Vol. 79 No. 19 by The Signal

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

WWW.GSUSIGNAL.COM

VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 19

pAINTbALL Georgia State club takes on bruises for glory p. 18

Mr. pANTHER pRIDE How he plans to unite the Georgia State community p. 9

❚ ONLINE EXCLUSIVE ▲ Dr. Jacqueline Rouse Professor of African American History unravels the powerful role women play in civil rights organizations.

Music Review: Blues artist W.L. Bishop visits Georgia State as part of the Courtyard Series.

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▲ Bail Out the Students: Students gather to protest continuing tuition hikes.

❚ Read more at www.gsusignal.com ❚

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

University takes ﬁrst step toward moving into sunTrust building miranDa sain editor in chief

Georgia State has begun the first stage of preparing the SunTrust building for the university’s needs. The university oﬃcially posted a request for qualifications on Jan. 9. The request seeks the credentials of potential contractors for a $3 million renovation to the building funded by the Board of Regents. The renovation, in its first phase, will be centralized to the sixth floor and eighth through the 12th floors, each approximately 14,500 square feet. The renovation looks to “refit [the] floors, [the] low voltage network” and update the mechanical controls throughout the building, according to the request. The new spaces created by the renovation will consist of oﬃces, conference rooms and some special use areas. The university is hoping to minimize the costs of the interior refit by “reusing ceilings, flooring, and as much as possible of [the] walls and other finishes.” The refit “will be limited to patching and matching existing finishes as much as possible, and there are no plans to replace the ceiling, floor finishes or

continued on p. 3

US!

students seek food stamps for ﬁnancial aid

❚ neWs ▲ University

tiffanie smith staff Writer

Senate changes the definition of “student;” Becker praises Deal p. 2

&LiVinG

❚ arts

A look at the pros and cons (and costs) of dorm life vs. apartment living p. 14

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❚ sports ▲ Despite changes and obstacles, Men’s tennis blasts off with a slam

Hi 61

THUR Hi 63

only about half of Georgia State students graduate on time. -

”

p. 18

WED

“Right now,

FRI

TIMOTHY M. RENICK, ASSOCIATE CHIEF ENROLLMENT OFFICER

Hi 63

Full story on p. 2

With rising education costs and college students looking for new ways to save, more and more students are turning to food stamps, the government program that provides money to those who cannot afford it. At just under $1,700 each semester for the most basic meal plan at Georgia State, students like senior Taylor Smith say food stamps, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP), offer a more appealing alternative than meal plans. “With me being a senior and living on campus for the past four years, I honestly got tired of paying that amount of money per semester just to eat,” Smith said. “I did not even know that I was applicable for food stamps until

continued on p. 3

SO AL

A GUIDE TO ATLANTA NIGHTs

ID NS

The best neighborhoods to make the most of a night out in the city. Full story on p. 11

NEWS

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DAILY NEWs AND cRIME cOVERAGE!

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sUpER sENIORs:

samaria smith staff Writer

Graduating on time may be becoming more of a challenge for students seeking their undergraduate degrees at the traditional four-year mark. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution highlighting, a nationwide average of 60 percent of college students do not graduate within six years. Even more notable, the AJC says, “the rates are far worst at some Georgia schools.” However, Timothy M. Renick, the associate Chief Enrollment Officer at Georgia State University, paints a better picture for Georgia State. “The good news is that more and more Georgia State students are graduating on time,” Renick said. “Over the past three years, the percent of freshmen who graduate within four years has increased every year.” According to Renick, Georgia State has seen some increase in the graduation rate of students within the last three years. In fact, Georgia State’s graduation rate hikes have received a bit of buzz. “Three years ago, Georgia State graduated a total of 5,981 students for the year. Last year, Georgia State graduated 6,943 students, almost a thousand more students than three years ago—a 16 percent increase,” Renick said. “According to the Education Trust, over the past four years, Georgia State has had the second highest increase in graduation rates for underrepresented students in the nation.” While Georgia State undergraduates may want to find a bit of comfort in the university’s progress, Renick notes that there is still much work to be done to improve timely graduations for students. “We need to do much better, though. Right now, only about half of Georgia State students graduate on time,” Renick said. Even with recognizable progress, it seems students are hanging on to the college years longer than the time usually expected. Renick cited some of the increasing financial demands that students encounter these days as possible reasons for graduation delays.

more students graduating later than expected “The biggest challenge Georgia State students face to graduating on time is finances—most of our students work, in many cases multiple jobs,” he said. “Over 50 percent of our students are on Pell grants and almost 90 percent are on some form of financial aid.” He says it is financial demands like these that often make it difficult for Georgia State students to come to school full-time. “When students have to stop out for a semester to earn money or when they have to take fewer credit hours to accommodate a job or limited finances, they are less likely to graduate on time—this is why President Becker has made it his highest priority to raise more scholarship funds for Georgia State students,” he said. Shantia Redd, a five-year senior in the College of Education that has changed her major twice, hopes to obtain her degree at the end of this semester. Redd, who doubts that four years is enough time to gain an undergraduate degree, attributes her extra time here to indecision when leaving high school. “If you come in right out of high school like I did, you might not know what you want to do, and that’s how I’ve ended up being here so long,” Redd said. However, Renick said there are some tips for students that can cut down on the time it takes them to graduate. Students should discuss their plans with an academic advisor since too many students enroll in courses that do not help them graduate. “Second, participate in supplemental instruction if it is offered for you course,” Renick said. Supplemental instruction can help students raise grades by up to half a letter grade, according to Renick. There are also academic skills workshops, held in Sparks Hall by the Office of Undergraduate Studies, that can help students raise their grades..“Students who participate in such workshops are about five times more likely to gain HOPE back again than those who do not,” Renick said. Renick also advises to think carefully before picking a major. Renick encourages students to “participate—go to class, attend your professor’s office hours and review sessions, join a Freshmen Learning Community or become a mentor to current freshmen, join a club, live on campus, get involved in community service,” or “join a research project in [their] discipline.” Renick explains that according to research, getting involved helps students graduate on time.

University senate round-up: Senate changes deﬁnition of “student” chris shattuck news editor

The University Senate voted to amend the definition of what constitutes a “student” last week to allow greater access to university services over the summer. Under the changes, “continuing students” would receive access to university services over the summer, even when not presently enrolled, if they are registered for the upcoming Fall semester. Previously, such a student would not receive access to the university health clinic or university housing when not enrolled for classes, for instance. Expansion of Committee on Student Discipline Due to an “increased workload “ of the Committee on Student Discipline, the University Senate voted to expand the total number of faculty members on the committee by three, increasing the total number of members to 14. The Committee on Student Discipline meets to determine the guilt of serious violations of the student code of conduct. Although the Student Judicial Board also deals with violations of the code, only the CSD can rule on matters dealing with academic dishonesty or sexual assault. “We’ve opened up the pool of members that can sit on the

committee simple because we are dealing with so, so many of them,” said Allison Renyi, the chief justice of the Student Judicial Board. “We’re working a lot with athletics because there has been a rise in the number of athletes who have been accused of committing academic dishonesty.” However, athletes aren’t the only ones with honor code violations, according to Renyi. Indeed, the University Senate also considered a motion last Thursday regarding the school’s policy towards the revocation of degrees from those found guilty of plagiarism, in particular graduate students. “There’s also been a rise in the number of grad students who have even received degrees in the past decade that it has come to the attention of the university that parts of their masters or doctoral theses might have been plagiarized, and those degrees are now in question,” Renyi said.

funded as a priority, as opposed to years previous. “It’s a small thing in there, and it has no dollar signs attached to it, but the governor said very clearly that he has confidence in the University System of Georgia. This is very much a positive because in the political framework of the last few years that has not always been the view of the Hill,” Becker said. President Becker also briefed the University Senate that the school would be trimming down its budget by two percent, per the governor’s request, although the cuts would not be as drastic as other years where the school did not have advance warning. Finally, President Becker called the restoration of formula funding and special project funding into the state higher-education budget “very important” and necessary for continued growth, although he said he still hoped for salary raises for public employees this legislative session.

