Vol. 81 | No. 16

JAN. 14 -JAN. 20, 2014

VOL. 81 | NO. 16

MLK DAY

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How Atlanta and Georgia State remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement

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SEVEN STRAIGHT

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inside

panther dining

Take a look behind the scenes at Patton Dining Hall

News | 3

Five Types

You don’t want to be one of these five kinds of students

Opinions |7

starting over

Students share their experiences as transfers to Georgia State

A&L | 14

Following Footsteps

Panthers take control of the Sun Belt following adjustments to their defense page 17 DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 3

Coach BaldwinTener joins Coach Hunter’s “Barefoot for Bare Feet” tradition

Sports | 18 Opinions 6

Arts & Living 8

Sports 17

2

NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

last week...

blotter

Local

Road rage turned murder

A Cobb County grand jury has indicted the 22-year-old woman accused of killing a college student because of road rage, the county’s district attorney said Friday.

Sparkles Lashayla Lindsey, 22, is charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony for the death of Kimberly Faith Kilgore on Oct. 11.

National

Gun control battle

Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Initiative 591, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the Second Amendment Foundation are all gearing up for gun reform wars in 2014 after the Senate failed to approve a bill in 2013 that would have required background checks for gun purchas-

es. Though state legislatures are just beginning their 2014 sessions, gun reform activists predict a lot of legislation this year relating to gun control and reform, as well as funding for activists who support their views.

Global

Security worries for Olympic Games

Representatives from the United States Counter-terrorism division are losing confidence in Russian security responsible for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The events begin in February in Sochi, Russia. However, after the two recent suicide bombings, questions have been raised about the the potential safety hazards anyone involved with the 2014 games may face.

“I think the real vulnerability may not be within the Olympic Games themselves but possibly outside this perimeter where you’re going to have a lot of soft targets,” House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.) told ABC News on Thursday.

jan. 9

jan. 11

A report was filed for lost/mislaid property. A Georgia State student stated he lost his wallet at an unknown location.

A report was filed for a Criminal trespass warning. Georgia State officers were patrolling when they made contact with three juveniles skateboarding on Georgia State property; subsequently, they were issued a CTW and escorted off the property.

Student Center

jan. 10

G Parking Deck

Officers arrested three NonGeorgia State affiliates for an Agency Assist. A Georgia State officer was patrolling when he observed three males running inside of G Deck. After an investigation, it was discovered that the males were eluding Marta Police for an assault. The juveniles were turned over to MARTA Police Department.

Park Place

jan. 12

University Commons

Filed report for fraudulent schemes. A Georgia State student stated he purchased a cell phone on Dec. 11 from a friend of his that is also a fellow student. He discovered the cell phone was stolen after he attempted to turn the phone on at T-mobile. This case is being handled by investigators.

Photo of the week RAVEN SCHLEY | THE SIGNAL Every December, thousands visit Times Square to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

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NEWS

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BEHIND THE SCENES AT PATTON DINING

Georgia State’s Dining Hall staff at Patton Hall preps and serves food daily for hundreds of residents.

PHOTO BY AFI CAKPO | THE SIGNAL

Chefs and workers at Patton Dining Hall share their experiences on the job ZOYA HASNAIN

A

News Editor

fter a long day of classes and walking in the rain, a student goes to Patton Dining Hall to get some dinner. She swipes her card and trudges through the dining hall to the sandwich station. There, she asks the man behind the counter for some turkey on whole wheat bread. The man notices her frown and decides to brighten her day by telling her a joke.

The student instantly smiles and walks away with her sandwich a little bit happier.

This resembles a scene quite familiar to the students who dine at Patton Dining Hall. The chefs and workers are known by students as cheerful and always ready to make them smile.

“What I like the most about this job is interacting with the kids. You never know when you might make somebody’s day,” Chef John Butler said.

Students who dine at Patton Dining Hall frequently comment on the friendliness and kindness of the staff.

When filling special requests, chefs are known for being open to what students want.

“The people who cook the food or make sandwiches are nice and considerate when you ask for something spe-

PHOTO BY AFI CAKPO | THE SIGNAL The stock room at Patton Dining Hall is stocked multiple times a week to meet the needs of student residents and vistors. cial. For example, one time I wanted to add my protein powder to a smoothie and they did it for me,” Samantha Pickens, freshman and frequent diner at Patton Hall dining, said.

Students often write notes on napkins listing changes they would like to see in the dining hall. Examples would be more fruit options or pizza with more cheese. Many students report

that these requests are often answered and they see the changes implemented immediately.

The staff at Patton Dining Hall communicates well not only with students but also with each other. Workers are often seen making jokes with one another and laughing. The atmosphere of the dining hall kitchen is one of friendliness and caring. Chefs work

together to make the dishes while the rest of the staff work as a team to keep the dining hall clean and make sure dishes and silverware are washed and put out.

“I love it. I’ve been here for five years,” Butler said.

However, Butler added that the size of the kitchen is small and cramped, causing an inconvenience for workers

and chefs.

“We’re bumping into each other every minute. We should expand [the size of the kitchen] in the future,” Butler said.

Many of the employees who work at Patton Dining Hall are Georgia State students as well. Working in the dining halls proves convenient for many students since the hours are flexible and the job is on campus. Students also say that working in the dining hall is more than just good pay and adjustable hours.

“It’s awesome. I’ve been working here three years going on four. I learned a lot about cooking. I didn’t know how to cook before I came here,” senior Brenton Moore said.

Patton Dining Hall first opened in 2008 and is one of two dining facilities at Georgia State. Located in Patton Hall, a housing facility for freshmen, Patton Dining Hall serves all students who have a meal plan. From 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays, chefs work to make diverse breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Recent initiatives have been made to provide more options for vegetarians and vegans as well as international cuisine.

“There has been a big push for vegan dishes. Vegan minorities need to have daily options,” Patton Dining Hall Manager Victor Wilcher said.

NEWS

4

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Feature

Dee, the beloved local cashier The Dee’s Market cashier’s spunky personality and eccentric advice leaves a mark on the Georgia State community CAMERON WASHINGTON Associate News Editor

O

n Edgewood Avenue, 50 feet down from Greek Housing, a cashier in Dee’s Market teases and plays with Georgia State students, greeting her customers with a warm smile and suprising them with her unique advice.

This woman is Dee, the face of the convenience market Dee’s Market, who students often describe as crazy, sweet, hilarious and sometimes insane.

“Crazy! That’s the one word I would use to describe her,” said Brenda, a resident of The Lofts.

“She’s hilarious. I remember this one time I walked into the store with my friend to buy some feminine products. Then, out of nowhere, she walked up behind us and started rambling on about yeast infections!”

Beverly Cheong, a resident of Greek Housing, also had an interesting encounter with the effervescent cashier.

“I remember this one night, my sorority sisters and I walked into

“

ss

If you don’t give her a hug when you walk in her shop, she’ll call you out on it... She’s like the official on-campus mom...”

- Beverly Cheong, student

her shop all dressed up for chapter. When she saw us, her reaction was priceless. She said something like: ‘Ohhh girls, I see you!! Marry up! Marry the rich! And have a good time tonight!’” Cheong said.

But not everything that comes out of Dee’s mouth is so off the wall. Her kindness makes an impact on her customers. She greets shoppers with a hug whenever they enter the store, and she knows many students by their first names.

“If you don’t give her a hug when you walk in her shop, she’ll call you out on it,” Cheong said.

“She brings that home-y feeling to living on campus. She’s like the official on-campus mom, and she

loves to give advice in a comical way.”

It is not just the students at Georgia State who enjoy talking to her and spending time in her shop. Levi, a regular customer and a student at the Barber School next door to Dee’s Market, also described her as sweet person who cares about her community.

“She’s just a genuinely sweet lady with some funny qwirks,” Levi said.

Many students at Georgia State know or has heard of “that lady who owns Dee’s Market.” Though Dee does not own the market herself, she has become an important figure for the market and the Georgia State community.

PHOTO BY ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN | THE SIGNAL Dee’s Market has become a landmark of Georgia State’s campus and caters to students and Downtown residents alike.

Technology

As technology costs rise, students find the most effective and affordable gadgets for school CIARA FRISBIE

Associate News Editor

A

s technology continues to evolve, students and teachers have identified the gadgets that are most useful in the classroom and strengthen lectures—without completely depleting students’ pockets.

Consistently named devices on websites included smartphones for their ability to download educational apps, noise-cancelling headphones to block out unwanted distractions, external hard-drives to back-up important assignment files and e-readers to ease the strain and limitations of reading electronic textbooks.

Since many students find themselves on strict budgets, price and affordability were a big consideration in choosing last year’s top devices for students.

Georgia State student Clayton Sullivan weighed in on how new technology brings increasing prices.

“Every six months to a year, a new product is released. People

are foolish enough to pay top dollar for it. It’s the same product with minor new features, but in reality nothing changes,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan, a senior political science major with a concentration in international relations, also said that he believes cheaper versions of products such as the iPad might have been more successful marketing to college students in 2013 because of affordability.

“We as college students can’t afford to buy new merchandise every six months. Also unless you come from a wealthy background, you’re typically on a limited budget,” Sullivan said.

Jamie Rivera from Pocketnow, a website that provides users with information on technology, created a video titled, “Top 5 Best Priced Devices for 2013.” Rivera stated in the video that the rankings were based on affordability and use.

