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January 28, 2016
Spring graduation pushed to one day Jordan Barela
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jlbarela@valdosta.edu
Photo taken by Tatyana Phelps/THE SPECTATOR Student Lenton Swint was found shot at his home on Cherokee Street (top, bottom left). Police discovered his body in his doorway. He later died at South Georgia Medical Center.
VSU student slain in shooting, suspects arrested Tatyana Phelps
MANAGING EDITOR tnphelps@valdosta.edu A VSU student and three other suspects were arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection with a shooting that resulted in the death of another VSU student on Monday. According to the Valdosta Daily Times, sophomore Lenton Swint was found with a bullet wound to the head on the front doorway of a duplex residence on Cherokee Street. Swint was transported to South Georgia Medical Center in critical condition and was pronounced dead shortly after. According to reports, police have determined that the incident was drug related. In a VDT article, a friend of the victim said that he and Swint were walking toward the duplex when they noticed two African-American males standing in the front yard. The two asked
to speak a resident of the home. Swint’s friend later heard a knock at the door, followed by a gunshot. That is when he discovered that Swint had been shot. Brian Sutton, Johnny Slocumb Jr., and Kelvin Latchie were arrested by Valdosta police Wednesday afternoon. Daryn Wooten was arrested by the Houston County Sheriff ’s Office. Latchie was charged with felony murder. The other three suspects were charged with being party to the crime of felony murder, according to the Valdosta Police Department. Monday afternoon, shortly after the sound of gunshots, several police cars arrived in the 1000 block of Cherokee Street, right off of Baytree Road around 6:30 p.m. Several people at the shopping center adjacent to the street that the incident took place on gathered around and watched as police searched for clues. “I was at work, taking the trash out when I noticed all the offi-
cers,” said Aaron Knight, manager at Fabulous Pizza. “I asked what happened, and the officer told me someone had been shot.” Knight added that he hadn’t heard any gunshots prior to the arrival of the police. Tuesday afternoon, Interim President Staton sent out an email to VSU faculty and staff expressing his condolences. This has been the second death of a VSU student in the past two weeks. “This is what our countries war on drugs has resulted in,” said Forrest Walker, middle grades education major. It has created a black market where, sadly, things like this happen on a daily basis. But it’s shocking and saddening to hear about another student dying at such a young age.” Counseling is available at VSU for students who need emotional support during this time.
Spring commencement will be a late bloomer this year. On Monday, the commencement schedule for the spring 2016 graduates was changed. The confirmation of the change came from VSU’s official Twitter account. In the past, commencement ceremonies have been held on Friday and Saturday. The change has moved all the commencement ceremonies to Saturday, May 7. The new commencement schedule begins with the graduate school convocation at 10 a.m. The College of Business, Arts and Education and Human Services convocation will be held at 1 p.m. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences and Arts and Sciences convocation will be at 4 p.m. There will also be a spring commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. “Our plans include separate convocations that will allow each college to celebrate uniquely their graduates and accomplishments while also offering a university commencement program and speaker that will be a more fitting celebration and tradition for our graduates and a university of our stature,” Interim President Cecil Staton said. According to Staton, the change in the commencement schedule came about from suggestions from both students and parents, since arriving at VSU seven months ago. “Hearing frustrations about space, logistics, and the fact that VSU has not had the opportuni-
ty for a grand commencement celebration with a noted commencement speaker like our peer institutions, and having surveyed other institutions, we have decided to respond to both concerns and suggestions by launching a new VSU graduation tradition this spring,” Staton said. Staton confirmed that there will be a notable speaker to address the graduates, along with a new celebration tradition. With the announcement of the commencement change, an online petition has already surfaced on change.org. The petition, which is addressed directly to President Staton, wants to revert back to the original graduation schedule. Since the start of the petition, the petition has garnered a total of 531 supporters. Staton responded to the petition stating that the petition “seeks to manufacture a controversy where none actually exists.” Staton also added that the change of the commencement schedule has already received positive feedback. “Those involved in planning for the day, however, gladly welcome input and suggestions for making sure this is a great day for our graduates and their families,” Staton said. He also added that there are a number of logistical changes that need be sorted before May. “While all changes bring challenges, we are confident students and their families will enjoy what we have planned for spring commencement and that this will be the beginning of a new tradition at Valdosta State University,” Staton said.
INSIDE:
Fashion Forward
VSU student Taylor Morrell promotes positivity and hope through clothing line
See pg 6
Tyler Gerken contributed to this report
Out with the old, in with the new VSU welcomes new football coach Kerwin Bell
See pg 7
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January 28, 2016
DID YOU
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“Follow a basic eating plan with portions from the basic food groups.” -cdc.org
Announcements Intramural Sports Registration Deadline Extended The deadline to register a team for intramural sports has been extended to Jan. 29. Students can register as a team or individually. For more information, contact Dylan Volpintesta at dsvolpintesta@valdosta.edu.
