Vol. 79 No. 20

tHE SigNAL THE STUDEnT nEWSPAPEr OF GEOrGIA STATE UnIVErSITY SErVInG THE STUDEnTS SInCE 1933

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VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 20

TOP FORM FORE! Brothers use their bond to dominate the green

With a solid 3 - 1 start, the Panthers earn their stripes as they go

TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

Losing HOPE SGA and lobbyists ‘call to action’ terah Boyd associate news editor

Student Government president James Dutton and Janice Barrocas held a ‘town-hall’ style meeting last Monday to discuss the potential for students to sway their congressmen’s upcoming vote on the HOPE BarrocaS scholarship.

The proposal seemed like a simple enough solution: talk to them. But according to Dutton and Barrocas, few or no students have done it.

Barrocas, a lobbyist and law graduate, advocates “HOPE for Georgia,” an organization that strives to keep duttoN students informed about the changes regarding the HOPE scholarship and aids them in contacting their elected representatives.

Last March, the Georgia General Assembly voted to drastically alter the funding structure of the HOPE scholarship and fix payouts to lottery revenues in a cost-cutting maneuver. The scholarship was then divided into a program that paid

Full story on p. 14

P. 15

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SGA considers resolutions condemning “lawful presence,” HOPE cuts

❚ neWS ▲ Occupy comes to campus, huddled under Courtland Bridge P. 2

chriS ShattucK news editor GraHaM roBSoN | tHE SiGNaL

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The Student Government Association considered two resolutions condemning legislation proposed by the Georgia General Assembly that would ban undocumented students and further cut HOPE funds.

Citing a recent resolution by the University of Georgia’s SGA, the Executive Board informed the SGA Senate that they bring forward a bill to challenge the Georgia H.B. 59, which would ban all undocumented students from attending public universities in the state of Georgia.

Last fall, the University Board of Regents voted to ban undocumented students from the top five research universities in the state.

Georgia State was forced to turn down five applicants last semester due to the policy.

“We all have opinions and we all have beliefs

Continued on p. 3

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SPOTLIGHTS Gamer’s revolution creates reality from scratch; Computer Science major bridges the gap between English and computer languages

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NEWS www.gsusignal.com/news

Occupy comes to Georgia State Students rally under rain-drenched courtyard patrick duffy | THE SIGNAL

During the Occupy Georgia State General Assembly meeting under the library courtyard, Hira Mahmood writes down some of the group’s ideas and plans for the movement.

Brittany Spornhauer Staff Writer

Although a rash of bad weather threatened to disrupt the Occupy Georgia State General Assembly meeting on Thursday, a motley mix of students, alumni and Occupy supporters gathered below the library courtyard to discuss how to bring change to Georgia State.

Formed as a splinter off of Occupy Atlanta, “Occupy GSU” seeks to include students, graduates and other associated members of the Georgia State community to get involved with the movement.

At the General Assembly meeting Thursday, the majority of participants were students, although all were encouraged to make proposals on how to demand the University’s attention.

One issue participants singled out was how to convince the university to keep the library open 24 hours a day. One student proposed a peaceful sit-in that would last until the University decided to keep the library open past regular hours, which prompted lots of excitement from the General Assembly.

“

I think the 1% would be President Mark Becker, who makes over $500,000 and has a living stipend.”

- Sara Khaled, junior

Other issues considered included undocumented students, university’s budget cuts, HOPE scholarship cuts and increased tuition and fees.

The General Assembly also discussed social issues outside the walls of Georgia State, such as foreclosures in the community. One foreclosure in particular has motivated the Assembly to march from the foreclosed property to Chase bank in an effort to make a statement.

Members of the General Assembly said they plan to meet on a regular basis, increase in number and take action.

They made particular care to highlight the difference between the “99 percent” and the other “1 percent,” particularly those within administrative roles at Georgia State, such as President Becker.

“I think the 1% would be President Mark Becker, who makes over $500,000 and has a living stipend,” junior Sara Khaled said.

Khaled said other members of the Georgia legislature and the Board of Regents make up the 1 percent that do not represent the group’s interest. Several students felt the Assembly was necessary to avoid the bureaucratic nature between students and University leadership.

Khaled said that she felt the Student Government Association does not represent the students and are too alienated from the rest of the student body.

Many Assembly attendees hope that power in numbers will create a positive change for everyone.

Hira Mahmood, a Georgia State graduate, explained that she is currently in debt $20,000 due to student loans. She said the idea that students are having to pay for the “staged economic crisis” that occurred in 2008 is ludicrous.

Some students like James Walker said they can’t afford to complete their degree in four years but are forced to stop half way through because the cost of tuition and books is too high.

“You get like three years in, and then you have to stop and work really hard, and then maybe come back one day. I can’t call that public,” Walker said.

patrick duffy | THE SIGNAL

(Above) About 100 supporters of the Occupy movement met to discuss their grievances with the university and education system.

(Left) The group was made up of a diverse set of people, including students, alumni, professors and more.

TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

03

NEWS | tHE SigNAL

SGA and lobbyist group organize ʻcall to action’ Continued from front page approximately 90 percent of tuition and another, more academically rigorous program that paid the other 10 percent as well.

The measure passed with the support of the governor and a cash-strapped legislature in desperate need of balancing its budget.

Barrocas claimed that student presence at the capital last March could have made an impact. She aims to help students find legislators, talk to them and make an impact on their votes.

“I’m really interested, with the HOPE for Georgia campaign, in trying to help students understand that they have a dog in this fight,” Barrocas said.

Over the next couple of weeks Georgia budget commit-

“

I’m really interested, with the Hope for Georgia campaign, in trying to help students understand that they have a dog in this fight,”

tees are deciding how they are going to spend tax revenue.

Barrocas said that because not many students are talking to legislators, HOPE is a low priority for additional funding.

“If they don’t hear out of anybody that thinks that line item is important it’s really easy to cut … and policy is nothing without money,” Barrocas said. “The budget process is where the advocacy needs to happen.”

Dutton suggested that the students not only criticize funding cuts but also advocate better solutions so that students do not continue to lose HOPE funding.

“By 2014 [HOPE] is actually only going to fund less than 50 percent of the total cost of going to school,” Dutton said.

“This is why it is so important to us to say not just we are against what you are doing, but here are better solutions.”

Psychology major Melissa Harris said the changes to HOPE have left her scrambling for money to pay for rising costs of tuition, fees and books during the end of her senior year of college when the changes passed.

Harris’ only option to finish her degree was to take out student loans for the first time. Even though the state’s new Zell Miller Scholarship provides complete tuition for outstanding students with a 3.7 GPA and a 1200 or better on the reading and math portions of the SAT, Harris did not qualify.

“There are very, very few people who can hold up that 3.7 [GPA], and I think they know how unobtainable that is,” she said.

In addition to the student loans, Harris now works three jobs to cover the costs of school that HOPE no longer does. She plans to write to her congressman.

Dutton said that Georgia senators consider three or more hand-written letters by their constituents about a topic “an emergency,” which can potentially sway their vote.

“Legislators don’t bite and you vote,” Barrocas said.

and positions on different sides of this issue, but this is our opportunity, either way, whether we act or not act, to stand on a part of history,” Williams said about H.B. 59.

In addition, the SGA heard from an education lobbyist about the HOPE scholarship to start the meeting and considered a formal resolution advising Gov. Deal and the Georgia General Assembly to re-fund the scholarship by considering a variety of potential solutions.

Although the final language for the “Resolution to Fix HOPE” has yet to be decided, the SGA Senate passed a motion to send not less than three but no more than five potential amendments to the sixth line of the proposed document, which covers the relationship between student jobs and academic excellence.

Very similar resolutions will be considered this week by SGAs around the state, President Dutton said.

“This is something that we would like everyone around the entire state as students pass, so that 318,000 students in the University System of Georgia actually are able to come together around this piece of legislation, that says, in essence ‘HOPE is a big deal; education is a big deal,” he said. “There are a lot of different fixes. Pick one and do it.”

