The Signal Vol. 84 No.2

AUG. 30 - SEPT. 6, 2016

VOL. 84 | NO. 2

The signal at georgia State University

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Gender

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[ jen-der ]

Georgia entered the nationwide debate on the definition of gender.

News | Page 3

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

While in the women’s bathroom, a transgender student applies lipstick as a cisgender woman stands behind her in disgust.

Inside Hope's running low

Stay in shape

News | Page 4

Opinions| Page 7

According to new city council studies, HOPE won't be handing out scholarships for long.

Guest column: Finding time to workout isn't easy. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 3

DIY Life hacks

A summer to remember

Make your life easier with some simple DIY projects that can be done under minutes.

Check out which Georgia State athlete trained with an Olympic team.

A&L | page 12

Sports | page 17

Opinions 7

Arts & Living 9

Sports 15

2

NEWS

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

READ OUR ONLINE CONTENT Visit us online anytime for daily news and updates.

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August 20

August 23

Break it up!

Two Georgia State students were caught fighting in the University Commons around midnight. One of the students was caught again in a similar incident. GSUPD has cleared the case.

Campus carry

A non-Georgia State individual was arrested around 5.30 p.m. after GSUPD found him carrying weapons inside Sparks Hall.

August 24

Another victim of the parking lots.

August 22

The isn't fight club.

A student was arrested on the Dunwoody campus, for beating up a classmate. The incident took place around 9 a.m. in Parking Lot 10.

A Georgia State student reported to GSUPD being threatened and harassed by another person in the S Parking Deck. The case is still active.

CL

K!

!

CK CLI

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

ICK!

CLIC

A concert goer sings along to a song by electronic dance music group Showtek at Imagine Festival in Hampton, Ga, August 27.

PHOTO BY JADE JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

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NEWS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

GEORGIA JOINS THE

BATHROOM BATTLE

Georgia State transgender students tell a different story of bathroom experiences CHRISTINA MAXOURIS News Editor

O

n Aug. 20, Georgia joined 22 other states in the fight against transgender students who want to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender identity. A week later, a U.S. District judge ruled in their favor.

Back in May 2016, the Federal Department of Justice and Education released a directive to all public schools around the nation requiring them to allow all their transgender students to use the bathroom that matches the gender they identify with.

The documents released by the federal government stated their purpose was to inform all public institutions, which received federal dollars of their “ legal duties” pertaining to school policies of transgender individuals Jordan Forrest Miller, a Georgia State grad student who identifies as a non-binary transmasculine person, said all schools should offer as many restroom options as possible, whether they receive federal funding or not. “[President] Obama is setting a good precedent with his directive,” Miller said. “As People in Search of Safe and Accessible Restrooms (PISSAR) and other organizations doing work at the intersection of trans and disability activism advocate, having safe and accessible restrooms benefits many marginalized populations.”

Government papers revealed that the directive came as an explanation of Title IX, a 1972 federal law which prohibits sex-based discrimination “in any federally funded education program or activity”.

Multiple states reacted to President Barack Obama’s administration’s directive, saying it was an attempt to change the law.

By July 8, the federal government was facing a civil action lawsuit by 23 states, including Georgia and North Carolina, which accused the government of overstepping its authority.

States Win

On Monday, Aug. 22, as thousands of students returned to school desks, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled against the government’s directive, giving the states a temporary victory.

The Texas judge said Title IX defines sex as “the biological and anatomical differences between male and females students as determined at their birth.”

In a statement released right after the ruling, Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens expressed gratitude on the judge’s halt of the directive.

“We are pleased that the federal court agrees that the guidance letter is yet another example of the President’s unconstitutional overreach. The Constitution gives only Congress the power to write and rewrite laws.

Threatening to withhold taxpayer dollars from schools if they don’t comply with this mandate is unconstitutional. I will continue to defend the Constitution on behalf of Georgians,” he said in the statement.

The Signal reached out to the Attorney General’s office but received no response before press time.

Chanel Haley, transgender inclusion organizer for Georgia Equality, an LGBT advocacy organization, said the bathroom debate remains because of the ambiguous definition of sex in Title IX. “It gets tricky because the federal government has not defined sex to include gender identities,” she said. “However, federal agencies have [included gender identification in their definition of sex] and they get their powers from Congress.”

Haley said within the state of Georgia, Atlanta is the only city that has issued ordinances to protect the rights of transgender students. She said Georgia has no law on whether trans students should use the bathroom of their sex of birth, and thus institutions have been left to make that decision. “[After the ruling] there’s definitely a setup for bullying, not even talking about the transgender situation,” Haley said. “Title IX is most importantly for the safety of children.”

Miller said the biggest challenge for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals is safety and homelessness, especially for people of color.

“There are many anti-racist organizations doing great work in and around Atlanta, such as Southerners on New Ground, SNaP COalition, and the Trans Housing Atlanta Project.”

On Aug. 8, Georgia Equality along with four other advocacy groups, Lambda Legal, Anti-Defamation League, Georgia Safe Schools Coalition, and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Atlanta, launched a new program for the transgender community. The Georgia Transgender Students Rights Watch is a resource for monitoring discrimination against transgender students.

According to Haley, the program has no legal power to pursue the incidents reported but will serve to support transgender students and their parents by speaking out about their experience.

Jesse McNulty, a founding member of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition, said the purpose behind this new tool is to record the issues that transgender students are facing and provide them with the resources to seek help. It is designed for gender non-conforming students as well as trans students.

“In my 20 years of teaching [at public schools], I have seen plenty of students [who had] chosen names and pronouns, and [those pronouns] were ignored or [students] would refuse to use them at all,” McNulty said.

He said that often times teachers were the ones to refuse to use the name which students identified with, and also “outed the students’ trans status”, by saying things like, “he used to be a she.”

McNulty said he’s seen varying reactions to transgender students from different public school counties. Some have denied students access to the bathroom they wanted to use, and instead had them use a gender neutral bathroom.

“There was one instance where another girl in the women’s room was glaring at me, but nothing more than that. The school has not raised issues, and in fact, the university allows people to use the restroom of their actual gender, regardless of what their paperwork says.”

-Caitlin Fairchild, Georgia State Alumna

I was often yelled at in the women’s restroom because I was assumed to be a man because of my short hair. So in that manner, yes. I have been run out of restrooms.

Jordan Forrest Miller, Georgia State Graduate Student It is extremely difficult to identify trans students in Georgia. And very difficult to get a trans student to publicly out themselves.

(Georgia Equality transgender inclusion organizer)

Chanel Haley, Georgia Equality Organizer

NEWS

4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Georgia’s running out of HOPE

Smarter, better kids may be causing the end of the state-wide scholarship

Last Week Local

Man convicted for pouring boiling water over gay couple

Martin Blackwell, an Atlanta truck driver, was sentenced to forty years in prison on Aug. 24 for pouring boiling water over a sleeping gay couple in February 2016. Anthony Gooden and Marquez Tolbert were sleeping in Gooden’s mother’s living room, in the same house Blackwell stayed when he was in town.

According to the Washington Post, Blackwell saw the two men sleeping next to each other and went to the kitchen, boiled water, and poured it all over them, telling them to get out of the house “with all that gay”, according to the police report. Gooden was left in a medically-induced coma for weeks after the incident, while Tolbert has to wear compression garments all day for the next two years.

PHOTO BY LAHAR SAMANTARAI | THE SIGNAL

HOPE, a scholarship funded entirely by the Georgia Lottery is expected to run out of money to award students by 2028 .

KYLA OKOBAH Staff Reporter

A

ccording to a Georgia committee, the HOPE Scholarship Program is expected to run out of money by the year 2028.

Since the HOPE Scholarship was created in 1993 it has given out over 1.7 million scholarships to high school students that graduate with at least a 3.0 grade point average.

But it seems that HOPE will no longer be able to afford covering 80% of the tuition of thousands of students.

In 2011, the scholarship first showed signs of dying out. Governor Nathan Deal then reformed HOPE in order to save the program that was on the brink of bankruptcy, according to governor’s official website.

Reed used the Georgia lottery as a way to fund the scholarship and implemented more and stricter guidelines by adding higher GPA requirements for students to obtain scholarships. The guidelines included denying students who possessed a post secondary degree to apply for HOPE. The purpose of the reform was to significantly decrease the amount of Georgia students leaving the state to attend other colleges. The scholarship’s requirements were meant to be an incentive for the talented students, but also aimed to decrease the amount of recipients.

The reform of 2011 allowed the HOPE scholarship to last longer than originally expected, but a conducted analysis on the longevity of the program released in April of 2016 by the Committee to Preserve HOPE Scholarships determined that still

wasn’t enough.

The report stated that by the time this year’s kindergarteners are eligible for the HOPE scholarship the program would have drained its funding. The conclusion of the analysis came from looking at the trends associated with this program.

The committee estimated that with the increase of tuition and fees by 7.5 percent and the spending on Zell Miller scholars increasing by 6 percent every year, the lottery would need to have a 2.5 percent increase in lottery funds each year.

However, that is not the case. When the lottery initially came to Georgia it experienced a tremendous boom in sales, but after the recession in 2009 there was a decline in sales.

Jon Gabrielsen, a consultant on the Report of the House Study Committee on the Preservation of the HOPE Scholarship Program, told the Signal the rising trends are slowly decreasing the cash left for HOPE. “It’s like if your rent and bills were going up faster than your income.

Eventually, what you could once afford, you no longer can,” he said.

He said that even though they can’t predict accurately the expected year that HOPE is supposed to be completely exhausted, by altering the model created to determine their results, the committee has a better estimate of this program’s possible lapse year.

Gabrielsen said there are multiple factors that could pull the expected year forward. “[That’s why] I would monitor this model and have someone update it every two years. If the legislature changes some rules like lowering or changing the grade point average then they have make a new model,” he said.

