Issue 3 | Volume 103 by The Colonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College February 13, 2024

Single Copies Free

Love is important!

bobcatmultimedia.com

CHIEFS WIN SUPER BOWL LVIII

Delaney Derry

that Valentine’s Day is

Opinion Editor

vital for us to recognize

Christian Castillo

ting 55-yard field goal

With Valentine’s Day

the importance of love.

Staff Writer

by Jake Moody to take

right around the cor-

It is important to

Kansas City is on top

a 3-0 lead. Towards the

ner, people are hustling

know the history before

of the football world

end of the second, the

to buy flowers and box-

you understand the im-

right now. This past

49ers found the end

Sunday,

Kansas

zone on a trick-like,

City Chiefs became only

double-pass play for 21

the second franchise in

yards from wide receiver

history to win back-

Jauan Jennings to Mc-

to-back Super Bowls,

Caffrey to go up 10-0.

bringing Alicia Keys, Lil

end zone to take a 13-10

as they bested the San

With just seconds left

John, Ludacris, will.i.am

lead after the extra point.

legend of St. Valentine,

Francisco 49ers in a

before halftime, Harri-

and H.E.R. with him.

Down three heading

then ultimately turned

great season finale, win-

son Butker hit a 28-yard

The game stalled at

into the fourth quarter,

into what it is today.

ning by a score of 25-22.

field goal to pull Kansas

the beginning of the

the 49ers got going fast

According to History.

The game got off to a

City back within one

third quarter before But-

to reclaim a 16-13 lead

com, this holiday’s name

slow start, with the first

possession

send

ker made another kick

originated with a priest,

quarter ending tied 0-0.

the game to the break

for the Chiefs, this one

Both teams made costly

with a 10-3 scoreline.

from 57 yards to put the

mistakes early, includ-

Many celebrities were

score at 10-6 and break

ing a Christian McCaf-

in attendance at the big

Moody’s Super Bowl re-

frey fumble on the 49ers’

game, headlined by Tay-

cord that he set earlier

opening drive—only his

lor Swift, Blake Lively

in the night. Late in the

third fumble lost during

and Ice Spice, who saw a

third, Chiefs quarterback

game made by the

the

season.

fair amount of broadcast

Patrick Mahomes found

Chiefs’ special teams,

es of chocolate for the ones they are going to ask to “be mine.” Many people have a disdain for Valentine’s Day and everything it stands for; however, I think that it is a holiday that should remain celebrated and cherished for what it does for our society. Many people think that this holiday, which

portance of the holiday. Valentine’s Day originated as a Roman holiday that transformed into a celebration of the

St. Valentine, who per-

The

and

Super Bowl LVIII logo

on a 10-yard Brock Purdy

touchdown

pass to Jennings. The

is filled with various

formed wedding cere-

hues of pink and red and

monies during a time

heart-shaped everything,

when

is meant to be celebrat-

outlawed for soldiers,

ed with your significant

but he continued to

other and that it is only

marry young lovers de-

The 49ers started the

time. Usher performed

wide receiver Marquez

as Moody’s extra point

a holiday for those with a

spite the ramifications.

second quarter with a

at halftime and threw it

Valdez-Scantling on a

attempt was blocked.

partner. However, I think

See LOVE | Page 11

Super Bowl record-set-

back to his glory days,

16-yard pass into the

See SUPER BOWL | Page 5

marriage

was

entire

49ers lead remained only three points due to a huge play in the

TEXAS DEFIES SUPREME COURT Cake on the Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa meets climate change

Jack McKinney

that such border pro-

Contributing Writer

tections are a necessity

In a recent 5-4 U.S.

in the face of increasing

Supreme Court deci-

levels of immigration.

sion, federal authori-

“It’s the paramount

Addison White

may not have expect-

Contributing Writer

ties were permitted to

duty of the federal gov-

ed was for people to be

dismantle Texas’s exist-

ernment to secure our

The Mona Lisa has

throwing food at her

ing border protections.

nation’s border and ports

been vandalized with

many, many years later.

Some of these protec-

soup, cake and even a

The last two inci-

painting,

Texas Governor Greg Abbott

ministration has failed.” Ab-

to stress that two differ-

of entry, and anything

bott has continued to

ent things are true,” said

tions include razor wire

less poses a significant

double down on border

Stephen Vladeck, a law

dents were carried out

along the Rio Grande

risk to U.S. national se-

protections, this time

professor at the Univer-

currently held at the Lou-

by climate activists in

River – a pivotal area

curity and overall pub-

with national guard re-

sity of Texas at Austin.

vre Museum in central

an attempt to draw at-

for illegal migrants to

lic safety,” said Georgia

inforcements preventing

“First, Abbott is not ‘es-

Paris, has survived all of

tention to their cause.

cross the border – as

Attorney General Chris

the federal government

sentially ignoring’ the

this with her glass casing.

Back in 2022, cake

well as extensive vol-

Carr. “Unchecked im-

from doing any more

Supreme Court. Second,

Vin-

was spread across the

umes of border wall.

migration policies are a

damage. Although Ab-

he is interfering with

ci, artist and engineer,

Mona Lisa by what

However,

the

source for human traf-

bott’s order is not di-

federal authority to a

painted a masterpiece

looked like an old wom-

directive of Texas Gov-

ficking, drug smuggling

rectly unconstitutional,

degree we haven’t seen

in the 1500s. That staple

an in a wheelchair. In

ernor Greg Abbott and

and other violent crime,

it raises questions about

from state officials since

piece is still prominent

reality, it was a 36-year-

many supporting Grand

and our states are now

how politics is conduct-

the desegregation cases

today. What the Ital-

old man in a disguise.

Old Party, or GOP, pol-

having to fill in the gap

ed between the states and

of the 1950s and 1960s.”

ian artist and inventor

See MONA LISA | Page 8

iticians, the state claims

where the Biden ad-

the federal government.

See TEXAS | Page 3

teacup.

The

Leonardo

NEWS | PG. 3

NEW AMPHITHEATER IN MACON

Atrium Health Amphitheater, which will seat thousands, opens next month.

under

SPORTS | PG. 5

GC SOFTBALL PLAYS FIRST GAMES WITH NEW COACH

Kenneth Bellamy, GC softball’s new interim head coach, made his debut.

Consequently,

“It’s really important

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 9

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 11

The pair of rappers find themselves at odds after the release of Megan Thee Stallion’s single “Hiss.”

Over 40% of the world’s population, including seven of the world’s 10 biggest countries, votes this year.

MEGAN THEE STALLION VS. NICKI MINAJ

THE YEAR THE WORLD VOTES

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.13.2024

NEWS

Drone attack on American base in Jordan kills three Georgia service members Samantha Paton

On Friday, Feb. 22,

supposedly deter addi-

sage to Iran that con-

explained that it will not

fluence over the matter,

Contributing Writer

the Biden administration

tional conflict, accord-

tinued

would

tolerate attacks on U.S.

but I am not dissatisfied

An enemy drone was

announced a retaliation

ing to a New York Times

draw a U.S. response.

forces, therefore support-

with what the admin-

mistaken for a United

attack in Syria and Iraq.

article I read,” said Katie

The attacks were re-

ing the missile attack.

istration has decided.”

States drone as it attacked

This included airstrikes

Cooper, a sophomore

ported to have hit more

“Honestly, I think

an American base in Jor-

that targeted command

what they did is appro-

dan, killing three troops

and control operations,

priate,” said Derek Kim,

and wounding many oth-

intelligence

centers,

a sophomore political

ers. The Pentagon identi-

weapons facilities and

science major. “I feel that

fied those killed as Stg.

bunkers affiliated with

they did not do too much

William Jerome Rivers,

Iran’s Islamic Revolu-

to anger Iran or Iraq

46, of Carrollton, Geor-

tionary Guards Corps

to a dangerous degree,

gia; Stg. Kennedy Ladon

Quds Force. There have

but they did enough to

Sanders, 24, of Waycross,

been inquiries from the

not present the United

attacks

Sergeant William Jerome Rivers

was

and

intrigue,”

Celica a

concerned over U.S. relations in the Middle East, especially between the U.S. and Iran. Previous events, such as pulling out of the Iran Nuclear Deal and pull-

“Defense

re-

Secretary

Austin promised that

surprise

the coming military op-

said

erations would be no-

Schmetterer,

sophomore

increasingly

tension in the region.

