Volume 43, Issue 5
NEWS
studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement
Oct. 26, 2011
Renowned poet is coming to Macon State BY SARAH FRYE-MITCHELL | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Georgia Poetry Circuit is coming again to Macon State. Poet Marianne Boruch will be presenting her work to students and faulty on Nov. 7. According to the Berry College website, Boruch is the author of OPINIONS six collections of poetry, and has been awarded two Pushcart Prizes, as well as fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Boruch has also received many teaching awards form Purdue University, where she developed the graduate writing program that Letters to Editor she directed from 1987 through 2005. In 2012, she will be on a on page 5 Fullbright Fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, in Edinburgh, FEATURES Scotland. Dr. Sharon Colley, associate professor of English, is one of the representatives of Macon State for the Georgia Poetry Circuit, along with Dr. Kelly Whiddon. “I think it ’s really important to see people in person, to see poets Halloween Article on read from their own work, ” Colley said, “It makes the poetry sort of pages 8 and 9 come alive, to hear their perspective on it. ” Every year, representatives from schools participating in the REVIEWS Poetry Circuit nominate three people to be voted on to appear in the Circuit. Three poets are selected to speak; Colley said that the three poets for this year would be speaking at Macon State in November, early spring, and early April or March. Perry fair article on Adam Hartman, a student of Colley ’s, has attended the poetry page 13 events before. ”It was Brian Turner, and his book was ‘Here, Bullet, ’ Hartman said. “I always think it is fascination to hear the SPORTS author speak about his or her poetry, and I think it is fun and quite aspects that makes the poetry real for the author, and the reader. ” important to hear how they express their works of poetry. The main Time and location for this event is still being decided, please check thing I got out of his reading is the voice of how he expressed his the events calendar at maconstate.edu for more details and updates. poetry to the audience; I think it is very important to listen to the auThe Artists and Lecturers Committee and the Ofce of Student thor speak and analyze the tone of voice, body language, and other Life support the GPC readings. Macon musical heritage on page 2
Softball comes to Macon State on page 16
See MSC-TV for more stories!
What’s happening around campus and community Wednesday, Oct. 26
Thursday, Oct. 27
Friday, Oct. 28
Monday, Oct. 31
Tuesday, Nov. 1
R.A.D. Self Defense Class 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Public Service Association Candy Sale 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pre-Law Society LSAT 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
The Suitcase Lady 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Student Government ’s Campus Conversations 12:30 PM -2:00 PM
Early Registration Starts View complete information about campus events by clicking on the “Campus Calendar ” link at studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement.
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NEWS
Oct. 26, 2011
STEP concert to benefit Honors BY JESSICA SPENCER | NEWS EDITOR
After the Honors Colloquium, Heather Ness, Honors Student Coordinator, has plans to present a high-energy show with music, studentread poetry and prose that will be held in the Arts Complex Theatre starting at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. The Honors Colloquium is an annual event in which students taking Honors courses at Macon State College present their projects in the elds of English and other subjects to the student body. The event will be on the second oor of the Student Life Center; presentations will be held in different classrooms, from 9 a.m. until approximately 1p.m. with a break for cateredlunch sponsored by the Honors Department. The acronym “STEP ” stands for Supplemental Teaching Education Program, which is the teaching program in Cambodia where Macon State College Honors alumnus J. D. Money was hired to teach. The STEP Concert Night will be a chance for the Macon State student body to interact and use its talent for a good cause. The cost of the event will be $5 per person and the proceeds go to building a school playground for the Lveate
School in Cambodia. In addition to the Concert Night ’s proceeds, the Honors Program is also accepting donations to nance the construction of what will be a village playground for Cambodian school children. Ness said, “The goal for the project overall is $4,000 to make the whole playground, but we might not make necessarily that much; we are hoping to but if not we can contribute to that goal. ” Although Ness is putting the event together as part of the Honors Program, she has opened the show ’s participant list to faculty members and all students on campus, regardless of whether or not they are part of the Honors Program. Ness is working in conjunction with J.D Money, who contacted the current Honors Program to help him build a place for his Cambodian pupils. According to Money ’s letter to Macon State, “The playground is where a child can allow their imagination to run free with their friends, all within a safe environment. It is a place where a child ’s worries and troubles are overshadowed by their desire to simply have fun. ” More than just a location where school children in Kampong Cham Cambodia can come and play, the Macon State College Honors
Photo courteosy of J.D. Money J.D Money (left) with a Cambodian Student (Right) during village ood.
Program and Money are hoping this will be a place where students in the village can come and feel safe. If you are interested in performing at the event, contact Heather Ness at heather.ness@ maconstate.edu for more information.
