October 25, 2012
W W W. V S U S P E C TAT O R . C O M
Inside This Issue
Time Travel
- OPINIONS: “Blacks for Romney unfairly targeted”
Go back in time at Odum Library with the TatlerBurgess Collection.
- FEATURES: “Grad student shares rare antiques with Odum”
See pg. 5 for details.
- SPORTS: “Red hot Blazers must finish on high note”
Today at VSU SCIENCE SEMINAR - From 4 to 5 p.m. in Powell Hall Dr. Ted Webster will dicuss “How we squandered glyphosate: The tragedy of the commons”.
Joe Adgie
Natural High is hosting the event in the Odum Library Auditorium at 8 p.m. Free with snacks. Call 259-5111 or e-mail mfwillia@valdosta.edu.
jmadgie@valdosta.edu
Today
Friday
Partly Cloudy 86 H 65 L Partly Cloudy 83 H 60 L
w w w. v s u s p e c ta t o r. c o m
Check out the WebSpectator for a slideshow of last week’s homecoming festivities.
Senators may lose seats M U LT I M E D I A E D I T O R
Weather
On the Web
SGA:
KARAOKE IN THE LIBRARY -
CANS FOR CANDY - Help SMACS collect cans for second harvest and receive candy, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Student Union. Donations accepted.
VOLUME 84 ISSUE 10
Several SGA senators may be stripped of their seats due to lack of attendance. The issue was revealed during Monday night’s SGA meeting, where the attendance policy was reiterated, and it was announced that several senators had violated that policy. The absence policy states that any absence from an SGA meeting must be reported to Secretary Kelly Hessler at least 24 hours before the meeting starts, or the absence would be deemed unexcused. After three unexcused absences, a senator would be put
up for review by the judicial board, with the possibility of losing their seat. “None of these senators are technically removed until they go before the Judiciary Committee,” wrote Ryan Baerwalde, SGA President, in an email on Wednesday. According to SGA Vice President, Amber Worthy, some exceptions are considered. “Unless there’s something that happens right before you got to the meeting--like you got into a car accident, or you died.” Worthy, who spoke for the absent Hessler at the meeting, explained that the SGA had been somewhat lenient with the absence policy-- something that she indicated should not have
been the case. Worthy also indicated that she had a list of Senators that would be put under review by the Judicial board for losing their seats, and a list of senators that would also be put under consideration for losing their seats, but when asked about it after the meeting, SGA comptroller Hassanat Oshodi interrupted. “We can not tell you that,” Oshodi said, explaining that the information should not be put in the Spectator. Hessler was not available for comment on Wednesday. Baerwalde indicated that he and the SGA desires students to attend meetings to fill these senate seats. “The SGA is wanting dedicat-
ed students, who want to take an active role in shaping VSU’s future,” Baerwalde said. He also pointed out that this is not the intention of the SGA.
Other points addressed: Two representatives from V-State Dining were present at the meeting, where they heard complaints and suggestions from senators. Michael Charity, a former Georgia Dome security guard, was named the SGA’s new Sergeant-At-Arms. Charity’s role includes escorting visitors in and out of the meetings, as well as getting notes distributed between members of the SGA. SGA President Ryan Baerwalde has been named to President William McKinney’s Inauguration Committee. Senators Samuel Logan and Jazma Hines proposed a new SGA community service committee.
VSU, UWG face off Proposal would for blood drive alter Georgia
Saturday Partly
college funding
Cloudy 80 H 55 L
Amber Smith EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Question of the week
amsmith@valdosta.edu
Public colleges and universities across the state may feel a pinch in their pocketbooks—or a possible raise—related not to sheer student numbers, but their levels of student achievement. On Monday, a plan was proposed that would alter the way that Georgia colleges and universities receive state funding. Currently, funding is distributed in relation to a school’s enrollment and student credit hours, but the new proposal would tie funding to the school’s graduation rate starting in fiscal year 2015. “The current funding formula was put in place in 1981-82; much has changed over the past 30 years,” John Milsaps, the University System of Georgia spokesperson, said. “The Governor has a great group at work on the funding formula.” The plan has yet to be finalized, but the proposing committee, the Higher Education Funding Commission (HEFC) has until the end of the year to work on it. The proposal comes as part of a larger program. Complete College Georgia (CCG) was launched as a joint project between Gov. Nathan Deal, the
What are you doing for Halloween? A. Trick-or-Treating! B. House Party! C. Haunted House/Trail D. Studying... :( Vote online at www.vsuspectator.com!
Last Week Poll Results What did you think of Terror in the Wild this year? I loved it! I was terrified! It was dumb! I’m never scared. The lines were way too long!
Shambree Wartel/ THE SPECTATOR
33%
44%
23%
This Day in History Oct. 25, 1881 Pablo Piccaso was born. The 20th century artist is born in Malaga, Spain. Credit: History.com
Did You Know? VSU opened as South Georgia State Normal College in January 1913 with only three college freshmen and fifteen subfreshmen. Students attended a training school that prepared students for college-level work.
“I ran my campaign with promises of transparency,” Baerwalde said, “and I plan to keep my word.”
Top: Tracy McCrary, American Red Cross Supervisor, draws blood from Tracee Badger, an indisciplinary studies graduate student. Right:Jermaine King, a mobile unit technician racks sample tubes into boxes for shipment to Douglasville.
