Vol. 81 | No. 17

JAN. 21 - JAN. 27, 2014

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SESSION

As lawmakers return to the Gold Dome for the 2014 legislative session, get ready for debates over guns on campus, education funding and Medicaid expansion.

Community members discuss the possibility on more guns on campus

News | 3

Super pac-men Get the scoop on Washington, D.C.’s fundraising titans

Opinions |11

Poet at Blue Spoken word artist George Yamazawa will host Spotlight’s next event at the Student Center Ballroom

A&L | 12

Keep Counting

The men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to nine

PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL

DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

Sports | 20 News 3

Opinions 10

Arts & Living 12

Sports 20

2

NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

last week...

blotter

Local

Fifteen and counting

Burrell Ellis, the former CEO of DeKalb County, Ga., has been re-indicted by a grand jury on new charges. The new charges against the suspended CEO include bribery, perjury and theft by extortion. Burrell is already facing fifteen previous felony charges. Ellis made a YouTube video addressing his constituents, claiming that he is innocent and that the charges against him are politically motivated. Ellis is expected to be back in court on Jan. 23, 2014, according to WSB Atlanta.

National

Made-up job titles

New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie is now facing even more attention from the media after the bridge scandal. CNN Exclusive reports that a former Port Authority employee with knowledge of the agency’s hiring practices has come forth and told CNN that agency officials were told in 2010 to find a place for David Wilstein. Soon after, David was named as

the director of Interstate Capital Projects, which was a job title that hadn’t existed at the bi-state agency previously. Wilstein was introduced to Port Authority as a good friend of Governor Christie, but Christie has described the David as “someone he barely knew,” according CNN’s online story.

Global

Disbanding pedophiles

U.S. investigators and other forces around the world worked together to discontinue an international online pedophile group, according to NBC News.

The global criminals had arranged for children to be sexually abused via live webcam footage for money payments. NBC also reported that the investigations began when British police had found pornographic videos during a routine check-up on a registered sex offender. James Dinkins, the associate director of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told NBC News that the investigation would be continued. There have been 29 international arrests, 11 of them being in the Philippines.

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

A report was filed for a criminal trespass warning. A Georgia State officer was patrolling when he made contact with a male student asleep in the stairwell.

A report was filed for lost or mislaid property. A Georgia State student stated she lost her cell phone at an unknown location.

I Parking Lot

Andrew Young & Piedmont Ave.

Officers arrested a non-Georgia State affiliate for driving with a suspended or revoked license. A Georgia State officer observed a vehicle make a traffic violation; the vehicle was stopped. A criminal history check confirmed the individual was unlicensed; subsequently, he was arrested, processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

Library North

Jan. 17

University Commons

Officers arrested a Georgia State student for alcohol possession under 21 years old. A Georgia State officer responded to a sick or injured person call and upon arrival it was determined that the female was intoxicated. Grady EMS arrived on the scene and transported her to the hospital for further evaluation. She was cited and issued a copy of charges.

Photo of the week AFI CAKPO | THE SIGNAL Volunteers at last Friday’s Panther Prowl “tattoo” student Mercedes Ridley with temporary ink in one of their many activities.

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NEWS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

W E N E TH N O I T S QUEAMPUS ON C

, E B Y MA OU

Y E R A “

K C PA ” ?

G N I WRITTEN BY YAO SEIDU DESIGN BY ANNA N. YANG

F

ormer Georgia State students Dorian Stroud and Quinton Arnold can tell you a thing or two about gun violence on a college campus.

These 18 to 19-year-old stickup men charged with armed robbery are facing 10 to 20-year prison sentences for their alleged crime, caught by Georgia State surveillance cameras last semester at the University Commons.

Their kind of criminal activity is the impetus that is driving state legislators, second amendment gun rights advocates, powerful gun lobbyists like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and others to change gun laws

Guns on campus bill

in Georgia. Legislation is intended to allow 21-year-old permit-carrying university students to be armed with concealed weapons on campus for their own protection.

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Georgia State senator Vincent Fort, a former professor at the Atlanta University Center, said. “More guns on a college campus [besides those carried by law men] in the hands of potentially inexperienced gun owners is not the answer. Can’t you see the potential for disaster and unintended consequences?

Of course we should not be arming students for the possibility of a shoot-out with bad guys in the middle of our highly-populated university campuses.”

However, the intent of many in the state legislature is to do just that.

“I am one of the co-sponsors of new gun legislation [on college campuses]. I think

The current Georgia law relative to guns on campus states, “it shall be unlawful for any person to carry, or to possess, or to have under their control while within a school safety zone...any weapon or explosive compound.”

“

“I was born in a house where daddy would come home and place his pistol on the television, where the little kids were sitting watching their TV programs.”

- GSU Police Chief and Assistant Vice President Connie Sampson

citizens should be able to exercise their Constitutional rights,” Republican State Rep. Mandi L. Ballinger said.

Today, there are at least two legislative proposals [House Bill 615 and Senate Bill 308] that are aimed at expanding and clarifying state firearms carry laws that include allowing students who are at least 21 and have a permit to carry a concealed weapon

The position of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia: “[We are] fully committed to supporting the law in its current form, which allows no weapons into its classrooms or campuses and opposes any changes in the current law.”

to do so on campus. Other discussions at the state capital focus on limiting firearms display and possession at political rallies, bars and sporting events.

“We would adhere to any policy or law enacted,” Georgia State police chief and

>> Continued on page 7 (guns)

The overwhelming majority of American colleges and universities (4,314), prohibit students and faculty from carrying concealed handguns on campus, according to the organization, Students for Gun Free Schools.

NEWS

4

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

University

PHOTO BY CHRIS SHATTUCK | THE SIGNAL At last year’s State of the University, President Mark Becker noted the university’s progress in improving its graduation rate in recent years.

President Becker meets President Barack Obama Becker reveals Georgia State’s secret to successfully educated lower income students at the White House YAO SEIDU

G

Staff Reporter

eorgia State and its president Mark Becker are known nationally for having the country’s most dramatic increase in graduation rates for its majority low-income student population.

However, that wasn’t the reason he received an invitation to the White House last Thursday and a meeting with corporate and non-profit executives who were joined by a highly selective group of college and university presidents.

These recognized national leaders, all with proven track records of making significant contributions in post-secondary education, were there to deliver on a promise to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

In simple terms, the question for Becker was, “What is Georgia State going to do next to increase success levels for its low-income students?”

Having been to a White House meeting previously, and having attended several meetings at the Old Executive Office Building adjacent to the executive mansion, Becker first listened to the Obamas and waited his turn for

the show-and-tell.

The Obamas’ unveiling was a set of initiatives designed to better prepare low-income minorities for college enrollment and help remove obstacles that prevent graduation.

Much of the day-long session was spent exchanging ideas for expanding college opportunities for the qualified disadvantaged. Some presenters even promised financing to make college enrollment possible for those without means or who have exhausted meager resources.

Becker’s plan—Georgia State’s early alert system—was explained later.

“Clearly, the president and the first lady have a very strong commitment to leveling the playing field for low-income students to go to college, obtain a degree and live a good life,” Becker said.

“What made this meeting different is that you had universities making the commitment to help support that vision and to make it a reality.”

President Becker, explaining part of the university’s business plan, indicated that the University only admits qualified students who are good candidates for graduation. Those who need remedial education after high school attend area community colleges such as Atlanta Perimeter, Atlanta Metro-

politan, etc.

“Every year we admit 3,000 freshmen and 2,000 transfer students from those community colleges,” he said. “As one of Georgia’s premier research institutions, students have to be college-ready to be enrolled.”

However, in terms of low-income students who are prepared for college, Georgia State accepts them under the belief that they will graduate four years later. For those who attended last week’s White House conference, the significance of educating the lowincome bracket goes beyond factors of “social justice” (everyone having a good chance to succeed in life).

“In the U.S., minorities disproportionately make up the larger percentage of the low-income population. The health and future of the country in a strong democracy needs an educated population and a strong economy,” Becker said. “That’s based on a workforce that is educated. The health of the nation depends on it.”

He then discussed Georgia State’s new “early alert” system.

“Our major new initiative is designed to help eliminate the most common reason why a Georgia State student drops out of school: It’s financial, not academic,” Becker said. “And it’s preventable. There are ways to manage

finances so that students are able to stay in school and leave with a degree.”

“Early alert,” to be implemented by Dr. Tim Renick, will tap into university system-wide data base in search of indicators of financial problems before they become critical.

“We’ll see financial stress before it happens and provide the counseling and services to students at-risk before they run out of money,” Becker said. “The automated computerized system will be linked to a newly created Financial Counseling Center that will student avoid trouble down the road. GSU students will have a much better [chance] of completing their education.”

While at the White House, Becker indicated there were several initiatives aimed at Pell Grant students that caught his attention.

One in particular may be implemented in the future at Georgia State.

He described a Peace Corps/ AmeriCorps initiative operated by the National College Advising Corp. Working with recent college graduates, they are connected to low-income high school students as close advisers.

“Having come through what these college prospects are experiencing, as advisers they are uniquely qualified to help high

school students maneuver around the obstacles of enrolling and graduating from college,” Becker said.

Part of the University’s 10-year strategic plan is to boost graduation rate (32 percent for freshmen entering a decade ago to 53 percent today).

“We adopted the plan three years ago setting our sights for 60 percent in less than 10 years,” Becker said. “We are not aware of any university that has a student population as diverse as Georgia State...with a higher graduation rate. And, we won’t be done when we reach it.”

President Becker believes student success should not depend on family income. The role of universities is not just to educate those students from affluent families but also to successfully educate all who are prepared and committed to succeed.

“In Atlanta, 85 percent of the new jobs created in the next five to 10 years will require a college degree,” Becker said. “If the only people who will go to college in the future are middle- and upperincome people, we will not have enough educated people for the workforce. Realizing ‘The American Dream of Success’ is based on a good education, jobs of the future will require a college education.”

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

NEWS

5

local government

Medicaid not expanded, some students cannot qualify BECCA LONG

G

Staff Reporterr

overnor Deal stood firm on his decision to not expand Medicaid during the 2014 State of the State Address on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The expansion of Medicaid would help college students who are independent and without kids, while current qualifications exclude adults without children.

Students attending Georgia State full-time and are under the

age of 26 are covered under their parents’ private health insurance.

But no expansion means that an independent Georgia State student without children or who has children that are independent most likely do not qualify for Medicaid and will need to buy a plan from the federally facilitated marketplace.

The Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” gave the option to expand Medicaid. Title II., The Role of Public Programs of the Affordable Care

PHOTOS BY RAVEN SCHLEY | THE SIGNAL Last week’s Moral Monday rally at the Capitol was packed full of rain-soaked protestors as they urged Gov. Nathan Deal (R) to approve the state’s Medicaid expansions provided under the federal Affordable Care Act. Act, states, “The Act extends Medicaid while treating all States equally.” This minimized federal involvement.

There are 26 states that decided to expand Medicaid.

Although Georgia was not one of them, according to Gov. Deal, it would cost Georgians $327 million in 2014, which amounts to approximately $1,000 per Georgia citizen.

“Expansion would add 620,000 people to our taxpayer funded health plan, costing us even more,” Gov. Deal said.

Not all Georgians agree that this is the best decision for our state.

Moral Monday, a coalition led by local citizens that raises awareness for people in marginalized circumstances, hosted a rally in front of the capitol on Monday, Jan. 13.

The rally focused on persuading Gov. Deal to expand Medicaid.

One of the speakers was North Carolina NAACP President Rev. William Barber, who started the Moral Monday coalition.

At the expansion rally, Rev. Barber acknowledged the 620,000

people without Medicaid and challenged Gov. Deal to act upon “how we treat the least of these.”

During the State of the State Address, Gov. Deal said that during the 2014 elections, some people who will run for office may try to change the current policies, “… and they may even have protestors to back them up.”

“Their solutions may sound appealing on the surface but will ultimately require us to raise taxes on all Georgians. We must resist those temptations,” Gov. Deal said.

NEWS

6

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

economy

Students express concern about postgraduation employment CIARA FRISBIE

S

Associate News Editor

tate economists discussed Georgia’s economic outlook for 2014, students weigh-in on how they feel about employment and the economy now.

Dr. Kenneth Heaghney, state fiscal economist and research professor of economics at Georiga State University, discussed how the state’s employment growth is outpacing the nation’s at Capitol Building in Atlanta on Jan. 15.

“The improvement in Georgia and U.S. labor markets should improve job prospects for new college graduates. In recent years, many graduates have had difficulty finding employment opportunities commensurate with their education,” Dr. Heaghney said.

The economist also said that as a result of stronger job growth, there will be a reduction of mismatches in skills versus jobs.

Other topics by Heaghney included state-wide and national rising housing market stats, updates

“

...with minimum wage where it is, it’s impossible to make a living with while going to school full time, and trying to work a decent amount of hours.”

- Nick Prather, Georgia State student

on the external global economy.

“We are seeing housing come back stronger, both nationally and in Georgia. There was concern with the external global market, and with Europe’s crisis, but it’s stronger than it was a year ago,” Kenneth said during the meeting.

According to Democracy & Freedom Watch’s coverage of The World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects 2014”, the estimate for 2014 and 2015 in Georgia is 6.3 percent, and 2016 is expected to be 6.5 percent. In 2013, the economic growth was only 2.5 per-

cent.

Coming from a current student’s perspective, junior public relations major Nick Prather said, “Economically, students will continue to struggle with a system that continues to increase interest rates of student loans. Plus with minimum wage where it is, it’s impossible to make a living while going to school full time, and trying to work a decent amount of hours.”

Prather also said that there should be actual proof that students will find more jobs once

they graduate despite the fierce competition in the struggling economy.

As the president of the Student Government Association (SGA), Andrew G. Whyte is involved with many student affairs. This includes observing how current and recent graduates feel about various issues.

“I’ve gathered that generally unemployment still seems to be high, while employment is still low or what others have called stable,” Whyte said.

The SGA president also went on to explain how he knew students that graduated last semester and still cannot find employment.

Andrew also said that personal points of reference for individuals to use when forming their own judgements about employment and the economy tend to come from the people closest to them.

Economically speaking, Andrew said that he believes that if the state is generally doing well, it is a positive characteristic for Georgia if individuals are making

comparisons state-to-state.

In contrast to making state-tostate comparisons, Whyte left off by saying, “Is it the degree from various universities that are not competitive upon graduation, or is it that students do not have the ability to adequately articulate their stance on why they need to be hired?”

Tyler Lewis, vice president of Budget and Finance in SGA, said that if it is true that Georgia is currently outpacing the U.S. in employment, then universities and schools are teaching students well and setting them up with opportunities to remain in Georgia for future employment.

“I am graduating in May, and from a personal standpoint I would say that I am hopeful about the economy and employment,” Lewis said.

Lewis said that it is always positive when there are increasing numbers, even though things don’t move as fast as everyone would like.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

NEWS

7

>> Guns (cont. from page 3) assistant vice president Connie Sampson said.

Chief Sampson continued by placing the gun issue in the perspective of Southern culture.

“There is a potential for a problem, but this is the South and the people in the South have always had guns. We [Southerners] were born and bred on guns. I was born in a house where daddy would come home and place his pistol on the television, where the little kids were sitting there watching TV programs,” Sampson said.

In the southern crescent of Metro Atlanta, Clayton State University history professor Randall S. Gooden, who taught a course on the history of guns, militias and the Constitution, offered a different idea.

“The debate on weapons on campus is a Constitutional questionon representative democracy,” Gooden said.

He explained that the state legislature has the right and obligation to receive and consider the view of each citizen.

“If the majority shares a viewpoint that becomes preeminent to those who serve at the will and pleasure of the people then those viewpoints have to be considered in formulating law,” Gooden said.

State Rep. Matt Hatchett says he is doing just that.

“I’m still listening to my constituents. Some have issues, some don’t [concerning allowing guns on college campuses],” Hatchett said. “This affects students on campus who are over 21. I’ll vote on it when it comes to the floor. I voted for both bills last year [that failed to pass in the 2013 legislative session].” The Dublin Republican is in favor of students being able to carry weapons “in certain places on campus.”

Chief Sampson, a mother of three, said Georgia State will be ready.

“We train our people, in what we think is, for every possible encounter,” Sampson said. “Whether it is a legal gun, or an illegal one, any one of them will kill you.”

Prepared or not, the education establishment in the state is in lock-step with the position of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. It supports the current law that bans firearms possession at colleges, universities and technical schools and opposes any change.

In their statement last March, signed by more than two dozen college presidents in Georgia, the educators said they were “deeply concerned about proposed legislation that would permit firearms in classrooms, student centers and in our academic and administrative buildings.”

Georgia State President Mark Becker’s office offered no additional comment besides the unani-

Interesting facts from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence:

PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL Under current state law, civilians are prohibited from carrying firearms on college campuses, including Georgia State. mous support of the university system.

Banning guns at colleges and universities is not universal throughout the United States.

Both Utah and Colorado allow students with concealed license permits to carry weapon on campus.

In a 2009 national random survey of police chiefs on college campuses, it was found that 86 percent disagree or strongly disagree that allowing students to carry concealed weapons on campus would prevent campus killings like the situation with the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting that resulted in the deaths of 32 people.

Over the past five years, 35 percent of all U.S. college campuses have had at least one firearm incident, according to data provided by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

This speaks to the issue espoused by State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, an Atlanta Democrat, who says the passage of legislation allowing students to carry guns on campus is a 50/50 proposition that may follow the lead of Gov. Nathan Deal.

“It sends the wrong message.

The vast majority of Georgians oppose the expansion of gun rights,” Brooks said. “If you have a gun, got a gun, you are probably going to use it at some point.”

Brooks continued to explain that students on campus with weapons would be tempted to use their guns against people with whom they had disagreements.

Heated debates or arguments may lead to deathly violence if a student decided to use their weapon.

“Colleges and universities don’t need more guns. They need fewer guns. This will create more violence, killings and shootings,” Brooks said.

Georgia State Police Chief Sampson gave a warning for the university community.

• Guns used in suicide attempts are more fatal 90 percent of the time compared to the 3 percent fatality rate of those who attempt to kill themselves by drug overdose.

• Guns GSU stolen from homes and cars fuel crime. College dorms rooms would be an even easier target for gun thieves.

• Trained police officers (most often former military) hit their intended targets less than 20 percent of the time.

PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL Lt. Lawton explains that Georgia State Police has collected around 32 types of guns around campus over the past seven years.

“Be careful whether it’s a gun, knife, brick, hammer, crowbar or someone trying to kidnap you. Be cautious and be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to avoid any kind of harm or injury,” Sampson said.

Alluding to the Stroud and Arnold armed robbery, Chief Sampson reminded the community of

what the consequences can be.

“All three of those guys were locked up before the sun came up the next morning. We had them captured [on cameras] when they walked into the building. We use a number of resources to identify, track and apprehend [those who commit campus crimes] and that’s what we did,” Sampson said.

• Children (age 0-19) from rural counties die from gunshots just as often as children from urban counties.

— Rural children die more often from gun suicide or unintentional shooting — Urban children die more often from gun homicide

NEWS

8

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Local government

House approves $1.1 trillion spending bill ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY LASHER | THE SIGNAL

KEY

CAMERON WASHINGTON Associate News Editor

A

fter a year filled with partisan struggle, including a temporary government shutdown), a sign of progress finally emerged as the House of Representatives approved the $1.1 trillion budget for the 2014 fiscal year on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

The bill is divided into 12 major sections of government spending.

The two sections that garner most of the budget are the Department of Defense (DOD); Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education appropriations.

The DOD is responsible for all facets of national security and military readiness, and it encompasses nearly half of all government spending in this bill. The proposed budget for this section is $486.9 billion, relatively similar to the budget of 2013.

The DOD will use $85 billion of their allocated money for ongoing military action, a decrease in $2 billion from last year. Another noticeable decrease in defense spend-

ing is noted in the facet of Research & Development.

“The bill contains $63.0 billion—$6.9 billion below the fiscal year 2013 enacted level—for research, development, test and evaluation of new defense technologies,” noted a CNN political correspondent. “This basic and applied research, system development and testing helps to advance the safety and success of current and future military operations and will help prepare our nation to meet a broad range of potential security threats.”

Based upon the decrease in spending for ongoing military operations and Research & Development, one could infer that less military involvement can be expected from the United States in the Middle East during this year.

The second largest budget allocation falls into the section of Labor, HHS and Education appropriations. This section garners $156.8 billion of the federal budget for the 2014 fiscal year–$100 million less than was provided to this section of the budget in the 2013 fiscal year, and $9 billion less than President Obama hoped to have allocated to

this section.

The legislation seeks to focus tax dollars on programs that are critical to the health and well-being of Americans, including disease prevention and research programs and bio-defense efforts.

Of the three areas in this section, this budget focuses primarily on HHS, and that is evident in the planned allocation of government revenue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) received funding increases of $567 million, $1 billion and $265 million, respectively.