Ranked fifth on the list were Amazon Kindle Fire Tablets. Rivera claimed the tablets were “the most unbeatable deal,” appealing to consumers such as college stu-

dents because of their low price of $139. The Dell Venue 8 tablet ranked third on Rivera’s list at its price of $240. The tablet is equipped with all Windows 8 features.

Jamie also ranked the best smartphones throughout his video. Some of these phones included the Lumia 1020, Nokia 520, the Moto G and Nexus 5 or Nexus 7.

Regine Amos, a junior journalism major minoring in film and video, said that her favorite device to use this school year was the iPad Air. “I really like using the iPad Air for school because it has so many endless, useful and great apps to download as a student. Another great feature for students is the ability to download textbooks for classes much cheaper than buying them in the university’s bookstore,” Amos said.

Amos also said many other features on the iPad Air she saw as beneficial for college students were the ability to take notes, to record in-class lectures and to set reminders and timers while

studying.

While many devices were seen as worth purchasing, many others were not. Websites such as Mashable warned students and parents of new college students about the devices that weren’t worth the money.

Some of the items mentioned were “pricey, feature-saturated” computers and laptops. Yahoo Finance claimed the Macbook Pro was one of the computers not worth purchasing for the price.

Other examples of items not worth spending money on included printers, blu-ray players, digital picture frames, echo smartpens and calculators—unless a specific math class required them.

Many websites are now making claims on what they believe will be the “top technology trends” this year.

Earlier in October 2013, Forbes began predicting the upcoming changes on their official website with an article titled “The Top 7 Technology Trends that Will Dominate 2014.”

Forbes’ writer Jayson DeMers

mentions in the article that there is a possibility for major growth within the smart TV industry because of Apple TV in 2014, as well as consumers finding more interest in smart watches.

Although Google Glass has already been released to a segmented portion of the population, DeMers also states that there is a possibility of the glasses making more of a public debut in 2014 as well.

Consumers this year might also see the release of yet another iPhone by Apple, according to websites such as Value Walk.

“The 5-inch iPhone 6 would apparently be powered with the 20nm processor manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC),” Aman Jain said in an article published on Value Walk’s official website.

Value Walk also mentions rumors of Apple releasing a new 12.9-inch tablet sometime in May of 2014, which is also when the iPhone 6 is expected to be released. Other websites claim that the Apple tablet will also include 4,000 pixels.

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OPINIONS

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Why it’s time for us to resurrect Underground T AMI DUDLEY Opinions Editor Ami is a senior English major and published flash fiction writer. “I’ve constructed my premier works on coffee napkins.”

Follow her @amidudley

here’s a world lying dormant beneath our very heels. It slumbers below the bustling concrete slabs of the Five Points neighborhood. The drunken, musical spirit that deemed Underground Atlanta the “Bourbon Street of Atlanta” has since seeped from beneath, leaving behind a quasi corpse comprised of mimicky shopping stores and stale historical tours.

With Atlanta being considered a “world city,” raking in a GDP of $270 billion, why have we stood by and watched the demolition of the “city beneath the city?”

We have not always stood by, however. Since the birth of the Underground in 1969, there have been several attempts at reviving the buried city.

What once began as a storage cellar during the Reconstruction era, or rather dustpan following Sherman’s sweep, became the very breath of the Southern city.

Obscured from the city, nestled between bridges and railroads, the basement-like area became ideal for speakeasies and juke joints during the 1920s Prohibition era. Rebellious patrons could raise their glasses in the company of freshly brewed blues.

The then unorthodox comradery of different races over moonshine and guitar strums was no doubt a foreshadowing of the melting pot that Atlanta has become today.

By the end of the 1920s, however, Underground found itself abandoned with the newly raised street levels. After a few decades, we took up the shovel once again and revived the buried city.

While Prohibition had since been a conversational piece of the past, alcohol restrictions remained and it’s because of those restrictions that Underground thrived once more. At the time, Fulton County was the only county in Georgia that permitted the serving of mixed alcoholic beverages. So once again, patrons had a place to raise their glasses. By 1972, Underground had seen its most profitable year with $17 million in sales.

It was only a matter of time before neighboring counties would cash in and relax their restrictions.

By 1980, Underground’s doors were shut again.

In the spirit of those 1920s jukeboxers, we hit the old shed out back and grabbed the shovel once more to revive our old friend, this time investing $142 million in renovations. It was this time around, however, that we failed in how we pieced the city back together.

The once-vibrant niche was now more of a modern shopping mall than entertainment district.

Wet, wooden bars were replaced with windows and signage. The smell of bourbon was replaced with the smell of cotton candy.

In 1996, the Olympics were held here, and in what seemed to be a warranted move, city officials began to reevaluate the city’s appearance. In an effort to reduce local crime and “sanitize” the city, Underground was “cleansed.” Since the Olympics, Underground has seen a steady decrease in sales.

It’s been 18 years since the world came to visit Atlanta and no one has gripped the shovel that resurrected our buried city time after time before.

Now is a better time than ever.

Metro Atlanta has seen a surge of film and television productions in the past year, welcoming heavy hitter films such as “Fast and Furious” and popular TV series like “The Walking Dead.” The city has also become one of the music industry’s unofficial cities with the BET Hip-Hop Awards held here annually at the Fox Theatre.

With our city standing in the very center of the film and music worlds, there is no plausible reason for the presence of the dead weight that is Underground. The annual Peach Drop, held at Underground, should not be the only time that people from all walks of life come together and celebrate Atlanta. Tourists and locals alike should not be subjected to a few bars and clubs, hidden off in “Kenny’s Alley,” Underground’s nightlife corner.

If we took a look at our brother over in New Orleans, La., we’d see the perfect blueprints of a profitable nightlife mecca. Like Underground, Bourbon Street has seen its share of destruction and rehabilitation, notably with Hurricane Katrina. Unlike our city, though, the home to Mardi Gras made a praiseworthy comeback following its demise to Hurricane Katrina.

While we should consider that, unlike ourselves, tourism is the premiere source of income for the city. Their ability to conduct such a resurrection should be both admired and noted. What should be highlighted in our notes is the key to Bourbon Street’s longevity: sticking to the original formula.

Throughout the years and even today, the old French Quarter has seen its share of criticism for its “alcohol flooded streets” and “lustful loons.” Yet the city remains loyal to its residents, savoring the flavor over decades and continuing to bring in millions each year from all over the world.

We don’t have to leave the Georgia state line or even the metro area to see an example of a thriving nightlife in our city. Edgewood, just blocks from the Five Points neighborhood, is home to several nightlife favorites including Joystick, Corner Tavern and the beautifully unorthodox Church. All have been keeping students, locals and out-oftowners entertained for years now.

Like Little Five Points, Midtown and East Atlanta, Edgewood is simply another “bar strip,” and while it does fine in quenching our thirst for entertainment, it cannot revive the drunken, musical spirit that christened Underground “the city beneath the city.”

While our city rakes in revenue from several sources, including those mentioned beforehand, we should not be comfortable with a red wine stain in the middle of our white Persian rug. Underground Atlanta sits in the midst of the bustling city like a turtle in the middle of I-85.

Underground Atlanta has made unsuccessful attempts at attracting tourists and locals by adding a Waffle House and a few boutiques in recent years, but this only adds to its now mimmicky presence.

The official site for Underground Atlanta hopes to gain tourist in the future with its coming “PACMAN Arcade.” All of these steps are steps in the wrong direction. We are pushing for the “Disneyfication” of a place that lies in the middle of a very young, fertile and lively city.

Like our Boot State brothers, we need to recall the formula that created the young, profitable, hidden city. Alcohol and music are lovers that have withstood the test of time. If carefully provoked, they can prove fruitful. We shouldn’t shy away from these two lovers like adolescents, but embrace them for what they’ve done and can do for our city. We’ve got to conjure up the drunken, musical spirit of the 1920s, break the locks on the old shed out back and grasp the rusty shovel.

1866

1869 Georgia Railroad Freight Depot built at the entrance of UA. Oldest building in city.

1920 Heavy construction causes merchants to move their operations to second floor. Ground floors turn into basements for storage. Rebels against Prohibition take advantage of basements hidden location. Speakeasies and juke joints constructed.

(Post-Civil War Reconstruction Era): Construction begins on buildings that make up UA.

1910 Iron bridges built over railroads and between buildings. Later rebuilt with concrete.

1929 Street level raised by 1 1/2 stories; UA abandoned.

1960 UA rediscovered. Many architectural features still intact. Two Georgia Tech grads (Fuller & Patterson) decide to revive and rebuild UA.

1969 UA officially opens with new restaurants, bars, nightclubs and music venues. Fulton County only county to allow serving of mixed drinks.

UA capitalizes on this.

1967 Underground Atlanta Inc. becomes incorporated on May 2, 1967.

1972 UA’s most profitable year with 3.5 million visitors and $17 million in sales.

1975 Installation of new MARTA line wipes out blocks of bars and nightclubs in UA. Relaxed alcohol restrictions in other counties lead to decrease in sales. Dress codes relaxed and crime increased.

1980 UA closed and abandoned.

1982 Mayor Andrew Young 1989 vows to revive UA. $142 UA re-opens on June 15, million given by The 1989 but now as a shopRouse Co. in 1987 to ping mall district and rebegin reconstruction. duces bar scene to “Ken1992 ny’s Alley,” an isolated area of bars.