University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) in August of 2011. Upon launch the program had six goals. According to an HEFC presentation, these were to “develop comprehensive systemwide and campus-level completion plans, restructure select Technical College programs to better support working students, increase Course Articulation to build a seamless education system, improve remediation, create a needs-based college scholarship program, and to form the Higher Education Finance Commission.” Progress has been made on most of these goals. According to the same HEFC presentation, “components of the formulas are based on outdated cost information, historical appropriations, and tuition policy that no longer reflects reality.” The HEFC provided three reasons why the proposed plan is better than the current model. According to its presentation, “the current model incentivizes enrollment growth rather than excellence or productivity, outcomes based funding offers an opportunity to prioritize multiple measures of success, and outcomes based funding allows for flexibility to accommodate fuSee CCG, Page 2
Expo brings employers to students Jennifer Gleason MANAGING EDITOR jlgleason@valdosta.edu
Finding a career after college can be tough, but Career Services strives to make the process easier. Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Career Services is hosting their annual Fall Career Expo in the UC Magnolia and Cypress rooms. Career Services provides an exhibit of various employers willing to speak to students and alumni. “It’s been around for a while,” DeLois Hargett, employer relations coordinator for Career Services, said. “I’ve been here for about 22 years.” Networking opportunities are available for students and alumni as they meet with employers for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, in-
ternships, practicums and co-op opportunities. Students are asked to arrive early, dress in business attire and bring résumés so they do not miss any opportunities. “Come dressed in your best for that first impression,” Kevin Taylor, associate director of Career Services, said. Every year, about 200 students show up for the expo, but Career Services would like to see more. “The more we can get students involved, the more employers will come in the future,” Hargett said. According to Taylor, job hunting isn’t a top priority for most students. “Often students procrastinate looking for work,” Taylor said. “The week after graduation, students flood the Career Services office.” Throughout the semester, Ca-
reer Services offers workshops for interviewing, résumé building, one-on-one counseling and job search seminars. “We’d rather students practice with us,” Hargett said. “Don’t practice with an employer.” According to Taylor, the department hopes these workshops will prepare students for when they meet with employers and network. Hargett keeps a database of over 300 employers who have participated in the past and sends out invitations every year. This year’s Fall Career Expo has a list of 41 different participants represented by administrators and employers. The list is also available online for students to view. The list changes when employers contact Career Services late wanting to participate, so students are encouraged to look
at the list regularly. The expo is VSU-focused and serves the student body and alumni solely-- in the past, giveaways for netbooks and cash prizes have been available to attendees.
“We want [students and alumni] to open their eyes to opportunities they might have missed by not coming,” Hargett said. “We want them to go around and talk to the individual companies to find out what’s available.”
Organizations present will include: - Belk - Convergys - Enterprise Rent-A-Car - GEICO - Mediacom - Mercer University
- Pepsico - Target - Turner Furniture - USMC - US Navy - VSU Graduate School - Waffle House
NEWS
PAGE 2 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
OCTOBER 25, 2012
Alumni recognized for success Fifteen graduates were honored for building successful careers after VSU. Oscar Garza S TA F F W R I T E R oegarza@valdosta.edu
The College of Arts and Sciences held its second annual Alumni dinner in the UC Magnolia Room on Oct. 18 to honor VSU graduates. The event was organized by Dr. Connie L. Richards, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. James LaPlant, associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Executive Committee, Department Heads, and the Directors of Programs which made up a total of 15 people. The winner of the Outstanding Alumni award this year was John C. Robbins, an internationally known criminal defense lawyer. There was an honoree for each department within the College of Arts that was chosen based on outstanding accomplishments within their profession, recognition within their organizations and philanthropy. This year’s winner, John C. Robbins, was a philosophy major at VSU before attending Cumberland Law School at Sanford University. Robbins has practiced in Birmingham, Al. for the past 25 years and handled several high profile cases that have been covered in the New York Times and broadcasted on BBC, CNN and PBS. He is currently a professor at the Birmingham School of Law. Other honorees were unable to attend including the Biology Department’s honoree Dr. Michael Chiang, a skilled doctor and sur-
CCG Continued from Page 1 -ture shifts in mission and state goals.� According to Milsaps, the USG has been receptive of the HEFC’s plans so far. “The University System is completely supportive of the Governor's "Complete College Georgia" initiative, which seeks to increase Georgia's college completion rates,� he said. “The funding formula commission's work certainly supports college completion work and the Chancellor and his staff are fully engaged with the commission's efforts. We are grateful for the work being done and we look forward to seeing the recommendations.�
geon who couldn’t attend because he was taking the National Board’s exam in Neurology. Navarro Moore, a native of Valdosta and recent political science graduate in 2006, is currently in Canberra, Australia doing work for the State Department Foreign Service. Moore received his masters at FSU in International Relations and his career has taken him to Bangkok, San Salvador and Washington D.C. The Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department honored Vernon M. Keenan, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation since 2004, who also often lectures at the F.B.I. Academy. Keenan has been in law enforcement for 40 years and could not attend Thursday because he was in Washington D.C. as Representative for Homeland Security of Georgia.
“ I really can’t thank VSU enough for what this university did for my life. � - JASON MICZEK
Tim Lee Wright, a playwright who has written over 30 plays under the persona Winsphere Jones, was chosen as the Department of African American Studies’ honoree. Wright is the proprietor and founder of Real Drama Theatre in Macon, Ga. and his last three plays were produced and performed at the historic Douglas Theatre. “I found here at Valdosta State University a place I called home, where Dr. Harding became my mother and Dr. Ari Santas became my father,� Wright said. The English Department’s honoree was Jason Miczek, a
Happy ‘Tator Day!
