The Signal Vol. 82 No. 27

The Neighborhood

VOL. 82 | NO. 27

GUIDE V part

APRIL 14 - APRIL 20, 2015

With a neighborhood that hosts an art stroll displaying various masterpieces every month, Castleberry Hill is one of Atlanta’s most historic art districts. Flip inside to get a little more intimate with this area.

Castleberry hill

ARTS & LIVING | PAGES 11 - 18 PHOTO BY BRITTANY GUERIN | THE SIGNAL

Guests of the Castleberry Art Stroll, hosted every second Friday, observe art from the many galleries located in Castleberry Hill.

2015 SGA ELECTION results are in!

Read more on page 3 to find out who your next representatives are.

Inside like us! facebook.com/gsusignal

follow us! twitter.com/gsusignal

what a year it was

Impeding Expansion

You still have time!

Free Earl!

Winding down for the year?

The Signal’s bringing you the top 10 iconic things to do before graduation!

Earl Sweatshirts’s new album, “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside” makes a strong case for best hip-hop album.

From buzzer-beaters to shocking losses, 2014 15 was a noteworthy year for Georgia State sports.

News | Page 4

Opinions| Page 8

A&L | page 17

Sports | page 20

After an Atlanta BeltLine bill passed, homeowners say their privacy and well-being could be compromised.

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 2

Opinions 7

Arts & Living 11

Sports 19

2

NEWS

blotter

3.

April 4 The bathroom is

1.

literally inside Langdale Hall

One of two individuals in a parked vehicle was found urinating on a wall by a Georgia State officer.

The individual was advised to find a bathroom after attempting to empty a cup that he admitted to urinating in. A criminal history check confirmed that the individual had an active warrant in Douglas County. He was arrested and transported to Fulton County Jail.

April 6 The difference

2.

between a man and a boy Muse’s Building

A Georgia State student filed a report on her ex-boyfriend who has been coming to her residence unannounced and attempting to make contact by phone. The student said she has told her ex-boyfriend to stop making contact and that he has not complied. The case has been handed over to the Investigations Division.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

April 7

5.

Sun’s out, guns out Woodruff Park

A Georgia State officer found a woman walking wearing little clothing and making random statements. The female was reported to be noncompliant and did not answer the officer’s questions. The woman was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital by emergency medical services for a mental evaluation.

4.

4.

April 7 Crying wolf or not?

2.

University Commons

A Georgia State student filed a report that her two roommates had assaulted her. Both of the roommates denied the accusation.

The case has been turned over to the Investigations Division.

3.

Harrassment

April 9 game of Cops 5. Best and Robbers ever

1.

Peachtree Street

A vehicle with four unidentified men in it was observed to be driving recklessly by a Georgia State officer. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled from the traffic stop. A witness pointed the officer towards three of the individuals running from inside the car after it had been parked. The three were apprehended and have been transported to Fulton County Jail.

Public Indecency Reckless Driving Assault

Photo of the week PHOTO BY RALPH HERNANDEZ | THE SIGNAL A chef at The Spinning Pie (aka “Spin”) restaurant in Castleberry Hill tosses a pizza in front of customers. Various specialty pizzas like the Caribbean Jerk Chicken pizza are offered at Spin.

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NEWS

SGA’s 2015 election ends sweeping run for Team IMPACT

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

Here is a complete list of those who won in the 2015 SGA Election:

For three years in a row, Team IMPACT has filled 100 percent of the executive branch slots. This year, one slot was not claimed by a Team IMPACT member.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

PHOTO BY NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL

SGA Election Commission Chairperson Nyomi Haynes announces the winning candidates for the 2015 SGA Election at the Library Plaza Monday, April 13.

SEAN KEENAN

Associate News Editor

T

eam IMPACT, a student comprised political group, rocked the vote by securing a win for nearly every position in the 2015 SGA Elections.

As this election season drew to a close, at least one vote was reeled in by each of the four unopposed executive candidates as the polls tallied 580 votes in total, according to SGA Election Commission Chairperson Nyomi Haynes.

Rather than congregating at the polls, students visited the website OrgSync to cast their votes this year. The voting site also displayed a description of each candidate in 75 words or less.

However, the new polling software suffered a few technical glitches which prevented some students from voting. The voting period was extended a few hours to compensate for the issues, according to Parra.

“Voting [was] extended until 10 a.m.,” he said. “We [had] been hearing of students having problems logging on to vote.”

Despite technical glitches, the new SGA members were announced as scheduled at the Library Plaza on April 13 at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Uncontested wins placed Sebastian Parra, former executive vice president (EVP) in the presidential chair with Teara Mayfield as EVP. Unopposed IMPACT team members David Jackson and Hannah Grant will adopt roles as the vice president of Academic Affairs and vice president of Public Relations, respectively.

Grant said she is appreciative of the her new position but regrets there was no one to run against.

“I’m a bit frustrated about not having competition,” she said. “I’m grateful, but I’d like to feel like I won something.”

Corey Sams clinched the spot of VP of Student Life, and Fortune Onwuzuruike claimed the Student Services chair.

Despite being under investigation for misleading campaign flyers (see page 6 for details), Tobi Soyebo beat out Johnathanjoe Mejica for the VP position of Budget and Finance. Soyebo is the first non-IMPACT affiliated winner for the executive board in three years.

VP of Academic Services Jackson said Team IMPACT has been sweeping the polls since its 2012 inception.

“Team IMPACT was formed after a passionate group of students decided they wanted to bring a real change to their campus — an impact,” he said. “The team was so dedicated they enjoyed a 100 percent success rate that year and every year since.”

Despite being formed around an acronym-based platform shared by all of its members, Team IMPACT is not a political party, but rather a group of like minded individuals with a wide variety of beliefs, according to Parra.

“It’s not a political party as [political parties] are defined by specific ideals that you never stray from,” he said. “Team IMPACT is people that know each other and cooperate well together...There is no application. It’s word of mouth. If you know people, you get in and anyone can join. We [share] a feeling of what is realistic and unrealistic [for the university].”

The effects of Team IMPACT Parra said, together, the team has led SGA to an array of legislative success.

“Our biggest impact has been [the implementation of ] Organizations United (OU),” he said.

“Last year we had $190,000 left over. So we allowed campus organization groups to apply for $5,000 grants.”

Former SGA President Lanier Henson said this initiative has provided aid to various campus organizations while encouraging them to intertwine with one another.

“Through the allocation of these funds, we were able to help fund 13 campus-wide events hosted through the collaboration of more than 45 different student organizations and departments,” he said. “These campus wide collaborations are how we, as the Panther Family, are able to truly take advantage of and embrace the diversity which is Georgia State University.”

Jackson said he believes the most pivotal motion by SGA this year was the amending of their government texts in an effort to better manage power.

“The largest impact made by student government this year was the revision of [SGA] constitution and bylaws,” he said. “The revisions will allow student government to operate in a responsible and efficient manner.”

Parra said the changes will bump up the candidates responsibilities in order to apply a system of checks and balances.

“We made it so that one third of the stipend is contingent upon completion of your office hours, one third is contingent upon your attendance at SGA meetings and the last third [depends on] your performance as an official,” he said.

Grant served her last term as SGA senate clerk and said she is proud of the open dining hall legislation that she supported towards ratification.

“I’m really excited about the food legislation we passed for Dahlberg Hall,” she said. “Students can now feel free to bring in outside food.”

Transparency and student services In an effort to embrace a broad spectrum of beliefs and opinions, Parra said SGA has been reaching out to various university faculties for input.

“What I did this year was invite housing and facilities persons to our town hall meeting on gender neutral housing,” he said. “We need to make sure cooperation is implemented in our community.”

Grant said SGA needs to emphasize to students the accessibility of student government and the scholastic offerings around campus in order to fulfill the T in IMPACT, which means “Transforming student services.”

“Transforming student services will entail finding ways to ensure university resources are being utilized and recognized by the student body,” she said.

Students are encouraged to attend SGA meetings and events to put forth their perspective regarding Georgia State matters, according to Grant.

“We appreciate students coming to meetings,” she said. “We’re always trying to increase student involvement.”

Parra said SGA has not always been promptly accessible, but he intends to ensure absolute transparency with student media during the coming term.

“We must maintain a respectful relationship between the The Signal and SGA as we’re both very busy organizations,” he said.

He said SGA could introduce weekly interviews to keep their social network up to speed with student government activity.

“All VPs have office hours, but I think we could also add 30 minutes a week to schedule interviews to inform the press of any developments, [to] keep you informed.”

President & Executive Vice: President Sebastian Parra & Teara Mayfield Vice President for Academic Affairs: David Jackson, Jr. Vice President for Budget and Finance Tobi Soyebo Vice President for Public Relations: Hannah Grant Vice President for Student Life: Corey Sams Vice President for Student Services: Fortune Onwuzuruike

SENATORS College of Arts and Sciences Alexis Albertie Tommy Her Blessing Akomas Justin Jones Justin Brightharp Maggie Kong Louis Craven Toni Le Hilda Dwumfuor Anthony Nguyen Juan Galvis Karla Sandoval Corey Gray Joshua Scales Shamari Southwell Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Nicholas Smith [Vacant] College of Education Alexsandra Diaz Kevin Martinez Jazmin Carr College of Law Quinn Kane [Vacant] Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing & Health Professions Erika Carmona Ama Kessie J. Mack Robinson College of Business Juan David Ruiz Barrera Gelila Kebede Carolina Blanco Yann Mondon Daniel Duhart Michael Murray Devin Griggs Noel Salaices School of Public Health [Vacant] [Vacant]

4

NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

City

Atlanta BeltLine reaches borders Student homeowners say Atlanta BeltLine developments intrude upon their property

Mark Ruddell Jr. says his home (shown above) is in jeopardy because of the expansion and of the Atlanta BeltLine.

MIRANDA HAWKINS Staff Reporter

H

omeowners say the Atlanta BeltLine’s expansion could encroach on some Georgia State students’ privacy, property taxes, and safety since Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) was passed, which grants the BeltLine access to alternate means of funding.

Georgia State student Mark Rudell Jr. bought his home near the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail near Krog Street Market a year ago. He was shocked to find four surveyors spraying a 20-yard long chalk line up his backyard to his back porch earlier this year.

“When I asked what it was for, they said it was the BeltLine expansion development,” he said.

Rudell also said when he inquired further, the surveyors would not elaborate.

CEO and President of the BeltLine Paul Morris said project proposals for the Eastside development of the BeltLine will begin this month with construction to start in June.

“We are getting ready to start an extension on the Eastside,” he said.

“The current trail ends at Irwin Street, which is right near Krog Street Market, and the next segment will go about a mile and a quarter south of that through a slightly meandering route connecting Memorial Drive.”

When purchasing the property, Rudell said he had no prior knowledge of it being a site for future BeltLine expansion.

However, Morris said the public is informed of location for all upcoming expansion.

“Everybody knows that. They know when they buy on the BeltLine

that they’re buying into a more valuable place. That’s why they choose to move there,” he said.

Rudell said his reason for purchasing the property was for privacy.

“It was so nice, and there wasn’t a neighbor to the rear of me because of the empty train tracks,” he said.

With the expansion to launch in the upcoming year, Rudell said his feelings of living near the BeltLine have changed.

“I use to like the concept, but now there’s so much traffic, and especially now that it’s connecting so many neighborhoods, it could pose somewhat of an issue,” he said.

The fear of relinquishing his privacy and possibly his land has prompted Rudell to consider relocating.

“I honestly think I’m going to sell it. I planned on living in that house for a while, but if I lose the whole backyard, that’s the reason I bought the house,” he said. “If they develop that into any kind of retail or developed area of the BeltLine, I wouldn’t want to live there anymore.”

Residents speak out Georgia State student, wife and mother Soli Nicolson lives on the Westside Trail of the BeltLine, which is currently under construction.

She said she is concerned about the repercussions of expansion for current residents.

“Most of the people who live in this neighborhood are either retired or on a fixed income,” she said. “For working families like myself, you know, I’m a mom and I go to school — most of us are on fixed incomes.

I work part-time. My husband is an artist. He has his own business. We’re making it, but it’s not easy.”

Nicolson said she talked to Na-

than Soldat, BeltLine Community Engagement advocate, regarding her apprehensions about property taxes.

“I said, ‘I’m a little bit concerned about safety, but I’m also concerned about the property values going up.

You know, the cost of the property going up.’ And he said, ‘Oh you know, it’s not going to be that significant, but it will go up.’ And I said, ‘But significant to whom?’ and I definitely offended him,” she said.

Morris said one-third of the BeltLine’s funding comes from heightened property taxes.

“So we get about a third of our money through what is called the tax allocation district, which is a somewhat complicated revenue stream that essentially allows us to claim increases in property taxes and slide that and allocate that over to us,” he said.

Morris explained how the system works in relation to the value of the property.

“Say you own a home and you pay $100 in property taxes and we build this project and suddenly your taxes go up. Why would they go up? Because your value went up, because you’re now next to this amenity that your house is worth more. So it goes up to $110. We get to take the $10,” he said.

However, Nicolson said property taxes should be taken into consideration because of the effect it has on residents.

“So if you raise the property taxes, regardless of whether you’re renting or paying a mortgage, it’s going to affect you when the prices go up on the property,” she said. “The landlords aren’t going to want to pay that additional amount of money. It has to be compensated somewhere.”

Nicolson also mirrored Rudell’s reservations about the increased foot-

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL traffic and safety.

