Issue 8 | Volume 102 by The Colonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College November 7, 2023

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REP. MIKE JOHNSON ELECTED AS THE NEW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Kylie Rowe Asst. A&L Editor

Mike Johnson, Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District Represenative, was elected the new House speaker on Oct. 25. According to ABC News, Johnson is the third-youngest House speaker elected this century and has the least congressional experience of anyone elected in over a century. Johnson served in the Louisiana legislature for two years, has experience

in constitutional law and is serving his fourth term as a congressional district representative. He has a history voting against the interests of the LGBTQ+ community, which includes work with Exodus International, an organization that promoted conversion therapy in the early 2000s before shutting down in 2013. The shutdown was followed by a statement released by the founder apologizing for all of the hurt that the group had caused while ac-

tive. Johnson had historically partnered with Exodus International for “Day of Truth,” an annual anti-gay event. As a dedicated conservative, Johnson also has a long history of opposing abortion rights and has received a grade of A+ from the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America nonprofit organization. Some voters are unhappy with the election of Johnson because of his extreme policies. “I think that he has the potential to do good things, but with his

staunch beliefs, there’s potential for trouble,” said Preston Adkins, a junior exercise science major. “I think for anything to get done, he needs to focus on party cooperation.” Johnson defended Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban in both 2004 and 2014 in front of the Supreme Court. He was also quoted saying that gay marriage was inherently unnatural. MSNBC reportedly expects that Democrats will use Johnson’s extremist beliefs and open-book personality

Speaker Mike Johnson

to win back the House. While on trial, former President Donald Trump said that he thinks Johnson is going to be a fantastic speaker. During his time in office, Trump and Johnson were also very close.

Johnson said that when he would make a call to the

former

president,

it would be returned in less than a few hours. See SPEAKER | Page 3

The fight for housing in Milledgeville Will the biggest class in GC history find a place to live next year? Bella McComis Digital Media Editor

Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor

This school year has housed the largest freshman class GC has ever seen, and the fight for housing for next school year is already upon the current freshman. Housing at any university is a challenge. A whole population of students learning to be an adult, looking for a place to live that is affordable, liveable and close to campus is a mountain to climb. Add in the search for roommates that will not invoke breakdowns, and

The horrors of the G.A. DOC & prison system Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

I do not envy the life of those who are incarcerated. Living out your days isolated from the rest of society in a barren and confined jail cell that is just large enough for a bed and a latrine seems wholly undesirable. Inmates are interned in order to correct their behavior so that they may one day return as a productive and orderly member of American society. The idea of prison can be better understood when examined as behavioral rehabilitation. Rather than keeping an individual in a controlled environment so that they can avoid the drugs they use in a problematic manner, you iso-

late them from society so that they may reflect on the poor decisions they have made, which have caused their privilege to live freely to be revoked. Instead of keeping someone away from drugs so they no longer use them, you keep them away from society so they can learn how to behave correctly within it. While this premise may seem logical on its surface, and incarceration has certainly kept dangerous or unruly citizens from harming society, that does not mean that the prison system is without flaw or that someone being an inmate makes it okay to deprive them of basic human decencies and services necessary to survive and flourish. The ineffectiveness of

NEWS | PG. 4

SHOOTING IN LISBORN, MAINE

18 people killed and 13 people injured after gun man opened fire in a bowling alley and restaurant.

prisons, mistreatment of inmates and deprivation of basic health and safety of inmates is a sad reality seen in prison systems — not just in America but across the world throughout human history. There is nowhere it is more readily apparent than right here in Georgia. In Georgia, the prison system is overseen by the Georgia Department of Corrections, or DOC. The DOC’s mission statement, found on its website, seems well-intended. “Our Mission: To protect Georgians by operating secure facilities and providing opportunities for offender rehabilitation,” the website said. See PRISON | Page 11

it can become a burden. Not everyone can get their dream living situation. Milledgeville certainly does not have the quota of desirable beds or housing to meet the perfect wants of every freshman, now more than ever, based on their number. The stress is ramping up for the freshmen. “Housing is bringing up stress, anxiety and worry,” said Lauren Jones, a freshman psychology major. “Looking for a house has also been a confusing and uncomfortable area of life. There is a lot of uncertainty about what’s going to happen with

housing next year.” Because of the nature of lease agreements, the market in Milledgeville requires its tenants to sign for the following year by November if they want prime or desirable housing. This is not the case for all but for most. Houses, apartments and beds of on-campus options tend to fill up by that time. “The housing process has definitely brought up some stress,” said Katie Howell, a freshman Spanish major. “I never thought that I would have to decide where to live my sophomore year during

the first few months of my freshman year.” This occurrence throws the entire student body into a pressure cooker as the clock ticks. Yet, another factor freshmen are biting their nails about is that housing is not often a decision made singularly; roommates have to be found. “It is crazy how early one has to start looking for housing, especially as a freshman in college, when you are still trying to find a solid friend group and know who you want to live with,” Jones said. See HOUSING | Page 7

Rangers win the World Series Drew Bogumill Staff Writer The Texas Rangers officially became World Series champions on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The series only lasted five games, with Texas dominating the Arizona Diamondbacks in nearly every game. Texas went an astonishing 11-0 on the road this postseason. This marks the longest road winning streak in franchise history, regular season or postseason. Right-handed pitcher Josh Sborz had a 5.50, earned run average, or ERA, during the regular season and a 0.75 ERA during the postseason. Sborz recorded the 27th and final out with a called strike three against Ketel Marte. Arizona tried everything they could, including using their ace, Zac Gallen, who threw a no-hitter into the sev-

enth inning of Game 5. Gallen retired the first 14 batters he faced, making him the first pitcher to take a perfect game into the fifth inning of a World Series start since Greg Maddux in 1995. “Zac Gallen should be given a lot of credit for his performance even though they lost,” said Bradley Butcher, a senior finance major. “He was the only reason the Diamondbacks ever had a chance to win, but his teammates let him down on offense.” Gallen did not give up a single hit through six innings. He was both

dominant and efficient, throwing only 72 pitches in six whole innings. This ultimately would not be enough for the Diamondbacks, as they went on to allow five earned runs in the final innings. “I really wanted the Diamondbacks to win it all after their crazy late-season run,” said Payne Wilson, a junior business major. “It’s unfortunate the World Series wasn’t nearly as entertaining as the series that led up to it.” See RANGERS | Page 5

The Rangers celebrating their world series win

SPORTS | PG. 6

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 7

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 11

This new football helmet willhelp players who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Beatles returned with the release of the song “Now and Then” on Nov. 2

Is the two party system representative of U.S. citizens?

HEARING-IMPAIRED HELMET

THE BEATLES FINAL SONG

MOVING ON FROM THE TWO PARTY SYSTEM

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

11.07.2023

NEWS

Off-duty pilot facing 83 counts of felony murder Chance Curbow

look into that as well.”

48 hours prior to the in-

Staff Writer

Having been a pilot

cident and denied having

Joseph Emerson, a

for 22 years, Emerson

taken any other medica-

44-year-old off-duty pi-

was allowed to travel

tions, such as antidepres-

lot, attempted to shut

in the cockpit and was

sants or mood stabalizers.

down the fuel supply to

supposed to pilot a dif-

After being subdued,

the engine of an Alas-

ferent flight upon land-

Emerson spent the re-

ka Airlines flight from

ing in San Francisco.

mainder of the flight

Everett, Washington, to

Instead, the plane made

seated at the back of the

San Francisco, Califor-

an emergency landing

plane with zip ties around

nia, on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Oregon,

his wrists. Had he been

Emerson began the

because of his actions,

successful in pulling the

flight seated behind the

and Emerson was taken

lever, the valve inside

cockpit

Portland,

and

carrying

into custody by Port of

the plane’s wing would

conversation

normally.

Portland police officers.

have

One of the plane’s pi-

Emerson

reported-

closed,

which

would have shut off the

lots said Emerson stated

ly had not slept for 40

engines’

that he was not well. He

hours and was under

Flight

then grabbed and pulled

the influence of psyche-

said they heard Emer-

two handles connected

delic mushrooms. He

son talking to himself,

to the plane’s fire-supres-

allegedly told police of-

expressing regret about

sion and fuel systems, ac-

ficers about his inebri-

his actions and realiz-

cording to prosecutors.

ation after being arrest-

ing the danger he put

ed, which Noah Horst,

everyone on board in.