23, of Savannah, Georgia.

sponse

be-

have led to increased

na Alexsondria Moffett,

initial

coming

are

ing out of Afghanistan,

Georgia; and Stg. Breon-

“My

Americans

politi-

Sergeant Kennedy Ladon Sanders

Sergeant Breonna Alexsondria Moffett

tably more aggressive, and I am expecting the

cal science major. “It’s

public about whether the

political science major.

than 85 different lo-

States as weak. If it were

not too often we hear

president will approve

“However, I disagree. In

cations along the bor-

up to me, I would have

about soldiers dying.”

more air strike attacks or

my opinion, the notion

der of Syria and Iraq.

attempted a more diplo-

Shortly after the at-

propose other solutions.

that engaging in air-

Biden’s foreign poli-

matic approach, such as

Joe

“The first round of

strikes will deter further

cy strategies have been

discussing with Iranian

Biden met with national

airstrikes that have been

aggression is historically

questioned by many Re-

and Iraqi officials the le-

of Defense is work-

security advisors to dis-

announced by the Biden

inaccurate and foolish.”

publicans, who believe

gal workings of the U.S.

ing on an action plan

cuss the development

administration is likely to

The intention behind

his foreign approaches

Perhaps the families of

to further military es-

of the situation and a

be followed by additional

the military attack in

have been weak. The

the victims could have

calation in the region

potential

offensive maneuvers and

Syria was to send a mes-

Biden administration has

had a more direct in-

in the coming months.

tacks,

President

retaliation.

VOLUME 103 | NO. 3

Editorial Board

Kate Verity......................... Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Shadimon Smith.............News Editor Emma Eslinger................ Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Delaney Derry..................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.

@TheColonnade

militant groups to continue the escalation of violence,” Cooper said. The U.S. Department

@TheColonnade

Multimedia Announcements WGUR is hiring a General Manager for the Fall of 2024. Any GCSU student is eligible to apply, as long as they have worked/volunteered for at least one semester at WGUR, have a GPA of at least 2.0, and apply for the position by the deadline, which is Friday, February 29, 2024. Applications are available at 409 Terrell Hall.

If you’re interested in writing for The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com.

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Copyrights

All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.13.2024

NEWS TEXAS

Continued from page 1 Complications

arise

in the power dynamics between the federal government and the states. As Texas continues to fortify and bolster border

only change discourse

immigration

attorney.

eration by bringing it

aisle have probably be-

immigration judges and

between

federal

“If the federal govern-

to the Supreme Court.

come too quick to seek

100 machines to detect

and state levels but also

ment backs down from

“When we ask for

emergency resolution by

fentanyl to be placed

change the way in which

this,

completely

the Supreme Court to

the Supreme Court on

in border patrol cen-

states

Su-

will lose the author-

resolve hot-button po-

too many legal and con-

ters. The bill was near-

preme Court decisions.

ity they have on Su-

litical debates through

stitutional

questions.”

ing finalization with bi-

“We are at a very

preme Court precedent.”

emergency

or-

In recognition, this

partisan support from

ders without even going

makes it all the more

Congress. However, it

the

interpret

critical issue right now

they

Conversely,

when

court

was shockingly struck

security despite counter-

down, as GOP senators

active initiatives led by

found inspiration in Tex-

the federal government,

as’

the Biden administra-

rebellious “That’s

tion develops pressure

actions.

why

two

months ago, I instructed

to intervene, as many

my team to begin nego-

states are keen to witness Texas’s unbound inde-

tiations with a biparti-

pendence to execute cer-

san group of Senators

tain political aspirations.

to seriously, and final-

“They have conflict-

ly, address the border

which

crisis,” Biden said. “It’s

does beg the question,

long past time to fix it.”

who rules over who?”

Regardless of partisan

said Landon White, a

complications, the im-

ing

interests,

Julia Jensen | Art Director

sophomore physics ma-

pact of Abbott’s initiative

jor. “It would be inter-

because we’re testing,

subjugated to viewing

through their normal

important for there to

remains

esting to see how that

really, the essence of the

available solutions that

process of hearing cases,

be bipartisan solutions

despite the urgency for

comes to a consensus.”

Republic of the United

encourage

consensus,

I don’t think we should

revolving around bor-

solutions. And with the

If consensus is not in

States and whether or

dilemmas arise due to

be too critical of the

der security. Joe Biden,

recent

the foreseeable future,

not the Supreme Court

partisanship in the U.S.

Court,” said Benjamin

the current president of

turned down, unpredict-

however,

lasting

has authority, whether

exacerbating

ongoing

Clark, a political science

the U.S., made recent

able solutions may be a

impacts of Abbott’s de-

states have to abide or

political conflict. This

professor at GC. “This

attempts to address the

noteworthy contributor

fiance could alter polit-

find a way to interpret it

can coincide with Tex-

isn’t how the judiciary is

problem by proposing

to solving the political

ical systems across the

the way that they want,”

as going to great lengths

supposed to operate, and

a bill aimed at funding

problems

nation. This could not

said Haim Vasquez, an

to reject federal coop-

both sides of the political

1300 patrol officers, 375

the

undetermined

bipartisan

bill

surrounding

southern

border.

Macon’s new amphitheater opening this spring Emily Kirkwood

it’d be cool to see the

Mercer will wanna go

is expected to bring in

new place,” said Jarrod

there,” said Gabby Port-

business from college

Boon, a sophomore ex-

ka, a sophomore exercise

students from Mercer

ercise

major.

science major. “I think

and GC due to its closer

depending

they’ll be successful be-

location than Atlanta’s.

on how they keep ticket

cause if they keep the

Visit Macon expects this

prices, I might go again.”

ticket prices low, people

amphitheater to bring

new

will keep wanting to go.”

$2 million to $4 million

amphitheater first. Con-

amphitheater will bring

Macon is home to

to the local economy.

struction

started

a new venue for singers

Mercer University, along

“Yeah, so since Atri-

in February 2022 and

to perform. It will have

with their well-known

um Health is in partner-

was

sched-

2,500 seats in the seating

downtown area. They

ship with Mercer Med

potential plans to build

room, break room and

uled to finish in Febru-

bowl, 1,500 temporary

also have shopping cen-

School, I think it’s a great

a full-service restaurant.

eating rooms. The the-

ary 2024. Now, it is set

seats on the flat floor and

ters that bring in people

decision because I think

to open in March 2024.

6,000 lawn seats. It will be

from the surrounding ar-

The amphitheater will

known as Atrium Health

be located southeast of

Amphitheater,

Staff Writer A

new

10,000-seat

amphitheater is opening in Macon-Bibb County. Performers Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top are set to perform in the

first

originally

science

“Although,

Opening

this

Julia Jensen | Art Director

amphitheater’s

ater will provide ample

it’s smart to partner with

business will allow other

room for guests and

eas. Macon is also a pop-

two main enterprises in

businesses in Macon to

performers with a 60-

ular attraction for col-

the area,” Masoudpor

experience new clientele

foot deep by 72-foot

the Macon Mall, facing

naming rights partner-

lege students in the area.

said. “I suppose it’ll bring

and additional custom-

wide performance stage.

Rocky Creek and Mer-

ship with Atrium Health.

“Me personally, I will

more people in, and then

ers. The amphitheater

Macon is known for

Drive.

“I think it’s a great ad-

not visit the amphithe-

everyone who comes for

will be expected to bring

their rich musical his-

“I would be very in-

dition, especially open-

ater,” said Kenzie Ma-

a concert or something

in money itself but also

tory due to the Almond

terested in seeing Lynyrd

ing in March because

soudpor, a sophomore

will probably wanna eat

to the surrounding com-

Brothers

Skynyrd and am think-

it’s ready for the spring

chemistry major. “I’m

somewhere around there

munity and businesses.

from there. With this

ing about buying tickets

and

summertime

not a huge concertgo-

or have to stay in a hotel if

for the opening show

when people will wan-

er, and I don’t really

they’re from out of town.”

because

pret-

na go a lot, and I think

have friends in Macon.”

ty cheap tickets, and

a lot of students from

cer

University

they’re

the

after

The

amphitheater

The

crew

history, the amphithe-

have

ater can be expected to

The county states down

green rooms, star dress-

perform well and con-

the road there could be

ing rooms, a makeup

tinue its soulful heritage.

theater’s

originating

expected

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

02.13.2024

NEWS

New FAFSA a source of stress for students Isabelle Gonzales

May 1 is seen as the

now with the uncertainty

Staff Writer

universal college deci-

of the FAFSA and should

sion deadline, and now,

not be discredited in a

due to the FAFSA not be-

way to receive financial

ing returned to schools

aid.

until March, and then

grams are also in place

the students until April,

to help the individuals

many students are having

who need aid the most

to push back finalizing

after

their college decisions.

the financial aid office.

