Skip to main content

Vol 81 No 29 | April 22- April 28

Page 1

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2014

VOL. 81 | NO. 29

like us! facebook.com/gsusignal

follow us!

Su

l b e a E n i n a e t

inside

ARC’s Expansion

y rg

s

twitter.com/gsusignal

Atlanta Regional Commission plans to invest $59 billion into city’s transportation

system

News | 4

College prom What if you could relive a treasured high school tradition?

Opinions |8

Sustainable Shopping How thrifting can reduce your carbon footprint and other tips

A&L | 10

Moments of the year

Get information on Earth Week events hosted by the Georgia State Sustainable Energy Tribe and learn some urban gardening tips

The Signal counts down the best and worst moments in Georgia State sports this year

page 12-13 ILLUSTRATION BY MADDIE RICHARDSON | THE SIGNAL

Sports | 20–21 DAILY NEWS AT WWW.GEORGIASTATESIGNAL.COM

News 3

Opinions 7

Arts & Living 9

Sports 20


2

NEWS

last week... Local

MLS announces expansion to Atlanta

Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on April 16 that Atlanta’s expansion soccer team will begin playing in 2017. Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and cofounder of The Home Depot, will own the team. The team’s name has not been determined. At the unveiling, Blank said the team’s colors will be red, black and gold.

National

Portland dumps drinking water in reservoir The city of Portland, Or. dumped 38 million gallons of drinking water after teens urinated in the Mount Tabor Reservoir No. 5 on April 16, ac-

TUESDAY APRIL 22, 2014

blotter

cording to CNN. Three teens were apprehended and received citations for public trespassing, and one was cited for public urination.

Global

Mount Everest avalanche kills more than a dozen

Rescue teams found 13 bodies on Saturday, April 19 after an avalanche slammed into mountain guides at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, according to CBS News. There were a group of 25 Sherpa guides attempting to make their way up to the mountain during the climbing season. CBS News also reported that one of the survivors told his relative that the path climbers were traveling on had been unstable just before the snow slide hit at 19,000 feet.

April 14

University Commons

A Georgia State officer witnessed a student holding a bottle of beer. After discovering the student was under the age of 21, the officer arrested the individual. He was issued a copy of his charges and then released.

Georgia Book Store

Georgia State officers responded to a shoplifting call. Upon arrival, they made contact with the NonGeorgia State affiliate who matched the description of the suspect. He was detained and identified by store personnel. After the stolen property was recovered, officers arrested the individual for shoplifting. He was processed and transported to Fulton County Jail.

Student Center

Auburn Ave.

April 15

April 16

A Georgia State staff member stated she left her purse underneath her desk unattended. When she returned, her property had been stolen. A report was filed for theft and investigations is handling the case.

A Georgia State student said he left his wallet and iPad unattended and returned to discover his property had been stolen. A report was filed for the theft and the case is being handled by investigations.

A student said she left her wallet unattended and returned to discover it had been stolen. A report was filed for theft and the case is being handled by investigations.

Park Place

Luckie St. NW

A report was filed for theft by snatching. A Georgia State student said an unknown male snatched her iPad. Two Georgia State officers attempted to catch the man but were unsuccessful. The case is being handled by investigations.

A Georgia State student stated she left her wallet at an unknown location. A report was filed for lost or mislaid property and the case is being handled by investigations.

Suntrust Building

University Commons

A Georgia State staff member stated she left her lunch bag unattended and returned to find it had been stolen. A report was filed for theft and the case was turned over to investigations.

Photo of the week PHOTO BY RAVEN SCHLEY| THE SIGNAL As spring arrives, flowers bloom throughout Atlanta, bringing color to the city.

THE SIGNAL

STAFF

Editorial Department

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Chris Shattuck

Senior EDITOR

Laura Apperson

ONLINE EDITOR

Johnny A. Gipson

signaleditor@gmail.com signasenioreditor@gmail.com signalmanaging@gmail.com

PRODUCTION DESIGNER signalprod@gmail.com

ASSISTANT DESIGNER

signalprod2@gmail.com

NEWS EDITOR

signalnewseditor@gmail.com

ARTS & LIVING EDITOR

signalliving@gmail.com

SPORTS EDITOR

signalsport1@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR cumunna@gmail.com

Anna N. Yang Maddie Richardson Zoya Hasnain Samantha Reardon Alec McQuade Candra Umunna

OPINIONS EDITOR

Ami Dudley

signalopinions@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR

Leah Jordan & Bethany Young

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Ciara Frisbie & Lauren Booker

ASSISTANT ARTS & Living EDITOr

Kaylyn Hinz & Jewel Wicker

signalcopyeditor@gmail.com signalassociatenews@gmail.com

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR ASSISTANT Online Editor

Eric Yeboah Nicole Motahri

Marketing Department Marketing MANAGER

Open

promotions associate Research Associate

Open

signalmarketing1@gmail.com

Open

Advertising Department ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

signaladvertisingco@gmail.com

STUDENT MEDIA ADVISOR bmcneil1@gsu.edu

Khatleen Sukhraj

Bryce McNeil

MISSION STATEMENT

The Signal shall provide, in a fair and accurate manner, news of interest and significance to the Georgia State University community and serve as a forum for the expression of ideas of members of that community. Furthermore, The Signal shall provide an opportunity for students to pursue experience within a professional newspaper environment. The Signal shall also provide truthful and ethical advertising of interest to the Georgia State University community.

ADVERTISING

The deadline for all advertising is 5 p.m. on the Tuesday

prior to the desired issue of publication. Ads must be print-ready and in PDF format; files must be delivered via e-mail at signaladvertisingco@gmail.com. Please visit our website at www.georgiastatesignal.com/advertising for more information, including rates and payment methods.

COVERAGE REQUESTS

Requests for coverage and tips should be submitted to the Editor in Chief and/or the relevant section editor.

OFFICE INFORMATION

Suite 200, University Center • P.O. Box 3968 • Atlanta, GA 30303 • Phone: 404-413-1620 • Fax: 404-413-1622 • Web: www.georgiastatesignal.com

SUBMIT LETTER TO EDITOR

Letters must be submitted to the Opinions Editors via e-mail and must include the text of the letter in the body of the message. Letters should be 200-400 words maximum. The Signal will allow longer letters, but only in rare circumstances. Letters must include the full name(s)

of the writer(s) and include their year and major. If the writer is a faculty member, they must include their title and department. Letters will be fact-checked prior to publication. The writer may be obligated to make changes to the letter for publication. Letters will be edited for grammar, clarity, length, factual accuracy and adherence to Signal policy. The Signal reserves the right to modify and/or reject letters at the discretion of the editorial staff.

DISCLAIMER

Opinions and Letters to the Editor expressed in The Signal are the opinions of the writers and readers. It does not reflect the opinions of The Signal. The first copy of The Signal is free. Additional copies can be purchased from our office for $1.00 each.


NEWS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/news

Tuition rates increase for Georgia State $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ ILLUSTRATION BY: MADDIE RICHARDSON | THE SIGNAL

CIARA FRISBIE

Associate News Editor

S

tudents at Georgia State and Georgia Regents universities will pay $156 and $155, or four percent more, per semester beginning next fall, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents met at the University of North Georgia on April 15 to vote on tuition increases for 31 colleges within the state. Georgia Tech’s tuition will increase by 9 percent—or $372 per semester—for undergraduate students. Tuition at the University of Georgia will increase by 7 percent, or $281, per semester. For the 27 out of 31 total colleges in the University System of Georgia, students will pay an average of $32-85, or 2.5 percent more in tuition per semester. This is the third year that the Board of Regents separated the rates for the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia State, according to the Atlanta JournalConstitution. This also includes Georgia Regents University. The AJC noted that one of the primary ways the University System of Georgia (USG) keeps research colleges nationally competitive and respond to high enrollment demands, it is necessary to raise tuition. However, the AJC also states that before the recession, state funding covered up to 75 percent of college expenses. The remaining costs were paid for by tuition. Because of cuts to agency budgets and declining state revenue, tuition now funds half of college costs. The Ledger-Inquirer stated that tuition costs have increased each year since 2002. For the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semester at Georgia State, instate students paid $3,120.00 for 12 credit hours, according to the

CHARTS BY CIARA FRISBIE| THE SIGNAL University’s official undergraduate tuition and fees report. Out-of-state students attending Georgia State this year had to pay $10,404 for 12 credit hours. In the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters at Georgia State, in-state students paid $3,014.40 per semester and out-of-state students paid $10,298.40. In the 2011-2012 school year at Georgia State, in-state students paid an average of $2,912.98 per semester and out-of-state students

paid $10,196.88. In-state Georgia State students during the 2010-2011 year paid $2,832.00 in tuition costs for 12 credit hours. Out-of-state students paid $10,116.00. Based on the new 4-percent increase for the upcoming fall and spring semesters, students planning to take 12 credit hours will have to pay an average of $3,276 for in-state tuition and $10,560 for out-of-state per semester Jenna Lee, who is a freshman

at Georgia State, said she fears the costs will continue to increase and she will never see general benefits or improvements while she attends Georgia State. Kennedy Saulsberry, also a freshman at Georgia State, said that the increase makes her angry because money is tight for her and many other students. The 2015 state budget that was approved by lawmakers increased the funding for the University system by $55.9 million, according to

The Ledger-Inquirer. The budget has also increased Georgia’s funding for HOPE scholarship by 3 percent. “The system tuition increase will exceed that boost by about $4 or $5 million because of the high number of scholarship recipients who attend the four research universities,” John Brown, the system’s vice chancellor fiscal affairs and treasurer said in an interview with The Ledger-Inquirer. Aieshah Abdeljawad is currently a student at Georgia State who plans to transfer to Georgia Tech in fall 2014. “I thought dues were already high enough. Now I just learned that I’m going to be paying even more by transferring,” Abdeljawad said. “With all these increases I really don’t know how I’m going to be able to afford everything.” Senior Dawn Wade said that she feels that the quality of education and facilities at Georgia State isn’t worth the amount of tuition paid. “Our tuition rates and fees are roughly the same as UGA and Georgia Tech, but GSU students get way less in return than students get at UGA and TG,” Wade said. “Tuition keeps going up, yet students are still having trouble getting into the classes they need to graduate. It’s probably time for GSU to start privileging academics over expansion.” Wade also said that she feels that enrollment within universities is at an all time high, but students are still clamoring for the same amount of resources. Sara Morrow, a junior at Georgia State, said that the tuition raise is inconvenient, because people generally aren’t prepared for sudden changes in costs for school, especially out of state students because their costs are higher. “There should be some kind of program that educates students and parents on how to financially prepare for potential rises of college expenses,” she said.


