April 11, 2013
W W W. V S U S P E C TAT O R . C O M
Inside This Issue
VOLUME 84 iSSUE 25
Ringslinger competition returns
- OPiNiONS: “exercise your vote in SGa election” - FEATURES: “local stars to shine in Union”
See pg. 7 for the details. - SPORTS: “Blazers try to tame lions this weekend”
On the Web In this week’s installment of “Additive Noise,” Becka McAleer recommends Jonathan Coulter’s “‘mind-sharpening’ tunes!” w w w. v s u s p e c ta t o r. c o m
Today at VSU Poetry reading UC Magnolia room, 7:30 p.m. award-winning poet Jacqueline osherow, distinguished professor of english at the University of Utah, will be on campus to read her poetry, which follows such forms as terza rima and double sestina. this event is part of the Contemporary Writers Series hosted by the department of english. this reading is co-sponsored by the Snake nation Press as part of the georgia Poetry Circuit.
SoUth georgia region honor BandS approximately 300 middle and high school band students from 66 schools will be on campus today and tomorrow preparing for a public performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Whitehead auditorium.
international dinner tiCketS on Sale north Campus, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the center for international programs will host the 37th annual international dinner on april 20. tickets are also on sale at the center for international programs. General admission is $20 and Student admission is $10 with a valid VSU id.
Weather Today
Friday
PM T-storms 87 H 69 L AM Rain 81 H 53 L
Saturday Partly Cloudy 84 H 55 L
Today in History
SGA elections open today Debate crowd racially hostile Joe Adgie Social Media editor jmadgie@valdosta.edu
Hostilities flared on Wednesday night during the SGa executive debates, but for the most part, not between the candidates. the hostilities were caused by members of the crowd, who oftentimes asked combative and accusatory questions toward the candidates, specifically presidential candidates William Jimerson and ryan Baerwalde. “What gives you the right to take away my secondamendment right to bear arms?” one student asked towards Jimerson. “i believe the responsibility of protecting students [rests] on campus police and campus security, and i believe this is a threat to campus security, where last year, in [Georgia Hall], we don’t know what happened to [Jasmine Benjamin],” Jimerson said. “i’ve dealt first-hand with students who are dealing with this tragedy today. i spoke with the mother, who’s dealing with this tragedy, today.” the student, having returned to his seat, stood up, and tried to respond, but was stopped by deMario Jones, former SGa president and debate moderator. another student took a shot at Baerwalde, wondering why he could be trusted. “How can the student body trust you if you only reach out S e e D E B AT E , P a g e 2
apollo 13 was the third lunar landing mission. the craft was launched from cape canaveral, Fla. carrying three astrounauts headed to explore the moon’s Fra Mauro highlands. two days into the mission, an oxygen tank burst, changing the mission objective from exploration to getting the crew home alive. Source: history.com
Joe Adgie / The SPeCTATOr (From left) William Mast, comptroller candidate; Ryan Baerwalde, incumbent president; William Jimerson, presidential candidate; Kara Fountain, comptroller candidate; and Micah Howell, comptroller candidate pose for photos after Wednesday night’s debate.
Senators seek to better SGA Joe Adgie Social Media editor jmadgie@valdosta.edu
ahead of the SGa elections, senators, executives, and visitors alike expressed their concerns in a town hall social on Monday night. among the things discussed was the visibility of the SGa senate, the activity of senators, and the website, which has not been updated in some time. the SGa website has received very little updates since october of 2011, which was the last time the minutes were distributed. “anyone on the executive board can go to richard lee
to have it updated,” amber Worthy, SGa Vice president, said. “Someone could just take the minutes to richard lee, or to email him the minutes.” Worthy also indicated that it could become part of the secretary’s job description to update the SGa website. one senator went on a rant discussing the SGa’s image compared to other organizations. “one thing i’ve noticed is that the student body doesn’t trust the SGa, because they don’t hear from SGa,” edgar James, senator, said. “i’ve had the pleasure of going to the parking and transportation appeals committee, and every week i take something
new, and i take it from that meeting. “these meetings last an hour and a half to two depending on how many appeals there are, and i take it back to the student body, and that’s what they hear,” James continued. “they want to know why they got tickets for parking in a handicapped spot or a fire zone.” James also lectured the SGa on what to do with what they learn from the students. “this is a learning process,” James said. “if we take this information and we hold onto it for ourselves, it does nothing. a wise man takes out and teaches other people. if you’re elected to serve on this student body,
you should be that wise man or woman that takes the information you learn and you go back out to the student body. that’s how we gain trust.” another senator took a shot at his fellow senators for “not using their voice”. “the issue is not with the senate, it’s with the individual,” Yannick Gill, senator, said. “there are about […] 13 people that if they were screaming right behind me, i would not recognize their voice, and i have been in almost every single meeting. “they are simply not speaking. these are people that we, as a student body, have elected to represent us, and they refuse to use their voice.”
Johnson supporters seek answers Family, friends of student found dead at Lowndes High School dissatisfied with county ruling Shane Thomas
April 11, 1970: Apollo 13 launched into space
Check out pg. 3 to meet the candidates!
