Vol. 79 No. 18 by The Signal

THIS IS

HUNTERSVILLE GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

With half of the season remaining, the “Concrete Crazies” have left a permanent mark on Georgia State basketball. Full story on p. 17

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

VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 18

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Georgia State alumni donor faces fraud charges

z ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Check out the full rundown of last weekend's basketball victory s Music review: T.I. attempts comeback with new album s

z Read more at www.gsusignal.com z

TERAH BOYD Associate News Editor

US!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

Atlanta businessman and philanthropist, Parker “Pete” Petit, might be adding another bullet point to his long and impressive resume: inside trader. Last week the Securities and Exchange Commission accused Petit, a Georgia State alum and major donor after whom the university named their newest science center, of leaking information about a company merger to a friend. Earl Arrowood, the person the SEC claims Petit gave non-public information to, is a former Delta pilot that frequently flew with Petit. In Oct. 2007, Arrowood made his first equity trade by investing nearly $420,000 into stock purchases of Matria Healthcare, where Petit was acting as Chairman and CEO.

z NEWS s New

deans discuss University’s new direction

p. 2

&LIVING

z ARTS

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: One Year Later How the LGBT community has grown since landmark decision p. 9

Continued on p. 2

z SPORTS s Player

spotlight: Cody Paulk Basketball player does difficult balancing act with ease p. 19

WED Hi 49

THUR Hi 57

In Drag The Signal explores Atlanta’s drag life

FRI

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p. 10/11 BY ASHLEIGH ATWELL PHOTOS BY HILARY COLES

Immunization holds cause registration problems ALEXIS SMITH Staff Writer

Waiting to sign up for classes because of an immunization hold can make registration very unpleasant. “When I was trying to get into Georgia State there was an immunization hold placed on my account, and I thought it was ridiculous,” senior Ruben Thomas said. “I ended up not getting a class that I wanted because the hold was taken off too late.” Approximately 20 percent of students get holds placed on their record every year, said immunization nurse Marcia Hugh, although that number was once worse.

Continued on p. 3

NEWS www.gsusignal.com/news

Making an impression New deans discuss new direction for the university: School of Nursing and Health Professions expects crossover education and program expansion while the Honors college expects to receive wide changes and expansion UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Wilmoth says students will not have to worry about sweeping changes just yet, as she will work to solicit advice from her staff and colleagues first.

As dean of the newly-established Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Dr. Margaret C. Wilmoth says she will seek new ways to improve and expand the college’s impact while still getting a feel for the school. A primary goal for Wilmoth will be to examine the current weaknesses of the various programs and look for ways to improve, including the limited availability of the upperlevel nursing major. “There are clearly some things we need to work on—we have about 1,400 applicants into the upper division nursing major that only has 144 slots for students annually, so we clearly need to look at how do we help students who are successful at Georgia State find other avenues to complete the college degree if they are not able to get into one of the very few nursing positions,” says Wilmoth. Wilmoth suggested that implementing additional programs to accommodate the high number of qualified applicants may be an option for her and the team to consider. “We’ll be looking at potentially what are some other undergraduate programs that we can develop, but I’m not going to come in and mandate a specific kind of a program,” she said, “that’s something the faculty, the alumni, the advisory board and I need to do very thoughtfully as a group.” She says students will not have to worry about sweeping changes just yet. However, she will work to solicit advice from her staff and colleagues first.

SAMARIA SMITH Staff Writer

“What I have decided is that given my experience in leadership and other environments you don’t go in and make changes rapidly,” Wilmoth said, “it’s important to get to know the culture of the new environment, to get to know the people and then work together to create change rather than coming in and mandating change.” Other goals for Wilmoth include having the college develop inter-professional education across all education levels. “In healthcare we don’t work in silos as nurses, physical therapists or respiratory therapists,” said Wilmoth, “we work in a team environment where we work with members of other professions, and so I would like to see us develop the ability to have inter-professional education both at the undergraduate level and graduate levels.” Though suggesting that some things would need some extra attention at the school, citing the growing number of applicants as an example, the new dean was very proud to mention the successes of the school. “We clearly have been very successful at Georgia State in graduating high caliber health professionals,” said Wilmoth, “we want to maintain that high level of graduates.” According to Wilmoth, students have been very successful at passing all the different licensure exams for their disciplines, indicating that there is a high level of academic excellence in the school that she is excited about. “I’m very excited to be here,” Wilmoth said.

SARAH WOODS | THE SIGNAL

Davis was named the dean of the Honors College on April 21, 2011; he started his tenure on Jan. 3.

The Honors College’s transition from a small program to a university college has been no easy task, but founding Dean Dr. Larry Berman believes he is well equipped to handle the challenge. Armed with a well-rounded background and a wide-ranging strategic plan, Berman plans to get the ball rolling on the transformation as early as the end of the semester. According to Berman, these changes will bring in a distinguished speaker series exclusively for Honors College students and alumni. Additionally, the college can expect to see a big physical change. “As part of the strategic plan, we are moving into a new location where we’ll have our own dedicated facility, and we’ll be an Honors College with more classrooms, a better lounge, better computer facilities and our ability to actually have a staff that will not be working in very small cubicles and the likes,” said Berman, “those are changes that I hope to see very soon as well.” Berman confirms that this new physical location will come equipped with new staff. In addition to the current honors college academic advisor April Lawhorn students can expect to see a new advisor soon, an associate dean and an additional support staff for the college. “For the students I would say those are the major changes they’ll see [immediately] and then over the next couple of years they’ll see expanded course offerings, many more upper division honors classes, and perhaps a whole new way of looking at the research component of the distinguished honors degree.” As far as what students can expect to see

with admissions qualifications and what it takes to get admitted, Berman believes that the stakes will likely get higher but will also depend on what type of Honors College Georgia State wants to develop. “Over the next few years it would undoubtably be a ratcheting up of perhaps the scores that are required to enter into the program, and we’ll have a big decision to make,” Berman said. “Do we want the program to be bigger? Is it exactly the right size? Or do we want to go smaller?” In fact, one of Berman’s concerns with Honors College admissions and standards includes how to retain honors students in danger of losing their good academic standing, including the possibility of a stand-alone honors dormitory. “And another big decision that I have to deal with and I’ll be discussing this with many people over the course of my time here, is do we want a dedicated dormitory for our honors students or don’t we,” said Berman, “I know the arguments on both sides but I want to build a consensus, and I want to find out what people think here and the likes.” Perhaps Berman’s biggest long-term goal for the Honors College is to give students opportunities outside the state to gain real, handson internship experience to thrive in later graduate programs and prospective career fields. “The biggest one goal that I really want to focus on is having an honors college program in Washington,” said Berman, “in running the programs at the University of California and in Washington D.C. as founding director for six years, I saw what internship experiences can do.”

Georgia State donor charged by SEC Continued from front page

ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE

Petit donated $1.5 million towards Georgia State’s new football program.

However, Petit’s legal counsel dismissed the case by saying that it was “without merit.” They referred to a polygraph test Mr. Petit took to clear him of wrongdoing, which he passed. “Mr. Petit passed a polygraph test proving he did not provide insider information,” Petit’s lawyer said. “The polygraph was administered by a polygraph expert who is the FBI’s former chief polygraph examiner and was previously used by the SEC itself.” The SEC asked that Petit be administered a polygraph by their insti-

tution. Petit agreed only on the condition that he would do so if positive results led the SEC to forfeit further action. The SEC declined the offer. Petit and Arrowood are now charged with fraud in the complaint in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Petit is not alledged to have received any money from his connection with Arrowood. Petit’s accomplishments and donations are easily visible on Georgia State’s campus. In 2004, a healthy donation to the science department at Georgia State led to the christening of the “Parker H. Petit Science Center.”

He is also recognized at the Georgia State Business Hall of Fame. In 2010, Petit also aided his alma mater by donating $1.5 million towards Georgia State’s new football program. On the generosity of Petit, head football Coach Bill Curry previously told The Signal that the program personally owed itself to Petit. “However long I get to live, there won’t be a day that I won’t be personally, deeply in debt to Pete Petit,” Curry said. Georgia State declined to comment as of press time.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

NEWS | THE SIGNAL

To stay in compliance with the Georgia University Board of Regents, Georgia State requires that all new students provide proof of immunization for everything from Chickenpox to Meningitis. However, immunization papers for transfer and freshman students sometimes get overlooked, requiring additional vaccinations or records. It takes about three business days to process, post and release immunization holds, although incomplete records can take up to 14 business days to process, according to the Georgia State Health Clinic. This can be a very long process for students trying to register or get admitted into the university, especially when fighting for classes with very limited availability. The Georgia State University Health Clinic offers immunizations to students without an appointment, but immunizations may also be received at a local doctor’s office. However, not all students are critical of the holds. Sophomore Mariah Taylor said the holds prevent disease. “If holds need to be placed on a students account to make them get shots, so be it,” Taylor said. “At the end of the day, it is for us students to be protected from getting sick.” Students can prevent these holds from getting placed on their record. “Students should bring their immunizations in the first semester as soon as they hit campus,” Hugh said. “If you do not bring it in right way, when it comes to the midpoint of the semester, then you cannot see your grades and you cannot drop add.” For students that lose or misplace their shot record, a simple blood test at the Health Clinic will prevent them from having to get all their shots again. “It’s usually on their list of things to do when they register, but sometimes transfer students do not get that list,” Hugh said. “Since some students come from different programs, the information may get lost.”