Both the Department of Education (DoE) and the Department of Labor (Labor Department) will receive budget cuts if the bill goes into effect. The DoE would receive $70.6 billion for this fiscal year, a decrease in funding of $739 million from 2013, while the Labor Department would receive $12 billion, a decrease of $449 million.

Also noted in the bill was the fact that the federal government will provide no funding at all this year for pre-school development

grants, or “Race to the Top” college affordability programs. Obviously, this is not a sign of encouragement for college students and aspiring collegiate students.

“I think they should focus more on providing money for education,” Cedric Grant, a film major at Georgia State, said. “I would also like to see more tax breaks for the working class and the middle class.

We make up the majority of the country’s population. Why should the wealthy continue getting tax breaks when we need the money more?”

In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Senator Tom Cole talked about how it is impossible to please everyone when you are in the process of formulating a bill. However, he noted on the positive side that this bill was $164 billion less than President George W. Bush’s last bill.

Government officials hope that the passing of this bill creates optimism among the American people

about t h e i r government, as opposed to last year.

When polled last year, citizens voted with an overwhelming percentage that the current members of Congress were doing a poor job of running the country.

“This agreement shows the American people that we can compromise, and that we can govern,” noted Barbara Mikulski, the representative in the Senate for the state of Maryland.

The bill is expected to be approved by the Senate and then passed onto President Obama for its signage into law.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

NEWS

9

Student government

Meet your new SGA executive vice president CAMERON WASHINGTON Associate News Editor

A

shley Uzamere is the newly appointed executive vice president of the Student Government Association. She is a pre-med major and hopes to become a pediatric oncologist.

So you were just announced as SGA’s new executive vice president.

What kind of emotions are going through your mind right now? How did you feel when you heard the good news?

When I got the news, I was sitting down on my couch over Christmas break, and the news actually came by complete surprise because all of the candidates and all of the people that were interested were all student leaders, we all have experience, so any one of the candidates could’ve been chosen. But for them to pick me, I’m definitely honored and very happy about it.

As the new executive VP, you and President Whyte will for all intents and purposes be the face of the student body here at Georgia State. How will you handle the pressure and responsibility that comes with representing over 32,000 students?

I think teamwork. We have myself and Andrew and a lot of student leaders, the board of VPs, including myself, so just as long as we work as a team, you know, compromise when we don’t see eye-to-eye and just making sure we get the goal done, I think that alleviates all of the stress.

What inspired you to run for this position?

Well I’m already a student leader here on campus, so its almost just like I saw a vacancy and took it, my passion for Georgia State and I also wanted to be able to impact students in a different way, and being an offical liason between the student body and the SGA. All of those are things that drove me to apply for the position.

Why do you think that President Whyte saw you as the most qualified candidate for the position?

Again, all of the candidates were experienced leaders and awesome students, both in class and out of class, but I think what made me stand out was my passion for Georgia State. Also, Andrew and I worked together in the 1913 Society and as Emerging Leaders during our freshman year, so he knows my

work ethic, along with other people who are currently in the SGA.

Do you plan to run again in the spring?

I was thinking about it, however I am graduating in the Fall of 2014, so exactly what happened this year with the former VP leaving early will happen again next fall if I run for the position and win. So it depends on who’s running for president, who is on the ticket, so it’s really still up in the air right now. I’m not sure.

What are your priorities and what do you hope to accomplish during your tenure here?

I really only have two main goals. My first is really to support my president because that’s my role, to back him up on anything and basically make his job easier.

My second goal is to work with the senators to make sure that we see eye-to-eye. In previous years it was almost like there was a hierarchy in decision making, everyone’s voice should be heard. Working together, much more closely, to get whatever we need done.

Do you see anything you want to change with the SGA agenda?

Possibly how we have senators sign up for things. It’s much more efficient to do things online, such as administrative tasks. I think would help our workflow and make SGA proceedings more efficient.

What are some pieces of legislation or amendments to current policies that you would like to have passed?

Not any that I personally know of. However, there are a lot of acts brought up by senators at the meetings and things like that. But right now, there’s nothing specific that I can think of that I would like amended or added to the SGA constitution.

Finally, what’s your first order of business?

It doesn’t have to be in relation to anything involving SGA particularly, but just your first order of business as executive VP?

To get sworn in! I get sworn in tonight, and it becomes official. I think that’s definitely the first thing. And then to make sure I’m seeing eye-toeye with the senators and to make sure I’m not viewed as distant from them because they’re the ones in the colleges, making things happen with the students, so they’re really kind of like our front-line men. So I really want them to view me as someone that is approachable, someone that they can talk to, someone that is... on their team. I think that’s the first thing.

PHOTO BY MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL Executive Vice President Ashley Uzamere says she looks forward to connecting with students and senators during her term.

OPINIONS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Are we too young for guns?

A

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

year ago, my column arguing against a gunfriendly Georgia State campus was published here, in the The Signal. I argued that while our urban location leaves us prone to crime, our campus crime records present no plausible reason to furnish our campus with guns.

My argument did not discredit the student or question the student’s ability to be responsible enough to possess a gun. Instead, I questioned the individual’s ability and that is where legislators against the allowance of guns on campus have failed.

Along with several legislators, many Georgia residents think students are too young to carry a gun on campus. They’ve garnished their argument with adjectives like “immature” and “irresponsible.”

Along with a Georgia poll conducted by survey spearheaders Abt SRBI, where 78 percent opposed gun-friendly campuses, one woman’s words may have summed up their fears. Forty-four-year-old Veronica Connell said that college students are much less likely to be ready for that responsibility, topping the assertion off with, “That’s just asking more trouble.”

Quotes like Connell’s are birthed from exhausted stereotypes about youth and their behavior. These stereotypes are largely and weakly supported by the portrayal of youth in the media and feed a rooted presence of fear in our nation.

At the forefront of these stereotypes is the “bohemian” nature of the student. Viewed through the scopes of “seasoned” adults, we are seen as having a “wild and irrational” nature, prone to habitual outbursts for the sake of rebellion. The student is said to harbor an irresistible urge to act thoughtlessly and impulsively in the face of adversity giving life to the saying “shoot first, ask questions later.”

This perception is fed by statistics like the ones reported in a 2012 summary report from the Geor-

“

gia Crime Information Center. It revealed that crime rates were higher among individuals between the ages of 17 and 29 and, in fact, showed a steady decrease from age 30 and on. The reason for their perceptions seem obvious.

What isn’t obvious is the high presence of crime among individuals who are supposed to have the least amount of guns in possession. This is the elephant in the room and its stench begs the question: Why are more people murdered among an age

young individuals but instead to the treatment of them. Individuals who are encouraged and expected to possess contraception are conversely deemed too irresponsible to possess a weapon. They are old enough to join the military and defend their country but denied the opportunity to prove that they can be both productive and responsible citizens.

The lack of reasoning here should be considered.

The fight against guns on campus is a result of a highly generalized misconception of young individuals. The student has been clumped into one identity, the “wild and irrational freethinker.” So while our campus possesses a prismatic sea of students, all from different walks of life and in different parts of life’s journey, we are viewed as replicas cut from the same cookiecutter.

We should not be held responsible for everyone in our age group. This convenient generalization only feeds stereotypes and steadily strips what power young individuals have, placing it in the hands of the older and presumed-to-be wiser.

We should be regarded as the individual adults that we are and not held to half of what defines adulthood, the other half exclusive to those 30 years and older. Assuming that a 30-year-old would be less likely to harm someone with a gun than a 21-year-old omits significant factors that should be considered, including character. Background checks and gun training results should reflect the individual’s character, not age. And while character develops with age, this development is not guaranteed to be positively progressive.

Again, I do not encourage the presence of guns on campus, but I do not feel that age should be a determining factor in whether to allow guns on campus. To do so would simply be ageist and evidence of a rather thoughtless arrival to a conclusion.

The student has been clumped into one identity, the ‘wild and irrational freethinker.’” group that isn’t even old enough to posses a gun?

The short answer: They’re protecting themselves in an environment where they have been given no means of protection.

This is not to say that every crime committed among young individuals is in defense or that a crime committed in defense is warranted. But the absence of the opportunity to protect oneself only seems to invite harm to oneself or someone else.

While you have to be only 18 to purchase a handgun, you must be 21 to carry it in public. So, unless the majority of the murders reported in the summary happened in homes and vehicles, it’s safe to say that the gun presence among these young individuals is largely illegal.

This illegal presence of guns should not be charged to the perceived “rebellious” nature of

From the Editorial Board

Let’s replace Panther Prowl with something actually fun With exciting themes like “Panther Prowl: YOLO,” who wouldn’t want to go?

W

hat do laser tag, Rockband, bounce houses and casino tables all have in common?

Answer: They’ve all been part of featured activites of a Spotlight Panther Prowl event in the last year.

That sounds great, right? Now if only Panther Prowl events were as as cool as they’re made out to be.

For mediocre activities at best, they’re frequently plauged with long lines and adecidedly underage audience. And the sad reality of the student fee-supported programming is that too often the events

are seen as an absolute last resort when planning for the weekend.

Because with exciting themes like “Panther Prowl: YOLO,” who wouldn’t want to go—except for maybe freshman and those looking for free food?

But the point of this editorial is not to just jump on Spotlight. Not all of their programming is as miserable as the Panther Prowl events. Take the “Blue at the Zoo” and “Panthers on Ice” events, for example.

Here are two external Georgia State exclusive events of direct interest to most students, particularly communters, who often

have little incentive to stay beyond classes, much less attend lackluster events like Panther Prowl, but might be more interested in visiting iconic Atlanta landmarks.

Still, while Spotlight is often able to get great deals to secure these locations for student activities, cost can still be a prohibative factor in preventing people from going.

So instead of spending money on Panther Prowl events, which seem to have a very poor reputation among most around campus, why not put that money toward making extracurricular outings like “GSU

Six Flags Day” free or even more affordable to attend?

Fernbank, Stone Mountain, the World of Coke museum and the SkyView ferris wheel are just a few of the places Georgia State could visit through Spotlight. A “GSU night” at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, High Museum of Art or Turner Field wouldn’t be inappropriate, either.

Next time you head to buy that discount ticket for GSU Night at the aquarium, think how much better it’d be if that ticket were free since you don’t really go to the Panther Prowls anyway.

11

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

The PAC-man cometh

T

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

he year 2014 is expected to be an exciting one in the world of politics, with both House and Senate elections in November as well as various smaller elections statewide.

Many college students may feel like the midterm elections don’t matter as much as a presidential race, but in many ways there are more direct results from these votes.

Besides, the House and Senate produce and pass bills through Congress, which directly affects millions of Americans each year no matter their age or party affiliation; however, the average student seems to struggle with getting involved in politics, thinking it takes a hefty bank account to financially support your favorite candidate.

