The Signal Vol. 82 No. 23

MARCH 10 - MARCH 23, 2015

VOL. 82 | NO. 23

SECTION B: It’s time.

Time for victory.

Special Issue: SGA elections

On the ballot Georgia State’s Student Government Association have announced their 2015-16 executive candidates. Voting starts April 6. Look inside for all the details on the excecutive candidates’ platforms.

News | pages 6A - 11A

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MADDIE RICHARDSON AND NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL

2

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

March 2

I swear I have seen this movie before.

Natural Science Building

Feb. 27

It’s just a weedscented candle.

University Commons

An individual was arrested for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana after reports of an odor was filed.

Feb. 27

It’s not wine; it’s grape juice.

University Commons

A male sitting in front of the University Commons was arrested for public intoxication. After being transported to Grady Hospital, the individual was evaluated and verified to be underage.

March 2 Is that a knife in your

pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Barbara Asher Square

Georgia State officers pursued and apprehended a suspect caught stealing off-campus. The individual was found armed with a knife and was arrested for obstruction.

A professor filed a report after receiving multiple harassing emails from a Georgia State student.

March 3

Just studying for their anatomy exam.

T Parking Deck

A male was found with no clothing on accompanied by a clothed female by a Georgia State officer. The two were issued a Criminal Trespass Warning (CTW) and escorted off the premises.

March 4

Obstruction

Stay in the ex-zone where you belong!

Off Campus

Possession

A Georgia State student filed a report after receiving harassing and threatening messages from her ex-boyfriend. The case has been turned over to the Investigations Division.

Intoxication Harassment CTW

Photo of the week PHOTO ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF CHRIS TRIPLETT Georgia State took home the Sun Belt Regular Season Conference Championship after defeating Georgia Southern 72 - 55 March 7.

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WHO’S WATCHING?

VOX

Student received warning after downloading internet content illegally in campus dorm

JAMES MORGAN Q: How do you use campus internet?

A: “I use the internet usually to check my GSU email and then I get on YouTube for sample and sounds. I search for instrumentals and samples because I make beats. And I usually use the internet to post stories; I do these little short stories online.”

Q: Do you download anything using campus internet and what?

A: “Music or videos — I like to watch live performances.”

Q: How closely do you feel Georgia State is monitoring your internet use?

A: “I don’t know. I really don’t. It’s hard to tell.”

Q: Have you ever downloaded any copyrighted material using campus internet and did you receive any warning?

A: “Yes and no.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARC VALLE | THE SIGNAL LAUREN BOOKER & MATTHEW WOLFF Staff Reporters

A

fter downloading “Grudge Match” and an episode of “Girls” from FrostWire, Georgia State’s University Lofts resident Lindsey Kernisant said she was shocked to receive an email warning about her internet use.

Apogee, Georgia State’s telephone, cable and internet service provider, sent her the emails telling her she had one more chance before her internet access would be suspended. She said the emails also stated Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and HBO could sue her for illegal downloading.

“I pay a lot of money to stay here and just because I downloaded a show and a movie doesn’t mean I should get sued,” she said. “I am a college student and I don’t have that much money and I am sure they have millions of dollars… I was kind of angry.”

The software she said she used to download the works was FrostWire, which is a free BitTorrent+Cloud downloading application for computers, according to FrostWire’s website.

“I [have] downloaded before and I never got an email. I really don’t download that much,” she said.

Warner Bros. said Kernisant illegally distributed unauthorized copies of Grudge Match. The company then directed Apogee to contact and take action against her based on Apogee’s abuse policy/terms of service agreement, according to the email.

“Also, we hereby state, under penalty of perjury, that we are authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the exclusive rights being infringed as set forth in this notification,” the email from Warner Bros. states.

Kernisant said she doesn’t understand how Apogee sent the email to her personal email address or Apogee’s policies on internet use.

“It’s not like I am going to read the terms and agreement because those things are like 1,000 pages. But they should definitely try to bullet point the main things that students do,” she said.

Policy on illegal downloads Apogee’s end-user service agreement states users may not get information, software and other materials for uploading, posting, publishing or transmitting without the permission of the copyright owner or right-holder.

“You understand that you may be

held liable both under civil and criminal law for infringements of the intellectual property rights and copyrights of others. You may be held liable for all actual damages and profits, attorney’s fees, costs or the court may award statutory damages under the copyright act. In addition, criminal liability can include fines and imprisonment,” the agreement states.

The agreement also states users cannot violate the law or help someone else do so. The laws for copyright infringement falls under the Copyright Law of the United States of America and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998.

Additionally, Apogee may deny access to all or a part of the services without notice, according to the agreement.

Once services are denied, the person cannot access materials stored on Internet through Apogee or access third party services.

Copyright infringement is committed when copies of a work are imported without the authority from the owner and is a violation of the Copyright Law of the United States of America, according to the law.

The perpetrator can be fined $750 to $30,000 based on the court’s decision. If the infringement was willful, the court could decide to increase the sum of damages to $150,000, according to the Copyright Law. FrostWire states they seek to enforce and comply with DMCA’s standards. Users who are repeat infringers would also be denied access to their website, according to FrostWire’s terms and conditions.

After the incident, Kernisant said she feels like her privacy has been invaded and since stopped downloading from FrostWire.

“It was kind of weird that they knew exactly what I was downloading. It felt like someone was watching over me,” she said.

Social media monitoring Terry Coniglio, Georgia State’s assistant director of social media, said she posts to and monitors social media on the behalf of the university.

“The first part of my job is managing the oversight and daily activities on the main Georgia State social media accounts and the second part of my job is helping the school’s units and departments around campus with any social media strategy questions or execution they might have,” she said.

Coniglio also said Georgia State uses a geo-fencing program to monitor tweets based on users’ proximity to campus.

“There’s lots of programs out there that can do that and we use a program called Hootsuite and we can geofind any

area and see what is being tweeted out,” she said.

Geo-fencing programs only show the tweets of users who allow themselves to be tracked, according to Coniglio.

“But it really only works if the user has enabled the locate function in their Twitter account,” she said. “So if you personally have that off or you don’t identify where you are, then no you’re not going to show up in any feed like that.”

The university also responds to student concerns posted on social media, according to Coniglio.

“That depends on what the issue is and we do have a backend platform that we can assign those tweets to certain staff members across campus to help alleviate the problem,” she said. “We have the ability to, if someone were to complain about a certain issue, if that department is in the platform with us, assign it to them and they can respond because they’re going to have the best information to help that student.”

Coniglio also said she does not actively search for social media posts from students that may be threatening or inappropriate.

“I’m not here to get the students in trouble,” she said.

However, individual social media networks have their own procedure for posts containing threatening language, according to Coniglio.

“The [social media] platforms have their own protocol for that,” she said.

“With Facebook, they have a very robust team for suicide prevention.”

The university has never dealt with instances of students posting they were considering hurting themselves or others, according to Coniglio.

“From a social media perspective, we have not encountered that situation yet, but that’s something that the counseling center can deal with,” she said.

Clinical Associate Professor of Legal Studies Perry Binder said students should be cautious to not use social media to make hurtful comments about others.

“Posting false statements of facts about someone on social networks could result in a defamation action for money damages. In some countries, libel is a crime as well as a civil remedy,” he said.

Binder also said that for a university setting, there are less restrictions on what individuals have the ability to post on social media platforms.

“There has been a lot of controversy concerning cyberbullying in the United States. Many K-12 schools have specific rules against this activity,” he said. “Outside the K-12 environment, as long as someone is expressing an opinion and not a false statement of fact about someone, there likely won’t [be] civil liability,

TIFFANY HARRIS Q: How do you use campus internet?

A: “Lately, I’ve been doing grad research and [looking for] internships and of course I use it for homework on D2L or sending off emails. Mainly school stuff.”

Q: Do you download anything using campus internet and what?

A: “No, I don’t trust a lot of websites.”

Q: How closely do you feel Georgia State is monitoring your internet use?

A: “Last semester I got this email about me downloading the new Superman movie. I didn’t download it, but I got an email saying I did and they would take my internet away and I heard other residents talk about how they got that email too. So, I think they watch it pretty closely.”

Q: Have you ever downloaded any copyrighted material using campus internet and did you receive any warning?

A: “No, I don’t trust it.”

DEVIN CHATTMAN Q: How do you use campus internet?

A: “Generally just for school stuff. I do most my personal usage at home.”

Q: Do you download anything using campus internet and what?

A: “Yes, documents for school. I’ve tried to download music and stuff here before like a torrent, but usually you have to do the magnet instead of the regular torrent download. It’s usually a lot slower to download stuff here [on campus].”

Q: How closely do you feel Georgia State is monitoring your internet use?

A: “I guess I would just have to go based on popular opinion that everything is being monitored, so I’m assuming they’re monitoring it as much as anyone else is monitoring your data.”

Q: Have you ever downloaded any copyrighted material using campus internet and did you receive any warning?

A: “Yes and I didn’t. I downloaded a couple of CDs. I don’t even remember which CDs, but that’s when I found out you have to do the magnet instead and I was like this is too much work.”

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW WOLFF | THE SIGNAL as distasteful as that speech is.”

Binder also said people should practice restraint with what they do and say on the internet even if they believe they are posting anonymously.

“The recent trend is for students to post comments on anonymous social networks like YikYak. They should be warned that if their statements are de-

famatory, a lawsuit can be filed against the social network to find out the name of the anonymous poster,” he said. “If the injured person can demonstrate that the harm to him or her outweighs the right to be anonymous on the internet, then the judge will subpoena the name of the poster, and a lawsuit may ensue.”

4A

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

chief sues to reclaim position Local

Shots fired at Lyft driver

A driver for Lyft, the appbased ride-booking service, escaped with minimal injuries after being shot at on Mount Zion Road on March 5, according to WXIA. The driver reported dropping off two customers and being blocked in by a black four-door sedan containing at least four men.

Two of the men got out of the vehicle — one carrying a gun — and approached the 2004 Lexus. After refusing to exit his vehicle the gunman began firing through the driver’s side window. The driver said he ducked down in his seat, put the car in reverse and slammed into the attackers’ vehicle before they fled the scene. The driver was not hit by any bullets but did suffer cuts from broken glass.

Kelvin Cochran wants compensation, saying

SUBMITTED PHOTO | ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM After being removed from the Fire Chief position, Kelvin Cochran hopes to win his court case against the city of Atlanta.

National

Harrison Ford crashes plane

Actor Harrison Ford survived after crashing a vintage fighter plane on Penmar golf course in Venice, California, according to TMZ. The engine of the WWII plane stalled upon takeoff on March 5 and Ford made an emergency landing on the golf course to avoid crashing into nearby homes.

Witnesses pulled the actor from the wreckage, worried it would catch fire. He was treated by doctors who were playing golf before emergency personnel arrived. Ford is a long time aviator and has crashed multiple times. It is reported that he suffered deep cuts to his head. However, his representative said he is expected to fully recovery.

Global

Men charged in political assassination

A Russian court has charged Anzor Gubashev and Zaur Dadayev in connection with the murder of former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, according to BBC. The two Chechen men are accused of organizing the participating in the assassination. Three other suspects also appeared before the court including Gubashev’s young brother Shagid Gubashev.

Nemstov was shot in the back four times within sight of the Kremlin on Feb. 27.

SEAN KEENAN Staff Reporter

F

ormer Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran is attempting to sue the city of Atlanta as well as Mayor Kasim Reed, according to a Feb. 18 release sent to The Signal by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).

ADF is the attorney group representing Cochran as he sues to overturn Reed’s decision to terminate him, according to the organization’s legal complaint.

Reed announced Cochran’s termination Jan. 6 following the distribution of his self-help book “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” which contained principles that condemned homosexual acts as “unclean.”

The controversy surrounding Cochran’s firing yielded a petition created by the American Family Association (AFA), which logged nearly 75,000 signatures supporting the reinstatement of Cochran as fire chief.