President Becker praises expected state funding with exceptions President Becker began the meeting by discussing the Georgia Legislature’s new session and the funding implications for the university. Becker praised Governor Deal’s recent “State of the State” where the governor emphasized the importance of education funding and expressed his confidence in getting education

Georgia State will accept foreign credits In an effort to become “welcoming to students from around the world,” the university will now begin to grant credit for foreign subject examinations, beginning Fall 2012. Similar to the rationale for the university to accept credit for high scoring International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement exams, the Oﬃce of Admissions will receive score re- continued on next page

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

NEWS | THE SIGNAL

Studentʼs car stolen from Turner Field terah BoyD associate news editor

After a long day of classes, one student returned to Turner Field only to find his car stolen last week, according to police. The crime report states that the student, unidentified by The Signal by press time, parked his 1994 Honda Accord at Turner Field at 11:30 a.m. When he returned at 5:23 p.m., his car was gone. A later search of the lot yielded no vehicle. “We’ve had cars stolen, but it’s not often,” said Carolton Mullis, the deputy chief of the Georgia State University police. Mullis says that city wide auto theft has increased over the last couple of years, but on-campus auto theft it is still unusual. “I don’t know if this is the case,” said Mullis, “but a

lot of older cars are being used for scrap metal.” Junior Stephen Beal also uses the Turner Field lot and was not surprised to hear that a car was stolen. “I’ll tell you why,” Beal said, “it’s because the one cop watching the whole lot is sitting in their car on their iPhone the whole day. I don’t feel safe.” He said that because the parking and bus program is a free service to students that the security is not a priority to the university. “I just think there is a lack of caring,” Beal said. “By (students) not paying them to park in one of the other lots, you’re on your own.” Beal also thinks that the theft could have been prevented. “They sit in one spot, and they don’t patrol. Yeah, if someone’s going crazy they’ll do something. We’re supposed to be out of there before five o’clock, but a lot can happen before five.”

continued from front page someone told me about the site and to apply to see if I would get it. Since then, I have saved a ton of money.” The Department of Family and Children Services cites that the program is designed to assist low income households that do not have the resources to provide adequate food. However, many college students also qualify for the program. Generally, two qualifications are necessary for a person to receive aid. First, the applicant must demonstrate proof of no or low income employment. Second, they must show proof of residency in the state or county of which the student is applying. “The application process is really simple,” Smith said.

“Once I applied, about two weeks later I received the card in the mail with about 200 dollars worth just for food, and the good thing about it is that I get one every month.” It appears more and more people are applying. Nearly one in five people rely on food stamps in Georgia, and there has been an 87 percent jump in the program since the recession in 2007, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Overall, Americans will pay $65 billion to fund the SNAP program this year, more than double what it cost in 2005. However, freshmen Darryl Moore says he doesn’t mind paying more tax money to keep food stamps. “I currently don’t have food stamps, but I am definitely going to apply,” Moore said. “I don’t mind paying more taxes because I know that it is going for people that are in need.”

A report was filed for Theft. At 11:10 a.m., the complainant, a GSU faculty member stated that she had $150 cash in her desk drawer on 1/10/12. She noticed it missing on 1/19/12. No other items were missing from her desk.

aderhold Learning center

A report was filed for Disorderly Conduct. Officers responded to a call of people shouting in the building and disturbing classes. The officers made contact with three GSU students (currently not enrolled for spring semester) that were passing out flyers about Occupy Atlanta. The students were repeatedly asked to leave the building which they did after four requests. They were advised of the Campus speech policy and told that they were in violation. They left the area without further incident. Officers issued two Non-GSU individuals a Criminal Trespass Warning. While on patrol officers observed three individuals smoking what appeared to be marijuana. The suspects were identified as two non-GSU individuals and one student. A criminal history check was conducted with negative results. The two non-GSU individuals were issued CTW’s and escorted off campus without incident.

january 18 turner field (Blue parking Lot)

A report was filed for Motor Vehicle Theft. At 5:23 p.m., the complainant, a GSU student stated that he parked his 1994 Honda Accord at 11:30 a.m. and went to class. When he returned at 4:45 p.m., his vehicle had been stolen. The parking lot was searched with negative results. The case is being handled by Investigations.

january 17 Law Library

sunTrust building

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Outstanding Non-Felony Warrant. While on patrol officers observed an individual in the University Center stating that he needed to use a fax machine. The individual was told to leave the area. The individual was then seen in the Law Library. The officer conducted a criminal history check which came back with an outstanding warrant out of DeKalb County. He was taken into custody and transported to Fulton County Jail.

continued from front page existing wall finishes throughout.” “The majority of the building is vacant and GSU does not currently occupy any of the floors in the tower,” reads the request. The request also divulges that four departments will be “moving in with the first phase.” However, it does not name the departments “in case the situation changes.” The renovation calls for a new natural gas generator. While the building presently has a generator, the report says that it does not meet the building’s needs. The 12th floor houses a catering kitchen that will be downgraded, according to the request. The university plans to start the first phase of construction on the SunTrust tower on June 1st. The university hopes that Georgia State departments will begin to move into the sixth and 12th floors in late August or early September and floors eight through eleven in December. Georgia State purchased the SunTrust complex for $55.2 million in late 2006. The complex is comprised of a 27-story tower at 25 Park Place, three smaller buildings and an eight-story parking garage. The complex will be used for classroom space, an auditorium and oﬃce space.

classroom south

A report was filed for Theft. At 11:23 a.m., the complainant, a GSU student stated that she left her cell phone on the armrest of a chair at 9:30 a.m. outside of her classroom and went to class. After class, at 10:45 a.m. she discovered her cell phone missing. The case is being handled by Investigations.

student recreation center

JudY Kim | The siGnal

The renovation will be centralized to the sixth ﬂoor and eighth through the 12th ﬂoors, each approximately 14,500 square feet.

Round-up continued from previous page

chris shaTTucK | The siGnal

january 19

piedmont north

Food stamps

Becker praised the Governor Deal’s recent “State of the State” which emphasized the importance of education funding

urban Life

ports and each department will determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to give credit or not. In 2009, the university instituted a nine percent faculty salary cap, a one percent decrease from years previous, for summer classes to cut costs. The University Senate voted to raise the cap back to 10 percent because of “an improving economy and state revenues, yet given the fourth year of no faculty pay raises,” according to the motion.

The vote passed unanimously. Senate adopts revised promotion and tenure manual. The updated manual improves on the previous tenure and promotion track by adding several more levels of qualification for promotion. Under the new process, each candidate for promotion or tenure must provide a minimum of five letters of reference, a statement on his or her promotional track and a more rigorous evaluation process to include additional standards added into the new manual.

A report was filed for Theft. At 5:09 p.m. the complainant, a GSU student stated she left her belongings in her rental locker on 11/1/11 at 4:00 p.m. When she returned on 1/5/2012 to access her locker, the combination had been changed and cleaned out by the Recreation Staff. She obtained her belongings and found that her iPod was missing and not listed on the paperwork. The case is being handled by Investigations.

university Lofts

january 16

Oﬃcers arrested three GSU students and one Non-GSU student for Alcoholic Possession Under 21Years Old and Possession of Marijuana. At 1:00 a.m. oﬃcers responded to a call of Odor of Marijuana. The individuals admitted to drinking and the non-GSU student admitted to have been smoking marijuana. All individuals were arrested and released on a copy of charges.

john Wesley Dobbs (Lanier parking)

A report was filed for Entering Auto. At 6:08 p.m. the complainant, a GSU student stated she parked her vehicle on 1/11/11 at 9:35 a.m. At 7:00 p.m. she drove her vehicle home and noticed that the contents of her trunk had been stolen. The case is being handled by Investigations.

university Lofts

A report was filed for Battery. The complainant, a GSU student stated that she was struck in the face by her boyfriend, another GSU student. The complainant stated she will press charges. The case is being handled by Investigations.

opINIoNS www.gsusignal.com/opinions

Dear readers, Georgia Rep. Sean Jerguson (R-Holly Springs) will be formally introducing legislation to amend the Georgia Constitutional Act of 2012 aimed at allowing guns on college campuses. The legislation would permit students 21 or over with a valid permit to carry guns on campus. While Rep. Jerguson says the recent increase in crime around Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State did not prompt the legislation, he said it highlights the need for it. However, it is doubtful that the legislation would do much for either campus especially Georgia State. The fact of the matter is that we are located in the middle of downtown Atlanta. We do not have a traditional campus like that of Kennesaw State University or even that of Georgia Tech. To get to Aderhold, students have to walk on public sidewalks and through a public, city-owned park. The definition of what constitutes as our campus at Georgia State is convoluted and murky. The murkiness and intermingling of nonGeorgia State individuals that students do on a daily basis would make this law pointless and next to impossible to enforce. The only difference would be that you could physically have a gun in the university buildings. Also, there is a possibility that the legislation could encourage more spontaneous violence. When college campus shootings occur like that of Virginia Tech, the violence is often premeditated. However, the ready availability of a gun may cause more rash, unpremeditated violence. Therefore, before Rep. Jerguson continues forward with his legislation, he should devise a better plan that might help our university and be more feasible. Of course, he might want to reconsider trying to pass gun legislation when he owns a gun store and shooting range himself.