Formation of Election Committee

The Senate approved the Executive Board nominees for the Election Commission that will organize the campaign events and promotion for the SGA’s upcoming election cycle.

Per the constitution and bylaws, the commission’s official duties remain totally separate from those of the SGA, according to Dutton. In practice, the commission is responsible for scheduling and publicizing elections and composing campaign rules.

The commission will be made up of one chairperson, Amy Greg, and officers Kareem Alexis, Jodie-ane Johnson, Osato Uzamere and Andrew White.

“I think it’s an important part to be able

January 19

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.

January 26

peachtree center ave./gilmer St.

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual on an Agency Assist.

At 1:00 p.m. officers observed three individuals approaching students asking to use their cellular phones. Officers made contact with the individuals and confirmed an active warrant on one of the individuals. Two of the individuals were escorted off campus without incident and the other individual was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

college of Business

A report was filed for Harassing Phone Calls. The complainant, a GSU staff member stated, at 1:00 p.m. he began receiving harassing phone calls from a GSU Alumni. The case is being handled by Investigations.

5 points garage

January 25

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Entering Auto, Possession-Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Obstruction of Police. At 2:15 p.m. officers observed two individuals loitering around vehicles and attempted to make contact with the individuals. They ran from the area and officers apprehended one of the suspects. Officers also observed a vehicle had been broken into. When officers apprehended the suspect he was in possession of marijuana and several small plastic baggies. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

general classroom Building

SGA meeting round-up Continued from front page

urban life

to have fresh faces in the Senate, to have new fresh voices and to have enthusiasm,” Executive Vice President Elise Laplante said.

Appointment of interim Budget & Finance VP, senator announcements The E-Board named the list of senators up for confirmation at the next SGA meeting following the announcement of their new Vice President of Budget and Finance.

Theo Muhumuza was appointed to serve as the interim Vice President of Budget and Finance since the previous Vice President resigned late last semester to accept a prestigious accounting internship in London.

Nominees up for confirmation by the SGA senate next week include James Sharnico and Alex Dion, representing the College of Arts and Sciences; Brandon Roberts of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and Brianna Alvarez of the Health and Human Sciences.

“The Executive Board and Danielle and Elise put a lot of work into this, but y’all are the ones who decide whether those people are put into office,” said Vice President of Student Life Ben Williams to the Senate.

“We really want you to take the time to go through this process,” Laplante said. “It’s within your right to be able to know who’s going to be coming into the Senate, who’s going to be a viable candidate and who you want to be working with.”

No legislation from SGA senators

During his officer’s report, VP Ben Williams admonished the Senate for their collective lack of new legislation submissions. Executive Vice President agreed with his criticism.

“I’m very pleased that Vice President Williams brought up the idea of legislation to you guys because it is a really important part of what we do here as a senate,” Laplante said.

Laplante said that senators should start with legislation dealing with issues they are personally interested about.

“Find something that you’re interested in, that you feel passionately about, and let’s pass something,” Laplante said.

A report was filed for Robbery by Sudden Snatching. The complainant, a GSU student stated, at 8:49 p.m. an unknown individual approached her and snatched her cellular phone out of her hand. There were no injuries reported. The case is being handled by Investigations.

5 points garage

January 24

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Possession of Marijuana Less Than an Ounce. At 4:57 p.m. officers observed an individual smoking what appeared to be a marijuana cigar. The cigar was confirmed as marijuana. He was arrested, processed and taken to Fulton County Jail.

5 point garage

Officers arrested a Non-GSU individual for Outstanding NonFelony Warrant. While patrolling the area, officers observed two individuals kissing. Criminal history checks were conducted on both individuals. An active warrant came back on one of the individuals. He was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

university commons

Officers issued a Criminal Trespass Warning to a Non-GSU individual. At 6:30 p.m. officers responded to a call of an individual trying to gain entrance to the Commons by asking individuals to sign him in. A criminal history check was conducted with negative results. The individual was issued a CTW for a period of two years and escorted off campus without incident.

library plaza

Officers issued Criminal Trespass Warnings to three Non-GSU individuals. At 4:16 p.m. while responding to a call, officers noticed three males harassing female students. Criminal History checks were conducted with negative results. All individuals were issued a CTW for a period of two years and escorted off campus without incident.

m parking deck

January 23

Officers arrested a GSU student for Possession of Marijuana Less Than an Ounce. At 3:34 p.m. officers observed an individual smoking what appeared to be a marijuana cigar. The cigar was confirmed as marijuana. He was arrested, processed and released on a Copy of Charges.

aderhold learning center

A report was filed for Theft. At 8:55 a.m., the complainant, a GSU student stated that he left his back pack on the bench while he went to the restroom. When he returned 5 minutes later, the back pack (along with contents) had been taken. He searched the area with negative results. The case is being handled by Investigations.

OPiNiONS www.gsusignal.com/opinions

Dear the Georgia General Assembly: We cannot help but notice that some of the same issues that plagued you all last year are resurfacing again this session.

For example, this time last year articles and editorials about the changes to the HOPE scholarship dominated the pages of The Signal. After the General Assembly seemed at a loss to offer a solution, Gov. Nathan Deal swooped in and “saved” the day with his solution – increasing the requirements to be fully eligible for the scholarship. With Gov. Deal’s plan, only those with GPAs of 3.7 or higher and a 1200 or more on the SAT would receive the full scholarship. Those with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.7 would only enjoy 90 percent of the scholarship.

A year later, low and behold, the HOPE scholarship is in trouble again because lottery revenues are still continuing to decline while enrollment numbers continue to increase – the same two problems that were afflicting the program last year.

Also, remember that immigration bill from last session? It pressured the Board of Regents to put a policy in place that banned undocumented students from enrolling in some of the University System of Georgia’s top institutions.

However, the issue of illegal immigration and of undocumented students has arisen yet again for yet another session. The problems have seemingly scared away a promising football player from the state’s beloved Bulldogs. In turn, this result has reignited the issue within the university realm as well as the state realm.

Therefore, as you all sit down this legislative session and craft your bills under the gold dome, we wish you the best success. After all, it is getting a little old having to write editorials about the same issues every legislative session.

As you push forth, we urge you to please consider solutions to the problems and not simply bandage over them. We encourage you to converse with those whom your legislation will effect. Players in the university system last year offered suggestions and solutions to these issues, but were ignored. As voters and effective citizens, please do not make this mistake again in this legislative session so that hopefully we can move on to other issues.

But to end on a positive note…thanks for letting us vote to buy alcohol on Sunday.

From the editorial Board reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors

JameS mcdougald guest columnist

I

don’t know how Newt Gingrich finds the time to campaign for the Presidency while also leading the war against family values in the United States. It seems as if either of those would be a full time job. But, kudos to him; he’s apparently reformed.

Leading into a new election cycle, I’m scared. This man, who had to resign from Congress because of “ethics” has been gaining momentum for weeks, and, after winning the South Carolina primary, he is only picking up more speed. What does he want to do with the job? I mean, Romney has been on television several times explaining his thoughts on corporations, the economy and expressing interest in con-

mileS KeenlySide opinions editor

G

THE COUrTYArD CrAZIES

eorgia State allows anyone who wants to speak here on campus to do so, as long as they stand in the pre designated “free speech” zones.

I don’t have to tell you that often these people are religious zealots, and more often than not can be quite intrusive to a student’s campus experience. They rant and rave and thump Bibles or shout and shout about the worker’s rights and a socialist utopia.

You have to hand it to them, they are certainly motivated and very passionate about the things they come to talk about and you have to respect that. Personally even though I might often be put off by these people’s methods of spreading their word, I fully support their right to do so.