That isn’t the case, and there is a way to go toe to toe with the ever-increasing Super PACs (Political Action Committees).

With the widening wealth gap of the past few decades, the rich are getting richer and, in turn, they are pouring more money into political campaigns that align with their interests. Our founding fathers made it so the wealthy could not simply buy the vote, but 250 years of evolution has led us to the modern field of politics.

This is a landscape where lobbyists get things done behind closed doors and money has a way of influencing many decisions on Capitol Hill. The biggest change in recent years to political campaigns has been the introduction of the Super PAC that I mentioned earlier.

This is simply an independent committee that can raise unlimited amounts of money for corporations, unions or individuals, but must not directly support a party or candidate.

These Super PACs have found all of the loopholes in fundraising laws and are the ones responsible for not only the graphic and dramatic political commercials you see leading up to the elections, but also the copious amounts of flyers and letters either promoting a candidate or partaking in the borderline defamation of another candidate.

Millions and millions of dollars are put into these Super PACs with the help of wealthy individuals who wish to see a particular party in power, and they intimidate many candidates from continuing in elections who are without Super PAC support.

A candidate with a strong public image and logical political platform may easily be shut out by the large Super PACs that

Now hiring

columnists

back candidates who might promise things like tax cuts for the wealthy or looser building regulations.

This is the landscape of elections today, but it doesn’t have to be this way forever. That’s where you, the student, come in.

Super PACs are daunting and many political activists question their usefulness in the betterment of our country. There is a growing grassroots movement that is challenging the Super PAC system and slowly winning, election by election.

This movement is just simply people who are passionate about a certain platform and are volunteering to spread the message to the voters. It turns out that using your right to vote and supporting candidates without breaking the bank is a growing trend among the lower and middle classes. While the Republican Primaries were in full swing in spring 2012, Atlanta’s own Herman Cain was able to rise drastically in popularity due to his unique platform and representing the untapped African American Republican demographic.

There are simple steps you can make to help the movement and keep huge spending committees from basically running each election.

First, you must choose to pick a candidate based on what your beliefs and values are. Don’t let the crazy commercials and junk mail from these committees be your only resources on who the candidates are.

Second, just vote. Even if you don’t vote for every category, exercising your right to vote helps give you a voice in the community and country as a whole.

Lastly, volunteer for the party or candidate you support. Going to rallies, campaign events and fundraisers are great ways to feel connected without having to donate any money! Just think back to the 2012 election when Obama ran against one of the most well-funded Republican campaigns in recent history. Up against Romney’s Super PACs, Obama won the popular vote through outreaching (not outspending) to the community and rallying passionate voters—something money can’t often buy.

If more and more individuals become proactive about the election season, the Super PACs might slowly become obsolete. When these political action committees realize that individual ideas and passions far outweigh throwing millions of dollars at a campaign, and only then, there may be progress in politics.

Alas, those in favor of these Super PACs see nothing wrong with these committees’ unique twist on the First Amendment. The idea of free speech means different things to each citizen, but we can all agree that any information we hear about a candidate should never be taken at face value. It is up to us to think for ourselves and vote in our best interest, rather than the biased interest of the ever-growing Super PACs.

YOUR VOICE • YOUR OPINIONS “Would you trust your peers with a gun?”

Jason Smith

Major: Political Science I wouldn’t feel comfortable having the general student body allowed to have guns on campus and in classrooms and things like that, no.

I’m not generally opposed to concealed permits or anything like that, but, no... Just because one of the things with gun control is to prevent a problem, and the reason it’s not really directed toward people in our age range is because in the college environment, emotions get high a lot of times. And in a lot of environments that college students are in...if we’re in some sort of conflict, and it escalates and you have a gun with you, it can escalate too high. And I don’t think a lot of college kids around me are mature enough.

Donna Outten

Major: Psychology I will [trust my peers] when I’m in the military.

But if it was other circumstances other than that, no. Because in the military you have a gun for a purpose and you know how to use it. People who don’t have guns...they may or may not know how to use it. And if they do know how to use it, they may not know how to use it properly.

Allison Edwards Major: Criminal justice No, I don’t trust anyone with a gun.

Lashauna Lowe Major: Computer Information Systems

Absolutely not, it’s kind of awkward for them to have a gun. But if it were a police officer or something like that, then cool. They were trained in that. But if you’re just getting it to get it, and you’re one of my peers, and you’re not trained in it and you don’t have any certification, then I don’t think you need it.

You’ve got the opinion.

We’ve got the soapbox.

To be a guest columnist, send in your thoughts to signalopinions@gmail.com. To be a (paid) staff columnist, download an application from georgiastatesignal.com/employment and turn it in to Dr. Bryce McNeil at 330 Student Center

Vision Boards Can a creative project and positive thinking change your future?

By: Jewel Wicker

M

any people believe visualizing your dreams can help you achieve them, while others think it is nothing more than meaningless daydreaming.

Most people think of daydreaming as a useless distraction, but there are others who believe it plays a major role in a person’s future.

Vision boards, also known as dream boards or action boards, have been around for years, but they have gained popularity following the success of the book and film “The Secret.” The phenomenon is based on the law of attraction, or the idea that a person’s thoughts control their reality.

Based on this law, obtaining your dream job, significant other or car is as easy as envisioning yourself already possessing it.

Vision boards are physical or digital representations of this concept. Using pictures and words, a person depicts the life they wish to have, focusing on intangible objects, not just material items. Generally, the boards are created at the beginning of the year and hung somewhere visible so that its creator can see it on a daily basis.

Tyler Mitchell, a journalism major who hopes to write about fash-

ion in the future, said she learned about vision boards after visiting her aunt in Los Angeles. Her aunt, an actress, filled her vision board with influential figures and successful actresses.

Mitchell said her vision board for 2013 focused on her love of fashion. She said she landed on a fashion blog after meeting a blogger in New York City and she has since added the picture to her board.

“I became a part of the image that speaks to me,” she said.

Mitchell also has a motivational quote wall with inspirational messages from Buddha, Ralph Waldo Emerson and more.

“I can look at it every day and it reminds me of what I want to do and my goals in life,” she said.

Sheriden Garrett has never made a vision board, but she said she’s familiar with the process and would like to make one in the future.

Like Mitchell, Garrett said her board would feature style elements, including pictures from magazines such as Glamour. She said she would also include a few quotes.

“I am a huge fan of inspiring quotes about self-love and building your own foundation so that you aren’t depending on anyone

DESIGN BY MADDIE RICHARDSON | THE SIGNAL

else for your happiness,” she said.

Garrett said she, too, believes a vision board is all about speaking things into existence.

“It’s about accessing your vision for the year to come,” Garrett said.

“A vision board is to draw [those] things to you and put [them] into your reality.”

Oprah, Martha Beck and other celebrities and motivational speakers have supported the idea of vision boards in the past.

Still, some supporters believe it takes more than creating a vision board to accomplish goals, while others believe making the board and thinking positive thoughts is enough to attract an ideal lifestyle.

Studies where patients report feeling better after being given a placebo pill, which they believe is real medication, seem to support this theory, but there many people who believe this mode of thinking can be a source of unnecessary guilt. They use victims of violent crimes or accidents as examples that sometimes people can’t control their futures.

It is hard to know if vision boards will continue to gain attention as the year progresses, but with pinboard social media sites like Pinterest becoming popular, dreamers will always have somewhere to visualize their ideal lives.

How to make a vision board 1 p te

S

Make a list of your goals, dreams and resolutions.

Step 2 Search for pictures to depict the items on your list using magazine pictures and the Internet (Pinterest, search engines, Tumblr, etc.).

Step 3

Print pictures.

Step 4

Creatively place the pictures on the board. Leave room if you plan to add quotes and meaningful words.

5 p te Using glue and/or washi tape, secure the pictures.

S

Step 6

Write meaningful quotes, messages and words around the pictures using a pencil.

Step 7

Trace the words using markers and/or glitter.

T PH O

Y OB

E R AV

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|

SI THE

G NA

L

PHOTO BY RAVE Some people belie N SCHLEY | THE ve creating and fo SIGNAL llowing a vision help their dream board will s manifest in real life.

Step 8 After the glue has dried, hang your vision board in a visible place.

ARTS & LIVING

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

A poet born of tradition Spoken word artist George Yamazawa to host House of Blue ENDIA MATHEWS Staff Reporter

I

n a small room, a young man stands with his eyes closed and head bowed.

He slides his hand up and down his head, takes a deep breath and then walks to the microphone.

“In Japanese culture, reaching 88 years in age is a lifetime accomplishment.”

The words flow from his mouth as if he is speaking to a close friend.

He continues to speak, and with a quivering voice, reveals the subject of his story.

“Dear Grandma, from the bottom of my heart,” he begins.

23-year-old poet and lyricist George Yamazawa has been writing poetry—as well as rap lyrics—since he was young and says that although some of his poems are about love and other little moments in life, most of his poems focus on his family “because that’s where everything starts.”

Yamazawa wrote the poem “Dear Grandma,” which he describes as his “signature poem,” because it began his writing about Asian-American identity and family.

In 2010, Yamazawa performed his poem “Dear Grandma” for the first time at a Brave New Voices event in Los Angeles.

The inspiration for the poem came in the middle of the night when Yamazawa’s elderly grandmother woke him three times. Each time she asked if he had eaten and he answered that he had. Yet because of her old age, her memory was weak and she continued to wake him until he gave in and let her feed him.

“She just wanted to feed me some rice balls to know that I was okay,” Yamazawa said. “That’s when I realized that a grandmother holds so much nourishment for people. So I just sat there and wrote a poem.”

Today, Yamazawa is a successful spoken word artist, traveling around the country performing at many poetry events and colleges.

He was selected by the Spotlight Programs Board to not only perform but also to host Georgia State’s first House of Blue musical concert, which has the goal of being a “culturally diverse explosion of rock, country, R&B, acoustic and hip hop.”

“We needed a host, so what better than for him to host and throw some spoken word into it,” shared Spotlight Programs’ president Chauncey Walker on booking Yamazawa.

Yamazawa’s unique artistry along with the belief that he would bring a special flavor to the show made him one of the four chosen performers at the House of Blue concert.

Along with Yamazawa, members from Spotlight chose Natalie Stovall and the Drive, Suite 709 and Rayvon Owen, because they felt these artists embodied the cultural diversity to which the show seeks to expose the audience.

“When you meet him, he’s very cultured, and he loves the hip hop and R&B world and he incorporates that into his spoken word,” Walker said about Yamazawa.

