Vol. 79 No. 21

THE SIGNAL THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY SERVING THE STUDENTS SINCE 1933

WWW.GSUSIGNAL.COM

VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 21

mEN’s

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

SPECIAL REPORT

Back in Session

BaskEtBall

How the team overcame expectations and dominated the court

With the Georgia General Assembly now in full swing, here’s an analysis of bills affecting higher education

Full story p. 17

HB 59 | Banning undocumented students This bill would extend the Board of Regents’ ban on undocumented students to all University System schools

❚ NEWs ▲ State legislators invite Georgia State to visit the Gold Dome

Gun Laws | Concealed weapons on campus With a tremendous push in the legislature and interest groups, the legislature seems poised to consider a carryand-conceal bill once again

p. 3

&liViNG

❚ arts

HB 659 | Expelling students caught hazing

▲ Uncovering the truth about skinlightening and its consequences

This one-strike policy would permanently expel any person convicted of hazing

p. 8

Full stories p. 2/3 SARAH woodS | THE SIGNAL

❚ sPOrts

Police to install more security cameras near Aderhold

▲ track report Angelia Nugent and Alex Gainous race ahead of the pack p. 19

❚ ONLINE EXCLUSIVE ▲ Significance and criticism of heritage months discussed

❚ Scan the code to get daily news updates at www.gsusignal.com

Continued on p. 4

THUR Hi 61

FRI

Hi 60

ANToNIo RoSALES | THE SIGNAL

ALSO INSIDE:

Hi 65

Full story p. 7

Since the installation of a 24-hour security system last year, only one student has been caught. Police say additional cameras will help aid in crime prevention and investigation.

Since the initial cameras were installed last year, the police expect an additional 12 to 50 to be installed around the Aderhold area.

The system provides 24-hour surveillance and aims to promote a safer environment for students on campus. The Director of Georgia State Police, Carlton Mullis, said the system has benefited the police in several ways.

“What we are looking to do is to be able to

Follow us!

US! WED

The Muralist

tiFFaNiE smith staff Writer

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

GREEKS DISCUSS THEIR PLACE IN HISTORY, LOOKS AHEAD

Full story on p. 9

NEWS

www.gsusignal.com/news

❚ Daily updates and breaking news. Stay in the loop on the Web.

SARAH woodS | THE SIGNAL

Protestors against House Bill 59 rallied outside the capitol last March. Brought up again this session, several Georgia State students and faculty have spoken unfavorably about the bill.

Students and faculty come out against HB 59 Some fear funding backlash Chris shattuCk News Editor

Although the bill to completely ban undocumented students from attending public universities was ultimately shelved last year, House Bill 59 has once again caused a stir from students and other opponents.

Sponsored by Rep. Tom Rice, R-Norcross, the bill would require the state’s 55 universities and technical colleges to check the immigration status of all applicants as a pre-requisite for enrollment.

A hearing on the bill last Tuesday by the House of Higher Education Committee drew a large audience of protestors, including a group of undocumented students that testified how the bill would negatively impact their lives.

Although the committee held off voting on the bill to meet with college leaders, it will be eligible to clear committee as early as next week, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The bill is similar to an Oct. 2010 policy the University Board of Regents created that banned undocumented students from the top five most competitive universities in the state, including Georgia State.

That move met hardened resistance from student groups and faculty members from public universities across the state. The University of Georgia’s most senior legislative body, the University Council, adopted

a resolution last December calling for a reversal of the board’s decision.

At present the Student Life and Development, Admissions and Standards and Faculty Affairs committees in Georgia State’s University Senate are considering adopting a very similar resolution addressed to the University System Chancellor.

“This is racist. This is segregation of the University System,” Ben Williams, University Senate member and SGA vice president of Student Life, said.

“It’s saying – as it is now [with the Board of Regents policy] and with HB 59 – that you’re not worthy and we’re not going to validate you.”

“What is really terrifying is that HB 59 could have moved on Tuesday,” Williams said. “The concern now is that it’s going to move whether we like it or not.”

However, he also said that trying to fight the bill through official university channels might risk a financial backlash from the legislature.

“The legislature isn’t something we can really deal with. We’re not sending anything to them because that is too dangerous – especially with our funding.”

Williams said they should continue to fight similar policies at the Board of Regents level.

“The legislatures are off limits. The Board of Regents aren’t, but the legislature is. Because they are the people, if we fight against them it could result in a

[backlash],” he said. “The only way Georgia State and all the other University System schools can continue to expand is with consistent funding.”

Other members of the University Senate are advising students to make their voices about the legislation heard in different ways. Olga Jarrett, the chair of the ad hoc committee, is one of those members. She is in charge of drafting the letter to the chancellor.

“Politically, I think it’s important for students to look online and email their legislators to tell why they think this legislation is so bad, ” Jarrett said.

When first proposed last year, the bill drew heavy criticism from immigrant rights supporters and education advocates, who held numerous rallies at the state capitol in opposition to the bill and others.

Students at Georgia State have mostly expressed a negative view of the bill.

Hospitality major Tamesha Childs said that the bill would send a negative message to both legal and undocumented students.

“If you’re here trying to get an education or something good, why force you out? Because they’re paying for education too,” Childs said.

Carl Kananda, a junior chemistry major, also said the bill is not fair to the potential students that would be affected.

“Everyone has a right to education regardless of his or her origins. Anyone who is willing to participate in school should be allowed to,” Kananda said.

SARAH woodS | THE SIGNAL

A protestor against House Bills 59 and 87 shouts towards the Georgia Capitol during March of last year.

Gun control

Campus gun laws draw concern alEXis smith staff Writer

Despite recent efforts by neighboring students at the Georgia Institute of Technology to lobby for the right to carry of firearms on campus, many Georgia State students remain unsure or against a new campus gun law.

“I don’t think [students legally carrying firearms on campus] would be safe,” said Alyssa Berbrich, a senior and hospitality major at Georgia State.

“It is our right to bear arms, but there’s a time and place for that, and school is definitely not the place,” she said.

Thomas Salako, a managerial science major and junior, agrees with Berbrich.

“I’m against it,” Salako said. “[Legally carrying firearms on campus] doesn’t hold well against my idea of ‘safety.’ I just don’t see a reason for firearms on campus.”

Still, such sentiment has not deterred pro-gun rights legislation in the last few years. As recently as June 2010, Gov. Sunny Perdue vetoed a bill that would have legalized concealed firearms on campuses statewide.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures website, 18 states introduced legislation of some kind to allow the carry of concealed weapons on campus. Today, only Mississippi and Wisconsin have been successful in passing conceal and carry legislation, although Mississippi’s law is presently being contested.

Furthermore, while 49 out of 50 states currently have concealed carry weapon laws, only 22 states go so far as to ban the right to carry and conceal a weapon on college campuses – Georgia being one of them.

Laura Martin, a Georgia State graduate student, has obtained a gun permit in Arizona and understands why some students may want to carry a firearm on campus. Despite the fact that

Martin is “all for protection” of one’s self, she is not so sure how she feels about students walking around her carrying weapons.

“I know that I know how to use a gun, but I wouldn’t want to carry it on campus,” Martin said.

“I also have a Tazer. There are other ways of protecting yourself besides carrying a gun.”

Damon Knight, a junior and film and video major, attended school in Arizona as well – a state that is currently undergoing the process of overturning current gun laws on campuses.

“I didn’t feel safe on campus in Arizona,” Knight said. “A problem can easily escalate and turn violent. Anything can happen.”

Chrystle Scott, a freshman with an undecided major, is happy Georgia has yet to pass such a law.

“I’m totally against [carrying firearms on campus]. You never know – someone may be having a bad day and might pull out a gun on the class,” he said. “Some people are just that crazy.”

“I think it’s safe for the individual carrying the

weapon but not for the community as a whole,” Scott said.

Freshman Draven Link said that guns make him uncomfortable, especially in the hands of someone depressed or mentally unstable.

“I don’t want to be a victim of somebody’s bad grade or somebody’s bad day,” Link said. “The Virginia Tech shootings scared me. I’d hate to see something like that happen on the Georgia State campus.”

But while many Georgia State students are against concealed firearms on campus, some students can see both sides.

Senior journalism major Preston Locklear said students should be allowed to carry firearms, although he see’s why it’s a controversial issue.

“The university is still a public place. I don’t think more people would be carrying weapons – I think people who already have guns would just carry them,” Locklear said. “But I see both sides.”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

HB 659:

New bill would bring harsh punishments for hazing TERAH BOYD Associate News Editor

Drafted in response to several national incidents of hazing, House Bill 659 would bar any student convicted of hazing from attending school in the state of Georgia.

Proposed by Rep. Joe Wilkinson, R-Sandy Springs, the bill received major media attention after the November death of a Florida A&M University student, Dekalb native Robert Champion, in an alleged hazing ritual on a university band trip.

In a statement to the Atlanta JournalConstitution, Wilkinson said that numerous Georgia universities approached him about the issue.

“If nothing else, this will bring more attention to the problem,” Wilkinson said. “It will educate administration, parents, students of the laws currently on the books and encourage reporting of hazing.”

Additional House committees will review the bill before it goes to the state Senate.

Currently HB 659 says that any student convicted of hazing would be banned from any school in the state, but hazing would remain only a misdemeanor charge.

Georgia State declined an official comment on HB 659. However, they said that the university has a zero tolerance policy for hazing and that “we are monitoring the bill closely.”

Nationally, Greek communities have been vocal about their charge to eliminate the culture of hazing.

“Hazing has no place in the fraternity experience,” Pete Smithhisler of the North-American Interfraternity Conference stated in a testimony to the Georgia House of Representatives. “Men who fail to abide by our principles and to do their part to ensure the fraternity experience is devoid of hazing have no place in our organizations.”

Locally, Georgia State Greek students have reservations about the severity of the proposed punishment.

Misty Dunagan, a previous member of the Georgia State chapter of Phi Mu, is concerned about the bill.

“I think it might be a little too extreme to say that you can never go to another school in Georgia again. I would say that they could probably never participate in an organization ever again but to deny them the right to go to school in Georgia seems a bit much,” Dunagan said.

Jasmine Frink, president of the Zeta Tau chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma, said that hazing is wrong but also that HB 659 is excessive. “I do believe there should be punishment for hazing, but I don’t think this bill is the answer,” Frink said.