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 • 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

ow that they shelved the SOPA and PIPA acts we can put down our pitchforks and our torches and return to our thatched-roof peasant lives and pay no attention to our representatives high up in the castle. The truth is there is no better time than now to keep the pressure on the House and the Senate to make sure our privacy is maintained. These times will be seen as the halcyon days of the Internet. The Internet is still an infant, and those of our generation who have grown up knowing it must protect it from being destroyed by the skeletons in Congress. It’s common practice for seat-holding crypt keepers to assign misleading names to bills to get them passed with little resistance. Often these bills are named to give the impression that they protect our freedoms, while usually the opposite is true. Consider the Patriot Act; we know now that the act is unconstitutional, but it continues to be signed into law since everyone is convinced that America will instantly fall to the terrorists without it. Very effective, considering the Patriot Act is so absolutely unconstitutional that the Supreme Court would be required by oath to strike it down should they ever choose to take a case on it. Last year the “Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011” came before the house. It sounds like a no-brainer; do we want to support a bill that protects children from online predators? Yes. Now, what if that same bill also required Internet Service Providers to store the names, browsing histories, phone numbers, credit card numbers, temporary IP addresses and bank account numbers of all of their customers and required them to provide that personal information to law enforcement for any investigation if requested? I spit in your face, you emaciated vampires; don’t use children to play on my emotions so you can trick me into signing my rights away. The same tactic was attempted with SOPA, but it backfired. The idea was that so much was being stolen

Diem nGo Guest columnist

acque Fresco is a social engineer, philosopher, inventor, futurist and father to the Venus Project. He speaks only of righteousness when analyzing current world and social issues, and he comes up with solutions that makes total sense. He gets the big picture, so why don’t we? We live in a world where almost 50 percent of the world’s population lives on $2 a day and where the United States is the highest bidder when it comes to military spending with a whopping $698 billion in 2010. When compared to the secondhighest bidder, China, with $111 billion in military spending, that speaks exponential volume of where America’s real interests lies. Unreasonable spending created a staggering economy that left American citizens visioning a bleak future of political upheaval, but the Venus Project, along with its ideas of socio-cyber engineering could be the light at the end of the tunnel. The project suggests a resource-based economy rather then our monetary system of trading “bonds” for the dollar to the federal reserve. The bonds are of the same value to the borrowed money and are essentially sticky notes of IOUs. Over time, this system depreciated the dollar by means of interest, debt on top of debt. In actuality, the FED has funded America’s foreign policies since 1913, and the people bought into its ponzi schemes of capitalism and democracy. A radical solution to all societal problems, a re-

Clandestine bills that destroy our freedoms via online piracy that something needed to be done. Luckily there are enough people outside of Congress that actually understand how the Internet works that the bill was able to get shelved in time. But now is not the time to sit down about this, Congress has tried to use bills with confusing and misleading wording in order to get what they want previously, and they will do it again. SOPA and PIPA are by far not the last bills that we will see of this kind. Even now, in the aftermath of the public outcry, there are more bills in the works. Now there is the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) here in the United States, and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that is going before the European Union Council. I’m not entirely sure how to view this display of tenacity. Are these world leaders personally losing millions to Internet piracy? Are they honestly that concerned about the money being lost by music artists and movie-makers to try and pass these bills so incessantly? Or is this actually some sort of devious plot for control of the flow of information on the Internet? Leaders worldwide are grasping at the strings of the Internet and trying to bend it to their will, but time and time again those who work to keep those strings untangled are tugging back. Popular websites such as craigslist.com, Google. com, Wikipedia.org and reddit.com blacked out or displayed messages on their front pages on the 18th to protest SOPA and PIPA. Similar online protests are in the works for new pending legislation. It’s important for citizens to take part in protesting these bills. Read about how they can affect you in your daily life, sign petitions and write or call your Congressman and talk to them about this legislation. The government fears the Internet, after seeing first hand what it is capable of with the Arab Spring and the Occupy movements. It seeks a power held by dictatorships and communist countries worldwide, it seeks to hold the leash and tighten the collar on the people by regulating their access to information. In the 21st century, your access to the Internet is your way to information, the platform for sedition, the gateway to government and your freedom of speech. Don’t let them compromise the First Amendment any more.

The Answer:

a resource-based economy source-based economy, allows all life on earth to live sustainably by means of using technology, science and resources in a humanistic and intelligent way. Protecting and restoring our environment and providing for all the world’s people are the top priorities in this society. Ignorance and hostility thrives on the inequalities of man. So, naturally, when equality becomes prominent, the whole crime spectrum becomes irrelevant. When technology is used correctly, this can also eliminate blue and white collar jobs, leaving the nine to five to machines. Education is free, not rationalized, and war, homelessness, recessions, depressions, genocide, environmental concerns, poverty and taxation are out of the equation in this type of society. No, this is not communistic utopia and it certainly isn’t the singularity either. A resource-based economy is simply an alternative that should be up for consideration because our malignant and apathetic behavior will one day finish that grave we started digging approximately 150 years ago. Not only does it take great effort to physically create Jacque Fresco’s Venus Project on a worldwide scale but it also means rehashing the way society thinks in terms of money and shifting from materialism to resourcefulness. I know this is hard to grasp but isn’t it possible for humans to one day transcend our animal instincts that hosts imperialistic behaviors by means of utilizing modern science and technology in the most optimum way for problem solving?

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

opINIoNS | THE SIGNAL

YOUR vOiCE YOUR OPiNiONS

THE SIGNAL STAFF

eDitor in chief

miranda sain signaleditor@gmail.com sabastian Wee signalseniored@gmail.com mishall rehman signalmanaging@gmail.com

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The Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act were recently postponed from being passed through Congress. These acts would have given the government the ability to control and regulate the internet. Do you think the government should have this power?

sports eDitor associate sports eDitor proDuction eDitor assistant proDuction eDitor photoGraphy eDitor opinions eDitor sociaL meDia speciaList copy eDitor aDVertisinG coorDinator

“I think that if somebody doesn’t regulate things like that, then it gets out of control. I think somebody should be in charge of it, but we should still have the freedom to do what we need, unless it becomes an issue of violence or crime, then that’s when they move in. But other than that, they should have [it].”

“No, because even though they don’t mean to, they are eventually going to infringe on the First Amendment [and] the right to freedom of speech. I know their main purpose is to stop pirated movies and stuff like that, but […] it’s eventually going to infringe on someone’s freedom of speech.”

“Oh never, I don’t believe that at all. I think [the acts] should definitely be repealed. I actually signed a petition online, I found it through a facebook link, and it actually opposed that bill. Hopefully it gets stopped. “ - jeffrey savier – exercise science

- alecia hudson – Biology

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“Yes, stopping piracy is a good thing.” - moses rentapalli– computer science

“No I don’t, because it doesn’t give people a chance to express themselves or get a chance to do what they want to do.”

“I think there is reason for it due to the piracy that goes on, but I am a fan of Wikipedia, so I kind of do oppose it.”

