Vol. 80 No. 25

Page 1

MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2013

VOL. 80 | NO. 25

Coming out

Going Natural

Home Sand advantage

Southern culture and religion are just some of the challenges Georgia State’s LGBT population is facing.

Students sporting ethnic tresses may be more than a trend. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you can ask for.

The sand volleyball team

A&L | PAGE 9

a&l | pages 14-15

sports | PAGE 21

home match in program history. We’ve got player reactions, photos and volleyball jargon.

E T A T S

SGA

OF

(aka Student Government Association)

They are supposed to represent you. They are supposed to be your voice. So why are they such a mystery?

T

he Student Government Association (SGA) has been on campus for many years to represent students. Yet students are unaware of their purpose, actions and how they are represented. “I don’t know much,” sophomore Lauren Brown said. “I don’t hear about them or see them around either so I don’t really know what they can do for me.” The lack of student knowledge about SGA ultimately disrupts their overall effectiveness and ability to serve students as intended. However, SGA Vice President of Public Relations

Danielle Kleinman said the SGA has been trying to make sure those students who seek for their services understand all of what SGA can do for them. “People usually reach out to SGA when there is a problem,” Kleinman said. “Students may not know exactly what our jurisdiction is, but [they] generally know to come to us with problems and know that we will do all within our power to help, even if that means pointing them in another direction.” This is not the only problem SGA has when reaching out to students.

Continued on page 3

more sga coverage inside

Who’s taking over?

What have they done?

How do they work?

A look at the current SGA’s successes and failures this year. Have they done their job?

A simple breakdown of the separate SGA branches and how they function.

Learn about your SGA President and Executive Vice President candidates and where they stand.

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

PAGEs 5 & 6

Daily news at www.georgiastatesignal.com

News 3

Opinions 7

Arts & Living 9

like us! facebook.com/gsusignal

follow us! twitter.com/gsusignal

Sports 21

2

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Local An arrest warrant for aggravated assault has been

issued for Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane, whose real name is Radric Davis, after being accused of hitting a fan with a Champagne bottle at a downtown Atlanta nightclub. The 32-year-old fan, James Lettley, of Fort Hood, Texas, told authorities that after trying to make conversation with Gucci Mane in the VIP section of Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge on March 16, the rapper hit him causing a gash on his head. Darien Long, the Taser-carrying Metro Mall cop, was recently arrested after a dispute and granted a $2,000 bond by a Fulton County judge on Friday. Later that day, he received another battery charge for a different incident on Thursday. This separate incident involved Long tackling a Metro mall occupant whom Long had warned not to return to the mall. Long will face court on Saturday for his latest battery charge. The court date for the Thursday incident is set for April 4.

National A California couple, Robert and Galina Wynn,

miraculously walked away uninjured after losing control of their car and driving it onto a neighbor’s roof on Saturday evening. The Wynns were driving down a steep street and were struggling to stop as they turned the corner, where their car was sent airborne into a nearby home. The fire department used a crane to lift the car from the home. No one in the home was injured, and the house will only need minor repairs.

WED 41/34

THURS 60/35

A 16-year-old Florida boy mistakenly shot and killed his 12-year-old brother, who he thought to be an intruder in their Orlando home, on Friday. The two boys were home alone when the older brother heard noises and suspected an intruder had entered the house. He called out for his brother but the younger brother did not respond. The boy was shot when he startled his older brother and once he realized the mistake, he called 911. The younger brother was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital where he died. Investigators are currently evaluating any possible signs of negligence in this case.

Global Gunmen attacked a northeast Nigerian town,

killing 25 and freeing 120 inmates of a prison in Adamawa State on Friday, according to officials. In addition to the jailbreak, the gunmen also attacked a nearby police station, a tavern and a bank that they robbed and set on fire, while yelling the chant Allahu Akbar (God is Great). The attacks follow a recent unverified video from men claiming to be apart of the radical Boko Haram Islamist network saying they would not free a kidnapped French family until Nigeria and Cameroon freed of their members from their jails. British police officials said experts have not found any trace of hazardous materials in the property where the body of self-exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky, 67, was found Saturday in Ascot, 25 miles west of London. Berezovsky was a Kremlin kingmaker who, after an altercation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fled to Britain. Police are investigating it as an “unexplained� death.

FRI 64/39

SUN 70/48

SAT 67/46

February 11

handled by investigations.

A Georgia State faculty member stated that an art DVD was stolen from the DVD player. She said that the last time she saw the DVD was on Feb. 7 and when she returned on Feb. 10 it had been stolen. There was no entry. This case is being handled by investigations.

March 14

Arts & Humanities

March 12

Arts & Humanities

A student said she left her purse unattended and when she returned to retrieve it hours later, she discovered $80 had been stolen from her wallet. This case is being handled by investigations.

University Commons

A student had her clothing stolen when she left them in the dryer unattended. She returned hours later and discovered they had been stolen. This case is being

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March 19

N Parking Deck

Georgia State Police found an individual urinating in the parking deck. The non-Georgia State individual was issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and escorted off the property.

Atlanta Life Building

Library North

Patton Hall

A student said he obtained a Tax flier on campus and he hired the individual to prepare his taxes. He sent the tax preparer all his personal documents on Feb. 1 and has not been able to contact the person since. This case is being handled by investigations.

March 15

University Lofts

A report was filed for terroristic threats. A student said her roommate was threatening her on Twitter. No other information was obtained

A non-Georgia State individual reported a damaged glass door and had no knowledge of when or how it occurred.

March 20 A report was filed for simple battery. A student said a fraternity brother assaulted him while he was seated in a car. The victim refused to press charges.

March 21

Commerce Building

Georgia State Fire Safety Officer informed police of ashes and soot found in one of the stairwells. A report was filed for suspicious activity/behavior. No other information was reported.

TERAH BOYD | THE SIGNAL Jai Patel gets a pie in the face from Jay Shah (background) to raise money for Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospitals.

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BREAKDOWN:

SGA, what have you done for me lately? ASIA THOMAS News Editor & ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN Associate News Editor

W

hen student concerns or campus issues arise, the Student Government Association is designed to act as the voice of the student population. They are the middleman for students within Georgia State’s administration to facilitate change. But are they doing their job? As the SGA elections begin to move underway this week, the current administration is nearing the end of its term. With that, here is a look at the organization’s successes and failures this year, as well as its opportunities for the future.

Plus/Minus Grading System

The Plus/Minus Grading System is not yet mandatory for all classrooms, though a bill SGA has been working on all year could change that. If the bill passes, it could change the effect each letter grade has on a student’s GPA. Adriana Macchione, vice president for Academic Affairs, and Christian Hill, vice president for Student Services, shared recent updates of its status along with data they currently hold from some student feedback. “We don’t have an official stance,” Hill said at a town hall meeting on March 14. “We’re just presenting this to [the students] and we’re asking [them] what [they] want us to go back and take to [the administration].” The delay in resolving the debate on whether Georgia State should implement this grading system has been caused by the small amount of student feedback, according to Hill and Macchione. They want more feedback to fully represent what students want in this matter.

Smoking Ban

Despite last year’s vote by the University Senate, students feel that the smoking ban is ineffective and does not fully represent their voice. “Well, I didn’t notice [there was a ban],” junior Idalia Vasquez said. “People were still smoking anyway, like, right in front of buildings.” Most people do not adhere to the ban and continue to smoke on campus. The ban has eliminated ashtrays, which brings about another issue: cigarette butts littering the campus, which only further illustrates the ineffectiveness of the ban and its inability to efficiently enforce it. Despite the issue that the university is having with enforcement, Jason Plemmons, senator for the Institute of Public Health, plans to push “panther pride” to greater enforce the ban with the help of a $12,000 Fulton County grant. The grant will allow the SGA to purchase T-shirts that will promote the initiative to stop smoking on campus. According to Plemmons, he is working to reward students seen wearing the shirts by entering their names in a drawing to win a $500 prize. “[The grant] will be spent on signage and the designing of signage as well as any and all promotional materials,” Plemmons said. According to Plemmons, the grant will be used for the implementation of the ban.

Guns on Campus

In the lieu of bills regarding students carrying guns on campus in the Georgia General Assembly, SGA released their official stance on the issue earlier this month. The SGA declined to take a stance on the issue until SGA president Marcus Kernizan said the organization did not support guns on campus. After several members of the SGA individually went out and received feedback from students, the SGA adopted its official position on guns on campus.

This SGA term, Zero legislations have been passed by the SGA themselves The last updated meeting minutes were from November 29 Does not have their budget easily accessible to students Nobody knows how long SGA has been around, due to poorly kept records.

Demographics Gender on Eboard

4

Males

3

Gender in Senate

17

15

Females

Males

Females

4 African American, 2 Caucasian, 1 Hispanic

4 in social fraternities or sororities

2 in business fraternities

“We are not in favor of passing HB 29,” said Danielle Kleinman, vice president of Public Relations for the SGA, in a previous Signal article. “Based on our student feedback…overwhelmingly, the students are not in favor of guns on campus.” Since SGA released a stance against guns on campus, they have yet to take action. “We have made our position clear and have encouraged students to speak to their lawmakers at our town hall,” Vice President Taylor Briggs said. “At this point there is really nothing to be done until we know the complete status and enforcement of the proposed bill.”

SGA Budget

“Every organization has its issues,” SGA President Marcus Kernizan said. “Our major issue was our attendance policy and its flexibility.” After noticing habitual absences at meetings, the SGA Executive Board decided to use a “blind survey,” which allows decisions to be made without knowing the name of the senator requesting their absence excused. “This eliminates all possible biases to excuse or unexcuse them,” Kernizan said. Despite the turnover to fill vacancies that resulted from these attendance issues, the issue minimally affected student representation. According to Kernizan, the replacements of senators that were removed or resigned served to be more effective.

In the past year, SGA had three different advisers, though only Jeff Walker and Dr. Daryll Holloman advised the current SGA. According to Jeff Walker, Dr. Eric Blacknall was the adviser in spring 2012 until he left for a job at another location. Blacknall declined to comment Walker took over the position and was the adviser for fall 2012 until “restructuring and moving around of duties” gave the position to Dr. Darryl Holloman, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Multicultural Programs. Holloman took over the role of adviser this semester and has efficient experience in the SGA and has worked with the SGA at different institutions.