Rodney King verdict leads to major destruction of UA by rioters.

Leads to 40 percent 1996 decline in sales Olympics spikes sales

but year still ends in red for UA.

2004 In an effort to keep UA open, city allows bars in UA to stay open until 4 a.m.

7

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Five students you’ll see this semester

W

ith the new semester underway, the halls are alive and the classrooms are buzzing with anticipation for what’s to come. There’s one very peculiar phenomenon that occurs every semester, and that’s the five types of people you’re guaranteed to see in class. You might even find that you are one of these students. If so, you may want to tweak your approach to this semester so that it will be as fruitful as possible!

MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist Mitch is a junior finance major and student financial advisor.

“My goal is to have more college students financially literate.”

Leave your questions for him online at georgiastatesignal.com

Follow him @madmoneyATL

1

.

The “Three-Timer:” You’ll see this student on the first day and may never see them again.

This is the one who comes to class the first day, for the midterm and for the final. You always wonder how they manage to accomplish anything, yet are bewildered when you realize they have a higher grade than you! Watch out for phrases such as “I’m more of a personal learner,” or “This class is basically all on D2L anyways...”

2

. “The Multi-Tasker:” This person is the one

who comes to class, opens up their laptop and never takes their eyes off of it until class is dismissed. Watch out for the rare breed that goes further and has their headphones in, feeling the need to catch up on “Vampire Diaries” during microeconomics. They may defend themselves by saying “I’m taking notes,” or “What? I have the lecture slides up in one of these tabs!”

3

.

4

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“The Over-Participator:” This student feels the need to be involved in every class discussion, whether they have a useful contribution or not. The class participation grade is this student’s main goal, and they will stop at nothing to get their 100 perfect.

You’ll usually find them in the front row, but in some cases they may choose to sit towards the back, adding that extra dash of loudness to your 10 a.m. philosophy class.

“The Sleeper Cell:” You may wonder if this person meant to sign up for the 8 a.m. world history lecture or if it was a horrific mistake. We all see the regular sleeper from time to time, but this particular individual takes it to narcoleptic levels. You will see them entering the classroom with a Red Bull in one hand and a pillow in the other, knowing that luckily sometime today they will be awake. For your class, unfortunately, they will be sound asleep.

5

. “Typical College Student:” You don’t want to be

this student, though. No one does! College embodies much more than course reads and papers. So what will you do this semester that will make you stand out in a good way? Don’t be afraid to try new things, join a club or maybe even come write for the newspaper. No matter what you do, make sure to never take yourself too seriously, and have the best semester yet!

From the Editorial Board

Hopes, goals and resolutions for Georgia State in 2014

F

or many, the new year offers a fitting time to reexamine one’s priorities and direction in life.

It’s a fresh opportunity to think critically about what’s working and what’s not and to adjust accordingly.

Even if resolutions like “getting in shape” or “quitting smoking” end up not working out, just the process of re-evaluating outcomes is important.

Therefore, the following resolutions are some things we think the university should consider implementing in 2014.

Better athletics marketing

If you follow SEC football or watched a college bowl game over the break, you’ve been exposed to it. For major football powerhouses like the University of Alabama or University of Georgia, it’s not just a winning record that attracts fans and recruits (though it certainly helps).

It’s the brand these schools have carefully nurtured that makes the difference.

Identity matters.

And the culture projected to donors, potential applicants and their families through major marketing campaigns can be the deciding factor for whether these stakeholders care about Georgia State or not.

Now ask yourself the following: What kind of messages are we sending to these groups? When was the last time you saw an ad for Georgia State on TV or heard an ad about our athletic programs on the radio?

With the second largest number of enrolled students in the University System of Georgia and more than 125,000 alumni in the Atlanta area alone, Georgia State needs to make a serious overhaul of its marketing efforts the corner stone of its New Year’s resolutions in 2014.

At the university level, good marketing builds hope and inspires people. It promotes a shared sense of identity and rallies everyone together behind a common banner.

That’s just the kind of thing we need this year.

This frustrating experience is often exacerbated by the fact that certain majors seem to have an overabunFor many students, internships can be the differdant choice of destinations. With proper planning and ence between getting a good job after school and not. direction from each department head, we can certainly Therefore, it’s in the best interest of the school to work to get more programs for more majors in the next streamline the process of helping students find internyear. ships while in school or immediately after graduating to get them that critical experience they need to be successful. However, as an institution, Georgia State appears to be woefully inadequate in assisting with this Georgia State needs to throw its hat into the ring placement. for the soon-to-be-vacant Turner Field area. No deciOnly some programs currently offer credit for insions have been made regarding the stadium’s future ternships or assistance in securing them. While changand Georgia State can only stand to benefit from making this reality may be somewhat difficult or involved, ing a bid for it. there’s no doubt it’s necessary and needs to happen as Essentially, we either can watch hundreds of parksoon as possible. ing spaces that we desperately need be taken away from us, or we can take the opportunity to keep the parking and possibly develop an athletic facility close to campus. The choice is obvious.

Georgia State was largely involved with technology in 2013. Notable examples included professor Mark Stockman’s nano-optics research, the option of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and research showing Above all, Georgia State needs to learn to be comforthow entrepreneurs and contractors influenced highable with being Georgia State in 2014. tech growth within Georgia.

For decades, Georgia State has been known as GeorIn 2014, it’s time we invest in greater technology in gia’s premiere non-traditional university – even as it’s and around the classroom environment. For example, adopted qualities such as additional on-campus housing we could expand offerings like the Digital Aquarium and a Division I football team are more often associated and other technology labs located on campus to acwith traditional schools. Most are comfortable with that commodate more people. Further, we can encourage and, yet, some feel like we’re still not on the level with university professors to break out of the old Powerschools like Georgia Tech or the University of Georgia. point-centric teaching model and work with students It’s time we learn to appreciate the university as it is. to better modernize the classroom.

Georgia State houses top nationally-ranked business and law schools. The University conducts millions of dollars worth of research each year and has nearly single-handedly revitalized Downtown Atlanta. Plus, Searching for study abroad programs in one’s own graduates more people of color than any other public major can often be an exercise in futility, as evidenced university in the country. by the number of degree programs that multiple offer Clearly, something is working. upper-level study abroad experiences.

Connect students with internships

Secure Turner Field

More tech in the classroom

Be comfortable in our own home

Expand study abroad options

ARTS & LIVING

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

The best movies of 2013 range from unusual RomComs to grueling dramas Wolf of wall street 12 Years a Slave The Way Back

Written by Endia Mathews and Sydney Cunningham

Her With award season specials dominating every major network this month, it’s time to play catch up on all the best 2013 movies you may have missed. Our Signal entertainment reporters round up the best of the year – from quirky RomComs to grueling dramas – that you should watch at your next movie marathon.

Best non-cliche RomCom

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omantic movies have a reputation of being the fodder of the movie industry, cranked out every year with no artistic value or meat to them. They are simply a money-making scheme that rakes in first dates and yuppies.

But Spike Jonze’s “Her” is much different than this typical first date movie.

Phoenix leads the movie playing Theodore Twombly, a lonely man who writes love letters for people who have trouble expressing their feelings to loved ones.

With a divorce from his childhood sweetheart (Rooney Mara) in the making, Scarlet Johansson’s character is introduced as Twonbly’s new love interest—only we never see her.

Samantha (Johansson) is an operating system with artificial intelligence and the ability to evolve as humans do. Theodore begins to get attached to Samantha’s voice and develops romantic feelings for her.

With a thin veil of sci-fi, Jonze uses this odd relationship to explore romance and how one can find love in the modern age.

If you’re daydreaming about your renegade life of crime...

I

t isn’t uncommon to sit and fantasize about a lifestyle without rules or limits, and well-written crime movies allow the audience to live vicariously through the

characters and ponder on the many possibilities.

As the fifth collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, “ The Wolf of Wall Street” is the adaptation of the similarly named black comedy memoir. Jordon Belfort (DiCaprio) is a stockbroker on Wall Street who is shown the ropes of corrupt, rich living by his boss.

After losing his job, Belfort lands a gig in penny stocks and creates a Wall Street firm himself with the help of friend Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill). Hiring employees who are up for living the same debaucherous life Belfort does, the company reguarly partakes in lavish parties (read: money, sex and addictive drugs).

The egomania and moral corruptness of Jordon Belfort and the actions of the company don’t quite show you how wonderful it is to live a criminal life, but they do show you how many ridiculous power trips are within a rich criminal’s grasp.

If you want to be left wondering how much can happen in one movie

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ome movies make you feel as if you’ve lived in that theater your entire life–– and sitting through the film is your death. The good ones can startle you with how much plot and story progression they can fit into a film’s time. Whether the beginning of the film is irrecognizable to the end or it’s so fast paced that you witness a great ddeal of change, these films explore the characters and story to a phenomenal degree.

Adapted from the 1953 autobiography, “12 Years a Slave” is the grueling story of New York-born free man Soloman Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who gets kidnapped and sold into slavery. Directed by Steve Mc-

Queen, the story follows the 12 years Soloman survived as a slave.

Slated “hard to watch” because of it’s truthfulness and raw depiction of the horrors of slavery, “12 Years a Slave” reveals a snippet of someone’s life.

