Spring 2014 Issue by The Phoenix Magazine at Augusta University

Georgia Regents Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Spring 2014

The Subculture issue:

CrossďŹ tters, Survivalists, Nerds and more! Phoenix 1

Editor-in-chief Theodore Smith

Assistant Editor Brennan Meagher Phoenix magazine is published three times per academic year with a press run of 2,500 copies. It is created on Macintosh OSX computers using Adobe Creative Suite 5.0. The cover is printed on 80# gloss text cover; the text is printed on 60# gloss text. The body copy is Georgia, cutlines are Century Gothic and the nameplate is Desdemona and Archaelogicaps. This issue of Phoenix magazine was printed by K-B Offset Printing, Inc. in State College, Pa. Phoenix magazine is a student publication of the Office of Student Activities and Department of Communications and Professional Writing at Georgia Regents University. Phoenix magazine is a designated public forum and has been recognized as such by Georgia Regents University. The publication is funded by advertising sales and student activity fees. The opinions expressed in the Phoenix do not necessarily represent the opinions of the University System of Georgia, the administration or faculty of Georgia Regents University, the editorial staff or the adviser of the Phoenix. Phoenix Magazine 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, Ga. 30904-2200 GRUphoenix@gmail.com Allgood Hall E159

Business Manager Jefferson Morgan

Advertising Manager Raven Norris

Advisor Dr. Debra van Tuyll

Staff Writers Arielle Taylor Ashley Moore Bree Huffin Christy Cheek Clarissa Chavez Elise Claycomb Jaclyn Frazier Jacob Thigpen Josh Cole Juanita Richardson Kaitlin Keller Katherine Rhoden Madison Navarro Mary Capers

Mary Darby Garren Nicholas Garrett Phillip Greiner Alissa Faulkner Russell Lindsey Gwendolyn Bagley

Contributing Photographer Shelby Crabb Kayla Rae

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note

Welcome to the subculture issue of the Phoenix Magazine. For this spring we decided to take a closer look at some of the unique groups that surround us. This has been a particularly enjoyable experience for staff members, and we are proud to bring to you our strongest issue to date. The second half of this year is of particular importance to the Phoenix. This summer marks the twentieth anniversary of the magazine. Our staff will be hosting an event commemorating past staff members and celebrating the magazine during the spring semester. Additionally, I would also like to offer highlight the work of Russell Lindsey and Kayla Rae. Their contributions were invaluable to the production of this issue.

Tattoos and the New Professional: Page 6

Tattoos by Russell Lindsey Electronic Dance Music by Jefferson Morgan Crossfit Craze by Elise Nicole Claycomb Water, Shelter, Food. by Alissa Faulkner Mocked Passion by Gwen Bagley Real People, Fake War by Josh Cole Student Savers Students Pull Against Each Other by Jacob Thigpen

... 6 ...12 .. 16 ...18 ...22 ... 26 ... 31 ... 33

Real People, Fake War: Page 26 Phoenix 3

Photo by: Shelby Crabb

Calendar

March SATURDAY, 8th SAVANNAH RIVERKEEPER ROAST ON THE RIVER Riverplace Pavilion, North Augusta, 6 p.m. MONDAY, 17th ST. PATRICK’S DAY FRIDAY, 21st ZAC BROWN BAND James Brown Arena, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, 20th TRIBES Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre WEDNESDAY, 26th THE CREW TALENT SHOW Amphitheater 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 4 Spring 2014

April

May

MONDAY, 7th - FRIDAY, 11th SPRING BREAK

WEDNESDAY, 7th GRADES DUE

TUESDAY, 8th DRIVE FOR SHOW, ROCK FORE! DOUGH Lady A Pavilion, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, 9th GRADUATION!!

SATURDAY, 19th TAKE BACK THE DAY, 5K Amphitheater 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. SATURDAY, 19th RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF AUGUSTA PLANE PULL Augusta Regional Airport 8 a.m. WEDNESDAY, 30th FINALS BEGIN

SUNDAY, 18TH WILLIE NELSON AND ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION James Brown Arena, 6 p.m. MONDAY, 19th SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN FRIDAY, 23rd PAPA JOE’S BANJO-B-QUE MUSIC FESTIVAL Evans Towne Center Park THURSDAY, 29th HUNTER HAYES James Brown Arena, 7 p.m.

Phoenix 5

Story by: Russell Lindsey Photos by: Russell Lindsey, Edwin Kronberger; Digital Rayen Photography 6 Spring 2014

.....and the new professional ? Tattoos, do you have one yet? We see celebrities now sporting large and ďŹ&#x201A;agrant tattoo designs. We aspire to do things that push the boundaries. So why is it tattoos that seem to captivate us? Why is it tattoos that seem to elicit the strongest reactions both in those for them and those against?

Artist Frank Inglett precisely lays out design work for a new tattoo.

Phoenix 7

Lining out

We live in a world with cell phones, computers and information at your fingertips 24/7. Ideas and freedom of thought are the order of the day and there are those who wish to express it in a myriad of ways. Imagine for a moment that you are a new college graduate who has just completed the exhausting gauntlet of curriculum and are no longer under the tyrannical rule of a college professor’s syllabus. You’re starving, career hungry and ready to assume your place among the professional workforce and have your achievements both recognized and monetarily rewarded. So why, despite your intellectual trials, should all your hard work be for naught? College graduation is as mental an exercise as it gets so why should your skin have anything to do with you getting hired? Or does it play into effect at all? It might escape some that tattoos in their various forms have been with us since ancient times. If you were to ask your parents or grandparents about their ideas of those who have tattoos you probably will be confronted with one of the followingstereotypes: sailors, soldiers, prisoners, bikers etc. These persons or professions have long been associated with tattoos. But why, and why is that bad?

