THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY VOLUME 96 , ISSUE 2
STATESBORO EDITION
CAMPUS BAR
DRUG
Where vaccination matters on campus Your Covid-19 vaccine Questions answered
Page 8
BUST Page 9
VACCINATION RATE
LOWEST IN THE SUNBELT
Of seven responding teams, Georgia Southern has the least vaccinated players
Page 10
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Meet the editors of the George-Anne newspaper and the entire staff of The George-Anne Media Group.
Pages 3-5
Paid Advertisment
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CAMPUS LIFE
#PETSBORO 3 LEGGED RUDY
EVELYN SPEAR/staff
Chioma Ugonabo is visiting with Champ, a dog at one of the tables outside of Russell Union on August 25, 2021.
BRIANA CORLEE/staff
Sapora Pashel, a biology major, is studying for her MCAT in Henderson Library on August 20.
Rudy is 3 years old with only 3 legs. Despite only having three legs, he’s really chunky and loves treats. He will try to get fed multiple times a day by meowing at his food bowl over and over again. “Rudy has my heart because he follows me around the house and is always curious about what I’m doing and reminds me that I’m never alone!” said his owner Reagan Reilly.
COVID NUMBERS Fully vaccinated by GS Statesboro: 3222 Armstrong: 497 Received at least received one dose from GS Statesboro: 7170 Armstrong: 1088
EVELYN SPEAR/staff
On August 18, Sarah Carstens is studying for her pharmacology class in Henderson Library Page designed by Kayla Hill
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
EDEN HODGES GEORGE-ANNE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I’m Eden. I’ll be behind every email newsletter in your inbox and every paper you grab on your way to class. Every day our team is shaping the future of journalism, learning new things and reporting on the issues that matter to our campus and, most importantly to you, the one holding this paper. I thank you for reading and I encourage you to tell us things you want looked into, things you want to celebrate and things you want to see from us by reaching out on our socials. Or, just swing by our newsroom. I’ll probably be in there cranking out your daily newsletter.
Eden Hodges The George-Anne Editor-In-Chief Gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
KAYLA HILL CREATIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hello Georgia Southern students! Thankyou for picking up a newspaper and contributing to our readership. This will be my first year being a creative editor and I am already so excited to show this campus what I have to offer. The George-Anne has been a place for me to develop my artistic talents and portray them in this amazing publication. We provide necessary news to the students and I want to display that in an aesthetically pleasing way. In my view, the future of print publication is all about design. We have shifted our focus onto visually appealing aspects and I cant wait to show you what we’ve come up with.
Page designed by Kayla Hill
Kayla Hill Creative Editor-In-Chief Prodmgr@georgiasouthern.edu
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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MEET THE STAFF
ROBERT CADDEN
ASHLYNN MELNYK
CHASE AMOROSO
DANIEL STACKHOUSE
ANDREW EUNICE
SHAY PARKER
CHLOE FORD
BRIANA CORLEE
ERIN CHAMBERS
BRIYANNA THOMPSON
Sports Editor
Correspondent
Correspondent
Correspondent
THE GEORGE-ANNE
EDITORIAL EDEN HODGES
The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief | Eden.Hodges@thegeorgeanne.com
MCKENZIE KERRIGAN Engagement/Event Editor
LAUREN SABIA Campus Life Editor
Reflector Contributor
Culture Editor
Correspondent
Photographer
Photographer
Correspondent
THE GEORGE-ANNE
CREATIVE KAYLA HILL
KAYLAN PEEK
KYLE JENKINS
KAZ THOMAS
GEORGANNA HOWELL
MAYA ALBERT
EVELYN SPEAR
ABIGAIL DERUBBO
KARLY HENSON
LORENA MARTINEZ
JALEN AUSTIN
Our House Editor
Photographer
The Creative Editor-in-Chief | Prodmgr@georgiasouthern.edu
THE GEORGE-ANNE
REFLECTOR ALEXIS HAMPTON
The Reflector Editor-in-Chief | Ah12834@georgiasouthern.edu
JACOB SMITH Reflector Reporter
JUSTIN HALL Reflector Reporter
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BREYONNAH CLAVEN Reflector Reporter
Reflector Reporter
Project Designer
Creative Managing Editor
Designer
Project Design Editor
Project Designer
Photo Editor
Project Designer
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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HANNAH SCRIME
ZACH HELBLING
Associate producer for Investigations
Senior Creative Producer
JILLIAN KING Topic Editor
THE GEORGE-ANNE
THE GEORGE-ANNE
YOUR NEWSROOM ZOE BOYLAN
ANDY COLE
News Director
Executive Producer | Andy.cole@thegeorgeanne.com
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DEEP DIVE JUSTIN HELMS
MATEO MOLINARI
Sports Multimedia Journalist
Topic Editor
TAMAR A TANKSLEY
The George-Anne Deep Dive Editor-in-Chief | Tt10944@georgiasouthern.