“This law is a band aid; it covers the wound but does nothing to kill the source of infection. Hazing is not just an act for some it’s a culture deeply rooted in tradition,” Frink said.

Before the bill can become law, it must pass through several more committees in the House and eventually pass the State Senate before going to the governor.

“Law makers should get involved, and it should have not taken the death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion to do so,” Frink said.

03

NEWS | THE SIGNAL

GSU Day at the Capitol Chris Shattuck News Editor

For the second year now, legislators in the Gold Dome were greeted with a wide variety of students and faculty last Thursday for “GSU Day at the Capitol.”

Deans and other faculty from Georgia State’s colleges gathered early in the morning on the House side of the capitol building in the main lobby with tables representing their schools. Other groups like the alumni association, student government and athletics maintained tables as well.

Attracted by all the commotion, many legislators stopped by to say hello and to sport a blue Georgia State sticker on top of their badges. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle also stopped by to greet the delegation.

At around 9 in the morning, the Panther Basketball Band began playing the school’s fight song directly underneath the Gold Dome while the cheerleaders and Pounce, the first mascot ever allowed in the capitol, performed in the lobby.

Although the student turnout was rather low, around 40 representatives from the school, including President Becker, showed up at the event.

CHRIS SHATTUCK | THE SIGNAL

Legislators from the Georgia General Assembly stopped by the Georgia State delegation in the House lobby to say hello and to partake of complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts.

Administrators from each college were there to greet them.

04

NEWS | THE SIGNAL

Indian Creek lodge set to undergo upgrade samaria smith staff Writer

The Indian Creek Recreation Area lodge will close June 18 to be demolished and replaced with a larger clubhouse.

However, Director of Design and Construction Services Kim Bauer says official plans for the site are still underway. Additionally, the university has yet to decide on the specific dimensions or features the new clubhouse will display, according to Bauer.

Since the plans have to be laid out, the cost of the upgrade remains uncertain. However, Bauer confirmed that the lodge’s pool would remain untouched.

Off Campus

The Indian Creek facility lodge is used for meetings and universityapproved social events by departments and charter student organizations. Currently the lodge offers an assembly room, kitchen space, a closed-in deck and a cookout patio.

The Indian Creek Recreation Area is located in Dekalb County and houses tennis courts, a children’s play area, a sand volleyball court and cookout areas for the use of students, their families and guests.

While the lodge will be closed off for changes, the pool and children’s pool will remain available for students’ enjoyment and is scheduled to operate as usual from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

February 2

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Disorderly Conduct. At 10:51 a.m. officers observed the individual sleeping inside GSU property on Fort Street. While interviewing the individual he became very irate. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

Peachtree Center ave.

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Driving While Unlicensed, Giving False Information and Agency Assist. At 6:05 p.m. officers observed the individual attempting to back out of a parking space and strike another vehicle. When officers attempted to obtain information from the individual he provided officers with a false name and social security number. Officers also confirmed an active warrant. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

Security cameras Continued from front page

ANToNIo RoSALES | THE SIGNAL

The surveillance system has been credited with at least one arrest already and provides valuable crime prevention information, police say.

see when a crime actually does occur,” Mullis said. “We can use it to go back and focus on any crime behavior happening.”

However, only one arrest has been made using the system. Last October someone was caught on camera trying to break into Cinefest and was later arrested.

Although the system could enhance security for students, others worry about privacy.

“I never knew there were cameras placed on campus,” sophomore Sam Murry said.

“I like that it does protect us students because the more protection, the better. But one reason I don’t like it is because I think it invades student’s privacy.”

Other students agree that the cameras could be useful for keeping crime down but

Piedmont North General area

A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 7:20 p.m. he noticed money was missing from his room. The case is being handled by Investigations.

sparks hall

A report was filed for Theft of Bicycle. The complainant, a GSU faculty member stated, at 7:15 p.m. he noticed his bicycle with an attached saddle bag containing various items was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

February 1

College of Business

Officers issued a Non-GSU individual a Criminal Trespass Warning.

At 12:25 p.m. officers observed the individual in the restroom with her clothing scattered taking a sink bath. She was issued a C.T.W. and was escorted off campus without incident.

January 31

In reference to case#12-0065, Robbery by Sudden Snatching, which occurred on 01/25/12 in the General Classroom Building. The suspect was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail on 01/31/12.

Piedmont ave./J.W. Dobbs

Officers arrested a GSU student for Disorderly Conduct and Driving While License are Suspended. At 5:10 p.m. a GSU student received a citation for parking illegally and became belligerent with officers, poured a drink on top of a patrol vehicle and fled the area in her vehicle. Officers apprehended the individual and confirmed her driver’s license was suspended. She was arrested, processed and transported to the City of Atlanta Jail.

January 30

university Commons

12-0081 Officers arrested a GSU student for Possession of an Ounce or Less of Marijuana. At 3:47 p.m. officers were advised of an odor of marijuana and made contact with the resident. Officers also confirmed the student was in possession of marijuana. He was arrested, processed and released on a Copy of Charges.

General Classroom Building

Officers issued a Non-GSU individual a Criminal Trespass Warning. At 5:45 p.m. officers were advised the individual was observed in the rest room exposing himself. He was issued a C.T.W. and was escorted off campus without incident.

wish the university would do more in other areas.

“I think it will keep some crime off of our campus,” said junior Sarah Hill.

“I think more things need to be done about preventing crime, but this is a good step.”

According to the Instructional Technology Center, no one other than University Police or the ITC director has access to the recordings. Furthermore, personal information contained on the recordings will not be used for anything besides security purposes, the university said.

“We have very strict rules on the system,” Mullis said.

“It’s only in a general public area and it does not record over 30 days. The cameras only focus on crime behavior.”

Student Activity Fee Funding for Fiscal Year 2013

library south

Officers issued a Non-GSU individual a Criminal Trespass Warning. At 3:15 p.m. officers observed the male individual in the women’s restroom.

He was issued a C.T.W. and was escorted off campus without incident.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

The Academic Team Fee Council has released budget request forms and instructions for the �iscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013). The Fee Council operates under the overall structure of the Student Activity Fee Committee and guidelines from the Student Activity Fee Overview document apply which lists restrictions placed on the expenditure of fee funds. In addition to these general guidelines (http://www2. gsu.edu/~wwwdos/wordFilesEtc/SA_Fee_Overview_Approved_Sept_23_2011.pdf), the Academic Team Fee Council is restricted to distribute funds to competitive academic teams.

Entities eligible to receive funding within this council must be �

a chartered student organization or student group affiliated with an academic / university department at Georgia State University;

�

team-based; and competing on a regional, national, or international level;

�

with the purpose of enhancing the academic experience.

The Academic Team Fee Council will be reviewing budget requests for FY 2013 and invites all eligible academic teams to apply. To apply for funding for your academic team, please provide all necessary information through the Academic Team Fee Council Budget Request Application. Budget application forms are available on the web at: http://www.gsu.edu/deanofstudents (the FY 2013 Budget Request Forms are listed under the Student Fees section).

Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 2, 2012, 5 p.m.. Applications need to be submitted in hard copy to the Political Science department (General Classroom Building 1004, attention: Jeannie Grussendorf). Late applications will not be accepted.

Please note that if an academic team receives funds for FY 2013 from any other fee council then they cannot also get funding from the Academic Teams Fee Council.

Please, direct any questions to the Academic Team Fee Council’s non-student member Jeannie Grussendorf jgrussendorf@gsu.edu.

OPINIONS

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cents at our Website. Any time, any place.

www.gsusignal.com/opinions

Speaker Series a success this semester Many times the pages of The Signal report the failures of the university system and its administration. However, we would like to take a moment and recognize the superb job that Campus Events has done with its Distinguished Speaker Series this semester.

Oftentimes it was either a hit or miss with the series – you either barely recognized the speaker or you didn’t know them period. Every now and then, there would be a gem like Tim Gunn, television’s favorite fashion personality, or Frank Warren, the originator of the widely popular PostSecret project.

This semester Georgia State has been graced by the presence of Lisa Ling, an acclaimed journalist and documentarian, and Captain Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut and husband to former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who survived an assassination attempt in Jan. 2011.

Later this month, John Legend, nine-time GRAMMY award winning recording artist and humanitarian, will be venturing to our campus followed by Kathryn Stockett, author of the bestselling book “The Help.”

Through these speakers, Campus Events has done an excellent job of providing students a wide range of appealing speakers that should have something to offer us all. It is nice to see that the activity fees are going to sponsor inspiring and intriguing speakers such as those we have seen and will get to see this semester.

By bringing such high-profile and influential speakers to campus, Campus Events is bringing beneficial, positive attention to our growing university. We also really like the fact that the majority of these events are open to the public. It is an excellent way to bring the surrounding community into our university.

We hope that as Campus Events begins to plan speakers for next fall, it will continue to provide students and the surrounding community equally outstanding speakers. Thank you Campus Events and keep it up!

FrOm thE EDitOrial BOarD reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors

JamEs mCDOuGalD Guest Columnist

F

ormer Senator Rick [REDACTED] of Pennsylvania and 2012 Presidential hopeful is a… I’m sorry are we even allowed to say his name anymore?

I mean, has this name become so synonymous with his “Google Problem” that it’s still permitted to use in a public forum? There’s no way they would let me print [REDACTED] in place of “human copulation.” Right?

So, 13 percent Senator S-word, good work, it’s a distant third, but it’s clear you still have supporters. These supporters appreciate a man with integrity, a man who tells it like it is, balancing the scales against lesser men who would say anything to become the President.

Mr. [REDACTED], you just don’t care; you’ll come out and say it: from your “blah people”

Chris shattuCk News Editor

Three cheers for (student) democracy

I

t’s been said that laws are like sausages – it’s best not to see them made.

I could not disagree more. As faulty and messy democracy can be, the people have a right to know how and by whom their laws are made.

Even though the student government here does not make any laws, its elected officials have as much power as the university, or even the students, decide to give them. And as such, any law or rule which prevents students from electing their representatives, their own spokespeople, is unjust.

As it stands, the SGA constitution does not allow for any non-SGA member to run for its top offices, which stifles complete participation and does nothing except make the institution feel stuffy and elitist.