Origin Story

According to Chris Rainer, a photographer and writer for National Geographic, the way we perceive the body markings can be traced back to the golden age of exploration. Tattoos, as we know them today, were reintroduced into the modern world by sailors as they explored the islands of Polynesia and Samoa. When notable figures like Captain Cook and his men arrived in the islands, the sailors would venture inland to trade and mix with the indigenous people. The strange markings of the indigenous tribes intrigued the sailors, many of whom exchanged goods for tattoos. Known as “tata,” the art was named for the sound that was made as traditional tools were struck to administer the ink to the skin. Europeans then bastardized the word “tata” into its present form of “tattoo” when they carried the stories and their body art back to their homelands.

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These early tattoos were tribal in design and the techniques were carried back to Europe and modified to reflect different tastes and styles. Mariners and laborers were generally considered to be of a lower social and economic class. Consequently, those who were more affluent did not indulge in the art, and as such it became associated with low financial means and character.

The Shady Shops of Olde

Tattoo parlors and their atmosphere have changed as much as the clientele that support them. Long gone are the days when retired servicemen, ex-bikers and ne’er do wells ran shops purely for profit. The successful tattoo parlors of today are relaxed and inviting places that more often resemble an art gallery and medical supply store. Modern lighting and better regulations have led to improved sanitary practices compared to the parlors of old. Staff are knowledgeable and have ideas and opinions about the art they bestow, just as much as the patrons who act as their canvas. The constant sanitizing and sterilization, which is a visible part of the experience, brings peace of mind for many. The fact that successful parlors are much more welcoming environments has not gone unnoticed in the sales department. In a study released by the Pew Research Center, 38 percent of the Millennial generation have at least one tattoo. That figure is nearly four times their baby boomer predecessors. The increase in the prevalence of tattoos has begun to shift (albeit, slowly) the stigma attached to having a tattoo.

Tattoos Today

Trends shift today at a moments notice and with an ever-expanding sea of people there is a desire by many to simply stand out. Body art and piercings, which were once seen as different and nonconformist, have steadily been on the rise. What were once thought to be only marks of warriors and of those of ill repute has begun to shift into a true expression of art and is being mainstreamed in popular media culture. There has also begun a trend of connoisseurship among the tattoo world spread even among the artisans who often times have elaborate pieces envied by their customers. Artists like Weylin Traugott, Stephanie Kalakikos and Charlie Baker are just some

of the newer faces to the local trade and already share a real sense of commonality with their generational counterparts. “You do see more and more celebrities getting tattooed and more and more shows focus on the art as well,” Traugott said. “I think you just see it more often.” It isn’t a man’s game anymore either. Women are becoming an increasing presence in the trade. “We aren’t the crusty old biker guy in the back room,” Kalakikos said. “We are real people and we aren’t scary. Sometimes we’re cute too.” An increasing number of those in the trade consider themselves to be real artists, and many say they would do it even if they weren’t paid. Recent years have seen an influx of newcomers in the field, bringing with them changes in ideas and conceptions of what constitutes “good ink.” These newcomers are generally aged 35 and under and are well schooled in art traditional styles, though they often put new spins on time honored traditions and designs. The average person that gets a tattoo today isn’t a criminal, warrior or tribesman. Shifts in trends, more abundant technology and simply more artists have allowed tattoos to become accessible to anyone just about anywhere. Advancements in color and tools, called “guns,” have given rise to tattoos of ever-increasing complexity and diversity. Frank Inglett, of Old Tyme Tattoo and Barber, has been a tattoo artist for more than 15 years, and in that time he says he has watched the trends change as well as the advances in the trade come full circle. Inglett, who bears many tattoos himself, also notes many of the changes in attitudes of acceptance in addition to the widening diversity in clientele. “I began when the black and white designs were really popular, and over the years that has changed to things with any color and shading you could imagine,” Inglett said. “You never know who is going to walk through your door, one day it’s a biker or military and the next it’s a nurse, lawyer, or professor…..or even a pastor.”

Not Just for Hippies!

One of the most surprising developments in the world of tattoos is actually the increased prevalence in people and occupations you would not expect. Tattoos and body art can be found in all

This lucky customer sat for almost four hours to claim his new ink, but claimed â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was worth every minute and every penny.