Approximately 20 percent of students get holds placed on their record every year, says immunization nurse Marcia Hugh

Continued from front page

AYSHA JOHNSON | THE SIGNAL

Holds creating headaches for students January 11

Natural Science Center

Officers issued a non-GSU individual a Criminal Trespass Warning. At 2:15 p.m. officers responded to a call of an individual who was no longer affiliated with the university. The individual was issued a CTW and escorted off campus without incident.

Campus

A report was filed for Fraud. At 12:35 p.m. The complainant, a GSU student stated on 1/5/12 someone gained access to her PAWS account and changed her passwords. The case is being handled by Investigations.

January 10

University Center

A report was filed for Theft of Lost or Mislaid Property. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 12:30 p.m. he left his backpack containing a laptop computer unattended and when he returned at 1:15 p.m. he noticed they were missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

Arts & Humanities

A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU staff member stated, at 11:50 a.m. she noticed a Hewlett Packard scanner and microwave oven was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

Student Center

A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU staff member stated, on 01/07/12 at 4:15 p.m. he noticed a lamp was missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

University Lofts

January 9

12-0014 A report was filed for Theft. The complainant, a GSU student stated, on 12/06/11 at 12:00 p.m. he noticed text books were missing from his room. The case is being handled by Investigations.

Open Forum Parking and Transportation

GSU Parking and Transportation is holding an open forum for students, faculty and staff on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 and again on Thursday, January 19, 2012. Feedback from this forum will directly contribute to the development of a Parking and Transportation Master Plan that will address current and future parking issues on campus.

You just don’t know what you’re missing.

JOIN

THE SIGNAL

Parking/Transportation Master Plan Open Forums are planned for: January 11, 2012 – Student Center – Speaker’s Auditorium • 9:00am – 11:00am – Staff • 11:30am – 1:30pm – Faculty • 2:00pm – 4:00pm – Students • 5:00pm – 7:00pm -Students January 19, 2012 – Rialto lobby • 2:00pm – 4:00pm – Faculty and Staff • 4:30pm – 6:30pm - Students

Learn what it takes to be a real reporter. Contact signaleditor@gmail.com for more information.

TODAY!

Let Freedom Ring

Monday, January 16 City of Atlanta

MLK Series & MLK Series & Convocation mlk sERIES & Series Convocation 2012MLK cONVOCATION Series & Convocati 2012MLK 2012 Convocation 2012MLK S 2012 MLK Series & Convo Convocation 2012 2012 MLK Series & Convocation 2012 MLK Ser MLK Series & Convoc Convocation 2012 2012MLK Series & Convocation 2012 MLK Series Convocati 2012 MLK Convo 2012 MLK Series & Convocation 2012MLK Serie Convocat 2012MLK Con Office of the Dean of Students/ Intercultural Relations Presents

A Day On, Not A Day Off: Hands On Atlanta Service Projects This event is an annual city-wide day of service. For more information and to sign-up to participate in service opportunities, go to www.handsonatlanta.org or visit the Office of Civic Engagement, Suite 330, Student Center.

Wednesday, January 18 Noon – 1 p.m. Rialto Center for the Arts

Thursday, January 26 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Student Center Art Gallery Lounge, 3rd Floor

Sociocultural Integration and Salsa Dance in Atlanta: Documentary Photography by Dr. Doris A. Derby Join Dr. Doris A. Derby, Director of the Office of African American Student Services and Programs, as she opens her spring photographic exhibit. This exhibit will document the pioneers of Salsa dance in Atlanta during the early 1990s, depicting the sociocultural integration which occurred in Atlanta via a rich dance and musical phenomena rooted in Africa and widespread around the world. The exhibit will run January 16 – February 29.

Feed Your Senses: All That Jazz A performing arts series featuring vocalist Gwen Hughes and the sounds of classic jazz.

Friday, January 27 12:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. Various locations

Monday, January 23 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 460/465 University Center

Community Service Projects Join the Office of Civic Engagement for an afternoon of service. The GSU community will have the opportunity to work with various local non-profit agencies, focusing on the areas of education, homelessness and health care. For more information and/or to sign-up to participate, contact the Office of Civic Engagement at 404-/413-1550 or www.gsu.edu/service.

Intercultural Relations Goes 3-D: Dinner, Diversity, and Dialogue Remembering Dr. King’s Dream This 3-D event will focus on Dr. King’s historic 1963 I Have A Dream speech. Dinner will be provided.

Tuesday, January 24 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Student Center Ballroom

29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation Join the University community in the celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy. Intercultural Relations is honored to have Lisa Ling as the 2012 Convocation speaker. In addition, the MLK Torch of Peace and Hosea Williams Award winners will be recognized.

For more information contact: Intercultural Relations 330 Student Center 404/413-1580 www2.gsu.edu/interculturalrelations Find us on Facebook GSUInterculturalRelations

Supported by Student Activity Fees

OPINIONS www.gsusignal.com/opinions

Dear readers, Last November, the East Carolinian, the independent student newspaper of East Carolina University, slapped an uncensored picture of a streaker at an ECU football game across their front page in poor editorial judgment by the student editors. Two months later, Paul Isom, the student media adviser, was fired. If Isom was fired because of the streaker incident, we may never know, because the situation is now tied up in a purgatory known as “personnel matter.” The university used the two-word term to explain away the termination and effectively not giving us their side the story. After significant backlash from First Amendment groups, the university has plans to release Isom’s personnel file to show that the termination was founded and legal. We certainly hope that the university does disclose this information, because without it conclusions and assumptions are made. Certainly from the outside appearance, the university appears to have fired Isom in retaliation to the inappropriate picture. If this is the case, the termination is setting a disturbing precedent for universities attempting to exert editorial control over student newspapers. More often than not, the student media advisor is the only leveraging tool the university has control over. Much like The Signal, the university only pays for the utilities of the East Carolinian. In every other sense, it is independent because it generates its own revenue. Whether sincere and legal in its actions or using the guise of “personnel matters,” ECU and other universities should not even contemplate using scare tactics like firing an adviser to put pressure on the student press. FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors

THE SIGNAL Editorial Board Miranda Sain, Editor in Chief • Sabastian Wee, Senior Editor • Mishall Rehman, Managing Editor • Chris Shattuck, News Editor • Angel White, Campus Life Editor • Jerel Marshall, Sports Editor • Tom Terry, Associate Sports Editor • Alicia Johnson, Arts + Living Editor •Zack Kraimer, Associate Arts Editor • Thaddeus Morgan, Associate Living Editor • Bennett Greer, Production Editor • Aysha Johnson, Assistant Production Editor • Brittany Williams, Social Media Specialist • Laura Apperson, Copy Editor • Miles Keenlyside, Opinion Editor • Judy Kim, Photography Editor

MILES KEENLYSIDE Opinions Editor

s the world turned this past year, there were several turns in government in the Middle East and Africa. Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen over control of the Straight of Hormuz. Tariffs and other sanctions have had things seeming to be at a flashpoint. There was so much going on in the international theater of politics that it was hard to watch it all at once and easy to lose track of what was really going on. Especially with the Occupy Wall Street happening on our doorstep, it was easy for us to get distracted by the chaos. We are concerned at home with the rising reports of excessive force used by police against protesters, with our economic woes and now with the upcoming presidential elections. I’ve already mentioned the seemingly hypocritical behavior practiced by the United States when our leaders condemned harsh treatment of protesters during what has come to be known as “The Arab Spring,” and then turn a blind eye to the mistreatment of protesters here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. However, there is something that is an even more glaring violation of the Constitution and how the government should behave when dealing with problems overseas. “All is fair in love and war” is a saying most of you will be familiar with. Fortunately, we have something that we call “war crimes” to try and reduce the number of people who are killed senselessly during these times of organized mass killings we know as war. What if I told you that the American government extra-legally sanctions assassinations of potential threats overseas? You probably

JAMES MCDOUGALD Guest Columnist

here is a problem with theatre in this city; no one is going to see it. As you will no doubt have seen houses aren’t filling up. If you’re one who usually shies away from the medium, perhaps you’ve read about this in such diverse places as Creative Loafing or the AJC. You may have even been approached on the street by a haggard destitute asking you to support their local playhouse. You need to start going because theatre is special. Due to rising ticket prices, poor seasonal selections and apathy, the Metro Atlanta theatre community has been (racking my brain for a kind description) shrinking for several years. Theatre is slow to change, and trying to keep up with film, popular opinion and apathy is hard to do. However, a special kind of magic exists that appears when live people are performing in front you. Even the most mediocre scripts, unenlightened directing and boring production design can come to life if the actors care. With

American Assassins Overseas wouldn’t be surprised, which might go to show how conditioned we have become to accept any behavior on the part of the government as long as we can be convinced that it is “protecting our freedoms.” Recently, an Iranian nuclear scientist was killed when a bomb exploded underneath his car. Reports say two men on a motorcycle rode up to the car, attached the magnetic bomb and drove away before the blast. The Iranian government has come out and blamed the United States and Israel for the assassination and maintains that it has the inalienable right to use nuclear power for energy. Now, I’m not willing to come forward and say that the United States is directly assassinating Iranian scientists. I do not have enough evidence to make that claim, but would it honestly be that far fetched? We know that the United States has funded the PTK, a Kurdish rebel group that fight inside Iran. The PKK, a division of the same Kurdish rebel group that fights in Turkey is classified by the United States as a known terrorist organization. Pick your battles, huh? We know that the United States used drones to blow up Anwar Al-Awlaki, who was an American. Even though Anwar Al-Awlaki was tied to Al-Qaida, he was still an American and deserved the right to a trial here just like any other person born in the United States. When you can pick and choose who has the right to trial, it is no longer a right. We have the right to defend ourselves as a nation, but I think we’ve taken it over the line. I don’t feel very comfortable with a government that can murder anyone in the world at any moment without notice or explanation. We’ve become a nation that thugs around the world under the guise of freedom and democracy, while curbing it at home.