For the 2024-2025 academic school year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, was changed to a shorter and easier form. Many

students

have

been stressed due to the new deadline and format

Underserved

stu-

Work-study

discussing

“Initially,

the

pro-

with idea

dents already enrolled

of the FAFSA looking

in a school are not ex-

different did stress me

empt from the stress of

out,” said Sarah Scott,

the application because

a senior biology major.

they will not know un-

Many students put

til later in the semester

off trying to fill out the

if they will be forced

new form, as the old

to withdraw from their

one already proved to

classes due to lack of aid.

be so unorganized, but

2019 and were put in

The Director of Fi-

once they began the ap-

that came with this form. The new FAFSA release date was delayed as a result of laws that have since gone into effect since the 2019-2020 school year. These laws were titled the FAFSA Simplification

Act

news regarding their aid

tion deadline may create.

give students an easier

to see if further educa-

“FAFSA is really the

and less confusing time

tion is even a possibility.

first step I know how to

answering the questions.

“I am in the process

complete in terms of re-

“I have had issues

of applying to veteri-

ceiving aid, considering

getting tax information

nary school, and it is

I applied to many differ-

from my parents in the

very costly,” Scott said.

ent schools,” Scott said.

past, but this was defi-

“Receiving financial aid

Students have been

nitely the easiest time I

is going to play a major

able to lean on their un-

nancial

GC,

plication process, it re-

predictability and sim-

Shannon Simmons ex-

lieved a lot of the stress.

plification of receiving

plained other ways stu-

“Just like work for

had filling it out,” said

role in me being able to

derstanding of the FAF-

student

aid.

dents could receive aid.

your classes, you should

Allie Wiernicki, a ju-

attend upon acceptance.”

SA in continuing their

This moved deadline is

“Right now, we have

set aside time to fill out

nior education major.

GC maintains its de-

causing many admis-

our ‘24-’25 scholarship

the form because even

Even though the pro-

cision deadline due to its

that stability is shift-

sion processes to also

application that is avail-

though it is easier, it is

cess of filling out the

rolling admissions. All of

ing. As a new process

be delayed since stu-

able and has been sent

different,” Simmons said.

actual form has been

the other Georgia univer-

is rolled out, a learning

dents are relying on their

through Georgia College

The new form is ap-

simplified,

certain

sities have also kept their

curve will come with

knowledge of whether

emails,” Simmons said.

proximately half of the

stress still remains. Many

deadlines because they

it. GC is committed to

length of the old one, go-

seniors attempting to

plan on keeping an indi-

its students and will be

cept any offers they get

other scholarships has

ing from 100 questions

go to grad school are

vidual approach to the is-

keeping them informed

from any universities.

become more prevalent

to 50. The purpose of the

nervously awaiting the

sues the pushed applica-

as much as possible.

they receive aid to ac-

The

new design was to help

place to help with the

financial

Aid

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

availability

education,

but

now,

Biotech company pulls Alzheimer’s treatment is medically necessary.

I believe people would

eficial and would help

Aduhelm

understand that, for fu-

fight against Alzheimer’s

The Biotech company

works is by targeting

turistic needs, a new

and would be extremely

Biogen will stop selling its

and attaching to certain

or improved treatment

beneficial for research

Alzheimer’s

treatment,

forms of beta-amyloid

can be developed to in-

Aduhelm, because of the

that gather in plagues,

crease the effectiveness

uncertainty during the

which can be responsi-

and lasting of the med-

additional trials request-

ble for cell death. It also

ication

Samantha Birmingham

Staff Writer

The

ed by the Food and Drug

Aduhelm

way

treatment.”

purposes as well,” said Sophia Zarate, a freshman

biology

major.

This discontinuation

causes tissue to die in ar-

With limited use and

eas of the brain that are

no access to an Alzhei-

in charge of learning,

mer’s treatment, those

memory and thinking

with the disease may

behaviors.

The brain

face challenges and have

drug trial. However, with

will continue to make

an unsteady road ahead.

the ending of this drug, it

the beta-amyloids, but

Since Aduhelm will

can lead to more research

of this drug could be up-

then decided to just stop

to the Alzheimer’s dis-

selling it all together.

ease-causing aggregates

There are currently

of amyloid-beta. They

2,500 people worldwide

can make new monoclo-

2021 and will be discon-

taking Aduhelm. Those

nal antibodies that can

tinued in 2024. It was a

who are still taking it will

bind more strongly to ag-

major breakthrough in

still have access through

gregates of amyloid-be-

the Aduhelm is meant

stop being sold, there is

and a more effective drug.

the field of Alzheimer’s.

a commercial market un-

ta. If that is achieved, it

to decrease the amount.

a loss of hope for those

The absence of Aduhelm

This new drug was

til November. Many doc-

can be potentially more

“If the treatment is

living with Alzheimer’s.

also decreases the re-

predicted to bring the

tors were not sure if they

effective.

There

were

proven to be successful

Aduhelm created great

company

but

should release this drug

certain

health

insur-

and effective, I believe

hope for families and

only brought them a few

and prescribe it to pa-

ances that would not al-

taking away that treat-

patients

million. In the first year,

tients because it showed

low coverage for this as

ment will negatively af-

Alzheimer’s.

it only brought in $7.8

weak evidence to actually

well as federal medicare

fect individuals living

es patients to have to

million. This was also

slow down Alzheimer’s.

programs had restrict-

with

look into new trials and

due to the fact that only a

“They can not im-

ed usage on people.”

those around them be-

continuing

research

certain amount of people

prove the current drug

Most health insurers

cause they will lose hope,”

about

disease.

had access to it because

itself,” said Ashok Heg-

believed that Aduhelm

said Hannah Laws, a ju-

of their health insurance.

de, a professor of bio-

was too much of an ex-

nior biology major. “If

treatment

Medicare provided the

medical science at GC.

perimental drug. More

modifications and ad-

dealing and living with

ers

most coverage for those

“Aduhelm is a monoclo-

than 25 health insur-

vancements are needed

Alzheimer’s every day

ward in the research

using Aduhelm. Biogen

nal antibody that binds

ers do not think that it

for the treatment, then

would be extremely ben-

of Alzheimer’s disease.

Administration, or FDA, before

full

Aduhelm

approval. was

first

approved by the FDA in

billions

Alzheimer’s

and

dealing It

this

with caus-

“I think having a for

those

setting for families who had high hopes for this

advancements

of creating something that will work for those living with Alzheimer’s. The absence and restricted use of Aduhelm will create many challenges

for

patients

and healthcare workin

moving

for-

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

02.13.2024

SPORTS SUPER BOWL Continued from page 1

zone and win the game.

Mahomes would find

The 49ers won the

wide

receiver

toss and elected to re-

cole

Hardman

ceive the opening kickoff

three-yard TD pass to

of the overtime period.

win the game 22-25.

On the ensuing drive,

Had the 49ers won the

Moody hit again from

game, the MVP would

27 yards to take a 22-19

have likely been Jauan

lead. By overtime rules,

Jennings,

on the Chiefs’ next pos-

Nick Foles as the only

session, they would have

player in Super Bowl his-

29 yards with seconds

to match the field goal or

tory to throw and catch a

left to send the game

win the game by scor-

touchdown pass. Howev-

to overtime, tied at 19.

ing a TD. On a massive

er, rallying his team to yet

Had Moody’s extra point

fourth and one, Ma-

another comeback and

not been blocked, the

homes ran for nine yards

the clutch overtime TD,

Chiefs would have been

to keep the game alive.

Mahomes nabbed the

forced to get into the end

Later on in the drive,

award. He completed 34

For the remainder of

regulation,

Moody

and Butker would trade field goals. Butker hit from 24 yards to tie the game at 16, Moody hit from 53 yards with under two minutes left to reclaim the lead at 1916 and Butker hit from

who

Meon

Super Bowl LVIII MVP Patrick Mahomes

joined

Super Bowl LVIII logo

of 46 passing attempts for

tation

was

highlight-

“This

the

start

ed by Mahomes beof

333 yards and two TDs.

one,”

Mahomes

ing asked about the The trophy presen-

Chiefs being a dynasty.

said. “We aren’t done.”

GC softball plays first games with interim head coach Emily Henderson Asst. Sports Editor GC its

softball

first

played

games

with

their new interim head coach,

Kenneth

Bel-

lamy, Feb. 3 against Emmanuel

College.