HAYLEIGH SANDERS
MACKENZIE STEWART
ASA BAURLE
NAIYA WORRELL
MIRIAM BOSTON
ANSLEY HAMILTON
ALEXANDR A REECE
AMAR A LEWIS
ERIN WARE
MACKENZIE MARSH
CAROLYN GENTRY
MORGAN MCCULLOUGH
ROHAN BOLLE
DARIENNE STEMBRIDGE
Senior Broadcast producer
Anchor/Writer
Multimedia Journalist
Multimedia Journalist
Social Media Strategist
Anchor/Writer
ELISHA EDWARDS
GA Films Reporter
GA Films Reporter
GA Films Reporter
Managing Editor
GA Films Reporter
Special Features Editor
MICHAEL IN-GENITO
Associate Engagement Coordinator
Writer-Content Creator
Producer
ROSANAA FIELD
Russell Union Editor
GA FIlms Reporter
THE GEORGE-ANNE
MARKETING CAITLIN GR ACE DANIELS Corporate Communication
JASMINE COYE
The George-Anne Marketing Manager | Smmarketing@georgiasouthern.edu
THE GEORGE-ANNE KODY JORDAN GA Films Reporter
FILMS
BRIANNA BLACK
DAVID THOMPSON GA Films Reporter
The George-Anne Films Editor-in-Chief | bb24199@georgiasouthern.edu
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To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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NEWS BRIEFS
188 POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES AFTER FIRST WEEK
Positive COVD-19 cases have more than doubled since last week, with Georgia Southern officials reporting 188 cases after the first week of class. Case numbers haven’t topped 150 since last fall before GS first started administering the vaccine. “As we prepare for the first day of Fall 2021 classes this week, the report below indicates 16 confirmed and 57 self-reported cases last week,” said a disclaimer on GS’ website. “Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to take advantage of our on-going on-campus opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccination.” 16 cases were reported from employees. 60 cases were reported on Statesboro’s campus, 13 on Armstrong’s campus and zero on Liberty’s campus. --Eden Hodges Published Aug 16
FRESHMEN HOPEFUL FOR ALL A’S THEIR FIRST YEAR
Hoping for all A’s and connections that will last a lifetime, incoming freshmen are beginning their college years getting comfortable with the campus this week. Georgia Southern has given new students the opportunity to get accustomed to the campus with a few days between move-in on Friday and Saturday and the start of classes on Wednesday. Students like freshman Page designed by Kayla Hill
T.J. French have been able to get comfortable quickly. “So far it’s awesome, I mean I’ve only been here two days, but the environment’s awesome,” said French. This is my first time walking around campus. It’s a really nice campus. It’s got a nice little city life to it. I’m from a little north side of Atlanta. So this is kind of a different vibe out here.” --Daniel Stackhouse
Statesboro campus bus routes were updated for the fall semester bringing back the Gold Route and getting rid of the Sweetheart Shuttle. The new Gold Route will stop at the Russell Union/ Dining Commons and continue to the Forest Drive Building bus stop. Then will continue to the Engineering Building bus stop and back to Paulson Stadium.
