LOT: A report was filed for Duty upon Striking an Unattended Vehicle. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 1:30 p.m. she noticed her driver’s side door was damaged. The case is being handled by Investigations.

STUDENT RECREATION CENTER: A report was filed for Theft.

The complainant, a Georgia State student stated that at 7:08 p.m. he noticed his black laptop bag containing various items was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

UNIVERSITY COMMONS: A report was filed for a Verbal Confrontation. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 8:25 p.m. he had a verbal argument with another Georgia State student. The case is being handled by Investigations.

UNIVERSITY COMMONS: A report was filed for a Sexual Offense.

The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 2:30 a.m. another Georgia State student forced her to perform sexual activities. The case is being handled by Investigations.

UNIVERSITY COMMONS: A report was filed for Odor of Marijuana.

The complainant, a Georgia State staff member, stated that at 9:15 p.m. he smelled the odor of marijuana. Officers made contact with residence and were unable to confirm. The case is being handled

by Housing.

DECEMBER 2, 2010 ONE PARK TOWER: A report was filed for Harassing Phone Call.

The complainant, a Georgia State faculty member, stated that she began receiving harassing phone calls from a non-Georgia State individual at noon on Feb. 14, 2010. The case is being handled by Investigations.

UNIVERSITY COMMONS: A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 12:30 p.m. she noticed her right signal light and water guard panel were missing from her vehicle. The case is being handled by Investigations.

LIBRARY NORTH: A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 2:55 p.m. she noticed her cellular phone was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

K DECK: A report was filed for Entering Auto. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 4:10 p.m. she noticed her front driver’s side window was shattered and her G.P.S. system was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

N DECK: A report was filed for Entering Auto. The complainant, a Georgia State student, stated that at 4:40 p.m. she noticed her passenger side window was shattered and various items were missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

04

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | NEWS | THE SIGNAL

Model UN, Arab League teams receive multiple honors

By NICOLE SCHIMMEL Staff Writer The Georgia State Model United Nations Team brought home multiple awards after competing in the Southern Regional Model United Nations Conference from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20. The conference was held at the Airport Hilton in Atlanta.

Both the Model UN and the Model Arab League teams went to their regional tournament this semester. Four teams competed for the Model Arab League and between both teams they won the following awards: nine Outstanding Delegate Awards, two Position Paper Awards and four Delegation Awards. They represented the countries Algeria, China, Kazakhstan and Syria.

Participating countries must submit a position paper before the conference. This paper outlines the country’s stance on specific issues.

There are different rankings of delegate awards: Honorable Mention, Most Distinguished and Most Outstanding. The students representing Kazakhstan received Honorable Mention, Algeria and Syria received Most Distinguished Delegation and China took home the highest award, Most Outstanding Delegation.

“Considering the majority of the members of the team were new people to Model United Nations this se-

mester, we did a great job,” said firstyear team member Grace Lee. Students on the Model UN team take a class, POLS 4951, taught by Dr. Syed Naim. Naim oversees both the Model UN and Arab League teams.

In this class, students learn about global diplomatic issues and prepare for the national conference. At the conference, students are given a country and are broken into committees to either defend or advocate an issue as if they are that country’s government. It is imperative for students to know about their designated country’s policies and practices.

“With different countries having opposing or similar views, you have to convince and persuade others through caucus and speeches to support the idea you are advocating,” Lee said.

At the recent competition, Lee was a delegate for Kazakhstan. She worked with fellow Georgia State students Joyce Kazadi, Kassi Conley and Nabilah Islam on the Commission of Narcotic Drugs (CND).

Through their hard work, Kazakhstan’s resolution passed unanimously by the competing countries.

According to Lee, the CND consisted of about 20 to 25 other countries and the aim was to get resolution papers passed. Lee’s specific research was how to find alternative sources to get rid of illegal drug crop-

GRACE LEE

Model United Nations team in Hurt Park practicing speeches for Southern Regional Conference. From left to right: Jason Brooks, Allison Renyi, Iliana Uzunova, Panez Edjlali, Tatiana Otalora, Ina Seferovic, Kimmia Salehi, Raya Siddiqi, Joyce Kazadi, Jamie Stewart, Zain Malik, Nona Ohikuare, Laura Hilton, Stoyka Kostova, Carlos Lemos, Ben Etheridge, Olamide Olufemi, Alex Goll, Frances Omenkour, Luke Powell, Sarah Casiano, Patrick Netherclift, Kassi Conley, Carrie Iacomini, Salman Hussain, Eliezer Hernandez, Shahein Moussavi, Pooya Shogi, David Qian, Brett Zupan, Jinny Jang, Elise Laplante, Dr. Syed Naim.

ping.

“It is an amazing feeling to hear that your resolution has passed,” Lee said.

The Model UN team appealed to Lee because she hopes to be an international ambassador for either the UN or UNICEF. The team, as well as the class, is beneficial for students

who are interested in the same kind of work, but there are also students who join the team for fun.

The team holds practices and are preparing for the National Model UN Conference in New York on April 17 to April 21. For more information about the Model UN or Arab League teams, visit www2.gsu.

edu/~wwwpol/2071.html.

“Although it is challenging, it is an amazing opportunity to hone my public speaking skills, negotiation, discussion and persuasive skills that can be applicable to any career field,” Lee said.

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05

THE SIGNAL | NEWS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

Confucius Institute plans trip to China

By MISHALL REHMAN Staff Writer Only two months since its opening, the Confucius Institute at Georgia State is planning its first study abroad program to China this December.

According to Baotong Gu, director of the institute, support from the Georgia State community made it possible to plan a program in three weeks that would typically take six to eight months. Student response was overwhelming. After only two weeks of advertising, the Institute received 25 applications. Among the 17 accepted is international economics major Monae Freeman.

“Everything seemed too good to be true. When I looked at the cost of the trip, I realized that it was cheaper than any other study program sponsored by Georgia State.

We’re essentially getting credit for a course in Business Chinese by taking a class for seven days,” Freeman said.

This will be Freeman’s second visit to China.

Students will start out the program in Beijing and study at the Beijing Language and Culture University. After seven days in Beijing, they will then travel to the northern city

of Harbin. They will have multiple opportunities to immerse themselves into Chinese culture through internships and classes.

“We visit the Great Wall of China as soon as we arrive. Then we’ll be taking Business Chinese classes while staying in Beijing. Those classes are in the morning. In the afternoon, we have fun things scheduled like kung fu, calligraphy, tai chi and the Peking Opera. There is so much more planned. We’ll transfer to Harbin by train. There we will intern. While in Harbin, I’m really excited that we’ll be visiting a temple.

My most beautiful experience in China was the day we visited Buddhist monks,” Freeman said.

Already knowledgeable in Spanish, Freeman believes that learning Chinese will be beneficial to her career.

“Chinese and Spanish are what I call my critical languages. They’re both very important to the business and economic sides of American life,” she said.

The Confucius Institute will cover all expenses except airfare, tuition, fees and meals. Students will leave on Dec. 27 and return Jan. 8.

Besides planning the study abroad program, the institute will celebrate the Chinese New Year on

Jan. 30 at the Rialto Center in an effort to promote Chinese culture at Georgia State. The celebration will be in collaboration with various organizations like the Society of Chinese Professionals and will feature local Chinese artists.

Starting next semester, the Confucius Institute will take over Chinese language instructional classes. The institute is also planning on offering more advanced classes on Chinese culture for students who have already taken basic courses. Gu is collaborating with the partner institute in China to request more instructors so these classes can be offered.

Gu has high hopes for the future of the institute and sees it as playing an important role in promoting Chinese culture.

“I see us going beyond the normal missions of the Confucius Institute and hope to see the institute playing an active role on Georgia State campus. I hope to see more collaborative projects between Georgia State and Chinese universities,” Gu said.

For more on this trip, see “Student leader seizes new opportunities” in Campus Life on page 19.

>> LAWSUIT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 terial for their courses. Traditionally, publishers received reproduction fees or granted permission for the use of their materials in the library “reserve” model.

However, the Internet and its incorporation in the library system created the concept of E-Reserves.

Instead of assembling physical copies of an article or book chapter, professors scan or download sections of the texts need for the class and post the material on a server where students can access it. However, with this new system, publishers are not receiving their reproduction fees for the material used and posted by the professors, which exceeds fair use, according to the publishers.

The publishers claim that Georgia State made more than 6,700 works available through E-Reserves and uLearn without permission or compensation for students in more than 600 classes.

The complaint was filed in the

>> CHEATING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Hanna Baranchuk, who has been teaching at the collegiate level for eight years, is no stranger to seeing some of her students cheating.

Baranchuk has witnessed everything including copying exams, unauthorized collaborations and notes downloaded to a student’s phone.

“It makes me very disappointed when I catch a student cheating,” she said. “When you teach you are excited to share your knowledge with your students, and when they cheat they do not learn.”

Although she has never personally taken a cheating student to the highest level of discipline, she has witnessed it firsthand at Georgia State: “I had a student who was expelled for plagiarism in another one of her classes. It’s sad, her collegiate career is over.”

Just this past month, nearly 200

>> CHINA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

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for more in the future.

Currently, the Robinson College of Business’s Center for International Business Education offers foreign language classes in Spanish, French and German, as well as other languages such as Mandarin, Arabic and Portuguese.

Georgia State also recently opened the new Confucius Institute.

“Georgia State University is committed to building a unique, highly visible and enduring businessoriented Confucius Institute that provides comprehensive services for promoting Chinese language and culture, that fosters intercultural exchange between China and the U.S.,” said Director Baotong Gu on the Confucius Institute website. The institute will offer courses to Georgia State students and the public.

“To prepare Georgia State students for an increasingly globalized world, the College of Arts and Sciences worked with President Becker on

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, requesting an injunctive and declaratory relief and attorney’s fees.

Georgia State has done its best to keep the lawsuit quiet as it fights the allegations. According to Publisher’s Weekly, the university has “admitted that some of its E-Reserves were not password protected in the past, but they attribute that to a vendor glitch, since repaired.”

Georgia State has also revised and tightened its E-Reserves policy since the lawsuit was filed.

On June 22, 2009, the court issued a protective order that eliminated the 6,700 copies cited by the publishers as evidence in the case.

In March, both parties petitioned the court for a summary judgment in hopes of avoiding trial by winning the case on motions and evidence submitted.

In September, a federal court judge granted the defense motion for summary judgment and the case will go forward on the issue of contributory infringement. business students at the University of Central Florida were caught cheating by their professor, who says they obtained a copy of the test prior to the midterm.

“To say that I’m disappointed is beyond comprehension,” said Richard Quinn, instructor in the business management department at UCF. Quinn said the situation has left him “physically ill, absolutely disgusted, completely disillusioned, trying to figure out what was the last 20 years for.”

“It’s just not worth the risk,” says one anonymous Georgia State student. “I don’t want to throw away everything I worked for because I cheated on a final. Besides, professors aren’t stupid.”

Baranchuk can attest to that.

“It’s silly to think you won’t get caught. I notice trends in my students and can tell when work is honestly not their own.”

the creation of a Confucius Institute at GSU,” said Gayle Nelson, the university’s international programs coordinator. “The College was awarded funding to hire faculty in Chinese in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Chinese Political Economy in the Department of Political Sciences. Increasingly, students in the United States are studying Chinese and participating in study abroad trips to China.”

The Institute will sponsor a new study abroad session over winter break from Dec. 28 to Jan. 8 in conjunction with Beijing Language and Culture University and Harbin Normal University. The trip includes a visit to the Great Wall, the Peking Opera and the Forbidden City in addition to classes in Calligraphy and Business Chinese.

“China is a huge economic power and a major player in the world.

It is clear to many that now and in the future, working with and understanding China is important,” Nelson said.