If you hide your feelings but want to express them through characters you see in movies, see these three

F

or those guys who every now and then prefer to reveal their feelings to their pillow, here are two films with just the right amount of sappiness.

Cinematic gem “The Way Way Back” stars familiar faces Toni Collette and Steve Carell, but the movie really focuses on 14-year-old Duncan’s (Liam James) emotional roller coaster of a summer vacation.

The coming-of-age story of the quiet and self-kept Duncan, who is often ignored by his mother in favor of her emotionally abusive boyfriend, is relatable to both male and female audiences who might have experienced something similar.

With an outstanding story and direction from the writers of 2011’s award-winning film “The Descendants,” the cast flawlessly deliver both a comedic and emotionally moving performance.

On the surface, “This is the End” may seem like a movie about famous actors acting as themselves all set during the apocalypse, but it is so much more than that.

The movie starts off with Jay Baruchel, who is visiting long-time friend Seth Rogen in Los Angeles. Baruchel isn’t really fond of the stereotypical, stuck-up attitude that many people in Los Angeles seem to have and fears that Rogen is becoming more like his new celebrity friends. Thus, he isn’t too thrilled to go to fellow actor James Franco’s

house party.

In the midst of the party, chaos erupts with an enormous hole opening up and swallowing many of the party guests. This is when the good stuff gets even better as the three leads along with Jonah Hill, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson try to stay alive at the world’s end.

It’s obvious this movie is a bit of a romantic comedy as it details the undying love two best friends have for each other.

Franco and Rogen may have shown some bromance in their parody of Kanye West’s “Bound 2,” but clearly the Baruchel-Rogen relationship is an “until death do us part” kind of deal.

Contrary to what many of the promotional trailers entailed, “The Spectacular Now” is not simply a love story. The story is told all through the eyes of Sutter Keely (Miles Teller), a high school senior who is all about partying and living in the “now.”

It’s obvious that he has no plans for the future and has a worsening drinking problem.

Enter Aimee Finecky, your typical nice girl whom Sutter initially sees as rebound to his recent ex-girlfriend, but begins to fall in love with her as she helps him deal with his problems.

On the surface, it’s another teen movie.

But superb direction, a relatable script and brilliant performances make it a standout among others like it. Male viewers can find some true connection with Sutter as he puts on airs for the public but goes on an emotional renovation through the course of the movie with the help of his new girlfriend, who is played by Shailene Woodley. The chemistry and dialogue between Woodley and Teller is not forced.

Nothing about this movie screams “cheesy” or “chick flick” and nothing is over-dramatic or unrealistic, making it a truly genuine and unforgettable film.

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ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

You can start a fitness regime and keep it up, too!

Written by Kaylyn Hinz

Fitness assessmen t and TWO personal training sessions GSU students:

$45 Other members: $5 0

Fitness assessmen t and SIX personal training sessions GSU students:

$75 Other members: $1 05

Starter Package,S tarter Paws, and REEVUE m etabolic test

GSU students: $80 Other members: $8 5

Can be added to an y training package purchase .

PHOTO BY AFI CAKPO | THE SIGNAL Suraj Jimoh works out every day in the Georgia State Recreation Center.

A

s the new semester settles in, students start fulfilling their healthy New Year’s resolutions by simply going to the gym.

During the month of January, Georgia State’s Recreation Center is packed. However, come February the crowd gets slim and the regulars know exactly why that is.

“Tests come up and other things. People jump in too fast sometimes and they get tired of it after a couple of days,” student Debbie Boyett, who plans to work on strength training this semester, said.

Starting to work out at the beginning of the year excites many students. They want to shred that “freshman 15” or get toned for spring break.

Caroline Dotts, assistant director for fitness programs at the Student Recreation Center, and AJ Ramer, a fitness center personal trainer at the Student Recreation Center, shared some tips for new gym goers.

Start Small

“Don’t reward yourself with food. People often say, ‘Oh if I work out today for 30 minutes I can go get McDonald’s.’ Reward yourself with something else,” Dotts said.

Both Ramer and Dotts suggested to buy clothes instead. If a person loses weight, they can either get new clothes in general or even a nice fitness outfit for motivation.

GSU students: $10/ session Other members: $1 5/session

Keep It Realistic

Training takes time and patience. If someone just started to work out it would be unrealistic to run a marathon the next month. “[Make] realistic goals that are obtainable,” Dotts said.

Read Up

Many places on the Internet have valuable information for new gym goers, but they are not always correct.

“I would stick too American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Their guidelines are really good to go by, they are really structured,” said Ramer.

Set a Goal

Just like starting small, the goals need to be small too. If it is to run a mile or lose 10 pounds, the goal has to be set from the beginning.

“Make a regimen up on your own at home so you know exactly what you need to do.

Get in and get out,” Ramer said.

“It takes dedication and it also takes getting into a routine and making this a part of your life.”

Ask Questions

With a lot of different machines at the gym, exercise sessions can be overwhleming. That is why it is important to ask questions and get help from the employees at the Recreation Center.

“These are students who have been pursuing exercise science for six years of their life. It’s a really good deal we have going on here,” Dotts said.

The employees at the Recreation Center are mostly students getting either their bachelor’s or master’s degrees in exercise science.

If a student were to decide to get a personal trainer, they would go through the different packages, do some simple tests and get started.

Outside of Georgia State’s Recreation Center, a session with a personal trainer could range from $65 to $100, compared to $10 minimum per session on campus.

Nutrition plays a role in exercise as well. There is a nutritionist available at the recreation center for anyone who does not know where to start. Since it is the beginning of the semester, sign ups for personal trainers start this week.

MLK Day Cel

By: Naja M

I

t’s easy to take for granted things you were born with. There will always be a collective feeling of gratitude for the efforts of the leaders and participants of the Civil Rights Movement, but to many students, it seems like a distant glimmer in our nation’s checkered past. It’s hard to fathom that the streets on which we walk were once alive with the struggle and triumph of the Civil Rights Movement.

On Jan. 20, the nation celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, one of the most significant leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King was born and raised in Atlanta, so there will be many events and activities to commemorate his life and accomplishments.

“The theme for the Martin Luther King holiday is remember, celebrate and act on Dr. King’s dream,” Steve Klein, director of communications at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”), said.

The King Center is located in Sweet Auburn District, a historically AfricanAmerican neighborhood just down

REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR .

1929 - 1968 “Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I’m Free at last.”

the street from the towering buildings of Downtown Atlanta and Georgia State’s campus. The historic site is operated by the National Park Service and includes a museum featuring film and an exhibition of photos documenting Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. The center is also up the street from Dr. King’s birth home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King and his father served as pastors.

“This being a major anniversary year, we are calling for students all across America to get involved in events and community service to honor Dr. King in a meaningful way, and we hope the students at Georgia State will participate,” Klein said.

In observance of the Martin Luther King holiday, The King Center will be hosting and co-sponsoring events, starting Friday, Jan. 10 leading up to the holiday.

“The Annual Salute to Greatness dinner is one of the highlights of the Holiday, and one of the only events we are charging for,” Klein said. “It is The King Center’s primary fundraiser and will be held Saturday, the 18th at the Hyatt Regency.”

Another highlight of the Center’s observance of the holiday is the An-

CORETTA SCOTT KING 1927 - 2006

nual Commemorative Service at Martin Luther King’s own Ebenezer Baptist church. Started as a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King by his wife Coretta Scott King, the service supersedes the national holiday and has grown to be the flagship worship service for the country.

“This year on Monday the 20th, the sermon will be delivered by Reverend Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, the (current) pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church,” Klein said. “He is one of the most noted social gospel preachers in the country and it seems appropriate that we give him this because this is a year of significant anniversaries.”

Georgia State celebrates The King Center is not the only place where students can celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. Georgia State’s office of Intercultural Relations will be leading the Martin Luther King Series on campus.

“We just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and our theme Advancing the Dream and Elevating Social Justice takes Dr. Kings Dream to the next level,” said Tonya Cook, program specialist for intercultural relations at Georgia State and event chair of the MLK series.

For more information ab visit www.intercultural or call their office 404.4

“And now abide Faith, Hope, Love, These Three; but the greatest of these is Love.”

1 Cor. 13:13

DESIGN BY MADDIE RICHARDSON | THE SIGNAL

For more information ab check out www.thekingc or call 404.526.8900

lebrations

McGowan There will be events starting on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King’s birthday, with Feed Your Senses: Dance Tribute to Dr. King at the Rialto Center. The events will convene on Jan. 24 with The House of Blues series presented

by Spotlight Programs Board.

“Our school is so diverse it is important to produce events that are going to attract our diverse students to bring that unity on campus,” said Katie Bauser, vice president of Spotlight Programs Board and junior sociology major at Georgia State.

The Office of Intercultural Relations is collaborating and co-hosting events with student organizations and offices on campus to encourage all of our diverse students to come together and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

“The dream is evident at Georgia State, we have one of the most diverse groups of people receiving an education at one of the best research Universities in the South,” said Kwabena Agyemang, president of the International Student Associations Council (ISAC) and Senior double major in sociology and philosophy at Georgia State.

ISAC recognizes that Dr. King’s efforts have made it possible for the organization to be in existence today.

“

- Kwabena Agyemang, president of the International Student Associations Council

“Everything that he did centered around one goal which was to truly prosper as a nature we need to be tolerant of other cultures. If he [Dr. King] didn’t do what he did there wouldn't be an ISAC,” Agyemang said. “It allowed all of us future leaders of different backgrounds to come together and work toward a common goal."