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CORRECTIONS

• •

Jan. 17 issue: The article “Immunization holds cause registration problems” was written by Tiffanie Smith, not Alexis Smith. “Making an Impression”-- photo of Dr. Larry Berman is incorrectly attributed to Davis.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

opINIoNS | THE SIGNAL

Letters to the Editor

PICTURE of the WEEK

While I applaud the sentiments (expressed by a letter writer in the Jan. 17 issue) that there is magic in live theater, I can’t agree that theater in Atlanta is “broken.” While I have not always been happy with the selection of seasons (particularly at the Alliance), in recent months alone I have enjoyed some splendid evenings seeing “Antony and Cleopatra” (Georgia Shakespeare Festival), “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Desdemona” (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern) and “The Green Book” (right next to Aderhold at the Theatrical Outfit). In the next week or so I hope to see “Avenue Q” (at the Horizon) and “Next Fall” (at Actor’s Express). Yes, there’s nothing like live performance, and Atlanta may not be New York or London, but we have a lot available to us. My suggestion, if these theaters are to build the audiences of tomorrow, is that they reduce the ticket prices for the students of today. It’s called “Investing in the Future.” Laurence fenneLLy post-baccalaureate student -- undecided

Ashleigh Atwell’s article on drag life in Atlanta was very interesting, and I had wished that it was longer and featured actual pictures of Georgia State students in drag. I have to say though that I believe that her use of “she” was incorrect. Those who dress in drag are still very much so men and should be referred to as “he.” They only perform impersonating women. Their characters are “she” but when referring to how these characters had been created, to what city did they live, moved to and who mentored them in their careers they should have been referred to as “he” because indeed it was a man who “went about” such a journey and career. If the people featured identified as transgendered then that would have been appropriate, but they do not. Atwell should have made such a distinction between drag queen, transsexual, transgender, etc. But instead referring to them as “she” even in their daily lives was misleading. Drag Queens don’t want to actually live like a woman. Gay men do not want to be women. Being a woman is not a choice. Being gay is not a choice. After a Drag Queen walks off stage he gets to enjoy male privilege. Being a Drag Queen and making a career out of it, actually, is something a woman could never do, because she is a woman.

sherrY d. Widner

I took the photo in May 2010 when I went to Alaska for my nephew’s graduation. It was taken from the Seward Highway, which runs from Anchorage, Alaska, south to Seward, Alaska. The photo was taken about 25 miles or so south of Anchorage. The view is across Cooks Inlet towards the Kenai Peninsula. Don’t have a specific name for it except “Beautiful”. That pretty much described it for me.

Submit your work! 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.

DemajaLi West

The Distinguished

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Captain mark Kelly faced the toughest challenge

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Mr. panther pride Georgia State’s Brandon “Frenchy” French paints Atlanta “blu” nicoLe hoLman staff Writer

While the football team is on the Georgia Dome field, the stands are filled with hundreds of school-spirited students in their panther gear and their faces painted while belting out, “We in the city/ We gon’ paint it blue!” From what song do these words originate? Any panther on campus would tell you they are the lyrics to “Blu-Blitz” by senior and Panther Pride leader Brandon French, better known as Frenchy. What was it like to hear his song being played through the loud speakers of the Georgia Dome amongst thousands? “Two words,” Frenchy said. “Life changing.” While walking through campus, people frequently call his name and wave to him, occasionally giving a hug or hand shake. It is quite clear that Frenchy has become a campus celebrity. Most people would agree in one way or another that he has single-handedly raised the school spirit on campus. However, he is quite humble and still awed by students’ reactions to him. Mr. Panther Pride himself described how he became so school-spirited, his accomplishments after his growing popularity and new projects in the works. “I didn’t know that people felt that strongly about what I’m doing. I definitely feel I’m playing a big part, and I think it’s because of my role,” Frenchy said. “I’m a student and the students make up the school. So as a student, I feel like I’m setting the example and in the best position to be an inspiration and inspire people to be more school spirited.” Although he inspired the university to embrace their panther pride with his songs, he admits that he, along with most of the campus, was not always school-spirited. “Before football, I wasn’t school-spirited,” Frenchy said. “The only Georgia State merchandise I had was a couple of GSU hoodies.” Now he can be seen regularly wearing blue from head to toe with his signature face paint. If it wasn’t for a hospitality class assignment that inspired him to write and produce “Blu-Blitz,” he probably wouldn’t be the diehard Panther he is today. In addition to his popular Georgia State anthems “Blu-Blitz” and “Bleed Blu,” Frenchy has written three other songs for the school and is currently working on another one. “I plan on having a whole album for Georgia State,” Frenchy said. Frenchy has been making music since he

was six and started recording when he was 14. He shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. He even plans on continuing to make music for the school well after graduation to keep Panther Pride alive. “I think now that I have the role of Mr. Panther Pride Leader, I’m always making music. I like to touch people with my music and write about something that will get a response from somebody or something that people would feel. So I feel like since I’m in this position, I think I’d always write songs for the school,” Frenchy said After seeing the effect he had on the Georgia State community, Frenchy has found his calling: uniting people. His love for building relationships between people prompted him to create an online society he calls the “ProgressioN.” “I wanted to find a way to bring people together and make them feel like they’re a part of something,” Frenchy explained. “What it promotes is world unity, inspiration and amplification.” The logo consists of three purple rings that symbolize each promoted aspect. “I represent the ProgressioN, and I live by it everyday,” Frenchy said. “I use those same ideas with the ProgressioN, and I apply it to Georgia State.” Between classes and music making, Frenchy takes his passion another step. The Get Down Crew, also known as GDC, that he created through Facebook, connects freshman in the Georgia State community. In this group, members of all classifications post pictures, videos and many other interests while forming friendships. Frenchy also has another group called CTDT, College Town Down Town, which was named after the tailgating event that got him recognized in April of 2010. Through this group he creates graphic design photos of students with Panther Pride themes. GDC and CTDT collectively have almost 400 members. For Frenchy, school spirit stretches way beyond attending football and basketball games. Although he has garnered a great amount of attention and followers, he aspires to write more music and positively influence others. “School spirit is more than just sports,” Frenchy said. “There have been a lot more people that have gone to more games than me. School spirit should be a panther thing where every day you come on campus with pride for our school.”

saVannah Keo | The siGnal

brandon French, more commonly known as Frenchy, has been a vanguard in Georgia state school spirit, inspiring people to love the university with his songs.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

Atlanta

nightlife

Zack Kraimer Associate Arts Editor

For as big and wonderful a place as Atlanta is, it’s not one of those cities (like, say, New York) where you can simply pick a Point A and party all the way to B without some folks showing you the stops along the way. Many think that Buckhead and VirginiaHighland are the only Atlanta districts with a pulse after dark, and while those neighborhoods have their respective purposes, there are far more exciting locales for twenty-somethings in this town. Little Five Points is a great neighborhood to start off a night in the city, especially at either the Porter Beer Bar or ELMYR. They’re pretty different, but they’re definitely two of the best places in the neighborhood. Try the Porter if fine beers and gourmet

pub grub is your thing—their beer selections comprise the bulk of their menu, and they rotate their specials often. It looks small from the street, but there’s a deceptively large back room at the end of their long, narrow bar space. ELMYR is just down the street, offering up killer burritos and cheap drinks late into the night. Their burritos are anything but conventional, so if you’re into that try the addictive pad thai burrito. The decor is one of the coolest things about ELMYR; the walls are custom-painted with all kinds of craziness, so at the very least there’s something cool to look at while waiting on food. Besides the affordable food, Little Five offers plenty of great places to go out and watch live music like the Star Community Bar, the Variety Playhouse and the Five Spot. However, the night shouldn’t end there.