Vice President for Budget & Finance, Theo Muhumuza, released the most recent budget expenditures, which total $50,821.39 so far this year. The only item that went over budget was the two-day summer retreat for the Senate at the Lodge at Simpsonwood, about 40 minutes north of Atlanta. The retreat cost a total of $7,457.87—nearly 790 percent over-budget. “We had an agenda that included team building and learning about the organization—overview of constitution/bylaws that was very in depth, public speaking exercises, choosing committees for the year, outlining responsibilities of each position, VP presenta-

1 no

tions, meals, bonding time,” Briggs said in an email. The retreat, which was originally budgeted for $947 by the previous SGA Executive Board, was the first retreat the SGA had taken in about three years, according to Briggs. According to President Marcus Kernizan, the last time the SGA went on a retreat, the amount exceeded between $12,000 and $15,000, because the Senate had elaborate expenses, such as baked salmon dinners and room service. However, the SGA had a one-day retreat in 2009 at the Indian Creek Lodge

Continued on page 4

State of SGA continued from page 1 Several legislations and official stances by the SGA have suffered delays this year. Because it is designed to represent the voice of the students, the SGA attribute the lack of feedback was the main cause of these delays. “It’s hard to get a good amount of the student body to respond to anything. Only roughly five percent responded to the sustainability survey from the [Student Activity Fee Committee], around 3,000 students vote in the SGA election, and this is with weeks of advertising,” SGA Executive Vice President Taylor Briggs said. “So there will always be challenges in reaching students when many don’t check their student email or frequent places that we hang up flyers.” Briggs pointed out that, because

Georgia State is a non-traditional school, it is harder to use the personal approach, such as directly talking to students, to receive feedback though it is a preferred method. “We prefer talking to students and engaging in conversation over other types of responses,” Briggs said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but we don’t proceed without feedback because we do represent the students firstly.” Briggs admitted that students who are not involved on campus are less likely to know about SGA. “I think it will always be a challenge to engage the people who distance themselves from campus life, but we will keep trying,” Briggs said. Senator absences during full board meetings also haunted the SGA during the year.

Although Holloman took over as adviser later in the term, he said he did not face any challenges within the transition. “Based on the previous advisor, Jeff Walker, and the constitution of the group, I didn’t feel the need to have to clean up anything,” Holloman said. With a few meetings remaining, a Town hall meeting and legislations in limbo (see Legislations on Page 3), there is still no set timetable for the passing of legislations they have been working on all year. The SGA also did not specifically state their plans to improve the issue with student feedback. While the SGA wraps up the year and elections for next year’s candidates are underway, students are left unaware of what to expect next.

4

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

The Three parts

of the student government association and their functions The head (executive)

1 The tail (judicial)

3

2

The feet (legislative)

1) The tail (judicial branch)

2) The head (executive branch) 3) The feet (legislative branch)

- keeps the entire SGA balanced and fair

- leads the way and carries out law

- reach out to students and address issues in order to move forward

- led by the Student Judicial Board

- meet at regularly scheduled times to speak on issues

- give students a position in matters and recommend solutions

- headed by the student Chief Justice

- also vote on maters not requiring Senate approval

- remove SGA officers not following procedures

2013 election calendar MARCH 25 – APRIL 5 2013 Campaigning Dates MARCH 26-28, 2013 Candidates in the Courtyard 11 a.m. to 2p.m. MARCH 28, 2013, Meet the Candidates Debate at 7 p.m. in the Speaker’s Auditorium. A reception will follow the debate. April 1-5, 2013 Online voting begins. Go to www.gsu.edu/sga to cast your vote.

Breakdown continued from page 3 to orient its new members and cost 93 percent less than the retreat Kernizan and Briggs mentioned. This year, funds requested and allocated to student organizations and programs in general went up by $2,000 to $3,000, while the SGA’s budget increased only by about $1,000, according to Kernizan. “We made sure [every organization] got the same amount of money as the previous year,” Kernizan said.

New Sustainability Initiatives Fee Council

After three years of attempting to establish a mandatory green fee, Dr. Michael Black, a lecturer at Georgia State, turned to the Student Activities Fee Council. After receiving student feedback, the SAFC created the Sustainability Fee Council and allocated $10,000 to give to qualified organizations. Two organizations applied and received funding According to its application for funding, Panther Bikes received $3,000 to “promote a more bike-friendly campus through education, community and advocacy. We seek to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety around Georgia State University and encourage students to consider using their bicycle, rather than automobile, for transportation.” The Sustainability Energy Tribe was the second organization to apply. They received $7,000, though neither group has explicitly said how the money will be spent. “We do a lot of hiking and getting out and make sure our members realize what’s around them and what they actually help

This year, funds requested and allocated to student organizations and programs in general went up by $2,000 to $3,000, while the SGA’s budget increased only by about $1,000, according to Kernizan. because if they are in the city the whole time then they don’t know…what our [organization] is trying to do,” said Julie Smith, one of the two student officers of the Sustainability Energy Tribe. According to their application, “the group works with faculty and staff to try and implement environmentally friendly changes. The practices would involve steps toward improving water conservation policies, ethical forest use and making the campus ‘greener.’”

Video Gambling

Along with other universities across the state, Georgia State’s SGA began to consider the state’s legislation for video gambling regulation to help with tuition and fees. Shortly after stating their intentions to research the legislation, the SGA withdrew those intentions. Although the Senate was prepared to gather student feedback to propose a stance, “I did not have enough information [about the legislation] at the time,” Kernizan said. “[The SGA] had more pressing issues at the time, and had to deal with that accordingly.”

5

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

SGA President Candidates

What makes you a good candidate? My ability to execute both the internal and external responsibilities of the President, while advocating for better conditions to improve our overall campus-life makes me a great fit for the position.

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?

President Kernizan is doing a fantastic job as President and whomever his successor will be will have very big shoes to fill. In lieu of that, a more fitting question would be how I plan to improve SGA as oppose to the position of the President. To that, I would say that the state of SGA, in terms of our progression or regression, rests upon the collaborative efforts of the entire administration, including our support staff. Therefore, my plan is to empower our Senators and the Executive Committee by being transparent, encouraging, and stressing servant leadership, so that we may be bold in our efforts to IMPACT our campus.

What was your motivation to run? Honestly, my motivation comes from the students. Being a traditional student myself, I share the same concerns of the students that hinder both our progression as a university and our overall campus life. I too experience issues within the residence halls; I too experience issues within our on-campus dining facilities; I too want more diverse on-campus programs that cater to our entire student population, and while we have made some progress within these areas, there is still much work to be done. My motivation is be that student who is the liaison between both the students and the university who does not just articulate student concerns, but who is also advocate for solutions.

What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done? I am currently the Vice President of Student Services. My platform in 2012 included the following three points: 24hour Library, Improve Parking and Transportation, and Increase Transparency between SGA and the Students. To date Student Services (myself and my committee) has successfully executed the Freshman Hall Afterhours that hosted over 5,000 students during finals, secured over 750 new parking spaces at the SunTrust Building, and with the help of GSTV, we have recorded and publicized all SGA Senate meetings to promote transparency. Additionally, we worked with RHA to increase the internet bandwidth of the Housing Internet System and brought back some of the students favorite channels that were lost in the transition. Also, we are speaking with the RedBox Company to secure a Redbox movie machine on campus for the students to enjoy one-dollar movie rentals at their leisure.

What is an issue that you see being

What makes you a good candidate?

Based upon my platform, and being a transfer student I understand the disconnect between on campus students and commuter students. My confidence in being an exceptional candidate comes from my experience in other leadership roles, such as my current position as President of Young Democrats of Georgia State University, being able to take great strides in networking and rebranding the organization. My desire to connect with my neighboring community, having an eye for detail, recognizing issues and making a conscious effort to fix them.

What is your platform for this election?

My platform is “Building a community for the commuter.”

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position? I would first like to say I believe the previous president has done an incredible job in embodying what I feel Georgia State needs work building on. The relationships between the student body, the connect and school spirit definitely needs improvement. And I will continue to work towards what the current president has been pushing to achieve. I will improve the efforts by assessing the disconnect in building these relationships which is making sure the commuter student feels just as home as the students that stay on campus. Encouraging greater school spirit, by requesting that the resources allotted by Georgia State are revamped; pushing for the library to stay open later if possible 24 hours, requesting that they implement a student lounge in the newly renovated Sun Trust building so that it can serve as a midway relax point for those students that may be walking from the opposite sides of campus.

What was your motivation to run?

For full transcript, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com

I think it takes someone who is passionate about Georgia State and who understand students and their needs, to be a good candidate. I am very interested in advocacy in both its most complex and rudimentary form--- I also believe that advocacy is at it’s best when we add transparency and servitude, this is what SGA presidency adds to advocacy and this is why I am a good candidate to be SGA President; I am a leader who serves and is transparent.

What is your platform (issues you plan on addressing) for this election? My platform includes but is not limited to; taking a new multidimensional approach to campus security that includes GSUPD, students and our administrative body, addressing parking issues, expanding library hours, creating a sense of pride for GSU (not only through the Athletics department but also including different organizations), Making sure that students’ voices are being heard and their issues are being addressed in an effective manner, streamlining SGA internal processes, increasing transparency, and ultimately changing rhetoric as it pertains to SGA (creating a strong and positive SGA presence).

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?

The past administration had a Town Hall meeting, which most people said was the only time they have heard about SGA. As President it would be my duty to make sure students know about SGA and its purpose. SGA has to start actively involving students in decision-making, thus student have to know about SGA. This will allow students the opportunity to hold SGA accountable and question our actions, as we do represent the student body. If we can improve in his department then everything else will be done the right way or be questioned.

What was your motivation to run?

My motivation to run is, as I stated before, the disconnect between the student body, as well as the lack there of between commuter and on campus students. It starts with a person effort, but also a belief that it’s best to make strides in getting things you would like done personally instead of simply talking about it. Work towards fixing problems rather then merely witnessing them and complaining. I would like to spark that change I speak of, I wish to continue to build the stepping stones towards greater unity and school spirit amongst Georgia State University.

A tremendous part of SGA requires people who are involved to put their personal bias aside to work in the best interest of the student body. I am and have always been a strong proponent of change and a person who is willing to promote positive change--- I love Georgia State and I believe there needs to be someone in SGA who wants to make our university better. We have the resources and we should start using them in a manner that is productive. We have the potential to be the best, and we can get there, all that is needed is someone who is willing to do the work to make us prominent. My motivation to run is my need to work and create a better GSU as I have seen the potential and I will not let it stay latent.

What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done?

What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done?

I haven’t held any positions in SGA but I have served in leadership roles on campus, I am also a liaison for the Georgia State Student/University Center so I speak and interact with the entirety of the diverse student body on a daily basis.

approaching?

Sustainability and more healthy dinning selections within our dining facilities , accommodations for disabled students, and gender neutral restrooms for students who do not identify as either male or female are all issues that I feel have been overlooked and if elected I plan to address.

What makes you a good candidate?

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I have volunteered with SGA since my freshman year here a GSU; I became an Election commissioner during my second semester because I wanted to get more people involved in SGA. I understood during my first semester working in SGA as a volunteer how important the organization was. As an Election commissioner I helped in the organization of one of the biggest election effort on campus for two consecutive years. I have also worked in various capacities outside of SGA from Vice president of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, RA, Mentor (to senators in SGA), SAA member, POLS honors Society member, Senior Resident Assistant and Sociology club member--- all the while maintaining a 3.95 GPA by utilizing various resources on campus. For full transcript, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com

6

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

SGA Vice President Candidates

What makes you a good candidate?