NEWS

4

TUESDAY APRIL 22, 2014

University

Georgia State student’s PantherCard hacked JASMIN FIELDS News Reporter

D

ue to hacking, Kandia AlHaddad, senior psychology major, was robbed of her $5,000 spring semester financial aid refund stored on her PantherCard. She said the hacker spent $5,000 of the refund at a grocery store and Walgreens in Texas this past Mar. 21 and Mar. 22. She added that a total of 21 transactions were made by the hacker. “I don’t know [how it happened] because they are getting sophisticated,” Al-Haddad said. She said she found out her card had been compromised when she tried to use for a transaction and it was declined. After the card was declined, she said she tried using it at an ATM where she said it was also declined and gave an error message. “I called that 800 number [on the back of the card], and they put a stop on my account because they figured that it had been compromised but they never contacted me,” Al-Haddad said. Al-Haddad said that this is her second year using Money Network at Georgia State. She said that she has used it to receive her financial aid refund because it gave her easy access to her refund. “Apparently Georgia State [Auxiliary Services] just issues the cards, but everything gets activated through

[Money Network],” she said,“ I figured Georgia State is a big enough institution where we could have an affiliation with a bank, like a real-life [and] certified bank [instead of] Money Network.” Chris Connelly, Director of Marketing and Administrative Support at Georgia State, said the University does not handle transactions lost on the PantherCard, nor does it have access to the non-PantherCash side of the card because it is managed by Money Network. “There are in fact, two separate account programs associated with PantherCard: PantherCash and the Money Network Program,” Connelly said. According to Connelly, the PantherCash account is used on campus and managed by Georgia State. The Money Network account is not. “[The] Money Network Program is represented by the Discover logo that is on the PantherCard. This program was established two years ago by Student Accounts to help students get their financial aide expedited. Once an account is established, the card can be used anywhere Discover is accepted. It is managed by an external bank in conjunction with Discover. The account is not managed by Georgia State University or the PantherCard Office,” Connelly said. According to Connelly, if a student were to contact the PantherCard Office regarding their Money Network Account, they would refer them to Money Network via phone or online.

Carla Bazemore-Colclough, a journalism major, said she only uses her PantherCard for Library access and at campus events She also said that she doesn’t get her financial aid deposited to her PantherCard for personal reasons. “I get [my financial aid] deposited to my normal banking account because the stuff that I have to pay for, like rent, I can’t use my PantherCard,” Bazemore-Colclough said. After hearing about Al-Haddad’s situation, Bazemore-Colclough said she does not feel safe when it comes to her PantherCard. “I feel like Georgia State should have an insurance policy [and take some responsibility] to make sure they give the money back, and help students when they need help, especially when it was financial aid money [that was] lost,” she added. Ivy Stokes, a sophomore and accounting major said that she hasn’t had any financial issues with her PantherCard but she chose to have her financial aid refund deposited to her regular banking account. “[If I put money on my PantherCard], I would be tempted to spend it on snacks and miscellaneous items that I don’t need,” she said. “Another reason is because people know you put money on it and it is so public.” Stokes also added that it is more secure to have her money in her regular banking account. Before this situation happened, Al-Haddad said she didn’t know what

Money Network was. When she called Money Network to get help with the situation, she spoke with a representative. “I asked the Money Network Representative, ‘Are you a bank?’, “and he said, ‘No we are ‘a lending company.’ They don’t have the requirements to make them [FDIC] certified,” she said. According to Al-Haddad, nothing has been done about her situation by Georgia State or Money Network. “I don’t think…[that there is any investigation going on at Georgia State]. That’s why I came to The Signal,” she said. “I said I wanted to talk to the Dean of Students so they can direct me and… go to the school paper just in case it happens to someone else.” According to the Disputes and Error Resolutions page on Money Network’s website, there are a list of steps individuals who are having issues with their account should follow. They also have deadlines for when paper work should be turned in. “Resolving errors regarding your Money Network Account is important to us. To make a claim or inquiry, you must contact us within 60 days of whichever of the following occurred first... We are able to process most requests within 10 business days; however, the investigation may take up to 45 days for existing Accounts or 90 days for new Accounts, point-ofsale transactions, or foreign-initiated transactions,” according to the website. Al-Haddad said Money Network

was supposed to send her paperwork to fill out for their Fraudulent Dept. to investigate her case but she has not received it. She said the deadline to send the paper work back in order for the case to be valid is 10 days. At this point, Al-Haddad said the only thing done for her situation so far was Auxiliary Services issuing her a new PantherCard but she still does not have the money the hacker stole from her account. She said she is annoyed that beginning the steps to solve the issue is going to take long and that no one is taking it seriously, both Georgia State and Money Network. “Where’s the urgency?” Al-Haddad said. “What do I do next? Who do I speak to?” When asked if she trusted the PantherCard, she said, “Heck no! As soon as I get all of my money, I’m transferring it [to a more secure institution]. “[The card] is not safe.” Credit card fraud was the second common identity theft fraud in the U.S. in 2013, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service website. PantherCard is used for everything on Georgia State’s campus, from having access to the library to being able to attend school events on campus. The card also serves as a prepaid debit card for students to deposit and withdraw cash from. For many students, the PantherCard is also how they receive their financial aid refund.


NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

5

University

National

Campus Bubble to improve organization communication

Students create app to silence phones automatically

CAMERON WASHINGTON Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State may see the implementation of the Campus Bubble, a social networking platform designed to improve communication between student-run organizations within universities, by the fall of 2014. On the campus bubble platform, everyone within the university would be able to communicate with each other and see what events are going on around campus. Instead of finding information solely through flyers or friends, students could use the campus bubble. On the bubble’s home page, students would be able to see anything posted by an organization, the university itself and fellow students. By logging on to the university’s “bubble,” students can check out when fraternities are holding their next kickback, when applications for Student Government are due and what’s required for class projects, all on one webpage in a streamlined fashion. Moreover, according to the ambassador for the campus bubble at Georgia State, this social networking platform will be exclusive to each university where it’s implemented. In other words, there is a “bubble” of communication for each university. Right now, the only

campus bubble in existence is the Emory Bubble. “I love the bubble,” Claire Joiner, a junior psychology major at Emory University said. “It’s really amazing. The Emory Bubble makes it so much easier to find out what’s going on on a daily basis around campus. I don’t know how we were able to function without it before.” Joseph Denk, the ambassador for the campus bubble program at Georgia State, says he has ambitious hopes for the program. He is a business major at Georgia State and said he remembers what it was like being a freshman trying to figure out what events were commencing on campus each week. “With the Georgia State Bubble, I hope to be able to create a platform and make it easier for students to connect with each other on campus,” Denk said. “It was hard for me to connect and know what was going on at first because the campus is so spread out and I commute and so many other people commute. Hopefully this will increase the value of Georgia State. And I hope it can spread to a large number of campuses. I know that there are already six other campuses that have expressed interest in the program.” According to Denk, Northeastern University, Westminster University, Epstien University and Morehouse University, along with

CHRIS JOINER Staff Reporter

Georgia State are five of the six universities currently interested in implementing the campus bubble program within their institutions. “From what my friend told me, I would absolutely love to have the Campus Bubble here at Westminster,” Matthew Johnson, a sophomore at Westminster, said. “My friends at Emory tell me that they absolutely love it, and in fact, at our schools next SGA meeting, I plan to propose the platform for implementation.” According to Denk, the future of the bubble platform is very bright but he does not see interaction of the bubble between campuses. “The purpose of the campus bubble is to increase the unity of campuses,” Denk said. “To make it easier for students within each university to communicate and coordinate events, parties, meetings, etc. It’s the exclusivity that makes this program unique. If you lose that, then it’s just another Facebook.”

Got questions? WE’VE GOT answers. Why wait in line or on the phone for answers when there’s PANTHER ANSWER.

?

What is Panther Answer? The resource for your registration, financial aid and student account questions. How do I access it? Log into PAWS and look for the icon. When can I use it? 24/7. Whenever you have questions, you can find the answer. The system that keeps getting better. The more you use it the better it will become. Questions and answers are monitored to enhance and create new answers — all to serve you better.

ENROLLMENT.GSU.EDU

T

wo graduate students released a phone app that would allow Georgia State students to silence their phones automatically upon walking into class, on Thursday, April 10. James Don Carolis and Hanna Farah created the mobile app Elevate, which silences phones and changes the wallpaper once the app is installed. This happens when an individual is in class, lecture or a work setting. As soon as they exit those environments, their phones automatically return back to normal. Carolis said he noticed students have ringtones and wallpapers that occasionally contained inappropriate language. He also said that the students forgot to silence their phones and didn’t have time to change the settings before entering certain places. Carolis said that this could have potentially embarrassed the student if their professors or classmates noticed, so he began to work on a way to help avoid those situations. “I remember one time, myself being in a class, and I couldn’t remember where the hell the thing was, and my phone [was] ringing and ringing and I can’t find it anywhere before it finally stops ringing. I think I’m out of the woods and then it starts beeping to tell me I missed a call,” Carolis said. Carolis said he decided to create this app because people use their phones in multiple settings today. He also said there are people who may have a fun party side to them yet they are professionals who need to convey an image of professionalism in their workplace or classroom. “I have friends who are professional individuals, that once they go into their professional place of work, they have to have the persona of being a professional individual,” Carolis said Carolis said he has friends who tend to party hard when they have free time, but these same individuals know how to be professional when the time calls for it. He also said Elevate allows them to manage their phone in both personal and professional environments. “It’s this dichotomy in people, people should be able to have fun and be professional without being limited in personalizing their phone,” Carolis said. Arabia Palmer, a Georgia State freshman, said she doesn’t think the Elevate app would be

useful to her, because she doesn’t put suggestive things on her phone. She also said she only uses instrumental ringtones on her mobile device, but Elevate could minimize the distractions that occur when someone’s cellphone goes off during class. “It can help as far as limiting the distractions of professors who are in the middle of a lesson and students who are taking a test,” Palmer said. Dawana Owens, a Georgia State senior, said she thinks a lot of students will download the Elevate app once the word gets out. Owens said it’s something that will benefit a student who might forget to silence their phone before a class. “I think it will benefit a student mostly for the sound,” Owens said. “I know I forget sometimes to switch my phone to silent mode.” Owens also said that phones going off during a class seem to annoy professors who are teaching. She also said most professors stop teaching and look around when a student’s cell goes off during their class. “It will be a benefit to the professors if students have this app because it wouldn’t be so distracting if the student’s phone went off during class,” Owens said. Dr. Ann Williams, a professor at Georgia State, said new technology can be very exciting for everyone, but that people also need to know that the information they use to personalize their phone will remain private. Williams also said that privacy is currently a concern for everyone. She said users need to know the pros and cons of the new app, to make an intelligent decision before downloading it. “Do users have all of the information they need in order to make sure that their privacy isn’t compromised?” Williams asked. “New and emerging technologies can be really exciting, but we need to learn more about how people use them, in order to really understand their significance.” Carolis said he plans to make sure Georgia State students have all the information they will need about Elevate, by offering a student from Georgia State an intern with his company. He also said the intern would market the app in Atlanta and help users with any concerns about Elevate. Students interested in the intern position can pick up an application at the Georgia State Career Services, according to Carolis.