“When you live an area like this, you don’t want to have a lot of foot traffic right by your house,” she said.

“It’s not the safest neighborhood. So it kind of concerns me that there will be some people that do want to use the BeltLine, and they do want to have some kind of recreational access where they live with their families.”

Nicolson said if not for a class taken, she would have been unaware of the what was going on with the BeltLine expansion.

“I feel like the community on the Westside — I haven’t felt like we’ve been well informed,” she said. “Honestly, if I hadn’t taken this class, I probably wouldn’t have known the logistics myself. They don’t put any information out, you know. They block stuff a lot due to construction but they don’t really explain it.”

SB 4 aka the“BeltLine Bill” As for the BeltLine, the possibility of it slowing expansion is slim. With the House and Senate passing the SB 4 April 2, the BeltLine now has access to secure funds through partnering with private sectors, according to Morris.

“What it does is it allows us to have a slightly larger set of tools and methods to procure help to build faster and potentially cheaper. And the way to do that is by partnering with the private sector ahead of time,” Morris said. “Prior to this bill we weren’t allowed to do that, and we’re the only entity in the city that will have the authority to do that.”

Morris said funding for the BeltLine must be obtained from outside sources since the BeltLine is a separate entity from the city.

“We’re not the city. We’re a private corporation. [And a Georgia

non-profit.] We have no natural revenue stream. One hundred percent of our money comes from elsewhere,” he said. “Our money comes from the tax allocation district, through grants, and through private donors. All of our money. So we are always in fundraising mode.”

The majority of the funds are not secured until after construction is completed. However, SB 4 would enable the BeltLine to secure funds beforehand, according to Morris.

“We can actually go to the private sector to help finance it. So if we don’t have all the money today and we don’t want to wait five years to build it, but we know the money will come over five years, we can go to the private sector and say we not only want you to design, build, operate, and maintain it for us, but we actually want you to finance it for us,” he said.

With opportunity for quicker expansion, Morris said the impact it has on residents is taken into consideration. “[We’re] kind of paying attention to the residents who are potentially the hardest impacted and finding ways for them to be able to stay in the neighborhood and benefit from what’s all happening,” he said.

Communications and Media Relations Director Ericka Davis said the BeltLine is expanding for the best interest of the people.

“There’s a great deal of humanity in what we do. We want the Beltline to be something that we’re doing with the people, not something that’s happening to them,” she said.

Rudell said he disagrees.

“We all enjoy our backyard spaces. My neighbors have a gazebo and I always have my hammock up and stuff so it’s going to be pretty lame if they come through and destroy all that,” he said.

5

NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

City

Atlanta Streetcar rides free for the remainder of 2015 CLAIR IRVIN Staff Reporter

E

ven though the Atlanta Streetcar is set to be free for the rest of the year, riders can expect to pay a fare in the future, according to the Streetcar’s Director of Marketing and Communication Scheree Rawles.

Rawles said the streetcar became free for the remainder of the year to help Atlanta residents become more accustomed to using the system and the streetcar’s fare collection system, which is similar to MARTA Breeze Card reloading stations.

“The fare collection system should be easy for commuters and visitors, and in this case, we can do better,” she said. “We want the Atlanta Streetcar to be a habit for Atlanta’s residents and visitors, and streamlining the fare process will benefit our riders.”

She didn’t comment on when rides will be charged but she said a fare will help fund the streetcar.

“The fare has been set at $1 since the streetcar’s inception, as we receive no funds from the general fund of the city budget,” she said.

In the meantime, the financial implications of free rides will be resolved, according to Rawles.

“The original budget projected $304,000 in ticket revenue,” she said.

“Private, philanthropic support and operational savings will offset these funds.”

However, representatives of the Atlanta Streetcar are unsure if they will receive private and philanthropic support, according to Rawles.

“I am not sure about the private and philanthropic support at this time, we are still working to make that happen through outreach,” she said. “That will be announced at a later date.”

Although Atlanta Streetcar representatives are attempting to expand outreach, some Georgia State students feel the streetcar will not be helpful.

Taylor Dials, a Georgia State film student, said she thinks the streetcar isn’t useful and that free rides wouldn’t make a difference in student’s lives.

“I think it’s great but I think the streetcar [is] pointless. It doesn’t go far enough,” she said.

The streetcar will expand to connect to the King Historic District, along the Eastern and Western lines

“

Businesses ... have reported experiencing between 20 to 40 percent increase in revenue since the Atlanta Streetcar began operations.”

- Scheree Rawles, Atlanta Streetcar Director of Marketing and Communication

of the Atlanta Beltline, and Centennial Olympic Park, according to Rawles.

Other students feel the streetcar is personally beneficial, but only so long as rides are free. Katie Greene, a Georgia State art student, said she doesn’t use the streetcar but is hopeful in its development.

“I took the streetcar once because it was free and I figured, why not?” she said. “Don’t know if I will need to ride it again since most of where it goes is walking distance. But maybe tourists will still pay for it.”

Georgia State political science student Clarissia Bourdeau said the free rides are a beneficial de-

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL After 2015, when the streetcar is no longer free, patrons will have to pay $1 for a one-way trip. velopment.

“It’s an efficient way to get to places and it’s a nice touch [the free rides],” she said. “Thank Georgia State for being in a great location.”

The streetcar provides a transportation option to tourists visiting different attractions in downtown Atlanta, according to Rawles.

She also said the streetcar has brought benefits to the city and local businesses.

“Businesses along the route have reported experiencing between 20 to 40 percent increase in revenue since the Atlanta Streetcar began operations,” she said.“That’s $840 million by year’s end.”

6

NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Student Government

Newly elected SGA official reprimanded for misleading campaign poster LAUREN BOOKER News Editor

T

obi Soyebo was named SGA VP of Budget & Finance during the election results event on April 13 despite being reprimanded for his misleading campaign poster, according to Nyomi Haynes, SGA Election Commission’s chairperson.

The campaign poster broadcasted on Soyebo’s social media page claimed that he had experience handling over $3 million in budget based on SGA’s budget committee, student activity fee and diversity fee.

Haynes said the board conducted hearings and investigations with Soyebo, resulting in reprimands.

However, she said she will not disclose the details of the consequences although there are no rules preventing her from doing so.

“There is currently no specific rule. However, it is in our power and up to our discretion whether or not we choose to share that information with people outside of the board and the candidate,” she said. “And we decided for the sake of discussion we rather not especially since it it was a simple infraction.”

Haynes said the SGA election commission strives to be transparent with the public, and the commission will continue deciding what information will be shared with the public.

last week Local

Dog on the run from police

A small Yorkshire terrier named Rogue has been on the run the from Gwinnett County’s Sheriff ’s Office since February, according to The Atlanta JournalConstitution. Earlier this year, Rogue was preparing for Operation Second Chance, which is a program where she would be assigned as a pet to an inmate in a local jail. However, she escaped while being walked by a volunteer in Jordan Park. As of April 8, Rogue is still loose in the parks and alcoves of downtown Lawrenceville.

National

Donor anonymously pays for 3-year-old’s surgery

An anonymous donor paid for 3-year-old Kaitlin Nguyen to have

“But again, unless we were going to remove the candidate from the ballot, and they did something of serious consequence, it is up to that commission’s discretion,” she said.

For this election season, SGA candidates did not have to seek approval for materials before posting campaign materials, but a forum was created where candidates could submit materials, according to Haynes.

Starting next election season, she said all materials will need to be approved before being viewed by the public due to changes to the bylines, which was proposed around March.

The poster has since been deleted from Soyebo’s social media page. Soyebo declined to provide a comment in regards to his campaign poster, but he said he understands he made an error.

“You can simply put it as I made a mistake, and I am now I am taking responsibility for my actions,” he said.

Soyebo also said he feels like he was a qualified candidate and was excited to run. With his new position, he said he wants to ensure that he accomplishes his platform’s goals.

“I did my due diligence with campaigning, and I am proud that my Georgia State students chose me,” he said. “[I will be] making sure there are more organizations applying for cosponsorships. Also, I would like to make sure there is a smarter way to track expenditures to just make sure that you actually see the impact of every dollar that’s being spent.” a corrective surgery, according to The Huffington Post on April 8.

Nguyen’s family wanted the surgery to be performed to correct a lymphatic malformation that made it difficult for her to eat and drink. However, they were unable to pay for the surgery. Dr. Gregory Levitin, director of the Vascular Birthmark Center at Mount Sinai Roosevelt in New York, performed the surgery and said the mystery donor previously helped pay for a man’s surgery to remove a birthmark. The surgery was successful and Nguyen’s family told ABC News they are grateful for the donor’s contribution.

Global

Cape Town university agrees to remove colonial statue

The University of Cape Town (UCT) voted for the removal of a campus statue of 19th century British colonialist Cecil Rhodes, according to The BBC on April 8.

The vote was made in reaction to students protesting and vandalizing the statue and other colonial monuments. The protests engendered backlash from some white South Africans who defended the presence of the statues by citing how the monuments are part of their heritage. UTC’s council said they will remove the statue.

SGA to push for internships by Fall 2015 MARLEE ARCHER Staff Reporter

B

eginning next fall, Georgia State students could have the opportunity to intern for the university’s Student Government Association (SGA).

Newly elected SGA Vice President of Public Relations Hannah Grant plans to implement various marketing internships for the encouragement of student involvement in the SGA process.

Internships would be available to students regardless of major and can be focused in different areas within SGA, according to Grant.

“These students will be able to serve as the official photographer, graphic designer or social media or marketing liaison for SGA,” she said.

She also said internships will give SGA quality work for marketing materials and students contracted pieces for their resume, according to Grant.

“I’m very excited about opening up opportunities like this for students and creating an awesome team to ensure that all students know about the services and opportunities SGA can provide,” she said.

Applicants will be required to have a 2.5 GPA and good standing with the university to be considered for the internships, according to Grant.

She said SGA’s Executive Board will largely be responsible for the selection process, and SGA’s advisor Boyd Beckwith will also assist.

“As the interns will be directly under me, I will have a large say as well,” she said. “The selection process will most likely be a written application potentially followed by an interview.”

Grant also said she plans on requiring applicants to submit previous works, such as portfolios or published works to exemplify their experience.

However, due to budget restrictions, internships will be unpaid and student will not be given college credit, according to Grant.

“We won’t be able to offer college credit. Unfortunately, we do not have the authority to do that,” she said. “But selected interns will be allowed all privileges of the Student Government Association and a great experience.”

John Hendry, a Georgia State Human Communication graduate student, said the inability to receive pay or college credit is unappealing, but he believes this will be an exciting opportunity for driven students.

“I feel like it will be helpful for people who want to be in SGA, so that when they start, they will already be familiar with the systems, processes and people,” he said.

Ruth Anderson, Ph.D. candidate in the Communication Department, said the program has

the potential to bridge the gap between the student body and student government.

“I think it’s a good idea, not just from the viewpoint of heightening the profile of SGA, but also to facilitate active interface between SGA and the student body,” she said. “It will also give students a great opportunity to become aware of the role and function of the political processes.”

The internships will be an ideal opportunity for students to showcase their abilities, while giving back to the university’s student population, according to Grant.

“Sometimes SGA is intimidating, or doesn’t appeal to everyone because of the political connotations,” she said. “But essentially, I want to allow everyone to the opportunity to serve the student body in a way that best fits their talents.”

Grant also said she hopes students involved with the internship program will develop a similar passion for the organization like she said she possesses.

“I want all students to have the same love for SGA that I do, and I hope that by getting them involved and making them realize their voices are heard, I can do just that,” she said.

Additional information about the internships and application deadlines will be released around September, according to Grant.

Go West this Summer.

You are going places. And UWG can help you get there faster.

Earn credits over the summer break by signing up for any of our summer sessions.

Enrolling over the summer can boost your GPA, allow you to graduate early, or let you focus on that tough class without distractions.

Whether you’re a current UWG undergraduate or graduate, or returning home to Carrollton from another university for the season, join us for an unforgettable summer experience!

Find out more at westga.edu/summer.

Go West. It changes everything.

OPINIONS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Above all, food on campus should be healthy Why variety isn’t as important as functionality when it comes to meals

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JOHN MILLER Columnist

John is an English major with a concentration in Literature. He spends his time cooking, reading, writing and watching movies. Mostly watching movies.

Tweet him @johnmillerdavid1

DOLLARS & SENSE WITH MITCH

ood on campus serves a very specific purpose by providing students with cheap and affordable sustenance to get them through the day without too much hunger or spending too much money.

One noticeable trend in students’ preferences for food on campus is that students’ choice of food falls overwhelmingly between two predominant types: Heavy American fast food and various types of Eastern food.

This is probably a result of the larger trends in Eastern and Western foods in general.

Americans are often criticized for preferring hefty servings of fatty foods, like potatoes and large portions of meat such as hamburgers and steak. Eastern stereotypes vary but are often (not always) lighter and healthier than Western food, and consist of foods like rice, noodles and fish.

Taking this into consideration, it follows that students might make food decisions based not on what country their food comes from but how it satisfies their appetite and keeps them active.

Looking at an establishment like Saxby’s in the Georgia State library, one can see that it’s predominantly Western food. However, like many other coffee shops such as Starbucks,

Mitch is a senior finance major and student financial advisor. “My goal is to have more college students financially literate.”

Tweet him @madmoneyatl

the types of food generally served are on the healthier side.

So one can see that the difference in food is not “West vs. East” but rather “heavy vs. light.” I doubt too many students are finicky enough to really care what country their food is coming from, but at the same time, if they want something quick and light before class, they have little patience for a Philly cheese-steak.