What makes you a good candidate?

I have held many leadership positions thus far that have prepared me for the position of Executive Vice President. Aside from my leadership skills, I am empathetic, passionate, and well-organized. I have the ability to maintain an efficient and productive work environment, while making the senator’s term an enjoyable experience. It is a combination of my leadership experience, my easy-to-work-with personality, and organization skills that makes me the ideal candidate for the position of Executive Vice President.

My genuine dedication to the University. An Executive Vice- President, especially on a stage such as Georgia State University cannot do things for notoriety, but instead because the passsion for an informed, comfortable, and cohesive student body.

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position? The position of Executive Vice President requires a lot, but mainly organization skills, and Taylor Briggs, our current EVP, did a phenomenal job with that. In fact, much of what I learned about the position came directly from watching EVP Briggs do her job. I plan to continue in her vision of improving transparency between the E xecutive Board and the Senate by increasing communication and maintaining an encouraging attitude.

What was your motivation to run? When I decided to run as a Senator last year, I did not know what to expect. I thought my position would require me to simply attend meetings and that would be the end of it. However, serving as a Senator for the 2012-2013 term showed me that there was more for me in SGA. As the Head Senator for the Student Services Committee, I learned and performed well beyond what I initially set out to do and as a result of those experiences I knew there was so much more that I could do for the students and that was my motivation to continue with SGA. For full transcript, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com

What is your platform for this election? Building a community for the commuter. Campus life at Georgia State seems to be divided into two subgroups: The on-campus university, and the commuter one. We will bridge that gap.

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?

What makes you a good candidate? I am running for this position only because I think I fit it like a glove. Any position in SGA requires someone that is humble enough to listen to the concerns of the population it is representing, while keeping their own opinions back. However, it requires an experienced person to make well thought out decisions for the people they are serving. During my three years in higher education, I have been on both sides of financial aid, I have been a commuter, I can relate to the needs of a variety of students.

What is your platform for this election? t t t

I want to develop a more profound sense of school spirit amongst the athletic teams and the students. As Georgia State grows, it is a requirement that we explore new avenues to resolve the parking problem. I have plans to increase the use of technology in the curriculum to put the student at the center of their education, by supporting “on-demand learning.” Being one of the most diverse universities in the nation, I believe we need to provide more accommodations for persons with disabilities.

More hands on approach in the implementation of enacted amendments such as the little known policy of No-smoking on campus.

t

What was your motivation to run?

Based on the previous position holder, how do you think you will improve the position?

A Desire to be a more intricate part in the positive change at Georgia State University.

What has been your involvement in SGA? No prior experience. However, as 2012 Homecoming Prince, I am involved in philanthropic activities for the direct benefit of Georgia State University Students.

For full transcripts of all candidates, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com or follow us on Twitter or Facebook @gsusignal OTHER EXCUTIVE BOARD CANDIDATES INCLUDE: VICE PRESIDENT OF

VICE PRESIDENT OF

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Johanne Germain

Camyrn Bradley

VICE PRESIDENT OF

Samantha Grant

Sophia Philemond

STUDENT SERVICES

Christopher Walker

Lanier Henson

VICE PRESIDENT OF

Erick Taylor, Jr.

Casey Vaughan

BUDGET AND FINANCE

VICE PRESIDENT OF

Tyler Lewis

STUDENT LIFE

Deyvid Madzharov

Timothy Smith

As EVP, I will want to push the senate to find areas of improvement on campus. We are supposed to be representing and advocating for the students of the university. There has to be legislation passed to benefit the students in academic, institutional and campus affairs. I want to improve the position by play a more pressing role in the creation of legislation. I really want to let the students of the university understand SGA is here to serve them.

What was your motivation to run? I am a fan of putting the learner at the center of their education. In college there are many aspects that contribute to the overall education of a student. I believe that every student should have as much control of these factors as possible. My motive is to help transition GSU into the school of the future, where the students are truly at the center of their education.

What has been your involvement in SGA? What have you done? Apart from voting in the last election, I haven’t been involved in SGA. I think this is strength on our team. I am going to bring a fresh, unbiased view to the Executive board and Senate.

What is your ticket? Our tickets name is “Panthers Choice”, which goes hand in hand with our slogan, “The Georgia State You Deserve”. I am running alongside, Andrew Whyte, who is running for President. Our ticket also consists of Samantha Grant and Deyvid Madzharov who are running for VP of Student Life and VP of Budget and Finance respectively.

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist Mitchell Oliver is an Eagle Scout studying Finance at GSU to be a top financial consultant or financial adviser. His influences for writing include Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner of Freakonomics fame. Follow him @madmoneyATL.

and why you should fear it I money matters t may come as a shock, but you’re probably not as financially literate as you should be. I’m not talking derivatives, accounts payable or anything like that. I’m just talking about the most basic of concepts that many college students fail to understand. Ideas such as investing, proper use of credit and budgeting seem to be the last thing on students’ minds when they should be considered on a daily basis. A recent study by Money Matters on Campus revealed that 28.2 percent of college freshmen own a credit card. Yet, a subsequent Charles Schwab survey showed that only 26 percent of students understand how credit card companies access interest rates and fees. There is clearly a growing portion of students with the opportunity to handle credit, but they don’t know the mechanics behind it. There is an epidemic of financial illiteracy from today’s school system that needs to be drastically changed. More finance classes in high school should be added. In addition, at a collegiate level, there should be a course that includes at least one semester of personal finance for any major. This would increase students’ comprehension of basic financial terms and tools that they can use to help better themselves outside of school. Besides, considering almost 40 percent of students don’t graduate, this one class they took their freshman year could end up being critical in their future financial success. To paint this more clearly, an USA Today poll showed that only 14 percent of those high school seniors and college freshmen understand that stocks are the highest growth option in the long term. Most students picked savings account or government bonds. These same people will go on to take in student loan debt, acquire credit cards and live on in financial ignorance until they are in over their heads with a leased car, a sub-prime mortgaged house and credit card payments. Furthermore, how many of these people do you think will be consistently investing in their retirement accounts? Even today, retirees only have enough savings, on average, for 10 years of retirement. Do you want to run out of money when you’re 75 with no job and slim income prospects? To secure our financial futures it is imperative that we begin understanding our finances at a young age, and I feel a personal finance college course would significantly change the direction we are headed.

From the Editorial Board:

W

hen we spoke to students about the upcoming SGA elections, it didn’t seem like most people had much to say. Not about the elections, not about the candidates and not much about the entire organization. On the surface there seems to be a fundamental disconnect between the student body and those who are elected to represent them. Why are so many students uninformed about the SGA and what it does? How can we get more students to be involved in the SGA process? These are questions that need to be addressed. While some of the students professed no knowledge about the SGA at all, it would be unfair to blame them entirely. Most students commute to campus and have little to

* 40.000 students were surveyed. Average age is 18, 91.2% are freshmen.

Credit card behavior of first-year students

28.2%

24.6%

have a credit card.

23.7%

have more than have more one credit card. than $1000 in debt.

7.5%

5.3%

have been

have more

late on

than $5000

payment.

in debt.

Spending Behavior

!

24%

Words from Students with Increasing loan debt:

feel others would be

if

they knew of their spending habits.

“If I have money left over at the end of a pay period I just have to spend it.”

20%

“...it’s better to have something

have bought things even

now and pay for it later.”

though they knew they INFORMATION SOURCE: MONEYMATTERSONCAMPUS.ORG

couldn’t afford them.

A long, tough road for Student Government no time to spend at school more than they need to. For most times of the year, the average student would not notice anything having to do with student government on campus, unless they were paying attention. But SGA is not faultless. Last year they budgeted thousands of dollars for their public relations committee, but it’s hard to say how well that money is being spent when in some cases the organization can’t even seem to properly announce its events. For example, SGA failed to send out an invitation in time to invite students to its Town Hall event last week, which spurred valuable discussion on important issues on campus. The invitation came almost exactly a day late for most people.

They had backup lines of communication and promotion, including social media invitation and flyers around Georgia State, so the event was by no means a total disaster. But the point remains: there’s a great deal of room left for improved communication, and it is SGA’s responsibility to bridge that gap between the students and their representatives. Indeed, to really succeed in their mission to “serve the students,” to move that phrase beyond the realm of bumper sticker slogans, they have to engage students who would not otherwise be interested. While it is important for students to be active if they want their interests represented to the university, it is ultimately up to the SGA to take the time to approach the

student body. Holding more Town Hall-style meeting is a good start, but should only be one piece of the puzzle, especially as the March 28 SGA debate looms near. It may seem like a difficult task, but student politicians must understand that the people they represent are tired, overworked and underpaid. In short, they are college students and will often take any short cut they can to lessen their personal workload. Ignoring student government – like regular government, in many cases – is a natural choice. It’s a tough road, SGA, and you’re making an effort. You’ve extended your hand to the students, but you haven’t gotten them to grasp it yet.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

No exceptions for death Y AMI DUDLEY Columnist Ami Dudley is a junior English major and one of The Signal’s premier staff critics. She was recently published in “The Underground” literary journal. Follow her @amidudley

just for laughs

JABARI KIONGOZI Resident Humorist Jabari hails from outside the 285 perimeter. He’s thought of as short, kind of cute and theoretically rich. He’s a comedian, so go to his shows. Follow him @ JoeBraxton

The Weakly Comic

ou’re bound to step on someone’s toes when the subject of capital punishment, aka “the death penalty,” comes up. If you’re for it, then you support the slaughter of fellow human beings. If you’re against it, then you’re weak, blindly optimistic and in opposition to justice. Georgia is one of 33 states –most of which are in the South– that enforces the death penalty. The execution of Andrew Cook a couple of weeks ago has given way to more debates on the taboo topic. I’m not going to disclose my stance here, but rather point out the flaw in both sides of the argument and that is what I call the “exceptions rule.” This “exceptions rule” is largely unspoken of on both sides of the fence. It simply means that some people do or do not deserve the death penalty. Most of us are not aware that we use this rule. According to gfadp.org (a site for alternatives to the death penalty), “Among all homicides with known suspects, those suspected of killing whites are 4.56 times more likely to be sentenced to death as those suspected of killing blacks.” I’m not implying that more women or more non-African-Americans be put to death. I’m simply saying that if you’re going to be for the death penalty, then you should be for it all the

time, no matter the person. The same can be said about people that are not for the death penalty. On Sept. 21, 2011 myself and other Georgia State students marched around the State Capitol in Atlanta in protest of convicted murderer Troy Davis’ coming execution (and indeed it did come). My peers and I spent all night with posters, snacks and the passion of a thousand youths who felt a part of something bigger than we could imagine. While sitting on the concrete steps, I realized what we were actually protesting. We didn’t know all the details of his case. In fact, half of us weren’t alive when the crime he was convicted of took place. We protested for innocence. For whatever reason, we felt Troy Davis was innocent and no innocent person should die, right? But what about the millions of other inmates on death row right now? Are they innocent as well? Unless we are present during the crime or in the minds of the convicted person, how will we ever know if he/she is innocent? We use the “exceptions rule” to defend whomever we feel is innocent to us, therefore we place judgment on others. We all know that every case isn’t alike and that every convicted inmate isn’t alike either. But who are we to choose who is worthy or not worthy of the death penalty? So, whether you stand for it or against it, be consistent, with no exceptions of persons.