Courageous Conversations The conversation continues today and it will be held in the First Floor Auditorium of Jennett Hall at 7 p.m. The event tonight is called “The Path of Our Narratives.”
Witch Hunt movie showing The Alpha Phi Sigma National CJ Honor Society will be hosting a movie night showing the film “Witch Hunt.” The movie will be screened tonight in Nevins Hall room 1061, starting at 5 p.m.
Ping Pong Tournament Campus Recreation will host a ping pong tournament called “Paddle Battle” on Jan. 30. The tournament will start at 1 p.m. For more infor mation, visit Campus Recreation or call 229-333-5898.
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Graphic by Jordan Barela/THE SPECTATOR Study abroad offers a variety of exotic locations to fill core requirements. Other places to study abroad include Czech Republic, London and Ireland, among others.
Study abroad offers a variety of options Geneva Crooks
Staff Writer grcrooks@valdosta.edu If the thought of traveling the world while earning college cred its sounds like a dream come true, perhaps studying abroad should be considered. VSU offers an extensive study abroad program with nearly end less possibilities of what students can learn and where they can go. Benefits to studying abroad don’t only include seeing the world and taking classes—al though these are a big catch. Oth er benefits include self-discovery, making lifelong friends, and even the extra push students need on graduate school applications. One of the biggest benefits is the job opportunities after studying abroad. Studying abroad makes students more culturally aware and better candidates for jobs. When employers see that a
student has studied abroad, they are often intrigued, especially since only one percent of college graduates actually ever do study abroad. Being able to show inter est in other places gives students an edge in the job market. Some of the places VSU offers for its study abroad trips include Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, London, Paris, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Japan, among many others. Regardless of a student’s major, there are plenty of faraway places to go. Prices range from $2,650 to $6,000 and financial aid can cover some costs. There are both morning and afternoon classes depending on preference, and expenses such as airfare, boarding, and means of travel after arrival are often included in the total cost. Although these trips may be a little pricey, there is a large variety of fundraising ideas and
scholarships to get a trip paid for. It may seem like a big pill to swallow, but with proper plan ning, it is possible. Fundraising can be as simple as tutoring for a few semesters. Studying abroad is an experi ence that students remember for a lifetime, but there are a few things to consider before mak ing the decision to go or putting down the first payment. Consider the cost and what all it includes. Some programs don’t include things such as food in the total cost. Also, consider the amount due and payment dead lines. For example, if a student wants to fundraise, he or she must make sure to have ample time to raise the money. It is also important to make sure the class will apply to students’ majors, especially since studying abroad can be costly. Studying abroad is about learning, exploring and having fun.
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January 28, 2016
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Dear Muslims Mayah Cantave
Our point of view...
College Life Editor mcantave@valdosta.edu
New graduation schedule needs clear explanation By now, most students are probably aware that the school administration has changed the graduation schedule for Spring 2016. According to the new schedule, all graduations will be held on one day— Saturday, May 7. The schedule change is opposed to the lineup VSU has had in the past, where the first set of graduation ceremonies are held on Friday evening, and the remaining ceremonies follow on Saturday. Although it has not been confirmed if each student will have to attend two separate ceremonies—a convocation for their respective college and a commencement ceremony for the entire graduating class— one thing is certain: some students are not happy about this change. As an editorial staff, we feel like this change needs to be more clearly explained to the VSU community. Some students have waited more than 22 years for this moment, and the possibility that any plans that have already been made may need to be altered or even eliminated is disappointing. Graduation should be intimate and personal, and this new setup diminishes both of those characteristics. Now, there will be even more graduates at one ceremony, which makes it far from intimate. Moreover, if there are more graduates in one ceremony, more guests will be in
attendance as well. This runs the risk of there not being enough space for family members and friends, or it could mean that there may be a limit to how many guests each graduate can invite. Of course, this could be a huge problem for students who have large families. Our staff agrees that if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it. If there are certain reasons that we need to have only one commencement ceremony, then our interim president needs to make those reasons clear to us. It doesn’t make sense that a new schedule is put on the VSU website or that a statement has been made via Facebook, but we haven’t been given any explanation as to why this day that we’ve waited so long for is being changed and possibly ruined. It’s unbelievable that an event that is supposed to be all about honoring graduates was changed without giving us clear and immediate details. Not only are students ill about the recent changes, everyone is extremely confused. The entire student body deserves a clear, in-depth explanation about the events that will take place on May 7 and why it has been decided. We’ve all put a lot of time, energy, and money into this institution. It is not too much to ask for one day—our day, to be perfect.
This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and expresses the general opinion of The Spectator.