Nancy Badertscher, a retired reporter hired by the committee,

HOPE STATS Number of students received HOPE > 693,107 Total amount received over 10 year period $1,910,057,541.37 Committee to Preserve Hope predicts • Annual increase of tuition and fees by 7.5% • Zell Miller scholars increase by 6% each year • 2.5% increase needed in lottery revenue to keep up HOPE

DID YOU KNOW? In 1993, students had to have an family income of less than $66,000 to obtain HOPE. Now, students need less than $100,000. found that due to the program’s increasing popularity, parents preparing their kids at a younger age is also hindering the program.

About a month prior to this report’s release, Governor Nathan Deal announced that in the 23-year history of the lottery, the Georgia Lottery Corporation would be transferring the largest amount, $1.09 billion, to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education Account.

Continuous efforts are being made to sustain the HOPE scholarship program, but some people believe there’s more solutions behind finding the funds. Jim Murren, CEO of MGM

Grand, explained to the Committee for the Preservation of the HOPE Scholarship Program, MGM’s casino development strategies and how Georgia could benefit from the legalization of gaming during the committee’s sessions for preserving the HOPE program.

Students like, Otesele Igberaese, who has five younger siblings will be affected by the HOPE scholarship running out.

“I feel like it’s unfair to the younger population who will probably work twice as hard to be accepted into college. They deserve to have their education funded as well. After all, they are the future,”he said.

National

As Zika prevention, FDA calls for blood screening

In an effort to protect circulating blood from contracting the Zika virus, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required that all blood banks in all states screen their blood donations. This was the first of a series of steps taken by the FDA for the prevention of Zika, in order to search for the virus in blood, even in states where there have been no reported cases. Because the virus is also sexually transmitted, the FDA urged states to screen all donations before giving them out for transfusions, according to the New York Times.

Global

North Korea successfully launched another missile

After successfully testing a submarine-launched missile, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, said the United States is “within striking range of his nuclear weapons”, according to USA Today.

Even though there’s no proof of North Korea’s ability to fit nuclear power into a warhead so that it would reach mainland U.S., former U.S. nuclear negotiator with the country, Joel Wit, said he’s worried. According to WIt, even this shows a slow progress and confirms North Korea is continuing to build nuclear weapons and missiles.

5

NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Mayor Reed responds to protester demands MARIUM ZAFAR Staff Reporter

A

joining the signal is only

tlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration has responded to the Black Lives Matter protests of July with the 2016 Atlanta Civic Activism Response, a plan to end certain policies of the Atlanta Police Department (APD).

The ATLisReady coalition made the demands on July 11 during the protests, and finally, the city has responded.

Released on July 18, the nine-page document addresses the protesters’ demands for a complete renewal of the Atlanta Police Department’s training methods, to immediately terminate the gun prevention task force known as Operation Whiplash, hold officers accountable and invest in alternative social services and prearrest programs.

Reed’s administration responded that APD officers already exceed state mandated training requirements set by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) and on average, graduate with a total training time of 1,360 hours (34 weeks).

“APD recruits currently receive APD-mandated instruction in several areas related to de-escalation, crisis intervention and culturally-sensitive communications,” the administration stated in the document.

APD officers also volunteer in youth-mentoring and community outreach programs like Every Kid

Needs a Hero, Coffee with a Cop, Police in the Park and the Junior Cadet Program to help foster friendly relations between locals and the police.

Operation Whiplash is the informal name of the Atlanta’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, whose objective is to stop gun crimes in Atlanta neighborhoods with increased crime rates. ATLisReady said the operation promotes racial profiling, to which the city of Atlanta answered that the collaborative efforts of the police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “have been effective in making communities safer.”

Reed rejected ATLisReady’s demand for a redirection of APD’s funding to social services, like affordable housing and equitable health. The released document said it was deemed unnecessary due to “the city’s strong financial health”, thus putting Atlanta “in the now fortunate position of having the resources to be able to make necessary investments across areas of need.”

In the response to demands for alternative pre-arrest programs like social welfare, the city of Atlanta marked June 2016 as the initiation of the Atlanta/Fulton County Pre-Arrest Diversion Initiative Alternative, which brings together legal experts, community officials and service providers together to create a prearrest diversion system that meets Atlanta’s specific needs.

Perimeter College Alpharetta campus officer Phillip Thompson said implementation of programs are the

one click away

court’s responsibility above all.

“As far as programs are concerned, it’s a matter of the implementation of the courts; however, first, being constructed within different political and judicial levels, and in start, possible organizations. A charge is not attached to a person until the judge bangs the gavel. When a person or persons are arrested, they are charged. However, that charge becomes valid or dismissed per decree of the court.”

When it comes to redirecting the city’s attention to struggling communities, Georgia State student Aminata Bojang strongly believes that funding would benefit the people that the police serve.

“I strongly believe that more pre-arrest programs should be implemented and that there is room for improvement in every community,” she said.

Protesters also called for citywide mental health response units, to which the APD countered with the existence of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), founded in 2004. As of 2015, all graduating APD recruits are required to complete CIT training.

Officer Thompson had CIT training and said he believes that it has been very effective so far. “[The CIT] is another tool to help mentally ill and mentally unstable people because it gives more understanding [to APD] and teaches officers to be more compassionate,” he said.

So far, the ATLisReady coalition has not yet commented on Reed’s response, but organizer Avery Jackson

PHOTO BY DAYNE FRANCIS | THE SIGNAL

Mayor Kasim Reed attempting to calm protestors on the downtown connector, July 8, 2016.

told the Reporter Newspapers the coalition still holds meetings and has started a campaign known as “Don’t Call the Cops”, which requests white people not to call the cops for minor incidents that occur with people of color.

“Law enforcement, if carried out correctly, is not supposed to

stigmatize anyone for their race, religion, sexual orientation and so forth. However, there are some officers who have made those mistakes as an individual and do not represent the entire police force as a whole in pursuit of a fair and unbiased objective,” Officer Thompson said.

NEWS

6

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Clarkston’s boozed-down

City Council concerned that more alcohol will equal more crime

Parking deck primped for social space

A $22.8 million grant is still fueling campus development SEAN KEENAN Senior Reporter

G PHOTO BY DAYNE FRANCIS | THE SIGNAL

Happy’s Package Store, located in Clarkston, Georgia. The city issues a moratorium, restricting new businesses from acquiring liquor licenses.

MITZI SAMANO Staff Reporter

B

eginning July 5, no new package alcohol permits will be granted in Clarkston. The City Council adopted a new moratorium due to expressed concerns concerning the high number of locations with these permits.

Clarkston’s Mayor Ted Terry said the moratorium was put in place to grant the City Council time to review the current laws and regulations concerning package stores.

“It has been many years since the alcohol ordinance has gone through an extensive review process,” said Mayor Terry.

Clarkston holds over 15 locations that possess a license, which according to the mayor, may be too much.

“Too much density of a certain type of business can be detrimental to a balanced local economy,” said Mayor Terry.

Mayor Terry said multiple businesses depend on the revenues of the alcohol, tobacco, and gambling businesses.

“From a business model, it is very profitable.

From the standpoint of our residents who sink millions of dollars every month into one of the three legally allowable vices, [it is not].”

The City Council is working towards a resolution and pointed out that “the business of alcohol vendors is carrying out a privilege, not a right.”

Councilman Mario Williams told The Signal that data supports rising crime rates following high alcohol sales.

“We’re about to pass ordinances on alcohol sales,

pawn shops, and payday loan establishments. We’re about to regulate that all at one time, and the two main corners we are going to regulate, we put the moratorium [in place] to study the issue,” Williams said.

The councilman said hearings will be held within the following weeks to examine the correlation between high volumes of alcohol sales in package stores and crime.

“Then what we are going to do is we are going to put distance requirements and geographical requirements on these stores, as well as spatial requirements. We’re looking anywhere from 500 to 1000 feet distance requirement between these stores,” he said.

Creating additions to the city’s functional regulations such as distance requirements and zoning laws are used to control a city’s welfare. Now that the moratorium’s goals are more explained, the city has not only much to look forward to in terms of these changes, but also to take part in them.

“Businesses that sell alcohol and existing pawn shops, they will be grandfathered in, we are not going to undermine their businesses and we are not trying to put them out of business, this [moratorium] is more of a future perspective growth aid. We just want to grow in a particular way that benefits our citizens and I don’t think additional package stores are going to necessarily benefit our citizens,” clarified Councilman Williams.

Melody Olowojoba, a Clarkston campus student, said as a resident, she’s against the city’s decision.

“I don’t think the moratorium will be beneficial in helping the community’s welfare because I think that people who want alcohol will always find a way to acquire it, regardless of distance,” said Olowojoba.

“I don’t think the moratorium will be beneficial in helping the community’s welfare because I think that people who want alcohol will always find a way to acquire it, regardless of distance.”

-Melody Olowojoba, Georgia State Student “Since alcohol, when drunk in large quantities, has most often an addictive power, drinkers will always find a way to obtain it,” she said. “As long as the buyers are there, the sellers will be too, regardless of regulations,” said Olowojoba.

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The Signal at Georgia State University

eorgia State is almost done transforming an old ground-floor parking garage into a spiffy, new social space for students.

The decades-old building on the corner of Downtown’s Edgewood Avenue and Equitable Place currently houses the university’s — and Downtown’s only — business incubator, CollabTech research laboratories.

But students can soon look forward to swinging through the bottom floor of that 58 Edgewood location, should they feel inclined to lounge around between classes.

That social space, spawn from a bottom-floor parking garage, could still be a few weeks from opening. But the third floor renovations are nearing completion, meaning the school’s research services administration will be carting in office furniture and supplies next month, according to university spokeswoman Andrea Jones.