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Phoenix 9

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Carr The cast of Lucky 7 Ta ttoo. From Left: James Jackson, Tom (friend), Brian Jones, Charlie Baker, Mike He pler, Stephanie Kalakikos, Dustin Lucas, Chris French (Owner) 10 Spring 2014

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rungs of social strata and often turn up in places you might least expect. Jeremy Carr is the pastor of a local church. He is a college graduate, happily married, and father of four. At first glance, Carr is far from what the average person on the street might picure when thinking of an individual with a tattoo. For Carr, symbolism is a key factor in the “half sleeve” on his left arm. The tattoo consists of influences from four separate traditional styles of tattoos and incorporates elements of his religious beliefs and biblical passages. “It is a reminder and tribute to my family and God,” Carr said. “The tattoos that I like most have meaning and what is better than those who mean and work the most in your life”. This freedom of expression attracts many in the college and professional work environments that have new and creative ideas for the art. Newer trends have expanded tattooing into many different groups and economic strata. Musicians, hipsters, preps, geek chic and jock cultures all have begun to incorporate tattoos into their chosen fashion. Each of the groups have begun to put their own spin on designs, but nearly all have stuck with the idea of meaning and individualism in their artwork. The change in the tattoos, from something that was simply an ornament back to something significant to the bearer, pays homage to the ancestral roots of the artform. Tattoos are making a definite shift back to the symbolic and meaningful rather than the playfully artistic, but even so the vast majority of those in this generation choose to get their art in areas that can be completely if not mostly covered by clothing when they are in a more professional work environment.

Shade your Career?

In the Pew Research study that surveyed Millennials, it was found that nearly 72 percent of adults with tattoos say they are hidden from view depending on what they wear. The same study revealed that the majority felt as though the reason they hid them professionally was to avoid any stigma from employers. Though there are many who have tattoos in modern society, most choose to adopt a discreet and somewhat reserved manner of display. They choose only to reveal their artwork to those closest to them in their private lives. Though they might

Art displayed on the wall of a tattoo parlor. love and treasure their art, the fact is that in certain circles it is still considered slightly taboo and unbefitting a professional. Many companies and employers have had to change their attitudes and regulations regarding employment and acceptability in the workplace with the ever increasing prevalence of ink. Formerly, companies could, and would, terminate employment for merely having exposed ink. Though many companies have become more tolerant, most still retain policies in place to restrict and govern the content of tattoos and their display. Companies like Google and Apple have begun to turn the trend by laxing their hiring and employment restrictions regarding tattoos. By focusing on an individual’s performance rather than his/ her appearance, many companies that specialize in technology and design have leapt ahead of their competitors.

perience. At the end of the day businesses need customers to survive and company image is immensely important.

Planning to get inked?

Because ink is so personalized there is not a right or wrong answer to the question of whether a person should get some. It should go without saying that no matter what a person’s choice there will always be a market for tattoos and they are not going away any time soon. With a never-ending repertoire of designs and possibilities the only way to know whether a tattoo is right for you is to explore. Shops are great places to start and careful selection and consideration is key to “good ink”.

Russell Lindsey is a senior communications major.

Job Prospects

According to Dr. Andrew Timming, of the St. Andrew’s University School of Management in Scotland, one’s chances for employment are cut by a fair margin. Timming’s study concluded that visible tattoos still retain stigma that might not be in interference of the hiring body’s regulations, but that of the personal fears of the management who feel that tattoos will cause their customers to react. It was surmised in the survey that because the body art retains a certain stigma or perception that the bearer is unclean or seedy, a customer might associate the company with a negative ex-

Phoenix 11

Electronic dance music The Growing Subculture of EDM Story and Layout by Whit Morgan 12 Spring 2014

It’s dark and there are people all

around you. Lasers are cutting through the air with surgical precision while the music shakes your body with bass so heavy it must be coming from hammers of the gods. Perhaps life has reached its apex and nothing could be any better. Then it happens, the drop. The DJ just cranked the intensity knob to max and is trying to melt your face off. Hands are in the air, joyous screams can be heard in the immediate proximity, and everyone is just going absolutely crazy. This is electronic dance music, commonly referred to as EDM. EDM is a genre of music that’s been rapidly growing in the United States and is most popular amongst teenagers and college students. More and more venues are being outfitted with highly technical visuals and DJ booths to support the growth of the EDM community. Although Augusta does not host many large EDM events, there is definitely an EDM community within the city. Mandy Irizarry, a senior majoring in marketing, is a frequent attendee of shows and festivals. Originally from Orlando, Fla., she experienced her first festival, Identity Fest, in 2010. She has since

Ultra is one of the larger EDM festivals in Florida. Photo by Ted Smith. attended several other large EDM festivals including Ultra, Electronic Daisy Carnival, Music Midtown, Lolapalooza, and Bear Creek. Music festivals tend to last anywhere from one full day to four days in length. Unlike tickets for a stand-alone show, festival tickets climb into the hundreds of dollars and only cover entrance to the festival and camping areas (depending

The Electric Forest festival is held annually in Rothbury, Mich. Photo by Whit Morgan

on the venue location). People have the opportunity to see many more artists perform at a festival, but sets are typically shorter to accommodate the number of artists sharing venues. Stand-alone shows have far fewer artists, and artists tend to have more time to perform. If you are seeking to see as many artists as possible, the most economical way is through festivals. For those wanting to see an artist for longer or spend less money, standalone shows provide the opportunity. Irizarry and other students from Augusta will often travel to neighboring cities like Atlanta, Ga., and Columbia, S.C. to attend shows. Larger cities in the Southeast provide venues spacious enough to accommodate the massive crowds drawn by major EDM artists as well as multiple venue spaces for underground and upcoming artists. The EDM experience is a blend of both enjoying live dance music as well as spending time with friends. Whether it’s going with three people or 12, events are highly social and frequenters will often coordinate meeting with people from different places. As the music continues to evolve, so does the type of people making up the EDM community. If you’ve attended an electronic show or festival then it’s likely that you have heard the term “PLUR” and are familiar with its meaning. If not, don’t stress. PLUR stands for peace, love, unity and respect. In a nutshell, it’s the four basic pillars of the EDM and rave community. Some people take their show and fes-