The

pilots

stopped

Emerson from pulling

his

attendants

Shortly after making

factor

those comments, Emer-

and kept the plane flying.

that may have affect-

son attempted to grab the

He wrestled with one of

Emerson’s

behav-

handle of an emergency

the pilots for over a min-

ior

his

reported

exit. The flight attendants

depres-

were able to stop him.

ing to leave the cockpit.

sion over the past six

“It’s crazy to think that a simple lever pulled by

Another

to all counts in court.

tional forms of assistance

said Trenholm Fahy, a

Alaska Airlines has

are needed for those

junior psychology ma-

since removed Emerson

experiencing

jor.

from all duties. They

sion, among other men-

don’t come in a bottle

also released statements

tal and physical health

with

about both his state en-

struggles,” said Dylan

on how much to take.

tering the plane and his

Almond, a sophomore

That,

medical

certification

computer science major.

the fact that it was the

with the Federal Avi-

Alaska Airlines trains

pilot’s first time taking

Administration.

its flight attendants and

them, it’s no wonder

Through his 22 years

gate agents to recognize

that he took too much.”

supply.

denies.

the handles all the way

attorney,

fuel

Joseph Emerson

ation

clear

probably

directions

combined

with

indications of impair-

certifications had nev-

ment; they say Emerson’s

told CNN that they do

downgraded

pre-flight behavior did

not believe the incident

Currently, Emerson is

until now. He was also

not display any warning

to be related to terrorism

months, which stemmed

facing 83 felony counts

given a first-class med-

signs his ability and judg-

or any other form of mo-

from the loss of a friend.

murder,

ical certification — the

ment were compromised.

tivated violence. Rather,

alleged-

83 counts of reckless

highest awarded certif-

Mi-

ly told an officer that it

endangerment and one

chael Brindley, a senior

was his first time trying

communication

major.

“Maybe

should

a pilot could have killed everyone,”

said

they

feelings

attempted

service,

“They

Emerson’s

ute before calmly agree-

depres-

been

authorities

mush-

the FBI is attempting

icate — at his FAA ex-

rooms, still being an ille-

to figure out if it was a

count of endangering an

amination last month.

gal substance in the U.S.,

psychedelic trip, mental

mushrooms. He also said

aircraft. Horst submit-

“This story is a perfect

are

extremely

health crisis or some-

that he had taken them

ted a plea of not guilty

example of how addi-

hard to dose correctly,”

thing else of that nature.

Emerson

VOLUME 102 | NO. 8

“Psychedelic

Federal

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Editorial Board

Jennifer Crider................. Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Kate Verity......................... News Editor Shadimon Smith......... Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Drew Oldham...................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis......... Digital Media Editor Kylie Noles........................ Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

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KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

11.07.2023

NEWS SPEAKER

Continued from page 1 According litico,

Po-

Johnson

make him another can-

formed before the first.

prehensive

didate that will cause

President George Wash-

warn you in the most

legislative gridlock,” said

ington spoke about them

solemn manner against

Chad Helton, a senior

in his farewell address.

the baneful effects of the

and

known strong support-

political

and

“I have already inti-

spirit of party, generally.”

er of Trump. He voted

criminal justice major.

mated to you the danger

Johnson is almost as

the

The Founding Fathers

of parties in the state,

far right as they come,

2020 election and estab-

never intended for polit-

with

refer-

causing more division

lishing a national com-

ical parties to cause the

ence to the founding of

within the House and

mission to investigate

kind of divide that they

them on geographical

in politics in general.

the Jan. 6 insurrection.

do today. Parties were in-

discriminations,” Wash-

“I have noticed in

radical

tended to be a way to or-

ington said. “Let me

right views are what

ganize elections and were

now take a more com-

against

certifying

“Johnson’s

science

view,

particular

Speaker Mike Johnson

kins said. “There are no

work out. Politics should

conversations, and nom-

not be party versus par-

inating

else

ty. If we’re going to be a

American politics, there

that cannot listen to the

melting pot, I think our

is a lot of division,” Ad-

other side is not going to

politics should be too.”

someone

Mass doxxing of Harvard University students Shadimon Smith Asst. News Editor

has appeared on a few

to express an opinion,”

ing those views,” Clark

act, but perhaps it could

lay low, soon, it will only

other campuses, such as

said Benjamin Clark, a

said. “That does not

have

stronger.”

be the most extreme

Members of over 30

the Berkeley School of

political science profes-

mean that just because

After Harvard’s re-

people that will care.”

organiza-

Law, Columbia Univer-

sor at GC. “In general,

we have the right to say

sponse

released,

Some of the students

tions at Harvard Univer-

sity and the University of

the Supreme Court has

things that there are not

Harvard also announced

who have been inter-

sity are fearing for their

Pennsylvania, in hopes

been more willing to

healthy and unhealthy,

a task force to help the

viewed have stated that

safety after their orga-

of exposing anti-Semitic

allow government reg-

helpful and unhelpful,

doxxed

The

they do not feel support

nizations anonymously

students and professors.

ulations of speech in

ways that we can be ex-

task force is supposed

from Harvard, even after

had

kind of a K-12 setting

ercising those rights.”

to end on Nov. 3 if those

their pictures appear on

and less accepting of it

the release of the insti-

When the official state-

involved in the task force

the doxxing truck and

in the university setting.

tute’s statement and the

ment came out, around

deem that their services

have done interviews un-

Since college students

already

are no longer needed.

der fake names because

are adults, there is less of

passed since the initial

The task force is meant

they are afraid for their

a role for the government

reaction from the world.

to provide the students

safety. If the organization

to act in loco-parentis

“So, Harvard has a

with resources to help

they belong to takes back

[state of the parents].”

challenge not only to

them cope with this time.

handle

particularly

This task force comes af-

on-campus

signed a statement claiming Israel was entirely responsible for the multitude of deaths during Hamas’s initial attack. The

undergradu-

ate Palestine Solidarity Committee

Har-

vard’s campus created

Students

have

their signature, then the

Significant

figures,

week

had

been was

students.

forming of the task force. Harvard

students

are worried about their future and are trying to respond without revealing their identities in popular newspapers,

students’ names will be

such as donors for Har-

well, in the sense that

ter all the students who

removed from the truck.

vard, Board members of

they were silent for a

were doxxed started a

The president of Ac-

Harvard and professors

while, and that’s always

buddy system to travel

curacy in Media, Adam

from other universities,

bad — or almost always

through campus in hopes

Guillette, has faced crit-

have disagreed with the

bad — because what

of not being attacked.

icism about the doxx-

statement signed by the

does that mean?” said

When it comes to the

ing trucks, with people

30 organizations. After

claiming these trucks

multiple criticisms of the

Mikkel Christensen, an

future of the students,

are trying to intimi-

statement, some orga-

assistant

professor

Guillette plans on mak-

date students. The dis-

nizations have removed

mass

communication

ing websites for each stu-

agreement resulted in

their signatures, showing

at GC. “Does that mean

dent and putting their in-

Guillette’s home being

that the pressure is rising.

that they are okay with

formation on it and why

swarmed with Special

“Particularly in the

the

Does

they are anti-Semites.

Harvard situation, where

“Value safety more

want to address it from

Weapons and Tactics, or

that mean they are not

it is a private campus,

than your need to be

a traditional PR per-

SWAT, members around

okay with the statement

there would be limits on

right or public image,”

spective, it’s important to

1:30 a.m. on Oct. 27.

or do not know what to

how much the govern-

Christensen said. “It is

address it. Harvard insti-

The police received a

say? And a big institution

ment could regulate the

horrible where we are in

tution should have done

call stating that Guillette

like Harvard never gets

had a gun and was point-

speech there,” Clark said.

the benefit of the doubt.

the world now because

it, but for those individ-

ing it at his wife’s head.