Rejuvenating Macon ’s rich musical heritage BY JESSICA SPENCER | NEWS EDITOR Recently at the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala, Kevin Williams, musically known as “Floco Torres, ” and Shari Clarke were announced as winners of the Gateway Macon Music Competition. On Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Macon City Auditorium, when Executive Director Beth Dunwody originally presented the Gateway Initiative to the public, her search was only for one winner. The competiton involved submitting an artist ’s best song that would represent Macon. That winner would receive studio time recording a three-song-extendedplay mini-album (EP) while working with the two-time Grammy-nominated Maconite Steve Moretti. The decision to announce two winners
marks the prize as a collaborative effort between Torres and Clarke; the song written by Torres will be used as one of the songs in the three-song deal along with a collaborative musical portion of the music being sung by Clarke. The competition was geared towards promoting Macon. Although Macon has a rich musical heritage that includes being the city that gave James Brown a chance to record his rst big hit “Please Please Please ” as well as the hometown of one of the most soulful singers of the twentieth century, Otis Redding, the musical heritage of Macon has died down So the contest was done to seek a musical talent that would bring the music back to the avenues of Macon. Describes his musical style as, “primarily Hip-Hop. I ’m inspired and inuenced by a lot
of different things but I never want to get away from Hip-Hop. That ’s the culture that I love and grew up on. If I had to call it anything else I said Hip-Hop slash ‘Mega Ton Bombshell ’. ” Both contestants write and produce their own music. Torres has been performing music professionally for the past three years. He lives in Macon, as does the other contestant. Clarke is a recent philosophy graduate of Mercer University. “I really don ’t have a genre that I place my music in. My music is just simply from the soul. I sing what I know; what I feel, ” Clark said. Torres, joined by Clarke, has begun recording with Steve Moretti at the Star Motel Studios in Macon and will later shoot a music video with Bright Blue Sky Productions. Then in November there will be a release party for the EP at The Grand Opera House.
OPINIONS
Oct. 26, 2011
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Style is eternal not biased From the exclusive desk of your business divo-fashionista BY ANDREW HILL | COLUMNIST Does “Ugh, nothing looks good on me! ” sound familiar? One thing that no one ever wants to openly admit to, but everyone has, is body image issues. There is pretty much always something we don ’t like about our physical bodies. Maybe you think your hips are too wide, maybe you want hips. Maybe you think you ’re too skinny, maybe you think you are too big. The list goes on. However, fret not! In this week ’s column I will attempt to teach you how to dress for your body! The rst major point I need to make is: Make sure you know your body; your best attributes and how to accentuate those. You also need to be aware of your “imperfections. ” Be honest about your body shape! If you fear your body you will let it control your every move, and then you will end up hating yourself. After you have acknowledged your body type you can actually begin addressing your best features. For instance, although though you may not be happy with you weight, you may have absolutely stunning eyes. Acknowledge your eyes! Accentuate them with your favorite mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. Personally, I think Dior ’s Diorshow Mascara is phenomenal! Also, Lancôme ’s Doll Lashes is beyond spectacular, and gives those perfect Barbie lashes (hence the name). Show love to what you identify as your best feature(s) and you will in turn learn to appreciate and love the rest of your body. You can also check out Lancôme (Lancome.com), Dior (Dior.com), MAC (Maccosmetics.com), or friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart/CVS/Walgreens for other make-up products. Someone else may be okay with their body, but notice that their torso is longer than their legs. This is common, and is interchangeable. A very quick x for elongating your legs is to wear heels. However, this may not work for everyone, because some women just do not or cannot wear heels. Another trick is to wear pinstripes on your lower half. A pinstripe skinny pant makes the perfect illusion of longer legs! Pinstripes draw the eye up and down one ’s leg giving the illusion that the distance is greater from foot to hip. Now, the trousers do not have to be skinny. Again, as you are learning how to dress for your body type, you must know Facebook.com/mscstudentmedia Facebook.com/maconstatement Facebook.com/falllinereview Facebook.com/maconstatetv
if the ever-present trend of skinny pants is in fact for you. (That ’s the dilemma attached to every trend: They are not necessarily for all body types.) Wide-leg trousers and pencil skirts can be substituted. This trick wearing pinstripes will also work for elongating your torso, though you must be cautious if you are heavier chested. Vertical stripes will stretch and make you look wider rather than longer. Here ’s a nice trick for those looking to create the illusion of a waistline, and also those wanting to bring in their waists to create a more hourglass shape: Wear tailored tops, or tops that can easily be belted. They are all simple xes to help you out. You have a plethora of choices in front of you if you just open your eyes to them! Cinched waist blazers, wrap dresses, blouses that cinch at the waist, belted pea coats, chic belts! Ooh, don ’t you just want to go shopping at this new revelation? I know I do. Shopping for two? Finish reading the article rst dah-ling. If you already have a small waist, this will cause it to appear even smaller (Dita Von Teese, anybody?), and if you feel as though you don ’t have a waist at all, it will create one for you. There ’s that hourglass I mentioned before. The temps are dropping, right? Well, they ’re uctuating, but still dropping. Continuing with the dip in temperature let ’s have you in a cute, slightly oversized, cowl neck sweater in terra cotta (Google, honey) and a camel tweed, are trouser. Throw on some awesome platform heels, but before you leave the house throw on a cute cerulean (not blue, not turquoise, not lapis, but cerulean ha-ha) vintage/vintage inspired belt to cinch in your waist. That belt drawing attention to your now small waist will bring the entire look together, and enhance your shape. When enhancing your shape the rst thing you need to do is address the issue of knowing your body, mentally. Here ’s a great rst step to Body Image Recovery: If you have any clothes in your closet that you haven ’t worn in six months, not due to weather, go ahead and get rid of them. They are just taking up room, taunting you and your beautiful gure. Be seless and donate them to a useful charity; someone else can greatly benet from them. Story continued on page 5
