January 24, 2013
W W W. V S U S P E C TAT O R . C O M
Inside This Issue - OPINIONS: “Americans unite in D.C. for freedom”
VOLUME 84 ISSUE 15
Valdosta’s got a new spot for BBQ
- FEATURES: “CORE to host campus campout on front lawn” - SPORTS: “Softball ready to make another run”
See page 4 for our review.
On the Web w w w. v s u s p e c ta t o r. c o m
Check out Veronica Dominicis’ profile on the Department of Psychology and Counseling.
City, county to host Parade of Champions
Today at VSU AUDITIONS FOR AFRICAN NIGHT 2013 The African Student Association is holding auditons for its annual event tonight from 6:30-8 p.m.in Odum Library room 1480. AED PREMED CLUB - FIRST SPRING SEMESTER MEETING Guest Speakers: Jan Shiver from Albany SOWEGAAHEC will be discussing the Pathway to Medical School program starting this summer. Sgt. First Class Rodrick Hill from the US Army Medical Recruiting Station in Savannah will be presenting on military careers. NPHC CINNABON FUNDRAISER - Price: 2 Cinnabons for $5. Orders may be placed with any NPHC member. For more information, contact kdessau@valdosta.edu. Pickup will be Feb. 8 at noon in the Student Union. MOVIE NIGHT- “TAKEN 2” Join Natural High tonight for a movie night in the Library Auditorium at 8 p.m. Snacks will be provided and admission is free. DONATE YOUR OLD PROM DRESS! - Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc. is accepting donations to help with Valdosta High School Service Learning Program’s “Free Prom Dress Giveaway.” Dresses, shoes and accessories will be accepted throughout the month of February.
Weather Today
Friday
Mostly Sunny 71 H 42 L Partly Cloudy 72 H 52 L
Saturday Partly Cloudy 69 H 42 L
Question of the week What will you do with your refund check? A. Pay bills B. Spring Break fund! C. I don’t get excess checks Vote online at www.vsuspectator.com!
Last Week’s Poll Results What do you think of the gun laws Obama recently proposed? Just what the country needs
50%
Not the right answer
50%
What proposal?
0%
Ace Espenshied A S S T. S P O RT S E D I T O R acespenshied@valdosta.edu
H S BA bu i l d i n g o n r i s e Radhika Patel/ THE SPECTATOR Work continues on the site of VSU’s new Health Sciences and Business Administration Building. The project is slated for completion early next year. Other construction projects on main campus are nearing a close, leaving only smaller projects like upgrades and maintenance on the schedule.
Will Lewis S TA F F W R I T E R walewis@valdosta.edu
Major construction projects on VSU’s main campus have ceased for the year. This year, the majority of the construction projects will occur at the Rea and Lillian Steele North Campus with smaller renovation projects set for Langdale Hall and the Fine Arts Building. The Health Sciences and Business Administration building is being erected in the area that was formerly the North Campus overflow parking lot. The construction fencing has blocked off the entirety of the lot rendering it inaccessible to students and faculty. Ground was broken on the new building on Oct. 14, 2012, and the frame of the structure has already risen to form an outline of the building to come. The project, estimated at $32 million, will create a building with an area of approximately 140,000 square feet. The HSBA building, which is expected to be completed in January of 2014, will house several of the University’s science programs including nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Social Work and
Health Care Administration. The building will consolidate the programs, which are currently located in five different buildings around campus. “The goal is to have functional academic and administrative spaces for programs in the College of Business, College of Nursing, Communication Science and Disorders and Sports Medicine and Kinesiology,” Dr. Victoria Douglass, University architect, said. The administration has big plans for the future of the building. Dr. William McKinney, VSU president, referred to the building in a University press release as the future “cornerstone of Valdosta State’s health professions programs.” Langdale Hall is also undergoing some minor work in an ongoing effort to give the 44-yearold building a facelift. “We are doing phase III, or the B-wing of Langdale.” said Tom Hardy, director of housing and residence life. “This will match the previous two renovations: new bathrooms, new furnishings, new flooring, repainting, and more. This phase will also enhance existing staff offices and the [Residence Hall Director’s] apartment.” Also on the schedule for this year is maintenance to the Fine
Arts Building, College of Education and the Continuing Education Building. The maintenance will include renovations to the elevators and restrooms. Renovations are ongoing for the P.E. Complex on Sustella Avenue. “Starting summer 2012 work began on replacing the [Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning] system in the P.E. Complex,” Thressea Boyd, VSU’s director of communications, said. “In addition, a new chiller system was installed as part of the HVAC work. “The former chiller and system was original to the building and more than 30 years old. Currently, work is being completed on a two-story addition to the P.E. Complex that will provide men and women’s bathrooms on the second floor, [and] extend the concession area. This work is scheduled to be completed by mid to late February.” Douglass declined to comment on the renovations being done at the P.E. complex, saying that she had no knowledge of any construction at the building. The construction of the HSBA building is being handled by the Atlanta and Nashville offices of KBR building group.
What will the HSBA building bring to VSU? • State-of-the-art simulation center • Clinical space • Space for community outreach for each of the health science programs • Development of doctoral degrees in nursing, speech and language pathology and social work • Master’s programs: exercise physiology, health care administration
Beginning with the 2011 men’s tennis team and followed by the 2012 softball and football squads, VSU has seen three national championships in the past 19 months. The City of Valdosta and Lowndes County have announced that they will honor all three NCAA Division II national championship teams by hosting a Parade of Champions on Wednesday. The parade will begin at 4 p.m. in front of Mathis Auditorium and head south down Patterson Street, ending at Drexel Park. Featured speakers will include Valdosta mayor John Gayle, VSU President Dr. William J. McKinney, Lowndes County Commissioner Bill Slaughter, and all three championship head coaches. This has been the first time that VSU has seen more than one national championship team in a single year. The 2012 softball team was the first women’s team in VSU history to win a national championship. The men’s tennis team has been to five of the last nine, winning in 2006 and 2011. The football team capped off a great late season run defeating Winston-Salem 35-7 on Dec. 15, earning the program’s third championship since 2004. Brookwood Drive will be closed from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, according to Thressea Boyd, VSU’s director of communications. “Cars parked in this area will be blocked and unable to move until after 6 p.m.,” she said in an email.