STATESBORO HOSPITAL SEES RECORDHIGH COVID-19 PATIENTS
East Georgia Regional Medical Center nears their maximum ICU capacity, having 47 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 Thursday, a record high for the hospital. “We’re already in a COVID surge,” said Erin Spillman marketing director of EGRMC. “At the peak last year, we were seeing a majority of older, more fragile patients.” But with the Delta variant in heavy circulation, EGRMC has seen a mix of old and young patients. Roughly 95% of them are unvaccinated, said Spillman. “We are nearing capacity for critical care beds,” said Spillman. The recent spike broke a new record for COVID-19 cases at EGRMC. This influx of new patients is more than they saw during last fall’s peak. --Eden Hodges Published Aug 12
GS UPDATES BUS ROUTES
The Blue Route circles from Paulson Stadium, The RAC, The College of Education, and back to the RAC and Paulson Stadium.
is limited. For more information, visit Parking & Transportation on the Georgia Southern website. --Shay Parker
434 POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES AFTER SECOND WEEK
Nearing their 2020 record, Georgia Southern announced 434 positive COVID-19 cases during the second week of class. GS’ all-time record for COVID-19 cases followed the second week of class in 2020, maxing out at 508 cases. “Georgia Southern’s COVID-19 numbers are reflecting similar trends in the region, state and country. Recognizing that COVID-19 vaccines offer safe, effective protection, we continue to urge all students, faculty, staff and visitors to get vaccinated either on campus or with a local provider,” read a disclaimer above GS’ weekly report. 28 cases were reported from employees. 389 cases were reported on Statesboro’s campus, 38 on Armstrong’s campus and seven on Liberty’s campus.
8-26-21 risk getting sick,” Danielle Dawkins said. Students are “strongly encouraged” by Georgia Southern to keep wearing masks indoors even if you are vaccinated. Other students felt that it’s better to wear a mask while inside and around people just to be safe. “Even though it’s mutating you’re still kind of safe, it’s just nice to know that you have a little shield.” Jataya Riley said. “It’s just a safety thing like why not, you know, it’s not harming anyone. No one’s going to get hurt from wearing a mask.” Riley said. The students both felt good about being on campus in person and taking precautions to stay safe, although some students said they would be leaving their masks at home. “I will not be, I am fully vaccinated,” said Luis Santiago. “Although, I may wear one in study groups if there are unvaccinated people.” “If a professor asks me to put one on in class I will, or if more people start getting sick,” an anonymous student said. --Shay Parker
--Eden Hodges Published Aug 23
EAGLES WILL NOT LET THE VIRUS RUIN THEIR YEAR The Sweetheart Shuttle Route will not be operating this year. Masks are still required while on buses, and capacity
With the emergence of the Delta variant, students felt safer being vaccinated, but that doesn’t mean they’re ditching the mask quite yet. “The Delta variant is nothing to play around with, and I don’t want to
DANIEL STACKHOUSE/staff
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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Created by : Lorena Martinez
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Where does your vaccination status matter on campus? BY ASHLYNN MELNYK The George-Anne staff
Where does your vaccination status matter on campus? Georgia Southern University does not currently require a mask on the majority of the campus for those who are vaccinated, except when on campus shuttle buses and in the Health Center. According to USG institutions, students may “be required by offcampus partnering organizations to wear masks and/or be vaccinated as a condition of participation in experimental learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, externships and delivery of medical services.”
under the typical standard of care. Consistent with the normal standard of care, medical care providers may ask for proof of COVID-19 vaccination in treating patients.”
Does HIPAA protect me from being asked? HIPAA is defined by the CDC as “a federal law that requires the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge.” Thus meaning HIPAA is mostly only used within healthcare settings with a few exceptions. In compliance with GS guidelines, “students should not be asked about their vaccination status.”
