Vol.79 No. 9

THE SIGNAL

Men’s soccer shutting out the competition page 11

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

VOLUME 79 | ISSUE 9 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

GSUSIGNAL.COM

Student Government transparency in question JOCELYN CRAWLEY SABASTIAN WEE Staff The Student Government Association announced last week that it has spent 26.36 percent of its budget. However, no official document detailing their expenditures has been made available to the public.

SGA President James Dutton stated that SGA could not release such documents at this time as a result of stipulations from the

Division of Student Services.

Furthermore, the posting of SGA’s minutes have also lagged behind, as they were not available on the organization’s website until Oct. 7. Dutton indicated that SGA is working towards posting its meeting minutes.

“The bureaucracy of the university has slowed down the process,” he said on Oct. 5.

“But we are working to get them up as soon as possible. We are not trying to hide anything.”

Dean of Students Dr. Rebecca Stout, on

the other hand, emphasized the centrality of transparency within SGA. “Ultimately, as elected officials, the SGA is accountable to the student body regarding how they spend their funds,” said Stout.

Students aware of the organization’s lack of transparency are beginning to voice their concerns.

“I am unfortunately not very aware of how funds are being spent on campus,” said Georgia State student Alicia Thompson. “I feel like there is a lot of behind the scenes

information that is not shared with students, so they kind of just leave us in the dark when it comes to all the specifics of fund spending.

They advertise what they want us to know and don’t publicize that information when they don’t.”

According to Paul Marmol, SGA’s Vice President for Budget and Finance, the organization’s funding is dictated by the Student Activity Fee Committee. However, Marmol

OCCUPY ATLANTA

INSIDE THIS EDITION z Entertainment

Occupy Wall Street comes to our city

FLUX 2011

Artists invade the Atlanta art scene page 13

z Campus Life Common cancels GSU speech

Exclusive:

page 17

Inside look at the growing movement z Opinions

SGA replies to last week’s editorial

See pages 2 & 3 4

page 6 Wed 10/12 Hi 75 Thurs 10/13 Hi 79 Fri 10/14 Hi 74

Graphic by Bennett GreerI / The Signal

Feeling

Despite being sacked three times, Murray State quarterback Casey Brockman put up five touchdowns against the Panthers.

BLUE

GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS LOSING STREAK CONTINUES

SAAKIB ZAFRANI The Signal

INDEX

News..........................2 Opinions....................6 Sports.........................8 Entertainment.......13 Campus Life...........17

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DJ DUNSON Associate Sports Editor Poor special teams and an uninspired defensive performance overshadowed receiver Danny Williams record breaking day and doomed the Panthers against Murray State Saturday. In their first home game since Sept. 10, the result seemed to stymie Georgia State head coach Bill Curry who spoke in a disappointed tone after the game.

“If I had a rational explanation for what you’ve seen the last four weeks I would certainly offer it,” Curry said.

Quarterback Drew Little played well in his second start of the season, while Bo Schlechter returned to his punting duties. Unfortunately, the Georgia State special teams continuously gave the Racers a short field.

“Any short drives are detrimental especially with a potent offense like that.

You have to make them go a long way and

we didn’t do that,” Curry said. “There are so many things we didn’t do well and field position is among them.”

Special teams coverage and punting was a concern as the Racers repeatedly broke loose for big punt returns, but Curry quickly pinpointed the problem.

“Bo (Schlechter) didn’t have a good day,” he said. “Our coverage does not allow us to kick the ball down the middle

continued on page 8

continued on page 4

Decorative crosswalks to expand throughout campus JOEY NEELY CHRIS SHATTUCK Staff The Atlanta City Council approved a resolution last Monday granting Georgia State the rights to build twenty-five “enhanced stamped pedestrian crosswalks” at eight campus intersections.

Formed from a hardened plastic into a faux brick pattern with the Georgia State logo at the center, some of the decorative crosswalks have already been installed across Courtland Street as well as at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Decatur Street in front of the Petit Science Center.

The cost of the project to students has yet to be confirmed. However, one representative with the manufacturer of the product used to construct the crosswalks estimated that each intersection would probably cost between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on colors used, and the size of the street and the placement of in-road warning light systems.

According to Chris Hughes, the Assistant Director for Design and Construction Services, there is no set timeline for when the project will be completed but work will begin before the start of next semester.

Hughes said the project’s goal is to make traveling around the camp safer and more pleasant for pedestrians.

In addition to the new crosswalks, the school has recently expanded the sidewalks and landscaping along Piedmont Ave. “New wider sidewalks and trees down Piedmont are going to make it a more pleasant atmosphere for students than what we had before, slow down the traffic and provide a safer environment,” Hughes said.

continued on page 4

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011 EDITOR Chris Shattuck

signalnewseditor@gmail.com

NEWS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR OPEN

www.gsusignal.com/news

RAGING PEACEFULLY (Right) Former Kennesaw student Indy Sheri, who had to drop out due to the rising tuition costs, wanted the Federal Reserve to be held accountable, even done away with. “We can’t put our trust into anything that requires a profit.”

(Below) Occupy Atlanta organizer Joe Diaz was one of the few people who managed to block U.S. Rep John Lewis from speaking at the rally. Diaz was not regretful of his stance, saying “It was out of respect of the process.

We wouldn’t have bent the rules for ordinary people.”

Former military officer John T. Row IV brought along his uniform to take a stand against “the government allowing corporate fat cats to run our lives.” Row added that he was tired of seeing government policies dictated lobbyists. “If you look at pay rates for a lower enlisted man, you’re looking at an impoverished people. You go to a military town and you’re looking at an impoverished community.”

PHOTOS BY HILARY COLES / THE SIGNAL

SABASTIAN WEE Senior Editor Students, parents, grandparents, the employed and unemployed joined the Occupy Atlanta protest last Friday in Woodruff Park to make their voices heard. From the wars in the Middle East to rising education costs, these people shared one thing in common: They’ve had enough.

Protesters stood along the perimeter of the park holding up signs and passing out flyers. Some chanted “how do you end the deficit? End the war and tax the rich!” Others engaged in discussion about the problems facing the country and the possible solutions.

“We’re done being controlled,” said Jeanette, a public policy major at Georgia State “We’re sick of the one percent of this country making the decisions for the other 99 percent … By sticking together, we can make this count.”

The protest comes on the heels of a growing movement sparked by Occupy Wall Street in New York beginning last month. That demonstration has since spread across dozens of cities in the U.S. “I’ve been waiting for something like this,” said music major Maris Gill. “My primary concerns are basic human rights that everybody is entitled to. Withholding that from the public is a f—king travesty.”

Consisting of over 400 people, the group held a general assembly at 6 p.m., with each of them eligible to vote. The assembly established the process of voting through nonverbal communication—waving fingers meant consensus; thumbs-down to oppose; crossed-arms to block a consensus; and rolling fingers to tell the speaker to get to the point.

They also stressed the importance of remaining non-violent under any circumstance.

The assembly’s purpose of the night was to continue its discussion about the organization of the protest. However, the arrival of Atlanta media like 11 Alive and WSB-TV, along with a Fox News helicopter hovering above, fueled the energy of the crowd, causing them to make a push to begin occupation that night.

The event was met with another snag when U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a renowned Atlanta figure and key player in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, stopped by to say a few words in support of the protest. However, the assembly voted to have Lewis wait until they finished their current agenda item. The vote prompted the senator to leave, as he had a prior engagement.

While many felt the decision alienated the black community, protesters remained firm and voted to begin occupation that night, arguing that occupation will create inclusion for all races.

Lewis told reporters he did not have a problem with the assembly’s choice, referring to a similar process he was all too familiar with in the Civil Rights Movement.

“This is not something strange or out of the ordinary for me,” said Lewis. “The process will grow, it will mature. It will work out.”

At press time, protesters were warned by police they would be arrested Monday if they didn’t leave the park.

03

THE SIGNAL | NEWS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

OCCUPY ATLANTA

Inside the headquarters

SABASTIAN WEE Senior Editor As 400 Occupy Atlanta protesters took their stand in Woodruff Park, the group’s team of legal advisers and media personnel scrambled behind them to pick up the pieces.

The general assembly convened on Friday to discuss their strategy to organize. Instead, the crowd chose to begin occupation of the park that night. To complicate matters, they also blocked U.S. Rep. John Lewis from giving a statement in support of the movement. While the congressman praised their efforts to work democratically and did not express disappointment, many felt the decision was detrimental to the cause.

Sara Amis, one of the group’s media personnel, did what she could do to convince the crowd to reverse their determination to occupy, on the grounds that rejecting John Lewis has alienated the black community and the point of the movement was to maintain inclusion.

“Halfway through the assembly, they began to chew out the moderator for being white, so he had to step down,” said Amis. “From there it just turned ... They chose to occupy but the time was not right yet. We need to be more organized. They jumped the gun.”

Legal adviser Jamie Roberts was called to the park to provide the group with advice on where they stood legally if they should occupy. According to Roberts, the group had received a permit that would last until 11 p.m.

After that, the police could make the crowd leave the premises.

“They don’t have an option,” said Roberts. “Once that permit is gone, the police can do whatever they want.”

Roberts gave the crowd that warning, but the decision was made. The occupation was to begin.

When 11 p.m. arrived, the police gathered along Auburn Avenue and watched the crowd, but they never made a move. They later indicated to the group’s tactical team (the group that officially deals with the police) that as long as the protesters behaved and remained peaceful, they would be left alone.

Relieved and irritated, the media and legal crew headed back to their headquarters on the second floor studio of 60 Walton Street, ready to do some damage control.

The nearly empty studio is on loan from the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization founded in 1917. When the group first moved in last Tuesday, the room was completely barren, save the shine from the wood floors. The committee would later provide a few tables and chairs. Since then, the group has created a few makeshift tables to make due.

Every now and then, protesters would come through and grab a bite to eat or lend a hand. But it was always the same people there, making sure things ran smoothly.

Frazzled, frustrated and red-eyed bushed, media personnel David sits at his laptop responding to Twitter and Facebook feeds regarding the Lewis situation. In a corner adjacent from him, a table littered with food donations, from donuts and chips to fruits and canned food.

But David was too tired to eat. Having slept only a couple of hours the night before, he has had to jump between his real job as an electrician and his Occupy Atlanta role in dealing with the media circus surrounding the protest.