Twitter.com/mscstudentmedia
Oct. 26, 2011
OPINIONS
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Raising awareness for growing problem BY NOELLE SAMPLE | STAFF WRITER The bullying epidemic has captivated America faster than wildre. According to the National Education Association it is estimated that an average of 160,000 students miss school every day due to the fear of being attacked by other students. Bullying is dened as using superior strength or inuence to intimidate a person. People who can be described as bullies are found in every walk of life. Although you can nd them everywhere, bullies are most often noticed in schools. Bullies employ many forms of abuse including verbal, physical, cyber and emotional. But why does bullying happen? Researchers say bullies are typically bred starting in the household. Most bullies come from homes where they are being either physically or emotionally neglected by their parents. Generally, there are two types of bullies: malicious and non-malicious. Malicious bullies are born with psychopathic tendencies, thus their brains are chemically wired differently than the average person. These bullies are more likely to harm animals. Non-malicious bullies are the ones who exhibit bullying behaviors. Many bullies see bullying as a game or a way to t in with others. They often target people who are
shy, have poor social or assertive skills, or have physical disabilities Society as a whole pays the price for their inability to relate to others in an empathic and respectful manner. Everyone has the basic right to live a normal life, with no fear of others and the ability to maintain healthy, rewarding relationships. That is why the month of October is dedicated to National Bullying Prevention Awareness. The campaign was founded in 2006 by PACER ’s National Center for Bully Prevention to raise awareness of bullying. The prevention of bullying takes just one person to speak up and identify their bullies to stop the spread of this all too common event. So, take a stand. If you see bullying, speak up. If someone is in need of help, listen to them. Do your part to prevent bullying. Remember that Macon State ’s Counseling Center is here to help you work through these types of things. You can nd the Counseling Center at: Macon Campus - 1st Floor Mathematics Bldg. 100 College Station Drive Macon, GA 31206 (478) 471-2985 www.maconstate.edu/counseling
Got opinions? Share them by commenting here: studentweb.maconstate.edu/maconstatement. The Macon Statement Staff
Photographers: Robert Reese
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Frye-Mitchell editor@maconstate.edu
Cartoonist: Patrick Lippert
News Editor: Jessica Spencer newseditor@maconstate.edu Opinions Editor: Kenny Logan opinionseditor@maconstate.edu Features Editor: Danielle Quesenberry featuresseditor@maconstate.edu Sports Editor: Kaleb Clark sportseditor@maconstate.edu Layout and Photo Editor: Meaghan Smith photoeditor@maconstate.edu Online Editor: Harry Underwood onlineeditor@maconstate.edu Copy Editors: Alexis Meeks, Stephanie Miller Writers/Columnists: Andrew Hill, Noelle Sample, Clinard Stokes. Sade Olajide
Contact Student Media Coordinator Katherine Tippins (katherine.tippins@ maconstate.edu) if you ’re interested in joining The Macon Statement staff. Letters Policy The editor of The Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, length or possible libel. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstate. edu. Where current events are concerned,
priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty and staff of Macon State College. DISCLAIMER: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Wednesdays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees. Contact Us: The Macon Statement Student Life Center Room 120 100 College Drive Macon, GA 31206 478-757-3605, Fax: 478-757-2626 editor@maconstate.edu
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OPINIONS
Oct. 26, 2011
Shopping for your body Continued from page 3 Some people buy clothes that are too small for them to t, in hopes that they will get to that oft times unattainable size. Throw them away and quit that self-inicted torment. It ’s mental masochism! Remember that you love yourself. Don ’t try to lose weight to t your clothes, buy your clothes to t you. Obviously there are exceptions, i.e. pregnancy or weight gain that can easily be removed in a healthy manner to go back to your original size. If you do want to lose weight try yoga, kick boxing, Pilates, or investing time in a one-on-one trainer. Whatever you decide on, do so in a healthy way. As always, my lovelies, if you like something, wear it, own it, and make it your own; just make sure you know your body. -Bonus Treat from the Golden Crown of ChicFashionistas In Training (F.I.T.) Homework: Sorry Lovelies, I know you are in total abhorrence of anything that even