Though this is at least my own personal experience of food on campus, The Student Government Association (SGA) and the International Student Association’s Council (ISAC) seemed to conceptualize the difference as a cultural one.

In February, SGA motioned to allow non-catering companies to sell food during campus events through a measure called Resolution 1501.

The idea behind it was to allow “multicultural food” to be sold during campus events, thereby strength-

ening the sense of inclusiveness and multiculturalism.

In the case of SGA and ISAC’s campus events, food takes on a new light and can be an expression of multiculturalism and what many vaguely refer to as “diversity.”

However, private and social events have a different ethos from the day-to-day goings on of campus life, so the presentation of food will hold different meanings.

In the case of a private banquet or dinner, presenting a food can be a salient way to identify oneself and one’s culture but underslept students during the day aren’t exactly in the banqueting mood.

It goes to show that food plays different roles in different contexts.

If there were ever a restriction on the types of foods that could be sold on campus, many might worry that the representation of diverse multiculturalism would be at stake. But

this isn’t so much an issue during any given school day, which is not really a social environment.

As long as the catering services available to students and teachers provide for their nutritional needs, the types of foods being sold on campus can be from any heritage.

The culture of the food being sold can be used towards this end. One great thing about diversifying the types of food being sold during the day is that it widens the options for the person eating them. In this way, East and West can be balanced together into a meal with just the right heavy-light proportions.

Cheaters never win How former educators cheated more than themselves in the recent APS scandal

F MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist

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As long as the catering services available to students and teachers provide for their nutritional needs, the types of food can be from any heritage.”

inal sentencing for the 12 Atlanta Public School (APS) teachers who were tried in court for cheating on standardized tests was announced April 12. However, the jail time already came down swiftly back on Easter Sunday, when 10 of them were already put behind bars.

Is this too harsh for a white collar crime? Is it unnecessary for those teachers just doing what they’re told to do? For the negative impact they had on countless student’s lives, being immediately jailed is a great place to start.

For those that don’t remember, Atlanta Public Schools were in the middle of one of the largest cheating rings in educational history. Multiple teachers were working together with principals and district APS educators to falsify test scores and answers on what are considered ‘high stakes’ tests for elementary and middle school students. Those caught were charged with racketeering since the higher test scores directly led to cash bonuses for teachers and both financial and career perks for the principals.

While community activists are busy trying to help out those behind bars, the activists themselves returned to the courthouse on April 6 to have

a meeting with the District Attorney (D.A.) who, in a surprising turn of events, had 10 of the 12 educators charged with racketeering and sent to jail immediately until the final sentencing on April 13. Only one of the teachers has been released on bond until then.

One activist, Rev. Tim McDonald of the First Iconium Baptist Church, is seeking to help “free the APS 12.” He was excited to meet with the district attorney after the trial in order to convince him to give a more reasonable sentence. After leaving the meeting, however, hopes were dashed.

“It was debilitating,” McDonald said to 11Alive reporters waiting outside the courthouse following the meeting.

But it seems like the public is on the side of D.A. Paul Howard. On a poll administered by WSB-TV, 59.7 percent agreed the teachers should serve prison time. My question is: Why shouldn’t they? They were clearly participating in organized racketeering, and months of testimony and trial has shown that. What seems to be holding up those in opposition is that it all seems too “harsh.”

Too harsh compared to what? This cheating scandal is unprecedented in

the country, being one of the largest rings caught in recent history. The logic for the D.A. is there is no precedent to this case. Thus, he is sentencing very strictly to make it known that this type of behavior is not to be taken lightly.

Furthermore, any other school system in the future will see this case and know there will be zero tolerance in the courtroom for cheating. While this case was tied to high stakes standardized testing in K-12 schools, the verdict will undoubtedly set the standard for cheating in all levels of education. The impact will likely reach to the university level and many colleges will be revisiting their cheating protocol and prevention.

Rev. McDonald went on to say to Channel 2 Action News about why he felt the jail time was too harsh.

“This is not the mafia; these are not drug dealers,” he said.

These 12 educators each had the opportunity any time during the process to stop it. They could have stood up and demanded it all to stop. Being a whistleblower in this cheating scandal would not have tarnished their reputation and in the best case would have kept them out of jail.

So why didn’t anyone talk? Well,

much like the mafia, if teachers spoke up, they would most likely disciplined or terminated. In 38 of the 44 schools charged with being part of the cheating ring, the principal was held responsible, according to the 800-page report on the scandal.

While intimidation is a powerful tactic and pressuring the teachers to cheat was clearly effective, those accused in court on April 1 clearly put their own interests before their students. In order to receive bonuses, move up in the school district or just keep their jobs these former educators cheated to get by.

I don’t see anything wrong with prison time for these criminals. The average length of prison time for a similar offense is eight years, which is plenty of time for these educational leaders to think about why they let this cheating scandal happen.

Until then, we can only hope that this sentencing will act as a wake up call for the countless other cheating rings going on in our education system around the country right now.

Maybe those with power and influence will see that it is not worth it, and it is, sadly enough, harming the students and their futures more than anything.

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Have you truly been ‘All Blue — All In’ ?

The top 10 things seniors can still do before graduating

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ongratulations! The end of some collegiate journeys are finally here. After years of what felt like endless work, you’re able to say “I did it!!”

However, before you take that plunge into the “real world,” there are a few things every senior should do to make their Georgia State journey complete. Here’s what a few of your peers have on their Georgia State Bucket list:

MIA MCDONALD Columnist Mia does amateur photoshoots, maintains the title of bookworm and hangs out with friends and family.

Tweet her @MiaMore09

1. Panther Prowl- Even if you’ve

only attended one (more than likely during your freshman year), Panther Prowl is worth experiencing. The event is a chance to have fun and hang out with others outside of the traditional classroom. Who could dispute an almost on-campus nightlife “club” minus that hefty $10 entry fee?

Your experience isn’t truly complete until you’ve stayed for the party that starts at midnight. A disc jockey plays great music, and that’s where the real “turn-up” happens. Interested? The last Panther Prowl of the year is Friday, April 16.

2. See a movie at CinefestWho doesn’t love a chance to kick back and watch a free movie? Cinefest is one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, activities on campus. It’s just like going to the regular movie theater without the ridiculously priced tickets and snacks.

Here are the details for the upcoming shows for the rest of the semester: “American Sniper” Running times: 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Days playing: April 15 - 17 “Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” Running times: 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.,

6 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Days playing: April 22 - 24 People’s Choice Outdoor Movie Day playing: April 27 (Visit Cinefest’s website for additional details and to cast your vote for the movie)

3. Plaza Days - Twice a week, the

Greeks and other student organizations add a little pep in your day. It’s like an outside concert or student festival. This is an ideal time to find out about the next party and to socialize.

Who knows, you may be one of the last groups of seniors to attend Plaza Days in the Library Plaza. Georgia State’s Student Government Association (SGA) proposed and is awaiting approval of their resolution (Resolution 1502), which would move the event time to Unity Plaza.

4. Join SAA (Student Alumni Association)- Maybe you could be

drawn in by the cool t-shirt, get caught up in the commencement fair activities, or get caught up with the card that allows various discounts at surrounding businesses. Whatever the case, you should spend $20 in exchange for a year of good deals. You’ll get the title of alumni attached to your name when you graduate. Feels good, doesn’t it?

5. Find your BFF- This is not

to discredit your friends that you’ve known since diapers, but your collegiate best friend understands you on an entirely different scale. You’ve made that transition from teenager to adult, stressed over classes and cried because you feared the unknown. Your college

“bestie” is the one person who has been with you through these last life-defining years, but it doesn’t mean it’s too late to make a BFF for your next life transition.

6. Attend a Georgia State sporting event- The one time you

will definitely see a ton of school pride and everyone bleeding blue is at a Georgia State sporting event. Everyone loves representing their favorite team and showing pride for their school. This is another opportunity to bond with your friends and make new ones. Don’t cheer too loud; you don’t want to lose your voice. For all upcoming sporting events, check out Athletics’ sports calendar at georgiastatesports.com.

7. Have a library study session- Finals week is the one time you’ll

see the library packed. Reserving a study room has never been so difficult.

With a month left of school, there’s still time for one last session, so brace yourselves; your unofficial assigned study area is up for grabs. Just remember the fifth floor is the quiet floor, so no talking or loud snacks.

8. Free food- Admit it, we’ve all

gone to a campus event or two for the free food. However, if you haven’t, you should shamelessly walk into any one of the upcoming campus events and respond with “I’m here for the food.”

We’re all broke and a free meal is a cross between a miracle and a dream come true. If you want to know where to get some free food on campus before the semester ends, ask someone to add you to the free food GroupMe and look out for the “Free Food at Georgia State” page on Facebook.

EDITORIAL

Will history repeat itself with the Atlanta Streetcar?

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ue the confetti! Again. After years of planning, the Atlanta Streetcar opened December 2014 and advertised as “free” for the first three months. Fast forward to April 2015 and the Atlanta Streetcar is still free — for the rest of the year.

One question remains: Why is a $92.65 million project still free?

Extending the time period during a promotional period may in fact suggest the streetcar isn’t doing as well as the city had hoped. The streetcar isn’t just owned by the City of Atlanta.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) also collaborates with the city, according to the Atlanta Streetcar Fact Sheet. So really, are local residents and tourists riding the streetcar?

We know the transit system has made its presence known through various construction sites appearing in the downtown area for the last two years. Now there’s no way you can miss the 80-foot-long vehicle.

Despite various advertising efforts (student faces plastered on posters can be seen on the windshield of the streetcar with the slogan “Be Streetcar Smart”), nobody is fighting over seats to ride on our city’s newest transportation system.

Another approach to increase rid-

ers and awareness of businesses surrounding the transit’s stops, was seen in January with the first official “Atlanta Streetcar Adventure.” The event brought 1,100 participants, according to Atlanta Bar Tours’ website. But how many of those participants use the streetcar to get around Atlanta on a normal basis?

StreetsBlog USA reported that approximately 18 percent fewer riders are using the streetcar than anticipated.

“In the first six weeks of operation, the streetcar carried 102,000 people. Project sponsors had predicted 124,000, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution,” StreetsBlog USA states.

For Georgia State students in the midst of our daily hustle-and-bustle, we didn’t need data numbers to confirm there was a low ridership rate.

Thanks to the streetcar’s windows, we could see it for ourselves.

This leads us to the end of the streetcar’s “promotional” months (or year now). When all of the flashy advertisements and confetti sprinkled sidewalks in celebration has gone away, who’s left to clean up the “mess”? The mess being millions of dollars worth of potentially wasted transit investments.

Furthermore, why weren’t we investing the same time, energy and funds into an older transit system many of our commuters use such as MARTA? The city was home to a vast streetcar network until the late 1940s. That was until there were major budget cuts to the transit system. Almost 30 years later Atlanta introduced its first east line MARTA train in June 1979.

Yet it’s 2015 and we are back to a streetcar concept, which ultimately failed in the first place. Are we as a city doing the same exact thing and expecting different results?

All the while, we continue to push mass transit systems aside such as MARTA, which have been responsible for an estimated $2.6 billion in economic activity and supports approximately 24,000 jobs in metro Atlanta, according to MARTA’s website.

Yes, we understand there are various political hoops to jump through — not all counties want the train in their neighborhood due to possible crime or pollution. However, the possibility of expanding the streetcar only feeds into our already-difficult lifestyle of Atlanta city living.

First of all, the streetcar has caused obvious inconveniences: Loud construction, additional traffic, less bike-

friendly roads..etcetera. Not to mention the various head injuries some Georgia State students incurred after getting their tires stuck in the tracks.

A reporter from The Signal specifically asked how the Atlanta Streetcar Project Team was addressing health hazards during a public meeting at the Auburn Research Center last October and the response she got was, “We’re working on it.”

Second, why would Atlanta residents want to pay up to $3 to ride a streetcar around a 2.7-mile loop when walking the road is free? Even the city’s former streetcar extended out further than that!

As many students conveyed in The Signal’s report on the Atlanta Streetcar extension for free ridership this week, the streetcar is one-and-done service. You try it once — perhaps while it’s free — and then you move on. Basically, it’s only useful if you’re touring the city.

This doesn’t help our local residents or commuters who should be the prioritized population.

A free streetcar for another year may be a “good” thing for those who are still wanting to try it out. But it’s not really helping those of us who are left behind to clean up the mess and feed into the system.

9. Land a job or that last-minute internship- Remember, we’re

not only here to have fun and make memories. A large part in being in college is networking and building our resumes. It’s OK to play hard; just make sure you’re working hard too. You want to make sure the last four years were an investment and not just a waste of time. Visit Career Service and Panther Career Net to begin your search for upcoming summer internships or job listings. Both are accesible through career. gsu.edu

10. Take a nap on the second floor of the Student Center Mainly for commuter students, those who have large time gaps in between their classes, and a personal favorite of mine; the second floor of the Student Center is the one place you can publicly fall asleep on campus without judgment. Don’t worry, everyone’s there for the same reason. Just keep in mind that a power nap shouldn’t last more than 20 minutes because it’s just enough time to mentally and physically reboot before finishing your day, according to WebMD. You may have done some, none, or all of the activities on these lists.

Regardless of how many you’re able to check off, you’ve made it to this point.