Originally from Beech Island, South Carolina, Bellamy attended University of South Caroli-

championship and even-

ship and coaching ability.

tually became the region

“It means the world

tournament runner-up. Bellamy landed an as-

joy when we get to play.”

want to take it to the next

move

While this is just the

step and do a little more.”

to me to have been giv-

from assistant to head

start of the 53-game

The softball team is

coach makes a big dif-

season, Bellamy and his

ference

team.

team have high hopes for this season after the great

this

opportunity,”

on the coaching staff last

year,

sistant coaching position

Bellamy said. “At the

at Mercer University in

end of the day, all I tell

“It has been a blessing

2021 before coming to

anybody is that I want

that he is our head coach

GC in 2022, where he

to coach. As long as I’m

this season,” said Divina

was the assistant coach

on a ball field, I’m happy,

Checo, a junior utility

for two seasons. Bellamy

so it means a lot to me.”

player and catcher. “Soft-

stepped into the role of

GC played their first

ball is fun again with

interim head coach after

games

Bellamy

him as coach. I actually

former head coach Jamie

as head coach against

enjoy coming to prac-

Grodecki stepped down

Emmanuel,

where

tice, and I enjoy seeing

two seasons. He then

after being with the pro-

they won two out of

him as well as my team-

finished out his baseball

gram for 13 seasons.

the three games, win-

mates every single day.”

resigned

ning the first game 3-1

Since Grodecki was

After graduating, Bel-

from her position in

and the third game 7-3.

with the program for so

lamy made his way back

late August of last year,

“It was exciting to

long, having a new lead-

Salkehatchie,

leaving the position va-

finally

where he served as head

cant with little time to

said. “I was ready to get

perspective

coach from 2012 to 2020.

spare before preseason

out here. I think I real-

look onto the program.

While with the program,

play began. GC Execu-

ly just needed the girls

“It has been like a fresh

Bellamy was awarded

tive Director of Athletics

to get out here and play.

start,” said Lauren Rule, a

Coach of the Year twice,

Windle Staton stated he

Once first pitch hap-

freshman outfielder. “He

once in 2017 and again

was confident in naming

pened, it had felt as if I

has brought a really pos-

in 2019. He led his team

Bellamy interim head

had been here forever.”

itive environment to the

coach due to his leader-

While Bellamy was

team and makes us all feel

na Salkehatchie, where he played baseball for

career at Paine College.

USC

the

regular-season

Grodecki

with

for

the

play,”

Bellamy

currently 3-4 for the season after playing in the

Red-White-Blue

Classic

season they had last year. “We want to compete,” Bellamy said. “We want to make the conference

State

Columbus

University.

Bel-

lamy and his team are

tournament and really

back in action at home

just build off of what we

Wednesday,

did last year, but now, we

against Erskine College.

Feb.

14,

er in charge gives a new and

out-

Courtesy of GC Athletics

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

02.13.2024

SPORTS

MLB extends “World Tour” this coming season Christian Castillo

in the Dominican Re-

start while all of the oth-

will play the Colorado

Staff Writer

public on March 9-10.

er teams are still playing

Rockies at Estadio Alfre-

Major League Base-

“It’s cool for those

spring training games.

do Harp Helú in Mexi-

ball is almost back, and

teams, that they get to go

The game will be played at

co City on April 27-28.

players will be traveling

somewhere new during

the Gocheok Sky Dome.

In early June, the Phil-

abroad this season more than ever before. The MLB has decided to increase the number of international games in this year’s schedule with the new “MLB World Tour.” The MLB explained

spring

training,”

said

“I would love to play

John Nagy, a senior mass

Opening Day in a foreign

New York Mets will meet

communication

country,”

Tucker

in London. The games

“I don’t know if I would

Sutton, a senior account-

will be played at London

want to go somewhere

ing major. “Especially in

Stadium and will con-

during

season.”

the MLB because they

clude the international

In past years, the

play so many games

tour. The league is return-

league has done Opening

without a lot of chang-

ing to England, where

Day abroad and stuck

es. Baseball is so much

it first played in 2019.

with that this year. There

better for internation-

The original London

has not been an inter-

al games than football.”

national opening game

the

major.

said

adelphia

Phillies

and

Julia Jensen | Art Director

al games and knowing

on Opening Day in 1999.

teams have a ton of inter-

It seems in the future,

national fans,” said Nick

the number of games

series plans were can-

Stackhouse, a senior phi-

played abroad will con-

The next stop is Mex-

celed due to the pandem-

losophy major. “It will

tinue to grow, as the MLB

since 2019, but it is being

ico in April. This is the

ic. It resumed last season

bring the game to eager

and the MLB Players As-

brought back this season.

second

consecutive

and has games set up for

fans

which

sociation will have over

Angeles

year that the league will

the 2024 and 2026 season.

will increase the league’s

24 regular season games

international

Dodgers will play the San

play games in Mexico

The games this season

popularity and revenue.”

and 16 exhibition games

tour will kick off with

Diego Padres in the MLB

and marks the seventh

will be played June 9-10.

The MLB has a long

played in Asia, Europe,

a spring training series

season opener on March

regular

series

“Major League Base-

history of playing inter-

Mexico and Latin Amer-

between the Boston Red

20-21 in Seoul, South

played in the country.

ball is smart for add-

national games that start-

ica from the 2023 sea-

Sox and Tampa Bay Rays

Korea. This series will

The

ing more internation-

ed in Monterrey, Mexico,

son to the 2026 season.

that this world tour will bring MLB teams and players to the league’s global fan base. The MLB picks teams that will bring high-profile players and team rivals to fans across the globe. The

The

Los

season

Houston

Astros

overseas,

Brady Spence earns Player of the Week award Ty Karraker

not only for myself, but

wins this season, and if

a redshirt senior guard.

few games — and all year

as their primary goal, it

Staff Writer

for the team,” Spence

he can continue to play

“Sometimes, throughout

— has pushed this team

can kickstart a late surge

There are plenty of

said. “Getting two big

at a high level with his

games, Brady will get

to play as one and to give

to push this team into a

factors that helped the

wins to conclude the first

teammates on the court,

double-teamed by the

110% at practice, espe-

Bobcats grab two big

half of the conference

they can achieve their

opposing team, yet he

cially during their games.

wins over Clayton State

season puts us in a better

goal of making the con-

still goes out and gives

University and Georgia

position to accomplish

ference

110%

Southwestern State Uni-

our main goal: making

versity. One of the biggest contributors during this

tournament.

and

Spence

has

shown

continues

what his skillset truly can

Fellow members of

to contribute in other

offer the team, and if he

the conference tourna-

the team have voiced

ways, such as defense,

can keep up with these

ment. I’m hoping this

their opinion on the

rebounding and being

stellar defensive games

possible deep run in the conference tournament. “His presence inside alone makes a huge difference for our defense,” said Austin Sloan, a ju-

streak of games has been

nior forward. “We feel

GC center Brady Spence,

like we can pressure the

who was recently award-

guards on the outside

ed the Peach Belt Confer-

because he’s such an elite

ence Player of the Week

back line. Brady also

award for his perfor-

leads us in rebounding,

mances in these games.

and without him grab-

Spence received the

bing the boards the way

award while averaging

he does, we would be

a double-double with 13.5 points per game and

getting

10 rebounds per game.

ed by a large margin.”

Those stats are great,

The GC men’s team

but his impact goes so

has players that exceed

much further than just

in so many statistical

rebounding and scoring.

Kylie Noles | Digital Media Editor

out-rebound-

categories, and it is evi-

Spence is also an elite

confidence can transfer

overall

that

a leader on the court.”

and continue to be a force

defender for the Bob-

into the rest of the sea-

Spence has had over

The success of one

on the glass, this may

cats and a great leader

son to win more games.”

the past few games and

player on a team can set

open up tons of new op-

on and off the court.

Spence’s performanc-

his importance to the

a precedent for everyone

portunities for our team

“My recent success

es on the court, both

team all season long.

else on the court, and

to get better and even

and player of the week

offensively and defen-

“It has been a ma-

it is clear from sourc-

more confident as the

defensive mastermind on

award was definitely a

sively, have helped boost

jor motivating factor,”

es within the team that

season comes to a close.

the court. His impact on

confidence booster —

the Bobcats to several

said Richard Crawford,

Spence’s play in the past

impact

With

this

mindset

dent in the stats and the statements by his teammates that Spence is a rebound machine and a

the team is undeniable.