Dear Muslims, Donald Trump is not a representation of the United States. We Americans tend to be ignorant, but we know that one does not represent the majority. Recently, Donald Trump called for a ban for all Muslims to enter or travel to the U.S. He also had a silent protestor, who just happened to be Muslim, removed from his rally. She is seen at the rally wearing a shirt that says, “Salam, I come in peace.” Outrage isn’t even the word. Not only is he discriminating, Trump is removing this woman of her free speech. He commented on the commotion at his rally. “There is hatred against us that is unbelievable,” Trump said. “It’s their hatred, it’s not our hatred.” Outrage isn’t even the word. As writers and advocates for free speech, the Spectator staff has no words. His comments gear towards the idea that he is doing America a favor. What favor? Demonstrating hate? Racism? America is known to be the home of the brave and the land of the free. When did this stop being our staple? “Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life,” said Trump. Every time Trump speaks his racist and bigoted views shine bright. First, he had a problem with Hispanics, now he has a problem with Muslims. Sooner or later, he’s going to have no one but himself. America is more than hate. We are the melting pot of the world. We are the strong. We are the fearless. We are everything that Donald Trump is not. So, dear Muslims, don’t let Trump’s views deter you from loving and living your life here in America.
We are on the hunt for VSU’s favorite couple! The Spectator’s 4th annual Show Your Love Contest begins next week.
Details to come...
Letter to the Editor...
More transparency needed The Editors, Sorry that I am rather behind the times here, but I still want to express my thoughts about a couple of things going on at VSU. First, I want to congratulate the previous editors of the Spectator for their excellent coverage of the issues leading up to the resignation of former President [William] McKinney. Spectator coverage
Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Barela Managing Editor: Tatyana Phelps Opinions Editor: Kenzie Kesselring College Life Editor: Mayah Cantave Sports Editor: Gabe Burns Photo Editor: Kyle Dawson Web Editor: Kayla Stroud Multimedia Editor: Darian Harris Social Media Editor: Tyra Mills Copy Editor: Zenobia Harris
was far superior to that of the Valdosta Daily Times. Actually, the Daily Times did not cover the story at all even though more than one person wrote informing them of important issues developing at VSU. The faculty senate under Dr. Michael Noll performed admirably; unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the current pack. The administration has
never spoken truthfully about the faculty dismissals and the reasons for them. Supposedly, President [Cecil] Staton gave the academic dean in cooperation with all department chairs the assignment of deciding what faculty members to cut, but it was never clear as to whether or not the dean and chairs were given a specific number of faculty to cut or if that decision was made by the president. Once the number of
faculty to be released was determined, the administration never made public who or what entity chose which departments were to lose positions nor how many in each department. Obviously, the dept. chairpersons did not recommend to the dean that a certain number of positions from their departments be cut. So, the question is, who decided which departments were going to lose positions and how many. This is extremely important because
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apparently no administrative positions were lost. It has long been known that VSU was top heavy in administration positions. Further, no positions in the athletic dept. were lost. In sum, a certain number of academic positions were lost, and the public still does have a complete list of them and who decided which departments had to lose positions. The administration did give a sort of governmental disclosure, stating that
positions were lost based on number of credit hours produced! This is double talk, and even the Spectator failed to pursue this. I expect to write more about this later. With all best wishes, William Fuller, Associate Professor of English (retired) VSU
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January 28, 2016
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Are words the problem?
The debate over political correctness rages on Olivia Studdard
Staff Writer oastuddard@valdosta.edu Growing up I was always taught not to call people names on the playground. I was always a rather quiet and soft-spoken child, so taunting and teasing was never really something that crossed my mind. However, the older I got, the more I learned that it wasn’t simply harmful words that my mother was trying to teach me to turn against; it was an entire way of living, an entire way of phrasing that seems to change every single day. But as I grow older and learn to think for myself, especially as I entered this “think for yourself” institution called college, I’ve learned that sometimes what you are saying is all in the context of how you say it. Sure there are plenty of derogatory phrases and words and cruel and negative people who use them against others, but do I truly think that everyone who is deemed politically incorrect started their day with the intention of being such? It seems that each day there are more and more words being added to the growing list of things we see as offensive. I’m not sure how many people have to write to their citizen poll to make it a big deal, or how many angry people have to post about it on Facebook, but
So what are we to do? Keep tip-toeing around everyone’s feelings? it must be a decent amount because the number of the offended is growing at an epidemic rate. However, there are some who feel the outrage is justified, warranted even. Just this week at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona there was an incident of politically incorrect proportion when six senior girls decided to rearrange the innocent message of their High School’s t-shirt into a racial slur and snapchat it to a friend. All it took was one screenshot for the picture to go viral and these girls to be shamed across the country for one bad decision. Valdosta State senior communications major DeAunte Holloway feels that people will get offended no matter what is said to them. “As an African American, our culture gets offended by anything these days. If someone calls us ‘black’ we get offended. If a white guy says the ‘N’ word we get offended but it’s OK if we say it to another black person. I just don’t understand it,” Holloway said. When did we as a soci-
ety start caring so much about what everyone else labeled us as? We could trace it back farther than you or I’ve been around, but the true question we should be asking ourselves is: does it really matter? “I think it started way back when my girl Eve bit the apple. This has been going around forever. But when did I start noticing? Probably around the 2008 presidential election. That’s when people started making it a big deal because we had a president who was different than the others,” freshman Nick Taylor said. It does seem that the “politically correct squad” shows up in defense of anyone who is different. Suddenly the words “handicapped” and “bum” and “fairy” have new meanings in conversations that will seemingly long outlive the old ones. So what are we to do? Keep tip-toeing around everyone’s feelings? That’s for you to decide. This battle has been taking place for a long time now. If we want anything done now, it’s time to put down our shields of offense and deal with the problem. Just for the record and in the name of being honest, both of the students who I quoted in this article had to rephrase their statements many times in order to not offend anyone. How’s that for politically correct?