NEWS

6

TUESDAY APRIL 22, 2014

E-cigarette use included in USG tobacco ban Ban comes as e-cigarettes have surged in popularity among students CLEO DURHAM Staff Reporter

G

eorgia State students will no longer be allowed to smoke e-cigarettes on campus, as a result of the University System of Georgia’s (USG) tobacco ban that will take effect on Oct. 1. This decision was made despite the recent increase of ecigarette popularity. The ban prohibits the use of all forms of tobacco products on USG property in order to improve the health, comfort and environment of individuals who occupy USG properties, according to a press release on March 19. Senior Tareq Alotaibi said he started smoking e-cigarettes a few weeks ago. He said he likes the flavor and that e-cigarettes don’t smell like traditional cigarettes. “You can smoke it enclosed spaces and it’s not as strong as regular cigarettes,” Alotaibi said. The number of e-cigaretterelated calls to poison control centers was one per month in September 2012. In February 2014, poison centers received 215 e-

cigarette-related calls, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report reveals the liquids in e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine, may cause bad health effects immediately. Poisoning from the concentrated nicotine liquid used to refill e-cigarettes occurs by ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin or eyes, according to the report. The most common health effect reported in the phone calls were vomiting, nausea and eye irritation. Researchers at Boston University conducted a study on the effects of e-cigarette vapor on lung cells, according to an article from CBS Atlanta. The study found that the vapor damaged cells in a way that could lead to cancer similar to the smoke produced by the traditional cigarettes, the article states. Chip Zimmerman, assistant clinical professor at the Georgia State School of Nursing, said he is opposed to smoking. “From a scientific standpoint, I’m not certain if the FDA or the NIH (National Institutes of

Health) has enough data to judge the negative impact on bystanders,” Zimmerman said. Dr. Michael Eriksen is the dean of the Georgia State School of Public Health, and is also a professor with a specialization in tobacco control. He said that while e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes because of the lack of smoke inhalation, they are not necessarily safe. “Smoking both (dual use) is probably not better, and you are just increasing your nicotine exposure. For a non-smoker to start using e-cigs is definitely of concern, because no one knows if that non-smoker will eventually start smoking traditional cigarettes after getting a taste for nicotine,” Eriksen said. E-cigarettes and the liquid nicotine used to refill them are currently not regulated by the FDA. Definitive research on e-cigarettes remains limited, including longterm effects and the number of college students who use e-cigarettes. “E-cig use has increased in all segments of society, probably the

I don’t think they’re going to be able to stop it. It’s taking the freedom to do something legal away.” -Elizabeth Wilkowski, student

most among middle school and high school students. I have not seen any data just for college students, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see high rates of experimentation,” Eriksen said. He also said it is unclear whether the use of e-cigarettes is a fad or a trend that will continue regularly into the future. Elizabeth Wilkowski, a senior at Georgia State, made national news after her e-cigarette exploded while she charged it in her computer, according to huffingtonpost.com. She described the explosion as sounding like a shotgun and six-foot flames coming from the e-cigarette. Wilkowski has since switched back to traditional cigarettes. She also said that if e-cigarettes

were not included in the ban, she thinks a lot more students would depend on them because of the stress school can create. “I don’t think they’re going to be able to stop it. It’s taking the freedom to do something legal away, but I don’t think they’ll be able to stop it,” Wilkowski said. Junior Humzah Khraim, who smokes e-cigarettes, said he believes the tobacco ban will have no effect on students who might be trying to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. “Nobody follows the rules. It’s not going to do anything,” Khraim said.

ARC transportation plan could improve commute to campus Plan to be funded by $59 billion windfall expected from toll lanes on I-75 LAUREN BOOKER Associate News Editor

A

tlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Transportation Plan plans to invest $59 billion into Atlanta’s transportation systems in May which will make commuting to Georgia State more convenient. Jim Jaquish, senior communications coordinator for Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), said 70 percent of the funding will go to financing the GRTA bus service, paying for Atlanta Streetcar operations, improving MARTA train wait times, repaving roads, fixing potholes and repairing bridges. According to ARC’s March 26 press release, the remainder of the funding will pay for “expansion between now and 2040.” Jaquish said a majority of funding will be put into constructing toll lanes on I-75 North and South of Atlanta spanning on the south to McDonough and on the north to Acworth and Cherokee County. “That will help students who commute in once those are finished. Both of those should be in construction within the next five

years or so,” Jaquish said. “And those will be new lanes that will be added to the interstate system. They are not taking the HOV lane and replacing it with a toll lane like they did on I-85.” He added that the prices for toll lanes would be based on the amount of traffic on the interstate, which means prices could range from 20 cents to six dollars. “The idea is that if you pay to drive in that lane the DOT’s goal is to guarantee you at least a 45 mile an hour trip. That’s why on I-85 they’ll have variable tolls where the toll price gets higher as the volume of traffic increases,” Jaquish said. “So that it maintains the number of cars that are in that toll lane so that you can keep a 45 mile an hour drive. So, what you are really paying for is reliability there.” Other improvements the ARC is making is the addition of bike lanes to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, new street lights on Piedmont Road and Memorial Drive and construction to the Mitchell Street Bridge. Amanda Vincent, nursing major, said she has to leave home in Covington before 6 a.m. to be at Georgia State by 6:30 a.m.

“The longer I leave my house after that point, it’s not even almost worth my time. I would rather do MARTA at that point,” Vincent said. “Really more than anything I could tell you that when I graduate from Georgia State, I’m not going to stay because of the traffic. I am not going to commute into Atlanta to work. I’m going somewhere else simply because of the traffic.” Vincent said she would only use the toll roads if there was a real emergency. “I always avoid toll roads. I think that as much as we pay in taxes they should just provide it for us, period,” Vincent said. Timothy White, a junior finance major, suggests for the ARC to provide discounts for students for the upcoming toll lanes. “I think the toll[s] they have right now are fine but when I think about toll lanes it’s a convenience. In other words, you have to pay for the convenience. If they are going to invest that type of money, there should be allocated funds to give some type of grant or some type of discount to students that commute back and forth to the city,” White said. Ashton Brasher, a junior Eng-

...when I graduate from Georgia State, I’m not going to stay because of the traffic. I am not going to commute into Atlanta to work. I’m going somewhere else simply because of the traffic.” -Amanda Vincent, student

lish major, commutes to Midtown near Atlantic Station and said she still faces traffic congestion issues. “I think probably the biggest challenge is that I am normally on a nine-to-five schedule. So, when I want to come to campus and when I want to leave campus, I am sitting in horrible traffic. I live three miles away and it can take me 30 to 45 minutes just to get back to my apartment, which is pretty frustrating because I live close for a reason,” Brasher said. She expressed that it is a good idea for the ARC to put a portion of their funding into improving MARTA wait times. “I have been to D.C. and London and other cities with really solid public transportation. The Tube in London was incredible

and I did not mind being on it at all. It puts MARTA to shame. So, I think that investing in bettering MARTA is absolutely a great use of money,” Brasher said. The federal government will pay for 80 percent of the Regional Transportation Plan and local and state governments will fund the remaining 20 percent. Jaquish said the plan has already been approved by the ARC board and the GRTA board. It has been sent to the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Authority for approval. The Regional Transportation Plan is an amended plan from the 2011 $61 billion approved transportation plan.


OPINIONS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/opinions

Tuition already takes a “toll” on students

T

ZOYA HASNAIN News Editor Zoya is a sopohomore journalism major that loves coffee, fashion and art.

Follow her @zoya_hasnain

he Atlanta Regional Commission Transportation’s plan to construct new toll lanes on I-75 North and South of Atlanta to make commuting to downtown Atlanta easier will lift many burdens off of Georgia State commuter students, shortening the commute to work and lessening traffic. However, according to the senior communications coordinator, the price at these tolls could be as high as $6 daily depending on traffic. That’s $60 a week going to and from Georgia State, a price too high for students already burdened with rising tuition. In other words, having to pay a fee to commute for students who are already struggling to make financial ends meet could potentially be another reason students choose to drop out. According to multiple sources such as the New York Times and Washington Post, financial strains are the number one reason many students choose to drop out of college. And with tuition fees rising at Georgia State by 4 percent, or $156, next semester, students are already heavily burdened. Many may argue that because students are utilizing the highway and the tolls go to the state, which funds Georgia State, there is no reason to excuse students from paying the toll. However, in the long term, it would be a bigger benefit to the state to make going to college more affordable. A majority of people with 4-year degrees end up in higher-paying fields in the future. While it is true that people with 2-year degrees can obtain high salaries as well, people with 4-year degrees tend to go into fields that increase pay with time, making overall income higher in the long run. These individuals with higher income end up giving more to the state through taxes. Let’s compare $60 per week in toll fees today to thousands of dollars in taxes in the future. Since investing in students is the key to a better

Having to pay a fee to commute for students who are already struggling to make financial ends meet could potentially be another reason students choose to drop out.”

future not only socially but also economically, it makes sense to lessen their burdens. Many might also argue that a six dollar toll is not a huge deal, and arguing for a waiver for students is not worth it. However, it is the little things that add up for students. When a student isn’t able to pay for groceries one week because they spent too much of their disposable income on a toll fee, it may be the one thing that convinces them it’s time to drop out of school altogether, lessening yet another future high bracket tax payer. Unless the state wants to end up in sea of what would have been doctors, lawyers, engineers and entrepreneurs who would have given thousands, maybe millions, in taxes, but ended up dropping out to work at the local McDonald’s, giving a couple hundred in taxes instead because college just wasn’t affordable, the state will have to consider more initiatives to make going to college easier. Even small things like a toll fee waiver will boost student morale, showing us the state wants to help us, even as tuition fees rise, to achieve our goals.