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

OPINIONS

EDITOR Syeda Hira Mahmood

signalperspectives@gmail.com

www.gsusignal.com/opinions

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD

UGA’s reaction goes overboard Last week, the editor-in-chief of The Red and Black at UGA resigned over a controversy involving alcohol, the president of the university, and elected officials. While these limited details sound like the makings of a legitimate controversy, further inspection of the event leaves us questioning the response to the event.

As we’ve reported in this issue, former Red and Black Editor-in-Chief Daniel Burnett resigned Monday, Nov. 29, after being asked to leave the president’s box at the school’s football game against Georgia Tech on Nov. 27. Burnett was drinking at a tailgate party before the game.

As students who plan to enter the journalism industry after college, or already have entered said industry, we feel that it’s important to learn a lesson from Burnett’s actions. No matter how professional one feels they may be, it is never a wise idea to mix business and pleasure. As editor-in-chief, Burnett served as the public face for The Red and Black, and his actions as editor-in-chief had the power to do harm to the reputation of UGA’s student newspaper.

Still, we also feel that Burnett’s resignation was overkill in this situation. According to representatives for both Governor Sonny Perdue and Governor-elect Nathan Deal, who were both present in the president’s box, neither man saw anything out of the ordinary.

When asked to leave, Burnett left without any argument.

The embarrassment of being asked to leave any place due to intoxication, no matter how well-handled it may be, should have been enough in this situation. There have not been any claims that Burnett was particularly belligerent, and Burnett was of age to consume alcohol. Additionally, let’s not forget the place where everything took place — at a football game.

Looking through Burnett’s work at The Red and Black as editor-in-chief, it’s apparent that he worked to keep up the impartiality of journalists at his paper, while also keeping up efforts to make the paper a watchdog, rather than a lapdog, of the university. It’s a model we all should appreciate, and it’s a shame that The Red and Black has lost a leader standing for these principles.

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors.

THE SIGNAL Editorial Board

Sheena Roetman, Editor in Chief Elijah Sarkesian, Production Editor • Daniel Beauregard, News Editor • Syeda Hira Mahmood, Opinions Editor Kirkland Carter, Sports Editor • Jhoni Jackson, Entertainment Editor • Noël Hahn, Campus Life Editor Judy Kim, Assistant Production Editor • Miranda Sain, Associate News Editor Saakib Zafrani, Associate Sports Editor • Savanna Keo, Associate Entertainment Editor Angel R. White, Associate Campus Life Editor • Emma Harger, Copy Editor • Shelby Lohr, Copy Editor

EDITORIAL CARTOON by Antonio Rosales

The TSA has gone too far “While the TSA has repeatedly stated that the images generated by the machines will not be saved, there is no means to verify their claims and there is no reason to simply trust their word.”

Chris Shattuck Staff Writer

Sometimes it’s amazing what people are able to justify or give up in the name of “national security.” Indeed, we are constantly reminded that we live in a time where individual liberty has been sacrificed for the defense of the “greater good.”

Take, for instance, the latest fullbody scanning and pat-down security procedures implemented by the Transportation Security Administration.

These measures represent an egregious violation of personal privacy and individual liberty.

Following last Christmas’ attempted attack by the “Underwear Bomber,” demand for additional security in our airports soared. Accordingly, airports nationwide, including Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, have begun using new types of full-body X-ray scanners meant to detect concealed bombs and weapons.

This is despite a report published in March by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office determining that it was unclear if these scanners would have even detected the explosives on the would-be terrorist.

Indeed, while these machines may not be effective in the first place, they are being pushed on an unwitting American public by the TSA and Homeland Security officials as a “necessary evil.” But there is a very real danger posed in revealing intensely personal and graphic details of a person’s body.

To be clear, these machines show everything, shredding any remaining sense of privacy left in the post 9/11 world of American airport security. Get the picture?

While the TSA has repeatedly stated that the images generated by the machines will not be saved, there is no means to verify their claims and there is no reason to simply trust their word.

The photos are viewed in a separate room. Because this approach limits physical contact with the traveler, there is no way to ensure that the TSA agent will follow protocol and decline to save the image.

Privacy claims like the one the TSA makes have been repeatedly violated by other U.S. agencies with similar technology, such as U.S. Marshals in Florida who have saved approximately 35,000 images since last year, according to the website Gizmodo.

This disturbing thought raises a number of moral dilemmas and troubling questions, especially with the busy holiday travel season approaching.

For example, would you want realistic nude photos taken of your family that could be saved for later by some random government employees this Christmas or Thanksgiving?

What does the TSA say about all this? You can opt out? Well I suppose that’s a fair enough answer if you don’t know what opting out involves.

If you choose to opt out of the body scan, an agent will move you into a private room to conduct an extremely personal and invasive search.

This hands-on search will encompass nearly every inch of the body, including genitalia.

So, basically, by “choosing” to opt-out of a pseudo-pornographic body scan, passengers subject themselves to an aggressive pat-down.

Have a younger brother or sister?

Children as young as 12 years old, can be subjected to such aggressive patdowns. Now are you disturbed as much as I am?

It almost seems like the point of this more aggressive pat-down system is to make the average passenger believe that the full-body scanner is the better alternative.

Living in the post 9/11 world, I can understand the need for some additional security regarding air travel, especially in light of October’s scare to the air cargo network.

However, without reasonable suspicion or a warrant, the TSA, or any other government agency for that matter, should have no legal right to search a citizen or legal visitor beyond what is necessary and reasonable. While it may be difficult to determine what that means, the line should be drawn whenever flying coach becomes a vaguely sexual experience.

Indeed, going to the airport should not mean that we should give up our Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure, even if people continue to yell and scream in the name of national security.

Nevertheless, while many people may be content with the new system, a growing number of passengers and pilots are beginning to protest these procedures. Some groups called for a boycott on the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel days of the year, while others are suing in court.

That’s all well and good, but I doubt they will have any real effect.

Such a change in policy will likely require unified opposition. Otherwise nothing will get done.

However, I am reminded of a quote by Benjamin Franklin: “Those who give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

07

THE SIGNAL | OPINIONS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

Reconsider donating to Autism Speaks Say there’s an organization that claims to help people with autism, conduct research on autism and increase awareness about autism itself, using its millions in donations and appeals by all kinds of celebrities to further its cause. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Sounds like a worthy cause, right? Sadly, it’s not— it’s Autism Speaks.

Autism Speaks was started in 2005 by Bob Wright, the vice chairman of General Electric, after his grandson was diagnosed with autism. His intentions were good, but then there is that saying about the road to Hades being paved with good intentions.

Since then, Autism Speaks has rocketed into the stratosphere of popularity. Its famous blue puzzle piece logo is often seen on the chests of celebrities, it has the money to do all kinds of research and it can even fund advertisements telling people how common autism is (1 in 110 children diagnosed each year).

On the surface, that seems noble to me. I have a cousin with autism and many friends who have Asperger’s syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum. They refer to themselves proudly as Aspies and are wonderful, loving friends.

However, it took one of these friends to open my eyes and show me Autism Speaks really shouldn’t speak for people on the spectrum.

For example, not a single person with any form of autism sits on the board, so no one with autism has a real say in what Autism Speaks does or can provide meaningful firstperson insight. This is obvious in the things they choose to do with their money and power.

While they spend a lot of money funding many forms of autism research, they fall more on the side of finding a cure for autism, including prenatal autism testing, and portraying it as a disease. In fact, in 2007, Autism Speaks merged with Cure Autism Now, an organization whose cause is obvious from its name.

I am deeply disturbed by this because focusing so solely on a

“We should focus instead on teaching people that those with autism are worthy of attention and respect.”

Emma Harger

Copy Editor

THE SIGNAL STAFF INFORMATION EDITOR IN CHIEF PRODUCTION EDITOR NEWS EDITOR OPINIONS EDITOR

cure would mean altering a large part of the identity of people on the spectrum. Just because people on the spectrum might act a little differently does not mean we should focus on a cure, something to make them more “normal” or neurotypical.

What is normal, anyway? Who has the right to define that?

We should focus instead on teaching people that those with autism are worthy of attention and respect. They may be different on the surface, but they are people too, with ideas and hobbies and dreams and feelings, and deserve nothing less than human decency.

We also need to focus more on actual helpful services like education, employment and communication. Many people on the spectrum communicate using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, device and these can be pretty costly. It can be difficult, even with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s legal guarantees, for people on the spectrum to get jobs. Educational needs vary depending on every specific person’s needs, from needing an Individualized Education Plan to more specialized lessons. These are the things that affect people on the spectrum and their families every day, not the idea of some faraway “cure.”

Not only does Autism Speaks focus on the wrong thing, it fumbles when doing so! Its overall rating on Charity Navigator is 49.86, or two stars out of four. By comparison, one of Charity Navigator’s highest-rated charities, The Conservation Fund, has a rating of 69.71, or four stars.

The most recent income statement available, from 2008, show that Autism Speaks took in more than $66

million, but its expenses were more than $71 million. So, Autism Speaks ran a $4 million deficit. Ouch!

Yet, as stated before, it apparently has the money to run walks for autism (for what? Awareness? Support? Cure?) and rename a NASCAR race in its own honor: the Autism Speaks 400, held yearly in Delaware.

Celebrities of all kinds, including Yoko Ono and Jerry Seinfeld, happily sign up to support Autism Speaks in many forms. Ten percent of the profits from Night of Too Many Stars, a yearly variety show on Comedy Central, went to Autism Speaks.

There are other nonprofit organizations that portray autism as a part of human genetic diversity, not as something needing a cure. Since they don’t have the huge coffers or celebrity support of Autism Speaks, unfortunately they do not get the attention or funds they deserve.

One organization is the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, founded

by Ari Ne’eman, who has Asperger’s and now serves on the National Council on Disability. Another is Aspies for Freedom, which uses an infinity symbol instead of a puzzle piece as a logo because of negative connotations (such as the idea that they don’t “fit in,” are “puzzling” or have “a bit missing”). They started an Autistic Pride Day, which is on June 18 each year.

Other deserving autism rights organizations are out there, doing good work that helps people even in the shadow of big, famous, wronglyaimed Autism Speaks. It is unfortunate that many people do not know about this. If you do wish to donate, choose an organization wisely after learning all the facts.

As we’ve advertised for the last month, The Signal has a new look! We’ve also shaken up some of our distribution of sections. You’ll note that Perspectives is now called Opinions, and Living is now called Campus Life. We’ve also flipped the placement of the two sections in the paper, to better tie News and Opinions together.

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08

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | OPINIONS | THE SIGNAL

STUDENT

V O X YOUR VOICE • YOUR OPINIONS

What changes would you like to see at Georgia State?

“More publicity for campus activities. We have great events that don’t get advertised well.”

Chris Harden-McKinney

Senior, Political Science

“I’d like the library to be open 24 hours.”

David Fabian

Senior, History

“I’d like tighter security. Any non-GSU student could just walk into a class.”

Julia Outerbridge Freshman, Undecided

“I’d like our school to emphasize on developing better international relations.”

Elise Laplant

Sophomore, Poltical Science

“We need better communication between departments. There’s too much bureaucracy.”

Jonathan Henson

Senior, Political Science

“The library should be open 24 hours. At least during finals.”

Jesús Pülido

Junior, Psychology and Women’s Studies

Going to college is about more than a major It’s beginning to feel like deciding on a major is a privilege, determined more by divine intervention than personal choice. Students change their majors on a regular basis based on job openings, interest in the topic and focus on financial opportunity. It appears to be the toughest choice a student has to make.

It’s ironic, then, that The New York Times has deemed that a student’s major is largely irrelevant.