As far as the religious zealots go, I appreciate the effort they are making on my part. If they are honestly that certain that I am hell-bound, I think it is nice of them to at least make the effort to tell me about it. And for the left-wing rabble-rousers, I applaud their motivation to make the world a better place.

Although, I have a bit of a problem when they want me to pay $1 for a communist newspaper. I’m interested in what they have to say, but not in a “penny-for-your-thoughts-here’s-a-dollar” sort of way. And on top of all that they’re selling newspapers, those capitalist dogs!

The thing that bothers me isn’t the people who come here to speak, it’s some of the students who stop and listen. Generally the reaction from the students is admirable. Most students are so used to these sorts of people in an urban environment that they are able to go about their way without being distracted or waylaid too often. Then just when you think that everyone might just get along swimmingly, someone has to ruin everything.

If there is one thing that college students seem to love, it’s being politically correct - and everyone knows it. The most intrusive of the speakers will yell and spit at students, and there are always students on hand to yell and spit back. They seem to get some sort of righteous joy out of trying to shout down the speaker, as if they believe they just got a chance to do battle with ignorance itself. Watch out, it’s a trap.

Gingrich’s BIG idea tinuing to be someone’s boss. The child in his father’s suit has stirred up a froth to keep women, gay people and “blah” people marginalized. What does Newt want?

A moon base. I’m sorry, you’re going to have to repeat that. A moon base!

The fourteen-year-old inside me is violently jumping up and down. Moon base!

Space camp could be on the moon! Field trips could be on the moon! I could be on the moon! Astronaut! What’s the timetable on this idea, President Gingrich?

“By the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the Moon and it will be American,” Gingrich said.

Oh. And the winner for most ambi-

“

I’m thinking particularly of one group, who bring these wonderfully offensive signs to campus.

You may have seen them before, they hate the usual things fundamentalist groups do, like “homos,” “feminists,” “atheists,” “muslims” and so forth, but they also have a few smaller groups of people who they love to hate such as “new agers,” “government recipients,” “ear ticklers” and “sophisticated swine.” Now I’m not sure what an ear tickler is but I’m sure they’re okay in my book. The point is if it sounds too ridiculous to be true, it probably is.

I call it the “Westboro Baptist Business Model.”

There is no coincidence that religious fanatics show up at places where they can elicit furious reactions. They know that students are typically socially progressive, and won’t take too kindly to being told that all the sodomites and drunkards will burn with Mephistopheles.

They want you to get mad, they want you to get furious. They want you to attack them. They want you as a student to somehow give them a reason they can sue the school, most likely for having their first amendment compromised.

So don’t play into their hands. If they seem like they are trying to make people mad, they probably are, so just keep walking. Don’t give con men a chance to leech money out of our university.

“ “

They know that

students are typically socially progressive, and won’t take too kindly to being told that all the sodomites and

drunkards will burn with Mephistopheles.”

What does Newt want? A moon base. I’m sorry, you’re going to have to repeat that. A moon base!”

tious sentence to come from a political candidate ever goes to that quote.

We could have a moon base in less than 8 years? With no shuttle? With no real plan? Oh, I see what happened there. He goes on to mention robots, brain hubs and his wonderful, supportive wife. But, I really couldn’t keep paying attention.

Okay, I gave it a shot, considered it, but the expression “President Gingrich” is not resting easy on my palate. I just feel used now. Does he get away with this frequently? Does he often make these rash statements and go back on them with empty apologies in the future? Only time will tell, but now I have to go console my inner child.

GaGE SkidMorE | WikiMEdia coMMoNS

06

OPiNiONS | tHE SigNAL

matt Stanhope guest columnist

Georgia State has free speech zones in the courtyard, by the student center, under the Courtland bridge and in the Urban Life plaza that allow people to come and speak about whatever they want. What is your opinion on this policy and how do you feel about the people you have seen speaking in these zones in the past?

“[It’s] incredibly good. I think that’s an interesting move to make. I mean generally a courtyard isn’t really a place that people need to be in for a long time. So it’s sort of allowing people turrets that they can get their views out to whoever will listen, which is less circuitous than print.”

“I think it’s a good thing, people should be able to speak about what they want. And it allows us ... to be open to new things.”

- aMika aHME - MaNaGEMENt

- joHN MiLLEr – ENGLiSH

“[Georgia State] is such a diverse school, every one has different ideas and thoughts, and it’s a great way to know what other people think.”

- GENoVEVa riNcoN – EducatioN for MiddLE GradES

“...It gives you a platform for you to speak and express your mind and talk about whatever you want to talk about ... And it doesn’t really hurt to have somebody who’s talking nonsense come and speak because you don’t have to listen to them.”

- rapHEaL raHMaN – uNdEcLarEd

Firearms for Georgia State students

C

urrently only one state in the nation, Utah, allows students to carry firearms on campus. Students packing heat might seem a bit strange, but several other states, including Georgia, are considering lifting firearms bans on college campuses. Many argue that allowing guns on college campuses will increase violence as more students bring weapons to class. Many others argue that guns will help protect students from sexual assault, aggravated assault, armed robbery, larceny and theft. Opponents to concealed firearms on campus need to consider that college campuses are largely open to the public, allowing guns on campus doesn’t change laws concerning who can carry and armed students would deter criminals. Allowing students in Georgia to carry concealed firearms on campus wouldn’t cause an upsurge in violence but instead would create safer campus environments throughout Georgia.

Consider the campus at Georgia State. Most classroom buildings can be accessed by anyone, students must routinely take routes off campus between classes, and such a large campus is not easily patroled by the police. Such an environment is as open to criminals as it is to learning. Opponent to firearms on campus John Woods claims that “there is almost no crime on campus.” Woods’ claim couldn’t be farther from the truth. Look at Georgia State crime rate statistics, which show 781 crimes committed in 2010. Crime will always be present on large college campuses, but creating an environment where students can’t defend themselves from criminals only increases campus crime.

Another claim many make against concealed firearms on campus is that students are too young and immature to carry weapons. Such a claim is baseless due to the fact that lifting a ban on firearms on campus would change nothing about state gun laws. Current laws regarding concealed carry negate the idea that repealing the firearms ban on campuses would lead to immature or unstable students having easier access to weapons.

If anything, the events at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Columbine High School, and North Illinois University showed us that keeping law abiding citizens from carrying guns does not stop criminals from carrying guns. So, how can it be argued that allowing guns on campus will increase crime when the only guns on campus are in the criminal hands? Law-abiding students with guns could, although it is not guaranteed, stop psychopathic school shooters and deter common crimes such as assault and theft. As Robert L. Heinlein said, “an armed society is a polite society.”

Criminals, although anti-social, are still rational agents and would be deterred from thefts, assaults and robberies on campus if getting shot was a consequence for their actions.

Weighing the risks and benefits, it is clear that Georgia should lift the firearms ban on college campuses. Currently we are experiencing all the risks for firearms on campus, considering the ban has not stopped criminals perpetrating crimes, but only the victims, the students, from defending themselves.

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MILES KEENLYSIDE | THE SIGNAL Andy Warhol exhibit at the High Museum on College Night.

TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

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A &L rTS

IVInG

Lisa Ling

www.gsusignal.com/campuslife

Open Heart, Open Mind

On Tuesday Jan. 24, Georgia State held its 29th Annual Martin Luther King Convocation, and in conjunction with the ceremonies, the university invited worldrenowned journalist Lisa Ling to speak about her career and how she learned to open her heart and mind in the name of freedom, peace and justice.

Ling started her career at the age of 18 when she worked as a young international correspondent for Channel One News alongside local Atlanta journalist Anderson Cooper.

From 1999 to 2002, Ling worked as a co-host of ABC’s “The View,” then decided to work abroad and became a host for National Geographic Explorer. She has her own show called “Our America with Lisa Ling” on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The show consists of a variety of stories, all told by different Americans with various backgrounds that seem taboo or mysterious to the majority.