Just down Moreland Avenue from Little Five Points lies the East Atlanta Village, known colloquially as the EAV. It’s easy to hop around to different bars in this neighborhood, and it’s relatively compact so there’s not too far to go. The E.A.R.L. is a safe bet to start off in the EAV, especially if a good band is playing—it’s one of the best music venues in the city, so that’s usually the case. They have a great jukebox, and the food is pretty decent, too. It certainly doesn’t hurt that their drinks are ver cheap. The E.A.R.L. is right across the street from the popular East Side Lounge, whose drinks are a little pricier. They have a tiny upstairs venue area that sometimes holds shows, but dance parties are more their style. There are tons of bars crammed into the EAV, but some stand out above the rest. The bar and venue

known only as 529 is a surefire place to find a good time, but it caters to a more particular type than the E.A.R.L. It’s a tiny spot, so be ready to be packed like sardines, but great bands roll through all the time and the cover is usually cheap if not free. The patio at 529 overlooks the Flatiron Restaurant & Bar across the street, which makes it especially easy to float between the two. The nearby Midway Pub is a fun spot to close out an evening in the EAV—it’s got a long beer list, a more chilled-out atmosphere and enough board games to entertain a bus full of kids going to church camp. If you’re anything like most of the people that frequent these neighborhoods, you’ll be feeling a little hungry as the bars start to close. Late-night dining options in the EAV, like Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand, are gems of the city that are perfect for a

night out. Luckily, Atlanta’s a big city with a lot to see and eat. The legendary Majestic Diner is one of the only 24-hour restaurants in the city, and it’s definitely one of the best among them. It’s a short trek by car, and it’s well worth the wait you’re sure to find in the wee hours of the morning. Sure, it’s just typical diner food, but what else would you really want at 4 a.m.? Note that this is just one of many ways to explore our city at night—it’s a plan that has withstood the test of time, but it’s not for everyone. For instance, if you’re into clubbing you’ll probably want to spend the night hopping around Midtown. However, if you enjoy live music, good food and beer(as long as there’s a designated driver) and a night out that won’t necessarily break the bank, you can’t fail with this guide.

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

01 Organismo Adron My Name is Mochipet 02 Hello Mochipet

Brother Loyola

05 RIVKA RIVKA Crush EP 06 First Sabrepulse Yes 07 Things. M+A Weekend 08 Strange Porcelain Raft Nth º 09 The OVERWERK Go Eat the Factory 10 Let’s Guided By Voices La Grande

Laura Gibson

in Heaven 12 Smoking Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis

cApTAIN bEEFHEART

Bat Chain Puller

Jessica Jalbert

On 04 Switched Mr. Chop

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

Rhythm for Days Proh Mic

Earn 14 The yU Electrique 15 Drogue Magnetix All the Monsters 16 Free Bats In Us 17 Alive Darkness Falls & What Army 18 You Tanya Morgan Revancha En Cumbia 19 La Gotan Project Future 20 No Wax Idols

Zack kraimer associate arts editor

Reissues of old records are commonplace today, but first-time releases of long-since recorded albums are seldom seen. That’s exactly the case of Bat Chain Puller, Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band’s lost would-be opus that was shelved after its production in 1976 due to a conflict between the producers and the label. Released to coincide with what would have been Beefheart’s 71st birthday, the man otherwise known as Don Van Vliet recorded this album with his close friend Frank Zappa as co-producer. Some of the tracks were later re-recorded for other records, but this is the first time that this material has been properly mixed and released in its entirety. Given that these tracks are regarded by many as Beefheart’s return to his most significant work after a career lull, Bat Chain Puller’s release is no small matter. Beefheart’s material won’t fit under any one-genre label, and the same is true for this quirky, sometimes confusing record. Elements of psychedelia, bluesrock, bebop jazz and spoken-word poetry are all prominent on Bat Chain Puller, and no two tracks are very much alike. The poetry is especially prevalent, which seems strange until considering that Van Vliet spent much of his career as a distinguished poet. While poetry isn’t what most modern

listeners search for on a record, it’s important in the context of Van Vliet’s career and as an indicator of what “avant-garde” meant as it pertained to music in the 1970s. Beefheart’s voice is dynamic, and it proves to be one of the most interesting components of the record. It ranges from Howlin’ Wolf-inspired blues roars to gruff speech, and it allows for a lot of artistic freedom among the members of the Magic Band. Tracks like “Floppy Boot Stomp” and “Owed T’Alex” showcase the Beefheart that fans adore—full of vitality and foot-stomping blues charm. At the other end, songs like the title track and “Seam Crooked Sam” are somewhat dissonant, focusing more on the “art” side

21 Hollandaze Ondonis, Ondonis Music 22 Live Strange Boys

23 Whatever/Whenever Mark Sultan 24 Cyrk Cate Le Bon Give Up 25 America Howler

26 Weekends pacificUV Parisien II 27 Kitsuné Various Artists of Satellites Remixed 28 City Various Artists

Reinterprets The Music Of Sun Ra

Affectionate

Varous Artists

Venetian Snares

kenDaLL harris staff Writer Given to the Wild is The Maccabees’ third album, which has already gotten a lot of media praise in their United Kingdom home. They recorded the album over two years and the result was a compilation of beautiful and intricate tracks. Unfortunatel,y the music outshines the lyrical content.

of art-rock. Still others contain no music, like the spoken poem “Poop Hatch,” or no words, like the pleasant piano interlude “A Carrot is as Close as a Rabbit Gets to a Diamond.” While it’s historically significant, Bat Chain Puller isn’t exactly easy listening. It pushes a lot of musical boundaries, even by today’s standards, and can come off as abrasive at times. Don’t write it off too quickly, though— there are a lot of really complex, intricate polyrhythms and song constructions, so it’s a delight for technical audiophiles. Bat Chain Puller shouldn’t be an introduction into Captain Beefheart’s catalog, but for fans it’s beyond essential.

The best track is “Forever I’ve Known,” a desperate plea and apology to a lover. It’s a slow track and the vocals are clearer than in any other song on the album. It has a quiet but driving beat layered over guitar melodies and slowly builds up for an electric conclusion. Aside from this one memorable track, though, most of the songs (like “Child,” “Feel to Follow,” and “Glimmer”) are a bit repetitive and unmemorable, like a pretty song you might hear in the dramatic finale of a primetime show. The repetitive nature of “Child” is more than likely due to its simple melody and coordinating lyrics. On the other hand, “Ayla” takes the freeflowing hippie style of the band to another level, making the song faint and reminiscent of background music that’s haunting until the next song comes on. In other words, instrumentally inclined people may be more likely to appreciate this album, the years of work that went into making it and the incredible amount of layered musical sounds. Listeners who gravitate more towards the lyrics of songs rather than the instrument usage and production quality might have trouble relating to Given to the Wild. This collective project allows all of the layers of music to distract from the heart of the album, which should have been the lyrics.

contraband

REEL reviewS

THE IRON LADY Laura Apperson Copy Editor

“The Iron Lady” premiered in theaters on Jan. 13, leaving viewers with feelings of confusion and disappointment as they exited the theater. The film follows Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister of Britain from 1979-1990, who is most well-known for helping end the Cold War and teaming up with the current president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. The film covers her introduction into politics and the influence of her father’s beliefs to her political career, her rise to the position of Prime Minister and her life after she resigns. Meryl Streep plays Margaret Thatcher, stunning the audience with her remarkable resemblance to Mrs. Thatcher in both appearance and personality. Streep even nabbed a Golden Globe award for her role. However, her spectacular performance outshone the movie itself, which is poorly organized and extremely disappointing. The film functions as a frame story, switching between a progressing story of Mrs. Thatcher as an old, retired woman and flashbacks of her life before, during and shortly after her time as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It opens with an aged Mrs. Thatcher

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

having breakfast with herself in her kitchen. Across the table, another place is set for her deceased husband, who has been dead for several years, and Mrs. Thatcher is talking to a hallucination of her beloved husband. Right from the start, the audience has the perception that Mrs. Thatcher has gone slightly mad from old age, which introduces her character as being very weak. Already the audience has a screen in which to see her through for the remainder of the film. When viewers walk into the theater, they might expect a movie outlining the life of Margaret Thatcher. This is an appropriate assumption, but those who do will find themselves not only misled but disappointed. While viewers will minimally get a rough idea of what kind of person she was and what she wanted to, and did, achieve, the focus is not the political career of Margaret Thatcher. Instead, the movie shines a more glaring light on Thatcher’s personal life. Director Phyllida Lloyd includes a grim and dark aspect of Thatcher’s story. The movie both begins and ends with a reminder that Mrs. Thatcher concludes her life alone as a widow and a halfabandoned mother who ends her life struggling with Alzheimer’s

Brittany Spornhauer Staff Writer

disease. Those who were alive in the 1980’s and already have an opinion about Mrs. Thatcher probably left the theater wondering if their view should change because of the vague, almost dismissing way the movie treats her personal life. Although it has a way of magnifying the struggles of Thatcher during her life, it does so in an incomplete way. Those viewers who do not know a lot about Mrs. Thatcher will most likely walk away with a very jumbled view of who she really was. Margaret Thatcher is displayed as a complex individual that viewers could not fully understand even if they tried, which they probably desperately did while watching the film. “The Iron Lady” makes it unclear whether she was a mother or a politician first. Instead, viewers are forced to either decide on their own or remain in oblivion about Thatcher. The true disappointment of this film is that the talent of Streep lures viewers in and deceives them into thinking that the content of the movie will be more thought provoking than it actually is. Although it is debatable, Streep’s performance may or may not make the trip to the theater worth it for individual viewers, but overall, “The Iron Lady” does not live up to expectations.