The reinvigorated building will also boast big, glowing-blue Georgia State signage above a preserved artsy facade from 1939. The glass sign will hang, illuminated, just above the cleaned-up building face.

Another building on Edgewood Avenue — both are a stone’s throw from Downtown’s Woodruff Park — is being renovated and primped to accommodate Georgia State students studying film, music, gaming and art.

Georgia State’s young Creative Media Industries Institute has been buffing the 25 Park Place annex since the school received a $22.8 million grant from the Robert Woodruff Foundation.

That gift aims to “revitalize the Woodruff Park area” by sprucing up the old SunTrust building, the aforementioned building next door and other nearby “major facility and streetscape improvements,” according to the 2014 announcement by Georgia State.

OPINION

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

u t o b b a a l l a l n a c s ' e It Guest columnist George Greenidge shares his tips to staying fit with a busy schedule

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GEORGE GREENIDGE Guest Columnist George “Chip” Greenidge Jr. is a PhD candidate in Sociology at Georgia State University and a 2015 CNN Fit Nation team member. He is also President of the GSU Triathlon Club.

ast week, many freshmen arrived on campus while upper classmen and graduate students returned to their respective universities across the country. While the pursuit of college diploma or a terminal degree is a priority for some, health, exercise and movement might fall on the back burner.

It is a tremendous challenge to maintain a healthy balance of academic studies, life, and exercise.

In academia, getting accustomed to a new institution, new campus surroundings, and new professors and friends can be a grueling and overwhelming experience for incoming students. Stressing about loads of course work and readings or getting the right internship can lead any college student to pick up a box of pepperoni pizza instead of a barbell.

Many undergraduates and graduate school students are extremely worried that they might gain “the freshmen fifteen” or the “graduate school twenty” during the first year of their matriculation.

Moreover, numerous studies have concluded that weight gain in college is simply folklore of 90’s news reporting. The Ohio State University Center for Human Resource Research in 2011 concluded college freshmen weight gain of an average of 15 pound is a myth.

The average weight gain is really between 2.4 pounds for women and 3.4 pounds for men. However, there might be a number of other factors

associated with health outcomes and weight gain in college that need to further explored – especially in older adults.

During my first year of graduate school, I found myself sitting for most of the day in academic classes, working various internships for course credit and working odd jobs to make ends meet.

A CNN article and CNN health correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta reminded me of another potential public health crisis when I started Fit Nation: “sitting was the new smoking.” I took an inventory one day and realized that I was sitting over 10 hours a day. I realized that I was not putting enough time into moving my body throughout the day.

I decided to join the Fit Nation team after reevaluating that, in order to be successful at school, overall health must be a priority. Over the last several months, with the help of Dr. Gupta, Fit Nation producers, trainers and teammates, I realized that daily movement of the body – walking, running or riding a bicycle – can have tremendous health benefits.

Whether approaching your studies this year as a freshman, an undergraduate or a graduate student, I decided to give several tips to prevent from you from sitting the whole entire semester and getting that body moving and keeping you healthy. There are a number of resources available at your college or university to help keep you in a sedentary position all day.

"Go ahead my fellow students, get up and get moving! You will feel healthier when you achieve the Dean’s List from your institution at the end of the semester; and who knows, you might achieve high marks from your doctor as well."

PAGE DESIGN BY DARIAN MATHEWS | THE SIGNAL

Here are my top five tips

TIP

Utilize the university’s gym and fitness center.

TIP

Tip #2: Start a walking program or join a school’s sport club.

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2

#

TIP

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Why not? It is included in your college and university student fees.

Most universities have top notch pools and workout facilities. Why pay the extra dollars to join a fancy sports’ club? Sign the school waiver and get moving.

Many institutions have intramurals on campus. Join other students at badminton, karate, soccer, yoga or even breakdancing. Get moving. You might just pick up a new hobby or skill.

Tip #3: Meet with a nutritionist.

Much of your energy might come from the food choices you make. Talk to a nutritionist at your school cafeteria or health center or recreation center. Some of your sluggish behavior from eating food on the go might just be you need more fruits and vegetables.

TIP

Tip #4: Get your friends and family moving too.

TIP

Tip #5: Skip the elevator – take the stairs to class.

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5

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Try to plan creative group activities that incorporate walking and riding a bike to a destination. Think about it – instead of riding in a car to the grocery store, movie theater, restaurant or public park – why not walk, or better yet, get that old Huffy or Raleigh bike out the cellar and take it for a spin.

Take the initiative and climb the stairs. Instead of waiting for that packed elevator of professors and students when you are late to class, climb up to the 5th floor.

EDITORIAL

Get over it, ‘Murica

Why those religious government officials should seriously re-prioritize

I

t’s almost impossible not to involve yourself with Georgia politics and not pull your hair out in frustration. It almost feels like there’s a distorted view of reality ruling over the people we have voted into power.

As unbelievable as it might sound, we are still dealing with gay and transgender rights.

Let’s rephrase: As unbelievable as it might sound, there’s such a phrase as “gay and transgender rights.” Rights? Why are these rights not already there, but instead slamming themselves against newspaper covers of the 21st century? This sounds like a concept we should have overcome a while ago, somewhere in the B.C. What does a person’s sexual orientation have anything to do with their human rights.

Do you remember having to ask the federal government to clarify your “straight rights?”

Since when did the word “straight” start sounding like a privilege? And how is it possible that we deny people the right to go about the lives the way I do, because of the person they choose to go to bed with? I’m

allowed to throw wedding receptions in all corners of the world, adopt a child from any continent and throw my hands all over my partner just because he’s not the same sex as me?

Being gay is not something that came about recently. Ancient Greeks decorated their pots and ceramics with homosexual sex positions, and back then it was even considered somewhat of a prestigious practice. And seeing as they were busy implementing democracy, discovering theater, philosophy and science, same-sex activities didn’t seem to worry them.

On the contrary, looks like a gay society, was a better society.

So the argument that there’s a "growing gay population we must control" (Yes, we’ve heard a person say that. And yes, they were Republican.) is a bunch of malarkey, to put it in Joe Biden language.

If government officials and all the “religious” people of the country need something to keep themselves busy, The Signal has provided a generous list:

Growing incarceration rates Opioid addiction on the rise Somewhere in the trillions in debt Homelessness Unemployment Global warming And if internal affairs don’t seem of interest, the rest of the world would gladly, we’re sure, accept a helping hand. Another list, for the government’s convenience: • •

• • •

Russia & Ukraine conflict A sketchy agreement between the Colombian rebel forces and the government (as civilians continue to be murdered every day) Overflow of immigration because of the

conflict in Syria The conflict in Syria A massive terrorist group killing hundreds every week.

Political Cartoon by Minh Huynh | The Signal

"Asians" in hollywood 1961 Mr. Yunioshi Mickey Rooney

the cruel joke

1980 Ming the merciless Max von sydow

2016 Ancient one Tilda swinton 2017 Motoko kusanagi Scarlett Johansson

The foreign Villian

Shamelessly written out

ARTS & LIVING

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

Get in touch with local history “Atlanta in

CATRINA DYGERT Staff Reporter

A

tlanta’s known for a lot of things: Coke Company, bad traffic and not winning the Super Bowl. The Atlanta History Center is trying to show people that there’s more to Atlanta than all that.

Their latest exhibit, “Atlanta in 50 Objects,” attempts to highlight the positive and negative history of the city, along with other social and cultural trends.

Donald Rooney, the Director of Exhibitions, said the “Atlanta in 50 Objects” exhibit was inspired by a similar installments at the Smithsonian (“101 Objects That Made America”) and the British Museum (“A History of the World in 100 Objects”).

Rooney said there was a two part selection process for which pieces would make it into the exhibit.

“The public provided the initial list, Rooney said. The History Center took to their Facebook page and opened a suggestion box on their website to garner suggestions from native Atlantans. They received almost 300 suggestions. “With guest curator Amy Wilson, we whittled (or combined) the entries down to 50,” Rooney explained. “Russell Seagren [Director of Facilities Planning here at Georgia State] helped us located Master Planning images at GSU – one of the 50 entries.”

The turn out so far has been “very good,” according to Rooney, although that's an understatement. Rooney admitted that “due to exhibition’s popular appeal we have extended the exhibition through Dec. 31, 2016,” from its original close date in July.

Now, you’ve got plenty of time to check out the exhibit that patrons having been raving about.

Atlanta foodies The first, and certainly one of the most popular, thing you’ll see going in is the Chick-fil-A cow. Donated by the Atlantabased company, the Chick-fil-A Cow is easily recognizable with its “Eat Mor Chikin” slogan. Visitors to the museum have delighted at the cow. An anonymous visitor

even wrote in the visitor’s log, “That cow is my fam.” Family or not, it’s undeniable that Chick-fil-A is a part of Atlanta - and Southern - culture.

Even more iconic to Atlanta natives than Chick-fil-A is The Varsity. A car hop tray reproduction brings museum visitors back to the early days of a company that boasts having the largest drive in in the world right here in Atlanta. The downtown restaurant can hold 600 cars outside and 800 people inside. With that kind of capacity, it’s no wonder the restaurant sells two miles of hot dogs a day.

Local history Now that your tummy’s rumbling, the exhibit is more than ready to offer up some food for thought, taking visitors on the more serious side of Atlanta’s history. There are several pieces dedicated to the civil rights movement. A handwritten copy of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Nobel Prize speech, “The Quest for Peace and Justice” opens up the section dedicated to King, an Atlanta native.

King’s contributions to the civil rights movement changed not just Atlanta’s history, but the history of the nation as we know it.

Of course, the exhibit doesn’t just focus on the positive aspects of Atlanta’s history.

Located in the South, Atlanta has also been home to some very racist sentiments, including Jim Crow and the lesser known Lester Maddox and his Pickrick Drumstick.