TheBlueDiamondGallery
Keep the kids in mind when reforming education Erin Martin
Staff Writer erimartin@valdosta.edu In a new and digital age, it’s important that classrooms promote open discussions so that students can not only learn fundamental information, but learn to form healthy opinions and communication skills. Considering my personal education and upbringing, I remember having a lot of questions that went unanswered; being inquisitive about the world and thirsty for knowledge. A lot of the time in school, I felt that I was learning information I would never need for my future career. It wasn’t until I got to college that I could focus on my personal interests. There used to be more art and music programs for children in school so that boys and girls could learn how to interact with one another. A lot of arts and sports programs have been removed from schools while they focus on funding in other areas.
Students spend seven to eight hours in school, and when they finally get home, they spend more time completing homework assignments, projects, and studying. The EOCT, Gateway, PSAT, and ACT tests give students who aren’t yet adults stresses for perfection that they can’t always handle. I think that this leads to the college dropouts and students finding trouble after graduating high school. Middle school and high school students in different parts of America also receive different levels of education. It’s known that in poor areas, city funding is low for better education and books, and consequentially, students suffer. There should almost be an outcry for not only stronger education, but teachers who are invested in the students’ futures. Of course, when it comes to education, there will never be enough. Knowledge is power. The standards for children everywhere should continue to grow. However,
after students graduate from high school, I think it is important to let them choose which path they should take instead of forcing college down their throats. Education should change in a different direction; focusing less on the many formulas in trigonometry, and focusing more on how math in general can prepare students for success. “Middle and high school was easy for me, but I know some of my friends struggled. I think it’s all in how you apply yourself and how serious you are about your education,” said Tierra Francois, senior mass communication major. “Education has changed so much over the years; kids are learning things in third grade that we learned when we were in the sixth,” said Brandon Wilkes, sophomore biology major. “Society expects a lot out of kids and sometimes, it’s more than they are capable of or will push themselves to be.”
Sean Penn’s interview with El Chapo justifiable Carlius Williams
Staff Writer carwilliams@valdosta.edu Is El Chapo a master drug dealer or grand champion at hide-and-seek? He was born Joaquin Guzmán Loera, a Mexican drug lord who is known for evading police and has even escaped jail a couple times. His last escape was through a mile-long hole in the bathroom of his cell that led to a construction site. During his last escape from prison, he met with Sean Penn. Some were wondering if it was for Penn to discuss possibly playing Loera in an autobiography, or did El Chapo believe that Sean Penn was the perfect journalist worthy of his first interview? In the interview, El
Chapo discussed his development and upbringing into the drug game and how, at the tender age of six, he had to sell oranges and soft drinks to provide for his poor family. By 15, he was selling and growing marijuana and poppies. “I supply more heroin, meth, cocaine, and marijuana than anybody else in the world. I have a fleet of submarines, airplanes, trucks, and boats,” said El Chapo in the Rolling Stone interview. His fortune is worth an estimated $1 billion. Even though most of it came covered in blood, Guzmán does not consider himself a violent man. He once denied being in the drug business in 1993 by simply
saying that he farmed and sold corn and beans. The simple fact that the world’s most successful kingpin is having interviews with actors like Penn all while just having escaped a prison is crazy. The escape cost a lot of governmental officials their jobs. There was even a modified motorcycle to run in low-oxygen environment deep underground to guarantee his escape. In what was his first interview in decades, he appeared in a silk shirt and pressed pants. Surrounded by his troop of more than 100 men, El Chapo, Penn and Kate Del Castillo met in a jungle on top of a mountain. Police troops surrounded the place a couple
days after the interview, but El Chapo escaped unharmed and continued the interview with Blackberry messenger and with video messaging. El Chapo has become a folk hero for his many successful escapes from high security prisons. It may seem like he is a professional hide-and-seek champion, but what makes him act in this particular way? The War on Drugs is definitely not working when addiction has been steadily rising and the number of murders within the Mexican drug cartel have risen in recent years. Why is so much focus on this one individual from all media outlets? It makes me feel like there is something that we are not
paying attention to. Many journalists are asking for Penn’s head since he was the first person to successfully interview El Chapo and that says a lot. It seems to me that Penn was at the right place at the right time. He even said that the interview was a failure, because instead of focusing on the big picture many are more concerned on what he did to get the interview with El Chapo when he is not even a journalist. The point of the interview was to understand El Chapo’s character. Who’s to say that El Chapo didn’t start with good morals as a kid? Who’s to say that drugs weren’t the only answer to his problem? I know plenty of people
who turn to drugs and feel as though drugs are their only way to escape. By becoming a drug lord he was able to provide for his poor family. The character of a drug dealer will seem unethical and evil to someone who has never went without a meal or two. El Chapo escaping jail should not be the most talked about story in news when, in 2016, you still have American children getting shot by police for no good reason. The question should become what needs to be changed about the War on Drugs, and is it more of a war against those who have versus those who strive to get it?