“The student organiza-

Harvard has so much in-

people cannot use their

uals, it is probably more

doxxed is via a digital

They dispatched SWAT

tion would have a right

tellectual credibility that

right to express them-

important to not address

billboard truck with their

to handle the urgent call,

to express their views.”

they need to react, and

selves out of fear for their

and accept that there are

pictures and names plas-

only for them to arrive

Harvard itself has been

then they finally did re-

safety. I think that if they

some

tered on the sides un-

at an empty home. Guil-

criticized because it took

der the title “Harvard’s

lette and his wife were

a while to respond to the

Leading

Anti-Semites.”

away at a wedding. Guil-

statement and the doxx-

The bus started driv-

lette believes this was

ing of its students. The

done to get him killed.

critiques come from stu-

the

statement,

which

was released hours after Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack. This letter has led to

multiple

students’

names, addresses, work histories and much more being found and released in a mass doxxing on a website called Harvard Hates Jews, a site made by Accuracy in Media. Some students have had their family members threatened and future job opportunities taken away amid the backlash. One

the

main

ways students are being

ing

around

Harvard’s

campus on Oct. 11 and

have

dents, faculty, and alum-

was paid for by the Amer-

caused people to ques-

ni aimed at Harvard’s

ican conservative group

tion whether or not

president, Claudine Gay.

Accuracy in Media. Ac-

they have freedom of

“The university and

curacy in Media has

speech under the First

people in the public

existed since 1969 and

Amendment,

especial-

sphere would have the

is known as a non-prof-

ly on college campuses.

right [freedom of speech]

watchdog.

“In general, students

to criticize those views

This digital billboard

would have the ability

and be publicly expos-

media

These

tactics

statement?

such as Teen Vogue. “If you want to send out a statement addressing this, do it through your organizations instead of doing it individually because you do not want to bring more attention to your person,” Christensen said. “Otherwise, as much as you

misconceptions.”

Harvard University

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

11.07.2023

NEWS

GEORGIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BURT JONES PROPOSES A PLAN TO ARM TEACHERS Jack McKinney

Contributing Writer Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has recently proposed a plan to counter gun violence in schools across Georgia by adding guns to the classroom. Modeled after a Texas proposition, this plan would expand existing state laws to give a $10,000 annual stipend for educators willing to undergo essential firearm training and carry a firearm in class. During a press conference at Austin Road Elementary in Winder, Georgia Jones spoke of spending more money on school safety. “We feel like this is the best way to prepare faculty but also prepare law enforcement and the system however we can,” Jones said. This preventative measure comes at a fearful time in the United

States because of the infamous 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting that occurred in Uvalde, Texas. For many, this event amplified the perceived possibility of school shootings. Jones himself considers the event to be an empirical warning for schools across the U.S. to bolster security and protection. “It’s becoming more and more dangerous for schools,” Jones said. “Sad to say, schools have been a target.” Relatedly, Jones’s plan would also include an uncompromising process of faculty selection, wherein, alongside police units, only selected teachers could possess firearms in classes. State boards of education and local school boards will be involved in picking out who will undergo training if this plan is implemented. Many critics of Jones’s plan recommend a dif-

ferent approach. They advocate that gun violence prevention can only be accomplished through the deterioration of gun use in general. In a statement on Savannah TV station WJCL, Lisa Morgan, the president of the Georgia Association of Educators said that the funding would be better used to write legislation for hiring more counselors. “Teachers should not be armed in the classroom,” Morgan said. “We are not there to serve as law enforcement and introducing more firearms into the school, as it is not a way to solve the problem of violence in our schools.” Furthermore, the arguments for why firearms are needed can be contrasted with the sole purpose of teachers, which is to educate, foster a creative environment and provide a sheltered space for all students.

Firearms, on the contrary, can be argued to oppose these philosophies diametrically. “Georgia teachers should be armed with books and supplies, not guns,” said Georgia congresswoman Lucy McBath. On-campus safety is an ethically and morally complex and sensitive issue; GC professors’ and students’ opinions on the matter vary. “I am a registered con-

cealed carry individual, member of the Baldwin County Sheriff ’s Volunteer Posse and properly trained, so I would carry if permitted,” said Joe Peters, an education professor and dean of the College of Education at GC. “Although I would feel safer with more campus police, but having select faculty carrying concealed weapons could also be a strong deterrent, given intruders would not

know who is carrying.” Some GC students find other solutions to be more promising. “As much as I love my professors, I believe most of them won’t be able to effectively use a firearm at a moment’s notice,” said Sean Fulmer, a senior history major. “I would feel like that it is not good to be armed in the classroom, as it could get stolen and sometimes be difficult to safely secure it.”

Robb Elementary School Memorial

Maine shooter found dead after two day manhunt Shadimon Smith Asst. News Editor Robert

Card,

40-year-old Army reservist, killed 18 people and injured 13 with a firearm in Lewiston, Maine, on Oct. 25. He was found dead in Lisbon, Maine, about eight miles southwest of Lewiston, two days after the shootings. The shootings started at Just-In-Time Recreation, a bowling alley, around 6:54 p.m. Four plainclothes officers at a nearby gun range heard the shots and went to help. The first calls to the local police station came in at 6:56 p.m., and uniformed officers arrived about three minutes later. Seven people were killed at the bowling alley. Card then went about four and a half miles south to Schemengees Bar & Grille, where he opened fire around 7:08 p.m.

Officers

arrived

about five minutes later. The shooting in this location left 11 dead. The victims in both locations ranged from 14 years old to 76 years old, and after the shootings, there was a shelter-in-place

order.

Schools

placed

were

on lockdown, and the next day, schools closed.

After this, Card went into hiding, and the authorities started a land and water search. The FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security and the Coast Guard joined together to search for Card. They eventually found his body at a recycling plant where he used to work with a self-inflicted wound on Oct. 27. The authorities found more than three guns located near Cards’s body. Card had a history of issues with mental illness, with the first report being in May 2023 by his ex-wife, Cara Lamb. She mentioned Card having auditory hallucinations after getting hearing aids in February 2023 to a Sagadahoc Sheriff ’s deputy. One of the theories authorities have about what pushed Card to commit these acts was that he got broken up with earlier this year, and the woman he had been dating had two children. When he was in public, voices pushed him to believe people were watching him and thought he was a pedophile. He believed that both businesses were telling people he was a pedophile online. His fellow Army reservists commented that he also accused

them of thinking he was a pedophile, among other threats, such as threatening to shoot up the base because of what the voices were telling him. There is no evidence that Card was a pedophile, and his only previous crime was a misdemeanor for driving under the influence.

pecially since he was a good marksman. This shooting occurred about six weeks after there was a welfare check on Card. The welfare check was requested after Hogsdon sent messages to Army Reserve training supervisor Kelvin Mote saying that he believed Card

Robert Card

After pushing one of his fellow Army reservists, Seargent Hogsdon, because of what the voices were telling him, he was admitted to Four Winds Psychiatric Hospital in New York. He went in mid-July and returned home on Aug. 3. After this, the Army determined him to be non-deployable and that he should not have access to firearms, es-

would do something bad. “I believe he’s messed up in the head,” Hogsdon said. “I love him to death but I do not know how to help him and he refuses to get help or continue to get help.” “And yes he still has all of his weapons,” Hogsdon said. “I believe he’s going to snap and commit a mass shooting,” the last text reads.

Mote wrote a letter to the Sagadahoc Sheriff ’s Department reporting that Card was hearing voices insulting him and calling him a pedophile. He detailed how Card spent time in a mental facility and had not tried to get any further help after being released. Mote also mentioned how Card told Hogdson he had weapons and was going to shoot up a drill center in Saco, Maine, among other places. “It feels like something that really should not have happened,” said Kiama Karanja, a senior biology major. “From what I know, the people in that man’s life knew he was dangerous and asked the police to do something about him, and the police refused, and now people are dead.” Since there was no evidence that he was committed involuntarily, his right to purchase firearms was not made illegal. “It feels like, structurally and personally, that we could have seen this coming,” Karanja said. “There were signs that were ignored. I guess I feel bad that so many people had to die over something that was absolutely not necessary.” Officers later found a note with the password

to his phone and his bank information in his home. The authorities deducted it may have been his version of a suicide note. The victims were officially

identified

Oct. 27, and their families and community are working towards healing. Greene’s

moth-

er was in Maine when the shooting occurred. “My mother was in Maine

whenever

this

happened,

and

thank

God,

she

was

three

hours

away,”

Greene

said. “She was very distraught and sad that people could be so mentally ill after serving our country — to the point to where they become our country’s enemy.” An opportunity has been presented for the families to work toward possible

gun

reform.