S p o rt S W r i t e r shanethomas@valdosta.edu
protesters and family members gathered at the lowndes county courthouse on tuesday and Wednesday to bring awareness to the case involving the death of 17-year- old Kendrick Johnson. Johnson was found dead in a gymnasium at lowndes High School in January. three months after investigators ruled that Johnson’s death was not an act of foul play, many believe that the cause of death should be explored further. chris prine, lowndes county Sherriff, stands by his investigators’ ruling, citing that there has not been any new information on the case. “We have not gotten anything back officially at this time,” prine said. “But, [investigators] have found no signs of foul play whatsoev-
er.” during the downtown rally, protesters were seen holding before and after photos of Johnson, chanting “Justice for Johnson.” “We want answers,” Johnson’s aunt, lydia tooleyWhitlock, said. “We want to know who did this and we want them to be punished.” prine said that the case has been well-handled to this point, due in large part to the adherence to proper protocol during the process. “any time there is a death like this, we always work it like it is a homicide until the evidence proves otherwise,” prine said. Johnson’s family and other members of the community have been calling for an additional autopsy to be performed. “[investigators] say he fell in a mat,” Johnson’s father, Kendrick Johnson Sr., said. “the pictures show clearly
Contributed by Kersha Odom
The family of Kendrick Johnson and its supporters held a rally at the Lowndes County Courthouse seeking information in the death of Kendrick Johnson. Lowndes County officials ruled that there was no foul play involved in the case but the family feels otherwise.
that he didn’t fall on a mat, he was murdered.” according to prine, no bruises or abrasions were found on Johnson’s body during the autopsy. the photo in question
shows a scar on Johnson’s forehead. prine maintains that the scar was from an incision made during the autopsy and not at the scene. the family, however, continues to speculate foul play
was involved. prine sympathizes with family members, but maintains that the autopsy process has not been tainted. “My heart and prayers go See JOHNSON, Page 2
News
PAge 2 | vsusPectAtoR.com Johnson
Debate
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out to the family,” Prine said. “We’ve attempted to talk with [the family], but no matter what, [Johnson’s father] is bound and determined to prove that his son was murdered. The evidence is not there—there was no foul play there.” “If it were me in that mat, [investigators] would have worked the scene the same way they worked with this young man,” Prine said.
for support from the IFC and the CPC instead of all the Greek councils and the entire student body?” the student asked. “Quite frankly, I’m almost offended that I’m being accused of only reaching out to IFC and CPC,” Baerwalde said. “If anyone paid attention to the past two years of my campaigns and elections, I do run on tickets with IFC, CPC, and NPHC members. I have friends all across campus on all sorts of Greek councils. To be accused of only looking to IFC and CPC for support and advice is absolutely deplorable.” Another student attempted
Kersha Odom contributed to this report.
Happy ‘Tator Day!
to tie a racist tweet to the Jimerson campaign. “You say that you’re for unity, as SGA president, what would you do to stop support of yourself, who is blatantly racially insensitive and offensive, stating ‘Black exec board, black senators’,” asked a student towards Jimerson. The tweet was not made by Jimerson or by anyone related to his campaign, but rather by recent VSU graduate Storm Richardson, who also tweeted that “I liked it better when the white folks just stayed outta SGA...call me what u want but I kno I ain't the only one who's thinking it” Baerwalde and Jimerson both condemned that statement as well as the accusation that Jimerson was behind
APRIL 11, 2013
it. “Me and Ryan have been in conversation via social media,” Jimerson said. “Ryan approached me regarding this tweet that you are referring to, and I have personally stated on Facebook that I do not endorse these statements, and I am asking my supporters to remain tactful in our campaign efforts.” In the end, Jones addressed the crowd, asking them to come together. “You need to bring this together,” Jones said. “The longer it continues to go, that it’s your fault, or it’s my fault, nobody’s gonna come to the center of the table and say ‘You know what? It is my fault, and let’s get this corrected.’”
SGA elections are open until 12:15 a.m. on Saturday. Vote through CampusConnect.
Upcoming Events April 12, noon Cultural and Greek Kente Cloth Stoles, final deadline. $21 for Cultural Heritage stoles $25 for Greek stoles (Money order only.) For more information, contact the African American Studies Program at 249-4843. April 12, 6 p.m. Mass Choir hosts their annual Spring Gospel Concert Mathis City Auditorium Free admission. Scheduled guest choirs include Armstrong Atlantic State University and Georgia Southern University. April 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dodge Ball Tournament sponsored by Engage. Campus Rec Center A free tournament! Sign up early to guarantee a spot. Teams of six with at least two women on each team.
Those who don’t have a team can come early and be put on one. Referees are also needed-come early on the day of the tournament to volunteer. To reserve a spot or for more information, email lfhibbard@valdosta.edu. April 14-29 Senior X: Unchained Spring 2013 senior art exhibition. Fine Arts Gallery Opening Reception is April 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact gallery director Julie Bowland (jabowlan@valdosta.edu) at 333-5835. April 14, 7:30 p.m. Department of Music hosts a night of Chamber Jazz Whitehead Auditorium The event is free and open to the public. The program features music
by John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Herbie Hancock, as well as a piece by VSU Jazz Sextet member Fernando Chavez. For more information, contact David Springfield (daspring@valdosta.edu) at 333-5805.