Maddox, a former governor, owned the Pickrick Restaurant right off the edge of the Georgia Tech campus. As a raging racist, he refused to seat black customers, even after integration became the law of the land. He used the Pickrick Drumstick, a wooden axe handle, to drive unwanted patrons away.

Maddox and his drumstick present quite a chilling part of Atlanta’s history and the opposition to the civil rights movement.

City living entertainment The exhibit quickly lifts spirits again as it moves on into the next exhibits, which focus on Atlanta’s sports and entertainment history. With a dedication to Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron, one of the most famous baseball players in MLB history, and the Atlanta Braves’ 1995 World Series win, the

50 Objects” Exhibit

exhibit highlights the success of Atlanta’s own baseball team. Turner Field, which was recently bought by Georgia State, still serves as a popular tourist destination in and out of baseball season.

For non-sports fans, the museum also included a dedication to Willie B., the Atlanta Zoo’s first gorilla. Named after the mayor, William. B. Hartsfield. The only interactive portion of the exhibit, the Willie B. piece allows visitors to touch a mold of Willie B.’s paw prints to get a feel for just how large this gorilla was. It also gives visitors a little history of the zoo, which was actually once ranked in the 10 worst zoos in America, by Parade Magazine. Thanks to huge renovations that started with building a rainforest habitat for Willie B., the zoo has changed its image and is now another hot tourist destination.

If zoos aren’t your thing either, how about zombies? The hit television show, “The Walking Dead,” started filming right here in Atlanta (you can even see the Georgia State logo in the first episode). The show is memorialized in the exhibit with Michonne’s actual katana from 2015.

Even if you haven’t seen “The Walking Dead,” there are plenty of other objects to pique your interest. The exhibit even has a dedication to Georgia State University, which is now one of the largest universities in the nation.

Closing thoughts If struggling to find a favorite piece in the exhibit arises, don't worry. Even Rooney himself couldn't choose a favorite piece.

“It is hard for me to choose a single favorite item. Each object is accompanied by rich stories and the people involved,” Rooney said.

Whether one is wanting to learn more about Georgia State university or local towns, take a day to swing by the “Atlanta in 50 Objects” exhibit at the Atlanta History Center. Rooney advises visitors to “Be prepared to reflect upon, chuckle at, ponder and learn something new about the history of the city.”

The exhibit will be in place through the end of the year, so there’s plenty of time for you to come by and learn about The Ramblin’ Wreck and 49 other objects that make Atlanta so special.

Visit Atlanta History Center 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW Atlanta, GA 30305 Hours Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 5:30 PM Sunday Noon - 5:30 PM Tickets $16.50 - Adults $13 - Seniors 65+, Students 13+ $11 - Youth 4 to 12 FREE - Members, Children under 4 ***Price of a ticket includes a ticket to the Margaret Mitchell House in Midtown.

Patrons have up to nine days to use the ticket, since the Mitchell House is in a separate location.

There is free street parking next to the Swan Coach House Restaurant on Slaton Drive, although there is also a parking deck closer to the History Center. Parking by the restaurant allows you to walk down through the Quarry Garden to the museum itself.

PHOTOS BY LAHAR SAMANTARAI | THE SIGNAL

(From left to right) A detailed miniature version of Downtown Atlanta lets you look at your favorite city from a bird's eye view.

The Chick Fil A cow is a favorite amongst patrons visiting the Atlanta in 50 Objects Exhibit at the Atlanta History Center.

The Atlanta in 50 Objects exhibit is on display till 31st December 2016 and features iconic objects significant to Atlanta's culturally diverse history!

t f i l

g in

e t t be

im y d o b g n i break

CHANTE

Staff R

T

he key to building mental, physical and spi gia State students find their passion in Cros against female athletes.

Crossfit is a sport that combines various high in gymnastics and more into a cumulative routine de that participate in the sport, sometimes train, in or with other Crossfit enthusiast.

Two female athletes and Crossfit competitors sh improve life skills, health and confidence.

Breona Evans Humble Experience

For some people waking up early in the morning can be a struggle, especially with a morning routine that requires a two hour training session at 5 a.m., before clocking into a nine-hour work load and then finishing the evening with a light workout.

Breona Evans is a full-time accountant, part-time coach at Crossfit Identity, a former cheerleader and Georgia State Alumni. It was Evans’ competitive nature that lured her towards trying Crossfit.

When Evans first started taking Crossfit classes, she participated in a workshop where majority of the participants were stay-at-home mothers. With an extensive athletic background, the new crossfitter accepted the challenge, and later discovered that the true intensity of the sport.

“I was doing a workout with a bunch of stayat-home moms, and I was like ‘there is no way they're going to beat me. I’m in college, and they crushed me,’” Evans said. “[At that moment] I knew I was hooked, and I knew that I wanted to start competing.”

Competing

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY BREONA EVANS

Briona Evans lifting during a competition. Evans trains 20 hours a week to prepare for the Crossfit Regionals.

Evans is currently training 20 hours a week for the Crossfit Regional. For nearly four years, the coach has been competing in an annual competition and working hard towards qualifying in the games each year.

The Crossfit Regionals is an athletic event for men and women that combines various fitness routines into games designed to showcase each region's strongest competitors. This year, Evans was one step closer to reaching her goal by placing seventh in the Southeast Regional competition.

“It’s always amazing to put in a lot of hard work and to see it actually pays off, and there is really no feeling like that,” Evans said. “[Being] surrounded by so many women that love what I love and work as hard as I do is really cool.”

Throughout the week, Evans maintains a

structured schedule, but she does allow herself cheat days on weekends or after competitions.

The coach's goal is to place high in regionals so that she can succeed to the next level, which is the Crossfit Games, national competitions were elite athletes from around the world challenge their bodies for the title and prize money.

“The most important thing is that it builds a lot of confidence for me,” Evans said. “It's very satisfying to have a goal, working towards that goal and seeing results.”

Adjusting to Change

Working hard is a concept that translates into all intersections of Evans’ life. Evans mentioned overcoming insecurities when her body initially started changing when training, and how competing at the annual games gave her a boost of confidence.

“Once I got heavily involved, my body started to change, and I had a lot more muscle than I had before,” Evans said. “Of course, I was uncomfortable with it at first, sometimes insecure, but going to competitions and seeing other women that were confident, I loved being surrounded by women like that.”

For Evans, accepting the body changes that come from being an athlete, shows dedication.

Crossfit is a sport that requires dedication, so once Evans got involved she challenged herself to break new limits.

“I think a lot of women are scared of how their body might change, but it just shows your dedication, determination and sacrifices,” Evans said. “People can appreciate someone that works that hard to stay in shape.”

Evans challenges other women to be openminded towards trying something new. The coach talked passionately about how curiosity allowed her to fall in love with Crossfit, and learning more about herself.

“Women need to be more aggressive about putting themselves out there and trying a new activity,” Evans said. “You never know, you can completely fall in love with it and learn things about yourself.”

er life st y mage bound le aries s

E FOSTER

Reporter

iritual strength requires dedication. Former Georssfit, and work hard to break negative boundaries

ntensity movements such as running, weightlifting, esigned to push the body's physical limits. Athletes rder to be able to play in local or national games

hare their passion for the sport, and how it helped

Katherine Myers Taking a Free Class

Recent Georgia State graduate Katherine Myers has been an athlete her entire life, participating in various sports such as swimming, gymnastics and volleyball. After Myers’ freshman year of college, the athlete wanted to try a new activity that could challenge her competitive appetite.

“I like the fact that it combines a lot of [movements] together,” Myers said. “You’re doing everything combined and it makes you [a] well rounded athlete.”

Myers started her Crossfit journey nearly four years ago when she decided to take a free intro class at Crossfit Kennesaw. The first class was intense and it had the athlete ready to try more. After that class, Myers started attending the gym daily.

“I liked [the class], it kicked my butt the first day,” Myers said. “I had no idea what I was doing, I’ve done those types of movements before, but not in that setting.”

After a year of being involved in Crossfit, Myers gained new relationship with other people who were also interested in the high intensity sport. Myers appreciated meeting new people, who support her competitive nature.

“Crossfit’s literally about the friends you make, and it’s given [me] a competitive outlook,” Myers said.

Body Image and Misconceptions

One issue that Myers still encounters comes from people who are not used to seeing a muscular women. Even at work, Myers would experience negative comments about her body.

“There are people who make comments all the time like ‘Oh, you’re so muscular’ or ‘that’s gross,’” Myers said. “People are not very nice when they see a girl a little more muscular than average.”

Combating negative stereotypes requires mental strength and confidence. The athlete suggests that most women fear getting bulky or hurt, which might cause them stray away from sports like Crossfit. However, by allowing hard work to translate into dedication is the key to blocking negative stereotypes associated with women and sports.

“There’s still a lot of women that think that women should not be strong, muscular, powerful, going to the gym or doing this kind of stuff,” Myers said. “I think it’s cliche, there is no reason why you should want to take care of your body and be the healthiest or strongest person that you can be.”

Over the years, Myers’ new hobby allowed her to gain a greater appreciation for her physical and spiritual strength. Being apart of

“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you keep moving and just enjoy what you’re doing, that’s all that matters."

Crossfit creates close-knit connections that’s shared among people who have fun doing something they love.

“I want to be able to stay healthy, and stay fit physically mentally and spritely,” Myers said. “It doesn’t matter what you’re doing as long as you keep moving and just enjoy what you’re doing, that’s all that matters.”

Myers current goal is to continue training and pushing her body to higher levels. The athlete's vision is to one day compete in CrossFit Regions with a team of motivated people who enjoy the sport as much as she does.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY KATHRINE MYERS

Myers was exposed to Crossfit through a free class in Kennesaw, she now trains to compete in CrossFit Regions.