Being raised in South Carolina

by Japanese immigrants, Yamazawa did not always hear American-style music like rhythm and blues or pop playing around his house. It wasn’t until his older sister dated a guy who he says “knew the ins and outs of hip-hop” that he started saturating himself in hip-hop.

“I learned [hip-hop] from him and then I started rapping. Then when I was a freshman I ran into a poetry club and they were studying Tupac’s lyrics, and that’s when I made the connection between poetry and hip hop. That’s where it kind of all started.”

This year, Yamazawa has a lot more free time on his hands and hopes to spend that time in the studio making hip-hop music.

And he is no stranger to the music production process. In 2011, he posted a music video on his official Youtube channel for his song “Ridin’ Along.”

When writing a poem versus writing a rap, Yamazawa said that his poems carry more emotional truth, which is one of the reasons he wanted to switch his focus from spoken word to producing music.

“Making music is more fun than writing poems. Writing poems gets heavy, but hip hop is just fun. I’m ready to have fun again.”

That’s one of the reasons why Yamazawa is excited to perform at the House of Blue. Although he does have some nervousness about hosting the show, he plans on trying to make people laugh and have a good time.

“I like laughing. I like being goofy when I’m on stage; it’s important for people to see what you’re like.”

Through “Dear Grandma,” his poetry and his rap lyrics, Yamazawa expresses his desire to become a strong, confident member of society.

“I’m 23 now. I’m still just kind of learning what it is to be a man; what it means to be a lover, what it means to be a contributor to society. I got a lot of learning to do.”

“

In Japanese culture, reaching 88 years in age is a lifetime accomplishment.”

- George Yamazawa, spoken word artist

PHOTO SUBMITTED

BY GEORGE YAMAZAWA

15

ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Atlanta Winter Beer Festival More days, more bands, more brews NAJA MCGOWAN Saff Reporter

W

hat better way to cure your winter blues than with live music, dancing and a couple of foamy, golden brown brews?

The Atlanta Winter Beer festival is back to break up the monotony in your winter calendar, and this year the festival coming back bigger and better.

“The last few years our tickets have sold out pretty quickly,” Michael DiLonardo, director of operations for Atlanta beer festivals, said.

The two-day festival will be held Jan. 25 and 26 at the Masquerade, which was once the Dupre Excelsior Mill. The venue provides a charming, dingy atmosphere and gives concert and festival-goers room with its multilevel layout separated into hell, purgatory and heaven.

DiLonardo expects a good turnout this year. “The last couple of years it has been selling out at 2,600 so were expecting

that on Saturday and Sunday were hoping for about 1,500,” he said.

In addition to the indoor space, the beer fest will be using tents in both the front of the venue and out back in Masquerade’s Music Park. The tents will be heated if necessary.

Musician and party singer Ian Schumacher is part of the diverse lineup of musicians who will be providing entertainment at the festival.

“People can expect to be surprised in ways they’ve never been before. My act is a one-man band with live mixing and sampling at the show,” Schumacher said.

Schumacher will be playing a mix of both original music and cover songs.

His original music is a testament to his variegated musical taste and is selfdescribed as “funk-feel-good-technorock-and-roll-music.” Schumacher also prides himself in his covers taking well known songs and creating a layered genrefusing concoctions barely recognizable from the original.

“It’s really a live musical experience because it sounds like there’s eight people

up on stage and it’s just one guy, a stand and some pedals using a Boomerang sampler. It’s great beer festival music because it’s really high energy and fun,” Schumacher said.

Besides Schumacher, there will be nine other local popular acts on five stages throughout the venue, plus a variety of vendors, a DJ dance party and communal games like beer pong and flip cup.

There will be 300 different types of beers available, from the traditional favorites to full-bodied winter brews.

Saturday will feature breweries east of the Mississippi River, while Sunday will feature breweries from west of the Mississippi River.

“The festival happens on the weekend after the playoffs and right before the Super Bowl, so there’s really nothing else going on,” DiLonardo said. “Georgia State students should come out to the winter beer festival to get a chance to get educated about beers and have fun.”

Tickets are $70 for two days and $40 for one. The ticket includes a souvenir cup and beer samples. Food is extra.

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ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

@GAFOLLOWERS Reporting the news for our generation KAYLYN HINZ

Associate Atrs & Living Editor

A

PHOTO BY ANTHONY SIMMONS | THE SIGNAL CEOs of GA Followers Joshua Jelks and Jeremy Jones (jean jacket) use Twitter as a way to spread the word about what’s happening in Atlanta.

recent tweets from @gaFollowers

news tweet is written and sent out into Twitter cyberspace. That one tweet receives 200 retweets, 150 favorites and gains them 10 more followers. This is a normal day for Atlanta entrepreneurs Jeremy Jones—a former Georgia State student—and business partner Joshua Jelks as they work on their Twitter account “Everything Georgia” (@ GAFollowers).

When the idea for GA Followers was born three years ago, Jones and Jelks never imagined their following would spiral like it currently has. Today, their Twitter account has over 126,500 followers and counting.

“I always have this dream of having it like Channel 2 Action News,” Jones explained. “We make news to tailor to our generation. We just want to make it relatable.”

Jelks agreed that relating to their audience is key.

“Now we understand what our crowd is receptive to. We know our crowd right now,” Jelks said.

GA Followers is built for a younger audience as they tweet about news, Atlanta events, features, funny quotes, inspirational quotes, people and much more. They try to make every tweet interesting and relatable.

Originally, the team designed GA Followers solely for music content. It all started when Jones came up with the idea in Washington, D.C. He made a shout out page called DMV followers and it was instantly a hit. He then realized how much of an audience there was for something like this in Georgia and immediately told Jelks.

Once they began tweeting shout outs to followers, a different demographic appeared.

Instead of having just music, Jones and Jelks started tweeting about news. Today, a number of followers look to the GA Followers page for daily news reports in Georgia.

“It kind of created a snowball effect and we understood that we had a different responsibility for our Twitter account,” Jelks said.

The main idea was to find their audience. If they tweeted something and they did not get a good response to it, they would delete the tweet and start again.

This is not the first time the founders of GA Followers have worked together. They started working together at Kroger and have known

“

each other for a total of 13 years.

“I wouldn’t want to work with anybody else with something like this besides him,” Jelks said.

They balance each other out. Jones is known for reaching the stars and dreaming big, while Jelks thinks more realistically.

GA Followers has its own writers, photographers and videographers who work on day-to-day operations for the GA Followers website, Instagram account and Facebook page.

One of the main things their employees get is a good following on Twitter. Readers can see the writer of each article and then follow them on Twitter for more updates. @GAFollowers will also either tweet about the reader retweet them.

“It almost makes them feel like they are celebrities,” Jones said of the effect this outreach has on their followers.

Because of their large following, Jones and Jelks have been offered several unique opportunities they might not have received before creating GA Followers. For example, Jones was flown out to Los Angeles to tweet at a concert featuring Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross and Big Sean.

GA Followers has also gained sponsors such as Footaction, a shoe and clothing company. Each month Footaction provides clothes for the team. The clothes are then given out to followers who can either answer a quick question or be the first one to retweet it. They also give out tickets to games and other events.

But operating and maintaining a large following on Twitter is a full-time job for both Jones and Jelks.

“I’m tired of the spotlight,” Jelks laughed.

Jones used to be a marketing student at Georgia State, but because of costs he decided to take a semester off and focus his energy on GA Followers. Jelks has a background in electrical work, but he too made the decision to focus on the company.

“We talked about it and were like, ‘We need to be fully in it if we are going to do this,’” Jelks said.

In five years, they hope to see GA Followers continue to grow. And they have the formula to get them there.

“You’ve got to know your voice on Twitter.

You have to make it interactive—know what your people like. It has to be a two-way street.”

Visit their website at www.gafollowers.com

We make news to tailor to our generation. We just want to make it relatable.”

- Jeremy Jones

columns

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Study abroad column

Step out of your

comfort zone 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

I

f you decide to study abroad (and I highly recommend that you do), you might find yourself participating in activities and situations that, were you not in a foreign country, you would not normally engage in.

For example, I almost never go to dance clubs in Atlanta. I am the worst dancer who still has the ability to use both his legs in the history of all time. I lack whatever internal metronome people have that allows them to understand and move in sync with what I’m told is called “rhythm.”

But here in Germany I find myself in a dance club nearly every weekend simply because that’s what the German students do for fun. While I’m still not a good dancer, alcohol helps reduce any insecurity about it. And, luckily, Germans aren’t very good dancers either.

The typical German male dance consists of a very slight shifting of the shoulders back and forth in tandem with a similar hip motion. Hands must remain below the hips except when raising a drink for a toast or a sip. There aren’t any rules against bumping and grinding, but if you do that kind of thing in a German club, you’ll be the only one.

People often ask me if the Germans only listen to techno and Rammstein, but the music in the clubs over here is the same as you’d find in an American club: American pop hits from the past few years, often with dance beats thrown in for extra incentive to shake it.

So do I like going to German clubs?

Sure. It’s what my friends like to do, and it’s hard to complain when I have a drink in my hand. But will I continue the practice once I return home? Probably not. I think that’s the thing about studying abroad: You get to try things you wouldn’t normally try. That said, I think my dancing is something better left in Germany.

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: 5 P O T Crucial spring concerts

Music column

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he year 2014 has dawned upon the world, bringing with it a host of stellar concerts for all humble music fanatics through which to wade. This list is by no means a comprehensive rundown, but rather a collection of the most notable, oddball and absolutely necessary concerts of the spring semester.

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

1

OutKast at Counterpoint: April 25-27 If you have a pulse and a set of functioning eyes, then there is a good chance you know that Atlanta’s hip-hop royalty have reunited to show their appreciation for 20 years of OutKast love. They recently announced on their Twitter that they’re embarking on an ambitious 40-date tour. One of those dates they’ll be headlining at Atlanta’s own Counterpoint festival in April. Keep an eye out for ticket sales like a hawk watching a mouse –– they are sure to sell out in minutes. Don’t be the miserable soul who missed out on the greatest music to come out of Georgia since James Brown.

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The Black Lips and Deerhunter at The Variety Playhouse: Friday, March 7 Even though Atlanta has one of the most active and self-sustaining music scenes in the country, very few non-hip-hop artists manage to break through to the national and international stages. The Black Lips and Deerhunter have become the unofficial models for success in Atlanta’s indie rock scene, and they deserve every bit of the attention they have worked so tirelessly to achieve over the last decade. They are both notorious for their ferocious and often unpredictable live sets, so a double headlining bill is a surefire recipe for sonic revelry and certain chaos.