Theatre is Good for You

so many egos in play, a market oversaturated with, lets face it, bad plays and a dearth of talent summoned to New York to play dead bodies on Law and Order, theatre in Metro Atlanta may be broken, but it’s not dead. If it’s been years since you’ve seen a play, or perhaps have never seen a play, go. I think it will change you, just a little bit. It will make you feel something you haven’t in a long while. The theatre is about being human. It’s an attempt to find out what happens if you put a person, or group of them, on display in a little box and try to settle on the measure of a life. Plus there’s a surprise for you! Have you been lately? Good for you! Oh, it wasn’t good? That’s a pity. Give it another go. Why? Has it gotten better? Will it affect you like your home-life of NCIS reruns? No. But it is now cheaper to go with your student ID to many local theatres than going to the movies. Go see a play. You can drink! That’s right new faces and returning friends! You can drink! You can drink openly inside of a theatre and outside of the Alliance, quite cheaply. So give it another go, save the rom-com for DVD.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

OPINIONS | THE SIGNAL

YOUR VOICE YOUR OPINIONS

THE SIGNAL STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Miranda Sain signaleditor@gmail.com Sabastian Wee signalseniored@gmail.com

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NEWS EDITOR ARTS & LIVING EDITOR ASSOCIATE ARTS EDITOR ASSOCIATE LIVING EDITOR

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE GEORGIA STATE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PAYS FOR GEORGIA STATE LEGISLATORS TO USE THE RECREATION CENTER HERE ON CAMPUS?

SPORTS EDITOR ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR

Chris Shattuck signalnewseditor@gmail.com Alicia Johnson signalliving@gmail.com Zack Kraimer zack.j.kraimer@gmail.com Thaddeus Morgan thad.morgan89@gmail.com Jerel Marshall thesignalsport@gmail.com Tom Terry tomterry06@gmail.com

PRODUCTION EDITOR

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PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

“I actually did not know. I have no opinion on that at all.” - Anthony Morse - French

“I think it should be open to everyone. You know, Georgia State is in the middle of the city and it would be great to have everyone able to come and hang out.”

“That’s out of my area of expertise, but if they’re cool with it, I guess they should do it.” - Torrey Talton – Nursing

Judy Kim judithkim92@yahoo.com OPINIONS EDITOR Miles Keenlyside signalopinions@gmail.com SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Brittany Williams signalwebsite@gmail.com COPY EDITOR Laura Apperson laura.catherine.apperson@gmail.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Open Open CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Phillip Masci signaldistribution@gmail.com OFFICE ASSISTANTS Jared Cate Brianna Alvarez Sean Dias STUDENT MEDIA ADVISOR

- Uyen Tran – Biology

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“I don’t agree with it, because I feel like if we pay for it, we should be the only ones using it unless they want to pitch in and help pay for it too. Our fees are high enough.” - Adjoa Danso – English

“I don’t really know if that’s the best use of our funds, because I don’t feel like Georgia State legislators are always looking out for us students that much. Though we are right around the corner from the capital, so it does seem like a nice courtesy since they can just walk over here”

“Well I use the recreation center practically every day, working out. I’m part of one of the clubs there. As far as paying fees, I think our fees should already cover the Rec center, so I don’t feel like we should have to pay additional fees.” - Eric Chan – Managerial Sciences

- Brett Williams – Law Student

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DISCLAIMER Opinions and Letters to the Editor expressed in The Signal are the opinions of the writers and readers. It does not reflect the opinions of The Signal. The Signal reserves the right to modify and/or reject letters at the discretion of the editorial staff.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

American values in retrograde motion DIEM NGO Guest Columnist

n the wake of 2012, both the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) and Stop Online Piracy Acts (SOPA) set the stage for whats to come in the ominous year. The NDAA is merely an extension to the works of the Bush Administration after Sept. 11. The Protect IP Act (PIPA) extended indefinite quarantine without trial or charge to American citizens who are advocates of terrorism against the United States. SOPA proposed more government involvement in internet censorship due to pirating and copyright issues by threatening to block foreign sites and hosting sites such as Tumblr, Flickr, Facebook and Youtube. SOPA is still in debate due to its impeding nature on the World Wide Web and the ambiguous ownership of the Internet and will be brought up again before the Senate after winter recess on Jan. 24 as Protect IP Act. The Obama administration

quietly created both bills towards the end of 2011 as we were all distracted by what was in our wallets and the feeling of change in 2012. We are blindly voting ourselves into a government that is slowly silencing its people and people abroad for imperialistic motivations. Since Sept. 11 we have gradually signed off our rights, oneby-one, in fear that outside forces of evil will bring terror on America and, thus, we must protect our homeland. Americans are easily impressionable, so it’s no surprise when Obama ran in 2008 that we were too caught up in the hype of having a black president that we cast our vote towards empty rhetorics of change within government. What we stand for, “freedom,” is slowly becoming an oxymoron because the implications of the NDAA contradicts our Fourth Admendment, and SOPA endorses government involvement with the extraneous. With that being said, I believe modern American politics is somewhere on the line of being a scam for the people by the “one percent.” Our government is no longer by the people. I would like to think that someday societies all over the world will become substantial, no longer parasitic in every aspect, whether culturally or environmentally.

SPEAKER SERIES 2011-12

SUBMIT ARTWORK FOR PICTURE OF THE WEEK!

Would you like to have your own original artwork featured here in the pages of The Signal? We are now accepting submissions of original paintings, drawings, graphic design, comics, photos or other work to appear weekly here in the Opinions section. To submit content, e-mail an image of the artwork as a .jpg to SignalOpinions@Gmail.com. Images will be reviewed on a first come-first serve basis, so make sure to submit as soon as possible to make it into the paper. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate images will not be considered for publication.

lISA lInG The Distinguished

OPINIONS | THE SIGNAL

4 2 y r a u n a J , y a d Tues Open Heart, Open Mind

lisa ling uses her role as a journalist to focus on

positive social change. Currently the co-executive producer and host of Our America on the Oprah Winfrey Network and the field correspondent for The Oprah Show, Ling has reported from dozens of countries. She has covered stories about gang rape in the Congo, bride burning in India and the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, among other issues that are too often ignored. She will discuss her own career path as she explains how journalism can be a force for propelling the world forward in new and positive ways.

Diem Ngo | THE SIGNAL

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N CTIO NNUAL N U J A . N IN CO HE 29TH KING, JR T R WITH IN LUTHE ATION C T MAR CONVO

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

A &L RTS

z ONLINE EXCLUSIVE:

IVING

T.I. attempts comeback with new album

Comment on the Web! www.gsusignal.com/campuslife

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL one year later

THADDEUS MORGAN Associate Living Editor

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS

If a soldier were to be injured on the battlefield and he was going to die and the medic that came to save his life was gay, his morale is going to be a hell of a lot better being alive and having his life saved by a gay medic than dying because that gay medic wasn’t there. -Danny Ingram

It has been slightly over a year since the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law was repealed, and the LGBT(Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) community sees this as major progress in the long fight for equality of citizens regardless of their sexual orientation. However, it reminds them that there is still a long way to go. “The military is now able today to take greater pride in their record on diversity and their mission, which is to defend our nation’s freedom.” These are the words of Danny Ingram, one of the first soldiers discharged from the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the law banning homosexual men and women from serving openly in the military. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was originally implemented under the Clinton administration in order to stop the ban on gay service members in the military. It came with the condition that they cannot openly share their sexuality while in the armed forces. According to Ingram, president of the American Veterans for Equal Rights, Clinton was met with “huge pushback” when he first worked to stop the ban on gays and lesbians in the military, but now there has been a strong shift in the public opinion of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” A national Gallup Poll taken in December 2010, around the same time “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed, showed that 67 percent of U.S. citizens would support a law that allowed for gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military. Similar sentiments were expressed around college campus then and now. When asked if she thought that the military had changed since the repeal, Georgia State freshman biology major Sabrina Rodriguez said, “I think it’s about the same. It shouldn’t matter, your sexuality.” “I think it should have been repealed,” said senior Patrick Antos, a photography major. “I don’t think it made a lot of change since it’s been repealed, maybe just more openness, more tolerance.” The nation has been keeping a watchful eye to see if the military would suffer due to a decrease in morale, but there have yet to be any negative consequences to the newly open military in the last year, according to Ingram. “If a soldier were to be injured on the battlefield and he was going to die and the medic that came to save his life was gay, his morale is going to be a hell of a lot better being alive and having his life saved by a gay medic than dying because that gay medic wasn’t there,” Ingram said. “Also, if you have a unit out in the field and they’re working very hard, [then] you kick somebody out, somebody has got to take over their work. That’s bad for morale.” Ingram went on to say that although the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was a step in the right direction, there are still actions that need to be taken to have full equality for the LGBT community, most notably recognizing the transgender community. Although gays, lesbians and bisexuals are allowed to serve in the military without hiding their sexual orientation, transgender people are not allowed to serve in the military at all. People in same-sex relationships in the military still do not receive the same advantages that people in heterosexual relationships receive. “Gay and lesbian and bisexual people in the military are not able to get the same benefits to cover their partners that heterosexual people are able to get. And that is a huge thing in the military, because benefits are such a big part of military service,” Ingram said. “So there’s still a very long way to go in gaining equality for gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the military.” Still, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been seen as a victory in terms of equality and sets the precedent for how a nation can function, according to Ingram. “The U.S. military claims to have the best trained service members in the world, the most disciplined service members in the world, and this experience has shown that our military is certainly as good as anyone else’s and we are second to none.”