Ling’s extensive 20-year career has taken her around the world and she has covered issues such as bride burning in India, gang rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda and child trafficking in Ghana.

Within the first 10 minutes of being on stage, Ling established three things immediately. “First of all, Oprah is very cool. Everybody wants to know what is Oprah really like and she is very cool, and she’s actually better in person than she is on television because her commitment to try and elevate humanity is unparalleled, at least in my industry.”

Ling then confirmed her sister’s well-being and happiness since her capture and release by North Korean officials back in 2009. Then, she established that she has indeed never done a Charlie’s Angel movie.

She recalled her experiences when reporting in Afghanistan while still in college, and she explained her dilemma of dealing with unreal, shocking situations abroad then coming back to America where people seem to live in this bubble of oblivion. Upon her return, Ling felt that many journalists these days do not seem to conduct substantive reporting about the world on news networks or forums.

“I find it interesting that the people who sit in the news seats on our news channel, they are rarely hanging out with the masses,” Ling said. “They assume that they feel everyone’s pain and I think that’s re-

ally just ingenuous, and I think that the best journalists are the journalists who actually spend time in the field.”

“The highest rated shows on our news network consists of these guys who are yelling at you and telling you what to think,” Ling said. “The most right wing arch conservative against the most arch liberal and they allow each other to just fight it out, and that’s what they call news.

I find that to be incredibly dangerous, that these are the people from who we are getting our news and information.”

Ling, an avid storyteller, reflected on her time spent in China. She opened up about her new show that she hosts on OWN and how blessed she feels that she had received such an opportunity.

“When Oprah started this network, quite honestly, their budget was pretty limited so they said, ‘can you do what you do overseas, but can you direct it more toward a domestic canvas?’ and I jumped in head first,” Ling said.

“Our America with Lisa Ling” has covered topics such as polygamy, extreme parenting and the life of parents with a transgender child, veterans and, most recently, she has covered the lives of convicted felons.

One of her most touching encounters was with a man named Royal Holmes, a convicted felon who served 10 years for auto theft.

Holmes served his time but was unable to find employment because of his status as a convict. Yet with incredible strength, determination and ambition, he earned two fitness certifications, rented a studio in Stone Mountain, Ga., and built all the furniture and equipment from scratch in seven months.

“In so many of these communities, in our own backyard, I actually feel like I’m in another country because there are so little that we actually know about each other.

We sort of go through our day and we interact with the same people,” Ling said. “There are so much diversity and complexity that exists in America, and so for me this has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life.”

Ling hopes to inspire the future journalists of the world.

“My advice to young journalism students is try and read as much as you can,” Ling said. “By being a good listener and exposing yourself to different cultures and going beyond your comfort zone, it’s incredible how much you learn. If you’re hungry enough, and if you love it enough, then you will create those opportunities.”

“

By being a good listener and exposing yourself to different cultures and going beyond your comfort zone, it’s incredible how much you learn.

“

Judy Kim photography editor

GraHaM roBSoN | tHE SiGNaL

Lisa Ling laughs for a moment during her speech at the Martin Luther King Convocation.

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TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

ArtS & LiviNg | tHE SigNAL

Off the Edge SaraH WoodS | tHE SiGNaL

A dancer frolics around the fountain at Woodruff Park.

Dance festival drives the city forward Kendall harriS Staff Writer

In the past week, Atlanta has been the host of “Off the Edge,” a weeklong festival of dance and performances presented by Georgia State University’s Rialto Center, Kennesaw State University (KSU) and gloATL. Georgia State’s campus embraced the arts and shared its appreciation with the city of Atlanta through Off the Edge. The Charles Loridans Foundation gave Atlanta a $100,000 grant for dance celebrations throughout 2012 and 2013.

This has sparked a refreshing new interaction between artists and patrons, bringing them closer together with interactive performances and festivals.

According to Ivan Pulinkala, director and associate professor at Kennesaw State University, “Off the Edge” came together when Leslie Gordon, Rialto Center for the Arts leader, asked Lauri Stallings, an Atlanta choreographer, to curate the contemporary dance festival.

“KSU joined in as a partner shortly thereafter in support of the vision to host Atlanta’s first international dance celebration,” Pulinkala said.

The festival kicked off with a roundtable at the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center, a curated art exhibit in the lobby of the Rialto and various artist-to-artist workshops. According to Pulinkala, the turnout for all of the events has been “excellent.” Rina Schenfeld’s

four workshops had more than 150 dancers in attendance.

“Off the Edge” truly brought itself into the heart of the city. Dancers performed and interacted with audiences in Woodruff Park throughout the weekend.

“The goal of Off the Edge is to propel the city of Atlanta forward with cutting edge artistry in dance,” Pulinkala said. “[We] hope to put the city of Atlanta on the national and international map as a center for dance and contemporary art making.”

The Woodruff Park performances, which lasted for an hour and a half, were like a giant flash mobs split into several groups. There was no real split between the audience and the performers. The performances were incredibly interactive and at times it was difficult to tell who was who. There was a feeling of unity between everyone at Woodruff Park during the performances. No one was immune to the charm of the performers. The dancers grasped the attention of everyone, forcing glances and even people to stop what they were doing to watch.

The performances began with dancers (and audience members) holding onto a string and forming a circle. Once the circle was formed, the performance began. Groups of dancers scattered throughout the park.

Some performers acted more than danced - one project consisted of pairs of performers that stayed within the circle made by the string earlier. The performers, while moving around or sitting on chairs and

SaraH WoodS | tHE SiGNaL

Student performance by choreographer Berand Jackson, a SCAD student studying film/video production; he had a movie playing behind him and his dancers.

tables, repeated the same phrases to each other but each time with a different tone or emphasis.

Another project was a group of young men in suits doing incredible choreography in front of the newly Georgia State owned SunTrust building. Even a confused cleaning man inside SunTrust stopped to observe the performers through the glass doors. At the end of the performance, the main dancer was left alone standing like a statue.

“Occupy Art,” choreographed

by Bernard Jackson, featured uni-

formed performers dancing with militaristic precision in front of the fountain wall. According to the artist statement, the performance was “a visual representation of an era” and focused on Atlanta’s Occupy Wall Street movement.

Although the group dances were incredible, the standout performance of the night was a solo. The project, titled “Voyant,” featured a man wearing a suit dancing in the center of a platform. The platform had three mirrors and one door. The performance was choreographed

by John Welker and performed flawlessly by Jonah Hooper of the Atlanta Ballet Company.

Watching the dancers, questions of whether the events were geared more towards dancers than patrons of the art arose. Pulinkala’s answer is, no. “Off the Edge” brought attention from anyone interested in the arts. It was hard to imagine anyone seeing the dancers performing so passionately in the middle of a freezing cold Woodruff Park and not responding well. For that moment, everyone was captivated by their passion.

TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

01

Organismo Adron

Nth º 02 The OVERWERK

03 Things.Yes M+A 04 RIVKA RIVKA Weekend 05 Strange Porcelain Raft Go Eat the Factory 06 Let’s Guided By Voices Loyola 07 Brother Jessica Jalbert of Satellites Remixed 08 City Various Artists Parisien II 09 Kitsuné Various Artists

10 Weekends pacificUV 11

First Crush EP Sabrepulse

My Name is Mochipet 12 Hello Mochipet

13 Cyrk Cate Le Bon Interplanetary Remixes: WFMU Rein-

14 terprets The Music Of Sun Ra Various Artists

On 15 Switched Mr. Chop Give Up 16 America Howler ectionate 17 Aff Venetian Snares Grande 18 La Laura Gibson

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ArtS & LiviNg | tHE SigNAL

t)

n ra g a (V s e y E ll u F , rt a e H r Craig Finn, Clea ZacK Kraimer associate arts editor

If an artist creates a solo record after a storied history with a particular group, the quality of the solo project will inevitably be judged alongside their group’s past material, for better or worse. The same is true for the recent solo venture from Craig Finn, called Clear Heart, Full Eyes.