Editorial

When it comes to Turner Field, don’t get caught looking

A

fter first expressing some interest to local media, Georgia State appears to now be backing off the idea of purchasing the Turner Field complex – at least to the public. While Georgia State spokespeople have maintained to The Signal since November that the University has absolutely not entertained any discussion over buying Turner Field whatsoever, President Mark Becker gave an interview to WXIA11Alive News two weeks ago that throws that entire narrative into question. “I believe it was the Olympic Stadium…and the Olympic Stadium had a footprint more like a football stadium than a baseball stadium. So I would have to believe that could happen,” Becker said April 8 to 11Alive. Becker went on to say that the land could be suitable for student housing, a necessity for Georgia State, as it grows to become possibly the largest university in the state over the next few years. “You could do a variety of things,” Becker said. “You could see housing developing. Grant Park is not that far away. You might see some retail potentially in that area.” However, his vision for the development, according to the interview, would be as part of a larger development plan. “Turner Field is much too large for Georgia State alone,” he added. “Whatever would happen for Georgia State over there is going to have to be part of a much larger

vision and a larger plan.” However, the University’s PR arm was quick to put a damper on the story, even going so far as to claim 11Alive “manufactured” its report based on fragments of its interview with President Becker. Further, spokesperson Andrea Jones told The Signal on April 9 that Georgia State is “not in talks with anyone” for the Turner Field property that will become available in 2017 after the Atlanta Braves depart to Cobb County. So what did they have to say last week after Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed let slip that “he’s been in conversation with Georgia State University officials” about their interest in the property? More denial. “The university has nothing further to add,” Jones said to The Signal last Friday. But denying interest is not the way Georgia State needs to go about securing the property, a must-have acquisition for the future growth of the university, which President Becker surely realizes. Instead, Georgia State and everyone representing its interests need to trumpet to why our school would be a much better investment than the other half-baked proposals currently out there. Indeed, we need a full-scale PR campaign to win the popular support from the city and the neighbors of Summerhill, who are understandably wary of future sportsheavy economic development promises. It’s important to present a united front

because appearing wishy-washy or unorganized could raise serious questions as to the school’s ability to follow through on any deal it proposes. In his last statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Reed said there have already been two to four offers to redevelop the structure, so clearly this land will sell. The only question is what part Georgia State will be able to takes for itself. In its conversations with the mayor and to the public, Georgia State needs to be clear about its interests, how it will use the land and how it plans to interact with the surrounding community to drive economic development. As President Becker alluded to in his interview with 11Alive, there’s a great deal of sense to be found in the idea of converting rather than demolishing Turner Field as part of a larger plan to anchor Georgia State with other mixed-use developments in the neighborhood. After all, the University has a decorated history of revitalizing areas where it expands Downtown, and there’s no questioning its need for space near campus for additional student housing and athletic facilities. Now is not the time to shrink back or appear inconsistent. Now is the time to present a strong case for why Georgia State is best suited for the property, and plug that line each and every time we can until we own 755 Hank Aaron Drive itself.

Should professors be allowed to use test banks? NICOLE MOTAHARI Associate Web Editor

M

Nicole is a double major in biology and english. When she’s not writing, she enjoys listening to musical theater and watching British TV with her family.

any professors use test banks, especially those teaching subjects in the STEM fields. While test banks are a fantastic resource to be used by students and professors as study guides and guidelines, professors should not be allowed to directly utilize questions from a test bank in creating their own exams. Assessments should vary and evolve based upon the class content, teaching style and variety of students in the class. Test banks are a testing resource for professors and teachers, oftentimes created by the textbook publisher or found online. They are most often found in the form of possible exam questions and answers, ready made, and easily used to test students in class. While it has been made clear in recent years that students using a test bank is considered cheating, professors using a test bank has not been considered cheating, but rather using their resources. Creating an exam is difficult, but I don’t believe that gives professors any excuse not to create their own. Each class is different, but there should be some standardized questions that apply to all classes being taught from the same book. However, with each round of teaching a course, professors end up emphasizing different topics using different teaching methods. If a professor accustoms students to giving answers in a certain format, then the test should be formatted in such a way to adhere to the continuity of the specific methods. Dr. Matthew Nusnbaum, a Georgia State biology professor who teaches Biology 2108 (General Biology Two for bio majors), defends the usage of test banks, saying “They are a useful resource because they align with the chapters in the textbook you’re using, and also because they allow students to experience something similar, especially with the online resources being offered.” Oftentimes students underestimate the responsibility that comes with the role of being a professor, especially when teaching the more introductory level courses. Nusnbaum explains “I teach these courses multiple times a semester, and in writing a test, you need to assess how well students understand what they’re studying. Especially with different professors teaching the courses, you need to have some standardization within and between classes”. While Dr. Nusnbaum’s points are valid, they do not alter the fact that test banks are often catered to the lowest common denominator, as most standardized test are, which makes it difficult to effectively evaluate whether students know the material, or if they are merely parrying to the test style. Also, if teachers write their own materials, it allows them to understand why students have difficulty with certain topics, and they can adjust their teaching methods to suit the specific struggles the class is experiencing. Overall, test banks appear to be more problematic than useful. If professors created their own tests, it would allow for better understanding of the material and a more comprehensive assessment of student knowledge.


8

OPINIONS

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Dollars and sense with Mitch

A “brand” new you

W

MITCHELL OLIVER Columnist Mitch is a junior finance major and student financial advisor. “My goal is to have more college students financially literate.” Leave your questions for him online at georgiastatesignal.com

Follow him @madmoneyATL

hat’s your brand? For most Georgia State students, the answer is “I don’t know.” I’m here to help change that! While we may not all be marketing majors, it is essential at our age to brand ourselves every day to ensure future success both in the workplace and in everyday life. What do I mean by “What is your brand?” Simply put, it is how you market yourself to potential employees, friends, or even possible love interests...but we’ll save that last one for another day. There are numerous ways you can market yourself and create your own ‘brand’ identity. For starters, I recommend everyone to have their own personalized business card. You might think this is cheesy and comes off as trying too hard, but think about it; you never know when you will run into someone that could open up a great network for you. The essentials to any business card include your name, phone number, LinkedIn URL (you DO have a LinkedIn, right?), and your own professional blog or Twitter handle. By having business cards on hand, you’re able to connect with that person on a personal level that a simple handshake and name exchange won’t

do. Plus, it beats out giving someone a resume because that can come off as being a little greedy in looking for a job immediately instead of building that business relationship. So whether you’re majoring in biology, finance or music theory, it is never a bad idea to have a business card on hand. There are tons of great templates online and companies that will make them for you at a great price. While business cards are a plus, a good first impression is essential to creating your brand. This is best done by your outward appearance. I see a lot of students around school that seem to have the ‘I don’t want to be hired’ appearance. If you dress for success each day, you are bound to run into more positive opportunities than if you roll out of bed and come to campus. I don’t think suits and ties are necessary every day, but a clean, sharp look will definitely make you stand out in a crowd––a crowd that will be competing for the same jobs as you one day. Again, tailor this to your personal goals and career aspirations, but much like business cards, you never know when you’ll run into someone important or of interest. When you do, you may not want

to be wearing your high school band hoodie and ripped blue jeans. Lastly, you create your brand best by knowing what you wish to accomplish in life and emulating that as best as you can. If you have aspirations to be a New York stock broker, start acting like one today! If you want to be an economist, start writing essays and research papers on random topics. The bottom line is: You can’t wait until you get your degree to just turn off the “college student” switch and go into career mode.There’s a popular concept in business called “fake it until you make it.” While you may not feel experienced enough in your field of study or career, confidence makes all the difference. If you dress nice, carry personalized business cards with you and act the part, even remotely well, you are well beyond the majority of students on campus today. So I’ll ask you again, what is your brand? It might be something you want to think about next time you’re on campus!

Will you go to prom with me? If you missed high school prom, you might want a second chance

R

MIA MCDONALD Columnist Mia does amateur photoshoots, maintains the title of bookworm and hangs out with friends and family.

Follow her @MiaMore09

emember how exciting it was junior and senior year of high school during prom season? What if we could relive that moment or experience it for the first time? Getting manis and pedis, shopping for that one-of-a-kind dress that no other girl dares to have, riding there, dragging your nonchalant boyfriend along because really this night was about you and post-prom plans made you go broke. But none of that mattered. That was one of the last hurrahs for you and your friends before you parted ways for life after high school, and everyone looking fancy was a huge plus. After it’s all over, what happens next? That overpriced dress sits in the back of your closet collecting dust, tuxedos are returned and the only recollections of that night are pictures you’ve been tagged in on Facebook. There are some cases where our peers didn’t get a chance to experience prom at all; they have to vicariously live through the memory of their friends. That is why Georgia State should have a prom that everyone feels welcome to attend. The average college student never truly gets the opportunity to dress up. We get so caught up in being a student and are always on the go that name-brand sweats are the closest we get to being fancy. The only time you see a guy in a suit shouldn’t be because of

a job interview, and club dresses are not acceptable outside of the club. Wouldn’t it be nice to show out at least once every school year? Let us not forget the people couldn’t afford prom in high school: This is their golden opportunity. There are of course a few things to consider if this were to happen. Who would put this on? What would be the theme? When would we host it? Where would it be held? Why even consider it? And how would we pay for it? I’m sure organizations like Spotlight, LEAD

Team, Panther’s Allure or Infinite Appeal could pull it off. The student body could vote on a theme; it could be held on Georgia State’s founding day, on Valentine’s Day or during homecoming. The Student Center has more than enough room. This is an opportunity to mingle with people you didn’t even know existed, and fundraising is always an option. Those same DJs from Panther Prowl could be in charge of music and Georgia State food services could cater. This time, you don’t have to worry being on your parent’s budget because pricing is all up to you. Some people may think that a college ILLUSTRATION BY prom is juvenile. Well, CHRISTIAN WILKINS | just like in high school, THE SIGNAL your attendance isn’t mandatory. To reiterate, some people were robbed of their chance of a prom so this may appeal to them. For those of you who have been locking eyes with a certain someone and have been waiting for an opportune time to strike up a conversation, this is your chance. Not everyone had a magical prom and some wish they could turn back the hands of time and do something differently. A college prom could change that. This could bring a lot people together, and last but not least, everyone could have a good time and look good doing it.