Indeed, for ordinary students to consider the Student Government legitimate, they must feel welcomed to participate – and that includes the right to choose their executives.

If we are to take democracy seriously, in any form, we must take special care to ensure that the field is level, the candidates qualified and the elections fair.

Violating any one of those principles at the expense of another is a fundamental danger to democracy, whether on a national level or at Georgia State.

Even such a perception can be contrary to the entire point of the SGA: to get students involved in the administration of their education and to prepare them for leadership positions within the public sphere.

Avoiding even the appearance of cronyism should be a primary concern for any organization, especially one that claims to represent the students and put the students first.

As a microcosm of larger county, state and national Republican forms of government, the SGA has been granted a special responsibility to fulfill.

Unlike clubs or sports as the university, the SGA

Santorum:

[REDACTED] gaff two weeks ago to this “God’s greatest gift” recent abomination. I’m surprised you can sleep at night.

On Piers Morgan last week [REDACTED] reiterated that a byproduct of rape was still “a gift from God.” He goes on to add: “As horrible as the way that son or daughter was created, it is still her child… the gift of human life, and [to] accept what God has given [her].” That is tantamount to blaming her. He seems two steps removed from having her stoned in the streets with her rapist.

“But James,” you may want to point out, “before we start drawing comparisons to unpopular theocracies, he’s a distant third as you mentioned before, he’s in no place to decide on policy.” This is true, he cannot directly affect

“

has no parallel because it exists as a training tool for democracy in action.

And because its power does not come from its own authority but, rather, by the authority given to it in trust by the university and the state Board of Regents, it should seek to lessen every burden to participation – certainly not to increase them.

Because ultimately the constituents, in this case the students, should have as much power as possible to elect who they want for elected positions and not just who the SGA deems is qualified.

Because, as limited in power as the SGA truly is, it still represents a loud and essential voice for the students.

And, because democracy is a messy business and we cannot, nor should not, try to interfere in its process.

To do so would threaten everything we claim to represent.

“ “

If we are to take democracy seriously, in any form, we must take special care to ensure that the field is level, the candidates qualified and the elections fair.”

This man is the flagship of patriarchy and all of the oppression that brings. People like him are a bane on the modern world.”

policy in this country, but he can rally the deranged voter base. The same base who twisted the Koman Foundation’s arm into pulling funding from Planned Parenthood, the same base that inundates their Congressmen with letters to pull, again, funding from Planned Parenthood. This man is the flagship of patriarchy and all of the oppression it brings. People like him are a bane on the modern world.

But, some good has appeared in the past few days. When supporters of the frothy runoff of the Grand Ole Party won their battle against women, the sane came together. According to the Washington Post, Planned Parenthood raised $650,000 in contributions within 24 hours of their funding being pulled, and Mayor Bloomberg of New York has promised a match-

ing $1 for every one Planned Parenthood raises from last Thursday, up to $250,000.

Healthcare is not cheap and organizations like Planned Parenthood need all the help they can get. We don’t need more people politicizing the health and wellbeing of our country’s people. And we most certainly do not need another man in a long line telling a woman what she can and can’t do with herself. [REDACTED] needs to return home to Pennsylvania and mediate on that for a moment.

Note from the editor: This column reflects the opinion of the writer before Saturday February 4th. Since that date The Koman Foundation has returned their funding to Planned Parenthood.

06

OPINIONS | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

THE SIGNAL STAFF

milEs kEENlYsiDE Opinions Editor

Recently there has been a rise in the number of theft-by-snatching crimes here on campus. As a student what do you do to protect yourself and your items on campus?

“Definitely be aware of your surroundings, If I have to take out my cell phone, I’ll be sure nothing else is on me like a headset so I know what’s going on. One other thing, If I don’t need my cellphone, then I don’t take it out, where it will be visible for other people to see so hopefully that will decrease people trying to get my stuff.

“I don’t use my phone or hold it out late at night. I keep my expensive things deep down in my bag, and I have a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do.”

- Whitney Horton

- Melissa Yu – Pre-Nursing

“I commute, so I usually keep everything in one bag right here. I don’t really have a problem walking around campus, I usually try to stick around in groups as an extra precaution, but I haven’t had a lot of issues.”

- Kyle Gammon – Journalism

S

ome of you may have seen the signs on campus indicating that there have been a few more thefts recently, and they have been quite bold thefts. The thief will simply run up and grab a phone or out of the victim’s hand and run off with it. This rise in incidents has several possible explanations: the school was recently targeted by a small group of thieves, our new students are being exceptionally careless or the Georgia State Police is not properly patrolling our campus. Recently one of these thieves was arrested on campus, so I’ll go ahead and say that the GSU Police are doing an all right job. The truth probably lies between the first and second options. I’ll go further to guess that the thieves who do this sort of crime are probably young, guessing by their boldness and willingness to be so fleet-footed. Encouraged by several successes and empowered by the hope of a gain of a few quick bucks, they returned to the scene of the crime. In short, this rash of thefts is most likely being carried out by a small group of the same people and will end soon if enough of them get caught.

However, you may not be

Theft on campus too worried about being targeted for theft, which is natural on a campus so large. That also can be part of the problem.

Thieves target people who look off guard and distracted, often looking down at their phone, particularly at night. Most of you have class during the day, but still it always helps to be vigilant. I’ve seen people have their phones stolen out from under their noses; it’s never a pretty sight. It may seem like common sense, but you probably shouldn’t let anyone borrow your smart phone to “make a phone call” if you don’t know them very well.

Speaking to students, I came to realize that most of you do have a good idea about how to protect yourself from being the victim on campus. The most common tactic is to simply be aware of your surroundings, and you should be able to involve any unwanted snatchings. Also, to the few of you who expressed an intent to defend yourselves physically, make sure to brush up on the university’s policy on weapons on campus, otherwise you might get into more trouble than it’s worth. Stay vigilant, students, and all this theft by snatching business will be over soon enough.

“First off, walk in groups and don’t walk anywhere by yourself, especially in dark shady places like under many of the bridges around [campus] or somewhere where you can’t have a clear view all the way around you, stay out of those places after hours.

And they rob you in daylight so there’s really nothing you can do I guess.”

“I am particularly aware of my surroundings, and just from seeing the bulletins around, I actually hold tight if I have my phone in my hand. I hold it really tight and generally try to not walk around with it in my hand.”

- Amanda Moschetta – Philosophy

- Koundinya Gudlavallati

PICTURE of the

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JUdy KIm | THE SIGNAL

Matthew Perry and Maryann Kelly Hicks hang out in the courtyard on a sunny day.

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ANToNIo RoSALES | THE SIGNAL

Muralist David Fichter stands in front of his piece “The Freedom Quilt Mural” reflecting on his use of art to bring change and unity to the community.

Piecing thecommunity together aliCia JOhNsON arts and living Editor

David Fichter, grasping a cup of coffee with excitement in his eyes, walks the puddle-filled streets of downtown Atlanta, his home away from home.

He arrives at his destination, facing a place he once spent months spreading hues across the brick wall, but he hasn’t visited in a long time.

The Freedom Quilt Mural stands high on one of Georgia State’s building’s exterior wall at John Wesley Dobbs and Piedmont Avenues. Students gaze at this familiar sight on the way to and from class everyday.

A Boston native and Harvard alum, Fichter found an ability to tell stories, embrace history and display his art through mural painting. After many murals, he has found that creating them is mainly about the people that contribute to the project and bring meaning to the finished artwork.

Fichter’s murals take the idea of community a step further than encompassing its values into the mural’s design. While working on the five murals he’s done here in Atlanta and many others he’s designed around the world, Fichter drew in the help of people in order to complete these giant paintings.

Although he could not name a favorite person he’s encountered during his many mural paintings, he laughed at the thought of all the different people he met and worked with in the past, remembering each one and managing to dodge the heavy rain spills from the gutters of the buildings.

During the Democratic Convention of 1988, a speech deliv-

ered by political and Civil Rights leader Jessie Jackson inspired Fichter to create a mural for the Atlanta community.

Jackson described America as a quilt made of different sizes and colors but one that still held together.

“I was inspired by that to create this quilt of peace mural,” Fichter said.

Although the paint may have faded over time, its meaning has only gained significance. Staring into the carefully crafted eyes of Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, the changes that were adopted because of their persistence and strength became hard to ignore.

These thoughts resonated throughout the viewers of the mural, an urban spaces class, and its creator as the rain fell harder and muffled the sound of Fichter sharing his thoughts.

This mural and many others that Fichter has created form a bond between history and community. Through his passion and recollection of every detail painted more than two decades ago, it becomes obvious that this is why he loves murals.

“It’s storytelling. They’re very public. They’re very collaborative,” Fichter said. “It’s very much about democratization of cultures. ” While working on The Freedom Quilt Mural and Native Waters, another mural located on DeKalb Avenue, Fichter recalled the people in the community who helped paint. Volunteers included a nun who still works one day a week at Grady Hospital, retired professors and a graffiti artist.

Fichter has also worked with children on mural projects at their schools.

Without prior training in art, most of the children jump right in and embrace the craft Fichter loves. He meets the children,

mostly elementary and middle school kids, asks what they like doing and assigns them to sections of the mural after short training.

The muralist and theatre designer is often surprised at how fast they pick the art up and determined they become, because he thinks children at that age are more distracted and scatter-brained.

“They’re so focused now,” Fichter said.

Whoever the volunteers may be, Fichter enjoys the diversity community brings to this creative expression and carefully takes into account what they bring to the table, allowing them to learn new artistic skills while doing tasks for the murals.

Fichter appreciates the contribution of each volunteer in the community, because that is how the character of the mural is born.

“Different styles of painting represent different styles of people,” Fichter said.

Even though “The Freedom Quilt Mural” was completed nearly 24 years ago, Fichter pointed out the quilt pieces on the damp wall, referencing the volunteers that painted each patch.

Volunteers begin knowing that they are creating something that may stay around for decades to come or could even be painted over before the paint settles into the brick surface, allowing Fichter and the community that aids him leave a literal and meaningful mark.

Students continued to walk past the mural in a hurry, quickly looking up at the quilt that tells the stories of the past. As the rain let up and Fichter stepped away from the mural to leave it once again, he could not help but to glance back, too, and reveal another fascination he has for the art form.