• Bachelor’s degrees: social work, health care administration • Retention and graduatuion of up to 1,000 more graduates per year Source: University press release
Panel attempts to clarify issues VSU not
Amber Smith/ THE SPECTATOR
The College of Arts and Sciences hostsa discussion about the complications of healthcare reform. Joe Adgie SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR jmadgie@valdosta.edu
Healthcare reform was on the minds of people at the Bailey Science Center on Wednesday night, as a panel discussion attempted to clarify this highly complicated issue. The event, which was attended by approximately 60 members of the community, discussed how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly referred to as ObamaCare, would affect patients, caregivers and businesses. The first speaker was Randy Sauls, chief executive officer of South Georgia Medical Center. Sauls spoke about how hospitals were coping with the recent law. “We’re going to continue to operate as we always have,” Sauls said. “We’re going to continue to provide services to anyone, regardless of the bills you have to pay or any other condition.”
Sauls explained that SGMC is a public not-for-profit organization “owned by the citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County.” “I should remind you, we’re not-for-loss,” Sauls also said. “We have payroll to make and expenses to pay.” Sauls also explained that various health organizations in the surrounding areas could consolidate. Dr. Myron Faircloth, an assistant professor at VSU’s College of Nursing, also spoke regarding the issue. “Obviously, one of the problems from my standpoint is the shortage of providers, and the federal healthcare law does give about 30 to 32 million people more access to healthcare, and there’s a problem with that,” Faircloth said. “Having healthcare does not guarantee access.” Faircloth also explained that the shortage of physicians in 2010 was at 13,700, and that number was projected to increase to 62,900 by 2015, and up to 91,500 by 2020.
hit by flu epidemic Jessica Ingram S TA F F W R I T E R jdingram@valdosta.edu
businesses would cope with the new law.
The flu has reached epidemic status in the nation, however much of VSU’s campus community said they have not had the flu. According to area experts— Lynette Lewis, assistant director and administrator at the Student Health Center, and Dr. Edwin Hiatt, M.D. Director at the Student Health Center—the flu season started abnormally early and is now spread across the U.S. “I have had swine flu in the past, but I haven’t had the flu this year and I don’t really know anyone that has had it,” Lacey Miller, junior early education major, said. The U.S. has seen a rise in the number or people getting the flu vaccine. According to Lewis
S e e PA N E L , P a g e 2
See FLU, Page 2
Isaiah Smart/ THE SPECTATOR Attendees at Wednesday night’s panel discussion in Bailey Science Center discussed what effects the Affordable Care Act will have on the nation.
Representing Langdale Industries were Barbara Barrett and Ewelina Sparks, who spoke how
NEWS
PAGE 2 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM Upcoming Events Today, 3 p.m. Alpha Phi Omega Rush Week Do Service Heritage Home, 2501 N. Ashley Street Today, 6:30 p.m. Habitat for Humanity Meeting Odum Library, room 1480 Contact Ashley Hill at ashill@valdosta.edu for more information. Today, 7 p.m. Visual Impact with Richard Hight Student Union Theater Free event that showcases Hight’s work--paintings with a story. Donate Now Donations for The Haven Public Relations Student Society of America is helping The Haven, an emergency shelter and services for victims of family violence and sexual assault in Valdosta. The Haven needs: toiletry items, personal hygiene items, and others. The Haven is registered at both WalMart and Target. Contact volunteer@valdostahaven.org for more information. Now - March 5 Yoga with Jane Zahner Every Tuesday from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Call for information on location. Bring your own yoga mat/beach towel. Please register for this event by calling the Employee & Organizational Development office at 259-5105. Jan. 25, 4 p.m. Alpha Phi Omega Rush Week Boys’ and Girls’ Club on Toombs Street Jan. 26, Time TBA Alphi Phi Omega Rush Week Boys’ and Girls’ Club at Lake Laurie Jan. 27, 5:25 p.m. Alphi Phi Omega Rush Week Karoke Centennial Hall, room 130 Jan. 29, noon to 1 p.m. Weight Watchers 12-week series with 14 weeks of free eTools. UC Dogwood Room Jan. 29 - Jan. 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kappa Alpha Psi and Team Creative Talent Show Auditions Kampus Kontender: Talent Showkase during Kappa Week. Centenniel Hall, room 130 All talents welcome - $150 grand prize. Contact Jeremiah Wiggins, jawiggins@valdosta.edu, for more information.
Calling all writers and photogaphers!
JANUARY 24, 2013
Poet coming to campus
Flu
Creative Writer Series presents Paul Hostovsky
there are parts of the U.S. that are actually running out of the vaccines. The vaccines for the current flu season were available starting in September 2012. “My mom got a flu shot and hasn’t gotten sick, but I didn’t get one and I haven’t had the flu either,� Jessie Brooks, junior accounting major, said. “I think a lot of people our age don’t think they need them because they don’t think they will get sick.� According to Dr. Hiatt, those most susceptible to the flu are “children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.� The vaccine, made from the killed flu virus, takes a couple weeks to become effective in the body. Lewis and Hiatt said that some of the people who have contracted the flu this season have been extremely sick and that it is best to get vaccinated to limit the probability of sickness. “I haven’t been sick this season, but one of my friends from
Dr. Williams, and other members of the Georgia Poetry CirM U LT I M E D I A E D I T O R cuit from Berry College, Brenau vtkennedy@valdosta.edu University, Columbus State, Georgia Southern, Georgia Author and poet Paul HosPerimeter College, Macon State tovsky will be visiting VSU College, Mercer University, Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the UC UGA and VSU chose three writMagnolia Room to share his love ers in a voting process to tour seof poetry. lect Georgia colleges. Hostovsky has written four This year’s writers were Dave full-length poetry books since Smith, Jacqueline Osherow and 2008 and comHostovsky. piled nine Smith and His poetry style is Osherow works total in came to his collection. VSU last semesaccessible and has Hostovsky a lot of humor in his ter. Dr. Williams has been featured in online teaches Hospoetry. anthologies tovsky’s latest - DR. MARTY WILLIAMS such as Poetry work, “Hurt into ENGLISH PROFESSOR Daily and the Beauty,� in his InWriter’s Altroduction to Cremanac. ative Writing Class. His works have also been pubDr. Williams has not reviewed lished in literary magazines like “Hurt into Beauty,� but feels the Atlanta Review, Carolina great about this book considering Quarterly and New Delta Rehis style in earlier works. view. “His poetry style is accessible “It is important for the campus and has a lot of humor in his poand community to support culetry,� said Dr. Williams. tural events like this,� Dr. Marty On his website, the FutureCyWilliams, professor of creative cle Press said “Hurt in Beauty,� writing, said. “offers up the kind of fare that Hostovsky’s poetry is underhis readers keep coming back stood by various audiences.