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

02.13.2024

ARTS & LIFE

CALE’S CINEMA CORNER:

My favorite modern romance movies Opinion

A remake of a remake

entire cast’s performanc-

coms and heartbreaking

of a remake, the movie

es. And James Laxton,

tear-jerkers. I am sor-

Cale Strickland

tells the story of Jackson

the film’s cinematogra-

ry, but genuinely, these

Managing Editor

Maine, a rising star in the

pher, delivers some of

are the first five mov-

music world, and Ally, a

the most beautiful and

ies that came to mind.

singer-songwriter

jaw-dropping

Valentine’s

Day

upon us. I am always a sucker for a good romance movie, but especially this time of year. Sure,

Hallmark

cards

and heart-shaped boxes full of chocolate are fun and all, but, in my opinion, nothing compares to a well-done love story. Here are five of the “best”-done modern romance movies, a handful of my favorites from the last decade, in no particular order. “A

Star

Born”

who

desperately wants to be a

shots

have laid my eyes on. “Past

star, as they navigate the

Lives”

Paul

ThomAnderson)

Again, no surprises

dom and Maine’s rockstar

In my opinion, Celine

here. Paul Thomas An-

lifestyle. This is definitely

Song is one of the most

derson is my favorite

one of the saddest films,

exciting up-and-coming

director of all time. To

if not the saddest film, on

filmmakers. “Past Lives,”

me, “Phantom Thread,”

this list. Prepare yourself.

her directorial debut, is

the story of dressmaker

“Moonlight”

astonishing and a pre-

Reynolds Woodcock and

Jenkins)

ternatural first feature.

his muse, Alma Elson, a

“If Beale Street Could

Song’s background as a

waitress and his muse, is

Talk,” Barry Jenkins’s fol-

playwright is wholly evi-

not his best film by any

low-up to “Moonlight,”

dent, as the movie’s story

means, but when you

could very well be on this

of childhood lovers Nora

have made a half-doz-

list too, but of the two, I

and Hae-Sung — and

en masterpieces, rank-

Person in the World,” is

ing

not sad, depressing or

(dir.

Barry

prefer the latter. The sto-

Celine

(dir.

Thread”

Song)

highs and lows of star-

(dir.

“Phantom

their place in each oth-

your

filmography

Canva AI Generated Cale Strickland

and acidic to the core. “The

Worst

Kylie Rowe | Asst. A&L Editor

the most relatable movie

Per-

you have ever seen. Re-

son

the

World”

nate Reinsve gives one of

(dir.

Joachim

Trier)

my favorite performanc-

If it is of any use, Joa-

es of the decade so far

chim Trier’s “The Worst

navigating the whirlwind that is her 20s, includ-

ry of Chiron, a gay Black

er’s lives and the world

becomes a nightmare.

heartbreaking.

(dir. Bradley Cooper)

man from Miami, is ev-

at large years after their

I will say this, though:

er, if you are a confused,

If you know me, it

ery bit as devastating as

split — is as tragic as they

I would not watch this

lost 20-something who

should come as no sur-

“A Star is Born.” Jenkins’s

come. With each subse-

movie

Valentine’s

has no idea what they

prise that “A Star is Born,”

direction of one of the

quent entry on this list,

Day, especially if you are

are doing with their life,

watch it. It is one of my

the film that turned Lady

most heartfelt and hu-

I realize more and more

looking for something

as I am, and as I assume

favorite films — not just

Gaga into a pop-culture

man movies I have seen

that none of these films

to watch with your sig-

many — if not nearly all

romance films, but films

dual threat, is on this list.

is masterful, as are the

are lighthearted rom-

nificant other; it is bitter

— of you are, it might be

period — of the 2020s.

College students vs. the real world

Howev-

as Julie, a young woman

ing, yes, her love life. I do not want to say anything else. You have just got to

Alexis Maddox

the economy allows for

ment rate has main-

individuals

decide

current income and fu-

are many ways to man-

Staff Writer

a deeper understanding

tained a low rate of 3.7%

whether change is con-

ture spending habits, but

age your income, but

College is a time for

of the way past, pres-

for the past 24 months,

sidered to be good or bad.

as long as students are

a popular technique is

students to transition

ent and future econom-

according to The New

“I am pretty optimis-

informed on how to face

into growing up through

ic systems work, which

York

Times.

the 50/30/20 budgeting

tic about change, espe-

life after college, tasks

facing changes, such as

will be beneficial when

wages

have

cially when I am ready

will be less challenging.

living without their par-

entering the workforce.

creased during this time,

The biggest concern

ents or having to pay bills.

“Thinking about the

for a new lifestyle,” Van

current interest rates.

students face after col-

It is easy for students to

future keeps me up at

said. “I just am scared

night,” said Katie Van, a

The best way to sup-

it won’t be the change

lege is low wages and

senior psychology ma-

port economic growth

that I want it to be.”

a high ratio of student

jor. “My concern for

is to have good workers

Life after college is

loan debt. The best way

the future is that I won’t

who will sustain and fuel

all about taking skills

to prepare for this finan-

to Citizens Bank. Learn-

be able to get a job that

future economic growth.

learned into the real

cial burden is to begin

ing how to manage your

I want because all the

The Georgia Chamber

world. Economic factors

saving and budgeting as

money properly will be

jobs require experience,

estimates that by 2025,

can play a part in people’s

soon as possible. There

the ticket to success.

and I don’t have any.”

60% of jobs will require

become

independent

during this time, as their lives have taken a step in a more positive direction. However, there is only a brief period of being comfortable before the excitement — or fear — of the fast-approach-

According to USA To-

which

could

Certain also

in-

impact

post-secondary

gree. This puts current

the year, the job market

degree-seeking students

produced over 353,000

in a good position for

jobs that employers add-

job seeking in the future.

ed, which shows a huge

“I’m afraid of being

spike in the job market.

broke,” said Shea Pagett,

During COVID-19, the

a freshman psychology

feel intimidating. Stu-

labor market suffered

major. “But I am optimis-

dents do not have to

a severe loss of 14% of

tic about change since it

be experts on inflation

the nation’s jobs. Since

can sometimes be fun.”

rates, know the current

2021, the labor mar-

It is normal to have

unemployment rate by

ket has remained at a

fears when making big

heart or stay up at night

steady rate despite most

changes

worrying about the in-

economists’ predictions.

Change is inevitable and

creasing housing market.

With ties to the job

Basic knowledge about

market, the unemploy-

future

The

sinks

United

in.

States

economy can be difficult to understand, and for those on the brink of graduation, it may

unpredictable,

method, which is where 50% of your income goes to your necessities, 30% goes towards your wants and 20% goes into savings, according

de-

day, at the beginning of

ing

lifestyle.

which

is what leaves room for

Paige Blakemore | Arts & Life Editor

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

02.13.2024

ARTS & LIFE MONA LISA

Continued from page 1 The oil painting is nearly

impossible

harm though, because its display is made of thick steel and plated with rear armor made out of high resistance steel. On top of that it is protected by bullet proof glass.

er detained and put

cape prosecution now

on them instead of want-

in a psychiatric unit.

and instead be ordered

Just two years later, the Mona Lisa was,

oil

ting the point across in

ing to join the cause.”

painting can’t seem to get

some way or another.

to make a donation.

Maci Martin is on the

a break from all the food

People are curious to

same page when she says,

throwing. But why here?

attacked,

know if these acts are ac-

“I honestly don’t under-

It seems to be that be-

publicity, and any pub-

this time with pumpkin

tually making any change.

stand why people keep

cause she is such a staple

licity is good publicity.”

soup as the chosen ve-

“No, I don’t think

throwing things at the

to the world, people use

hicle. These two climate

it’s effective at all,” said

Mona Lisa,” said Maci

her as a way to get in con-

activists advocated for

Adina Thomas, a soph-

Martin, a freshman ed-

tact with the government.

a more sustainable food

omore nursing major.

ucation major. “A ques-

“I feel like the Mona

system. They shouted

“I

trying

tion I ask myself is, ‘Has

Lisa has been such a sta-

zor-bladed and ruined with acid, the Mona Lisa

once

again,

understand

The

beautiful

They definitely did get

Despite len,

being

sto-

caked,

souped,

spray-painted,

ra-

slogans and demanded

to gain attention and

any real change occurred

ple point for centuries

“Think of the Earth!”

the government address

spread awareness, but

from climate change ac-

now,” said Kevin Stin-

he said as he defaced the

low wages and other is-

I truly think that there

tivists

food

son-Gallegos, a fresh-

Mona Lisa. “There are

sues. They wanted to

are many other more ef-

items at the Mona Lisa?’

man music education

Lisa is still being held be-

people who are destroy-

draw attention to unsus-

ficient ways to do this

If no real change has

major. “Everyone knows

hind bulletproof glass in

ing the Earth! Think

tainable food production

and actually make a pos-

occurred, why do these

what it is. Protesting by

about it. Artists tell you,

the gallery of the Louvre

and hunger in France.

itive impact rather than

activists

putting

defacing the Mona Lisa

‘Think of the Earth.’