remotely sounds like homework, but I have some for you! It ’s quite simple: Every single morning/afternoon you wake up look in the mirror and tell yourself how beautiful you are. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we were made beautiful, even if society says we are not. I ’ve had to at one point in my life and I have greatly benetted from doing such. Love yourself. You ’re the only you you ’re ever assured to get. Xoxo **Note that some body image issues can be very serious and can lead to eating disorders. If you know you are dealing with an eating disorder, or some type of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, please seek help. You do not have to be ashamed, you are loved unconditionally. Macon State ’s Counseling Center is here to help you work through these types of things. Counseling Center: Macon Campus 1st Floor Mathematics Bldg. 100 College Station Drive Macon, Ga 31206 (478) 471-2985 www.maconstate.edu/counseling
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I am writing to you as a concerned student of Macon State College about an article published in the September 28, 2011 issue of The Macon Statement. The editorial that I found disturbing was titled “Sex: What to do with it? ” written by Danielle Quesenberry. First, I would like to point out as not only a resident of College Station, but as an active Resident Assistant, that there has only been one program ”geared towards sex ” prior to the date of Quesenberry ’s editorial. The program, “Battle of the Sexes ” was sponsored by me and fellow Resident Assistant, Johnny Salters, under the supervision of Residence Life Program Coordinator, Keigan Evans. The entire point of “Battle of the Sexes ” was to educate residents and give them a basis on which to make good choices regarding their sexual health. It was an opportunity for residents to learn how to protect themselves and a chance for questions to be asked and answered in a way that did not embarrass or judge. There are three programs that Residence Life has planned for the remainder of this semester to discuss the “moral and ethical reasons aligned ” with sexual choices. All of the programs that are planned about sexual education do so in a manner that will appeal to the college students who live at College Station. If the writer did not attend the event, how can she possibly write about what she does not know and how could the paper morally let her publish such a nonfactual piece? All Residence Life events are not only approved but also supervised by professional Residence Life staff members. The fact is that not only can the Counseling Center and the Health Clinic help students when it comes to personal problems, but for the residents of College Station, our RAs are here to help as well. We treat all residents as adults and it is ultimately their choice to attend an event or not. And it is in the residents ’ control on how educated they are about sex. 5
From, Victoria Masa Sophomore, New Media and Communications
OPINIONS
Oct. 26, 201
Oct. 26, 2011
OPINIONS
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Killer clowns make Halloween scary
My top ten movies for Halloween BY KENNY LOGAN | OPINIONS EDITOR
It ’s October again and anyone with a television knows what that means. Yep it ’s horror movie month! It appears a lot of them are lacking lately (the Paranormal Activity series, the latest Scream, and just about any goregasm movie made) so instead of feeling like your hard-earned money was wasted on yet another bad movie, I recommend you watch these movies. 10. Nightmare on Elm Street: Not many people know but this classic movie is loosely based off a real-life event involving people who were dying in their sleep. Both this and the remake are okay in my opinion, but there ’s one advantage the original has over it: You see Johnny Depp get eaten by a bed – and that ’s not the end of his death. • What it has over the others: Knife-glove wielding man invading your dreams and turning them against you to cause your demise. 9. Friday the 13th: Hot on the tail of Halloween is another movie about a silent homicidal maniac. It may feel like it ’s trudging along at rst but in no time the camp counselors ’ bodies start piling up. The deaths don ’t have the shock of modern day mov ies but unlike those movies there is almost a sympathetic reason for the killer ’s motives. • What it has over the others: The killer. Hint for those of you who haven ’t seen it: It ’s not Jason. 8. Halloween: Yes I know it ’s predictable that I ’d put this right af ter Friday the 13th. I would call this the movie which started the modern-day horror movie. It has the mysterious killer, the fanatic detective, the girl who lives to see the end, the creepy music, letting the audience see things from the killer ’s perspec tive, and of course the ending which may lead to a sequel. How can you not like the movie? • What it has over the others: It laid down the skeleton for horror movies as we know them. 7. Killer Klowns from Outer Space: Not because it has clowns, not because they ’re from outer space, not because of the big crazy clown ght, not because of their antics, but because of all that Photo resource from IMDB.com AND the way they kill people. I don ’t know what ’s more Killer Clowns from Outer Space disturbing than being captured by a shadow puppet version of a Tyrannosaurus Rex or attacked by popcorn. It ’s really funny too. 5. Jeepers Creepers: A take on the legend of the Jersey Devil, this • What it has over the others: Killer Klowns. From outer movie has a brother and sister on their way from college for the space. summer. During the trip they have a literal run-in with a man 6. Clovereld: A mix of horror and monster movie, it ’s one of my devil who likes something within one of them. Short of the “Jeepers personal favorites. Shot like a documentary it contains mass Creepers ” song there isn ’t much to not like. death, gory demises, and a very bleak ending. Watching the • What it has over the others: The scene when the Jersey movie from beginning to end is worth it. Keep in mind when Devil is run over repeatedly is not to be missed. There is also you nally see it the monster is a baby. Yep. A baby. the part where you see what the Jersey Devil put into the pipe • What it has over the others: An original monster, called that ’s really insane. a Clover; the little spiders which come off it, and actually seeing the Clover, which doesn ’t happen until you ’re well into the movie. Story continued on page 7
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OPINIONS
Oct. 26, 2011
Movies that go bump in the night Continued from page 6 4.