“They say we’re just a bunch of stinking hippies,” said David. “But I stink because I work.”

Two days later, as tents were scattered across Woodruff Park, Amis is back at headquarters, typing up an apology letter to Lewis. Deeply aggravated by what transpired on Friday, Amis left the scene altogether on Saturday.

“My primary concern is to make sure not to exclude anyone, because that is what symbolically happened.” said Amis. “Lewis may not have said he was disappointed, but we don’t know what he’s really thinking. We’re hoping this letter will make the situation better.

If the backlash continued, Amis believes the movement will lose its focus and the message will be lost.

“This is a young process that is still in development,” she continued. “It is visibly progressing. The message is the complexity of conversation.”

PHOTOS BY / HILARY COLES

The headquarters for Occupy Atlanta, located at 60 Walton St., is mostly empty except for some evidence like maps of the city, flyers for Occupy Atlanta, and donated food.

04

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011 | NEWS | THE SIGNAL

Mandatory Athletic, Green fees up for debate SABASTIAN WEE Senior Editor The Mandatory Fee Committee is currently mulling over an Athletic fee increase and a new Green fee, which will increase overall fees up to $36 per academic year.

Since the arrival of the Board of Regents-mandated Special Institutional Fee (SIF), an increase in other fees like Athletics would result in a decrease in SIF funds in order to prevent the total cost of mandatory fees from rising.

However, the Board of Regents has indicated that SIF

funds for this year would not shift in the event of an increase in individual fees. However, the committee has the option to vote for a decrease if necessary to at least maintain the current mandatory fee costs.

The Athletics Department proposed a six-dollar increase for the 2012-2013 academic year, with most of the funds going towards the marching band and two new women’s sports.

When the football program was approved three years ago, the Athletics Department was to break up the needed increase over four years instead

of making one large hike. According to Athletics Director Cheryl Levick, the proposed six-dollar increase is part of that four-year plan.

Additionally, with the creation of the football program, the law required the university to create at least two women’s sports. To comply, the department recently announced sand Volleyball as the Georgia State’s newest women’s sport.

The second sport has yet to be determined.

Questions about cutting funding from other sports or reducing football costs was met with warning from

SGA refuses to release records Continued from page 1 also noted that students comprise a majority of the votes within the SAFC and therefore play a primary role in determining where its funds go.

SAFC records provided the amount of funds allocated to each organization, like SGA, Athletics and Art, but it does not include a percentage breakdown detailing exactly how much money is spent by SGA for any given project or service. While students may have access to SAFC minutes through the Dean of Student’s website, the most recent SAFC meeting minutes are from March 25, 2011.

SAFC awarded SGA $141,284 for

the fiscal year, approximately $4.41 per student.

Marmol explained that the money goes to student-related activities, like the Homecoming Tailgate on Oct. 22, which will provide free food, T-Shirts, music and games. Funds are used to co-sponsor events put on by student organizations.

The SGA Budget and Finance Committee, made up of eight elected senators, provides an oral budget overview at every SGA Senate meeting; these reports are not physically available at these meetings.

As of press time, Open Records Requests have been submitted to SGA to obtain detailed budget expenditures.

Levick, who indicated that a funding decrease in any area could result in limited sports participation and scholarship opportunities for students.

Reduced funding could also result in layoffs or elimination of certain sports, she added.

The proposed Green fee would cost students $10 a semester and would be used to create a proposed Office of Sustainability, which will facilitate projects to reduce Georgia State’s environmental footprint and energy costs.

This is the third year the fee has been proposed. According to Georgia State alumni and

Atlanta attorney Paul Black, “green” universities like Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University with existing sustainability programs have benefitted greatly by providing students with scholarship and internship opportunities and by receiving grants for environmentally-driven research projects.

Black also noted that because the projected allocations from the fee are flexible, the committee can readjust the allocations as they see fit.

“We don’t care how you do it,” said Black. “We just want to see this happen.”

The committee will meet next Friday to make their recommendations to Georgia State administration. If approved by the administration, these recommendations will be forwarded to the BOR, where the final decision will be made.

Mandatory Fee Committee meetings will be held on Friday, Oct. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The meeting will take place in room 315 on the third floor.

CatChat gets $1.5 million upgrade BRITTANY SPORNHAUER Staff Writer Georgia State upgraded its primary wireless network, now known as CatChat 2.0, this week.

Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) says the upgrade will allow students, faculty and staff members to sign in wirelessly at more places around campus. This system will also provide a more reliable connection and easier sign in process when selecting “CatChat2x” as the connection.

The upgrade will increase capacity and coverage in 22 additional buildings by adding approximately 700 new wireless access points.

The upgrade was budgeted through the Student Technology Fee and will more than $600,000 in the first year and more than $900,000 in the second year have been invested into the expansion of this upgrade.

The gradual update of the system is now in its final phase and opened to students on campus Oct. 10, although the project will not be completely fin-

ished until December 2012.

The upgrade has been prompted by the growing number of students who have experienced difficulty with connectivity, speed, accessibility or other facets of CatChat. Further, past campus surveys of students have indicated that “wireless networking” was the area in need of the most improvement, According to William Baskin, the manager of Telecommunication/Network, IS&T based the upgrades partially on that student feedback.

“IS&T used Technology Fees to work where they will impact students the most with the goal of improving student access to information on campus and in class,” Baskin said.

“We targeted specifics places on campus with heavy student traffic and where large numbers of connections were needed.”

He says the upgrade has increased the availability and capacity of the wireless network within the past 18 months throughout 11 buildings on campus.

Although the CatChat 2.0 network

was not scheduled to launch until Oct. 10, some students were able to log in to the system in the weeks before.

“CatChat2xis better than other connections, but I have been disconnected before while using CatChat2.0 in the library,” Dianna Daily said, a student at Georgia State.

Even though some students feel the connection remains somewhat slow, others have not had as many problems with it. “It’s fine. I have a hard time connecting in classrooms but anywhere else is not a problem,” said Dacia Little, a journalism major.

Another issue students seem to be facing with the current wireless system is the overall consistency of the system. Student Cody Reyes hopes the new system will improve connectivity around campus.

“My biggest problem is sometimes it’s difficult to connect to CatChat,” said Reyes. “Sometimes it takes multiple tries, sometimes it’s just once.

But usually once I connect it’s fine.”

The University will be installing 25 new decorative sidewalk, despite objections from some students. The material, formed from a hardened plastic into a faux brick pattern features the Georgia CHRIS SHATTUCK THE SIGNAL

Decorative crosswalks stir controversy Continued from page 1

Mixed reactions from students The project does not come without some controversy.

Some students believe spending money on decorative crosswalks is a waste of the school’s money.

“The money they are spending on these crosswalks could be spent on more necessary projects around the school,” said real estate major Corey Conklin.

Yet, some students say they are happy with the changes.

Swapnil Patel, a computer information systems graduate student, wants the campus to expand its downtown footprint and believes decorative crosswalks are one way to draw in visitors.

“I go to the Rec. Center and Student Center a lot,” said Patel. “That intersection and crosswalk is completely crowded with students, so coming up with new decora-

tions really for the students would be great for them and for newcomers.”

Kevin Saunders, a junior pre-nursing major, agrees that the project may be a good way to improve the campus image in theory, but questions whether now is the time to focus on decorative projects.

“It’s a good idea because it gives the campus more of a ‘campus-feel’ to it but with everything that’s going on with the economy right now, we have to be mindful of every dollar,” said Saunders.

He believes that spending money on these decorative crosswalks is pointless because they will have to be fixed later down the road.

“The ones by the Petite Science Center are already coming up,” said Saunders. “They’re going to spend more money to repair it when that money can be put towards something more efficient.”

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THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

OPINIONS

EDITOR SAVANNA KEO

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FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD R.I.P. CatChat

Raise up your laptops and tablets and rejoice: The new and improved CatChat wireless network comes online this month! You may have seen the CatChatx2 network show up on your laptops recently, and soon, it will be fully operational.

Hopefully, you will be saved the inconvenience of having to trek the halls searching for that sweet spot of internet connectivity that is both near an electrical outlet and near a table to sit at.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to get access to one of the computers in the library, so it goes without saying that having a dependable wireless connection is absolutely essential to the typical student on campus. Most of us at one time or another have experienced that moment of panic, “Is that paper due today? Is there a test today? A syllabus! My kingdom for a syllabus!” we cry as we thrust our laptops into the air, grasping at straws of WiFi. With the improvement of CatChat, perhaps we will see this drama play out less in our courtyard and hallways. Perhaps we will no longer see students hammering their refresh buttons on their web browsers, waiting for the puzzlingly elusive network login page. Maybe the dawn of a new age of WiFi is upon us, and we will be a fully connected 21st century university.

All speculations aside, it is certainly a good thing that the university is taking the steps to improve Internet connectivity on campus. In this day and age with so many students relying on access to e-mail accounts, online textbooks and ULearn, a dependable wireless network on campus is undeniably necessary. With an increasing amount of course content being posted online, it is the university’s responsibility to make sure that students are able to access that content in a timely and convenient fashion. Many students rely on this connection not just for school content but also as their primary Internet connection through which they conduct most of their online activity.

The GSU website’s student help center asserts that “wireless CatChat connection is intended as a supplemental means of access to the campus network, not as a replacement for a wired network connection” and that “sporadic loss of connectivity will occur”. Having admitted the limitations of the wireless network, it is good to see GSU use the funds from our student technology fees in a way that benefits all of the students equally. Improved access can only benefit students, and result in a student body that is not only better connected, but also better prepared and more informed.

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD reflects the majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Signal, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors

THE SIGNAL Editorial Board Miranda Sain, Editor in Chief • Mishall Rehman, Managing Editor • Chris Shattuck, News Editor • Sebastian Wee, Associate News Editor • Angel White, Campus Life Editor • Saakib Zafrani, Sports Editor • D.J. Dunson, Associate Sports Editor • Brooke Marshall, Entertainment Editor •Paul Demerritt, Associate Entertainment Editor • Bennett Greer, Production Editor • Aysha Johnson, Assistant Production Editor • Brittany Williams, Online Editor • Savanna Keo, Copy Editor • Miles Keenlyside, Copy Editor • Alicia Johnson, Copy Editor • Judy Kim, Photography Editor

COPY EDITORS ALICIA JOHNSON MILES KEENLYSIDE

Letter to the Editor James Dutton SGA President I am personally very pleased with the enthusiasm and passion Mr. Kirk has for his University and his Student Government and I hope that every student would feel as passionate about the issues facing our lives as he does, albeit hopefully in a more respectful and informed way.