In his group the Hold Steady, Finn seemed to talk more than he actually sang—essentially, he read off dense spoken narratives over classic rock-inspired grooves while trying to squeeze far too many syllables into one line. Suffice it to say that very little has changed.

The music on Clear Eyes is pretty far removed from anything the Hold Steady has released, adding a healthy dose of country-rock to the mix in varying degrees. The record is pretty bleak melodically, though—nothing stands out as being less bland than the rest.

The focus of Finn’s work has always been his lyrical narratives, in which “losers” learn truths about life, religion and happiness.

Clear Eyes is the same way, but the grooves and stories themselves are sleepier and rely more heavily on the religious aspect.

The opener, “Apollo Bay,” is the most interesting tune on Clear Eyes by far. Slow, effected blues flow easily under Finn’s monotone storytelling, and the mix of the two works for this track. However this

track is a little too long for its own good, which can be said about almost every track on Clear Eyes.

It’s hard to stress how impossibly vanilla Clear Eyes is as a whole, but it’s true to a degree not recently seen in popular music. It’s not good enough to love, nor is it bad enough to hate. What’s especially confusing about the record is that it doesn’t sound like anybody else— have you heard any other country rockers spitting rapid-fire tales of woe about being a social outcast?

Uniqueness is usually the mark of an exceptionally talented songwriter. Even in this light, it’s teeth-gratingly boring on the whole, to the point where a start-to-finish listen is nearly out of the question.

Clear Eyes is a pretty disappointing solo effort, if for no other reason than its sheer tastelessness.

Mr. Finn, don’t take this the wrong way, but the Hold Steady needs you as much as you need them—you’d be much better off if you went back to what you know.

in Heaven 19 Smoking Kitty, Daisy, and Lewis & What Army 20 You Tanya Morgan Electrique 21 Drogue Magnetix for Days 22 Rhythm Proh Mic Future 23 No Wax Idols

24 Hospitality Hospitality & Champagne 25 Lilacs Lilacs & Champagne the Hedge 26 By Minks Sweetheartstammers 27 They Pigeons On Time 28 Back Plug

alicia JohnSon arts and living editor

Horror 29 The Pop. 1820

Country songstress Kellie Pickler puts her heart to music on her new album release 100 Proof. This 12-track project allows listeners to view Pickler in a more personal and relatable light through her heartfelt and emotional lyrics.

30 Ester Trailer Trash Tracys

The title of the album might infer that Pickler will take an edgier approach to the songs, but after a full listen it’s obvious that the only thing that is 100 Proof is the image of her this album reveals.

100 Proof showcases consistent instrumentation.

In fact, the typical acoustic guitar and slow melodies expected from any country project is perfected within this collection of compositions. But what really garners attention is the lyrical and vocal contribution from Pickler.

Tracks like “Long As I Never See You Again” and “Tough” in the middle of the album allow listeners to share her pain and experiences.

“It’s never easy when love comes to an end/Just when you think you’re off the hook you fall back in.”

Lyrics like these make Pickler congenial throughout the whole album.

Songs like “Turn On the Radio and Dance,” showcase a fun and playful side of Pickler, which strays away from the conflict and hard times that appear in many country albums.

However, this album may not appeal to everyone.

Pickler’s celebration of femininity, independence and love, might narrow the target audience of these songs to the women who can handle a little country, leaving out a male presence on the album.

Despite this, this album is ultimately good quality country music. To say the least, it’s an easy listen and an emotional ride - if you’re willing to get on.

10

TUESDAY, january 31, 2012

Arts & Living | THE SIGNAL

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

REEL reviewS

Red Tails Nicole Holman Staff Writer

After 23 years of production, the highly anticipated film, “Red Tails,” hit theatres on Jan. 20. Racking in $19.1 million in its opening weekend, director Anthony Hemingway and executive producer George Lucas proved to Hollywood nay-sayers that a film featuring a majority AfricanAmerican cast can indeed rack up the coins. The cast includes familiar faces Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. and introduces Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley and singer Ne-Yo. The movie is loosely based on true events about the heroic Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Although the characters in the film are fictional, the production gives viewers a rather good sense of what life was really like for young AfricanAmerican pilots during the war.

Following their training, the aspiring fighter pilots are transported to Italy to fulfill missions that only require them to destroy Nazi ground transportation. Aching to get his pilots into head-to head combat, Col. A.J. Bullard (Terrence Howard) unwaveringly attempts to convince Col. William Mortamus (Bryan Cranston) that the 332nd Fighter Group could lower the number of total losses in battle. Col. Mortamus eventually allows the Tuskegee Airmen to protect

the United States Army Airforce pilots while in combat. From that point, the Tuskegee Airmen legacy begins.

Although the film promises exhilarating aerial battles and visuals that will keep viewers at the edge of their seats, the dialogue appears to be cliché and the acting fails to be consistent. The best parts of the movie seem to be in the air, rather than on the ground, but it’s enough to keep you in the theatre wanting to know what happens next.

Each pilot is given a different nickname to help moviegoers assess their personalities, but the characters still seem one-dimensional. For example, Marty “Easy” Julian (Nate Parker) is the leader of the bunch who acquires a drinking problem while his best friend Joe ‘Lightening’ Little (David Oyelowo) is the daredevil who develops an unrealistic love affair with an Italian woman.

Despite the mediocre script writing, these two actors probably give the best performances but are unfortunately far from anything Oscar worthy. Even more disappointing is the ending of the movie, which seems to be a bit rushed, but still manages to leave a lasting impression.

Compared to past films about the Tuskegee Airmen, this one falls short but still satisfies. Overall, the movie provides a great story with history on racism, warfare, a hint of romance and satisfying action-packed scenes.

Red Tails Director: George Lucas Stars: Terrance Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., Nate Parker and Tristan Wilds Release Date: Jan. 20, 2012

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Director: Stephen Daldry Stars: Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, and Tom Hanks Release Date: Jan. 20, 2012

Laura Apperson Copy Editor

Many movies have been released about the Sept. 11 attacks that attempt to show the bravery and devastation of that fateful day in 2001. “World Trade Center,” released in 2006, gave the 9/11 story from a firefighter’s perspective; “United 93,” also released in 2006, portrayed the event from the eyes of the passengers and crew on the United 93 airplane; and “Fahrenheit 911,” released in 2004, showed viewers a more inside look at President George W. Bush and the War on Terror. This year, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” tells the story from an entirely different perspective: a young boy named Oskar Schell.

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, follows the story of Oskar Schell (Thomas Horn), a smart, creative and eccentric nineyear-old whose personality and actions imply that he might have Asperger’s Disease. His father, Thomas, played by Tom Hanks, dies in the 9/11 attacks. A year after his death, Oskar is still hurting and trying to understand why his father perished in this horrible event. His father’s death has separated him from his mother (Sandra Bullock), who feels just as hurt and alone as Oskar. The two of them live in an apartment right across the street from Oskar’s grandmother (Zoe Caldwell), who rents one of her rooms out to a man she calls The Renter.

Oskar ventures into his father’s untouched closet a year after “the worst day,” as he calls Sept. 11. Reaching up on the top shelf, he knocks over a blue vase that was tucked away in the corner. It falls and breaks, but through

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the shards of glass he finds a small envelope labeled with the name “Black” and a key inside. Thinking it was a message left from his dad, he begins an expedition to find the lock that the key opens. Along the way, he meets several people who help him or need his help, including Abby Black (Viola Davis), to whom Oskar offers a kiss at their first meeting. The Renter (Max von Sydow) even tags along on Oskar’s adventures to find the lock.

This movie showcases a compelling plot that pulls viewers in until the very end. The story presents the idea of facing something terrifying throughout the entire film - Oskar must face his fear of crossing bridges and riding public transportation, The Renter must face his fear of commitment and, together, Oskar and his mother must fight their grief head-on. This recurring theme finds itself in almost every scene in the movie, whether Oskar is running around the city or sitting at home with his mother.