Where should you be If vaccinated and exposed, prepared to be asked about do you need to quarantine? your vaccination status? Medical providers may use your vaccination information in accordance with contact tracing. Providing proof of vaccination gets you out of quarantine. USG institutions also released that “Medical providers may use a patient’s COVID-19 vaccination status as they would normally Page designed by Karly Henson
Per guidance of the Georgia Department of Health, ‘individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms will not be required to quarantine.’
Is vaccination status required on campus jobs?
In accordance with Georgia Southern’s guidance, “All faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. No student, faculty, or staff member should be treated differently based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.” ‘Those fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks or socially distance on campus, but those unvaccinated are strongly encouraged to.’ As Georgia Southern now enters its third week of fall semester, students are still being encouraged to become vaccinated, and to take proper distancing measures. As of right now, there are no requirements for students to wear face coverings, become vaccinated or social distance within classroom settings or around campus. Georgia Southern University continues to offer on campus vaccinations as well as COVID testing and information. Those resources can be accessed at COVID Testing Information and COVID Vaccine Information on MyGS. Off-campus COVID vaccinations and testing locations can be located through Find COVID Vaccine and Find a Health Center .
No student, faculty, or staff member should be treated differently based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.” GEORGIA SOUTHERN
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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I’m happy it closed down… I think it’ll be good for some of my friends that it closed down.” RACHEL BLAIR
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STUDENTS REACT TO
WEEKEND DRUG BUST AROUND CAMPUS Search finds weapons and cocaine in Shenanigans’ staff-only areas
I used to live at EV and I was creeped out to walk past ‘nans and get back to the dorm. The whole atmosphere was just kind of creepy and sketchy. It just kind of made me uncomfortable as a girl, you know.” IVORY DARBY
I will say I’ve never seen any cocaine in like a fraternity house, but I have been told that Shenanigans was where you would do it in the bathroom, so maybe it’s for the best that it’s no longer with us.” EVAN MCCULLOUGH
I mean what do you expect? It’s a club. There’s gonna be all that stuff.” DIEGO TORRES Page designed by Kayla Hill
BY EDEN HODGE
The George-Anne Editor-in-Chief
Statesboro police arrested seven people suspected of selling cocaine in bars around Georgia Southern’s campus this weekend, which included a bartender, a bouncer and a night manager at Shenanigans. “I’m surprised it took this long,” said Rachel Blair, a GS student. “I’m happy it closed down… I think it’ll be good for some of my friends that it closed down. Freshmen walking to and from class from Eagle Village might see Shenanigans at least twice a day, and all of the bars where suspects were arrested are within walking distance of campus, according to SPD. “I used to live at EV and I was creeped out to walk past ‘nans and get back to the dorm,” said GS student Ivory Darby. “The whole
atmosphere was just kind of creepy With the help of various bar and sketchy. It just kind of made me staff, the Impact Team continued uncomfortable as a girl, you know.” arresting suspects in bars around SPD and Georgia Southern Statesboro through the night. University’s Department of Public Police told the George-Anne Safety say this operation is one of that the Statesboro City Council the many examples of joint efforts will decide if Shenanigans will get to keep drug dealers from preying to keep their liquor license. The on the students and residents in the George-Anne has reported The bar area. does have a history here, having “I will say I’ve never seen any their license suspended back in cocaine in like a fraternity house, but 2015 for underage-sales of alcohol. I have been told that Shenanigans Since the drug bust, Shenanigans was where you would do it in the closed its doors, and whether the bathroom, so maybe it’s for the best bar will reopen is unclear. that it’s no longer with us,” said “The other bars are about to be Evan McCullough, GS student. flooded,” said McCullough Police said reports of drug sales “I think Social is gonna be the inside Shenanigans and other bars new nans,” said Blair. surrounding campus launched a months-long investigation by the The George-Anne will continue Statesboro Police Department and following this story. Georgia Southern’s Impact team which found the Shenanigans’ staff’s involvement in the sales. To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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GS’ Eagles vaccination rate among the lowest in the Sun Belt Of seven responding teams, GS has the least vaccinated players
BY DJ CADDEN
The George-Anne staff
In a report published by WTOC in Savannah, the Georgia Southern football team was confirmed to have the lowest vaccination rate in the Sun Belt Conference. According to the report, seven teams commented on their vaccination, while Georgia State, Louisiana and Troy did not disclose their vaccination rate. Of the six other teams that responded to WTOC, all had a vaccination rate of at least 75%. Louisiana-Monroe had the highest vaccination rate in the conference at 97% and Appalachian
State had 90%. GS rounded up last place with a vaccination rate of just 74%. According to the report by WTOC, the GS vaccination rate was at 64% on Friday, which means the team jumped 10% in just 24 hours. In addition, head coach Chad Lunsford confirmed that 100% of the GS coaching staff had received at least one dose of the vaccine. When asked by The GeorgeAnne if the team or conference had a cutoff for how many players must be available to play a game, the GS athletic department said no number had been set by either the conference or program.