“They’re really hard to ignore,” Fichter said.

10

Arts & living| THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, february 7, 2012

Aysha Johnson | The Signal

Cosmetic industries are capitalizing from skin lightening creams being sold on the black market throughout the world but disappoint in physical and emotional results.

Skin bleaching A quest for lighter skin and what it leaves behind Courtney Boyd Staff Writer

Editors Note: Due to the sensitivity of this article, some of the names have been changed.

Every morning and night Safia Ansari stood in front of the mirror, slapping the cream on her skin. After adding a layer of high SPF sunscreen on top, she felt satisfied.

Pressures to be physically beautiful exist everywhere in the world. This causes people like Ansari to alter themselves in minor and extreme ways. Cosmetic surgeries have grown within the last decade. A growing trend in body alteration that is often overlooked: skin-beaching/lightening.

Why people bleach their skin given the risks associated with the harmful chemicals in lightening cosmetics (e.g. hydroquinone, mercury and even household bleach) is confusing to many Americans.

But what a bustling global cosmetics industry - nearly half of which in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean is accounted for by skin lightening products - teaches us is that many women (and men) do.

Safia Ansari was introduced to skin lightening as a young girl in high school. “A South Asian friend of mine suggested that we buy the well known Fair and Lovely,” Ansari said.

She eventually became consumed with the skin-lightening process.

“I never actually researched what I was doing,” Ansari said.

Only months later, the products began to change Ansari. “I remember one of my more light-skinned friends told me I looked lighter, even pale,” Ansari said. “I was brimming with joy from the success of my regiment.”

Sophomore Emily Taylor knows two women who have used skin-lightening products to alter their appearances, one of which is a junior in high school.

“Her mother pushed her to lighten her skin with products that weren’t FDA approved,” Taylor said. “She said she did it to get her old color back, claiming that she’d gotten darker over the years. The results don’t look nice at all...Her skin came out blotched so it looks more like a rash.”

Ansari also experienced side effects from her lightening products. “...It sometimes made my skin itch and burn,” Ansari said.

Taylor’s aunt has practiced skin lightening for almost 10 years.

“My aunt was encouraged by a friend who told her about a product that would give her skin a healthy glow and ‘eat away the blackness,’” Taylor said. “At first, everything went okay, but now she suffers many skin problems....Her self-confidence is lower than before. She resorts to putting on extreme amounts of foundation to look and feel beautiful.”

Skin bleaching remains moderately uncommon in the U.S., and chemicals used to bleach the skin are banned in many industrialized countries. However, the Internet and international black markets allow millions to purchase skin lighteners each year.

Ansari was shocked to learn the illegality of the product she was using. “ I noticed something on the package-- a line crossed out in black permanent marker. With a touch of nail polish remover, I uncovered the mark to expose the text that read, “for sale in India only,” Ansari said.

Yet despite growing global awareness, commercials and advertisements continue to suggest that having lighter, brighter or blemish-free skin makes one happier and more attractive.

A L’Oreal Paris ad for Feria hair color featuring Beyoncé met controversy from magazine readers who alleged that the cosmetics firm made her paler in its campaigns. Comparably, Allure Magazine named the Elure Advanced Skin-Lightening system in its 2011 Beauty Breakthrough category.

Culture critics worry that endorsements from renowned celebrities would encourage women and men alike to engage in skin

bleaching, a practice linked to thinning skin, acne, bruising, liver damage and a number of cancers.

Though the psychology of skin bleaching is multidimensional, researchers like Dr. Kelly Lewis, a Georgia State associate professor of psychology, suggests that the social implications of having lighter skin drive individuals to use whitening chemicals. Taylor’s sentiments reinforce Lewis’ years of research.

“I’m not sure if my friend’s mother pushed her into bleaching because she, my friend, was the only dark-skinned person living in their household,” Taylor said. “Her mom, grandmother, stepdad and two sisters are all extremely light-skinned.”

Taylor expressed a similar sentiment with the pressure to have a lighter skin complexion in different cultures.

“My friend, my aunt and I are all Haitian. In that society’s culture, the lighter you are the more high class you are presumed to be because it is shown that you have ‘white in you,’” Taylor said. “It is self-destructive behavior.”

Popular culture continually exalts women of lighter complexions, leaving little room for the women of the world that are not those skin complexions and placing expectations to glorify something that they are not.

Meanwhile, ethnic beauty supply stores and online merchants offer cheap, easily accessible, prescription-strength lighteners’, cosmetics sales continue to soar.

“It’s a pandemic, because it’s all over the world, but I don’t feel that skin bleaching can fix a person’s self-esteem,” Taylor said.

After attending an event focused on real beauty, Ansari stopped using the products.

“I officially discarded my lightening creams after witnessing the damage that skin bleaching can do to your body,” Ansari said. “Find beauty in what we have, and be proud of the color our skin is.”

Alicia Johnson contributed to this story.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

09

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

h t n o M y r o t s i H k lac

for B Nicole Holman Staff Writer

People who think of Black History often name influential leaders like non-violence advocates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his Civil Rights movement companion Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery in 1955. Recently, people discussed African-American history with the election of President Barack Obama.

Because of their well-known successes around the world, these are the heroes that we acknowledge and celebrate every day. But what about those that impact our local community? There is a significant amount of African-American history right here on Georgia State’s campus.

If you have ever walked through the Library Plaza in the afternoon on a Tuesday or Thursday, chances are you have seen the Omegas, Sigmas, Deltas, Zetas, AKAs and the Alphas socializing or showcasing their Greek pride. But do you know what these organizations are really all about?

“It’s a sisterhood,” Kyrstin Bell, a junior and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., said. “I’ve never had this much support from this many young women at one time.

They have taught me not to be selfish and to look out for others.”

Bell went on to say that their main purpose as a sorority is to serve all mankind and focus on societal issues and leadership.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was founded on Jan. 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington D.C. and is the oldest Greek-lettered organization established by AfricanAmerican college-educated women.

The sorority has recently celebrated 104 years of service.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the first ever historically black fraternity established in a collegiate environment, was founded Dec. 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It was created by seven men that the brothers call the “Seven Jewels” who originally started the nationally known organization as a social studies club.

Senior, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Nathan Codes expressed how being a part of the organization has affected his life.

“It gives me a sense of accountability because not only am I representing myself, I’m also representing a fraternity, a brand and a legacy,” Codes said. “Given the opportunity to be a part of a fraternity has created a vehicle for me to positively affect more people.”

Both Greek organizations host many programs and participate in numerous community service efforts.

They base their affairs on initiatives they learn and carry out. They also collaborate with other organizations

on campus to reach out to students.

These historically Black fraternities and sororities have also paved the way for other Greek organizations of different backgrounds. In 2000, Georgia State welcomed Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc. This organization’s purpose is to incorporate separate cultures into one sisterhood and educate others on different backgrounds.

“No matter what culture you have or lifestyle you live, you are accepted as a sister in the sorority,” member Tori Thomas said. “It’s so nice to say that no matter your race or culture, you are still my sister and I get to learn from you. We have to stop stereotyping and get to learn for ourselves.”

Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Inc., was founded in 1997 on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill by seven undergraduate women of various backgrounds and cultures.

Thomas explains how Black History Month allows her to reflect on the accomplishments of people within her own race and how it affects other races. She believes it’s important for all races to trace back their history and know who has paved the way for them today.

“As a black woman, it’s hard for me to trace back my family history,” Thomas said. “All races have their own history. We’re all American, but not everyone can easily reach that

judy kim | the signal

Alpha Phi Alpha member Nathan Codes takes pride in his organization and its values.

lieves that because of her life experiences, she can provide guidance to anyone.

“My purpose in life is to impact the lives of others by giving back, and I feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose through Softer Touch,” Newson said.

Softer Touch was founded in 2005 at Georgia State by graduates Jahleeka Morris and Chazia Merriweather. Inspired by Tighter

judy kim | The signal

Softer Touch member Jasmine Newson and Alpha Phi Alpha member Nathan Codes.

‘American Dream’. It’s very important for every race to know where they came from and the foundation they were built upon in order to move forward.”

Theta Nu Xi Multicultural sorority recently partnered up with the Georgia State Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and community service organization, Softer Touch. They hosted a program in January entitled “Am I My Sister’s Keeper?” where they talked about the importance of sisterhood.

Jasmine Newson, a Softer Touch member, definitely lives by the principles of sisterhood and possesses a passion for helping people. She be-

Grip African-American Male Initiative founded in 2001 also here at Georgia State, Morris and Merriweather aspired to form an organization where they both could mentor women. One of the main goals of both organizations is to increase the graduation rate in AfricanAmerican males and females at Georgia State. Coming together with common interests and backgrounds, these organizations focus on helping the community through various affairs included but not limited to tutoring, helping the homeless and hosting programs and events on the Georgia State campus.

Newson remembered before be-

coming president of Softer Touch that she wanted to find a way to help her peers and get involved at Georgia State. During her freshman year, she met and bonded with her resident assistant, Tony Price, a graduating senior. Newson says he greatly influenced and pushed her to become a student leader and get involved on campus.

“Now that I am a student leader, I think that people look up to me like I used to look up to him. I guess that’s the way it was meant to be,” Newson said. “In order to be a true leader, you have to leave a legacy and instill learned values into individuals to create new leaders.”

Perhaps one of her biggest inspirations that motivated her to become a leader is a book called “The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream.” The story follows the journeys of three aspiring doctors that fulfill their dream by sticking together.

“We need to realize that in the black community we need to come together and not be so competitive,” Newson said.

Through organizations like Softer Touch and Tighter Grip, many black students have learned about their own history and how they can make history by exuding confidence, helping their communities and becoming leaders. Additionally, these organizations inform people of all races and backgrounds that the purpose of these organizations is not to separate or segregate but to educate everyone about the opportunities needed in order to reach successes that were once thought to be unreachable.

To celebrate Black history as a part of American culture, learn about an African-American who plays an important role in the growth of your local community.

Upcoming Events The National Council of Negro Women Chapter (NCNW) at Georgia State is hosting a program entitled, “Keepers of the Legacy” on Thursday Feb. 9 at 7PM in room 220 of the Urban Life building.