ARTS & LIVING

www.georgiastatesignal.com/artsandliving

DRIFTER’S PROJECT

Pam Longobardi collects ocean debris to raise environmental consciousness ALEC KUGACZEWSKI Staff Reporter

T

hough the pile of garbage littered on her desk drew immediate attention, one item among the pile stood out from the rest. The doll’s head, once the delight of a little girl miles away, leant a disturbing atmosphere to the room with its cracked skull and caved-in face. But to Pam Longobardi, even the ugliest piece of detritus can be made into an evocative piece of art. Since 2006, Longobardi has been scavenging debris from the shores of polluted beaches across the world to provide materials for her drifters project. The project, which began in the same year, is more than just a hobby for Longobardi. “Seeing these mountains and mountains of plastic that the ocean was vomiting out onto the remote shores of Hawaii... when I first saw it I was shocked,” Longobardi said. “I felt like I had to do something.” Describing her process, Longobardi said she felt as if she witnessed a crime scene that she felt compelled to document. She took photographs, collected trash and cleaned the environment. “I feel like the ocean is actually communicating with us through these materials. It’s trying to give us a message. It’s telling us that it’s in trouble.” “The ocean is the total sum of all living beings and creatures that have lived in it from all time—so how could it not have a collective awareness?” Longobardi continued. Longobardi explained that the Drifters Project not only serves as a means to clean the seaside environment, but also to reintroduce decayed cultural products into the public eye. She also said that plastics have been linked to cancer, early puberty in girls, obesity and ADHD. “It’s a crime against nature. I feel like I’m witnessing the decline of material culture. We’re in a moment where all these things that we’ve made are coming back to haunt us.” Inspecting some of the items on her desk, Longobardi picked up the doll’s head, turning it in her fingers as she labeled it “grotesque.” Longobardi said that the

Seeing these mountains and mountains of plastic that the ocean was vomiting out onto the remote shores of Hawaii... when I first saw it I was shocked.” - Pam Longobardi

PHOTO BY ALLYSON BUSCH | THE SIGNAL Pam Longobardi, a painting and drawing professor at Georgia State, creates gallery artwork from pieces of plastic that wash up on shores around the world. item, once made to help a girl into motherhood, had returned as a monster. Longobardi’s art has found its way into numerous collections in the United States, including displays at the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport and First Tennessee Bank. Her “1614-1914” collection has toured through numerous museums in the country. But her art has found its way outside the country, as well. Dozens of exhibitions displaying Longobardi’s work can be found in galleries in numerous countries, including Finland, Poland and Japan. Though she can count numerous victories through her artistic projects, Longobardi considers one experience with the Drifters Project paramount above all oth-

ers. Longobardi recalled a trip to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where the unimaginable happened. A grizzly bear and her three cubs approached. The bear came within came within mere feet of Longobardi—so close that she could see the wind rustling the hair on the creature’s back. “She felt comfortable in our presence. It felt like this incredible gift that was a thank you to us for removing three-and-a-half tons of plastic. I feel like every time I actually clean a beach there’s something amazing that happens.” Longobardi did not become an artist over night. She has been exercising her creative talents through drawing and painting ever since she was a child. “In order to draw something,

PHOTO BY ALLYSON BUSCH | THE SIGNAL Pam Longobardi’s long term project, Drifters, recreates washed up pieces of plastic into artwork to raise environmental awareness. you really have to know it. It takes this intense looking and understanding. That’s how I made this early strong connection.” “I was always cracking rocks open and looking at things with magnifying glasses. I wanted to know as much as I could. It still is that way for me,” Longobardi continued. Though most of Longobardi’s creative attention has been devoted to running the Drifters Proj-

ect in Greece, Costa Rica and the United States, she said she also has her own studio work consisting of paintings and drawings. Longobardi’s next project— Plastic Free Island—will take place in Greece. The project will aim to cut the amount of plastic pollution on the island by involving local businesses with students from Georgia State, University of Technology, Sydney and Greece.


ARTS & LIVING

10

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Thrifting: hip for your closet, hip for the environment Minimize your carbon footprint PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL Shops like Highland Row Antiques sell used clothing

Thrift Clothing Aftercare

Did you know? •

One-third of a pound of fertilizer yields one pound of cotton, and one pound of cotton is used to make one t-shirt. Each year, more than two billion t-shirts are sold worldwide. 520 million pairs of jeans are sold in the U.S. yearly. The production of one t-shirt uses up 700 gallons of water. One pair of jeans uses 500 gallons. Synthetic fertilizers used in the manufacturing of clothing are 300 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. Cotton accounts for 16 percent of the world’s insecticides.

NAJA MCGOWAN Staff Reporter

P

art of the appeal of sifting through racks of used clothing is the thrill of the hunt. Some avid thrifters see potential in those musty racks of used clothing. “I used to thrift because it was cheap, but the more you thrift, you go outside your boundaries and your comfort zone. And I like finding different things I would not find at a normal store,” said Cleo Durham, a junior journalism major. But aside from providing an adventurous experience and a wardrobe with a cheap price tag, thrifting provides an opportunity for reducing the environmental cost of clothing. To understand the environmental impact new clothing has, you have to understand how new clothing is manufactured. “The textile industry is shared between natural fibers such as wool, silk, linen, cotton and hemp, and man-made ones, the most common of which are synthetic fibers (polyamide, acrylic) made from petrochemicals,” explained Jennifer L.

Asman, Georgia State’s sustainability program coordinator. “Most of the clothes in our wardrobes contain polyester, elastane or Lycra. Their manufacture creates pollution and they are hard to recycle, with nylon taking 30 to 40 years to decompose.” The environmental impact of clothing is not limited to synthetic fibers. The manufacturing process to make new clothes requires using vast amounts of water—700 gallons are used in the production of one cotton t-shirt. The affect new clothing production has on the environment has only grown with the shift of the fashion industry’s promotion of quicker, more disposable consumption. As clothing has become cheaper to make, clothing manufacturers have responded by creating more stock, leading to more waste products. “Since 1980, textile consumption in the U.S. has increased fivefold,” Asman said. “This means that every man, woman and child now buys more than 81 pounds of textiles every year. This includes 66 pounds of clothing, footwear, towels, sheets and pillowcases, of which about 10

pounds will be reused or recycled, leaving 56 pounds to be thrown in the trash.” Students can reasonably reduce the impact their clothing has on the environment by buying used clothing. Thrifting is both an adventure and a practice in sustainability. Shopping at thrift stores or consignment shops shows that you are willing to reduce the amount of raw materials and energy used in the manufacturing of new clothing. Donating unwanted items at thrift stores can also reduce the environmental impact of your clothing by insuring that it will be reused—not thrown in a landfill. “By re-wearing and reusing clothes, we save natural resources, reduce pollution and prevent the emission of climate changing greenhouse gases. So every item of clothing saved is a big benefit for the planet,” Asman said. For more information about how to implement more sustainable practices in your life check out go green.gsu.edu or visit the Office of Sustainability and 10 Park Place, Office 460 C.

Washing your clothes is a necessity; however, environmental impacts come from this process. Between 75 and 80 percent of our clothing’s life-cycle diminishes due to washing and drying. •

Make sure to only wash full loads of laundry to cut down on the large amount of water used in a standard washing machine. Wash clothes in cold water. It cleans clothes just as well as warm water, and cuts down on energy used to heat the water. Use phosphate-free and enviro-friendly detergents if you can afford to. Use sunshine instead of bleach if you have the time. Lay your whites in the sun to let them bleach naturally; you can take them outside while they are still soapy and hang them where they will receive at least five hours of direct sunlight.


ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Q&A WITH

Walter Pfister The “Transcendence” director discusses his new film starring Johnny Depp

SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM Staff Reporter

“T

ranscendence” tells the story of Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp), a researcher in Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine. It’s controversial impact makes him famous and a target for anti-technology extremists. When he is attacked, the people in his life upload him to a machine and the boundaries of technology are thrown into question. Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, Kate Mara and Cillian Murphy also star in the film. Walter Pfister has been working as a successful cinematographer in recent years. He is known for his collaborations with Christopher Nolan, having worked with him on “Inception” and The Dark Knight trilogy. Pfister won Best Cinematography for Inception at the 2010 Oscars. “Transcendence” is Pfister’s directorial debut. Q: How did your previous experience as a cinematographer influence your first directorial? PFISTER: Well, I think you’ll find in life that what you do in the past contributes to what you do later on. So everything I did with cinematography - all of [the] experience makes it easier when you get to be a director. Q: Artificial Intelligence movies have been a sub genre before, with movies like “Gattaca,” “Artificial Intelligence” and “Robocop.” What is different from those in “Transcendence”? PFISTER: I think partially what sets “Transcendence” apart is that it’s not strictly speaking in Artificial Intelligence. I think I can say—without any spoilers—that it’s a human mind being uploaded into a machine, so that makes it slightly different. Also it’s the catalyst for the emotional journey, the question if the machine contains any soul or not. Q: I know Jack Paglen wrote the script, but how much research did you do for the film? PFISTER: I did an enormous amount of research. Jack wrote the original screenplay, and I wrote the

drafts. I went on my own college tour and visited MIT and talked to professors in the field of nanotechnology, neurobiology and robotics. I also visited Stanford and Berkley and talked to professors. A few professors at Berkley helped enough that they basically became the on-hand consultants for the film. Q: Did you always want to progress to directing, or did this chance land in your lap? PFISTER: I think I always had the goal to direct something myself. As I became more successful as a cinematographer, it became more of a reality. Q: Sci-fi movies at some point drift outside of reality. How far does “Transcendence” step outside the science aspect? PFISTER: It’s fairly a good amount of fiction. In terms of where we pushed the limits, obviously you can’t upload a human mind into a machine with our current-day technology. Mapping the brain is as far as we’ve gotten so far. There are projects around the world. It is based on speculation, you know, what might be plausible in the future. Q: You mentioned emotional journeys with technology, it reminded me of “Her,” would you say they are similar in ways? PFISTER: When I saw the movie, I thought it was interesting, ‘cause it seems technology and it’s possibilities are on a lot of people’s minds lately. One journalist called it “The Dark Side of Her,” which I thought was kind of funny. Besides that and my admiration of the film, not much else is comparable. Q: What do you think is the most important thing you’ve learned from your work with great directors, such as Christopher Nolan? PFISTER: One of the great things about Chris Nolan is his discipline on set. He considers every minute of set time to be very precious. Having spent years around him, he doesn’t want to waste other people’s money and is respectful of that.

For more, visit www. georgialstatesignal.com

11


12

ARTS & L

Sustainable

Energy

Written by Endia Mathews, Staff Reporter & Jewel Wicker, Associate Arts & Living Editor Design by Anna Yang, Production Design Editor

SET joins forces with other organizations for Earth Week

S

tudent

members

of

see around the campus are

the Sustainable Energy

all courtesy of them,” Craig

Tribe at Georgia State Uni-

said.

versity want you to know

“We’ve had a lot of help

that they are not hippies

this semester, and the Of-

and they should be taken

fice of Sustainability has

seriously.

done a great job of pulling

PHOTO CREDIT: GSU SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRIBE

harp explained.