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The Descent: What ’s worse than alien clowns out to eat the human race? How about being stuck in a dark cave with humanoids ready to eat you? It ’s best experienced with the lights off since it uses very little of it. If you have surround sound or headphones it ’s even better. • What it has over the others: Creepy guys skittering around a dark and unfamiliar place. [Rec]: Initially I put the German movie Anatomy here, but after watching this Spanish movie it was easily replaced. Filmed in the style known as “found footage ”, it is about a reporter, her cameraman, and several others nding themselves trapped inside an apartment building during an emergency call. For the zombie lm fans who say containing the threat as soon as possible is the way to stop them from taking over, this movie is denitely for you. An American remake was made just two years after it was released (probably because people in the United States don ’t like reading subtitles) under a more familiar name: Quarantine. • What it has over the others: It ’s a new take on zombie movies. You can probably think of this as “What if the rst Resident Evil game went really, really bad for all involved? ” One man is defenestrated, which is one of my favorite ways to kill someone in a movie. Oh and the police get involved but they really aren ’t much help, especially after they let one person
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out and get attacked. Audition: For those of you who think whatever men do to get laid, here ’s what will probably happen to you. Well not really, but guys like me wish it. One of the more realistically graphic movies I ’ve seen, Audition doesn ’t shy away from torture, dis memberment, or insanity. It seems like a boring drama at rst, but wait until the bag moves. That ’s when things start getting real creepy. • What it has over the others: Japanese women …who are absolutely out of their minds, disgured people, child molestation (it ’s not shown obviously), and a beheading. The cover art alone is pretty disturbing yet at the same time semi-erotic. Funny Games: Sorry folks, I really think foreign horror movies are a lot better than American ones. This Austrian horror movie has almost everything I could possibly want and more. What ’s really creepy about this movie is how calm the killers are about what they ’re doing. You can tell they ’ve been on this spree for a long amount of time. There was an American shot-for-shot re make of this movie too by the same director (Michael Haneke) which I hear was pretty bad. I don ’t know how that is accomplished but the original is absolutely wonderful. If you ’re squeamish I wouldn ’t recommend it to you at all. It ’s not what you see that ’s so hard to stomach but what your mind leads you to believe. The Haneke actually said this is kind of a commentary on violence in movies. • What it has over the others: Watch it. That ’s all I ’m going to say.
Merging summer and fall fashions BY: NOELLE SAMPLE | STAFF WRITER
When the seasons begin to change we have all been guilty of buying too much at one time. But what are you supposed to do when it gets so cold that you can ’t wear that cute summer sundress or pair of jeans? Relax ya ’ll!! Here are some simple ways to transform your summer trends to fall. Layering: There are so many great ways to layer an outt to make it different and more personal. And there are some that make you look messy and in some cases bulky, typically we want to avoid that. So, if you ’re going for a posh, semi-corporate look layer a cardigan over a tted top. Remember, do not worry so much about matching. For a stylish and more personal touch, mix different fabrics, colors and textures together. Try a military or men ’s inspired blazer over a simple top. Or perhaps pair a vest over a white shirt. Layering is not just for the upper part of your body; it can also be applied towards your bottom half as well. Try wearing tights or leggings with knee high boots. This look keeps you warm and allows you to be fashionable. Jeans: Luckily jeans are multi-seasonal pieces, and this summer wide-leg jeans were a must-have. For a retro look try pairing a plaid shirt and a nice pair of heels with your jeans. And for our lovely ladies who are obsessed with their skinny jeans, try gray denim with a gold or bronze top. Maxi-Dresses: Many of you will be happy to know that you do not have to pack your maxi-dresses up; you can still wear them this fall. All you need to do is pair a light sweater or cardigan and some cute boots with your dresses
for a newsworthy look. Sundresses: The ultra feminine oral dress is a classic piece. They look great with edgy leather, creating a soft-hard balanced look. Or for some extra coverage against the cold, try adding a pair of tights or leggings and a cute cardigan. Shoes: As for foot wear try trading your sandals in for pumps or boots. When you swap out strappy sandals and peep toes for closed-toe heels, your sundress instantly becomes less summery. Scarfs: Scarfs are an essential piece that can complete any look be it warm or cold weather outside. There are many different ways to wear a scarf, so experiment and nd the way that best suits you. For example the innity scarf has become a timeless piece that transcends summer to fall wear. You can wear it in a basic double or triple loop, or you can knot it in the middle and make a pseudo tie. Handbags: Just because the leaves are falling, you don ’t have to drop your cream-colored bag or large carry all. Pair neutral bags with dark, solid separates for a fall inspired look. For an even better look try ats, skinny jeans and a sweater with your pale colored bags for a stylish casual combo. For that carry all try adding a neutral colored scarf or kerchief to make that bag pop. Remember ladies: always keep in the back of your mind that you are here to make trends not follow them. So follow current trends but don ’t be afraid to change them. Don ’t worry my manly friends, I haven ’t forgotten about you. In the next issue I will be addressing how you too can switch your wardrobe from summer to fall.