They cite specific sources and statistics: history majors engaging in business careers earn as much as business majors. Ted Turner, successful businessman and owner of the Turner broadcasting empire including TBS and CNN, majored in Classics. The article concludes with a strong argument: that choosing the ‘wrong’ major won’t force students into a life of poverty and destitution.

While this study may inspire anxiety in some, I feel it should present a more comforting message.

If a history major performs just as well in business as a business major, then why not go for a history major, especially if it’s what you’re passionate about? College is about exploration and fun. That exploration isn’t exclusive to parties alone. If you’re really into British literature, then why shouldn’t you be able to study it? Not only will you enjoy your stud-

“If a history major performs just as well in business as a business major, then why not go for a history major, especially if it’s what you’re passionate about?”

Michael Rabalais Staff Writer

ies more, but your performance will be measurably better.

For those concerned with finding a job relating to their degree, consider this: Half of 2010’s most desirable and profitable jobs weren’t around a decade ago. Even skills that seem obsolete currently may be in high demand by the time you graduate. A year ago, proficiency in magazine or newspaper layout seemed like a useless skill favored in a dying market. Fast-forward to December 2010, and any company developing an app for the iPad needs someone with a sophisticated knowledge of layout to create a successful product.

It’s also easy to forget just how important job experience is compared to college education. Most employers will be more impressed that you have a college education, not an explicit proficiency in that field. Nobody would ever get hired if that were the case. A job interview is meant to gauge personality, work experience, internships and other

criteria. A surgeon educated at the nation’s top medical school is useless to an employer if they can’t perform a successful surgery. Focus more on creating an interesting background for work experience. Who knows where a skill or talent will come in handy in the future?

It really is amazing how much importance is placed on the majors we choose, and the jobs we associate with them. The real importance behind going to college is learning communication and self-reliance.

Even if you do find yourself lacking a vital skill your job needs, employers can provide you with the proper training and may send you back to school on their dime. Don’t stifle your talents just because you feel you can’t make a living off of them.

There exist no useless talents in the world, and for each you possess, there’s an employer in desperate need of them.

WikiLeaks does America a favor WikiLeaks has released another flood of information that should make any well-informed citizen incredibly nervous and appalled.

A quarter-million confidential cables between the U.S. State Department and embassies all around the world unveil the true nature of American diplomacy. The leak was released on Nov. 28 and the embassy cables date from December 1966 to February 2010. Not all of the cables have been released. They will be released in a series of publications over the next few months.

Not only does WikiLeaks release confidential documents to make everyone question the nature of our political world, but the recent release of the embassy cables demonstrates foreign leaders’ frank view on nuclear threats and terrorism.

Other topics include the economy, human rights and the U.N. Security Council. Iraq is the most discussed country.

There have been mixed criticisms of WikiLeaks’ endeavors.

Some believe that by WikiLeaks releasing classified documents, people are at risk of being targeted by both government and non-government entities. The White House released a statement saying they condemn WikiLeaks and that “By releasing stolen and classified documents, WikiLeaks has put at risk not only the cause of human rights but also the lives and work of these individuals.”

The White House condemning the idea of free information does not

“The U.S. government is the acting body carrying out orders all over the world. WikiLeaks is simply exposing their actions.”

Syeda Hira Mahmood Opinions Editor

surprise me. What does surprise me is the White House’s sudden interest in their cause for human rights when they have done little to secure human rights at all.

Launching two wars and using torture hardly seems to fit this mold.

After all, according to the U.N. Charter and International Law, the Bush administration is guilty of more than 10 violations including torture, unlawful detention, cultural genocide, terrorizing civilians, economic colonization and destroying hospitals.

This information was not released by some cryptic organization that skillfully obtained and researched the Iraq War. This is fact.

The embassy cables unearth the U.S. spying on U.N. allies and the U.S. ignoring cases of human rights violations and corruption in “client states.” A client state is a fancy term for a country that has gained independence but is still heavily dominated by another, more powerful country. Those who don’t believe that neo-imperialism exists should consider researching this term.

WikiLeaks should not be condemned for releasing classified U.S. diplomatic cables. The U.S. should

be condemned for its actions. The White House condemns WikiLeaks for putting their “cause” for human rights at risk and yet their own actions have shown no commitment to human rights as evidenced by the cables. The U.S. government is the acting body carrying out orders all over the world. WikiLeaks is simply exposing their actions.

U.S. authorities claim that WikiLeaks releasing classified documents may endanger certain people. However, there is no report of WikiLeaks harming anyone due to them releasing documents.

The embassy cables are only a fraction of the total information WikiLeaks has gathered. Hopefully, WikiLeaks releasing documents will have a long-term political impact for the better because releasing these documents makes it even more apparent that this system is not working. As WikiLeaks states on their FAQ page, “As far as knowledge about what is truly going on in the world can influence our decisions, this material must result in political change and reform.”

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 EDITOR Kirkland Carter

signalsports40@gmail.com

SPORTS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Saakib Zafrani

sjzafrani@gmail.com

www.gsusignal.com/sports

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Head Coach Greg Frady led the German National team to third place, its highest finish ever.

Greg Frady named European Coach of the Year

By NICOLE SCHIMMEL Staff Writer In addition to a recent CAA championship, Georgia State baseball Coach Greg Frady received the European Baseball Coach of the Year Award.

Frady coaches the German national team and was presented with the award in Cologne, Germany the weekend of Nov. 13.

While coaching at the University of Central Florida in 2003, a professional acquaintance suggested Frady to the German national team, who had just come off of a losing season. After attending a few meetings, Frady decided he was interested.

“They called me, I flew to Orlando for a couple meetings and I decided that is the direction I wanted to go,” he said.

He has now been their head coach for seven years while continuing to coach at Georgia State.

He coaches the Panthers full-time and the Germans on a part-time basis. The two teams met in 2006 when Frady brought his German team to Atlanta.

On behalf of the European Baseball Coaches Association, Frady received the award for European Coach of the Year. He was honored to receive the award and said it was “a team award.”

“First off, it’s a great honor to receive that award. When you win an award like that, it represents so many people, and so many people that work together as a team, an organization and a group. It gives me an opportunity to give some people credit I usually could not give credit to,” he said.

While there are a few cultural differences, he says the teams are pretty equivalent. The players are the about same ages and the rules are the same. Baseball is gaining popularity in Europe but remains second to soccer.

With Frady at the helm, the Germans finished third at the European Championship. This marks the best finish for the German national team, according to Georgia State Sports Communications.

The team came just short of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics. Additionally, they received a medal for the first time since the championships began.

Not only has Frady helped the Germans, he has made a big impact at Georgia State. Breezing past 100 wins, then 300, Frady has also over-seen many players break school records. The 2011 season will be his fifth as head coach of the Panthers.

The team has been preparing for the 2011 season and is currently on break for finals and the winter holidays. Their schedule can be found at www. georgiasatespsorts.com.

“It’s a great honor for me to represent Georgia State University in the world when I’m out coaching,” he said. “I take that responsibility very seriously. I do my work with great pride knowing that I’m from the city of Atlanta.”

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Senior Alan Fowler will help guide a team consisting mostly of freshmen.

Men’s golf eyeing successful season

By ABBY CARNEY Staff Writer The men’s golf team is gearing up for another successful season. With head coach Joe Inman in his second year of leadership and an extremely talented young roster, the team is already viewed as a conference favorite.

“I envision us winning the conference championships,” Inman said. “That’s our main goal at the start of the year and it’s what we preach to the kids throughout the whole year. I think we are one of the favorites in the conference this year and it’s nice to have that target on our back.”

Three players to watch this season are seniors Alan Fowler, Brent Paul and freshman Tyler Gruca. Inman said that these seniors have “stepped up to the plate” this year and it shows.

Fowler led the team to its 15th place finish in the United States Collegiate Champi-

onship in October, with an even par round of 72 and birdies on two of his first six holes. In the same tournament, Paul began and ended his rounds with birdies, finishing in a tie for 70th, improving with every round.

Gruca joined the team this season as a walk on.

“We didn’t know what to expect with Tyler coming in, but this fall he has led our team in two tournaments,” Inman said.

“Needless to say, he has been a pleasant surprise.”

Gruca, a Milton native, is not the only talent among the freshmen. Inman has positive things to say about all the newcomers he has brought on board.

“We do have an interesting dynamic with our team divided between seniors and freshmen, but a dynamic that helps us out,” he said. “Our seniors are the leaders of the team and have the most experience. They take that experience and knowledge and

help out our young freshman. By next season, these young guys will be seasoned veterans.”

The team is constantly fine-tuning their game and Inman said that their main focus is improving on short game and putting.

“These are the key components of golf,” he said. “They hit the golf ball better than what their scores show, so we have been spending a lot of time around the greens trying to learn how to score.”

Overall, things are looking good for the Panthers this season, and the youth of the team should not be considered a shortcoming.

“We feel that improvement has been made across the board and by the end of spring, when conference [play] rolls around, we will be in top shape for the conference tournament,” Inman said.

The men will compete next at the Jacksonville University Invitational on Jan. 30 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Eight recruits join baseball

By LAUREN-ASHLEY MINCEY Staff Writer

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Head Coach Greg Frady has signed eight players.

Head Coach Greg Frady has signed eight more players to join Panther baseball in the fall of 2011. The talented group, consisting of seven high school seniors and one college transfer, should help to fill the holes vacated by the 16 seniors that will be leaving after 2011.

Kody Adams is an outfielder and left-handed pitcher who played for Pike County High School in Zebulon, Ga. Adams started for the Pirates all four years.

In 2009, Adams and another teammate were the 5-AA Region baseball team’s Co-Players of the Year. Over the summer, Adams played with the BigStix Gamers.

Caleb Gore is a middle-infielder

who played for North Forsyth High School. This past year, he was on the second team of the Forsyth All-County baseball team. During his junior year, Gore had a very successful season, with the game winning hit against Norcross and a double with two walks against North Gwinnett, according to Georgia State Sports Communications.

Connor Stanley is the only new signee not from Georgia. He is a righthanded pitcher from Oviedo High School in Oviedo, Fl. Stanley had impressive stats last season, including a 2.32 earned run average and an impressive 25 strikeouts in his first 31 innings. During the summer he played for Mizuno, a traveling team in Florida SEE RECRUITS, PAGE 10

10

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | SPORTS | THE SIGNAL

OPINION

Panther football fans, take note “...what Georgia State fans can do is start some traditions of their own. A massive school [...] is bound to have some unique trends.”

Kirkland Carter Sports Editor

Seeing a bigger, stronger and faster team like Alabama may make many budding Georgia State football fans envious, but Alabama has much more than a solid, nationallyranked football team.

The Tide, which began playing in 1892, is as rich in tradition as it is in talent or its budget.

In a state with no professional teams of note, Alabama residents have to make a choice early: Auburn or Alabama. The choice, by the way, is which team — not whether or not you choose one.

All it takes for one to see how much Alabama football means to it’s fans is to see a three-year-old sporting a Bear Bryant hat, held by a young mother wearing a houndstooth coat over a Mark Ingram jersey.

Sure, winning a national title will bring some “fans” out of the woodwork, but the vast majority of the 100,000-plus that fill BryantDenny stadium week in and week out are lifers.

They start early. From drinking from a sippy cup with a crimson elephant on it to debating with Auburn fans in high school to buying that “Roll Tide” onesy for their first-born child, football is just another part of life.

Yes, it was good for Georgia State to get exposure with Erin Andrews and ESPNU, but what Panthers fans should take from that game is inspiration.

At one point during the 63-7 drubbing, with the Tide up 42-0, the Alabama kicker pushed

a field goal attempt left to keep from going up 45-0. The crowd, overwhelmingly Alabama fans, was utterly disappointed. Through the “boo’s” and fretful “ahh’s,” it was evident just how convicted these fans are.