If Cochran wins the lawsuit, he will reclaim the seat as Atlanta Fire Chief and claim compensatory damages for lost wages, cost to find new employment, humiliation and emotional distress, inconvenience and the damage to his reputation caused by the city, according to the complaint.

Senior Legal Counselman for ADF Jeremy Tedesco said Cochran believes he was fired for the expression of his Christian faith.

“Whatever the city might now say doesn’t erase that the city pub-

licly admitted that it fired the wellrespected fire chief for his beliefs – an act that is illegal,” he said.

Cochran said this turn of events has devastated and confused him, according to files sent to The Signal by ADF. “To actually lose my childhood dream come true profession where all of my expectations had been greatly exceeded over my faith, the very faith that caused me to get my job, ultimately has cost me my job,” he said.

However, a spokesperson from the mayor’s office said Cochran’s religious choices were not a deciding factor when determining his consequences.

“Mr. Cochran states that he was told his faith influenced his leadership style and that this was the reason for his termination,” she said. “What he was actually told was that his distribution of a book about his beliefs within his department had caused his employees to question his ability to continue to lead a diverse workforce.”

The spokesperson also said Cochran’s actions had warranted negative attention which led to his firing.

“The religious nature of his book is not the reason he is no longer employed by the City of Atlanta,” she said. “The totality of his conduct — including the way he handled himself during his suspension after he agreed not to make public comments during the investigation — reflected poor judgment and failure to follow clearly defined work protocols.”

Cochran should feel free to dis-

tribute such works to those at the workplace, according to Tedesco.

“Government employees have a well-established right to distribute literature at work to willing recipients, including religious literature,” he said. “The city cannot punish Cochran for exercising this right.”

Tedesco also said Cochran should not need to consult the mayor prior to distributing his personal work.

“There is no city policy that requires mayoral approval before city employees can publish a book on their own time and even if such a policy existed, it would be unconstitutional,” he said.

However, Cochran did not receive the requisite approval from the city’s ethics office prior to publishing the literature, according to the spokesperson.

“Although Mr. Cochran continues to claim that the City Ethics Officer authorized his publication of the book, that claim is as untruthful today as it was when first uttered,” she said. “Mr. Cochran was informed at the time of his suspension that he had failed to follow the City Code in seeking to engage in an outside income-producing venture... he was espousing theories about certain groups of people that were in conflict with the City’s non-discrimination policy,” Still Tedesco said Reed had voiced his disagreement with the content in Cochran’s book which he said proves the city’s bias.

“The reality is the mayor, when he suspended [Cochran] without

pay for 30 days, came out and said that he profoundly disagreed with and was deeply disturbed by what Chief Cochran wrote in his book, and that was the reason given for the initial suspension,” he said.

Tedesco also said Cochran had been forgiven for any offense he caused yet Reed would not pardon him due to the difference in their beliefs.

“Despite being completely exonerated over concerns related to his conduct and how he treats people, the city fired him anyways,” he said. “... And that just goes to show that they fired him for one thing and that is that he held the wrong beliefs according to the city.”

Despite his firm stance against homosexuality and its practices, Cochran said U.S. citizens should all be afforded the same rights without repercussion, according to a recording sent to The Signal from ADF. “All Americans are guaranteed the freedom of actually believing and thinking in such a way that does not cost them the consequences that I have experienced in this termination,” he said.

Tedesco said he and Cochran are aware of the fire department’s LGBT liaison outreach being implemented by Interim Fire Chief Joel Baker and they are confident Baker will continue to exhibit cultural tolerance as Cochran did.

“We have seen the media reports and wish the new fire chief nothing but the best as he continues Chief Cochran’s high standard of treating everyone with dignity, respect and equity,” he said.

6A

Meet the Executive SGA Candidates Running for President Describe your platform.

Sebastian Parra

What college are you representing and what year are you?

My major is Political Science and Public Policy Minor with Concentration in Pre-Law. Therefore, my school is the Arts and Sciences College.

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

I am running on Team Impact 2015 and our platform is: I - Increasing sustainability initiatives M - Mobilizing student attendance at athletic events P - Promoting awareness of academic programs and resources A - Advocating for a 24 hour study space C - Creating meaningful and lasting traditions T - Transforming student services

Define transparency in student government.

Transparency in SGA is using the current tools and avenues available to the administration to divulge relevant information to the student body, collect feedback on pressing issues from the student body and serve the student body with the many services the SGA offers. Additionally, in order to be transparent, we must be creative with our resources to maximize the effectiveness of our efforts.

I hope to continue encouraging collaboration among student organizations by continuing the Organizations United Fund. I hope to advocate actively and decisively for a serious plan leading to a 24 hour study space. We have made valuable gains with expanding the library hours of operation through my work at the Student Library Advisory Council and the SGA, but our student body deserves a 24 hour study space from Sunday to Thursday. I hope to expand my legislation, Athletics Partnership Act, as an established program within Athletics in order to feature student organizations at other athletic events like Sand Volleyball, Volleyball and Football (aside from Basketball). As we consolidate with Georgia Perimeter College, I hope to work closely with the presidents of the other student government associations of the perimeter campuses by meeting every month and working together for mutual improvement. Finally, I am looking forward to implementing the newly approved Bylaws and Constitution of the SGA that if corroborated by the student body, they will serve greatly to

What new initiatives would you try to implement if you received the position?

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

using contingency funds to create a pilot program to fund some organizations to attend conferences. It will increase the prestige of our University outside of Atlanta and remarkably enhance the academic experience of students at Georgia State. Another new initiative that I think the Student Government should seriously consider is to evaluate

The most pressing issue currently seems to be the consolidation with GPC (Georgia Perimeter College). Initially, many students displayed outrage mainly provoked by lack of information. But lately, after the facts have been divulged, including through the Town Hall Meeting that I organized through the SGA, students are more at ease and supportive housing that was also discussed at our last Town Hall meeting hosted by the SGA. Students are very opinionated about this issue and I personally fully support this project to better accommodate all students, not only members of the LGBTQ community but all students in general wishing to share a dorm with members of another gender. Additionally, there are many other issues that have constantly concerned students mostly regarding facilities. Students are concerned about parking options for commuters, dining options and commuter meal plans. Students have worried about the noise at Library Plaza and study spaces. For this as Vice President of Student Services and will be more than competent to continue addressing these concerns and effectively deliver results.

These are the new initiatives that I have authored and have successfully passed the senate and have been implemented as well: Panther Mentorship Program, Testing Materials Expansion Act, Athletics Partnership Act, Commuter Affairs Subcommittee Act and the Academic Policies Information Sheet Resolution. Additionally, as EVP I created a bill template that has become the standard way for legislation to be drafted in the SGA. I have improved the quality of legislation submitted by requiring a preliminary committee review for every bill before coming to a vote for the senate. On top of these initiatives, I have noticed a pressing demand for funding for students to attend conventions and conferences on behalf of their organizations.

on behalf of the fee councils represented at the Student Activity Fee Committee. For example, among the organizations represented could be one senator for Academic Teams (Model UN, Model Arab League, Mock Trial, etc.), one senator from ISAC, one senator from Diversity organizations and so on. It will be very challenging to determine the way they get elected and which organizations or fee councils should be represented, but I think the SGA should adapt to the growing size of our campus and incorporate more participation.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I am a political refugee from Colombia. I came here in 2006 with my family. I love dancing salsa and it helped me win the Lambda Theta Alpha “Mr. Unstoppable� male pageant by dancing salsa with my mom.

7A

What sets you apart from the former position holder?

What achievement are you most proud of?

I have the utmost admiration for President Henson. He has served the student body at the SGA throughout his entire career at GSU and has dared to get involved in this organization regardless of what people expect from someone with his major and background. I think he is extremely knowledgeable of the way University Committees work and the fees committees. I also admire his judgment when making executive decisions which always turn out to be very comprehensive and anticipative of future perils.

However, my biggest asset will be my creativity and diverse involvement on campus. I am a transfer and a commuter student that has experienced what most of our students go through, but I have also managed to be very involved on campus. I have held the positions of Senator, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Vice President; this expansive experience within the SGA will allow shoes” before. I am also an Ambassador of the 1913 Society which has allowed me to personally interact and network with many members of our faculty including all of the deans of the schools and colleges. This many organizations like the Pre-Law Club, the Latin American Student Association, the Student Library Advisory Council and participated in the funding of Phi Alpha Delta, International Law Fraternity incorporated. Therefore, I will be able to see the perspective of student organizations coming to work with the SGA because I have been in their position before. Moreover, I have been the most legislatively active individual in the Student Government for the past three semesters which have resulted in the numerous aforementioned projects that I have initiated. I will not only be able to tutor senators on how to accomplish their legislative ideas but also will be able to demand that they work hard since I have done it as well.

Receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award for promoting multiculturalism at Georgia State through my work as Hispanic Heritage Month Director by hosting 12 events with the following organizations: -Campus Events -Spotlight -Lambda Theta Alpha -Lambda Upsilon Lambda -Latin American Student Association -Latino Leadership Council -Sigma Lambda Upsilon -ISAC -SGA .

It took a great deal of hard work, planning and dedication to direct all of the leaders representing these organizations with the only goal of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and sharing my culture with the campus community.

What have you been involved with on campus and in the community?

• • • • • • • • • • •

Executive Vice President of the Student Government Association Ambassador of the 1913 Society Director of Hispanic Heritage Month (2014) ISAC Representative for the Latin American Student Association Member of the Student Library Advisory Council Served as Vice President of the Pre-Law Club in the past.

Mentor of the Latino Leadership Initiative Community Relations Director of the Shirazi Law Group, Inc (immigration law) Previously worked as Field Manager for the Democratic Party of Georgia Interned at the American Civil Liberties Union in the past.

Running for Executive Vice President (VP) MAYFIELD’S BIO

Teara Mayfield

I am a third year student dual majoring in Marketing & Hospitality Administration. Upon graduation I have ample experience in our Student Government Association as I have been involved since my freshman year in 2012. I served as a Volunteer for the 2012-2013 school year, a Senator for the 2013-2014 school year and now currently I am the Vice President of Student Services for the 2014-2015 school year. During my time here in SGA, I have played an integral role in past successes such as the Commuter Subcommittee Affairs Act, the ISAC Multiculturalism Bill and the increased involvement between the Senate and the student body. If elected, I plan on continuing serving as a liaison between the Executive and Legislative branches and using my interpersonal skills to further our platform. I am running with Team IMPACT and our platform is as follows: I - Increasing sustainability initiatives M - Mobilizing student attendance at athletic events P - Promotion awareness of academic programs and resources A - Advocating for a 24 hour study space C - Creating meaningful and lasting traditions T - Transforming student services

To Vote:

Students will be able to cast their vote on OrgSync from 12:01 a.m., Monday, April 6 though 11:59 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Visit https:// orgsync.com/99245/chapter for more information.

Winning candidates will be announced at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13 at 12:30 p.m. in Library Plaza.

8A

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Running for VP of Academic Affairs Running for VP of Public Relations

Hannah Grant

David Jackson, Jr.

What college are you representing and what year are you?

What college are you representing, and what year are you?

Describe your platform.

Describe your platform.

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

I - Increasing sustainability initiatives

but that’s not something we typically have a lot

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

I - Increasing sustainability initiatives P - Promoting awareness resources

What new initiatives would you try to implement if you received the position?

What achievement are you most proud of? space

services

Define transparency in student government.

What achievement are you most proud of?

-

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

What new initiatives would you try to implement if you received the position?

What sets you apart from the former position holder?

-

Define transparency in student government.

What sets you apart from the former position holder?

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

9A

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Running for VP of Student Services

Gregory LaFortune

Fortune Onwuzuruike

What college are you representing, and what year are you?

Describe your platform.

