APRIL 16 - APRIL 22, 2013 VOL. 80 | NO. 28
the green issue closer than ever you can go green This fall, Georgia State may be nearing their goal to pass a green mandatory fee as the library fee expires in July.
You don’t have to live in a greenhouse to be green. Here are some manageable ways to help the earth.
news | page 4
better campus The Sustainable Energy Tribe looks to improve the Georgia State campus and a green thumb.
a&l | page 12
a&l | page 14
Battery: Code of conduct
violation blocks SGA hopeful C
By Andres Cruz-Wellmann and Jesus Diaz
hristian Hill’s disqualification from the position of Student Govern- Adviser Darryl Holloman. ment Association president-elect and removal from his current posiShe refused to comment on when she found out Hill had been disqualified. tion in SGA was due to a March 15 altercation between himself and If his appeal is unsuccessful, according to the sanctions outlined in the another Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brother, according to records obtained by letter from the Dean of Students, Hill must complete 20 hours of community The Signal. service by May 10, after which he will have 10 business days to complete a In the incident, Hill allegedly pulled fraternity brother Darrell Bazemore reflective essay. from the passenger seat of an SUV near Patton Hall, causing Bazemore to fall SGA President and fraternity brother Marcus Kernizan declined to comto the ground and dislocate his shoulder, which he later popped back into ment on the details of Hill’s disqualification and said he felt the “Election place, according to the official police report filed Commission, or whoever, handled the situation apMarch 20, five days after the incident. propriately.” The altercation was preceded by around 10 For its part, the local Pi Alpha chapter of the Phi During the Dean of Students’ minutes of back and forth arguing between BazeBeta Sigma fraternity released a statement yesterday, investigation and sentencing, more and Hill, who apparently said “folks think saying “we are not defending the actions that took Hill continued to campaign I’m playing with them” just before repeatedly grabplace on March 15th, we are simply saying that in without disclosing any details bing Bazemore’s arms and legs and pulling him out a real family, situations happen. We do regret that of the car on to the ground. about the case. No mention was this situation happened, but immediately following Though the victim declined to press chargit we were able to come together as brothers and talk made of the incident during the es, the incident was referred to the Dean of Stufirst debate on March 28, nor on about it.” dents for disciplinary action via the Student Code Hill has not responded to multiple attempts to the second debate on April 1. of Conduct. The description of the incident in the contact him across different social media platforms police report matches what is seen in a university and email throughout the week and could not be video that recorded it, according to sources within the police department. reached for comment as of press time. Bazemore could not be reached for comment as of press time. However, many students are now calling for a re-election for president A letter from the Office of the Dean of Students dated April 2, a day after and executive vice president. the polls openned for voting, revealed Hill was placed on disciplinary proba“I don’t know how it will affect me,” Junior Karon Franklin said. “[But] tion until April 28. Though Hill initially admitted responsibility for pulling a re-election is the best way to go about it… something needs to be done.” Bazemore from the car, he has appealed the case to President Mark Becker However, for a special election to take place students will have to appeal after Vice President of Student Affairs Douglass Covey turned down his case, the current results with the Student Judicial Board. according to multiple sources. Current SGA Senator and former president James Dutton reiterated that During the Dean of Students’ investigation and sentencing, Hill contin- no final decision has been reached by the Dean of Students on Hill’s case, but ued to campaign without disclosing any details about the case. No mention he thinks there will be no re-election this year. was made of the incident during the first debate on March 28, nor on the secUntil there’s an official ruling, the SGA will proceed based strictly on ond debate on April 1. what the constitution says, he said. However, there is no specific section The reason for Hill’s disqualification was also never announced by the or clause regarding what to do if a candidate becomes ineligible during the Election Committee, though the results of the election posted on April 9 weeklong voting period. showed his name missing from the winning ballot. The possibility still exists that Hill could come back as president-elect and Ashley Epperson, Hill’s former running mate for the office of executive be sworn in if his case is successfully appealed before May 1. vice president, submitted a petition on April 8 to the Election Commission If Becker also rejects Hill’s appeal, it could go to the Board of Regents, to take over as president-elect after Hill’s disqualification, according to SGA though it is at their discretion to review the case or not, according Covey.
Our Opinion: Georgia State deserves a special election
L
ast month saw arguably the most competitive, diverse and engaging Student Government election in recent history. Not only did each executive board position face competition from a range of candidates, but the debates also saw something sorely lacking from previous years: a lively discussion of issues relevant to the student body. But with the disqualification of Presidential Candidate Christian Hill immediately preceding the election announcements, the students deserve another chance to have their voice heard. After all, the president of SGA is one of the most important faces of the student body. A solid reputation and ability to represent the students is a must. It’s even in the constitutional job description. Therefore, it’s only fair the students actually have a say in who represents them before the community at large. And, as it stands, the results aren’t clear whether the presumptive president-elect is reflective of who the students actually voted for.
opinion: Legal Pot in Georgia? Daily news at www.georgiastatesignal.com
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The issue isn’t whether Ashley Epperson, who ran on the same ticket as Hill as his executive vice president, is qualified or not. It’s that they simply didn’t elect her for the top job, leaving the position of EVP vacant until another candidate can be legally sworn in during the fall. Put another way, no one could have predicted the final outcome of the election and the student body deserves a second chance to vote their conscience in a special election. Preferably sooner rather than later. Because, ultimately, Hill’s ticket never should have been allowed to have been voted in. Considering the timeline of events that led to his election and ultimately disqualification (see page 2), it’s clear that either the Election Committee or Dean of Students should have stepped in sooner rather than later, not just after the election was already over.
continued on page 8
Find out what Georgia State students think it will take to turn Georgia into a “green” state.
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The SGA rundown: When the election results were announced on Tuesday, they voted for was missing from the winning ticket. What followed was a special Signal investigation into what caused Christian Hill’s dismissal from Student Government and the election race. Presidential candidate Christian Hill absent from election results
SGA and Election Commission offer no explanation as to why Hill was APRIL 9 Team Impact swept the Student Government Association election, according to the results that were released, but Presidential candidate Christian Hill was missing. Vice Presidential Executive winner Ashley Epperson has filled the presidential position. Voters are now wondering why there has been no explanation for this significant change. According to the SGA administrative office, Hill was disqualified from the election. The office said they are “not at liberty to discuss” the reasoning behind Hill’s disqualification. The Election Commission Board also does not have any information about why Hill was determined ineligible. Hill could not be reached to comment on his disqualification. According to both the SGA office and the Election Commission, only SGA advisors and school officials associated with SGA know the reasoning behind Hill’s ineligibility and are not releasing the information to their knowledge. SGA adviser Dr. Daryll Holloman could not be reached to comment. At this time, the Executive Vice President position is unoccupied.
SGA President-Elect reponds to election controversy
APRIL 9 Student Government President-Elect Ashley Epperson released a statement in response to the disqualification of her former running mate Christian Hill. While she did not delve into specifics for Hill’s disqualification, she asked the student body to stand with her and the new administration as they head into the new academic year. “I am more than confident that I will be the Student Government Association President that our campus called for and deserved. Nothing changes but the position on the badge I will wear,” Epperson said, in a prepared email statement sent to The Signal. According to the SGA’s election bylaws, candidates for now-vacant executive vice president will be chosen by the president-elect, who will go before the Senate Confirmation Committee (formed by the Pro Tempore, who has yet to be elected) to be interviewed prior to the candidate being introduced to the senate for a three-fifths confirmation vote. Members of the election committee, along with SGA adviser Darryl Holloman were unable to be reached for comments on the vetting process for SGA elections.
Former SGA presidential candidate removed from current vice presidential positions
APRIL 10 Christian Hill, the former SGA presidential candidate who was disqualified for unstated reasons, has been removed from his current position as Vice President of Student Services, according to SGA adviser Darryl Holloman. According to the tally of votes, Hill won the presidential race though his name was missing when SGA published the results on their website. Holloman said Hill was disqualified though he would not go into specifics about the reasons for his disqualification. “Any questions regarding Christian Hill will need to be asked of him directly. I am not at liberty to speak on his behalf,” Holloman said in an email. Hill’s running mate, Ashley Epperson has assumed the position of president-elect. However, many students are questioning Epperson’s assumed position as presidentelect. “The runner-up for president should be picked, immediately.” Sophomore Mohammed Awad said. “Not the former vice-president.” Sebhastien Gibosse, one of the executive vice presidential candidates who ran with presidential candidate Andrew Whyte, said he doesn’t believe the outcome “was an accurate representation of who the students voted for.” “The vice-president should assume charge only for the time being,” sophomore John Bui said. President-elect Epperson will be picking a new executive vice president this week to fill her old seat. She released a statement to The Signal in regards to Hill, saying she was not at liberty to comment on Hill’s disqualifications, but that she respects an individual’s “private and personal matters.” In charge of checking each candidate’s academic and disciplinary records, Holloman said there were no reasons prior to the election process for Hill or any of the other candidates to have been removed. Frank D. Lomonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, said the release of the details of Hill’s disqualification for presidency and removal from the student services vice president position depends on if the issue is one of academics or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. If it is an academic issue, then Hill’s grades are allowed to be withheld under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), because the act mandates that student academic records be prohibited to the public. If Hill violated the Student Code of Conduct, then information is not protected by FERPA and should be open to the public.
“
After the executive board approves the election commission we have no knowledge of what they do. We don’t talk about them in know their timeline. We don’t attend any of their meetings...”
-Taylor Briggs, Executive Vice President of SGA
What happened with hill? A timeline following how presidential candidate
MARCH 15 residential Candidate Christian Hill assaults a brother in his fraternity, according to a memo released via the Georgia Open Records Act by the Dean of Students. Accounts vary as to the severity of the altercation.
MARCH 20 police report of the incident. No charges are pressed.
MARCH 28 held.
Last SGA Senate meeting of the semester brings up election controversy and three new resolutions
APRIL 11 At the last Student Government Association Senate meeting of the semester, senators were advised not to comment on the recent disqualification of former presidential candidate, Christian Hill, and on hisremoval from the office of vice president of student services. “We have absolutely no involvement with that and have absolutely no more information,” Executive Vice President Taylor Briggs said to the senators Thursday night. “So please, unless you are privy to some information that we do not have, please decline to comment, especially on behalf of SGA.” Briggs also made clear that SGA has no control over the elections and the Election Commission is the one solely in charge. “Right now the Student Government Association has no more information than [the senators] do. The governing body of this issue is the Election Commission,” Briggs said. “After the executive board approves the election commission we have no knowledge of what they do. We don’t talk about them in the office. We don’t know their timeline. We don’t attend any of their meetings. If you have any concerns about that , you can talk to Tiffany [Butts] who is the head of the Election Commission.” Three resolutions were also passed during the meeting. Resolution 12.3 called for “gender neutral restrooms.” The resolution requested already existing unisex restrooms to be renamed so they are more friendly toward those that don’t necessarily identify with either the male of female gender. Resolution 12.4 called for the display of nutritional information of all food served on campus, whether it is prepared or packaged. The last resolution passed by the senate was Resolution 12.5, which would send a letter to the Atlanta City Council requesting a city ordinance be passed banning smoking on Georgia State campus. This would allow the Georgia State Police Department to enforce the university’s tobacco ban.
Stories contributed by: Ashia Gallo, Sabastian Wee, Jesus Diaz and Andres Cruz-Wellmann For more, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com Keywords: SGA, Christian Hill, election
APRIL 1
Polls open for students to vote.