The

c r o s s f i t games

Each year, an athletic Crossfit competition, known as the Crossfit Games, is held on a regional and nation wide level. The purpose of the games is to showcase some of the most elite athletes around the world.

Before making it to the Crossfit Games, competitors participate in the Open, which is the first stage of the competition. During the Open, athletes check the games website for workout challenges that are posted every week on Thursday for five weeks.

Once an athlete completes that challenge they have until the following monday to post their scores online, according to Crossfit Games. After succeeding past the Open, competitors move on to regionals, and the athletes with the highest scores will compete in the final qualifying stage at the Crossfit Games.

ARTS & LIVING

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

minute D.I.Y Hacks Simple life solutions with a crafty twist

CHANTE FOSTER Staff Reporter

H

aving an easier way to get something done makes life a little more convenient. If you’re ever tired of wet socks or small phone screens, create a quick solution with three D.I.Y projects that make use of things commonly found laying around the house.

Phone projector

If watching videos on a small phone screen is starting to strain the eyes, try making a projector. The phone projector is a simple and easy project that allows you to watch videos from your phone on just about any flat surface.

The only materials needed for this project is a large shoe box, a lense from a large magnifying glass, an exacto knife, pencil and glue gun. You’ll also need a stand to hold your phone, while it’s resting in in the box.

Take the magnifying glass and separate the lense from the frame. Place the lense on one of the front sides of the box while sitting open side up. Use the pencil to trace the outline of the lense, afterwards you will trace another circle

within the one that was just created.

With the exacto knife cut along new the outlined circle.

The next step is to place glue along the perimeter of the hole that was just created, and then place the lense on top of the glue so that it lays flat.

Finally, grab a phone case with a kickstand and place it inside the box.

You can now adjust the phone inside of the box, which will adjust the projected image. Close the cover of the box and enjoy youvideos.

Waterproof Shoes

One of the most annoy parts about getting caught in the rain is not having an umbrella or the right pair of shoes.

This D.I.Y hack will put an end to wet, soggy socks.

All you need is a pair of shoes (preferably with a canvas or cotton material), paraffin wax (which can come from a plain white candle) and a blow dryer.

Take one shoes and began to rub the wax along the material. Once you’ve added a generous amount, use the blow dryer, on a medium setting, to melt the wax. After the wax liquefies allow it cool off and repeat the same steps for the other shoe. In less than five minutes

your shoes will be ready to repel liquids.

Shrink Art

Social media is raving over miniature Shrink Art figurines in the shape of cartoon characters, food and more.

Shrink Art is the process of tracing pictures onto thin plastic then using heat to create scale-sized images.

For this project you will need an oven, printed images, scissors, baking tray, plastic, sharpies and baking craft paper. The plastic needs to be translucent, because it will be used to copy the printed images.

If you can’t find any thin plastic try cutting off the flat surfaces on a clear togo container. After gathering your materials, heat the oven to 325 degrees.

The next step simply requires placing the plastic over the printed image and tracing the picture. With the sharpies you can color the pictures and then cut them off the plastic.

After decorating the cutouts, place them on a baking tray lined with baking craft paper. The shrinking time should take no longer than one minute.

Once the shrink art lays flat on the try, you can remove it from the oven and allow them to cool. The shrink art can be used as key chains, charms and more.

Check Out more

D .I . Y on our YouTube

The Signal at Georgia State University

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ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

ALBUM REVIEW

Britney tests if sex sells with 'Glory' CATRINA DYGERT Staff Reviewer

I

f there’s anything 15 years in the music industry teaches pop stars it’s that sex sells. Britney Spears took that to heart with her latest album, “Glory.” All I’ve got to say about it is we were rooting for you, Britney. We were all rooting for you, but I do have a lot to say about it.

“Glory,” Spears’ ninth studio album, is being lauded by some as her comeback album. For years, Spears has tried to rebuild her public image, following her breakdown in 2007, and reclaim her spot among pop royalty.

While “Glory” certainly is a milestone for Spears, it’s hardly her best work.

The tracks offer nothing personal, relying instead on big music industry names and the allure of sex.

Of course, some of Spears’ old work, especially her 2003 hit “Toxic,” also come to mind when talking about sex, but even “Toxic” yielded some kind of drama that Spears’ new work doesn’t. “Toxic” presented a power dynamic that celebrated female sexuality and dominance.

Spears tries to do this with R&B inspired “Make Me,” featuring G-Eazy. The video features Spears and

gal pals auditioning men for a video that is never exactly explained. The women just kind of gather around looking at, admittedly, hot guys doing various things. There’s not a strong plot to the video. Towards the end, Spears goes to bed with one of the guys, and the video just starts to feel like a porno set to downbeat music.

The lyrics, too, leave something to be desired. The bridge to the outro, “I can take you all the way,” has been done a thousand times before and the chorus, “You make me oooh oooh oooh oooh,” just isn’t pop princess caliber. That being said, Spears’ vocals are still on point.

Spears’ other R&B inspired track “Private Show” is somehow even more sexual than “Make Me.” Honestly, I can’t describe this song as anything other than weird. The backing beat is good and, from the intro, it sounds like the song is going to be a bop...and then Spears starts singing. It doesn’t even really sound like her. It’s like they mixed her voice so much that all that’s left is a nasally robot - especially during the chorus.

The song also lacks a bridge or a hook. It’s just verse-chorus-verse, which ends up making the song sound like an endless loop of “watch me spin it and twerk it.”

Thankfully, “Clumsy” is the electro-

dance savior this album needs. The lyrics are, again, blatantly sexual (“Bangin’ all over this bedroom”), but it is impossible not to want to dance to this song. It’s a fun, upbeat song that is reminiscent of old-school Britney, while still embracing a modern sound.

I do have to give Spears’ credit.

She’s worked hard to get her name back on the charts and she does deserve recognition. “Glory,” though, feels desperate. It’s like Spears is relying on big names and sex, rather than her own talent to sell the album.

Still, she’s almost come back to her old self on stage. Following 2007, her performances seemed lackluster.

Spears hid behind backup dancers with more mundane choreography.

Now, Spears dominates the stage again with more complex routines, especially for “Do You Wanna Come Over” on her Piece of Me Tour.

Spears is still incredibly talented.

However, her rule as pop princess is long over. However, you can determine that for yourself at the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28. The pop star is slated to perform with rapper G-Eazy for the live world premiere of “Make Me.”

TOP TRACK: “Clumsy” GRADE: BVERDICT: “Glory” is a shallow album

with no real connective tissue. Good for nights out at the club (or nights in with Netflix). Spears’ album presents sex to the listeners without any of the tact or class of her old work. The lyrics are hollow and offer more in shock value than actual meaning, although if the point was to get people talking that has definitely worked. Spears’ does, however, manage to successfully blend several genres into one cohesive album, and has grown back into her own shoes as a stage performer.

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JESSE BOYKINS III BARTHOLOMEW

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KATIE DEY FLOOD NETWORK

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PASCAL PINION SUNDUR

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SAM GELLAITRY ESCAPISM II

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SHERBERT GANG THE SHERBERT GANG EP

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HEALTH&BEAUTY NO SCARE

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SONZEIRA TAM TAM TAM REIMAGINED

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THEE OH SEES A WEIRD EXITS

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GENSU DEAN & DENMARK VESSEY WHOLE FOOD

FILM REVIEW

The offensive truth about 'Lights Out'

A couple of scares, but mostly bland and accidentally mean ALEX GRAHAM Staff Reviewer

W

hen I bought my ticket to “Lights Out” a theater employee said, “Watch out, your power bill is about to go way up because you’ll never want to turn your lights off!”

If only. “Lights Out” isn’t scary or particularly engaging, and whatever cleverness it does have is offset by some weird, disgruntling choices.

Things start off bloody when a man is grotesquely murdered in a fabric warehouse. His young son Martin (played by the delightful Gabriel Bateman, who’s a pretty great kid actor) is left alone with his well-meaning, but totally unhinged mother Sophie (Maria Bello). Sophie has suffered from depression her whole life and now spends her days locked in a dark room talking to a demonic figure named Diana, who stalks around the house at night, terrifying Martin. He enlists the help of his estranged older sister Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) who was also haunted by Diana as a child.

With her boyfriend Bret (Alexander DiPersia) in tow they set out to finally rid themselves of the nightmarish creature that feeds off their mother’s depression.

“Lights Out” is unfortunately vanilla until it suddenly, shockingly makes a statement — but not in a good way. It has no grasp of character or any self-awareness, to the point that it seemingly accidentally advocates that people suffering from depression should kill themselves.

And worse, it’s not even scary!

Let’s get right to the spooks: there aren’t many. Diana is a shadow creature that is burned by light and

forced to move in the shadows. This is a pretty cool concept with a lot of potential. Unfortunately “Lights Out” doesn’t live up to its premise and instead relies on a lot of jump scares, which—as you dear readers already know from, like, all of my other reviews— I don’t particularly like.

Part of the problem is it cares a lot about backstory, and Rebecca spends so much of her time trying to explain things that jump scares might be the only way to keep a solid third of the movie in the category of “horror.”

They’re not effective, really mild spooks at best, so it’s annoying that the movie has so many of them.

To be fair this is a debut from a guy who’s only ever made one movie before, the original “Lights Out” short film that got movie companies involved in the first place. Apparently, producer James Wan gave him a fair amount of leeway, that way he could truly fulfil his artistic vision or whatever, so I give him credit for the couple of scary moments it does have.

Diana does shine as a monster in the few suspenseful scenes in which the horror is allowed time to breathe.

The opener when Daddy gets offed, for example, is a drawn out, tense affair with flickering motion-sensor lights that genuinely spooked me, and the final battle gave me a few moments of shivers. If Sandberg had given each scare enough time, more space, he could have upped the tension tenfold, left me gripping my seat.