The Georgia Southern athletic department released the following statement when contacted by The George-Anne: “As of August 20, 2021, 74 percent of Georgia Southern football players have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. We continue to educate our student-athletes and staff on the importance of getting vaccinated, but it remains a personal choice for all and we support that. Dating back to the spring semester, Georgia Southern has been proactively providing educational information to our student-athletes and staff on the benefits of being vaccinated. Additionally, medical personnel have
spoken to, and continue to speak to, all of our teams regarding the medical research behind the vaccine.” Per NCAA guidance, all unvaccinated student-athletes will be tested weekly, and those who are vaccinated will not be subjected to weekly surveillance testing or contact tracing, unless they show symptoms. “We understand that fully vaccinated teams give us the best chance to be successful this year and continue to strive for a 100 percent vaccination rate within the entire department.”
All campus’ single-stall bathrooms become gender neutral Single-stall bathrooms now ‘all-gender restroom’ BY SHAY PARKER
The George-Anne staff
EDEN HODGES/staff
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All single-stall bathrooms across campus were converted to all-gender restrooms beginning this fall semester. Single-stall bathrooms in the Carroll building, IAB building, Counseling center, medical clinic, Henderson library, and women’s health clinic are now gender neutral. “These are the action steps of us showing that our campus culture and community is valuing diversity and inclusion and for everybody,” Catherine Bishop said. The topic has been in recent discussions and has been debated for a while. It was decided that this year they would go ahead and make them official. “It’s been a big topic of discussion on campus for quite a few years now, and it has finally been decided that there does need to be gender neutral bathrooms on
campus for students or faculty and staff or who are visitors to our university that would like that,” Catherine Bishop said. The single stall bathrooms are open for all to use while the regular bathrooms remain the to the assigned genders.
These are the action steps of us showing that our campus culture and community is valuing diversity and inclusion for everybody,” CATHERINE BISHOP
Assistant Director of the Office of Student Affairs
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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GS’ queer community comes together at Rainbow Reception MATEO MOLINARI The George-Anne staff
Students connected with fellow LGBTQ+ staff and faculty at the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ (OMA) Rainbow Reception where they shared resources for the queer community. “The fact that it’s specifically for the LGBT community, being a part of the community, I think, it not only makes you feel special, but it just makes you feel like someone cares about you, especially on campus,” said a sophomore Diversity Peer Educator, Alex Oxendine. At the event, the OMA advertised a 12-week program titled “Here To Be Queer” for LGBTQ+ students struggling with their identity. The program is meant to unite LGBTQ+ students, tackle issues within the community, and build confidence in embracing one’s identity. “It’s very easy to imagine that there are no queer faculty and staff… like, to know that as a student, I think it’s a huge deal,” said administrative assistant of the College of Arts and Humanities, Suzanne Shurling. Many of the students who did attend were freshmen who were grateful to have any sort of event for LGBTQ+ students. “I think it was great,” said a freshman, Sierra Davidson, “Interacting with faculty, especially because at my high school… we were the first year to have a GSA, and that kind of sucked a little bit because faculty [and staff] weren’t really allowed to be involved.”