APRIL 2
Hill receives memo from LaRonda Brewer, assistant dean of students, informing him that he’s been placed on disciplinary probation, must complete 20 hours of community service by May 30, 2013, complete with a training course by April 23, 2013.
APRIL 3-9
Hill apparently appealed the Dean of Students decision to Dr. Douglass Covey, vice president of Student Affairs, who denied the motion, allowing Hill to appeal directly to President Mark Becker, according to multiple sources.
APRIL 5
Election polls close.
APRIL 9 The election committee releases its results announcing Ashley Epperson as president-elect with Hill’s name absent. No reason is given for the dismissal. Epperson releases a statement surprised everyone including myself” but also said she is not at liberty to comment on his privacy provisions in the code of conduct.
APRIL 10 Daryll Holloman that Hill was also removed from his current position as Vice President of Student Services. The incoming executive board of SGA, including multiple Team Impact candidates, release a statement supporting Epperson.
APRIL 11
George Avery, another candidate for president, comes out against election results. “... If he was because they were both on the same ticket.”
3
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
WHAT THEY SAID Ashley Epperson, president-elect
“When I ran for office, one of the things I promised along with the same principals of Team Impact was to be transparent if elected, so here we go. My running-mate Christian Hill’s disqualification surprised everyone including myself. For the record, the 2012-2013 Student Code of Conduct Section IV, Letter G on page 39 protects the Privacy of Student Records under Federal Law, so I do not know nor am at liberty to comment on his disqualification; however, I fully respect any individual’s private life and personal matters. With that being stated, it is a personal matter and this situation in no way affects me or my capabilities to assume the duties of Executive Vice President, which includes being able to fulfill the duties of President in cases where the President is no longer able to meet those obligations. I am more than confident that I will be the Student Government Association President that our campus called for and deserved.”
Marcus kernizan, current sga president
“I felt the Election Committe, or whoever, handled the situation appropiately.” “It is not my place to comment on this incident. “
The individuals we interviewed about the election controversy were mostly tight-lipped about here’s what they had to say.
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“Given the recent disqualification of Mr. Christian Hill, the Executive Board-elect must continue to serve the student body...we feel that Senator Ashley Epperson, who ran for the position of Executive Vice President, is more than qualified to fulfill the duties as the Student Government Association President of the 2013-2014 school year. She ran with the understanding that in the absence of the President, she would assume responsibility as outlined in the SGA Constitution. As your newly elected Executive Board, we must work with President-Elect Epperson on a daily basis...we are already arranging an initial meeting to prepare for the coming school year. As this school year concludes, we ask that you respect the privacy of Mr. Christian Hill and that you continue to support the Student Government Association as we transition into our newly-elected positions and strive to accomplish the ideals we represent.”
Current Executive Board:
“I will withhold my comments until I am fully aware of all the details surrounding this election. I plan to be a part of SGA throughout my time here at Georgia State and I want to congratulate all my opponents, reaffirming that it is not about notoriety but rather really actively advocating for students.”
Pi Alpha chapter of phi beta sigma
“... we are not defending the actions that took place on March 15th, we are simply saying that in a real family, situations happen. We do regret that this situation happened, but immediately following it we were able to come together as brothers and talk about it.
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“It’s very unfortunate [that Hill was disqualified], and I think Ashley [Epperson, Hill’s former running mate and current President-elect] is very capable, but if he was disqualified she should be too because they were both on the same ticket. If anything, the president should be the candidate who came in second place.”
Executive Board-elect
No comment.
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Supported by Student Activity Fees
Almost four years of “green” talk OCTOBER 8, 2009: A $5 Green Fee is proposed by Beth Jones; rejected due to lack of transparency in how the money would be used. OCTOBER 15, 2010: Professor Black gives a detailed presentation on the Green Fee, recommends a fee charge of $3. OCTOBER 22, 2010: students and faculty vote on the proposal; 8 students and 2 staff members voted no. The $3 green fee does not pass. There was no motion for an alternate fee cost. SEPTEMBER 30, 2011: Green Fee is proposed again. OCTOBER 7, 2011: Professor Black hands out copies of his new Sustainability Fee proposal, recommendinga $10 fee for the Green Fee. OCTOBER 14, 2011: The Green Fee is lowered to $3; none of the seven students on the fee committee vote for the Green Fee. The proposal does not pass. SEPTEMBER 28, 2012: the Green Fee is proposed again, but President Becker denies requests to raise any mandatory fees for the year. OCTOBER 2012: Professor Black proposes a Green Fee council to promote green projects and organizations.
$10,000 IN STUDENT ACTIVITY FEES ARE DIRECTED TOWARD “GREEN” PURPOSES. IF THAT MONEY WAS UNDER MANDATORY FEES, WE COULD: buy 2,500 energy-saving halogen and light bulbs at $4 each.
buy a reactor that turns thousands of gallons of waste vegetable oil produced in our kitchens into fuel for Georgia State vehicles and save over $25,000 annually.
OR
OR
place 27 aestheticallypleasing green rain barrels capable of holding up 64 gallons of water each and conserve up to 1,755 gallons of water a day.
transform Georgia State bathrooms into green rooms by adding ecological toilets that use 60 percent less water than traditional toilets and cost about $200 each.
OR
The grass has never been
GREENER
ASHIA GALLO AND JESUS DIAZ
Staff Reporters
There may be a higher chance for Georgia State to pass a mandatory green fee in the fall
A
fter about four years of negotiation between sustainability support groups and Georgia State, the mandatory green fee may have its best chance to date of getting passed in fall of 2013. According to Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Douglass Covey, the expiration of the $14 library mandatory fee at the end of this semester might leave room to reallocate that money for sustainability purposes. “When the library fee sunsets, there is reason to expect we could reallocate that funding without increasing fees,” said Douglass Covey, who will meet with the Mandatory Fee Committee this fall to determine which fees are applied. Dr. Michael Black, lecturer for the Neuroscience Institute at Georgia State, proposed a mandatory green fee about four years ago. Since then, he has been fighting for the university to pass it. “I think with all of the student support and the resolution passed by this year’s [Student Government Association], the green fee has a good chance of passing,” Black said. Because of this student support, Covey said the fee is a “worthy thing to consider.” Black explained some of the benefits a mandatory green fee would bring to campus. “A green fee makes economic and environmental sense. It allows Georgia State University to be a good partner with its international neighbors in tackling climate change, a major international challenge of the 21st century,” Black said. “It also allows energy and water savings at a time when every dollar counts. Students have shown
switch to New Leaf green paper made from all recyclable materials at $7 a bundle, less than half the cost of normal paper.
great foresight that what they and the university do today will impact their lives in the future and I wanted to support that.” Al Jones, president of the Sustainability Energy Tribe (SET), said, “It will be something that makes our school more progressive. Having [the green fee] would promote the earth and the environment.” So far, the green fee at Georgia State has been under student activities, which can only be used to fund activities but not eco-friendly amenities to campus. Panther Bikes and the SET, the only two sustainability groups on campus, receive $10,000 total from Georgia State under student activity fees. SET began receiving $7,000 for the academic school year fall of 2012 and Panther Bikes will begin receiving their $3,000 funding for the first time fall of 2013. Panther Bikes is a new student organization and their goal is to encourage bicycle-commuting to campus as opposed to vehicles. “To make this easier, we instated a bike-share program in 2009 at ‘Touch the Earth,’ where students can check out bicycles free-of-charge for two days at a time,” said Gina Maddox, student leader for Panther Bikes. Maddox understands the hesitation of the university towards implementing new student fees, even if other fees are being discontinued, but she also thinks Georgia State “has a lot to gain from focusing on becoming a more sustainable campus.” “Investing in green technology and focusing
Replace current bike racks with 14 green-friendly bike racks made from naturally recycled lumber.
OR
on efforts that are more environmentally sound is not only holistically responsible, but continued efforts can end up costing less in the long run because money saved from less wasted energy ends up surpassing the initial cost of greener facilities,” Maddox said. Jones also agrees that Georgia State become more sustainable when it comes to uses of energy. He said that additional funds can be used not only to promote green student organizations but also try alternative energy sources for Georgia State such as solar power and wind power. Testing these products could help to “appropriate data” to encourage the eventual permanent uses of these alternative energy options, thus saving the university money in the long run, Jones said. So far, the SET has used its funds increase this year to finance camping trips and have plans to start a community garden for students. Most of the funds, however, will be used to promote and provide activities for “Earth Week,” which will occur from April 16 to 23, surrounding “Earth Day.” The week will include a series of vendors and activities promoting environmental awareness and improvement. Maddox plans on using the funds provided by Georgia State to “focus on promotional efforts for biking on campus and educational events, as well as improving existing facilities on campus.” Maddox hopes to be able to replenish some of the bicycles in the bike-share at “Touch the Earth.”
OR
install 357 solar-powered chargers for portable devices, at $27.99 each on Amazon.com
Though the two groups have been granted the $10,000 in student activity fees, they want to keep insisting for the passing of a mandatory green fee. “[If the green fee doesn’t pass,] we definitely plan to keep fighting for it,” Jones said. “We’ve come this far and it’s [very] close, we would not stop now.” Though the future of the green fee will not be determined until fall of 2013, Black is confident that with SGA and student support, the chances of the fee passing are great. “In the recent SGA elections, student voters spoke by voting for Ashley Epperson and Team IMPACT’s Platform, the first panel of which was ‘Increasing Sustainability Options,”’ Black said. “With all this student support, we definitely plan to make a green fee proposal this fall to the Mandatory Fee Committee.” According to SGA Executive Vice President Taylor Briggs, a sustainability survey of Georgia State students showed majority support for a new sustainability fee as long as overall mandatory fees aren’t raised. Perter Imhoff, a SGA senator, also supports the passing of the green fee. He said he has “always been a green person” and feels the passing of the fee will lower costs for Georgia State in the future. “Though the cost for solar panels (a green alternative) may be [a lot of money] upfront, we could save money in the future,” Imhoff said. Brigs said that, at the end, “It should not be difficult to be sustainable.”
OR
buy 40 ecofriendly compost bins for indoors and outdoors.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE EDEN AND ANNA N. YANG | THE SIGNAL A rendering of how the Georgia State Plaza would look if it were covered by grass.
6
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
Local
Fulton County implemented a new policy that will give more power to superintendents to fire teachers. Normally, a new teacher gets an annual contract and even if they can not do their job, they can not be fired until the year is over. This comes after Fulton joined the ranks of only a handful of systems governed by independent charters, which allows them to sidestep statewide teacher job protections. A suspect who stole a Newnan dentist’s bag from his car ended up throwing away more money than he stole. When the individual stole the bag he took all the money that was in the wallet and threw the bag in a trash can across the street. When police found the bag they noticed the thief had missed a bundle of cash worth 10 times what he took.
National
Security screeners at a Honolulu courthouse noticed something moving inside an individuals bag when it passed through an X-ray machine. After searching the bag, the man’s pet duck and a beer where found. The man was told he could not bring in his pet and beverage, so he left them outside of the court while he handled his business.
Authorities in Oregon say two burglars stole silver ingots, collectible coins, electronics and jewelry in a break in last fall. However, the burglars’ DNA was found on an empty orange juice carton which they drank and left on the floor. The DNA matched two suspects in an FBI database.
April 6
Piedmont Avenue
Officers arrested 11 Georgia State students when they responded to an under age drinking call. Officers made contact with the intoxicated students having a party. One student was vomiting repeatedly and medical units evaluated the individual, who refused transport. All the students were arrested and released on a copy of charges.