The acting is also superb: particular scenes with Bullock and Horn were some of the most touching in the entire film. Flashbacks of Oskar’s father are perfectly placed, and Hanks expertly plays Thomas Schell, accurately showing the audience why life without him left such a void for the rest of his family.

The Renter was one of the most fascinating characters: he is not able to speak and, regrettably, the audience never finds out why.

Though he tells a little bit of his story to Oskar as they explore the city, his character is never fully explained in the film.

This film makes you both laugh and cry and is most definitely worth the trip to the theater.

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

4 Convenient Locations

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. 31

Non-Profit Series Program – Brown Bag Seminar

Come out to this seminar to hear a discussion on cutting-edge research relevant to scholars as well as the Atlanta nonprofit community by Bill Kanweiler.

Andrew Young School of Policy Studies // 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

Many students dread group projects, although we know that teamwork is necessary and beneficial. Join us as we discuss group dynamics, discover strategies to excel, and define tried and true ways to manage an underachiever in the group.

Lucerne Suite, Student Center // 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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 all-night party.

1245 Glenwood Avenue

11

ARTS & LIVING | THE SIGNAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

CALENDAR Feb. 1

The Kills w/ Jeff the Brotherhood

The Kills are known for having an electrifying live show, so this should be a great start to February. Nashville’s Jeff the Brotherhood open up the night at the Masquerade. If you can afford the cover, it’ll be well worth it.

695 North Ave//7 p.m.//$35

To Read or Not to Read: Skills to Effectively Read Textbooks

After spending hundreds of dollars for a semester of books, don’t let your books collect dust under your bed. Sure the three pound textbook can be quite daunting, but learn the skills you need to read your textbooks effectively to prevent the “all-nighters” before your big exam.

Lucerne Suite, Student Center // 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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.

Register to Vote

Are you ready for the 2012 elections?

Are you registered? If not, here’s your opportunity to get registered!

Library Plaza // 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Heritage Months in America

Join the Intercultural Ambassadors to discuss the significance of having various heritage or history months throughout the year, such as Black History and Hispanic Heritage Months.

CLUB | Gamer’s Revolution Thaddeus Morgan Associate Living Editor

Whether you are fighting for your life, going on a quest or rocking out in a band, video games allow for all types of people to enter a world where imagination and creativity take over. Gamer’s Revolution gives students the opportunity to make their visions for the gaming world a reality by building video games from scratch.

Originally known as Gamer’s Edge, this club used to be primarily based around playing video games. However, when Gamer’s Edge decided to shift its focus towards game study, development and design, Gamer’s Revolution emerged.

Since it’s a new organization, Gamer’s Revolution is still finding its feet from May 2011, the date it was officially created. However, new members are welcome to join and help build the club’s selection of games, even without the skill and experience that a computer science major might have.

“You do not have to be a computer science major. It’s good if you are, because programming is a good background,” said Brad Mance, president of Gamer’s Revolution.

“There are lots of other areas you can do for games, like there’s music, there’s artists, there’s a lot of different skills you can learn.”

Mance hopes to inspire others to get involved in one of the many aspects of game design that are available.

Generally, Gamer’s Revolution goes through

Lanier Suite, Student Center // 6:00 p.m.

– 8:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Game vs.

Northeastern

Sports Arena // 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 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.

Sports Administration and Internship Fair

This fair is open to all students and alumni seeking career and internship opportunities. Professional business attire and résumé strongly encouraged for all students and alumni.

Dahlberg Hall // 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Feb. 6

Atlanta’s Friendliest Comedy Deathmatch

Catch 23 Atlanta will be at the EARL on Feb. 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

They Might Be Giants w/ Jonathan Coulton

Even if all you know about They Might

SIGNAL SPOTLIGHTS

the in’s and out’s of games they’re interested in before working on creating game’s of their own, but Mance said that for the inexperienced members of Gamer’s Revolution, resources to learn about designing games are on the website.

“I’m doing tutorials for anything I can find and anything I can make and putting it on [the website],” Mance said.

The website is also the hub for the games that are completed in entirety and the resources used to develop the games. Some of the resources used for game design are Unity, Blender, Game Maker and a few others, but students are more than welcome to bring their own resources as well.

Mance encourages students to get involved in Gamer’s Revolution, even if they aren’t interested, because a person never knows what they can take from it.

“Even if you’re not a computer science major, we’ll have different people from different backgrounds and different majors and you may pick up something off of this,” Mance said. “…from leadership to perfecting arts skills to maybe even learning a little programming themselves.”

With all that can be done with video games, Gamers Revolution brings the power to the students by giving them the opportunity to create a world with limitless possibilities. From the music, to the artwork, to the design of the game itself, this club lets each member decide when it’s really game over.

Be Giants is that they did the Malcolm in the Middle theme song, this will still be a lot of fun. Jonathan Coulton opens with his comedic twist on the singer/songwriter genre at the Variety Playhouse.

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

Ruby Velle & Soulphonics w/ Cherry Royale

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

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

Feb. 11

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

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

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

Yonder Mountain String Band

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

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

Feb. 13

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

If you have a case of the Mondays, this irreverent comedy duo’s major box office debut is sure to clear them up. This is an advance screening for their film that’s being released in March, so come see what the fuss is about before it hits theaters. The screening will be followed

by an in-person Q&A session with Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (a.k.a.

“Tim and Eric”).

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

Feb. 16

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

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

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

Feb. 17

Smithsonians w/Polar Dunes

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

Feb. 18

15 Years of Heady Beers

Sweetwater is celebrating their 15th year in the brewing business (and their recent expansion) with this bash at their HQ. Expect every beer they offer plus surprise cask brews… and a slew of over-the-hill couples tripping over their own feet.

195 Ottley Drive//2 p.m.

Feb. 23

Portlandia: The Tour @ Variety Playhouse

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

STUDENT | Suarav Karmakar

Iman Naim Staff Writer

Computer Science major Suarav Karmakar could arguably be viewed as the busiest man on campus. Using his PhD in Computer Science, Karmakar works towards bridging the gap between natural languages, such as English and the “computer’s language,” so to speak.

“This is one ambitious domain in artificial intelligence, as the natural language doesn’t follow any mathematical grammar and needs real intelligence to comprehend,” Karmakar said.

Karmakar has talked about his work in many papers and journals, which have appeared in countries like Korea, Egypt, Thailand and the United States.

In addition to his published works, Karmakar has taught several Computer Science courses at Georgia State and is founder and president of the Computer Science club. A huge reason behind the making of the club was to display different career options to mainly international students.

“When students from other cultures come and start their education, it takes time for them to learn the culture and open up to come to full potentials,” Karmakar said. He says that there are many unorthodox options out there, but because of so much change, students tend to choose more well-known majors and career options.

“If informal events [such as clubs] are

created, the future communication and possibilities can be at its maximum. I started the club with this vision,” Karmakar continued.

Apart from Computer Science, Karmakar also works with the non-profit organization Asha for Education by chartering the respective chapter in Georgia State. Asha for Education helps to bring socioeconomic change to India by encouraging and providing education for children whose families are unable to afford it on their own. He hopes to raise awareness for the organization on campus.

“We have a predominant number of Indian descent students at GSU, so active involvement of their percentage can make substantial contribution to the cause,” Karmakar said.

Aside from his many research projects and leadership positions, Karmakar finds time for hobbies such as cricket, squash and taking road trips.

“When I travel, I like to know the secret the location keeps at its heart,” Karmakar said.

After making friends with several Harvard students on one of his trips, Karmakar recounts that they “took me to a nerd bar, close to the MIT campus, and for the first time I saw a bar that gives you free beer if you solve a puzzle kept under the beer coasters.”