Three years ago, Greg Abt and Lacey Enyart were senators in the SGA and saw things they did not like; student leaders were not taking their jobs as elected representatives for the student body seriously, students were not attending and were not prepared for required meetings, and thousands of dollars were being spent on Executive Board retreats out of state. Being justifiably upset at this irresponsibility, they decided to form the Students First Ticket and run in opposition of the things we all, Mr. Kirk and myself included, rightfully despise. This group was, and still is an extremely diverse group of students politically, socially, economically, ethnically, religiously, and is also representative of a huge portion of student groups and organizations.

They won in a landslide election. Since that time the Students First Ticket has remained devoted to rooting out injustice, championing student causes, and demanding more from our University, the Board of Regents and the State Legislature.

The Students First Ticket has been able to institute such changes as the initiation of the Repeat to Replace program (allowing students to completely replace low grades with higher grades by retaking classes), the ability to use PantherCash off campus (thus increasing the diversity of food options for students) and taking the fight over the changes to the HOPE scholarship to the State Capitol (where I personally spoke twice before the Education Committee about why their plan would be disastrous for the students of Geor-

gia and even personally put forward our alternative plan which would have kept the funding at the same level for students who have a 3.0 GPA).

The election for this year’s SGA was the most contested election in history; more candidates ran for more positions than ever before. 85 prospective SGA members attended the debate along with many student and nonstudent visitors. During the allotted time, Mr. Kirk asked me what the Students First Ticket, now running for its third year, could bring to the SGA that they had not already done. In response to Mr. Kirk’s concern I offered that we, the Students First Ticket, as with any group seeking to enact meaningful long-term change, have strived to remain revolutionary in nature while avoiding the complacency of our predecessors.

I cited the fact that in the years before the Student First Ticket ran for office the students in the SGA were not truly the champions of student issues as students expected them to be but were sadly, in office for purely personal reasons; for the bragging rights, to pad their resumes, to get letters of recommendation from administrators, or, worst of all, for the small stipend and the office. I explained to him that as a law student, I needed none of those things and that as for the stipend I could make more money working at a gas station than for the SGA and it would be much less stressful. Mr. Kirk also asked me several questions to which I could not give, in his mind, a very good answer. Mr. Kirk asked what I was planning on doing to lower the price of a Coca-Cola and how I, as SGA President, would balance the State of Georgia’s budget. I responded to what Mr. Kirk felt were serious questions. I, as the President of the Student Government, have no control over what price the Coca-Cola company sets

Continued on page 7

Letter to the Editor Ben Williams Sociology Major SGA VP of Student Life In my time in SGA, I have seen a strengthening in academic standards, two of the most diverse and competitive election cycles SGA has ever seen, and a SGA that drastically improved the student experience.

Please note that I am speaking for myself, and cannot speak on this matter as a whole for SGA, yet our work seems self-evident in what we have provided the students with.

SGA is not a puppet of the administration, yet we do work tirelessly with administrators for the students benefit. Administrators, staff, and faculty are here for us. I would like to thank our faculty, staff, and administrators for their work from one of my favorite Sociology professors, Dr. Maura Ryan, to University President Dr. Becker for the tireless work they do to ensure the quality, standards, and growth of GSU.

Now, please allow me to directly address some fallacies that Mr. Kirk wrote in his editorial. In attendance at the Candidate Debate over 100 individuals were present including those running for positions which numbered over sixty alone. The Concert that Mr. Kirk asserted was not chosen by students

was false due to the fact that the five artists on the questionnaire were chosen by utilizing listserves, student polls at Spotlights several events, and by polling students at Incepts where over 3,000 students had input on the decision. Campus Events and Spotlight Programs Board are funded through funds earmarked for programming and events and with the funds allotted over 32,000 students annually are able to enjoy free food, prizes, and subsidized admission to various Atlanta landmarks, concerts, and attractions.

Student Activity Fee money which funds the Student Government Association and most student organizations on this campus are not able to be utilized for scholarships. However, the administration has provided space for students to get assistance with scholarships through the Scholarship Office in Sparks Hall.

So students this is my opportunity to ask for you to actively engage in the process. We have vacancies in our Senate, open senate meetings where students can let us know concerns and suggestions for improvement, and office hours where we can engage.

This dialogue is an important one, and I hope to see more students come and actively engage with SGA to address any and all concerns.

07

THE SIGNAL | OPINIONS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

Letter to the Editor Progressive Student Alliance Former GSU student and activist Tatiana Jasira Lima was released on September 22nd after having endured nearly a year of incarceration.

She had been falsely accused of murdering her less than 2 months old baby.

As a student, she was active as the President of the Sankofa Society.

She participated in work on behalf of the Jena 6 and political prisoners like Mutulu Shakur and Mumia AbuJamal. She traveled to New Orleans to assist victims of Katrina and also participated in the Conscious Collective, Caribbean Students Association, Black Students Alliance and the Office of African American Student Services and Programs. In 2008, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in African American studies and continued her efforts with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement and Daughters of the Diaspora.

The charges currently pending against Tatiana stem from a situation in August of last year where she had brought her daughter to the hospital out of concern for the child’s breathing. The examining physicians ob-

served several bone fractures to the child’s skull and ribs. The child’s father had stated to police that he might have accidentally caused the child’s injuries when she fell while he was changing her, and when he rolled over on her while sleeping.

The investigating detective testified in the probable hearing that he did not find evidence that Tatiana was responsible for her daughter’s death. Despite this, the District Attorney’s office presented charges of Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Aggravated battery for indictment on October 29, 2010. Tatiana was later arrested and placed on $170,000 bail.

As members of the Progressive Student Alliance we call on the campus community to properly engage and understand the issues of race and our criminal justice system, especially in light of the unjust execution of Troy Davis last month. It’s critical that we build a strong culture of solidarity at GSU when the state singles out one of our own to attack and criminalize, especially if it is a working class woman of color like Tatiana.

The fact she is receiving pro bono investigative services from the

Tyembia Investigative Services and pro bono legal services from the Davis Bozeman Law Firm speaks to both her innocence and wide spread support. Investigator Rashid McCall with the Tyembiaa Services was one of the GSU student organizers that led to the creation of the African American Studies Department. Investigator Watani Tyembia is a veteran activist that has been involved in fighting for political prisoners for over 35 years. Rob Bozeman and Mawuli Davis are GSU College of Law graduates who have been intentional about taking on pro bono cases for people who have been falsely accused. This includes the complete exoneration of Eric Johnson, who is now in his second year of college rather than serving prison time for a crime he did commit.

The fight is far from over; the charges are still pending and the case has yet to go trial. Please sign the petition at justice4tatiana.org demanding that the DA drop the charges. Also link up with the Progressive Student Alliance and others on campus seeking to organize around this case.

Continued from page 6

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for its products nor can I do any more than pay my taxes to help the State of Georgia balance its budget.

I would, however, continue to work with Auxiliary and Support Services to ensure that the discount we receive when buying a Coke with PantherCash continued and that I would continue to fight for increased funding for higher education at the state level and for lower tuition and fees at the Board of Regents level. This I have done and still do every chance I get.

The SGA is working diligently to ensure a positive student experience, allowing access to several forms of student engagement, and maintaining students’ rights. The fruits of these tireless efforts are seen in such initiatives as the Repeat to Replace program which allows students to increase their Academic standing, increasing parking options on and offcampus, increasing student access to the football games, spring break being later in the semester starting in the 2012-2013 Academic year, not allowing an increase in the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct to include

off-campus activities, and saying no to fee increases when students are hurting.

Even when the administration tried to over-rule the students and increase fees anyway, I personally went to the Board of Regents to challenge them to live up to their promise that they would not increase any institutional fee without student support for that fee increase. Because of my actions, no GSU fee was increased last year. There was only a blanket increase, already planned by the Board of Regents, enacted for all institutions state wide. Each of these initiatives took time and hard work from everyone in the SGA and shows our commitment to putting the needs of students first. It is the students of our University that elected us and it is the students we will continue to serve.

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THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

SPORTS

EDITOR Saakib Zafrani

ASSOCIATE EDITOR D.J. Dunson

www.gsusignal.com/sports

thesignalsport@gmail.com

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Feeling blue: Fourth straight loss leaves Panthers searching for answers Continued from page 1

of the field. There is a specific place he is supposed to punt it, but we did not get that done today against a dangerous returner and that killed us.”

Wide receiver and return man Albert Wilson also missed his second game of the season after suffering a hamstring injury three weeks ago. In his stead, receiver Danny Williams broke Georgia State’s receiving yardage record by catching nine balls for 151 yards and one touchdown. However, Williams was the only receiver with more than two receptions. The running game was also non-existent as the Panthers averaged only 2.5 yards per rush for 86 yards against a Murray State run defense that allowed 497 yards in its previous two games.

Defensively, cornerback D’Mario Gunn snared two interceptions, but the offense was unable to capitalize on them. After throwing the first of his two interceptions on the first offensive play, Casey Brockman threw for 321 yards and four touchdowns.

Instead of relying on big plays, the Murray State’s offense methodically moved the ball down the field by throwing on short and intermediate routes, then relying on receivers to gain yardage after the catch.

The Racers also used screen passes to running backs as an extension of their running game. Despite running for only 68 yards on eight carries, Murray State running back Duane Brady caught seven passes for 91 yards and one touchdown. A penalty also wiped off 28 yards from Brady’s 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Murray State’s first touchdown drive began near midfield following a short punt by Schlechter. Georgia State responded with the longest touchdown drive in its short history,

CURTIS COMPTON | AJC

The Braves dropped an 8.5 game lead in the wild card race in the month of September, and failed spectacularly down the stretch to orchestrate one of the most meteoric collapses in MLB history.

highlighted by a 49-yard completion to Danny Williams. Two plays later, Russell would carry the handoff, along with a slew of defenders into the end zone to tie the score.

The Panther’s next offensive drive ended with a 39-yard field goal by kicker Christian Benvenuto that gave Georgia State its first lead since its season opening win over Clark on Sept. 2.