Phoenix 13

Deadmau5 is known for his elaborate sets. Photo by Whit Morgan. tival experiences to the extreme. Irizarry has seen everything from girls wearing nothing but glitter, nipple pasties, bikini bottoms, and leg warmers to stereotypical hippies who look as if they haven’t showered since Woodstock ’99. The diversity continues to dilate. “It’s changed a lot. Lots of college frat boys who just want to fist pump like it’s Jersey Shore,” said Irizarry. Despite the growing diversity amongst the EDM community, violence is seldom an issue. Mosh pits and circles of destruction just don’t happen at these types of events. When asked about which group she would classify herself she didn’t have a set group. “I’m just laid back,” Irizarry said. “I fall in between, just enjoying artists with my friends.” Katie Dyches, GRU alumna, shared her opinion on the subject. “It’s the music and the overall experience,” Dyches said. “I prefer seeing the artist live with my friends. It’s a more intimate way of experiencing music.” As festivals grow more numerous, so do their musical focus. Festivals such as Ultra and Electric Daisy Carnival cater

14 Spring 2014

The balcony provides new views of the DJ and crowd. Photo by Whit Morgan.

“It’s a more intimate way of experiencing music.”

Giant hamster ball for people. Photo by Katie Dyches.

Strobe lights are an EDM favorite. Photo by Whit Morgan.

to those seeking strictly electronic dance music. However festivals such as Bonnaroo and Hangout offer a mix of EDM and mainstream music. For those who have never been to a music festival, do your homework and research the festival before making a choice. Look at what artists are going to be playing, calculate travel and living expenses on top of the ticket price. Dyches recommends Hangout to everyone who is seeking a fun festival experience. “It’s on the beach and the setting itself is just awesome,” Dyches said. “It’s good because you are not camping; you are in a house or condo, which makes it easier than having to camp.” Make sure you set a packing list before

heading out. Items claimed to be essential included a Camelback, some extra cash (just in case), comfortable shoes (ones you can wear for three straight days), sunscreen and plenty of water. Of course don’t forget a good group of friends. The experience is ultimately what you choose to make of it. So go out, have some fun and enjoy the show.

Whit Morgan is a senior communication major.

Deadmau5’s set changes once again. Photo by Whit Morgan. Phoenix 15

CrossFit Craze Is it for Everyone?: CrossFit Perceptions Andy Bueno CrossFitting outside. Photo by Andy Bueno

Story and Layout by: Elise Claycomb I pull up to what looks to be an abandoned warehouse, is this the place, I thought, and then I saw the sign, it must be. I walk in and am greeted by a man of average height. He has an intimidatingly sculpted figure, a hairless scalp, but a friendly face. He insists that he shows me around. I am anxious but my curiosity and his enthusiastic demeanor had me unconsciously following him to the back of the building like a lost puppy. The smell of sweat and the sound of grunts grow stronger as we approach a doorway at the end of the hall. I fill the air with nervous wavering chatter, he grasps the door handle and swings the door open, what I saw on the other side is not what I had expected. Music played, while an eightperson group,consisting of men and women, took part in some sort of ritual-looking exercise routine. To my surprise, many of them

16 Spring 2014

glanced up to acknowledge that the door swung open and greeted me with, yet more smiles and friendly greetings. They continued to squat, insync, to the beat of the music. My tour guide laughed, likely at my perplexed expression, and exclaimed that this routine was not typical, but this was something that they did in efforts to break up the monotonous routine every once in a while. Suddenly, what I expected to be intimidating didn’t seem intimidating at all. I actually felt quite at home in this CrossFit gym. Seemingly, perceptions of CrossFit are mixed. When asking students about their feelings for CrossFit, some responded without hesitation that people who are active in the CrossFit community are “meatheads”, that CrossFit is “cult-like” and even said that they would be unwilling to try it.

Are these fair perceptions? What is it that makes CrossFit so controversial and often intimidating? Lauren Evans, CrossFit enthusiast and Georgia Regents University student, said that she was never active. She credits CrossFit for the fitness progress that she has made in the last couple of years and suggests that you keep an open mind. “I had no muscle, I could not run a mile without stopping,” Evans said of her fitness level when she first started CrossFit. “I’d never touched a barbell before in my life, I was never a fit kid in school.” Evans thinks that people get intimidated because of the things they see on television and don’t realize that these people that are competing are the “elite” CrossFitters. “The media portrays them as extremists, it’s the extremists side of CrossFit,” Evans said. “You see people on these TV’s with these cut bodies lifting 400 pounds and people think that