Return with a change

W

elcome back classy cats. Feeling rejuiced? Hung-over still? Never left in the first place? Either way, the parking decks have awaited your return. They’ve been awfully lonely without you. You made the right decision not withdrawing from that one class you really despise. And the semester is a lot closer to wrapping up than you think. So let’s get medicated! I mean motivated. Sorry, Wiz and Chevy Woods has been on repeat. Coming back from Spring Break isn’t like the beginning of a semester, but it’s still a perfectly opportune time to change. You’ll notice it all around you already. The skin tans, dyed hair and highlighter shirts of places people visited. But that’s not the type of change I’m talking about. I’m suggesting being more focused and re-committing yourself to your academics. (Cough!) Sorry, I had some “I can’t believe what I’m saying” caught in my throat. But honestly, I’m sure you too can hear that little voice or your mom in your head saying, “You need to buckle down!” For many of you, this has always been a consistency. You’ve been so attached to your books, you practically date them.

For others, motivation and inspiration comes the day before an exam or paper is due. And there’s another type of change worth making. Notice the trees blooming (or yet to bloom) and the pollen? Well that’s just Mother Nature’s way of making love. So if you’re single, I don’t advise you guys to go spreading your “pollen” over everything, but it’s a fair time to seek new relationships. Many couples didn’t make it far after Valentine’s and are like Tebow: looking for some playing time. Lord knows how many standards and commitments flew out the window over Spring Break. Now don’t look desperate. Give it about a week or two for their loneliness to really kick in. Finally, pick up some new projects. Find new places to hang out at. Try to avoid doing the routine things you’ve been doing. Support new clubs and their events. Get involved. Atlanta is a huge city with many places worth exploration. So go hit the town. Be glad you’re back, not everyone might have made it. Tragic events happen all the time so thank whomever you look up to and promise to become a better person. Otherwise, you’re no better than North Korea.

YOUR VOICE YOUR OPINIONS Do you think the SGA does a good job representing the student body to the university, and what would you like to see the SGA do for you as a student?

Name: Matthew Bozarth Major: english “I am not really up to date with what the SGA does…[The SGA] could do a better job voicing what is going on.”

Name: Chase Royer Major: journalism “That’s a tough question because I am honestly not sure what the SGA does. One thing it would be good if they made us more aware of what they are doing, that would help. One thing I have been a little cornerned about is that I know that people have been trying to fund the new office for sustainability. SGA was a part of putting that down, and I would really like them to reconsider that, because I think that’s an important campus issue.”

Name: James Jackson Major: chemistry “Personally I don’t even know who the SGA is for any of the different classes. I don’t know if they have a really known appearance and I don’t really know what they control. I think its really more of the people that are in paid positions that control the student decisions because they deal with all the money and money is what runs things. I feel like they have the final say in everything, not the student government. [SGA] doesn’t have any real power.”

Name: Elana Benn Major: journalism “Well I don’t really know too much about it, I just transferred here not too long ago so I’m not too familiar with a ton of organizations on campus. I see them out in the courtyard and advertising for SGA, so I’d like to know more about it but I don’t know too much as of now.”

Name: Kristina LaPlant Major: political science “Well I don’t know much about the SGA so maybe I would like to see them have more a presence and get more involved with the student body, because I’m just an average student and I would like to see their presence more on campus.”

Name: Kersten Johnson Major: sociology “I didn’t know that we had an SGA. I’m not exactly sure what they do…I don’t really need anything. I go to school and go home. I don’t really do anything on campus. I’m not too involved with activities, but it would be nice to get some free sandwiches or a Redbull sometimes.”

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving SUBMITTED PHOTO | UPTHINK LAB (Top) Doug Urquhart, Eric Huber and the rest of their crew traveled to Canada to film “Mountains in Motion.” (Below) Urquhart (left) used time-lapsed photography to show the life of mountain ranges across the globe.

Past the stigma LGBT students say education will create a sexually tolerant campus

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL Taylor Trimble, president of the Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity, listens to fellow members at this month’s meeting. JOHNNY GIPSON Staff Reporter

A ‘Mountains in Motion’ brings nature to the city SAMANTHA REARDON Staff Reporter

D

oug Urquhart could not see the stars. The sky was hazy and muted by the dull lights in the city around him – light pollution. How could he bring the galaxy back? How could he bring more than just a handful of stars, a handful of beauty to the light-filled streets? Urquhart, a former film student at Georgia State and co-founder of Upthink (a visual production company), traveled to the Canadian Rockies with his business partner Eric Huber. There, they captured the Northern lights, the brilliant night sky and the stunning landscape through time-lapse photography. The result was a short film entitled “Mountains in Motion”, which later evolved into the window project that can be seen throughout March at the DAEL building on campus. “I fell in love with this drastically different landscape than what I was used to living in Atlanta,” Urquhart said of his first trip, a celebration of his oneyear wedding anniversary, to the Canadian Rockies three years ago. “I found myself with the desire to go back.”

Urquhart’s second trip to the Canadian Rockies was to shoot footage for “Mountains in Motion” and a way to escape city life. “At the same time,” Urquhart said. “It offered me the ability to hone in on a new skill set, a new interest.” For Urquhart, that interest was time-lapse photography. Urquhart experimented with different mediums as a Film and Video major at Georgia State. One of his favorite professors was Ly Bolia, who introduced him to the realm of film photography. “I really wanted to have an opportunity to experiment with film while everybody else was rushing to lock up all the film equipment and get rid of it, and move purely to digital,” Urquhart said. Film allowed Urquhart’s passion for time-lapse to grow into something even bigger. Mountains in Motion has garnered several awards and has been on circulation in some of the country’s major film festivals like Atlanta Shortsfest, the Asheville Cinema Festival and the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Elizabeth Strickler, associate director at DAEL, later approached Urquhart about featuring footage of Moun-

tains in Motion for Georgia State’s window project. This makes MIM his second window project at DAEL to date after “Motions of Time”, an earlier visual project completed with co-creator Eric Huber. “Eric Huber and Doug Urquart were GSU film and video alumni who I had been following because of their talent while in school,” Strickler said. “Someone showed me their time-lapse work and I contacted them to be the second [ever] installation for the window project. They submitted their work Motions of Time and it was mesmerizing.” The concept of the window project is unique. Strickler collaborated with Micah Stansell, Georgia State alum and visual artist, to create the first window project back in 2011. The window project is now a monthly staple at DAEL, featuring visual work from artists around the globe. “The Mountains in Motion window installation is a way to share my experiences with other people that may not have the ability to travel to these remote destinations,” Urquhart said. The MIM window project is not limited to the Canadian Rockies. It features shots from other places Urquhart has been, like Iceland and Hawaii.

n open door in the University Center reveals a large rainbow flag hanging over its sides. Inside of the room, several chairs encircle a large banner reading “MY FAITH” resting on the center of the floor. The banner bears a strong religious theme, juxtaposed by a warm, welcoming energy as members of The Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity continue to file in. It’s just another ordinary day for Taylor Trimble, president of the organization and spokesperson for the gay community. “The Alliance for sexual diversity is the largest and oldest LGBT/QIQA student organization in Georgia,” Trimble said. “We give a voice to the queer student population at Georgia State, and Atlanta as a whole.” Trimble has been a member of the program since last year, but has only recently become president. “I heard about the organization through an ex of mine. When I first got here I was the education chair, then in 2012 I became the president,” he said. Trimble said he believes there is more to raising awareness than simply entertainment, as does Secretary Treasurer and fellow Alliance member Andrea McBride. “Homophobia is less prevalent than it once was,” Trimble said. “Either people aren’t as vocal about homophobia, or they’re becoming more educated about it and realizing that queer people are human beings too. It’s all about having the decency to treat every human being with respect.” McBride said she believes homophobia comes from the lack of understanding on a more national level. “People have become more accepting,” McBride said. “Maybe

not because of a shift in religious views, but because of changing philosophies. America is an individualist society, so there’s more emphasis on the freedom each person has to make choices in their lives. Other societies around the world are more collective, with people being more interested in the well-being and representations of everyone as a whole.”

Coming out

A large part of the LGBT lifestyle revolves around embracing self-identity and honesty. Alliance members still vividly remember when they first admitted their sexual preferences, and the reactions they received. “I came out once when I was 14, and again when I was 18,” Trimble said. “I was forced out, which led to some violent situations with my parents. My family has a hard time accepting it because of principles in ethnic background, but I’ve never felt like being who I am is a burden.” McBride also remembered when she first began to identify herself as a lesbian, and said it started at an early age. “I first realized my feelings towards women when I was three,” McBride said. “I had more than the typical admiration towards my babysitter. I didn’t think much of it then. I didn’t fully come out to my parents until last summer. I’m grateful that my parents still love me unconditionally, because I have some friends who were in a lot tougher situations when it came to coming out to their family and friends.” Although McBride always had an interest in women, she said she often hid who she was from her family. “I would often lie about who I was and who I was dating,” she said. “Sometimes I would make

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Sponsored by The Signal and Georgia State SGA

Join your SGA and The Signal for a lively debate on the issues that matter most to you this Thursday, March 28th, at 7p.m. in the

Speakers Auditorium. The debate will include questions moderated by The Signal’s editor-in-chief, Sabastian Wee, and those submitted via social media and from the in-person audience. Tweet questions for the debate @gsusignal with the hashtag #GSUdebate for a chance at getting your question read directly to the candidates.

11

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LGBT (cont. from page 9) up stories about who I was interested in, just so I would seem normal to my parents. Now I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” she said. Newcomer to the Alliance, Jesse Zurlino also remembers first coming out, identifying himself as a gay male. “I came out during my freshman year of high school” Zurlino said. “My family took it pretty well. My mom always kind of knew, I just finally got the courage to admit it. When most guys were noticing girls, I realized I was noticing guys more. I lost a few friends from it, but my close friends still accepted me.” Zurlino admitted that it takes time to gain pride in being queer, and has had some negative experiences in his day. “There was a time when I was in the mall with a guy I was dating” Zurlino said. “We were holding hands and people yelled at us and intimidated me. Nowadays I’m a lot more aggressive and vocal about defending myself. I have a lot more pride in who I am. You have to embrace who you are”. Zurlino said coming out is a process that takes time. He encourages anyone who is struggling with admitting who they are to start small. “You should find someone you can trust, and tell them,” he said. “Once you get that acceptance, then it’s easier to admit it to everyone else.” Trimble also said coming out is an issue that should be handled carefully. “A student should take their

“

. . . Coming out isn’t a one-time thing, you come out every day of your life to someone who doesn’t know you.” Taylor Trimble, president of the Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity

safety into consideration,” he said. “Being out is great because you get to meet other people like you, but unless you’re in a safe space to come out, don’t put yourself into jeopardy. Coming out isn’t a onetime thing, you come out every day of your life to someone who doesn’t know you.”