Von Kennedy
“
�
Photo courtesy paulhostovsky.com.
Hostovsky for. The humor mixed with poignancy, the heartbreak lined with a kind of palliative existential mischief in poems that explore the nature of pain, illness, beauty, childhood, Deaf people and sign language, the art of love and the art of poetry." Outside of writing poetry, Hostovsky makes a living working for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as a sign language interpreter. For more information email Dr. Williams at mlwillia@valdosta.edu.
Dr. Fuciarelli steps down Dr. Alfred Fuciarelli will be stepping down from his administrative duties as Dean of VSU’s Graduate School, according to an email that Dr. Karla Hull, acting vice president for Academic Affairs, sent to faculty shortly after noon on Wednesday. “I want to extend my thanks to Dr. Alfred Fuciarelli for his administrative service to the Graduate School and Office of Sponsored Programs,� Dr. Hull wrote. “Dr. Fuciarelli will be stepping down from his administrative duties and joining the Department of Chemistry as a faculty member in Fall 2013.� Dr. Fuciarelli’s biography on the Graduate school’s website outlines the duties that Dr. Fuciarelli’s job entails as asst. vice president for research and graduate school dean. “As AVP for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Fuciarelli is responsible for providing vision and strategic leadership for The Graduate
Panel Continued from Page 1 “Employer-sponsored health insurance is the leading source of health insurance in the US, covering approximately 149 million,� Barrett said. “It’s the backbone of the US health insurance system.� Barrett also added that the impact of the Affordable Care Act was so profound and that the future of employer-based health care was uncertain-- for the first
Continued from Page 1
Dr. Fuciarelli School and for VSU’s research enterprise,� it reads. “His effort is centered on helping VSU’s faculty develop strong graduate academic programs; helping VSU expand its external funding base, reputation for scholarly and creative excellence, and opportunities for engaging undergraduate and graduate students in research, creative, and schol-
time in history. Consequently, Barrett and Sparks analyzed the health insurance offered by Langdale before the ACA, and what would need to change afterwards. “It’s going to cost us approximately two million dollars,� Sparks said at the conclusion of a PowerPoint presentation put on by herself and Barrett. While both Sparks and Barrett explained that Langdale would try to not place the costs of this healthcare change on their employees, they also explained that
Photo courtesy Valdosta State.
Dr. LaPlant arly activity; and creating, developing, and facilitating local, regional, and national partnerships that enhance quality of life and economic prosperity in South Georgia.� According to Dr. Hull’s email, Dr. James LaPlant has agreed to serve as interim graduate dean and assistant vice president for research starting Feb. 1.
other employers would probably not do the same. “That’s generally how employers control their costs,� Barrett said.
Photo courtesy Valdosta State.
home had the flu over Thanksgiving break and he was really sick and couldn’t really get out of bed on Thanksgiving Day,� BJ Guest, junior early childhood education major, said. The flu is a virus, which means that it is more serious than a cold, and people with the flu generally feel very ill. The symptoms of the flu are much like the common cold. However, the symptoms are intensified greatly. According to the CDC the symptoms of the flu are fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body or muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, and dry cough. More information on influenza and the flu vaccine is available at CDC’s website solely devoted to the flu at http://cdc.gov/flu/. Lewis said that students that want to get vaccinated can call the Student Health Center to make an appointment. A VSU ID is required for the vaccination and the cost is $10. Local doctors, health departments, and pharmacies are also offering the flu vaccination for this season.
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For Sale Microsoft Office 2010 for sale: Illustrated Introductory First Course by Beskeen and others. It is a First Edition book used for ACED 2400. It is used but like new. Contact Aquilius at 912245-6002.
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OPINIONS
JANUARY 24, 2013
Our point of view...
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 3
Americans unite in D.C. for freedom
A
fter President Obama concluded his second inaugural speech, Richard Blanco read the poem he prepared for the occasion, Kelly Clarkson and Beyoncé sang, Rev. Luis Leon gave the benediction and CBS resumed its newsroom coverage of the event as the Presidential party filed back into the Capitol for signing and lunch. The first thing Bob Schieffer said afterwards was that he heard no call to action from President Obama’s speech nor did he hear him ask the nation for anything. We must have been listening to two different speeches. We heard the 44th President of the United States take his second inaugural oath before addressing the masses on Capitol Hill and, thanks to the live news coverage, the viewers at home. President Obama invoked the works of our Declaration of Independence saying these ideals are what make us American. “What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more
than two centuries ago,” he said. “‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.’ “Today we continue a neverending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time,” he continued. “For history tells us that while these truths may be selfevident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth.” This was Obama’s call to action. This was Obama telling Congress to act with these principles in mind. This was Obama calling the people to act, and encourage their representatives, to act on our cherished American values. Schieffer said he was expecting to hear something like John F. Kenndy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you…” line, but never heard that in Obama’s speech.