Victory is not enough for them. The fans demand excellence from whistle to whistle — period.

While Georgia State will always have to vie for fans with Georgia Tech and Georgia, the growing school and over 150,000 local alumni are more than enough to support a thriving fan culture.

Alabama traditions like fans chanting “Roll Tide” after a first down or eating Dreamland barbeque are obviously not going to develop overnight. In fact, the Crimson Tide were not called the Crimson Tide until the 1906 Iron Bowl, nearly two decades after the team’s first game, when an editor coined the nickname after the two teams fought through a rainsoaked game covered in red mud.

But what Georgia State fans can do is start some traditions of their own. A massive school in a thriving downtown environment is bound to have some unique trends develop.

Perhaps the best part of following the team at its inception is the ability to have a hand in starting such traditions. So whether fans modify the “Lambeau Leap” to the “Panther Pounce,” or begin sporting wigs in honor of the Muasau brothers, it will be interesting to see.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Women’s basketball looks to improve on its 4-3 record at home on December 11 against Western Carolina.

Women’s basketball team airing new web show

By AUSTIN ROEBUCK Staff Writer Georgia State women’s basketball coach, Sharon Baldwin-Tener, is hosting a weekly video show on www.georgiastatesports.com.

The show, This Week in Georgia State Basketball, is currently preparing to air its fourth installment, scheduled for Monday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m.

While fans can tune in as early as 1 p.m., each show will be available in the archives section of the website under the date the show was initially broadcast.

Coach Baldwin-Tener is very excited about the new show, since this is the first time she has had the opportunity to broadcast directly to her fans on a weekly basis.

Baldwin-Tener said that the main objective of the show is to help fans feel more involved. With the Panthers at 4-3 going into the next game on Dec. 11, the Smyrna native emphasizes the importance of fan participation.

>> RECRUITS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Two Panthers fans braving the cold at the Alabama game.

ranked second in the country.

Kenny Straus is a junior who is transferring to Georgia State after playing his last season at Georgia Perimeter. Strauss is a graduate of Whitefield Academy, where he was a four-year letter winner. Over the summer the infielder/outfielder played for East Cobb. Upon graduation, he played at Duke University as an infielder.

Ranked 45th in the state, according to Perfect Game USA, Jerry Stuckey is a right-handed pitcher who is a home-schooled student from Perry, Ga. Stuckey has also played with new Panther, Drew Wesolowski, on the Homeplate Chilidogs.

Wesolowski can play either first base or outfield. He currently plays for Whitewater High School in Fay-

“The more the fans can feel involved and aware, the more they feel a part of the program,” BaldwinTener said. “Hopefully it brings more fans to our website and more fans to our games. We need them.”

She also realizes that fans will be eager to know about changes within the program, and sees the show as the perfect opportunity to inform them.

“We can address current topics of interest, and I’m sure this first year many of our fans want to know what changes we are making and how the team is improving,” Baldwin-Tener said. “The more the fans can feel involved and aware, the more they feel a part of the program.”

The show generally consists of a personal interview with BaldwinTener that takes place inside her office. As the coach talks about aspects of the team’s most recent game, highlights are shown to provide a visual alongside the coach’s account of the game.

The Nov. 29 show, for instance,

touched on basics like defensive strategy and player experience, to more specific topics like halftime adjustments and increasing the contributions from the younger players.

Coach Baldwin-Tener asks that Panther fans support women’s basketball this season not only by watching the web show, but by coming out to the games at the Sports Arena. The coach is really hoping to spark interest early in the season and realizes her new web show may be the perfect way to do so.

“I look forward to communicating and hope the fans will learn more and enjoy the weekly updates,” she said.

You can find the link to the show on the homepage or by clicking on the women’s basketball section underneath the sports tab. Fans that can’t make it to see the Panthers take on the Western Carolina Catamounts on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. can tune in to WRAS-FM (88.5) for playby-play coverage.

etteville, Ga. Last year, Perfect Game USA dubbed him the 10th prospect within the Southeast. Wesolowski was also honored as all-region by Fayette Daily News.

Jordan Weems was a catcher at Columbus High School. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported that Weems’ stats last season included a batting average of .403 with a total of 29 hits, 14 RBIs and six doubles.

Weems and Columbus won the 10th state title for the school.

The fifth ranked best player in Georgia and 86th nationally, Deion Williams, is one of the more highlytouted Panther recruits in recent memory. The senior out of Redan High School played on the Under Armour All-American All Star team last year. This past season, Williams was on the South Dekalb All-Star baseball team. Williams’ stats included 20 RBI, a .350 batting average and three

homeruns, according to PrepCountry. com.

Though we will not be able to see the new signees this season, Coach Frady wants the students to come out and support their team.

“They’re a very talented bunch, with 16 seniors this year,” Frady said.

“This is one of the best teams in the history of Georgia State. We play an exciting style and need our student body to support their team.”

The Panthers were indeed exciting in 2010, finishing with the highest-scoring offense in the nation (10.5 runs per game), along with a team batting average of .355, good for third overall. The Panthers open the 2011 season on Feb. 18 against Texas Southern in Panthersville.

11

THE SIGNAL | SPORTS | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

Football fans weigh in on inaugural season

By D.J. DUNSON JR. Staff Writer The inaugural football campaign, which culminated in a winning record (6-5), had its fair share of good, bad and ugly moments on the field. Off the field, it was the loyal fans that supported the team through thick and thin.

We couldn’t speak to all of the 30,000-plus fans that attended the season-opening victory over Shorter or the roughly 14,000 fans that attended each home game.

However, we found some of the most passionate Panther football fans and gathered their thoughts on the Panthers’ historic season and how it’s impacted their college experience.

Athletic Events SATURDAY, DEC. 11 Women’s basketball vs. Western Carolina Sports Arena // 5:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball vs. Western Michigan Sports Arena // 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 16 Women’s basketball vs. Jacksonville State Sports Arena // 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18 Women’s basketball at Nicholls State Thibodaux, La. // 4:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball vs. Florida A&M Sports Arena // 6 p.m.

SAAKIB ZAFRANI | SIGNAL

SAAKIB ZAFRANI | SIGNAL

SAAKIB ZAFRANI | SIGNAL

Alex Patterson, a junior majoring in Speech Communications, has been to every home game and believes football added a new dimension to the school.

“It’s added another level of Panther pride to the school and I enjoy it,” Patterson said. On the field, Georgia State did better than Patterson expected.

“They’ve exceeded my expectations,” he said. “I thought as a first year team we wouldn’t do as [well] as we are… I expected at [best a] 2-8 [record].”

Taylor Faulk is a junior Biology major who was disappointed after the Panthers’ home loss to Lambuth.

Faulk believed the team would finish a couple games better than 6-5 after the Jacksonville State game, because the team performed so well against a great opponent. Faulk said the team increased his school spirit and encouraged him to get involved with non-football events on campus.

“It’s given me a lot of school pride and made me more involved with campus events,” he said.

Erica Davis, a sophomore and Criminal Justice major, believes the football team has had a profound affect on her life as a student. Davis added that it gave the students something to look forward to. For Davis, the sport is an American tradition, and that that it adds an invaluable element to a college campus.

“Football’s an all-American sport,” Davis said. “Coming to a school that doesn’t have a football team and one that does is a huge difference.”

Men’s basketball at Georgia Southern Statesboro, Ga. // 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29 Women’s basketball vs. Mississippi Valley State

Part of the 17th Annual GSU Invitational. Continues through Dec. 30.

Sports Arena // 2 p.m.

Men’s basketball at Texas A&M Corpus Christi Dr. Pepper Classic Chattanooga, Tenn. // 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 2

ANALYSIS

The Falcons’ road to playoffs real possibility The Atlanta Falcons continued their streak with a sixth straight win and yet another fourth quarter comefrom-behind effort at Tampa Bay, orchestrated by Matty “Ice” Ryan, improving their record to 10-2.

With just four weeks left in the regular season, the playoffs beckon to those who dare, and the Falcons — dare I say it — dare.

Besides a critical showdown at home in the Georgia Dome with the New Orleans Saints, the Dirty Birds have a relatively easy schedule with Carolina twice and Seattle on the road.

It’s not a stretch of the imagination to say the Falcons will secure home field advantage. In fact, it’s the most likely scenario, barring catastrophe down the stretch.

So, assuming the Falcons do finish the regular season strong and atop the NFC, let’s examine what the playoff picture could look like and what the road to the Super Bowl may have in store for the Dirty Birds.

If the playoffs were tomorrow, the Falcons would hold the one seed, earn a first round bye and the rest of the NFC would have to come through Atlanta to get to Dallas.

The Chicago Bears would hold

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22

Women’s basketball at George Mason Fairfax, Va. // 12 p.m.

MONDAY, JAN. 3 “...the playoffs beckon to those who dare, and the Falcons — dare I say it — dare.”

Saakib Zafrani

Associate Sports Editor

Men’s basketball vs. VCU Sports Arena // 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 5 Men’s basketball at UNC Wilmington

the two seed, also earn a first round bye and the path to Dallas would go through Chicago should the Falcons lose the divisional round.

In that divisional round would be either the three or six seed, which would be the Philadelphia Eagles or the New York Giants respectively.

The Bears would face either the four or five seed, which would be the St. Louis Rams or the Saints respectively.

Still in the hunt are the Green Bay Packers, the Seattle Seahawks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Francisco 49ers.

All of the spots are up for grabs, but Atlanta has the easiest schedule to lock up the one seed.

Likely to advance are five out of six of the following teams: the Eagles, Bears, Giants, Packers, Rams and Saints.

From the AFC, the favorites to advance to the Super Bowl are currently the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, but don’t count out the Pittsburgh Steelers and their suffocating defense.

And certainly don’t count out the 6-6 Indianapolis Colts, who currently are on the outside looking in and must finish the season in a convincing fashion to join the after party.

Perhaps even more anticipated than the Super Bowl is the prospect of the Eagles, lead by a rededicated Michael Vick, returning to Atlanta for the NFC title. As mouthwatering as it is, it’s quite likely if both teams keep playing at such a high level and close out the season strong.

Wilmington, N.C. // 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JAN. 6 Women’s basketball at Drexel Philadelphia, Pa. // 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 8 Men’s basketball vs. Towson Sports Arena // 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, JAN. 9

Women’s basketball vs. Hofstra Sports Arena // 2 p.m.

Information for the Athletic Events calendar is provided by the Georgia State Sports Communications office. For more information on a particular event, please visit www. georgiastatesports.com.

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EASY IN, EASY OUT extended hours to fit your schedule.

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THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

EDITOR Jhoni Jackson

signalentertainment@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Savanna Keo

skeo1@student.gsu.edu

www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

Magic or mayhem: Anything goes at the Happenstance

By SAVANNA KEO Associate Entertainment Editor

Dicky (Christian Bale, right) coaches Micky (Mark Wahlberg) in the ring in The Fighter.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Sometimes, unexpected circumstances can create the most ingenious outcomes. Other times, it can result in disastrous, never-to-be-mentionedagain moments. At the Happenstance, anything can happen — the musical waters of Atlanta are tested in a night of purely random amalgamations of sounds.

Modeled after a similar event called Rock Lottery in Denton, Texas, Brian Fletcher, Jeff Holt and Kevin Wallace revamped the concept for the Atlanta music scene and dubbed it the Happenstance.

The event, a side endeavor that has proven to be successful, is bracing for its seventh year of bringing local musicians together for an always fortuitous and always entertaining night.

The aptly-named event partners 30 local musicians in an organized musical mayhem. The players gather early on the day of the show and names are drawn at random from a hat to form six fivepiece bands. These groups are then left to their own devices to create an original 20-minute set of SEE HAPPENSTANCE, PAGE 14

‘The Fighter’ not the average sports flick

By JHONI JACKSON Entertainment Editor Let’s set the record straight — The Fighter is more than just a boxing movie. The spin on the true tale of Micky Ward’s plight from stepping stone to welterweight champion sticks more closely to a personal history than a sports chronology, shifting its potential audience from fight fans to, well, practically everybody.