In the future, Karmakar hopes to involve students with organizations and clubs that they may have not been aware of before. His goals aim to “get them involved in the realities so that they act independently and can prepare themselves for the real world and it’s problems.”

SPOrtS

❚ ONLiNE EXCLUSivE:

Women’s basketball continues losing streak

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Georgia State baseball set for 2012

dylan rice Staff Writer

Georgia State baseball will play its season opener on Feb. 17 against Western Illinois and will look to hold on to their place as a CAA powerhouse despite the loss of several seniors who were key to the team’s 37-win season last year.

“We think we have assembled a very cohesive group that has a good chemistry together,” head coach Greg Frady said. “And with some older senior players that have a lot of experience and veteran-type leadership and with some younger guys who have a lot of talent and a lot of energy, it makes for a very exciting season.”

As Georgia State mainstays, such as Mark Micowski, have donned their caps and gowns and transitioned into a life away from the program, a new crop of freshman have joined the Panthers, which has the team excited for 2012.

“Each year is a brand new team, and each year comes with some new sets of challenges and some new promising avenues that you didn’t have in the past,” Frady said.

Amongst these new avenues is a young group of middle infielders that should have an impact on the program for years to come.

Shortstop Cody Adams is one player Frady is particularly fired up about. He was the 2-A Georgia high school player of the year last season and is top-five in Georgia in career hits. His impact will be felt immediately as he will be the lead off hitter and starting shortstop on opening day.

Caleb Gore, Caden Bailey and Holland native Roy Seltenrijch are a few other freshman middle infielders that look promising for Georgia State.

The starting rotation will get a big freshman boost from another international talent, Max Schmitz, a 6’7” right-hander who should get opportunities to showcase his skills early and often.

All of this young talent would make for an unbalanced team, if there wasn’t a new group of senior leader-

GEorGia StatE SportS coMMuNicatioNS

Senior Brandon Williams will be an explosive part of Georgia State’s offense this season

ship to guide them along the way.

Senior All-American pitcher Jake Dyer will provide the blueprint on how to put in the work to be a successful part of the program.

“His work ethic is just off the chart hard,” Frady said. “And when I tell you everybody on our team works hard they do, but Jake is just beyond. His fitness level, his competitiveness in every drill and everything we’ve done so far in the weight room, in our practices, in our skill work, Jake has taken the lead.”

Four-year starter Brandon Williams will guide the team offensively and could potentially be the most dangerous bat in the Panther lineup this year.

Pitcher/shortstop Justin Malone has also embraced the role of senior leader. Frady described him as a real workhouse that always has an encouraging word for his teammates.

Last season the runs were plentiful. While Frady would love to see this trend continue in 2012, he believes this team is more balanced.

“There’s some speed at the top and the bottom of our lineup,” Frady said. “There’s some power in the middle of our lineup...We put a lot of emphasis on base percentage and runs scored and it usually translates into offense putting us in a position to win the game.

But our team is always going to be built on pitching and defense. If we can stop them it gives us a chance to hang in there.”

As the 2012 season gets underway, Georgia State will be eying a conference crown and potentially a NCAA playoff berth, but it’s important for the team to stay focused in the present in order to achieve these bigger accomplishments, according to Frady.

“It’s more important that we prepare for the moment, stay in the moment and get the best from the moment that we can,” Frady said. “And then when the season goes along the wins add up, the position to be playing for a conference championship is there. If we do our job.”

Georgia State Softball looks to repeat championship year tom terry iii associate Sports editor

After having one of their best seasons ever, the Georgia State softball team is happy with achieving those accomplishments but how does the team keep themselves from being too complacent?

Georgia State head coach Roger Kincaid believes in spite of winning their first CAA Championship and losing top seniors Lauren Jones and Tiffany Bess. His eight returning seniors should help the team get to the next level.

“It was a great thing to celebrate because anytime you accomplish a first it’s really a good thing to celebrate,” Kincaid said.

Last season, the Panthers defeated softball powerhouse Hofstra in a three games series to win the CAA title. Prior to that, Georgia State had lost seven straight to the Pride dating back to the 2010 season. The Pride had their 30-game winning streak snapped. Also, Hofstra had won eight of nine CAA titles. The Panthers had a record of 36-25 and 15-5 CAA divisional play.

Coach Kincaid in his first full season as head coach will use the experience he and the team had with winning the CAA title last season.

“There were a lot of experiences that were new for us,” Kincaid said. “I told GEorGia StatE SportS coMMuNicatioNS

them to enjoy it. I wanted them to smell it, taste it feel it and take it all in. It’s a reward for a great season.”

With the experiences he and his team had last season, he will lean on his seniors to lead by example to the younger class.

“It’s a big class. We have eight seniors. As in any sport we look for leadership in our senior class, and they had great experience,” said Kincaid, “and in turn pass the ladder to the lower classmen that’s what we want to do.”

Even though the Panthers were CAA champs last season Coach Kincaid is aware that they have big a target on their backs and want to avoid the trappings of the championship hangover.

“We won the conference one time,” Kincaid said, “and we want to do it again. The reason we won the championship was not necessarily because we had the most talented team but we had the best team.”

As for this season, the Panthers have a tough task ahead of them.

During their 56-game schedule they play against six 2011 NCAA tournament teams.

Not only does Coach Kincaid accept the challenge, he embraces it.

“We want to get better we want to play quality opponents,” Kincaid said. “With that in mind, we think that our team gets better by playing better teams.”

One of the key players that is looking forward to playing this season is Alana Thomas.

“We’re practicing really hard, and we’re

taking it day-by-day and learning our skills and making sure we’re back to where we were last year,” Thomas said.

Thomas, a senior who won most outstanding performance in last season’s CAA tournament while pitching 18 1/3 inning.

“It was incredible,” Thomas said. “We’ve gone there in past years and came in second place. We didn’t want to be content with second place.”

Still, with the eight seniors they have it can be easy falling into the trap of complacency.

With the help of teammates, Thomas is aware and ready to take on that challenge.

“We have great competition within the team especially with new freshmen coming in,” Thomas said. “We have 25 girls on the roster. That creates a lot competition, and it’s very healthy. It’s a good way to make yourself better.”

From the 25 girls on the roster, one of the girls that is making it competitive for other teammates is incoming freshman Callie Alford.

Alford, third baseman, catcher and a Conyers, Ga. native, is excited to get the softball season started.

“We’re evaluated on effort, attitude and performance every day by our coaches and teammates,” Alford said. “They showed us that if you’re having an off day, your effort and an attitude can go a long way.”

The season opener is a double header against Western Carolina vs. Longwood on Feb. 11. For more schedule information go to www.georgiasports.com.

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TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

Womenʼs tennis starts season hot

Valentina lee Staff Writer

The Georgia State women’s tennis team has been having a respectable season, starting off with a record of 3-1 despite already facing some of the top teams in the nation.

The team successfully beat Furman University and No. 62 ranked Wake Forest University to open the season before falling to No. 13 ranked Georgia Tech. The Panthers responded by defeating No. 43-ranked College of William and Mary.

Doubles team Whitney Byrd and Tereza Lorova gave Georgia State their first win with an 8-6 victory over Furman University.

In the singles match, Abigail TereApisah, clenched the win with a 2-1 match final.

Against Wake Forest, Abigail Tere-Apisah defeated Kayla Duncan, who is 93rd in the ITA Women’s Singles Rankings, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1. Along with the singles wins from Masa Grgan, 3-1, Chaimaa Roudami, 6-2 and 6-1 and a forfeit giving Georgia State’s Martina Ondrackova a victory finishing off the match with Georgia State 4-3 for the win.

This past Friday against Georgia Tech, the Georgia State women’s tennis team took their first loss of the season. The Panthers’ No.1 doubles team, Abigail Tere-Apisah and Maryna Kozachenko, lost their match against Georgia Tech’s double team, Jillian O’Neill and Alex Anghelescu, 8-2. The Panthers split the other two doubles matches with the No.2 GSU doubles team losing, 8-4, and the No.3 GSU doubles team winning 8-3. The one win had the Georgia State women’s tennis team at 1-2.