We heard Obama call the American people to unite--to act as one towards a common goal for the greater good of our nation and the world. “…[W]e have always understood that when times change, so must we; that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action,” he said. “For the American people can no more meet the demands of today’s world by acting alone than American soldiers could have met the forces of fascism or communism with muskets and militias.” “No single person can train all the math and science teachers we’ll need to equip our children for the future, or build the roads and networks and research labs that will bring new jobs and businesses to our shores. Now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation, and one people.” Later, the President’s speech took a turn befitting of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day inauguration as Obama began to sound
even more like a civil rights leader with sentiments like, “We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few.” Obama then addressed some policy changes to address in the near future. He said that we will respond to the threat of climate change, perpetual war is not necessary to sustain peace, women deserve equal pay, love between gay couples is equal to that of straight couples and that children must be cherished while being kept safe. President Obama spoke wisely in saying, “Progress does not compel us to settle centurieslong debates about the role of government for all time – but it
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does require us to act in our time” and that the oath he sworn in his inauguration “was an oath to God and country, not party or faction.” Like the President, we believe that the time to act is now. As he said, citizens have the power to set this country’s course. Let’s make sure that the course we set is the right one. Let us work for the good of our brethren. We all
must work together to ensure that all people are treated equally under the law as well as in our daily interactions. Let us unite in the spirit of peace for our world and for the advancement of all people. In the words of President Obama, “My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.”
This editorial was written by Amber Smith (amsmith@valdosta.edu) and it expresses the general opinion of the editorial staff.
Etiquette for the twenty-first century Quasha Ross S TA F F
WRITER
qlross@valdosta.edu
Social media has taken off since the launch of MySpace in 2003. We now have several social media outlets to cater to our boredom and curiosity. These networks include the all too popular Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and tons of others. How does your Facebook profile look? Are there pictures of you having a great night out with friends, holding that infamous red cup? According to a study conducted in February 2012 by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 37-percent of employers use social media to research job candidates, and 11percent of employers plan to start using social media to look up potential employees. Do you know what this means? It means that our online activity has to become a bit more tasteful. It’s easy to forget that online profiles are just a click away and they can be a first impression for an employer who has not had the chance to meet the potential candidate. When we’ve had a hard day at work, we don’t think about the harsh comments we post on Facebook or Twitter about how much we hate our jobs. Once an employer
clicks on your profile and sees this, it’s possible that you may no longer be the candidate that fills the job position. “We want to be sure employers know that under federal labor, they have a right to discuss their wages and working conditions with each other, and to join together to try to improve them,” Nancy Cleeland, director of public affairs at the National Labor Relations Board, told ABC News. “Those rights have existed since the National Labor Rela-
Before you post anything online, think about how it will affect you and the people around you. tions Act was enacted in 1935.” “Today we are merely extending those protections to new forms of communication, such as Facebook, but not all work-related social media posts are protected, and some behaviors can cause an employee to lose protection,” Cleeland said. “We compiled these cases to give both employers and employees a better idea of what is protected and permitted.”
An Applebee’s worker faced possible termination after he refused to sign an agreement barring employees from making negative comments about the workplace on Facebook. At Cisco, which is a corporation that has transformed the way people connect, communicate, and collaborate online, has also had run-ins with social media rants and raves. Cisco withdrew a job offer presented to a potential employee, who posted this on Twitter: “Cisco just offered me a job! Now I have to weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work.” Tim Levad, a channel partner advocate for the Cisco Alert, saw the tweet and assured the tweeter that he would be contacting the hiring manager of Cisco and notifying them of the tactless tweet. A simple tweet can ruin an entire career. Now, that tweeter is back to square one, filling out job applications all because of a personal opinion posted on a social network. “I try not to post my personal opinions and feelings about my job online,” Traci Williams, a senior Psychology major, said. “Comments that you post online can get back to your job or to certain people, and it can jeopardize your personal life.”
There is one major issue in many of the social media network discussions. Are we the same in person as we are online? Some may argue that we are completely different online and employers should not use online activity to draw conclusions on who we are as potential job candidates. In opposition to this argument, research shows that most people are honest about their online faces. Studies conducted in the United States and Germany found that social networking sites convey accurate images of the personality profiles we offer. Another study found that readers of blogs were able to consistently and accurately judge the personalities of those who posted entries without ever meeting them. These studies support the idea that employers can get the gist of who you are by simply exploring your profile. So who is it that you want future employers, inlaws, or other peers to see? Do you want them to see you intoxicated? Is your profile filled with derogatory language? It’s time that we think before we post. It’s simple. Before you post anything online, think about how it will affect you and the people around you. Remember that your online profile can be your first impression, so from now on make that impression a great one.
People Poll: Martin Luther King’s dream was racial equality. What is your dream? Faisal Shuraym freshman english major “To have a family.”
Simone Register freshman athletic training major “To be able to afford nice things, have a family and have a job that I love.”
Sterling Shiver sophomore pre-engineering major
Pirates assist big business Olivia McLean S TA F F
WRITER
ovmclean@valdosta.edu
With a shift from CD-ROMS and cassette tapes to digital downloads that can be bought and played on a computer, piracy has become an increasing problem. File-sharing programs such as BitTorrent and websites such as the now-defunct MegaUpload.com, have made piracy easily accessible to the public. Many anti-piracy advocates argue that online piracy is equivalent to theft and online pirates should be punished to the highest degree, but could piracy also be helpful in the long run? According to the Motion Picture Association of America website, MPAA.com, piracy is “theft and includes the unauthorized copying, distribution, performance or other use of copyrighted materials.” Although the definition of piracy is pretty clean-cut, the repercussions may not be. The MPAA and RIAA (Recording In-
dustry Association of America) state that the penalties for illegally recording and sharing copyrighted movies, TV shows and music include a federal felony charge. This is accompanied by a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Though the consequences are frightening, I can't help but to think of the positive results that
Jessica McDonald junior middle grade education major “To encourage students to want to learn and become successful.”
Issue of the Week come from online piracy. Moviewatchers are no longer relying on Roger Ebert to give them a rundown on the newest movies-they are now turning to the internet community. I'm sure some self-proclaimed movie reviewers watch movies illegally, but in turn, they create a buzz that, when positive, makes other people go out and pay to see the movie. As for the music aspect, illegally downloading audio files whether it be single songs or complete albums, is as easy as using the search engine on a so-
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cial media site like Twitter. Nowadays, it's almost expected that a highly-anticipated album be “leaked” before its slated release date. After that, it's up to the artist's fans to decide if they want to illegally download the music for free or wait and buy it. People who choose to illegally download and listen to music before it reaches the general public create discussion and interest by sharing their own thoughts on it.