“It’s a time to get active,” Karanja said. “Like, you hate to put the onus on the people who have suffered to kind of, like, make a change, but every time, we see a leap of substantial change with this kind of event. It’s like the parents of Columbine, the parents of Sandy Hook. The people who are directly affected end up causing change because it’s not theoretical for them anymore.”

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

11.07.2023

SPORTS RANGERS

Continued from page 1

No. 3 hitter Evan Carter followed that up with a double to right. The

time through, and three of them had base hits.

among his 83 total pitches, which is roughly 30%.

kept the Rangers off-bal-

Semien stepped up and

ance through six innings.

hit a two-run homer that

The game was incred-

proved to be the dagger.

It was not until the

next batter was Mitch

ibly close right until the

Rangers’ lineup turned

Garver, who singled up

end, with the Rangers

over a third time that

the middle, resulting in

leading only 1-0 enter-

streak that the Rangers

everything

started

the first run of the game.

ing the ninth inning.

went on,” said Ryan Col-

crumble

for

Arizo-

After allowing zero

It was then that the

na. No. 2 hitter Corey

hits and one walk to

Rangers got hot and

lins, a sophomore geog-

Seager ended Gallen’s

18 batters the first two

scored four insurance

no-hitter with a single

times through the line-

to left field in the start

up, Gallen faced only

of the seventh inning.

five hitters the third

Courtesy of Julia Jensen | Art Director

He threw 25 curveballs

All of those extra curves

runs. After two runs were

“I loved the last-inning

raphy major. “The game was very boring until

scored from runs bat-

they decided to show up

ted in, or RBI’s, Marcus

and close it out for good.”

Baseball United brings baseball to the Middle East Connor Blakley

over cricket fans from the

it is players competing

his career. His latest pos-

lengthy career, will be

the first round to the

Staff Writer

Middle East and South

for teams, stakeholders

itive test was with the

suiting up for the Ka-

Mumbai Cobras. Sim-

The baseball world is expanding to the Middle East and South Asia, as Baseball United is set to be the first baseball league in that region. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Baseball United and the four teams that make up the new league: the Mumbai Cobras, the Karachi Monarchs, the Dubai Wolves and the Abu Dhabi Falcons. Baseball United was founded on Jul. 26, 2022, and the four teams are set to debut in the league on Nov. 24, 2023. Baseball United has decided to revamp existing cricket stadiums into baseball stadiums for the teams to compete in. The league is set to play in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the nine inaugural games. Baseball United will have a lot of competition, as they are trying to win

Asia. The cricket fan base

of the league, or hon-

New York Mets in 2020,

rachi Monarchs at the

mons is renowned for

makes up nearly a bil-

orable

man-

which forced him to

age of 50. Throughout

his elite defensive ability

lion fans in that region.

agers. Beloved Hall of

sit out the 2021 season

his tenure in the MLB,

at shortstop. Through-

the

Famers Mariano Rivera

and forfeit his contract.

Colon won a Cy Young

out his MLB career, he

CEO of Baseball Unit-

and Barry Larkin were

“As a lifelong Yan-

Award, recorded 2,535

won four Rawling Gold

ed, said the league will

named founding stake-

kees fan, it will be cool

strikeouts and had 247

Glove Awards and one

have rules that will be

holders of the league.

to see Robinson Cano

wins in his 21 seasons

Platinum Glove Award.

things you have never

For the Dubai Wolves,

still playing baseball,”

on 11 different teams.

Kash

Shaikh,

general

seen in other profession-

six-time

and

said TJ Murphy, a senior

al baseball leagues to

AL Cy Young Award

try to draw cricket fans

winner Felix Hernan-

to the new league, per

dez was named honor-

Associated Press News.

ary

“The

new

All-Star

General

manager

league

of the team alongside

seems like the new LIV

manager John McLaren,

Golf tour,” said William

who managed the Se-

Scott, a freshman mar-

attle Mariners in 2007.

keting major. “LIV has

The four teams in the

successfully drawn golf

league selected multiple

fans to their tour, so I

former MLB players in

don’t see why Baseball

the first draft. Eight-time

United can’t. The rule

All-Star and former New

changes will be inter-

York

esting to see, but for me

baseman Robinson Cano

personally, if the game

was drafted sixth overall

drastical-

in the draft by the Dubai

ly, then I don’t know

Wolves. Cano is look-

how involved I will be.”

ing for redemption after

changed

Baseball

Yankees

Two

other

Baseball

United

notable

breaking down barri-

accounting major. “He

players selected in the

ers and opening new

has a chance to clear his

draft are Didi Gregori-

opportunities to differ-

image, but I feel it may

us and Andrelton Sim-

ent regions of the world

be more for the money

mons. Gregorius, mostly

with their new league.

than clearing his image

known for his time on

Will

at the end of the day.”

the Yankees and the Phil-

take over as the big-

Another notable play-

adelphia Phillies, was se-

gest league in baseball?

er selected in this year’s

lected third in the draft’s

It is too soon to go that

draft is starting pitcher

first round to the Dubai

far, but it is a possibili-

Bartolo Colon. Colon,

Wolves, while Simmons

ty in due time with this

who was known for his

was selected eighth in

most recent expansion.

Baseball

United

second

United

his forced exit from the

has had some Major

MLB. Cano was busted

League Baseball pres-

for

ence thus far, whether

hancing drugs twice in

performance-enCourtesy of Julia Jensen

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

11.07.2023

SPORTS

GC WOMENS SOCCER MAKES THEIR WAY INTO THE PBC TOURNAMENT Drew Bogumill

sophomore forward Ab-

fielder Morgan Amrozo-

Staff Writer

bey Eison on a ball that

wicz played a successful

women’s

went through the legs of

pass to Schultz, who got

soccer finished regular

the Catawba defender

by the defender and hit

season play and is now

and found its way into the

the ball into the left side

preparing to play in the

net for the early 1-0 lead.

of the net. This clutch goal

Peach Belt Conference

The lead did not last

Tournament against Co-

long, however, as just four

the 2-1 lead, which they

lumbus State University.

minutes later, Catawba

were able to hold onto

The Bobcats finished

would score an equalizer

and win the game with.

the regular season with

off of a penalty kick af-

“We have had a lot

an overall record of 8-7-2

ter a Catawba player was

of accomplishments this

and a conference record

fouled inside the box.

season,” said Sarah Char-

of 3-5-1. GC is fresh off

With two goals scored

ney, a sophomore goal-

a huge upset win against

in less than five minutes,

keeper. “But the team’s

No. 1 Catawba College in

most people would have

biggest one was definite-

a non-conference match

expected the game to be

ly beating the No. 1 team

at home on Oct. 25.

a high-scoring shootout.

in the nation, Catawba.”

The Bobcats took

However, the score re-

GC played one final

down the No. 1 ranked

mained 1-1 for the next

team

nation,

The

gave

Georgia

College

Courtesy of GC Athletics

nately, the Bobcats were

the rest of the season to

take on Columbus State,

not able to keep up with

place them seventh in the

who are ranked sec-

the

momentum

from

PBC. This allows them

ond, in the first round

their

game,

to continue play into

of the PBC Tournament.

and they were outscored

the PBC Tournament,

The PBC pre-season

by the Bearcats 3-0.

where only the top eight

poll ranked the Cougars

While this was not

teams in the PBC move

No. 1 going into this sea-

game after their huge

the way the Bobcats were

on to the tournament.