They will be discussing the accomplishments of African-American Leaders in America.

Softer Touch encourages everyone to attend their upcoming program called “Queen” on Wednesday March 7, at 7PM in the Speakers Auditorium. They will be discussing the importance of knowing your self-worth and giving yourself away to others.

To learn about the upcoming programs hosted by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Chapters here at Georgia State, join their Facebook Groups: The “Enchanting” Eta Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., The “GQ” Zeta Mu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

10

ArTS & LIvING| THE SIGNAL

Lamb of God, Resolution

Crush EP 01 First Sabrepulse

02 Organismo Adron for An Imaginary Film 03 Themes Symmetry of Satellites Remixed 04 City Various Artists Parisien II 05 Kitsuné Various Artists

Atlanta singer Adron brings a fusion sound of pop and psychedelic to Organismo. Her classic voice and guitar skills make this album worthy of a top five position.

On Time 06 Back Plug

07 Cyrk Cate Le Bon 08 Hospitality Hospitality & Champagne 09 Lilacs Lilacs & Champagne Grande 10 La Laura Gibson

11

Things.Yes M+A

On 12 Switched Mr. Chop

13 Ester Trailer Trash Tracys

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

America Give Up satisfies cravings for a good oldfashioned pop album.

ZaCk kraimEr associate arts Editor Heavy metal can be somewhat confusing for those without much exposure to the genre. Lamb of God’s new release, Resolution, might be able to clear up some of the many misconceptions about metal in general.

Lamb of God’s style differs from a lot of metal in that their focus is on melody and ensemble arrangement rather than the self-celebratory shredding that is so often heard in the genre. Guitar solos are relatively infrequent on Resolution, so when they do appear they’re much more special.

Lamb of God’s sound can be accurately described as “groove metal.” The members know when to back off in order to let each other shine at the right moments, in stark contrast to the many metal musicians that love to stroke their own egos through drawn-out leads. Most of the group’s attention is devoted to how each piece of Resolution comes together individually and as a whole.

Resolution bares its teeth from the start with “Straight For The Sun,” and the momentum hardly slows for the duration. Even the dark, chugging riffs that form the underbelly of the tracks are deeply melodic, despite their speed and intensity.

A drawback here is that most of the tracks sound very much alike, but that seems to be increasingly common in metal. Even so, each one seems tighter and

Tim McGraw, Emotional Traffic

ectionate 14 Aff Venetian Snares

15 RIVKA RIVKA the Hedge 16 By Minks Sweetheartstammers 17 They Pigeons

18 Weekends pacificUV Give Up 19 America Howler Go Eat the Factory 20 Let’s Guided By Voices Weekend 21 Strange Porcelain Raft to the Wall 22 Onwards A Place to Bury Strangers

23

Before Gardens After Gardens Big Sir

Times Xpress IV 24 Rad Black Bananas Tonk Medusa 25 Honky Donovan Quinn Say, View, Create, Shadow Leads 26 Dreams Dustin Wong Traits 27 Natural Ernest Gonzales Some Faith in Magic 28 Have Errors

better-composed than the last, and it’s a truly exciting listen.

If you’re still reading, you probably already knew whether you’d like Resolution or not before you started—it’s not going to draw in any listeners who weren’t previously metal fans. It’s more commercially viable than much of metal’s new wave, and its emphasis on melody and arrangement is closer to the mainstream than most of their contemporaries, but it’s still a somewhat typical, fiercely powerful metal record.

This new project from GBV has received numerous favorable reviews that appreciate the band’s loyalty to their sound.

thaDDEus mOrGaN associate living Editor

Tim McGraw drives in a new direction with Emotional Traffic.

Despite Tim McGraw straddling the line between a somber country tone and a peppy pop sound in his most recent project, his smooth vocals and expressive songs make for an enjoyable album from start to finish.

The album leads with a slow song, “Halo,” about a downtrodden lover, that picks up just enough in the chorus to keep the song from going into the territory of an overly emotional country singer. It then leads into an electric guitar solo that seems out of place and frankly shocks listeners, but this rebellion fits nicely with the tone.

McGraw uses a hefty amount of electric guitar solos in this album, as they occur in several other tracks on Emotional Traffic, including the second track “Right Back Atcha Babe.” McGraw picks up the tempo a bit with this track, presenting a sample of how he can mix two sounds for two audiences in a way that can still be seen as decent, even by the harshest of country critics.

Where others may fail to integrate the two clashing genres, McGraw manages to deliver by taking the listener on a roller coaster ride, or, more aptly, a traffic jam of emotions and rhythms from one song to the next.

That isn’t to say that his country roots are completely removed, after all, how could they be with a song named “Touchdown Jesus.” But it’s obvious that the direction McGraw took when recording in the studio this time around was for a more diverse audience.

Country pro McGraw steps outside of the box and even records a song with Pop and R&B singer Ne-Yo on the album titled “Only Human.” And although it was a risky move, it’s one that undoubtedly paid off for the popular star.

Right when you’re on the verge of tears after listening to “I Will Not Fall Down,” the cheerful and fun “The One,” picks you up by your bootstraps and makes you think there’s not a care in the world. The pingpong of tunes from slow to fast keeps you guessing and doesn’t make you feel like the same track just played on repeat 12 different times.

For fans that aren’t ready for McGraw’s more commercial sound, the new album may not be a welcome addition to the country collection. But for those of us that can appreciate the growth and direction of an artist, it’s an album worth giving a try that can unite country fans and pop fans alike.

29 MU.ZZ.LE Gonjasufi Stalks 30 Paralytic Of Montreal

Check out next week’s reviews

MUSIC ❚ of Montreal ❚ Paul McCartney ❚ The Fray

MOVIES ❚ The Innkeepers ❚ The Woman in

Black

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

The Grey

REEL REVIEWS

Man on a Ledge laura aPPErsON Copy Editor

Sam Worthington stars in Asger Leth’s new thriller, “Man on a Ledge,” which was released this month.

The plot of “Man on a Ledge” fits the title of the movie perfectly.

Throughout the movie, cameras follow Nick Cassidy (Worthington), a man convicted of stealing a very expensive diamond from a very important businessman, David Englander (Ed Harris), as he spends most of the film literally standing on the ledge of a top-floor hotel room.

The opening scene shows him walking out onto the ledge and soon flashes back to a tired-looking Cassidy in jail for stealing Englander’s diamond. Cassidy’s father gets sick and dies, and at the funeral he breaks loose from the police with the help of his brother Joey (Jamie Bell) and girlfriend, Angie (Genesis Rodriguez). The movie then goes on to show that Cassidy is very much faking his suicidal jump: he has another motive.

While Cassidy stages the jump, Joey and Angie are breaking into Englander’s offices, which are conveniently located right across the street from the hotel to try and steal the diamond and prove Cassidy’s innocence.

The films plot moves extremely

slowly. Most of the action includes scenes switching between Cassidy’s time on the ledge and Joey and Angie’s break-in. Negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) is in on the action with Cassidy, trying to convince him that suicide is not a good option. She and her team that includes Officer Jack Dougherty, played by Edward Burns, soon discovers that Cassidy is not on the ledge to end his life but to save it.

By the time the police and Mercer figure out what Cassidy is really up to, Joey and Angie have already made it to the safe to steal the diamond. At this point in the movie, Cassidy’s fake jump seemed to be a successful distraction, but as in most action movies, that is not the case.

The movie puts emphasis on things that seem completely pointless, such as the crowd on the ground watching Cassidy, which is led by a very awkward reporter (Kyra Sedgwick) and a crazy man who constantly yells up at Cassidy. Officer Dougherty, who is apparently an important person, is constantly told to leave the room at the most crucial moments in the movie, making him completely useless.

The plot and characters in “Man on a Ledge” fall completely flat and is definitely not entertaining enough to keep anyone sufficiently engaged.

kENDall harris staff Writer

Director: Asger Leth Stars: Sam Worthington, Jamie Bell, and Genesis Rodriguez Release Date: Jan. 27, 2012

Director: Joe Carnahan Stars: Liam Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo Release Date: Jan. 27, 2012

SpeaKer SerIeS 2011-12

JoHn leGend The Distinguished

11

ArTS & LIvING | THE SIGNAL

20 y r a u r b e F , y a d Mon

An Afternoon with John Legend

John legend has been named one of TIME Magazine’s

“100 Most Influential People.” A nine-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, critically acclaimed concert performer and philanthropist/social activist, he shares his experiences with audiences through lecture and song. Legend launched the nonprofit Show Me Campaign to fight poverty and sits on the boards of the Education Equality Project, Teach for America and the Harlem Village Academies, and he has received numerous awards for humanitarianism.

“The Grey” is a survival-thriller about a rowdy oil drilling team in the Alaskan wilderness. Their plane crashes, leaving only seven survivors, including Ottway, an Irish man who has been hired to kill any wild wolves that approach the team.

Ottway contemplates suicide before the trip on the plane, but he’s stopped by a pack of howling wolves. Now, ironically, he must use his knowledge of the wolves to survive in the freezing wilderness. After the plane crash, the team is wounded and left without food or weapons.

Strangely, Ottway’s suicidal longings disappear as he comforts the dying and fights to help the survivors stay alive.

The men are immediately approached by a pack of wild wolves after the crash. The wolves made them painfully aware of the dangers surrounding them. The group of survivors quickly dwindles from the original seven; some of them are killed by hunting wolves and others by the biting Alaskan cold.

“The Grey” offers the audience a realistic portrayal of survivors and how they may behave in the midst of tragedy. All of the character’s moods swing wildly as they are either filled with hope or despair, cling onto memories from their lives at home and tell each other stories about their families.

One of the most memorable moments in the film is when the main character, Ottway, remembers a poem that his father wrote about life and death.

At times they turn against each other out of frustration. This is a dynamic of the film that viewers can relate to. The audience can almost feel the desperation of the remaining survivors, and it increases with each loss.

This film is realistic in nature and provides great acting. “The Grey” continues this way until the very end, when the film suddenly ends without giving the audience a clear idea of who lives and who dies.

Despite the realism of the film, the cliffhanger ending will leave the audience frustrated.