“Contraband,” an action film set in New Orleans, introduces Mark Wahlberg as an ex-smuggler named Chris Farraday determined to leave his old ways in the past. The film introduces interesting elements by taking the main characters to the country of Panama, where Farraday is in a race against time to pick up illegal merchandise to keep his family safe back home. Farraday’s brother-in-law Andy (Caleb Landry) fails to complete a drug run, which ultimately forces Farraday to revert back to his old ways. The villain in this storyline, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi) demands millions of dollars in counterfeit bills from Panama in order to mend the damage Andy has done. Briggs threatens to kill his wife and sons if he does not deliver. Since Farraday was once the best international smuggler in the business, he quickly assembles a crew to obtain the counterfeit money demanded by Briggs. When the crew is in Panama, some unexpected obstacles arise minutes from their departure time, creating high energy and suspense among audiences. In the middle of the action in Panama, Farraday’s family is being threatened back home. Fran-

tic phone calls from his wife convince him to notify a friend in New Orleans to take his family in for protection. Although this seems like the right decision a first, it quickly unravels to be a nightmare later in the plot. The money, drugs and violence in this movie is enough to make any viewers’ heart race. Even though this movie presents obvious moral dilemmas, viewers find themselves rooting for the ex-smuggler in hopes of saving his family. Although the film is very fastpaced and is definitely actionpacked, the overall plot is somewhat similar to the film “Gone in 60 Seconds” starring Nicholas Cage. The two movies are similar in plot since the main character is trying to move on from a less-than-admirable past and a younger family member makes a poor decision, forcing the main character to come to their rescue. With this being stated, the overall plot was somewhat predictable. As realistic as the movie was, the good quality of the film and actors is overshadowed by the obvious feeling that you have probably opened this very present time and time again, it was just wrapped in different paper. Unfortunately, the movie is not bad but could have been more original in comparison to others playing currently.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

To live on or off campus A look at dorm life vs. apartment living courtney BoyD staff Writer

Deciding where to live during your college years can be a diﬃcult decision. In fact, it’s one that can make or break your college experience. With competitive housing arrangements on campus, students apply and make housing decisions nearly six months before a move -in date. It is important, then, to consider what options best suit your situation and to ask yourself: on or oﬀ campus?

LIVING ON cAMpUs Georgia State oﬀers several on-campus residences to its students that include University Commons, Freshman Hall, Piedmont North and The Lofts. Nicer and newer than other local campus’ residences, all university housings are fully furnished and provide often overlooked amenities such as central heating and AC. The pros of on-campus living are pretty obvious: proximity, or closeness to the central campus, on-site laundry rooms, safety, no-cost maintenance and security, convenient dining (Both Freshman Hall and Piedmont North feature state-of-the-art dining facilities),

helpful resident assistants and reliable transportation. Not to mention the freedom from parents many young adults desire. “The biggest advantage to living in a dorm is definitely the location. Living in The Commons allowed me to be able to walk to and from school. Living there also made it easier to socialize and meet friends,” said junior journalism major, Ashley Tate. Dorm room residency does have its disadvantages. For an average cost of $3,500 a semester, it can be expensive for the already cash-strapped college student. Unaﬀordability, small room sizes, sharing spaces with one or more roommates, very little privacy and having to move out during school breaks can make for a diﬃcult living arrangement. Unfortunately, neither meal plans or parking are included in housing fees.

LIVING OFF cAMpUs Renting While in college Depending on the area and your desired amenities, oﬀ-campus housing may be the most practical solution to your housing needs. Renting an apartment or singlefamily home with other students is a cost-eﬃcient alternative to dorm living. Generally, renting will give

you a greater sense of ownership, more social freedom and better square footage per dollar. Leasing options are flexible and managers can offer a six-, eight-, 10- or 12-month agreement and revolving move-in dates. The cons? Transportation can be an expensive hassle, utilities are often available separately, maintenance is less dependable and security comes at a higher cost than dorm living. Like on-campus housing, food expenses are not included in housing fees. Since Atlanta is a large, metropolitan area, finding the right off-campus housing can be a daunting task. Georgia State provides a practical search solution via the University Housing website. Of course, living with parents or other relatives is sometimes the most convenient, costefficient and safest option for commuter students. “I wouldn’t mind living in a dorm again if it wasn’t for the expenses that come with it,” Tate added. “Living at home has saved me a lot of money on things like the cost of a dorm or apartment itself, food, laundry, cleaning supplies, etc. My family home is in Decatur so it’s a short 15-minute train ride away from campus.”

JudY Kim | The siGnal

mathematics major Zachary six and marketing major lucas leao hang out at their studio in the muse’s loft apartments with their friend, arianne deburro.

“I wouldn’t mind living in a dorm again if it wasn’t for the expenses that come with it.”

Georgia State University Discount Student Parking Daily, Semester, and Mini-Mester 4 Convenient Locations

January 28, 2012 7 p.m. to 12 midnight

DANCE TRUCK DANCE PARTY with DJ Santiago Páramo CARNIVORES SWEET RELIEF Warhol Factory Photobooth Calder Jewelry Making Pollock Drip Painting Duchamp Readymade Gallery

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

Jan. 24

Student Success Workshop: To Read or Not to Read Do you feel overwhelmed when looking at a textbook required for your classes? This workshop offered by the office of undergraduate studies teaches skills needed to effectively re textbooks. Lucerne Suite, Student Center // 12:00 p.m. Courtyard Series Concert: W.L. Bishop Bishop’s live performances show great breadth in style and depth lyrically. From the bluesy heart of songs such as Vegas and Old Man Williams to the traditional lyrical stylings of Stories and Time and Days, his performance brings the audience close while keeping them on their toes. Soulful harmonica playing can be found amongst the tunes as well, making appearances for soul-drive movements amidst the warming vocals. Courtyard Stage, Student Center, First Floor // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 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

CALENDAR 2012 Convocation speaker. In addition, the MLK Torch of Peace and Hosea Williams Award winners will be recognized. Student Center Ballroom // 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 26

Lunch & Learn: The Next Boom – Plan Your Future! Learn about vital trends in evolving demographics, technologies and globalization both in the U.S. and abroad. Limited seating, RSVP with rsimien@gsu.edu University Center, Room 245 // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 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 // 12:00 p.m. 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 crowd-reliant 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

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ordinary. 488 Flat Shoals Avenue//$5//8:30 p.m Off The Edge Take the leap into a week long program of cutting-edge contemporary dance curated by Atlanta’s own dance visionary Lauri Stallings of arts collaborative gloATL and featuring, among others, the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Gallim Dance, Keigwin + Company (or simply K + C), and Zoe|Juniper. With unique programs each night, this inaugural Contemporary Dance festival is one event that lovers of dance will not want to miss! Rialto Center // 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 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.

Jan. 28

Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience These rock icons are coming to Variety Playhouse in Atlanta for one night. This dynamic band don’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

Management Trainee and Internship Career Fair Attention upcoming graduates seeking career and internship opportunities. Here is your chance to meet and network with various recruiters! Dahlberg Hall // 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 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 allnight party. 1245 Glenwood Avenue

Feb. 2

Adron w/ Spirits and the Melchizedek Children, We the Lion Local pop darling Adron has a knack for drawing crowds in her hometown. Come join one for a night at the E.A.R.L. and see

what everyone’s been jabbering about. Chances are you won’t be disappointed. 488 Flat Shoals//$7//8:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

Hollyfest IV ( feat. the music of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper) Do you like Buddy Holly’s timeless music? So does everyone else. Come enjoy it with the tunes of his contemporaries at the Star Bar (plus cold beers, sans fiery plane crash). This event takes place at Star Community Bar. 437 Moreland Ave.//$10//9 p.m.