80 minutes of the game.

win against Catawba,

hoping to end the regu-

The Bobcats will

per the United Soccer

With 4:33 remaining

against Lander Universi-

lar season, they still per-

travel

Coaches NCAA Division

in the game, junior mid-

ty on Oct. 28. Unfortu-

formed well throughout

Georgia, on Nov. 6 to

the

Columbus,

II Top 25 poll, with a fiSara

the way to the NCAA DII final four last season. “Coming into the tournament, I’m looking forward to being

nal score of 2-1. Junior forward

son after they made it all

Schultz

scored a goal with just a little over four minutes

the

underdog,”

Char-

ney

said.

have

beat

“We

higher-ranked

team before, and I plan

remaining in the game, proving to be the differ-

for us to do it again.”

ence maker in the match.

If they are able to

GC started the game

win that game, they will

firing out of the gate, with

play in the semifinal on

a goal occurring just 67

Nov. 10 against the high-

seconds into the game.

est-seeded team remain-

The first goal came from

Courtesy of GC Athletics

ing in the tournament.

AT&T unleashes experimental football heltmet Drew Bogumill

helmet.

129 years after Gal-

campus and the devel-

The technology used

“I have great hear-

laudet quarterback Paul

opment of translation

in the helmet will also

who has been the head

ing, but even I used to

Hubbard initially invent-

and

help deaf and hard of

coach at Gallaudet since

have trouble hearing our

ed the huddle as we know

applications. Their cur-

hearing

that

2010, cautioned that this

quarterback call plays

it, they have come out

rent work includes ways

are not football play-

is still only a prototype,

in some of the bigger

with yet another innova-

to improve the accura-

ers by giving them im-

as it was used through

games,” said Christian

tion to change the game.

cy of closed captioning.

proved access to jobs

and everyday activities.

granted by the NCAA.

The way the helmet

“I was only ever a

works is a button gets

kicker in football, but I

“As for any unfair ad-

pushed on a tablet from

still know how hard it

vantage the helmet may

the sideline. The play

can be to hear during a

pose for other teams, I

is then beamed over

loud game,” said Chris-

don’t think it’s any more

5G to a small, almost

tian Castillo, a senior

unfair than playing peo-

transparent screen in-

mass

ple who can’t hear at all.”

side the QB’s helmet.

major. “I think this hel-

com-

“I think this idea is

met will be great for

petes in Division III

genius, and it’s a shame

the game, as everyone

and was cleared by the

it took until now for it

should get their fair

that they could call plays

NCAA to use the hel-

to be invented,” said Mi-

chance to play football.”

using sign language with-

met in its game on Sat-

chael LaRusso, a junior

While it is still a pro-

out the other team seeing.

urday, Oct. 7, at home

The helmet will al-

against Hilbert College.

low a coach to call a

Gallaudet has been

play on a tablet from

trying to level the playing

the sideline that then

field for the deaf and hard

shows up on a small display screen inside the

Staff Writer AT&T has partnered with Gallaudet University to develop a football helmet for players who are deaf or hard of hearing and communicate using sign language. Recently, they tested

potential

solu-

tion that they are calling

the

helmet.

Gallaudet is a school for deaf and hard of hearing students. Their football program actually invented the huddle so

quarterback’s

Davies, a junior management

information

systems, or MIS, major.

Gallaudet

ASL

recognition

Gallaudet

also

Not only will the hel-

responsible

for

cre-

met help deaf and hard

Julia Jensen | Art Director

ating the first Dictio-

of hearing players, but

nary of American Sign

the technology involved

Language

1965.

could also help firefight-

Additionally,

they

ers, construction work-

of hearing community

have since pioneered the

ers and first respond-

for more than a century.

use of video phones on

ers in noisy situations.

people

business technology is

major.

Chuck

Goldstein,

one-game

waiver

communication

“The

totype, it will be exciting

involved

to see if it will be per-

groundbreaking,

manently

implement-

and it’s great that these

ed in the future, along

players will finally be

with

on a level playing field

groundbreaking

with their opponents.”

vations for the game.

possibly inno-

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.07.2023

ARTS & LIFE HOUSING

than two hours after they

dents out for dry when

College Pad, making it a

opened

freshmen.

it comes to finding a

convenient singular out-

GC encourages stu-

home. By mid-Novem-

let to find all options for

dents to stay on campus

ber, GC is launching a

housing in Milledgeville.

for as long as possible,

new way to find housing

Until the website is

believing that it ben-

off campus: College Pad.

launched, students will

efits the students aca-

College Pad is an on-

continue their endeav-

demically and socially.

line one-stop shop for

or to find housing in

But supply and demand

finding safe, affordable

the right place with the

thwart GC’s wishes for

housing. Realtors, apart-

right

their student body, as

ment complexes, GC and

apartment

compared

there are only 2,253 beds

even those looking to

es, fighting for a bed

on-campus housing to

and 6,763 total students.

sublet will have the op-

on campus or a realtor.

Taylor Swift tickets, as

Housing, however, is

portunity to put up their

With any hope, College

spots filled up no less

not content to leave stu-

available living spaces on

Pad

Continued from page 1 Dr. Larry C. Christenson, executive director of University Housing, confirmed that the number

freshmen

has affected the students’ search for housing, without question. He

people

will

through complex-

significantly

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

aid GC in future years.

dents, and may the odds

Until then, it is off to the races. Good luck, stu-

be ever in your favor.

The Beatles’ final farewell

AI technology unites the group in “Now and Then” song Hannah Dunn

cals from a demo tape

was like John was there,

tegrate

elements

song in 2022, incorporat-

“I’m glad they were

Staff Writer

he had given to McCa-

you know. It’s far out.”

recorded by the other

ing guitar solos that Har-

able to incorporate John

The Beatles made a

rtney. This extraordi-

The origins of “Now

three members. When

rison recorded in 1995.

Lennon in the new song,

return with a final song,

nary effort allowed the

and Then” date back

Lennon first created the

Lennon’s son, Sean

“Now and Then,” which

remaining members of

to 1979, when Lennon

demo, Harrison did not

Ono Lennon, weighed

was released on Nov. 2

the Beatles to join forc-

wrote

practiced

find it to his liking, and

in on the project, com-

at 10 a.m. EST. This his-

es once more in a way

the song in New York

as the Beatles considered

paring it to a time cap-

that would have seemed

City. Interestingly, the

themselves a democracy,

sule and emphasizing

impossible until now.

demo tape containing

the project was pushed

the sense of destiny

that have passed away,”

“It’s interesting that

this musical gem was

aside

forgotten.

surrounding its release.

said Madeline Gregory,

this is possible so many

presented to McCart-

“I think that using AI

However, the use of

a junior environmental

years after John Len-

ney by Lennon’s wife,

like this is a really in-

AI in such a prominent

science major. “How-

non’s passing,” said Mik-

Yoko Ono, in 1994. The

teresting way to invoke

Beatles project did raise

ever, I’m excited to lis-

ke; Christensen, a senior

cassette, including vari-

deep emotions and hon-

concerns

mass

communication

ous other demos, bore a

or the group’s past,” said

and the media. Some

professor at GC. “AI tech-

simple label: “For Paul.”

Amy Newman, a junior

worry that AI might

nology is both fascinat-

“In 2023, to still be

environmental

science

have been used to recre-

ing and scary. I can only

working on Beatles mu-

major. “I’m excited to

ate aspects of Lennon’s

imagine the possibilities

sic, and about to re-

truly feel their new song,

performance, potential-

and ethical dilemmas

lease a new song the

and I have hope that this

ly taking away from the

their enduring legacy,

that will stem from that.”

public hasn’t heard, I

memorial will resonate

authenticity of the song.

innovative spirit and the

Starr, while talking

think it’s an exciting

with fans of the Beatles.”

To address these con-

power of technology to

about the unique expe-

thing,” McCartney said.

The pivotal turning

cerns, McCartney reas-

lowing the song’s re-

bridge gaps in time and

rience of working on

To Beatles fans, one

point came in 2021, when

sured the public, stating

lease, fans received a

creativity. As the song

“Now and Then,” ex-

of the most fascinating

Peter Jackson, renowned

that no part of the song

music video on Nov. 3.

pressed the emotional

aspects of this project

director of docuseries

was artificially created.