Global
The London School of Economics, one of Britain’s leading academic institutions, accused the BBC of using students as cover for a covert reporting trip to North Korea. The school says the decision to send the students there could have caused great trouble had their cover been discovered by North Korean Authorities. So far, the BBC says it will still air the documentary, though it will blur the faces of the students so they cannot be identified.
Sports Arena
A non-Georgia State individual was arrested for disorderly conduct. Officers made several attempts to escort the individual away from the area but she ignored all the commands and became argumentative. The individual was arrested and released on a copy of charges.
Two Muslim Brotherhood officials will stand trial of allegedly kidnapping and torturing three men at the group’s headquarters. The two Brotherhood officials have not yet been detained, according to the lawyer for the alleged victims. Their lawyer also said the date for the trial could be announced later this week.
Piedmont Avenue
WED 81/62
THURS 79/63
FRI 69/45
Officers arrested a student for alcohol possession under 21 years old. The student was uncon-
SUN 68/49
SAT 66/44
scious and smelled of alcohol when the officers made contact. A medical unit evaluated the individual and transported him to the hospital. He was arrested and released on a copy of charges.
April 8
A student said she was walking and talking on her cellphone at 5 p.m. when an unknown individual came up behind her and snatched it and ran off. She said she was in shock so no description or direction of travel could be provided. This case is being handled by investigations.
April 9
Wall Street
A non-Georgia State student was arrested for drinking in public. An officer was patrolling when he observed a male drinking an alcoholic beverage. Contact was made and he was arrested and released on a copy of charges.
Hurt Park
A report was filed for disorderly conduct. A student said she sat down with an unknown male individual and as they were talking he exposed his penis. The GSUPD was notified and the search was unsuccessful. This case is being handled by investigations.
April 10
Rialto Theater
A student said she was verbally attacked by a non-Georgia State individual who she is acquainted with. This case is being handled by investigations. April 11
Student Recreation Center
A report was filed for theft. A student said she secured her sneakers in a locker and when she later returned, she discovered the bicycle had been stolen. This case is being handled by investigations.
Photo of the week
RHETT LEWIS | THE SIGNAL Kaitlyn Medlam delivers a pitch during the second inning of a home game versus the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on April 13. The Panthers defeated the Seahawks 8-2 as Medlam picked up her 14th win of the season.
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MARY JANE
ANTI marijuana legalization
T
AMI DUDLEY Columnist Ami Dudley is a junior English major and one of The Signal’s premier staff critics. She was recently published in “The Underground” literary journal. Follow her @amidudley
here’s nothing wrong with smoking pot. It’s not a lethal drug. It’s medicinal. It hasn’t been shown to cause mental illness. There’s no substantial proof of dependency on marijuana. It’s a great creative muse. It’s Earth’s gift to man! By now you’re checking the title of this column to make sure you’ve read the title correctly. Yes, this is an anti-legalization column and I agree with every clause preceding this one. So why don’t I agree with the legalization of the all-glorious ganja? Many, if not most, smokers argue in favor of the legalization of Ms. Mary Jane. They fight for the right to roll up whenever and wherever they choose and frankly, there’s no harm in that. However, this freedom will come with a cost; a cost many “keepers of the chronic” won’t take so kindly to. “What cost is that?” There are many but here are the more crucial costs:
1. Regulations.
Rules, rules, and more rules will come along with the legalization of our herbal friend. These regulations will be in the interest of politicians, corporations, and legislators who will fund them to push their agenda. No company in their right mind will turn away the money. It’s a win for everyone except you, who are subjected to these rules.
2. Additives.
Like I mentioned before, there’s no substantial proof of dependency on weed. However, in an attempt to make money, companies will more than likely add additives to weed. It’s public knowledge that in 1994 the Department of Health and Human Services approved a list of 599 additives for use in main-
Pass the spliff
O
stream tobacco. 599! After creating this addiction, they capitalized by creating products such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum under the guise of aiding smokers who wished to quit. More addicts = More money. Simple.
3. Dirty grass.
Along with the additives I mentioned previously, the wholesale of marijuana by way of factories will inevitably change the make-up of it. Like TV dinners, marijuana distribution will be efficient and as inexpensive as possible. Quality will not be a priority but rather quantity. Expect low-grade ganja with a plethora of artificial flavors.
4. Business shutdown.
Let’s be very frank for a second. Many people have earned a successful living growing and selling marijuana. It haas been a steady industry for years now and has provided monetary means for people and businesses that would otherwise be depleted. But these guys will quickly be placing the “closed” sign on their shop after big companies get their greedy hands on the green (pun intended). It is inevitable that legislations will be put in place to keep these “entrepreneurs” from taking money out of their pockets. While legalization may appear to be a giant “F U!” to Uncle Sam and win for all ganja-lovers everywhere, it will unfortunately be an underhanded win for big corporations who will monopolize on possession of the wonder-grass. Why pass the ball to the other team? Pass the blunt, but not to Uncle Sam.
JAIRA BURKE Columnist Jaira Burke is is an international economics and modern languages major with a concentration in Spanish. Jaira is also a member of the InterVarsity Campus Ministry as well as the International Justice Mission. Follow her @JairaTheIcon
n Saturday, April 6 2013, thousands of people rallied for marijuana legalization at the annual “Hash Bash” event at University of Michigan Diag. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that the majority of Americans support the legalization of marijuana (52 percent). With this increased acceptance toward marijuana, there has been a blatant push for the legalization of this drug. Marijuana is the most widely used drug in all of the United States. According to a survey published in 2009 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there were 16.7 million Americans (or 6.6 percent) who used marijuana in the past month. With this being said, despite the fact that it is illegal, efforts towards keeping this drug off the streets have gone in vain. According to a recent FBI report, law enforcement officials in America make a marijuana-related arrest every 42 seconds. It is estimated that out government spends $10 billion a year on the war against marijuana. This is in contrast to California, who has revenue of 14 billion annually for the production of its legalized medicinal marijuana. The U.S. government is losing a costly battle against marijuana, when instead, it can simply legalize the drug, saving taxpayer money and preventing inoffensive individuals from spending unnecessary time in jail for a virtually harmless pastime. Marijuana is far less detrimental to one’s health than tobacco and alcohol, which are both legal. Everyday, 1,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses and 550 die from alcohol-related accidents and diseases. Yet, both drugs are legal and easily accessible. Recreational usage of marijuana does not produce these types of occurrences. There is no record of a person being diagnosed with lung cancer due to chronic weed smoking or dying due to overdosing on marijuana. Furthermore, cannabis does have actual health benefits,
as opposed to tobacco and alcohol which have none. Marijuana has been noted to treat migraines, slow down tumor growth, relieve the symptoms of chronic diseases, treat Glaucoma, calm symptoms of Tourette syndrome and OCD, and even prevent Alzheimer’s. Legalizing marijuana will also lead to a decrease in crime and violence. “During the prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s the mafia could produce alcohol and had a considerable control over others who wanted it. The role that the mafia played in the 1920s has transformed into the corner drug dealers and drug cartel of the 1990s,” according to www.marijuanatoday.com. When you make a commodity illegal, it almost instantaneously creates a black market for the item, with inflated prices, organized crime and violence. If legal, marijuana would be widely accessible, eliminating the crime and violence that would follow. Despite this, the Obama remains firm on its opposition to any form of drug legalization. This is not a debate of morality or social obligation, but of practicality and realism. The cold hard truth is that millions of people are already smoking weed every day; the government is wasting money trying to fight a battle that they have already lost, marijuana is less detrimental to one’s health and has substantially fewer deaths associated with it than already legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol. As we observed, when you legalize a drug, you eradicate the crime and violence from its presence. Those are the facts. Who cares if people feel that smoking pot is wrong? The truth is the government shouldn’t concern itself with morality but what is most practical. Marijuana is here. It is prevalent in our society and there is nothing that can be done to reverse that. So, instead of wasting further money, resources and efforts, Congress might as well “pass the spliff ” and make the recreational use and distribution of marijuana legal.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
Continued from page 1 Consider: the Dean of Students letter advising Hill of his “disciplinary probation” went out April 2, the day after polls opened. Hill had already admitted responsibility for pulling fellow fraternity brother Darrell Bazemore from the SUV in the initial incident two weeks before. Hill should have known full and well that his eligibility status was in jeopardy and done the honorable thing and come forward. Or at least told his running mate and party. But he didn’t. So at that point in the election, the Election Committee should have cancelled out the results, announced why the action was necessary and reset the polls. As of now, though, there really isn’t any other option except a special election. At least one that will not get dragged into a long, complicated appeals process through the Student Judicial Board that probably won’t result in a decision that reflects the will of the students, either. We should be clear, though. While Team Impact candidates swept the election in virtually every E-Board position they ran for, albeit partially on the main ticket’s coattails, these candidates won fair and square from all appearances. In that case, an across-the-board election probably isn’t warranted.
There’s another possibility to consider as well, since it’s possible we may not have heard the last of Christian Hill, either. Based on confidential conversations with sources with some knowledge of Hill’s situation and documents obtained via the Georgia Open Records Act from the Dean of Students Office, it may be possible for the disqualified candidate to make his way back into the running for the presidential role. If Hill successfully appeals his probation on either the university level or Board of Regents level before May 1st, when every SGA candidate will officially be sworn in, then it’s possible he may make a legitimate, if convoluted, claim for the presidency. If that happens, it will be up to the Student Judicial Board (per Article 5, Section 2, Subsection E of the SGA constitution), to rule on “any appeals of Elections Commission decisions and to affirm or reverse such decisions.” Even if that doesn’t happen, this process is also the only way other presidential candidates can legitimately stake a claim to the presidential and executive vice presidential positions, since the two are inherently linked in the election process as part of the same ticket. So brace yourselves, Georgia State. From all appearances, it looks like we’re in for a bumpy ride.
Letter to the editor This letter to the editor was written in response to last week’s Special Staff Editorial, “Do you know who won the Student Government election? Neither do we.”
I’m a bit passionate about transparency (some would say overzealous), but I’d like the opportunity to educate the Student Government Association on the definition of transparency. Merriam-Webster defines it as the “quality or state of being transparent,” and defines transparent as, “free from pretense or deceit,” or “easily detected or seen through,” or “readily understood.” And here’s the kicker... “Characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices.” So, now that school is out, the SGA should understand what they say before they say it. Especially you, Ashley Epperson. Epperson told me in an impromptu interview prior to the debates that transparency and visibility were among her biggest concerns. And then I read her prepared statement that the reason behind her running mate’s disqualification is protected under FERPA (Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act). I realize you may have read that section of the GSU Student Code of Conduct, but have you read the actual FERPA law? I doubt that Christian Hill’s removal has anything to do with academia, considering that he was allowed to run in the first place. But perhaps I’m making an ass out of myself by assuming that the SGA vets candidates GPAs before they’re allowed to run.
From our Twitter feed
And if it’s not academics related, then it’s not FERPA. That law is as outplayed as it is misappropriated. It should be noted that one loses some aspect of their “privacy” when running for a “public” office. If you did something stupid, the public has a right to know (and will find out sooner or later — see House of Cards). Also, I’d like to address the lack of communication between The Signal and SGA. I’m appalled by the fact that the newspaper had to make more than one attempt to reach the SGA, either by phone, email or otherwise. I mean, don’t you all have offices in the same building? This election has the stench of the 2004 “I want a recount” debacle with what appears to be the SGA advisers standing in for the Supreme Court Justices to make a decision on who’s president regardless of the votes (people wonder why I don’t vote). This arbitrary, unexplained disqualification is shady. There, I said it. And going out of your way to make obtaining election results difficult is also unbecoming of elected officials, like SGA, who all run on the transparency platform. I would like to leave the SGA with a final word of advice: Take it from someone who has been going head-to-head against the University System of Georgia over Georgia Open Records Act laws for over a year, all of you young politicians are right on track to being as transparent as a brick wall. And as Pink Floyd would say, don’t be another brick in the wall.