Recognition of the culture Trimble said he feels acknowledgement queer culture in Atlanta is definitely on the rise, but there is still a long way to go. “There’s a level of recognition for LGBTs, but not as much as needed,” Trimble said. “Atlanta is one of the most progressive cities in the United States, but we’re still a long way from where we need to be in terms of recognition. Most of the members believe that being noticeable is a good way to get recognition. But more proactive steps like legislation on campus and events can help make progress.” Trimble said making physical changes to the norms and infrastructure of Georgia State will fur-

ther improve the cause. “Legislation means more ways to be recognized equally. For example, working with University housing for creating gender neutral housing for transgender students is a goal of ours,” he said. “We want students to know they have a safe space and legislation to back up their well-being and safety.” Trimble said although awareness is rising, apathy remains constant. “Georgia State students are definitely aware, but may not care to learn. A lot of that comes from conservative Southern ideals, which often include keeping things the way they are and minding your own business,” Trimble said. Although Trimble said there isn’t enough importance placed on learning about queer culture on campus, Zurlino said he feels the most acceptance at Georgia State. “I’ve never felt more accepted that I have at Georgia State,” Zurlino said. “There were only about three openly gay students at my high school. Now I walk down the streets of Atlanta and see same-sex couples holding hands, and it’s great to see how free everyone around me can be.”

HEALTH

Raw juice diets may not be the IMAN NAIM Staff Reporter

T

here are more fad diets out there than ever before, but not all are to be trusted. One new fad that’s more than a diet is picking up in popularity: the raw juice diet. Raw juicing is a process in which the fruits and vegetables are juiced for their vitamins and minerals. The healthy mix is made into a juice and, when used for dieting, is the only thing the dieter will consume for several days. “Basically, all the diet consists of are fruits and vegetables that are raw,” said student Kelsey Shiflett, whose goal of her 14-day juice fast was to clear up skin problems she suffered. Advocates of raw juice diets say the diet allowed them to lose weight and gave them a whole new perspective towards the food industry and what we consume. “The first three days were brutal,” Shiflett said, “I felt awful. I was hungry all the time, I had a

headache and just wanted to sleep. But after the first week, I’d lost almost 10 pounds and felt energized.” After her two week fast, Shiflett returned to eating solid foods, but stuck to fruits, vegetables, tofu and cheese. However, Dr. Vijay Ganji of Georgia State’s Nutrition department argues against raw juice diets for several reasons. “When you create such a huge deficit of calories, the body tends to gain more weight because it notices the deficit and becomes more efficient,” Ganji said. He also said that protein, fats and legumes are necessary for a healthy diet, but are not available in fruit and vegetable juices. And while practicing the raw juice diet for a few weeks is OK, dieting for months can be very dangerous, as the lack of these sorts of foods can lead to liver, skin and hair problems. Sticking to a raw juice diet for a long period of time is also detrimental to your teeth, jaw and intestines. “Your intestines don’t work

“

Too much of a good thing is always bad—you need a balance of all the food groups. — Dr. Vijay Ganji

very hard with liquids,” Ganji said. “Hard materials give your intestines exercise.” Ganji also described the quick weight loss/weight gain as a yoyo diet, in which a lot of weight is lost in a short amount of time, but then gained back just as quickly. “Weight fluctuation like that is very unhealthy, so there is definitely a catch to this,” Shiflett said. “It truly is a lifestyle change if you indeed want to be healthy and do it the right way.” Ultimately, Ganji does not approve of raw juice diets. “Too much of a good thing is always bad—you need a balance of all the food groups. Create lots of color,” Ganji said.

Religion and queer culture The main focus of The Alliance’s most recent meeting was faith, and the concerns that queer people face when religion comes up in conversation. Many members of The Alliance share similar opinions about the contradiction between religion and sexuality, and believe ignorance plays a large part in the misjudgment of the culture. Trimble said Southern culture and living in the Bible belt is one of the main reasons that queer lifestyle is so misunderstood. “Unfortunately, we live in a region where many people can’t see outside of their comfort zones and religions,” he said.“Sometimes that leads to ignorance with the diverse communities that surround them. Religion and personal beliefs shouldn’t infringe upon how other people live.” Trimble doesn’t take the negativity to heart, and said he understands the way people are brought up may affect their ideals. He said he still believes condemning homosexuality is a big contradiction in theology. “I always try to find the good in someone,” Trimble said. “Sometimes their experiences create their beliefs, but I don’t think they have the right to judge, especially since Christianity is largely based off of not passing judgment on one another and respecting everyone equally. It’s a contradiction when you preach about unconditional love, and then place rules on who

can love who.” McBride also said she believes that religious values are misinterpreted in relation to sexuality. “People sometimes interpret religion verbatim, but people need to be aware that religious doctrines were written by men who aren’t perfect,” McBride said. “We all have flaws, and there are so many different translations, you have to be cautious of the historical context. Our flaws as people affect our interpretations of the actual word.” Zurlino said religion was primarily why he was afraid to accept who he is. “Church was one of the main reasons I stayed in the closet,” Zurlino said. “When I was younger it made me feel guilty about who I was. I felt like they were telling me what I couldn’t do, and who I could love. You teach love, and then say a certain type of love is a sin. It doesn’t make sense.” Through all of the controversy and misunderstanding that shrouds queer culture, there is still hope that eventually everyone can be identified equally as people. Zurlino said that once everyone has the same amount of knowledge about the subject, things will be fine. “Once the information behind our culture is more accurately represented and there is true understanding, society will improve,” he said. “We’re all human beings, but people place too much emphasis on the sexual acts between queer people. Everyone loves the same, and we’re no different than anyone else.”

Juice recipes Good Morning Juice: 2 sweet potatoes 6 carrots 4 oranges Mean Green Juice: 1 cucumber 4 celery stalks 2 apples 6-8 leaves of Kale ½ lemon 1 tbsp. ginger Spring Green Juice: 1 celery root 2 small pears, without core or seeds 2 inches of ginger root Bloody Mary Juice: 4 tomatoes 2 red peppers 1 orange pepper

Bloody Mary Juice 1 carrot 1 zucchini Handful of herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley Juice ingredients, then add: Himlayan salt 1-2 teaspoons Olive oil *recipes and pictures from www. rebootwithjoe.com

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13

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

FASHION FORECAST

PANTHER AT LARGE

Anastasia Zimitravich, general manager of WRAS is a funky style genius.

A

SAMANTHA REARDON Columnist

Tweet Samantha and share your thoughts on fashion, inspiration and Ryan Gosling, of course. Follow Samantha Reardon @pinsandplats

nastasia Zimitravich is a Marketing major at Georgia State, the general manager of WRAS – Album 88, and the newly-crowned queen of second-hand. So she doesn’t know about that last bit, but it’s so true. Her six years working in second-hand shops have helped Ana define her own personal style.

S: Describe your style. A: “I like conversation pieces. Sometimes I’ll find a piece that’s really interesting and unique and kind of flashy, and build an outfit around it.�

On trends: A: “Up-cycling old trends [is trendy].

People worry about staying trendy. Working in second hand, people will ask me ‘what’s trending’ or ‘what looks good’ or what they should try to buy, and that’s kind of irrelevant. Because fashion is cyclical, and it doesn’t really matter too much what you wear as long as it’s your own interpretation of it.�

S: What are your essentials/ basics? A: t#MBDL DBSEJHBO i* UIJOL JU T B NFO T

cardigan. [It’s] slouchy and big and I find that that goes with everything. I can wear something that’s a nice outfit and put it over the top and it makes it look more casual.� t-FBUIFS XPWFO MPBGFST i*U XBT GVOOZ because I bought them from Goodwill, and then this trend of slip-on loafers started happening. So I wear those all the time.� t4UVE FBSSJOHT i<5IFZ> HP XJUI FWerything. I feel like long earrings are kind of going out and very basic, metallic jewelry is more adaptable.� t)JHI XBJTU TLJSUT i* WF CFFO XFBSing a lot of these high-waist, kneelength skirts for winter. I call them ‘school-girl skirts.’ I’ll put them with a slouchy sweater.�

COURTESY OF LAURA APPERSON

On her favorite looks for spring:

LAURA APPERSON Columnist

A: “Lots and lots of maxi skirts.

And really slouchy, airy tops, cause fashion is kind of lazy right now. It’s about looking lazy. Like doing your hair messy but purposefully messy. And then like, dressing nice but not looking like you’re trying too hard. Which is fine, because then you don’t have to.�

Laura Apperson is an English major studying abroad in Paris. Laura, a lover of all things literature, art and culture, will be keeping us up-to-date on her adventures overseas.

SUBMITTED PHOTO WRAS General Manager Anastasia Zimitravich shows her funky style.

ENTERTAINMENT CULTURE

Kanye speaks out...again

K

RAVEN SCHLEY Columnist

Raven Schley is a pop culture fanatic. To read more about what is going on in the world of music, movies and T.V. follow her blog: thevintagebellee. blogspot.com. Follow Raven Schley @honeybeerave

anye has done it once again. Recently, he went on a mini rant during one of his European tour shows about brands and the media called him out on it. How could someone covered in named brand designers and whose shows are sponsored by major corporations give a rant against them? Isn’t that a little hypocritical? Those were the sentiments of many people as news of this incident broke. However, could Kanye have a point? I asked a couple of Georgia State students and here’s what they had to say:

He said...

“He is highly egotistical,� said Carter Bates, a sophomore Georgia State student. “It’s very hypocritical. He is the main one supplying those brands with revenue. [However], I think it is true to some extent.�

But she said...

“I think that it’s expected of him to do that, he’s rich. People shouldn’t be that mad about it,� said Jodene Jackson, a freshman here at Georgia State. “I think that brands are taking over. People pay too much attention to it. They make their lives revolve around it.�

And then I said...

Honestly, I feel like Kanye is one of those people who have really good intentions and whose thoughts make complete sense in their minds, but when the say it out loud it just comes out all wrong. After watching the video of the rant,

Amsterdam

“

Often, people feel like they need a certain type of brand to feel validated or to feel like they are somebody.