The use of AI in the

resonance of the project.

is the long journey it

“The Beatles: Get Back”,

Instead, AI technolo-

creation of “Now and

“It was the closest

has taken to reach the

used AI technology to

gy was used to clean up

Then” is particularly in-

we’ll ever come to having

public. Initially, it was

isolate Lennon’s instru-

and enhance the existing

triguing, as it was used

him back in the room, so

believed to be impossi-

ments and vocals. This

recordings,

preserving

gerly waiting for, and it

to meticulously separate

it was very emotional for

ble to separate Lennon’s

allowed McCartney and

the original essence and

is now closer than ever

Lennon’s distinctive vo-

all of us,” Starr said. “It

lyrics and piano and in-

Starr to complete the

integrity of the song.

to becoming a reality.

toric release was made possible through new AI technology, uniting all four iconic members of the legendary band: Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. “Now and Then” is a single release accompanied by “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles song that took the world by storm back in 1962 in England. Fol-

and

new

and

among

fans

as long as other producers don’t start unethically using AI for creating new songs with people

ten to the new song.” The release of “Now and Then” is more than just

another

Beatles

song; it is a testament to

makes its way to audiences around the world, it is a moment that Beatles fans have been ea-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.07.2023

ARTS & LIFE

“1989” Vault Track Rankings (Paige & Kylie’s Version)

Paige Blakemore & Kylie Rowe A&L Girls

“I broke my own heart

boys, he’s a gentleman.”

you kiss me, and it stops

‘cause you were too polite

3. “Say Don’t Go

time / And I’m yours,

to do it” or “And you kiss

(Taylor’s

5. “Suburban Leg-

me in a way that’s gon-

(From

ends (Taylor’s Version)

na screw me up forever.”

Sometimes, with vault

(Taylor’s

(From The Vault)” Based

4. “‘S**t!’ (Taylor’s

tracks, you can tell why

(From The Vault)” To

The

it did not make the final

put it simply, this song

Vault)” A lot of fans

cut the first go around

is pop perfection. The

were left disappointed

or how it does not fit in

only complaint there is

with this highly antici-

with the rest of the orig-

to make about it is that

pated vault track. Since

inal album. However,

it was not the original

the title’s reveal, many

this song screams “1989.”

track five on the original

were expecting a catchy,

With Jack Antonoff ’s 80s

album. Without making

pop

synth-pop

production

too many assumptions,

reclaiming the slur that

and Swift’s deep-cut lyr-

the song is suspected to

was

thrown

ics, this song should have

be about Harry Styles —

around in the media re-

been released in 2014.

as well as the rest of the

garding Swift’s early-20s

Do you know how many

vault tracks, but definite-

dating life. Instead, lis-

heartbreaks Swift could

ly this one. Swift admits

teners were met with a

have mended with this

that both she and the

sultry, somewhat sensu-

desperate plea of a song?

subject of the song, prob-

al sound that Swift her-

She perfectly encapsu-

ably Styles, have messed

Don’t

(Taylor’s

ing to hate someone that

er talked to, which reso-

self described as having

lates the brutal feeling of

up and stand on shaky

Version)” Although it

you still love and realiz-

nates with a lot of Swift’s

a “California” vibe. In

being led on. “Say Don’t

ground as a result. How-

is now the shortest song

listeners. With witty al-

the song, Swift is com-

Go” is the kind of pain-

ever, it seems as if the

in Swift’s entire discog-

lusions to infidelity and

ing to terms with the

fully beautiful that makes

other, probably Styles,

raphy, it packs a per-

coastal scenery, the track

media scrutinizing her

you want to listen to it

is the one who fumbled

fect punch. In only two

is a classic example of

love life but decides that

when you are in a good

the bag here. The track

minutes and twenty-six

Swift’s infamous story-

it “might be worth it”

mood, but your friends

covers

themes

seconds, Swift conveys

telling

songwrit-

to be with this person.

will ask what your prob-

throughout “1989 (Tay-

the miserable feeling of

the outside, it looks like

ing talents. Best lyric:

Best lyric: “In a world of

lem is. Best lyric: “‘Cause

lor’s Version)”: media,

longing for a past love

you’re trying lives on.”

multiple

Swifties’

reviews, this track has collectively been everyone’s least favorite. It is fun. It is cute. But it lacks the harrowing factor that all of the other vault tracks possess. In the song, Swift describes a failed relationship with someone who does not reciprocate feelings. The song is cute and reminds you of dreaming about a crush that you have nev-

and

Version)

(From

feminist casually

anthem

The

Version)

but you’re not mine.”

Vault)”

2. “Is It Over Now? Version)

major

“Five Nights at Freddy’s” the movie

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

Claire Kosobud poses in Swift’s merch

betrayal

and

self-re-

but knowing it is for the

spect. Best lyric: “Think

best to leave it behind.

I didn’t see you? There were flashing lights / At least I had the decency to keep my nights out of sight / Only rumors ‘bout my hips and thighs

This song reminds me of when you are in the part of a breakup where you know it had to happen, but you are still

and my whispered sighs.”

hurting. It captures the

1. “Now That We

limbo of being a girl try-

Talk

ing that they are not the same person anymore. Best lyric: “You grew your hair long; you got new icons / And from

Jayden Kypri

Rubio, and is desperate-

Foxy — created by Jim

movie,

experienced

games, and enjoying the

I had lots of fun notic-

Contributing Writer

ly on the lookout for a

Henson’s Creature Shop

movie-raters flooded the

movie far more than pro-

ing all of the Easter eggs

Brought to the big

new job after being fired

in Burbank, California,

polls, with Rotten To-

fessional movie critics.

hidden or in plain sight,”

screens by Universal and

from his last position.

while

simultaneous-

matoes rating the movie

“I [would’ve] rather

said Sicilia Reed, a senior

Blumhouse, global video

While on the lookout,

ly keeping a relatively

a whopping 28%, while

seen a one-to-one ad-

mass

game phenomenon “Five

he finds a job at a lo-

low

Letterboxd has the mov-

aptation of the video

major. “This series has

Nights at Freddy’s,” or

cal abandoned pizzeria,

games,” said Sydney Lo-

meant a lot to me, from

“FNAF,” made its inter-

Freddy Fazbear’s Pizze-

gan, a junior manage-

national debut Friday,

ria, as a night security

ment information sys-

Oct. 27. Beloved char-

guard. However, he soon

tems, or MIS, major. “I

acters, such as Freddy

finds out that the anima-

still enjoy[ed] the movie.”

Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica,

tronics, in fact, do get a

Foxy and more took to

bit quirky at night. With

who have been playing

the big screen alongside

the help of local police

“FNAF” since its release

the main protagonist and

officer Vanessa, played by

in August 2014 fell in

famed actor, Josh Hutch-

Elizabeth Lail, the nights

love with the game when

erson, in this adaptation

following spiral into su-

their favorite YouTubers

of the “FNAF” franchise.

pernatural

encounters

played the game and

delves

with these animatronics

can recount the good

into the life of Mike,

and deeper and deep-

played by Hutcherson, a

er into the lore of Fred-

The film, co-written by

ie ranked at 2.6/5 stars.

fort they received from

young man haunted by

Pizzeria.

creator Scott Cawthon,

However, veteran play-

watching these videos.

critics.

the disappearance of his

The movie’s budget of

opened to $80 million

ers of the original “Five

YouTubers like Marki-

spite varying opinions,

younger brother close to

just $20 million allowed

domestically and $52.6

Night’s at Freddy’s” series

plier and Jacksepticeye

the film’s detail and at-

a decade before the mov-

for an incredibly detailed

million

internationally.

have been seen storming

were some of the main

tention to the game’s

ie is set. He has custody

lineup of the four main

With so much antic-

theaters across the coun-

streamers of the origi-

lore resonated deeply

of his 10-year-old sister,

animatronics — Fred-

ipation that had built

try, dressed as their favor-

nal series, to name a few.

with long-term fans and

Abby, played by Piper

dy, Bonnie, Chica, and

up to the release of the

ite characters from the

“As a long-time fan,

patrons of the game.

The

movie

Fazbear’s

production

cost.