3

St. Vincent at The Tabernacle: Saturday, March 8 Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is not just physical proof that female rockers are an active breed, but that they can actually wear high heels while stagediving

and busting a tinnitus-inducing guitar solo. The music of St. Vincent is wildly contradictory. Her voice soothes with its perfect pitch and haunting tenor, and then in a passing moment crackles into a fiery burst of power that stuns any unsuspecting listener who ever doubted that a petite woman could contain such scorching energy. Even more than her albums, her live performances display the dichotomy between comforting melodies and lawless discord that she has spent her career perfecting.

4

Snarky Puppy at Terminal West: Monday, March 3

Snarky Puppy is the thinking person’s jam band. They stitch together genres like masterful musical tailors, building themselves a reputation for the tightest grooves and the fiercest improvisation. Their collaboration credits include a diverse artists like Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Justin Timberlake and more. Combine their musical prowess with Terminal West’s laid back atmosphere and killer sound system and you have a performance certain to raise the bar for what live music should aspire to be.

5

The Pizza Underground, La Femme and TV Dinner at the Mammal Gallery: Wednesday, March 19 Maybe this is a stretch. Maybe I’m just choosing Macaulay Culkin’s pizza-themed Velvet Underground cover band because I have a shameful soft spot for novelty bands (and most anything containing references to pizza). Maybe it’s because Cameli’s is actually providing free pizza to hungry patrons. Maybe it’s because this is the closest I’m ever going to get to seeing Lou Reed’s ghost perform.

Regardless, I can’t imagine any situation where seeing this show wouldn’t end up, at the least, as a slightly entertaining story to tell at parties. Even for those unfortunate people with no taste for pizza and lowbrow humor, local hazy garageband TV Dinner will make the concert a worthwhile experience.

Sex column

The right way to sext

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RACHEL KINGSLEY Sex/Dating Columnist

I believe that even though our society has become more open about sex, it’s still a highly taboo subject. If we want to become more open and accepting, we need to start with education. I write about my own experiences as a single girl dating in Atlanta.

Follow her @rachelkingsley

veryone I know has sent a sext­—either a sexy text or a full-on nude photo. I’d like to think that the person I’m sending these intimate messages to is someone I could trust, but more and more men and women are finding their racy pictures uploaded online. And there isn’t anything they can do about it. Instead of putting yourself in that situation, keep you and your identity safe while still having a sexy, good time.

The most important tip I can give is to never show your face in a naked photo. I know a lot of us struggle with this one, especially when you’re in a relationship.

You don’t think that your Pookie will ever do anything to hurt you, and then you have a nasty breakup.

Suddenly your naked photo is posted up online worse than Lindsay Lohan’s mugshot. Don’t risk it! If you want to send a dirty pic, just leave your face out so that if it does end up online, no one will know it’s you. Also, try an app like SnapChat, which allows you

to set a time limit on how long the photo exists on the person’s phone.

Make sure you’re sending the texts or photos to the correct person. Nothing is worse than sending a text to your Grandma Velvet saying how you can’t wait to go down on her when you get home. We’re all busy people and sometimes we don’t even confirm the recipient before we push “send.” When you’re sending sexual messages, stop and make sure you’re sending to the right person.

I like to think of sexting as a type of foreplay. I get ramped up knowing that my partner is having kinky thoughts about me during their day-to-day routines.

However, I don’t like to reveal too much in my text, either. You want to tempt your partner, not talk like you’re making dinner plans. Say something simple that will have him/her guessing. Making them guess and think about all the options you will have together that will make them want you that much more.

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REVIEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

ALBUM REVIEW

Wig Out At Jagbags: 1 2 3

Another hodgepodge attempt from Stephen Malkmus CEEPHAX ACID CREW “World Dissolver EP” V/A - THE BEGINNING “V/A - The Beginning” CHEAP TIME “Exit Smiles”

4 5

THE RANGE “Nonfiction”

6 7 8

ROC MARCIANO “Marci Beaucoup” V/A - I NEED YOU BAD “V/A - I Need You Bad”

9

HELADO NEGRO “Universe Story 2”

10

THE GROWLERS “Gilded Pleasures”

FORÊT “Forêt”

BROTHER MYNOR “Ceramics”

NOW PLAYING AT

Cinefest

(Matador Recordings) Release date: Jan. 7, 2014 Grade: B Verdict: It’s a strong album with some creative hits and occasional misses. But it may make you just wish you were listening to Pavement.

MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

F

un fact: If hours of reading interviews with Stephen Malkmus are to be believed, it’s nigh impossible to carry any discussion about his current love child, The Jicks, without constantly dredging up the past and bringing up his former, infinitely more well-known band.

The comparisons are inevitable, and on some level I get it: Malkmus has had a prolific career and brings with him an iconic sound that parodically blends a laid-back singing style and simple melodies with charming nonsensical lyrics and complex instrumentation.

But to constantly bring up that band and compare it to his work with The Jicks is just lazy and unfair. So, in an exercise in restraint, I shall attempt to go through this entire review of “Wig Out At Jagbags” with nary a mention of comparison to that “other band.”

With “Wig Out At Jagbags,” Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks are now six albums strong, but you’re still no closer to working out the madness behind the machine. It’s difficult to enunciate just exactly what it IS that The Jicks do that makes all their seemingly directionless clanging and banging come together as warm, poppy and inviting.

Utilizing that stripped-down, garageband

approach that’s worked for him in the past with [BAND SHALL NOT BE NAMED], Malkmus and The Jicks flirt around with bizarre guitar strumming, playful melodies, jangly chords, manic drumming, trumpets, bells, whistles and on one occasion (“Houston Hades”) honest-togod honky tonk piano.

The closest The Jicks ever come to writing a traditional song is the insanely bouncy “Lariat,” and even that has hints of the trademark Malkmus weirdness in the nigh incomprehensible lyrics (“You’re not what you aren’t/You aren’t what you’re not/You got what you want/You want what you got/People look strange when they shave/ Don’t they?”).

The bizarre thing is all these musical interludes somehow gel together even while straying away from the traditional song format. The Jicks all but dare you to just try to find a recognizable hook in any one song or predict any kind of pattern.

“The Janitor Revealed” starts off sounding like a kazoo-backed dreamscape, before suddenly giving way to crashing cymbals and a flurry of guitar shredding. “J-Smoov” opts for a more classical approach, bringing in violin strings and trumpets to accompany a surprisingly effective Malkmus croon.

But before your ears can adjust to the new direction, in comes “Rumble at the Rainbo” kicking things off with a vaguely Sex Pistols-esque intro

before giving way to an explosion of jangly garage rock, drawing more than a few comparisons to [ALBUM NAMED REMOVED] that we’re definitely not going to talk about.

On the downside, while The Jicks’ willingness to experiment and not take themselves too seriously is their biggest strength, it occasionally works against them when their random hodgepodge doesn’t net the most pleasant results. Album opener “Planetary Motion” sounds like a long pointless drone to nowhere that isn’t nearly as amusing as the band thinks. And there’s a sharp drop off in quality after the moody “Scattergories.”

The final three tracks sound like they were clumsily assembled, mixing in good (the progrock drum solo in “Cinnamon and Lesbians”) and bad (pointless, lazy guitar plucking) to make for a very “meh” ending. But other than an awkward beginning and a half-assed ending, the middle parts offer a refreshingly different take on rock n’ roll without being too inaccessible to the casual listener.

Stephen Malkmus may very well be classic rock’s laid-back, in between jobs, autistic savant, little brother, and “Wig Out At Jagbags” suggests he’s not looking to change up residences anytime soon. As a whole, it’s a strong album with some creative hits and occasional misses. But it may make you just wish you were listening to Pavement……….dammit.

MOVIE REVIEW

Gimme Shelter: Or gimme a break...

Rating: PG-13 Running time: 91 mins.

Grade: C Verdict: As an inspirational story, “Gimme Shelter” is extremely heart-warming. As a movie, however, it lacks both heart and warmth.

PEDRO ALVARADO Staff Reviewer

Synopsis: “A Touch of Sin” was inspired by four shocking (and true) events that forced the world’s fastest growing economy into a period of self-examination.

Showtimes: Weekdays: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Weekend: 1 p.m,. 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Running time: 133 minutes Rated: R

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othing more than a glorified afterschool special, “Gimme Shelter” chronicles what could have been a beautiful story about compassion, hope, discovering love and overcoming insurmountable obstacles. But instead of displaying the truth of the characters’ reality and letting the audience feel how they want to, writer/director Ron Krauss delivers a trite and manipulative film that tries to force the audience to feel the way HE wants them to.

Based on their performances, it appears that each actor was given extremely specific direction on how they were to portray their characters.

Each facial expression and body movement, even the rhythm and tone of their speech appear

forced.

This may be one of the reasons that Vanessa Hudgens (Agnes “Apple” Bailey) is being so highly praised just for gaining 15 pounds to play this role. Gaining weight may help her look pregnant, but it certainly doesn’t help her become a better actress.

The only actor whose character shows multiple dimensions is father Frank McCarthy (James Earl Jones). The veteran of both stage and screen steals every scene he’s in by simply not being horrible. Nothing in his performance is manufactured. He captures the essence of the character and plays him without becoming a caricature.

Speaking of caricatures, Rosario Dawson’s (June Bailey) performance is the greatest casualty of the film. Her make-up and costume are supposed to make her look like a stereotypical crack whore, but instead it makes her look like the otherworldly offspring of a zombie and a

circus clown. Dawson’s performance is literally laughable.

Poor direction of the actors notwithstanding, another element that makes this movie so superficial is the editing. Each scene looks like it is cut together so that a commercial can be inserted in between. The editing makes sense chronologically, but it lacks the rhythm and flow that makes a feature film a contiguous moving picture. Instead, “Gimme Shelter” looks like a made for TV movie that has had the commercials removed. But, on the bright side, when this movie does make it to WE tv—and it will—there won’t be a problem putting the commercials in.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Downtown Events Atlanta Winter Beer Fest Jan. 25-26 The Masquerade

Campus Events The Midtown Men

Jan. 26 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The 2014 Atlanta Winter Beer Fest will feature live music and over 300 different beers over the course of two days. The festival will take place at The Masquerade. You must be at least 21 years old to attend. For more information visit atlantawinterbeerfest.com

Four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” are embarking on their third national tour.

Watch as they perform songs by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown and more when they come to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. For more information visit themidtownmen.com

Atlanta Grand Championship

Preserving Place Canning 101 Class

Jan. 24-25 Georgia World Congress Center If you’re a fan of cheerleading, this may be the event for you! Participate in Cheersport’s Atlanta Grand Championship or attend the event as a spectator when the company comes to the Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 24-25.

Jan. 26 Preserving Place

Learn the history of food preservation and tips on canning, including sealing, labeling and storing food at Preserving Place’s Jan. 26 class, which starts at 1 p.m.