ARTS & LIVING |

“I consider myself a female impersonator. I take what women do and multiply it times ten. I feel like I’m honoring women. I’m not making fun of women. I think they are the most powerful beings on earth.”

| THE SIGNAL

IN DRAG “An Evening with Nicole Paige Brooks at The Ponce, Atlanta” Photos by HILARY COLES | THE SIGNAL

A closer look into Atlanta’s drag life ASHLEIGH ATWELL Staff Writer

Atlanta is regarded by many as a mecca for the gay community, and this is reflected strongly in the city’s thriving drag culture. Atlanta has had a sizeable and diverse drag scene for years. “[The scene] is very big. There are many different facets,” Georgia State student Preston Locklear said. Locklear’s alter ego is known as Chaunteel Swallows. Freshman Taylor Trimble, an art and marketing double major, came from a small town and is happy to have more venues to be able to do drag. “Here in Atlanta there are scores of bars and clubs and venues for where drag can be done,” Trimble said. “In fact, there are some on campus, which are the two shows that the Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity put on once a semester. I hope to break into being a drag queen in this spring’s drag show.” Atlanta didn’t invent drag, but the city has a history of making stars. RuPaul, the most famous drag queen on earth, got her start performing in clubs in Atlanta back in the ‘80s. RuPaul went on to create her own show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” to find what she calls the “next drag superstar.” The show is going into its fourth season and a few drag queens from Atlanta have been featured on the show including Nicole Paige Brooks, arguably one of the most popular drag queens in the city. Brooks, an Oklahoma City native, began performing drag in her hometown in an effort to raise money for an AIDS benefit in 1995 under the name Nicole Paige. She moved to Atlanta in 1997 and began doing drag in the city two years later. After finding her “drag mother,” Shawnna Brooks, she became Nicole Paige Brooks. Brooks fondly remembers her early days in Atlanta. According to her, the gay community wasn’t the only people that could appreciate drag. “When I started at Backstreet [club], the shows lasted from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and the club would be packed,” Brooks said. “It was a variety of people, because it was after hours. The clientele was mostly straight. The straight community was more shocked and gagged by it, so the tips were good.” Brooks continued to do drag, and in 2009 she applied for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” after a friend told her about the auditions. Although she didn’t make it into the first cast, her initial audition was so memorable the show’s producers called her in to apply again. “My [audition] video made the very first season of that show, and to be on season

two was overwhelming,” Brooks said. “It’s something I never thought would happen. I never thought there would be a show about drag queens.” Brooks admits that being on the show was challenging, but she liked that it showed viewers there is more to drag than putting on makeup and a dress. “It shows the work we put into it. It shows all the behind-the-scenes stuff,” Brooks said. “The getting ready and the making of the costumes. That’s something that people don’t normally get to see.” It is clear that drag queens are more than a pretty face and they are not made overnight. Trimble does not consider himself a drag queen yet. Also known as VaVa Voom, Trimble feels like he has more work to do. “If I come out of a bathroom after a hour of ‘beating’ my face, and I don’t get a gasp of amazement. I feel worthless,” Trimble said. “I have yet to become a drag queen, but I have done a lot of what most call being a ‘faux king,’ which is a male who impersonates a drag king or embodies an exaggerated male persona.” Other drag queens see drag as an opportunity to be a completely different person. “I’ve always been an actor. So, I look at it as another character,” Locklear said. “I think that’s what’s fun about it. You can be as crazy as you want. You can wear what you want. You can say what you want.” Many people assume that drag queens are making fun of women, but the performers themselves believe they are celebrating womanhood rather than mocking it. “It’s not what most people think. It’s not that I don’t like being a dude,” said sophomore Jamaury Crosby, who goes by Jai’Ne Devereaux. “We exaggerate women, but we also celebrate the differences between women and men.” Brooks shares that sentiment. “I consider myself a female impersonator. I take what women do and multiply it times ten,” Brooks said. “I feel like I’m honoring women. I’m not making fun of women. I think they are the most powerful beings on earth.” Drag culture is alive and thriving in Atlanta. There is a lot of work that goes into being a drag queen from spending hours on hair, makeup and costumes to ruling the stage in their shows. There are many people that don’t know much about drag or have negative views of drag. Brooks isn’t too worried about naysayers. “My father went to Vietnam seven times so I can wear this dress and do what I want,” Brooks said. “I don’t really care if they don’t like it.”

ARTS & LIVING| THE SIGNAL

Nth º 01 The OVERWERK

Vitamins & Minerals ArtOfficial

in Miniature 03 Madness Mr. Gnome

Rhythm for Days

THE BL ACK KEYS

El Camino

Proh Mic

Future 05 No Wax Idols Revancha En Cumbia 06 La Gotan Project in Us 07 Alive Darkness Falls in Heaven 08 Smoking Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis Electrique 09 Drogue Magnetix

10 Hollandaze Ondonis Ondonis 11

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

A Dreamer’s Journey Strange Fruit Project

My Name is Mochipet 12 Hello Mochipet Loyola 13 Brother Jessica Jalbert Music 14 Live Strange Boys Places 15 Passing Loka Towns 16 The Honest Haloway & What Army 17 You Tanya Morgan

18 Whatever/Whenever Mark Sultan All the Monsters 19 Free Bats Stream 20 Gentle The Amazing

ZACK KRAIMER Associate Arts Editor

Since they released Brothers in 2010, it has become clear that there are two distinct sides to the Black Keys, stylistically speaking. Gritty blues-rock characterized the first portion of their career, but the duo is rapidly adapting their style to the tastes of more conventional palates. El Camino, their most recent release, epitomizes that view with their version of grandiose arena-rock—one that can satisfy new listeners and longtime fans alike. El Camino is vastly different from the Black Keys’ early material in both style and production. The opener and first single, “Lonely Boy,” is a triumphant burst of T. Rex-inspired glam fuzz and general rock n’ roll bravado, and it’s surely the most focused few minutes on the album. This track, along with “Dead and Gone,” “Gold on the Ceiling,” and “Run Right Back,” are the most cohesive tracks on the record, and also the most fun to listen to. The slinky psych-rock riff in “Run Right Back” weaves between chunky guitar fuzz to create an arena-ready rocker that blows most of Brothers out of the water. Veteran producer Danger Mouse was brought on board to produce the album; he became a de facto member of the group for the purposes of the record, even

co-writing many of the tracks. His style is a tangible presence, and a welcome one at that. The production suits the record well, and it outshines most of their former material in that regard. For all of its successes, El Camino has some shortcomings. Vocalist and guitarist Dan Auerbach’s lyrics have never been his strongest suit; they’re neither brilliant nor poetic, but their melodic catchiness is hard to dispute. The tracks aren’t very dynamic from one to the next, but this has been something of a trend in their material from the start. It certainly doesn’t help that “Little Black Submarines” is basically a playby-play melodic reconstruction of “Stairway to Heaven.”