January 28, 2016
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According to didyouknow.org, 160 billion emails are sent daily, 97% of which are spam.
New app ‘Once’ aims to revolutionize college dating Miles Brown
STAFF WRITER milbrown@valdosta.edu For those looking for easier ways to connect with potential matches, the Once app on iTunes is for you. College mctcampus.com students will gravitate to this app due to its ability to generate one potential match a day. This can give someone time to connect with the match and hopefully gain a connection as opposed to being overApple music by adding super high audio whelmed with hundreds of matches prevalent with other resolution and limiting it exclusively to usapps. Also the app has many privacy features and can allow ers with Lightning headphones. the user to display first name, height, age and the city they Although Apple is just trying to keep their live in. The app also shows how far or near the person who place at the forefront of new-age technolis matched to you is. ogy, it must be said that there are quite a The Once app is very simple to use, just create your few flaws in this plan. profile and request to be matched. Once matched with a This change in design is completely unfair profile you can message them. Another benefit that the app and inconvenient to long-time Apple users has is that it only allows you to see the person who you are who also own Beats headphones from Beats matched with and vice versa. This keeps a sense of privacy Electronics, formerly known as Beats by and allows you to focus on a potential match one at a time. Dre before Apple purchased the company in With college kids’ minds all over the place this app can be 2014. what many need when it comes to dating. As many of you may know Beats HeadThis app is 12.9MB and is located in the lifestyle section phones are very popular and very expensive of the Apple store! It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and with their prices starting as high as $140 for iPod touch and besides it being Apple exclusive you must a pair of earbuds. be 17-years-old to download. This is due to mild sexual This new design would force all longtime context and nudity as well as mature and suggestive themes. Apple users with Beats headphones to purThe app is available in various languages such as English, chase all new headphones with an all new Dutch, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Lightning cord in order to use the iPhone 7. Even though the app has many cool features unfortunately The new iPhone will more than likely be the there is little known about users’ experiences due to few most expensive iPhone yet, so it is extreme- customer ratings. ly inconsiderate of Apple to force their loyal This app has the potential to become popular with college customers out of their hard earned cash in students. However, due to its limited exposure and being such a crude fashion. relatively new, it might take some time for the people to catch on.
Apple may drop headphone jack Jada Dukes STAFF WRITER
jldukes@valdosta.edu
There have been shocking rumors making their rounds in the tech world in regards to Apple’s iPhone 7. According to Forbes, a pair of sources from Apple’s Chinese supply chain have both confirmed that Apple is making plans to make a major change in the design of the new iPhone 7. The rumor is that Apple is planning on ditching the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack in their upcoming design which would then make the Lightning port the new headphone jack. There has been speculation that Apple is choosing to ditch the headphone jack in hopes of creating the thinnest smartphone on the market and also pushing iPhone users to purchase wireless headphones. Forbes contributor Gordon Kelly made very valid points in his article about the new iPhone design schemes. In his article, Kelly mentioned that with the Lightning port, being used as a headphone jack and a charging port, would allow for wireless charging and that Apple is also planning to improve the quality of
Weekly Weird: Olive Oil to cure HIV and cancer? Olive oil is an essential household item. It’s used for cooking, hair, and is often used as an anti-aging skincare product. MANAGING EDITOR tnphelps@valdosta.edu How shocked would you be if you found out that olive oil can even be used as a cure for HIV and cancer? If you’re having a difficult time believing this, it’s because you are right. As hopeful as people are to find cures for HIV and cancer, unfortunately, olive oil is not one of them. According to iflscience.com, 63-year-old Gilbert Deya has been giving people false hope that he has somehow developed a specialized formula of olive oil that can cure HIV and cancer. Apparently, Deya has been selling HIV and cancer victims “personally anointed” bottles of extra virgin olive oil, according to The Sun. It’s actually pretty disgusting and inhumane that a man would give people the idea that by only using his “special” oil and no other oil, their illness will disappear. However, it isn’t completely ridiculous that it has been so easy for Deya to sell this idea to people. According to IFLS, “Olive oil, key to the famous ‘Mediterranean diet,’ is rich in ‘healthy’ fats called monounsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial for cholesterol levels and blood sugar. In addition, olive oil contains high levels of the antioxidant oleocanthal, which lab studies have shown can exert anticancer activities on cells in a dish.” Oddly enough, Deya isn’t the first person to believe that olive oil is an all-healing substance. The Victorious Pentecostal Assembly sold concoctions of olive oil mixed with blackcurrant juice a few years ago, claiming that it could cure diseases such as HIV and cancer. Although olive oil has all of these health benefits and great characteristics, this does not mean that this commonly used item can do something as huge as healing people with HIV or with cancer. A cure is out there somewhere, but we can probably bet that it won’t be found in our kitchen cabinets.