Supp ort Stude ed by nt Ac tivity Fe

es

3 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom

free

gsucampusevents • campusevents@gsu.edu • www.gsu.edu/studentevents • 404/413-1857

12

ArTS & LIvING | THE SIGNAL

The Distinguished Speaker Series

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Mark Kelly: On hope and recovery JuDY kim Photography Editor

GRAHAm RoBSoN | THE SIGNAL

Distinguished Speaker Astronaut Mark Kelly explains his struggles and triumphs.

When an assassination attempt was made on his wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords, on Jan. 8, 2011, American astronaut and U.S. Navy combat pilot Mark Kelly seemed to have gone through it all.

Aside from having flown combat missions in the Persian Gulf, piloting four separate space flights with each trip lasting about two weeks each, Kelly dealt with the biggest challenge of his life when a simple phone call turned his life upside-down.

“I was sitting at home, talking to my eldest daughter about some boyfriend issue she had. I guess it was probably a boyfriend issue I had... My younger daughter was sleeping, and I just simply got a phone from Gabby’s Chief of Staff saying that Gabby had been shot,” Kelly said.

Initially Kelly did not believe he received such a phone call, so he double checked his Blackberry and saw that he truly did receive the call. He called back with slight optimism, hoping that his wife had only been shot in the arm. She was shot in the head; 13 people were injured and six others were killed in

the shooting; Conservative federal judge John Roll was among the six.

Kelly immediately boarded an aircraft with his entire family in Houston and during the flight to Tucson, Ariz., where Giffords was located; he made the mistake of watching the television. Both CNN and Fox News had reported that his wife had died, causing emotional chaos in the airplane; both news stations later retracted their reports.

As Kelly recounted his past year in the Student Center Ballroom, he discussed his experience as an ambulance driver in New Jersey, a Naval combat pilot, a NASA astronaut and as a husband and father.

Kelly reflected on how he used all of these experiences to handle life the way he did. His last mission, STS-134, was the last mission Kelly had commanded. The decision itself was not an easy one for Kelly,as Giffords was still hospitalized and battled leaving two children behind.

Yet his wife’s strict mentality of finishing what one had started was already embedded in Kelly, and in addition to her immense support for the space program in the past, Kelly rocketed off to space on May 16, 2011. The team spent 17 days in space and had four space walks.

It has been about 380 days

Opening Doors The 1913 Society – GSU’s student ambassador corps – hosts the university’s most prestigious events. Ambassadors welcome the world to Georgia State, while opening doors to countless opportunities for themselves.

Applications for the 2012 -13 school year are being accepted through March 7.

Interested students are invited to an open house Wednesday, February 22, 5 - 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

www.gsu.edu/1913

since Kelly and Giffords have started rehabilitating and recovering.

Giffords is currently suffering from aphasia and is spending 5-6 days a week in physical, occupational and speech therapy.

On Jan. 25, Giffords officially announced her resignation from her place in Congress.

“Despite the fact that her staff was doing a lot of the work in the office, Gabby takes her job very seriously, and the fact that she couldn’t be there in Washington at work to where she could vote and give her constituents their voice in Congress... the right thing to do was for her to step down. So she made that decision,” Kelly said.

Giffords, at first, had hoped that she would recover swiftly enough for re-election and continue her job as Congresswoman within a year. However, Kelly insists that his wife will return to a job as a public servant, whether it be running for office again or becoming involved in a foundation.

Giffords also knew her husband was speaking at Georgia State and made sure to send a message of her own.

“So this is from my wife. This especially applies to all you students out there: Be passionate, be courageous, be strong, be your best,” Kelly said.

Editor’s note: Promote your event in this calendar! Contact Alicia Johnson at signalliving@gmail.com with the event name, time, date, location and a brief description.

Feb. 7

Alliance for Women in Media Love Story Submissions

Show your creativity this Valentine’s Day by submitting a video online for that special person. Whether it’s a boyfriend/ girlfriend, crush, or the love of your life, send your message or video to the Alliance for Women in Media website to catch their attention.

Website: http://www.wix.com/awm_gsu/ vday

Visiting Scholar Dr. Elaine King, Art Critic/Curator

“Art’s Global Amalgamation: Complexities in a New Age - Artists, Critics and the Market”. In an era in which there is open discussion of many previously forbidden subjects; why is it that the nexus between money and art remains perhaps the last taboo subject?

The answer can be found five centuries in the past. Dr. King will address the following: How do we evaluate the art of today with its production and reception being ever more determined by corporate sponsorship and private money?

General Classroom Building, 9th Floor // 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Lunch & Learn Come and learn about study abroad opportunities and the Study Abroad Office at Georgia State!

Free pizza will be served!

13

ARTS & Living | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

CALENDAR Scholars Integrity Banner Signing

Dahlberg Hall // 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Feb. 8

Conference Keynote: Martin Munro

Unity Plaza

Men’s Basketball Vs. Northeasten

Lucerne Suite, Student Center // 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Professor Martin Munro of Florida State

Alpha Kappa Psi and Campus Pals present the third annual charity date auction.

Speaker’s Auditorium//6:60 p.m.

University will speak on “The French Atlantic and the Circles of Trinidad.”

Munro is a specialist in Francophone Caribbean literature and culture, and is the author of three books, most recently Different Drummers: Rhythm and Race in the Americas.

General Classroom, 939 // 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9

Feb. 11

Love at Fist Buy

National Society of Collegiate Scholars Forum

University Center, 465 // 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Game vs.

UNCW

Sports Arena // 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Feb. 10

They Might Be Giants w/ Jonathan Coulton

Even if all you know about They Might Be Giants is that they did the “Malcolm in the Middle” theme song, this will still be a lot of fun. Jonathan Coulton opens with his comedic twist on the singer/songwriter genre at the Variety Playhouse.

1099 Euclid Ave//8:30 p.m.//$25

Ruby Velle & Soulphonics w/ Cherry Royale

Universiy Center, 428 // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Let’s cut to the chase—you don’t want to miss this. In an age of blue-eyed soul revivalists, here are some that are doing it right. Two words can effectively sum this E.A.R.L. event: soul power!

488 Flat Shoals//$10//9 p.m.

National Society of Collegiate

CDC Information Session

Mens Basketball vs. Delaware Sports Arena // 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Street Violence w/the Angel Sluts, Sleepy Genes, the Humms, Gazelles

Street Violence have been making quite a name for themselves around town, so come watch these up-and-comers as part of the Star Bar Saturdays concert series. It’s a great excuse to get exposed to some great local bands, since most of the openers are still under the radar.

437 Moreland Ave // 9 p.m. // $7

Yonder Mountain String Band

If you like bluegrass and you don’t know Yonder Mountain String Band, you need to be at the Tabernacle when they roll through. If you do know them, well, you still need to be there.

152 Luckie Street // 9 p.m. // $52

Feb. 12

Women’s Basketball vs. Delaware Sports Arena // 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Feb. 13

Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie (advance screening w/ Q&A)

If you have a case of the Mondays, this irreverent comedy duo’s major box

office debut is sure to clear them up. This is an advance screening for their film that’s being released in March, so come see what the fuss is about before it hits theaters. The screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A session with Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (a.k.a.

“Tim and Eric”).

Midtown Arts Cinema // 6:30 p.m. // $10

Feb. 14

Lunch and Learn: Diversity of Love In celebration of Valentine’s Day, this program will focus on the intersection of diversity and love.

Topics such as interracial dating and gay marriage will be discussed.

University Center, 460 // 12:00 p.m.

- 1:00 p.m.

Hong Kong Student Association Carnation Sale What is a better way to win a girls heart than to shower her with flowers? Come by and purchase a carnation for your girlfriend, friend and/or that girl you have had your eye on! All proceeds go towards the community chest.

Library Plaza // 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 16

The Togas (feat. Ty Segall, members of Shannon & the Clams, Strange Boys and Reigning Sound)

Garage rock is no newcomer to the music scene, but it’s taking over again with the likes of Ty Segall. Come catch this lo-fi wunderkind’s new group featuring some of his friends and cronies. Expect an unapologetically high-energy gig with no holds barred.

488 Flat Shoals// $10//8:30 p.m.

Undergraduate Major Fair

The Academic Advisement Office will be available to aid all students with questions concerning majors, entrance requirements and programs.

State Ballroom//10:30 a.m.

Feb. 17

Smithsonians w/Polar Dunes

The Smiths had a sound all their own, one that wasn’t easy for others to capture. Atlanta’s own Smithsonians have done precisely that. If you’re a fan of the Smiths, you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss this concert at Star Bar. 437 Moreland Ave//9 p.m.//$8

Feb. 18

15 Years of Heady Beers

Sweetwater is celebrating their fifteenth year in the brewing business (and their recent expansion) with this bash at their HQ. Expect every beer they offer plus surprise cask brews… and a slew of over-the-hill couples tripping over their own feet.

195 Ottley Drive//2 p.m.

Feb. 21

Intercultural Relations Goes 3-D: Dinner, Diversity, and Dialogue Diversity

In collaboration with the Department of Political Science, this 3-D event will focus on diversity issues relating to the 2012 Presidential Election.

Student Center, Lanier Suite // 5:00 p.m.

- 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 23

Portlandia: The Tour @ Variety Playhouse

If you like the show on IFC, you won’t want to miss their live tour when it stops at Variety Playhouse. SNL’s Fred Armisen and Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein make a great comic duo, and the program should translate well to the stage.

1099 Euclid Ave//10:30 p.m.//$30

SIGNAL SPOTLIGHTS

Women’s Studies Professor Wins Prestigious Award Iman Naim Staff Writer

Layli Maparyan of Georgia State’s Women Studies department was recently presented with the prestigious Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman award, honored to only 15 other professors.

The Beckman Award was created in order to recognize and honor teachers who have inspired their students to make a difference through “creating an organization, which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large,” according to the American Psychological Association.

Maparyan, while thrilled to receive the award, turned the spotlight back onto her students.

“It was just a tremendous reflection on my wonderful students,” Maparyan said. A former student of Maparyan’s from the University of Georgia contacted students who had taken strides and made lasting marks in their communities and coordinated a collective nomination. Maparyan was especially enthu-

siastic about being able to stand on stage with professors who had inspired her while she was in graduate school.