LAFORTUNE’S BIO

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

I - Increasing sustainability initiatives events P - Promoting awareness

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

resources

services

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

What new initiatives would you try to implement if you received the position?

What sets you apart from the former position holder?

Remember to

Vote for SGa

What have you been involved with on campus and in the community?

What achievement are you most proud of?

April 6 - April 12

For full Q&As, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com KEY SEARCH TERMS: SGA 2015, student government, elections, executive, candidates, Georgia State

10A

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Running for VP of Budget and Finance What achievement are you most proud of?

Out of my many accomplishments, one of my [highest] achievements was writing and passing Resolution 1501 with SGA this past February to change the food policy at Veterans Memorial Hall for not only international student orgs but for all student organizations.

A policy was placed in Veterans Memorial where outside food can no longer be brought into the facility and a lot of international organizations utilized this space as the location allowed outside food to be brought for events. However, after presenting and passing the bill with SGA and the Student Center Advisory Board, a new policy has been adopted where outside food can still be brought into Veterans Memorial, supporting all organizations that utilize the facility.

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

Johnathanjoe Mejica

What college are you representing and what year are you?

guitar, drums, concert percussion, marching percussion and clarinet. In 2011, I played at the University of South Carolina for a high school recital playing the djembe, an African hand drum.

What have you been involved with on campus and in the community?

I am a Computer Science major with a minor in Biology representing the College of Arts and Sciences and I am a 4th year Senior.

Currently, I am the President of the International Student Associations Council at GSU and held other leadership positions on campus such as the President and Treasurer of the Filipino Student Association and Social Chair of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. On campus I am currently an IT Support Technician with IS&T and previously worked at the Department

Describe your platform.

In 2003 I co-founded the FASTER Project, a student-run organization to help support the typhoon relief in the Philippines during it’s time of calamity. Though the organization I cofounded, we raised over $10,000 for proceeds.

For the 2015 SGA election season, I am running with Team IMPACT to support our platform as follows: I - Increasing Sustainability Resources M - Mobilizing student attendance at athletic events P - Promoting awareness of academic programs and resources A - Advocating for a 24 hour study space C - Creating meaningful and lasting traditions T - Transforming student services

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

As Vice President of Budget and Finance I hope to not only achieve all of the goals in our team’s platform but to set a standard for all student leadership on campus.

Define transparency in student government.

Transparency of government is the idea of allowing the population to have an open relationship with the government in regards to activities and notions that may effect such population. In relation to SGA, it is keeping an open and dependable relationship between the student government and the student body by being actively government through elections and of course informing the student body of anything regarding the students through any government activity.

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

One of the big issues students are currently facing is utilization of the vast variety of programs and resources that GSU offers. True success comes from reaching out and expanding one’s self in everything that is available to help you grow academically and professionally. Although programs and resources are advertised from time to time, I truly believe that there should be a larger push for these services to show how much it can impact a student vs. showing what is there to offer.

What new initiatives would you try to implement if you received the position?

If I were elected, I would like to implement student organization workshops to help student leaders manage funding and promote fundraising for their respective organization to promote growth in their organization while properly managing university funding.

Tobi Soyebo

SOYEBO’S BIO Since my arrival on Georgia State’s Campus I have sought out positions that could help me impact my campus. As a 2013-2015 Residential Assistant at Patton Hall, I have always had a desire to impact my campus. Being in a primarily freshman dorm, I have been afforded the opportunity to introduce my residents to Georgia State’s great campus. As a 2013-2014 Senator for the Robinson College of Business, I have grown to have a great an active member of committees that allocate funds such as the Student Life Committee, Diversity Fee Council and the University-Wide Fee Council. These committees have shown me the true impact SGA has on campus because I see the events that our students fees fund. I believe that this drive will give afford me the opportunity to be a leader if I strategic and humble. The positions I have held in the past have given me plenty of opportunities to prove and sharpen these skills. My academic experiences have helped the necessary skills to effectively serve as the VP of Budget and Finance. If I am fortunate enough to be elected VP of Budget and Finance, I plan to expand upon the great job that of SGA. I plan to continue to be wise when approving co-sponsorships. I plan to focus my approval of co-sponsorship on organizations that reach the most amount of students and that promote diversity, and sustainability. I should be elected as VP of Budget and impact our campus, our staff and our alumni.

11A

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Running for VP of Student Life

Corey Sams

Describe your platform.

I - Increasing Sustainability initiatives, M- Mobilizing student attendance at athletic events, P- Promoting awareness of academic programs and resources, A-Advocating for a 24 hour study space, C- Creating meaningful and lasting traditions and T- Transforming student services.

What do you hope to achieve with the position?

Within the position of Student Life I plan to accomplish many things.

One main thing is increasing student cosponsorships by providing smaller student orgs more money. Another is better organizing the newest student life entity, Organization of the Game, to help create the newest tradition on campus.

Define transparency in student government.

Transparency in SGA this past year has been focused on better publicizing the opportunities we provided to the student body.

Transparency included our new literal open door policy. Transparency in SGA meant being readily available to serve the student body as their representatives on fee councils, university senate and more.

What are some big issues students have been facing lately?

The biggest issue facing the student body is funding. Student organizations need funding and there isn’t enough money to go around to all of them to effectively meet their needs

What sets you apart from the former position holder?

Jovan Paige

JOVAN’S BIO (from OrgSync.com) • • Limit major decisions made without student recognition and input • Increasing the amount of Co-Sponsorship submitted and approved • Merge the disconnect between residential and commuter students • Bridge the widening gap between students and administration.

My name is Jovan Paige and I am a Senior Public Policy Major at Georgia State University. I am the current Vice President of Student Life for Student Government Association. I have been enthused and challenged by the position of Vice President of Student life and seek to continue the challenge of making the best collegiate experience for our students.

Remember to

Vote for SGa

April 6 - April 12

I have been apart of SGA for 3 years now and I have seen 2 past VPs in this position. The thing that sets me apart is my thorough understanding year and as this year’s current VP of Budget and Finance, I have gotten

What is an interesting fact about yourself?

I am a jack of all trades. I am a true performer. I can dance, act, sing, step, etc. Anything dealing with performing I am very good at.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Being awarded the Rising Star award last spring

What have you been involved with on campus and in the community?

• Peerless Perfexion • Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society • Black Sophomore Society

For full Q&As, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com KEY SEARCH TERMS: SGA 2015, student government, elections, executive, candidates, Georgia State

Kanye Universe-city Professor R. Scott Heath explains the inspiration behind his Kanye West themed class.

A&L | page 4B

‘Man up’ and finish!

MARCHING IN! With the regular s men’s a nd wom eason in the bo en’ oks, the travel to New Or s basketball tea leans in ms will supreme h o pes of re atop the igning Sun Belt Spor ts | confere Pages nce.

8B - 10B

“Unfinished Business” was the theme of this basketball season. Now, it’s time to finish. Here’s a look back at the journey to the Sun Belt.

sports | page 12B

Our Lady liberty It’s time for us to stand up for wage equality.

Hear from our woman, our opinions editor.

Opinions | page 15B

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS TRIPLETT The Georgia State student section showed their school pride and support for their Georgia State Panthers in the Sports Arena at the basketball game against Georgia Southern March 7.

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Arts & Living 4B

Sports 8B

Opinions 14B

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

A feast from the east: S Atlanta’s Eastern European restaurants

Written by Inga Masic

ome of the most interesting dishes come from Eastern Europe and here in Atlanta live two restaurants where those foreign cuisines thrive and have gone unnoticed.

Mediterranean Grill and Taverna Plaka have developed their business and embody the origins of their establishments through their distinctive food, style and atmosphere.

PHOTO BY NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL Mediterranean Grille, located in Midtown, prides itself on fast service and freshly grilled kabobs, pastries, and more.

Mediterranean Grill: When wanting to take a journey through Mediterranean worlds, visiting this establishment would be a wise investment. They have a vast variety of dishes that would cause a cultural explosion in the mouth.

This restaurant is built off tradition and that trend is passed along to every ingredient.

Q: Describe your restaurant?

Faris Mousa: “Mediterranean

Grill was established in 2000 by Said Mousa- a Palestinian Chef who moved from Chicago to start his own restaurant. We offer mainstream Mediterranean dishes such as gyro, falafel, hummus, chicken kabobs, etc. Our menu covers dishes from various countries that border the Mediterranean Sea (From Spain to Jerusalem).

Q: How did you get started in this kind of cuisine business?

Did your background influence it?

F. Mousa: “Mousa got started in

the ethnic cuisine business at the tender age of 19 when he first arrived in Chicago from his native country of Palestine. His story epitomizes the classic “American Dream” ideal.

He came to the United States to escape the war-stricken environment that he grew up in. He started as a busboy at a Mediterranean Restaurant in the early 70’s, and worked his way up to a sous chef at a 5 star Hotel that specialized in mediterranean cuisine. Fast forward 40 years, and Said is currently the proud owner and founder of Mediterranean Grill.

Q: What are some of the most desired dishes your restaurant makes?

F. Mousa: “Everybody loves the

gyro (thinly sliced beef and lamb slices). That is definitely our number one seller. The second most popular dish would have to be the chicken kabob sandwich/plate. We also have a very popular item that Said invented known as “Greek potatoes.” They are fried potato cubes tossed in garlic powder, salt, parsley and a special red wine vinaigrette mix.”

Q: Is your cuisine created as authentically as possible in relation to the specific origin country? If yes, what are some processes to make the food?

F. Mousa: “We offer mainstream

Mediterranean dishes, however, the recipes are authentic. Everything is made from scratch in our central kitchen in Decatur. Everything is also made daily in our central kitchen. For instance, our lamb shanks are braised in olive oil before we broil them in vegetable broth and various herbs. For our award-winning hummus, we broil our chickpeas for almost two hours before they are thrown into the blender with different spices.”

Q: Why do you believe it’s important to bring culture to Atlanta through food?

F. Mousa: “As I previously stated,

bringing culture to Atlanta through food breaks racial, political and social boundaries. People temporarily forget about their differences when they’re indulging in great food. The next step is to try to get our customers of different races, religions, genders, etc. to permanently set aside their differences, and coexist as the one beautiful human race that we were meant to be.”

Which Caters to Your Liking?

Different dishes that can be catered for customers: 1. Greek Salad: Feta cheese, tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, etc mixed together in a bowl.

2. Spanakopita: Greek pie made with several layers of phyllo filled with feta cheese, onions, spinach, and on occasions eggs.

3. Falafel: Deep-fried balls containing mixed chickpeas or fava beans.

PHOTO BY NADIA DELJOU | THE SIGNAL Taverna Plaka, an Atlanta-based Greek restaurant, offers a full experience with dancing, music, and authentic Greek staples.

Taverna Plaka: Enriched in all things Greek including following a mythological theme, Taverna Plaka is the place where feasting like the gods and goddesses comes to life. The owner, Filliops, gives insight to the restaurant.

compared to other Eastern European restaurants in the area aside from the type of cuisine?

Q: Describe your establishment?

Filliops:

Filliops: “Taverna Plaka is a Greek restaurant, we opened in late 2002, and are currently under new management as of May 2014.

We want to offer a unique experience and featuring Greek, Eastern European, Middle Eastern food and entertainment.”

Q: How did you get started in this kind of cuisine business?

Did your background influence it?

Filliops: “There’s a strong Greek community in Atlanta therefore that was the inspiration behind opening Taverna Plaka.”

4. Dolmas: A dish that can be made with grape leaf, cabbage leaf, or green pepper and is filled with rice, onions, meat, etc.

Q: Why would students enjoy coming to your restaurant?

5. Kufta: Lamb meat with different herbs, grilled.

Filliops: “Students would enjoy Taverna Plaka’s atmosphere because is the late night club scene, belly dancers, hookah, and DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.”