Why are the MPAA and RIAA such sticklers for following their rules when the rule-breakers have the ability to generate more sales? Perhaps it's so that people will think that these big companies are protecting music artists, actors, directors and producers. Perhaps it's to keep power over the music and film industries. Whatever the reason, there definitely needs to be a change.
Sports Editor: Eric Jackson Photo Editor: Cody Hicks Multimedia Editor: Von Kennedy Web Designer: Rebecka McAleer Copy Editor: Shambree Wartel Cartoonist: Garrison Muelhausen Social Media Editor: Joe Adgie Faculty Advisers: Dr. Pat Miller, Dr. Ted Geltner, Keith Warburg
Demetrice Cunningham freshman theater major “I want to eradicate social injustice through my talents of singing and acting; like Lady Gaga.”
Contacting Us
Spectator Staff Editor-in-Chief: Amber Smith Managing Editor: Jennifer Gleason Business Manager: Brandon Mainer Advertising Manager: Aimee Napier Circulation Manager: Sarah Turner Opinions Editor: Stephen Cavallaro Features Editor: Amanda Usher
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PAGE 4 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
FEATURES
JANUARY 24, 2013
Shane’s drizzles in with BBQ sauce S
pectator Tasters has made a comeback. This week, editors Amber Smith and Jennifer Gleason visited newly opened Shane’s Rib Shack. Amber: I took a right at the light by the Valdosta Mall entrance one day and noticed that the Moe’s that previously sat at the end of the strip mall had been replaced by Shane’s Rib Shack. I laughed-- my boyfriend commented that our friend Shane now had a namesake in town, and that was the last I thought of it. Jennifer started telling me about what a staple the restaurant was “back home” and how funny she thought it was that none of the locals around here “know what a Shane’s is.” Jennifer: Shane’s Rib Shack is all over the Atlanta area—particularly in Henry County. After church, my dad would demand we go there for lunch weekly. One would think we would grow tired of the barbecue, but it’s one of the few places I have looked forward to eating. I was excited to introduce one local to the restaurant, because for some fairly-priced and fast barbecue, Shane’s has definitely been a top choice of mine. Someone going into a Shane’s and expecting a Smokin’ Pig atmosphere would be disappointed, though. Shane’s is more quaint and small compared to the aforementioned barbecue joint—but that’s what I love about it.. Valdosta’s Shane’s Rib Shack is just like the ones at home, but luckily with more seating than the one I frequented in McDonough. When we walked up to the register, the staff members
Cody Hicks/THE SPECTATOR Shane’s Rib Shack is located at 1525 Baytree Rd., which used to be Moe’s. McDonough, Ga. is home of the original Shane’s, which opened in 2002.
were polite and friendly—our cashier even held a short conversation with us about shopping when she spotted a Gap card in Amber’s hand. A: The country-themed atmosphere was perfect for the downhome menu of soul food offered. We walked up to order, and then sat at a wooden table with wooden chairs facing a sepia wall of what appeared to be family photos and a quote. “Shane isn’t about flash—he’s about family, community and darn good food,” it read. “So much so that he quit his highfalutin corporate job, dusted off Big Dad’s (Shane’s grandfather) secret recipe and enlisted his own family to make a dream come true.” On the table was an array of sauces in a holder attached to a
roll of paper towels. I guess they expected us to get messy. Another sign on the wall gave a dictionary-style definition of “The South,” stating that here “Tea is sweet and accents are sweeter” and “‘Y’all’ is the only proper noun.” J: When the food was brought out to us, I was excited to dig into my BBQ chicken plate. I remembered how wonderful their macaroni and cheese could be, so I was excited to order my favorite plate with it and some okra. The portion sizes were perfect, and the taste brought me back to home and going out to
eat with my dad. I’m a simple kind of gal when
sauces. I realized I had never actually tried the hot barbecue sauce, for fear it would be too fiery for me. I dabbed some on my finger and was proven wrong—the sauce had little heat compared to what most might consider “hot”, yet combined Amber Smith jennifer Gleason spicy and sweet flavors in a unique, balanced way. I definitely it comes to food. I loved their will have to try it again someoriginal barbecue sauce and time. lightly drizzled it over my chickNeedless to say, I devoured en to not detract from the actual my meal, and the Valdosta flavor of the meat. The piece of Shane’s did not disappoint me at toast that came with the meal all. I especially enjoyed roaming was a nice addition to the flathe restaurant a little later and vors. Later in our conversation spotting the VSU and Valdosta and dining, Amber mentioned school athletic jerseys and picshe liked the hot and spicy tures—an ode to the town that
Spectator
Tasters
welcomed in the business. There was even a cool picture of Blaze on the wall. I’m just happy to know there is a restaurant from home for me here that is welcoming and delicious. A: When our food came, I was shocked at the plate that sat in front of me. This was the largest potato I had ever seen. The potato was topped with cheese and pulled pork. I had never seen anything that looked so utterly American and gloriously fattening simultaneously. I tried each of the four sauces before drizzling three of them over the top of my meal. My favorite: the mustard barbeque sauce. Its flavor was unique, just the tangy blend of mustard and barbeque that I should have expected but did not. The meal was worth every cent. It may sound like $9 was a little much for a baked potato, but this is no ordinary ‘tater. Factoring in size, quality and the fact that I could feed myself for three days on one meal, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
What We Had Amber: Shack Potato, no jalapeños Fried Okra Sweet Tea + Peach Syrup & Lemon $8.98 + tax Jennifer: BBQ Chicken Plate Mac & Cheese Fried Okra Coke $10.38 + tax Total: $20.72
Soundgarden rocks again CORE to host campus
W
elcome to Additive Noise-- the official Spectator source for music reviews and recommendations. We’re here to bring you music you may not have ever heard, to broaden your horizons, or to bring you new information about the music you already love.. In the fall semester, everyone’s excited and ready to get to work in their new classes. In the spring, however, it’s a bit harder to get off the ground. Feeling some spring semester jet lag? We’ve got the perfect song for you. If you saw Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ when it released in theaters in May 2012, we hope you stayed to see the credits. If so, you may remember today’s subject: “Live to Rise”, by Soundgarden. Wait, Soundgarden? Weren’t they done in the ‘90s? When did they release something new? It’s