David Schick Print Journalism
YOUR VOICE YOUR OPINIONS What are the biggest obstacles to marijuana legalization faced by marijuana advocates here in Georgia?
Name: Abby Nipper Major: Nursing “Probably a lot of conservative people like my parents, for example, that just have the notion that it is terribly horrible for you and have the wrong ideas about it. I’m not really well-versed on the subject, but I don’t really care either way. I think that it is stupid that it is illegal because I don’t think that it necessarily hurts anyone. But in this generation I don’t see it being passed. I think the majority of the people who vote are older and with that majority, I don’t think [legalization] will get passed.”
Name: Adrian Nguyen Major: Hospitality and International Business “We live in the Southern Bible Belt. The fact is that the South has a lot of conservative and religious factors. When you compare that to marijuana, which is a drug, people who don’t know a lot about the drug tend to think of it as a bad thing. So, in a way, their ignorance, which I’m not saying is a bad thing, causes them to not like something that they don’t know that much about. Another is drug corporations. And congressmen, a lot of their constituents won’t like it if they vote for marijuana legalization.”
Name: Andy Amador Major: history
“I guess the older people. They kind of frown upon all that stuff. They’re mostly in charge of all of that. I guess the youth plays a part with voting, but a lot of the youth doesn’t vote. People that are for marijuana [legalization], especially in Georgia, I don’t see them going out there to vote for the legalization of marijuana. And the fact that there’s a bunch of drug dealers, not all of them are a part of gangs, but the fact that a lot of them, that’s how they run their organization is selling drugs, and marijuana is a drug. Gangs definitely would not like that because if it was legal they would sell it in stores. I think it is going to be hard for it to be legal in Georgia for a while.”
Name: Cedrick Alexander Major: film “Georgia is a very conservative state. Legalizing something that has been normally perceived to be a negative drug, with a negative connotation, it’s going to be hard for the older generation to accept. […] I don’t think that people realize that it’s not as dangerous as other drugs that are legal, and that is the main reason why I think it should be legalized. But the main thing is that [Georgia is] a red state and that’s going to make it hard for any legislation to get passed to legalize marijuana.”
Name: Tracey Garrett major: pre-nursing “The biggest [obstacle] would be proper distribution and to have it actually taxed. That way there is some profit, that way there is some channel that it is governed through. […] Assuming that the marijuana is legit and the chemicals used will not harm anyone. Possibly the three biggest things are the actual product marijuana, using it as a commercial good by regulating it and taxing it, and distribution.”
Name: Kathy Somsanith Major: Biology
“Obviously Georgia is in the Bible Belt, so there are going to be a lot of religious issues regarding the legalization of marijuana. I think it might be hard to regulate as well.”
Why vinyl is still
sexy
GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL
www.gsusignal.com/artsandliving
Atlanta gears up for National Record Store Day PAUL DEMERRITT Staff Writer
R
ecord Store Day is an international holiday created for the purpose of releasing new and limited vinyl and CDs by hundreds of artists from all across the globe. Eric Levine was on the team that helped develop the holiday and also helped to start one of Atlanta’s most well-traveled, iconic and fiercely local record shops, Criminal Records. “Six years ago when we started, the record stores had become a little less important for some people,” Levine said “It was a little confusing because we all had these great record stores that were really fun and having a good time and we weren’t really getting a lot of attention so we simply decided to shine a light on our businesses.” The holiday is celebrated every third Saturday of April and is devoted to high fidelity fanaticism and the idea that a physical copy of music is fundamental to immersing oneself in a comprehensive listening experience. Record Store Day was first conceived in 2007 by a team of record store employees who felt the appeal and convenience of digital music had dwindled public interest in records. The breakneck success of Internet music giants like Amazon and iTunes had digitized vinyl boxes, CD racks and cassette collections and questioned the relevancy of physical music. “Digital was kind of new and well advertised and well supported so a lot of music fans thought
“
Your local record store supports your local little league team and your charities and helps and participates...It’s the very opposite of Amazon and iTunes, which take from our communities and don’t give back.” - Eric Levine
they should give that a try, and of course after living with digital for any amount of time you come to the realization that you don’t have something tangential and sexy that you get to hold and define yourself with,” Levine said. Despite the mp3 boom of the last decade, Record Store Day has been incredibly successfully at internationally spearheading the movement to make records attractive in the digital age. More than 1,000 record stores in the U.S. have participated every year, with increasing support from artists such as Metallica, Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne and this year’s official ambassador, Jack White of the White Stripes. “It’s been beyond our wildest expectations, hopes and wishes. It is easily the biggest crowdsourced music event ever. We’ve helped reignite the vinyl market and we’ve been able to help individual stores all over world.,” Levine said. The scope of Record Sore Day has gone further then merely expanding the vinyl market; it has been a call to reevaluate why every local community can benefit from a local record store. “Your local record store supports your local little league team and your charities and helps and participates,” Levine said. “It’s the very opposite of
Amazon and iTunes which take from our communities and don’t give back.” Criminal Records is giving back this Record Store Day by releasing two records recorded live instore from local bands Von Grey and Christ, Lord. “This is what a record store could and should be doing, it should be releasing records for your local bands because frankly iTunes is not going to do anything for your local community,” Levine said. Walking distance from Criminal Records and nestled behind Junkman’s Daughter is Beatlab. Beatlab is another local record store that specializes in the sale of disk jockey equipment and features a robust supply of used hip-hop, soul and jazz records. Employee “Mega” has worked at Beatlab since its opening four years ago and finds a similar romanticism in the physicality of vinyl. “Vinyl is about tangibility, having something physical in your hands, viewing the artwork, sound quality in general. A lot of music nowadays is not tangible, I feel like people want something they can hold they can look at while listening to the music,” Mega said. For a DJ, crafting an extensive vinyl collection is absolutely essential and the ability to sample and
mix records live has turned into an art. Though Beatlab does not typically release any new music for Record Store Day, it hosts sales of its existing inventory which provide opportunities for new vinyl listeners to experience rare and out of print releases. “I feel that it’s bringing some awareness of records to younger generations and older generations who feel that vinyl has gone by the wayside. To me, it’s all about awareness,” Mega said. Beatlab’s selection of new and vintage turntables tries to gives back to the community in a different but equally invaluable way by providing anyone with the means of creating their own albums. “We support artists in the creative aspect when they’re actually making music through the gear that we sell,” Mega said. “ And once they have the final product we will sell some of their releases here.” This year Record Store Day is hosting the release of new LP’s, back-catalog reissues and rare singles from acts such as Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Public Enemy, The Black Lips and The Roots. For a full list of official Record Store Day releases and participating record stores, check out their website at www.recordstoreday.com.
‘The Black-Jew Dialogues’ Bringing comic relief to serious issues RAVEN SCHLEY Senior Reporter
I
t started with a prayer, Larry Jay Tish, a veteran performer, recalled of “The Black-Jew Dialogues” comedy show that he performs in with his Emmy-award winning friend, Ron Jones. “I was chanting one morning (I’m a Buddhist Jew), and the title just popped into my head,” Tish said. “I knew Ron and asked if he would be interested in writing the show, and he said, ‘Sure’.” The show is centered around the experiences of both Tish and Jones, and it deals with issues like racism, discrimination and diversity. It also,
allows students the opportunity to view these issues in a different light. “It brings a new look to an old question,” Matt Altman, a sophomore Georgia State student said. Although the show is very powerful and eyeopening now, it surprisingly did not start off like that. In fact, Tish and Jones didn’t really have a clear purpose for it at all in the beginning. “We didn’t really talk about content initially,” Jones said. “As we really got into it we started to do research.” In their research, Jones and Tish stumbled across the book “Jews and Blacks: A Dialogue on Race, Religion and Culture in America” by Michael Lerner and Cornel West.
“That book started to act as a framing device for the whole show,” Jones said. It may seem a little strange that such serious topics are being discussed in a comedy show. However, it actually makes discussion of the topics a lot easier. Racial issues, in general, are very controversial, but when they are placed in a more humor driven context, it makes them seem lighter. “It’s so absurd that it’s funny,” Tish said. “Humor, when it is used to talk about heavy topics, makes it lighter and allows people to talk.” Tish was referring to the fact that people often get a little uncomfortable when they are
Continued on page 14
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ron Jones (left) and Larry Jay Tish will perform on campus this week .
MEET STEVE.
He’s a journalism major. He’s somewhere between a junior and senior. He takes a full load of classes and a part-time job. He gets four hours of sleep a night and drinks too much coffee. But as a reporter for The Signal, he has written 100 stories, shot 5,000 photos and 50 hours of video. Plus, he has won several state and national journalism awards.
If he can do it, so can you. The Signal is now hiring reporters for Fall 2013! No experience? No problem. We’re here to help. Additional positions available for: t Marketing and PR t Business / Sales t Multimedia t Photographers t Designers t Web Developers/Designers
Still interested? Go to www.georgiastatesignal.com/applications and complete the application. Turn it in to Dr. Bryce McNeil at 330 Student Center.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
Spring festival preview
Atlanta kicks off spring with two big festivals this weekend
Dogwood Festival ANQUAVIOUS GRANT
WHEN: April 19 - 21
Staff Reporter
WHERE: Piedmont PArk
O
n April 19 to 21, 2013 the 77th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival presented by PNC Bank will be held in Piedmont Park. The festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a non-profit fine arts festival that is the longest running outdoor even in the city and serves as Atlanta’s annual inauguration of the spring. Entrance to the festival is free. The juried Artist Market presents the best of more than 250 artists in a variety of media, from oil painting to jewelry to sculpture and fiber for adults and collectors. The festival features a 7 p.m. Saturday concert in the Meadow presented featuring the awardwinning Sony Music Nashville recording artist Sara Evans and also a opening act of Kurt Thomas Band. Supporter donations of $12 to $20 will be taken with reserved seating and cash bar access. VIP supporter donations of $55 gain access to tented seating, private bathrooms, catered hors d’oeuvres and complimentary alcoholic beverages of beer and wine.