The two activists were

trying to ruin art, which

themselves in situations

will get major attention,

That’s why I did this.”

later arrested. It has been

I think, ultimately, will

where they will get in

but it isn’t right. On the

a part of the museum’s

The man was lat-

reported they may es-

make people look down

trouble with the law?”

contrary, they are get-

collection since 1804.

throwing

keep

A MUSIC CUSTODY BATTLE

remains intact. The Mona

in Paris and has remained

proper

compensation,

especially from a platform as big as TikTok.”

TikTok vs. Universal Music Group

UMG has stated that

Ellie Smith

artists” through the app.

outlets pay the compa-

Staff Writer

they are willing to work

But when their con-

ny to use their artists’

on a new contract, but

Music

tract was up for rene-

music, even though a

this new agreement will

Group, or UMG, is the

gotiation this January,

majority

TikTok’s

not come unless its re-

leading name in the

UMG wanted to address

content is music-based.

sponsibility to its artists

music

They

more issues than just

“TikTok attempted to

work alongside artists

the compensation their

bully us into accepting a

and songwriters to pro-

artists were receiving.

deal worth less than the

duce,

and

After meeting in ne-

previous deal, far less

with

gotiation with TikTok,

than fair market value

many of the biggest art-

they released an open

ists in the industry being part of their catalog.

Universal

industry.

distribute

promote

music,

Currently, there are three leading record labels in the music industry. The other two are Sony Music and Warner Music

Group.

Com-

pared to the competi-

the three, producing music for artists like Taylor Swift, Noah Kahan, Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Kanye West and many more.

appropriate

an environment that is Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

and not reflective of their

for the ‘free promotion’

statement letter to the

exponential

disagreements

with

and that music compa-

public via their website.

the

TikTok, the social me-

nies are ‘greedy’ for ex-

dia

released

pecting them to simply

growth,”

statement

said.

platform

There,

UMG

ad-

The music group then

dressed

what

they

reveals TikTok attempted

a response, attempting

compensate artists and

wished

negoti-

to “intimidate” UMG into

to paint the record la-

songwriters appropriate-

ate into the contract.

reinstating the contract

bel in a selfish light.

ly, and on similar levels

“In our contract re-

they had put forward by

newal discussions, we have been pressing them

has

artists’ content will be effectively

moderated.

“I feel like, especially after what happened with Taylor Swift, and all of the AI pictures of her that were going around

as other social media

removing the music of

able to reach ‘artist-first’

platforms currently do.”

some of their currently

agreements with every

GC students’ respons-

other label and pub-

es to the removal of

lisher,” TikTok’s state-

UMG music from Tik-

ment

“Clearly,

Tok have made it clear

self-serving

that they are in support

actions are not in the

of UMG fighting for the

best interest of artists,

compensation and pro-

songwriters, and fans.”

tection of their artists.

istic as time goes on, hav-

-UMG

“TikTok

safe for all and that their

been

Our agreements with TikTok have expired because of TikTok’s unwillingness to appropriately compensate and... protect human artists.

This past week, UMG

compensa-

tion for their work in

its statement on the

tion, UMG is the largest and most successful of

is fulfilled, which means

said.

universal

UMG

online, really should’ve been taken into consideration and handled more maturely during negotiations,” said Katie Cochran, a sophomore psychology major.. “With AI getting more powerful and more real-

was

quick

“I am sad that a lot

ing protections in place

new

state-

of my favorite songs ar-

for people is more seri-

response

en’t on TikTok anymore,

ous than it ever has been.

“Our agreements with

and a lot of my videos,

There needs to be protec-

expired

and a lot of my friends’

tions in place, and it can-

because of TikTok’s un-

videos, have been ‘mut-

not be a thing you just

removed all of their

with

artists’ music from the

ment

a in

social media platform

on three critical issues—

developing artists while

TikTok after being un-

appropriate

compensa-

leaving up the music

able to renegotiate their

tion for our artists and

of many of their glob-

contract for the rights

songwriters, protecting

ally recognized artists.

willingness to appropri-

ed’ because of this,” said

choose not to talk about.”

to their music. Three

human artists from the

When UMG brought

ately compensate artists

Jais Hightower, a ju-

As the world waits

years ago, when UMG

harmful effects of AI, and

up the issues of artifi-

and songwriters, protect

nior nursing major. “I

for UMG and TikTok

and TikTok made their

online safety for TikTok’s

cial intelligence, or AI,

human artists from the

am happy that UMG is

to agree to a new con-

first contract, which gave

users,” the statement said.

when ways that other

harmful effects of AI,

standing up for the rights

tract, artists will still

licensing rights to Tik-

During their discus-

social platforms work to

and address online safe-

of their artists. These

continue to market and

Tok, it was agreed that

sions on compensation,

avoid harmful uses of AI

ty issues for TikTok’s

artists work really hard

utilize other platforms.

there would be “equitable

TikTok

were met with “indiffer-

users,” UMG said.“Tik-

to make right and pro-

This will still allow fans

compensation for song-

pay only a fraction of

ence, then intimidation.”

Tok still argues that art-

duce their own music.

to listen and support

writers and recording

what other social media

After UMG released

ists should be grateful

They should receive the

their

proposed

TikTok

have

favorite

artists.

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

02.13.2024

ARTS & LIFE

MEGAN THEE STALLION & NICKI MINAJ: A LYRICAL CAT FIGHT Olivia DeRosa

gan,” said Emely Perez,

Staff Writer

a junior nursing major.

Rapper Megan Thee

Megan lied, with the

istry major. “I person-

Instagram story of her

that

lyric “Swearin’ on your

ally side with Megan.”

laughing after Minaj had

A lyric that fans think

could be targeted towards

dead mother when you

“When a snake feel

released a snippet of the

Stallion’s single “Hiss”

could be aimed at Minaj

Minaj is “I can never be

lie.” She continues, with

like you’ve been playing

track before releasing

is climbing the charts

is “These h*** don’t be

judged by a b**** that

the lyric “F*** you get

and, like, doing a whole

it a couple of days later.

in the wake of allega-

mad at Megan; these h***

was dancin’, makin’ R.

shot with no scar?” She

bunch of swaying, it’s ba-

Minaj has promised

tions from Nicki Mi-

mad at Megan’s Law.” For

Kelly go viral.” Accord-

delivers plenty more ac-

sically telling you to back

naj claiming Megan is

context, Megan’s Law is a

ing to fans, this possibly

cusations against Megan,

off,” Megan said when

diss tracks about Me-

dissing her in the song.

federal law that states that

refers to Minaj’s song

including Minaj stating

asked about the track in

gan, claiming she has

Celebrities alluded to

registered sex offend-

“Up in Flames,” which

Megan slept with her

an interview earlier this

five already recorded and

on the track include Kris

ers’ information must

features the line “R. Kelly

best friend’s boyfriend.

month. “I hear you. I see

ready to release, with the

Jenner and Mariah Car-

be made public. Named

couldn’t touch the kid,”

“I feel like Nicki is

you. Get up off me now.”

intent of destroying Me-

ey. The song, allegedly, is

after 7-year-old Megan

referring to allegations of

starting stuff for no

Megan has yet to

gan’s reputation if Me-

also aimed at Drake and

Kanka who was raped

sexual misconduct with

reason,” said Brinkley

publicly respond to “Big

gan does not apologize

R. Kelly as well as Me-

and killed in California

a minor against Kelly.

Bolton, a junior chem-

Foot,” only posting an

for the original track.

gan’s ex-boyfriend, Tory

in 1994 by Kanka’s fam-

However, in both of these

Lanez, and Minaj. How-

ily’s neighbor. The family

examples, Minaj is nev-

ever, Minaj has been the

claimed they would have

er directly mentioned.

only one to respond, by

never let their daughter

releasing a single titled

cross the street alone to

“Hiss” was released, Mi-

“Big Foot” in response to

their neighbor’s house if

naj dropped “Big Foot,” a

Megan’s track. Minaj has

they had known he was

blatant diss track against

threatened to continue

a convicted sex offender.