That’s largely due to director David O. Russell’s gently comedic touch. His penchant for quirky personalities — the kind that are abundant in his 2004 philosophical comedy I Heart Huckabees — puts the tragedy-to-triumph tale in a fresh realm, where the characters, particularly Micky (Mark Wahlberg) and half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), beat the plot out for the grand prize.

“This movie wouldn’t exist without that beautiful relationship between the two brothers,” Russell said at a recent press conference in Los Angeles where the Signal was in attendance.

Dicky, the eldest of the pair, is Micky’s trainer — but only when he’s sober enough to remember. Bale’s character is as hooked on crack as he is to his stale claim to boxing fame. The former fighter is stuck in a whatcould-have-been mindset that’s constantly agitated by a bevy of hopeless sisters and an overbearing mother (Melissa Leo). Dicky’s addiction is at once his only escape from and perpetual reminder of his failures.

But Dicky’s heart-wrenching condition isn’t the focus of The Fighter.

“If we went down that dark path, it would be a very limited audience that would go and see this movie. We thought it [had] so much more to offer,” Wahlberg said.

Wahlberg is right. Instead of framing the story like an episode of Intervention, Russell relied on the Ward family’s idiosyncratic personalities to guide the film. And the brotherly back-and-forth is the clan’s centerpiece.

“The story between the brothers is really fascinating… [Russell] brought a level of humor and emotion that I don’t think anybody else was capable of bringing to it,” Wahlberg said.

Set in the ‘90s in the small town of Lowell, Mass., Russell had plenty of entertaining fodder to play with, from bad hairstyles to grating accents. But even more crucial to the success of The Fighter was Russell’s earnest and committed primary cast.

“I love this movie and I would have done anything to get the movie made. And I’ll do anything to support and promote the movie.

It’s that important to me,” Wahlberg said.

“Every single person up here brought that to the film. And that’s a rocket ship,” Russell said.

Bale, Wahlberg and Russell said they’re still in contact with the real-life Micky and Dicky — and they see them often. Bale revealed that the Wards are content with their cinematic portrayal. “[Dicky] actually came around and seemed to really understand. After we showed him the movie, he didn’t punch any of us. And I talk to him almost daily,” Bale said.

The film almost didn’t happen. Out of “sheer desperation,” Wahlberg signed on as producer to shepherd along production.

“I’d already promised Micky, Dicky… and everybody else involved that we were going to get this movie made. And it seemed, at first glance, like it was a no-brainer. I mean, amazing parts, what a wonderful story, a re-

ally new and interesting world that you’re not that familiar with… We just had to grab a hold of it and force it to happen. Very much like Micky’s journey to winning the title. We just had to go and make it happen,” Wahlberg said.

Wahlberg’s comparison rings true — two-fold. Born in an area similar to Lowell, before his foray into cinema, the actor’s life was plagued by crime and drugs like Dicky’s was.

“The story has been told,” Wahlberg said. “I was in a lot of trouble and then I turned my life around. It makes such a good comparison to Mickey’s journey into the story. You know, nine kids in both families, and growing up 30 minutes from each other.”

Wahlberg’s background afforded him an intimacy with the story that, most likely, no other actor could have offered.

“Mark has a great quality as an actor, and he’s able to show that with Micky — of this vulnerability, a man who’s powerful and strong, yet is able to show tenderness and vulnerability,” Amy Adams, who plays Charlene, Micky’s outspoken and steadfast girlfriend, said. “That’s really sexy.”

“The fact is that the people are so unbelievably loveable,” Russell said of the Ward family.

Whether the entire Ward family is actually endearing or not, The Fighter presents them — their pitfalls included — in the most likeable of lights. And the result is a film that shelves the standards of a sports flick, and delves deep into its characters’ hearts — and the audience’s, too.

The Fighter opens in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 12:01 a.m., at Regal Atlantic Station (261 19th St.).

NEW AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE TAVERN

The New American Shakespeare Tavern hopes to complete the entire 39-play canon of Shakespeare’s works by next spring.

Shakespearean traditions, brand new fun

By HALLY JOSEPH Staff Writer At the New American Shakespeare Tavern, the ghost of Jacob Marley is rattling his chains for one of the most haunting holiday stories of all time: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The Tavern steps away from the works of William Shakespeare to perform this Christmas classic annually.

Director Tony Brown describes the intent of A Christmas Carol in the Tavern’s online Director’s Notes: “It is a story calling for the redemption of a Victorian England, which had grown cold to the message and meaning of Christmas. The story of ‘peace on Earth and Goodwill to men,’ was lost, the SEE SHAKESPEARE, PAGE 14

14

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE SIGNAL

Best bets for New Year’s Eve

By BROOKE MARSHALL Staff Writer No plans on New Year’s? Remain calm — and whatever you do, don’t blow next semester’s tuition money on some uber-expensive party at the Hilton.

As I see it, you’ve got two options: party crashing (which is as easy as showing up at a crowded house with a bottle of something and the line, “Brian invited me!”) or one of these five events.

Peach Drop Yeah, it’s a little cheesy, but you have to admit, the sight of 100,000 people carousing in the streets of downtown Atlanta has to be pretty cool. There’ll be food, live music and the iconic 800-pound peach dropping down to usher in the new year.

Underground Atlanta // All ages, free // www.peachdrop.com 529 Jeff the Brotherhood, Heavy Cream, the Mermaids, Knaves Graves and GG King descend upon East Atlanta mainstay 529 for an evening of punk, grunge and psychedelia that will blow your head wide open — and melt your face clean off.

529 Flat Shoals Ave. // 21 and up, $7 // www.529atl.com

Java Lords There’s no official plan in place for New Year’s Eve at Little Five Point’s free-spirited coffeehouse, but according to barista Sterling Steel, “There’s gonna be a get-s--t-faced throw-down.”

1105 Euclid Ave. // 21 and up, free // www.javalordscoffeehouse.com The Earl Three amazing local acts in one amazing local venue: local funk outfit Noot D’ Noot will freak your eardrums, power-pop heroes Gentleman Jesse and His Men will keep your fists pumping and Gringo Star’s grungy psychedelia will transport you to 1965 and 1995 simultaneously.

488 Flat Shoals Ave. // 21 and up, $10 advance, $12 DOS // www. badearl.com Whiskey Blue Atlanta Rooftop parties aren’t just for Brooklynites. At Whiskey Blue Atlanta, you can ring in the new year on the rooftop of the W Hotel. DJ Rimby’s going to be spinning, there’ll be a champagne toast at midnight and at $35, as far as hotel parties go, this is a bargain.

3377 Peachtree Road // 21 and up, $35 // www.gerberbars.com/#/atlanta/whiskey-blue/

MATT SMITH

The Mermaids want you to party with them at 529 on New Year’s Eve.

>> SHAKESPEARE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 people grown pitiless to the plight of children living in a horrid state in orphanages and work houses, and guided by greed in the throes of the industrial revolution.” The play serves not only as a nod to the true meaning of Christmas, but also as a historical view of post-industrial Britain.

In Atlanta, there are few better local settings for British history lessons than the Shakespeare Tavern. The Tavern, established in 1990 at 499 Peachtree St., is home to the Atlanta Shakespeare Company and boasts a Globe Theatre-inspired exterior, an Elizabethan-style interior with both main floor and balcony seating and a seasonal menu of British pub-style food. The ever-improving theater is a huge step up for the Atlanta Shakespeare Company, whose performances in the ‘80s were originally hosted at Manuel’s Tavern.

Attendees should expect similar pub nature at the performances,

however, the actors will happily address a cell phone ringing in the audience. Why is this unique? “[It’s] the casual Globe-like atmosphere,” said Artistic Director Jeff Watkins. “Whatever you thought theater was like, it isn’t like how it is at the Shakespeare Tavern. It’s a place where you can get together with your friends and eat and drink, and then the show happens. The way the audience behaves can change how the show happens. What happens that night is what happens that night; it’s always different from night to night and we’re proud of that fact. It’s a living theater experience.”

The Tavern shows true Shakespearean dedication by completing the entire 39-play canon by spring 2011 — the ASC will be the only theater company in America to complete all 39 plays.

“It was last year that I realized we didn’t have many more left to do.

Lots of reasons led me to want to get them all done this year. In a different economy, if at all possible, we need

JOHN SEARSON

The 30 local musicians who participated in Happenstance 2009.

>> HAPPENSTANCE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 music plus a cover song to be performed in front of an audience that same night.

“Trying to get 20 musicians to show up at nine in the morning is a pretty daunting task,” said Fletcher. “It’s probably the hardest part: if one person doesn’t show up, it throws everyone off.”

Some of the artists are emerging solo acts, while others are members of bands in the area looking to mingle with musicians they may know on the scene, but have not had the opportunity to work with.

This year’s show will take place at The Earl, East Atlanta’s most reputable venue, on Dec. 11. The selection of musicians is poised to deliver the best in spontaneous musical magic.

“Combining people who otherwise might not have ever played together can make for some really electric moments,” said Jimmy Ether, a musician participating in this year’s event. “I’m looking forward to hearing the little gems-inthe-rough that come out of these random situations.”

The pressure-filled atmosphere of the Happenstance can lead these “hastily-assembled” bands, as the tagline for the event denotes, to crash and burn on stage.

Whichever route the band’s music follows, it forces the musicians to throw their inhibitions to the gutter and just for one day, cease critical to be more of who we are, not less.

A section of our audience craves the Shakespeare they haven’t seen before,” Watkins said.

As the ASC also adheres to original practice, the plays resonate with their original meaning.

“We begin our work with Shakespeare, trying to understand what the plays meant to the people who first spoke the line and who first heard the lines. A lot of companies try to find out what has resonance to the modern world, we feel like what we have to do is understand the play in its original sense,” Watkins said.

For newcomers to theater, the Tavern is an ideal space where beloved masterpieces and informal fun fuse, and the Groundlings volunteer program and student discounts make it a perfect place to unwind this winter.

“I’d like to remind everybody that on Friday nights it’s half-price pints,” exclaimed Watkins. “And the nice thing is that you come here, your evening’s taken care of. You can have

judgments of their music and let the moment take over.

“You play with musicians you never got a chance to play with, and you are in such a creative mode because you have to go on stage that night playing something,” said Fletcher.

Along with original songs, the bands are also required to learn and play one cover song under a specified theme. Last year’s cover songs consisted of those with an animal in the title, and this year’s theme will be revealed the day of the show.

Songs that the audience is familiar with helps the event flow a little bit better, eases a house restless from hearing unknown songs all night, Fletcher sad.

“It’s a hard sell to an audience: Come out and see some bands you’ve never heard and will never hear again,” Fletcher said. “Why would anyone want to show up to that?”

But people have been showing up in increasing numbers each year, and Happenstance always provides a packed house to the venue it’s held at. The audience not only plays cheerleader for the bands, but their appearance alone generates revenue for a good cause.

To warm the charitable music purveyor’s ear, all proceeds from ticket sales of the Happenstance go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Last year, the event earned more than $1,000 and generous amounts of food donations for the charity. With a non-perishable food dinner, have coffee during intermission, [and] enjoy the show. It’s a great place for a date or your out-of-town guest.”

Performances of A Christmas

donation, attendees can receive reduced ticket prices at the door on the night of.

“The music community here can be a bit incestuous, so at Happenstance not being able to be in a band with anyone you’ve played with before is really key,” said Karyn Lu, a violinist who participated in last year’s event and joined local act Oryx and Crake as a result. “The randomness of it sparks a lot of inspiration, great friendships and collaborations.”