COST: free, $12-20
donaition for reserved seating, $55 VIP PARKING: street parking, North AVE/ Civic Center MARTA stop SUBMITTED PHOTO
There will be an internation show stage at this year’s Dogwood Festival. The festival sponsors the awardwinning High School Art Exhibition, a competition of young artists whose winning artworks are displayed at a show in the Community Center during festival weekend. In addition to the fine arts for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts and crafts and face painting for all ages, as well as the 24foot rock climbing wall. “The festival will feature the award-winning international Stage show with entertainment from more
than 500 performers representing over 20 countries as well as local community organizations, and the International Village will be filled with edutainment booths from around the world”, said Brant Andrews, the chairman of the Board of Directors. All weekend long, their will be diverse music of various genres performed live at the Coca-Cola Main Stage and the guests can kickback and relax in the Corona Light Beer Garden also. “We really hope that the weather holds because we really want
everyone to come out and have a great time at our Dogwood Festival,” Andrews said. Atlanta Journal-Constitution will present a disc dog competition, which is a great opportunity to cheer on a favorite canine. Pre-registration will be required prior to the competition. However, due to city guidelines and ordinance, dogs will not be allowed in the park during the festival and security will be enforced. Each year, the dogwood festival connects with some of the city’s most vibrant arts organizations and
welcomes them as Cultural Alliance Partners. The partners of this year’s festival partners include: The Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) as Lead Cultural Alliance Partner, the Atlanta History Center, Margaret Mitchell House, Mudfire, and Smart Glass Jewelry. The festival’s award-winning Eco-Village is a partnership with Live Thrive that adds suspense to the three-day event and puts educational elements together to make the city greener even after the festival is over. Funnel cakes, gyros, crab-cakes, onion rings and kettle corn will be served at the festival as well. Guests that are looking to travel by Marta can take the Marta train to the Arts Center Station or the Midtown Station on Tenth Street and walk east Tenth Street straight to Piedmont Park. The shuttle will run from the Arts Center and Midtown Stations. Parking is available in the Campanile Parking Deck at 1155 Juniper Street and at the Sage Parking Facility operated by the Atlanta Botanical Garden for guests looking to drive. Atlanta Dogwood Festival special hotel rates are offered at nearby Midtown hotels. If interested, visit www.dogwood. org to find out more information.
Sweetwater 420 Fest KAYLYN HINZ Staff Reporter
T
he Sweetwater Brewing Company, an Atlanta-based craft brewery, puts on a festival showcasing a variety of their beers. This year the SweetWater 420 Festival will return to Candler Park April 19 to 21 with new offerings along with some of the fans favorites. Admission is free, but $5 a day for a drink wristband. For the first time, 420 Fest is offering VIP tickets to anyone interested. The tickets are now selling for $150 until April 18. According to Francesea Zeifman, Communications Manager, the VIP tickets will include: “A premier viewing area of the main stage; access to a furnished VIP lounge; a hammock hideaway; flushable climate-controlled restrooms; one meal per day; premium bar including discounted drinks; limited edition screen-printed poster for first 250 ticket purchasers; and drink tickets for a few free samples at The SweetWater Experience tent.” Something also new this year is the SweetWater Experience. “Throughout the weekend guests will have the opportunity to sit in on
free sessions featuring a variety of topics to learn more about craft beer, beyond what is in the glass,” Zeifman said. Known for their eco-friendly events and activities of all ages, Plant 420 returns with local, regional and national non-profit environmental organizations that will offer exhibits and workshops. They promote green practices for the home and give back to a cause as well. Along with the obvious drink choice, guests will also be able to enjoy music, dancing food and an artist market. “SweetWater 420 Fest is a unique opportunity for us to blend entertainment with environmental awareness for the entire community to come together and enjoy,” said Jennifer Bensch, festival promoter and principal at Happy Ending Productions. “We’ve worked hard to organize an exciting array of talented performers who embody the SweetWater culture, plus an engaging lineup of eco-friendly activities that will include a little something for everyone.”
Festival
Lineup:
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears, Anders
WHEN: April 19 - 21 WHERE: Candler Park COST: Free, $5
wristband for drinking, $150 for VIP PARKING: Street Parking, Candler Park MARTA stop SUBMITTED PHOTO
Candler Park is home to 420 Fest annually and features local performers. Osborne, Papa Grows Funk, Honey Island Swamp Band, The Mosier Brothers, Earphunk, Deep Blue Sun feat. Yonrico Scott, Blair Crimmins & the Hookers, The Bitteroots, The higher Choir, The Endless Energy
Not Allowed:
Dogs, glass, coolers, outside alcohol, outside food or drinks, pets, illegal drugs, fireworks, unlicensed vending of any kind, no weapons, umbrellas or chairs.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics will headline 420 Fest.
GO GREEN YOU R S E L F There are easy ways to be a green student
IMAN NAIM & TERAH BOYD Staff Reporter & Arts and Living Editor
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
10 Easy Green Tips Earth Day has rolled around again and we’re beginning to see the ‘Save Our Planet’ spiels we see every year. Al Gore may have given a detailed outline of the problem, but how many of us really keep Mother Nature in mind throughout the year? These small changes take very little (if any) time out of your daily schedule and can make a big impact.
1. Change your workout Work out outside instead of at a gym: there are endless options and it will save you money on machinery and memberships.
2. Wash laundry in cold water Most of the energy used when washing clothes goes towards heating the water, so using cold water uses less energy.
1. When was the first Earth Day celebrated? A. March 21, 1970 B. April 22, 1970 C. May 21, 1970 D. June 22, 1970
3. Print on both sides of 7. Use totes instead of the paper plastic bags It’s easy to do and saves the trees as well as the energy used to produce and transport the paper.
4. Carpool
Cut down on your CO2 emissions, your MARTA as much as possible to reduce your impact even more.
5. Don’t use plastic ware when at work, school or traveling
Bring metal utensils or reuse the plastic ware instead of throwing it away after one use.
6. Turn your lights off for that one minute on earth day
Save energy by turning off all the lights when you leave a room. If you missed Earth Hour last month, join in next year: March 29, 2014.
Places like Washington and California have already started making changes when it comes to plastic bags. Bringing your own tote bag to the grocery store will reduce the amount of plastic bags, which takes a long time to decompose.
8. Turn the heat down a few degrees
Take advantage of the perfect spring weather by not using the thermostat in your house. It will save energy and money.
9. cient light bulbs
-
Buy ENERGY STAR-approved light bulbs for longer lasting and environmentally friendly lighting.
10. Don’t buy plastic water bottles
Plastic bottles take 450 years to decompose. 450 years. Go buy a reusable water bottles.
GET MORE INVOLVED
Green Stats
According to the American Community Survey (5-year estimates):
0.5% of Americans bike to and from work. More men bike to work than women (0.7% vs. 0.3%). 10.5% of U.S. residents carpool to work. Men are more likely to carpool than women (11% vs. 10%).
How green are you?
5% of U.S. residents take public transportapublic transportation (5.4% vs. 4.6%).
36,000 households in the United States rely on solar energy to heat their homes.
Green programs you can get involved in Not only will you be helping the environment, but you will be building your resume and possibly meeting some cool people at the same time. 1. Piedmont Park Conservatory Students can participate in programs like maintaining Atlanta’s biggest park and being an ambassador to park guests at the pool and dog parks. Go to Piedmontpark.org for more information. 2. The Atlanta Beltline The grassroots beltline movement has grown to be a proud Atlanta accomplishment. The program wants volunteers to spread the word about the projects plans and up keep current beltline projects. Go to beltline.org for more information. 3. Zoo Atlanta Zoo Atlanta offers volunteer opportunities and internships adults, families and groups. Family and adult volenteers must have a zoo membership. Go to http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/volunteer/group_volunteers for more information. 4. Trees Atlanta Their biggest project, a Saturday project from 9 a.m. to noon, plants trees and helps re-forests Atlanta areas weekly. Trees Atlanta works cooperatively with the Beltline project. Go to http://treesatlanta.org/volunteer/ for more information. 5. The Georgia Aquarium The biggest aquarium in the world needs people to help at guests services, engaging guests in their gallery area and with their education programs. Volunteers also get an annual pass. Go to www.georgiaaquarium.org for more information.
2. The world’s first national park was started in 1872 in which country? A. Corbett National Park in India B. Kruger National Park in South Africa C. Ordesa National Park in Spain D. Yellowstone National Park in U.S. 3. Where was the first major international conference on environmental issues? A. America B. Britain C. China D. Sweden 4. Where was the first wildlife refuge formed in 1903? A. Mai Po Marsh Reserve in Hong Kong B. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, US C. Elk Island National Park in Alberta, Canada D. Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 5. Why did founder John McConnell choose March 21 as Earth Day? A. March Vernal Equinox B. His birthday C. It was the only date free at the party house D. March needed more holidays 6. Who is the patron saint of ecologists? A. Saint Francis B. Saint Patrick C. Saint Valentine D. Saint Nick 7. A desire for environmental change led to the creation of various political parties around the world whose emphasis was largely on environmental protection. What are these organizations known as collectively? A. Blue parties B. Granolas C. Tree huggers D. Green parties 8. Who made the first proclamation of Earth Day? A. The City of San Francisco B. The U.S. Congress C. The Druids D. The United Nations 9. Twenty years after the Stockholm Conference, the United Nations held what is popularly known as the “Earth Summit” in what country? A. Australia B. Brazil C. China D. Denmark 10. A highlight of the annual Earth Day ceremony at the United Nations is the ringing of the Peace Bell. The Peace Bell was a gift from what country? A. France B. Japan C. Sweden D. United States 11. Where was Greenpeace, an international environmental organization dedicated to preserving the earth’s natural resources and its diverse plant and animal life, founded? A. Canada B. Great Britain C. Australia D. Indonesia 12. When is the real Earth Day? A. March B. April C. June D. All of the above Find the answers at georigastatesignal.com Enjoy more trivia from Deanna Mascle with her trivia ezines Fun Trivia Online and Trivia Tidbit Online. Article Source: http://EzineArticles. com/?expert=Deanna_Mascle
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
CLUB SPOGHTLIGHT
Working for a greener campus
Sustainable Energy Tribe looks to conserve rainwater and grow vegetables for the city JOHNELL GIPSON Staff Reporter
Georgia State’s unique location and style of campus allows students to enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life while getting a formal education. Because of this non-traditional style, students face many environmental issues that come with living in a major city, including pollution and energy waste. The Sustainable Energy Tribe is here to combat the struggle. SET looks to counter the environmental issues Georgia State students face on a regular basis. SET’s secretary, Justin Brightharp said it’s about more than just “cleaning up.” “We’re a campus-wide organization looking to bring environmental initiatives to Georgia State,” Brightharp said. “We’re about more than just recycling. We’re looking for a more scientific approach to find sustainable energy and alternative energy resources that everyone can use.” Brightharp said one of the main energy alternatives being researched for future use are wind turbines, similar to the ones that can be seen when passing Georgia Tech’s campus on the interstate. “We’re testing wind speeds around campus to see where are the best locations to build wind turbines is,” Brightharp said. “We’re trying to get the equipment for the turbines and begin testing it by the end of the
semester.” Although SET is working on building alternative energy resources, Brightharp said the process would not be completed anytime soon. “It won’t be active for a quite some time, because it requires a lot of engineering, machinery and maintenance to put everything together in a way that will maximize energy output,” Brightharp said. “Building the turbines on rooftops alters building infrastructures, so it would be more economical to add them to newer buildings that Georgia State will have in the future.” Aside from turbine construction, Brightharp explained that SET is hoping to alter the use and waste of other necessities, such as available freshwater. “We’re also looking to conserve rainwater as a renewable resource,” he said. “The recirculation of water will hopefully lower the water bills for Georgia State, which could possibly help to reduce the housing fees that students have to pay. When 4,000 students living on campus have unlimited access to how much water they can use, there’s definitely a major excess of water being wasted. Because of that, the University has to respond by raising fees.” SET also has further philanthropic efforts planned, including activities going on at Hurt Park. “We also got clearance to garden in Hurt Park for research with the
plants,” Brightharp said. “We’re germinating onion, peppers and other plants that we’ll be giving back to the community as food donations.” With all of these new projects in the works for SET, people may wonder where all of the funding for these creations is coming from. Brightharp credits the Green Fee Resolution as the driving force. “The Green Fee Resolution is a piece of legislation passed by the SGA for us to become more active,” Brightharp said. “It gives us major funding to promote our research and create our office of sustainability like other major research universities in Georgia.” Brightharp said any students interested in getting involved with the environmental community should pay close attention the upcoming events this week. “Our Earth Week celebration is finally here,” Brightharp said. “Student organizations such as Touch the Earth and Panther Bikes will be partnering with us for a few events, as well as citywide organizations such as the Office of Sustainability for Atlanta and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.” Brightharp said there will be several events on campus for students to get involved with. “It starts next Wednesday with our movie night in the VIP room. Next Thursday is when the student organizations will be active to cam-
COURTESY OF JUSTIN BRIGHTHARP
The Sustainable Energy Tribe cleans up Hurt Park (below) and enjoy activities like hiking (above). pus as well. The day after Earth Day (April 23) is the day that the Office of Sustainability will be here in Unity Plaza. There will be tables and kiosks promoting ways students can get involved with their environment and become more conscious of how to make a change,” Brightharp said. With the continuous expansion of Georgia State’s campus and endless growth of its student population, the need for a clean and safe student environment is undeniable. SET is endlessly pursuing positive growth for the community, but Brightharp said there are still many things that can be improved. “I don’t think there’s just one thing we can improve on,” Bright-
harp said. “The recycling bins are a great start, but there is always room for improvement. A lot of times it’s not that people don’t want to help, it’s just that they don’t know how. That’s why we feel it is so important to educate people, and we will work relentlessly until everyone is advocating for change.”