FEATURES
Oct. 26, 2011
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Religious beginnings of Halloween BY ALEXIS MEEKS | COPY EDITOR In modern times, for most people, Halloween has become a night focused primarily on gore, horror, parties and trick-or-treating. The entire month of October has become geared towards the marketing of the Gothic and pseudo Satanic for the thirty-rst night of the month. There have also been many religious factions that have tried to ban the celebration of this holiday upon the belief that forces or beings of evil use this night to gain a foothold upon the world. From a Secular perspective Kevin Bryant, Macon State College NMAC (New Media and Communications) junior and Book Store sales associate said, “In my lifetime Halloween has become highly commercialized. What I think is really ridiculous is the fact that the holiday has also become a religious hot button. ” However, traditionally within Celtic religions and cultures, the night of Oct. 31 (Samhain Eve) and the entire day of Nov. 1 (Samhain) coincide with the nal harvest of the year, and are celebrated as the New Year Sabbat within these cultures. These two days were used to take stock of the harvest and of how full the granaries were for the coming winter months. Along with preparing the elds, houses and foods for the winter, both days of Samhain were used for celebrations that included bonres, feasts, dancing, trickery and games. The huge bonres were lit so that sacrices or gifts could be made to the gods and to the spirits. During the seventh century the Catholic Church in its quest to spread Christianity adopted the day of Oct. 31 as All Hallows Eve, later to become Hallowe ’en, and Nov. 1 as All Saints Day. These days were used as a celebration of the saints that had been canonized but did not have a day of their own in which they could be celebrated. Later on in the ninth century the Catholic Church named Nov. 2 All Souls Day so as to honor the dead. Together these three days are celebrated as Hallowmas. No matter the religious history behind this much beloved holiday many people feel as if it has greatly changed from its origins. There is also the sentiment that in modern American media the holiday has become somewhat of a joke. Fellow Macon State student and Pagan practitioner Brandy said, “I feel that the modern day Halloween is the same thing as the modern day Christmas or Thanksgiving. All holidays, regardless of origin, have become Americanized and Halloween is no exception. You can nd bits and pieces of their origins in all of them but commercialism has taken over signicantly. Halloween is all about how much money people will spend on decorations, costumes, candy, and festivals. I personally love Halloween and the spirit of it but I feel that it is not an accurate portrayal of its roots. On the ip side, I am happy to see such a wonderful holiday embraced by people of all religions to celebrate the Pagan New Year the same way we do. So I guess that leaves me torn on my opinion of a holiday that is so close to my heart. ” For more information on the progression of Halloween please see: pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenhistory.php
Students spook up for Halloween BY SADE OLAJIDE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Many Macon State College students are elated about the upcoming celebration of Halloween. Even if it ’s ghoulish, sexy, fairy tale or just down right criminal students are ready to show off their character sides. “I ’m probably going to paint my face orange and black, ” Michael Mckeever, a freshman and business management technology major at Macon State, said. He is also going to eat his favorite treat, candy corn. Andrew Sutton, an undecided sophomore, is going to watch scary movies on Halloween day. He decided he was just going to be himself. “My girlfriend is making me dress up as Erick Northman from True Blood, ” Kevin Bryant, a senior and a New Media and Communications major, said. Bryant will later be attending a Halloween after party on November 5th. Some people may celebrate during the weekend, since Halloween is on a Monday this year. Brittany Wilson, a freshman and biology major, might go to a Halloween party or take her little sister trick-or-treating. She wants to be Chucky ’s Bride or a smooth criminal. Her little sister will be Tinkerbell. Jonelle Fyre, a freshman and Biology major is going to the haunted house in Perry. She is going to dress up as a teacher. Halloween is a day that you can step outside the box; look, talk and dress up as anything you want to be. It ’s the spookiest and most amusing time of the year.
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FEATURES
HALLOWEEN CALENDAR Perry Haunted Barn Pricing and Dates • 2235 US HWY 41 N. • 478-319-1048. • Sept. 30, Oct 1, 7,8,14,15,21,22,27 – 31. • 8 p.m. – midnight • Regular Admission: $13 • Military: $11 • Food drive discount: $12 – Bring a can of food and get a dollar off of admission. • Blood drive: Free admission if you donate blood on Oct. 29th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. • The Barn Attic: $5 (Not for children or claustrophobic people) Haunted Montrose • Interstate 16, 2nd Street Montrose, Ga • 478-376-4559 • Sept. 30, Oct. 1,7,8,9,13 – 16,20 – 23,27 – 31. • Thurs and Sun: $16 • Fri, Sat and Halloween: $22 • VIP FAST PASS: $32 at door. $26 Online. • $21 for group – online only Fear Factory • Across from Perry National Fairground. • 478-987-9747 • 8 p.m. – midnight. • Oct 22,23,25 – 31, Nov. 5 – 6,12 – 13 • Admission: $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 12 and under Nightmare on Ivey Drive • Macon Campus College Station Apartments • Gameroom • Oct. 27 • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Lake Joy Trails of Terror • 428 Lake Joy Road Perry, Ga • 478-338-4062 • Oct 1,7,8,14,15,21,22,28,29,31 • 7:30 p.m. – midnight • Admission: $10 per person Monster Dash • Macon Campus at Jones Lakeside Patio • Oct. 27 • 7 p.m. – 11 p.m • Regestration: $10 for faculty, staff and students • Regestration for Community: $20 per person Read In at the Library • MSC Library • Oct. 31: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Scary Movie Night • Student Life is screening Insidious • Oct. 28 • Begins at 7 p.m. • Mathematic Auditorium 13 Stories Haunted House • 2975 Ring Rd Kennesaw, Ga • 770-426-4807 • Open every night leading up to Halloween • Weekdays: dark – 10 p.m. • Fri and Sat: dark – 12 p.m. • Halloween night: dark – 11 p.m. • Admission: $22 per person
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Sudoku
Find out the answers to this puzzle on: studentweb.maconstate.edu/ maconstatement Halloween Weekend Weather Sat. 29
Sun. 30
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High of 67
High of 68 Resource from 13wmaz
High of 70
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College hosts Macon Faces of Homelessness BY STEPHANIE MILLER | COPY EDITOR Recently, the Macon State College political science Introduction to Domestic Issues class in conjunction with the non-prot organization, Macon Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau, hosted a presentation to raise awareness of the realities of homelessness. The presentation included three key speakers, Laura White, Randy Bedingeld, and Eric Chaplin, who have each had rsthand experience with homelessness. The presentations were kicked off by White ’s truly inspiring story. After being raised in a dysfunctional and addiction ridden family, White opted to move out when she was 13-years-old. Despite the number of years she spent in such dire circumstances, with the help of the Rainbow Center White has been able to move into an apartment with her husband and two daughters. Bedingeld was the next to share his story. He was well educated and became a prominent composer and pianist in Macon. However, Bedingeld was turned out of his home by his brother, leaving him with no place to stay. He has since been able to move into a place of his own and currently plays music for several Macon churches. Last, but certainly not least, was Chaplin whose story denitely proved heart wrenching. Abandoned by his mother at age six, Chaplin was forced to live in a group home. After leaving the home, he had no place
to go and so resorted to breaking the law so that he could have “three hots and a cot, ” as he said in the presentation. He has since cleaned up his act and now has a home. Out of all the college-sanctioned events I have attended, this one was by far the most poignant. Since most of us do not encounter homelessness on a day-to-day basis, we often adopt the adage “out of sight, out of mind. ” It is this type of ignorance and sheer apathy that have ensured that the issue of homelessness continues. I have personally witnessed both sides of how people deal with those who are homeless. On the one hand, you have those few who engage them in conversation and treat them as normal human beings. Alternatively you have the people who fear the homeless and treat them as social pariahs. In her portion of the presentation, White said that one of the worst things about being homeless was “having people ignore you. It makes you feel invisible. ” Every person deserves respect and compassion, no matter what their circumstances are. Chaplin made the comment that “homelessness has a lot of different faces ” so just “respect them and talk to them. ” You never know, you may be able to help them or simply reassure them that there are people who care. For information on the Faces of Homelessness Speakers ’ Bureau or to nd out what you can do to help ght homelessness, visit: maconfaces.tumblr.com.