“My goal as a teacher is to inspire students to the next level of their highest and best selves—whatever that may be,” Maparyan said. She hopes that the fact that she recognizes her students as individuals will encourage them to find themselves and grow towards their goals. Her ultimate objective is to apprise and support students to the point where they can personally make a difference and convince others to join them.

“Over the years, I have been searching for a mentor. Layli Maparyan is the one,” wrote Xiumei Pu in her nomination testimonial. Pu, who was a student under Maparyan in the Georgia State Women Studies master program and a current graduate student at the University of Minnesota, received a request from another one of Maparyan’s former students to support the nomination. In addition to writing her testimonial, the nomination process required

Pu’s students to write testimonials on how they use Women Studies to better themselves and their communities.

The process was rushed, but Pu insists “the fact that Layli was able to gather so many letters in such a short time testified to her great charisma and the extent of her contributions to communities.”

Maparyan is known for pushing her students to get to know themselves. She wants her students to know that having a job that pays well is not necessarily the way to go.

“I try to help them reconnect with their own dreams and the larger significance of the things they desire to do,” Maparyan said.

Maparyan’s big plans for the award money reflect the advice she gives to her students. She and her husband plan to use part of the money on building a school in the Liberian village where her husband grew up.

“I have visited the village and met some of the kids who will be attending the school, and they are very excited about it,” Maparyan said.

Sarah woods | the signal

SPOrTS

❚ Get your daily

dose of gamers on the Web

www.gsusignal.com/sports

Georgia State lures in strong recruiting class tiFFaNiE smith staff Writer

After having a 3-8 record last season and only scoring 22.6 points per game, the Panthers are looking for a stronger and brighter future as they signed 17 student athletes on Wednesday’s National Signing Day. After losing a large senior class due to graduation, including four starters on the offensive line and two on the defensive front, Georgia State wants to boost their depth this season.

The class only has six out-ofstate players, as most of the recruits are Georgia natives.

Head coach Bill Curry made sure he achieved that goal of recruiting more defensive players this season.

“We needed defensive players more than offense,” Curry told Georgia State Sports Communications. “We have 10 defensive and seven offensive players [in the signing class]. The players who are the hardest to find are big linemen with good grades who are not already pounced upon by the

big schools or the academies.”

However, those linemen were not too hard to find. Curry signed Garrett Gorringe of Georgia AAAAA state champion Grayson High in Loganville, Aaron Thomas of Dothan (Ala.) High, Treavor Flannigan of Trion (Ga.) High, and Mark Ruskell of Duluth (Ga.) High, all of who are projected to play this season.

On the defensive side, the Panthers added defensive end Melvin King of Liberty County High in Hinesville, Ga., and tackles Joe Lockley of Portal (Ga.) High; Jah-Mai Davidson of Brookwood High in Snellville, Ga. and Tanner Strickland of Pike County High in Zebulon, Ga. According to the AJC, Defensive coordinator John Thompson said he wants to take advantage of the team’s speed, so he’s going back to a system he coached at South Carolina and utilized some last year.

Speaking of speed, Wide Receiver Avery Sweeting was also signed as he totaled 1,100 all-purpose yards and scored eight touchdowns back in high school.

Mark Weidenaar of Lakeside Evans High near Augusta, Ga. and Nathan Schuster of Chattooga High in Summerville, Ga. are both quarter back prospects for this season.

Being that Weidenaar had such a great senior year, Curry seemed excited about what he could achieve for this team.

“He can throw and run, and he is tough as nails,” Curry said. “He was injured his junior year, and that caused him to be under the radar. I really think if he had not been injured, a bigger school would have grabbed him.”

The Panthers recently loss Trent Thompson, a long-time Georgia State commit who instead signed with Tennessee Tech.

They saved one of the best for last as all-state prep running back Kyle Vorster was the 17th member signed to the team, who is projected to play safety.

“There’s so much going on here that gives us a chance to recruit,” GEoRGIA STATE SPoRTS CommUNICATIoNS Curry said. “We have really good football players coming and the fu- Quarterback Mark Weidenaar (Top Left), Defensive End Melvin King (Top Right), Safety Kyle Voster (Bottom Left), Corner Back Chris Jenkins (Bottom Right) ture is very bright for Georgia State football.”

Georgia State football 2012 signees and schedule

Date - Opponent- Opponent’s 2011 record

GSU Sport’s Scoreboard: Men’s Basketball 2/1 @ UNC Wilmington W 68-53 2/4 @ Hofstra W 59-43

Women’s Basketball 2/2 vs. Northeastern W 81-74 2/5 @ Towson L 59-63

Men’s Tennis 2/2 vs. ETSU W 5-2 2/4 vs. Samford (canceled due to weather)

aug. 30 or 31 — south Carolina state — 7-4 sept. 8 — at tennessee — 5-7 sept. 15 — texas san antonio — 4-6 *sept. 22 — richmond — 3-8 *sept. 29 — at William & mary — 5-6 *Oct. 6 — New hampshire — 8-4 *Oct. 13 — at rhode island — 3-8 *Oct. 20 — Villanova — 2-9 *Oct. 27 — at James madison — 8-5 *Nov. 3 — Old Dominion — 10-3 *Nov. 10 — at maine — 9-4 * – Colonial athletic association games

17

SPOrTS | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Panthers make big improvements despite past seasons tiFFaNiE smith staff Writer

Senior Eric Buckner set an all time career high Saturday night against Hofstra, as Georgia State concluded their road trip by winning back-to-back games.

With six blocks in the game and 129 overall, Buckner set Georgia State’s career block record, surpassing Zavian Smith (1989-1994). His 3.2 blocks per game is the eighth highest average in the NCAA this season.

Sophomores Devonta White and Rashaad Richardson helped the Panthers with Saturday’s win over Hofstra by scoring 15 and 12 points respectively. Senior Jihad Ali was also in the mix as he added 14 to help the Panthers gain a 59-43 victory.

Buckner also helped the team earn a second win against UNCW last Wednesday as he led the team with 17 points, resulting in a score of 68-53. For the third straight game in a row, Ali scored double figures, adding 16 points to the board, with Richardson following with 10.

“We have to continue to take it one game at a time,” said Head coach Ron Hunter. “Our goal is still to win 20 games and be one of the top four seeds going into the CAA Championship in March.”

With the season winding down and the Panthers in fifth in the CAA standings as of press time, achieving their goals will not be easy.

Recently Georgia State lost their 10game home winning streak by fall-

CLUB SPORT

ing short just 1 point against VCU, resulting in their first home loss of the season. Also, tough road losses against Delaware and Northeastern could come back to haunt them.

Despite low expectations being placed on Georgia State with past losing seasons, the team has risen up from their “underdog status.”

“We have played with a chip on our shoulder all season and used that selection as motivation this year,” said Hunter. “I am always happy when one of our guys earns recognition because it shows that they have worked hard and are being recognized for it.”

When it comes to turnovers, they place 39th in the country, only turning the ball over 12 times per game. Within the CAA, Georgia State is in the top two for field goal percentage, blocked shots, steals and most importantly, offense.

Defense doesn’t seem to be a problem for the Panthers with the team being ranked 13th in the NCAA, allowing just 58.6 points per game. Star player Buckner has helped the team’s success by averaging 3.3 blocks per game and placing eighth in the NCAA. James Fields is also having a career-best year by averaging 3.2—the ninth highest total in the CAA—to go along with 9.5 points per game.

So what makes this team stand out from the crowd this season?

“This is a very special senior class,” said Hunter. “It can be tough for a senior class to buy into a new coach but they have done so and I am proud of that fact.”

One key reason the team has been so successful this season is because of the fan encouragement.

The fans have come out to support their Panthers by tailgating outside the sports arena, showing their school spirit and cheering the team on throughout the game.

“There is no question that our fans help our players and even coaches,” said Hunter. “With a couple of big home games coming up, I hope that they will continue to come out and support us the way they have been. It means a lot to us and I hope that they know that.”

Georgia State will return to the Sports Arena on Wednesday to host Northeastern at 7:00 p.m.

GRAHAm RoBSoN | THE SIGNAL

Eric Buckner’s defensive prowess has earned him a spot in the history books.

GSU club takes frisbee to the ultimate level

ismaEl suarEZ staff Writer

Most people would think that playing ultimate frisbee is just throwing a disk around. However, the truth is that there is way more than that to the game.

At Georgia State, a group of students strive to put this misconception to rest by representing the school with their own ultimate frisbee club, which began in 2008.

“What makes the sport different than a casual throw in the park is the nature and spirit of the game,” women’s captain Hae Sin said.

Korey Meek, current president of the club, talked about the beginnings of the team.

“The club was started by me and Chris Hill (who has since transferred to FSU),” he said. “Chris wanted to start an ultimate team, and I enjoyed playing so I was on board.”

After only a few years of existence, the team has attracted a considerable amount of players.

“At GSU, we get around 100 people who sign up in the fall,” Meek said.

The reason for such a high turnout of players can be directly attributed to the level of excitement the game brings.

Sophomore player Brett Nelson was one of the people who could not escape the beauty of ultimate frisbee.

“When I went to Incept, some of my [now teammates] talked to me into signing up, then I went to a cou-

KoREy mEEK | GSU ULTImATE FRISBEE

The ultimate frisbee club has experienced its fair share of success since starting in 2008.

ple of practices and loved it,” the international economics major said.

“The game requires a lot of running and for some new people, it takes a while for them to learn how to throw the disk correctly,” Nelson said.

There are games in which the rivals make it very contested for the Panthers, increasing the level of excitement.

“When we play against good

teams like UGA, the games don’t turn out to be relaxing at all,” Nelson said.

This sport might be exciting and fun, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

“At the first few practices, the men’s team has about 60 people come out,” Meek said. “As people start to realize that we are a competitive team, the people who just like to throw Frisbees stop coming and we whittle

down to about 30ish.”

Due to the competitiveness on the club, the team has made some pretty significant accomplishments despite their short existence. These include the start of a women’s team this year, qualifying for the Regional Championship in the spring of 2011 and making it to the finals of Tally Classic Div.2 in the spring of 2011.

According to Sin, competitiveness

is what makes a player and a team develop.

“You want to be able to channel that competitiveness into others on the team and on the field,” Sin said.

In relation to the first year of the women’s team, the organizers of the club are facing a few challenges with trying to get women interested in the sport.