2014 Kick-Off Wine Bridal Extravaganza of Tasting Jan. 21 Atlanta Watershed on Peachtree Jan. 26 The Atlanta Convention Center At AmericasMart

Planning a wedding? Attend the Bridal Extravaganza of Atlanta and meet with vendors for wedding cakes, dresses, flowers, music and more. The event takes place on Jan. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit beabride.net

Watershed is hosting a 20 for $20 Wine Tasting of 2014! Attendees will taste 20 different wines from all over the world while enjoying food from Chef Joe Truex. For more information visit watershedrestaurant.com

Concerts/Shows New Politics Jan. 21 8 p.m.

Terminal West

Zara Sky

Jan. 21 8 p.m.

Eddie’s Attic

Disclosure

Jan. 22 8 p.m.

The Tabernacle

Honda Battle of the Bands Jan. 25 3 p.m.

Georgia Dome

Phosphorescent Jan. 25 9 p.m.

Center Stage

Big Mike Geier’s Elvis Royale Jan. 25 8:30 p.m.

Variety Playhouse

The Ringers with Jimmy Herring, Wayne Krantz, Michael Landau, Etienne Nipsey Hustle 28 Mbappe and Gary Novak Jan. 8 p.m.

Jan. 23 8:30 p.m.

Terminal West

Vinyl

Cody Simpson

Jan. 23 7 p.m.

Gwinnett Center

Jan. 24 7 p.m.

The Loft

Matthew Mayfield Jan. 24 7:30 p.m.

Eddie’s Attic

calendar

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The Fresh Beat Band

Lunch & Learn: Global Boxes and Walls/ Education Tunnel of Oppression Jan. 21 Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Dahlberg Hall

This Lunch and Learn will be hosted by The International Associations Student Council (ISAC) and will feature a discussion about the development of international education following the Civil Rights Movement. This event will take place from 12:15 - 1 p.m. on Jan. 21.

Margaret A. Staton Office of Disability Services presents “Lives Worth Living” Screening Jan. 21

The Office of Disability Services is teaming up with Intercultural Relations for a screening of “Lives Worth Living” on Jan. 21 from 5 - 7 p.m. The 2011 documentary covers the disability rights movement.

Jan. 21 - University Commons Meeting Room / Jan. 22 - Speaker’s Auditorium, Student Center Following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, University Housing is hosting an interactive event on oppression and social injustices.

For more information call 404413-2181.

House of Blue

Jan. 24 University Student Center Come out and see a diverse concert based on the House of Blues at Spotlight’s House of Blue on Jan. 24. The event will feature live music, clothing and jewelry.

31st Annual MLK Convocation Advancing the Dream... Elevating Social Justice Jan. 23 The 31st Annual MLK

Convocation will feature keynote speaker Richard Blanco. MLK Torch of Peace and Hosea L. Williams recipients will also be recognized.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Jan. 23 8 p.m.

The Rialto Center for the Arts The Georgia State Symphonic Wind Ensemble performs pieces

by Schmitt, Mackey, Newman, Ticheli and Kurth.

SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

PHOTO BY ANDRES CRUZWELLMANN | THE SIGNAL Ryan Harrow goes up for the layup adding to the Panthers quick offensive start against ULAR.

NOTHING BUT W’S The men’s basketball team extends their winning streak to nine

ALEC MCQUADE Sports Editor

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his is starting to get fun for everyone.

The Georgia State men’s basketball team is putting on a show, making a fast 5-0 start in the Sun Belt Conference as well as going on the second-longest winning streak in school history.

This past weekend, the men’s team racked on two more victories to extend the current winning streak to nine consecutive in two polar opposite games.

“It’s really important, if you’re going to win a championship, to win at home,” R.J. Hunter said.

Thursday night, the Panthers

blew a 15-point lead to Arkansas State, but Hunter was able to make a game-winning jump shot with 12 seconds left in the game to claim the 73-72 victory.

Saturday’s game against Arkansas-Little Rock, on the other hand, was an absolute blowout for the Panthers, winning 99-73. The Panthers started the game on an 11-0 run and scored 59 points in the first half, the most in the first half this season.

Head coach Ron Hunter feels the team has not come close to peaking yet, following Saturday’s win.

“I can’t see the ceiling,” Hunter said when comparing this year’s team to the team he said in his first season at Georgia State who went

on an 11-game winning streak, the longest in school history.

“In my first year, I knew when it was done,” Hunter said about when his first team at Georgia State peaked. “We beat VCU when I thought, ‘You know what, that’s the best we can do’...but we had a whole two months to go after that.”

Hunter said that his team’s growth over the span of the streak has been his players’ ability to finish games.

Coach Hunter said finishing began a focus after the [devastating] overtime loss the Panthers suffered Dec. 7 as Hunter said that was a game his team just did not finish.

That was the last game Georgia State lost.

“Everything now is about fin-

ishing. We even said today we want to finish the season,” Hunter said as the March tournaments get closer every day.

Coach Hunter said maturity is something he has seen from this team from the beginning making them a fun group of guys to coach.

“They play for each other, they move the ball, they share the ball, [and] we work some things out,” Hunter said.

Before the weekend’s games, students, alumni and fans were turning to Twitter to show their excitement of the upcoming games using the hashtag #PackTheArena.

The GSU Sports Arena was certainly packed Thursday night, garnering a crowd of 2,089, the largest home crowd this season.

“I looked up at that student section and in my mind was, ‘This is why I came to Georgia State,’” Hunter said. “I looked up there and there were no seats up in those rafters...this is what I wanted to build.”

The crowd for Saturday’s game was not as full because of the holiday weekend, but was about average compared to the other games this season coming in at 1,859.

The Panthers go back on the road to face two Louisiana teams who sit near the middle of the conference standings.

The first game is against Louisiana-Lafayette, who sits third in the conference, Jan. 23. Then a quick turnaround as the Panthers play Louisiana-Monroe Jan. 25, who is fifth in the conference.

TUESDAY, JANUARY DECEMBER 21,10, 2014 2013

23 21 19

SPORTS

Men’s tennis team begins quest to defend conference title

COLUMN ALEC MCQUADE Sports Editor

Alec enjoys all sports, but baseball is his favorite. His favorite element of sports is the variety of emotions involved in the game.

Follow him @AlecMcQuade

Georgia’s concussion law makes education a priority

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PHOTO BY GRAHAM ROBSON | THE SIGNAL ARCHIVES Thomas Cook is one of two seniors on the men’s tennis team trying to defend their Sun Belt championship.

ERIC YEBOAH Staff Reporter

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he defending Sun Belt Conference men’s tennis champions began their spring schedule against Florida Atlantic University on Jan. 18.

Last year’s team performed exceptionally last spring, making school history by qualifying for the NCAA tournament in singles and doubles championships.

Last season’s senior duo of Lucas Santa Ana and Victor Valente led the Panthers to a Sun Belt Conference Championship, qualifying the team for an NCAA tournament bid.

“They left such a big mark, so there’s a little bit of pressure to step in and fill those shoes, but I have also played here for three years, so I know how things work,” senior Thomas Cook said.

“What they did last year was pretty nice. They were great captians and we’re going to miss them,” senior Robert Schulze said.

The focus now is on this season as second-year head coach Joerg Bathel feels confident coming into the spring season.

“I think the chemistry between the players and coaches is great. This is my eighth season as a coach, and I don’t think I felt like this before,” Bathel said. “I think it will be a fun season, but it will also be a successful season.”

The Panthers are a younger

team than last season as they have added five freshman to the squad: Eric Baum and Jannis Koeke from Germany, Valentin Horvat from Slovenia and Christian Gochnauer from Lawrenceville, Ga. However, the team has four returning players to help lead the them, including Cook and Schulze, who was the Sun Belt player of the year last season.

Cook and Schulze assume the leadership positions as they are the most experienced and accomplished on the team. Cook made the first, second and third AllCAA teams for singles and doubles from 2011-2012. He was also awarded Sun Belt player of the week in February 2013.

Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) top 60 preseason doubles ranked Schulze and Sofiane Chevallier at No. 58. The duo’s stellar play last season, posting a 13-5 overall record as well as a 2-0 Sun Belt record, helped bring some national attention to the program. Their experience in the league is a bonus.

“Our freshmen have not played a match, so they need good leadership. What these guys do on match days and also what these guys do when the games get tight,” Barthel said are some of the components that the freshman will learn.

“It’s really more of a psychological thing,” Cook said. “It’s different because you are not just playing for yourself, you are playing for your teammates, the coaches

and the school.”

The strong chemistry that Coach Barthel spoke of will be a big help as they have one of the most challenging schedules in program history, according to Barthel.

The schedule sets up the Panthers to be on the road from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2, playing four nationally ranked teams on both the east and west coasts.

After their two-week trip, Georgia State will host six matches from Feb. 7-23. Half of their opponents (Wichita State, East Tennessee State University and Nebraska) are ranked in the ITA top 75.

There are a couple of matches that have been circled on the head coach’s calendar, as well as Cook and Schulze’s.

“As a team, one is definitely Georgia Tech because we came so close last year, and we should have won,” Schulze said. “But individually, obviously Nebraska because I transferred from there and still have friends on the team.”

“One I really look forward to is Wichita State because the winner of that has the chance to play [the University of Southern California], a top ranked school,” Cook said.

The players’ individual goals have not overshadowed the big picture for the two seniors and how they will like to conclude their last season.

“Definitely back-to-back Sun Belt Champions, add another ring,” Cook said.

eorgia’s “Return to Play Act of 2013,” which became effective Jan. 1 of this year, is a law that will make an effective awareness for the controversial issue of concussions in sports.

While a major focus of the law is to protect concussed studentathletes in private and public schools, as well as recreational leagues, from going back out onto the field before being cleared by a medical professional, the law goes a step further by implementing a necessary education of concussions to athletes and their parents.

The phrases “walk it off ” and “rub some dirt on it” became such ubiquitous phrases in our sports culture that everyone was ignoring the severity of head injuries that continue to invade sports.

Unfortunately, it took a string of suicides from professional and collegiate athletes in the late 2000s who suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) caused by concussions to make the issue of concussions in sports mainstream. It caused people to realize the probability of getting a concussion was something athletes could no longer ignore, especially younger athletes.

One of the most infamous cases of a student-athlete who killed himself with signs of CTE was Owen Thomas, a junior lineman at the University of Pennsylvania, who hung himself in his off-campus apartment.

The 21-year-old never was officially diagnosed with a concussion, but Thomas’s parents said there could have been a possibility of him ignoring the symptoms to stay on the field and play, according to Alan Schwarz from the New York Times.