ISAC will be hosting a Lunch and Learn event to honor Dr. King by discussing the effect his accomplishments have had on international education.

Another highlight of Georgia State’s Martin Luther King Series is the 31st Annual MLK Convocation. This event will feature a keynote speech by poet Richard Blanco and serve as the award ceremony for 2014 MLK Torch

bout the MLK series events l.gsu.edu 413.1580

bout The King Center center.org

The dream is evident at Georgia State; we have one of the most diverse groups of people receiving an education at one of the best research Universities in the South.”

of Peace and Hosea Williams Award winners.

“I would love for students, faculty, staff and the community to attend the events and pick up some of the literature that we will have available at MLK Convocation to get involved in furthering the dream. We still have work to do to build better communities for humanity and for all,” Cook said.

Martin Luther King Day comes to students at a difficult time. Just a week after returning from Christmas break it so tempting to write it off as just another vacation day, but all students, especially Georgia State students, should take this holiday as a day to dedicate to furthering the dream of Martin Luther King.

columns

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Study abroad column

Street art in Mainz

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CALEB ROBERTSON Columnist

Caleb Robertson is an English major at Georgia State. No, he does not want to teach. Caleb grew up in Peachtree City, Ga., a place known for its golf carts. His golf cart’s name is Roxanne.

Caleb spends his free time rock climbing and playing video games and is a strong supporter of Batman’s war on crime.

He is currently studying abroad at Mainz University in Mainz, Germany.

Follow him @CJRobertson10

ne of the first things I noticed when walking around the University of Mainz campus was the large amount of uncovered graffiti thrown up on the walls of buildings and on bathroom stalls.

The frequency of graffiti continues in the city itself.

Most of the pieces are simple tags or political messages (“Freedom for Bradley Manning” is a common theme. One bathroom stall on campus is covered in “Kony 2012.”), and these are usually nothing more than eyesores. But there are some pieces around the city that stand out as true street art.

One of my favorites is the depiction of a sad, grey woman with dark and droopy shoulders. In most iterations she wears a striped sweater with the outline of a heart on it. The beautiful – though melancholy – piece can be seen in three different locations in Mainz.

Somewhat less artistic, but still entertaining (to me, at least), are the numerous inscriptions in bathroom stalls throughout campus. One memorable exchange between several artists started with a simple poem, “Here I sit and wait / wondering if I will shit or masturbate.” The response didn’t point out the poet’s loose grasp on rhythm and meter, it simply asked, “Why not both?”

Despite all the graffiti around campus – some good, most pointless and ugly – there seems to be little to no effort by the University to clean its walls. Several of the students said they didn’t mind the graffiti all that much, and they suggested the school didn’t invest in cleaning it off because it will only create a new blank canvas for taggers to work with.

Additionally, schools in Germany have less funding for a Sisyphusian battle with taggers because they charge no tuition, only student fees. I think it’s an easy choice between paying tuition and seeing some spray-paint on school buildings.

Graffiti lines the walls of a classroom building.

PHOTO BY CALEB ROBERTSON | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY CALEB ROBERTSON | THE SIGNAL An on-campus iteration of “Die Frau” appears on a utility shed.

Music column

Queen Bey reigns supreme after iTunes-exclusive album release

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PAUL DEMERRITT Columnist

Paul DeMerritt is a freelance journalist and musician with extensive experience reporting on the music and culture of Atlanta and the globe.

Follow him @PaulDeMerritt

ike most people born after the technological threshold of 1990, I was never granted the experience of listening to an album for the first time in unison with the rest of the world. Now, we hear music in fragments. An album’s debut is funneled through a number of different channels like a river breaking into countless tributaries, reaching our ears through a fractured mode of transport.

Leaks, Youtube fragments, radio singles and low-quality streams have become the norm for experiencing an album’s release. The music industry has configured itself around the fear of a piracy-literate, attention-deficit audience that requires an immediate blast of sugary hooks and over-stimulation in order to listen to an album for longer than 30 seconds.

Naturally, if any artist was going to demand attention for longer than a fleeting moment, it would be Queen Bey herself.

Like a megaton bomb quietly falling from the heavens, Beyoncé’s self-titled fifth album sent instant shock waves across the world without warning. Within three hours of its completely unannounced release the night of Dec. 16, 2013, 80,000 digital copies were moved across the United States. On the following Friday night, 430,000 people had the album tucked away on their computers. Seventeen days later, her U.S. sales had climbed to 1.3 million copies.

This feat would be impressive for any artist, but Beyoncé’s sales proved the music industry’s deeply

held assumptions about consumer habits to be wrong in countless ways. Her album had no fanfare as a prelude. The PR was nonexistent. There were no singles peppered across Top 20 radio to build hype. Consumers could not rush to their favorite megastore to pick it up, either.

“Beyoncé” was not only an iTunes exclusive, but quickly became the fastest selling album in iTunes’ history.

Most mainstream pop artists tremble at the prospect of the much-feared, money-murdering album leak. Labels have developed an arsenal of tricks to combat the piracy war, but all of them seem like dull spears compared to the glistening guns of the headless piracy network. Many albums undergo extreme price cuts in order to keep sales high for physical releases, and digital releases have

faced sales as low as $0.99 for an entire album.

“Beyoncé” had no sale. No discounts. All of those 1.3 million buyers paid the same price: $15.99. Granted, that price included a short video that accompanied every track, but that $15.99 did not include any packaging, any liner notes, anything that consumers could feel against their skin.

Oh, and it’s worth nothing that “Beyoncé” isn’t the most easily digestible pop album of her career.

Numerous tracks flirt with the same brand of industrial, moody minimalism that kept “Yeezus” off the radio and on top of critics’ year-end lists.

Beyond the dizzying numbers, Beyoncé’s silent powerhouse created something more unheard of in the digital age than mere sales: Beyoncé created a uniform, universal conversation about her album that wasn’t subjected to the dismembered pathways of online distribution. Within 12 hours of “Beyoncé”’s release, 1.2 million tweets about the album lit up Twitter.

Such an unexpected success story may only be feasible for someone in Beyoncé’s position.

Smaller labels and their artists rely on commercial promotion, teaser singles and extensive online advertising in order to garner the type of sales that make an album profitable. But “Beyoncé” serves as an indispensable reminder that despite the increasing influence of financial gain on the creation and distribution of music, artists can still have the power to decide how and when audiences experience their art.

REVIEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

ALBUM REVIEW:

Join The Dots

proves TOY transcends genres (Heavenly Recordings) Release date: December 10, 2013 Grade: AVerdict: Dizzying, beautiful and somehow ridiculously good music to drive to.

MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

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wee pop outfit Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong hailed from Brighton, England, achieved rave reviews and notoriety in the space of a single year and then dissolved into nothingness after never releasing a single album.

But since quietly moving on from that tire fire, trio Tom Doughal, Domic O’ Dair and Maxim “Panda” Barron, along with drummer Charlie Slavidge and keyboardist Alejandra Diez, went on to form the enjoyably weird, shoegaze/pop outfit TOY. While the group’s debut album failed to sound focused and reeked of new band playing scared, “Join The Dots” reels in all the amazing ideas from the first go around to create a more confident sophomore album. The formula they established on their debut of swirling guitars, string accompaniment, simplistic drumming and steady, plodding bass lines returns with a new sense of purpose.

After teasing listeners with Brian Eno-esque seven-minute-build-up-ofsound “Conductor,” TOY switches gears by harmonizing traditional pop song structure with unconventional rhythms.

“You Won’t Be The Same,” deliriously dreamy “Endlessly” and “As We Turn” build from shuffling rhythms and urgent guitar strumming to full-sounding, psychedelicinfused pop numbers harkening The Stone Roses.

But this is TOY’s science: easing listeners in with a distorted guitar riff or two, then teasing and pleasing them into a dizzying, beautiful soundscape that’s somehow also excellent to drive to.

The title track itself even blends those same swirling pop experiments with a barebones shoegaze assault, capping it off with air-siren guitars.

Doughal’s bland vocals – a glaring weakness of the first album – work much better with the beautiful, structured chaos of strings, synths and sounds found on “Join the Dots.”

TOY resists being classified by genre

almost as vehemently as the band resists fans’ fruitless Googling. But “Join The Dots” proves that, at least on the former, they know what they’re talking about. After all, being classified simply as krautrock-revival or post-punk or shoegaze or dreampop or simply “alternative” reeks of lazy reimagining, especially when TOY has proven more than capable of wearing all those hats at the same time.

MOVIE REVIEW:

Grudge Match:

A cliche ride with unpleasant company Rating: PG-13 Running time: 113 mins.

Grade: DVerdict: The “Rocky”/”Raging Bull” crossover somebody’s racist grandpa dreamed up after an all night bender has finally arrived 20 years too late.

And wouldn’t you know it, even he doesn’t want to see it.

MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

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obert De Niro burning his way through every shred of goodwill he’d built up from starring in a handful of American classics is nothing I’m new to. Ever since “Meet The Parents” and its awful sequels, I took solace in the fact that at least De Niro was enjoying himself phoning it in. And I could blame it all away on Ben Stiller. Stallone’s brand of selling out was even easier to swallow and eventually appreciate. After getting his one and only

Oscar nod years ago in “Rocky,” he made the commitment to spend the rest of his days playing a living parody of himself quite seamlessly.