Much of what drew early fans to the Black Keys, like their loose bluesy swagger and lo-fi grunge, has all but disappeared from their songs in favor of arena-rock sheen. This can be viewed as a stab at their integrity, but it makes sense given their newfound success— the group recently sold out Madison Square Garden in around 15 minutes. El Camino succeeds where Brothers failed—there’s a minimal amount of filler, the songwriting is stronger and there are more standout tracks. The songs are textured and exciting, and it’s an enjoyable listen overall. El Camino might not be a modern classic, but it’s at least a step in the right direction.

that it’s easy on the ears and the imagination. You’ll barely notice that each song is around seven minutes long, lengthier than most album songs but never becoming boring as many did with the collaboration efforts the group has made in the past. Appropriately titled, Beyond Magnetic is comprised of rough mixes of songs previously recorded during the 2008 album Death Magnetic sessions. Left on the cutting-room floor, each record was released the night of the band’s shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco. The mixes were then made available to fan club members for digital download deliberately coinciding with the band’s 30th anniversary celebration. “Hate Train,” the first release, is a non-stop head bobber complete with several solos from guitarist Kirk Hammett. Lead

singer Hetfield’s howling voice opens into a screeching train stop of instrumentals. “Just a Bullet Away” and “Hell and Back” are served a bit slower, the former featuring repetitively catchy vocal rifts that call to “suck on the barrel” of a .45 revolver, and the latter being a steady listen till midway, when aggressive drums lead to another impressive guitar solo. The best song by far is “Rebel of Babylon,” which starts slowly and excitingly shifts into one of the group’s famously fast tempos. It’s a pleasing combination of the best parts of the first three songs. Listeners feel neither unfinished nor unsatisfied at the end of the album, which is arguably better than its predecessor. Met with substantial critical acclaim, the EP will be released as a physical CD on Jan. 31.

to Condale 21 Welcome Summer Camp Earn 22 The yU

23 Organismo Adron Go Eat the Factory 24 Let’s Guided by Voices Grande 25 La Laura Gibson Yes 26 Things, M+A On 27 Switched Mr. Chop

Strange Weekend Porcelain Raft

Metallica Beyond Magnetic

29 RIVKA RIVKA

COURTNEY BOYD Staff Writer

Crush EP 30 First Sabrepulse

Initially, Metallica’s latest album Beyond Magnetic seemed like an ill-fated attempt to redeem the group of its preceding, poorlyreceived collaboration with Lou Reed. However, this EP channels classic Metallica in such a way

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

REEL REVIEWS

The Devil Inside

JOYFUL NOISE

ALICIA JOHNSON Arts & Living Editor

Musical legends Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton teamed up with young talents Keke Palmer and Jeremy Jordan in this light-hearted movie. Set and filmed in Georgia, these characters embodied the lovable and witty small town character that many people love. The movie followed this group of characters and their choir throughout their quest to win the Joyful Noise choir competition. The overall movie had a familiar essence of the ‘90s choir centered movie “Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” that starred actress and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg. Parton’s character, G.G., deals with the death of her husband and choir director dies at the beginning of the movie, and Vi Rose Hill, played by Latifah, is his replacement, to the dismay of G.G. The most genuine acting contribution comes from the character Olivia Hill, played by Keke Palmer. Hill is a teenager that’s struggling to break loose from her controlling mother, Vi Rose, while being tempted by G.G.’s grandson, Randy. Scenes between the mother and daughter duo in this film allow for the audience to best relate to their characters. Both Hills suffer from the absence of their husband and father

Marcus Hill, but this situation brings them together at the end of the movie. What cannot be ignored is the musical influence on this film. If “High School Musical” and movies of that nature is not your cup of tea, this is definitely not the movie to see. Within the first twenty minutes, there are two musical numbers performed by the cast. Despite the over indulgence in performance scenes, the music is of good quality and displays the talent of these stars. For Latifah and Parton, the movie confirms their vocal abilities, but “Joyful Noise” allows the audience to view Palmer in a new light. This movie shows the growth that Palmer has gone through as an actress and a singer since her debut work in “Akeelah and the Bee” and her other work. Musical selections from the movie put a gospel spin on popular hits from Usher, Chris Brown and even the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. The true craft of this movie is not cramming the Christian card down the throats of the audience. Not only do the choice of songs relate to a larger audience, the plot that skims the surface of the complexity of these characters contribute to this effort. Overall, the movie is a good see for viewers who like soft comedy and

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

ALEXIS SMITH Staff Writer

have a definite appreciation and patience for a musical break.

GRADE: B+ MPAA RATING: PG-13, for some language including a sexual reference RUNNING TIME: 118 MINUTES

ROTTEN TOMATO METER: 36 PERCENT

The highly popularized film “The Devil Inside” is what is known as a ‘mockumentary’ – a documentary style film in which fictitious events are made out to seem, well, nonfictitious. With this in mind, movie-goers expectations shouldn’t be too high, considering how terrible of a movie this turned out to be. The “documentarian” follows a young woman, Isabella, as she travels to Italy, where her psychotic mother is being held in an asylum with Catholic influence. Isabella’s crazed mother committed multiple murders while undergoing an exorcism years ago, and Isabella is ready to uncover the truth of the horrific incident. The audience is supposed to believe that the United States was happy to rid themselves of Isabella’s insane mother back in ’89. After the audience is treated to establishing shots of Italy through the window of a moving vehicle and later to some Italians who switch from their subtitled native language to miraculously spontaneous outbursts in English, Isabella meets up with two prieststurned-exorcists ninjas, Ben and David. The three delve into the differences between mental ill-

ness and being possessed, and this bickering continues for what feels like nearly 3/4 of the movie. Most viewers would have stopped paying attention after that amount of time, partly due to its predictability but mainly because they are not impressed. Like the abundance of other mockumentaries out there – “The Blair Witch Project” is a classic example – “The Devil Inside” attempts to appear realistic by employing hand held camera techniques, beating the gimmick to death through excessive camera movements. Aside from the low-quality production skills – if that’s what you want to call it – “The Devil Inside” contains all the ingredients every other ‘scary’ movie normally consists of (suicide, blood, screams, the like). It’s predictable at best, which, unless you’ve never seen a ‘scary’ movie in your life, isn’t saying much. The concept of the movie had enormous potential, but the execution fell short and consequently, viewers have to suffer through 83 minutes of what could be called a hot mess. It’s sad that the first month of the New Year has yet to end and movie lovers already have an idea of what will be on their ‘worst movies of the year’ list.

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ARTS & LIVING| THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

A look inside Whitespace Gallery INTISAR SERAAJ Staff Writer Located in the midst of Georgia State’s campus on Edgewood Avenue, the Whitespace Gallery is as interesting to look and learn about as the artwork inside. The owner of the gallery and the property, Susan Bridges, has turned a historic carriage house, originally for the housing of horse-drawn carriages, into a work of art and a place to call home. Bridges welcomes guests as she welcomes artists; inviting and allowing artists from various walks of life to display their art. She has had artists from varying places, including Morocco, Japan and even students from universities such as Georgia Institute of Technology. Bridges uses this art gallery as a place for art and architecture students to have an outlet for their work. The variety of artists she allows within the Whitespace walls truly adds a new flavor to every exhibit that only strengthens the innovative spirit of the gallery Bridges has created. Instead of imitating the usual art gallery’s architectural-mind to modernize everything, Bridges marries the old and the new to create an unique innovative twist. The house was built in 1893 by the Winship family, whose wall-writings can still be read on the original wood planks inside. Bridges decision to renovate the property to keep its historic feeling while contrasting it with modern pieces, has turned the house into an architectural awardwinning property. Currently inside of the main section of this awardGRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

winning gallery is a photography collection called Morning Sun by Benita Carr. Morning Sun, which is housed in the main gallery and spread throughout Bridges’ home, is a collection that speaks to the relationships between mother and child as the subjects try to balance their womanhood and motherhood. Each piece is designed to either evoke desire, doubt or anxiety from viewers. The smaller portion of the Whitespace gallery, titled gray_matter(s)//grey spec, can be as emotionally and mentally evoking as the main gallery. The grey spec gallery was designed by Patrick DiRito, James Murray and Shota Vashakmadze, architect students from Georgia Institute of Technology, to feature various grey media, including zoo-animal-inspired photography, painted wooden planks, various grey shades of plastic painter samples and projected grey-speckled lighting. The exhibition presents a series of transformations that encompass an inclusive and plastic understanding of perception. Through processes like layering and gradation, the space becomes a dimension of variation, according to these artists. Including the reindeer sculptures built by architect students, the outside is a gorgeous and a rustic reflection of what to expect on the inside. Entering the artistic residential property, one feels as if they have entered an art garden of Eden. Cobblestone walkways, a pebbled driveway, scattered wooden sculptures and greenery welcome guests to intensify their anxiousness of viewing the gallery inside and allow guests to end their creative journey on a similarly natural artistic note.

Editor’s note: Advertise your event in this calendar! Contact Alicia Johnson at signalliving@ gmail.com with the event name, time, date, location and a brief description. Jan. 17 Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial

Dial’s exhibition is featured at the High Museum of Art. It contains more than 50 large-scale paintings and sculptures. Dial’s works demonstrate depth and complexity beyond the art’s canvas. 1280 Peachtree Street

Southern Comfort

The Jennifer Schwartz Gallery exhibits instillation by photographer Lori Vrba. The exhibition leaves the gallery January 28, 2012. The gallery is located conveniently downtown and viewing of Vrba’s prints and instillations are free. 1000 Marietta Street

Callaway Gardens

This Georgia getaway is offering free admission throughout the month of January and February. Located in mountainous seclusion, the gardens feature butterfly and floral displays. It also boasts a scenic bike trail through the mountains. Bikes are also available to rent once you get there. US Highway 27 Pine Mountain, GA

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Atlanta’s Shakespeare Tavern shows this famous love story along with The Merchant of Vanice for the next two weeks. The authentic venue serves as the perfect host for this play and compliments the passionate actors performance. 499 Peachtree Street NE

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

CALENDAR Jan. 18 Annie

GSU Men’s Tennis

Come watch the tennis team serve up a beating to Lipscomb in this match at the Woodruff PE Center. Emory University//1 p.m.