‘The Black-Jew Dialogues’ from page 9
Step up the pace. Be Fearless. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Ron Jones (right) and Larry Jay Tish will perform on campus this week . forced to confront societal problems. However, through the comedy show, people are able to open up and it becomes more of a dialogue. Also, the show does not only focus on one set of people. Jones and Tish make fun of stereotypes in every race. “We’re trying to put everyone on the same playing field by making jokes about everyone, but at the same time [showing them that] here is what we all have in common,” Tish said. “It makes people be more honest with themselves.” For Tish and Jones, the show is very important because it raises awareness and it helps people to see that society has not really advanced as much people think it has. For example, Jones explained how in schools there is still a level of segregation because students often only hang out with people in their own races. “If you look at the way that peo-
ple are integrating that says something,” Jones said. “A lot of people want to believe that things get better, but they don’t unless you make them. In fact, they don’t stay the same, they get worst.” For this reason, Tish and Jones hope to make an impact on the way that students perceive racial issues by the end of their comedy show, and they hope that students will be more conscious about them. “It’s about learning about yourself first,” Jones said. “Then learning about others so that you can respect them because every group in the American story has been dumped on for the same reason.” If students are interested in seeing The Black-Jew Dialogues comedy show, Tish and Jones will be at Georgia State to perform on April 17, in the room 465 of the University Center from 7 to 9 p.m.
Transient summer student Lindsay Little enrolled in an online accounting course while studying abroad.
Move closer to graduation. Take classes at GPC this summer. Full- and half-term classes start May 29. Second half-term classes start June 27. admissions.gpc.edu/transient
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
FASHION FORECAST
PANTHER AT LARGE
Slang
Fashion blogs you need in your life
I SAMANTHA REARDON Columnist
Tweet Samantha and share your thoughts on fashion, inspiration and Ryan Gosling, of course. Follow Samantha Reardon @pinsandplats
love finding inspiration on the web, so much to the point that I forget about all my actual responsibilities: homework and eating come second, or just never, when it comes to my internet browsing habits. My favorite content lies in personal blogs. I’m a sucker for bloggers’ personal style and witty narratives, and after checking out this list, you probably will be too (or you’ll just have a really sick alternative to mega sites, like Refinery29 and lookbook).
1. A Beautiful Mess: This lifestyle/fashion/cooking/decor/
everything-amazing blog written by sisters Emma and Elsie takes the cake. If you’re looking for Pinterest-worthy DIY’s and tips on everything from photography to how to become a small business owner, hop over to abeautifulmess.com. I frequent this blog daily. If you’re a blogger yourself, you can truly admire the blog’s seamless web design and easy navigation. If you’re not feeling the love on your own site, the ladies have a slew of e-courses on shopredvelvet.com that teach coding for bloggers.
Rankins (above) posses for her fashion/ lifestyle blog, “haley.here�.
2. The Style Rookie: Style Rookie is the blog of pint-sized
ing a blast, so seriously, go give these perfect videos a look. And thank me later.
fashion mogul Tavi Gevinson, a 16-year-old editor, icon and all-around genius. Gevinson started blogging about fashion at age 12, garnering the attention of Vogue editor Anna Wintour for her kooky style and fashion commentary. In 2011, Gevinson parted ways with the high fashion world and started her own online magazine for teens: Rookie Mag. If you already read Rookie’s articles on fashion, feminism and life skillz, you should definitely stop by at Style Rookie. It’s amazing to see the progression of Gevinson’s creative mind exploding. Did I mention she did her own TED talk last year, published a book and went on a road trip around the country to promote girl power and flower crowns? Go check this girl out before she lands the cover of Forbes.
COURTESY OF LAURA APPERSON
COUTESY OF HALEY RANKINS
4. Flashes of Style: Bonnie Barton is the ruler of vintage
and pretty and lovely and classy. Her hometown is New York, which couldn’t be a more perfect backdrop for Barton’s adventures and outfits. Barton’s blogs feature mostly photos, but they totally speak for themselves.
5. Haley Here: Haley Rankins is the creative mastermind
behind haley here. I just found her blog (or rather, she found me!) recently, but I can already tell this will be the beginning of a beautiful blogging friendship. Rankins is a fellow Southerner, foodie, culture lover and fashionista. Go give her blog a look, and a follow while you’re at it.
3. Clothes Encounters: Jen Im and bff Sara started this 6. Curbside Fashion/Lauren Rose: Curbside Fashion is the YouTube channel a few years ago, and though they’ve since parted ways (they’re still bff ’s though!), Jen has become a Californian fashion icon in her own right. Jen mixes thrift store pieces with trendy, of-the-moment stuff to create amazing outfits in her epic video lookbooks. She also posts videos of herself and friends stomping around SoCal hav-
home of Lauren Rose’s musings on grunge, feminism and unidentified flying objects. Lauren Rose, or “Just a Curbside Prophet�, is the name of her accompanying YouTube channel. If you’re feeling lost in the fashion department or you’re just having an existential crisis, pop over to one of Lauren’s sites for a quick remedy.
POP CULTURE
Going green can be costly
M
RAVEN SCHLEY Columnist
Raven Schley is a pop culture fanatic. To read more about what is going on in the world of music, movies and T.V. follow her blog: thevintagebellee. blogspot.com. Follow Raven Schley @honeybeerave
any of us can agree that being an eco-friendly individual is ideal, right? I mean... society tells us that it’s something that everyone should try to strive for, and in theory it seems like the perfect solution for all of our eco-unfriendly problems. However, I kind of feel like this is easier said than done. Going green requires you to buy all kinds of new home appliances and use resources that cost a lot of money. If you’re “balling and shot calling,� this probably isn’t a big issue for you. However, if you constitute the rest of us out here who are just trying to make it, going green represents another dent in your wallet that you probably aren’t trying to deal with. In the Bahamas, there is a 45-acre Island by the name of Little Hall’s Pond Cay. Everything on this island is run by solar hydrogen power, and it presents a lifestyle centered around sustainability. This island belongs to none other than...Johnny Depp. Yes you read right, the entire island. Because he is a millionaire, he has the financial resources to buy: t t t t t
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However, not everyone has the money to maintain that type of eco-friendly lifestyle. It would seem to me that if companies wanted people to be more conscious of the environment, they would make the resources to do so more attainable by everyone. It almost seems like another way of separating people into some sort of financial caste system. It’s clear by the prices of eco-friendly materials that the lifestyle is kind of aimed at a more high-brow section of society. So, what does that leave the rest of us to do but to continue in our eco-unfriendly ways? It’s hard to create an effective movement like “going green� when much of the population is unable to participate in it fully due to financial reasons. I think if it were more affordable, then more people would be more likely to take the steps to be more environmentally conscious. However until that happens, there are still some small expensive ways that you can make a difference, according to the Huffington Post: t t t t t
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LAURA APPERSON Columnist
Laura Apperson is an English major studying abroad in Paris. Laura, a lover of all things literature, art and culture, will be keeping us up-to-date on her adventures overseas. Follow Laura @LCatAp
S
ince I have arrived in Paris, I have discovered the massive amount of expressions in this beautiful (and, I’ve found, quite poetic) language. Some of my French friends use them so much that they have to stop and explain what they are saying to me every other sentence. Others admit to me that because I don’t understand all their expressions, they have realized how many they actually use in daily conversation. Today, I give you some of my favorite French expressions (and with it, a small taste of French culture). J’ai les fourmis dans ma jambe. The first time my foot fell asleep, I tried (and failed) to explain what was happening with a direct translation of the English expression. After a few laughs and some shakes of the head, my host family explained to me the expression in French, which literally translates to “I have ants on my leg,â€? because when your foot falls asleep, it feels like ants are crawling all around it. I found this very appropriate and much more interesting than my foot just falling asleep. Quand les poules auront des dents... Translated directly as “When hens have teeth,â€? this is the equivalent of English’s “when pigs fly.â€? This imagery made me laugh Je crève la dalle. This expression is very casual and should only be used with family and friends, since it is extremely colloquial and essentially means “I’m f*ing starving.â€? And it’s super interesting, because I don’t know a lot of French people who can tell me a lot about where “la dalleâ€? comes from, but there is an expression, “que dalleâ€? that is a replacement for “nothing.â€? So, this expression essentially translates to “I’m dying from lack of food.â€? Verlan. This isn’t an expression but a way of turning words around. For example, ÂŤfemmeÂť is the word for ÂŤwoman,Âť but many people will say “meuf â€? instead. This also applies for guy (mec): keum, and many other words. And just like in English, there is an endless amount of slang, filler words and expressions and it’s impossible to know them all. But I’m certainly trying!
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
ALBUM REVIEW:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ‘Specter At The Feast’
9 8
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA II
7 6
NOSAJ THING Home
5 4 3 2
FALTYDL Hardcourage
1
FOXYGEN
NUCULAR AMINALS Start from an End
GLISS Langsom Dans
JACCO GARDNER Cabinet of Curiosities DJ SUN One Hundred DUCKTAILS The Flower Lane
Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer
B
lack Rebel Motorcycle Club have got the blending of “old-meets-new”, blues/garage rock influences down to a science by
now. So it’s tempting to go into their seventh studio album not really expecting anything more than the same blues/grunge/noise/folk smoothie they’ve been putting out for the last decade; that very same smoothie that only sounds fresh to a pre-Band Of Horses and Luminiers generation. But damned if BRMC don’t find a way to push their sound into a new direction by introducing some studio experiments with ambience to the mix; complete with multi-layered sonic textures and a echoey guitar drone that draws more than a few comparisons to The Edge. In fact, an awful lot of the “new” sounds BRMC bring to their latest outing sound an awful lot like lifted throw-aways from Unforgettable Fire era U2; right down to the arena rock trappings, the room filling tones and the dead ringer Bono impression on the vocals. But whether the band’s aware of the U2-heavy influence or not, it plays out more like an accidental homage than a blatant rip-off. And dueling guitarists, Peter Hayes and Robert Been, do a way better job of nailing the blues then The Edge ever did. That’s not to say BRMC have forsaken all their old troops for their sonic experiment. They find a way to marry both approaches successfully without anything sounding out of place. The transition from slow, soulful crooners like “Returning”, to rollicking foot stompers like “Hate The Taste” is almost seamless. Whether
it’s grunge injected rock n’ roll rifting or beautiful, heavily textured walls of sound, Hayes and Been don’t half-ass a note. If there is a weak point to be found, it’s in Been’s vocals, which are still pretty forgettable when their not just flat-out weak (or sounding an awful lot like Bono). Though to be fair, his voice has never done it for me, and it does work best when it’s utilized as just another instrument in the mix, like on the albums slow boil opener, “Fire Walker”. In comparison to their past works, Specter, is sonically the most creative and inspired BRMC have sounded in awhile. It’s a cohesive work that manages to successfully blend the new,with the old, with the new-old.