Photo contributed by: Mark Mears
Dr. Connie Richards presenting the progression of the College of Arts and Sciences within recent years. freelance photographer whose Mathematics and Computer Sciphotography has appeared in noence’s honoree. Lowe specificalticeable publications across the ly thanked her advisor Joe Gore, United States including Time noting him as the one that enMagazine, Sports Illustrated and couraged him to continue her USA Today. graduate program. “I really can’t thank VSU The Modern and Classical enough for what this university Languages Department honored did for my life,â€? Miczek said. “I Dr. Sandra D. Walker. Dr. Walktruly blossomed here.â€? er served as head of Modern and Miczek specifically thanked Foreign Languages for 12 years Dr. Patricia Miller for encourand was named Professor of the agement and opportunity and Year in 2001. showed his appreciation for the At the beginning of the event, Spectator, which was where he Dr. Richards specifically thanked began his career in journalism. Dr. Alfred F. Fuciarelli and his Many Honorees were former wife Dr. Sue Fuciarelli, along faculty members of VSU. with Associate Dean James LaSherman Bloomberg began his plant, VSU’s Chef Earnest Duncareer in the U.S. Army Chemican, and Mark Mears before becal Corp before working in inginning a presentation that dustry for most of his career. showed the alumni what has Bloomberg served as VSU’s changed in the College of Arts First Environment Safety Officer and Sciences in the last few between 1993 and 2004. years. The History Department hon“It was reaffirming that [‌] ored Dr. Joseph Tomberlin, a for- the time that they take in the mer professor and department classroom and the energy that head at VSU. Dr.Tomberlin conthey give to their profession realducted his research in contempo- ly pays off for students,â€? Dr. rary U.S. history. Richards said. “I would hope Janice Lowe, a 1977 Graduate that you would be inspired by of VSC with thirty years of [‌] what other people who have teaching experience, was recoggraduated from VSU have nized as the Department of done.â€?
Check out the Web Spectator for our Homecoming slideshow! 11-+0) (14 a trophy career?
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NEWS
OCTOBER 25, 2O12 Police Briefs Oct. 18 A bike was stolen from the UC near the Sociology Department. Games were stolen from the Student Union Game Room. Oct. 19 Fecal matter was smeared on the walls of the Langdale Hall, second floor, men’s restroom. A bike was stolen from in front of Campus Rec. A laptop was stolen from Brown Hall. Books were stolen from a student while in West Hall. A wallet was stolen at Oak Parking Deck. Oct. 20 A student was threatened by fellow residents. The attackers said they would “jump” the resident when she returned to her residence hall.
Oct. 21 A laptop was stolen from the P.E. Complex. A fire alarm was pulled in Centennial Hall. A smell of marijuana was reported coming from a room in Centennial Hall.
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 3
A pledge against violence:
Oct. 22 A bike was stolen from outside of Patterson Hall. A bike was stolen from in front of Odum Library. Oct. 23 A bike was stolen from the Front Lawn while the bike owner was lounging next to it in a hammock. A bike was stolen from outside the Fine Arts Building. Items were stolen from Sustella Market.
Upcoming Events Oct. 26 V-State Dining is hosting their annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Palms Sign-up at Palms or Hopper to enter and bring your own pumpkin. If you have already signed up, pick-up a pumpkin at Palms Oct. 26. Prizes include a Papa John’s Pizza Party for the winner and 10 friends, a second place $40 VSU Bookstore gift card and a free VSU T-shirt for the third place winner. Return pumpkins to Palms by Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. to be judged. Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. Hollywood ConFuZion Fashion Show, hosted by Phi Beta Sigma & FuZion Modeling Group, is a fashion show to raise money for the March of Dimes. Student Union Ballrooms A, B and C Cost is $2 at the door. Oct. 26-28 CAB hosts another “Movie Weekend at the U.” The movie is “Batman: Dark Knight Rises.” Student Union Theater Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Oct. 27-28 VSU Opera will perform “Candide” a comic operetta by Leonard Bernstein. Whitehead Auditorium Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The cost is $20 for adults, $5 for non-VSU students and free for students with a valid VSU ID. Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. The Students Offering Support (SOS) group will meet. Counseling Center Conference Room, Powell Hall East, second floor SOS dedicates themselves to individuals who question their use of alcohol or other drugs, or those who need assistance with abuse. Those interested in helping others are welcome. For more information email mfwillia@valdosta.edu. For those wanting to remain anony-
mous, call the Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Education at 259-5111. Oct. 30, 7 p.m. Interest meeting for performers interested in the Star Search Talent Show hosted by CAB. Union Conference Room 2 Free food, music and prizes. The talent show is Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. For more information contact Amelia at ajinman@valdosta.edu.
Neil Frawley / THE SPECTATOR
Watson Lunsford (junior C.I.S. major), Geoffrey Ingram (junior public relations major), Kenya Delouis (sophomore theater major) and Ashley Cole (junior undecided major) run the Handprint Project booth on the Pedestrian Mall Oct. 24. WGST has hosted several events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, and the Handprint Project asked the VSU community to take a pledge against domestic violence with their handprints.
Oct. 31 Last day to sign up for CORE’s Overnight Kayaking and Cavern Tour on Nov. 3-4. CORE Office The cost is $33 for students and $43 for faculty and staff. Price includes transportation, kayaks, guides, cave tour, camping and gear. Contact Sean Wilkinson srwilkinson@valdosta.edu for any questions. Nov. 2 Make-A-Wish Benefit and Corn Hole Tourney (hosted by Chi Omega) sign-up sheets will be at residence halls’ front desks. The actual event will take place Nov. 3 at 9 a.m. on the VSU Front Lawn. The event accepts teams of two people, with a $20 entry fee per team--or $150 for an entire organization. Contact Sarah at sebessinger@valdosta.edu for more information. Nov. 3, 8 a.m. VSU is participating in the American Heart Association Lowndes Heart Walk. McKey Park The goal is to help raise $10,000 for critical cardiovascular disease research and education. Spring 2013 Registration (7 a.m.): Oct. 29 - Grads and Seniors Oct. 30 - Juniors Oct. 31 - Sophomores Nov. 1 - Freshmen Early registration ends Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m.
EIGHT WEEK COURSES | HAPPY STUDENTS Introducing eight week courses through eCore at Valdosta State University. eCore offers freshman and sophomore level courses including English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Pre-Calculus, Environmental Science, and much more!