Review of the Ga. National Fair BY STEPHANIE MILLER | COPY EDITOR As most of you already know, the Georgia National Fair has come and gone. Those of you that set aside your studies to make the trek to Perry probably noticed the incredible amount of people that attended. The crowd was a bit extensive for my personal taste, especially since it caused numerous trafc jams in certain areas. One such area was around the Jeff Smith/WDEN performance stage, and for good reason. The Innity Show Band picked great classic songs and executed them wonderfully. Vocal Trash picked good songs as well, but also used common items such as trash cans and brooms to create music, which I found very impressive. I do not usually spend much time at the shows, however, I did attend the Hypnotist show this year. This show is a must-see even if you do not believe in hypnosis. It was well worth it to watch grown men doing ballet. I was also able to watch the Shenaniguns! Comedy Wild West Show, which was basically a Western version of The Three Stooges. This one was geared more toward small children but still proved entertaining to those of us adults who enjoy crass humor.
Now onto the fun stuff: The rides. As someone who barely survived the Tilt-A-Whirl, I am afraid I cannot offer much input on the rides. I will say, however, that the classic Ferris wheel and potato sack slide cannot be beaten. My personal favorite though would have to be the Agri-Lift. This ride moves relatively slow and can be relaxing, unless of course you go on it with someone who enjoys bouncing. All in all, there is no better way to enjoy the music, see the fair and escape the crowds. While some people go to the fair to go on rides or see the animals, most go to the fair for the food. After all, it is hard to nd turkey legs and funnel cakes the other 50.5 weeks of the year. While the food looked and smelled delicious, I did not actually purchase any. “Why? ”, you may ask. The prices were outrageous. As much as I love funnel cakes, I am not willing to pay over $6 for one with just powdered sugar. The sights, sounds and food aromas were all conducive to a good atmosphere which was enjoyed by myself and the group I went with. All in all, the fair provides a great opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family away from the books. So next year when the fair rolls around, if you have a little extra cash and some free time, I highly suggest that you grab some friends and go. It is denitely worthwhile.
SPORTS
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Club Sports requiring large commitments BY KALEB CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR AND CLINARD STOKES | STAFF WRITER Some students are quick to judge a club sports team because of the title ‘club ’ that goes with it, but what many don ’t fully understand is how much commitment club sports require out of their players. Some people when they sign up to play a club sport at Macon State may not realize how much effort really goes into participating. They may think of it as being a regular club whose time commitments tend to be lower than that of club sports. Director of Recreation and Wellness James Hagler said, “Every single club [sport] that we have practices at least two days a week and even after the week they might have weekend games. ” He went on to say, “I can ’t think of another club that has regular meetings two to four times a week. ” President and Coach of the Baseball Club, J.P. Mitchell, said, “We tell all our players what time they are expected to be at practices and games in the fall and the spring. As well, we tell them this prior to early registration. ” This allows the baseball players to schedule their classes around baseball practice, thus preparing the players for their schedule consisting of forty games in the spring. One thing that Macon State tries to do with their club sports is to keep them active with games to play, but this also leads to a larger time commitment from the players. Hagler said “Soccer is going into their last weekend into the season. They have had one off weekend since mid- September. ” In regards to commitment to club sports, one must consider the cost each one requires of its members to play and how the costs tie into the player ’s commitment to the club. Hagler said, “When you get into club sports the minimum dues paid for an individual club member ranges from, I think it ’s $50 a semester is the minimum up to $1165 for the year for cheer. ” Even though the dues are high, each club sport sets up many different ways for its members to pay off their dues together as a team. Hagler said, “Cheer does a lot of fundraising and a lot of other things. ” Fundraising does help the players in their overall nancial commitment to a club, but on the other hand, fundraising is another time commitment. Participating in club sports is a rewarding experience with opportunities such as making new friends, learning teamwork, getting exercise, and having fun. However, for those that may not view club sports as serious teams, try asking the players about their commitments to their club sports and see just how serious they are.