that’s what CrossFit entails, but it’s not.” Now Evans’ goal is to make it to regionals within the next five years and, eventually, make it to the CrossFit Games so that she can be elite status. Joshua Miller, my pleasant tour guide and CrossFit gym owner, says that they (him and his wife, co-owner of CrossFit for Everyone) hear that people are intimidated to come into their gym all the time, but that they shouldn’t be. “All the things that we do are modifiable and we will definitely start you easy and slowly gain,” Miller said. Everybody does the same workout, with a slight modification until you can get where you need to be. “Say you can’t climb a rope, I have a modification for you,” Miller said.“You stand below the rope, you let yourself down holding the rope like you are going to lie back, and then you pull yourself up. You do that twice, which would be the equivalent of one rope climb. That would be your modification for that.” Andy Bueno, CrossFitter and Broward College student, also said that his instructors at 9-11 CrossFit offer alternative exercises to accommodate for those who need it. Not just people who are less fit, but at his gym, he has seen even amputees participate. “There are stages,” Bueno said. “The instructors are very knowledgeable about that sort of stuff. They will help you through it, and if they see that it is not a right fit for you, they will let you know, and they will advise you to do something else until you are at that level.” As far as how CrossFit compares to traditional methods of exercise, for example, body building, Miller describes traditional methods as veneer. “A veneer brick wall on a building is just a bunch of bricks put out in- front and they really don’t hold up the ceiling or the roof at all,” Miller said. “They are just there for show. It [unlike CrossFit] trains you to do things slowly and carefully.” Miller believes that what you see in the mirror should be secondary and that bodybuilding will not make you a better athlete. Bodybuilding may make you look more fit, but you may not be more fit. “We don’t measure it by how you look in the mirror, do you have your six-pack, that’s not what it’s about,” Miller said. One of the biggest topics of discussion when it comes to this sport, yes, many consider it is a sport, as the

competitions are now broadcasted, and aired world-wide, is CrossFit culture. You may have heard about the structured diets, seen the dress and been even more confused by the language. He is surprisingly humble when asked about the controversial CrossFit culture, Miller chuckles. “People tease us,” Miller said. “It is a culture because we have our own language for things, we wear different clothes, we wear high socks... they’re all functional. The high socks, protect our shins, otherwise we can get bloody shins from deadlifts, snatch, clean and jerks, box jumps. If you hit the box, you’ll bleed all over. It’ll cut you open.” Miller said that CrossFitters all deal with the same trauma and implies that this helps to bring them together. “It’s like a cult, but we love it.... and it’s a cult that is actually healthy,” said Miller, who later jokes that after he first discovered CrossFit that he was “instantly a cult member.” In addition to wearing the same clothes, doing the same workouts and using the same lingo, many CrossFitters often follow the same or similar diet. Although the “zone” diet, a diet primarily concerned with controlling your hormones, is the official diet of CrossFit, many CrossFitters have preferred to go Paleo. Zone diet focuses on ingesting based on a

“40:30:30” ratio of calories obtained daily from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. However with Paleo, you don’t have to count calories, you don’t have to count portions, you just focus on eating only fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and seeds. “I like a cross between Zone and Paleo with a little bit more emphasis on organic,” Miller said. “You are really cleaning up your act when you go organic.” Because many of CrossFit moves are modifiable, your current physical shape should not be a factor when deciding whether or not it is a sport to fit your needs and interests. That is up to you to decide but Evans proclaims that it is one of the most humble sports. “I feel like [whenever I] go into a regular gym I’m getting judged for what I do,” Evans said. “For where I stand compared to the guy who is a body builder, or the girl who is running on a treadmill.” Miller best summed it up with a quote from a commercial played during the CrossFit Games, “In CrossFit, it’s the only sport where your biggest competitor is also your biggest fan. That’s something that we’re very special for.”

Elise Claycomb is a senior communications major.

Lauren Evans completes a power snatch and prepares for double unders in the CrossFit open 14.1. Photo by Ashlee S. Ewards. For more photos by Ashlee S. Edwards visit ashleeedwards.com.

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Water, shelter, food. Story & Layout by Alissa Faulkner Photos by Alissa Faulkner and Michael Chase 18 Spring 2014

ince the original airing of National Geographicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit show Doomsday Preppers in 2011, the world is seeing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obsession with the end of the world and how to prepare for lifes uncertainties. This has led some to make great lifestyle changes and take proactive measures against the uncertainties of life. For businessman Michael Chase, life is all about preparedness. Working a regular 9-to5 job, Chase doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit the stereotypical rugged, bearded-man persona one might assume for someone preparing for worst case, end of the world scenarios. Instead, Chase sports a suit and tie at his white-collar job, all the while making sure he is adequately prepared. For Chase, life is all about preparedness and making sure his family and him are always equipped for any situation at any time.

Are you Prepared? Phoenix 19

The beginnings of a shelter Chase built on a camping trip. “The government is not responsible for your well being or safety,” says Chase on the need for being prepared. “Your safety is up to you. All the government does is respond to an event after the fact. I feel the need to take care of me. No one can take care of my family like I can.” Practical and self-reliant is what Chase considers himself. He admits that he may be a little more practical than most, but for him, it’s a smart decision that could save his family and his lives. So what would a practical, prepared person keep around the house? For Chase this means having on hand: power tools, back-packing meals (MREs), a first aid kit with CPR masks, a small survival kit, a fire starter, guns with a concealed weapons license, a bucket of knives and a container for 100 gallons of water. For him, these are just the most basic necessities. For Zack Holley, a Georgia Regents University senior who is also in the Marine Corps, preparedness is about possessing supplies as well as knowledge. “Knowledge is of more value than supplies in many cases,” Holley says. “Knowledge about how to purify water, what to eat, how to cook and basic medical skills. But being prepared is highly