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January 28, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
DID YOU
KNOW?
According to Uberfacts, a study conducted says LSD is actually one of the least dangerous drugs.
Entrepreneurial student launches own brand Terrance Johnson
STAFF WRITER terrjohnson@valdosta.edu Taylor Morrell, a senior mass media major from East Atlanta, Georgia, has created Hallelujah Trends, a brand that promotes individuality, creativity, and people being true to themselves. Upon meeting the Hallelujah Trends founder, you are almost instantly affected by the positive energy that she gives off. Morrell’s brand is a reflection of her personality, and the ideas that her brand promotes are ones that she also strives to live by. The official launch of Hallelujah Trends was in August of 2015, but the vision for it traces way back to 2012. What started off as just stickers and buttons has transpired into a more profound vision for the young Morrell. She wants her brand
to one day be recognized as one that actually impacted the way that people lived their lives. Morrell plans to launch Hallelujah jewelry soon, as well as revamping the original black and white t-shirt for her dedicated followers. She is also planning to have her brand represented in at least one store by the end of the summer and possibly even sooner, as she is in talks with multiple owners. Morrell comes from an entrepreneurial background as both of her parents own their businesses as well. Her dad is a sergeant for the Atlanta Police Depart-
ment, but also owns a security business, while her mom is a realtor for film and television clients. “I look up to my mother for inspiration,” Morrell said. “Everything I am is because of her.” Being a young, African American woman comes with its barriers, but Morrell takes on the challenge all while starting a business and still attending school. “I am limited as a young black female entrepreneur because of society’s lagging response to white supremacy,” Morrell said. “With that being said, I strive past those barriers by encouraging unity, peace and non-discrimination. Each time someone from a different creed, color, ethnicity, or religion, wears one of my shirts, I am one step closer to breaking free of social stipulations and ‘barriers.’” Hallelujah Trends, a brand strengthening peace, individuality, equality, and salvation, can be ordered on Hallelujahtrends.com.
LSD to increase focus and creativity Kelsey Dickerson
STAFF WRITER kedickerson@valdosta.edu You might associate LSD with the 70’s or the rave scene, but the drug is getting a new face. Young professionals all over the United States are experimenting with subperceptual doses of psychedelic drugs to boost performance and creativity. The new trend, dubbed “microdosing,” has some science backing it’s use, but professionals are still weary, noting that even in small doses, psychedelic drugs can have some ill side effects. If you tried this new trend to boost your focus on school work, you wouldn’t be alone. Just like the widely prescribed Adderall, which have the same effect as
small doses of psychedelics; it can be addictive and have to be taken every day to be useful. A micro-dosing user of LSD only has to take between 10 and 15 micrograms of substance every four days to experience the drug’s benefits, and runs no risk of becoming addicted. The micro-dosing experience is said to be a lot like drinking strong coffee—the user becomes more focused and alert. Some even say they feel “more connected” with the world. In a Forbes article, Robert Glatter, MD, discuseed LSD’s effects including elevated heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and even miscarriage if a full dose of the drug is consumed, not to mention seizures and bouts of hallucinations. Psychedelics are also shown
to work poorly with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, which are used to combat depression. Reports from Dr. James Fadiman, who did a study on microdosing n 2011, suggest that microdosing could alleviate depression without the need for SRRIs. Drugs like LSD are also hard to obtain in their purest form. Because LSD and other psychotropic drugs are illegal in the United States, they can be laced with other drugs when purchased and could therefore cause side-effects unknown to the user. The drugs may may result in a “bad trip” causing severely altered brain function instead of a desired outcome.
Photos Courtesy of Dexter Davis
VSU Fine Arts Gallery hosts Valdosta 2016 National
SAVE THE DATE!
Ground Hog Shadow Day VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
U C M a g n o l i a Ro o m T U E S DAY, F E B RUA RY 2 • 9 a m - 1 p m
Event Registration: www.valdosta.edu/career Julie Jernigan/THE SPECTATOR
Sponsored by The VSU Office of Career Opportunities 229.333.7172 or 229.333.5942
Starting on Jan. 19 VSU hosts the Valdosta State University Dedo Maranville Fine Arts Gallery’s Valdosta National 2016. Over 330 works have art have been created by 115 artists from around the U.S. were submitted to the competition and exhibition. 47 works of art created by 42 artists from 28 states will be featured and in competition for $1,500. The gallery is free and open to the public unil Feb. 5. The exhibit is located on the first floor of the Fine Arts building from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.
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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
DID YOU
January 28, 2016
KNOW?