SOUNDSPIKE.COM
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VA - THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO BY CASTLE FACE & FRIENDS The Velvet Underground & Nico by Castle Face & Friends
Release Date: March 18, 2013 Grade: A-
NOW PLAYING AT
Cinefest
No need for popcorn and candy with these movies! AMI DUDLEY Staff Reviewer
#1 Pineapple Express
(2008) Seth Rogen, James Franco
Running time: 131 minutes Rated: not rated
What would you do if you witnessed a murder while getting high? Head to your dealer of course! That’s exactly what stoner Dale does in this comedy-action. Dale and his dealer -played by an aloof James Franco -will experience shoot-outs, fist-fights, car chases and a foot through a windshield; all for the love of a one-of-a kind weed: Pineapple Express!
“The Thing”
#2 How High
“Neigboring Sounds”
Synopsis:Life in a middle-class neighborhood in present day Recife, Brazil, takes an unexpected turn after the arrival of an independent pri. Showtimes: Monday - Friday: 11 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 8 p.m.
Synopsis: Scientists in the Antarctic are confronted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of the people that it kills Showtimes: Monday - Friday: 1:30 p.m., 6 p.m. Running time: 109 minutes Rated: R, 35mm
(2001) Method Man
When your best friend dies in a fire, mix his ashes with weed and smoke him. That’s what Silas and his new bestie Jamal do. Afterwards they can see Silas’ dead bestie who helps them get into Harvard where the two take “higher” learning to another level.
#3 Cheech & Chong’s up in smoke (1978)
A classic and part of a series of films, this comedy has all the stoner film basic ingredients including weed, pornstars, aliens, cops and more weed. Join Cheech and Chong in their quest for high times.
#4 Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) John Cho, Kal Penn
The ultimate munchies flick! After smoking some weed, Harold and Kumar see a TV commercial for the famous White Castle burgers in Cali. They get a sudden urge for these little burgers and set off on a road trip to obtain them. Along the way they’ll have to face a raccoon, the cops and the one and only Neil Patrick Harris.
for more, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
Campus Events Pandit Shivkumar Sharma & Zakir Hussain Masters of Indian Music Saturday, April 13 8 pm
Rialto Center Touring together since the early 1980s, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain’s performances are some of the most highly anticipated musical events in India and beyond. Each a living legend, their collaboration stems from a longtime personal friendship and mutual admiration. Sharma is considered India’s greatest living santoor (hundred-stringed Kashmiri folk instrument) player. He has garnered prestigious awards and is a dedicated teacher. Zakir Hussain is one of India’s most renowned cultural ambassadors and a chief architect of the world music movement by way of his historic collaborations, which include The Diga Rhythm Band, Masters of Percussion, George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison, Béla Fleck, Billy Cobham, Rennie Harris, and his compositions for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Tickets start at $38; check https://www.facebook.com/ events/411111832273197/.
implement to make big exams feel like small take-home tests. It’s easy!
Jazz Guitar & Bass Ensembles
Thursda, April 25 6 p.m. Fulton County Central Library Join GSU School of Music guitar and bass students in this performance featuring jazz standards, contemporary and Latin jazz works. This event is free and open to the public. Get more info on www.music.gsu.edu
After Effects
Thursday, April 18 3 - 4:30 pm 403 Classroom South Adobe After Effects is primarily used for creating motion graphics and visual effects. After Effects allows users to animate, alter and composite media in 2D and 3D space with various built-in tools and third party plug-ins, as well as individual attention to variables like parallax and user-adjustable angle of observation.
It’s Easy as A-B-C-D: Test-Taking StrateAtlanta Chamber Winds gies Monday, April 22 Monday, April 15 3 - 4 pm 460 & 465 University Center As you have probably anticipated, college is going to be full of tests to measure your knowledge of subject matter. It started with the SAT and ACT, but the future holds the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and much more. No wonder we feel so much pressure to score high on standard exams! Learn some tips you can
8 pm Florence Kopleff Recital Hall Come see Robert J Ambrose, artistic director, and the Atlanta Chamber Winds perform. This event is free and open to the public.
Education Career Fair 2013
4 - 7 pm University Center The annual Education Career Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2013, from 4-7 p.m. in University Center. For more information, contact University Career Services at http://www.gsu.edu/career/index.html.
Players of GSU: “The Servant of Two Masters”
Thursday, April 18 to Saturday, April 27 at midnight The Players of GSU present the Italian comedy, “The Servant of Two Masters.” The play will be performed April 18-20 and 25-27 at 8 p.m. and April 21 and 28 at 3 p.m. at Dahlberg Hall Theatre. Tickets are $10 for students, faculty, and staff with proper ID and $15 for general admission. For reservations go to www.gsuplayers.com and for questions call 404-413-5693.
Tiempo Libre Salsa Autentica
Saturday, April 27 8 pm Rialto Classically trained at Cuba’s premiere conservatories, Miamibased three-time GRAMMY-nominated Tiempo Libre performs the incendiary sounds of timba, a high-energy, danceable blend of Latin jazz and son rhythms. Tiempo Libre’s seven musicians came together to realize a common vision: to create the first authentic all-Cuban timba band in the United States. Their passion for the music of their heritage led them together between an array of other projects to forge this exciting new group, hence the name Tiempo Libre, which means “free time.”
Downtown Events Nun Dash : Guinness World Record Attempt : Spring Festival on Ponce Saturday, April 13 & Sunday, April 14 10 am - 6 pm Olmsted Park: Druid Hills
Set a World Record and Raise Money for CURE Sister Act the Musical will be coming to the Fox Theatre April 23-28. In celebration of the show, Fifth Third Bank, Broadway in Atlanta and The Festival on Ponce have arranged the 2013 Atlanta Nun Dash with 100% of proceeds benefiting CURE Childhood Cancer. The Festival is on Ponce (1451 Ponce de Leon Avenue). http://www.curechildhoodcancer. org/tag/11alive/
Atlanta Braves vs. Kansas City Royals *Jackie Robinson Day* Tuesday, April 16 7:10 pm Turner Field
Join the Atlanta Braves to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day, com-
Concerts/Shows ATL Music Liberty Fest
Saturday, April 6 4:30 pm Center Stage Tickets are $20, call (404) 885-1365 for more information.
Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan, Jake Owen and more Saturday, April 13 6:30 pm Sanford Stadium, Athens Tickets range from $47.35 to $84.45 on ticketmaster.
memorating and honoring his legacy and contributions to the game of baseball! Also, don’t forget Coke 2 for $30 Tuesdays! Get 2 seats in the Club Pavilion for $30, a 46% discount! Visit www.braves.com/tickets for the best price!
Energy for Life Walkathon
The Great Atlanta Bicycle Expedition
The Energy for Life Atlanta Walk Committee is excited and energized to be able to reach out to the community to raise awareness as well as support those who are fighting mitochondrial disease in our area. Visit http://www.energyforlifewalk.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1050091 for more information.
Saturday, April 20 7 am The 51 at Elliott Street Pub
Come explore the city with route options of 7, 17, and 35 miles! The registration fee includes your ticket to ride, maps & cue sheets& marked route, snacks and rest stops, a delicious lunch from Elliott Street Deli, and entry to the afterparty. One kid rides free with each paying adult. This is a supported ride, with SAG (Support & Gear) vehicles, rest stops, and insurance. Helmets required. Early Bird Registration expires April 1, 2013. Why register? Proceeds from this ride will allow us to provide Free Neighborhood Bike Classes throughout the city for another year! Free bike education makes us all safer and creates a culture of smart cycling. Help us keep this program running by riding the Great Atlanta Bicycle Expedition - have fun while doing good! (Plus there’s the afterparty...)
Saturday, April 20 8 am - 2 pm Centennial Olympic Park
Inman Park Spring Festival Saturday, April 27 - April 28 10 am Inman Park
Come tour Atlanta’s most prestigious collection of Victorian and Craftsman homes. Enjoy our famous artists market and street fair, nonstop entertainment, and Atlanta’s wackiest parade. See more details and pictures on our website. 90,000 attendees expected.
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www.georgiastatesignal.com/news
Firewomen is a stressful, exciting chore
RHETT LEWIS | THE SIGNAL Katie Worley warms up in the bullpen with catcher Taylor Scarpantonio during a game versus the University of Noth Carolina-Wilmington on April 13. Worley has made five relief appearances and 21 starts this season and sports a 3.45 earned run average.
HUNTER BISHOP Associate Sports Editor
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RHETT LEWIS | THE SIGNAL Kaitlyn Medlam delivers a pitch versus UNCW on April 13. Medlam started the first game of the doubleheader, earning the win in an 8-2 victory, and pitched 2.2 innings of scoreless relief in the second game.
ou’ve been asked to sit in on a conference of world leaders. Barack Obama, David Cameron, Benjamin Netanyahu and Xi Jinping are all sitting around a cluttered table littered with shuffled papers and empty coffee cups, trying to fix the ills of our modern world. Suddenly, while mopping his brow, Obama is pulled from from the conference room and replaced by the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Vilsack confidently strides to his spot at the table and calmly dots the remaining Is and crosses the last few Ts of a deal that Obama spent the last 36 hours crafting. Now, take a breath, relax and realize that this will never, ever actually happen. But, similar situations take place daily on softball diamonds all over the country this time of year. At any point in a softball game, the pitcher could be yanked for a fresher and stronger arm from the bullpen. It’s a pragmatic strategy, obviously; if the player you’ve got is scuffling or on the verge of an exhaustion-induced coma, they need to be taken out. But coming out of the bullpen is no easy task. One mostly sits around twiddling thumbs, yelling in-game chants in unison with teammates and eating sunflower seeds, hoping that if they do enter the game, it’s not to bail out a Titanic-like shipwreck on the diamond. “You never know when you’re going to go in so you always have to be five-pitch ready at any second,” the softball pitching
staff said via email. “There is less time to prepare because you don’t know when you’re going to be called into a game. The goal is just to stay loose in the bullpen and prepare yourself mentally for entering the game.” There are many situations where a reliever could come out of the bullpen, and not all are good. Best-case scenario: The game is out of reach and the stress level is nil. Worst case? The opposing cleanup hitter at the plate with bases loaded. However, the job remains the same. “As a relief pitcher, you’re having to face different situations,” the staff said. “You can come in with runners on or outs already on the board. You just try to adjust to those situations as best you can.” Close games are, understandably, more nerve-wracking. There is no margin for error when you come into the game in the seventh inning, up by only one run. Finishing the game, whether by a particularly long stint of relief or just “Mariano Rivera-ing” it for one or two outs out can be much more stressful that having the luxury of starting. “In close games, the pressure is all on you,” the staff said. “You can’t give up hits or walks, you try to be perfect...It is more difficult to finish the game than to start. As coach [Kincaid, softball’s head coach] says, those last three outs are the hardest outs to get.” The pitching staff, as a whole, has been very efficient this year, sporting an eraned run average of more than a full run lower than their opponents. The staff has helped propelled the team to a 27-16 record so far in the season.