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 on the cheap, this is the event for you. 488 Flat Shoals Avenue

Feb. 10

Ruby Velle & Soulphonics w/ Cherry Royale Let’s cut to the chase—you don’t want to miss this. In an age of blueeyed soul revivalists, here are some that are doing it right. Two words can effectively sum this E.A.R.L. event: soul power! 488 Flat Shoals//$10//9 p.m.

Thrifty Corner | Your guide to Atlanta life on a dime Alicia johnson Arts & Living Editor

As a college student, numerous hours are spent investigating the nightlife of whatever city or small town perhaps, your college dwells in. Georgia State students might not realize how lucky they are to have a city like Atlanta at their fingertips to take advantage of, or maybe they simply don’t know how. A night out can get expensive, so here are some reminders and tips to keep the fun flowing but the money still in your pockets.

1. Cash only

Whenever there’s a debit card in tow, it’s easier to swipe, thus it’s easier to spend money. Stick to the oldfashioned currency to ensure that you only spend what you have.

2. Taxi or Marta

Besides the obvious fact that it decreases the annoying probability that you’ll be the designated driver, parking is costly. Most night spots in Atlanta hike up parking rates for events. So, buddy up and spare a few dollars towards a taxi or Marta ticket. It’ll probably come out cheaper than a $15-$20 parking bill.

3. WWW

Take advantage of Internet sites like livingsocial and scoutmob. You’d be surprised at all of the deals that will sometimes cut your restaurant bill or ticket price in half. They’re available via mobile app and are accepted at many spots around town from swanky venues to McDonalds. Most of them provide a discount for the entire table, so keep the cash only tip in mind.

4. Go local

This can be taken two ways. Exploring the nightlife in your own neighborhood could eliminate your need for transportation and give you more time to be merry. However, going local also refers to the entertainment you seek. Many people who go to concerts simply like to hear live music, preferably good music, so look up local artist that are playing at a venue before time. If you like their music, go see them at a place that will probably offer a free or extremely low cover. Luckily, in Atlanta venues like 529, Masquerade, E.A.R.L. and countless others host local bands several nights of the week.

5. Appetizer

Serving portions at most restaurants lead to taking a to-go box and a heavy stomach home. If you’re out and about you want neither of those, so an appetizer or tasting plate, depending on the style of food, is the smartest, most cost-effective choice. Appetizers also allow you to split the cost with a buddy for even more of a save.

6. Early bird

Starting your night out a little earlier can save a lot of money if done right. Most restaurants offer meal and drink specials that end right before their dinner hours start around 8 p.m. If you eat before then, you can get to the club/venue earlier (increasing the likelfhood for a free cover), and all you’ll need is a cheap snack or dessert to get you through the rest of the night. Stay thrifty out there!

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

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Students prep for intramural basketball season ismaeL suareZ staff Writer

Throughout the previous basketball intramural seasons and tournaments, players have played each game with passion and there has been a high level of competition. Now that a new season is starting, it does not seem like it will be an exception. Rodney Edwards, player from last year’s men’s division A champion, “Play Hard”, said that he is “excited about intramurals starting again.” “The team is ready to get out there and repeat the win from last year,” he said. “My favorite thing about (basketball) intramurals is the competition, exercise and the therapy of getting away from work and school,” Edwards said. The league is amateur and many teams do not really prepare for the games, outside of a few pick-up games in the Recreation Center. However, the level of competition can be extremely high and the atmosphere can be “hectic” sometimes, as Edwards

described it. On the court, players put a lot of passion into the game. Edwards remembered his first intramural semifinals where he was on the losing side and had to stand the fact that his team was penalized with four technical fouls in the last two minutes of the game. “During intramural semifinals in my freshman year, this (referee) was calling everything for the other team and we had to stop one of my teammates who almost started an altercation,” Edwards said while laughing. Every player in the league comes out with everything they’ve got to come out victorious and be prized with some interesting awards such as playing in a southeast region tournament where all the best intramural basketball teams from each school get to compete against each other. In addition, last year, the top players from the men’s league were put into an All-Star team and played Georgia Tech’s All-Star intramural team at Philips Arena right after a Hawks game. According to Edwards, Play

Hard is really motivated for this year due to some of their past experiences in the league. “Last year, they did not choose any of our players to play for the All-Star team until we asked them to.” He said. “Small things like that give us motivation to start off this season.” High competition in the league and exciting games was just what the creators of the league were looking for when they started it. “The purpose of intramurals is to give students an opportunity to exercise and release from stress while having fun.” Andy Hudgins, Assistant Director of the Department of Recreational Services, said. “We give players the opportunity to play basketball at a somewhat high level.” Like the previous years, basketball intramurals will be divided into five different leagues: women, coed, fraternity, A men division, and B men division. Games will begin this Wednesday. “Registering is very easy,” Hudgins said. “Just by visiting our website (www.gsuim.com) you can sign up for the sports available.”

JudY Kim | The siGnal

Exercise Science major Rodney Edwards works on his game in anticipation of the upcoming season.

Panthers set to hit the sand 2013 GSU preps for inaugural sand volleyball season Zakkiyya anDerson staff Writer

GSU Sports Scoreboard: Womenʼs Basketball 1/19 vs. Old Dominion L 60-71 1/22 vs. Towson L 52-56

Menʼs Basketball 1/18 @ Northeastern L 57-60 1/21 @ Delaware L 74-77 (2OT)

Womenʼs Tennis 1/21 @ Furman W 4-3 1/22 @ Wake Forrest W 4-3

Menʼs Tennis 1/20 vs. Lipscomb W 6-1 1/21 vs. Old Dominion W 6-1

Georgia State will add its tenth women’s sport with the Georgia State sand volleyball team, coached by current indoor volleyball head coach Tami Audia. Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick announced last semester that Georgia State will join 1520 other schools beginning play in spring 2012. GSU is working to build the new program and will begin play next spring “It is exciting to know that we’re on the forefront here at Georgia State,” Levick told Georgia State Athletics. “We want GSU to be one of the premier programs, and we’re working very hard behind the scenes every day to make that happen.” Joining Audia on the coaching staff will be former Georgia State player Beth Van Fleet who has eight years of professional sand volleyball experience. Van Fleet is ranked fourth at Georgia State for most kills from 1995-1998 with 1,177 kills. Van Fleet told Georgia State Athletics “we have the ingredients to be successful here at GSU.” In her time as a professional sand volleyball player, Van Fleet has worked with the same coaches as Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.

Per NCAA rules Georgia State was granted four full scholarships for the new sand volleyball team. The Georgia State sand team welcomed its first five signees with Jasnsen Button, Sara Olivova, Milani Pickering, Katelyn Rawls, and Nikki Senopoulos. All five of the ladies bring loads of talent and experience to the sand volleyball squad. “Due to this group’s athleticism, ball handling skills and knowledge of the sand game we’ll be a team that makes instantaneous adjustments and executes,” said Van Fleet. The players will be the first to play in the brand new sports complex that is currently being con- GeorGia sTaTe sPorTs communicaTions structed behind the GSU Sports Volleyball coach Tami Audia will also Arena. The complex will hold serve as head coach for the inagural sand three sand courts and will seat volleyball team. 1,250 fans. Other schools that will add Thursday in March and end eight sand volleyball teams in the south- weeks later or at the end of the east are Florida State, College of school year. Charleston, Mercer, Jacksonville Georgia State will be required and UAB. to play eight dates with at least According to the American three dual competitions with a Volleyball Coaches Association the maximum of 16 matches. NCAA will not sponsor a champiCourt volleyball players are onship for sand volleyball until at able to play on the sand team and least 40 institutions have upheld a would function as a two-sport athprogram for two years. lete. Sand volleyball will be played in the spring the same time as softMore information about the ball and baseball, and the Divi- sand volleyball team can be found at sion I season will begin on the first www.georgiastatesports.com.

sports | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012

Men’s tennis starts season off strong despite changes Tiffanie Smith Staff Writer