“So pairing one old-as-hell actor with plenty-left-in-the-tank-but committedto-the-art-of-not-giving-a-@#$%, and another old-as-hell actor who stopped giving a @#$% a long time ago? Seems like a win-win!” said one (hopefully fired by now!) producer.

The story centers on two former heavyweight boxing legends from Pittsburgh: Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (DeNiro) and Henry “Razor” Sharp (Stallone), who, before retiring, were involved in an intensely publicized boxing rivalry; a rivalry that reached its boiling point and ended anticlimactically when Sharp chose to publicly retire early, denying McDonnen his chance for a best two-outof-three match. Years later, after Sharpe’s inexplicable actions simultaneously ended both his and McDonnen’s boxing careers, slick prompter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) reunites the two in the ring one last time as a way to jumpstart his own career as a fight prompter. But before he can get the two bitter rivals into a ring and somehow sell the fight, he’s got to find a way to get the two to even sit together in the same room.It has all the potential for being a

vaguely interesting story, even if it does carry the stench of “been there done that.”

And the fact that Stallone and De Niro pay homage, if shallowly, to their famous boxing characters from Rocky and Raging Bull manages to seem almost interesting enough to warrant a sit through. So you go ahead and sit through it and realize that its biggest demerit isn’t its heavy reliance on cliches that you see coming a mile away; it’s the fact that Stallone and De Niro – when they’re not simply sleepwalking through their paper-thin roles – are either making awfully unfunny, cringe-worthy jokes or being thoroughly unlikeable, unsympathetic assholes. T he film attempts to juggle a lighthearted “comedic tone” (jokes about being old/gay jokes/more jokes about being old/ an uncomfortable prison rape joke/more jokes about being old, etc) with a much more somber soap opera tone, failing to really execute either. What results is an uncomfortable, forgettable ride with unlikeable, forgettable characters toward an inevitable end.If “Grudge Match” were a road trip, with its ending clearly visible from an hour away, the ride would live and die on how much you like anyone in the car with you. And Stallone and De Niro turn out to be every bit as curmudgeonly and dour to be around as you thought they’d be.

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ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

Starting Over: The challenges transfer students face JEWEL WICKER

Associate Arts & Living Editor

S

ome transfer students say attending a new college can be bittersweet. The idea of starting over can feel refreshing, but losing hard-earned credits and having to make new friends can be overwhelming. For the most part, adjusting to Georgia State’s large student body and open campus takes time, but students say they’ve met people at the university who have made the transition a little easier.

Finding a place to belong in a large student body:

S’maria Gray transferred to Georgia State from North Carolina A&T State University last year. The psychology major had to attend Atlanta Metropolitan State College and take a few classes before Georgia State would accept her. She explained that many of the classes from North Carolina A&T did not count towards her major at Georgia State.

Gray is now set to graduate

a year later than she originally planned, but she said the biggest adjustment has been social, not academic.

“Coming to a school in the city was a big adjustment. Student and campus-wise [Georgia State] is much bigger than any of the other schools I’ve been to. I’m just a student here.”

Gray explained getting involved and joining the university’s Dance Ensemble has helped a lot. She also credits her adviser with helping her make wise academic decisions.

“They have been really helpful and so have my teachers. It seems like there are a lot of staff that have the student’s best interests at heart,” she said. “It’s good to know you have people there for you when you need them.”

Adjusting to college life in an urban city:

Brandi Harris had a similar experience as Gray after transferring to Georgia State from Valdosta State University two semesters ago.

“The transfer itself wasn’t bad because my GPA was high, but I lost a year’s worth of credits due to transferring and changing

PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL The start of the semester stays busy as both new transfer students and current students find their way through campus. my major from hospitality to sociology,” she said, crediting her advisers with helping her through the process.

Harris explained coming to an open campus after living in a small college town took some getting used to.

“At [Valdosta State] it was the college experience. It was just more intimate overall, whereas at [Georgia State] it feels like I’m going to work,” she said.

Harris said she lived on or close to campus while attending college

in Valdosta, but now she commutes about 20 minutes to attend Georgia State.

Starting over at 34 years old with only 3 credits:

Shadeed Williams adds new meaning to the phrase “starting over.” The 34-year-old is currently anticipating the start of his first semester back at Georgia State this spring semester. Williams went to

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Georgia State about 15 years ago after graduating from high school in 1997. He dropped out of college shortly after transferring to Clayton State and has been a DJ under the name DJ Silver Knight for over a decade.

He said about a year ago he began the transfer process and is now starting over as a freshman at Georgia State; only three of his credits transferred from Clayton State.

“My first couple of trips down to Georgia State was kind of frustrating but I finally found a group of people that have helped me every step of the way,” he said.

Williams said he’s okay with the fact that only his English Composition class transferred.

“I’m excited, because it gives me a chance to start over,” he said.

Williams will continue to DJ while attending school this semester. For him, the biggest challenge isn’t academic or social, it is trying to juggle school and work.

“My challenge is working while being a full-time student, but I don’t plan on taking a semester off until I have that paper in my hand. This time I’m doing it for me instead of my parents and I’m taking it more seriously because it’s my own money,” he said.

10th Anniversary

MLK Commemorative Series A diversity of events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15-24, 2014

Feed Your Senses: Dance Tribute to Dr. King

Lunch and Learn: Global Education

The Rialto Center for the Arts and the Axam Dance Theatre Experience will pay tribute to Dr. King.

Lunch provided by Intercultural Relations.

The International Associations Student Council (ISAC) will explore international education and its development following the Civil Rights Movement.

Doors will open at 12 p.m. and lunch provided.

For additional information, contact 404-413-2070.

Wednesday, January 15 12 – 1 p.m.

Rialto Center for the Arts Lobby

Tuesday, January 21 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Dahlberg Hall

Documenting the Dream: African American History, Culture and Art through Photography Thursday, January 16 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Cary-McPheeters Gallery - 1st Floor Auburn Avenue Research Library

C

M

The Auburn Avenue Research Library will host Documenting the Dream: African American History, Culture and Art through Photography. Feature presentations by children’s illustrator R. Gregory Christie and photographer Horace Henry. Attendees will be able to view two exhibits, Horace Henry’s “One Day in January” and R. Gregory Christie’s “Drawing the Dream.”

A reception to follow.

For additional information, contact: 404-413-1530 or 404-730-4001, ext. 100.

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Friday, January 17 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Gateway Center and Friday, January 17 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Safe House Outreach

Students will be given an opportunity to make a difference in the community by volunteering with Gateway Center and Safe House Outreach in collaboration with the Office of Civic Engagement.

For additional information, contact 404-413-1550.

Fast and Furious Panther Prowl

Friday, January 17 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Student Center and Unity Plaza Students will be able to drive simulators, play video games, race bumper cars, make your own license plate and enjoy free food! In celebration of Dr. King, we will feature a poetry corner and dream board, so bring your creativity and inspirational messages. Come join the midnight dance party.

For additional information, contact 404-413-1610.

Margaret A. Staton Office of Disability Services presents Screening: “Lives Worth Living” Tuesday, January 21 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Lucerne Suite, Student Center

In celebration of 2014 Martin Luther King Jr. Series, the Margaret A. Staton Office of Disability Services presents a screening of the film “Lives Worth Living.”

The event is free and open to the public.

For additional information, contact 404-413-1560.

Boxes & Walls/Tunnel of Oppression

Tuesday, January 21 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

University Commons Meeting Room and Wednesday, January 22 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Speaker’s Auditorium, Student Center In collaboration with University Housing, walk through the Tunnel of Oppression, view images and words that depict oppression and social injustices.

For additional information, contact 404-413-2181.

31st Annual MLK Convocation

Advancing the Dream…Elevating Social Justice Thursday, January 23 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom Doors open at 3 p.m.

Join the University community in celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy featuring acclaimed poet, Richard Blanco. The 2014 MLK Torch of Peace and Hosea Williams awardees will be recognized during this event. A reception and book signing will follow the program.

This event is free and open to the public.

House of Blues

Friday, January 24 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom In collaboration with 2014 MLK Series, Spotlight Programs Board will bring together a variety of talented artists to emphasize the diversity of Georgia State by imitating the world famous House of Blues musical concert.

For additional information, contact 404-413-1610.

Find us on Facebook /GSUInterculturalRelations Follow us on Twitter @IR_GSU

Visit us at the Multicultural Center: Suite 250, Student Center 404-413-1584 intercultural.gsu.edu Supported by Student Activity Fees

calendar

16

Campus Events

Concerts/Shows

Try Me Week

GSU Drift

This week only students have the chance to try different workout clinics for free. Not sure what clinic to take this semester? Try a different one everyday. Go to recreation.gsu.edu for the daily schedules.

Join the Spotlight Programs board this Friday at the GSU Drift Panther Prowl. Food, license plates, a mechanical bull, laser tag will all be included. Students are free and guests are $5.

Jan 13-17 The Recreation Center

Gallery Talk

Jan. 16 Welch School of Art and Design Galleries

Celebrate the beginning of spring semester with the opening of two new exhibitions, A Gathering and Creativity and Imagination in the Art of Children. The gallery will be open until March 13.

Jan. 17 Student Center Ballroom

House of Blue

Jan. 24 University Student Center

For the first time Spotlight Programs will be hosting a diverse musical concert based off of the world famous House of Blues.