You’re a graduating senior and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

This list isn’t the only way to ensure you’ve made the most of college, so if you didn’t do everything on it, no sweat. As long as you’ve made memories, you’re good. Best of luck to you all in your future endeavors. Appreciate this last month of undergrad. You made it!

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS What was your most memorable moment this year?

YOU ANSWERED*: R.J. Hunter in the NCAA 40% (6 votes) GSU-GPC consolidation 40% (6 votes) Gender-neutral housing 13.33% (2 votes) Atlanta Streetcar developments 6.67% (1 vote) WRAS-GPB deal 0% (0 votes) Total votes: 15 *As of April 12, 2015 Keep your eyes out for the next poll!

To vote on future polls, visit www. georgiastatesignal.com.

Have suggestions for poll questions? Email them to signalmanaging@gmail.com.

9

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Brawn over brains:

A look at why athletic events and sports fans are valued over nerdy fan groups NICOLE MOTAHARI Columnist

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ince the mid-2000s, being “geek-chic” has become the fashion. Shows such as “Doctor Who,” “Supernatural” and “Sherlock” have risen in popularity. However, they still cannot compare in size and media coverage to sporting events, which in my eyes is a major issue.

For example, look at the Superbowl. With 70,288 attendees and 114.4 million viewers per minute, it became the most watched event in American history. So when you do the math, that’s approximately 23 million people glued to the outcome of two sweaty groups of men, running down a field with a ball. This is sounding pretty similar to most sports.

Coaches come up with game plans based on the strengths and weaknesses of their players and those of the opposing teams. The athletes use their bodies to carry those game plans out, with physical skills being the primary concentration. This plays into the concept of the brawns in the patriarchy, holding back the viewer’s

intellectual stimulation while promoting primal baseness.

Mild use of strategy is made, but otherwise, it’s not very intellectually stimulating for the viewers.

With shows such as “Doctor Who” and “Sherlock,” most of the game plans carried out are a battle of wits, oftentimes pulling in greater concepts related to politics, philosophy and human nature. Not everyone wants that.

Television is primarily watched so folks can unwind and turn their brains off after a long day.

On the other hand, being part of a fandom can be just as fun as being a sports aficionado.

To those who are unsure, a fandom is a specific topic that is enjoyed by its fans. Officially in the Oxford Dictionary, it is “the fans of a particular person, team, or fictional series.”

You might have also heard of the term “fangirl,” which is used to label an obsessive female fan, and yes, we are slightly bonkers.

Just know you shouldn’t underestimate the power of fangirling itself. Think “Beliebers” and multiply it by about a hundred … scary, I know.

Shows, films and books in nerd fandom vary from science fiction to fantasy and amalgamations of anything in between. They are intricate and complex; however, we still place sports above nerdy fandoms on the list.

Or maybe it’s the inherent patriarchal system that exists in the promotion of certain brands and items by placing physical power over intellectual endeavors. Or maybe it’s the fact that today, we still cringe at the thought of being a ‘nerd.’

We think back to our childhoods, and those folks who were called nerds were awkward, scrawny and unpopular. It doesn’t matter that they are now successful computer engineers or authors doing well in their own right. We would still prefer to be an athlete, someone looked up to for their physical prowess rather than a geek who, while still making a fair amount of money, is mildly admire but not revered.

I asked a group of young middle schoolers who they’d rather be for a day: Steve Jobs or Tom Brady?

More children said they’d rather be the football star. Why? Because Tom Brady is cooler. Steve Jobs

was OK, but he was kind of dorky.

Tom Brady got to tackle people.

This only goes to further enhance that patriarchal idea that unless you have visible, physical skill, your talent is worthless.

Nerds are still perceived as different, and despite all the promotion of equality, we are constantly in fear of being the outcast.

We keep up with sports, talking March Madness and golf tournaments, keeping up that mask that hides the fear within.

As a school, we know that sometimes school spirit for sports isn’t necessarily always up there.

However, recently our men’s basketball team pulled in the NCAA tournament, and school spirit soared for a couple of weeks.

That’s all fine and fantastic, but one has to realize that 40 percent of our mandatory student fees go towards sports. I don’t see nearly 40 percent of the budget being devoted to groups such as Model U.N. or the Debate team. Perhaps if the same treatment were given to non-sports teams, people would start broadening their horizons and placing value upon brains over brawn.

Do you have thoughts on this topic? Disagree?

Check out our Sports Editor’s response to this column online at www. georgiastatesignal.com.

“

Here’s an excerpt: To say that certain ‘book’ or ‘nerd’ fandoms do not garner the same amount of attention as sports fandoms is valid. However, to say that there is little intellectual value in sports constitutes a blocking error — to use volleyball terminology.”

Key search terms for this column: Sports fandom, nerd fandom, football, athletes, rebuttal

ARTS & LIVING

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

d o o h r o b n h o g i i ne tat

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ay w r u o y g n i iller d H n y Fi r r elace, Staff Report b e l t s in CWaritten by Nichole P

rtistic and historic features crawl throughout the Castleberry Hill community. Castleberry Hill offers students a chance to take an art stroll where they are able to

Getting There:

Doing things

Getting to the great Shops in castleberry hill

when you’re there:

Marta:

Tip! If you don’t want to deal with parking, take MARTA, or take the Atlanta Streetcar, you can always get an Uber or Lyft, two ride-hailing services available via mobile app.

To get on MARTA, all you need is a Breeze card and $2.50 on that card for a one-way trip. Here are some stops nearby: • Garnett (Doesn’t offer parking) • Georgia Dome (Doesn’t offer parking) • Five Points (Doesn’t offer parking)

Parking: Parking lots can be a little skim in this area. But remember to always keep your eye out for parking offered by restaurants and stores.

Laz Parking: Laz Parking costs anywhere from $6 - $9 to park in these lots depending on the location. (180 Pryor St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30303) Red Deck (International): $10 daily parking but $15- $20 during special events. This lot should be a last minute resort (Andrew Young International Boulevard Northwest) InterPark: $3 - $5 daily parking (126 Mitchell St. Southwest Atlanta, Georgia 30303; 237 Peachtree St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30303) MARTA parking can be pretty helpful. Unfortunately, these two are a little further but at least they are free!

Inman Park MARTA Station: Free daily parking (24-hour limit) Edgewood/Chandler Park MARTA Station: Free daily parking (24-hour limit)

Atlanta Streetcar: Streetcar stops are going to be a little ways away, but if you’re still interested in riding it, you’ll need a Breeze card. It costs $1 to ride for a oneway trip, $3 for a day pass, $11 for a

week and $40 for a month. Here are some nearby stops: • Carnegie At Spring • Luckie at Cone • Centennial Olympic Park

Bottle Rocket Fine Food and Beverage: Right next door to No Mas! Cantina is Bottle Rocket. This is a great place to get sushi, burgers and a beer. (180 Walker St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) Super 7 Pizza Shoppe: This pizza place has everything from pizza to hot dogs to wings and much more — everything you want to eat on the day of a big sports game. (110 Centennial Olympic Park Drive Southwest, Suite 104 Atlanta, Georgia 30313) Elliott Street Deli and Pub: What goes best with hot dogs and sandwiches? Oh yeah, live music. And that is exactly what Elliot’s has to offer. You can find their event calendar online. (51 Elliott St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) No Mas! Cantina: This is not your ordinary Mexican restaurant. At No Mas! you have the option of buying a burrito and a couch all on one night out. (180 Walker St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) The Spinning Pie: At Spinning Pie you are able to get unique pizzas, spin rolls and desserts. And Starting June 3 you can enjoy pizza and hip-hop karaoke every Monday. (259 Peters St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) 255 Tapas Lounge: This is a great place to relax and hang out with friends while enjoying burgers, wings, drinks and more. (255 Peters St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) Fly Kix: Jacket, jeans and shoes galore! Fly Kix offers great shoes and a consignment section to make it easier on your wallet. (275 Peters St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) Wings ‘R Us: WARNING: Not a designated toy store. To compromise between wing lovers and haters, this wing palace offers more than just, well ... wings. Here you can get chicken tenders, subs and surprisingly fried rice. (490 Whitehall St. Southwest #A, Atlanta, Georgia 30303) City of Ink Tattoo: If you’re looking for a place to make your skin beautiful, City of Ink is the place to go. With a selection of talented artists, there is no way you will leave there unhappy. (323 Walker St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313)

see different work of art, stop in shops and eat at restaurants along the way. This area is overflowing with opportunities for students to enjoy the creative atmosphere right in their own backyard.

PHOTO BY RAPLH HERNANDEZ | THE SIGNAL With various creative artists and galleries and overflowing in Castleberry Hill, Peters Street can be found in the middle of it all.

Stop and Stare: Art galleries to visit Big House Gallery and The Granite Room (211 Peters St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) Eyedrum (88 Forsyth St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30303) Marcia Wood Gallery (263 Walker St. Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30313) ZuCot Gallery (100 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta, Georgia 30313)

The Art Stroll Every second Friday of the month, Castleberry Hill offers an art stroll to nearby residents, visitors and just anyone interested.

Restaurants, galleries and shops offer goods and services for people to enjoy.

Gert information and maps on the art stroll by going to http://www. castleberryhill.org/ chartstroll/.

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ARTS &

Atlanta’s

The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll open Written by Adjoa Danso, Staff Reporter

Introduction

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The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll developed into a stand alone community event in the early 2000s. It evolved from the former Snake Nation art crawl, during which neighborhood artists would open their studio doors to the public. In 2014, USA Today named Castleberry Hill one of the 10 best city art districts.

Now, the art stroll is a regular event in Castleberry Hill. Every second Friday from 7 - 10 p.m., gallery owners, restaurant owners and artists welcome outsiders and neighbors to check out what they have to offer. The art stroll is a self-guided

event with maps and information sheets available via castleberryhill. org; however, guided tours will be introduced soon.

“The guided tours are great, because [we] — the locals — know where everything is. The people that come here don’t, so you gotta kind of show them where to go,” Mike Jakob of Elliott Street Deli and Pub said.

Each business in the neighborhood attracts a unique crowd on art stroll nights. From food to music to art to hair styling, Castleberry Hill serves it all at once.

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No Mas! Hacienda and Cantina: A destination in Atlanta Steve MacNeil and Walt Bilinski have been part of the Castleberry Hill community since 1998.

“Back then the neighborhood was, for lack of any better description, kind of undiscovered,” MacNeil said.

From the mid-1980s and into the late 1990s, MacNeil says artists began claiming the properties for workspaces. No Mas! features an art stroll special based on the time of year or what’s available in inventory.

“We have a prix fixe [fixed price] menu for art stroll, or we’ll have a plato mexicano [Mexican dish],” MacNeil said.

No Mas! also features art direct from Mexico on the showroom side of the property.

“In the hacienda, we feature Mexican artists or crafts of a certain region,” MacNeil said. “We’ve actually had artists up here from Mexico and sponsored their trip. If there’s an artist here, then people can watch the artist working.”

Nelson Street Gallery: “Out of Growth” Cianna Valley, an artist from Oakland, California, displayed her work in Atlanta for the first time during the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll’s spring opener on April 10.

She found herself at Nelson Street Gallery through friends who’ve also had art displayed in Atlanta.

“I knew some friends who were having a show here, so I came out for their show and met Sharon [curator of Nelson Street Gallery],” Valley said. “I had come out here for a show maybe two years ago. I really like the area, and I wanted an excuse to come back.”

Most of Valley’s work consists of prints, etchings and aquatint etchings, which she uses to create print-

based sculptures. “[Printmaking] is a form of art where you can do a lot of multiples, because you do multiple prints of each image,” Valley said. “I’ll take the repetitive images and then print a bunch of copies and then cut them out and layer them up to make dioramas.”

Valley displays her dioramas inside of egg shells or small shadowboxes. She received her BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in printmaking from California College of the Arts.

“When I was first starting out printmaking, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in terms of imagery. So I started by working from pictures — just old family photos

that I had,” Valley said.

At that point, Valley began combining her family photos with other elements and images.

“It kind of evolved into … sort of a blend of factual past with fabricated past. I kind of like to think of the images as being like a mixture of fact and fiction,” Valley said.

Valley, who grew up in Hawaii, usually finds inspiration in her surroundings.

“I get a lot of inspiration from just places I’ve been and where I’m from,” Valley said. “My work is based on the idea that how, when you revisit a memory from your past, the memory changes based on the mindset that you’re currently in.”

Valley hopes the Atlanta community enjoys and connects to her work.

“I think that everyone can sort of relate to it in a different way. Even though the imagery to me is really personal, I think that a lot of people pull out of it what they want to see,” Valley said. “I don’t really ever display an artist statement next to my work, because I don’t really want to impose my views on people. I just want them to see the art for what they’re going to get out of it.”

Cianna Valley’s work will be on display at Nelson Street Gallery until April 26.

Attendees look at Steve McCurry’s phot

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& LIVING

art district:

ns doors to Atlanta’s art community Elliott Street Deli & Pub: There’s always going to be a party When brothers Mike and Pete Jakob opened their eatery nine years ago, people asked what they would do for the art stroll. Mike was unsure about mimicking a gallery. “[I said], ‘I’m kind of a bar, I’m not really an art gallery. We have a bunch of those in town already,’” Jakob said. “I’d like to do something performance-wise.’”

One of Mike’s neighbors, Dan Tims, suggested borrowing an iron furnace and doing an iron pour.

“We did the first one, but the iron furnace is, like, 4,000 pounds. So to move it and set it was kind of a nightmare,” Jakob said.