6. Baklava: Thin layers of dough with a filling of ground nuts, then cooked and after draped with honey and water.

Q: What makes your restaurant unique

“Our restaurant is unique because you can dance on tables, throw napkins, and break plates.”

Q: Is your cuisine created as authentically as possible in relation to the specific origin country?

Filliops:

“We purchase our food from senders that receive the product directly from Greece.

Some of our most popular dishes are the Saganaki (flaming cheese) and marinated grilled lamb chops.”

The Night Life: Join the Party Music: A DJ plays some hip traditional Mediterranean music after 10 p.m.

Dancing: Their nights feature dances by exotic belly dancers, and some of the Taverna employees. The dance floor gets insane, and the restaurant turns into a hopping club scene.

Drinks: They have a talented bartender that fixes drinks with some original greeks wines, and other various creations.

15 3B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

FEATURE COLUMN

Living in toxic waters:

Rape culture remains unchecked

C C

oined in the 1970s by activists, rape culture theorizes the world we live in as one that makes rape prevalent and normalized. It’s not a society that outwardly condones and cheers on rape but internalizes ideas about sexual violence that can be found in song lyrics, television and film, sexist chants, rape jokes, offensive memes and several unjust court rulings for cases of sexual assault.

Through our society’s attitudes regarding gender and sexuality, rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language (slut, bitch, shrewd, etc.), the objectification of women’s bodies, the glamorization of sexual violence and so much more. This creates a social culture that belittles women’s rights and their safety.

One of the main battles of fighting such repression is proving it even exists. Once proven, there are ways that we can work to better it.

This is Rape Culture There are countless examples of rape culture in action, such as the objectification of women, politicians deciding what counts as rape and jokes revolving sexual assault and the word “rape”, trivializing the tragedy.

The discussed below are the central ones, but all still remain as important.

Victim blaming: One of the most prevalent situations in our climate of rape is when someone reports a sexual assault, the victim will have to work to gain and

Written by Sydney Cunningham earn credibility instead of the rapist.

Such is the 2012 Delhi Gang Rape where a woman was gang raped on a bus by multiple men. Indian officials put into question her morality.

Recently in the documentary “India’s Daughter,” one of the rapists claimed a girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy.

“A decent girl won’t roam around at 9 o’clock at night. Housework and housekeeping is for girls, not roaming in discos and bars at night doing wrong things, wearing wrong clothes,” Mukesh Singh said.

Across college campuses in the U.S., it is difficult for a victim to have their school hold their rapist accountable. Dozens of schools, including Harvard Law, are under investigation. At these schools, they have responded by doing very little investigation and puts accountability on the victim, claiming they should have been smarter at being alone at night and they should have dressed less “provocatively.”

Instead of teaching our children how to “avoid getting raped,” we should be teaching our youth what rape is and to not rape.

Caring about the rapist’s reputation instead of the victim: Rarely in cases of rape is the woman’s well being what sells in the media. Who the rapists were and what is going to happen to them is primarily discussed.

In the 2012 case of Steubenville, Ohio, the rape of a young girl became national news. A 16-year-old girl was too intoxicated to move and was subsequently violated, urinated on and photographed.

The town jumped in defense of

According to studies compiled

by RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network,

38%

the rapists, getting angry at the girl’s parents and the media for ruining the reputation of these boys and the community.

Large media outlets, such as CNN, framed the girl speaking out as putting the beloved football players in a bad position. One of the CNN anchors, Poppy Harlow, went as far as to say that it had been “incredibly difficult” to watch “as these two young men, who had such promising futures, star football players, very good students, watched as they believed their life fell apart.”

The rapists are displaced men ruined forever and the victims should have had the brains and grace to never tell a soul.

“No” means “yes”: With films such as “50 Shades of Grey” and songs such as “Blurred Lines”, it is a mainstream idea that women need to be shown what they want — that they don’t know what they want themselves.

The trope of the indecisive heroine getting pushed around until she caves in aren’t accurate representations of life. Phrases such as “you know you want it” and pressuring women to allow you to do what you want to her are not sexy. Taking in a woman’s “no” does not translate into “make me.”

The victim as the liar: A common reaction once someone has been accused of rape is to assume the victim is lying. Episodes of shows like “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” show women feeling rejected or embarrassed lashing out with a rape accusation.

An agreed upon truth is that the

of rapists are a friend of an acquaintance

victim is probably lying and that it happens all the time. The amount according to The National Center for the Prosecution of Violence Against Women falls around 2 - 8 percent, on par with grand theft auto.

Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes with 68 percent still being left unreported, according to the Justice Department.

Stigmas around women lying about rape are part of the bigger picture where the feel too unprotected to report their crime. The fact that some have lied about rape should never demean the very real chance that someone has been sexually assaulted.

Fight Back Avoid slut shaming: Avoid calling women terms such as “sluts,” “whores” or “used goods.”

Avoiding these terms allow a woman’s worth to be measured in valid things.

A woman who has done what she wanted when she wanted is not more deserving of assault than a woman wrapped in clothing head-to-toe.

Women get raped no matter what they wear. There is a wide diversity in the way women who are assaulted act and dress.

No one “asks for it.” This takes the responsibility of the rape away from the rapist and shifts it to the victim.

Do not make the rapist a caricature: When people imagine their potential rapist, many picture a dark and dangerous man waiting in an alley. While this is sometimes the case, it doesn’t happen regularly. The more

we expect rapists to be in the dark twirling a weapon, the more we ignore the reality of rape and its rapists.

One of the surprises the media expressed during the Steubenville case was how young and innocent they looked, how they had done good things in the past, cried and didn’t seem like “monsters.”

Make noise: Call out behaviors such as slut shaming and date rape. Make it a personal mission to keep such dangerous ideas opposed.

When celebrities such as Sean Penn, Roman Polanski and Bill Cosby are known rapists, condemn them. When celebrities such as Eminem, Daniel Tosh and Rick Ross make light of and taunt about rape, condemn them. Do not allow it to get swept under the rug and ignored.

Make them an example and do not allow yourself to forget.

An important message to take from this is that the examples used are not isolated incidents. When rape cases blow up in the media, many make the mistake of focusing on how it could have happened within that incident and ignore the bigger message.

All of these stories are telling a bigger one, one where rarely do victims feel comfortable enough of sharing their story. Rarely the rapist is imprisoned and the victim is shamed.

Educate yourself, be aware, be loud and keep your head above the water to allow the victims to be heard and rapists imprisoned.

“Only 3 percent of rapists ever serve a day in jail.”

- RAINN (The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network)

73% of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a ‘non-stranger’

28%

is someone you are in an intimate relationship with

are a relative

7%

“1 in 3 men would rape if they knew they’d get away with it.”

- CDC (United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

4B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

‘Kanye versus everybody’ A Georgia State class that fuses American poetry, hip-hop and celebrity status ADJOA DANSO Staff Reporter

E

nglish professor R. Scott Heath is putting a fresh spin on poetry this semester by incorporating the one and only Kanye West.

Heath, who received his Ph.D in African-American literature from the University of Michigan and has been studying hip-hop for more than 10 years, has three words for those who don’t think popular culture is academic enough: “But it is.”

It’s not just about Kanye West

“I consider this course that puts Kanye West up front as more of a synthesis, an integration of ideas that I hope is successful in communicating what I’ve been trying to communicate all along,” Heath said. “In the humanities, not just literature, I think that if you want to be comprehensive these days, and to be relevant and useful, you have to consider what people call the popular.”

It’s important for people to know that Heath’s course, “Kanye Versus Everybody: Black Poetry and Poetics from Langston Hughes to Kanye West,” is not actually a class about Kanye West.

“At heart, it is an American poetry course and Kanye West is sort of a central character study that we come back to in the class, periodically, as we move through a whole range of African-American poetry and poetics,” Heath said.

For Heath, Kanye West is more than a polarizing figure. The artist has been part of an extensive discourse about African-American art. “[He] arguably expresses the artistic stance on the artistic temperament of a generation of people who are creating art, creating literature and generating culture right now.”

In addition to the other reasons, Heath picked West because of his place in hip-hop culture.

“One of the major voices in that realm at the moment is Kanye West,” Heath said.

A twist on traditional poetry

In fact, the official name for the course is simply “ENGL 3850: American Poetry.” Heath wonders how the makeup of his class would be different if students had known that they’d be studying Kanye West to a degree.

“I like that I have this group of students who came to it genuinely wanting to take an American poetry course,” Heath said. “[T]his group came for the poetry. They didn’t come for Kanye West.”

Although Heath’s students did not anticipate studying West and

popular culture, Heath says the class is going well.

“I think it was unexpected for a lot of the students, and I think it excited them. They’ve been really engaged so far.”

As for the work that students do in Heath’s class, the assignments range from traditional poem explication to the compilation of their own mini anthologies of four poems and one rap song and justification of their choices. The students will also be analyzing and comparing a traditional poem with a Kanye West composition.

Heath generally teaches around what he calls “Black culture movements.” Black culture movements include the abolitionist movement, the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights/black power movement and, more recently, the hip-hop movement. The most prominent artists during these periods of cultural change share similarities with Kanye West, according to Heath.

“If you look at these time periods and these, sort of, moments of prolific creativity,” Heath said, “you will find periodically vocalized a sense of frustration about a need for expression and articulation.”

Publicity from coast to coast

Some students may be surprised to learn that this isn’t the first time that Heath has taught poetry using Kanye West at Georgia State. He taught the course for the first time during the spring 2014 semester.

However, this time around, word about a “Yeezus-centric” college course spread like wildfire.

“I did an interview on the ‘All Out Show’ on Sirius XM [two weeks ago]. I [had] a person from Atlanta’s [National Public Radio] station [last week]–actually visiting my classroom. Georgia Public Broadcast[ing] wants to talk [this] week. I have been in touch with a guy from ‘The Steve Harvey Show,’” Heath said. “It’s crazy, right?”

Heath realized that his class would be a big deal after his interview with FADER magazine was published online.

“I noticed that day, actually, within hours, that article had been ... I daresay hijacked.”

Within 24 hours, the story had been picked up by several other websites, including MTV.com. Before a week had passed, even Seventeen magazine had published something about the professor on its website.

With all of the press has come an overwhelming response from students from all over.

“I’m hearing from students around the country at universities in California and Tennessee and Montréal, Québec who want to know about this and who want to talk about it,” Heath said.

“This is to show that outside of our institution, the interest is clear-

ly there.”

Of course, students at Georgia State have wanted to know more about Heath’s innovative poetry class, too. Heath is constantly receiving inquiries from students wondering if and when he’ll be teaching the course again.

Hip-hop as AfricanAmerican poetry

When Heath was initially assigned to teach American Poetry last spring, he wasn’t sure how to approach such a broad subject.

He had previously taught creative writing and other courses around poetry, but this was his first fullblown poetry class.

“That’s just a huge idea — American poetry in general… That could last forever,” Heath said.

Heath’s colleagues encouraged him to specialize the course, so he decided to cover not just contemporary American poetry, but, specifically, contemporary AfricanAmerican poetry.

“I decided that if I’m going to do more contemporary American poetry, I’m going to do AfricanAmerican poetry, because that’s my area of expertise,” Heath said.

“And I believe that if you’re going to do African-American poetry — African-American literature in general–and you want to do it comprehensively, then you’ve got to move in the direction of hip-hop and rap.”

Heath sees a similar state of frustration in Kanye West; one born out of the artist feeling that he’s not allowed to do the things he wants to do. As Heath put it, West is “trying to carve out a space for expression and understanding.”

“The writers that we’re studying, most all of them have met resistance similar to what Kanye West has met,” Heath said.

Heath is curious to see how his course will ultimately be received at the university level, but he hopes to see more courses similar to his own in the near future.

“I have some wonderful colleagues with a lot of great ideas up their sleeves; so, hopefully this course is an encouragement also for some of them to try some things that might be considered a little alternative or interventionist, even,” he said.