An international program at VSU that promotes a safe, secure environment for LGBTQ community members. For more information, contact the Office of Social Equity by phone 333-5463 and email saholmes@valdosta.edu.
April 15, 5:30 p.m. Attention student organizations! Applications for office space in the Student Union are due by the date posted to the Student Life office on the third floor of the Student Union. They are available on the Student Life website and Campus Connect.
April 20, 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exercise Physiology Club’s “Exercise is Medicine” Symposium Jennett Hall, room 1111 Register at Kinesiology/PE Department, room 165 in the PE Complex. Advance registration: $10 (includes T-shirt) Deadline: April 12 On-site registration: $15 For more information, contact Dr. LaGary Carter (bncarter@valdosta.edu) at 229-333-5895.
April 19, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Safe Space: Promoting Blazer Pride through Advocacy Training Student Union, Meeting Room 2
April 6 A bicycle was stolen from Centennial Hall. An underage student was found in possession of alcohol in Centennial Hall.
Apply now for a paid position on our editorial staff or unpaid position as an assistant editor. For more information contact Editor-in-Chief Amber Smith (amsmith@valdosta.edu) or Managing Editor Jennifer Gleason (jlgleason@valdosta.edu).
Police Briefs April 8 A bicycle was stolen from a rack near Centennial Hall.
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USED BOOK SALE: Thousands of quality used hardcover and paperback books. Saturday, April 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the St. John Parish Center, 800 Gornto Road. Proceeds benefit Birthright of Valdosta.
to main campus – Only 2 blocks behind University Center, electric stove, refrigerator & dishwasher. Save 5% off with a Student ID! Call 229-2924400 TODAY
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News Presidential Candidates Comptroller Candidates
vsuspeCtAtor.Com | pAge 3
AprIL 11, 2013
Compiled by: Joe Adgie
Ryan Baerwalde
Ryan Baerwalde is hoping to acquire a second term as SGA president and is running his campaign on that experience. “I’d like to believe that the students who are voting look at the fact that I’ve been here before,” Baerwalde, junior political science major, said. Baerwalde cited his work with the Student Advisory Council, which is working
William Jimerson is running his campaign on student involvement. “Honestly, I think that I have a heart for students,” Jimerson, junior international business major, said. Jimerson desires to aid student retention and hopes to do that in various ways. “I want to implement more SGA-sponsored events that students can partake in[...]” Jimerson said. Jimerson also wants to help students’ ability to pay for college. “I also want to do a scholarship,” Jimerson said. “I’ve worked with my chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha—we’re the only student organization to have a scholarship in our name, and I wanted to do something along those lines in the name of SGA as well to benefit students who are
with the Board of Regents. “We worked to help HOPE get raised 3 percent,” Baerwalde said. “We are in the middle of the process of getting a student representative on the Board of Regents.” Baerwalde hopes to better the VSU experience for students and keep them here. “One of the biggest issues VSU is facing right now is retention,” Baerwalde said. “We have lots of students who will come in their freshman year, and they aren’t able to stay for another semester.” Baerwalde also desires to change the SGA’s image. “I really think that, in the past, SGA’s been seen as that organization you go to not HOPE recipients to keep them here at VSU, retention-wise.” Jimerson also intends to change the prominence of SGA. “I’m proposing that [...] freshmen senators work more with the freshmen students,” Jimerson said. “These senators would go one-on-one and would be the direct source from the students to the SGA, then to higher administration.” Jimerson expressed his readiness to work with the Student Advisory Council and cited his experience with similar organizations. “I’m a big communicator, that’s my strong point, so I would be taking the concerns of our students and bringing the information back for them,” Jimerson said. “Also, I think I would be an advocate for different universities, such as ours,
Compiled by: Joe Adgie and Neil Frawley
to get funding for your organization,” Baerwalde said. “That’s ending. I’ll work my hardest to make sure we’re more than that, that we’re using the funds that we get to improve campus.” In response to a tweet sent by his opponent, William Jimerson, which asked: “When is the last time you heard from your SGA president?” Baerwalde stated that his door was always open. “This has been one of the more transparent administrations[…]” Baerwalde said. “It’s not even a figure of speech, [the door is] always open.”
William Jimerson
as far as diversity here at VSU.” At the end of his term, Jimerson wants to be remembered as someone students could rely on and trust. “I hope the students remember my term for someone [who] was there for them, who they felt was approachable and went out of [his] way, and that they were comfortable with— also someone who took the initiative to build a sense of pride and tradition on this campus.”
Ericka Adams
Comptroller candidate Ericka Adams has a passion for getting everybody involved. Adams has worked with SGA for the past year, and she feels there could be a more concerted effort towards reaching out to all campus organizations. “There are too many different organizations at VSU to have the same people be coming back for money,” Adams said. “It's not just about the five groups that come.” Adams believes that SGA holds back giving organizations money. She hopes to be able to sit down with organization leaders to negotiate money conflicts. She feels that instead of SGA turning away an organization that is requesting upwards of 1,000 that she should be able to talk the number down in order to help an organization perform their community service duties. With regards to the SGA budget, Adams believes that all VSU members should be aware of what is happening. “Not even as a Senate, but as a school we all should know how much money SGA has,” Adams said. “It's for the students. Everything we're doing is for the students, so the students should know.”