If athletes, such as Thomas, had proper education on what kinds of hits induce concussions, or simply how the brain can destroy itself if one ignores the signs of concussions while continuing to take hit after hit, this student-athlete may still be alive today.

Sports such as field and ice hockey and wrestling have more than double concussion “occurrence rates” reported by college athletes in 200913, according to the National Academy of Science.

The same study also found that women’s soccer and women’s basketball yields a very similar occurrence rate of concussions as football.

The “Return to Play Act” requires athletes in Georgia to provide information to studentathletes and their parents about the risks of concussions and head injuries in all sports, not just football.

Football garners much of the attention because of larger roster sizes and 22 players on the field at any given time. Plus, the fact that there are plenty of hard hits made on every play create an impression that the likelihood of concussions is greater than other sports. That is not necessarily true.

While I am aware that these statistics are from college athletes and the new law is for grade level schools and recreational leagues, this research still allows society to realize football is not the only sport we should be weary of when it comes to concussions, and the only way people will understand that is through education.

In addition, by the time athletes make it to the collegiate and possibly professional levels, they will arrive completely knowledegable on the risks of their sport and be fluent in what precautions they can take to avoid a concussion.

Georgia has effectively put the “warning” label on sports just as a precaution to ensure athletes and their parents know the risks of sports.

The law is not intended to scare young athletes away from sports. After all, there are warning labels on just about everything these days. The law is there just to ensure athletes and their parents know exactly what they are getting into.

SPORTS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014

Court Volleyball

Q&A with new head coach Sally Polhamus DAVID A. NORWOOD II Associate Sports Editor

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ew Georgia State court volleyball head coach Sally Polhamus sat down with The Signal to do a Q & A prior to her first public appearance as the new court volleyball coach during halftime at the Georgia State/UALR women’s basketball game on Saturday.

The Signal: How does it feel being back in Atlanta after leaving Georgia Tech for Winthrop in 2006?

Polhamus: I loved the city

of Atlanta, everything that it offers from the energy of the city, the culture, the entertainment, the people and the southern hospitality that Atlanta has.

TS: Why did you leave Georgia Tech?

P: It was to take a head coach-

ing position. I left Georgia Tech for a head coaching position at Winthrop University.

TS: You left Winthrop to be an assistant coach at Florida and now you’re head coach

at Georgia State. How has the adjustment being head coach again been?

P: It’s amazing. The pride I al-

ready have for Georgia State, the team, how hard they work, the academics, the school, the athletic department, the leadership from the president, and the athletic director [Cheryl Levick] at Georgia State. In just like in a week I could see the great leadership that is ahead.

TS: What did you learn from coaching under Mary Wise at Florida?

P: Learning how to compete every day, preparation for matches and being apart of a strong athletic department.

TS: Is there anything you’ll miss about Florida?

P: Right now, it’s the weather.

Of course, every school that I’ve been at I’ve been very blessed and had great time, learning opportunities [and met] wonderful people.

This is the start of another new adventure.

TS: Would you say there are any similarities between

Georgia State and Florida?

P: I think they both provide an

excellent academic environment... but as far as resources, they both provide excellent resources for high-level academics.

TS: You are known as an offensive specialist. How do you plan to incorporate your philosophy?

P: Use the strengths of our teams and really build our philosophy around our players’ strengths, be creative and just play at a high level.

TS: What type of program are you looking to build at Georgia State?

P: It’s really building on the

program that is already her—hard work, competitive environment and pushing ourselves to the best of our abilities.

TS: Would you say there’s a difference in competing in the SEC and the Sun Belt Conference?

P: No, every conference has a variety of teams and support levels. I’ve had the luxury of competing in the Big 10, the SEC, the

ACC and the Big South, so every conference have great strengths and it’s always protect your home court and any time you can steal a road win you do it... The Sun Belt is a strong conference and very competitive and I’m looking forward to going to all the schools.

TS: Since you’ve been in Atlanta, have you met with the players yet?

P: Yes, I have. We had our first

two practices and they worked hard and that’s all I can ask for coming every day with a beginner’s mind, ready to learn and work hard.

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

TS: Going into next season, the team could have as many as eight upperclassmen, how does it feel going into this new situation with a veteran team?

P: Great. They have a good

P: Oh definitely. We’ll definitely be supporting all the sports .

It’s great to come to a program like Georgia State where they’re driven and a catalyst for the sand program and having both the court and sand program is great for the sport of volleyball.

idea of where they’re at and where they want to go to as players and it’s my job to give them the resources and training to get there.

TS: Will you be collaborating with the sand volleyball program?

TS: What’s your expectations for the team this offseason?

P: Just seeing where we are at—the strength of the players and starting to implement a system both defensively and offensively.

>> GET STARTED ON YOUR CAREER THE

SIGNAL NOW HIRING Ad Sales People - Get experience - Network - Earn commission To apply go to

georgiastatesignal.com/employment Then download the application and return it to Bryce McNeil in 330 Student Center.

PANTHER Of The Week

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

R.J. HUNTER BASKETBALL

Sophomore guard R.J. Hunter made the game-winning shot with 12 seconds left on the clock Thursday to put the Panthers past Arkansas State 73-72.

Hunter scored a game-high 23 points against the Red Wolves to help the Panthers extend their current winning streak that is now at nine consecutive games.

Hunter averages 19.1 points per game this season, the highest on the team, and has made 76-of84 free-throws this season.

Hunter is currently on a streak of his own shooting 30 free throws in a row, already a school record.

As a rookie, Hunter won numerous awards such as Kyle Macy Freshman All-America honors, CAA Rookie of the Year and CAA All-first team.

Hunter is the son of the men’s basketball head coach Ron Hunter and is native to Indianapolis, Ind. Hunter graduated from Pike High School.

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

Sat, Jan. 25 Men’s Tennis Wichita State Los Angeles, Calif.

11 a.m.

23 19

SPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY DECEMBER 21,10, 2014 2013

*CONFERENCE GAMES

Sat, Jan. 25 Women’s Tennis Troy Atlanta Athletic Club 2 p.m.

Sun, Jan. 26 Women’s Track & Field Emory Birmingham, Ala. TBA

Sat, Jan. 25 Women’s Basketball Louisiana-Monroe* Monroe, La. 3 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS

Wed, Jan. 29 Women’s Basketball South Alabama* GSU Sports Arena 7 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 The Fan 3

Sat, Jan. 25 Men’s Basketball Louisiana-Monroe* Monroe, La. 5 p.m.

Sun, Jan. 26 Men’s Tennis USC/Santa Clara Los Angeles, Calif.

TBA

Thu, Jan. 30 Men’s Basketball South Alabama* Atlanta, Ga. 7 p.m.

88.5 FM WRAS & 1340 The Fan 3

briefs Women’s basketball On Tuesday night, Georgia State upset then-No. 1 Arkansas State, 76-74, on the road in Jonesboro, Ark. Senior guard Kendra Long led the team in points with 23.

On Saturday afternoon, the Lady Panthers upset then-No. 5 University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 61-59, at home, in head coach Baldwin-Tener’s first “Barefoot For Bare Feet” game.

Redshirt junior guard Alisha Andrews led the team in points with 22.

Men’s tennis On Saturday afternoon, Georgia State defeated Florida Atlantic 6-1 at the Atlanta Athletic Club.

The Panthers did not lose any any of the six singles match ups.

Thu, Jan. 30 Women’s Track & Field Southern Miss.

Birmingham, Ala. TBA

Sun Belt Standings STANDING

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

1st

Georgia State 5-0 | Overall: 12-6

Arkansas State 5-1 | Overall: 11-7

2nd

UALR 4-2 | Overall: 9-9

WKU 3-2 | Overall: 11-5

3rd

UL-Lafayette 3-2 | Overall: 12-6

UL-Lafeyette 3-2 | Overall: 10-6

4th

WKU 3-2 | Overall: 11-7

Georgia State 3-2 | Overall: 7-10

5th

UL-Monroe 3-2 | Overall: 6-7

UL-Monroe 3-2 | Overall: 7-10

6th

Arkansas State 3-3 | Overall: 10-7

Texas State 3-2 | | Overall: 6-10

7th

UT Arlington 2-3 | Overall: 7-10

UALR 3-3 | Overall: 8-8

8th

Troy 2-4 | Overall: 7-11

South Alabama 3-3 | | Overall: 5-11

9th

Texas State 1-4 | Overall:5-13

Troy 1-5 | Overall: 5-12

10th

South Alabama 1-5 | Overall: 7-12

UT Arlington 0-5 | Overall: 1-15

What’s

Happening

Supported by Student Activity Fees

ry Janua 2014 Monday Tuesday MLK Holiday

No classes; Student Center & University Center closed

Wednesday Amateur Night Auditions

Courtyard Music Series: Evan Hodges 12-1 p.m., Courtyard Stage, Student Center

20

Amateur Night Auditions

21

Thursday Distinguished Speaker Series: Richard Blanco

22

10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 6-9 p.m.

225 University Center Sign up in 380 Student Center.

4-5 p.m., Student Center Ballroom See details below.

Courtyard Music Series: Kawehi

12-1 p.m.

Courtyard Stage Student Center

Sat-Sun

House of Blue

23

7-11 p.m.

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

See details below.

Amateur Night Auditions

6-9 p.m.

225 University Center Sign up in 380 Student Center.

27

Friday

24

6-9 p.m., 225 University Center. Sign up in 380 Student Center.

29 Take advantage of new

28

complimentary charging stations for mobile devices now available throughout the Student*University Center. Visit the Student Center Information Center for locations.

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

Student*University Center studentcenter.gsu.edu

Cinefest

31

Locker January Rentals 6-May 7 Visit 36 0 Stu

25 & 26

dent Ce to ren n Studen t a locker in th ter t Center, Center, Univ e e Genera Urban Life Cen rsity l Classro ter or on a firs om Building t -c o me, first-ser v For det ed basis. ails, call 404-413 -1860.

February 1

2014 Miss GSU Scholarship Pageant 7 p.m.

Student Center Ballroom See details below.

30

A Touch of Sin, Jan. 21-26

Film Theater

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.

The Grandmaster, Jan. 27-Feb. 2 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 THE

DISTINGUISHED

6WDUULQJ 0LVV *HRUJLD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\

SPEAKER SERIES 4 pm

Saturday, February

2013-2014

FREE THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 . . Student Center Ballroom

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

Followed by BOOK SIGNING r

studentevents.gsu.edu

7. .

Buy at Campus Tickets GSU Students with GSU ID

5 15

General Student Center Ballroom 0RUH ,QIRUPDWLRQ: PLVVJVX#JVX HGX

Spotlight & Campus Events Present

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.