Unfortunately, that’s where things took a turn for the worse as Murray Stated raced out of the gates in the second quarter with three unanswered touchdown scores and tacked on a fourth to start the second half.

The most pivotal play of the first half came after Curry inexplicably replaced Little with Schlechter at quarterback on the final possession of the

half. Schlechter then overthrew a wide open Darius McCray, who was sprinting downfield with nothing but daylight between himself and the end zone.

It would prove to be a costly misfire and swing momentum in Murray State’s favor. Two incompletions later, Schlechter shanked the punt 19 yards out of bounds. On the final offensive play of the first half for Murray State’s Duane Brady received a short screen pass, ran behind a wall of blockers, reversed field and sprinted 46 yards into the end zone.

Instead of the Panthers trailing 21-17 after a touchdown catch by McCray, the Racers extended their lead to 2810 going into the half.

Murray State began the second half with the ball and wasted no time making reservations for the end zone

by going 97 yards for the score. The touchdown appeared to have the Racers cruising to a blowout victory, however, Georgia State made a serious comeback attempt in the third quarter.

“In that third quarter we were coming together, that was probably the best we’ve played all year,” Danny Williams said.

After replacing Drew Little for one play, Kelton Hill uncorked a 43-yard touchdown pass to Danny Williams to pull Georgia State back within 18.

On the next possession, Little would lead the Panthers deep into Murray State territory before Russell made it a two possession game with a short touchdown run to make the score 35-24. The Panthers next drive stalled and Benvenuto missed a short

field goal with eight minutes remaining to take all of the air out of the Panthers comeback attempt.

Brockman slammed the door shut on a potential Georgia State comeback by throwing his fourth touchdown pass of the afternoon and gave the Racers a 42-24 lead.

“The team was ready to come back, which we did, but we didn’t sustain,” Curry said. “You can’t just come out and have a burst by throwing a couple of touchdowns. You have to keep fighting and we should have been able to keep scoring.”

In the process, Murray State became the fourth consecutive opponent to eclipse the 40-point mark against the Panthers defense. Murray State also became the latest offense to shred the Panthers 3-4 defense.

Georgia State’s defense has been manhandled over the past four games and is giving up more than 400 yards per game.

While the Georgia State offense has found a groove, they can’t continue to account for the team’s defensive lapses. Unfortunately, the Panthers may not have the size and personnel at this point to excel in their 3-4 defense.

“That is something that Coach (John) Thompson has utilized for years,” Curry said. “The idea is to be able to move around and be faster to get in the gaps and confuse their running game. Obviously that wasn’t consistently effective either.”

It’s also important to remember that this is a two-year-old football program. Despite the story that the final score tells, this team is an improved rushing offense and run defense away from becoming competitive.

The Panthers will look snap their four-game losing streak on the road against the previously ranked South Carolina State Bulldogs on Oct. 15.

Strong individual performances for golf ZAKKIYYA ANDERSON Staff Writer The Georgia State men’s golf team finished seventh overall last Tuesday at the fourth annual Rees Jones Collegiate Invitational in Daufuskie Island, S.C. Two members of the team finished in the top 15.

Senior golfer Clemens Dvorak and sophomore Tyler Gruca shot final rounds of 76 and 77 respectively. Dvorak tied for 12th while Gruca tied for 15thoverall.

The Panthers as a team shot a final round of 308 which was 47 shots over par at the event.

Local Georgia university, Kennesaw State, won the tournament for a second consecutive year with a final round of 289, just 17 shots ahead of Georgia State.

The Panthers return to the green Oct. 1718 for the AutoTrader.com Collegiate Classic hosted by Georgia State and the Berkeley Hills Country Club located in Duluth, Ga. The Georgia state women’s golf team tied for fifth overall last Tuesday at the UNCG Starmount Fall Classic.

Charlotte Lorentzen nabbed a first place nod at the tournament and teammate Charlotte Guilleux shot a hole in one to give the Panthers a final team score of 308.

The first place win for Lorentzen marked her first of the year and the second of her career. Guilleux shot her first hole in one and the first in three years for Georgia State.

The women will get back to the course in North Carolina next week for the Lady Pirate Intercollegiate in Greenville.

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Charolotte Lorentzen wins CAA Golfer of the weeek

09

THE SIGNAL | SPORTS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

Softball completes exhibition season 6-2

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Georgia State split doubleheaders against Georgia and Georgia Tech in fall season.

DYLAN RICE Staff Writer The Georgia State softball team wrapped up their 2011 fall schedule on Oct. 2, splitting a doubleheader with Georgia Tech to finish 6-2.

“We had a good effort and great attitude from the whole team. I’m excited about the direction that this program is headed,” said head coach Roger Kincaid to Georgia State Athletics.

The Panthers lost the first game of the doubleheader 7-2 but were able to bounce back with a 5-3 victory in the second leg.

They opened the fall season with a doubleheader against the University of Georgia in which they won the first game 4-3 but lost a 2-1 pitcher duel in game two.

They were victorious in both games of another fall doubleheader against Georgia Perimeter with 6-2

and 4-0 wins.

Georgia State’s other wins came against Young Harris, a 7-2 victory, and Kennesaw State, who they defeated 6-5.

The defending CAA champions are returning the majority of last seasons athletes, but the fall season has also given seven freshman an opportunity to prove their value to the team.

The fall exhibition games gave them a chance to adjust to the feel of college level softball and make the proper adjustments to be ready for the regular season.

“The freshman class has come in and really pushed the veterans,” Kincaid told Athletics. “They’ve made for a very competitive playing environment.”

The regular season will begin in February of next10.0 year,in.and the Panthers will look to repeat as conference champs.

EVAN OWENS Staff Writer After a poor showing against Murray state, the Panthers will travel to South Carolina State University.

The Bulldogs are coming off of their homecoming game, and will look to dismantle the Panther defense in their pursuit of a fourth straight MidEastern Athletic Conference title.

With redshirt junior quarterback Derrick Wiley leading the way, the Panthers will be up against another prolific offense. In a 69-0 victory over Delaware State on Sept. 24, Wiley threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns through the air. The 6’1 200 pound Wiley completed 12 of his 20 attempted passes.

Along with torching Delaware State through the air Wiley rushed for 2 touchdowns on the ground.

With his monster offensive show out, Wiley tied 2 school single game records. These included the four passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns posted in a game with six.

Luckily for the Panthers, they won’t have to face Wiley, who is out with a torn knee meniscus.

Due to this injury Wiley could potentially miss the remainder of the season. Richard Cue will be starting at quarterback in place of the injured Wiley. In his first start last weekend, Cue completed 15 of his 22 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Wiley will be out due to injury, they still have freshman running back Jalen Simmons empowering the Bulldogs offense. In the 69 – 0 route of Delaware State Simmons set up two touchdowns for his team. Simmons rushed for 92 yards on 11 carries, averaging a stellar 8.36

Panthers look to get back on track at South Carolina State

BRIAN LINDER/T&D

Richard Cue passed for 171 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown in the Bulldogs 49-38 victory last weekend.

yards per carry.

If Georgia State is going to compete, the Panthers will have to slow down the Bulldog offense. If the defense allows the quarterback to make third down plays and let Simmons run the ball effectively, the Panthers will have a hard time getting off the field. With a balanced attack on offense the Bulldogs have the potential of draining the clock and draining the defense.

Not only do the Bulldogs have a force on offense, but on the defensive side of the ball as well. Senior defensive lineman Patrick Washington will be pressuring the Panthers offensive line and attempt to get to the quarterback.

Washington also put up big

numbers against Delaware State.

Washington had seven tackles for a total loss of 22 yards in the victory.

The Panthers offense will have to be aware of Washington at all times.

An area where the Bulldogs have struggled is on special teams. Preseason All-MEAC placekicker Blake Erickson has missed his last five field goal attempts, including a potential game-tying kick in the fourth quarter, and is 3-9 on the season.

The Panthers cannot have too many three and outs, because this will put the Bulldogs right back on offense with a short field and tire the defense out. The game will be taking place in Orangeburg, South Carolina on Oct. 15 at 1:30 pm.

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THE SIGNAL | SPORTS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

Sports Calendar

Men’s soccer eyeing CAA tournament

WEDNESDAY OCT. 12

Men’s Soccer vs. UNC Wilmington Panthersville // 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY OCT. 14 – 16

Women’s Tennis at Roberta Alison Fall Classic Tuscaloosa, Ala. // All Day

FRIDAY OCT. 14

Women’s Soccer vs. Towson Panthersville // 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY OCT. 15

GEORGIA STATE SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS

Cross Country at Coach “O” Invite

Georgia State leads the CAA in shutouts and also has the fewest goals allowed per game.

Football at South Carolina State

DJ DUNSON Associate Sports Editor

Volleyball at UNC Wilmington

Georgia State’s defense has been its strong suit as the Panthers shut out three consecutive opponents, including one in a win over NC State and top 25 ranked William & Mary.

Georgia State ranks first in the conference in goals allowed per game and first in shutouts.

Two of those shutouts came with redshirt freshman CJ Cochran in goal. Cochran replaced junior Vincent Foermer, who has been battling injury since mid-September. Last month, Foermer was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Top 20 College Players to Watch for the Colonial Athletic Association list.

Meanwhile, Cochran was named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Rookie of the Week for his performances, and he made three saves in the victory over NC State. In his freshman debut, Cochran made 10 saves to lead GSU to a 1-1 tie. Cochran

Troy, Ala. // 11:00 a.m.

Orangeburg, S.C. // 1:30 p.m.

Wilmington, N.C. // 2:00 p.m.

SUNDAY OCT. 16

Women’s Soccer vs. George Mason Panthersville // Noon

Men’s Soccer vs. Drexel Panthersveille // 3:00 p.m.

MONDAY OCT. 17 – 18

Men’s Golf host AutoTrader.com Collegiate Classic Duluth, Ga. // All Day

is also the CAA leader in save percentage and third in saves per game.

Scott Evans and Ayokunle Lumpkin are the offensive linchpins and lead the team in points, goals and assists.

Stephen McGill is establishing a reputation as the team’s best closer after booting two game winning penalty kicks this season. The first came in the 85th minute when he smacked in a penalty kick against Mercer on Sept. 9. McGill buried his second game-winning goal against Hofstra on Oct. 1.