Micah Howell
Three things headline Micah Howell's platform: diversity, consistency and change. Diversity, according to candidate Howell, regards diversity among the spending of money. “I see what student organizations don't get funded and I see what student organizations do get funded,” Howell said. “But to wrap that all around, we need to have a seating with all organization leaders... To sit down and talk about what events can we put on.” Howell would like to change the inconsistency of organizations on campus and their inability to be beneficial for the students. “We don't need to be divided,” Howell said. “I don’t want it to just start and end with me,” Howell said. “I want this to continue going. We have to keep pushing this. It can't be the first meeting in the fall." Howell firmly believes that it's time for a SGA to take more action. Howell wants to see the entire student body represented during homecoming week. He will be serving as orientation leader during the summer and will be taking over as president of Black Student League beginning in the fall.
William Mast
William Mast has a dedicated approach towards responsibly maintaining and overseeing the proper use of the SGA budget. Mast believes that all students should know what money comes in and out of the SGA budget. He would also like to see more diverse student events with the emphasis on reaching the majority of the students and not just a small percentage of them. “I would like to see some cosponsored events with different departments to bring lecturers for the women and genders study and Alcohol Awareness, and stuff like that,” Mast said. Mast feels mostly confident in his ability to work well with others. “I can work with anyone,” he said. “I'm pretty across the board and I can work with just about anyone on anything.” In spite of his short time as SGA senator, compared to Adams or Howell, Mast feels that his experience in other organizations will help him. “As a chairman of Phi Sigma Kappa, I am responsible for a $1,500 allocation fee of my own to use at any time as I see fit,” Mast said. “[...]I have experience handling money, basically.”
OpiniOns
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APRIL 11, 2013
Our point of view...
Exercise your vote in SGA election it’s that time of year again. Candidates are campaigning to become members of next year’s SGa executive board. this is a pivotal moment for the SGa, of course, but often students fail to realize how momentous of an opportunity SGa elections are for us. each year, students have the opportunity to vote for the executive officers of the most influential student organization on VSU’s campus.
organizations events; they have the authority to create policy. this body is a liaison between students and the administration. this semester, SGa surveyed students about VSU’s current smoking policy. By answering this survey, students got to tell SGa exactly what they thought about the current policy. SGa can take these concerns and approach the administration with them. each year, members of
this is not an event that should be ignored; it is an opportunity that should be seized. Students complain daily that their concerns are not heard. What’s one of the best ways to get your thoughts heard on a college campus? Voice your opinions to the SGa. this is a body of students—our peers—that can get things done on campus. SGa doesn’t just approve and deny funding for student
SGa go on a walkthrough of campus with VSU police officers and VSU officials to determine the safety of the level of lighting on campus. in the 2011 walkthrough, lighting was deemed insufficient and more lights were installed. the following year’s walkthrough found lighting to be sufficient. the bottom line here is that SGa plays a direct role in students’ lives. it’s not just the students
that need to be reminded of this. SGa executive officers need to keep their power in mind, as well. When things need changed on campus, SGa needs to look at getting them done. SGa is the Student Government association. a government of students, by students, for students. Students elect the executive officers, and thus the officers are there to serve the students. We hope that in the coming year, the incoming
SGa officers will be receptive to students concerns and keep an eye out for ways to improve the University. We also hope that students will realize the potential impact that they can have on their college experience through SGa. Get out and vote, and vote wisely, because choosing your candidate may be the most important decision you make all year.
This editorial was written by Amber Smith (amsmith@valdosta.edu) and it expresses the general opinion of the editorial staff.
Walmart enters new markets Taylor Stone S ta f f W r i t e r tnstone@valdosta.edu
When the word “business” is mentioned in this country, it should best be described in three words: free market capitalism. Businesses are meant to grow, compete and expand into new markets. it is natural and, when left alone, extremely effective. this is a free market, and businesses are allowed to venture out to explore new paths at their own discretion. as it should naturally occur, competing businesses will balance themselves out organically. Capitalism is a well-oiled machine that has worked since this country was founded, expressing in simplest terms that it is an individual’s right to sell goods for profit. Nobody intends to start a successful business for the sake of saving the world; people want to make money. a popular and controversial issue lately involves the recent discussion of WalMart using crowd sourcing techniques to compete with
websites in similar markets. essentially, Wal-Mart would use individuals not employed with the company to deliver orders from Wal-Mart stores to customers to compete with fast deliveries promised by websites such as amazon. there is absolutely nothing wrong with expanding a business into a new market to compete with others offering the same service or product; it is all part of the game. Capitalism reduces prices for goods and, contrary to popular belief, dramatically improves the economy. On the other side of the spectrum, and as absurd as it is, individuals are being punished for their success. establishments like Wal-Mart are being called “radical” for refusing to become unionized and are thus attacked by myths of paying pauper wages, discriminating against women and burdening taxpayers. Of course, the myths are just that, myths, as manipulative rhetoric takes the place of logic. another semantic against business expansion is that large corporations like Wal-
Mart will run mom-and-pop shops out of business. in reality, the consumers determine what a community wants and there is a good reason why people flock to Wal-Mart: there is a wider variety of goods at lower prices. an exchange of goods at lower prices profits everyone!