Tots visit, learn about tunes Ritsuki Miyazaki S TA F F W R I T E R
rmiyazaki@valdosta.edu
The sweet sound of a symphony could be heard during the Tunes for Tots performance from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the Whitehead Auditorium. The annual event, held by the Valdosta Symphony Guild, was designed to introduce the several instruments played by the child orchestra. “Tunes for Tots is the annual out reach event for the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and South Georgia string project,” Dr. Lauren Burns, director of South Georgia String Project, said. “It’s to show children what each of the instruments in the orches-
true! Soundgarden is back. A Seattle-based grunge band, Soundgarden originally formed in 1984, and played a strong career until their disbanding in 1997. Most of us remember them as creators of the entire grunge-alternative genre, along with similar bands such as Nir-
with Becka McAleer vana and Pearl Jam. Unfortunately, it seems that not every group is designed to spend their days on tour. After some internal issues, tour stress and a 12-yearold hiatus, Soundgarden returned to the studio. “The Knights of the Soundtable ride again!” they wrote on their website. Like students returning to school, the band had to really feel like they were coming back
to life. Their dormant career needed a kickstart, which came in the form of “Live to Rise.” The song is a strong and steady testament to those rising from their ashes. This explains why they chose to use it for ‘The Avengers’, given that the movie features some excellent ‘risers’.” Like the sun we will live to rise-- like the sun we will live and die and then ignite again,” the lyrics read. While there are two verses and a bridge to the song, these first lines from the chorus are the most important, and thus the most repeated. Students, we know it’s cold. We know getting up in the morning is a pain. We know you have that one class you just didn’t even want to register for. Do yourself a favor and just live to rise. If you burn out one night, ignite yourself again in the morning. Keep your head up, and kickstart yourself when you need to. For a link to the song or to read more Additive Noise, follow us online at http://vsuadditivenoise.blogspot.com/.
campout on front lawn Brian Hickey, Jr. S TA F F W R I T E R
bdhickey@valdosta.edu
CORE will host Campout on Campus at 1 p.m. on Friday on the front lawn to promote free outdoor activities and events. The event, which was a collaboration with other campus organizations, will include slackline, an inflatable challenge course, a kickball tourney, ultimate Frisbee, a photo booth and the showing of “Total Recall” at 7 p.m. Slackline, an activity where a rope is tied between two trees and students are able to walk across it, is known to provide great entertainment to both beginners and those that are advanced. “The best way to describe it is
a combination of a tight rope and a trampoline,” Sean Wilkinson, a graduate assistant, said. “We’re going to have a beginner’s slackline and we’re going to be teaching people how to do it. We want people to be walking by the time they leave.” Another major event CORE is looking forward to introducing is the Photo Booth. Students will be given some of CORE’s many outdoor equipment such as their big inflatable white water rafts and placed in front of a green screen where they will be simulating the activity they are portraying. This was designed in hopes that students would be able to connect to friends and CORE via Facebook. “At that moment we will be uploading the pictures to the CORE picture page and students will be able to go on and like
and tag themselves to the pictures,” Wilkinson said. “There will also be sunset yoga.” Several students are anxious yet excited about Friday’s event. “I am very interested in CORE’s new event,” Tremaine Genias, sophomore political science major, said. “I’ve never been one to like it before but I’m sure it’ll be fun.” Wilkinson is thankful for the help from other organizations. “Props to CAB, they really helped us out,” he said. “We reached out to them not knowing what would happen and they are providing a lot of cool stuff.” Wilkinson encourages students to come out for a night of fun. “Be sure to come out and show your support to CORE this Friday,” he said.
Check out the web Spectator to read Anthony Pope’s “Pop Addict,” Steven Setser’s “Spec Tech” and Devin Crudup’s “Be Healthy” at vsuspectator.com. While you’re there, check out more web exclusives, including coverage of the play “Cinderella” performed by the Valdosta School of Ballet. Due to scheduling concerns, features editor Amanda Usher and managing editor Jennifer Gleason have retired their relationship column “The Love Game.” We extend our thanks to those who enjoyed reading it every week.
Ritsuki Miyazaki/THE SPECTATOR Dr. Steven Taylor, music professor, assists first-timer Jordan Hargett, 3, in playing the cello, one of the instruments featured at ‘Tunes for Tots.’
tra sounds like and also to advertise for the South Georgia string project.” During the performance, the children of the South Georgia String Project performed as an orchestra, and several VSU professors demonstrated solos with each of their instruments. Among those who attended included several VSU undergraduate and graduate music majors who supported the event as part of their training. “It really exposes kids to music and different instruments,” Jenny Zimler, sophomore music education major, said. “And especially afterward when they get a chance to come up really close--it just gives them some hands on experience and is a really cool part about the event.”
After the performances, several children got hands on experience with instruments including the trumpet, violin and tambourine. Several parents were grateful for the learning opportunity that their child received while playing the instruments. “This is a great opportunity for children and adults to come out, enjoy, see the instrument up close and hear the music,” Jacqueline Lilly, parent, said. “My daughter played the violin for a few years but now she wants to play something different because of this event.” The South Georgia String Project will begin classes on Monday for children who are eight years and older.