Most importantly, the Panthers remain undefeated at home. Despite losing a 1-0 thriller against Northeastern on Saturday, the men remain in great position for one of the top six spots in the conference.

Defending CAA champion William & Mary sits atop the CAA standings, just ahead of second place James Madison and Delaware.

Old Dominion(#21) and William & Mary(#22) are both ranked in the

NCAA’s top 25.

Georgia State is nestled atop a five-way tie for fifth place in the conference.

William & Mary is led by senior midfielder, Nicolas Abrigo who has scored six goals this season.

Delaware’s duo of Roberto Gimenez and Evans Frimpong are second and third in the conference with 12 goals between themselves.

James Madison is second to Georgia State in goals allowed this season. They’ve allowed one more goal in three fewer games.

Old Dominion ranks first in the conference with 2.78 goals per game.

ODU junior forward Yannick Smith’s 11 goals leads all CAA players. That’s only five fewer than the entire Georgia State team.

Men’s soccer will return to Panthersville for a two-game stint starting on Wednesday Oct. 12, as they host UNC Wilmington, and then Drexel on the following Friday.

Weekly NCAA football matchups and predictions D.J. DUNSON Associate Sports Editor

12 Michigan at 23 Michigan State After leading the Wolverines back from another halftime deficit, Denard Robinson has the Wolverines sitting pretty at 6-0 and has fans believing a Rose Bowl is in their future. They’ve got good reason to believe.

The Michigan defense is much improved from last season’s 110th ranked defense. This year’s defense is allowing only 12.5 points per game, which is up from the 32.5 points per game they allowed last season. Last weekend, Northwestern scored 24 first half points but once Michigan adjusted at halftime, they pitched a second half shutout. Michigan won’t pitch a shutout but the Maize and Blue will celebrate a victory.

25 Baylor at 24 Texas A&M Griffin will have another huge passing day against Texas A&M’s less than stellar defense. However, Griffin will have to keep pace with A&M’s loaded offense. In order to so, he’ll need another big game from running back Terrance Ganaway but Texas A&M has the seventh best rushing defense in college football. Unfortunately, Texas A&M also has the nations worst pass defense. Southern Methodist, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Texas Tech have all put the Aggies secondary noogies over the past few weeks. Robert Griffin will have a field day against A&M’s corners.

6 Oklahoma State at 11 Texas If the Longhorns couldn’t make it competitive against the Sooners in their annual rivalry game, things won’t get much easier against Oklahoma State. The Cowboys enter the game as college football’s highest scoring football team. Against Kansas last weekend, the Cowboys put 56 on the scoreboard by halftime and finished with 70. The Longhorns quarterbacks David Ash and Case McCoy are too inexperienced to keep pace with Oklahoma State’s offense. The freshman duo was a turnover factory against Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State has committed 14 takeaways in the last three games, which is more than 99 Bowl Subdivision teams have earned all season.

17 Florida at 15 Auburn If John Brantley wasn’t out for the second straight nursing an ankle injury suffered against Alabama, Florida would be favorites against the Tigers. Instead the Gators will split quarterback duties between true freshmen Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Briskett.

If scouts and the eyeball test are any indication, Driskel is the next big thing at Florida. While, he struggled against Alabama’s defense, he will have success and build his confidence against Auburn’s rebuilding defense. The dual threat quarterback has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton. Driskel won’t have to carry the load as running backs Jeffrey Demps and Chris Rainey will find room to run against Auburn’s porous defense.

Michigan wins 21-34

Baylor wins 31-34.

Oklahoma State wins 48-24.

Florida wins 27-21.

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THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

EDITOR Brooke Marshall

signalentertainment@gmail.com

ENTERTAINMENT www.gsusignal.com/entertainment

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Paul DeMerritt

pdemerritt1@student.gsu.edu

FLUX 2011: An artistic takeover of Atlanta KENDALL HARRIS Staff Writer and BROOKE MARSHALL Entertainment Editor I’m standing at the front of a crowd of people, pressed against a rusty chain-link fence, watching the building on the other side explode.

With series of thunderous

booms, bricks crumble and dash to the ground. The gaping, widening holes reveal trees, a rushing waterfall and a rabbit hopping skittishly back and forth. When the wall is gone, all that remains is this powerful yet peaceful natural setting, and we bask in the sight for several minutes until, with another mighty rumble, the wall begins to reassemble itself.

MICHELLE ASCI | THE SIGNAL

The Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons Lantern Art Parade featured ghostly lanterns and crazy costumes.

MICHELLE ASCI | THE SIGNAL

Art exhibitions took over Castleberry Hills at FLUX 2011.

Broken bricks rush up into the holes, filling the gaps. Within a few seconds, the forest is covered, and all that remains is a dirty brick wall. The crowd is silent for a moment, and then bursts into applause.

This projection, created by Jeff Demetriou and Fake Love and named “Homesick,” was just one of the hundreds of art exhibits on display at FLUX 2011.

On Sept. 4, Flux Projects, an organization dedicated to supporting artists and displaying their work in Atlanta, transformed the Castleberry Hill Art District into a living, breathing art exhibit. The streets were filled with people — 10,000 to 12,000 of them — some in costume, some carrying ghostly lanterns, but most just observing the enchantment of the event and taking in the overwhelming creative energy and charm.

FLUX 2011 began with a lantern parade and ended with a display of iron fireworks, a Chinese tradition in which someone throws melted iron against a wall.

“When the iron hits the wall, it splatters in a manner that resembles fireworks,” Executive Director of Flux Projects Anne Dennington wrote in an email to The Signal. “For FLUX 2011, Dan Timms and Patrick Toups erected a 30-foot tall wall behind Elliott Street Pub, and the melted iron was thrown against this.”

This year’s FLUX dwarfed last year’s: 266 artists created 34 projects for display, as opposed to the 25 projects shown at FLUX 2010. Some of the better known participants included Monica Cook, Dodekapus, gloATL and the Zoetic Dance Ensemble. “[FLUX] included artists wellversed in the public realm and others making their first venture into this practice,” Dennington wrote. “It also presented national talents along with some very promising students.”

The projects were wide-ranging, to say the least: projections, light and sound installations, theatre, iron pours, dance, music, puppetry and dance, to name a few.

“We focused on projects that

could run continuously throughout the evening,” Dennington wrote. “We wanted people to be able to immerse themselves in the event rather than watch a schedule.”

Dennington wrote that the most remarkable thing about FLUX 2011 was the diversity of projects and the number of artists who collaborated to make them happen.

“There were large, “Wow!” projects and smaller, fun contemplative ones,” Dennington wrote.

In addition to all the planned art projects, local artist Catlanta hid six art-cats around Castleberry Hill for FLUX 2011. Anyone who found the art may present it at The High for free admission on Nov. 10: Catlanta Day. Dennington wrote that FLUX 2011 more than lived up to her expectations.

“We had hoped to grow the event, both in projects and attendance, and we accomplished both,” she wrote. “As the event grew, so did Atlanta’s engagement with it, and that was wonderful to see.”

Footloose gets grittier modern-day remake LAURA APPERSON Staff Writer When the news that a remake of Footloose, the classic 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, would hit the big screen Oct. 14, skepticism arose.

Fans of the original doubted how the remake could possibly succeed, and assumed it would just be another equivalent to High School Musical.

Director Craig Brewer thought the exact same thing when Paramount Pictures originally asked him to remake Footloose. “[Footloose] has a little more teeth than [Paramount Pictures was] thinking,” Brewer said in a roundtable interview in which The Signal

took part.

When Paramount told Brewer they wanted him to make Footloose, he told them he wasn’t completely sure he could commit.

One night in New Orleans, he was driving down a long bridge. His windshield was covered in bugs that had been smeared by the wipers, and he could hardly see.

“I started seeing trucks go by and figured out how I was going to do Footloose,” Brewer said.

In the original version of the movie, five students are killed by a truck on the way home from a night of dancing. Brewer realized he should put this scene toward the beginning of the film, shocking the au-

dience with the harsh reality of the accident.

“We made everyone think that it was going to be a High School Musical kind of Footloose... and then we kill them,” said Brewer. “Moving the accident just made everyone more emotional.”

Brewer also realized he had a real connection to the film. Raised in the South, he always felt like it was a magical place. But he wasn’t the only person who felt a personal connection with the story. Julianne Hough (“Dancing With the Stars”), who plays Ariel Moore, said she would never label herself as a “wild child,” but that she did grow up in a constraining environment.

Kenny Wormald (Center Stage: Turn it Up) said he has always strongly desired to fight for what he believes in. His character, Ren McCormack, fights for the right to dance in Footloose. He also connected to Ren because of his background as a male dancer.

When asked what his favorite part about filming was, Wormald smiled and replied, “Getting to do Craig Brewer’s Footloose. ... By the end of [the filming process] I was stoked. ... I wanted to shoot it all over again.”

Both actors have a strong background in dance. Wormald started when he was six years old, after he

went to a New Kids on the Block concert.

“I wouldn’t stop dancing and imitating their moves,” he said.

Hough started dancing when she was only three years old, practicing in her neighbor’s basement.

When she moved to London at age 10, she began studying ballroom and Latin dancing.

Their lifetimes of training paid off: Hough and Wormald’s dancing in Footloose was impressive, and their great chemistry made the scenes come alive.

“What we’re most proud of is that we took Footloose seriously and we had a great time with it,” Brewer said.

2011

October 17-22

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Good Morning Commuters I • 8-10 a.m., Unity Plaza and Aderhold Learning Center.

Friday, Oct. 14

Paint the Town Blue Registration Deadline Monday, Oct. 17

Good Morning Commuters II • 8-10 a.m., Unity Plaza and Turner Field.

Banner Competition Deadline • 10 a.m.

Bleed Blue! Show Your Pride in GSU •

Decorate your door, office or living space today for the week.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 Library Plaza Rally • 12:15-1 p.m., Library Plaza.

Sculpt It for the Hungry • 2-4 p.m., Student Center Ballroom.

Powder-Puff Football Tournament • 4-8 p.m., Hurt Park.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 The Prefix: Greek Exhibition • 7 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.), Student Center Ballroom. Free/GSU students, $5/guests. Open to GSU students and one guest per student.