The lack of scares makes the flimsy characters and wacked out plot of “Lights Out” more upsetting.

There’s a lot of stuff going on here, none of it well managed. In the fore is the backstory of Sophie’s long relationship with Diana, fodder for plenty of unnecessary exposition— we’re not dumb, we get it, thanks.

Then there’s a weird side thing

about Rebecca being flighty and not wanting to commit to Bret, who just wants to love her forever.

I’m still not really sure why Bret’s there at all, but the easiest explanation is “Lights Out's” stupidity extends to every piece of it, not just its careless ending.

To be clear, I’m trying to be kind when I call it stupid. It’s a nicer explanation than “'Lights Out' has it in for people with mental illness,” which is a totally viable second option.

Diana easily plays as an allegory for depression. She only shows up when Sophie is off her anti-depressants and struggling to stay in control of her disease. She also tries to destroy the people around Sophie so that the two can be alone together, and she stays in the darkness, dragging Sophie along with her.

The resolution offers a disturbingly hopeless view of Sophie’s ability to survive her depression, to put it lightly. Again, I’m chalking this up to screenwriter Eric Heisserer’s inability to read his own subtext. Eric, really, you should know better. The optimist in me, however, can’t accept that you or anyone involved actually holds this view of depressed people.

Nonetheless the ending scars this already flawed movie. Sitting in the theater (which was notably full of laughter—apparently my audience found it more of a comedy than horror), I felt the urge to just re-watch Jennifer Kent’s “The Babadook,” a better horror movie about depression that’s bleak but more aware of its conclusions.

Unless you’re really in love with un-scary horror movies, Alexander DiPersia’s “Lights Out” isn’t worth box office prices. Stay at home and watch something that’ll actually make you scared of the dark.

SYNOPSIS: When Rebecca left home, she thought that her childhood fears were behind her. As a young girl growing up, she was never really sure of what was real when the lights went out at night. Now, her little brother Martin is experiencing the same unexplained and terrifying events that jeopardized her safety and sanity.

Holding a mysterious attachment to their mother, a supernatural entity has returned with a vengeance to torment the entire family.

GRADE: CVERDICT: “Lights Out” has a couple of scary moments and a ballin’ concept but doesn’t live up to its hype and accidentally disparages mental illness in the process.

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NONAME TELEFONE

calendar & games

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Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63)

6

Tuesday

Wednesday

Spotlight Open House

Healthy State Tobacco Free Fair

Aug. 30 Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Student Center East Suite 316 Come and learn about the group that makes it all happen here at Georgia State.

The open house provide information on Spotlight and how to join them.

Aug. 31 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Unity Plaza Learn about the effects of smoking tobacco and the benefits of not, all while playing games, winning some prizes and eating food.

Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.62)

7

9

Campus & Downtown Events

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2 3 6 9Saturday Thursday Friday 5 Tailgate 3 DRAGON 7 Captain America: 8 Football CON Sep. 2 Sept. 3 Civil War 3 7 9 5 8 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Location: 7 9 Blue Lot Join Georgia State for 9 the first tailgate of 4 the football season.

There will be free food,9 games and more. Get in the spirit and watch 3 the Panthers play the Ball State Cardinals.

Sep. 1 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Team Captain or Team Iron Man? If you missed this Marvel thriller in theaters, here’s the chance to catch it again. Cinefest is playing the film Aug. 31 - Sep. 1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Location: Georgia Aquarium 5 1

Dress in costume and join 3 all your 6 favorite fandoms at this 7 year’s DragonCon. 2 Parades and parties all throughout 1 Labor Day weekend.

5 Sunday 1 2 5IN THE PARK HOUSE

4 Sept.

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7 Monday 7 SPEND LABOR 3 DAY AT7 ZOO1ATLANTA!

The countdown begins now.1Enjoy a full day with 15,000 other attendees 2 of nonstop music from 6 Atlanta’s 3 four7 most soulful DJ’s at Grant 7 8Park.

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SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

'We

want

rings.'

Young squad returns five sophomores and two seniors RASHAD MILLIGAN Sports Editor

G

eorgia State’s volleyball team entered last season with six decorated seniors in 2015. In the school’s all-time rankings: the third all-time leader in assists Natalia Nieto, the fourth all-time leader in kills Deidra Bohannon, seventh all-time leader in digs Gabby Serafin and 2013 AllConference Carolinas Second Team transfer Brianna Jones highlighted the senior class.

On paper, many could argue the team would be in the mix for a Sun Belt championship, as the Panthers finished sixth in a preseason poll among the 11 teams in the conference. On the court, however, the Panthers finished ninth in the conference with a 3-13 Sun Belt record and 7-19 overall record in large part due to a vital component, according to head coach Sally Polhamus.

The injury bug of 2015

“We had a very senior-laden team last year and with that came a little bumps and bruises after four years of starting,” Coach Polhamus said.

The “bumps and bruises” Polhamus referred to are the multiple injuries the entire team faced in 2015. Senior Eliza Zachary, who started every game at Georgia State from her freshman through junior seasons, tore her ACL in the seventh match of the year against Kennesaw State. Jones missed all but seven matches late in the season. Multiple players were spotted wearing walking boots on the team’s off days, including Bohannon.

The health issues the Panthers faced affected the team’s depth, which proved to be very vital at the end of sets and games. Last season, Georgia State gave away a handful of leads and ultimately lost many matches playing without their stars like Zachary.

After her injury, Zachary was given a medical redshirt, which made her eligible to return this season with the Panthers. On the newly painted GSU Sports Arena floor, Zachary and fellow senior Kristina Stinson are the first Panthers in the gym to help set

up nets before a practice. Zachary appeared to be all smiles in regards to getting another shot at a senior season.

“I feel great,” she said. “I’ve been doing a lot of rehab over the spring, preparing for this season, and I’m really excited to just get back on the court with my team.”

In the team’s first tournament of the season, the excitement translated to the court for Zachary. The fifth-year senior racked up 22 total kills against James Madison University, Holy Cross and North Carolina Central in the JMU Invitational. As a unit, the Panthers played more players than their opponents in two of the three matches. In both matches, Georgia State went deeper on their bench than the other team, the Panthers walked away with victories.

After last season’s opening tournament in North Carolina, Zachary was named to the All-Tournament team. She ended the weekend with 40 kills, 13 blocks and even tied her career high in kills with 22 against Western Carolina.

Fans that watched last season’s team could’ve used the eye test to know that the Panthers had enough talent to double the actual win total, however health was an issue.

Polhamus’s solution to preserving this team’s health was simple.

“Something we wanted to focus on recruiting wise, was to have more depth at each position,” she said.

Same place, fresh face

In the post-Class of 2016 era, the five seniors and one transfer, Jordan Screen to Columbus State, have been replaced by eight new faces. The new additions for the Panthers this season are: Katie Creger, Morgan Hash, Madelyn Ott, Sydney Stroud, Hannah Weiland, Jocelyn Mahayag, Katelyn Rawls and Celeste Friesen.

The new faces come from diverse and decorated athletic backgrounds. Their different personalities look to gel as fast as possible for the fall season. One mutual trait amongst all of the recruits is that all of these players come from winning programs.

Winning programs like the one Rawls'

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ATHLETICS

#13 Hanna Weiland vollies the ball up to teammates during the volleyball scrimmage, August 20.

coming from. She’s a fifth year senior and a product of Georgia State beach volleyball.

“She’s made a huge impact on our team,” Coach Polhamus said of Rawls. “Just with her knowledge of the game, her shots, her competitiveness and her great leadership.”

The Panthers’ beach volleyball team adopted the tradition of winning since its inception. The team took a trip to the 2015 AVCA National Championships in its third year of existence.

Rawls recorded a win against Stetson with Nina Interwies at the championship tournament.

Although Rawls took spring 2016 off from the sand courts, the Panthers went to the inaugural NCAA National Beach Volleyball Championships and the team finished the season with a top 10 national ranking.

The winning backgrounds of the new members on this season’s court volleyball team goes from a veteran like Rawls all the way down to one of its youngest newcomers.

The most decorated newcomer is perhaps freshman Celeste Friesen. At George Walton Comprehensive High School, Friesen led the Raiders to an undefeated senior campaign and her third state title. Friesen was named a Gatorade 2015 State Player of the Year finalist, in addition to earning MaxPreps 2015 High School All-American honors among other acknowledgements. While she had other offers on the table that she prefered not to specify, her relationship with Stinson and the welcoming attitude of Polhamus were two deciding factors in staying close to home.

“I was 15 and she was 18, so I got to play one year with her,” Friesen said when describing her relationship with Stinson. “She was the only one that would really talk to me because I was younger and that made an impact on my life.”

Friesen looks to bring her knowledge and awareness of the game, as well as her winning attitude to the Panthers this year.

Young guns

If the tired legs of seniors contributed to last season’s struggles late in matches and with general health, Georgia State certainly

shouldn’t face that issue this year. Only three of the 15 players on the Panthers roster this season are upperclassmen, which makes sophomores like Shae Chapman team veterans.

“Last year it was great. My first year being here and going through the season. Now, having these other freshmen and seeing how it was, we can now help them out and help them get into the vibe. I’m really excited about what we can do this year,” Chapman said.

Chapman, along with Crystal Lee, Kaitlyn Dachs, Anna Rantala and Sarah Renner, saw extensive playing time last season as freshmen, being catapulted into key roles early in their college careers.

Chapman later said that on-court communication and going to class are her main tips to the freshmen of the team. In Zachary’s case, as the program’s longest active athlete, the younger players bring about an atmosphere of optimism.

“They just bring this amazing high energy,” Zachary said of the team’s 11, 12 if you count redshirt sophomore Katie Creger, underclassmen. “They’re all not jaded from years and years of college volleyball, they’re really excited and really hopeful for everything, which brings a breath of fresh air.”