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Fortunately, the Office of Multicultural Affairs was flexible in allowing others to advertise LGBTQ+ centered events such as Boro Pride—a pride event started in 2019 that typically happens in October. Though it is likely this event could be cancelled due to COVID-19, there are still some resources connected to Boro Pride that won’t be cancelled. “We don’t just do the event, we have a trust fund,” said administrative assistant of the College of Arts and Humanities, Suzanne Shurling. “We’ve helped folks that have been put out of their houses due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. We have helped folks that couldn’t afford their hormones or couldn’t afford PrEP. It’s not just a party, we do actually have resources as well.” In addition to that, the vice president of Georgia Southern’s Gay-Straight Alliance, Emilee Larson, attended and advertised the club which now has a virtual option and an on-campus option to attend. It occurs twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays—the upcoming meeting on Thursday will specifically welcome discussion of life on campus from QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) students, though any student is welcome to attend. To join the club, email gsaofgsu@georgiasouthern.edu.
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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REFLECTOR
What is 11:11?
And Why Do You Keep Seeing it Everywhere?
BY ERIN CHAMBERS The George-Anne staff
What is the significance of 11:11? The answer might shock you. Have you ever wondered why you’re told to make a wish at 11:11? What makes repeating numbers so significant? To better understand the true meaning of 11:11 and what it stands for, it’s important to understand angel numbers. What are Angel Numbers Exactly? Repeating numbers (like 111 or 999) or numbers in a certain order (like 4321 or 5678) are known as angel numbers. Angel numbers are considered to be a sign from the divine. These numbers can be spotted anywhere — on a clock, a license plate, or even a room number here on campus. Looking for a sign at a crucial moment in time, then seeing a set of special numbers is known to be a nod from an angel.
Now, why is 11:11 so important? In numerology, some New Age believers often associate 11:11 to chance or coincidence. Others believe that it is a signal from your angels, as they’re letting you know they’re close by. However, in other cases, 11:11 is seen as a new beginning or that you are on the right path going in the right direction. Afterall, World War I ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. If you’re constantly seeing 11:11, it could be because the universe is listening to you. Many believe that seeing this specific sequence of numbers is a sign for you to connect with your guides from the divine. So, why do people make a wish at 11:11? Since 11:11 signifies a time when the universe is listening to you, you’re meant to manifest at this special time. When you’re making a wish at 11:11, you’re supposed to put all of your desires
into this one wish. This means it’s crucial that you eliminate any negative thoughts during your manifestation. Many people believe that there is a certain set of standards to be met for your wish to be fulfilled. If you look at a clock right at 11:11, this being the first time you’ve checked it since before 11:00, then you’re free to make a wish. Once you’ve made your wish, it is imperative to look away from the clock immediately. Your wish will not come true if you see the time change to 11:12. The next time you look at a clock, the time should be 11:13. Your wish will also not come true if you miss 11:13. What should you do upon spotting 11:11? If you’re not wishing for something to happen at 11:11, then simply take the angel numbers as a sign from the divine. Remember that seeing 11:11 is a little reminder that your spirit guides are always close by!