Governments should promote free enterprise rather than attempt to destroy any successful business that refuses their control. We live in a time where the individuals that have worked the hardest are labeled as bigots simply for their success and where nothing is “fair” unless it is equal for all regardless of effort or initiative. it is a sad day in this country when earned wealth is discriminated against and hard work is only applauded after yielding miniscule results.
Veronica Dominicis S ta f f W r i t e r vmdominicis@valdosta.edu
Wal-Mart isn’t kidding when it says it wants to save your money. the popular supermarket plans on expanding its empire that started in 1962 by
not only allowing customers to buy its products online, also to have other customers deliver those goods to the online buyers. Overall, the plan seems a little over the top, and i only foresee problems with this system. Would it be safe for
customers to deliver goods to people they have never met? Would it be reliable? Probably not. Who knows who could be showing up at your door? another way Wal-Mart cheats the system is by not directly paying the deliverers. as of now, Wal-Mart executives are considering giving drivers a discount at the store as a method of payment. they feel this is sufficient for gas costs. the discount better be a big one. Gas isn't cheap and the cost of groceries is rising. to the supermarket’s customers, this can be seen as a more expensive alternative. instead of shipping, would the customer have to tip the driver? Would Wal-Mart make the customer pay for insurance to cover the money lost if a package gets lost or
damaged? in order to compete with amazon, a completely online store, Wal-Mart wants to pull merchandise from its own stores, hoping to have an advantage over amazon. the mindset of Wal-Mart's executives taking over the business world is unreal. they will never conquer amazon's customer base. amazon has products customers can’t get at Wal-Mart, and without a face-to-face transfer of goods, amazon leaves out the potentially creepy exchange. the cons outweigh the pros of Wal-Mart's new plan. the system would cost the consumer and the worker more money, making what the marketplace seems to be a cheaper alternative into a more expensive one.
People Poll What topic is more important: environmental preservation or energy production?
Women deserve a shot in NBA James Washington S ta f f W r i t e r jawashington@valdosta.edu
a senior center for the Baylor University Bears and one of the most talked-about student athletes of today, Brittney Griner has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. aside from winning a national championship in 2012, she is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12 Conference. Mark Cuban, owner of the NBa’s Dallas Mavericks, has
recently told the media that he would be interested in giving Griner a chance in the NBa. Naturally, this is a hot topic of debate, as she would be the first woman to ever play in an NBa game. Many argue that Griner has the ability to hang with the men of the NBa. in regards to stature, she stands at 6’8”, her wingspan (86 inches) is only three inches shy of NBa superstar Kevin Durant’s, and she wears a men’s size 17 shoe. a defensive powerhouse, her 736 blocked shots is record in the NCaa—for
men and women. While talent plays a major part, i believe that she should take advantage for the sake of proving a different point. Seeing Griner in the NBa would be a huge step in the battle of respect and equality of women. the average NBa salary is around $6 million per year. the average WNBa salary? Only $47,000. in other words, as legendary as her collegiate career was, Griner would play for pennies in the pros. Some will argue that fe-
male athletes don’t deserve as much as their male counterparts because their respective sports don’t generate nearly as much revenue. female athletes can’t help the amount of exposure they receive in the media. this falls into the lap of our society as a whole. female athletes could generate a comparable amount of revenue if sponsors and fans would give them an equal chance. Professional sports are only a small piece of the problem. a 2012 study by the american association of University
Women shows that an american woman with a college degree will make about $1.2 million less in her lifetime compared to a man with the same degree. Society places a biased expectation of shortcoming on women that needs to be changed. although women may not stack up to males in everything they do, it must be acknowledged that women are not the inferior gender. furthermore, society expects women to look like pinup models during every activity in which they partake. it’s
a no-win situation in modern society. today’s stereotypes give women the option to either use aesthetic prowess to their benefit or be lost in the shuffle. Ladies and gentlemen, women are more than runway models, and they are taken for granted in the professional world. Brittney Griner suiting up against the big names of the NBa wouldn’t change that overnight, but in a best-case scenario it could open some eyes. i say go for it, Brittney.
Amazon takes advantage of online shoppers Olivia McLean S ta f f W r i t e r ovmclean@valdosta.edu
amazon.com is a favorite among college students looking to save a buck or two on textbooks. it's also a favorite for students looking to sell used textbooks at the end of the semester; however, selling textbooks and other items on amazon may become a bit more expensive with their recent increase in seller's fees.
as of feb.18, many of the fees for the fulfillment by amazon service offered in the United States have risen. in an example chart on the help page of the company's website, the different fees are broken down into “order handling,” “pick and pack” and “weight handling” sections. the most notable fee hike in each type of product example is “weight handling,” which for a CD might only be a difference of five cents, but for a white board, for example, the difference could be a
whopping $94.47. amazon's reason for raising fBa fees is so that as the costs for transportation continue to increase, its fees can better reflect and cover those costs. Why should a seller be forced to pay these fees to list an item with fBa? One of the great appeals of amazon is the fairly inexpensive method of listing
an item to sell. even if a seller were to list their items on amazon without using the fBa service, they'd have to pay a fee of up to 25 percent as well as a fee
of 99 cents per item. Once again, it seems like us little people are being taken advantage of by money-
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
all this could possibly do is drive away small third-party sellers, forcing them to use other sites such as eBay.com. if these sellers continue to use amazon, i'm sure many of them will raise the prices of their items to compensate for their personal losses, which would only cause buyers to look elsewhere. People use amazon to find deals on things they wouldn't find in physical stores, but with fees and prices increasing, perhaps online shopping won't be so trendy anymore.