The

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

young

memories

and

adults

com-

communications

watching YouTubers play the games or discuss the lore to talking about it with my best friend to seeing or listening to the art and music that has brought so much creativity and inspiration to me.” In its international debut, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” has sparked both

excitement

and

debate among fans and However,

de-

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.07.2023

ARTS & LIFE

CALE’S CINEMA CORNER: JOE RUSSO NEEDS TO BE STOPPED Cale Strickland

In one of his daugh-

over $100 million, and

peared to be the end,

Managing Editor

ter’s recent posts, he

three of his films have

of a decade-long fran-

reminisces on his muses

made over $250 million.

chise, and I doubt fu-

over the years — most

Ironically, “Wolf of Wall

ture generations will sit

notably Robert De Niro

Street,” a movie about the

through dozens of hours

and Leonardo DiCap-

corrosiveness of greed,

of MCU movies before

rio — before revealing

is the highest grossing

making it to Russo’s

his “new” source of in-

film in his filmography.

crowning achievement.

spiration: his schnauzer,

Of course, Oscar is a

Let me be clear: I am

Oscar. He asks his dog to

common name; Box Of-

not

show him different emo-

fice is not. And chanc-

movies are inherently

tions — fear, sadness,

es are, Scorsese did not

bad or unworthy of ret-

love — before deciding

even name his dog after

rospection.

he is worthy for “the part.”

his — one — Academy

frustration

Russo posted a re-

Award. Despite being

chokehold on Hollywood

sponse video, in which

maybe the greatest liv-

is well-known, but it is a

ther”; most recently, Matt

he certainly is not now.

calls

ing filmmaker, he is not

frustration I have always

Reeves’s “The Batman.”

Scorsese’s

schnauzer

an overwhelming favor-

sympathized,

You probably have not

cute

showing

ite among Oscar voters.

than empathized, with.

But they are in a bit

watched — or even heard

his own, who he says

And even if he was,

Maybe it is because

he calls “box office.”

he has done it all and

my cinematic palette is

For context, Scorsese

earned the right to be; he

thin, or maybe it is be-

has won an Oscar, and

has made crowd-pleas-

cause I am young and

many of Russo’s films

ers,

movies”

grew up in a time where

— and many of which

and, above all else, films

Marvel and DC posters

past couple of months,

exist inside the Mar-

which will stand the test

lined the walls of my

and everyone on “film

vel Cinematic Universe,

of time, something Rus-

favorite theaters. It is

Twitter,” loves it — or

or MCU — have been

so has not. Sure, “Aveng-

probably a combination

seems to love it. Until

box-office

sensations.

ers: Endgame” — James

of the two. But I am not

The irony is, while

Cameron’s “Avatar” not-

above a superhero mov-

Opinion In last week’s issue, I said I could not wait to write about Martin

Scorsese’s

“Killers

of the Flower Moon” at length. And I cannot. But I have not had a chance to see it again, and I want to do Scorsese, and the film, justice by taking my time with the film, and by extension, my writing about it. Scorsese is still in the news, thanks to fellow filmmaker

Joe

Russo.

Scorsese has been periodically appearing in his daughter, Francesca’s, TikToks over the

now, Scorsese has not

sarcastically before

“Oscar

saying

superhero

Scorsese’s with

their

rather

Joe Russo

of a lull. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, is still profitable, but it is not the cultur-

of — the movies he has made since: “Cherry” and “The Gray Man.”

al behemoth it once

Russo going toe-to-

was. I have not heard

toe with Scorsese, who

many people on campus

might be the greatest

talking about “Loki” Sea-

living

son 2 or “The Marvels.”

alone American film-

And with the public’s demand for CGI caped crusaders has gone its

maker,

filmmaker, is

let

laughable.

Mr. Russo, if you want

been active online, which

Scorsese

withstanding — is the

ie — a good superhero

is fitting, as he is the

not known for his films’

“biggest” movie of all

movie. There are plen-

“grandfather” of mod-

box-office numbers, he

time, but its chances of

ty that I do not just like

the afterglow of “Aveng-

ern moviemaking. But

has put out more than

becoming an all-time

but love: Sam Raimi’s

ers: Endgame,” he might

to make great movies.

he is one of the best per-

enough

Eight

classic are thin. It was

“Spider-Man 2”; Ryan

have, briefly, been a

Scorsese has dozens; you

sonalities in Hollywood.

of his films have made

the end, or what ap-

Coogler’s “Black Pan-

household name. But

have — at best — two.

certainly

“hits.”

awareness of Russo. In

to be considered one of the greats, you have

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

11.07.2023

ARTS & LIFE

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Marta Knapp Meet the mastermind behind all things sorority at GC! Carly Henderson Staff Writer Marta Knapp, senior psychology major, is the 2023 Panhellenic President at GC. As president, she oversees all sorority life on campus.

“My passion for Greek

school and the other

say that she is dedicat-

I meet with Marta bi-

ation for each of us, and

Life continues to be fu-

organizations I’m a part

ed to her work as pres-

weekly to discuss every-

I think it’s because of

eled by the amazing

of, I’m always able to

ident, and she works

thing that’s going on with

how she has framed ev-

make it work. Being in

hard to ensure that so-

each sorority. She’s fun

erything. She is going to

this position has helped

rority life is enjoyable for

to meet with and makes

make such a difference in

tremendously with my

all who are a part of it.

ability to time manage,

“Marta is very de-

things that are happening amongst the eight panhellenic

chapters

on this campus,” Knapp said. “Our chapters are

the process enjoyable. You can tell she likes her position and respects it.”

this world beyond what she already has done. I’m so thankful to be able to

made up of the strongest,

Throughout her time

kindest, most hardwork-

as president, Knapp has

ing body of women I’ve

helped put on homecom-

ever seen. The philan-

ing week, Greek Week

thropies

serve,

and recruitment at GC.

an end this semester,

and the communities

She has aided in helping

and she is looking for-

of sisterhood they build

sorority events such as

ward to seeing what the

are so special. There is

philanthropy events and

next Panhellenic Pres-

truly nothing like it.”

sisterhood events take

ident

During her time as

place during her time.

board will accomplish.

President,

“She was a perfect

“I want to empha-

Knapp has gain confi-

president because I can

dence

developed

tell she really cares about

size again that I could

key skills that will be

her job and bringing the

Kappa Delta, and mem-

useful after she grad-

Panhellenic community

bers of the previous Pan-

uates

hellenic executive board.

“I

attend

As Panhellenic President, Knapp meets with the Panhellenic executive board to discuss what is to come in sorority life and what needs to be done. She meets with the presidents of each chapter to address updates, needs

and

changes.

Knapp was inspired to run for her position by members of her sorority,

they

Panhellenic and

May

2024.

meetings

Her experience serving

throughout the week for

as a Pi Chi, someone who

various purposes and

helps

potential

concerns,” Knapp said.

new members through

“While it can be diffi-

recruitment, sparked her

cult to balance every-

passion for Greek Life.

thing Panhellenic with

guide

Bella McComis | Digital Media Editor

organize, and commu-

termined,”

said Abbee

nicate. I couldn’t have

Walters, a senior psy-

grown in these skill sets

chology major and Pan-

without this position!

hellenic Delegate for Phi

Sorority

members

Mu. “She is organized,

who interact with Knapp

personable and funny.

together,” said Sara Jewel Simpson, a junior psychology major. “I wanted to be better at my job

call her my friend now.” Knapp’s

term

president is coming to

and

executive

not have done anything without the other members of the panhellenic executive board, the panhellenic

delegates,

chapter presidents and

and be more involved

so many others,” Knapp

because of her. I look at

said. “They truly make

our community with so

everything go round and

much love and appreci-

did their jobs so well.”

MISSED CONNECTIONS:

anonymous messages from GC students Is someone on campus thinking about you?

Jennifer Crider | Editor in Chief

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

11.07.2023

OPINION PRISON

Continued from page 1 This includes oversight of a variety of aspects of state prisons, such as providing security at these facilities and inmates with adequate healthcare and opportunities to better themselves in the time they are interned through various rehabilitation programs. However, the DOC is failing in a variety of ways to fulfill its mission. Georgia prisons are plagued with issues, including overcrowding, massive staff shortages, drug overdoses, unsuccessful rehabilitation, slayings, failing to provide adequate medical care to inmates and a culture of cruelty and violence among its staff. A primary cause of the abysmal conditions seen in Georgia state prisons today is that the state prison system is jampacked with inmates. According to annual statistics from the DOC, the Georgia prison population has skyrocketed from 16,401 inmates in 1985 to 47,832 in 2023. More than 43,000 inmates have been interned every year since 2000.