Thursday, Oct. 20 Golf Cart Parade and Spirit Rally • Parade: Noon-12:30 p.m. Begins at Gilmer Street and Peachtree Center Avenue.

Spirit Rally: 12:30-2 p.m., Hurt Park.

Royal Ball • 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Student Center Ballroom.

Free/GSU students; $5/guests. Open to GSU students and one guest per student. Tickets on sale at new Campus Tickets Booth, University Center.

Friday, Oct. 21 Distinguished Alumni Awards • 6-9 p.m.

(Cocktails at 6:30 p.m.; Dinner at 7:15 p.m.), Student Center Ballroom. $50/person; $400/table of 10.

Homecoming Concert – Rick Ross • 8 p.m.

(Doors open at 7 p.m.), Tabernacle. $15/GSU students, $27/general admission, $42/day of show (online or at venue only). Visit www.gsu.edu/homecoming for complete details.

Saturday, Oct. 22 SGA Homecoming Tailgate • 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Georgia Dome Orange Lot. Homecoming Football Game and Royal Court Coronation • Georgia State Panthers vs. South Alabama Jaguars, 3 p.m., Georgia Dome.

Halftime: Marching Band performance; Royal Court Coronation; and announcement of Spirit Cup and Paint the Town Blue winners.

For details and registration information, visit www.gsu.edu/homecoming

Mason Graduate Studies Welcomes Georgia State Panthers You may know Mason as a dynamic university just outside of Washington, D.C., but‌ DID YOU KNOW s -ASON WAS RANKED AGAIN AS A TOP lVE 5P AND #OMING 5NIVERSITY IN BY U.S.News & World Report.

Where Innovation Is Tradition

s -ASON 3CHOOL OF ,AW IS RANKED AMONG THE TOP LAW SCHOOLS IN THE NATION AND YOUNGEST LAW SCHOOL EVER TO BE RANKED s -ASON GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION

AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AND SEVERAL OTHERS ARE NATIONALLY RANKED BY U.S.News & World Report. s -ASON HAS MORE THAN GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION

BUSINESS HEALTH LAW SCIENCES LIBERAL ARTS ENGINEERING POLICY

ARTS AND MANY MORE s -ASON HAS COMMITTED TO MILLION IN NEW CONSTRUCTION ON ITS CAMPUSES INCLUDING A NEW CONFERENCE CENTER AND HOTEL

NEW RESIDENCE HALLS AND NEW RESEARCH FACILITIES s -ASON IS NOW THE LARGEST UNIVERSITY IN 6IRGINIA AND HAS BUILT A STELLAR REPUTATION IN THE REGION THE NATION AND THE WORLD

4O lND OUT MORE ABOUT -ASON GRADUATE PROGRAMS REQUEST INFORMATION

OR APPLY ONLINE PLEASE VISIT admissions.gmu.edu/grad.

Stop by our table at the Graduate School Fair on campus on October 17th.

15

THE SIGNAL | ENTERTAINMENT | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

01 Wading Moss of Aura (Friends Records) Pants 02 James James Pants (Stones Throw)

03 Dracula Nurses (Dead Oceans) 04 Portamento Drums (Frenchkiss) Mercy 05 Strange St. Vincent (4AD) Spirit 06 Gentle Jonathan Wilson (Bella Union) Basement EP 07 Super Jesse Futerman (Jus Like Music Records) Come True 08 Dreams CANT (Terrible Records) Cronin 09 Mikal Mikal Cronin (Trouble in Mind)

Melodies so languid, vocals so feather-soft and songs so utterly calm that after one track, you’ll swear you’ve spent the entire day lying in a field watching clouds float by.

Historical fantasy meets awesome fight scenes in Detective Dee CHRISTIAN PEREZ Staff Writer

Donkey Jaw 10 Through Amen Dunes (Sacred Bones)

11

COURTESY OF INDOMINA RELEASING

Detective Dee blends visually stunning cinematography with thrilling fight scenes.

Director Tsui Hark may not be a household name, but in critical circles, he’s known for his visionary work in film. The grand aesthetic of Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame proves that this reputation is deserved.

The film is a historical fantasy chronicling the rise of real-life empress Wu Zetian as she becomes China’s first female ruler.

Before she is able to take the throne, though, a supposed supernatural plague in the form of spontaneous combustion begins to wreak

Googoosh

Googoosh (B-Music)

Falls 12 Veronica Veronica Falls (Slumberland)

13 Skyzoo The Great Debater (Self-Released) & Cardinals 14 Catbirds Dan Melchior Und Das Menace (Northern-Spy) Fish Ride Bicycles 15 When Cool Kids (Green Label Sound) Wonder Years 16 The 9th Wonder (Traffic)

havoc on many of the powerful officials in Zetian’s rule.

In order to solve the mystery behind the seemingly unexplainable deaths, she calls upon a man she imprisoned for eight years: Detective Dee. Hark’s directing in Detective Dee is hands-down the strongest thing going for it. The way Hark establishes the background landscape is so fantastic that at times you may catch yourself focusing on the sights behind the characters rather than the action at hand — that is, until you get to a fight scene.

The choreography for the action sequences can best be described as smooth and precise yet whimsical.

Watching the motion of the characters as they fly around the screen and wield their weapons can only be described as extremely entertaining.

That’s just what this film is: entertaining. The story is engaging and keeps you interested until the end.

However, as it progressed, certain “mysteries” of the plot seemed to unravel a bit too early, and there was just something about it that wasn’t completely captivating.

With that being said, it’s a good flick that fans of the martial arts, action and/or historical fantasy genres are sure to fully enjoy.

leidoscope,” for example, discusses an individual’s worries about a bad dream in context of a conversation about a journey toward personal progress and self-fulfillment. Yet unlike “What’s My Name Again?”, Kaleidoscope contains a serious note that speaks to the importance of recognizing and accomplishing goals in spite of obstacles and hardships. While at times playful and esoteric (the song includes references to putting a butterfly in a bell jar), the message is ultimately sobering.

Although unique, “Kaleidoscope” is not the only song from Neighborhoods that includes references to negative thoughts and emotions. In “Natives,” the singers discuss feeling like a cat in a cage and go on to compare themselves to Jekyll and Hyde. As if the metaphor and simile weren’t sufficient enough to sustain the track’s dark undertone, the group threw in references to self as bastard child and inward dying.

Interestingly, the moody and melancholy lyrics of “Natives” are coupled with an upbeat tune marked by an energetic repetition of words that comprise the chorus. Whether intentional or not, the stark contrast in lyrics and sounds is a noteworthy novelty which resurfaces in songs like “Ghosts on the

Dance Floor.” In “Ghosts,” the singers speak of the universe leaving them and having no place to go, against background beats reminiscent of pep rally music.

Although some aspects of Neighborhoods are unconventional, others parallel persistent trends in the world of music-making. Amongst other things, the album includes several biblical references that might remind one of vacation bible school or Sunday sermons. For example, in “Snake Charmer” — a track about a woman who deceives and seduces rather than practicing purer forms of love — the singers point out that good girls like to sin and offer Eve as an example.

In Neighborhoods, Blink-182 doesn’t venture far from what fans have come to expect. Although there are morose moments, the album is marked by light-hearted lyrics that signify a blithe acceptance of life’s woes and blessings.

While those in search of something different from the band may be a bit disappointed, those who like the group’s existing repertoire probably won’t be.

— Jocelyn Crawley, Staff Writer

Baby Jesus 17 Acid Acid Baby Jesus (Slovenly Recordings)

18 Electrafone Beats Antique (Antique) Rip Tide 19 The Beirut (Pompeii) Over Aaskammen 20 Aabenbaringen Casiokids (Polyvinyl) Playful 21 Extra John Cale (Domino) Santtana 22 Lucas Sem Nostalgia (Mais Um Discos) For Mowo!

23 Candygram Mocean Worker (Mowo! Inc.) Extrana 24 Era Neon Indian (Mom & Pop) Creek Park 25 Rock Oddisee (Mello Music Group)

26

Canopy EP

Deliciously melodramatic melody meets indulgently overwrought lyricism to create the kind of music that makes you want to stagger around Paris at 3 a.m. clutching your head and crying out about lost love.

Era Extrana continues in the dreamy electronic vein of previous Neon Indian offerings, but with a more retro, spacey feel.

Painted Palms (Secretly Canadian)

Into Eyes 27 Again S.C.U.M (Mute) Heaven 28 In Twin Sister (Domino) Sux 29 Life Wavves (Ghost Ramp) Whole Love 30 The Wilco (dBpm)

Nothing compliments the chilly weather of fall like the weary intensity of Wilco.

Blink-182 Neighborhoods DGC Records

From shooting stars and wishing wells to police cars with loaded guns, Blink-182’s new album alludes to every subject under the sun. And if you liked the tongue-in-cheek humor and quirky sounds from the group’s previous albums, you may enjoy Neighborhoods.

Many people remember the group from off-beat yet undeniably catchy middle-school anthem “What’s My Name Again?”. Like the former track — which places primacy on personal inefficacy — the group’s new album includes several songs that reference inner fears about oneself. “Ka-

Continued on page 7

16

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011 | ENTERTAINMENT | THE SIGNAL

Atlanta Events

>> ALBUMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

TUESDAY, OCT. 11

Splatter Cinema Presents: Evil Dead 2

If you’ve seen Evil Dead 2, you know it’s one of the greatest cult classics ever to hit the small screen. If you haven’t seen it, good god, what are you waiting for?! In addition to bringing you this cinematic masterpiece, Splatter Cinema will also do a horrifying recreation of an undisclosed scene from the film. (Fair warning: If you can’t handle your gore, maybe you should sit this one out.)

Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. // 9 p.m. // $9, 18+

THURSDAY, OCT. 13

Siberia My Sweet, Gun Party, Cassandras, Hawkeye Pierce

Are you tired of all the Save Criminal events yet? Of course you’re not!

Yet another party for an awesome cause goes down this Thursday at the delightfully grungy Basement. In addition to kickass music, there will also be artwork from nearly 50 Atlanta-area artists, as well as free beer (get there early, ‘cause you know it’s gonna run out).

The Basement, 1245 Glenwood Ave. // 8 p.m. // $7 with receipt from Criminal Records, $10 without, 21+

The Clap, The Husseins, Bond Trader, The Marsh Hens, and Them Things

You can’t go wrong with the free Thursday shows at Star Bar, especially when The Clap are involved.