“We started playing doubles together since day one. We really enjoy playing with each other,” said Abigail Tere-Apisah about her doubles team with Maryna Kozachenko.

“Georgia Tech’s doubles team was pretty good, but every game was close. We just didn’t know how to finish,” Kozachenko said. “It was just one of those days.”

Unfortunately, Georgia Tech out hustled the girls in the singles matches as well. TereApisah played a rough couple of matches, as she sprained her ankle in her first singles match. Tere-Apisah used her tennis IQ to recognize the weakness of her opponent, Jillian O’neil. Using her resilient backhand to forcibly cause Georgia Tech’s O’neil to utilize her backhand as well, as it is noticeably her weakness. After three long matches full of sweat, grunts and will power, Abigail pulled through for a win, 7-6, 3-6, 7-5, despite her injury.

The rest of Georgia State women’s singles team struggled to keep up with the skill level of Georgia Tech. Aside from Abigail’s win, the only other singles player to gain a win was Chaimiaa Roudami with 1-6, 6-3, 6-1 win. Georgia Tech earned a 5-2 victory in the match.

With a 3-1 record, coach Miha Livac feels the girls are still very young but have progressed from last year.

“We still have a lot to learn, we are not an established team like Georgia Tech. We are earning our stripes as we go,” Livac said.

The Panthers rebounded by taking down nationally ranked CAA foe William and Mary 4-3. Tere-Apisah earned a victory at the no. 1 singles spot 6-3, 6-4 while Roudami was able to earn a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the no. 6 singles sets.

Georgia State is set to take on East Tennessee University in their home opener, Thursday Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Sports Arena.

GraHaM roBSoN | tHE SiGNaL

Fields looks forward to bright future after graduation ZaKKiyya anderSon Staff Writer

Most of the time when you ask a Miami Heat fan to choose between Lebron James or Kobe Bryant, nine times out of 10 they will respond with King James.

However, senior guard for the Georgia State Panthers James Fields is a part of the minority in that aspect.

Fields names the Miami Heat as his favorite team, and says that Dwayne Wade is his favorite player.

“I feel like me and his game kind of resemble each other as far as me and him liking to go to the hole a lot,” Fields said.

But when it comes to the ultimate question, Fields chooses the Black Mamba over Lebron as his go-to guy.

Fields is a Georgia native, as he grew up in Savannah where he started playing basketball at age six.

The senior public policy major says that he has played in recreation leagues his “whole entire life.”

“When I grew up I always felt like it was always something I wanted to do. And my mom and dad always put a ball in my hand when I was growing up,” Fields said.

Fields has played basketball for Georgia State since his freshman year, when former head coach Rod Barnes was still at the helm for the

Panthers.

With new Head Coach Ron Hunter, the team has enjoyed new success this season, but Fields says that the coaching styles were not too much different.

“Both of them were tough on us, but Coach Barnes was more of a defensive coach, and Coach Hunter is more of an offensive coach,” Fields said.

After he graduates in May, Fields hopes to get a job within the Human Resources Department at Georgia State, following up with his internship that he has in the HR department that he currently holds.

In his junior year, Fields was named to the CAA All-Academic first team and was awarded the CAA Commissioner’s award for 2010.

Fields also has hopes of going overseas to play basketball or even playing in the NBA if he gets the opportunity. His dream is to become a professional basketball player.

In Savannah, Fields played football as a quarterback and played baseball as a shortstop.

It is safe to say that Fields is a well-rounded athlete and says that he is even pretty good at bowling.

“I could probably get you a 200,” Fields says of his best game.

Growing up in Savannah, Fields experienced a rough childhood.

“It was kind of rough for us.

We had a lot of ups and downs. It

turned out to be kind of good, it taught me a lot of toughness and I learned how to make it,” Fields said.

Fields is the youngest of three sons and spent a lot of time alone as a child.

It could also mean more food, and Fields says that his mother made spaghetti he just could not live without.

His mother also gave him the nickname “Boom” which has stuck with him all these years, as people in the Georgia State Communications Department even use the nickname when addressing him.

“My momma gave it to me because I was real bad. It was Bam Bam, from the Flinstones, but I don’t know how it got to Boom,” Fields said.

As the 2011-2012 season continues to be successful for the Panthers, Fields is right there at the forefront as a senior leader for the team.

This is the first time since he has been here that people actually have high expectations for the Georgia State men’s basketball team, and so far, Fields seems to be handling the momentum shift well.

The way things are going, Fields and the Panthers might have a shot to take it all.

When it comes to the NBA Championship, Fields said he knows that Miami will go all the way and win.

GraHaM roBSoN | tHE SiGNaL

Senior James Fields is well-rounded both on and off the court.

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TUESDAY, jAnUArY 31, 2012

Cagles benifitting from brotherly love Jerel marShall Sports editor

GEorGia StatE SportS coMMuNicatioNS

Jared Cagle is calculated and meticulous while on the golf course.

Kanye West’s ode to Jay-Z, “Big Brother,” off of the 2007 release The Graduation is a song that almost anyone with a close sibling can relate to. “Sibling rivalry/Only I could see/It was the pride in me/That was driving me,” West raps as he describes his bromance with his peer.

Redshirt senior Jared Cagle might be able to fully appreciate West’s sentiments, and this attitude has helped both him and his younger brother, sophomore Grant Cagle develop into the Division I golfers that they are today as they both begin another spring season as Panthers.

As Grant Cagle has developed as a better golfer, Jared Cagle has had to entertain questions about who is the better golfer of the two, and he said some people have flat out said he is not as good as his younger brother.

“At first that was tough just because of the whole pride issue,” Jared Cagle said.

“As far as him beating me, that used to be tougher to handle. Because I’m the older one, I’m supposed to be better right? But now we just want to see each other do well. Especially since we are on the same team.”

Grant Cagle said he had similar questions directed his way as people wondered if he would be able to live up to the list of accolades his older brother was piling up.

“I remember a few years ago when I wasn’t old enough to play in the club championship at our golf course back home,” Grant Cagle said. “(Jared) won it a few years ago so I would always hear, ‘when are you going to be able to play

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against your brother.”

The Cagle brothers don’t seem to be affected by the constant comparisons but look to each other for motivation, support and golf tips.

“I’m happy for Jared when he plays well, he’s happy for me when I play well,” Grant Cagle said. “I’m jealous of some of the shots he can hit, and I’m sure he is jealous of some of the shots I can hit.”

What makes comparing, Jared and Grant Cagle even more intriguing is that they have completely different styles and approaches to golf.

“It’s more of a personality difference I think,” Jared Cagle said. “I’m more conscientious and concerned about little details in life in general. (Grant) is just more of a free spirit. And in golf it shows up.” “(Jared) has always been more technical,” Grant said. “All about his swing and how his swing plane is and everything. I just kind of get up there and hit the ball and see where it goes. If it doesn’t go where I want, I just try to fix whatever I can.”

Despite their differences, the Cagles have had a huge impact on each other, both on and off the golf course.

“Basically the reason I made the decision to come here is because of Jared and what he means to me,” Grant said. “He definitely helps me a lot. I’ve gotten more golf tips from him than anybody. “ Although Grant might be too humble to realize it, Jared said he has learned a lot from watching his younger brother.

“Grant helps me too,” Jared Cagle said.

“Just watching him, he plays a lot more loose. He’s got a lot of natural ability and a

lot of good things that I can learn from just watching him play.”

Boys will be boys and the Cagle brothers said that they have been known to get into arguments about household chores or disagreements on the basketball court.

However, the two are both taking advantage of having a sibling that competes in the same sport at the same level.

GEorGia StatE SportS coMMuNicatioNS

Georgia State Sports Communications Grant Cagle is always calm and collectedon the golf course

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