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CYAN MAGENTA PAGE 4 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
Our point of view...
new U
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OPINIONS
YELLOW BLACK OCTOBER 25, 2012
Forgotten subtle art of sarcasm O
ctober is the month for awareness—breast cancer, domestic violence, autism. The list goes on and on. It’s easy to get bogged down in all the calls for donations, wearing colored ribbons and attending a different event every week. But we at the Spectator feel the need to ask the students and faculty for just a little bit more of their attention—and for a very important cause. October is sarcasm awareness month—a month nationally dedicated to bringing awareness to the misuse and gross overuse of sarcasm. According to “Sarcastic Anonymous,” a tremendously esteemed internet blog, this month is specifically for “those who realize they are sarcastic and want to get it under control, those who are sarcastic and want to get better at it and those who are forced to live or work
gious internet blog, the word “sarcasm” first entered the English language in 1579, in a critical commentary of “The Shepheardes Calender” by the poet Edmund Spenser, a poem in which Spenser found a unique way to insult someone—by complimenting them. But since then, sarcasm has taken a turn for the worse. It’s been overworked, distorted, and just plain misunderstood. How often has a friend not allotted the appropriate amount of silence before delivering a sarcastic punch line? It takes a lot of quick wit to be a good sarcastic. But we’ve got some tips to turn all you Sheldon Coopers into Tina Fey. Firstly, it helps to be intelligent—which we’re sure all of you are, so we’ll just skip that step. Secondly, it helps to have the ability to recognize a snarky tone of voice—something that can be very challenging to do.
with people who are sarcastic.” Yet despite the severity of this issue, there have been no banners, no booths and no collective decision to ask the audience to wear the same color at a football game. Not one organization has suggested a dry goods sale or car wash—not even a panel discussion detailing the dos and don’ts of sarcastic comments. VSU has ignored this cause and quite frankly, we’re seriously disappointed in the campus community. A long time ago, Oscar Wilde said that sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. We’re sure that Mr. Wilde probably had a lot of friends and was really well liked—who can’t love someone with the middle name Fingal O'Flahertie—but we beg to differ. It’s a fine art and its abuse is not to be taken casually. According to the Sarcasm Society, another extremely presti-
Garrison Muelhausen /THE SPECTATOR
We recommend using your ears. Once you’ve observed the tone of voice appropriate to delivering effective sarcasm, practice it—but don’t go overboard. Because of its overuse, most people connect sarcasm to just
plain rudeness—we’re looking at you, hipsters. To anyone who was offended or thinks we should be writing editorials on more important things than sarcasm awareness month, we’d like to say that
we’re sorry that you don’t understand the severity of this issue. This is an extremely serious article written about an extremely serious issue and we stand our ground.
This editorial was written by Ariel Felton (arfelton@valdosta.edu) and it expresses the general opinion of the editorial staff.
Women are Republicans too People Poll: Stephen Cavallaro
A S S I S TA N T- O P I N I O N S EDITOR sjcavallaro@valdosta.edu
A
s we move closer to November and the political theater intensifies; we are constantly being faced with radical new claims and accusations created by the candidates. “The war on women” an exaggerated and worn-out phrase by the Obama administration is used to describe the Republican Party’s attitude towards women’s rights and their involvement in politics. This overly simplistic stance has dominated much of the recent debates that focus on only a portion of women's issues and that work to define a woman and her views by her gender alone. More than half the nation’s population is made up of women, so of course “women’s issues” exist and are a relevant concern. In contemporary society, women’s issues pertain solely to a woman’s sexuality, and include social topics such as abortion and birth-control. The problem with this stance on women in relation to the Republican Party lies with the assumption that all women must believe a particular way in order to justly represent their gender. Women of the Republican Party possess views and ideas that have been shaped by their
experiences and ideals, not just by their gender. A thriving economy brought on by capitalist ideals that spurs opportunity for all is a major tenet to rightwinged women’s philosophy. This belief system centers on patriotism, family values, and conservative ideals. Largely, Republican women are pro-life; and refuse to encourage throwing droves of the tax-payers’ money on programs that support abortion, such as Planned Parenthood. Such thinking largely opposes the liberal women's only crusade; pushing abortion rights. Hence, this is why the topic is magnified in recent debates. Nevertheless, Republican women do not interpret either party as being the sole source for proper support of their gender. For over 150 years, women have been adamantly involved in the Republican Party. Through their individual talents and combined efforts these women have shaped the party into a party of opportunity and equality. “Women have been unfairly used as pawns in this upcoming election...You would think that the candidates would realize that 51% of the voting-bloc cares about more issues than birth control,” Sarah Herring, an economics major, said. Herring aspires to become a member of the Republican political front. In doing so she plans
to represent an image of feminist-empowerment rather than a scapegoat for the Democratic Party. Her disgust with recent debates lies with emphasis being placed on contemporary women's issues rather than on the financial state of the union by contenders on both sides of the political spectrum. Herring and her fellow Republican women do not oppose contraception: instead they encourage the individual to be responsible for their own actions and refuse to praise any systems that involves the federal government paying for such means; thereby, gaining more control over the private sector and individual citizen. Women do no vote as a bloc. According to Gallup, 50% of women voters are for Obama; whereas 42% are for Romney; leaving only a mere 8% gap. In 2008, 57% of women voters favored Obama, whereas 43% favored McCain. Since 2008 Obama has been down by 6% in women’s votes. In 2010, women were in favor of Republicans by 49% compared to Democrats at 48%. In addition, 55% of the Tea Party’s members are women. Thus, women vote diversely, and it is senseless to pressure a single way of thinking upon them. The desire to protect freedom and eliminate oppressive taxes is the foundation for why the Tea Party has inspired many women.
Women from a variety of backgrounds have come together to support, lead, and uplift the evergrowing grassroots movements. These women are drawn to such a revolutionary theater by their moral and ethical views, as well as their yearning to fix the damages caused by the sexual revolution. Republican women anticipate upcoming economic debates, regarding the topic as top priority. They believe this issue to be most important to all Americans. Therefore GOP candidate for Vice President Paul Ryan appeals to these women through his courageously hard stance on economic reform. In addition, Ryan’s Medicare premium support plan will provide women with a plethora of choices; allowing them to choose what type of healthcare they receive and from whom. Today, Republican women who hold office encourage the growth of women in the scientific and technological professions. In addition, these women have always strove to never neglect traditional women issues, such as fair-wages and employment opportunities, and to always work productively with their Democratic counterparts.