I did understand where he was coming from when he spoke about brands and how they are “fighting for [our] soul.� However, I think his overall message was overshadowed by the fact that he does spend thousands of dollars on designer brands, he does shout out designers in his music and his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, is the queen of branding. In the video of the rant, Kanye can be heard chanting, “Brands, brands, brands: fed to you by the man, man, man.� However, I think the real key to this whole rant was when he said, “You see the problem is, they take all the best designers and put them in the most expensive spots possible, so you can’t touch great ideas. You can’t touch great ideas especially if you’re not financially well off, super famous, or you’re not a celebrity. You can’t touch the great ideas, and they say here it is, it’s all the way over here. It’s going to take you years, and what we want to do is take away your self-esteem when you are young and feed you back brands, brands, brands.� Kanye is into art and he loves things

COURTESY OF KONBINI.COM Kanye West may sport a name brand style, but voiced his opposition of the influence of brand names. that are visually captivating and unique, so I think it does make sense that he would spend a lot of money on designer brands. To him, it’s not just a material item that he can flaunt around‌ it’s art. The fact that he has money enables Kanye to reach these “great ideas,â€? but I don’t think the material items that he posses define him. They just accent him. In his rant, I don’t think Kanye dislikes brands themselves, but he dislikes the effect that they can have over a person. Often, people feel like they need a certain type of brand to feel validated or to feel like they are somebody. However, he was trying to reason that people don’t really need brands to feel important. So, in the end, I think Kanye’s rant was more of a motivational speech. “Creativity it the key,â€? West said. “Creativity is key to a new world, to a new world, to a new world. Creativity is the key, so what do you really believe?â€?

Follow Laura @LCatAp

B

ikes, bikes, bikes. That’s the first thing you see when you pull into Amsterdam Central--as the name suggests, it is the most central station in the small, charming town in Holland. Most visitors come here to smoke or to experience the Red Light District. I came to Amsterdam on an uncomfortable, cramped Megabus with my best friends ready for something new and exciting for the back half of my winter break. And that’s exactly what I got. My very hospitable couchsurfing host gave my friend and me a tour of the gorgeous city by bike--a three-hour excursion that almost resulted in several bike crashes and actually did result in me falling off my bike. Later the same day, we rode back from an Amsterdam bar in the middle of the night, in the rain, making wild Uturns and dodging cars in small alleyways. My friend and I elicited many relived sighs when we survived and would turn around to each other screaming ‘Did you SEE that? I almost died!’ Amsterdam is very much made for biking--lanes are set apart all over the city for the bikers and people casually talk on the phone, hold an umbrella over their head or eat a sandwich as they ride down the road. (No, I’m not joking.) And I saw several young children biking alongside their parents. Amsterdam’s beauty definitely captivated me and I completely fell in love with the city in my short trip there. But when I think back, I will definitely remember pedaling quickly down the street with hundreds of other Dutch bikers, avoiding pedestrians, cars and feeling absolutely amazing.

The Natu

African-American women

Natural Hair Survival Guide

Hair types Hair typing can be a big deal amongst many naturals, but don’t get caught up in the hype. All hair textures are beautiful.

1. Moisturizing your hair is the most vital part of being natural. Be sure to stay hydrated and and moisturize your hair at least twice a day.

2 . Keep your ends trimmed. This will

help with the health and overall appearance of your hair.

3. Conditioner is your best friend. Sham-

poo can be very stripping to the hair, so many natural women opt for conditioner instead. It is good for moisture and for detangling your curls.

4. Don’t go to sleep with your hair all out!

This can cause a lot of tangles and breakage. Try to twist your hair up, or tie it up with a scarf before bed at night.

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ural Trend

n opting for natural, kinky locks words from naturals “The male attention that I get differs. When [my hair] is natural I don’t get many looks versus when it’s straight.Other than male attention, I have no problems at all with my job or anything,” Jessica Mitchell “I do feel pressure from society because of my curliness. I feel expected to wear it a certain way,” Kardae Knight

“ [If you go natural] do it for yourself, not because it is a trend,” Ayana White

RAVEN SCHLEY & EMMA DICKERSON Staff Reporters

“Wild,” “exotic” and “full of life” are words that describe the new trend among African-American women and their hair today. When black women decide to go natural, it is often one of the most exciting, terrifying and life-changing experiences for them. For generations, the natural state of African-American hair has been stigmatized as nappy, unkempt and unprofessional. However, black women are owning their curly kinky locs— and it’s trending. “I really love my natural hair. I finally feel like I have an identity,” said Ayana White, a junior studio art major at Georgia State. “It’s like when you see me, that’s who I am.” Becoming a natural entails learning a new hair vocabulary. Terms like “the big chop” refer to completely chopping off all chemically proced hair and generally sporting a low hair cut or mini afro, known to most naturals as a TWA (teenie weenie afro). Biology major Yasmin Delfor explained how she transitioned from permed, or chemically relaxed hair, to eventually doing the big chop. “I did [the transition and the big chop]. I kind of transitioned with sew-ins and then cut the perm off,” Delfer said. The story behind why black women “go natural” differs from person to person, but many of them agreed that the main reason was for the health of their hair. Black wom-

en are taught to “relax” their hair from a young age, by using a cream-based chemical that breaks down the natural curl pattern of the hair to make it straight. However, this chemical can be very damaging, which is why some women decide to trade in their straight tresses for a kinkier, curly hairdo. “I heard that without chemical relaxers, your hair grows healthier and it grows faster,” junior Jessica Mitchell said. She made the decision to go natural two years ago. There is debate about using a relaxer versus going natural in the black community, but some students felt like there should not be so much disagreement. “I feel like to each his own. However, I feel like a lot of people are knocking naturals because they are embracing themselves...as if we have something against them,” White said. According to Knight, “Just like the color of our skin, our hair comes in different variations. Our hair textures are not just one mold. [All] black is beautiful.” Business major Jessica Johnson choose to wear her nature coif in a curly half wig that closely resembles her natural curl pattern. “I chose to be natural for the health of my hair,” Johnson said. “I chose this style to limit damage to my hair.” The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies recently held a panel discussion on how African-American women are being perceived in the workplace. Natural hair implies wearing your hair in an un chemically altered state. It does not mean showing up to class or a job without proper care and grooming. In exploring their new, natural hair textures African-American women have had to learn how to maintenance their new dos. As women began exploring age old hair care tips from family or re-visiting natural pommades learned from childhood, a bond was built on the relearning of how to care for natural hair. Although other women choose to wear their natural hair, it does not mean that people who wear chemical relaxers are wrong or should quit. Every women views beauty in a different way, and going natural may not be the best fit for every woman’s lifestyle. “I don’t really have a point of view [on getting relaxers],” Knight said. “But I will say that going natural is not for everyone. You have to be committed to going natural and be willing to do the work to keep it healthy.”

16

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

NOW PLAYING AT

SOURCE: CONCRETE ONLINE

Cinefest

David Bowie: ‘The Next Day’ Grade : A

MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reporter

‘The Fountain’

Synopsis: Spanning over one thou-

sand years, and three parallel stories, The Fountain is a story of love, death, spirituality, and the fragility of our existence in this world.

Showtimes: Mon. - Fri: 11:00 am, 1:30pm, 4:00pm, 7:00pm

Weekend: 1:00pm, 3:30pm, 6:00pm

Running time: 96 minutes Rated: PG -13

T

he Next Day” acknowledges David Bowie’s past while being a definitive next step that can stand proudly among his best works. Give the Thin White Duke the credit he deserves for pulling the wool over all of our eyes for so long. Allegedly, this album has been in the works for two years. The fact that he managed to keep it under wraps for that long in the era of Internet and leaked tracks is astounding. When his 24th album was announced on his 66th birthday, there was understandably lots of reason for anticipation. Bowie was reunited with his longtime producer Tony Visconit and created his first new album since “Reality.” The pressure would be on David Bowie to try to sound like David Bowie and it would result in a half-hearted, jumbled

mess much like Reality. The Next Day is not that album. This isn’t a phoned in attempt on touching the magic of his past days. The Next Day both acknowledges his past while being a definitive next step that can stand proudly among his best works. The track opener “Next Day” lets us know immediately that Bowie’s back, and bringing his A-game to the party. There is no one era of his music Bowie isn’t willing to explore but never does any of this album feel like it’s simply retreading old ideas. “If You Can See Me” simultaneously invokes the wall of sound magic of his Berlin Trilogy albums with Brian Eno, while being an innovative piece of psychedelic pop rock. “Valentine’s Day” is a crooning plastic-soul love song that flitst with a touch

of glam. The singles “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” and “Where Are We Now?” couldn’t be anymore different with the former going for a clautosphic funk rock groove and the later being an introspective piano ballad. About the only decade of musical influences that he doesn’t visit is his awkward industrial phase, and the album maybe all the better for it. But what makes all this sampling standout is the delivery. Bowie brings an unflinching confidence and his trademark swagger in each vocal delivery. From a low groan to a swelling wail, to his shrill bark calling back the old Ziggy Stardust days, Bowie holds nothing back. That’s not to say they’re aren’t any dull moments. “I’d Rather Be High”, “Boss Of Me” and “Dancing Out In Space” are burdened by

flat and uninteresting choruses, and feel more like half-finished ideas for songs. But the good far outweighs the bad and speed bumps are quick, and glam rock numbers like “(You Will) Set The World On Fire” make them worth while. The album closes out with the beautiful pop piano piece “You Will Feel So Lonely You Could Die”, and a space-tinged sonic callback to his first breakthrough “Space Oddity” in “Heat”. The Next Day offers plenty of nostalgia for longtime Bowie fans while never sounding like a simple best-of collection. David Bowie demonstrates the proper way to do a comeback, and with hope he may stick around this time. It’s been a long couple of decades Mr. Bowie. Here’s to a few more.

Movie review: ‘Wonderstone,’ an interesting premise ruined by forced laughs

MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

I

f there’s anything to learn from watching “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” it’s that Will Ferrell either really does have an agent or he’s starting to get tired of the same unfunny crap he’s been doing for lately. “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” is the definition of a tired Will Ferrelliean premise. All the staples are here: the oddly specific skill set, the loveable but bullied sidekick, the self-absorbed but ridiculously talented asshole/protagonist and the funny/annoying archenemy (played by a high profile actor) that he must ultimately overcome. The only difference is that a visibly uncomfortable Steve Carell plays the arrogant asshole in question. Wonderstone stars Carell as the leader of a Siegfried & Roy-esque duo Grade: D

SOURCE: ROTTENTOMATOES.COM with his childhood friend, Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi). Their act has become stagnant over the years and their friendship has strained to the braking point thanks to Burt’s stubbornness and narcissism. But when a new magician suddenly upstages them, Steve Gray (equal parts Criss Angel and David Blaine played by Jim Carrey). They find their friendship shattered, and Burt ends up homeless and penniless. Will he realize the value of the friendship he’s squandered and remember who was before the fame got to his head before it’s too late? Let me just go ahead and spoil it for you. Do “Talladega Nights,” “Blades Of Glory” and “Semi-Pro” sound familiar to you? The reason Wonderstone fails and Running Time: 100 min.

these films succeed (besides lack of creativity) because it never really decides what kind of movie it wants to be. The tone jumps over the place, from family comedy to juvenile attempts at shock humor. None of it works. These actors have proven they can be hilarious when given the right material and the freedom to go off script. The strict adherence to this tired formula and kills any chances for funny this movie could have had. In the end, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone really just succeeds at only three things: Being boring, making you hate Steve Carell and ensuring you’ll have The Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” stuck in your head long after you force the film to pull a disappearing act from your memory. MPAA Rating: RPG - 13

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The Velvet Underground & Nico by Castle Face & Friends

II

The Porter: Don’t fill up on beer, the food’s pretty good too PHOTOS BY TERAH BOYD| THE SIGNAL Not your Grandpa’s root cellar: good eats and more than 430 beers make for a great night spot.