After hiring a new assistant coach and welcoming four new signees, the No. 65 ranked Georgia State men’s tennis team earned a win in their 2012 season opener and secured their first conference win of the season with 6-1 victories over Lipscomb and Old Dominion. Georgia State, now 2-0, got six straight wins against Lipscomb and notched five single victories against Old Dominion. Freshmen that shined in both of these events were Matias Hatem and Ismael Lahlou. Hatem earned the first singles win against Lipscomb, following Isamel who took a 6-4,6-4 match notching a victory for Georgia State. Sophomore Thomas Cook and Junior Victor Valente helped by getting straight set victories against Old Dominion. The Panthers started their string of dominance with their preseason play at the Florida Gulf Coast University Invite by winning both games. The Invite was hosted at the Three Oaks Tennis Complex and featured Florida Gulf Coast, Georgia

State and South Alabama. During the first day of the tournament, the Panthers posted a 6-2 record in singles following a 5-3 mark in doubles. The tournament did not affect the team’s overall record but did count towards individuals rankings. One player that shined during this invite was Freshmen Jose Ortiz, by going a perfect 3-0 in two doubles and a singles match. Other double winners were Senior Juan Gutierrez, Junior Victor Valente, Hatem and Sophomores Cook and Michael Vallejo. On the second day of the FGCU Invite, the team posted a 5-3 record in doubles and took an amazing eight of nine matches in singles. Despite the accomplishment, Head Coach Chase Hodges says the team can still improve. “I feel that we played very solid tennis this weekend,” said Hodges. “It was evident that we were the best team at the event. We do have many things that we can improve upon and we will get better and better as the season progresses.” Two key players, Valente and Hatem, shined during this event by wining six of seven points to earn a

win over South Alabama’s Romain Bocaert and Christian Kuehne. Both also earned single victories in the afternoon session. “I’m expecting Victor to do big things for us this year,” said Hodges. “He is capable of beating any player in college tennis. Also we feel that Matias will be one of the best freshmen in the CAA this season.” The Panthers have made some big changes to their team before the season started. Scott Curry was recently added to the team as a full time assistant coach this month. Other new additions to the team were four freshmen who came from locations across the world. These newcomers include Sofiane Chevallier, Ortiz, Hatem and Vallejo. As a result, this is one of the youngest teams in the NCAA men’s tennis. “Our goal is to be playing our best tennis in April for the CAA tournament,” said Hodges. “In men’s tennis, the CAA is an outstanding league. We hope to put ourselves in a position to play for a conference championship.” Georgia State will take on Elon Graham Robson| The signal this Saturday in Columbia, S.C. at 10 The Panthers record remains unblemished after dominant performances against Lipa.m. scomb and Old Dominion

Georgia State Paintball Club Braving bruises for glory

Tom Terry III Associate Sports Editor

With all of the preparation, planning and executing in the game of paintball there’s still this one burning question many people have about the sport—does it hurt when being shot with a paintball? “With adrenaline going on you don’t really feel it,” said Michael Waters, president of the Paintball sports club. “When I get home and take my shirt off, my wife would gasp because she see these welts on my back that are the size of quarters. It leaves bruises but you really don’t feel it when you’re out there.” Georgia State University Paintball club, active since 2009, has been a successful part of the school’s sports clubs program. In Paintball, the equipment a player needs is a marker, hopper—use to load paintball into the gun—air tank and a mask. Since a lot of people think Paintball is strictly recreational, in the woods activity with players wearing army fatigues trying to attack their opponent Georgia State Paintball club

The members of the paintball club are all about business when they suit up and hit the playing field.

at will, Waters debunks that notion. “We do something different,” said Waters. “It’s very structured with a lot of different rules. We do five-onfive matches with a five-minute time limit. We play on a field that’s 150’ x 170’ kind of a square field with air-filled bunkers with different shapes and sizes that mirror the opposite side of the field.” When playing capture the flag the objective of the game is to take the flag from the middle of the field and capture the flag to the team’s staring deadbox. This is the place where players go when they’re eliminated. “The easiest way to win is to shoot the other team and take flag when everyone’s eliminated and that’s how it works,” said Waters. With its military tactics, the game of paintball can have a war-like intensity unlike other sports. “With a silent countdown of ten seconds, teams fire hundreds of paintballs in seconds,” explained Waters. During last season stint, GSU Sports paintball club finished 8th during National Collegiate Paintball Association

championship game in Lakeland, FL which includes defeating top ranked North Texas. Also last fall, the team participated in NCPA Mid-south event #1 tournament that was held at Greenville, South Carolina and came in first place but there was a key player that contributed to those wins. “Phillip Fordham has played semiprofessional (paintball), very talented paintball player that knows the game. He thinks paintball and he’s a natural,” said Waters. GSU’s paintball sports club Vice President, Phillip Fordham had lot to do with those victories and loves the game of Paintball. “The competitiveness, there’s nothing like it,” said Fordham. “You get to shoot people and it’s an ‘in your face game.’” Although it may seem that Paintball is only a run and shoot game, Paintball is just as mental as physical. “It’s like chess,” said Fordham. “You strategically place players to where they can get the best shots on others players.” For those who want to join the Paintball Sports Club contact President Michael Waters (mwaters5@student.gsu.edu).

sports | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, january 24, 2012 Jerel Marshall Sports Editor

The casual UFC fan loves nothing more than to see a good knockout, but a hardcore mixed martial arts (mma) fan can appreciate the chess match that happens on the ground or up against the cage as two skilled fighters armed with techniques like the darce choke, arm bar and omo plata go at it. The members of the Georgia State Grappling and BJJ (Brazilian Ju-jitsu) Club fall into the later category, but their fandom doesn’t end when the TV shuts off. This group of gentleman attempt to hit the martial arts room of the rec center anytime it is available for a chance to train. Upon entering the martial arts room, one might expect to find some angry GSU student kicking a Bob XL training doll in the face. But with the grappling club you are more likely to find two calm individuals sparring or “rolling” as some call it. You can almost see the calculated thought written on competitors’ faces as they test each other’s abilities. They constantly make adjustments, trying to jockey for better positioning as they both attack and protect themselves from submissions. The club meets regularly every week to work on techniques from mma, bjj, wrestling, judo and many other fighting disciplines. Eric Heegaard, who helps lead the club in training along with club president Matt Bogenberger, said

GRAPPLING & BJJ CLUB TUNE THEIR TECHNIQUES Sarah Woods | The Signal

Members of the Grappling & BJJ club frequent the martial arts room of the Georgia State rec center to work on new techniques.

he has been fighting his whole life and he has a giant box full of medals, plaques and pictures to support this claim. “I was born in Detroit with two older brothers,” Heegaard said. “So I always tell people, I never chose to fight. I chose to win.” Heegard began wrestling in the seventh grade and has been training, competing and teaching in a number of disciplines for years. He said that the combination of differ-

ent experiences and different levels of previous training keeps the club interesting. “Grappling Club is awesome because we get a great mixture,” Heegaard said. “From people that have never done it to people who have done it for years. We get wrestlers, grapplers, ju-jitsu and judo guys. It’s kind of an open learning forum for everyone.” Some people join the club as a way to stay in shape as they prepare

for competitions. Others, like junior Scott Stinson, participate because it is simply something they love to do. “Even if you don’t compete it will give you confidence in defending yourself,” Stinson said. “It can help your confidence level and help you stay in shape. I love everything about it.” The fans of mma and the combat sports that it consists of all have their own reasons for adoring the sport. Grappling club member, Ju-

nior Daniel Levi is no exception. “You can go anywhere around the world,” Levi said. “You hit someone in the face—I don’t care who you are. It means something right there, right then. So with that being said, that’s why I like this sport because it is the ultimate and most pure form of competition.” Information about participating with the club can be found by visiting the “Grappling and BJJ Club at GSU” facebook group page.

The University Speaker Series presents

DR. MICHAEL CROW National Leader in Higher Education Friday, January 27, 2012 11 a.m. University Student Center Speaker’s Auditorium Lecture Topic: “The New American University” Dr. Michael Crow is a renowned educator and 16th president of Arizona State University. Highly recognized for transforming higher education, Dr. Crow developed “The New American University,” designed to establish a university committed to excellence, access and impact, while pursuing research that contributes to the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

This event is FREE and OPEN to the public. This event is brought to you by the University Speaker Series. For additional information regarding this event, contact Keesha Coleman, kcoleman21@gsu.edu.