What was your favorite moment from the 2012 Debates? Timmy Warren sophomore international bussiness and geology major “The two main canidates do not seem great...I’d like to see Ron Paul win.”
B.K. Spivey sophomore undecided major “Both candidates pulled the standared political move by avoiding answering certain questions.”
Charles Cortez senior biology/chemistry major
Blacks for Romney unfairly targeted Von Kennedy S TA F F W R I T E R vtkennedy@valdosta.edu
I
recently turned to Headline News and watched my first episode of Piers Morgan. He is not someone I look to for newsworthy information, but the topic being discussed sparked my interest. His guest was actress Stacy Dash, most known for her role as "Dionne" in the 1995 film "Clueless." She addressed the backlash she received on Twitter for being an African American voting for Mitt Romney. Dash explained how over the past four years, she went from being a faithful Democrat voting for President Barack Obama to wanting America to go in a different direction. She now endorses Republican candidate Romney. Dash was criticized by her fellow African Americans because of her support of the Caucasian Romney. This year during the Republican National Convention a CNN poll reported that zero percent of the African American community supported Romney, when there
were actually African Americans at the convention. Though few and far between, they were there. Race should not be the decisive factor between candidates. Democrats, since JFK became president, have statistically controlled the African American vote. Before then, because of the abolition of slavery and the opportunities given during Reconstruction, African Americans tended to side with the Republicans. In 2008, the race for president became segregated and in part, made Obama the choice for many minorities only because he was African American. African Americans, other minorities and young people lost reasonable sensibility and emotion for whomever’s policies were the best all because their favorite celebrity, television personality or even family member convinced them to vote for a man because he was a dynamic, hip black speaker. Anyone who did not echo those sentiments that were of color or young were deemed uncool or an "Uncle Tom." Television influence played a large role as well in racial stereotyping the election. For Example, during a "Rock
the Vote" voting telethon, BET hosts for the event, Queen Latifah and Terrance J, spoke to the audience saying blacks should vote for Obama because he is black by continuously invoking that Washington needed
Stepping out of the box no matter what people say is key in development in life. "CHANGE." During the telethon they also cut to a young, African American man who was at a Republican rally and asked him whimsical questions to make him seem as if he made the wrong choice for invoking his politics as an American. Queen Latifah even went to the point to call the young man "lame" for being there. This is the day I stopped watching BET permanently. Stacy Dash did not want a repeat of this fiasco. She made an informed decision going against the popular opinion in her community, to say, on Twitter, this year her vote has changed. Threats and insensitive remarks soon followed in rebuttal because young people who are
easily influenced by popular culture, young Americans and stars thought that if you do not vote Obama, you are stupid... Like BET taught them in 2008. In 2016, when Barack Obama cannot run for a third term and the presidential slate is clean with new candidates of different nationalities and genders from all parties, who will the minorities and the youth of America rally behind then? I guess only then, we all will have to make informed decisions on our own intuitions. Dash brought to light that judging a man on the content of his character and not his color is a problem for individuals who are not used to being their own person. Stepping out of the box no matter what people may say is key in development in life. Separating and not meshing your feelings with others ideals can make you a logical, sound-minded person and help others define themselves on their own terms as Dash did. (I am not a Republican nor do I advocate against President Obama. This civic issue of American free speech and how it cannot be invoked alarmed me enough to discuss this topic.)
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James Udell junior geology major “They help solidify opinions or change them.”
Ryan Winkle senior history major “The debate is definitely a showcase of two disapointing canidates.”
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OCTOBER 25, 2012
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Grad student shares rare Lohan returns to partying, antiques with Odum Timberlake marries Biel H Shambree Wartel COPY EDITOR
snwartel@valdosta.edu
VSU students can now travel back in time. Starting this fall, the TatlerBurgess Collection offers nearly three dozen antique items on display on the second and fourth level in Odum Library. “If people were to go to Archives and Special Collections on the fourth level, there is various work on display there including some maps and modern lithographs—some by Matisse and Picasso,” Andrew Tatler-Burgess, owner and curator of Tatler-Burgess Collection and graduate student, said. “Some of them even date back to the 1500s.” Brought to VSU shortly after The Happening, the collection features antique books, maps, art, Chinese ceramics, medieval manuscripts and more on display for students. Tatler-Burgess believes a chance meeting with Debra Davis helped bring the artifacts to VSU. “I met Debra Davis—head of archives here—and we started chatting,” he said. “I started bringing pieces in and she became extremely enthusiastic. She felt like it would be a huge asset to be able to show them here at VSU to students and faculty—so now it’s on a two year loan until spring of 2014.” On Oct. 11, both TatlerBurgess and Davis hosted “A Guide to Collecting, Authenticating, and Exhibiting Antique Printed Artifacts” in the UC theater. The event was free and offered students more information about the collection. “We discussed collecting, authenticating and displaying antique artifacts,” he said. “We
Shambree Wartel / /THE SPECTATOR Andrew Tatler-Burgess, graduate student and curator of TatlerBurgess Collection, shows off ‘Der Weiss Kunig’ (The White King), which dates back to 1515.
also talked about how to start a collection, what to look for, and the basics of authentication—so basically you know the value of what you’re purchasing.” According to Tatler-Burgess, a trip to Europe sparked his interest in eclectic antiques and authentification “A long time ago when I lived in the Netherlands in Europe, I went in an antique store and came across an antique map,” Tatler Burgess said. “I was so blown away that there was a map still available that dated back to the1600s so I purchased it and I got hooked—it turned into an obsession because I purchased a lot and gained a lot of knowledge.” Tatler-Burgess then turned his hobby into a business. “I set up an online business which I did very well in, and when I came to the states with my art—I’m a professional artist—my wife and I decided to incorporate this element into the gallery,” he said. “So we had the art which I had produced, the jewelry I had designed, and then we incorporated this—it was very successful.”