Heath has his fingers crossed for a surprise visit from Mr. West before the end of the semester.

PHOTO BY RALPH HERNANDEZ | THE SIGNAL Georgia State Professor, Dr. Scott Heath, has curated an English class spring 2015 semester tailored around hip-hop icon Kanye West.

5B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Lifestyle column

Spring Break Check List:

campus life column

Chivalry isn’t dead; guys are just selective

What to Pack and How to Pack it bottle as you; in that case I would stay away from them because one of you may be called a copycat.

4

MIA MCDONALD Columnist

Warm Clothes: When pack-

NICHOLE PLACE Columnist

Nichole is constantly crafting and is an avid re-decorator.

Not only does she have a love of bright colors and patterns, but she also is a pug fanatic. Nichole is the writer of the Lifestyle column and the creator of SunshineSomedays, a lifestyle blog.

Tweet her

@GSUSignalAandL

S

pring break is upon us which means you have officially run out of time to get your body ready for swimsuit season (my deepest condolences).

And with the next few days going by quickly, it will be time for you to grab your bags and pack up. Here are just a few things you must always pack when going on a spring break trip and how it should be packed. You’re welcome.

What to Pack:

1

Sunscreen:

I know, I know, duh, right? But I’m not only talking about the kind of sunscreen everyone else will have. Make sure to bring things like lip balm and makeup with SPF in it. These are the types of sunscreen that only a few people will remember to bring.

Make sure you’re one of them.

2

Tampons:

Being a girl is not always fun. And when you are given your monthly “gift” you’re not always prepared. Bringing tampons when you go on any trip is important. Whether it’s you who will need them or a friend, you should always be prepared.

3

Water Bottle:

Spring break means being surrounded by sun, alcohol and a lot of it. So make sure you bring a refillable water bottle. That way you can stay hydrated and your drink can’t get mixed up with someone else’s unless they have the same water

ing for a spring break trip you normally throw shorts, bathing suits and tank tops into your bag first.

But it is always important to throw in a few light long sleeve shirts, a pair of pants and a light jacket as well. It gets colder at night and it can feel even worse after getting sunburnt which most of you will get. So, it is important to just bring a few warmer clothes.

5

Extra Towel:

Everyone spends time picking out the perfect beach towel to bring.

You need it to be cute yet functional.

However, a lot of people don’t think to bring a second one because why would you ever need a backup, right?

Just in case something happens to the original it’s smart to bring a second towel, whether it gets stolen or dirty you don’t want to be the one left air drying.

6

Extra Underwear: It’s just

a smart idea to pack more underwear than you originally planned.

I don’t know what could possibly happen to your underwear but you might as well be prepared.

How to Pack:

1 2

Plan ahead: Being indecisive

about what to pack can really get in the way. So to stop over packing plan out your outfits ahead of time.

Roll it Up:

Folding clothes can take up way too much room in your suitcase, which means you can’t bring as much with you. So, instead roll your clothes. It gives you more space and you don’t get weird creases from folding. It can also be a good idea to roll accessories and toiletries into your clothes too. This will save you from bringing another bag and it will save your necklaces from getting tangled.

3

Stuff:

When trying to fit everything into one bag it is important to find any hole or pocket and fill it. You can do this by putting socks, underwear and accessories into shoes.

Spring break is a time to be with friends and have a great time on vacation. But it is important to pack the right things; no one can fun if they are ill prepared. So, triple check before you leave for your trip and have a great time. Bon Voyage!

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

Follow her @MiaMore09

T

he one thing I dislike about taking evening classes is the long wait for the shuttle to Turner Field in the cold. After a long day of work and classes, the last thing I thought I’d have to worry about is a seat on the shuttle, especially when there are at least 10 guys who can give up their seat.

If I see a guy sitting while I’m standing, my immediate thought is, “Surely he’s about to offer me his seat.”

Imagine my surprise when not only does he not offer his seat, he complains about how uncomfortable he is. To add insult to injury, another young woman comes on the shuttle and the guy literally jumped at the opportunity to give up his seat. I couldn’t help but think if I was more his type that seat would’ve been mine.

I’ve heard a lot said about this generation and the problems we have. We lack morals, manners and the days of courtship are over. Situations like the one I described force me to agree with the naysayers. Though this may be true for a lot of people, we can’t discredit the gentlemen and ladies who still exist.

I guess you can blame it on my upbringing; all the men are raised to be chivalrous and the women are expected to act and be treated like ladies.

But what about everyone else? By talking to my coworkers and some of my friends, the conclusion I’ve come to is that chivalry has been redefined. The interaction and dynamic between men and women changes often. Courtship was the norm for older generations and not to say their lifestyle is obsolete, but younger generations’ dealings are different.

For example, my mother says that if she were going on a date the guy would come to the door and greet her.

Nowadays a text that reads, “I’m here” gets the job done. I don’t expect a formal greeting for every date, but for the

first few I think it’d be nice.

Expectations differ from generation to generation as well as person to person. Everyone doesn’t require the same hopes or have the same desires; my policy is to each his own.

Let me reiterate: I was raised and taught that gallantry is to be expected, but I understand everyone wasn’t brought up the same way. That being said, any guy interested in dating me will know my hopes upfront. Let your expectations be known right away. If chivalry isn’t important to you, that’s fine too.

As long as there’s an understanding between you and your significant other, everyone else’s relationship policies don’t matter.

Some people believe that chivalry is completely dead. There are either people with no standards or people with standards too high. You just need to find someone whose style matches yours.

Personally I associate chivalry with respect. Chivalry and standard isn’t only about courtship; there’s a bigger picture. The form is different, but the goal is the same. Don’t expect a certain behavior if you’re not willing to reciprocate.

So ladies, don’t accuse guys of being thirsty for holding a door open, and guys, stop mistaking politeness for flirtation. Set your own standard and be comfortable with it.

6B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

ALBUM REVIEW

Steven Wilson’s ‘Hand. Cannot. Erase.’

ALEX KUGACZEWSKI

Staff Reviewer

W

ith each new addition to Wilson’s solo discography, the esteemed British rocker edged closer to the brink of burying himself beneath an inescapable mound of nostalgia.

The mysterious ambiance of ‘08’s “Insurgentes” quickly gave way to even better records, but each progression sent Wilson further back in time until “The Raven…” threatened to drown him in a sea of mellotron and extended jams. Sure, the ‘70s may have come and gone, but for Wilson, that time never left.

The reverence was beyond obvious, almost as if he’d captured that time’s very essence into a frame. “Hand. Cannot. Erase.,” though, marks another story. That frame, once revered like some religious obelisk, seems cast aside, left to collect dust in some darkened corner. For the first time in years, Wilson seems free of that all-consuming obsession, finally stretching creative muscles that audiences haven’t heard in years.

Welcome to 2015, Steve.

This isn’t to suggest that the ‘70s have been abandoned entirely. Rather,

that sonic reverence has been refocused into a more nuanced expression in a larger artistic vision. Throughout “Hand. Cannot. Erase.,” Wilson draws from his entire repertoire, bringing ambient, electronica, pop and metal into the larger schematic of the record’s design. These disparate elements coalesce far more effectively than anyone might have imagined.

“Ancestral,” the emotional peak of the album, seamlessly welds each of these varied methods together into a perplexingly logical whole. Stuttered electronic beats punctuate the distanced verses, setting a mood of perfect foreboding before the track, minutes later, erupts in a feverish rush of primal force. Wilson may not pen the most creative metallic riffs, but when timed to such perfection the effect is staggering. None of this craftsmanship would

matter, though, without a solid production to bring the intricacies of Wilson’s music to life.

Fortunately, the Britain’s talent for sound engineering isn’t lost on “Hand.

Cannot. Erase.” The record’s fourth cut, “Perfect Life,” exemplifies this knack for exceptional production as the mechanical rhythms give way to the track’s first verse and Wilson’s vocals pierce the ambience with chilling effect.

It’s a rare moment when the audience not only hears the artist’s voice, but feels it, too — like a palpable presence emerging from the speakers. “Routine,” undoubtedly one of the album’s highlights, wouldn’t carry such weight without the spacious mix allowing the acoustic guitars, violins, keyboard and percussion each its own room to breathe in crowded company. Here, Wilson’s talents as a songwriter and aural mechanic work in tandem to bring the ambitious recording to life.

And, really, if one word could summarize Wilson’s latest offering, ambitious just might be the one. As the album winds through its tale of isolation, loss and love in the metropolitan jungles of fast-lane life, it becomes increasingly obvious that this isn’t just an important album: it’s a critical one.

“Hand. Cannot. Erase.” tells a story that’s vital to so many of us. Track after

“Hand. Cannot Erase.”

Steven Wilson Grade: A Verdict: Steven Wilson continues his impeccable winning streak of solo recordings, perhaps moment in “Hand.

Cannot. Erase.” track, it only becomes easier to imagine the frenzied rush through the swarm of silhouettes, blank faces immediately forgotten against the insanity of the bustling streets. It’s rare for a record to even conjure an emotional response like this, and its rarer still for that record to linger afterwards and demand further investment.

Unfortunately, given Wilson’s penchant for the underground, mainstream recognition just isn’t in the cards — no matter how deserved it may be.

But, we can dream. We can always lose ourselves in that sprawling monstrosity of modern metropolis, captivated, terrified and dream to disappear.

FILM REVIEW

‘Kingsman: The Secret Services’ FERNANDO MATTOS

Staff Reviewer

I

t is still early for the summer blockbuster season, but 20th Century Fox delivered with “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” a movie that could well compete with the action-packed CGI extravaganzas coming to theaters in the middle of the year. There’s one difference, however.

“Kingsman” actually tries to bring forth a story outside the blockbuster formula. In some ways, it succeeds.

Starring Colin Firth (OSCAR winner for his role in “The King’s Speech”) and Samuel L. Jackson (critically acclaimed for his roles in films like “Pulp Fiction”), “Kingsman” tells the story of a spy organization that brings onboard an untrained but talented street kid. The talents of this boy, Eggsy (Taron Egerton), must now be put to use before a crazy billionaire executes his plan to wipe out part of the world population.

Any “007” fan will know this plot well and the movie never hides its main source of inspiration. There are several direct and indirect references to the famous British agent, such as when Valentine (Jackson’s character)

mentions his love for the old spy films and their villains planning to dominate the world. Valentine is such a villain. Instead of atomic bombs, however, his weapon is installed in the cell phones his company distributes for free across the globe. Valentine’s character shines every single time the cameras turns to him.

Jackson makes this character come to life. His acting has an edge on irony as he builds into Valentine the caricature of several great antagonists. Jackson’s monologue on saving the world, for instance, works especially well due to its dark humor and it sounds even funnier to “Pulp Fiction” fans who will remember his iconic Bible speech in that film. Evil, genius and funny, Valentine is a great homage to villains of past movies and comics, making the audience want more and more of him.

“Kingsman” thrives at these references. The movie works for those young viewers still unfamiliar with “007” or “Mission: Impossible,” but it doesn’t have the same effect. This is because the movie doesn’t begin picking up steam until these connections have been made, at least on a superficial level.

Once the viewer establishes these points of reference, everything makes

now playing at

sense: The high tech devices become cool toys and the action sequences become bigger and better. In terms of special effects, “Kingsman” has learned well from its role models.

Special effects and aesthetics shine in scenes such as when the young candidates for agents are stuck in a dorm that is flooded with water. Working in favor of these scenes is the effective pacing, which creates suspense without slowing down the action. In another moment, the agents are thrown out of an airplane, but one doesn’t have a working parachute. The audience is kept in check in both cases, anxiously waiting for these candidates to come up with a solution.