Instead of hauling an iron furnace around,Tims, the neighborhood president and others in the community launched a funding campaign. Now Elliott Street Pub has its own on-site furnace.

In addition to the iron pour, burlesque dancers, middle-of-the-street circuses and other performance art-

ists have been known to grace Elliot Street Pub. “We kind of strive on those moments of, ‘Hey, wow, I’ve never ever seen that before,’” Mike Jakob said.

“Whether it’s iron pouring, throwing iron at a wall, making a rube goldberg that throws iron, fire twirlers, a 15-piece progressive jazz band, glass blowing ... It could be a multitude of things that we have here.”

Besharat Gallery and Nadia’s Studio & Gallery: For the right price, everything is for sale Owner Massoud Besharat created Besharat Gallery as a way to showcase his personal art collection.

“He had a lot of art and didn’t really have enough space of his own to show it,” Tonia Soleimanzadeh, salon manager of Nadia’s Studio and Gallery, said about Besharat. “[He] decided to open it up to the public by making it a gallery.”

Besharat is among the largest galleries in Castleberry Hill, covering more than 18,000 square feet. Massoud Besharat combined seven prop-

erties to create four mixed-use spaces: Besharat Gallery, Besharat Abstract, Besharat Contemporary and Nadia’s Studio and Gallery.

Nadia’s is a full-service salon and spa that opened in 2011. Hairstylist Nadia Javan was looking to open a salon in the Atlanta when she came across Castleberry Hill. “[Besharat] said that if we opened up here, in this space, he would also provide the art,” Soleimanzadeh, an alumna of Georgia State’s hospitality administration program, said.

Art stroll usually means live art for Besharat Gallery and Nadia’s. Last year, a jazz band regularly played in the property’s sculpture garden. They’ve also welcomed dance, opera and pop-up art. For each art stroll, the pieces in the Besharat galleries and Nadia’s are rotated around the space.

“We notice that once we move some of the art around from one space to another...there have been clients and guests that didn’t notice it

in one space, but in another space it shows the art differently,” Soleimanzadeh said.

The art in the Besharat galleries and Nadia’s is produced by artists from all over the world, including places such as France, Brazil, Venezuela, Italy, Latin American and even Atlanta.

“We have some photographers from here and artists from here as well,” Soleimanzadeh said.

“They’re a unique mix.”

Smoke Ring: A “trending” barbecue concept Castleberry Hill’s newest restaurant, Smoke Ring, serves up “elevated” barbecue. Jordan Wakefield owns the restaurant with his wife, Erin. The pair opened Smoke Ring in Castleberry Hill in November 2013.

“We take it to a whole other level to what we think is raising the bar of barbecue. We wanted to have a restaurant where we could showcase barbecue and all of it’s aspects,”

PHOTO BY RUTH PANNILL | THE SIGNAL tography at the monthly Castleberry Hill Art Stroll on Friday, April 11.

Wakefield said.

Those aspects include smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked venison and even smoked octopus.

Wakefield, who is executive chef at Smoke Ring, has been a professional chef for the past 10 years and has a background in Southern contemporary fine dining.

“We try to incorporate as much Southern flavor as we can,” Wakefield said.

During the art stroll, Smoke Ring is known for its in-house live music.

“We have live music every art stroll. For several months […] it was the Sweet Auburn String Band,” Wakefield said.

Wakefield and his wife usually find bands through word-of-mouth.

The pair has friends in the music industry, so many of their performers are arranged through friends of friends.

In addition to wanting barbecue and live music, people visit Smoke Ring for its skyline view.

“Our block is actually called Castleberry Point, and you’ve got a great view looking over the city where you can see downtown; you can see the ferris wheel,” Wakefield said. “You can see CNN, the Dome, Phillips arena. It’s all lit up, and it’s all really nice.”

Bottle Rocket: The neighborhood bar with a raw twist Josh Calvin, owner of Bottle Rocket, referred to himself as “the guy who organizes the stuff” for the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll.

Calvin’s restaurant serves a mixed menu of burgers and sushi. It started as a Southern California-style sushi restaurant, but the economic downturn inspired a change for Calvin.

“People were still using this as a neighborhood bar, and they just weren’t ordering as much as they normally would, because most people

don’t eat sushi five nights a week,” Calvin said. “We came up with a plan to turn this into more of a neighborhood sushi bar, heavy emphasis on the bar.”

Calvin and his business partner Nhan Lee, owner of So Ba and Octopus Bar, added a grill to the back of the restaurant.

“Basically what it became was a sushi bar with a grill,” Calvin said. “It seemed kinda weird in the beginning, but it’s just sushi and steaks on a neighborhood level.”

Later on art stroll nights, the restaurant becomes a karaoke hotspot.

But Calvin doesn’t think that any particular business brings more to the art stroll than another, including his own.

“All the restaurants, all the galleries — we all work together. It just happens to be that I own Bottle Rocket. That’s it,” Calvin said. “I promote Castleberry, and I’ve always done that before I promote Bottle Rocket.”

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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

: The Spinning Pie Grab a bite PHOTO BY RALPH HERNANDEZ | THE SIGNAL Customers can look to The Spinning Pie for a bite of pizza or a place to smoke hookah — all depending on whether one desires a daytime lunch or an evening lounge.

SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM Staff Reporter

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lluminated by large windows with an open floor plan and wooden decor, The Spinning Pie, better known as “Spin,” opened its doors in April 2012. The Spinning Pie is a modest-sized restaurant, but its unassuming appearance may mislead visitors.

Cortland Jackson and Mario Johnson co-own the establishment.

Nkosane Jackson, the Operations Manager at The Spinning Pie, explains what makes the establishment more than a run of the mill pizza place you’d find on many street blocks.

“We pride ourselves on preparing great food, our vision was to be the best pizzeria in the city,” Jackson said. “We prepare almost everything by hand in order to ensure freshness.”

MENU

Spin uses exclusive products like turkey pepperoni and turkey sausage that aren’t found at other pizzerias. The pizzas, while able to build yourself, have a range of specialties, such as:

Margherita buffalo chicken spinach & feta greek bbq Food crafted at The Spinning Pie doesn’t stop at just pizza; caprese, bruschetta, lasagnas, spaghetti, chicken parmesan and rolls stuffed with sausage or cheese burger are also options. Specialities include items such as the “Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pizza” and the “Spin to Turkey.” The “Spin to Turkey” is, in Jackson’s perspective, the most popular.

“It’s our most unique and popular selling item,” Jackson said. “Featuring only turkey such as turkey pepperoni,

turkey sausage, and season-ground turkey buried with veggies, it’s a great twist on a supreme pizza and hands down one of our top sellers.”

The Spinning Pie offers great cuisine and relaxation, but also a nightlife with events to look out for. The previous tenant before Spin was a known watering hole. Trendy college students and young professionals would hang out and grab drinks for cheap. Spin makes efforts to accommodate.

dim the lights “We have expanded on the ‘Cheers’ mentality, giving our patrons more variety of music, catering to local and independent artists as well as teaming with some of the best DJ’s in the city,” Jackson said.

On most nights of the week there are themes and events, varying from Karaoke nights to live music. Last year, The Spinning Pie teamed up with the A3C Hip Hop festival and sponsored two concerts across the street at “House of Adrene”, featuring acts OG Maco and Money Makin’ Nique.

Listening parties are held from time to time, ranging from smalltime acts to big-time acts, such as The Weeknd. Tuesday nights are College Night and are hosted by

Courtney Janell. There is a happy hour leading up to it that features NBA 2K15 tournaments starting April 21.

“Our most popular night is Thursdays at Spin,” Jackson said. “It’s one of our busiest days of the week.

We have slice and slice/wing specials all day. Once the night starts, we are packed. Hosted by Tyree Smith, it’s one of our best nights.”

Fitting perfectly in Castleberry Hill’s imaginative stomping ground, Spin has hosted art shows in the past and every piece of art hung within the place is available to be bought.

“Our anniversary is coming up so we will be having a special event at the beginning of May, so stay tuned and check our website,” Jack-

son said.

In a town where it is historic and at the same time, constantly evolving with artistic expression, Spin fits is a modern experience with the staple of pizza.

For students in college, being in an eclectic and creative area are what make our experiences. Above all, the cheaper the experiences, the better.

“The area itself is worth the trip from Georgia State,” Jackson said.

“During the day its your typical artsy neighborhood with Art galleries, beauty salons and coffee shops. At night, the area transforms into one of the premier nighttime destinations in Atlanta. Oh and it’s always free to get in!”

Stay AWhile Spin: The Spinning Pie 259 Peters St SW Atlanta, GA 30313 The Spinning Pie just added delivery service to the store so students looking to grab pizza, but can’t make the trip, can simply call or visit Grubhub.com.

(404) 880-0703 MARTA Transit Stop: Garnett, on the Red and Yellow line Open: Monday - Saturday: 11:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - Midnight

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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina

A Divine Mexican Wonderland

No Mas! is a restaurant known for displaying authentic Mexican art for customers to experience.

INGA MASIC Associate Arts & Living Editor

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here are ethnically rich restaurants throughout Atlanta that bring diversity to the

city. One place in particular, has developed its own world that embodies pure heritage and culture.

No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina is a restaurant and shop that provides genuine Mexican cuisine, decor and products.

Bringing Mexico to the Atlanta streets No Mas! is engulfed with colorful authentic Mexican art, but initially began as a furniture haven consisting of beautifully crafted items. The decision to expand is helpful for them to spread the best of Mexico even further.

“After 10 years in the Art & Mexican furniture business it was a natural next step for us to bring a little more Mexican culture to the Atlanta market,” owner Steve MacNeil said. “We began remodeling our then warehouse in Castleberry Hill to create what is now No Mas! We began our original business of importing Mexican furniture and handicrafts back in 1996. As one of the early arrivers two West Midtown, we develop in the deco-

rator and home building trades.”

No Mas! has a wide range of dishes within their menu, making versatile dishes using enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, etc. They also serve this all day, so even during breakfast time one could experience the flavors of Mexico.

“Our menu consists of many of the traditional classics that the American palate has become used to,” MacNeil said.

“However, since we are creative people we are constantly looking for ways to include the many wonderful plates that we discover on our frequent trips. Since our travels always took us to the far corners of Mexico we were constantly trying different types of cuisine.”

Affecting the community No Mas! is a place where a different world can be experienced, both artistically and culturally; not only is the food and furniture something to look out for, but it is also something for looking at the mesmerizing art displayed throughout the place. The pieces were created by over 300 Mexican artisans, and each one is genuinely created to tell the story of Mexico’s civilization and history.

“We often hear from our guests that they feel as though they have taken a vacation to Mexico after their experience with us,” MacNeil said. “I think coming to No Mas! is very different from just going out to dinner because we have so much to offer. More people these days know No Mas! Cantina and are surprised to find the wealth of amazing art we sell in our adjacent store.”

Bringing the present and past to life No Mas! hosts events for visitors in any of their five beautifully decorated rooms, ranging from an elegant atmosphere to a lively, upbeat one. They also host very specific events in direct relationship with Mexico’s historical journey and backgrounds.

“Our next celebration is very widely

known in the U.S., and will be on May 5. It is the celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over France for control of Puebla,” MacNeil said. “Another very interesting celebration comes in the fall.

This is the celebration of ‘Dia de Los Muertos’ to Mexican celebration of all souls and All Saints Day.”

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Keeping Atlanta Informed: They run an online blog used to share updates, such as:

• “How To” Tips • Local appearances by Mexican artists • Artist exhibits being shown at No Mas! • Events occurring around Castleberry Hill and within No Mas!

Shop Till’ You Drop: Mexican Traditional Products sold at No Mas! • Basket Lights • Accessory Gifts for Him, Her, and Kids (purses, scarves, bracelets, etc.)

• Jewelry (earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants) • No Mas! Originals (nest chairs, hammocks, furniture, and decor seen throughout store) * Anyone is able to shop online and the product will be wrapped for pick up, and it is also an option to develop a registry for gifts for weddings, along with viewing the registry of friends.

Get Connected: Social Media Accounts to Follow them on • • • •

YouTube at “No Mas” Pinterest Instagram Twitter @NoMasCantina

ARTS & LIVING

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TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

Stop by Fly Kix to kick it up a notch Shoe boutique Fly Kix offers premier trends for Alanta’s neighborhoods

JOHNNY AVERY GIPSON Arts & Living Editor

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tlanta has always been known for its eclectic style and willingness to push the envelope.

Although this creativity can be seen through a variety of mediums, the most intriguing example can be noted in its offbeat yet unique fashion scene, particularly in “streetwear” style.

Fly Kix, Peters Street’s signature boutique, is an industry leader in streetwear culture. Nestled in the heart

of Castleberry Hill, Fly Kix is found in a niche location that matches their brand. Chris Newton, Buyer and Manager, explains the philosophy behind Fly Kix’s clothing style.

“Fly Kix is unique because it not only allows someone less acclimated with the culture get introduced to trends, but also allows you to follow up on trends you already like,” Newton said. “We carry a lot of different brands that are popular in the community, so it’s a middle ground for people who may know what they want and those that are still figuring it out what their style is.”

The stylish start Newton has been an employee of Fly Kix for two years, following a nine-month internship as a member of their street team. Now, he has matured and been promoted to “buyer,” a position he takes great pride in.

“Well, I started off as a street team member, which basically meant I was out and about, handing out fliers and basically promoting the business,” Newton said. “Now, as a buyer, I spend a lot of time searching for new brands and styles to bring to the store.