Tatler-Burgess believed the rarity of the items was inspiring to many. “We set up our gallery in such a way that people could discover things—maps, manuscripts, etc. that would blow people’s minds.” Not only are the actual artifacts available for students to see, there is also a database available for students to see the collection online from anywhere. “Now if you Google TatlerBurgess Collection it’ll come up, and people can now access this collection from around the world,” he said. “That’s great for VSU and The Archives because it demonstrates to the outside world what a local university is capable of doing.” According to Tatler- Burgess, there’s more in store for VSU. “We also have work that’s not on display yet but that’s kept in the vault,” he said. “It’ll come out in due time when we start to do themed exhibitions.” Tatler-Burgess has future plans for his collection. “It’s our plan to reopen the gallery when I graduate.”
ello World—Anthony here yet again to wrap up all the things in pop culture that had us buzzing this week. I promised myself that I wouldn’t talk about Lindsay Lohan anymore, but old habits die hard. Everyone’s favorite hard partying actress has made news yet again-- except this time she decided to make it a family affair. Several blogs and publications were abuzz last week when it was reported that the actress’s father was consulting with her lawyers and other members of her entourage about staging an intervention for the actress. Rumors have run wild in the last few months that Lohan has fallen off the wagon and resorted back to her hard partying ways. Normally a father trying to get help his daughter in a substance abuse problem is a good thing, but with the Lohans you can never tell. All of them are thirsty for attention. I’m sure they all could benefit from a little trip to the Betty Ford clinic. In ‘less dysfunctional family news’ Grammy winning singer
Adele gave birth to a baby boy last weekend. The songbird surprised fans by announcing her pregnancy after the Grammys back in February. This is the first child for Adele and her boyfriend, Simon Konecki.
Pop Addict Anthony Pope
If a bad breakup can cause Adele to spawn one of the bestselling albums in the last five years-- there’s no telling what a baby will do to her musical ability. I guess time will tell. Cuffing season is in full effect and celebrities are no different. Former NSync front man Justin Timberlake married actress Jessica Biel in Puglia, Italy. After several years of on and off again dating the pair tied the knot in a reported $6 million wedding ceremony that has been months in the making. Noticeably absent from the ceremony were JT’s NSync band
Looking for a healthy alternative to an energy drink to keep you awake during class? Check out ‘Be Healthy’ with Devin Crudup on the web!
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mates. I guess they were still salty from him leaving them high and dry at their peak to pursue a solo career. But Justin isn’t to blame. No one told JC Chasez to make a crappy solo album, or Lance Bass to try and go to outer space. While they were all playing around, Justin was out chasing paper. Hate the game not the player. As always tune into Pop Addict next week to catch up on all the latest celebrity gossip.
Slang Dictionary Thirsty: (adj.) desperate Salty: (adj.) bitter or jealous Cuffing season: (n.) the colder months of the year, when most relationships start
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FEATURES Mumford & Sons delivers ‘Seven Psychopaths’ not passable second album worth full theater price
OCTOBER 25, 2012
PAGE 6 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
Veronica Dominicis S TA F F W R I T E R
vmdominicis@valdosta.edu
Mumford & Sons new album "Babel", released Sept.24, has been called one of the best albums of 2012. Mumford & Sons is an English folk rock band that hit the music scene in December 2007 and has been making history since. The first album, "Sigh No More" was released October 2009 and set the music world on fire. The new release "Babel" has 12 tracks on the album and 15 on the deluxe version. The album sold 159,000 copies in the UK during the first week and within that same week hit No. 1 on the charts. Being the first song, “Babel" set the emotional tone for the entire album. The second song, "Whispers in the Dark,” is an upbeat song, but sounds slightly weird. There's something about it that doesn't sound musically correct. I don't know whether it's the use
of range in the song, but it didn't appeal to me as much. "Holland Road" is a slower song-- more emotional than the others thus far. The song picks up after the first verse and continues to grow. "Ghosts That We Knew" is another slow placed song. It's very deep and has an amazing range performed by the lead singer, Marcus Mumford. The sixth track, "Lover of the Light,” is by far my favorite song on the album. It is more upbeat than the previous two and has more of an entire band feeling. Overall, it's one of those feel good kind of songs. The seventh track is a more laid back song. "Lovers Eyes" starts with Mumford's amazing voice, then during the next phase of the song the band joins in and pulls the song together. Although it is a well put together song, it doesn't strike my music bone. "Reminder" is a break away from the album. It is Mumford's soliloquy in a way. "Hopeless Wonderer" is one of the longest and most disappoint-
ing songs on the album. The song sounds extremely jumbled and a bit too pop-ish. I would have expected more for an upbeat song by them. The tenth track, "Broken crown,” is very predictable at this point. The song shares as many qualities as the previous tracks and isn't anything new or fascinating. "Not With Haste" is a fairly great song. Although it does sound like a few others on the album, it doesn't seem as a copy like other songs have. It's a great song to finish the generic--not deluxe--album addition. Overall "Babel" is not the best of Mumford & Sons. The album sounded too cohesive. I was really excited for this album, but after listening to it, it became a flub. I'm hoping the tracks will grow on me as other albums have, but in the meantime I do appreciate what Mumford & Sons does for the music industry. I give "Babel" 3 out of 5 stars.