The event has also known to be the stepping ground for new collaborations and relationships. Many times, future band members met by chance as a result of the Happenstance.

“Happenstance helps the [music] scene mainly by encouraging musical cross-breeding. I think that our scene is pretty incestuous in general, and forcing people to play with strangers from other bands is a great way to stir up the musical cesspool,” said CJ Bargamian, a member of the band A Fight to the Death and past participant of the Happenstance.

To see quick, creative genius at its finest — or possibly the next big train wreck — head to the Earl to witness Happenstance 2010 on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door or $5 with a food donation.

For more on the Happenstance, visit www.thehappenstance.com.

Carol run through Wednesday, Dec. 22. Student tickets are $12 to $15 depending on seating choice. See www. shakespearetavern.com for ticket and volunteering information.

TEAS

WellStar School of Nursing is now offering the

TEAS Test

Test of Essentail Acacemic Skills for potential nursing program applicants

For more information please contact: WellStar School of Nursing, Ms. Julia Becker (770) 423-6061 www.kennesaw.edu/chhs/schoolofnursing/teas.html

15

THE SIGNAL | ENTERTAINMENT | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

of the Sun 01 Pyramid Maserati (Temporary Residence)

02 Penelope Sarah Kirkland Snider, Shara Worden, & Signal (New Amsterdam) and Sorcery 03 Science Wolf & Cub (Last Gang) for Honey & Bile 04 Music William Ryan Fritch (Asthmatic Kitty) Fool 05 The Warpaint (Rough Trade)

Dreamy, ethereal pop that’s guided by minimalistic guitar in the vein of their recent touring mates, The Xx.

By MICHAEL RABALAIS Staff Writer

Some Place Simply

Martina Topley Bird (Ipecac)

Bush Supper 08 Burning Bear Hands (Cantora) it Strange 09 Play The Fresh & Onlys (In the Red) and Again 10 Again Thieves Like Us (deBonton)

11

Kudos

Surf City (Fire)

Bow 12 Broken Eux Autres (Bons Mots) Shore EP 13 The Chapel Club (Polydor) of Love 14 Sick J.C. Satan (Slovenly) Clock 15 Atomic Zion I (Gold Dust)

Fuzzed-out, shoegazing indie rock from New Zealand.

Exactly the kind of stuff you’d expect from a Dark Waveinfluenced band based in London: gloomy even when upbeat, and a little selfdeprecating. There’s even a guy named Liam in the mix.

of Exploded Crystal Chandelier 16 Nocturne Sun Airway (Dead Oceans) On 17 Turning Cloud Nothings (Carpark) on a Milk Sea 18 Craft Brian Eno (Warp)

19

Full Circle

20

Sports

Shigeto (Ghostly International) Weekend (Slumberland)

vs Rockers 21 Tradi-Mods Various Artists (Crammed Discs)

Tron: Legacy

Walt Disney Records

Go 06 Wild Dark Dark Dark (Supply & Demand)

07

Daft Punk

Animal Collective, Deerhoof, Andrew Bird and other big names in indie put their own slant on Congotronics, a series of work by Congo artists whose self-made instruments (think hi-hats made of hubcaps and film cans) make for an incredible electro-traditional, trance-inducing sound.

While any Daft Punk-helmed project is promising, I was skeptical when I heard of their involvement in the upcoming Disney movie Tron: Legacy. The duo, known for addictive electronic music and an innovative use of synthesizers, doesn’t seem especially well-suited to film scoring. Can Daft Punk’s music really be adapted to the ambient feel needed for a soundtrack?

The answer is yes. Daft Punk is successful in both composing a film score proper, with warm strings and magnanimous brass, while still incorporating the synth parts they’ve come to be associated with. The result is an album that is both organic and synthetic. Strings play on simple beds on which synthesizer is layered, or a heavy electronic beat fills in the rhythm section of a standard orchestra. Those looking for more traditional Daft Punk fare need not fear; songs like “Tron Legacy” and “Derezzed” revive the duo’s trademark sound.

Tron: Legacy is a success, both as a soundtrack and an album. Daft Punk’s eclectic mix of synth and strings captures the essence of the Tron universe while remaining faithful to the pair’s tried-and-true spirit.

Obsessed 22 Shore Soft Circle (Post Present Medium)

23 Tropsical Mermaids (Pretty Ambitious) Music 24 Not Stereolab (Drag City)

25 Liasons Pigeons (Soft Abuse)100 26 Senior Röyskopp (MB3)

This Norwegian act’s latest is a dark and spooky spin on electronic music.

Me, Aggressive You 27 Passive The Naked and Famous (Somewhat Damaged) Earth 28 Sorry, Wild Wild Geese (Odessa) Sun 29 The Sleepover (Circuitree) Dandelion 30 Strychnine The Parting Gifts (In the Red)

Lloyd Banks

Hunger for More 2 G-Unit/EMI

By JUNIA ABAIDOO Staff Writer You may have forgotten about Lloyd Banks. The New York rapper, once known for his escapades with 50 Cent and G-Unit, has been on hiatus since 2006, making his Nov. 22

Hunger For More 2 one of the year’s most anticipated albums among hiphop enthusiasts. While the album is solid in many areas, HFM2 sadly does not live up to the space-rocketing hype it’s received.

Though he isn’t quite as famous as industry peers, Lloyd Banks is very much respected in the rap community — just take a look at any reputable hip-hop mag or blog. But this installment in Banks’ repertoire will leave listeners asking, why the fuss?

Headlining tracks like “Any Girl,” “Payback” and “Unexplainable” fail to amaze and are mostly basic, Drake-influenced attempts at hits.

The album hits its high with “Start it Up,” which features (and is saved by) Kanye West.

With hip-hop standing stronger than it has in many years, on HFM2, Banks fails to land on par with the game’s level. While the album displays his typically solid lyrical prowess, the album is just that: typical. On his next work, Banks would do well to take a more creative, insightful approach to his craft.

Bikini

RIPJDS

Lefse Records

By BROOKE MARSHALL Staff Writer It takes guts to compare yourself to J.D. Salinger; it takes even more gall to go around telling people your music sounds like “Salinger on MDMA.” RIPJDS, the latest EP from this New York-based chillwave duo, sounds more like Passion Pit sans saccharine or a less pissed-off Crystal Castles. Or, if you want to keep with the literary metaphors, picture stoned-as-hell Robert Frost trapped in a room with a couple synth pedals and a drum machine.

The album sounds like the ragged remnants of a pleasant dream on a chilly morning. On “ACheerlaeder,” ethereal melodies meet otherworldly instrumentation against a backdrop of crisp, precise percussion.

Meanwhile, “American Mourning” gives us a chilly yet almost anthemlike melody backed by a beat straight out of a party in the steerage section of the Titanic.

The result is both soothing and somehow invigorating, the kind of music that starts your body dancing and leaves your mind in a trance.

Curren$y Pilot Talk 2 DD172

By MICHAEL MESSING Staff Writer Pilot Talk 2, Curren$y’s second release of 2010, brings much of the same that his fans have grown to expect. The New Orleans rapper, backed by Ski Beats (a producer who has been in the rap game since the early ‘90s and even produced on JayZ’s classic, Reasonable Doubt), paints a vivid picture of his rapper lifestyle.

Although Curren$y doesn’t cover a wide range of topics, he mostly sticks to the things rappers enjoy like women, fashion and everyone’s’ favorite green leaf. He covers them with a style and bravado that is highly entertaining, and keeps the listener glued on his every word.

On the album’s lead single, “Michael Knight,” Curren$y’s slick metaphors and word play leave the listener in awe. “Hope to catch me sleeping by being freaky/But baby girl let me be the first to say it’s not that easy/I wasn’t born yesterday or later on that evening,” he raps. Lines like this make Pilot Talk 2 a worthwhile listen for any rap fan, but especially the kind who’ve grown weary of the rap game’s often formulaic offerings, and crave something a tad more innovative.

Eskmo Eskmo

Ninja Tune

By EMILY YANG Staff Writer Eskmo (Brendan Angelides), best known for “Hypercolor” and “Angus Dei,” has released his fulllength debut, a self-titled album on SEE ESKMO, PAGE 16

16

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE SIGNAL

Atlanta Events TUESDAY, DEC. 7 Automatic Improv, Richard Kickers

Your cover gets you two shows: short-form impromptu improv first, then stand-up by Richard Kickers at 9:30 p.m.

Relapse Theatre, 370 14th St. // 8 p.m. // $5, 18 and up

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 Bou-Cou’s 4th Annual Holiday Sale

If you like jewelry reconstructed from vintage pieces, check out BouCou. Becka Cowan, the stylish creative behind the line, hosts the partystyle sale. For more on Bou-Cou, visit www.bou-cou.com.

Dynamic Metal Lofts, 572 Edgewood Ave. // 6 p.m.-10 p.m. // Free, all ages

THURSDAY, DEC. 9 Awolnation, Weapons of Audio and Cousin Dan

If you aren’t ready to dance, you’re probably going to look like a jerk at this show. The synth-heavy, dance-demanding and vocally assaulting Awolnation pairs well with Cousin Dan, the local fancy footwork scene’s laser glove-sporting new favorite. Weapons of Audio, another Atlanta party-inducing act, blast hip-hop with funky guitar riffs like the rap-rock fiasco never happened.

Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce de Leon Ave. // 9 p.m. // $7, 18 and up

>> ESKMO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Ninja Tune records.

With his experience of producing music for more than 10 years, Eskmo creates a distinct sound that is a fusion of glitch, dub step and hiphop.

Unlike his earlier releases, Eskmo has incorporated his computergenerated vocals that add a personal, yet refined touch to his sound. Still, the tracks are heavily focused on the beats, while the minimal incorporation of his vocals helps illustrate a poetic imagery on the tracks.

The distorted, erupting feeling of the single “Cloudlight” elevates a picture of a bright, sunny light peeking through the clouds, as the lyrics repeating in the background suggest: “Cloudlight/Floating in magically colorful pieces of sky/Pieces of skylight.” Eskmo’s vocals are coarse and robotic, and resonate as a narration to the imagery.

This 12-track album is cohesive, yet no two tracks sound the same.

The varying sounds create a different listening experience for each track, making it hard to pick out which tracks stand out and making certain cuts forgettable.

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 Joy!

The holiday-themed exhibit showcases work by 15 of Atlanta’s best artists, including Jon Arge, Dante DeStefano, Wyatt Graff, Chris Hamer, Ivy Rose McLeod and Brett Osborn. Openings at Kai Lin are typically packed with a diverse mix of folks who love art as much as they like to party. The gallery’s calling this one its “largest, most festive, most epic exhibition,” so don’t miss it.

Kai Lin Gallery, 800 Peachtree St., Suite D // 7 p.m. // Free, all ages

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 The State vs. Kris Kringle: Letters to Santa

The witty take on a holiday theme makes this exhibit too clever of a show to pass up. According to the gallery, artists like J.R. Schulz, Lydia Walls, Mike Germon, Sam Parker, Sanithna Phansavanh and Sunni Johnson will offer “evidence in a case of broken promises.” Invest in coal stock now.

Beep Beep Gallery, 696 Charles Allen Drive // 8-11 p.m. // Free, all ages

SUNDAY, DEC. 12 Toys for Tots Benefit Show: Liquid Marble, Free From Bones, Kevin KalimbaMan Spears, Toothless Tiger

Bring an unwrapped toy to the Five Spot and receive free entry. Don’t miss local musician Kevin KalimbaMan Spears and his skilled handling of the kalimba, a handheld percussion instrument also known as the African thumb piano.