Start from an End NOSAJ THING Home

Langsom Dans

Hardcourage JACCO GARDNER Cabinet of Curiosities

One Hundred

The Flower Lane FOXYGEN We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic

TERAH BOYD Arts & Living Editor

L

ittle Five’s Porter Beer Bar is like a dingy old cellar Poe would write about stashing an old friend in. Thankfully, the smell of good eats coming from the quaint eatery’s kitchen isn’t scaring anyone away. It’s not as bad as an old root cellar, but The Porter’s window-less dining area and exposed beams provide a gritty, speak-easy atmosphere. The easygoing staff is quick to point out which beers are a must try and are helpful with the novice beer drinker. Boasting more than 430 beers, The Porter also features vintage beers for purchase. The varieties include beers from all over, including Brouwerij Smisje’ ‘t Smisje Grande Reserva from Belgium and Hitachino’s Red Rice ale from Japan, to fellow L5P foodie/beer spot Wrecking Bar’s Nathan’s 13 Minute Amber. There are some fun cocktails available for the non beer-drinking patron (which is in-

sane). A white Russian twist dubbed the “The Dude” and the rosemary-infused grapefruit margarita are a couple of highlights. Cocktails are served in quart or pint Mason jars. You have to get the salt and vinegar popcorn. Have to. The generous portion is fluffy and toxic with a lung-collapsing dose of vinegar. The calamari and goat cheese hushpuppies are pretty tasty too. The Dogfish Head IPA mussels were a bit on the spicy side of things. The specials this evening included the Farmer Bruise Salad, which featured champagne vinaigrette, homemade mozzarella and pickled strawberries. The salad had great flavor, but the texture of the strawberries was not very pleasant. Another special: pork tacos were a win-win with kimchi and charred tomatillo salsa. The generous helping of meat was served on three flower tortillas and topped with cilantro and green onions. The highlight of the night (besides the popcorn) was the celery root ravioli. The celery root puree filling was creamy, sweet and savory. The pasta was tender with a little bit of

bite. The oyster mushrooms gave the dish a great earthy flavor that worked great with the rosemary. Sounds a little funky, but the golden raisins were a perfect touch to the earthiness of the dish. The Porter’s no frills approach to beer and food would be a delight for a seasoned beer connoisseur, or a beer newbie learning the ropes.

The porter beer bar 156 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404.223.0393 Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 12 pm Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 2:30 am Sun 11 am - 12 am (midnight Sat.)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Campus Events Woman in criminal justice forum Tuesday, March 26- 28 11 am - 1 pm The Department of Criminal Justice & Criminology invites you to attend the “Women in Criminal Justice Forum 2013” from March 25 March 28th. The forum consists of a series of talks given by notable women who conduct research and studies in the field of criminal justice and criminology. Guest speakers include: Dr. Joanne Belknap (Mar. 25th), Dr. Barbara Koons-Witt (Mar. 26th), and Dr. Dr. Claire M. Renzetti (Mar. 27th and 28th).

“What’s on your plate?” Plaza booth Monday, March 25 and Wednesday, March 27 NSN hosts an information booth including a “Nutrivia” nutrition challenge from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Unity Plaza. Prizes and general information on the nutrition program and healthy eating will be provided.

Guest pianist Hajdi Elzeser Wednesday, March 27 8:00 p.m. Kopleff Recital Hall Macedonian pianist Hajdi Elzeser has performed as soloist and chamber musician throughout the US, Europe and China. This free concert will feature works by Debussy, Pintscher, Schumann, Delinikolov, Kolarovski and Poulenc. This event is free to the public.

Student Center Concert Series Thursday, MArch 28 11 a.m.

Downtown Events Bohemian Circus

Mondays at 7 p.m. Apache Cafe Formerly known as Art Mondays, Apache Cafe’s revamped Monday art night is now Bohemian Circus. Peruse artwork, from paintings to photographs, or create your own—figure drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. There is always live music, from bands to DJs, dinner options (the menu is varied and reasonably-priced) and often, the venue offers artist receptions. Information about how to submit artwork is available on the venue’s website. The event is restricted to ages 18 and up.

4 Play at Ten Pin Alley

Fridays from 2 - 11 p.m. Ten Pin Alley Come experience super premium service in a super premium venue with several hundred of the most amazing people in the Atlanta and it’s all free! Sound too good to be true? You need to see it to Believe it! It’s 4Play Fridays. We’ll see you at the bar! Make sure to dress to impress (no sneakers). Free bowling all night.

Student Center Courtyard Students can dine inthe Courtyard of the Student Center an d enjoy musi from local and national artists.

Georgia State Sports Arena Georgia State Campus Events and Spotlight Programs Board present this year’s Panther Palooza staring Kendrick Lamar. This event is open to Georgia State students, staff and the public.

Thursday, March 28 10 a.m. Petit Science Center, 124 Molecular Basis of Disease: Distinguished Lecturer Seminar Series (Spring 2013) presents Molecular Basis of Disease: Distinguished Lecturer Seminar Series (Spring 2013)

Creative Writing Alumni Homecoming

Safe Zone: Politics and Legalities of Homosexual Relationships

Monday, April 15 Rialo Center Student performances by Gordon Vernick, Kevin Bales, Robert Dickson, Justin Varnes and Tyrone Kackson, directors.

“How A Cell Ensures Proper Chromosome Segregation”

Tuesday, April 2 noon - 1 p.m. This event will focus on the hardships and tribulations that homosexual couples deal with that heterosexual couples don’t even think twice about. Lunch provided.

ray day @ GSU Thursday, April 4 noon - 2 p.m. The Rialto Center The Georgia State University Foundation teamed up with the Ray C. Anderson Foundation to sponsor this event to promote sustainability at Georgia State. This event is free and open to the public.

2013 Panther Palooza

Rialto Youth Jazz Band

Soul food Cypher Wednesday, April 17 7 - 9 p.m. University Center 470 Georgia State’s version of the Atlanta tradition features local MCs and rappers. Rap debates and reading are some of the activities at this event.

The Players of GSU: “The Servent of Two Masters” April 18 - 27 Dahlberg Hall Theatre The Players of GSU will be performing the Shakespeare classic “The Servant of Two masters” for it fall performance. Tickets will be $10 for students and staff with proper ID, and $15 general admission.

Saturday, April 6

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art OU Museum of Art is pleased to present this exhibition of more than 50 works from some of India’s most famous artists, including Francis Newton Souza, Sakti Burman, and Seema Kohli. With imagery from all walks of life, from the poorest citizens to dynamic deities, the works of Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest focus on India’s people: individual characters gazing back at us, men and women inhabiting spaces urban and rural, kneeling bodies meditating and praying. Indias’s modern and contemporary art affirms that the modern is global.

Laughng Skull Festival Finals

Thursday, April 10, 2013 - Sunday, April 14 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center Now in its fourth year, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival seeks to honor and reward the artists that most personify The Art of Comedy. The brainchild of Marshall Chiles and Steve Hofstetter, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival features a five-day event in Atlanta. Comedy industry from all over the US and Canada will participate to help find, expose, and give work to some of today’s top emerging comedians. Winners receive cash, prizes, and months of work from comedy clubs, agents, and partner festivals.

Goddess, Lion, Peasant, Priest: Modern & Contemporary Indian Art from the Collec- Carmina Burana tion of Shelley and Donald Rubin Satrday, March 30 Daily (except Mondays) 12 - 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 11 Troy Moore Library The alumni homecoming will include readings by Christopher Bundy, Katie Chaple and Kelly Daniels..

Dazzling and inventive, David Bintley provides an exquisite, modern interpretation of Carmina Burana that is filled with surprises. Set to a resounding original score by Carl Orff, this North American premiere ballet follows three seminarians as the pleasures of the flesh lead them to question their faith. Featuring the Georgia State University Singers and the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra live in performance. Students can receive a 30 percent discount on tickets.

Sweetwater 420 Fesival & 5K

April 19 -21 Candler Park Local artists, musicians and venders wll be shocasing their goods at the festival following the seventh annual 5K. George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics will be headlining the concert series.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

April 20 - 21 Peidmont Park The 77th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival presented by PNC Bank is thrilled to welcome award-winning Sony Music Nashville recording artist Sara Evans and opening act Kurt Thomas Band for an evening performance live in the Piedmont Park Meadow.

Laughing Skull Lounge

Concerts/Shows Caitlin Rose

Wednesday , March 27 8:30 pm The Earl

Rocky horror fetish show Saturday , March 23 9 pm The Masquerade

bill burr

Friday, April 12 10 :30 pm & 7:30 pm Tabernacle

Crystal Castles w/ Doldrums Wednesday, April 17 8 pm Tabernacle

The Rocket Summer with Royal Teeth, Joe Brooks & Tidewater Thursday, March 21 6 pm Masquerade Tickets are $17.35 on Ticketmaster.

The Black Keys with the Flaming Lips Thursday, May 2 8 pm

19

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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www.georgiastatesignal.com

Sand Volleyball:

IT’S HERE Panthers secure victory in sand volleyball’s long awaited home debut.

Freshman Karlee Kavanaugh lays out for a shot during Georgia State’s first sand volleyball home match. The Panthers defeated Mercer 3-2 on March 12.

“

Say what?