Reflector Reviews: Respect BY ANDREW EUNICE The George-Anne staff
“Respect”, written by Tracey Scott Wilson, directed by Liesl Tommy and starring Jennifer Hudson, follows the life and career of quintessential soul artist Aretha Franklin. To it’s benefit, but also to its detriment, this film gives you exactly what you’d expect if you are familiar with musical biopics. There is a lot to love in this film. Jennifer Hudson absolutely commands the screen as Aretha Franklin, and her co-stars give great support as the story progresses. Forest Whitaker as her father, C.L. Franklin, is especially great here as one would expect from such seasoned talent. Marlon Waynes as Ted White surprisingly works, as Marlon is known primarily for low-grade comedy. As far as objectives go, the number one objective for these kind of films is to make sure the musical sequences don’t fail. For a film which the main selling point is the music, even a Citizen Kane level story won’t work if the music falls
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flat. And I am happy to report that is not the case. As a matter of fact, I would go as far to say that this film might actually have the greatest music sequences of any musical biopic. Trust that I have seen all of them, and nothing I have ever seen in a musical biopic comes close to the music sequences that are crafted here. This film has a lot going for it. If you have read this far you might think that I absolutely love this movie, and that I am giving it the biggest thumbs up I can. And I will reiterate that there are a lot of things in this film to love. It has everything going for it: a stellar cast, phenomenal cinematography and directing, and a compelling real-life story to use and pull from. Unfortunately to its detriment, it suffers the biggest challenge that all musical biopics have faced. This film suffers mainly from not knowing how much of Aretha’s life should be presented, and it also clearly doesn’t know how to do so. Even though the sequence of events within the first act flow logically as far as
pacing goes, the dialogue is absolutely atrocious. The conversations feel as if they have been cut extremely short so the filmmakers can give themselves the space to cram in as many events as they can. Many of them carry through to the other acts of the film, but some of them are left behind providing no substantial value to the story. It feels as though the filmmakers couldn’t decide what events in Aretha’s life could be left in the writer’s room so they could craft a more competently-paced script, so they decided not to cut a single thing out. Everything is told in explicit form as if the writer didn’t feel confident enough for the audience to understand ambiguity. As a result, the film has an extremely hard time finding its footing. It finds some resemblance of a competent story within the second act as Aretha’s career starts to take shape, but even then the story is still held up by weak framework. Aretha’s character arc is clear as far as where the filmmakers are taking her, however by the end it was extremely bloated to the
point where I stopped caring. By the time the third act rolled around, the film had already overstayed its welcome. And this is where the lack of focus within this screenplay shows it’s biggest sins. By introducing character elements and motivations within Aretha that were very thinly established within the preceding acts, it exposes the fact that the screenwriter didn’t have a clear enough vision for how the story was going to unfold. Telling every single event within the timeframe that they happened doesn’t work when you have to make a two and a half hour movie to cram it all in, and none of the plotlines have strong enough threads to craft a competent story. All in all, this movie showcases very strong performances from it’s robust cast, and it features the best music sequences of any musical biopic I have ever seen. But besides those things, this movie doesn’t provide much else to desire. Grade: C+
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
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PAC Returns to the Spotlight Live performances are back at the PAC
BY JUSTIN HALL
The George-Anne staff
Just like everyone else on our GS campuses, the Performing Arts Center has been greatly affected by COVID-19. The virus has certainly changed nearly every aspect of life for the PAC, but they seem to be bouncing back. They’re ready to reopen and present some new and exciting events for students. It has certainly been a long road, but there’s a lot of hope and enthusiasm for the future as well as being tempered with caution for the recent resurgence of cases. “It’s been a lot of ups and downs,” said PAC Director Stacy McDaniel. The new theme will be “Come Together” as a message of attempting to bring people back together and having a lot of fun, while being safe and conforming to GS recommendations for COVID safety. “We want people to feel comfortable coming together in a shared space,” said McDaniel. ”We are anxious, but optimistic.” She also went on to say that enjoying a live performance will make the experience more special. The PAC will have its first professional Page designed by Jalen Austin
performance at 3 p.m. on Oct. 23, which will be the first performance the center has put on since March of 2020. The PAC will have music department performances and there will be a brochure mailed out to subscribers and patrons. The first performance will be “Forever Motown” which will feature an incredible cast of Motown royalty backed by a live band of musicians and performing beloved songs from the greatest groups and artists such as the Temptations, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Other exciting upcoming events include Jersey Boys which is based on the Tony and GrammyAward winning true-life musical of the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This event will take place on January 21, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. The Celtic Angels Ireland will be performing on March 1, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. It’s a joyous celebration of everything Irish as performers honor their Irish heritage. Vocalists on stage will be accompanied by the Celtic Knight Dancers and the Trinity Band Ensemble of Dublin. In addition to the vocals and dancers, there will also be authentic Irish instruments. Here Comes the Sun: The Music of the Beatles
will be performed on March 24, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. It’ll be a dynamic tribute to all of their biggest hits. The show promises to recreate the period of music the Beatles made famous with six players switching between the instruments. Ballet Folklorico: Cinco de Mayo Celebration will take place on April 30, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. The event which was founded in 2011 has cemented itself as the nation’s premier Mexican folk dance company. The performers will be performing both traditional and contemporary dances and they will be accompanied by the live Grammyaward winning musicians Marachi Garibaldi. Ballet Folklorico promises to deliver elegant movements and elaborate, beautiful costume designs. In addition to these exciting performances, the PAC will also have a bonus by rescheduling The Drifters, Coasters, Platters: Holiday Hop which will take place at 3:00 p.m. They are three legendary Motown groups which will be a combination of their hits as well as traditional holiday music. How excited are you for this incredible calendar of events?