With the Indianapolis Colts in 1996, Kerwin Bell entered a game and completed all five of his passes for 75 yards and a score. With those being his only NFL throws, Bell technically has the highest career passer rating in NFL history.
Kerwin Bell hopes to win in style New coach wants community to unite behind football program Gabe Burns
SPORTS EDITOR gcburns@valdosta.edu Kerwin Bell is trading oranges for peaches. A legend in the state of Florida, Bell is crossing the border to make his mark in Georgia as the new coach of Valdosta State football. “It was a privilege just the other day to meet Kerwin Bell and his wife,” said VSU president Cecil Staton at Bell’s introductory press conference on Tuesday. “When I looked at his resume, I saw someone who has enormous depth and experience. He has been someone who decided that after an illustrious career in college football and professional football that his calling in life was to coach and mentor student athletes.” Athletic director Herb Reinhard said he spoke to the team a day after coach David Dean left to accept a co-offensive coordinator job at Georgia Southern. Reinhard recalled stating to the players that he would bring them the “very best” coach. On Friday, he told the team that he believes he fulfilled that promise. “I am genuinely excited about having Kerwin Bell and his family join Blazer nation, Valdosta State University and this community,” Reinhard said. “Kerwin is not only a very, very fine football coach….but Kerwin is a nice guy. You’re going to enjoy being part of Blazer football and working with him to continue to build on the foundation that we’ve built at Valdosta State.” Bell displayed an intriguing charm, vigorous passion and an unrelenting dedication to winning football games. He stressed a focus on accountability, trust and family while accentuating that relationships are an instrumental part of football. His ultimate goal
Kerwin Bell speaks at his first VSU press conference on Tuesday.
is what one would expect: filling the trophy case. “Our goal is very simple,” said Bell. “I tell the guys all the time I’m just an ole country boy from North Florida. I don’t get very complicated now. We’re going to have a very simple goal and that’s to win a championship because that’s the number one thing.” The coach’s central message to Blazer nation was emphasized countless times: “I need your help; you getting involved and coming on board with me and taking this (program) to another level.” Born in Live Oak and raised in Mayo, Bell stayed in the state of Florida when he walked on at the University of Florida. After being redshirted in 1983, he would quarterback the team through 1987 in route to becoming a member of the university’s Hall of Fame (1997). Bell was named the SEC’s Player of The Year in
Gabe Burns/THE SPECTATOR
1984 and threw 56 touchdown passes while wearing the orange and blue. The Gainesville Sun anointed him as the 26th best Florida Gators player ever in their 2006 rankings. After graduating with a degree in psychology, Bell was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 1988 NFL Draft. He would go on to play professional football for 13 years in the NFL and CFL. He attributes much of his expertise to the widerange of coaches and players he met throughout his career. From coaching under Steve Spurrier to sitting in quarterback meetings with a young Jim Harbaugh, Bell accumulated a rare blend of football knowledge from some of the greatest minds in the history of the sport. After tearing his ACL in a pick-up basketball game, Bell was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1989 and entered a hiatus from on-field action.
During that break, the former Gator signal caller received his first coaching opportunity as a graduate assistant under Spurrier at UF in 1990. He credits Spurrier as the man who got him into coaching. Fans should expect to see an offense that is not overly different to previous installations in terms of favoring an aerial assault. Bell runs a vertical pro-style passing attack with a spread run game. His offense also uses a dose of screens to ensure the team does not pigeonhole itself as strictly vertical. Bell said he produced his offensive scheme roughly 16 years ago as the head coach at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala. He uses many of Spurrier’s concepts that have made waves in the pass-happy NFL. That scheme is one reason why JU essentially reset its record books as one of the nation’s best offenses under Bell. Bell mentioned that he has “a little bit of Spurrier in me” when speaking in regards to his stylistic aggression. “We’re going to put up points. It’s going to be fun,” said Bell. “If we get ahead by 21, we’re trying to get ahead by 28.” Bell’s success as offensive coordinator for the Toronto Argonauts and at Trinity earned him the job at Jacksonville University. Taking over a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program that had experienced little success, Bell went 66-35 with two Pioneer Football League Championships in nine seasons. Rumors of Bell moving up the coaching ladder elsewhere persisted as he continued to build JU into a powerhouse. Bell confirmed he received “a lot of offers” but was more interested in winning titles with the Dolphins. Bell and JU experienced “philosophical differences,” as
Jacksonville.com described it, and the school elected not to resign Bell to a contract extension after the 2015 campaign. Fortunately for both Bell and VSU, when one door closes, another often opens. Reinhard said that Bell’s successful tenure at Jacksonville, on and off the field, played a significant role in his hiring. “His ability to connect with a community,” Reinhard said. “(Bell) has a track record of igorating students and getting them to come out and support the team.” “A football coach (in Valdosta) is integral to not only the fabric of the institution, but also the fabric of the community.” VSU is a different task for Bell. Instead of rebuilding project, he is walking into a stable program that has grown accustomed to winning, with three national titles since 2004. Now the ninth coach in school history, Bell sets his sights on reaching new heights in the Azalea City. “It’s remarkable to know that I am now in charge of taking this program to the next level,” said Bell. “It’s exciting. This is the first time I haven’t had to take over a program at the ground level.” “Everywhere I’ve been I’ve had a vision of what I want it to become. I believe I’m going to be able to take this program to another level. There’s been a lot of success on this football field. But I think there’s more success that can happen in the community.” Recruiting is Bell’s top priority, with signing day less than a week away. He plans to address personnel and system afterwards. National titles have been won by the past two VSU coaches. If Bell’s press conference was any indication, that streak has a favorable chance of reaching three.