20 Spring 2014

“Your safety is up to you. All the government does is respond to an event after the fact.” valuable along with knowledge because if you don’t have food or water somewhere you’re going to get hungry, when you get hungry you don’t think straight, when you don’t think straight you do dumb stuff, and when you do dumb stuff you get hurt, and in a worst case scenario there could be no hospitals and you could get an infection and die.” The reality of having to fight for survival in the midst of worst case scenarios is what brings many people to stock up on survival goods. Army surplus store, Sergeant Major’s Bunker on Lumpkin rd., caters heavily to survivalists and doomsday preppers here in Augusta. Owner of the store, Sergeant Major, says they are his favorite customers. “I think it’s a little nutty, but I like ‘em cause they come to the store and buy a lot of stuff,” says the Sergeant when asked

about his opinion of the preppers. “They buy anything from ammo cans to MREs, gas masks, sleeping bags, back packs, molly bags, parachute cord and anything that is survival equipment. They buy cheap, used, durable gear.” The Sergeant also says that survivalists can make a lot out of a little. The parachute cord, for example, is a highly purchased item at the store because survivalists can do basically anything with it due to its durableness and lite weight. According to Georgia Regents University Psychology Professor Dr. Candace Best, our cultures seemingly new obsession with the end of the world and preparing for it is not new at all. “Thinking about doomsday is not something that is new and unique to American culture,” says Dr. Best. “We see it in the ancient Mayans to the Egyptians; people are always fascinated with the idea of what happens next. It’s just part of our human character to try and figure out what happens next.” This fascination paired with our culture’s appetite for reality television is what has catapulted National Geographic’s preppers show into top spots. For many, seeing people go to such extremes in order to be prepared is entertaining and for oth-

ers quite odd. Chase’s fiancée, Emily Rivers, found Chase’s lifestyle of constant preparedness strange at first but has grown to acknowledge its importance and appreciate it. “At first, she thought it was loony and expensive,” says Chase of his fiancés first impression on his preparedness. “But the more she sees the more she realizes there are practical reasons behind the madness.” “He’s prepping for a moment when he needs to take care of himself or us when no one else can do it,” says Rivers. “It’s more practical than I thought.” Preparedness and practicality. For preppers this means a lifestyle of knowledge, constant awareness and planning for times of uncertainty. For others it may mean having a first-aid kit in the car and a pocketknife on hand. What’s to come is uncertain, but the fascination with being able to survive in the midst of chaos has brought many into action in preparing for such a dire scenario. So if the world ended tomorrow, would

you be prepared?

“He’s prepping for a moment when he needs to take care of himself or us when no one else can do it.”

Alissa Faulkner is a senior communication.

According to National Georgraphic, these items are essential to survival:

>>Storage for water and food >>Preserved food >>Water purifier >>Bunker and safe room >>Weapons >>Heating and cooling system

Some of the gear that can be found at Sergeant Major’s Bunker. Phoenix 21

Mocked passion

A nerd is a nerd, if nerd is the word Story and Layout By Gwendolyn Bagley

A short time ago, in a land not so far away, nerds were the laughing stock of the school. No one wanted to be a nerd. They were picked on, joked about and considered socially awkward.

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22 Spring 2014

Now, not so much. Nerds have confidence. For the most part, they are treated as equals by peers. Nerds can be anyone. So, what happened? What has changed the nerd social status? Perhaps, society has changed its definition of nerds. Or, maybe just maybe, the nerds have changed how they define themselves. “I guess people would define nerd as, you are seriously into science and academics,” said Deanni Dalrymple, freshman, nerd and psychology major. “Honestly, to me a nerd is just if you have a reason to wake up and freak out over something every day and be totally comfortable doing it in public as well. That would be my definition of a nerd, aside from awesome.” The word nerd originated somewhere between 1950 and 1960 in American society, according to dictionary.com and oxforddictionaries.com. By definition, a nerd is an informal word meaning “a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious” or “a single-minded expert in a particular technical field,” according to Oxforddictionaries.com. Dictionary.com says something similar. According to them, nerd is a slang term

Above: Excerpt from I Am Number Four. Photo by Gwendolyn Bagley Left: Art by Frank Bagley

Cosplayers as video game characters. Photo by Kayla Rae. meaning “a stupid, irritating, ineffectual or unattractive person” or “an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit.” Either way, the textbook definition of a nerd is pretty harsh. Then again, what really defines a word? In order to understand something better people usually look toward science. Social scientists created a theory called symbolic interactionism, which basically said that words are symbols that people give meaning to. What defines a word is how people use it. Originally, as the dictionaries clearly state, the term nerd was an insult, used usually for those of a particular description. “You know, somehow, when I think of the nerds back in high school, the kids who were considered nerds, it wasn’t particularly an insult at that high school because it was so academically oriented,” said Hubert van Tuyll, professor and chair of the Department of History, Anthropology and Philosophy, and nonnerd. “I know this sounds funny, but they tended to be physically smaller. Kids who were bigger, but had an intellectual edge, were usually hit with other insults. No one who was really into sports would be called a nerd, typically.” However, today many people don’t consider the term offensive anymore. Mallory Bodie, junior and non-nerd with a double major in Spanish and

Biology, believes that the connotation of nerd has changed to have “a more friendly meaning.” She believes that before the definition of a nerd being a socially awkward looking person was correct, and could be picked out of a crowd, but now people cannot be labeled as a nerd just by their appearance. Megan Scureman, senior, nerd and English major on the creative writing track, presents an alternative definition to the word nerd. “I don’t think that nerd is a derogatory term,” said Scureman. “Nerd is somebody who is enthusiastic about their chosen venue of entertainment.” A constant theme among nerds and non-nerds, though, is that the chosen venue of entertainment is a key factor in how someone sees another as nerdy. The most common forms of entertainment that are seen as nerdy are: • • • • • • • • • •

comic books video games anime (Japanese animation) manga (Japanese comics) going to conventions cosplaying (dressing up in costumes) being into science, reading books role-playing games such as D&D, science fiction playing card games like Yu-gi-oh LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)

Phoenix 23

From left to right: Deanni Dalrymple, Nicole Gay and Jacob Ekechukwu GRU students. Photo by Gwendolyn Bagley.