Being a buyer requires research skills, but I personally feel like it’s more of having the ability to piece different looks together and having an eye for clothes that pop. You have to have style.”

Although Newton mentioned a variety of both mainstream and underground streetwear brands Fly Kix offers, General Manager Sherina Hargrove clarified the history of Fly Kix’s style. She noted that Fly Kix originally didn’t offer many well-known brands.

“We originally opened in March

of 2011, but back then we didn’t sell any of the brands you see in mainstream streetwear culture,” Hargrove said. “We had lots of up-and-comers, and still do. Back then it was hard to get the major brands to sell to us, so we had to take it upon ourselves to set the trends and decide what we personally thought was cool. Because of that, we’ve always embraced both large and small brands.”

Hargrove also explained why Castleberry Hill is the perfect location for their shop, as well as how the neighborhood has evolved since their opening.

“Castleberry Hill has always been a historic place in Atlanta, particularly the art scene. Our owner wanted to find a place that could be a staple for the people, while being embedded in the heart of Atlanta. Back when we opened, Castleberry Hill really only had a few businesses that mainly catered to nightlife. After its re-identification began, businesses started flocking.”

‘Chris’s personal favorites’ • • •

‘Peach State’ FILAs Light Wash Nudie Jeans ‘Peach State’ Polo shirt

Twitter/Instagram: @FlyKixAtl

More than a shoe store Despite its wide array of shoes, Fly Kix’s name can be a bit misleading; visitors will come surprised to find out that Fly Kix sells more than just sneakers.

There is an entire subculture crammed into the store, with different looks to match any style.

“Fly Kix has its name because the owner always loved sneakers, but we like to think of ourselves as more of a gentleman’s closet,” Hargrove said.

“We have two lanes, the ‘progressive’ streetwear look which is more of the DGK, Huf, and Nudie, but then we have the more traditional looks, like Diamond Supply and Crooks. We’re looking to provide more exclusive brands as well, like Uniform and Billioniare Boys Club.”

Newton believes diversity in quality product is what makes Fly Kix unique from other boutiques, and described his personal style.

“I like the casual streetwear look, which is usually dressier top with high quality, slimmer fitting jeans and some offset sneakers,” he said. “We have several looks at Fly Kix, so whether you like drop-crotch jeans, or the slimwaist, slim-leg look, we have it.”

Aside from selling clothes, Fly Kix is also very active in the community. From shoe drives to private listening parties, the shop

“

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL Chris Newton, buyer and manager, curates and selects the seasonal clothing pieces featured at Fly Kix boutique.

takes pride in accessibility for all.

“Our hospitality separates us from a lot of the other boutiques in Atlanta,” Newton said. “Everyone’s down to Earth, and we never force anyone to buy anything. Of course we want you to purchase our products, but we also encourage people to come in, hang out and have a conversation. Aside from that, we also do a lot in the community; we help feed the homeless, do shoe drives for children, do street cleanups, and provide school supplies, bookbags, and even haircuts. It’s important to give back to those who do so much for us, and we’re always looking to do more.”

Due to their accessibility, Fly Kix has a major following not only with the youth, but also with many popular hiphop artists. Newton chalks it up to being in tune with the culture, and knowing what the people want.

“I think we attract a lot of celebrities simply because of the quality and variety of products we have,” Newton said.

“We’ve had Kendrick Lamar, Trinidad James, CyHi and even Future come by.

It’s cool, because as a casual shopper you can walk in and see one of these guys any given day. It makes shopping a true experience, but I think it’s just another example of how we touch the culture and set trends that everyone wants to be a part of.”

How the Buyer ‘buys’

$

1) Start searching for next season’s looks during current season.

$

2) Reach out to brands, emailing, and calling to inquire about products.

3) Fill out spreadsheets containing shipping info and quantity.

$

4) Make final decision about what goes to the shop, and pitch collaboration ideas.

Fly Kix is unique because it not only allows someone less acclimated with the culture get introduced to trends but also allows you to follow up on trends you already like.”

- Chris Newton Fly Kix Buyer & Manager

reviews

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

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ALBUM REVIEW

Earl Sweatshirt trumps ‘Doris’ with the murky ‘I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside’ album ALEX KUGACZEWSKI

Staff Reviewer

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oming out just weeks after Kendrick Lamar’s monumental “To Pimp a Butterfly” can’t be an easy blow for any hip-hop artist to take. Moreover, it can’t be easy for an artist to cope with an utter fumbling of his new album’s release.

But Earl Sweatshirt is used to taking blows. With “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside,” Earl has turned his anxiety, once pointed bitterly inwards, outwards into the microphone. It’s not just a good album for Earl, it’s a necessary one. “I Don’t Like Shit…” finds Earl in bitter combat with depression while simultaneously distancing himself from his past with Odd Future, securing his place as one of hip-hop’s young prodigies. Matured both in his lyricism and his production, Earl has released his best album to date.

If Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a

Butterfly” is a massive social commentary, then Earl Sweatshirt’s “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside” is a scathing commentary on the individual. Lines like “It hurt ‘cause I can’t keep a date or put personal time in, a reverse of the times when my face didn’t surprise you, before I did the shit that earned me my term on that island” may paint the picture of a man falling into fatalism, but it’s not that Earl’s given up hope. Rather, he’s found his own methods for exorcism. From the crippling relationship heartbreak of “Mantra” to the drugaddled paranoia of “Grief,” it’s clear that Earl’s not in a good place. Like all of us, though, he’s struggling to hash it out. “I Don’t Like Shit…” is painting a picture of the viper’s pit and inviting its listeners to take the plunge. Earl’s lyricism may be too much for some to take, but those willing to dive into the muck will find an artist whose pushing himself to the limits, both emotionally and creatively. Of course, none of this introspection would gut-

punch as hard without the production to match; thankfully, it does.

Complemented by sinister, grimy production, the Odd Future veteran strikes gold on “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside.” The album’s ten tracks wind through a murky cloud of lo-fi beats, rumbling bass and echoing synthesizers, setting a mood of perfect foreboding for Earl’s stories. It’s difficult to imagine the hard-hitting “Grief ” scoring so well without its utterly monstrous beat behind it. The track rages onward to a bitter conclusion marked by swirling low-end noise before cutting into a quirk-riddled outro akin to a deranged circus soundtrack. In a word, it’s bleak, but it’s undeniably engrossing. “Mantra” also sets a great example of stellar production with its distant reverberations and stuttered beats. Earl’s lyricism is the primary beneficiary here; his stories are vivid enough on their own, but they truly come alive when set against the violent whirlpools of sonic muck con-

Grade: B+ Verdict: Earl Sweatshirt wrestles his demons to pen one of the year’s best hip-hop albums.

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jured on the album’s best cuts.

“I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside” is an ugly, murky slab of music that takes an introspective look at a person struggling just to make it to tomorrow. More than that, it’s a stunning portrait of Earl’s demons, painfully realized and sharply pointed. It’s certainly not a pleasant record, but it’s sure to evoke some reaction. Whether that reaction is disgust or sympathy will depend entirely on the listener, but those who can stomach the oppressive mire are in for a ride.

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COMMAND Water Mouth

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SPZRKT & SANGO Hours Spent Loving You EP

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THE SOFT MOON Deeper

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KODAK TO GRAPH ISA

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BLIND MOON BLIND MOON LP

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EVANS THE DEATH Expect Delays

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OPEN MIKE EAGLE A Special Episode Of

FILM REVIEW

‘Wild Tales’ is cinema at its highest level FERNANDO MATTOS

Staff Reviewer

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or quite some time now, South America’s source of quality films has been Argentina. Haunted by an oppressive dictatorship during the 1970 and 1980s, the Argentinean people have been slowly overcoming the memories of a violent past. And, through art, the country has found a way to express mourning and hope for a future where those atrocities will never happen again.

“Wild Tales” (Relatos Salvajes) is the newest product from this thriving cinematic nation and one that can and should be watched many times. The film shows this built-up violence still circulates and the potential each human being has, not only in Argentina but the world, of causing unexpected amounts of destruction when taken to his or her limit. “Wild Tales” is a collection of six short stories dealing with violence – physical, psychological and emotional.

Despite this apparent separation, there is a cohesive bond here that many films with one story fail to achieve. It is hard to take these short stories apart because it would be the same as removing a block from a toy tower. Although “Wild Tales” speaks of violence, there is a thread of irony present in each story, as if it were the cable pulling them together. The first story, for instance, is about people in an airplane who have all, in some way, done a wrong to the commanding pilot in the past. The absurd situation is poised with incredible irony and tension as the passengers realize they are all connected.

The film never worries even for a second about tying everything together. There’s nothing to tie up here. Each story is independent and complete on its own and yet, it is impossible to conceive a different sequence of stories.

All this is told with one impeccable photography work. The camera sets the tone from the arid and inhospitable desert to the darkness of a wedding party. One shot at the top of a building is particularly

beautiful, as a hotel cook consoles a bride who has just been cheated.

Two white bodies stand against the dark night in one elegant and emotional composition, capable of speaking more than all the words the cook says.

Acting is another part of the equation. All stories are so well acted that even Ricardo Darín, the shining star of Argentinean cinema, is unable to steal the show. Even though Darín brings his usual top class performance, all other actors seem to be at such a high level that it becomes hard or even unfair to point at one or another.

As far as violence, everything about “Wild Tales” is a level or two above Quentin Tarantino. Although “Wild Tales” has a couple of dead bodies and explosions, violence here goes beyond the physical aspect. It’s also the violence of upper class society where a father pays his gardener to assume responsibility for a crime his son committed and the violence of love when a woman finds out she has been cheated. While Tarantino entertains, “Wild Tales” does that and more, being much closer to

Grade: A Verdict: Arguably the best film of 2014, “Wild Tales,” yet another masterpiece from Argentina, finally gets its Atlanta release. This is cinema at its highest level of entertainment and art.

“Fargo” – the masterpiece by the Coen brothers – than any big Hollywood movie.

The magic of “Wild Tales” is that these six stories never end where you expect them to. Director Damián Szifron is constantly pushing his plots towards the edge of the cliff, to a point of no return. And just when Szifron seems to have lost control, he makes you take one step further towards a leap that seems improbable. This leap, however, is worth every single time.

Citizenfour

now playing at

SYNOPSIS After Laura Poitras received encrypted emails from someone with information on the government’s massive covertsurveillance programs, she and reporter Glenn Greenwald flew to Hong Kong to meet the sender, who turned out to be Edward Snowden.

V/A - TOO LUSH VOL. 3 Blind Too Lush

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SHUNGU ShunGu & Solo700 Present: Raw Session Vol. 1

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V/A - MAGIC YUME RECORDS Magic Yume Vol. 1(Remixed)

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V/A - THE SOUTH EAST GRIND The South East Grind Vol. Two

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YUMI ZOUMA EP I & EP II

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AU.RA Jane’s Lament

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COLLEEN GREEN I Want To Grow Up

SHOWTIMES: Wednesday - Friday 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Rated: R Running Time: 114 minutes

calendar & games

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Campus & Downtown Events Pantherpalooza April 16 8 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Sports Arena

It’s that time of year again. Georgia State is hosting its annual event with the same excitement and talent as the years prior. This year, Georgia State will be graced by the one and only Trey Songz and opening acts Sevyn Streeter and Preston Leatherman.

This is a combination that you will regret missing out on. Tickets with a Panther ID are $20 and guests are $30. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth in the Student Center.

Stories That Matter: Life Changing Journalism April 16

12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

25 Park Place, 8th Floor Pulitzer Prize nominated investigative reporter Corey Johnson will be speaking at Georgia State about “the inner and outer game” of producing ground-breaking journalistic work.

As the lead reporter on a series uncovering systemic weaknesses in California’s earthquake protections in public schools, he was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2012. Johnson’s previous work also exposed secrecy, mismanagement, corruption and abuse of power in governmental organizations.

Pianist Michael Abene Performs April 17 8 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Rialto Center

Puzzle 2 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.41)

Michael Abene is a critically-acclaimed pianist, composer, educator, and arranger. He has performed all over the world, and since 2003, he has been chief composer of the WDR Big Band in Germany. Georgia State’s Jazz Combos will also be performing during the pre-show around 7 p.m.

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This event is meant to honor students who have taken themselves up as leaders in their community. They also give out awards for student organizations who have successfully impacted Georgia State and Atlanta. This annual ceremony is created to give thanks for student’s hard work, so if you are looking to show some appreciation this event is something to attend.

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Royal Flame Awards April 20 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Speaker’s Auditorium in Student Center

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SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

GAINING A FOOTING

IN THE SAND

Deidra Bohannon is the first athlete in Georgia State history to play for both indoor and sand volleyball JEREMY JOHNSON

J

Staff Reporter

Junior volleyball player Deidra Bohannon is spending her indoor volleyball offseason on the sand — not the neverending sands of some exotic beach or endless desert — Bohannon is playing on Georgia State’s sand volleyball team.

In doing so, Bohannon is the first player to do the court-to-sand transition since Georgia State added the sand volleyball program in 2012.

Bohannon had a solid season in the indoor volleyball campaign for the Panthers in 2014. She was the team leader in kills this season with 432, was second on the team in digs with 303, and also led the team in points per set, as she averaged 4.38 for the season.

After her solid junior indoor season, Bohannon had a unique opportunity to join the sand volleyball.

“My indoor coach Sally [Polhamus] just basically asked me.

And [sand volleyball Head Coach] Beth [Van Fleet] showed interest, so I decided to pursue it,” she said.