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APRIL 11, 2013 TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR
Local stars to shine in Union Sarah Turner s ta f f w r i t e r
seturner@valdosta.edu
the VsU theatre and dance departments will have the student Union shining with stars as they host their biggest fundraising event of the year on saturday, “Dancing with the Valdosta stars.” the event will be held in the student Union grand ballroom from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. seats at the event cost $75 and include dinner. event profits go towards scholarships for dance and theatre majors. along with watching the show, attendees will be able to enjoy food and drinks as well as try their own feet out on the dance floor.
the cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., food will be served at 7 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:15 p.m. the audience will have opportunities to dance to the band until 11 p.m. once the show is over. the event is black tie optional and the audience can expect to see extravagant outfits on the dancers. there will be a shuttle bus to transport attendees from Oak street parking deck to the student Union. Local stars will be paired with dancing experts and the teams will perform various ballroom dances. the teams will be competing to earn the most valued award, the audience Choice award. also, there will be humorous awards given to the
teams who were not awarded the audience Choice award. there are no official judges, so performances will only be rated by the event attendees. according to eric Nielsen, dance program director, event coordinators had to work in more seats to the already sold out show.
“Some people are a little more competitive than others...” - eric nielsen dance program director
“we have a lot of important people from the community coming in, as well as from the state so hopefully
they will donate money as well,” Nielsen said. Coordinators not only expect a large quantity of donations from event attendees, but also several quality donations. “it is interesting to see everybody’s creative ability in the couple’s dances,” Nielsen said. “some people are a little more competitive than others, but the ultimate idea is for everyone to have fun.” Nielsen concluded that “Dancing with the Valdosta stars” is definitely the biggest money maker for a one night event. it raised around $12,000 last year and is expected to bring in more money this year.
VSU officially welcomes McKinney at 2013 Ball
Eric Jackson/THE SPECTATOR Dr. William McKinney, VSU’s president, celebrates with his mother and sister Kristen at Friday’s Inaugural Ball. The event began with a cocktail at 6 p.m. and ended with a dinner. The ball was a part of the Inauguration events celebrating Dr. McKinney’s first year as president at VSU.
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vSuSPectAtoR.com | PAge 5 Students, faculty to participate in recitals student raquel Cox will be playing the cello friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Christ episcopal Church. On sunday, faculty member shannon Lowe will showcase her talent on the bassoon. for the full recital schedule, visit valodsta.edu/music/calendar.
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features
Student exhibits passion for cheer T
he VSU cheerleaders traveled to Daytona, Fla. on Wednesday for the biggest competition of the year. AC Freeman, cheerleading captain and a senior psychology major, can’t wait to step out onto the mats. This is Freeman’s fourth season, both on the team and competing at the NCA College Nationals. Freeman was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Georgia at a very young age. Growing up, cheering became her passion and stuck with her throughout college. According to Freeman, the atmosphere and relationships that she formed with fellow cheerleaders made her feel as if she had a support system. The team spends time together every day and relies on each other for more than just catching flyers in a stunt routine. “I love the friendships that we built,” Freeman said. “We spend so much time together that we gain friendships that will last a lifetime.” Freeman feels that one of the most special moments of the season was when her team witnessed the football team win the national championship. “I was so excited for every football player knowing all the hard work they had put
Dowling Payne
Photo Contributed By John Freeman Sophomore psychology major AC Freeman is proud to be one of the members of VSU’s award-winning cheerleading squad.
in,” she said. “I was just so excited to be there.” For the cheerleaders, it’s more than just winning another cheer competition. They work year round to prepare their routine and share a common goal as teammates. According to Freeman, cheering is why she loves VSU. Her spare time is spent with her teammates, and after graduation she plans to continue to work with and encourage her team.
One of Freeman’s biggest fans and boyfriend Brandon Klunder has seen her progress as a cheerleader over the past two years. “I admire her dedications because she constantly works hard in school and cheerleading,” Klunder said. “She handles herself very well.” Graduate Assistant Sakinah Clarke has worked with Freeman for the past five years-- first as teammates and now as a coach. “Her passion for the sport and her contagious attitude are by far her best qualities,” Clarke said. “When I think of a well rounded person, I think of AC.” According to Freeman, the experience has taught her much more than she expected. “This program has taught me drive, determination, motivation, teamwork, desire, she said. “ You have to fight for what you want to accomplish.” The Blazers won the Nationals back-to-back in 2010 and 2011, and are hoping to say the same about this year’s competition. The team will have preliminaries today in which they will have two minutes and 30 seconds to show the judges their best work and perform their routine. After the competition, the team will return on Sunday.
More features available online on the Web Spectator Wanted to read this week’s “Pop Addict?” Don’t worry-- it’s online at vsuspectator.com. Other columns available exclusively online this week is Becka McAleer’s “Additive Noise” and Steven Setser’s “Spec Tech.” While you’re there, you can also read Brina Hickey’s article on the Women and Gender’s Studies event, the Bandana Project.