Star Community Bar, 437 Moreland Ave. // 9 p.m. // Free, 18+

FRIDAY, OCT. 14

Hungry Hungry Humans and Friends

After a hiatus and a search for a new drummer, indie punk rockers Hungry Hungry Humans are back. Come celebrate their return, and enjoy jams from Perpetual Dusk at Curtsy Caverns, Jeremy Waun and Memphibians.

WonderRoot, 982 Memorial Dr. // 8 p.m. // $5, 18+

Noot d’Noot 100th Show Anniversary

I can think of three reasons to see this show: Noot d’Noot, Judi Chicago and the Back Pockets. Three of Atlanta’s most vibrant, fun bands together under one roof, totally pumped about the fact that this is the 100th show Noot d’Noot has played? Make that four reasons.

Star Community Bar, 437 Moreland Ave. // 8:30 p.m. // $10, 18+

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue with Cherry Royale

Fresh on the heels of the release of his latest album, For True, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews is hitting Center Stage with his unique brand of sound: supafunkrock.

Center Stage Theater, 1374 West Peachtree St. // 9 p.m. // $30 advance, $35 at the door, all ages

Kill Your Darlings ATL and Hyde Present: Seven Deadly Sins

DJ Shadow The Less You Know, the Better Island

DJ Shadow spent two years working on The Less You Know, the Better, not worrying about the critics, but only about his fans, putting in a record what he likes about music right now. It’s been five years since his last solo album, and critics and fans alike were beginning to get impatient. Fortunately, The Less You Know, the Better lives up to expectations.

Sometimes this latest offering sounds like a departure from DJ Shadow’s previous sound, but the master of the sample is always there.

The energetic first track, “Back to Front (Circular Logic),” contrasts strongly with the quiet “Sad and Lonely.” The techno “Def Surrounds Us” slices with the hip-hop “Stay the Course,” and the jazzy “Run for Your Life” is energetic enough to keep you pumped all day. Don’t miss the soulful “Scale it Back” or the pop-rock “Warning Call.”

DJ Shadow has definitely extended his palette on his latest release, but he hasn’t forgotten his musical roots. Tracks like “Enemy Lies” or “Redeemed” are pure abstract hiphop à la his debut. The album closes with the punchy “Let’s Get It (Bass, Bass, Bass),” that makes you feel that five more years would be a long wait before another new album.

Even though some of the tracks are hard to categorize, the experience is ultimately positive: a musical slideshow. It is rare to find a noncommercial artist who can appeal to a broad audience in one album, so for that reason, this album worth a listen.

— Jean-François Gerard, Staff Writer

Pride, gluttony, lust, wrath, envy, sloth and greed? Sounds like a wild Saturday night to me. Seven writers will each tackle one of the deadly sins, two DJs will be spinning, and eight visual artists will be showing off their stuff.

The Melvin Gallery, 648 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. // 9 p.m. // Free, all ages

SUNDAY, OCT. 16

Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire

Capitol Records

Want to see an event in this space? Contact Brooke Marshall at signalentertainment@gmail.com with the event name, time, date, location and a brief description.

J. Cole Cole World: Sideline Story Roc Nation

Karaoke at Southern Comfort

Sure, this is a mainstay of Atlanta culture, but it deserves to be pimped once in awhile just the same. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend your Sunday than by rubbing elbows with hipsters and truck drivers, drinking entire $5 Yuengling pitchers by yourself and enjoying tone-deaf renditions of “You Are So Beautiful” and white girls trying to keep up with Jay-Z on “Big Pimpin’.”

1383 Cedar Grove Rd., Conley, Ga. // 9 p.m. // Free, 18+

For alt-country legend Ryan Adams, however, he isn’t sure how he feels about it. And I’m not talking about the prolific musician’s forays into multiple genres and styles. In early 2009, Adams was diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, an ear disorder that causes distortion of sound.

After a brief hiatus, Adams has released his first solo album since the diagnosis, Ashes & Fire, which required him to literally reinterpret how music sounds and what it means. I can’t think of anything more exciting.

It’s tough to pin a distinct style to Adam’s music. He’s played in classic rock, black metal and garage rock styles, if that’s any indication. If anything, Ashes & Fire sticks closer to Adam’s alt-country roots. Instrumentation is sparse, usually just a piano (played by Benmont Tench, a founding member of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers), guitar and compressed faded percussion. There’s no twang to Adams’ vocals, but occasional slide guitar adds a little homegrown texture.

I consider it a blessing that instrumentation took a backseat this time around. Adams’s vocals are alive in Ashes & Fire, with his voice clear and condensed across the album’s 11 tracks. He swaggers his way through each song, fully confident in both his musicianship and lyrics, which are as poetic as the best Decemberists album.

It’s an honest shame that more people haven’t heard Ryan Adams before, so consider this your jumping-off point. Ashes & Fire is immediately accessible, and you’ll be enjoying yourself moments into “Dirty Rain,” the album’s opener. We may hate country, but Ryan Adams proves that there’s more to alt-country than meets the eye.

—Michael Rabalais, Staff Writer

I can see how the term alt-country would be a turn-off for most. After all, people who claim to like all music can claim not to like country in the same breath and see zero opposition. Country, especially by our generation, is reviled.

With his album Cole World: The Sideline Story debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Chart, Jay-Z’s latest protégé, J. Cole, proves that any underdog can get up off the sideline.

Released Sept. 27 after being pushed back several times, Cole’s album became a popular topic on Twitter and Facebook, leading to a boom of fans.

Cole is often compared to his peers in the industry, including Drake and Kanye West, but his album proves that he has a voice of his own.

His rhyme style is keen and thought provoking, and he uses metaphorical references and storytelling to convey messages to listeners. He cleverly combines his personal experiences and struggles of the average person to create inspiring songs. Cole is definitely an artist who knows the importance of establishing a relationship with fans through music.

Notable tracks that define the album include, “Dollar and a Dream,” “Sideline Story,” “Cole World,” “Rise and Shine” and “God’s Gift.” These tracks give listeners a great sense of who Cole is and best display his rapping ability.

Fan favorite tracks and current or future singles on the album include “Can’t Get Enough,” “Mr. Nice Watch,” “In tha Morning” and “Work Out.” Controversial and inspiring tracks on the album include, “Lost Ones,” “Breakdown” and “Never Told,” where he speaks on the subjects of abortion and infidelity. Missy Elliot also makes a surprise appearance in the catchy track “Nobody’s Perfect.”

Lyrically, Cole is exquisite and more skilled at rhyming than most popular hip-hop artists today. This album proves he has the potential to reach the success of rap’s most wellrespected lyricists, like his mentor, Jay-Z. But although Cole may be a lyrical guru, his songs lack instrumental appeal and consistency. He produced the majority of his own songs, and as a rookie in industry, it showed just a little in this aspect.

Artists like Kanye and Drake are known for not only producing dope beats in the studio, but also putting their signature on it. Even if they produce a song for another artist, fans can identify their work based on their unique style in creating music.

Since Cole is just starting out, he still has time to improve in that area of his music and define his own style as a producer.

“Work Out” became Cole’s leading single for the album, followed by “Can’t Get Enough,” featuring Trey Songz. “Mr. Nice Watch,” featuring Jay-Z, was also slated for release as a single early this month. Although very fortunate to have heavy-hitters in the music business like Trey Songz, Jay-Z, Drake and Missy Elliot featured on his first album, none of these tracks exude who Cole is as an artist and represent what the album as a whole is truly about.

It seems as though Cole went the route of releasing singles that he thought might grab the audience’s attention. This is usually a mistake for new artists, making it easier for the public to compare them to their favorite artists who came before them.

One has to think of singles for their albums as samples given out at their favorite Chinese food place. If the sample doesn’t taste as good as you expected, are you going to buy your lunch there?

This time, word of mouth about how excellent J. Cole is as a lyricist triggered the success of his compilation.

In the age of stealing of music and piracy, Jermaine Lamarr Cole proved that any newbie in the biz is capable of selling way more than 100,000 copies of their first album.

As he narrates audiences through his sideline story, he proves that he’s neither a duplicate of his predecessors or just another bubblegum rapper.

It’s only the beginning for him.

Despite the comparisons to others, Cole has found a way to get his voice out there. In a sense of making it into the industry, J. Cole has gotten off the sideline, but within the industry he still has a lot of work to do. After all, it is a Cole World.

—Nicole Holman, Staff Writer

THE SIGNAL | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

CAMPUS LIFE

EDITOR Angel R. White

www.gsusignal.com/campuslife

signalliving@gmail.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR OPEN

Common cancels Distinguished Speaker Series appearance ANGEL R. WHITE CHRIS SHATTUCK Staff The rapper Common notified Cam`pus Events early Monday that he would be unable to attend his previously scheduled guest appearance because he would be in Haiti during that time.

According to Cara Jones, the Campus Events advisor, Common is in Haiti with CNN as part of their “Heroes” series and would be unable to return in time for his appointment.

“That commitment apparently was more important for him to keep then coming and doing the commitment he had with us,” Jones said.

She says Campus Events is working to reschedule him for sometime in the spring.

“We want to be able to reschedule him and that’s what we’re going to work towards,” Jones said. “Until we get a date commitment from him – and he actually shows up – our plan is to reschedule him for the spring.”

There will be no alternative guest speaker for Tuesday.

Common was scheduled via a $25,000 contract last July and planned to discuss his recent book release, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense,” and share his personal story and insight into the rap scene.

Jones says they will seek to regain some of the marketing expenses incurred as part of the promotional activities for Common through a clause in his contract.

“We are able to re-coop some of the expenses in regards to the money we spent on promotional material, there was a clause for that in our contract. So we can request that,” Jones said.

Jones said she doesn’t expect Common’s last-minute cancelation to affect student turn out, even though “everybody was disappointed.” She says it’s up to Campus Events to spread the work and get him to reschedule.

“We’re really sad that he’s not coming,” Jones said. “I know a lot of students were excited. We were excited to have him, but I can’t make him get on a plane and I can’t make him come.”

Campus Events does expect any future contract with Common to include greater time spent with students as a means to make up for the cancellation, Jones said.

“Hopefully when we do re-negotiate the agreement and hopefully re-book him, we’ll probably ask for some additional time with students.”