Megan. Even the title ap-

Another

lyric

Three

days

pears to be a diss, pok-

to tarnish Megan’s rep-

Kenneth Perry, is a reg-

ing fun at Megan, who

utation until she apolo-

istered

offender

is 5’10,’’ and an incident

gizes for “Hiss” — even

in the state of Califor-

in which she claims her

though Minaj is nev-

nia. He was convicted

ex-boyfriend, Lanez, shot

er named in the track.

and served four years

her in the foot during an

in prison before be-

argument. Minaj claims

“I

Team

Me-

sex

continue

releasing

after

Husband,

releasing tracks aiming

Minaj’s

ing let out on parole.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

AI-generated images of Taylor Swift Rebecca Ocampo

males, in particular, have

ing AI-generated im-

While this issue of

laws is because AI-gen-

of the artists and used

Staff Writer

become common victims

ages could be that the

AI technology targeting

erated images and videos

them to make mon-

of AI deepfake photo-

individual’s

reputation

women is nothing new,

are the results of breach-

ey without permission.

graphs being spread on

and character could be

the Swift scandal does

es of individuals’ privacy

social media. This occurs

detrimentally

compro-

seem to have prompted

and potential copyright

These deepfake pho-

when the creator uses an

mised due to the fact

U.S. politicians to speak

infringement. By recre-

image of them, often sto-

that they are now being

up on the matter at large.

ating images, videos and

len from their social me-

portrayed as somebody

“For years, women

even music that closely

dia, and alters it to fit an

they are not. This could

artificially altered body.

also potentially lead to

This product is of-

false information circu-

ten presented as a por-

lating and to the public’s

nographic and sexual-

opinion being swayed

ized image of the female.

about

The quick rise of artificial intelligence, or AI, technology has begun to take the world by storm and lead to the exploitation of individuals, such as Taylor Swift. This new wave of technology has most recently led to the quick spread of deepfake inappropriate photographs of Swift, which

the

individual.

have been targets of deep

resemble

fakes

their

material, the creator is vi-

consent,” said Yvette D.

olating copyright law. An

Clarke,

Democrat-

example is when an AI

ic New York congress-

creator took the vocals of

woman.

Drake and The Weeknd

[without] a

“And

extend to advertisements featuring

celebrities

without their consent. According

The

Guardian, in Oct. 2023, Tom

Hanks

had

warn his Instagram followers not to fall for a phony dentistry ad-

AI,

to create an artificially

deepfakes

generated song called

easier & cheaper. This

“Heart on My Sleeve.”

is an issue both sides

The song was met

promote their compa-

of the aisle and even

with many different re-

ny without his consent.

Swifties should be able to

actions from fans. Ac-

These cases pose an

come together to solve.”

cording to The Inde-

ongoing problem. With-

individu-

pendent, the majority of

out

al U.S. states have their

fans were shocked at the

celebrities are being as-

own legislative protec-

quality level of the music

tion against the use of AI

while also terrified at its

sociated with these com-

technology, but there has

accuracy to the artists’

recently been an uprising

voices. The song was not

more frequently than in

to amend it to federal law.

labeled as an AI-gener-

past years. According to

Lamparello thinks that

ated song, so many fans

pushing this into fed-

fell for it and believed it

eral law would be a bad

was a real, unreleased

idea because each state

song. The song ended

has different problem

up receiving 15 million

areas it needs to address.

views on TikTok but was

were viewed by millions

creating

all over the world. Deepfakes are photographs or videos in which a person’s face or body has been digitally altered to appear like somebody else’s.

Currently,

The use of AI technology to alter and sexualize a person through a photograph or video has been happening much

The Guardian, the photographs of Swift were seen 47 million times before

Julia Jensen | Art Director

“AI tends to oversex-

“The people that are

ualize women, especially

creating

social media platforms.

with the TikTok filters,

images and videos can

The use of technolo-

more so than they al-

use them to perpetu-

gy to create artificially

ready are, and I think

altered photos and vid-

they were wiped from all

advancements

[with]

copyrighted

tos have also begun to

AI-generated

that

was

utilizing his picture to

their

knowledge,

panies. Should something negative come out about the company or advertisement,

celebri-

ties like Hanks will be seen as liable and responsible for the issues as well since people think they are endorsing it. At the end of the day, the

ate certain viewpoints

one-size-fits-all

eventually taken down

solution is not going

for copyright violation.

it opens the door for a

and biases that can lead

to be able to account

Whether or not the

eos has led United States

lot of sick creeps,” said

manipulation

for those problem ar-

creator

innocent

technology is whether

politicians to demand

Payton Cobb, a senior

of others,” said Adam

eas,” Lamparello said.

intentions, it does not

the risks outweigh the re-

stricter

criminal justice major.

Lamparello, a criminal

The reason there has

change the fact that

wards. This is something

criminalize the act. Fe-

The harm of produc-

justice professor at GC.

been a push for stricter

they took the voices

that only time will tell.

legislation

the

“A

vertisement

had

question that needs to be asked in reference to AI

10 02.13.2024

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

ARTS & LIFE

“I wish I had told them...”

What is something you wish you had said to someone? Valentine’s Day brings love and hate!

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

02.13.2024

OPINION

THE WORLD VOTES Dr. Steven Elliot-Gower

After all, we want to be

undermining the rule of

Associate Professor of Political Science

heard, we want to prac-

law, restricting civil lib-

tice the religion of our

erties, manipulating or

choice, we want to be

attempting to manipulate

our true selves, we want

elections, corruption and

to live free from fear and

cronyism. International-

we want these things not

ly, this would mean shift-

only for ourselves but

ing away from multilat-

for our family, friends

eralism, shifting toward

and, as part of what the

neo-isolationism and a

philosopher David Sing-

consequent diminution

er calls an “expanding

of American influence

circle of empathy,” our

in the world, a reduced

neighbors and beyond.

ability to shape the world

Democracy hangs in

in which we live, which,

the balance this year.

for the past 70 years, has

Elections,

especially

been a democratic world.

those in flawed democ-

What sort of world do

racies, are going to be

you want to live in? What

consequential.

Argu-

sort of country do you

unusual

align-

ment of general elections around the world makes 2024 “The Year the World Votes.” Over 40% of the world’s population in over 50 countries—including

seven

of the world’s biggest 10

world map and scale

countries—vote this year.

between democracy and

tect our rights, includ-

ronment for innovation,

Elections have already

authoritarianism. He has

ing freedom of speech,

creativity,

taken place in Taiwan,

framed his electoral cam-

assembly and religion.

and good quality of life.

Bangladesh and Paki-

paign in the same terms.

Democracies

stan. Some of the biggest

So, what is so great

protect

adaptability

These are, of course,

the rights of minorities.

democratic

democracy?

Democracies safeguard

als

Why is it worth fight-

the rule of law, meaning,

The reality is that most

ing for on the battlefield

among other things, that

of the world’s democra-

and at the ballot box?

no one is subject to ar-

cies are far from perfect.

ably, no more so than

want to live in? How will

Here are plenty of

bitrary arrest and deten-

According to the EIU De-

here in the U.S., where,

the outcome of the elec-

good reasons. Democra-

tion and that everyone,

mocracy Index, just 18%

unlike in many coun-

tion affect your life and

cy gives us a voice and a

including

government

of countries voting this

tries around the world,

those of your loved ones?

choice through free and

officials, is subject to the

year are “full democra-

we still have a choice—a

The

fair elections. It gives us

law; no one is above the

cies”; 40%, including our

stark

dential

representation in polit-

law. Strong democracies

own imperfect union, are

and disputed—will be

ical

decision-making.

provide mechanisms for

“flawed

critical to the future

It makes our political

of democracy and international

countries in the world— India, Indonesia, Russia (where the result is a foregone conclusion), South Africa and, of course, the

United

vote

later

The

States— this

year.

conduct

and

outcomes of these elections—many of which

about

and

ideaspirations.

one

that.

November election

presigives

The choice we have is

you the power to shape

democracies.”

between (1) a commit-

your preferred world.

the peaceful transition

This means that we

ment to democratic val-

You are only going

representatives account-

of power that prevent

cannot afford to be com-

ues or (2) a lack of com-

to get one shot. You do

security.

able by giving us the op-

political

and

placent. It means that we

mitment to democratic

not want the wannabe

President Joe Biden

portunity to “throw the

allow for orderly gov-

must fight to improve,

values. The latter, some-

dictator to become the

has framed his foreign

bums out” every four

ernance.

Democracies

or at least hang onto,

times called “democrat-

dictator because, after

policy as a global battle

years. Democracies pro-

create the political envi-

our flawed democracies.

ic backsliding,” involves

that, you get no choice.