SPORTS
JANUARY 24, 2013
VSUSPECTATOR.COM | PAGE 5
Lady Blazers face Christian Bros. tonight VSU looks to improve to 8-0 at the P.E. Complex Chris Kessler S P O RT S W R I T E R ckessler@valdosta.edu
Tonight, Valdosta State Lady Blazers come home to play inside The Complex. VSU, 10-5 on the year, is coming off a three game road trip that ended with a 62-59 road victory at West Florida last saturday. The team was lifted by Ashley Johnson's 20 points off the bench.Coach Kiley Hill believes his team is starting to turn the corner and play consistent basketball. “We probably played the most consistent level of play on Saturday. Even though it was back
and forth, we responded well to adverse situations,” Coach Hill said. While the team is starting to improve Coach Hill has yet to find a consistent set rotation and will continue to be a game by game process. “We've had two or three kids plays consistent, we try to figure out pretty quickly who's on and who's off, and find out which match-ups work best for us.” The Lady Bucs enter the game off a victory of their own against West Alabama, but sport a miserable 4-11 record. The Lady Blazers are 3-4 in conference play, and a home win tonight would be crucial getting them back to .500. Coach Hill is focused merely
on the Lady Blazers doing their job to get a win. “We don't talk about must-win games. You got to do your job and your role, and that's where the wins and losses will come from. If we do our job consistently, then we're going to put ourselves in a position to get a W. If we don't do those things, it doesn't matter what (Christian Brothers) does,” Coach Hill said. The Lady Blazers are undefeated (7-0) at home. The team has been much stronger at home, averaging 60.8 points per game, about six more points per game at home compared to on the road. VSU has also held opponents to 53.5 points a game, six less points a game at home than on
the road. “You should be playing better at home. Look across the country, there's a major disparity between home wins and home losses. To win a championship, you must hold serve on all your home games.” VSU should be able to take advantage aginst a struggling Christian Brothers’ offense, which is last in the Gulf South Conference in averaging just 55.1 points per game and shoot at low rate of 35%, which is second to last in the conference. Despite the Lady Blazers playing two games in the next three days (hosting Delta State on Saturday); Coach Hill is not worried about saving legs during tonight's game for Saturday's
game. He and coaching staff are focused solely on getting a win tonight against Christian Brothers. “We're beyond that point. The only way we adjust is our practice setting, but once the game's on you play for that day,” Coach Hill said. A win tonight would help move the Lady Blazers up in the conference standings, who currently are tied for seventh, and continue to build some momentum going into saturday's big nationally televised game versus Delta State. The game is scheduled to tipoff at 6PM tonight inside The Complex, and will be followed by the men’s game.
Austen Hutto/THESPECTATOR Forward Alan Love defends teammate Evan Ratliff during practice last week. Love added nine points in the 99-93 loss to West Florida last Saturday.
Don’t forget to follow on Twitter @Blazersports or @epjackson for VSU sports updates Pack the Plex Saturday’s game against Delta State will be nationally televised by CBS Sports Network
Austen Hutto/THESPECTATOR Senior Brittney Nelson drives down the lane during practice. Nelson currently leads the Gulf South Conference in rebounds per game (10.9).
Blazers begin home stand tonight Shane Thomas S P O RT S W R I T E R shanethomas@valdosta.edu
The Valdosta State Blazers men’s basketball team is back home Thursday night to host the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University, tipping off a fourgame home stand. Having lost four of their last five games, including a 99-93 loss to West Florida last Saturday, Head Coach Mike Helfer and his Blazers see this game as an opportunity to turn things around on their home floor. “I think it’s very important,” Helfer said. “I think we have played well over the last five games, we’ve just struggled winning a few of them. We just gotta come out and play and focus on the fundamentals.” Christian Brothers comes into
The Complex on a two-game win streak following an impressive 68-49 victory against West Alabama. The Buccaneers are 10-5 overall and 5-2 in the Gulf South Conference. The Blazers also sport a 10-5 record overall but are just 2-4 in Gulf South Conference play entering Thursday night. “The one thing about the GSC this year is that there are a lot of good teams and Christian Brothers is one of those good teams,” Helfer said. “They have a great coach, a great system, and we’re gonna have to come out and play really well.” “It’ll be nice being at home but being at home doesn’t guarantee you anything,” Helfer added. “You’ve gotta come out and make plays.” Christian Brothers enters this season without their top two
players from a season ago, Scott Dennis and Zack Warner, both of which garnered Gulf South Conference First Team honors with Dennis being named GSC CoPlayer of the Year. Though those players are gone, Coach Helfer still understands the threat the Buccaneers pose this season. “Christian Brothers had more players than just those two,” Helfer said. “They are a very balanced team, very well-coached—just because they lost those guys doesn’t mean they’re gonna take any steps backwards.” One of the biggest concerns for the Blazers against Christian Brothers will be defending the three-point shot. The Buccaneers made 35-of76 from beyond the arc for 46 percent in three games against the Blazers last season.
Four of the Bucs’ top marksmen are returning this season. Pat Graham, Cory McArthy, Harry Green, and Michael Drake combined for 24 of those 35 three-pointers made against the Blazers last season. “They’ll always be a great threepoint shooting team because of their offense,” Helfer explained. “I just think we gotta continue to pressure them on the three-point catch and contest them. They’re a very good shooting team—they always have been and always will be.” While Coach Helfer urges his team to try to force turnovers and push the tempo on makes and misses, he notes that a reason that Christian Brothers has had so much success is their ability to make games low-scoring affairs. The Buccaneers come in averaging 67.0 points per contest
while allowing just 59.7 points to the opposition. “Their system defensively is solid and sound,” Helfer said. “When you play them, they do such a great job offensively that the number of possessions is smaller than it is in a wide open game. It will probably be a lower scoring game so we’ve got to understand the value of each possession.” Christian Brothers won all three meetings with the Blazers last season, the last of which being a 31-point blowout in the Gulf South Conference Tournament that ended the Blazers’ season. However, with a roster that only returns senior forward Josh Sparks this season, Coach Helfer denies that revenge will be a factor in Thursday’s game. “I wouldn’t say there’s a revenge factor because we do have a lot of new guys,” Helfer said.
“I just view it as our league being very competitive. You’ve gotta expect night in, night out that games are gonna go down to the wire and you just gotta be able to make plays at the end of the game.” The Blazers tip off against conference rival Christian Brothers at 8 p.m. on Thursday night at The Complex, where Valdosta State will be honoring its 2012 National Championship football team at halftime.