For news on sports or game times, go to bluestorm.maconstate.edu
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Womens basketball experiences rollercoaster ride to first game BY KALEB CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR The Blue Storm women ’s basketball team has had a rough road leading to their rst potential game with more ups and down than a rollercoaster ride. Thanks to strong commitment from the members of the Basketball Club, on Nov. 4, the women ’s basketball team will play their rst game against Trinity Baptist in Jacksonville, Florida. Women ’s basketball originally tried to create a team to play in the fall of 2010, but due to a lack of players, the idea crumbled. Director of Recreation and Wellness, James Hagler said, “Last year our open tryouts, including men and women, we only had two women come out. ” Over the summer of 2011, while working with Hagler, freshmen Samantha Hagan decided to try to make the idea of having a women ’s basketball team a reality. Hagan said, “I started it [the team] because we needed more women organizations in the school. ” Shortly after plans began to come together, tryouts were held for the new team and eleven women showed up to play. Then the Basketball Club began holding group practices, including both the men ’s and women ’s teams. With the team established and on its way to their rst planned game in November, the dominoes began to fall. “It ’s like we ’re decreasing. Girls aren ’t coming. We started off with at least nine but now it ’s like ve, today it ’s four, ” Kristen Blake, member of the women ’s basketball team said at their Sept. 15 practice. Later in September, Hagan announced that she would not be able to be a part of women ’s basketball because she didn ’t have the time to commit. Without a president and with more players not attending practices, the promising start to the women ’s team was now at risk of failing. Hagler said, “We did lose a few people. We were down to, at one point we had three in there a time, and it may be a different three each time that we practiced. ” The Basketball Club was originally established to encompass both the men ’s and women ’s teams. Jayce Goosby, who at the beginning of this semester took up the position of head coach of the Basketball Club, became the new president of the men ’s and women ’s teams after Hagan ’s resignation.
In late September, with their rst game quickly approaching, the Basketball Club came together and chose to have another tryout for women ’s basketball on Sept. 30. After the tryouts the women ’s basketball team grew to 10 members, enough players to play their rst game on Nov. 4. According to Hagler, the women ’s basketball team will play 5-8 games this semester. “Some of the schools we are playing against are startup programs, ” said Hagler. This will allow the new women ’s team to get organized while competing against players who are on a similar playing eld as they are.
Are You Interested in Sports? Come and join our team! If you would like to know more, please contact Sports Editor Kaleb Clark at sportseditor@maconstate.edu
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Oct. 26, 2011
Fast pitch softball comes to Macon State BY KALEB CLARK | SPORTS EDITOR Two students, Violina Lilova and Lindsey Williamson have come together with the goal of establishing a fast pitch Softball Club at Macon State. Director of Recreation and Wellness James Hagler said, “Similar to what J.P. has done with baseball and what Ashley did with cheer, ” he continued, “ They ’re getting things started. ” On Oct. 18 two information sessions were held in the gym on campus. A total of fteen women showed up to nd out more about the new club. At the sessions, Lilova and Williamson explained that dues will be set at $100. According to Williamson, dues will be used for uniforms, eld work, helmets, bats, balls, and then eventually the price of joining the National Club Softball Association (NCSA). Lilova said to the women interested in joining the club, “Don ’t be like intimidated if you haven ’t played for a couple years, come out. Then also don ’t look at it as ‘oh it ’s just something to do. ’ Yes, the rst year is very like kinda mellow you know trying to get everything started and stuff, but we want to be serious about this. ” Williamson said, “We want to compete at a competitive level. ” The club ’s goals are to rst get the club organized, nd players, x up their home softball eld behind the gym, play some scrimmage games, and then to join the NCSA, similar to the NCBA that the Baseball Club currently competes in. Hagler said that there are currently six to eight club/junior varsity teams that the Softball Club can play against in Georgia. As of right now, the softball elds behind the gym are in poor condition. Photo by Kaleb Clark Lilova and Williamson decided to take advantage of that by having the club Vice President Lindsey Williamson (Left) and President Violina Lilova (Right) members help x up the elds themselves. “If you don ’t have a good connection with your team mates then it ’s not going to work, ” said Lilova. Having the club x up the elds themselves would build team comradery, establish a pride for their home eld, and give students a place to watch the Softball Club play on campus. As of right now Lilova is the acting president and Williamson is the vice club sandwiches premium salads president. In the club ’s constitution, it is written that for the rst two years of Try one of our 3 new club sandwiches. Piled high with the best Stacked with premium ingredients and ingredients, made fresh to order. the Softball Club Lilova and Williamson will trade ofcer duties each year. made fresh, just for you. pped Tryouts for the Softball Club are scheduled for Oct. 25 and 26 from 5 – 7 an Cho lub i C l b a b o It C p.m. at the softball elds behind the gym. Salad If you can ’t make it out to tryouts feel free to contact any of the following people for more information. James Hagler (james.hagler@maconstate.edu) or Violina Lilova (violina.lilova@maconstate.edu) or Lindsey Williamson MACON MACO (lindsey.williamson@maconstate.edu)
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