GROUP EFFORT Here’s an in-depth look at the top three pitchers for the Panthers.
KAITLYN MEDLAM
The junior, right-hander from Bethlehem, Ga. has made 21 starts and 10 relief appearances this season. She pitched only the third perfect by a single player, on April 10 versus Georgia Southern. She has a record of 15-6 and an ERA of 2.22. She has tossed 12 complete games, four of which were shutouts.
KATIE WORLEY
The freshman, right-hander from Milton, Fla. has made 21 starts and She sports a 3.45 ERA and has a on the staff with 86 strikeouts and has held opposing batters to a .242 Georgia State.
ERON MILTON
The sophomore, right-hander 2-0 record this season in 10 relief appearances and one start. She has also registered one of the team’s three saves. Milton has an ERA of 4.09 in 25.2 innings of work.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
profile
Home run queens: Part I Georgia State’s leader in career home runs opens up about her own record and her former teammate who is on the verge of breaking it DAVID NORWOOD II Staff Reporter
P
aige Nowacki hit the 32nd home run of her Georgia State career on March 26 versus Kennesaw State. The solo shot was the lone tally of the game, giving the Panthers a 1-0 victory. The blast also tied here with former teammate, Lauren Jones, for the most in school history. Jones played for the Panthers from 2008-2011. She finished her career with 32 home runs, 134 runs battled in (second most in school history) and was a two-time AllCAA performer. The Signal recently spoke with Jones, who is currently a graduate assistant working with the Georgia State football program, about her own home run record and Nowacki’s pursuit of it.
The Signal: How did you feel when you hit your 32nd homer in 2011? Lauren Jones: “It was in a
very important game, against a top pitcher at FSU. She had a wicked change-up and I knew that was the pitch I wanted to hit. It was in front of a large crowd so I was feeling pretty powerful at that moment in time. However, when I was up to bat, the thought never crossed my mind. I only wanted to get on base,
STATS GP/GS BA AB R
H RBI 2B 3B HR SB BB K
2008 55/55 .302 169 21 51
31
11
0
4
1
8
2009 42/41 .259 116 17 30
25
5
1
5
1
10 22
2010 54/53 .293 157 32 46
38
7
0
9
1
25 32
2011 61/60 .304 184 33 56
40
8
0
14
4
23 26
.293 626 103 183 134 31
1
32
7
66 108
TOTAL 212/ 209
in hopes of giving my team a better chance of winning. I never tried to hit one out.”
TS: Did you think back then that it could be broken by a former teammate? LJ: “I knew that we had a strong
team and that my record probably wouldn’t last too long. I remember when speaking to the media after we lost, they asked me about breaking the record and I stated, ‘Well, we’ll see how long it lasts.’ I broke a record that was 10 years old, so that was an accomplishment of mine. I honestly had no doubts that one of my former teammates would do it, and I really believed it would be Paige.”
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TS: What was it like playing with Paige? LJ: “We played together for two
seasons, I lived with her for one and I helped coach her third season at GSU. As stated before, Paige was my competition. It’s always good to have someone on your team to fight against. If it wasn’t for her and the other girls on the team, I would never have accomplished what I did my senior year. I’m thankful for her and all the other girls who made it possible. We made history that year. I loved every minute of it and that season is one I will never forget for the rest of my life.”
How did you feel about Paige tying it? LJ: “Records are meant to be bro-
GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS Lauren Jones finished her four-year career at Georgia State with 32 home runs and 134 runs batted in. ken. They are something put in place to help athletes achieve more. Back in 2011, it was my time to shine. I helped lead my team to a conference championship. Now, it’s Paige’s turn.”
Do you still think she can come back before the season ends and break your record? LJ: “I have no doubts that Paige will get back out there. They still
have a lot more games to play. An injury won’t stop her for long.”
*To read the full transcript interview and to keep track of Nowacki’s chase for number 33, please visit www.georgiastatesignal.com. We have arranged to speak with Paige Nowacki once she is healthy and able to participate with the rest of the team. The April 23 issue of The Signal will contain our interview with the senior slugger.
When the rain sets in, the games begin ALEC MCQUADE Staff Reporter
I
n this lovely city we call Seattle. . . wait, this is Atlanta, right? Then, why the hell have we had so much rain lately? For athletes, rain results in two words that every player, coach and fan hate to hear over the grandstand speakers: “Rain delay.” The diamond sports are most susceptible to rain delays because of the outdoor venues, the infield getting muddy and the frequent number of games played during the rainy late winter and spring months. So on game day, while the fans sit in the rain waiting for any nuance of sunshine, the players have their own little games they play to pass the time. Baseball outfielder Chase Raffield explained a couple of games he and the team like to play while in delay. The first game is “Two Ball.” It involves everyone in a circle with one person holding two baseballs. That person throws both balls up into the air and then has to catch both of them. If he is unsuccessful, it’s an out. You get three outs. The second game Raffield explained is “Speed Ball.”
Speed Ball consists of everyone in a circle having a baseball, while one person has two. The person with two throws one to someone and whomever he throws it to has to throw his ball to someone before catching the one thrown at him. If you’re unsuccessful, it’s an out. “Coach is always telling us to stay loose,” Raffield said, justifying the purpose of the games. Sometimes teams are stuck at a hotel if it has been raining all day. Raffield said those are the toughest delays to get through. “We have to stay mentally in it [and] make sure we get the food we need so our bodies are still ready,” he said. The other diamond sport, softball, also has its fair share of rain delays, and the women aren’t all that different in how they pass the time. The women, however, have a lot more games they like to play while waiting. Infielder Whitney Phillips listed football, wall ball, foosball and pingpong as some of the games the team likes to play if they’re stuck inside waiting for the clouds to clear. “Some people just sit around and chill or do each other’s hair,” Phillips said. “A lot of hair braiding going on. I
RHETT LEWIS | THE SIGNAL Whitney Phillips laces a single versus UNCW on April 13. Phillips and the softball team keep busy during rain delays by braiding hair and kicking the hacky sack around. personally am a foosball player. Undefeated on the table.” These games can’t be played in the dugout, though. The game everyone turns to when trapped in the dugout is hacky sack. Phillips said that there are always a couple of hacky sack groups battling it out in the dugout. Kaitlyn Medlam, a starting pitcher
for the Panthers, loves hacky sack and it is her automatic go-to when it rains. Medlam, however, is a little bit more serious when those dreadful downpours come to an end and she has to go back out to pitch. “I have to focus more. . . on my body, where my feet are on the rubber, spinning the ball, [and] the rotation,” Medlam said.
GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS Chase Raffield digs in during a game earlier this season. The redshirt junior says the team plays “Two Ball” and “Speed Ball” while waiting for the clouds to clear. So the next time your stuck waiting for a rain delay, bored and wet, maybe take a peak into the dugout because what’s going on in there is probably a whole lot more fun than what you’re doing. Maybe even bring your own hacky sack and try to join the fun.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
PANTHER Of The Week
GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS
KAITLYN MEDLAM SOFTBALL Kaitlyn Medlam made Georgia State softball history on April 10 by throwing a perfect game against Atlanta area foe Kennesaw State. The junior from Bethlehem, Ga. Needed only 61 pitches to retire all 18 batters she faced in becoming the first Panthers pitcher to toss a perfect game all by herself. The effort was the third perfect game in school history. The Panthers recorded a pair of perfect games in 2008, both instances involving multiple pitchers to achieve the feat. Medlam struck out five Owls in the team’s 8-0 victory. The win was her 37th at Georgia State. She nows sports a 15-6 record this season.
Sports Calendar
*CONFERENCE GAMES
Mon-Wed, April 15-17 WGLF Sun Belt Conference Muscle Shoals, AL All Day
Fri-Sat, April 19-20 MTR War Eagle Invite Auburn, Ala. All Day
Sat, Apr 20 BSB James Madison * Harrisonburg, Va. 6:30 PM
Tue, April 16 BSB Kennesaw State Kennesaw, Ga. 5:00 PM
Fri, April 19 BSB James Madison * Harrisonburg, Va. 6:30 PM
Sun, April 21 SB Drexel * Philadelphia, Pa. 11:00 AM
Thu, April 18 SB Samford (doubleheader) Heck Softball Complex 4 & 6 p.m.
Sat-Sun, April 20-21 SVB Florida State University Tournament Tallahassee, Fla. All Day
Sun, April 21 WSOC Mercer Macon, Ga. 12:00 PM
Thu, April 18 MTEN Sun Belt Conference Championship Lafayette, La. TBA Thu-Sun, April 18 -21 WTEN Sun Belt Conference Championship Lafayette, La. TBA Fri-Sat, April 19-20 WTF War Eagle Invite Auburn, Ala. All Day
Sat, Apr 20 SB Drexel * (doubleheader) Philadelphia, Pa. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Sat, Apr 20 FB Blue-White Spring Game Georgia Dome 1:00 PM Sat, Apr 20 MSOC Belmont (Alumni Day) GSU Soccer Complex 2:00 PM
Sun, April 21 BSB James Madison * Harrisonburg, Va. 1:00 PM Sun, April 21 WSOC Kennesaw State Macon, Ga. 3:15 PM Mon-Wed, April 22-24 MGLF Sun Belt Conference Championship Muscle Shoals, Ala. All Day
briefs Georgia State football’s “BlueWhite” Spring Game will be held at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, April 20. This will be the first chance for students and fans to see head coach Trent Miles and the 2013 Panthers in action. Doors open an 11 a.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.. According to an Atlanta JournalConstitution report filed by Doug Roberson, Tiffany Daniels, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs, resigned last week to accept a position as the Southeastern Conference’s Senior Woman Administrator. She will remain on staff until May 8. According to the Georgia State athletics website, Daniels oversees “all external functions for GSU athletics, including marketing, promotions, corporate sales and licensing.” She is the second senior administrator to exit the athletics department this year. James Greenwell, who served as the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, left earlier this year to join the Finance department at Georgia State. The Georgia State baseball team continues to sizzle at the plate. As of April 10, they lead the nation in team batting average with a .344 clip through 34 games. They are also second in runs scored with 290. Junior, Chad Prain, also leads the nation with a .474 batting average.
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Spotlight Styles
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Campus Events Styles
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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD www.gsu.edu/spotlight
CAMPUS EVENTS
SOUL FOOD CYPHER
www.gsu.edu/studentevents
Wednesday, April 17, 7-9 p.m. 470 University Center
OPEN MIC NIGHT Wednesday, April 17, 7–9 p.m., Courtyard, Student Center, First Floor top three All-Stars, so come on out to cheer for your favorite
GSU NIGHT AT SIX FLAGS
PANTHER PROWL: DEFYING GRAVITY
Friday, April 19, 6 p.m.-Midnight Tickets available at GSU Campus Tickets
Friday, April 26, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Student Center Ballroom
Join Campus Events in of the semester at Six Flags
FINALS BREAK: SALSA IN THE CITY Monday, April 29, 7-10 p.m. Student Center Ballroom
For cinefest movie times uLearn
THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE “RAIN OR SHINE.”
April 15-21 Neighboring Sounds Ticket Prices (Entry/Entry & Meal) NO SEASON PASSES ALLOWED
CAMPUS EVENTS AND SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD IN LIBRARY PLAZA Thursday, April 25, Noon-1 p.m.
April 15-21 The Thing
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