David Lacy
S TA F F W R I T E R dclacy@valdosta.edu
“Seven Psychopaths” is about a struggling screenwriter played by Collin Farrell who gets caught between the Mob and his friend who steals dogs for a living. Woody Harrelson plays the Mob boss who is desperately trying to get his dog back from Farrell’s friend--causing murder and mayhem along the way. Other than the basic plot, “Seven Psychopaths” has some issues—there’s not a lot of depth to it. Some of the characters get left behind and never develop properly-- like Ferrell’s girlfriend who is gone after the first 30 minutes of the movie never to be
heard from again. It leaves you asking a few questions at the end that are never explained. On the plus side, the movie does a lot right--like casting Christopher Walken in what may be one of my favorite performances of the year. Every time he is on screen the movie immediately gets better. He basically saved this movie. Walken has such a presence on the screen that’s hard to deny. He is stone cold serious one minute and the next he is making you laugh because of his dialogue. The rest of the cast does an admirable job, but the bottom line is there are too many characters with not enough to do. The writing has some nice
Apple announces new iMac, two iPads H
ey Spec Tech readers. Welcome to a new week with shocking news from Apple and Android about launching some new devices. This week Apple gave another press conference where they announced the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display for $1,699. It has a 2.5GHz dualcore i5 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB flash storage. It also has a FaceTime HD camera. You can purchase it now at Apple’s website. Apple also announced the new iMac which is only 5mm thick! The 27-inch iMac comes with a 2.9GHz quad-core i5 processor with 8GB RAM and a 1TB hard drive. It starts at $1,799 and ships in November. There is also an i7 processor version as well as a 21-inch version. Apple has revealed some shocking news. Apple typically updates products once a year-but not this time. Apple has killed the 3rd generation iPad after only six months! The 4th generation iPad—now called
iPad with Retina Display-- will have an A6X processor, a FaceTime HD camera and have the new Lightning connector. You can pre-order tomorrow and it ships Nov. 2. The iPad 2 will continue to sell at $399. Apple didn’t announce one iPad, but two. The rumored iPad
Spec Tech with Steven Setser
Mini is here. It sports a 7.9-inch screen, an A5 processor (same as iPad 2), 4G LTE, the lightning connector and comes in slate black and silver. Sprint is also a new 4G LTE carrier for both of these new iPads. AT&T and Verizon continue to provide service as well. Apple compared it to the Google Nexus 7, proving how
twists throughout that you may see coming, but are nonetheless good. The movie also has some very memorable moments that don’t have much to do with the plot but are still worthy. I can’t tell you that going to see this movie will be worth your time or money, especially with “Cloud Atlas” coming out on Friday. So I will say this: if you are looking for a dark comedy that works well most of the time, despite its faults, this may be the movie for you. But to everyone else, look it up when it hits Red Box in the next few months. It’s worth a watch-- just not full price at the theater.
Courtesy of Blueprint Pictures
much better the Mini is than the Nexus--but the price is not right. You can pick up a 16GB Nexus for $249 or the new iPad Mini for $329. You can pre-order the iPad Mini tomorrow and it ships Nov. 2. On Oct. 29 Google will hold its own conference where it is expected to announce the Nexus 10 from Samsung, Android 4.2 and the LG Nexus 4. The Nexus 10 will compete directly against the new iPad, with a screen better than Apple’s Retina Display. Lastly, Microsoft has revealed that Xbox SmartGlass will launch Friday. This is an App that you can use with your PC, tablet, or smartphone to control the Xbox 360. It will also become a second screen with extra content. Some content that will use this feature are Dance Central 3, Halo Waypoint, ESPN, HBO GO and Univision. That’s it for this week. Come back next week for an update on Google’s announcements.
Spec Tech Question of the Week Would you buy the new iPad or the iPad Mini? Email answers to smsetser@valdosta.edu
HOW CAN I GRADUATE SOONER? Complete your course schedule by taking fully-online courses through eCore at Valdosta State University. eCore offers 24 freshman and sophomore level courses including English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Pre-Calculus, Environmental Science,
Register Today! http://ecore.usg.edu/reg/vsu.php For more information please contact eCore at 678.839.5300 or ecore@westga.edu
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 25, 2012
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 7
NBA Season Preview:
VSU Upcoming Events (Football) - 10/25 @ Shorter (W.soccer) - 10/26 vs. West Alabama Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith, left, enjoys a laugh with new teammate Lou Williams in the final minutes of a 92-79 victory over the Miami Heat in an exhibition opener at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 7, 2012. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT)
Fresh season tips-off Maya Kellam S TA F F
WRITER
mskellam@valdosta.edu
NBA fans worldwide have been waiting with anticipation for the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season. Well wait no more. The season starts Tuesday at Miami with the defending champion Heat taking on their rivals the Boston Celtics in a rematch of the conference finals. This meeting is sure to be good by adding more bad blood to the mix. Ray Allen left Boston and took less money to sign with the Heat. This season is sure to be filled with excitement and twists with teams being able to have a whole offseason to prepare. The lockout last season messed with a lot of teams’ chemistry. With a full season to prepare this sea-
son will be a great one. Rookies Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are expected to have breakout seasons, leading the race for Rookie of the Year. During the offseason many teams made major moves. Its seems the rich got richer with the Lakers acquiring elite big man Dwight Howard and Steve Nash putting them back in contention for the championship. The Heat signed former teammates Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen, adding elite shooters. Philly, Boston, Denver and the Los Angeles Clippers acquired some good players. Philly got big man Andrew Bynum in the blockbuster Howard trade. Boston signed Jason Terry, Courtney Lee and recently Leandro Barbosa. Denver received all-star Andre Iguodala in the blockbuster trade.
The Clippers signed Grant Hill and ex-Laker Lamar Odum. Many VSU students are excited for this upcoming season. “I’m excited to see how all the teams that made major moves this offseason perform and if they can form chemistry quickly, especially Philadelphia”, Michael Johnson, senior health and physical education major and 76ers fans, said. “But in the finals I have the Lakers and the Heat with the Lakers winning it all.” Quinn Stephens, senior criminal justice major added, “I am excited to see all the new changes to different teams and see my Knicks make a run at it!” Fans should be ready for a season of surprises and disappointment. The last team standing could be someone nobody expects.
(W.soccer) - 10/28 vs. West Florida (Volleyball) - 10/26 vs. North Alabama (Volleyball) - 10/26 vs. Christian Brothers (Volleyball) - 10/26 vs. Union (Men’s Golf) - 10/29 vs. Rollins
Want to be a sports writer? Email: epjackson@valdosta.edu
Mac Ingram/THESPECTATOR Blazer lacrosse player Juice Wozniak attacked and played defense in VSU’s 6-5 victory over Flager College last Saturday.