The overall plot of “Kingsman” is predictable like those in the movies it pays homage to, but there are situations that keep things interesting, such as Firth’s character unexpectedly killing an entire church congregation after being affected by Valentine’s plan. The plot includes other twists which is welcome in a movie that could just have been another formulaic story of hero versus villain. The comic nature of the movie also works well. In one scene, a formal dinner consists simply of a McDonald’s Happy Meal. The sharp contrast between two men in tuxedo inside a luxurious

home and a McDonald’s hamburger in a warming tray is especially funny.

Although “Kingsman” does not bring to the table anything that can make this a memorable movie in the long run, it is, at least, an entertaining one. It tries to break out of traditional blockbuster Hollywood plot lines at some moments and these attempts are successful to some degree. Best of all, “Kingsman” knows it isn’t running against movies like “007.” Instead of copying the classics of the genre, it pays homage to them and adds its own comedic spin. As Valentine says, “it ain’t that kind of movie.” He’s right; it ain’t. It is still a fun carnival ride though.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” Rated: R Grade: B Verdict: Entertaining comedy that pays homage to great spy

1

AU.RA Jane’s Lament

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COLLEEN GREEN I Want To Grow Up

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HUNDRED WATERS The Moon Rang Like a Bell (Remixed)

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JEFRE CANTU-LEDESMA A Year With 13 Moons

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HOT SUGAR God’s Hand

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JUMO Hylé EP

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A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS

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ALEX CALDER Strange Dreams

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GROENI Hewn EP

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BEACON L1

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MICHNA Thousand Thursday

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MONSOONSIREN Falstrati EP

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SORROW Search of the Miraculous EP

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RONIIA RONiiA

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JAGA JAZZIST Jaga Jazzist ‘94 - ‘14

sight of its own story.

Birdman SYNOPSIS:

Former cinema superhero Riggan Thomson is mounting an ambitious Broadway production that he hopes will breathe new life into his stagnant career. It’s risky, but he hopes that his creative gamble will prove that he’s a real artist and not just a washed-up movie star.

SHOWTIMES:

Wednesday- Friday 1 p.m., 3:15p.m., 5:40 p.m., 7:45 p.m.

Rated: R Running Time: 119 minutes

7B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Campus & Downtown Events Hypnotist Show

March 11 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Speakers Auditorium, Student Center Chris Jones is one of the newest performers here at Georgia State and can be credited as one of the most lively ones, too. He will give the Georgia State community a show they will never forget, unless he hypnotizes you to, of course.

His show will be all different levels of insane, and something to not miss out on.

Navigating the Grocery Store: Spring Break Edition

March 11 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

595 Piedmont Ave. Northeast Atlanta, Georgia 30308 It’s always good when you learn out to shop on a budget, especially when you’re on vacation and want to save for cool souvenirs. This exercise will teach the Georgia State community how to shop smart by taking a trip to a local Publix. Transportation to and from is included, and a $9 allowance is all that is required. Contact Caroline Dotts at ccox25@gsu.edu for more info.

Cirque Alfonse presents TIMBER!

Word Search EVENTS

March 14 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Rialto Center for the Arts Come to the Rialto Center for the Arts and watch a spectacular performance filled with acrobats, professional dancers, an ex-skiing champion, and three musicians get thrown into the world of a small town lumber camp.

This act features all the tools and props the artists would find in their forest home, and with those create an unforgettable show.

FEAST DAY FESTIVAL GREEN GUINNESS HERITAGE HISTORY HOLIDAY HOLY DAY IRELAND IRISH LEPRECHAUN LIMERICK MARCH

SGA Senate Meeting

March 12 7:45 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.

480 University Center This is the chance to see all that the senate does, and to become involved with all things SGA. Come and see how dedicated the SGA senators are to developing legislation and bills for the Georgia State community. Get the opportunity to witness the action firsthand.

Hot Air Balloon Leadership

March 11 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

430 University Center The Hot Air Balloon Leadership event is a chance to strategize ways to develop a good basis of team leadership. It’s important that working as a team that every member understands the vision and does equal parts to achieve it. This exercise is modeled after the idea that working as a team is the only way to getting the balloon off the ground and to it’s desired location.

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READ MORE: PAGE 10B

nother regular season in the Sun Belt conference is complete. This means only one thing: Tournament time.

The 2014-15 Georgia State men’s basketball team is in familiar position — they are atop the Sun Belt standings as they were prior to last season’s tournament.

There has not be the storybook element to this team that there was to last year’s. However, the Panthers have once again won the regular season conference championship and have their eyes on finishing the “Unfinished Business” of last year when they lost in the Sun Belt championship game to Louisiana-Lafayette.

A

Written by Akiem Bailum, Sports Editor

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS TRIPLETT Shooting Guard RJ Hunter scored 35 points in the victory over Georgia Southern March 7.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 10B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

2015 SUN BELT MEN’S

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

Head coach Ron Hunter has completed his third 20-win season in the last four years as Georgia State finished the regular season at 22-9 along with a 15-5 mark in Sun Belt play.

The conference’s two leading scorers both come from the Panthers’ backcourt in the forms of Ryan Harrow and R.J. Hunter. Harrow has averaged over 20 points a game in the 26 games that he has played this season. Hunter also has an average of just under 20 a game with an average of 19.7 points per contest.

Harrow also concluded the season second in assists with four per game and fourth in three-point shooting percentage with a mark of .398. He suffered a hamstring sprain in the last game of the regular season vs. Georgia Southern but is expected to be ready to go for the tournament.

Hunter has once again established himself as one of the premier free throw shooters in the conference. His 87 percent free throw percentage is tops in the Sun Belt.

Senior forward Curtis Washington has also provided an imposing

defensive presence in the paint, averaging just over a block per game for fourth in the conference. Junior Forward Markus Crider also has the second-best field goal percentage among Sun Belt players at over 60 percent from the field.

The team as a whole will present problems for opponents from the free throw line, shooting .725 for free throws — tops in the conference. The Panthers’ defense also held teams to under 40 percent shooting from the field.

A weakness of Georgia State remains to be offensive rebounding as they are the only team in the conference to average under 10 rebounds on the offensive glass this year.

As the team did last season, they will play their first game on Saturday in the semifinals and only need to win two games to win the tournament and advance to the NCAA tournament.

There are seven other teams from the Sun Belt also looking to find their way onto the March Madness bracket in the field of 68 that are standing in the way of an NCAA tournament bid for the Panthers.

Georgia Southern (2-8, 14-6 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 1-1 vs. Georgia Southern) school. They came within one loss to the Panthers at the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS TRIPLETT Curtis Washington tips the ball off at the beginning of the much anticipated rivalry game against Georgia Southern March 7.

Louisiana-Lafayette (19-12, 13-7 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 1-1 vs. UL-Lafayette)

be playing its best basketball just before the tournament as

season. Georgia Southern is tied at the top of the conference season as Georgia Southern head coach.

Louisiana-Monroe (20-11, 14-6 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 2-0 vs. UL-Monroe)

Warhawks not only have shot 36 percent from behind the arc to lead the conference but have held opponents to under

Tournament Schedule Texas State — 6 p.m.

Monroe head coach Keith Richard has been in that position

UT-Arlington (16-14, 10-10 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 2-0 vs. UT-Arlington)

6 p.m.

Game Three Winner vs.

Georgia Southern

South Alabama (11-20, 9-11 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 2-0 vs. South Alabama) as they have this season. The difference is that last season, South

Game Five Winner vs.

Game Six Winner

on the outside looking in in terms of the conference tournament

Texas State (13-16, 7-13 Sun Belt) (Panthers: 1-1 vs. Texas State)

PHOTO BY THE SIGNAL | ARCHIVES Despite losing to Louisiana-Lafayette in spring 2014, R.J. Hunter (No. 22) made history Jan. 24, 2015 by becoming the all-time scorer for Georgia State in a game versus Louisiana-Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns.

championship games will be broadcast on ESPN3 with the championship game also being televised State games for the conference tournament will be broadcasted on Please visit www. georgiastatesignal.com/sports for more on the Women’s Sun

11B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

T.J. stands tall and tough PHOTO BY GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS | SUBMITTED PHOTOS T.J. Shipes, Georgia State Forward, scores a basket against Troy University.

JEREMY JOHNSON Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State’s men’s basketball team has found a solid anchor to place in the middle of the offensive and defensive attack in conjunction with senior forward Curtis Washington.

That anchor comes in the form of 6-foot-7, 225 pound junior Buford native T.J. Shipes. He is easily visible on the court due to his size, the aggressive edge he plays with and his long Clay Matthews-esque hair.

Shipes is averaging four rebounds and five points per game this season for the Panthers in 21.3 minutes per game. The numbers are not earth shattering, but the impact of the Shipes’ presence has been felt.

Shipes’ impact goes beyond the box score. His toughness and size

have given Georgia State a different and more physical presence down low coming off the bench this season.

“He’s one of our tough guys. I don’t know if that’s the correct term. But he’s one our tougher guys in terms of he’s not afraid to hit or be hit. When we need that he probably leads us in charges. Him or Ryan Green. One of our top two charge takers, it takes a lot of courage to stand in there and let bigger guys run you over in order to draw fouls on the opponents,” Assistant Coach Everick Sullivan said. “He’s a fearless, fearless type of player.”

Though Shipes’ toughness and knack for physical contact are valuable for the Georgia State men’s basketball team, his roots in another sport has developed him into the 6-foot-7 battering ram that he is today.

Past in football Shipes played football for two years during his high school career at Georgia high school perennial powerhouse Buford High.

“It was fun. That’s what I’d originally gone to Buford for. But, I just had more fun with basketball at the time, I still miss it,” Shipes said.

He even admits watching the games was hard at first, knowing he was no longer out on the field anymore.

“The hardest part was just going to watch the games instead of playing in them. That was the hardest part. It makes you miss it. You don’t realize how much you’re going to miss it until you’re not playing,” Shipes said.

Shipes enjoyed the contact and

physical toughness that came with the violent sport of football. That is why he is so comfortably unleashing physical punishment on the Panthers’ opponents so far this season.

“Everything, hitting people, fighting, everything about it,” Shipes said of what he liked about football.

The 6-foot-7 inch Shipes played wide receiver at Buford and credits his days in pads and cleats for his toughness and ability to snatch the basketball from opponents.

“Physical play, I guess. I was a receiver, so I guess going to get rebounds and stuff. It’s kind of the same thing,” Shipes said of how his football skills translated to the court.

Coach Sullivan has taken note of the skills Shipes possesses from his time as a football player: “Very aggressive mentality. Great footwork for a guy his size and stature. And is able to contort and move while in the air and able to finish plays around the basket,” Coach Sullivan said. “So it’s pretty impressive to see a guy that big, that strong, that physical, move fast, fleet of foot and really be able to finish above the rim or at the rim in traffic.

When looking at those attributes, one can make the comparison to the monster athletes that now occupy the wide receiver and tight end positions in the National Football League.

Shipes’ inspiration Players such as Calvin Johnson and Jimmy Graham stand at about 6 feet 5 inches and weigh around 225 or more pounds. They have to do similar things that Shipes is praised for doing on the basketball court.

Graham followed an unorthodox path to football stardom. He played four years of college basketball and was a solid enforcer-type player for the Miami (Florida) Hurricanes.

Graham then used his last season of college eligibility to join the Miami (Florida) football team and went on to get drafted by the New Orleans Saints.

He has since developed into one of the league’s best tight ends.

Shipes is a big fan of Graham and inspires to be like him.

“Jimmy Graham is my hero. Jim-

my Graham is the man. And I want to be just like him one day,” Shipes said.

Shipes, for now, is focused on basketball and looks to continue to be a force for the Panthers to help guide his into the NCAA Tournament.

The Panthers welcome his toughness and size. And look for it to help push them over the top.

Georgia State will begin its run to the NCAA Tournament on March 12 during the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in New Orleans. The Panthers fell in overtime against Louisiana-Lafayette in the championship game last year.

Shipes’ toughness will be needed to avenge Georgia State’s Sun Belt tournament loss last season.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 12B

STUDENT VOX: Do you think Georgia State will win the tournament this year?