I love the crowd energy...I heard everyone the whole

Slang sand volleyball terms

time and it pumped me up. It

BAMBI: A player who tenses up and does not play aggressively. COBRA: extended straight and stiff, the ball is poked with the

-Freshman Karlee Kavanaugh of the sand volleyball team

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL

Freshman Sara Olivova celebrates her match win with teammate Jansen Button. ALEC MCQUADE Staff Reporter

T

welve girls made history on March 12. It wasn’t made in the classrooms, the urban streets or skyscrapers that dot Atlanta’s skyline. It was done amongst the tropical palm trees and sand of the GSU Sand Volleyball Complex. The inaugural home match for the Geor-

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL

MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL

Alexis Elmurr (background) looks on as teammate Karlee Kavanuagh receives a shot during March 12 match. gia State sand volleyball team resulted in an emotional 3-2 victory over the Mercer Bears. The first set of matches featured the No. 4 and No. 5 teams. Karlee Kavanaugh and Alexis Elmurr, the No. 4 team for the Panthers, were defeated in straight sets, 24-22, 21-17. “We played our game,” Kavanaugh said after her match. “The difference was their short shots. They burned us on that.” The No. 5 duo of Kaitlynn Hufstetler and Nikki Senopoulos were also defeated in the

first sessions of matches, 21-16, 21-12. Although the Panthers were down 0-2, the spirit in both the team and the crowd did not diminish one bit, heading into the final set of matches. When the Panthers’ No.1 team Lane Carico and Katie Madewell took the sand, things started to turn around for Georgia State. The duo defeated Mercer’s No. 1 team, Madison Petsos and Zoe Becton, in straight sets.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

DIME: A perfect pass. JEDI DEFENSE: Play where immobile defender thrusts one arm at the ball, resulting in a miraculously perfect pass. A hard shot angled downward that the opposing side is unable to return. PANCAKE: When a player digs the ball by extending ground, bouncing the ball off the back of the hand. SCOOP: A fault in which a player lifts the ball with open hands. TWEENER: A ball that is well-placed between the two defenders. *Source: www. missionbeachvolleyball.com.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Football

New coaching staff brings excitement and hope PRO DAY

COURTESY OF GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

Sophomore linebacker Bryan Williams (number 36) shares a laugh with teammates during a team workout on March 12. This is the first spring workout under new head coach, Trent Miles. DAVID NORWOOD II Staff Reporter

O

n Nov. 30, 2012, Trent Miles became just the second head coach in the history of Georgia State football. He was lured away from Indiana State, where he led the team to its first winning season since 1996 , to push Georgia State to the next level. Simply put, he was hired to win. “I love Terre Haute [Ind.], that’s my home”, Miles said. “Atlanta is a great place to be. The people here

are phenomenal. The program has so much potential to be a really good Division I program. That was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.” Miles and his coaching staff hope to establish a winning philosophy at Georgia State through competition on the field, in the classroom and in everyday life. A coaching change and fresh outlook may have been just what the team needed following backto-back losing seasons. “Coach Miles and his staff bring in an attitude of excitement, it just trickles down”, redshirt senior defensive tackle Theo Agnew said. “The whole team has a differ-

ent vibe and different aura.” When a program makes a head coaching change, it normally affects each and every coach on staff. In a results-based business like college football, head coaches are not likely to chance their futures on guys they have never worked with. Miles brought several members of his Indiana State staff to Georgia State. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was brought along to improve the Panthers’ woeful defense from last season. Under Minter’s leadership, Indiana State’s defense allowed 14 points and 296 yards per game in 2012.

Georgia State allowed 36 points and 447 yards per game last season. “He’s [Minter] giving us a chance to play to our strengths. He’s measuring what kind of talent and what kind of speed we got coming in,” Agnew said. “With the new pieces coming in, it’s going to be an explosive defense.” The offense also got a face lift in the offseason with the hiring of offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. The former head coach at Boston College will hopefully bring a more vertical look to the Georgia State offense and be able to take advantage of top returning play-

Sand volleyball (continued from page 21) After sneaking by 21-16 in the first set, the second set easily belonged to the Georgia State pair. Carico’s hard, ruthless serves along with Madewell’s thunderous spikes allowed them to breeze through the second set, 21-4. “Our biggest thing is coming in without underestimating any our opponents,” Carico said. The victory pushed Carico and Madewell’s record to 4-0 on the season. The No. 2 team of Sara Olivova and Jansen Button had a grueling match filled with long rallies and great winners. Eventually, they were able to defeat their opponents 21-16, 21-14. It was Olivova and Button’s victory that secured Georgia State’s victory. Milani Pickering and Katelyn Rawls also won in straight sets, 22-20, 21-7. “We executed the game plan,”

maker, wide receiver Albert Wilson. The team is also preparing for the jump to the Sun Belt Conference this fall. This will be Georgia State’s first season in the Football Bowl Subdivision, which means tougher competition, something Agnew and company are already looking forward to. “We got a lot of good teams on our schedule,” Agnew said. “We feel like it’s going to be a real test. We weren’t as successful in the past. We feel like we’re turning over a new leaf, we got a clean slate, got new coaches and we’re just ready to take on the world.”

2013 Georgia State Sand Volleyball record

head coach Tammy Audia said after the victory. “Even though we had a couple matches we didn’t win, those matches were really close. We came out with wins in front of this awesome crowd. . . I just couldn’t be more happy for them.”

Individual Results No. 1 Lane Carico/Katie Madewell -7-0 No. 2 Jansen Button/ Sara Olivova – 4-3

Party in the stands

The awesome crowd Audia was referring to was large and spirited. Fans, students, faculty and alumni crowded into the new venue located behind the GSU Sports Arena to watch the Panthers play at home for the first time. Wall-to-wall fans of all ages filed around the three courts taking in the novel scene. “The support that we’ve had from the student body has been absolutely outstanding,” Audia said. The players also took notice

Seven Georgia State football players worked out for scouts at the football practice facility on March 14. There were 11 NFL teams on hand. The Redskins, Giants, Raiders, Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, Falcons, Colts, Titans, Dolphins and Chiefs observed the Panthers run, jump, lift and catch passes. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Doug Roberson, running backs Donald Russell and Malcolm Smith and tight end Emmanuel Ogbuehi impressed at least one scout with their performances. Defensive backs D’Mario Gunn and Demazio Skelton, tackle Gabriel Hampton and linebacker Mitchell Vinson also participated in the workout. Former Georgia State players Jake Muasau and Christo Bilukidi of the Oakland Raiders were also in attendance.

No. 3 Milani Pickering/ Katelyn Rawls - 4-3 MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL

Freshman Jansen Button and teammate Sara Olivova (not pictured) secured the winning point for Georgia State with a 21-16, 21-14 victory. and were excited by the crowd that had come to support them. A group of students clustered behind court three sat in fold-out chairs, cheering on the Panthers and letting Mercer know they were in Georgia State territory. “I love the crowd energy,” Ka-

vanaugh said. “I heard everyone the whole time and it pumped me up. It definitely helped us.” The team will have one more chance to impress their home fans this season during the Georgia State Sand Invitational on April 6 and 7.

No. 4 Karlee Kavanaugh/Alexis Elmurr – 0-4 No. 5 Kaitlynn Hufstetler/Nikki Senopoulos – 2-5 *as of March 26

23

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

PANTHER Of The Week

Sports Calendar Tue, March 26 SB Kennesaw State Heck Softball Complex 5 p.m.

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

PAIGE NOWACKI SOFTBALL Paige Nowacki spent her Spring Break inching closer to Georgia State’s all-time home run record. The senior third baseman connected for three homers in five games during the past week, giving her 31 long balls in her career. Lauren Jones, a former teammate of Nowacki, holds the record with 32. Nowacki helped power the Panthers to wins in four of the last five games, batting .308 with three home runs, four runs scored and seven runs driven in over that stretch. The McDonough, Ga. native’s next chance to add to her homerun total will be Tuesday, March 26, when Georgia State hosts Kennesaw State. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Heck Softball complex.

Wed, March 27 SB Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tenn.

*CONFERENCE GAMES

Hempstead, N.Y.

Fri, March 29 BSB Delaware* Newark, Del. 3 p.m.

Sat, March 30 BSB Delaware* Newark, Del. 1 p.m. Sat, March 30 MTEN

3 p.m.

5 p.m.

SVB Florida International Tournament South Beach, Fla. All Day

Yellow Jacket Invite Atlanta, Ga. All Day Fri, March 29 SB Hofstra*

Murfreesboro, Tenn. TBA

Sat, March 30 WTEN North Texas* Sat, March 30 12 p.m.

Sun, March 31 BSB Delaware* Newark, Del. 1 p.m.

Morgan Jackson Year: Freshman Sport: Basketball Major: Biology From: Gainesville, GA

SB Hofstra* Hempstead, N.Y. 12 p.m.

Fri, March 29 WTEN

Wed, March 27 BSB Alabama State

Five qs with...

@mj_nojordan21 GEORGIA STATE ATHLECTICS

Opportunity to earn minutes

“It makes you want to work harder because you know you’re getting in the game and you know have a chance to help your team get a win. “

Next season

“We need to come together and improve our mental toughness so we can pull out the close games. Personally, I’m going to work on getting stronger.”

Sense I couldn’t live without

“Taste, definitely. If I couldn’t taste my food I don’t know what I would do.”

Dream home

“Some secluded, Caribbean island. I love the beach and it would be nice be out there, in the middle of no where, with just the ocean surrounding you.”

Do aliens exist?

“No. I feel like we would have seen some by now or they would have communicated with us.” *Jackson averaged 2.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 11.1 minutes per game this season. To find out her favorite thing to bake, what attracted her to Georgia State and which three people she would like to have dinner with, visit www.georgiastatesignal.com.

12 p.m.

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HAPPENING ON CAMPUS!

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GOLDEN PALOOZA PLAZA Thursday, March 28, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Unity Plaza The Golden Palooza is a collaborative event between Campus Events, Spotlight Programs Board, the Student Government Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Sigma Nu Fraternity Inc. and Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. Come out to Unity Plaza for great music and free food!

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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD www.gsu.edu/spotlight

Good Morning Commuters Thursday, April 4, 8-10 a.m. Aderhold Learning Center and General Classroom Building Come grab some breakfast and get information about upcoming events with Spotlight Programs Board! For

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES: Featuring America Ferrera Monday, April 1, 3 p.m. Student Center Ballroom FREE Distinguished Speaker Series event will feature America Ferrera. Ferrera is best known for her fearless portrayal as Betty Suarez on Ugly Betty. She can next be seen in It’s a Disaster and Chavez. Past films include End of Watch, Real Women Have Curves, The Dry Land, How to Train Your Dragon and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 1 and 2. On the West End, Ferrera starred in the musical Chicago, BETHANY. Ferrera appeared in PBS's Half the Sky, served as an artist ambassador for Save The Children, and recently visited Honduras on behalf of ONE. The Distinguished Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. For more information,

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All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID.

March 25-31 The Fountain

GSU Night at Six Flags Friday, April 19, 6 p.m.-Midnight Tickets available at GSU Campus Tickets in the University Center, open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Ticket prices: (Entry/Entry & Meal)

NO SEASON PASSES ALLOWED

is supported by student activity fees and is dedicated to bringing exciting and diverse events to students, faculty, staff and friends of Georgia State University. To learn more about Facebook and follow @gsucampusevents on Twitter.

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