Two standouts from the sophomore bunch to look out for are Sarah Renner and Anna Rantala. Renner was named Sun Belt Freshman of the Week on Nov. 16 and Rantala was a key member of last season’s defense, recording 50 digs and 26 total blocks.

The team faces a large task in the process of climbing from the bottom of the conference standings to the top. Only UL Monroe collected fewer votes in the preseason poll than the Panthers, but hopes remain high for the positive, young veterans.

“We want rings. That’s it. That’s the goal.

We want to win. We want to work together in becoming that winning team. We want to win in love and togetherness and that’s all it’s about. That championship is ours and we’re ready to take it,” Chapman said.

SPORTS

16

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Todd Boyd steps up Third year veteran takes on a bigger role for Georgia State's receiving core LEAH COTTON

Associate Sports Editor

W

hile senior and sophomore wide receivers Robert Davis and Penny Hart instantly come to mind when referring to the Panther’s receiving core, third year veteran Toddarian “Todd” Boyd is projected to showcase more of his abilities during the 201617 season.

Boyd weighed in on his thoughts of not being in the spotlight as much as his teammates.

“I don’t feel any type of way about it honestly,” Boyd said. “At the end of the day all of us are going to get the ball. I mean, they were all starting last year with Donovan and I had a pretty decent year coming out.

This upcoming year we have a new expectation for all of us.”

Humble Beginnings

Boyd’s quiet yet playful demeanor are two qualities that have followed him throughout his lifetime. Being the oldest of four siblings, Boyd has always had confidence in himself while remaining dependable.

A native of Colquitt County in south Georgia, Boyd shared about his hometown.

“I’m from Moultrie, Georgia,” Boyd said. “It’s a small town, but most of my family is from Doerun, Georgia. It’s about 10 miles away from Moultrie, but it’s all in the same county. So everyone knows everyone, but in Moultrie it’s a lot of danger.

So you just have to stay out of the streets.”

Avoiding trouble, Boyd began to play football at age eight.

“I started when I was eight years old,” Boyd said. “Rec football. Just playing with my friends and cousins everyday. We played in the backyard also.”

Not receiving much attention until around eighth grade, Boyd went on to play high school football for the infamous Colquitt County Packers.

This powerhouse 1-AAAAAA team, Georgia’s largest classification, has received several accolades for their success.

Receiving honorable mention allregion honors as a junior, Boyd also helped the Packers reach the Class AAAAAA state semifinals his junior and senior year.

Little did Boyd know, this

competitive program was shaping him for the next move in his football career.

The big city

Upon graduating from high school the senior had one offer on the table, but for Boyd this one opportunity was perfect for him. The Georgia State Panthers offered Boyd his football scholarship and after the visit he was set on attending the university.

“It was really my only offer at the time,” Boyd said. “I’m glad they offered me and I’m grateful to be here. I like that it’s an open campus.

There’s a lot to do around downtown Atlanta that you can go to and visit.”

Reflecting back on high school football, Boyd shared how the Packers football program prepared him for his transition to Georgia State.

“The program at Colquitt was tough at times but it was good,” Boyd said. “It prepared me for this offense (Georgia State) because both run up tempo offenses.”

Building confidence

In order for a receiver to build momentum and confidence, he has to be exposed to different scenarios as well as repetition whether it be at practice or on the field. Davis shared one piece of advice receiver coach Tim Lappano tells his receiving core.

“Coach Lappano, our receiver coach, one thing he always says is good reps is what builds confidence,” Davis said. “So if you’re going out there and you’re catching the ball every time they throw it, when you get in the game you’re going to have confidence that you’re going to catch it. If you go out dropping every ball when you get to the game you’re going to think ‘oh i’m going to drop this’.”

Boyd entered the Panther’s football program and began to see good reps in practice, which lead to his success during his rookie season.

Seeing playing time as a freshman, Boyd totaled eight receptions, 119 yards and two touchdowns, in 2014. Standing as his career high in yardage, Boyd totaled three catches for 91 yards including his first touchdown for 21 yards against Troy.

Carrying over this force into his sophomore season, Boyd increased his numbers, landing him at the fifth leading receiver, totaling 25 receptions, 296 yards and two touchdowns. Obtaining a career

high of four catches against Oregon, Boyd was able to catch a 14-yard touchdown pass against the Ducks.

Totaling three catches for 63 yards against Texas State, Boyd continued to set records for himself by catching a 45-yard reception. Which currently stands as his career high longest reception.

Out of the 34 games that Boyd has seen playing time, one game stands as the most memorable to him.

“My most memorable game was the bowl game,” Boyd said. “When I caught the now route and scored. I put us up at that moment.”

Catching the 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter gave the Panthers a lead over San Jose State in the AutoNation Cure Bowl, but despite their best efforts Georgia State fell to the Spartans 27-16. Boyd finished the game with three catches for 56 yards.

Boyd hopes to land a starting position this season.

“I’m just going to go out and do what I can,” Boyd said. “[To] make big plays while I’m out there.”

Competitive spirit

While recognizing his explosion and route running as two of his strengths, Boyd is also diligent about working on his weaknesses.

“One of my weaknesses is blocking at times,” Boyd said. “I just have to get consistent with it. We’ve been blocking way more than we have in the past.”

The team helps each other become better players by bringing that competitive mentality to every practice. Bobby Baker, redshirt senior safety, previously commented on why he enjoys covering Boyd in practice.

“Todd Boyd is another receiver,” Baker said. “His routes are just super clean and super crisp. He doesn’t drop too many balls.”

It turns out that Boyd welcomes this challenge and looks forward to going against Baker along with two other defensive players.

“Chandon, Jerome and Bobby,” Boyd said. “All of us just compete and give each other a good look. We just try to get better everyday.”

Between consistency, good reps and increasing his competitive streak, Boyd is set to achieve higher numbers this upcoming season.

PHOTO BY DAYNE FRANCIS | THE SIGNAL

Todd Boyd warms up during football practice. The junior wide receiver, aims to make a bigger impact this season.

17

SPORTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

COLUMN

The Big 12's impact on Georgia State

A domino effect of teams shifting conferences may affect the Panthers WOODY BASS Staff Reporter

T

he conference realignment roulette wheel has begun to spin again as the Big 12 reportedly seeks to add two schools and once again be true to their name.

According to a report by ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, 20 schools will present their argument for inclusion to Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby. The league has reportedly set their sights squarely on raiding the American Athletic Conference including Cincinnati, Houston, USF, UCF, UConn, Memphis, Tulane, Temple, ECU, and SMU. Other potential candidates include independent BYU; Mountain West members Colorado State, Boise State, New Mexico, Air Force, UNLV and San Diego State; Sun Belt’s Arkansas State, Conference USA’s Rice and the Mid American’s Northern Illinois.

There will be a number of factors the Big 12 will consider as they interview potential candidates including academics, facilities, culture, region and how they can add to the league’s brand. However, two elements that will likely be at the top of the list deal directly with money and talent.

Big media rights deals, like those already in play with the SEC, Big Ten and Pac-12, means big money for those institutions. For the likes of ESPN and Fox Sports, that means access to a sizeable audience. That would give a perceived advantage to Northern Illinois, Temple, SMU, Houston and USF based on Nielsen’s Local Television Market Universe Estimates.

The next biggest element likely under consideration is access to top level talent, and without an argument, the best talent (particularly for football) comes from the states of Florida, Texas, California, Georgia

and Ohio. USF, UCF, Houston/SMU, San Diego State and Cincinnati likely have the edge in this regard.

Houston is home to the number 10 media market in the entire country and sits in the heart of talent rich Texas. The Cougars recent success under new head coach Tom Herman, coupled with the investment of millions into facilities recent support by the governor should be just enough push to consider Houston as a lock to the Big 12 family.

USF sits in the 11th largest media market and UCF the 19th. Both schools would add to the Big 12 brand bringing Florida into the fold for both an audience and recruiting.

Both schools have shown they can win on the big stage, but UCF probably has the edge of the two due to facilities, academics and student enrollment.

Houston and UCF departing for the Big 12 make the most sense and would leave some holes for

AAC conference commissioner Mike Aresco to fill. Aresco, who would have plenty of options, will have to prepare for the future, and one direction he may set his sights on resides in downtown Atlanta.

While the Panthers do not have the history or tradition of some other institutions, it is time to make a case for Georgia State.

• It’s student enrollment nearly doubled within a year to a top five and is considered one of the most innovative universities in the country, and its academics would equal or rival most other Division I schools.

• The campus sits in downtown Atlanta, home to the ninth largest media market in the nation and smack dab in the hotbed of college football megadom, and is walking distance to the College Football Hall of Fame.

•

Georgia is rich in talent and considered one of the top five states in terms of recruiting.

• Athletically, their teams are on the rise nationally on a competitive level across the board particularly with the two money sports - basketball and now football.

• The purchase of the Turner Field property and other enhancements to facilities shows the Panthers commitment to athletics.

• The university is about 400 miles from Memphis and about 500 miles from ECU and USF. This will make Georgia State a prime target for expansion. It isn’t a matter of if, but when. Aresco is a brilliant man and knows what a market like Atlanta would mean to the AAC. Expect him to act fast and look to the future with whatever direction he decides to go in.

A dream come true

Olympic experience is already under one GSU soccer player’s belt TOBI ADEYEMI Staff Reporter

A

s a child, everyone has dreams.

For young athlete, that dream maybe going to the NBA, NFL, or even the Olympics someday.

So when a chance to take a huge step toward that dream presented itself, hid Alarape took full advantage.

After a successful sophomore season and a great summer in the Professional Development League (PDL), a coach of Alarape’s gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.

A chance to train with the Olympic Nigerian National team.