Everyone remembers the adorable orphan that stole the heart of Daddy Warbucks when they were little. “Annie” the musical from Broadway is back in Atlanta to retell the story of this little girl who had a “Hard Knock Life” in the big apple during the ‘30s. The show runs at the Fox Theater form Jan. 14 until Jan. 22. 660 Peachtree Street NE

.The Georiga State women’s basketball team hosts Towson on their home court.

Jan. 19

Jan. 23

August Burns Red

The Masquerade hosts the heavy metal and rock bands August Burns Red, Ventana, Psychostick, As Summer Dies and Dead Squirrels. August Burns Red’s five members formed this band in 2003 and will perform songs from their latest album. 695 North Avenue//7:00 p.m.

GSU Women’s Basketball

The lady panthers take on CAA foe Old Dominion for a win. Sports Arena//7 p.m.

Jan. 20

Carnivores w/ the Coathangers and Frankie Broyles (“Live at the EARL” 7” release)

The release of the next installment in the “Live at the EARL” 7” series*** brings local indie-rockers The Carnivores back to the EARL to celebrate. Tough chicks the Coathangers and Frankie Broyles (of Balkans) are backing them up, so this isn’t an event to blow off. 488 Flat Shoals Avenue

Jan. 22 GSU Women’s Basketball

Sports Arena//2 p.m.

Student Success Workshop: My Mind Went Blank

This part of the student success workshop series offers students strategies for memory and concentration. With tests constantly knocking on student’s doors, this is a valuable event. Lucerne Suite, Student Center//3 p.m.

GSU Men’s Basketball

The highest ranked team in the CAA comes back home to bring another win to the panther fans.They play James Madison. Sports Arena//7 p.m.

Jan. 24 Student Success Workshop: To Read or Not to Read

Do you feel overwhelmed when looking at the textbook required for your courses? This workshop offered by the office of undergraduate studies teaches skills needed to effectively read textbooks. Lucerne Suite, Student Center// 12 p.m.

Jan. 28 Jan. 26 Back Pockets w/ Ghost Bikini and Lily & the Tigers

Local performance art collective the Back Pockets have been taking the ATL by storm lately with their crowdreliant performances and general weirdness, so their headlining slot at the EARL is well deserved. If you’re looking for a cheap night out in the EAV, this should be first on your list. Ghost Bikini and Lily & the Tigers open for a night that’ll be anything but ordinary. 488 Flat Shoals Avenue//$5 8:30 p.m.

Student Success Workshop: Paper Trail

Note taking and studying are key elements to success in college. This workshop helps with the art of taking lecture notes. Lucerne Suite, Student Center// 12 p.m.

Jan. 27 Widespread Panic

Our most renowned hometown hippies return to the Tabernacle for three consecutive nights of hazy jams. Tickets can be purchased for a single night or in a three-night bundle. Expect to see lots of confused freshmen and aging once-hippies who can’t get past the flashbacks. This event takes place through Jan. 29. 152 Luckie Street//$62.50//8 p.m.

Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

These rock icons are coming to Variety Playhouse in Altanta for one night. This dynamic band doesn’t tour too often, so this is not a show to miss. As far as we’re concerned, Zoso is the next best thing, so slide into your leather pants and get tickets soon. 1099 Euclid Avenue//$15//8:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 King Khan and the Shrines w/ Jacuzzi Boys and Paint Fumes

Psychedelic garage, soul-punk or RnB* with a temper—whatever you call them, King Khan and the Shrines put on one hell of a live show. This time they’re at the Basement in East Atlanta Village, which should be a more intimate experience than their show last year at the EARL. Jacuzzi Boys and Paint Fumes open for what’s sure to be a raucous all-night party. 1245 Glenwood Avenue

Feb. 6 Atlanta’s Friendliest Comedy Deathmatch

Catch 23 Atlanta will be at the EARL on February 6 for the funniest way to die you’ve ever seen! Okay, so no one is actually going to die, but it should still be hilarious. Three improv comedy teams face off over four 23-minute rounds to determine a winner to compete in the next round. If you like to laugh for cheap, this is the event for you. 488 Flat Shoals Avenue

SIGNAL SPOTLIGHTS

Dancers on pointe INTISAR SERAAJ Staff Writer Never had a dance class in your life but still want to show off your moves? Don’t worry, Georgia State’s Dancers on Pointe is here for you. Dancers on Pointe was founded twelve years ago by Deanna Owusu through the Black Student Theater Ensemble. “The purpose of the team is to give an opportunity to students who didn’t receive technical dance training to express themselves through dance,” senior Antavius Ellison, a Managerial Science major and the team’s captain, said. “Dancers on Pointe has evolved into an organization that represents dancers, disc jockeys and music and fashion artists.” Members of Dancers on Pointe practice hip-hop-style dances combined with jazz, ballet, salsa and other dance types. Despite being a Georgia State organization, the team performs in many non-campus events and dance competitions, including past venues like the High Museum and Albany State University. The group has won many awards at competitions, including a first place position at the Albany State University competition. A memorable performance to Ellison was being able to compete on B.E.T’s television show, Wild-Out Wednesday. “In the beginning, we were all excited about

performing on national television,” he said, “Just knowing the cameras were there made us nervous, but we began to interact with the audience and forgot about all of the cameras. It was an amazing feeling to have a studio of individuals cheering for us.” As captain, Ellison has his plate full with tasks, including creating the dance team vision, organizing meetings, overseeing rehearsals and representing Dancers on Pointe to the public. “My goal is to make sure that we continue to work hard and find new ways to improve the team as a whole,” Ellison said. The team’s membership has been increasing, and Ellison expects the spring semester to bring in new talent. “We have a variety of talent, and we’re always thinking of something new and innovative,” Ellison said. Anyone is welcome to audition to join Dancers on Pointe, and, although they may not make the club, they still have another chance to audition again in the future. “The ones who consider dancing to be their passion are usually the individuals who stick around the longest,” Ellison said. He believes the most important qualities are dedication, endurance, diversity and innovation. “We have big things on our schedule, and we cannot wait to share them with our

Members of the club Dancers on Pointe rehearse weekly for their upcoming performances. SARAH WOODS | THE SIGNAL

WORD FIND

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Wanted to buy Do you still have your “commercial master” commuter-locker padlock, and no longer need it after this semester? I need a couple, willing to buy yours. Call (404)941-0790 I still need a comfortable used backpack...(Similar to path ones) Color/appearance not as important as good price. Call dean 404-585-7063 and thanx Laptop or netbook wanted by returning student. (Need min. 2Gig ram) Also want to buy dragon naturally speaking. Please contact (404)941-0790, asap. Announcement: Grad student desperately seeking affordable/pro bono legal assistance in pursuing couterclaims in unlawful eviction/breach of verbal contract case. If you might be able to help, as an attorney or by passing this plea on to an attorney, thank you. My personal, confidential contact number is 404585-7063. Textbooks for sale: Pols 4215 (Politics of Peace) - Contemporary Conflict Resolution by Ramsbotham, Woodhouse, and Miall, 3rd edition BRAND NEW ($25) - War, Conflict and Human Rights by

Sriram, Martin-Ortega, and Herman LIKE NEW CONDITION ($25) Jour 3010 (Advanced Media Writing) - All the News: Writing and Reporting for Convergent Media by Thom Lieb BRAND NEW ($50) If interested call or text (770) 2749386 Ford/Lincoln ski and snowboard holder $100 Please call (404) 502-6755 Textbooks for sale: -Earth System History. Second edition, by Steven M. Stanley. Fair condition, clean. $15 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -Biology: Concepts and Connections-Diversity in the Living World (lab manual), by Sylvia S. Mader. Fair condition, some highlighter marks. $10 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -Biology: Concepts and Connections-Diversity in the Living World (textbook), by Neil A. Campbell, Jane B. Reece, Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon and Jean L. Dickey. Fair condition, clean. $20 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities, by Lawrence S. Cunningham and John J. Reich. Volume 1, sixth edition. Good condition, clean, a couple of small dog-ear folds. $25 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities, by Lawrence S. Cunningham and John J. Reich. Volume 2, sixth edition. Great condition, clean, no dog-ear folds. $30 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -A Wellness Way of Life, by Gwen

Robbins, Debbie Powers, Sharon Burgess. Seventh edition, fair condition, clean. $15 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Textbooks for sale: -Norton Anthology of English Literature: the Romantic Period, by Carol T. Christ, Catherine Robson, Stephen Greenblatt, M.H. Abrams. Eighth edition, Volume D, E, F. Great condition, clean. $30 Phone: (678) 562-1522 Treadmill, works fine, missing faceplate. $75 Call (770) 896-1792 24” Toshiba box TV. Screen flickers at times, but works fine otherwise. $30 Call (770) 896-1792 32” Panasonic box TV. Good condition $30 Call (770) 896-1792

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SPORTS

z ONLINE EXCLUSIVE:

Get the full run-down on last week’s Men’s basketball victory!

www.gsusignal.com/sports

Concrete Crazies change men’s basketball forever

GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

From left to right: Juniors Nick Bray and Bryan McNatt and Senior Logan McElroy cheer on the men’s basketball team against Towson.