Multiple vendors will participate in the pre-functions area with clothing, jewelry and live music.

Miss GSU

Feb. 1 Student Center Ballroom 7 p.m.

Come out and support fellow classmates as they compete in the Miss GSU pageant. The contestants will be judged in the following areas: private interview, swimsuit, talent, evening wear and on-stage question.

Spring fashion show Feb. 3 & 10 Student Center Ballroom

Come out and support Panthers Allure at their first fashion show of the year. For model casting information, contact panthersallure@gmail.com.

The Atlanta Beltline connects 45 neighborhoods and provides a collection of parks and trails to citizens. The Walking Tour is a guided tour around the East Side Trail that is led by experts from Trees Atlanta. The tour provides historical information about the area.Tours occur on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. For more infomration visit beltline. org.

Return to Rich’s: The Story Behind The Store

The Breman Museum Through May 27 This exhibit tells the story of the Jewish immagrant who founded Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta. “Return To Rich’s” takes a look back at all of the historical moments surrounding the company, includng the Pink Pig and Fashionista. For more information visit returntorichs. org

Eclectic Winter Art Show

The DeFoor Center Through March 8

The Eclerctic Winter Art Show features distinct and abstract pieces from artists Rachel Howard, Tim Haugh, Barbra Rush and more. The exhibit is free and can be viewed Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tony Allen’s Lucy Kaplansky Jan. 17 Calvacade of Stars!

7:30 p.m.

Featuring: Surrogates, Eddie’s Attic Doesin, Sneaky Hand, Hermits of Suburbia AFI Jan. 13 9 p.m.

529 Flat Shoals Ave.

Jan. 18 8 p.m.

Center Stage

Howe Gelb

James Durbin with Kelley James

Jan. 14 8 p.m.

Eddie’s Attic

Fred Eaglesmith Jan. 15 8 p.m.

Eddie’s Attic

Hot Tuna

Downtown Events Walking Tour of the Atlanta Belt Line Arboretum

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Centennial Olympic Park’s Ice Rink Until Jan. 27

There are only a few more weeks left for you to ice skate at Centennial Olympic Park’s Ice Rink. Tickets are only $7 with student identification.

Atlantaic Station Ice Rink Until Feb. 14

Atlantic Station’s Ice Rink will be open a little longer than Centennial Olympic Park’s, but that’s no reason to delay! Ice skating at Atlantic Station is ideal if you’re looking to eat, shop or catch a movie, too!

Martinis & Imax Fernbank

Martinis & Imax is held on Fridays and is a great way to relax with a cocktail and a movie for a few hours! The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and also features live entertainment. For film listings and ticket pricing visist fernbankmuseum.org

American Idol Season 13: World Premiere Event Jan. 14 AMC Sugarloaf

American Idol fans can come together to watch the season 13 premiere at AMC Sugarloaf. This season’s judges, Harry Connick , Jr., Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban, and host, Ryan Seacrest will be availbale for questions.

The event is from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

‘Catching Fire’ Day Tours

Atlanta Movie Tours is helping ‘Catching Fire’ fans get closer to their favorite characters. The ‘Catching Fire’ Day Tours allows attendees to attend a guided tour and see where the film crew shot the movie. For more information visist atlantamovietours.com

Billy Gardell

Jan. 18 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Bill Gardell is best known for staring in CBS’ hit show Mike & Molly. The popular actor and comedian will bring his show to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Jan. 18 at 8 p.m.

If you have seen Gardell’s comedy shows on Comdey Central or Showtime and you want to see him live, you can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com

DL Hughley

Jan. 17 Uptown Comedy Corner

Comedian DL Hughley, former star of The Hughleys and Dancing With the Stars contestant, will bring his jokes to the Uptown Comedy Corner on Jan. 17. The actor is putting on two back to back shows at the venue. For more informtion visit Ticketmaster.com

Jan. 15 8 p.m.

Variety Playhouse

March Fourth Marching Band Jan. 16 6 p.m.

Terminal West

6. The Wailers Jan. 16 7 p.m.

Masquerade

Jan. 18 7 p.m.

Masquerade

The Grapes

Jan. 18 7:30 p.m.

Variety Playhouse

Chuck Leavell

Jan. 18 8 p.m.

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Sarah Tollerson Jan. 18 8 p.m.

Center Stage

The Atlanta Battle of the Bands Jan. 17 & Jan. 19 6 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Masquerade

SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

WINTER WINNING After implementing a new defense, the men’s basketball team has won seven in a row

POINTS PER GAME Panthers

77 82

Opponents

74 68

0

25

50

75

100

Points

KEY Before winning streak (team played nine games) During winning streak (seven games) FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE Panthers

Opponents

48.9% 46.6%

41.3%

ALEC MCQUADE Sports Editor

W

44.9%

hile everyone was on vacation celebrating the holidays and bringing in the new year, the men’s basketball team did nothing but win.

The Panthers are in the midst of a seven-game winning streak, which includes its first three victories in the Sun Belt Conference this season.

The Panthers are 10-6 and 3-0 in the Sun Belt. They were 3-6 before the streak began.

The streak emerged as head coach Ron Hunter implemented an updated version of the Panthers’ zone defense following the team’s rough start, which included a four-game losing streak.

After the Panthers allowed opponents to score an average of 74 points per game in the first nine games, Hunter said adjustments on defense were coming.

“I feel like I’ve got a championship team, but we don’t have a championship defense,” Hunter said in early December. “We do not have what I call great individual defenders… We’re just trying to do some things scheme-wise to help that.”

Avoiding the temptation to overhelp on defense thus allowing the opportunity for opponents to make wide-open shots was something Hunter said would help his players’ guarding issues.

Hunter first implemented the defense in the rivalry game against Georgia Southern, a game Coach Hunter described as a “must win.”

Hunter was not specific with adjustments he made other than that the Panthers are playing four different defenses.

The Panthers play a zone defense that now frequently shows a 2-3 formation ever since Hunter installed the defense.

The Panthers defeated the Eagles 73-61, holding the Eagles to 42 percent shooting from the floor.

Hunter said the execution of the new defense was not perfect against the Eagles, citing poor communication on the floor, but Hunter said it did help with dribble penetration.

Throughout the winning streak, the Panthers have kept opponents to 41 percent field goal shooting, a slight improvement from the 45 percent shooting before the streak.

Hunter said his goal is for opponents to be held under 40 percent shooting and 70 points, something the Panthers have done three times this season in the victories over Young Harris, South Alabama and, their most recent victory, Western Kentucky.

Offense, on the other hand, has not been a problem this season as the Panthers average 78 points per game, which ranks No. 54 in college basketball.

The abundant offense cannot be attributed to just one player as every game has featured one of the Panthers’ starting five exploding on the floor.

Ryan Harrow scored 33 points against the Old Dominion Monarchs on Dec. 16 to start the Panthers’ winning streak, his second best offensive performance as a Panther.

Fifth-year senior Manny Atkins scored a season-high 23 points and sea-

PHOTO BY ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN | THE SIGNAL A revamped defense has led to the men’s basketball team winning seven straight games and control of the Sun Belt. son-high 12 rebounds to put the Panthers past the Eagles.

Sophomore R.J. Hunter scored 41 points on the road at the University of Texas at San Antonio, 35 points against Troy and 30 points at South Alabama, all game-highs.

Hunter has scored 157 points in the winning streak.

The Panthers’ improvements were

evident on the road as they went into the break 0-6 away from the GSU Sports Arena.

The Panthers have won their last four road games, including an upset at Western Kentucky, where the Panthers blew-out the conference favorites 77-54.

The Panthers did the little things right against the Hilltoppers, shooting a perfect 22-for-22 at the free-throw line

while the Hilltoppers’ offense shot a dismal 28.6 percent from the floor.

Georgia State sits atop the Sun Belt with Arkansas-Little Rock, but nearly the whole conference schedule lies ahead.

The Panthers’ next test will be against Arkansas State (9-5, 2-1 Sun Belt) on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in the GSU Sports Arena.

SPORTS

18

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Women’s Basketball

Joining the cause Women’s Basketball Coach Baldwin-Tener adopts “Barefoot for Bare Feet” tradition DAVID A. NORWOOD II Staff Reporter

F GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS Women’s basketball head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener

or the past two seasons, men’s basketball head coach Ron Hunter has coached an annual “Barefoot for Barefeet” game at Georgia State in support of the Samaritan’s Feet organization.

This year, Hunter won’t be alone as women’s head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener will coach her first “Barefoot for Bare Feet” game at the GSU Sports Arena on Jan. 18 at noon against conference foe University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Samaritan’s Feet is a global hu-

manitarian aid organization that provides shoes to poverty-stricken children around the world.

“If I can help raise more awareness for the Samaritan’s Feet organization, then it will be worth it to coach a game bare foot,” TenerBaldwin said. “Coach Hunter is to be commended for his efforts, and the cause is so purposeful, whether in Atlanta or around the world.”

This year is the organization’s seventh year of hosting the “Barefoot for Bare Feet” initiative.

Jan. 24 will mark the sixth anniversary of the program’s first barefoot game that was coached by Hunter.

Hunter started the tradition in

2008 at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis, where he coached the game annually before bringing the tradition with him when he was hired by Georgia State in 2011.

Hunter won’t be the only pioneer at Georgia State as BaldwinTener will be the first women’s coach to coach barefoot at Georgia State.