Sustainablity can incorporate more than just science. It can tackle social justice, crime, business, law, healthcare.” -Justin Brightharp,

“Once people hear what

really cool people for the

we’re about, they’re like ‘Oh

panels and the discussions.”

that’s cool’ and we’re like

One way that members

‘Heck yeah that’s cool,’” said

of SET are trying to encour-

and promote sustainability

Kelli Craig, SET’s public re-

age students to get involved

around campus.

lations assistant.

this year is by teaming up

Members of SET lob-

easier just branching out to

During the spring semes-

with other organizations to

bied for the office’s creation

different people,” Bright-

ter, Earth Week is the orga-

educate students about the

along with the green fee in

harp said.

nization’s biggest project.

truth about what they do.

2013.

SET secretary

SET was recently able to set up a table in city hall to help spread their mission to many other organizations, some of which are now contributing to Earth Week events this year. During Earth Week, SET hopes to continue to edu-

Atlanta Herpetology Club. “It has gotten better and

cate students about what they do.

EARTH WEEK EVENTS

Along with partnering

SET has been planning

with school organizations,

all semester to make this

This year, SET will host

“When people think of

what is slated to be one of

sustainability, they think

of

focuses

SET has also attempted to

year’s Earth Week activi-

their biggest Earth Weeks

of recycling,” said Justin

more on campus-wide sus-

spread it’s word to the city

ties exciting and engaging

yet. They have partnered

Brightharp, SET secretary.

tainability initiatives like

of Atlanta.

for students across campus.

Unlike SET, the Office Sustainability

with the Georgia State’s Of-

“Sustainability can in-

pushing for solar panels and

Due to Georgia State

In celebration of Earth Day,

fice of Sustainability and

corporate more than just

wind turbines, while SET

University’s open campus,

the organization has creat-

various other organizations

science. It can tackle social

focuses more on advocat-

many of the sustainable en-

ed a week of green-themed

to help educate and pro-

justice, crime, business, law

ing and getting students in-

ergy projects that SET wants

fun and volunteer activities.

mote sustainable energy for

[and] health care.”

volved.

to do have to be approved by

Earth Week is already

the city of Atlanta in addi-

underway, but there are still

tion to the university.

plenty of events for you to

students.

Prior to the opening of

The Office of Sustain-

a

the Office of Sustainability

abilty recently hosted a

graphic design class and

this semester, SET was the

Green Umbrella meeting,

“Emory can be [as] sus-

a marketing class, so the

main voice of the campus’

which included representa-

tainable as they want to, but

awesome f lyers that you

effort to “go green.” The or-

tives from several organiza-

they have their own cam-

ganization continues to ex-

tions, including the Nutri-

pus. We are in a city with

ecute several projects and

tion Student Network, the

an open campus, so ours is

holds events to help educate

Housing Committee and the

more of a battle,” Bright-

“We

worked

with

enjoy throughout the rest of the week!

For more information, visit www.gogreen.gsu. edu/earthweek


13

LIVING PHOTO CREDIT: GSU SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRIBE SET worked with marketing and graphic design students to make their 2014 Earth Week flyer.

PHOTO CREDIT: GSU SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRIBE

Tips For Starting A Garden In Your Dorm Room (Or Other Small Living Spaces) Starting a garden is already intimidating without the added pressure of starting one in a small living space. Some students may live in a dorm room where their windows don’t even open, and their windowsill is not big enough to grow a garden full of their favorite fruits and vegetables, or flowers. Fortunately, Sustainable Energy Tribe president Julie Smith shared some tips for students who need to get around these limitations. • Use old bottles and cans. Just cut the top off, poke a few holes in the bottom and you’re ready to go! Why? It’s sustainable and economical. • Start with plants that don’t take up a lot of space and are easy to maintain. • Food: Celery can be regrown from old stalks. Other great options are carrots, herbs (oregeno, rosemary, dill, etc.) and beets. • Plants: Stick with plants that don’t require a lot of water and can survive even if you’re forgetful. Examples include Pansies and Petunias. • Don’t be too ambitious. Start with one or two plants and then expand. • South-facing windows are ideal for growing plants, but a desk lamp is a suitable alternative.

Earth Week Events EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

• What: Green vendors, food, volunteer and internship opportunities, and more. Bring a recyclable or an old t-shirt to participate in the DIY station. • When: April 22 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Where: Unity Plaza

GREEN CONCIERGE SERVICE!

• What: SET is going door to door to collect your recyclable cans and bottles. • When: April 22 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. • Where: Patton Hall

VOLUNTEER DAY!

• What: Georgia State Recycling Center Volunteer, Nutrition Student Network Garden Plots or SET Garden Spruce Up (Participants must pre-register at Earth Day Festival or by emailing sustainability@gsu.edu by 4/22) • When: April 23 • Where: Various locations

PUT YOUR GREEN IN MOTION: ZUMBA OUTDOORS!

• What: The Rec Center is hosting two sessions of Zumba outdoors. • When: April 23 at 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. • Where: Unity Plaza

KEYNOTE SPEAKER RICK KUYKENDALL, LITIGATOR IN THE BP OIL SPILL OF 2010 • What: Keynote speaker Rick Kuykendall will speak on “The State of Environmental Law Through the Lens of BP” to commemorate the four year anniversary of the BP Oil Spill. • When: April 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Where: University Speakers Auditorium


ARTS & LIVING

14

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Daffodils cover Woodruff Park for Holocaust memorial Staff Reporter

T

PHOTO BY CANDRA UMUNNA | THE SIGNAL Am Yisrael Chai! partnered with Atlanta non-profits to plant daffodils in Woodruff Park to pay homage to children lost in the Holocaust.

his spring, something changed in Woodruff Park’s landscape—where there was previously green space, 20,000 yellow daffodils sprouted. The daffodils were planted in honor of the one-and-a-half million children who died in the Holocaust. This particular flower was chosen because the shape and color represents the yellow stars the Jews had to wear—the one flower that represents hope for the future. Am Yisrael Chai!, a new Atlanta non-profit Holocaust Education and Awareness Organization, contacted Central Atlanta Progress to partner with The National Center for Civil Rights on the daffodil project. Am Yisrael Chai! will not open its doors until this summer. But Wilma Sothern, the vice president of marketing for Central Atlanta Progress, came up with the idea to plant daffodils in Woodruff Park to launch the center’s efforts. “We are always looking for great ways to activate the park, and we thought by planting these beautiful, yet meaningful, flowers, it would be a great way to attract people to the park and show it in a very lovely light,” Sothern said. “What is more beautiful than thousands of yellow flowers, blowing in the wind?” Andrea Videlefsky, creator of

the daffodil project, explained that this project is very meaningful for her personally. She believes it is a tangible way of passing the message of Holocaust remembrance to the next generation. “The daffodils have a way of reminding us of this message, and they live on in our minds even as they become dormant, waiting to remind us again each spring,” Videlefsky said. Though Woodruff Park is owned by Central Atlanta Progress, students identify the park as being on campus. “I would like the students at GSU to anticipate the beauty and the strength of the daffodils as the cycle of nature brings them back each year. [They} can get involved in this project by coming out in the fall to help plant more daffodils,” Videlefsky said. The daffodils are an Atlanta project, but it is also a worldwide project for Am Yisrael Chai! There are currently over 22 areas around the world where daffodils are planted. Being heavily involved in the project, Sothern could not be more thrilled about its results thus far. “The visual impact and the beauty of a reminder of such pain, far exceeded any expectations that I had. I’m very happy,” she said. Videlefsky explained that the daffodils serve a two-fold purpose. “The daffodils create a magnificent green space and beautify

the city, but they also serve to remind the people of Atlanta that we are all part of a greater project of remembrance and action,” Videlefsky said.

Other places in Georgia where memorial daffodils are planted : • Blue Ridge - 600 • Congregation Beth Tefillah - 11,620 • Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance - 250 • Chabad of Cobb 280 • Hillel Kennesaw State University 370 • Congregation Or Hadash - 500 • Marist School - 500 • The Galloway School - 180 • The Breman Jewish History and Holocaust Museum - 6,000 • AA Synagogue 1,028


ARTS & LIVING

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

15

With small-town charm, Cannibals brings high quality food to EAV

PHOTO BY AFI CAKPO | THE SIGNAL

SYDNEY CUNNINGHAM Staff Reporter

O

ff Flat Shoals Avenue, tucked between a florist and a pet groomer, lies Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites, a sandwich shop and community mini-mart. Opened in December 2009, the shop is owned by partners Calavino Donati and Doria Roberts. Donati is no stranger to owning businesses. She has run Calavino’s Soul Kitchen in East Atlanta, Calavino’s in Oakhurst and Roman Lily Café in the Old Fourth Ward in previous years. At Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites, she is the designated chef, while Roberts is a singer/songwriter and activist who helps run the well-oiled machine that is their artisan shop. What separates Urban Cannibals from your average deli is the offer of a little more. With the vibe of a quaint general store, they have an ambitious menu full of unique organic items. Their sandwiches combine fresh ingredients to create dishes like grilled lamb gyros, cajun burgers, mustard green tabouli, coconut curry hummus sandwiches, and three unique renditions of their take on the Reuben. Cannibals is also a bakery that offers offers sweets and serves local H&F Co. Bread. The shop is also a bodega that attends to limited needs around the community. Running along shelves and cabinets throughout the shop are items ranging from natural snacks, organic ingredients and grocery items freshly stored that you won’t find conveniently anywhere else. Commonly mistaken for decorations, the items displayed are actually on sale. With the earthy and natural atmosphere in the store, it’s obvious that they are attempting to do

something greater than serve food. Donati and Roberts even provide food and care to their beloved elderly neighbor. While the quality of the food is delicious enough to be featured on Food Network, the price range rarely raises higher than ten dollars. Food Network featured them in early February of 2011 to air a segment completely devoted to their Urban Reuben sandwich, deliciously made with slow roasted Berkshire pork. It was featured on their show “Meat & Potatoes,” on an episode centered around places to find quality meat for a cheap price. The inspiration for the name ‘Urban Cannibals’ is explained on the store’s official Facebook: “Consumer of urban culture; the concept of urban dwellers ‘feeding off each other’ by creating sustainable cohesive communities through shared resources, talents and services. (e.g. urban gardens, neighborhood watch & co-ops, etc.)” Donati and Roberts both feel that when living an urbanized life, it is their duty to their community to be connected to their neighbors and town and less reliant on big corporations. Urban Cannibals receives drop offs of food from CSAs, which are community-supported agriculture that consumers can take part in from local farms. The food that is being made and served is with a neighborhood feel that values self sufficiency. The partners are not subtle about their effort in sharing and creating organic food for one another. Urban Cannibals serves creative meals and items and does so with the passionate innovation of a city and the integrity of a loving small town.