Dear First Year Students,
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AVOID SUMMER/FALL COURSE REGISTRATION HOLDS! COMPLETE THE MANDATORY HAVEN & ALCOHOL EDU TRAINING! 2) Search Here
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January 28, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
Blazers hoops shoots to rebound at The Complex LaMarcus Wilkerson
Staff Writer lkwilkerson@valdosta.edu After dropping two games on the road in Alabama, the Valdosta State Blazers men’s basketball team (11-7, 7-6) looks to improve its record against the Shorter Hawks (9-10, 4-9) and the Lee (Tenn.) Flames (5-13, 3-10) during this week’s home stand. According to Blazers head coach Mike Helfer, it is tough to defeat an opponent when out-oftown in the Gulf South Conference. “It’s hard to win on the road in this league because there are so many good teams,” said Helfer. In the GSC, every play is critical. Players must treat every possession delicately. “We just have to focus possession by possession. You just have to keep doing what you do and do it a little bit better. Maybe a possession here and a possession there changes outcomes of games.” In his 11th year with Valdosta State, Helfer hasn’t seen a group of players so driven to win in a while. “This is by far the best competing team I’ve coached in a long
time,” said Helfer. “I don’t have to urge them to compete. They are going to compete no matter what the score is and no matter where the game is played.” The Blazers now return to the comfort of The Complex. In order to win against the two talented teams, the Blazers’ defense has to be relentless. “It starts off with team defense, said Blazers forward Justin Simon. “As a group, no one can take a possession off. We all have to commit to every possession and play like it’s our last.” Simon is the leading rebounder (8.8 per game) and shot blocker (16) for the team. “If they need me to rebound and block shots, I’m willing to do that,” said Simon. However, Simon is one piece to the Blazers’ success on the court. To win in this league, ball movement is essential. “Ball movement is the most important thing,” said guard Chris Bilbo, who averages roughly 4.6 assists per contest. “If we don’t have enough assists it will probably go down to the wire.” “I have good guys around me that find ways to get me open,” said Blazers Guard Blake Justice, who leads the team in scoring
with 15.9 points per game. Another key aspect to the Blazers’ success is paying attention to the game plan. “You just have to try to play with the flow and not try to force anything,” said Justice. However, things do not always go as planned in the game. “No game really goes as you plan,” said Helfer. “When you watch video, something happens in the game. So, you got to make adjustments at halftime and good teams take those adjustments and apply them in the second half.” A good second half is a testament to the team’s discipline. “Whenever you have some good second halves, that means your kids, I think, are coachable,” said Helfer. “I’m proud of our guys.” If the Blazers prevail in the upcoming two games, it can put them back in the running for first or second in the Gulf South Conference. “We got all the pieces. We just have to put them together and execute down the stretch,” said Simon. The Blazers will host the Hawks Thursday at 8 p.m. before taking the court again on Saturday at 4 p.m. to challenge the Flames.
UPCOMING: Men’s basketball: Jan. 28: vs. Shorter (8 p.m.) Jan. 30: vs. Lee (4 p.m.) Women’s basketball: Jan. 28: vs. Shorter (6 p.m.) Jan 30: vs. Lee (2 p.m.) Baseball: Feb. 3: Home-opener vs. Albany State (5 p.m.) Feb. 6 & 7: vs. Wingate (12 p.m.) Softball: Feb. 2: Home-opener/double header vs. Flagler (4 p.m.; 6 p.m.)
Are you interested in pursuing a career in
criminal law?
RSVP for our Information Session Saturday, January 30th at 10:00 a.m. Email: admissions@johnmarshall.edu
Here are the four facts you need to know about our specialized Criminal Justice Honors J.D. Program:
1 2 3 4
The program is led and designed by Professor Jonathan Rapping2014 MacArthur Genius Fellow and Founder of Gideon’s Promise. The practical curriculum creates capable practitionersA problem-based teaching method is used to ensure CJ students graduate practice-ready. The law student-to-faculty ratio allows students to be mentoredWith a combined total of over 50 years of practical experience in the field, our faculty members are well connected to the criminal law community both locally and nationally. Current law students may transfer into the program after their first year.
The Office of Admissions is receiving applications and awarding merit scholarships for the fall program - www.johnmarshall.edu