Hunter commended BaldwinTener for her decision to coach bare foot in support of the organization.

“I think it is great that coach Baldwin-Tener has decided to go barefoot and help raise awareness for Samaritan’s Feet,” Hunter said.

“I have a great respect for her not only as a coach, but as a person.”

Hunter said he is thankful for her and the other coaches nationwide who have joined the cause by coaching barefoot so that less fortunate children worldwide can have shoes one day, as well as hope.

The women’s coach looks at coaching bare foot not as a sacrifice, but with a sense of optimism.

“A couple hours without shoes might mean months or years for someone to get a pair of shoes, so it will be time well spent. I hope our fans will continue to show their support to Samaritan’s Feet,” Baldwin-Tener said.

ADVERTISEMENT Student Activity Fee Funding for Fiscal Year 2015 The Student Activity Fee Committee (SAFC) has released the budget request forms for the Diversity Fee Council, Sustainability Initiatives Fee Council, and University-Wide Fee Council for Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015) and the Student Activity Fee Overview document, which lists restrictions placed on the expenditure of fee funds. The forms are currently available on the OrgSync website: http://gsu.orgsync.com/Forms This allocation process applies only to the allocation of Student Activity Fee funds assigned to the Diversity Fee Council, Sustainability Initiatives Fee Council, and University-Wide Fee Council, which fund a wide range of chartered student organizations and services not served by other Fee Councils handling other programming categories. This is not the process used by the various colleges to allocate funds to chartered student organizations whose mission or membership is closely related to their degree programs i.e., Chemistry Club, History Society, Social Work Club, etc. Please visit your college Dean’s Office for further information about their funding process. This process is also not associated with other fees for Athletics, Transportation, Health, Recreation, International Education, and the Student Center. If you are unsure as to which funding process applies to your organization, please direct all questions to Shantavia Reid-Stroud, Business Manager III, at 404.413.1522 (email: sreid@gsu.edu) or Latisha Benoit, Accountant II, at 404.413.1707 (email: lbenoit@gsu.edu). Shantavia and Latisha are located in the Office of the Dean of Students (Suite 300 Student Center).

To assist those applying for funding, there will be a Pre-Proposal workshop on Friday, January 24, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in 460 University Center. This workshop will explain the process in detail for applying for Student Activity Fee funding and provide guidance in completing the application.

Attendance is not mandatory, but will be helpful.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 7, 2014, at 5:15pm to the Office of the Dean of Students, Suite 300 Student Center. Late applications will not be accepted.

PANTHER Of The Week

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

CURTIS WASHINGTON BASKETBALL

Curtis Washington had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds to help the Panthers grab a 77-54 win over Western Kentucky last Thursday.

Washington had two blocks and a steal on defense while showing off his dunking skills four times against a depleted Hilltoppers team.

Washington leads the conference and ranks 16 in Division-I basketball in total blocks with 46 this season.

The forward’s height is an asset to the team as he stands at a towering 6-foot-9.

Washington’s performance is one of many recent notable performances from the men’s basketball team as they are currently in a seven-game winning streak that started Dec. 16.

Washington is redshirt junior who transferred to Georgia State two years ago from the University of Southern California in Pasadena, Calif. where he played his freshman season.

23 19

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY DECEMBER 14,10, 2014 2013

Sports Calendar Tue, Jan. 14 Women’s Basketball Arkansas State* Jonesboro, Ark. 8 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS Thu, Jan. 16 Men’s Basketball Arkansas State* GSU Sports Arena 7 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 AM The Fan 3 Sat, Jan. 18 Women’s Basketball UALR* GSU Sports Arena Noon 88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 AM The Fan 3

*CONFERENCE GAMES

Sat, Jan. 18 Men’s Tennis Florida Atlantic Atlanta Athletic Club 2 p.m.

Sat, Jan. 18 Men’s Basketball UALR* GSU Sports Arena 2:30 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 AM The Fan 3 Mon, Jan. 20 Men’s Tennis USC Upstate Atlanta Athletic Club 1 p.m.

Thu, Jan. 23 Women’s Basketball Louisiana-Lafayette* Lafayette, La. 6 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS Thu, Jan. 23 Men’s Basketball Louisiana-Lafayette* Lafayette, La. 8:15 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 AM The Fan 3

briefs Women’s track and field

This past weekend, Georgia State competed in the UAB Blazer Invitational at the CrossPlex Arena in Birmingham, Ala. On Friday, day one of the track meet, junior distance runner Hannah Stefanoff won the 5,000m event with a time of 17:47.27.

Junior middle distance runner Niamh Kearney finished seventh out of 25 runners in the 1,000m race with a time of 3:06.65.

Sophomore sprinter Jasmyne Robinson finished twenty-eighth out of 65 runners in the 400m race with a time of 59.68.

Sophomore sprinter Ravin Gilbert finished eighteenth out of 71 runners in the 200m race with a time of 25.18.

Women’s basketball

Fri, Jan. 24 Women’s Tennis Brenau Atlanta Athletic Club 2 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, Georgia State lost at Western Kentucky 80-59 in Bowling Green, Ky..

Senior guard Kendra Long lead the Panthers in points with 15.

Men’s basketball

The Panthers defeated Western Kentucky 77-54 in Bowling Green, Ky. on Thursday night.

Redshirt-senior forward Manny Atkins lead the Panthers in points with 18.

Sun Belt Standings STANDING

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1st

Georgia State 3-0 | Overall: 10-6

Arkansas State 4-0 | Overall: 10-6

2nd

Arkansas State 3-1 | Overall: 10-5

UALR 3-1 | Overall: 8-6

3rd

UALR 3-1 | Overall: 8-8

WKU 2-1 | Overall: 10-6

WKU 2-1 | Overall: 10-4

5th

Troy 2-2 | Overall: 7-9

UL-Monroe 2-1 | | Overall: 6-9

6th

UL-Lafayette 1-1 | Overall: 10-5

Texas State 2-2 | Overall: 5-10

7th

UL-Monroe 1-2 | Overall: 4-7

South Alabama 2-2 | Overall: 4-10

8th

Texas State 1-2 | Overall: 5-11

Georgia State 1-2 | Overall: 5-10

9th

UT Arlington 1-3 | Overall: 6-10

Troy 0-4 | Overall: 4-11

10th

South Alabama 0-4 | Overall: 6-11

UT Arlington 0-4 | Overall: 1-14

4th

UL-Lafeyette 2-1 | | Overall: 9-5

What’s

Happening

Supported by Student Activity Fees

ry Janua 2014 Monday Tuesday Classes begin.

Wednesday

14

13

Thursday

15

Panther Prowl: GSU Drift

Locker Rentals: January 6-May 7, 2014 Visit 360 Student Center to rent a locker in the Student Center, University Center, Urban Life Center or General Classroom Building on a first-come, first-served basis.

For details, call 404-413-1860.

Spotlight applications available.

MLK Holiday

No classes; Student Center & University Center closed

Courtyard Music Series: Evan Hodges

20

21

For event details, visit our websites:

Campus Events studentevents.gsu.edu

Cinefest Film Theater spotlight.gsu.edu/cinefest

Spotlight Programs Board spotlight.gsu.edu

Student Media studentmedia.gsu.edu

22

12-1 p.m.

Courtyard Stage Student Center Jazz ensemble: Bass & piano / bass & guitar.

Student*University Center studentcenter.gsu.edu

Friday

16

Distinguished Speaker Series: Richard Blanco

4-5 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom See details below.

23

18 & 19

House of Blue

7-11 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom Free for students with GSU ID. $5 for guests.

See details below.

Gimme the Loot, Jan. 13-19

FREE for GSU students, faculty & staff with ID. Guests $3 before 5 p.m. & $5 at 5 p.m. & after.

M-F: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.

S-S: 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m.

RICHARD BLANCO

17

8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Student Center Ballroom Featuring bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag & MLK program.

Cinefest

Film Theater

Sat-Sun

24 25 & 26

M-F: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.

S-S: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.

A Touch of Sin, Jan. 21-26

Spotlight & Campus Events Present

THE

DISTINGUISHED

SPEAKER 2013-2014

Supported by Student Activity Fees

4

SERIES

FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 p. m. Student Center Ballroom

in conjunction with the 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation

Acclaimed poet Richard Blanco joined the ranks of Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, Miller Williams and Elizabeth Alexander when KH ZDV VHOHFWHG E\ 3UHVLGHQW 2EDPD DV WKH ÀIWK LQDXJXUDO SRHW laureate at his second inauguration. The Cuban-American author of three books of poetry, including two award-winners, will read some of his poetry and share the stories that inspired his work, which explores themes of cultural, gender and sexual identity.

Blanco has been published in several anthologies and top literary journals and featured on National Public Radio.

Followed by BOOK SIGNING r

studentevents.gsu.edu

Apply for a job!

The Student*University Center offers many exciting employment opportunities for Georgia State University students. Current openings include: Audiovisual Technician: Provide support for set-up, inventory and client orientation for audiovisual equipment.

Set-Up Assistant: Conduct set-up and turnover of equipment and furniture in the reservable space in the Student*University Center.

To apply for a position, please visit Panther Career Net at https://gsu-csm.symplicity.com/students. All applicants must meet with University Career Services (404-413-1820) and provide a résumé to apply through Panther Career Net.