Softball ready to make another run D.J. Davis
S P O RT S W R I T E R ddavis@valdosta.edu
The Valdosta State Softball Team will be in a difficult position when they take the diamond to open up this season as the preseason No.1 team in the Gulf South Conference; they will have to figure out how they can improve on the school’s best ever season. The Blazers went an incredible 58-5, 26-1 in the Gulf South Conference, en route to the first National Championship in school history. Valdosta State defeated UC San Diego 4-1 in Louisville, Ky, last season to cap off the championship season. Valdosta State appeared in the championship game in 2010 as well, losing to Hawaii Pacific, 43. Head Coach, Thomas Macera,
looks to guide the Blazers to a repeat as champions in his third season with the school. Macera was able to secure a National Championship after losing in the regional round in his first season at Valdosta State. Macera was not worried about his team being motivated to repeat this year. “I don’t think there’s a problem with that,” said Macera. “The type of player you’re recruiting is a kid that already has that instilled in them, they want to win; it’s not just a kid going through the motions. The practices are too hard, the conditioning, and the weights. As much stuff as they have to put into this, if you really aren’t devoted to playing ball you wouldn’t want to go through this. I guess the way to keep them motivated is to keep the pressure on them and make sure they stay hungry.” The Blazers will have plenty of talent coming back to Valdos-
ta this season, six National Fast Pitch Coach Association AllAmerican Scholar Athletes return for another run this season. Junior pitcher Brianna Hancock, along with sophomores: Allison Coulter, Fran Johnson, Abigayle Kohler, Angela O’Connor, and possibly most significant of all, Courtney Albritton. Albritton both patrols the outfield and catches the game from behind home plate for the Blazers, but it may be her bat that makes all the difference. Albritton led the Blazers in almost every significant offensive category including: runs scored, hits, homeruns, and runs batted in. The Valdosta State pitching staff will try to repeat the stunning efficiency they had when closing out games last season. The Blazers were 43-0 with a lead. If the Blazers scored first, the game was effectively over last season.
CYAN MAGENTA
new U Even
Finding a way to replace the leadership of the eight graduating seniors from last season championship team, especially in the infield with five infielders graduating, will be critical for Valdosta State in the postseason if they are to repeat this season. “You can never replace anybody. You can’t replace Mari Littlefield, a Sam Posey, or Hutchens, one of the best second baseman I’ve ever coached in my career, Alanna Hadely, so many great players here last year,” said Macera. “You just gotta hope you recruited good kids like you recruited them and try to develop them like you developed the older kids and hope it falls together.” The Blazers will get their chance to begin developing that leadership when they launch their season with the West Florida Tournament. Valdosta State will face South Arkansas and Young Harris in
Pensacola, Fla., on Feb. 2. Then the Blazers will travel to Albany, Ga., to take on the Golden Rams on Feb. 11.
Sudoku A N S W E R S
YELLOW BLACK
new U Odd
VSU opens at home on Feb. 12 against Georgia Southwestern.
SPORTS
PAGE 6 | VSUSPECTATOR.COM
JANUARY 24, 2013
Flag football team goes to nationals Chris Kessler S P O RT S W R I T E R ckessler@valdosta.edu
Don't let their name fool you, this team is no joke. Moose Attack, a coed flag football team at VSU, has a staggering list of accomplishments that would make other teams green with envy. In their two seasons, they've been VSU intramural runner-up, state runner-up, VSU intramural champions and state champions. Along with all that, they recently picked up a final four appearance at Nationals. Over the winter break, Moose Attack entered the annual NCCS National Flag Football Championships at the campus of University of Central Florida.. The team took on teams all across the country, and finished third. That is the highest finish by a VSU flag football team. Moose Attack, unlike most teams, traveled to Orlando for Nationals straight out of their own pockets. The team hadn't competed sin
in the state tournament at the University of Georgia, and had only had four practices since. But even with a lot of time off, the team was in sync from the start.Quarterback, Rachel Swiley said, “Team chemistry has a lot to do with it. Everyone gets along, we have fun, but we take it serious.� The team kicked off the tournament with an impressive 26-18 victory over the University of Missouri, followed by a rout of Western Carolina 39-9 in pool play. It seemed that teams took this team from Valdosta a little too lightly.“We look a little goofy, but we go out there and surprise them. It teaches you not to judge a team before you play,�quarterback, Kyle Branch said. Maybe teams didn't expect Swiley, a girl, to be able to sprint out and throw the ball 40 yards.“They're pretty surprised at first, but after a couple plays they adjust to it.�, said Swiley. Moose Attack kicked-off bracket play against a familiar foe in Georgia Southern and went on to beat them for the third time this year, 19-0.
In the second round, Moose Attack battled Florida Gulf Coast in a classic. Down three, with less than 30 seconds left, Moose Attack scored the winning touchdown on an incredible play by Steven Cole that went for over 40 yards, giving them a 18-15 victory and sent them to the final four. Moose Attack would run into a buzz-saw by the name of Angelo State. The team fought hard, but it seemed rust, youth and exhaustion caught up to them, as they lost to the eventual champions 53-27 in the semi-finals. Along with their team success, Moose Attack had a player named to the All-Tournament team, Logan Petrey. The team was very proud to finish third in the nation, but still felt some disappointment. “We could have done better, considering how much time we had off. It never hurts to practice,�Branch said. Even though the team came up short, they still took the time to have some fun. They stayed at the Disney re
VSU Archives Moose Attack played in the 2012 Intramural-Recreational Sports Association National Championship Campus Series on Jan. 4-6 at the University of Central Florida.
sort for the tournament and were able to bond and meet team from all over the country. “It was fun to watch all the teams; you learn a lot. It was a good experience, our team is like a family. I wouldn't have traded it for anything.�, said Branch.
With seven combined freshmen and sophomores on the team, expect to see Moose Attack continue their success for a while. Moose Attack's roster includes Swiley, Rebekah Swiley, Branch, Logan Petrey, Paige Petrey, Wes
ley Welch, Teddy Welch, Isaac Ringer, Brandon Bradwell, Branch, Jessica Wilt, Steven Cole, Seth Ennis, Lance Jarriel, and Jocelyn Zhuno.
VSU Intramural Sports Schedule 2013 Sport
Registration
Captain’s Meeting
Start Date
Basketball
Jan. 14-16
Jan. 17 - 5:30
Jan. 22
4 V 4 Flag Football
Jan. 14-16
Jan. 17 - 5:30
Jan. 24
4-Person Bowling
Jan. 14-16
*no meeting
Jan. 28
Soccer
Feb. 11-13
Feb. 14 - 5:30
Feb. 17
Softball
Feb. 11-13
Feb. 14 - 5:30
Feb. 17
Sand Volleyball
Feb. 11-13
Feb. 14 - 5:30
Feb. 18
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