Kayla Rea cosplaying Axis from Teahouse. Photo by Angelwing. 24 Spring 2014

Perhaps these entertainment venues are seen as nerdy because most are out of the norm and therefore unseemly for people to do. Nevertheless, that does not stop nerds from loving what they do and openly expressing it. “I love to cosplay outside of cons [conventions] as well,” said Kayla Rea, also known as Sayuri at cons, 25, cosplayer and nerd. “Walking around outside in a costume is a thrilling experience. One time I went inside a store and had an elderly man compliment me on my hot pink wig. We had a whole conversation about it.” Throughout these past years, nerds and what they do have become more accepted among society. Where it started is still a mystery, but popular entertainment has evolved around it. Television shows like Freaks and Geeks emerged showing that even the hot cheerleader wants to date the nerd and that cool guys can have fun doing nerdy things. Later, The Big Bang Theory came into

existence and reinforced the idea that smart, nerdy men are funny, quirky and attractive to women. Kaitlyn Alexander, senior, non-nerd and political science major, believes that the cultural shift in how society portrays nerds is due to the change in technology. She believes this new technology has allowed nerds to band together and make more of a social impact. This idea might explain the transformation of nerd acceptance in popular culture. Now, nerd has changed to be a descriptor that people use to refer to a person who acts a certain way. John Porter, junior, nerd and management major with a creative writing minor, describes being nerdy as having something that you love become a passion and through that passion, it becomes a part of you. By his definition, he believes that anyone can be a nerd and be nerdy about anything. Rebecca Bowman, ASU alumni and non-nerd said something similar.

“By my definition, I consider lots of things nerdy,” said Bowman. “For example, there is the stereotype nerd, book smart, knows a lot about technology or gaming. Then there is the fashion nerd, who can tell you more about the shoes you are wearing then you would ever want to know and could do the same for every other article of clothing you have. Then there is also the sports nerd who follows every game of every sport. Over all, everyone is nerdy in their own way, just about different things.”

With this new identity, more and more people come out and say they are nerds about non-typical “nerdy” things. Both Porter and Bowman describe themselves as food or cooking nerds. “I love trying new recipes and experimenting with flavors,” said Bowman. The definition of nerdy has changed much over the few years since its creation. Now, instead of being mocked and looked down upon, nerds hold their head high and will openly call themselves

nerds. The term nerdy has evolved from an insult to being a label worn proudly by people who are passionate about their interests.

Gwendolyn Bagley is a senior communication major.

What kind of nerd are you?

Do you have a passion for something that others feel is excessive? Yes!

No.

Do you like to read books? Yes!

No.

Have you read more than 50 books for leisure? Yes!

No.

Do you own so many books that you have run out of shelf space and are placing them anywhere they will fit?

Yes!

No.

You are probaly a book nerd.

You are not a nerd. Do you like to watch anime and/or read manga? Yes!

No.

Can you name 20 anime or manga titles? Yes!

No.

Do you imagine a world with giant fighting robots, talking animals, exaggerated facial expressions and 1/2 human 1/2 demons, angels or animals? Yes!

Do you play videogames? Yes!

No.

Do you own more than one console or a PC rig that cost more than your car?

Yes!

No.

Do you find yourself falling asleep at your controller/ keyboard? Yes!

No.

You are probaly a videogame nerd.

No.

You are probaly an anime and/or manga nerd.

You are probaly a nerd, just a different kind.

Phoenix 25

Real People, Fake War A journey into the world of Live Action Role Playing, LARPing’ ’

Story and Photos By: Josh Cole Layout by: Ted Smith It was shortly past noon, and the dust started to whisk around the ﬁeld as individuals went into combat, thrusting their foam swords and daggers at each other. “Everyone is welcome,” said Shane Wilson, a participant of the Dagorhir Battle Games’ EastWind faction, just as the ﬁghting began at EastWind Castle’s 2013 Winter War.

26 Spring 2014

Dagorhir Battle Games are fullcontact medieval fighting games that some consider to be live action role-playing (LARP), according to Tvtropes.org There are many factions across the U.S., but the two big factions that fight in the Georgia-Carolina area are the Cu Sith Warband and EastWind. The two sponsor different fights through out the year.

EastWind operates out of EastWind Castle; a 20-acre farm in Aiken, S.C., lying in the woods of a medieval styled town consisting of a town hall, mead hall, ﬁre pit and a vendor row. While there are many participants in the event, there are also requirements that have to be met prior to engaging in combat. Requirements include dressing appropriately by

Gorg the Blackmith has a reputation for producing the finest weapons.