ZAKKIYYA ANDERSON Staff Writer

‘”You are sitting in the Georgia State Student STANDING section. So… STAND UP,” reads the sign placed on the seats of section 107 in the Georgia State Sports Arena. In this section stand the rowdiest group of fans you will ever meet. Whether it be a simple statement to a referee like, “I don’t want to have to make any Rogaine insults tonight,” or a slight change of the fight song, these dedicated fans can definitely get underneath any opponent’s skin. These Panthers have taken the term fanatic to a completely new level. Nick Bray, Seth Wood and Bryan McNatt, along with a host of other hecklers, attend every home men’s basketball game ready to yell for

hours at a time. As a coach you can only hope for a dedicated bunch like the “Concrete Crazies,” as they have deemed themselves. Head coach Ron Hunter called the dedication from the fans “humbling,” and said that he appreciates the fact that people have embraced him so quickly. Bray, a junior marketing major, has never missed a home game since his time here. Decked out in the same red jersey, blue bowtie, white T-Shirt and blue sneakers, Bray is seen right next to the GSU Pep Band. Wood, a junior real estate major, said that he takes pride in cheering for his team and he just genuinely loves sports. “I love doing this, and having fun,” Wood said. “Some people like

biking, we like going to games and losing our voices.” McNatt, a junior marketing major, said that he likes that more people are coming to games, but it still could be a lot better. “It only takes a few people to start a tradition,” McNatt said. On his trip to the matchup against VCU last week Bray said that he had never been in an environment like the one at VCU. “I’ve been to plenty of high-level atmosphere games before, like Hawks games and things, but I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” Bray said. Hunter has brought a new atmosphere to the Georgia State campus, and the Concrete Crazies are standing strongly behind him. “Hunter is fun and easy-going, and he loves his job,” Bray said.

Wood added that he is saddened by the fact that he probably won’t be a student when things get really big but he looks forward to one day after he’s graduated, “sitting at home, flipping on the TV, and seeing State playing VCU on ESPN.” The Concrete Crazies have decided to take their fandom to the next level by camping out in front of the GSU Sports Arena in what they have aptly named, “Hunterville.” The team of basketball hecklers started setting up tents in front of the arena the night before the UNC Wilmington game in which Coach Hunter coached “barefoot for bare feet,” in honor of the charity Samritan’s Feet, an organization that provides shoes for underprivileged children around the world. The tents pitched right on the corner of Decatur and Collins drew

attention from several media outlets including the Atlanta Journal Constitution, CBS, Fox 5, and 11 Alive News. The makeshift home not only attracted the media, but also local Georgia State supporters who dropped off chips & salsa from nearby Willy’s Mexicana, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, and Papa John’s pizza. Even Coach Hunter got in the giving spirit and bought the guys boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and gave them free t-shirts. But Bray did run into some problems with his Mr. Pibb and Coke. “We went to bed at around 6:30, and I got up at 8, and I was really thirsty, and I thought, ‘ I could really go for a Pibb right now, “ Bray said. When he went outside, both the Coke and Mr. Pibb were gone. But

Continued on 19

CAA Conference Play Heating Up

With just over two months of NCAA basketball behind us, teams find themselves knee-deep in conference play. The Colonial Athletic Association is as competitive as ever with three teams tied for first place with CAA records of 5-1 and three teams tied for second place with CAA records of 4-2. Here is a rundown of the CAA’s top teams. Georgia State: (13-4, 5-1 CAA) In their “barefoot for bare feet” game against UNC Wilmington, the Panthers defeated the Seahawks by 75-61 score. In the next game, the Panthers had a 57-42 victory over Towson. Georgia State also had big wins over VCU and Drexel.

George Mason: (13-5, 5-1 CAA) George Mason suffered their first conference loss against Drexel last week, placing them into the three way tie for the top spot in the conference. That snapped a five game winning streak and CAA conference 18 game winning streak. The Patriots rebounded well against James Madison with a 8983 victory on the road.

Old Dominion: (10-8, 5-1 CAA) Old Dominion has won their last three games, including an overtime victory over Delaware and a Hofstra win. The Monarchs have had arguably the easiest path to the top of the standings, as three of their five CAA wins were over the three worst teams in the conference

SPORTS | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

After an outstanding collegiate career, Vineece Verdun is now looking to try her hand at law.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Despite having only completed one year as a Panther, Jack Dyer is already on his way to becoming one of the most decorated pitchers in school history

Jake Dyer piling up honors and saves DYLAN RICE Staff Writer

After collecting All-CAA honors in just his first season with Georgia State, pitcher Jake Dyer has garnered even more national attention in the form of a preseason All-American award, as he enters what could potentially be a record-setting senior season. “Any time you get a call saying you got an award, especially an All-American award, it means you’re not just being recognized by the school and by your own coaches, but on a national stage by national coaches,” said Dyer. “A few days later it sinks in, like what it really means, and I felt pretty good about it.” It is only the second time in school history that a Panther has been awarded the honor handed out by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Outfielder Jason Glover was an All-American in the early 90’s. Looking at the season ahead, the All-American recognition might not be the only thing that Dyer will achieve in the school record books. After a stellar first year with the program in which the closer collected eight saves, he finds himself four saves away from the school record. In that debut with Georgia State last season he neared the single season save mark but came up a little south of the record 10 saves. “It’s pretty cool to have only been pitching here only one year and being close to career records,” said Dyer. After posting a 1.67 ERA, three wins in addition to those saves and an intimidating 23 strikeouts in 32.1 innings, Panthers fans were probably wondering why Dyer hadn’t been a part of the team sooner. The answer is Georgia Perimeter College, where he pitched his freshman and sophomore year, first in relief, and then as a starter. After performing well in an exhibition in Athens, with hoards of college scouts on hand, Dyer caught the eye of Georgia State scouts. After talking with coaches and visiting the campus, Dyer knew Georgia State was where he wanted to continue his collegiate athletic career. “I loved the campus, said Dyer. “I loved Atlanta and I wanted to come here.” While Dyer wouldn’t say shifting from starter back to relief, upon arriving at Georgia State, was

challenging, he admitted the approach is completely different. “You face everyone in the lineup 3 or 4 times so you can’t just throw fastballs every time,” said Dyer, on the starter’s approach on the mound. “Closer, you’re going in there for one inning maybe two you just get ahead with your best pitch and finish them and don’t worry about innings to come.” Armed with a lethal cut fastball, a change up that can fool even the most well groomed batsman and a curveball that has improved drastically in the offseason, Dyer doesn’t feel pressure when he approaches the mound to finish things up for his teammates. Instead, he feels a warrior-like fire that allows him to pile up the saves. “Closing I felt like my adrenaline was pumping more,” said Dyer of last seasons experience in the Georgia State bullpen. “Like I’d be on the mound closing. I’d feel my blood flowing faster. Just that feeling where you want to bust out and yell.” Fire without direction can often lead to ugly results, but Dyer has been able to contain it in such a way that his accuracy has gotten noticeably better over the span of his college career. He attributes this development to his pitching coach Jason Arnold and a lot of repetition. “Repeating your mechanics over and over,” said Dyer, as he explained his training process. “Doing the same thing on the mound over and over... It’s just more of focusing mentally on the mound, kind of becoming more of an actual pitcher, and knowing what you’re doing out there, instead of just going out there and throwing the ball and praying something good happens.” Dyer hopes to continue his baseball career professionally at the conclusion of his senior campaign. For now, he is focused on performing up to and beyond expectations as he helps a ball club that has lost a significant amount of seniors continue the success that the program has enjoyed over the past several years. “We lost a lot of great talent last year,” said Dyer. “But this year we still have a lot of good guys returning, and a lot of good incoming freshmen and JUCO players, who I think can step up and make the transition to D1 and really help us out this year.” Georgia State baseball will begin their season on Friday February 17 against Western Illinois at the Georgia State Baseball Complex.

2012 BASEBALL SCHEDULE Feb 17 West Illinois @ GSU Baseball Complex 4:00 PM Feb 18 West Illinois (DH) @ GSU Baseball Complex 1:00 PM Feb 18 West Illinois (DH) @ GSU Baseball Complex 4:30 PM Feb 19 West Illinois @ GSU Baseball Complex 12:00 PM Feb 22 Georgia @ Athens, Ga 5:00 PM Feb 24 Austin Peay @ GSU Baseball Complex 4:00 PM Feb 25 Austin Peay @ GSU Baseball Complex 1:00 PM Feb 26 Austin Peay @ GSU Baseball Complex 1:00 PM Feb 29 USC Upstate at Spartanburg, S.C. 4:00 PM

BRIGHT HOUSE INVITATIONAL Fri, Mar 02 Southern Illinois @ DeLand, Fla. 4:00 PM Sat, Mar 03 Penn at DeLand, Fla. 4:00 PM Sun, Mar 04 Stetson at DeLand, Fla. 3:00 PM *The full schedule can be found on GeorgiaStateSports.com

Be sure to follow the upcoming baseball season on Twitter!

SPORTS | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2012

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS

Paulk does difficult balance act with ease ISMAEL SUAREZ Staff Writer

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Junior Cody Paulk has managed to shine both on and off the court.