PHOTO BY RAVEN SCHLEY | THE SIGNAL Urban Cannibals values a neighborhood approach; the shop is both a locally owned deli and a convenience store.


reviews

16

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

ALBUM REVIEW

Off!: “Wasted Years”

T

Vice Release Date: April 8, 2014 Grade: B Verdict: You can’t say former Black Flag singer Keith Morris is stealing from the past; he’s merely living in it. MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

here are just certain people who seem to be, for better or worse, trapped in time, incapable of acknowledging that anything around them has changed and oblivious to anything resembling self-awareness. It can be one of those “for worse” cases when dealing with the guy who can’t mentally move past being the starting quarterback for some lousy high school football team 20 years ago. But if one of the elder statesmen of hardcore punk—Keith Morris (the original frontman for Black Flag who has to still be sore that people remember Henry Rollins long before they remember him)—wants to wander around in an adrenaline-soaked haze, playing the same kind of aggressive trashy punk rock he use to, like the late 80s in LA never stopped, then no one should stop him. Since forming the supergroup OFF! with Burning Brides’ Dimitri Coats on guitar, Red Kross’s Steven Shane Mcdonald on bass and Hot Snakes drummer Mario Rubalcaba, Morris seems quite content with pumping out the sonic equivalent of an 80s hardcorepunk time capsule. And “Wasted Years” shows no signs of stopping that trend. With OFF!’s latest full-length project, you get back a lot of what you got on their first quartet of EPs. Innovation need not apply. Keith Morris does what he does best with the lineup of OFF! in sneering and snaking out his way through 24 minutes of punchthrowing, face-breaking, hardcore punk at its finest.

So you can’t simply accuse OFF! of merely stealing from the past to make a record, as most of these guys were there making this music when it was new. They can, however, be accused for living in it. Instrumentally speaking, the lads of OFF! gel well together. Coats alternates between a churning, three-chord surf attack that occasionally rockets up to do some crazy things (“It Didn’t Matter To Me” and “Death Trip On A Party Train” have an almost grungesquelch to them), and Rubalcaba and Mcdonald hold the rhythm section down well enough. But if you’re looking for anything more than a sneering, booze-soaked, punk rock assault, you will be left looking in vain. Songs filter in, lingering just long enough to give you an impression before fizzling out. Some make bad impressions like the clunky, awkward-sounding “Legion Of Evil.” Others leave a decidedly “did they just use the same intro twice?” impression (“I Won’t Be A Casualty” and “Meet Your God”). Standout tracks do manage to nose their way out, though, with the crowd-pleaser, choruspowered “It Didn’t Matter To Me” and the snarling hook “Exorcised.” Criticizing a hardcore punk album for sounding repetitive feels like criticizing a five-year old kid for being short. Keith Morris isn’t changing his wheel anytime soon, and “Wasted Years” proves he still knows how to build that same oddly specific wheel and make it an enjoyable experience.

1 2 3

KIDKANEVIL My Little Ghost ESTA. Paradise MUTE SPEAKER Jong Wuk

4 5

MAC DEMARCO Salad Days

6 7 8

TEEBS Estara Estara YOUR FRIEND Jeckyll/Hyde

9

HANDBOOK Olden.

10

ADANOWSKY Ada

TWEENS Tweeens

MOBB DEEP The Infamous Mobb Deep

NOW PLAYING AT

MOVIE REVIEW

Captain America: Winter Soldier

Cinefest

Rating: PG-13 Running time: 136 mins. Grade: A Verdict: You don’t get the walking quip factory you’d get with Tony Stark, or the battle of immortal Gods you’d get with Thor, but Captain America knows how to bring the heart (and a giant shield). MAHAD MOUSSE Staff Reviewer

T

here really is no precedent for what Marvel Studios is attempting to accomplish with their juggernaut of a multi-film franchise. Make no mistake, they’re re-establishing the trend of emphasizing the franchise model over single films. So the fear is certainly warranted that in the rush to get to the must-see summer event of 2015, Marvel would risk rushing out a few half-assed sequels designed to introduce more characters into the Marvel Movie-verse at the expense of the movie leads. And with a character like Captain America, who doesn’t have the smugger-than-smug personality and murder suit of Tony Stark, or the gravitas of a thunder god like Thor, the chance for “Winter Soldier” being a weak after-thought to the Marvel movie franchise was a possibility. Thankfully “Winter Solider” stands head and shoulders above some of the weaker entries in this movie series.

Taking place after the events of “Avengers” (don’t worry, you didn’t have to see it to get into it), “Winter Soldier” finds Captain America trying his best to find purpose for himself in the 21st century and adjust to his unease of the new world of black and gray morality. Going in, the initial worry was that Captain America, removed from his element of World War II, would have a hard time carrying a movie that had to rest solely on his own shoulders. To compensate, “Winter Soldier” serves up a hell of an action-packed script, soaked with intrigue, and does much more to border this Marvel Movie Universe and everything you thought you knew about it. Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow returns (and gets A LOT more to do then just be a simple window dressing) and Chris Evans proves he can turn in a surprisingly reserved Captain America performance while keeping him engaging. That’s not to say “Winter Soldier” spends the whole time dredging up old characters and adding depth. Anthony Mackie marks the introduction to Captain America’s longtime right-hand man (and one of the first black

comic book heroes created by Marvel), Falcon. He gets a decent amount of time to service the plot and (spoiler alert: set up a great sequel hook for a proper team up). And, of course, the title character himself— the mysterious Winter Solider—is this movie’s T-1000 in the way he just steals every scene he’s in and ratchets the threat level up to 11. If there’s anything to complain about Winter Soldier, it’s that maybe one or two more Avengers references would have been nice. But the film never fully feels like it’s isolated from the rest of the Marvel Movie universe. The plot, while tight and action-packed, never feels self-contained. And while maybe you don’t get the walking quip factory you’d get with Tony Stark, or the battle of immortal Gods you’d get with Thor, Captain America brings the heart.

Synopsis: You know this movie. A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home-world. Showtimes: Weekdays: 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. Weekend: 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Rated: PG Running Time: 115 minutes


Study abroad column

Europeans don’t mess around when it comes to soccer

Music column

In defense of OutKast

I

PAUL DEMERRITT Columnist

CALEB ROBERTSON Columnist

Caleb Robertson is an english major at Georgia State. His golf cart’s name is Roxanne. Caleb spends his free time rock climbing and playing video games and is a strong supporter of Batman’s war on crime. He is currently studying abroad at Mainz University in Mainz, Germany.

Paul DeMerritt is a freelance journalist and musician with extensive experience reporting on the music and culture of Atlanta and the globe. Follow him @PaulDeMerritt

Follow him @CJRobertson10

I

had the opportunity this past weekend to finally experience a quintessential aspect of life in Europe: going to a live football—or as we call it in more “civilized” parts of the world—soccer match. The first sight that greeted me as I walked through the portal to our seating section was thousands of fans stretching out their Mainz scarves high above their heads and singing their team song at the top of their lungs. The entire arena was covered in red but for a small corner across the stadium, where the Werder Bremen fans stood in green and white. I went with my friend from Denmark, who moved to Mainz a couple years ago to be an au pair for a family whose father actually plays on the Mainz team. She explained that for some games, thousands of seats are left empty to keep the fans apart from each other. The fervor of the fans is impressive. Throughout the 90-minute match, they swung massive flags and led chants and songs that they belted out as loud as they could. I could see the Werder Bremen fans occasionally jump up and down, creating a ripple effect. A marked difference between American football games and this soccer match was the lack of advertisements. I suppose it’s largely due to the clock rules and the little stops in actual game play. All of the additional pageantry—the fireworks, the bands, the cheerleaders—were missing here, but it was all made up for by the organic excitement brought by the fans. This actually brought the game itself more into focus. Then again, how am I supposed to know where to get my brakes fixed unless a local auto shop gives free gift cards to a couple lucky fans? Also, fireworks kick ass. The game ended 3-0 for Mainz, and the fans streamed out to head to the local pubs to celebrate the victory, while still singing the songs and chanting the chants. It’s a unique experience, and the excitement was contagious. Even if you don’t support a team or even like soccer that much, a live soccer match is a sight worth seeing.

17

columns

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

f you’ve been paying any attention at all to the shifting tides and trends of social media, you may have noticed that Atlanta luminaries OutKast have recently played their first show in nearly a decade at the first weekend of Coachella. The hype surrounding the reunion has been bubbling past the boiling point and the expectations surrounding their performance were likely unsurpassable. So now that the dust has settled, Andre 3K rocked oversized overalls, Big Boi prowled the stage despite having a torn a ACL, and the reception is... incredibly lukewarm. Firsthand accounts of the reunion reported issues with poor sound, confusing setlist choices, a disillusioned Andre and Future? Really? I tried to temper my unrealistic fanboy expectations when I first watched the Coachella stream, but from the time the second the twinkling synths introduced the breackneck intensity of “B.O.B,” I was hooked. The Atlanta hip-hop deities seemed as on point as ever as they effortlessly traded their most syllabically complex verses like schoolyard jokes, and Big Boi and Andre smiled like old friends instead of international superstars. The setlist was nearly immaculate. All of the obligatory classics were represented along with early year odds-and-ends peppered in to please veteran OutKast fans. The set choices that seemed to rile attendees the most were Andre’s solo cuts off of “The Love Below”. I’ll admit his performance of these tunes was more than a little awkward, but there’s two points people seem to forget when criticizing Dre’s reintroduction into the limelight. 1. While Big Boi’s two solo releases have kept him a seasoned performer since OutKast’s hiatus, Andre has retreated from the stage and naturally still has some

cobwebs to dust off his live persona. 2. Those “Love Below” tracks had never been performed until Coachella. Was Dre being a little overambitious playing those songs for the first time? Yes. But who really ever expected him to play it safe? As for the technical complaints of the sound being lackluster, that was understandably disappointing. But the blame largely falls on Coachella for an improper soundcheck. It’s also baffling that Coachella decided to cut their closer, the infectious “The Whole World,” off halfway through. Sure, OutKast was going past their allotted time, but the most anticipated act of the entire festival deserved to have their set extended a few more minutes to finish off their last song. There is one complaint, however, that I feel is entirely valid. Future. Off all the stellar names that have rotated through OutKast’s features over the years, why oh why was Future deemed an appropriate guest? He was introduced with a brief snippet of his catchy yet guilty-pleasure hit “Same Damn Time” that cut through OutKast’s energy like a rusty butter knife through some awesome piece of (insert favorite flavor here) cake the world had been clamoring to taste for years. I have ample amounts of respect for Future, but the newcomer simply did not match the magnitude of ‘Kast’s comeback. OutKast still has nearly 40 shows left, so before you think of throwing stones at the occasionally rocky first reunion, remember that these two friends never had to come back. As of yet, no new music has been planned, they certainly didn’t reunite solely for the cash incentive, and they have no special interests to plug. Above all, OutKast came back for the fans. So the least we can do is have a little bit of patience for the two guys who helped put Atlanta on the map, no?