Van Fleet welcomed Bohannon with open arms, taking on the challenge of sand volleyball. “[Van Fleet] just said, if you want to come on out and play, see if you like [it]. If you like it, stay.

She’s just very encouraging in trying to get me to come out here and take on it,” Bohannon said.

Bohannon has not disappointed. Her development has the attention of her head coach, and the rate at which she has been able to transition has been a pleasant surprise, according to Van Fleet.

“The transition from indoor to sand generally takes about a year to two. So there’s a lot of steps within it,” Van Fleet said. “As far as Dede’s [Bohannon] progression has gone, it’s been really fast. She’s a student of the game. So she’s picked up on some of the biggest differences between indoor and sand pretty quickly, and it’s just a matter of her getting used to moving in the sand right now.”

Bohannon still has a bit of development left to do, but Polhamus is seeing the improvements in her game that could translate to her being even better during the 2015 indoor season.

“Where most people are just ‘shot people’, she can actually terminate with her athleticism and block. From her first tournament to now, she’s definitely picked up on the tactical side of the game,” Polhamus said.

Different surface, different game

The sand and indoor volleyball games take a very different set of skills, as there are multiple different rules to account for.

“Being out here in the sand, it’s just you and another girl, where in indoor, you have five other people you can depend on,” Bohannon said.

The sand game also requires a little bit of a different type of skillset and athlete, according to Van Fleet.

“Indoor is very complex [in terms of] strategies. And there’s a lot of precision required for that game. Sand is with only two people. There’s a lot more leeway for creativity and different strengths,” Van Fleet said. “I think in indoor you’ll usually see a much taller athlete in the front row and a much smaller athlete in the back row. In the sand as long as you know what your individual strength is you can win by that strength and by using that strength to its fullest.”

Bohannon has been able to find her niche and what she will be able to do well on the sand, according to Van Fleet.

“Dede [Bohannon] is a fantastic attacker and blocker for us.

She has gotten much better with passing. That is one of the biggest transitions,” Van Fleet said. “So she’s actually made that adjustment very fast. Much faster than we expected. I’d actually say that’s one of her biggest strengths is the ball control on services.”

Given the different playing surfaces of the sand and indoor games, a player that can transition from sand to indoor may be able to play with more speed on the hardwood court surfaces. This is what Bohannon will do again this fall.

“When Dede [Bohannon] comes from sand to indoor, she’s a much faster player,” Polhamus said. “Because sand is so difficult to move in, she’s much faster and springier and jumps higher in indoor.”

More crossovers?

Bohannon plans to continue her sand volleyball career into next season in what will be her senior season. She has been spreading the word in hopes of more of her indoor teammates joining her next season.

“I’ve definitely talked to them about taking on the challenge if they’re able to because I do enjoy playing out here,” Bohannon said.

Coach Van Fleet would also be on board with more indoor players joining the s a n d team. In fact, it is something that has been on the minds of both Polhamus and Van Fleet, as it is a common practice around the sand volleyball landscape.

Polhamus believes that in order for some of the other indoor players to make the move to the sand ranks as Bohannon has, they would have to sharpen their indoor play.

“Some of our players, they need a little bit more work indoor,” Polhamus said. “So they couldn’t quite make that transition in order to focus on our indoor game. But I think with six seniors next year, that they’ll have a desire to try it and see what it’s like to be in the sand.”

The Panthers’ season is coming to a close, as there are only three more events in the season. The Fiesta at Siesta Tournament is the next on the schedule and takes place from April 11 - 12 in Siesta Key, Florida.

Sand Volleyball vs. Indoor Volleyball Sand volleyball players do not have to cover as much space in comparison to indoor volleyball players. The court is smaller in sand volleyball, running 16 meters by 8 meters. Indoor courts are 18 meters by 9 meters.

The indoor ball is also heavier and harder in texture but smaller in size compared to the soft,

light heavier ball of the sand volleyball game.

Scoring is also different. The indoor game consists of best-of-fiveset matches with games being played to 15. Sand volleyball consists of three sets with games being played the first to 21 being the winner. The victorious team must win by two or more points.

SUBMITTED PHOTO | GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

20

SPORTS SPORTS

#5

#4

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

#10

#1 #9

YEAR IN REVIEW:

Best Georgia State sports moments of 2014-15 Written by Akiem Bailum, Sports Editor

T

he 2014-15 season was an exciting season to follow Georgia State Athletics, and not just because the men’s basketball team made an NCAA tournament appearance.

Panther sports from basketball to volleyball all provided memorable moments that made The Signal’s list of best moments in Georgia State sports for this year. Here are some moments you may want to remember.

#7

Going pro for his hometown

The 2014-15 season was the senior year for Georgia State men’s soccer goalkeeper C.J. Cochran. He ended his career at third all-time in school history in shutouts with 11. He was also sixth in Georgia State history in saves with 188.

This was not lost among the Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League [NASL]. In the middle of March, it was announced that the Silverbacks had signed Cochran to a professional contract.

Cochran became the second men’s soccer player that donned Panthers blue and white to make a transition to minors.

The first was Michael Nwiloh, who was with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer [MLS] before that team closed operations.

#3 Climbing the ladder

The site was the University of South Alabama in Mobile. At the Sun Belt Cross Country Championships, senior Hannah Stefanoff capped off her collegiate cross country career by winning an individual conference championship.

She timed in at 16:57.7 minutes in the championships, a 5,000 meter race.

Stefanoff finished ninth in the event as a freshman, fifth as a sophomore and third as a junior before claiming the conference crown as a senior.

#10

That’s so Ravin

The Panthers added another individual Sun Belt champion to its total for the year in the ranks of track and field or cross country on Feb. 24.

Ravin Gilbert, a junior sprinter, won the 60-meter dash at the conference championships in Birmingham, Alabama as she finished the course with a time of 7.48 seconds. Gilbert finished only .03 seconds ahead of second-place Kristina Knott of Arkansas State en route to her conference title.

#6

Any given Wednesday

Ever since Georgia State became a Division I school in football, the program has been associated with one thing: Losing. For one night in August at the Georgia Dome, that changed as the Panthers defeated the Abilene Christian Wildcats by a final score of 38-37 in a nationally televised game on ESPNU. At one point in the game, the Wildcats led 30-21, leading some in the stands to head for the exit. Quarterback Nick Arbuckle led Georgia State on a ferocious rally, culminating in a 26-yard Wil Lutz field goal. This sent the Panthers to victory in front of their home fans.

#2 Sun Belt champions

“Unfinished Business” was the theme for Georgia State men’s basketball in 2014-15. The Panthers took care of business on March 15 at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Georgia State played Georgia Southern in the Sun Belt title game.

In a game that turned out to be a defensive struggle, Hunter made two free throws with 21.6 seconds left, allowing Georgia State to pull ahead by two at 38-36, as the Eagles missed two three-point attempts. The Panthers celebrated winning the Sun Belt title and punched their ticket to the NCAA tournament.

#9

Flying the colors

The women’s soccer team also made history in 2014 when freshman forward Taina Anglade was invited to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to train with the Haitian National Team.

Anglade became the first women’s soccer player in Georgia State history to be given the opportunity to take the soccer pitch for an international squad.

She started all of the Panthers’ 20 games this season in her true freshman season.

She also assisted the Panthers defense to six shutouts and a Sun Belt tournament berth in 2014.

#5 Never give up

All’s well that ends well. Georgia State volleyball proved this to be true when they earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Troy Trojans on Nov. 21, clinching a Sun Belt tournament berth for the Panthers under new Head Coach Sally Polhamus.

Down two sets to the Trojans, who were in last place in the Sun Belt, Georgia State won the fourth set 25-22. Troy forced match point in the fifth set at 14-10 before the Panthers closed the match on a 6-0, culminating in a matchwinning kill by junior Brianna Jones. This sent Georgia State to the 3-2 win over the Trojans and to the conference tournament in San Marcos, Texas.

#8

Albert heads to Arrowhead

In 2014, former Panthers wide receiver Albert Wilson was a sought after NFL prospect even though he entered the league as an undrafted free agent. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and managed to not get cut as teams cut their rosters down to 53 in time for the regular season. Wilson, who wore number two with Georgia State, wore number 12 in Kansas City.

In his first year, Wilson caught 16 passes for 260 yards. Wilson became the seventh Georgia State Panther to enter the ranks of the NFL in only the fifth year of the beleaguered football program.

#4 All they do is win

Georgia State’s softball team came into the 2015 season with heightened expectations after a 2014 campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Sun Belt. Earlier in the season, it not only appeared that the Panthers were living up to expectations, but that they were surpassing them.

The Panthers notched a 13-4 road victory at Texas State on March 14, improving the team’s record to 18-2. It also improved Georgia State’s win streak at the time to 15 consecutive games.

It was the second game of a doubleheader where the Panthers upped its win streak to 15, as freshman sensation Ivie Drake led the team with four home runs in two games.

#1

One shining moment

This one not only tops the list of highlights for Georgia State sports this year, but it also has to be one of the biggest highlights for the Panthers in school history.

Down 56-44 to the Baylor Bears in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Georgia State closed the game with a 13-0 run capped off by R.J. Hunter’s 30-foot threepointer, lifting the Panthers to a 57-56 win over the threeseeded Bears. The shot sent Panther fans into jubilation — and Head Coach Ron Hunter onto the floor at Jacksonville’s Veterans Memorial Arena. (He was coaching from a now famous chair after injuring his achilles previously in the Sun Belt championship game.)

What a 2014-15 season it was to follow Georgia State sports. If next season is similar to this year, more newsworthy happenings are in store for Panthers blue and white.

21

SPORTS SPORTS

TUESDAY, 14, 2015 10, 2013 TUESDAY,APRIL DECEMBER

YEAR IN REVIEW:

Intramurals

Paintball club on its Worst Georgia State sports way to Nationals

moments of 2014-15

Georgia State to compete in college championships in central Florida AKIEM BAILUM Sports Editor

G Written by Jeremy Johnson, Staff Reporter

M

uch of the positives of this year for Georgia State sports in 2014-15 have been highlighted. There were also some occasions this season that fans of Panthers blue and white felt … well, mainly just blue.

Here is The Signal’s list of Georgia State sports moments of 2014-15 that are probably better left forgotten instead of remembered.

#5 The football team falls to Southern

The Panthers took a 69-31 loss in the first game of what is a budding rival in front of the second largest crowd in program history. Georgia State was outgained 660 to 455 in total yards of offense.

lose their leading #4 Panthers rusher to transfer Freshman running back Krysten Hammon was released from his scholarship during the Panthers’ bye week. Hammon did not play in Georgia State’s game against Washington

or their game against Air Force a week earlier. He rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games of the season against Abilene Christian and New Mexico State.

#2 Ryan Harrow goes down in March

Georgia State’s senior point guard drove to the basket and injured his hamstring in the first half of the highly anticipated Senior Day matchup with rival Georgia Southern for the regular season Sun Belt Conference championship. Harrow would

falls to #1 Football Appalachian State 44-0 in the snow The Panthers fought the Mountaineers and the weather conditions through a tough 60 minutes on Nov. 1 in Boone, North Carolina. Georgia State was without Joseph Peterson, who was out with an ankle injury. The Panthers had many injuries at this point of the season, including Kyler Neal among others. Nick Arbuckle struggled through the swirling winds, amassing only 47 yards passing. The Panthers managed just 64 total yards in the game.

(On the bright side, Georgia State demolished the Eagles in basketball when it most mattered. See: Best moments of the year, #2: Sun Belt champions).

basketball drops an unexpected game at #3 Men’s Appalachian State The men’s basketball team traveled to Boone, North Carolina on January 17 and took a shocking 74-69 loss to the then 5-10 Appalachian State Mountaineers. The

return to the game briefly but clearly was not able to continue.

He was only able to watch and play sparingly for the Sun Belt tournament semi-final and did not play at all in the Sun Belt championship game or the second round of the NCAA Tour-

Panthers held a double digit lead to open the second half before the Mountaineers went on an 8-0 run to cut Georgia State’s lead to two points and go on to win the game.

nament. He did make an appearance in the third round game against Xavier but only played the first half. After being such a key part of the team’s success, Harrow was made to watch the team’s March run they had been preparing for all season.

eorgia State fields a competitive paintball team within the umbrella of its Intramurals clubs. That team will be competing in the National Collegiate Paintball Association [NCPA] college and high school national championships on April 17-19 in Lakeland, Florida.

The achievement of making the national tournament once again is a noteworthy one for the paintball club that was first established in 2010. That year, the team competed in the Frost Bowl in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — the team’s first tournament. The Panthers won that event for its first tournament victory in the club’s short history.

Club president Zak Russell said having strong outings when competing as well as consistently arriving for practices have been essential in the team’s success this year.

“The main things are during those competitions we were able to place well, and just being in practices in practice and having people show up in practices,” he said.

The Georgia State paintball club competes in paintball as a member of the Mid-South Collegiate Conference [MSCC]. The club also appeared in the national tournament on several other occasions. In the 2010-11, the Panthers finished eighth out of 53 teams. The following season, the team placed fourth out of 48 teams. Georgia State finished 17th in the tournament in 2012-13 and 19th place at the NCPA Nationals.

The team has eight members, according to its Facebook page and is led by Russell and treasurer Ross Terrell. The other six are Christian Stephanos, Vincent Martinez, Carter Watts, Bryan Lee, James Zorda and Darryl Robinson.

“Our treasurer Ross Terrell, I’ve seen him improve a lot,” Russell said.