’

engaging in the role-playing aspect and wearing clothing to represent an earlier time period. Although this has grown to include Asian style clothing and armor, such as headbands and loose, dark clothing like ninjas, many try to continue the medieval style. There is even the occasional Spartan warrior or shirtless barbarian. If an individual were to approach the “troll,” or the admissions gate where one would sign off on any waivers and pay any event fees, without being dressed appropriately, they would not be permitted to enter until their attire was altered, according to Jacob Orbeck, a fighter for EastWind. But that’s not all. Weapons require certification as well. All weapons must be tested for safety, and most of the time the testing happens on the person bringing it in, Wilson explained. If it hurts when being whacked, the weapon has to either be softened or replaced. While there are many methods of making or getting weapons, one of the most popular contacts in the South for battle weapons is Gorg The Blacksmith, whose real name is Chan Sornberger. Gorg has specialized in foam weapons, shields, garb, embroideries and more for more than two years now. For his swords, Sornberger said he uses 4-pound density foam on the core of the swords and then another 2-pound foam, which is glued onto the core in order to allow the weapons to be used longer without breaking down as quickly, rather than the old technique where many would use only 2-pounds for the whole sword. “I have a reputation of all my weapons passing pretty much everywhere I go,” Sornberger said. “So it takes a lot of the guess-work out for the guy who wants to do his own thing. Another thing I have in my advantage is I have buying power and a lot of overhead where I’m able to buy a material that other people don’t have access to.” Although Gorg sells his weapons at events such as Winter War, he also has barter boxes where individuals can swap various clothing goods for weapons. Once one has been able to pass the admission standards, the event commences with setting up camp and the fighting area. The following day, the group hosts a campfire in their central village with multiple activities including night fighting. The LARPing continues for two more

The sport has the same rough and tumble qualities that

attracted me to wrestling in high school and rugby in college’

Swords made by Gorg for sale at EastWind. Phoenix 27

The battle begins at Eastwind Village. said. Fisher, a fighter since 1997, said at first he was reluctant to engage in them because of the act of dressing up and roleplaying. “The game is a bit unusual, which made me nervous about public opinion and my conformance to social norms,” he said. “However, after just a few moments of training, I realized that the sport has the same rough and tumble qualities that attracted me to wrestling in high school and rugby in college.” Although the Dagorhir battle games consist of a little bit of fantasy role-playing, Fisher said a majority of it is just the individuals playing themselves, attacking one another. The battle games are often considered a sport by many of the participants, causing much of the popularity, Chuck Lozier, the unit commander, said. “It’s definitely a fully engaging sport,”

28 Spring 2014

Lozier said. “And the camaraderie that you get out of it, that’s really a big thing for me. I’m sure a lot of the guys that do this can also attest. I grew up kind of the nerdy kid in the back of the room and never really had a lot of people that had common interest with what I liked, and then I got out here (to Dagorhir) and pretty much everybody is my family.” Camaraderie is an important aspect for many in the battle games, said Gregory McLoskey, another fighter for EastWind. “(I like) just being able to hangout and talk with people,” he said. “Like the guy that you pissed off on the field because you beat the sh** out of him, he’s sitting right next to you drinking a beer. You know there are no grudges. You all had a good time.” However, it isn’t only about making friends, Fisher said. The battle is what’s important. The constant mayhem of attacking one another, shooting arrows and

stabbing each other with swords, crawling on the ground because a limb was essentially cut off and then dying to only walk to a tree of life to get rezed, or resurrected, completes the cycle of the battles as the four-day event unfolds. “There is no winner, we just do it for fun,” Wilson said

Josh Cole is a senior communications major

“There is no winner, we just do it for fun.”

A toast to victory after a long day at EastWind Castle. Phoenix 29

The Phoenix is turning

20 Celebrate with us, and pick up a copy of the anniversary issue. On stands June, 2014. 30 Spring 2014

3-6 p.m. everyday happy hour - $2.75 23 oz. drafts, $1.00 BBQ chicken sliders Buy any Lunch Combo and get a FREE cupcake! Expiration date: 3/30/2014

Bring in this coupon and student ID and get 10% off.

Expiration date: 3/30/2014

10% off when you show this coupon and your student ID. Bring in this coupon for 50% off of any class. Expiration date: 06/30/2014

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10% off when you show this coupon and your student ID.

Expiration date: 3/30/2014

Expires 06/30/2014 Bring in this coupon and recieve an additional 10% off of the everyday discount of 10% off for students! 802 Shartom Drive • (behind Applebee’s on Washington Road) • (706)993-7832 • Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-6 Saturday 12-5

10% off of purchase with this coupon. Expiration date: 06/30/2014

Phoenix 31

Be ready to show your student ID if asked. This coupon was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of GRU’s Phoenix and may or may not be valid after March 2014.

Be ready to show your student ID if asked. This coupon was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of GRU’s Phoenix and may or may not be valid after June 2014.

Be ready to show your student ID if asked. This coupon was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of GRU’s Phoenix and may or may not be valid after March 2014. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhxMag Tell us who else you want a coupon from!

Be ready to show your student ID if asked. This coupon was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of GRU’s Phoenix and may or may not be valid after June 2014. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhxMag Tell us who else you want a coupon from!

Be ready to show your student ID if asked. This coupon was featured in the Spring 2014 issue of GRU’s Phoenix and may or may not be valid after June 2014.

32 Spring 2014

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