APRIL 11, 2013
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APRIL 11, 2013
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Blazers catching fire just at the right time D.J. Davis S p o rt S W r i t e r ddavis@valdosta.edu
No. 4 Valdosta State softball hosts two doubleheaders this weekend against Gulf South Conference teams, West Alabama and AlabamaHuntsville. UWA is 23-14 (10-12 GSC) travels to Steel’s Diamond at Blazer’s park on Saturday before VSU hosts Alabama-Huntsville, 26-11 (174 GSC), in its annual pack the park doubleheader. Before before splitting doubleheaders with each team in back-to-back days last month, VSU had won eight straight games against the tigers and seven straight against UAH Chargers thomas Macera, VSU head coach, insists his team’s defense is the key. “We just got to keep trying to play solid ball,” Macera said. “in the games we’ve been losing this year we’ve just been making a few mistakes, and they’ve hurt us this year. We just got to try to play a lot cleaner on defense this weekend and hope for the best.” Against UWA last season, Morgan Johnson and Courtney Albritton played well to-
ward victories. Johnson batted .333 with five walks, six runs scored, and three runs batted in, while Albritton batted .500 with three walks, seven runs scored, and seven runs batted, including a homerun. recently named GSC pitcher of the Week—after a dominating, complete-game performance against West Florida, Brianna Hancock, also experienced great success against the tigers in 2012. Hancock pitched 12.2 innings in three appearances against UWA and allowed just seven hits and three walks for three earned runs while striking out 14 batters. While the trio’s performance slipped a bit against the challenging Chargers, the three Blazers were still crucial against UAH. Johnson batted .333 with three walks, three runs scored, and three rBi, and Albritton, once again, wreaked havoc recording eight runs scored, three rBi, and another homer. Hancock provided a gritty 7.1 innings of baseball while allowing three earned runs on eight hits, three walks, and four strikeouts. Johnson, Albritton, and
Hancock make-up the core of the VSU softball team and will be extremely important to the team’s success in the stretch-run. “those are three of the top players on this team,” Macera said. “Your team usually goes as your better players do. they’ve gotta have good games and they’ve gotta be on their games because the team follows. Usually if Albritton’s hitting, everybody’s hitting; Bri’s gotta stay tough in the circle, because she is the oldest pitcher we’ve got. We just have to have good games from them.” After this weekend, the Blazers only have two more doubleheaders at Steel’s Diamond at Blazer’s park before the beginning of the GSC tournament on May 3; VSU has attained the goal they set for themselves before the season, but Hancock has bigger aspirations. “our goal before the season was to work together as a team; we are all really new,” Hancock said. “So one of our goals was to work together and work hard, i think we still do that. We’ve gotten to know each other a lot and you can tell on the field that it’s easier to work together.
Eric Jackson/THESPECTATOR Brianna Hancock was awarded GSC pitcher of the week after her 12 strikeout performance Saturday.
We know how each other play now so it’s just putting that together. i think our team can definitely go to nationals,
Annual Ringslinger Classic returns this weekend Eric Jackson S p o rt S e D i to r epjackson@valdosta.edu
it's that time of the year again. A few hundred people will gather this weekend for the 14th annual ringslinger Classic. the 64-team horseshoe tournament garners anticipation every spring attracting alumni, out-of-towners, even faculty. Dave Barry, senior mass media major, has attended the tournament annually since his freshman year and has the pleasure of hosting the event this year. “We're really proud and honored to take it on,” Barry said. “Me and my roommates have been fairly active on campus and in the community. We're lucky enough to be social butterflies and know quite a lot of people.” it officially starts as early as Friday night and the festivities continue Saturday from 8 a.m. to the evening. Food will be served on Saturday during the contest and competing teams can be distinguished with custom-made t-shirts. the event has a reputation for not favoring one certain social group but meshing many together as teams face off in the hunt to win the Golden Horseshoe. this plaque is awarded to the team of two that finishes the tourney victoriously. the official bracket and times are expected to be finalized today. originally called the Blazing ringslinger, the event has blossomed into a Valdosta tradition that welcomes everyone from children to parents. over a decade ago, VSU alum Lester Smith (2002’) created the fun, competitive event. Smith and his friends haven't missed one since stepping down and passing the venue on. the Williams Street Wailers will run the show before they themselves graduate and move away. “ringslinger captures the ideals of friendly competition,” Barry said. “to be honest this thing sells itself. i
know when i move i'll come back for it. it's an event that every year has just been an absolute blast. You only have to go to once to get hooked.”
Follow Eric on Twitter: epjackson
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and win. We have all the talent in the world; we just have to do it together.”
Follow D.J. on twitter: @dmac21bucs
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aPrIL 11, 2013
VSU baseball tries to tame Lions this weekend Neil Frawley S p o rt S W r i t e r ndfrawley@valdosta.edu
VSU baseball team will take its efforts to Florence, Ala., this weekend for a three-game series against conference rival North Alabama. After winning 11 of the past 13 games, fresh off a sweep against Christian Brothers, the Blazers are rid-
ing quite a hot streak. "i don't think it's been any one thing," head coach Greg Guilliams said. "i just think we have been a lot more consistent as team, where prior to the last 13-14 games we've been inconsistent." Some unfortunate news however is that second baseman Matthew Fears suffered season-ending eye injury in the last outing against Christian Brothers.