Marcus Green

Robinson College of Business student “I believe they will. They do have heavy oppositions coming against UL Monroe, UL Lafayette, and Georgia Southern. It should be a good tournament. Ryan Harrow is playing outstanding basketball, RJ Hunter is playing outstanding, and we are expecting big things from T.J. Shipes.”

Rashad Milligan “I think they have a good chance of winning the Sun Belt Tournament. The post play of Curtis Washington will be a key factor. Considering that UL Lafayette has a great inside post play with Shawn Long. UL Monroe is a team to be reckoned with. RJ Hunter has to come more consistent as far as shot selection, but if he plays well I believe GSU has a great chance.”

Homero De La Fuente College of Arts and Sciences student “I am going to say yes. After having early season struggles they have something to prove.

Ryan Harrow and RJ Hunter have to step up and the big man Curtis Washington has been coming up huge lately.”

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY GUERIN | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

columns

JEREMY JOHNSON Staff Reporter

March 16, 2014

T

he Georgia State Panthers were locked in an overtime battle for the Sun Belt Championship with rival Louisiana-Lafayette.

Ryan Harrow was on an electrifying, emotional tear that was capturing the nationwide audience that tuned for the classic ball game that had developed on ESPN. Harrow was trending on Twitter during his monumental effort that day. He looked as though he was poised to carry his team into the NCAA Tournament with his father in the stands.

The story developing was captivating and seemed headed for a fairy tale ending.

The Panthers had fallen down three with 28 seconds remaining the game. Harrow made a layup and brought Georgia State within one point of the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Then, they quickly fouled and UL-Lafayette had a one and one from the foul line and missed the free throw. Georgia State got to set up one play that would decide their fate for the season and there was no secret as to whose hands that responsibility would be placed in: Ryan Harrow.

He took the last shot and was unsuccessful.

Harrow and the Panthers were rejected and had to watch as the Ragin’ Cajuns ran on the floor to accept a trophy and a tournament bid that they fought so hard to earn all season through their magical 14-game winning streak.

Georgia State did receive a bid to play in the NIT last season where they fell to Clemson in the first round. But the team had done so many good things throughout 2014 that it was meant to end in an NCAA Tournament appearance.

The loss in the Sun Belt championship last year left the Panthers hungry for better and rightly so. The team went on a tear, winning a school record 14 straight games during last season. The

team has what can be argued to be one of the best point guards in the country. And a future potential NBA draft pick in R.J. Hunter.

Those are the ingredients for a successful team that should contend for championships and should strive to achieve that. When a team has the talent that Georgia State has and does not accomplish what it should, the team have the right to be upset when those goals aren’t met.

The Panthers took the pain of coming up short of the NCAA tournament and turned it into motivation, hunger and a momentum builder for the 2014-15 season.

The slogan “Unfinished Business” can be seen plastered across the team’s schedule along with a meaner more aggressive theme for the faces on the promotional flyers for this season: Harrow, Hunter, Kevin Ware and Curtis Washington. This sends the message that this year’s team was going to be more business-oriented to achieving their goal: the NCAA Tournament.

The expectations were even raised following last year. Georgia State brought back the top two leading scorers in Harrow and Hunter on top of adding an elite defender from a championship pedigree in Ware who transferred from Louisville.

The team had the ingredients to once again to be amongst the Sun Belt’s best. Georgia State had the momentum, the talent and all that was left was to get the season kicked off. The regular season opener showed the fireworks the Panthers were capable of, scoring 115 points to blow Tennessee Temple off the floor to open the season.

The Panthers’ season this year has not been the fairy tale of last season to this point. There has not been a long sustained winning streak. There have been multiple lineup tweaks throughout the year and players have fought through a few bumps and bruises along the way.

Georgia State is even without the full complement of talent that was expected as freshman Jeff Thomas was ruled ineligible before ever seeing the floor in game action. Thomas was expected to be a

key contributor to this year’s team and could have been the needed third scorer to replace Manny Atkins in the lineup from the 2014 squad.

Despite the bumpier road of 2014-15, the team still has managed a 21-9 record thus far. The Panthers are still at the top of the conference and perceived as one of the better teams.

Georgia State is in good place and appear to be peaking late in the season as they are now getting healthy. Players are settled into their roles and the lineup is being settled.

It is time.

It is March.

This is the time of the year the Panthers had in mind when they began workouts after the loss in the Sun Belt tournament last season and why they have remained calm throughout the regular season.

Georgia State will again be a high seed in the Sun Belt tournament. Now is the time to come full circle and makeup for last season’s shortcoming.

The Panthers have a lot of the same players, but this is a very different team. The team is much more experienced and have seen almost everything college basketball has to offer. The team is just as deep as last season, playing as many as nine players regularly.

And the team also has an X-factor: The toughness of T.J. Shipes off the bench paired with Curtis Washington.

The pair of big men could make a difference and would allow the Panthers to combat players like Shawn Long who pounded Georgia State for 14 rebounds in the championship game last season and win the all-important rebounding battle.

The team is finally taking its true shape after all the in-season tinkering. The only question is, will the Panthers get it done this time? They have the ability. They are hungry. They have the experience and the pain of defeat.

Those questions will be answered soon. As the Sun Belt Tournament is here and it is time for the Panthers to get their payback.

It is time for the unfinished business to be finished. March is here.

This year’s leadership in basketball hyped up school spirit JARED OLIVER Staff Reporter

T

he Sports Arena has become a place where most opponents do not leave without a loss. The basketball arena is always packed in support of driving the team to a victory. The Panthers are 46-11 at home, a winning percentage of 80.7, ever since Ron Hunter’s start as head coach for men’s basketball.

Hunter thanked the fans and the student body for the support of this year’s basketball season. He believes that the Sports Arena has the best home court advantage in the Sun Belt Conference.

“We have the best environment in the Sun Belt. I don’t care what anyone says. Although the Sports Arena cannot hold thousands of people like other big universities due to the size ... it’s always full for game time,” Hunter said.

The student section of the Sports Arena is one of the most entertaining parts of the event when Ryan Harrow embarrasses defenders with vicious crossovers or R.J. Hunter hitting ridiculous shots.

The student section knows just as much about the opposing players as Coach Hunter and his staff does. Just ask UL-Lafayette’s Shawn Long who had a mug shot on the Internet after being arrested for entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden.

The leaders of the student section printed a blowout image of his mug shot and mocked him the whole game. Not to say that Georgia State supports these gestures, but teams know what they’re getting into when they come to the Sports Arena.

The 2014-15 season has been unlike any other season at Georgia State. This team has received so much media attention nationwide and has been put under the microscope with the rest of the best talented college programs in the country.

High profile guys like Harrow, R.J. Hunter and Kevin Ware have brought Georgia State on a panel that the program has had to get used to. In the four years Ron Hunter has been here he has completely turned this program around.

The 2013-14 season was cut short in a heartbreaking overtime loss in the Sun Belt Championship (82-81). Since then this team has received multiple awards in the off-season and into the pre-season.

Hunter received Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year for last season and was named the preseason conference Player of the Year for this year.

Ware finally returned to the basketball court following his gruesome injury during the championship run at Louisville in 2013.

Every coach in the conference unanimously picked the Panthers to win the Sun Belt. So going into the season the pressure was on for Georgia State, because people knew the expectations that were on the line every game.

Even as perfect as fans and students expected

this season to unrealistically be, there were ups and downs throughout the season like any team has. There were times when the Panthers did not play defense that well enough for Coach Hunter.

If anyone knows him, he is known to be a defensive-minded coach before anything.

There would be stretches in the season where they would have “lulls” as he would call it.

“We’ve been winning games but we weren’t consistent. When we got into January, the biggest thing I’ve been disappointed with is our consistency. Every loss that we’ve had this year, we’ve hit that lull. Whether it’s two minutes or four minutes, it’s a lull that really gets us,” Hunter said.

The time is near that this team, students and fans have been waiting for all season. The chance for Georgia State to earn redemption in the Sun Belt Tournament.

“This team has been playing for the tournament since November,” Hunter said.

It’s time for the team to aggregate all of the things they have enhanced on this year. All of the media frenzies, praise and expectations are now here to live up to. There may never be a team at a mid-major level with this combination of talent again. The Panthers will try to make it count.

Tourney time is here. ‘Unfinished Business’ has been the motto of the 2014-15 season. For Georgia State, it’s time to take care of business.

The Sun Belt Tournament takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 12 - 15.

13B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

PANTHER OF THE WEEK

SPORTS CALENDAR

*conference games

Sunday, Mar. 15

Friday, Mar. 20

Sun Belt Championship

South Alabama*

at New Orleans, Louisiana 1 p.m.

at Mobile, Alabama TBA

1340 The Fan 3

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Alisha Andrews Women’s Basketball The Panthers’ senior point guard was one of five seniors honored on Senior Day on Saturday. She was a big reason why Georgia State advanced to the Sun Belt tournament for the second straight season as she contributed 13 assists in a 66-61 victory at UL-Monroe on Thursday, March 5.

Andrews hails from Stone Mountain, Georgia. In her high school career with DeKalb County High, she was ranked as the second-best point guard in the state of Georgia by ESPN.com. In her junior season, she led her team to a ClassAAAAA state title and also scored 1,000 points with DeKalb County High.

After spending her first two collegiate seasons with the University of North Carolina-Wilmington [UNCW], she began her career at Georgia State in the 2013-14 season.

Last year, she led the conference in assists with 144. Andrews is now one of only two NCAA women’s players with 1,000 points, 500 assists, 300 rebounds, and 300 steals.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Wednesday, Mar. 11

Wednesday, Mar. 13

MEN’S TENNIS Tuesday, Mar. 10 Tennessee Tech. at Piedmont Park 3 p.m.

Sunday, Mar. 16

MEN’S BASKETBALL Saturday, Mar. 14 Sun Belt Championship at New Orleans, Louisiana 2 p.m.

Mercer at Macon, Georgia 3 p.m.

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD Thursday, Mar. 19 USF Bulls Invitational at Tampa, Florida 12 p.m.

WOMEN’S TENNIS Friday, Mar. 13

Friday, Mar. 20

Kennesaw State

at Tampa, Florida All Day at Tampa, Florida 12 p.m.

at Piedmont Park 11 a.m.

1340 The Fan 3

State, not Southern, was crowned as Sun Belt regular season champions for the second consecutive season as the Panthers topped the Eagles by a final of 72-55 at the Sports Arena. R.J. Hunter led the Panthers with a 35-point performance. The win clinched the oneseed for Georgia State and a doublebye meaning the Panthers’ first game in the tournament will be in the semi-

Women’s basketball

Sun Belt Championship at New Orleans, Louisiana TBA

Men’s basketball

finals on Saturday.

Sun Belt Championship at New Orleans, Louisiana TBA

THE FINAL SCORE

USF Bulls Invitational

Sun Belt Standings

Georgia State earned a 66-61 victory vs. UL-Monroe to clinch a tournament berth. The Panthers’ game on Saturday vs. Georgia Southern would determine what seed Georgia State would be. Their 82-74 defeat to the Eagles sealed the eighth seed in the Sun Belt tournament. Prior to the game, the team’s five seniors were honored for their days in Panthers blue and white. Georgia State will face UALR on Wednesday to start the tournament.

Women’s Tennis

The Panthers’ two matches in Lincoln, Nebraska did not go as planned.