The Five Spot, 1123 Euclid Ave. // 6-11 p.m. // Free with donation, 18 and up

MONDAY, DEC. 13 Dialog in the Dark

The traveling exhibit promises to change your senses permanently. For an hour, you’ll complete everyday tasks, only without relying on your sight.

Atlantic Station, 265 18th St. // 9 a.m.-8 p.m. // $16-$24

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.

K.C. Accidental

Captured Anthems for an Empty Bathtub Arts & Crafts

By PAUL DEMERRITT Staff Writer When Broken Social Scene (BSS) first released You Forgot It In People in 2001, it was virtually universally acclaimed and remains a defining work of the 21st century. Still, it is a wonder that identical praise wasn’t given for BSS’s earlier incarnation, K.C. Accidental, which essentially accomplished the same thing, only without vocals.

Broken Social Scene’s front man and all-around mastermind, Kevin Drew, started K.C. Accidental in 1998 with their debut LP, Captured Anthems for an Empty Bathtub, which went virtually unnoticed by any brand of mainstream press. Thankfully, the album is finally getting the long overdue reissue it deserves.

Captured Anthems is a beautifully layered work of some of the finest musicianship one can find in post-rock. In it contains many of the base elements which make Broken Social Scene so exceptional: the driving drumbeats which almost induce a hypnotic state, the wavering organ lines, the soothing and minimalistic melodies and the shifting atmosphere which subtly drives the

intensity to a breaking point. Captured Anthems is a simply gorgeous work which achieves much more than merely detailing the evolution of Broken Social Scene.

J. Cole

Friday Night Lights Roc Nation

Kelly (guitar), Owen Lynch (bass), Rush Meyers (drums), and Paco Droz (vocals).

Hot Boy, Goldilocks’ debut, features catchy melodies both upbeat (“Hot Boy”) and melancholy (“Stand

by Your Man”). The most memorable lines may be in the title track, when Droz confesses “All I want is to be a hot boy.”

Their clever lyrics and old-fashioned beach music style makes for an attention-getting release.

Their retro style comes out in tracks like “All Star Athletes” but their modern wit reveals itself in songs like “Imaginary Girlfriend.”

The band will be playing along with New Collisions and Highlander on Dec. 9 at the Earl (488 Flat Shoals Ave.). The show is $7 and starts at 8:30 p.m.

By TYANA JACKSON Staff Writer J. Cole, the first to sign with to Roc Nation records, continues to outshine the competition with his third mixtape, Friday Night Lights.

The North Carolina native is most known for his verse on “A Star is Born” with Jay-Z, as well as his single “Who Dat.” Friday Night Lights consists of 20 songs, mostly produced by the artist himself. It shows the growth of J. Cole as a lyricist. He gives fans what they desire: real music they can relate to.

The mixtape is about everything — including the balance between love and sex. What makes this work a must-have is the visual images J. Cole creates through storytelling. “Blow Up” is a song for the haters, as J. Cole boasts how he’s better than what his haters thought he was.

J. Cole breaks down his personality on “2Face,” revealing two sides to him and J. Cole wonders which side you see. On “See the World,” J. Cole chants, “See world /You’re no good,” and raps about the death of a little girl in his hometown.

With catchy hooks and snazzy beats, Friday Night Lights shines and delivers purely enjoyable hip-hop.

Goldilocks Hot Boy

Independent

By KENDALL HARRIS Staff Writer Goldilocks is simultaneously chill and energetic, like a mix of Chester French and The Beach Boys.

The four-piece rock band is based in Atlanta, and consists of Chandler

Adam Lambert

Acoustic Live! (EP) RCA/19

By ELIJAH SARKESIAN Production Editor After a year of promoting his debut album, For Your Entertainment, Adam Lambert ekes out the last bit of promotion for the album with Acoustic Live!, an EP of songs from his debut taken from in-studio live concert performances. While limited to five songs, the EP does a nice job of balancing the glossy pop production of For Your Entertainment.

“Whataya Want from Me,” which became Adam’s first Top 10 single earlier this year, kicks off the EP. In its acoustic form,Adam’s voice is allowed to breathe more than in the Max Martin-produced original track, which allows for some interesting vocal flourishes. Similarly, the acoustic arrangement of “Music Again” strips out the glam-rock influences of the original, bringing the focus squarely on Adam’s vocals.

The rest of the tracks are taken from the acoustic portion of Adam’s Glam Nation Tour from this past year. “Aftermath” loses its sound as a schlocky American Idol winner’s song and takes on a stronger inspirational vibe. Meanwhile, “Soaked” pales slightly here when compared to the studio version. “Mad World,” the only song taken from Adam’s American Idol run, caps off the EP in an arrangement that successfully adds some tempo and a definite beat to the song’s arrangement.

Acoustic Live! manages to successfully reinvent some of Adam’s more popular songs. The only complaint is the length — the EP is done almost as soon as it begins.

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

EDITOR Noël Hahn

signalliving@gmail.com

CAMPUS LIFE

CIMONE HUSBANDS

Students break out to volunteer this winter Panther Breakaway, a Georgia State program that encourages students to spend their breaks doing volunteer work, is taking students to Haiti this winter, where they will be helping Haitians rebuild their lives after the recent earthquake.

“Locations that we have traveled thus far are... Birmingham, Ala., New Orleans, Virginia and various cities in Florida such as Orlando, Miami and the Everglades,” said Cimone Husbands, assistant director of Panther Breakaway. The program has worked to help with Hurricane Katrina, gang violence, civil rights issues and environmental issues in these locations.

“The amount of students that attend each trip varies depending on location,” Husbands said. Normally about 20 to 35 students take the trip to volunteer.

On the trips, site leaders guide students so that they experience everything they can during the trip. As well as helping communities, students also make new and lasting friendships with the diverse group of participants. “Relationships with one another are built and remain as students return to campus,” Husbands said.

Panther Breakaway is part of the national Alternative Spring Break program, which schedules and plans community service projects for college students. Georgia State conducted its first Panther Breakaway in 2002, taking students to Washington, D.C.

to assist with the National Coalition for the Homeless and Capitol Area Food Bank.

Students fundraise to earn the money required to take the trips.

“Participation on a trip with Panther Breakaway is truly a rewarding experience that is recommended for each and every student that attends Georgia State University,” Husbands said.

Students who want to get involved can find membership applications and the Panther Breakaway monthly newsletter in the Office of Civic Engagement, located on the third floor of the Student Center in room 320.

Welch School part of downtown arts walk

By KENDALL HARRIS Staff Writer

KENDALL HARRIS | SIGNAL

Every first Thursday of the month the Rialto host a showcase of different art galleries in the downtown area.

Angel R. White

awhite49@student.gsu.edu

www.gsusignal.com/campuslife

Students assisted underprivileged youth in Florida during Panther Breakaway last year.

By LAURA APPERSON Staff Writer

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Turner First Thursdays, created in May of 2000, is a monthly self-guided walking tour showcasing various art galleries in historic downtown Atlanta.

The event takes place on the first Thursday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those participating in the arts walk receive free parking at the Lanier Parking Deck. Central Atlanta Progress (CAP), a private nonprofit organization, and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), which was founded by CAP, organize the walk.

The stops include the VSA Arts for All Gallery, the Visual Art Series at the Rialto, the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), the art studio of Paige Harvey, the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design Gallery and the Art Student Union Exhibition Project.

The acclaimed VSA Arts for All Gallery exhibits the work of artists with disabilities or low income and is currently featuring a holiday art sale.

The Rialto Center for the Arts, which

uses its lobby to exhibit art, is presenting the Visual Art Series, currently showcasing works by Jorge Arcos and Pedro Resendiz.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library has also dedicated space to exhibiting artwork in its Lower Level Art Gallery.

More citywide art exhibitions on the walk include the National Black Arts Festival and Atlanta Celebrates Photography.

Another stop on the art stroll is the MODA, or Museum of Design Atlanta, the only museum dedicated exclusively to design in the Southeast. During the Thursday art walk, the gallery presented “Serving Form,” an exhibit by artist Kristofer Laméy. Artist Paige Harvey opens her studio doors for Turner First Thursdays, exhibiting her own unique paintings.

Georgia State also participates in the walk with the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design Gallery and the Art Student Union Exhibition Project. The gallery is currently showing various works created by talented high school students in Georgia and the project is currently showing “Crossing Paths, Crossing Cultures,” a photograph exhibition.

JUDY KIM | SIGNAL

School buildings like the Student Center have been active with their holiday decorations to encourage the Christmas Spirit.

Departments help out for the holidays

By CHELSIE ROHLEN Staff Writer The holidays are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, eat great food and raise our glasses to toast to the year. This time of year, we realize who and what we are thankful for and relish in the spirit of joy and togetherness. While the feeling is like no other, it’s important to spread the love in the community.

Fortunately, Georgia State is providing some opportunities to do so on campus. Programs are available for students to reach out to the 20 percent of children and 11 percent of seniors in Georgia who are living in poverty. Many departments are getting involved in holiday giving, including the Student Athletic Department, who have been participating in the Salvation Army ring the bell program, Toys for Tots, and are planning a trip to Scottish Rite later in the month.

There are many opportunities for students to join in on campus-wide altruism. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, the library on campus will have a food drive in conjunction with Atlanta Community Food Bank.

While the standard canned foods are fit, there are some foods that are most needed. The Atlanta Community Food Bank strives to provide nutritionallydense, high-protein food items to families in need.

Some of these foods include peanut butter, canned tuna, canned beans, canned soups, stews and pastas.

Other preferred food and drink items include 100 percent fruit juice, canned fruits and vegetables, macaroni and cheese dinners and whole grain, low sugar cereals.

Items should be dropped off on the first floor of Library North during the listed dates. Please contact Denita Hampton for more details on this food drive.

The Office of Civic Engagement is having a food drive as well, with drop off locations in Library North and South and the Student Center, all dry goods accepted. They also will be participating in the 28th Annual 11 Alive Holiday Can-A-Thon on Dec. 3. The Can-AThon is Atlanta’s largest televised one-day food drive, SEE HOLIDAYS, PAGE 18

18

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 | CAMPUS LIFE | THE SIGNAL

Five great nature escapes Students destress at Spotlight event

By BROOKE MARSHALL Staff Writer

This isn’t going to come as a shock to anyone who’s been stuck in traffic, lives next to a noisy road or has risked his or her life while crossing Peachtree Street to get to class, but living in the city is a huge cause of stress.

All the stresses of the city add up after a while. So what can you do?

Simple: Go for a walk in a natural environment. Studies have shown that even a 20-minute walk in a park or through the woods can drastically reduce stress levels.

Of course, for college students living and studying in a metropolis, this is easier said than done. Hurt Park isn’t exactly the Appalachian Trail, after all.

I therefore present to you a list of five gorgeous nearby nature escapes.

The best part? You can take MARTA to each and every one of them.

Lullwater Park 1463 Clifton Road NE Lullwater is an expansive, 185acre park on Emory University’s campus. If you stick to the beaten path, you’ll experience spacious running trails, a suspension bridge spanning Peachtree Creek and — no kidding — a castle.

The real beauty of the park is in the hidden trails. Keep your eyes open for narrow paths that wind through the woods and lead to cool places and puzzling artifacts.

To get there: Take the #6 to Clifton Rd. The main entrance is just after Haygood Dr. Old DeKalb Waterworks There are few things more evocative than walking down a set of railroad tracks, which is exactly what you’ll be doing to get to the Old DeKalb Waterworks. After maybe 15 minutes, you’ll see a trail that leads into the woods. This trail opens up to reveal what can only be described as an abandoned city.

Stairways rise up to nothing and nowhere, roofless walls surround dense forest growth and every inch of every surface is covered in graffiti.