"With Matthew Fears being out, the guys who are playing; our expectation is for those guys to be able to give it a little more, to be able to grind it out some better atbats so we can overcome the loss of Matthew,” Guilliams said. Fears was batting .407 so VSU will look toward others to step up in order to make up for the loss of production.
the surging Blazers still find themselves in the bottom half of the Gulf-South Conference standings with an 8-7 conference record. With UNA currently sitting at fifth in the standings, the upcoming series offers VSU an opportunity to gain some ground. "Whether we win all three this weekend, or lose all three... in reality, we're trying to position ourselves to be
playing our best baseball at the end of the season in the conference tournament," Guilliams said. the conference tournament takes the top eight teams within the conference, and the team who wins the tournament will receive an automatic bid to compete in the Division ii College World Series. this post-season each of the eligible members of the
GSC will make an appearance in the conference tournament. "if you win the tournament, it's a sure thing. So, the only thing that we can do is work towards that automatic bid, and if you fall short of that you have no one to blame but yourself," Gulliams said.
The heartland to the dirty south Alex Tostado S p o rt S W r i t e r ajtostado@valdosta.edu
Nick Fogarty has faced many challenges in his journey from thornhill, ontario in Canada, to texarkana, tex., to Valdosta, Ga. the Valdosta State senior pitcher didn’t have many experiences in America growing up. “For the longest time, until around eighth grade, ninth grade, i didn’t even come to America,” Fogarty said. “i would go just across the border to go to like Six Flags, but i never really knew what it was like.” Fogarty’s parents separated when he was just three-yearsold therefore he split time between staying with his grandparents, mother and father growing up. “My dad lived in a town 30 minutes away and worked in that town,” Fogarty said. “it was kind of a weird situation; i would go to school, and i would go back to my grandparents’ house and my dad would come pick me up. if i had to go to my mom’s, she would come pick me up.” Baseball has been a part of Fogarty’s life since he was five and soon had to deal
with the restrictions the game can bring. “in seventh and eighth grade it started getting pretty real,” Fogarty said. “that’s when it got everyday practice, traveling, missing Spring Breaks and not being able to hang out with your buddies on the weekends and the whole nine yards. that’s when it became a grind for me because i wanted to be a regular kid, too. When you’re 15, 16 years old, you can’t look any further than the front of your nose.” Fogarty is a former draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers. He was drafted in the 40th round of the 2008 MLB draft out of thornlea SS, but unfortunately had tommy John surgery shortly thereafter. “that was a crazy, crazy experience,” Fogarty said. “i never thought i would have an injury like that. When i went into the doctor, she basically said i either get the surgery, or don’t play.” Fogarty sat down with his parents and they convinced him to go through with the procedure. Fogarty hurt his elbow the day after he got drafted in a throwing session and had the surgery in September of 2008.
Former Thornhill pitcher Nick Fogarty throws a no-hitter against the Ottawa Nepean Canadians on May 17 2008.
He came back in the next spring and admittedly got knocked around. “that was a rough patch because i could not figure out what was going on and then once i figured it out, i realized that the whole draft thing was pretty much down the drain,” Fogarty said. Fogarty did not play in the minor leagues, but in 200607, at 16-years-old had the special opportunity to represent his country.
“the feeling that we got when we were able to put on a jersey that said our country and we got to go down and sign autographs for these kids in Mexico, and go to the Dominican and see all of these kids that had nothing and you are the dude that has all of these cool shoes because your country gives it to you and you get to play in front of all these people, it was pretty humbling to say the least,”
Fogarty said. the lefty has steadily been in America since the fall of 2009 when he began playing at texarkana College. in the summer of 2011, Fogarty was contacted by Valdosta State baseball associate coach todd Guilliams who previously saw Fogarty throw in 2007 and invited him to campus to visit and potentially attend VSU. “this is a pristine school to say the least,” Fogarty said. “they gave me a good scholarship offer and i signed.” Fogarty continues to be humble despite his impressive achievements such as his perfect game two months ago. “i have never been a bragging or boasting type,” Fogarty said. “that’s why it was so weird when i threw that perfect game. everybody was like, ‘oh my God, you threw a perfect game, that’s crazy.’ For me, it wasn’t that i threw it; it was that nobody has done it in so long. You don’t really realize you have thrown it until you have thrown it.” Fogarty grew up in a town where it was close to “seventy percent Jewish” so he was not used to the Bible Belt norms of people going to church often. When he came down to
Nick Fogarty
Valdosta, his first roommate, former Blazer baseball player Chaz Bagwell, was “faithful” and “strong to God” inspiring Fogarty to become part of the church. “He is a great guy so he influenced me a lot spiritually,” Fogarty said. “i still have my beliefs but i found a way to use it to my personality.” Fogarty is a firm believer of living life without any regrets. “the last thing you want to do is look back when you are 30 years old and think, ‘if i would have just done that one class, or if i had just gone to that one tryout, who knows where i would be right now.” Fogarty said. “You might as well do what you think is right and at the end of the day you can say, ‘At least i did it.’. Follow Alex on twitter: @Alex_tostado12