LOVE

also do cute little things

brate this day because it

need to have a day ded-

Continued from page 1

with all your girlfriends.”

seems so artificial, with

icated to reconnecting

Since the beginning,

This holiday does not

all the delicate decora-

with our people. Valen-

Valentine’s Day has been

have to just be celebrated

tions, sensational sweets

tine’s Day is a day cel-

with a partner. Anyone

and candle-lit dinners.

ebrated to be more so-

can be your valentine. It

However, the sad truth

cially involved with the

can be your beloved, but

is we often forget to tell

people that matter most.

it could also be friends,

or show the ones we love

Love is something that

family, your dog or your

just how much we love

has been around forever.

cat. Valentine’s Day is

them and do not tell our

It has been studied and

about taking a day to

companions that we love

is a popular topic among

be with ones you love

them every single day.

various

and letting them know

We often think, “Oh, they

scientists and psychol-

tionships in varied ways,

expressed, it can impact

you love them. Love is

know I love them. They

ogists. It has been seen

affecting how you relate

individual lives and our

not constrained to just a

have to. I tell them every

over and over in history,

to others around you.”

society in a positive way.

significant other, so why

day. Don’t I?” The reality

literature and pop cul-

Often, when we think

Whether it is a signif-

would your valentine be?

is that we often do not.

ture. This word, “love,” is

of love, we think solely of

icant other, best friend

However, my main

“We’ve become more

universally used yet ex-

romantic love. However,

or silly sibling, love is a

Valentine’s

involved with technolo-

tremely difficult to define.

there are several types

powerful tool that can be

Day is with the fact that

gy which has distanced

“Love is a powerful,

of love that all have the

used to connect us with

it is a holiday centered

us from basic human

complex emotional ex-

same depth and intimacy

each other. This Valen-

around just one day let-

contact and connection,”

perience that involves

but are displayed in dif-

tine’s Day, take the time

anyone, not just lovers.

ting someone know you

said Daniela Cadena, a

changes in your body

ferent ways. There is love

to slow down, put down

“I think it’s a cute hol-

love them. Why not

staff member at Buzzfeed.

chemistry,

including

between friends, love of

the electronics and look

iday,” said Emily Granier,

let the people you love

We are often too fo-

your neurotransmitters

family and, of course,

past all the assumptions

a sophomore environ-

know that you love them

cused on our daily lives

(brain chemicals),” said

romantic love. Although

that you have to have a

mental science major.

every day? This could be

and technology or ba-

the staff at Psych Central,

there are different kinds

partner to celebrate this

“If you have a boyfriend,

a valid point, but I think

sic distractions to be so

a mental health informa-

of love, any kind of love

day, and let the ones

you can do fun things

that we want to use that

focused on our contact

tion and news website. “It

holds power over its

you love know just how

with him, but you can

as an excuse to not cele-

with our loved ones. We

impacts your social rela-

captivators, and when

special they are to you.

will be chaotic, violent

a celebration of love and its necessity despite the possible

consequences.

However, not everyone has a significant other that they will be spending this heartfelt holiday with. Why continue to celebrate it when it originated with marriage and the celebration of lovers when you may not have one? That is a great point. I think that Valentine’s Day has developed into a holiday that celebrates the love between

issue

with

turmoil

philosophers,

Julia Jensen | Art Director

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

02.13.2024

OPINION

Sephora’s 10-year-old takeover Delaney Derry Opinion Editor As someone who grew up in the early 2000s to 2010s, kids used to argue over who would get the first turn on the swings at the park or would race outside when they heard the ice cream truck’s merry melody as it made its way down the street. Now, in 2024, kids are more fascinated with who has the latest Lululemon leggings or

brightest

to grow up too quickly?

up to fantasize that they

they cannot just be kids.

ern beauty standards.

of dollars’ worth of prod-

There is a major di-

are older than they are

“A new report from the

Their skin is in per-

ucts and acting very

vide between parents,

for a very long time. Ev-

Dove Self-Esteem Project

fect shape because they

disrespectful in stores.

dermatologists,

retail-

ery kid dreams of being

has shockingly revealed

are still so young. Many

An article on this

ers and people on social

a grown-up and imag-

that 9 in 10 children are

of the products these

topic in the Daily Dot

media on this issue, but

ines what they will look

exposed to toxic beauty

kids are using can be

referenced an interac-

in my opinion, I think

like when they are older.

content on social media

very damaging to their

tion a Sephora employ-

it is the latter. We have

However, my issue

apps, with 1 in 2 chil-

skin if it is unneeded. In

ee had with a mom and

seen over and over how

with this situation is not

dren reporting an impact

this case, these skincare

her

social media affects the

little girls wanting to be

on their mental health

products can be more

Apparently, their bas-

views of younger gen-

grown-up, like whomev-

because of it,” said Mor-

harmful than helpful.

kets were overflowing

erations. This obsession

er they look up to. It is

gan Fargo, a freelance

Their skin could pos-

with a load of products

that little baby-faced kids

the fact that these kids

beauty and wellness ed-

sibly be ruined as their

that brought the mom’s

have with making their

are both trying to look

itor at Women’s Health.

bodies continue to grow

bill to hundreds of dol-

faces look 10 times old-

older than they are be-

The issue is with kids

and

Younger

lars. The mom asked her

er than they are is not

cause that is what soci-

skin is much more sen-

daughters to put some

being

obsessed

with

change.

bronzer.

price, but they argued

running rampant on the

and

fact that 10-year-olds more

daughters.

things back to lower the

Adults on TikTok are

are

young

refused,

causing

them to hold up the line

concerned

and make the employ-

with having the trend-

ee very uncomfortable.

iest makeup products

This kind of behav-

or most profound skin-

ior is unacceptable. It is

care routine rather than

one thing to want con-

just being kids. Appar-

cealer because you have

ently, many young girls

a pimple or moistur-

around the age of 10

izer because you have

are seizing Sephoras all

dry skin, although kids

over. They are doing full makeup glam and

Sephora

have perfect skin, so why would they need

are testing which lus-

one that seems healthy.

ety is telling them and

their appearance at such

sitive and should not

cious lip plumper gives

On the one hand,

how they are acting de-

a young age. They still

be subject to products

them fuller-looking lips.

this fascination with te-

structive in the stores.

have

youthful,

that can be harmful be-

young

dious skincare and care-

The idea that kids

smooth skin and do not

fore it is truly needed.

girls crowding Sephora

ful makeup seems like

are wearing pounds of

need makeup to cover

The other problem

to people around you.

aisles with baskets car-

somewhat of something

makeup and have a more

up. The problem is not

with these preteen ter-

I am not talking about

rying hundreds of dol-

I personally did when I

tedious skincare routine

with makeup itself but

rors is the fact that lots of

the young girls who want

lars worth of products

was younger. I was en-

than most adults is un-

with the fact that they are

them are not being very

a lip gloss because it has a

have

Tik-

thralled with my mom

nerving. I see nothing

wearing it every day be-

respectful in the stores.

fun flavor or highlighter

Tok for several weeks,”

and wanted to be just

wrong with wanting to

cause they feel it is neces-

Places like Sephora and

because it is glittery and

said Katie Camero, a

like her. I would play in

express yourself through

sary for their appearance

Ulta are very mature

reminds them of their

health and wellness re-

her makeup and ask for

makeup or desiring to be

because

media

shops set up for adults

big sister. I am talking

porter at USA Today.

makeup of my own. Be-

a grown-up. The problem

sets certain beauty stan-

who are trying to feel

about the kids who want

Is this ongoing sit-

ing interested in doing

with these kids doing co-

dards. It is not good for a

more confident in their

to look like adults be-

uation just kids harm-

makeup or having clear

pious amounts of make-

kid’s mental health to be

skin. It can be fun to look

cause they feel they are

lessly

the

skin is not toxic. It is not

up is that social media is

worrying so much about

at all the pretty lipsticks

inadequate for looking

habits of the older ones

something that has never

influencing them, telling

their appearance. It sets

and colorful eye shad-

so young and those who

they idolize? Or is it a

been seen before. Little

them they have to look a

insecurities and a lack of

ows. I know I did as a kid,

fail to act in a civil man-

real problem with so-

kids have been playing

certain way or they will

confidence in the future

but it is the fact that these

ner when all they want is

cial media telling kids

pretend

not be desired or that

if they do not meet mod-

kids are buying hundreds

to be viewed as mature.

“Videos

dominated

mimicking

and

dressing

their

social

any of that anyway? But it is another thing to be impolite or incurious