“This is his second year playing, and I see him do all these crazy moves.

He keeps improving every time he plays.”

An outsider may expect that a paintball club on a university campus would be comprised of primarily college-aged students. The team that Russell leads is actually somewhat older, which Russell said may contribute to a potentially less aggressive team as opposed to one that may be younger and more aggressive.

“It’s interesting for this because I know most college sports have a cut-off age for how many years you can play. That’s not the case in paintball,” Russell said. “We have a grad student who is in a Ph.D. program right now, I believe. We have

a pretty broad age range.”

He also said the team’s youngest player is 21 and he hopes to bring in more younger-aged students to join the club.

They achieved the goal of qualifying for the national tournament again, but they also do double duty by playing for other leagues, according to Russell.

“Some people still play both leagues,” he said. “I’ll play minor league paintball sometimes. Other people will do that. People play this during the school year, usually, and then we’ll have go people play divisionally in the summer. They’ll be like free agents.”

Russell also put emphasis on increasing the team’s presence on campus as well as getting people to understand how competitive it is.

“I’ve seen when people try to join us, it’s a hobby versus a sport kind of deal,” he said. “We’re going to define a hobby a something that you do on your own free time versus a sport which is something that you, maybe, do with a team that you have to go ahead and actually devote your time and get better, which is, kind of, what we’re at.”

Paintball, being an intramural sport, does not garner the attention those under the Georgia State Athletics umbrella receive. Russell says that the reaction has been positive when he has let people know of the team’s accomplishment.

“Usually people tell us, ‘Good luck, do your best, tell us how it goes.’ Those are the main things I’ve heard when I tell people we’re going there,” Russell said.

Georgia State’s paintball club recently had practice sessions at the Prime Paintball venue in Leeds, Alabama to get the team prepared for the championships in Florida. Looking ahead to the national championship, Russell feels that it being in Florida is an advantage, travel-wise, as opposed to other teams that have to go much longer distances than what the Panthers will do.

“I believe they always put it in Florida just because, at this time of year, it’s the best weather for it. It’s not good for west coast teams,” he said.

Russell believes the attributes that have become signature aspects of the team must be maintained if the Panthers expect to win a national title.

“We have other people working on being aggressive,” he said. “All these things that other teams may or may not be doing that will give us an advantage. Things like running and shooting at the same time.

Stuff like that. And definitely communication. That’s another thing we’re working on. I think if we go out there and we don’t talk to each other, it can fall apart.”

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 22

SPORTS SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

White team prevails the win in #PantherFamily football scrimmage JARED OLIVER Staff Reporter

I

n the second consecutive Panther Family Day, a free admission field day event, students and fans got a chance to check out the soccer, football, baseball and softball team compete. Georgia State hosted their spring game at Panthersville soccer field with the White team coming out victorious 20-16.

Georgia State’s baseball team hosted two games near Panthersville stadium, while softball and soccer played double headers.

Georgia Alumni and season ticket holders were out interacting with the coaches and players. Little Panther fans also enjoyed taking picture with Pounce and enjoying his Pounce house.

The fans filled up the stands in full attendance to see how the Georgia State Panthers improved on the football side of things.

Trent Miles, football head coach, was fairly impressed with the way his team competed. Although he did not coach either the Blue or White team, Miles monitored the game, strolling around the field.

“I loved the competition. The thing I liked the most is that we competed,” Miles said. “First of all, we had no major injuries. With me, that’s my No. 1 goal. There were some big plays by Robert [Davis], Tarris [Batiste] made two big plays … but

I’m sure there were some bad plays also.”

Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ron Hunter came to support the football program. Hunter sat near the Blue team’s sideline spectating the game while continuing to nurse his Achilles tear. Hunter was pleased with the team’s improvements over the off-season so far.

“We’re throwing the ball. Both quarterbacks look good and accurate. But more importantly, they look bigger out there; they look very promising,” Hunter said.

Emiere Scaife, redshirt freshmen quarterback, led the white team to victory, connecting on two touchdown passes, one being a 73-yard pass to wide receiver Robert Davis and the other to UAB transfer Nyiakki Height for a 45-yard touchdown.

Scaife finished the game 10 of 21 for 201 yards. Scaife is pleased with the win, but has no complacency in continuing to compete.

“I did some good things, I did some bad things,” he said. “I just came and competed the best way I could I think I was solid overall.”

Kendrick Dorn, California junior college transfer, who played on the blue team, showed spurts of his athleticism at the running back position by hurdling defenders in the first half.

Following the redshirt freshman’s standout performance, Scaife said he wants to continue to work hard.

“Keep working, keep improving on my flaws. Just perfect my game as much as I can,” Scaife said.

PHOTO BY JARED OLIVER | THE SIGNAL Quarterback Nick Arbuckle signs autographs for fans after the #PantherFamily scrimmage on April 11.

The White team had their way with the Blue team throughout most of the scrimmage. Nick Arbuckle, quarterback of the Blue team, was rattled by the white team’s defense.

Both defenses played well in the second half. The White team’s defense allowed the only touchdown in the second half.

Arbuckle gave up an interception on the goal line and returned for a 100 yards by Safety Tarris Batiste.

Arbuckle finished the scrimmage throwing three interceptions. The White defense, led by Batiste, rallied five pass deflections and two sacks.

Arbuckle and the Blue offense had an opportunity to take a late lead with under two minutes left, but safety Tarris Batiste hawked down another pass attempt of Arbuckle’s. Arbuckle finished with Sun Belt Player of the Year Numbers, finishing 22 of 37 with 279 yards and two touchdowns, despite his two interceptions.

Participating athletes Quarterback #4 Nick Arbuckle #12 Emiere Scaife Running Back #25 Kyler Neal #23 Kendrick Dorn #4 Nick Arbuckle #30 Johnathan Griffin #24 Anthony Valverde #28 Demarcus Kirk #49 Aundre Johnson Wide Receiver #15 Todd Boyd

#19 Robert Davis #84 Bill Teknipp #17 Glenn Smith #30 Johnathan Griffin #82 Clay Chastain #10 Octavious Andrews #40 Deonte Holeman #23 Kendrick Dorn #81 Nyiakki Height #25 Kristian Collins #20 Ladarion Young Defensive Line #48 Jerome Smith #3 Tarris Batiste

The lasting effect of Georgia State’s NCAA appearance

Tourney bid likely to expand Panthers brand, brings even more media attention JARED OLIVER Staff Reporter

T

he impact of March Madness for Georgia State is the beginning of expanding the exposure for Panther Nation.

The men’s basketball team became the hottest topic by defeating the three-seeded Baylor Bears in the NCAA tournament’s second by a final of 57-56.

Georgia State is also known as a university with an underachieving football team year after year.

The school spirit around campus is normally known to be dismal.

Ron Hunter, head coach of the men’s basketball team, has built a program that is now competitive across the NCAA. There were over 5,000 articles written including Georgia State in nearly a week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. R.J. Hunter, a potential first-round draft pick, hit a shot he and the university will never forget. Geor-

gia State did the impossible, some would say, by beating a team in the NCAA tournament.

The program has had small glimpses of national attention when Kevin Ware, former University of Louisville teammate of the Cardinals’ 2013 National Championship team transferred to the Panthers. Ryan Harrow also brought media headlines when he decided to transfer to Georgia State after transferring from Kentucky.

The basketball team had their second consecutive 25-plus win season under Ron Hunter. Georgia State Athletics Spokesman Jerry Trickie said this year’s media has been an all-time high than ever before.

“Our coverage this year — with national media as well as with professional scouts — was at an alltime high even before the NCAA tournament run,” he said. “It will only go up from there. The Georgia State brand has been growing since coach Hunter arrived and this year during the regular season, the Pan-

thers had multiple stories on ESPN. com, Yahoo! Sports, CBSSports. com, New York Times and more to showcase the uniqueness of Georgia State basketball.”

Not only did the basketball team gain massive media attention, the Georgia State men’s golf team went viral after footage of the club watching the game and celebrating as R.J Hunter hit the game-winner to top the Bears.

“It may have been about men’s basketball, but the golf team gained exposure by putting it out on social media,” Trickie said.

That awareness of Georgia State could show benefits over the course of time in athletics through recruiting, ticket sales and donations and on the university side with student body enrollment and alumni support.

Since becoming head coach, Ron Hunter has propelled the men’s basketball team to huge successes. Three of his seasons resulted in 20-win campaigns and the only one that did not was the 2012-

13 season in the Panthers’ last year in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). As a caveat of Georgia State’s move to the Sun Belt, the Panthers could not compete for a conference championship that year.

The questions of his contract are still up for discussion. Hunter is expected to receive a contract extension, but there are other utilities the university has to take into consideration before so.

“The Athletics Department and [Georgia State] University are committed to working with Coach Hunter on building the best possible program for Georgia State,” Trickie said.

R.J. Hunter is the first player in Georgia State history to forgo his senior season and enter in the NBA draft. This has the potential to show the country and to future prospects that Georgia State can produce professional talent and it can compete with the big boys.

“Ron Hunter has a coaching staff who contributes to their suc-

cess. R.J. has worked hard to improve and put himself in that position but he did not do it alone,” Trickie said. “He had help from a talented coaching staff that has been together – completely intact – for four years, and they are attracted great players to come to Atlanta and play alongside R.J. Being drafted will not only benefit R.J., but it will speak volumes to what can happen for players who come to Georgia State and are willing to work hard.”

Now the pressure increases next season following their run this season. After this year it is possible that Georgia State will be even under more of a media microscope in 2015-16. Everyone knows the team can get to the NCAA tournament, but what comes after that is the next question.

“The hurdle has been cleared,” Trickie said. “The team has made it, knows it can get there and win, and now the challenge is to do it again. We believe Coach Hunter will have the team ready in 2016.”

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SPORTS CALENDAR

BASEBALL Tuesday, April 14 GSU Baseball Complex GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Kevin Burgee Baseball

6 p.m.

Friday, April 17

BASEBALL

Sun Belt Championship New Orelans, Louisiana TBA

*conference games

MEN’S GOLF Sunday, April 19 Sun Belt Conference at Destin Florida All day

at Boone, North Carolina 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 19

Sun Belt Championships at Loxley, Alabama All day

Appalachian State* at Boone, North Carolina 1 p.m.

SOFTBALL Wednesday, April 15 No. 11 Florida State at Tallahassee, Florida 3 p.m. & 5p.m.

Sunday, April 19 UT Arlington * at Arlington, Texas 1 p.m.

1st

Georgia State 11-3 | Overall: 22-15

2nd

UALR 10-7 | Overall: 13-19

3rd

South Alabama 11-7 | Overall: 24-13

4th

Georgia Southern 11-8 | Overall: 21-17

5th

UL Lafayette 9-6 | Overall: 21-13

6th

Troy 9-6 | Overall: 20-17 Texas State 9-6 | Overall: 17-17-1

8th

UT Arlington 7-9 | Overall: 16-19

9th

Texas State 5-10 | Overall: 17-18

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD Friday, April 17 Georgia Tech Invitational at Atlanta, Georgia

SAND VOLLEYBALL Sunday, April 19

Saturday, April 18

Pairs Tournament Florida State Tournament at Tallahassee, Florida TBA

All day

The Blue-White game at Panther Family Day was not the only football-related news around Georgia State. The Panthers have scheduled a pair of road matchups against a pair of SEC opponents. Georgia State will face the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2020. The following year, the Panthers will face off on the gridiron against Auburn. FBSchedules.com reported that Georgia State will receive approximately $2.5 million for the two games.

Men’s basketball

From April 8-11, 64 college basketball players were invited to compete in the Portsmouth Invitational in Virginia. Ryan Harrow was one of those players. Harrow was invited to compete over the four-day tournament as representatives from all 30 NBA teams got a chance to see premiere NCAA talent compete. He was part of the Norfolk Sports Club team and scored a total of 16 points over three games.

Track and field

1 p.m.

Georgia Tech Invitational at Atlanta, Georgia

THE FINAL SCORE Football

WOMEN’S GOLF Tuesday, April 14 & Wednesday, April 15

SUN BELT STANDINGS

7th

WOMEN’S TENNIS Thursday, April 16Sunday, April 19

Appalachian State*

Over the weekend in the Panthers’ home series vs. the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, this senior right-handed pitcher saved both games of the Saturday doubleheader as part of Panther Family Day on April 11. Georgia State won the first game 7-6 and the second matchup 5-3 and Burgee’s two saves made him the all-time Panthers saves leader with 15.

He broke a mark that was previously held by Justin Malone, who played for Georgia State from 2009 to 2012.

Burgee played his high school baseball for Hebron Christian High School in Dacula, Georgia. The Lions of Hebron Christian won a Class A championship in his senior season and the Gwinnett Daily Post named him first-team all county in his senior year of 2011.

At Gordon State, a junior college, he recorded six saves and assisted the team to third place at the National Junior College Athletic Association [NJCAA] World Series.

Last year, he had eight saves, two shy of the Panthers single season record of 10. Burgee also recorded a 2.97 ERA and 31 strikeouts.

23

SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

The Panthers competed in the one-day Spec Towns Invitational in Athens, Georgia and was highlighted by an Alysiah Whittaker in the shot put. Whittaker bested all participants with a 14.84 meter effort as four of the top six spots in the shot put were from Georgia State. She also won second in the discus throw. The Panthers’ next meet is the Georgia Tech Invitational from April 17-18.

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On stands June 2 and distributed for New Student Orientation June 8.