“Being in the PDL, I was in the right type of environment, like a pro type of environment to be able to compete with the players,” said Alarape. “And with the help of my coach I was able to get into the camp.”

Alarape had fun, a lot of fun. He loved playing with his country’s team, especially due to the fact almost every player on the team played club football somewhere in the world. He loved the competition that was displayed out there, but what he loved most was the opportunity that came with playing with these top players, the opportunity to measure himself. Surprisingly, Alarape admitted that he feels he belongs with those guys.

“I am up to par with them,” said Alarape. “But it’s just the little things that they do that really separates us.”

Alarape explained it might be cliché, but it is the little things that truly do make the difference. He spoke on their mindset and how they were always ready to train and improve, but also their post-practice habits and the way

they took care of their bodies to be ready for the next day. Training with the Nigerian National Team allowed him to pick up all these tidbits to improve his play, and it also helped him develop relationships with a couple of players.

“One player I really got close to was a guy named Sadiq Umar, he was one of the first players to actually talk to me, he plays for Roma in Italy,” said Alarape. “He was one of the top players in the Olympics too, seeing him start in Rio and score goals was pretty cool.”

Sadiq and Alarape developed a mentorship of sorts, regardless of the fact they are both the same age. Sadiq was a perfect mentor for Alarape because he was one of the top performers in all of Rio. He scored four goals throughout the tournament, including a brace against Honduras to secure the bronze medal for the Nigerian side.

Even though Alarape was not able to be a part of the Bronze medal winning team, that did not dampen the experience as a whole, as he looks back at this experience as one of the proudest of his life.

“I remember playing on the field and just having that moment like I am really here,” said Alarape. “Like these are guys you can play with on FIFA, and I’m here with them right now.”

By the time Tokyo 2020 rolls around, Alarape will be 24, making him ineligible for all but three of the Olympic roster spots.

But with his talent and the way he has been improving, Alarape believes he can make his dream come true in 2020.

And the rest of Georgia State will be proud to see him do it.

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SPORTS

18

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

Young team, high expectations

4

re m

ini

Th a e

ng

Women's soccer team looks to build off last season's momentum

Coming off a spectacular season last year, the Panthers only have four starters returning from that team.

To make matters worse, the Panthers lost 10 seniors as well leaving this team essentially gutted.

•

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

SIGNAL ARCHIVES

The Georgia State women’s soccer team huddle together during a team practice.

DEVONE SLAPPY Staff Reporter

T

he Georgia State women’s soccer team is coming off one of its best seasons in school history, after finishing second in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

The Panthers catapulted to the Sun Belt Conference Championship after pulling upsets over No. 3 Texas State and No. 2 Troy. Being one win away from a conference title last season, means this upcoming season the team should only hope to get back to the same position as last year. However is it as easy as it sounds?

Offseason Recap

New Head Coach alert: The Panthers have been busy this offseason with a lot of new pieces coming to the team including newly hired head coach Ed Joyce. Joyce was the former Georgia State men’s soccer assistant coach back in the 2013 season before taking an assistant coach job at Campbell University.

During his tenure in Campbell, he doubled the team’s win total from last year and gave the team their first winning season since 2012 finishing 10-9 overall. Joyce was involved in the Panthers first berth in the NCAA College Cup’s main draw in 2011.

The Panthers finished that season 13-8-1 to record the school’s most victories in 25 years while posting nine shutouts. Look for Joyce to

keep the Panthers on the right track to duplicate what they did last year with the difference being a Sun Belt Conference title.

It’s raining freshmen: After losing 10 seniors and returning only four starters, the Panthers had to recruit in order to build the team back up and they did just that. The Panthers signed eight freshmen to the team and one transfer student. With so much new young talent brought in, look for some of these freshmen players to become starters right away.

The newcomers: • Transfer Student: Siobhan Wilson, a two-year starter at Hutchinson Community College. Last season was named to the 2015 AllConference First-Team, AllRegion Second-Team, and Defensive MVP of the Year.

• Kendall Alvey: Loganville High School goalkeeper and started every game of her career in goal. Named to the Region 8-AAAAA “Best IX” All-Region First Team.

• Lily Barron: Forward/ Midfield for Northgate High School and was part of the All County Team and Region 4-AAAAA All-Region First Team her sophomore, junior and senior year.

• Isabelle Grest: Center back/ outside back for Buford High School and was the Most

•

•

•

•

•

Valuable Defender in 2015.

Alex Melnyk: Center back from South Forsyth High School and went to the state playoffs her junior and senior year.

Erin Rhodes: Center back/ midfield from Northview High School and was named to the 2015 GHSA All-Star Team.

Mikella Rodriguez: Center back/midfield from Eagles Landing High School and scored 56 goals in three years.

Brooke Shank: Center midfielder from Vista Ridge High School and was named to the 2016 All District Team Offensive MVP and the UIL 4-AAAAA State AllTournament Team.

Brie Smith: Forward from Buford High School and was named to the 2014 and 2015 High School Region First Team. Won a region championship as well.

Season Preview

With a new head coach, four returning starters and nine new additions, the Panthers look to repeat the same success they had last year.

The Panthers started the season off with two exhibition games to give the freshmen some college experience before they started the real season.

“These exhibition matches are a great opportunity for the younger

girls on the squad to get used to playing D1 soccer,” Coach Joyce said in a press conference.

The young Panthers did just that and came out looking fierce and competitive. In those two exhibition games, the Panthers won the first 1-0 against Lipscomb and tied the second game 1-1 against Austin Peay with freshman Rhodes scoring the tying goal.

“It was good to get another 90 minutes in under our belts. It’s always great to see a freshman with a goal, and Erin really earned it,” Coach Joyce said after the second exhibition game in a post-game conference.

With the exhibition games out of the way, the Panthers began their regular season at home against Alabama State. The Panthers defeated the Hornets 3-0 with goals from senior Alexis Thomas, freshman Shank and senior Callie O’Connor.

The Panthers had 22 shots in the game compared to the Hornets five, with all of their five shots coming in the second half.

“It was good to get a win in the first game of the season, and it was great to see some of the things we’ve been working on come together at the end,” Coach Joyce said in a post game conference.

The Panthers are currently in the midst of three consecutive nonconference games at home. After that the Panthers will have a tough four game road stretch with the last two games of that stretch.

• • GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

•

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

•

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Suzanne Arafa

Forward who led the team in goals last season with nine and led the team with five assists. She was the 2015 MVP and made it to the 2015 AllSun Belt First Team, 2015 Sun Belt AllTournament team and NSCAA All-South Region Third Team.

Amanda Bruemmer

Started and played every minute of all 21 games last season at the left back position.

The leader defender on the team, and was an integral part of a four game stretch last season where only one goal was allowed.

Won majority of her 1 v 1 battles.

Kenzie Winters

Started in all 21 games last season and was the main anchor for the defensive line, winning majority of her aerial battles. She was one of the first lines of defense for the team. She was also part of the 2015 Sun Belt All-Tournament Team Selection.

Taina Anglade

Had 16 starts in the 19 games she played in with over 1,400 minutes of play. She had 11 shots on the season and had the fourth best shot on goal average on the team with a .636 percentage.

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

19

SPORTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2016

SPORTS CALENDAR 1

*CONFERENCE GAME

SPORTS EDITOR’S PREDICTIONS RASHAD MILLIGAN | THE SIGNAL

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Anna Rantala Volleyball Sophomore Anna Rantala collected 24 kills during the Panther’s season opening tournament at James Madison University.

Rantala had key kills in each of the weekend’s three matches where Georgia State finished with a 2-1 record.

The Finnish native topped her freshman season high of six kills twice against James Madison and North Carolina Central. Rantala played in 23 of the 26 matches last season. As a marketing major, Rantala made the Spring 2016 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. As a member of the Jyvaslentis club, she was named MVP of club team in 2012.

VOLLEYBALL Friday, Sept. 2

William and Mary at Nashville, Tennessee 11 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 2 Mercer

WOMEN’S SOCCER Tuesday, August 30 Jacksonville State at Atlanta, Georgia 7 p.m.

MEN’S SOCCER Friday, Sept. 2

at Nashville, Tennessee 4:30 p.m.

Lipscomb

Saturday, Sept. 3

at GSU Soccer Complex 7:30 p.m.

Belmont

at Nashville, Tennessee 3 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 4

WOMEN’S SOCCER Coastal Carolina

2nd joining the signal is only

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Standings

one click away

3rd 4th 5th 6th

0-0 | Overall: 2-0 Appalachian State 0-0 | Overall: 2-1 Texas State 0-0 | Overall: 2-1

UGA

Alabama vs. USC

Alabama

Oklahoma vs. Houston

Houston

THE FINAL SCORE Women’s Soccer

After a draw with Kennesaw State, Georgia State fell to Charlotte 4-1. Against Charlotte, junior Taina Anglade had the team’s lone goal.

The 1-1-1 Panthers return to the field on Aug. 30 at Panthersville to face Jacksonville State.

Men’s Soccer

Sophomore Hannes Burmeister’s hat trick led Georgia State to the first season win against Memphis on Aug. 28 in Panthersville. The Panthers lost the first game in Macon to Mercer 1-0. The next game for the team will be on Sept. 2 at home against Lipscomb.

Georgia State 0-0 | Overall: 1-1 South Alabama

TWEET US!

0-0 | Overall: 1-1 Arkansas State 0-0 | Overall:1-1

7th

Troy 0-0 | Overall: 1-1

8th

Little Rock

9th

UGA vs.

UNC

Central Arkansas at GSU Soccer Complex 1 p.m.

1st

Georgia Georgia PANTHER OF THE WEEK State State vs.

Ball State

0-0 | Overall: 1-2 UL Lafayette 0-0 | Overall: 1-2

@gsusignalsports

How do you

Design by Minh Huynh | The Signal