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 25, 2012
New rival Shorter hosts VSU tonight Von Kennedy A S S T . F E AT U R E S EDITOR vtkennedy@valdosta.edu
After the performance last Saturday, the Blazers are looking to continue the scoring against Gulf South Conference newcomer Shorter College tonight in Rome, Ga. The Blazers (6-2, 3-1 GSC) are coming off an impressive 5941 victory against rival Delta
State (3-4, 1-2 GSC) on Homecoming weekend in a game that can be classified as a “good old fashioned shootout.” Quarterback Cayden Cochran led the Blazers with 443 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns, with 412 yards and five of his touchdowns coming through the air. Wide receiver Seantavious Jones had a breakout game with nine receptions for 210 yards and four touchdowns that includ-
ed a 74 yard bomb from Cochran to start the game. “If you would’ve told me that we would have put up over 600 yards total offense on such a good defense, I would have thought you were telling me a story,” Head Coach David Dean said about the offensive show the Blazers put on Saturday. On the flip side, Dean is not worried about his Blazer defense that gave up 455 yards and six touchdowns as well.
“We gave up four big plays and only gave up one long drive on the day,” Dean said. “Our offense put us in a tough situation once throwing an interception and starting Delta State with great field position on our eight yard line. For the most part, if you take away those four big plays they really had a hard time moving the ball on us except for one series.” The Shorter Hawks (4-4, 0-2 GSC) are coming off a 49-7 loss to West Alabama and are look-
ing to upset the Blazers in what could be a trap game for VSU tonight. Dean isn’t too worried about playing the Hawks in Rome on a short week. “I think our kids have handled it very well,” Dean said. “I think they are excited about it being the last Gulf South Conference game of the season and playing a new opponent for the first time.” Shorter College’s first year in Division II football has seen the team struggle in the passing game averaging 87.9 yards per
game, but excel in rushing yards at 190 yards in each contest led by fullback Bradley Moon. “Shorter plays very hard and has a lot of good players,” Dean said. “I think the big thing for them is they will have a tremendous amount of excitement in their first conference game at home.” The Blazers will square off with Shorter at 7:30 in Rome and the game can be seen on CSS.
Mac Ingram/ THESPECTATOR Freshman running back Austin Scott, who is rushing leader of the GSC avergaging 92 yards per game, has quickly become a major contributor for the Blazers’ success this season.
Red hot Blazers must finish on a high note Eric Jackson S P O RT S
EDITOR
epjackson@valdosta.edu
Let’s give the Blazers a round of applause. The “six-game schedule” that the Blazers geared themselves to following the loss to West Alabama refocused their attention for the second half of the season. VSU has won four straight games since and been picked fourth in the Division II Super Region 2 rankings. After dropping two games in the first four, this season didn’t look bright for Valdosta State. The disappointing news that former Florida State Seminole Greg Reid was out for season due to a torn ACL seemed like it was going make a major difference in the season’s outcome especially after dropping the opener to Saginaw Valley State. The Blazers weeks later got their first taste of conference play losing to the UWA Tigers, whom been tabbed as third on the Super Region 2 rankings. Sitting at 2-2 on the season VSU was in an unusual situation with increased pressure to not lose another game. The strong-willed Blazers answered to the pressure beating their next four opponents by an average of 26 points. A tune-up victory against Ed-
ward Waters helped the ‘Black Swarm’ get their winning mojo back just in time before they hit the road for their next games against rivals West Alabama and North Alabama.
COMMENTARY The commanding win to bring the peach basket back and the pulling off the nail-biter against the Lions in Florence, Ala. has taken the Blazers’ momentum to all-season high as they prepare for the playoffs. The Tigers still being undefeated in conference play makes the Blazers’ chance of winning the Gulf South Conference slim. UWA won’t have to share their champion status if they manage not to lose either of their last two games. VSU must win their last two games as well to secure their berth in the playoffs while they have no control in their conference race. Regardless if the Tigers win the GSC, which they most likely will, the Blazers will get what they missed out on last season; a shot to play for a national championship. The Blazer football team no doubt will have a tougher game next week against Texas A&M Kingsville than tonight’s matchup.
Assuming VSU picks up two more straight wins to close the regular season; it would do the team wonders to head into the post-season streaking. The Blazers’ offense has caught fire in the past couple weeks and is showing no sign of cooling off. The freshman running back tandem Austin Scott and Cedric O’Neal have helped balance the attack. VSU has the highest scoring offense in the conference with assistance from a 233 average rushing yards a game. If the tandem can continue to balance the offense, it will take stress off the passing game that upcoming opponents are well aware of. Scott and O’Neal are currently the No.1 and No.2 in the GSC in rushing yards per game. Quarterback Cayden Cochran has lived up to his expectations this season coming a long way from where he was a year ago when the Blazers dropped their last three games missing the playoffs; this experience Cochran says is one that he can’t forget. With the NCAA playoffs around the corner, it is imperative that the Blazers bring the same steam they’ve been building this entire month into next month.
Mac Ingram/ THESPECTATOR Quarterback Cayden Cochran completed 25 of his 26 passes to go along with five touchdowns in last Saturday’s 59-41 win over Delta State.
Blazin’ Awareness! The Spectator and VSU Athletics are sponsoring “Blazin’ Awareness,” a contest and fundraiser to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. - Color Blaze and submit it to the Information Deskon the second floor of the Student Union by Oct. 30. - Submissions will be judged by a panel, including representatives from VSU Athletics and The Spectator Editor-in-Chief, Amber Smith. - There will be five individual winners and three organization winners. - Students will be allowed to vote in the Student Union for one week.
Follow @vsuspectator on Twitter to find out more about when winners will be announced.
- Cut out Blaze next to this text. - Color Blaze and give him a body. - Turn in your artwork.
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