Common sparked some controversy last May among conservatives for his lyrics when he was scheduled to speak at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama.

He is known for his trademark style of

LOUIE FAVORITE | ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

Common will not be visiting Georgia State’s Distinguished Speaker Series on Oct. 11.

“conscious rap,” which he uses to shed light on social issues around the world. He has received numerous recognitions of his music from the NAACP Image Award nominations to the Grammy awards.

He has also founded The Common

2011

GSU NIGHT

at the

AQUARIUM

Featuring

AT&T Dolphin Tales Show at 7 p.m. • Limited tickets available Spring Event Sold Out So BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY at Campus Tickets, University Center

Cash, check, PantherCash and credit cards accepted.

Until October 27:

$12 Aquarium only • $20 with Dolphin Show

Beginning October 28:

$15 Aquarium only • $25 with Dolphin Show

Family and friends welcome Children 2 and under FREE

Free campus parking and shuttles Supported by Student Activity Fees

www.gsu.edu/studentevents

Ground Foundation that focuses on the interpersonal development of young people in underprivileged communities. The foundation strives to build these youth into productive leaders and contributing citizens of the greater society.

FRIDAY NOV. 11 6 -11 p.m.

18

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011 | CAMPUS LIFE | THE SIGNAL

Project Spirit throws huge block party

JAMILA DEWITT | SIGNAL

The Project Spirit is an organization started to create more awareness of athletic events on campus.

JAMILA DEWITT Staff Writer The Georgia State Athletic Department and the Residence Hall Association (RHA) have partnered together for a number of events in order to increase awareness of the different athletic teams and events on campus.

The partnership between the two organizations took its form in the name Project Spirit. Project Spirit reaches out to the different residence halls on campus, in order to get more students who live on-

campus to attend athletic events.

In turn, the residence halls with the most student participation-which is counted by PantherCard swipes--will win prizes.

The partnership came together to sponsor a block party last Thursday, where more than 500 students in attendance. The party took place at Piedmont North, and there was a lot of visibility from students as well as the athletic department.

The Project Spirit organization was officially introduced to the Georgia State student body on Sat-

urday, Oct. 8 at the Georgia State vs. Murray State football game.

Charles Frye, a junior and computer information systems major and the Project Spirit Director of Public Relations has a simple request of the Georgia State student body.“Everyone please come out to the games.”

Nadia Slaughter, Junior, mathematics major and the Project Spirit Director of Programming, shared the same enthusiasm, “We need your support at as many athletic events as possible.”

There were t-shirts, stickers,

book bags and game schedules given away in order to increase the school spirit and camaraderie at athletic games. Rap artist Yung Tone performed his new release “No Cuffin” at the block party. He took photos with students, and encouraged them to attend the school’s athletic events.

The Assistant AD for Marketing with Athletics, Tina Kelly, continues to encourage students to show their enthusiasm by going to athletic events. Their mission is to get more students out whether it is for football, soccer, basketball or

golf. She believes each of the different sports teams are important, and each team needs more people to fill up its seats.

The Project Spirit program looks forward to more block parties and other promotional events in the future. In addition to prizes and winnings, they will continue to be focused on increasing the visibility of the athletics department.

The Project Spirit program promises to be a positive partnership for the students who live on campus to be more actively involved in athletic events.

19

THE SIGNAL | CAMPUS LIFE | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011

Five ways to overcome Campus Calendar midterm mania Angel White Campus Life Editor

OCTOBER 11, 2011

Paper Trail: The Art of Taking Dynamic Lecture Notes

Although your professor mentions what be on the test, you don’t have to write every word down. Instead, find out how to distinguish critical from trivial information and how to do all this without cramping your hand. Effective note-taking enhances your learning and makes studying for exams easier!

University Center Room 485 // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Midterms –a gift and a curse. It is a gift because it signifies that students have made it through half the semester and have made it that much closer to winter break. It is a curse because they now have to begin late night study sessions, anxiety attacks, and sleep and nutrition deprivation in efforts to prepare. Instead of beating yourself up, The Signal has compiled five ways to instead beat test anxiety and best prepare you to ace all midterms.

Distinguished Speaker Series: Common- One Day It’ll All Make Sense

The “King of Conscious Hip Hop,” Common is one of music’s most poetic and respected lyricists. Over the course of seven albums, his introspective rhymes have pushed boundaries with their incisive social commentary. In September, he released his first book for adults, a provocative and touching memoir titled One Day It’ll All Make Sense, which explores his upbringing and familial relationships.

Student Center Ballroom // 3:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 12, 2011

Writing a Winning Essay

This workshop unlocks the secrets of what sets a scholarship winner apart from thousands of candidates - the personal essay! Learn how to create a winning essay by avoiding common mistakes, understanding what the judges want to see, and reviewing winning essays and essays that failed. If you have already written a personal essay that needs work, don’t be afraid to bring it!

Sparks Hall Room 251 // 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Department of African American Studies documentary screening The Department of African American Studies presents “Black Masculinity in Comic Books and Hip Hop Animation,” a documentary viewing and discussion. Brandon Schultz and Jonathan Gayles will moderate.

Cinefest // 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 13, 2011

Lunch and Learn: Careers in Diversity

A panel discussion on turning your passion for diversity into a career.

Lunch will be provided.

Veteran’s Memorial Hall // 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Study Abroad Fair

Can’t decide between South Africa, South Korea, or South America?

Come to the Study Abroad Fair to figure it all out! Meet with GSU program directors and program reps from scores of other universities and companies. Talk with Financial Aid and the Scholarship Resource Center about how to fund your experience! This year we also have a raffle for a $100 voucher from STA Student Travel and a $500 Eurail Ticket! Free trivia prizes, too!

Student Center Ballroom // 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Yoga Classes

OCTOBER 14, 2011

Employee Development & Wellness is sponsoring a series of Yoga classes for Georgia State University faculty, staff & students. Try the 1-hour class of gentle yoga, emphasizing stress reduction and relaxation.

Veteran’s Memorial Hall // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

1. Get enough sleep.

According to The Sleep Foundation, getting seven to eight hours of sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle. This is especially important when preparing for a major test or presentation. Sleep allows for the body to repair itself and allows for the mind to rest. With a rested mind, it allows for more efficient memorization and focus. Suggestions for a good night sleep include turning off all distractions such as lights, television, loud music, etc. and also, try to set a regular bedtime a week prior to the midterm or major class assignment.

2. Utilize campus resources.

Georgia State offers various services to assist students in preparing for midterms and overcoming test anxiety. Under the Georgia State University Academic Support division there are numerous services offered to assist students in academic success. The Counseling Center offers numerous workshops on effective note-taking and study skills. While the Office of Student Support Services address test taking strategies, time management and any students suffering from test anxiety. Visit www.gsu.edu and search “Academic Support” for more information.

3. Use Supplemental Instruction (SI) The office of Undergraduate Studies sponsors SI on our campus that provides academic support to a select group of classes offered on campus. The program offers study sessions beyond the classroom free of cost. The study sessions are usually led by students who previously did exceedingly well in the class and share their tips and insights on how to understand course materials. An SI schedule is available at http://www.gsu.edu/success/SI.html.

4. Manage your time.

Time management is imperative in acing an exam or class project. In order to properly prepare, set blocks of time throughout the day dedicated to the assignment, but do not overload yourself. Make sure to establish balance in your schedule to ensure no cram sessions occur. By creating blocks of study time in between blocks of resting time, it will decrease stress and develop a more organized pattern of studying.

5. Ask for help.

Want to see your event in this space? Contact Angel White at signalliving@gmail.com with your event’s name, time, date, location and a brief description of the event. All events listed in the Campus Events calendar must either take place on campus or be produced by a Georgia State-affiliated organization.

Even if it is the day before the exam, do not be afraid to ask professors for help. Instructors are willing to answer any questions students have before the exam day. I say before the exam day because your professor may not be so willing to answer questions as he or she is passing out the exam. Set up an appointment during office hours or email any questions or concerns.

For more information on academic support and success, visit http://www.gsu.edu/success/about.html.

Student Organizations

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WHAT始S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS!

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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS http://gsu.orgsync.com

OrgSync Training Day

Friday, October 28, 465 University Center Join us for a day of workshops covering various aspects of the OrgSync system at GSU. Representatives from OrgSync will be on campus to lead discussion and offer tutorials in the following areas:

Supported by Student Activity Fees

Session 1: Using OrgSync for Involvement, 10-11:30 a.m.

Session 2: OrgSync Resources for Advisors, 1-2:30 p.m.

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Session 3: Using the OrgSync Website Builder, 3-4:30 p.m.

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All sessions are B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Computer), and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact studentorganizations@gsu.edu. RSVP for each session using the calendar on OrgSync.

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SPOTLIGHT PROGRAMS BOARD www.gsu.edu/spotlight

SAVE THE DATE!

See website and ads in this issue for Campus Events the Rick Ross Homecoming Concert Lists Stylesand Homecoming Spacing Schedule of Events.

Asylum 1913: Nightmare on Gilmer Street

Friday, October 28 7-11 p.m., Student Center Ballroom The theme of Spotlight始s annual Haunted House this year is an insane asylum. The event will feature many festive activities, including pumpkin decorating, fortune tellers, a cake walk, a costume contest, food and much more. Come out and have a scary fun time!

Leadership Development

CAMPUS EVENTS

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT www.gsu.edu/leadership

Ethics and Leadership

Wednesday, October 12, Noon-1 p.m., Student Center, Lucerne Suite Understanding and developing ethics is an important leadership component.

Explore different ethical viewpoints and apply them to real world examples.

Social Responsibility

Wednesday, October 19, Noon-1 p.m., Student Center, Lucerne Suite Many corporations have begun to honor a third bottom line: people, planet, profit. Join us as we investigate the responsibility leaders have to the community and the sustainability of our planet.

http://www.gsu.edu/cinefest

Georgia State University uLearn

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All shows free for GSU students, faculty and staff with ID. Guests $3 before 5 p.m. and $5 at 5 p.m. and after.

Cinefest Film Theatre

For showtimes, visit www.gsu.edu/cinefest.

cinefest movie times

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Page One: Inside the New York Times, October 10-16 ATLANTA ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Chasing Waves, October 11 Mumbai Connection, October 13 House by the Cemetery, October 15 The Silent House, October 17-24

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