Being a student athlete at Georgia State can definitely be a challenging task. That does not appear to be true for Cody Paulk from the women’s basketball team, who seems to have a special ability to succeed both academically and athletically. The CAA Scholar-Athlete award she received for the 2010-11 season serves as an acknowledgment of her sacrifice on the court and in the classroom. Although Paulk, out of mere modesty, claims to be a “procrastinator,” she adjusts very well to a very demanding schedule. “I try to get [school work] over with as soon as I can and I try to balance time between school and basketball,” the junior center said. Paulk has to deal with challenging courses such as Physics 2212K and Chemistry 3410, where she spends six laboratory hours a week learning about electricity, magnetism, chemical properties of the common classes of carbon

compounds and other complicated subjects. In addition to her school schedule, she has to make time for basketball, which consumes about twenty hours of her week. However, Paulk still manages to maintain a 3.68 GPA. “The only free time I get is on the weekends, but that’s only when we’re not on the road,” said Paulk. “It all comes down to learning to manage time.” All of these obstacles do not impede Paulk from being a player who will eventually go down in Georgia State hoops’ history. She is the sixth player in Georgia State women basketball’s history to reach the one hundred-blocks mark, and still has one year and a half left to shoot for the all-time record, currently held by Rhian Jones. It is no coincidence that the 6-foot3 center chose basketball as her favorite sport. Paulk comes from a basketball family, where her father played for Georgia Southwestern University. “My father is the person who taught me how to play the game,” said Paulk.

Aside from backyard basketball, the Paulk family taught their daughter to value education. This is why Cody works hard to be a pharmacist in the future, although she had other plans when she was younger. “When I was little I wanted to be an ob-gyn (obstetrics and gynecology) doctor because I used to watch ‘The Cosby Show,’” Paulk said, “but when I learned what they really did, I didn’t want to be a surgeon.” After moving away from her dream of being an ob-gyn doctor, she discovered her true passion. “My mother’s friend who is a pharmacist talked to me about her job and got me interested,” Paulk said. For now, Cody Paulk takes on the challenge of maintaining her high GPA. She is eager for her future and does not plan on stopping with her impressive academic performance. Her tight schedule does not seem to slow down her pace. With a laugh, she said that she wants to “graduate as soon as possible.”

Tere-Apisah’s tennis background paving the way for a bright future

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Abigail Tere-Apisah has her family to thank for much of the succes shehas experienced on the tennis court.

TIFFANIE SMITH Staff Writer

Almost every student athlete wants to be the one who stands out from the crowd, but this usually does not happen until they are upperclassmen. Georgia State tennis star Abigail Tere-Tere-Apisah is an exception, excelling in her first year and hopingto succeed as a sophomore, as well. Some of her achievements include CAA Rookie of the Year All-CAA First Team in singles and doubles and Most Outstanding Performer at CAA Championships. Tere-Apisah said she was not expecting to achieve all these awards. “I was really surprised when I got (the awards)” said Tere-Apisah. “I am so thankful for the people who have

supported me and I am so happy.” Her first season as a Panther, she recorded a 14-2 mark in singles, following a 9-1 record at No. 2 singles resulting in having one of the best freshmen seasons ever. She also began her season by winning seven straight matches along with 11 of her first 12 matches. Back in fall of 2011, Tere-Apisah had a 2-2 mark with Maryna Kozachenko in doubles, following a 7-1 record in singles. At the Atlanta Classic she grabbed a 3-0 record while defeating tough opponents from Jacksonville, Samford and South Alabama. “She’s accomplished a lot in the conference play but she’s still a very young player,” said Head Coach Miha Lisac. “She is in her sophomore year as of right now and I think according

to her potential and according to her work ethic, she will continue to get better. I am expecting her spring season in 2012 to be much better than her freshmen season in 2011 was.” Back in high school, Tere-Apisah was named best No. 1 player in New South Wales Australia. While she was a junior, she earned 42 singles victories and had 45 doubles wins. Tere-Apisah hails from Papua New Guinea and comes from a tennis family. Her mother and father are both coaches. Tere-Apisah said her dad was actually her coach. “I felt like I had no choice and that I had to play but I’m glad I did,” TereApisah said. “I’m really happy that my dad was my coach because he cautioned me and he pushed me.” In Spring 2011, Tere-Tere-Apisah and Kozachenko finished the season with a No. 42 ITA national ranking in doubles. When it comes to getting ready for a game, she said she usually spends her time alone and looks to see who she is playing the night before. Tere-Apisah credits her brother for getting her inspired to play tennis. “My brother also came to America on a scholarship and that’s something I really wanted to do,” Tere-Apisah said. “So he inspired me.” With a major in Exercise Science, Tere-Apisah plans to do physical therapy or athletic training once she graduates Georgia State. “She’s probably one of the top players that we have had at Georgia State so far but I think the best is ahead of her,” said Lisac. “She still has a lot of room to improve and I think she is going to continue to grow through the next two and a half years with the program.”

GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL

Huntersville

Continued from 17

not even that could ruin the upbeat energy of this group. As the game begun, the Concrete Crazies stood barefoot on the front row of the UNC Wilmington game, jumping up and down to the “I believe (we will win)” chant and provided the crowd with entertainment the entire night. The biggest part of the night was that the guys were not the only ones joining in the action, the entire gym was electric. Senior guard James Fields said that the energy in the gym that night gave him “chills.”

The energy could be felt in the waning moments of the game, as Jihad Ali knocked down a jump shot to push the Panthers lead to 16 and the crowd went into a chorus of “Alii, Ali, Ali, Ali, Ali.” As Devonta White slipped a pass to Buckner and as the clock wound down and the Concrete Crazies started the “winning team – losing team” chant, it happened. A tradition started, and everyone knew that Georgia State men’s basketball would never be the same, and all because of some guys who got a little crazy in the Concrete Jungle.

Men’s Basketball CAA standings CAA DIVISION

CAA RECORD

OVERALL RECORD

Georgia State George Mason Old Dominion VCU Drexel Northeastern Delaware UNC Wilmington William & Mary JMU Hofstra Towson

5-1 5-1 5-1 4-2 4-2 4-2 3-3 3-3 2-4 1-5 0-6 0-6

13-4 13-5 10-8 13-5 12-5 8-8 7-9 7-9 4-14 8-9 6-12 0-18

Campus MovieFest

http://www.gsu.edu/studentcenter Styles

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WHATʼS HAPPENING ON CAMPUS!

The Worldʼs Largest Student Film Festival

Tell your story on the big screen! Campus MovieFest gives each student a Mac Book, Panasonic HD camera and one week to make a 5-minute film about anything thatʼs on your mind. Itʼs free for GSU students, and the Top 16 films are shown on the big screen at our red carpet finale. Sign up in advance at www.campusmoviefest.com/festivals/ 326-georgia-state-university Pick up your movie-making equipment on Wednesday, January 25 from noon-5 p.m. in the Student Center. Sponsored by Spotlight Programs Board, Campus Events, the Residence Hall Association, GSTV and the Student Government Association.

Supported by Student Activity Fees

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SPRING LOCKER RENTALS

CAMPUS EVENTS

www.gsu.edu/studentevents

Spring semester rental of lockers in the Student Center, University Center, Urban Life Building and General Classroom Building is now available in the Student•University Center Administrative Office, 360 Student Center. The rental period will end May 1.

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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD www.gsu.edu/spotlight

2012-13 Applications Now Available for Spotlight Programs Board!

Fees for first-time rentals are $20 per semester plus $10 for a lock. After a lock has been purchased, fees are $20 per semester.

Applications for the positions of 2012-13 President, Vice President and Homecoming Director are now available at www.gsu.edu/spotlight and in 380 Student Center. They are due Friday, February 10, by 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gsu.edu/studentcenter or call 404/413-1860.

http://www.gsu.edu/cinefest

Georgia State University uLearn

Cinefest Film Theatre

Facebook

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The Skin I Live In, January 16-22 All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID.

Open Mic Night

Wednesday, January 25, 7-9 p.m. Courtyard Stage, Student Center Student Organizations (Next to Food Court)

Sign your Lists Stylesup at the event to perform Spacing music, poetry, lyrics or other talents, or just enjoy performances by classmates. Cash prizes will be given to the top 3 GSU student winners!

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS http://gsu.orgsync.com

OrgSync User Training

Friday, January 20, 1-2:30 p.m., 330 Student Center Walk-in hours open to all students and advisors.

Styles

Guests $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 at 5 p.m. and after.

Monday-Friday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

Weekends: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

Moneyball, January 23-29

Leadership Development Monday-Friday: 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m.,

6:30 Spacing

p.m.,Lists 9 p.m.

Weekends: 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT www.gsu.edu/leadership

Dealing with Organizational Crises

Tuesday, January 17, Noon-1 p.m., Student Center, Lanier Suite

Yvon Chouinard: Model for Leadership

Thursday, January 19, 1-2 p.m., Student Center, Lanier Suite

True Colors: Discovering Your Leadership Style

Monday, January 23, 2-3 p.m., Student Center, Lanier Suite RSVP for all sessions using the calendar at http://gsu.orgsync.com.

Discover Your Passion

Thursday, January 19, Noon-1 p.m., 485 University Center Research suggests that 75 percent of us don't know what our passion is — do you? Through this interactive seminar sponsored by Leadership Development and the Student Alumni Association, discover your passion today and live with a greater sense of purpose and balance in your life. Refreshments will be served following the seminar.