On Friday, Georgia State was defeated by the No. 53 Nebraska Cornhuskers despite singles victories by Linn Timmerman and Kristin Rehse. On Saturday, the women’s tennis team suffered a 7-0 sweep at the hands of the Purdue Boilermakers. Georgia State will return home at Piedmont Park on Friday with a match vs. Kennesaw State at 11 a.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1st

Georgia State 15-5 | Overall: 22-9

UALR 18-2 | Overall: 25-4

2nd

Georgia Southern 14-6 | Overall: 21-8

Arkansas State 16-4 | Overall: 21-9

3rd

UL Monroe 14-6 | Overall: 20-11

Troy 15-5 | Overall: 20-9

4th

UL Lafayette 13-7 | Overall: 19-12

Texas State 11-9 | Overall: 16-13

5th

UL Arlington 10-10 | Overall: 16-14

UL Lafayette 10-9 | Overall: 18-10

6th

Appalachian State 9-11 | Overall: 12-17

UT Arlington 11-9 | Overall: 17-12

7th

South Alabama 9-11 | Overall: 11-20

Appalachian State 9-11 | Overall: 14-15

8th

UALR 8-12| Overall: 13-17

Georgia State 8-12 | Overall: 13-16

9th

Texas State 7-13 | Overall: 13-16

UL Monroe 8-12 | Overall: 12-17

10th

Arkansas State 6-14 | Overall: 11-18

Georgia Southern 2-18 | Overall: 5-24

11th

Troy 5-15 | Overall: 10-19

South Alabama 2-18 | Overall: 5-24

SGA: T

ZACH ITZKOVITZ Columnist Zach comes from various suburbs north of Atlanta and have since found his way to the belly of the beast. Zach’s first taste of downtown Atlanta was in 1996, when the Olympic Games honored us with its presence. He was being carried around in a baby backpack. Now that he’s here AND cognizant, he intends to explore with the curiosity of his former self and the understanding of his experience.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

o instill leadership experience into budding hopefuls, academic institutions nationwide create microcosms of the public sector. The Student Government Association (SGA) at Georgia State consists of an executive, legislative and judicial branch. Unlike our state and federal institutions, the SGA legislature is unicameral.

SGA members carry the burden of accurately and honestly representing a student body of 30,000plus from every state in the country and over 150 countries. Seems like a heavy burden to me, but I guess that’s the cost of public service. Way to take one for the team, guys.

It’s easy to find a list of concrete services that SGA offers students: co-sponsorship of events, Scantron sheets for tests, free faxes, etc. Although I have not personally used any of these, I am thankful for the opportunity. These services are not hugely important. The service that is important is lobbying on behalf of the student body.

From the outside, in

The magnitude of their influence in university policy can be evaluated in the extent of their relationship with the University Senate and President Mark Becker. The fact that 11 SGA members serve in the University Senate indicates a direct SGA presence in Georgia State’s governing body. The 11 consist of eight executive officers and three senators.

The eligibility of the former I understand, but how these three senators were selected is beyond me.

The one power that the student body wields to enforce integrity and action in SGA is the vote. Presumably, elected officials who fail their electorate will not be re-elected.

Realistically, SGA is opaque in the sense that the student body can’t see what happens behind closed doors.

Minutes of certain SGA meetings are available online and members revel in their apparent accessibility to any student. The bottom line is, a sheet of summary doesn’t tell the whole story. If you email an elected official, they may reply. But, they

will reply as an SGA member, not a student. In other words, they will communicate as a representative of SGA. In this way, they can’t be as forthright as an independent student can.

The principle behind SGA’s democratic process is that SGA positions are open to anyone with exceptions for graduate students and executive candidates. To me, SGA seems like a monolith of suited-up, hyperinvolved, PR-savvy smiles. When I walk around Georgia State’s campus, this isn’t exactly the picture I’m presented with. Maybe a necessary discrepancy but nonetheless, unsettling.

Senior Matt Altman ran for Executive Vice President during the Spring 2014 semester. He pursued the position to make SGA a more accessible organization.

“It was because I did not like how SGA made the students feel,” Altman said. “It was an exclusive group running it instead of an inclusive group.

He praised President Lanier Henson despite having reservations about his surrounding colleagues.

“President Lanier Henson has done an amazing job,” Altman said.

“But those around him have kept the organization from truly helping the school and the Georgia State community grow and reach its true potential.”

Any organization with the scope and influence of SGA inevitably faces criticism. Despite this, SGA members deserve respect and their grueling public service is unquestionable.

“Senator Josh Thomas and myself worked on the Governor’s campaign together,” Altman said. “We are both part of the College Republicans. He is doing great things with that organization and for the state of Georgia.”

I don’t necessarily like the governor’s policy, but I’m proud that my fellow students are working on this scale. It speaks highly of them as individuals and of Georgia State.

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

BY EMILY LASHER

As of March 9, 2015

Hey. You know we won, right?

So we’re the REAL GSU! Yeah. So?

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Did you drop a class before the midpoint?

YOU ANSWERED: No - 73.68% (14 votes) Yes - 26.32% (5 votes) Total votes: 19 Keep your eyes out for the next poll! To vote on future polls, visit www. georgiastatesignal.com.

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

15B

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

Women’s lib: It’s not dead yet!

I

NICOLE MOTAHARI Opinions Editor Nicole is a double major in biology and English. When she’s not writing, she enjoys listening to musical theater and watching British TV with her family.

Tweet her @SignalOpinions

’m sure many folks have seen the iconic classic film “9 to 5” with Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda cast into the roles of employees scheming against their chauvinistic boss. The film supposedly represented the women’s rights struggle in the workplace.

Looking back now, we laugh and egg them on through the television screen in relief that we no longer have to struggle and in the confidence that women are finally equal.

Unfortunately, this is a false sense of security.

Whether through wage differences or the lack of women in leadership positions, females are still discriminated against. Sexism in the workplace is an issue that might be less visible than before, but it still exists and needs to be addressed.

I work in a hotel which one would imagine is a very hospitable environment, focusing on guest contentment and comfort. We have gone through our fair share of managers for various departments since I started working there and something came to my attention the other day.

The hotel has many managers: Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Rooms, etc. and they have come and gone. Never in any department but Human Resources have I seen a woman in charge since I began last July.

It’s fascinating. Is this indicative that the company feels that women

“

Sexism in the workplace is an issue that might be less visible than before, but it still exists and needs to be addressed.”

should be relegated to playing mother and fixing problems between employees? We have plenty of women in supervisory positions who are fantastic enough to be managers, but they are relegated to playing second fiddle while the men claim the name for themselves.

This isn’t an isolated case though.

Take for instance the Oscar winning film “American Hustle.” After Sony’s e-mails were hacked, they revealed — much to my horror — that the male leads in the film received a higher percentage of the film profits than Jennifer Lawrence or Amy Adams did.

Upon the film’s premiere, Lawrence had already won the Oscar for Best Leading Actress for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook.” Adams had been nominated for four Academy Awards, more than Bradley Coo-

per and Jeremy Renner combined.

Yet still, these women made less profit off the film than the men.

Patricia Arquette made a rousing speech at the Oscars that had Meryl Streep on her feet shouting “Yes!” twice. She said “To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.”

I agree with her wholeheartedly.

It’s time for women to stand up for what they deserve. Examine your workplace salaries, find out if men are getting perks in your workplace that women are not and make your opinions known. A small pebble may not seem like it can make any difference until it starts an avalanche!

Should an artist still be praised if they’ve committed horrible crimes?

W

JOHN MILLER Columnist

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

Tweet him @johnmillerdavi1

e hold celebrities at a disproportionately high regard, let’s be honest. Sure they wrote and produced a good song, made a good movie, painted a pretty picture, wrote an engaging book, but do they really deserve the attention and admiration of millions?

Even if you answered yes to that question, do you still think they deserve it if they’ve killed someone?

Or less, if they brutally beat someone? What about sexual assault?

Where does one draw the line when it comes to the misbehavior of those we adulate?

It’s an important question to ask because, among the pantheon of heroes we’ve exalted, quite a few are actually criminals in some regard. Some have been charged with minor crimes like possession of drugs, something to be expected from creative personalities, but the crimes I’m talking about are the ones that bring intentional harm to others.

One of the crimes that comes to my mind is Chris Brown’s beating of Rihanna. No one disputes that the crime was appalling, but Chris Brown was able to hire a deft crisis

management team to reconstruct his public image and he enjoys relatively the same level of popularity he did before. Does that indicate a loyal and understanding fan base or that he simply committed a crime with little to no consequence on his career?

What about Woody Allen or Roman Polanski, two directors who both faced similar charges of sexually abusing a minor? Their crimes did not seem to affect their public image at all, even without them having to apologize or really address the allegations much.

But then, we cross into the realm of murder. The most puzzling example of a celebrity murderer I can think of is William S. Burroughs who reportedly shot his wife by accident during a drunken party. His motives and the exact circumstances of the murder are hotly disputed, but fans of Burroughs often gloss over the details of the shooting. They prefer to focus on how the trauma of accidentally killing his wife, Joan Vollmer, ultimately shaped his literary career. In other words, her murder was something that happened to him, not something that happened

to her.

And there are others who have become famous because of the people they killed. Charles Manson comes to mind first, though technically he never killed anyone.

Still, no one would have heard of Charles Manson, the steel guitar player and occasional hippie songwriter were it not for the Manson Family crimes.

An example of a very disturbing case of murderer-become-celebrity is Issei Sagawa, a man who killed and cannibalized a woman named Renée Hartevelt while studying at the Sorbonne. Because of miscommunication between France and his home country Japan where he was deported, Sagawa never saw justice.

Hartevelt was in fact able to make a living by feeding the Japanese public’s curiosity about his crime.

His case stands as an example of the disturbing extreme to which celebrity worship can reach. He was not just popular despite his crime, but because of it.

If a celebrity commits a crime and yet retains his or her popularity, all of his fans are condoning that crime whether they are doing it indirectly or not.

Letter to the editor Ms. Yang, For decades, students at the traditional public schools in Georgia have been denied the chance to win a state championship because the system overseen by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) ignores the fact that there is no parity among traditional public schools, private schools, and city schools.

Whether you are in south Georgia or north Georgia, coaches from traditional public schools talk about the disadvantage of having to play against city schools and private schools. Traditional public high schools have a defined border or service area. Private schools do not.

For city schools, that defined border or service area is vague, at best.

Some city schools have open enrollment. In my statistics and comparisons below, “public schools” refers to traditional public schools and “private schools” refers to private, independent, and parochial schools.

On January 20, 2015, the GHSA held a meeting on reclassification.

At issue was a debate that has been brewing for many years: whether private and city high schools should be judged differently than public schools during this reclassification process. 2A public schools are saying the GHSA needs to do what it did with 1A schools a couple of years back: split the state playoffs between public and private schools.

Private schools are asking for a student enrollment multiplier rule.

Ten private schools won 26% of the 1,826 sports championships that took place during 1995–2014 (excludes sports that split). What was the GHSA doing while this was occurring? Well, they did have a 1.5 multiplier rule in place during 2001–2008. This approach to parity failed. During this period, private school wins continued to rise.

The following private school statistics are for the years 1995– 2014. In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ cross country combined, private schools won 67 of the last 79 championships (85%). In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ soccer combined, private schools won 35 of the last 44 championships (80%). In 2A and 3A boys’ and girls’ tennis combined, private schools won 73 of the last 80 championships (91%). In A/ AA and 3A volleyball combined, private schools won 26 of the last 29 championships (90%).

During 2012–2014, in 2A, 3A, and 4A boys’ and girls’ soccer combined, there were 207 playoff games in which private schools played public or city schools. Private schools outscored public and city schools by a combined total of 793 to 65.

I encourage those interested in competitive balance in GHSA sports to go to the GHSA website at https://www.ghsa.net/champions and look at the various sports that have been dominated by private schools for decades. Send an email to the GHSA and let them know that public and private schools do not need to be competing in regional play, nor do they need to be competing against each other in the state playoffs. Contact information for the GHSA Executive Director and Associate Directors can be found at https://www.ghsa.net/ office-staff.

Alan Henderson Parent of a public school athlete

Coming to stands March 24, 2015

d o o h r o b h g V i I t Ne r a P e d i u G