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THE GEORGE-ANNE STATESBORO EDITION
8.26.21
To contact the editor, email gaeditor@georgiasouthern.edu
8-26-21
THE GEORGE-ANNE STATESBORO EDITION
Across 1. Shakespeare division 4. Gift wrapping need 8. Alcatraz escape vehicle 12. Fall violently 15. Mellows 16. Skillful 17. Beat 18. Not on the rocks 19. Ballerina’s money maker 20. Desserts 22. Tow behind you 24. Check for accuracy 25. Fisherman’s gear 27. Auto routes 29. Mediocre 33. Listen here 34. Till compartment 35. Set, as stone 37. Watery geographical feature 41. Ingested 42. ____ and breathes 44. It needs refinement 45. Needle point? 48. Jump 49. Move like lava 50. Take the gold 52. Terminals 54. Brush motions 58. Bring on
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59. Live and breathe 60. Has lunch 62. Cares for 66. Fruitless 68. Mouth part 70. Bathroom item 71. Head start 72. Satan’s work 73. Perfect, e.g. 74. Mailed 75. Depend on 76. House room Down 1. New Testament book 2. Ship members 3. Won’t bite 4. Car color 5. White bearded 6. Anjou and Bosc 7. Country home 8. Stoolie 9. Over and ___ 10. Armada 11. Strains 13. Devotes 14. The Ritz, for one 21. Single shot 23. Latch onto 26. Slow as a ____ 28. Renaissance, for one 29. ___ and groan 30. Obsessed with
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31. Lots of bucks 32. Collapses 36. Demise 38. US women’s soccer goalkeeper, Hope ____ 39. Caddie’s offering 40. Tidings 43. 2010 World Cup winners 46. ___-time loser 47. Raise 49. Menacingly wild 51. Hither 53. Have faith 54. Puts away 55. Business 56. Have the throne 57. Pilot’s place? 61. Clay or sandy? 63. Smooth 64. “What ___?” 65. Observed 67. Volleyball obstacle 69. Fishing tackle
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THE GEORGE-ANNE STATESBORO EDITION Agree Ally Anew Apple Attain Attend Baseball Beef Bonds Calm Chart Chic Classmate Claw Coconut Common Confrontational COOK Crow Down Drying Emit Envy Epic Escalating Ethos
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Even Expect Extra Feel Fills Find Flew Flips Goes Gone Halo Hide Hole Huts Ideal Info Injected Jerk Jewel Lieu Lift Logo Mafia Mean Meat Mile
8-26-21 Miss Niece Ninth None Norm Note Novel Nuns Odour Oils Only Opium Oral Overwhelming Owes Owned Palette Pang Peak Peer Pink Plea Plot Pros Reel Rehab
Relic Remain Rent Rods Rose Royals Rugs Runs Seize Shake Shrill Sixth Slap Sort Tame Text Unveiled Veal Vinyl Vocal Weave What Zest
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