The DeKalb Waterworks were shut down in the ‘50s and left to fall into disrepair. What’s left over is a

>> HOLIDAYS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 and benefits the Salvation Army by stocking six Atlanta-area food pantries. Volunteers are needed to staff the Can-A-Thon locations by helping unload and sort donated food items.

To volunteer, contact Sarah Clem at sarah_clem@uss.salvationarmy.org.

The Office of Civic Engagement will also be planting over 400 trees in West End on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Maya at maya@treesatlanta.org for volunteer information.

If you have extra books lying around or would like to donate the

poignant testament to the power of nature to reclaim even the sturdiest of structures.

To get there: Take the #19 and get off at Desmond Dr. Walk through the parking lot of the apartment building on the left, hop the wall, follow the path through the bushes, and take a right on the railroad tracks.

Boat Rock Preserve 1220 Boat Rock Rd. SW Southwest Atlanta isn’t the kind of place you’d expect to find great rock-climbing, but Boat Rock will prove you wrong. The nature preserve is home to dozens of granite boulders for people of all climbing abilities.

Experienced climbers can test their mettle on Spider-Man or Paint Can, while novices can walk up some of the easier rocks or just wander around the sprawling patch of woods.

To get there: Take the #73 and get off at Boat Rock Rd., just before Baker’s Ferry Rd. Keep walking for a few minutes, and Boat Rock Preserve will be on your right.

Lake Claire Land Trust 280 Arizona Ave. On this scrubby, uncultivated tract of land, you can see hippies working in a community garden, pet friendly dogs running free along mulched paths and chill out with the resident emu. You can also play on a beautifully painted disc swing, climb a tree or just sit and enjoy the sunshine.

To get there: Get off at Candler Park Station, turn right on Oakdale Rd., right on McClendon Ave., right on Arizona Ave., and then follow Arizona to the end.

Hahn Woods 866 Houston Mill Rd. NE This lovely stand of woods actually borders Lullwater, and it’s easy to visit both in the same day. Walk along the wide paths through a lush forest, enjoy the burbling of Peachtree Creek and check out the remains of the old gristmill. One of the old pieces of machinery looks just like Darth Vader’s helmet.

To get there: Take the #6 and get off at Clifton Rd. and Howell Mill Rd. Walk down Howell Mill and Hahn Woods will be on your left.

gift of education, the Student Government Association is partnering up with World Book Drive to donate books to children in Africa. Books can be dropped off now in the University Center and Student Center, and beginning soon they can be dropped off in Aderhold, the Commons, and the General Classroom Building. The drive begins now and will continue into next semester, all books accepted.

Even if holiday loving isn’t your thing, consider Booker T. Washington’s words: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Your community is the perfect place to start.

By MICHAEL MESSING Staff Writer and SHEENA ROETMAN Editor in Chief On Tuesday, Nov. 30, Spotlight Programs Board put on their “Finals Break: Stress Free Zone” program, which had everything a stressed and overworked college student might need to prepare for finals week.

There was free food, entertainment provided by Dad’s Garage, a local improv group, and even free massages.

Spolight homecoming committee member Lauran Wilkerson said, “They really tried to cater towards making sure students were relaxed going into finals, and I especially liked the food.”

Although the weather was dreary, to say the least, students still turned out to be pampered, courtesy of Georgia State and Spotlight.

Just 15 years ago, Dad’s Garage was a small, volunteer-led organization. It has since grown into a thriving theater outlet that entertains 30,000 people a year at their two-theater facility in Inman Park, as well as public events around the state and at improv festivals across the continent.

“I think that Dad’s Garage was awesome. They are fun to see perform. I have seen them before, and I thought they were entertaining then

SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD

Students enjoyed massages at Spotlight’s “Finals Break” program.

as well,” marketing major Jasmine Bond said.

Spotlight Programs Board is a well-known organization at Georgia State, putting on entertaining programs multiple times throughout the school year.

Surrounding Georgia State’s first fall homecoming, Spotlight helped with the “I Love the 90s” Panther Prowl, as well as a Georgia State vs. Alabama game-viewing party, held for those students not lucky enough to travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to see the Panthers score

against the Crimson Tide, defending national champions.

Too often students get caught up in schoolwork and don’t get enough personal time. With thier programs, Spotlight gives students the chance to take a load off and enjoy some freedom from their schoolwork for no cost, which is especially valuable to students this time of year.

To learn more about Spotlight Programs and their future events, visit their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/GSUSpotlight.

19

THE SIGNAL | CAMPUS LIFE | TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010

Campus Events TUESDAY, DEC. 7 Special Collections Department

The Special Collections and Archives of the Georgia State University Library collect and preserve unique and rare historical materials in selected subject areas.

Special Collections & Archives Reading Room // 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Annual Nonprofit Issues Forum on Governance KAYLA RAND | SIGNAL

Grace Lee (far left) stands with her fellow students as they prepare for their trip to China this winter.

Student leader seizes new opportunities

By JILLANA JONES Staff Writer and SHEENA ROETMAN Editor in Chief Junior public policy major Grace Lee has chosen to spend part of her winter break across the world with the Business Chinese in Global Context study abroad program.

This short-term trip, occurring during the later half of the upcoming winter break, was a convenient opportunity for Lee. “[Going abroad] during the summer time hinders me from being at work and other school obligations, so it was perfect timing for me,” Lee said.

Inspiring two of her friends to go as well, Lee will be accompanied by some familiar faces on her first trip to China.

Lee chose China for reasons that will aid her future aspirations.

“I thought it would be good because I want to go into international affairs and learning how they operate businesses will be good,” Lee said. “I want to be an international diplomat

in the future, so getting that contact from the business internship will also be beneficial.”

Students will be studying Mandarin while immersed in an environment where they can practice everyday in real life situations.

Even though the trip takes place over the winter break, students had to register for CHIN 3395 for spring 2011 semester and will gain three credit hours after completion. .

In order to be eligible, students were required to be attending school full-time, be in good academic standing and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

The total group of 13 will leave Dec. 27 and return on Jan. 8. They will spend their time in two thrilling cities: Beijing and Harbin.

Beijing, the capital of China, hosts the offices of a number of Fortune 500 companies. While there, students will study at Beijing Language and Culture University.

Harbin, the capital of the Heilongjiang Province, is famous for its snow and ice sculpture festivals every winter. It is the largest metropolitan city in northeast China. There,

students will study at Harbin Normal University.

Not only will students get to learn the ins and outs of the Chinese business world, but they will get to learn about traditional Chinese culture by studying calligraphy, kung fu, tai chi and paper cutting.

The group will also visit famous sites like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.

This trip is one of the less expensive study abroad programs at Georgia State. Students going only have to cover airfare, some meals and regular Georgia State tuition and fees. The Georgia State Confucius Institute covers the remaining costs, like lodging and transportation while in China.

“It’s really affordable actually, all I’m paying out of pocket is about $2,000, which is great,” Lee said.

Students wanting to learn more about future studying abroad opportunities can go to www.gsu.edu/ studyabroad.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 Wellness Wednesdays

This program will help you take a comprehensive wellness assessment to find out about your wellness strengths and weaknesses.

HR Conference room, Basement, One Park Place // 12-1:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9 Lecture Series presents Dr. Rebecca Marcon, University of North Florida

Language & Literacy Distinguished Lecture Series on “Help the Teacher, Help the Child: Supporting Young Children’s Language and Early Literacy Development in High-Need Communities” Room 1199, Urban Life Building // 1 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 The 39th Annual Holiday Iron Pour and Silent Auction Edgewood Sculpture Studios // 2-9 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 13 A&S Recognition Celebrations for Graduating Bachelors and Masters Students Student Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 14

Senior makes big break as new Fantana

College of Education Fall Convocation Westin Peachtree Plaza // 4:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15 College of Education Fall Convocation Westin Peachtree Plaza // 4:00 p.m.

By ANGEL R. WHITE Associate Campus Life Editor Earlier this year, the Fantanas hosted a nationwide search for a fourth addition to the Fanta crew.

She would need to be energetic, fun and have a special liking for the pineapple-flavored soda. Who would have known a sweet girl from Baton Rouge, L.A. would be chosen to represent that the fourth spot.

Brittany Hampton, a senior at Georgia State majoring in journalism, was recently selected as the fourth Fantana.

“I never thought they would pick me, but I always keep working hard because I didn’t want to underestimate myself,” Hampton said.

Growing up, Hampton always aspired to be an actress and she felt this would be a great opportunity to get closer to her aspirations.

Our keynote speaker Elizabeth Kiss, the President of Agnes Scott College, will discuss the topic of Ethics and Nonprofit Governance with a panel of distinguished leaders in the public and private sector Room 749, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies // 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

THURSDAY, DEC. 16 COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES

Brittany Hampton was recently named the fourth Fantana.

“This opportunity will definitely open up more doors for acting,” Hampton said.

Hampton’s story as the newest Fantana was featured on MTV, which covered her road to being the next face of the pineapple Fanta.

Shooting for her commercials will begin in 2011.

Aside from being the pineapple Fantana, Hampton is also heavily involved on her campus and in her community. She is a member of the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ), Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha So-

rority, Inc. She has also volunteered with numerous organizations within the local community.

After she graduates, she plans on moving to Los Angeles to pursue her career as an actress.

When asked what the future holds for her, Hampton said, “You can look for me in future Fanta commercials, on the [Fanta] bottles, and hopefully, I’ll have more success in the near future.”

To find out more information on Hampton’s story as the newest Fantana, feel free to visit www.fanta.com/ the-fantanas.

AYS Fall Graduate Recognition Ceremony Student Center Ballroom // 4-8 p.m.

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

s ’ t a h W ing n e p p Ha pus! m a C on

d by es e t r o p p Su tivity Fe Ac Student

Alton Brown

Fo r me F.W. de K Du r i ng r S o u t h Af r i l e r k ca D i sm a n t l i ng o n Pre s ide n t f Ap a r t h e id

Food Net work Star and Host of “Good Eats”

Give Us Your Ideas for Upcoming Events

Want your voice to future concerts an be heard about A survey by Spotlig d comedic acts? and Campus Eventsht Programs Board Monday, December will be available opinions and suggest6, to collect your e-mail or visit the S ions. Check your www.gsu.edu/spotlig potlight website at ht for a survey link .

An Afternoon with Alton Brown Tuesday, Febru ary 8, 3

p.m.

For details,SvitusidtewntwCenter Ballroom w.gsu.edu/student

events

D R A O B S M T PROGRA osition

H G I L T O P S

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B c p I s 0 m n 3 : o a 7 r Pantherasy, January 27, ith Spotlight Prnotgs will receive afrteion Desk on Thursd night away w500 GSU stude Center Informnt Center and e e Skate icthPark! The firlest at the Studuenntfrom the Stud Olymp will be availab Shuttles will r which , January 14. ing at 7 p.m. at 404/413-1610.

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T S E F E N I C

Bridging the Gap: Globa WithoutlizIasotlaiotnion

by F.W. de Klerk Thursday, F

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13 6 r e b Decem ., 7 p.m., 9 .m. .m p 5 ., .m p ., 1 p.m., 3 ., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p .m a 11 : y a rid p.m Monday - F turday - Sunday: 1 Sa for ws free All sho e University Stat s Georgia ith ID. Guest w s t studen fore 5 p.m. $3 be p.m. after 5 ion, and $5 at m re infor For mo du/cinefest. .e visit gsu

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SAVE THE DATE! GSU Night at the Aquarium .

Friday, February 18, 6 p.m. -me11 p.m Friends and family welco .

Tickets go on sale early in spring semester.

REMINDER Clean Out Your Lo cker!

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eadline locks from locketro remove all items and Student•Univers s rented through the December 14. Anityy Center is Tuesday, lockers after th items remaining in is date will be dis NO EXCEPTIONS! carded.

Spring locker ren tals January 5, 20w11. ill begin