Efforts toward mass incarceration have far outpaced additional infrastructure needed to accommodate this large influx of prisoners. A WALB investigation found that in 2019, 18% of integral positions at the DOC were left vacant. These staff shortages, which are the result of the extremely low pay these already undesirable positions offer, threaten the security of these facilities and the ability to successfully control and provide for the inmates that reside within them. Nowhere is the compromised nature of the infrastructure in the Georgia prison system more clear than in the Fulton County Jail. The system is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice in relation to instances of neglect, violence, abominable living conditions and inadequate facilities. This investigation was brought about by numerous horror stories from inmates and prison officials alike and serves as a manifestation of many problems in the prison facility that have been looming over it for many years. In a July 2023 AP ar-

ticle, “Justice Department to investigate jail conditions in Georgia’s most populous county,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who is heavily involved in the investigation in Fulton County, said that she was seriously disturbed by the situation. “At one point in 2022, the jails averaged more than one stabbing per day,” Clarke said. Another incident in

ple living in that unit were malnourished and not receiving basic care.” Another major failure of the DOC has been to provide effective preventive medical treatment for inmates, which has led many preventable deaths to occur. One instance of this was at Pulaski State Prison, which exclusively houses female inmates. The prison had eight female inmates die from cancer and other medical

Prisoners walking in a line

Fulton County which garnered attention from the national media was the death of inmate Lashawn Thompson, who was found dead, covered in insects and garbage, in his bed bug-infested cell. “Those circumstances were far from isolated,” Clarke said. “Following Mr. Thompson’s death, evidence emerged that the mental health unit where he died was infested with insects and that the majority of peo-

issues — all issues that, if caught early through the mandatory screening and health evaluations the prison should have been doing, could have been prevented. “I told them if they didn’t correct this stuff, they’d have a lot of girls who had cancer,” said Dr. Cheryl Young, an OB/GYN who served briefly as the women’s health specialist for the prison system. “I told them that, but they

didn’t want to hear it because they didn’t want to spend the money.” This clearly shows the deadly consequences of the inability and unwillingness to provide inmates the medical care they are entitled to while interned and represents a systematic failure in the prison system to provide adequate medical care to its inmates. The DOC has also exhibited an inadequate control of illegal contraband entering its facility, which has resulted in many fatal drug overdoses. An AJC article by Danny Robbins and Carrie Teegardin found that between 2019 and 2022, at least 49 Georgia prisoners died from overdoses. The AJC also found 13 cases in which the DOC reported that prisoners died of natural causes, while medical examiners later determined that the deaths were caused by drug overdoses and ruled them accidental. This exemplifies the DOC’s lack of ability to control what is getting into its facilities, which it is responsible for the security of. When you also take into account the increas-

ing rates of inmate suicide and recidivism and the 57 slayings that have occurred in the last year, you see a clear picture of a prison system that is both incapable and unwilling to provide inmates with the services they deserve and is indifferent to the well-being of those it interns. Inmates and their families are not even given the decency of being notified of deaths in these facilities, as captured by the heartbreaking testimony of Jennifer Bradley, whose son Carrington Juwon Frye was murdered in Macon State Prison. “Prison officials never picked up the phone to notify me of [my son’s] death,” Bradley said. “To date, I have never received any of his belongings.” The Georgia prison system desperately needs to be fixed. These problems are outrageous and could easily be fixed, and deaths could be prevented. We as a society cannot allow inmates, who can be easily ignored, to suffer like this, and we need to hold our government to a much higher standard.

Moving on from the two-party system Drew Oldham Opinion Editor From the time I was a young child in elementary school, I was led to believe that American elections were the gold standard of free and fair elections. It was made to seem to me as if the great political minds of this country dedicated themselves to rigorous egalitarianism above all else to assure that the person that was ultimately elected president was truly decided by whom the majority of our country wanted as their president. However, as I have aged out of the naiveté of my youth, I have become aware of the ugly truth of the two-party system of American politics. These parties are diametrically opposed to one another, will stop at nothing to control who is elected and are willing to undermine equal representation to pursue their ulterior political agenda with no remorse. The willingness of both American political parties, Republicans and Democrats, to bend the rules to protect their power in Congress is virtually commonplace. Gerrymandering is a practice where politicians intentionally draw voting district lines in a way that does not focus on equal represen-

tation but on creating favorable districts for their party members’ continued re-election. This transparently corrupt practice undermines the possibility of having free and fair elections, yet it has somehow become an accepted and normative practice on both ends of the political spectrum. This is not the only thing these political parties do to swing elections in their favor. They also both have governing committees, which essentially decide which candidate will get the endorsement and pulpit offered by the party regardless of what percentage of the popular vote the candidate is able to garner in the party’s primary. The fact that these governing committees are used to protect, prioritize and propagate their political agenda rather than as an objective entity that nominates the most popular candidate from the party is a travesty. They fail to actually represent the wishes of the American people in presidential elections. This has never been more apparent than through the Democratic Party’s suppression of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which has prevented him from becoming a viable candidate despite his broadband appeal to a largely cen-

trist American public. The Democratic National Committee, or DNC, has made exceptional efforts to ensure RFK and his views receive no exposure in any setting that it has control of. The DNC canceled debates between President Joe Biden and the other primary candidates, which prevented any side-by-side comparison of Kennedy with Biden, whose qualification for the presidency is certainly in question. The DNC deliberately prevented these debates from taking place because they know Biden could not do well in them, and rather than allowing that to be shown to the American public, who would subsequently reconsider re-electing him, they choose to obfuscate it from the public eye since they have chosen Biden as their poster child. We need to restructure the way these governing committees are allowed to operate. They should not be able to change their election procedures because the candidate they want to get elected and use to achieve their goals is incapable of getting through the process. These governing committees serve the public and thus should be subjected to universal and objective modes of operation.

The unapologetic manner in which this is done drives me crazy. How can you be so convinced of the correctness of your agenda that you do not hesitate to actively suppress and eliminate voter support as a factor in candidate selection? These committees need to be regulated, objectively operated and run by supervisors that are morally independent from the wants of the party to ensure that integrity to proper procedure is held. I cannot believe that the best system we could come up with in a country of 365 million individuals uniquely composed of different opinions, thoughts and ideas was a two-party system where both parties can essentially just pick the candidate they want, change the election procedure at will and are unbounded to any obligation to represent the demands of the public that they serve. The goal of a democracy is to engage in nuanced governmental action in a complicated world based on what the people of our country truly want, rather than only allowing the views of two opposed sides that are largely unrepresentative of the citizens of America to prevail as the only possible courses of action in policy decisions.

Robert F Kennedy Jr.

The American people have long suffered the effects of the myopic political landscape that exists as the result of the two-party system. These parties have become far more polarized in their opinions on issues than the average American, and as this continues, people withdraw from politics, as they feel that their priorities are utterly disregarded in the policies of the respective parties. Politics is not college football. It is not my team versus yours. Political tribalism is an extremely harmful and pervasive political attitude that is destroying this country’s efficacy to make intelligent decisions to pave the way for a prosperous future in our country. If politicians were making rational decisions based on their individual and independent assessments of situations, they would deviate from party opinions on at least some issues, which does not happen hardly ever.

Most are just henchmen working as part of a cohesive whole which only desires power, control and conformity. As a country, we have aged beyond this system. Its continued existence only degrades our strength as a nation and should be abolished so that the individuals of this country can regain true representation in our government. The two-party system oppresses the intelligence of the nuanced mind, which forms unique and thoughtful opinions that are not binary or perfectly in line with political parties. My hope is that an independent candidate will generate a wide base of support, which would force the parties to retreat from their respective opposing poles on issues, meet the American people in the middle and expose the weakness that exists in this suffocating system.