“The biggest challenge right now is growing the women’s program,” Meek said. “They have a lot of support from us, but they need to get more girls in order for them to be self sufficient.”

Currently, they work on promoting the team by posting flyers up in the classroom hallways, having posters up in the Recreation Center, attending club recruitment and student organization fairs along with other activities. Sin seems to think that so far their recruitment efforts have paid off.

“For being a first-year team, the numbers are actually pretty high.” Sin said.

There is an opportunity available to play some competitive ultimate frisbee for whoever is up to the challenge. The club is hosting the Freaknik 2012 tournament from March 31 to April 1, which will take place in Cumming, Ga. For anyone who wishes to sign up, they can do so by March 5th. For more information, visit www.gsuultimate. com.

18

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

SPOrTS | THE SIGNAL

COLUMN

Blake Griffin has the best dunk of all time?

ZakkiYYa aNDErsON Columnist

So after Blake Griffin’s monster dunk over Kendrick Perkins, basketball fans everywhere have begun to deem the dunk, “The Dunk of the Year.” Even Lebron James relinquished the honor to Griffin via Twitter immediately after Griffin performed “RIPerkins.”

But some have even gone so far as to name Griffin’s dunk the best dunk of all time.

I am positive we can do better than that.

Surely our generation is not too young to recall Dr. J, Vince Carter, and of course, JumpMan23 himself, Michael Jordan?

It takes only a typing in of “best dunks of all time” into YouTube to take a trip down basketball memory lane.

The first video that pops up is “Top 10 Michael Jordan Dunks of All Time,” and after viewing this clip, really there is little need to scroll down to look at any of the other videos.

Jordan perfected and honed the craft of dunking as a Chicago Bull. Jordan embarrassed a countless number of professional basketball players in his career.

But, of course, there are others who have blessed basketball fans with some amazing feats.

So what exactly does a basketball play-

er have to do to be considered one of the greatest?

Well, first, there must be an air of style and finesse.

Next, the amount of power, strength and aggression one puts into dunk always makes for a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, elevation is key. Whether coming off-vert or flying down the court for an oop from a teammate, fans love to see players fly.

But other factors come into play while considering what classifies as a great dunk.

Did the player make the play solo? Or was he passed the ball? How tall was the player he dunked over? Did the defender fall over, or did the dunker? Was it an andone? Was there a steal involved, and then a monster dunk? How was the atmosphere in the gym? Is the dunker on his turf or has he embarrassed someone on their home court?

All of these factors must be included in the evaluation for greatest dunk of all time.

Take for instance Vince Carter dunking over Weis in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney over 7’2” Frederic Weis.

“Vinsanity” stole the ball on the previous play and then executed a one-handed slingshot dunk over the top of Weis’ head.

And this dunk was in the Olympics, showcasing the best players in the world.

In my opinion if you can execute a dunk like that, on that big of stage, your name is definitely in the running for best dunk of all time.

Then we must take into account J.R. Smith’s gravity- defying leap into the body of San Antonio Spur, Gary Neal.

Smith takes the ball out from the opposite end of the court, blows past George Hill, then takes off from the right side of the freethrow line and literally flies into the basket with a two-hand slam.

The dunk is nearly a buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, and Smith gets the and-one call. Epic.

And I’d be a fool not to mention Dr.J’s dunk over Michael Cooper. And to call it simply a dunk is, quite frankly, an insult to the doctor.

Erving performed a rock–the–cradle tomahawk over the LA Laker in front of the Philadelphia crowd, who automatically blessed Dr. J with a standing ovation.

Now, a dunk like that takes strength, power and skill.

But as I wrap up my analysis of what I consider to be some of the best dunks of all time, I leave you with this scene.

It’s the first round of the 1991 NBA Playoffs. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls have traveled to New York to take on the Knicks. With a little more than four minutes remaining in the second quarter the Bulls are down 54-50.

Jordan dribbles into the corner right by the Chicago bench, loses one defender then blows by Charles Oakley.

And then, off vertical, he gives Patrick Ewing a firsthand account of what it means to be owned by Michael Jordan by dunking the ball right in his face while Ewing makes a feeble attempt at defending Number 23.

Yes, Blake Griffin’s dunk was amazing to say the least, but no one will ever be like Mike.

What’s worse in the morning? This sign or your Friday 8:00am lecture class?

4 Convenient Locations

Try FASTING with us for a day and for each person, local sponsors will donate $1 to Project Hope, a refugee assistance effort in Clarkston, GA (ProjectHopeAtlanta.org) SIGN UP & fast from sunrise to sunset then join us for FREE DINNER at 5:00pm Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Student Center Ballroom For details or to REGISTER TODAY Visit GSUMSA.com

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012

19

SPOrTS | THE SIGNAL

TRACK

Angelia Nugent gets ready for spring season tOm tErrY iii associate sports Editor

GEoRGIA STATE SPoRTS CommUNICATIoNS

Angelia Nugent has dominated the triple jump event in her time as a Panther.

With the cold days of winter passing into the year, springtime coming around the corner and a couple of events under their belt, Georgia State women’s track team is ready.

This would include Georgia State track star senior Angelia Nugent.

Coming fresh off their first conference champion in program history she is ready to help the team pick up from where they left off last season.

“It was the best thing ever,” said Nugent of last years championship meet. “We just went out there and gave it our all and ended up winning the 4x400m (relay). We were up by 33 points so it was just another accomplishment. “ Last season, she turned in a career year that included advancing to the NCAA National Championships in the triple jump and winning the long and triple jumps at the CAA Championships. Nugent advanced to the NCAA Nationals after placing seventh at the NCAA East Regionals with a Georgia State-record leap of 12.77m. She earned All-CAA honors in the triple jump at the CAA Championship with a then-Georgia State record jump of 12.37m.

With all of the pressure of performing as a student athlete, some people can go to family for support back home. Nugent is fortunate to have a younger sibling, Gabby Brooks on her track team.

“It was just like high school, said Nugent, “because we stayed positive and pushed each other further to our highest point of competition when we competed with each other.”

At first, her dream was to become a pediatrician, but when Nugent graduates in the fall, she plans to become a counselor to young people.

“I was more interested in peer mediating,” said Nugent, “which is helping people my age and now I want to help younger kids that are in middle school.”

Coming from Paterson, New Jersey during middle school was a little tough for her to adjust to Athens, Ga. “It was very different from New Jersey,” said Nugent. “When I first moved down here it was very quiet and boring so that’s when I joined the track team to be active.”

Since everything is in close proximity in New Jersey, there are stores at every corner; people outside and neighborhood nearby, Nugent made the most out of her situation.

“In Athens, you have to have a car to get to places,” said Nugent. “You have to walk miles and miles to get to the next restaurant. Since I didn’t want to be stuck in the house I joined the track team.”

Even though it may seem like she just studies and works on school, Nugent likes hanging out and going to events just like other students.

“I really like Atlantic Station.

There are a bunch of movies out there and I even go to the Panther Prowl,” said Nugent. “I really like attending other sports events like the basketball games or volleyball games.”

A five-time all-CAA performer and three-time champ, Nugent went on to break the school record again at the Clemson Tiger Qualifier with a leap of 12.70m. That propelled her to the NCAA East Regionals. With that she received CAA Field Athlete of the Week honors. Also she earned All-CAA honors in the 4x400 meter relay, running the lead leg as the Panthers claimed third place.

The next event is The Vulcan Invite on Feb. 10. It is being held in Birmingham, Ala. For more information, go to www.georgiastatesports. com.

Military background sets Gainous on track ValENtiNa lEE staff Writer

Discipline, perseverance and commitment are not only natural qualities of a leader but are also qualities taught through an individual’s upbringing.

Alex Gainous, a two-year captain for Georgia State’s men’s track team, has a familiarity with these qualities due to growing up as a “Navy brat.”

Gainous was born in Dunoon, Scotland and lived there until the age of three. Living the military lifestyle, his family had moved to Florida for a couple of years, but then ended up moving to Italy and England later on.

While stateside, Gainous gained a love for football. His first goal was to master and obtain scholarships to play for colleges. When he moved to Italy, his desires of becoming a football star slowly deceased as he gained an appetite for basketball and other sports.

After having moved back stateside to Georgia, Gainous attended East Pauling High School. Freshman year, Gainous decided to continue to play football. He used track and field as condition training, but eventually fell in love with it.

“It was first just a hobby,” said Gainous, “Eventually it became a passion and love, and now it’s everything to me.”

Gainous then fully committed himself to track and field. He did extensive amounts of training during and after practice. He was very persistent to obtain the speed and strength he needed to reach his goal of running in college.

When Gainous graduated from

GEoRGIA STATE SPoRTS CommUNICATIoNS

Alex Gainous (right) has displayed his leadership skills as a member of the GSU track & field team.

high school, he received a partial scholarship to Samford University for track and field. Unfortunately, Gainous was not pleased with how he was being trained and did not grow too fond of his coach.

“He was more of a distance coach, but I am a sprinter,” said Gainous.

Gainous then transferred to Georgia State, where he found his comfort and had coaches that understood his strengths and helped him overcome many of his weaknesses.

Gainous participated in three meets during 2011. He ran the 55m at the Mountaineer Open, 60m at Tiger Paw Invitational and the Orange and Purple Classic, the 200m at the Mountaineer Open and the 300m at the Orange and Purple Classic for indoor track and field.

For outdoor track and field, Gainous’s main events were the 100m and 200m sprints, but he also ran in the 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays. His best finish was at the Mississippi Open, where he

placed 16th out of 45 runners in the 100m race. Also, Gainous had the team season best times in both the 100m and 200m. He was also a part of the 4x100m relay team that placed fourth and scored five points at the CAA Championships and was also part of the 4x400m relay team that scored three points at the CAA Championships.

Now completing his senior year, Gainous is preparing for his last season of track and field at Georgia State. After graduating, Gainous

hopes to find a job within telecommunications as a Sports Broadcaster or in Radio as a host. He would like to continue to run track and field after college, but the chances are looking slim. Bouncing back to his military background, Gainous is also trying to get a chance to run for the All World Military Track and Field Team.

“If I can run for the All World Military Team, it will be perfect,” Gainous said. “Going pro would be nice, but I am proud of my military background.”