Sex column

Get busy this summer with my to “do” list

S

exually, I am always trying new things. So this is your summer assignment from me: try this list of must “do” sex acts!

candles or picking out the “mood music.” Make it a timed event—15 minutes tops. You can also have multiple quickies in a day because you won’t be as tired after.

When one of your senses is weakened, your other senses compensate. This is definitely the case when you have a blindfold on during sex. Your other senses go into overdrive and you experience them more powerfully. For me, my touch and hearing get stronger. My favorite thing to do is have my partner whisper in my ear and touch me in my erogenous zones while I’m blindfolded. You can make a blindfold from something around your home—a tie or scarf works wonderfully. When you’re tying the blindfold on your partner, kiss and whisper to your partner. This will get them turned on and ready for the main event.

Anal is one of my favorite sexual acts and I think everyone should at least give it a try, even if it might not be for everyone. I suggest finding a partner that has had experience with anal before. It can be painful the first time if neither one of the partners has tried it. Make sure to use A LOT of lubricant, and communicate with your partner during the sex act.

1. You (or your partner) wears a blindfold

RACHEL KINGSLEY Columnist

Rachel believes even though society has become more open about sex, it’s still a highly taboo subject. To become more open and accepting, she believes we need to start with education. Rachel shares her experiences. Follow her @rachelkingsley

2. “Make Love”

I really hate the phrase “make love” because it makes it sound cheesy—like it’s something your parents do. But most people don’t realize that sex and lovemaking are two completely different acts. When you experience the act of making love you’ll see it differently. It’s not just about sex; it’s about more. When someone who is in love makes love to their partner, they take care of all their needs, not just sexually, but at a deeper and more intimate level. Try spending more time on foreplay as opposed to rushing intercourse. Have your partner kiss you all over your body, give an erotic massage or have a good ole-fashioned make-out session. All these physical acts will help you and your partner connect on a more intimate level.

3. Have a quickie

Sometimes, all you have time for is a quickie—and sometimes it’s the best kind of sex. Having a quickie still releases all the good-feeling hormones, making you feel better after, even if you only have sex for a few minutes. Quickies also give you and your partner the freedom to have sex without a huge ordeal of foreplay, lighting

4. Anal sex

5. Outdoor sex

There’s nothing like getting back to nature by having sex outside. One of my favorite sexual memories was having sex while I was camping with my boyfriend. It was incredibly sensual when I was able to look up and see the moon, realizing I was naked in front of my partner and in front of nature. Now, I am definitely not saying go to Piedmont Park and try this. Don’t break any laws. What I am saying is that if you are ever in the position to have sex outside, try it. You won’t be disappointed.

6. Go to a sex shop

Atlanta has a few really great sex shops; my favorite is Inserection off of Cheshire Bridge Road. Take your partner and pick out some new toys to use later, get some new lubricants to try or pick up an adult movie to watch together. Doing this as a couple will help you both get more of an idea about what you’re both into or want to try. Plus, going with your partner can be more of a relaxed experience than going with your friends. You’re friends may not know about all of your fetishes and it may get uncomfortable if you pick out something they think is weird. With your partner, you can explore the store together, making a choice that you both know you’ll enjoy.


THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014 Noon - 3 p.m. 路 Dahlberg Hall

OPEN TO ALL GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Contact Robert Maxson at 404-413-1831 for more information

career.gsu.edu | 404-413-1820

To request disability accomodations at this event, please contact the University Events Management at: 404-413-1377/ events@gsu.edu.


calendar&games

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Sudoku Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.36) 1

5

8

4

9 8

9

4

2

2

9

8

2

April 24 11:00-12:30 p.m. Speakers Auditorium: 150 Student Center Come out and listen to what Rick Kuykendall has to say about the BP oil spill. He will speak about the state of environmental law as it relates to that event.

1 8

7

3

6

5

1

4

6

2

3

55

4 2

2

3

7 9 78 7

72 37 9

7

6

2

66 9 8 4

5 2

9 7

6

4

3 85 6

3

26

9

2

3

7

3

6

8

6

April 25 6-12 p.m. Ticket prices: TBA For one night only, go to Six Flags on a discounted price with your

8

Distinguished Speakers Series: Jack Hanna 3

Finals Break: Sip N’ Strokes

4

1

8 5

6

April 28

Student Center Ballroom Campus events continues its speaker’s serious with one of the most renowned animal experts in the world, Jack Hanna. As he will share his experiences, Hanna and his team will also bring live animals. A meet a greet will follow after his

6

2

5

7

7

Inman Park April 25 - April 27 The Inman Park Street Festival will feature music, an artist’s market, a street parade and a tour of homes. The festival was created in the 1970s to bring attention to gentrification efforts within the community. ForPuzzle more information, visit 4 (Easy, difficulty InmanParkFestival.org

6

3

6

9

2

4

Fox Theatre Welcomes Zoo Atlanta “Spring Fling w/ Wild Things” Tours

Fox Theatre Saturdays through May 17 The Fox Theatre is allowing visitors to embrace the Arabianthemed venue with the help of a few animals from Zoo Atlanta. rating 0.40)

April 28 6-7:45 p.m. or 8-9:45 p.m. Student Center Ballroom With finals underway, wind down with a relaxing painting session. Paint a masterpiece while enjoying mock beverages, light refreshments and spoken word from other Georgia State students.

Earth Day

Atlanta Botanical Garden April 22 This year the Atlanta Botanical Garden will celebrate Earth Day with Ladybug Releases and informative events about it’s conservation programs.

VALET ATTENDANTS 7

6

5

2

1

8

VALET ATTENDANTS 7 6 1 Eagle Parking is now hiring Full Time and

2

3

8

5

6

Part Time Valet Attendants at our Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta locations.

3

8

Must be able to drive manual transmission vehicles Must have clean MVR Must be at least 18yrs old Must have valid drivers license Must be able to regularly pass drug tests Must be willing to work outside and in all weather conditions

8

9

6

33 p.m.

7

7

9

speech. This event was rescheduled because of the snow back in February. You don’t want to miss it this time around.

Downtown Events

Requirements:

2 4

8 at Six Flags7 GSU Night

Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes

9

Puzzle 3 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.52)

18

4

2

4 4

1

1

fellow Georgia State students. Enjoy rollercoasters, food and fun. Contact campusevents@gsu.edu for more information on this event.

4

4

9

2 5

5 1

Puzzle 2 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.54)

3

3

5

4 9

Keynote: Rick Kuykendall

7

4

3 1

Campus Eventsdifficulty rating 0.54) Puzzle 2 (Medium,

1

4

19

3

9

5

2

8

9 6 7

5

For consideration, please visit & submit your info at www.eagleparking.com/employment; then send your resume along with a cover letter to: hr@eagleparking.com

1 4

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/~jdhildeb/software/sudokugen/ on Sat Apr 19 19:36:57 2014 GMT. Enjoy!

Puzzle 4 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)

6 1

8

7

5 7

6

5

1

8

6

2

1 3

8

5

3 7 5

6 8

3 9

2

2

9 6

8

NAUTIX LIFEGUARDS & MAINTENANCE, LLC. IS NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER 2014

7

SCAN TO APPLY! 6FDQ WR $SSO\

1

• Flexible Schedules • Full and Part Time • Competitive Pay • Bonuses Available • Employee Events • Cobb, Cherokee, & other area locations


SPORTS

www.georgiastatesignal.com/sports

BEST MOMENTS OF THE YEAR Written by: Akiem Bailum

1. MEN’S BASKETBALL WINS OUTRIGHT SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP

Georgia State Men’s Basketball clinched the regular season Sun Belt Conference Championship when they defeated Texas State with a 66-55 victory at Strahan Coliseum on March 1. It was the Panthers’ first regular season conference tournament victory since the 2000-01 season. The victory also clinched the number one seed for Georgia State in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Georgia State began the season 3-6, before it embarked on a 14-game winning streak that lasted from December to February that, at the time, was the sixth-longest in the nation. The Panthers finished the regular season with a record of 25-7, along with a record of 17-1 in the Sun Belt. No other team in the conference had less than six losses.

Despite the football team’s woes last season, it did produce a bright spot when wide receiver Albert Wilson was invited to tryout at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. At the combine, Wilson posted an official time of 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash— tied for the seventh-fastest for his position. In the gauntlet drills, Wilson caught every pass thrown to him. Wilson has since visited the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his performance at the Combine. He’s also been said to be on the radar of the Green Bay Packers, whose scouts were at Georgia State’s Pro Day. His invitation was a first for the Georgia State football program whose 2013-14 season was only its fourth in existence.

PHOTO BY: CHRIS SHATTUCK | THE SIGNAL

2. 1,000 POINT SCORERS

Men’s and women’s basketball honored individual accomplishments by its players this season. On the men’s side, Georgia State became one of three school’s in the nation with four active players to score at least 1,000 points for their collegiate careers. The four players were R.J. Hunter, Ryan Harrow, Manny Atkins and Devonta White. Atkins was the latest to reach the millennial mark when he scored 21 points in a 75-60 Panthers win over the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks on February 20. He came into the game needing only seven to reach 1,000. Three days earlier, in the team’s first matchup since Troy snapped the 14-game

6. ABIGAIL TERE-APISAH

3. ALBERT WILSON INVITED TO NFL COMBINE

winning streak, Harrow reached the 1,000 point plateau when Georgia State defeated Texas State by a score of 68-41 at the Sports Arena. Hunter scored his 1,000th point in the loss to Troy. White achieved this feat in the Panthers’ final game of the 2012-2013 season—a 90-84 overtime loss at home to Northeastern. The women’s team also had two starters reach 1,000 points. Senior guard Kendra Long scored hers at the free-throw line in the key moments of a game at home against Kennesaw State. Redshirt junior guard Alisha Andrews scored her 1,000th career point against Western Kentucky with a three pointer in the team’s last regular season game on March 8th.

Tere-Apisah defeated No. 4 Zsofi Susani of California in straight sets—the biggest upset of her career.

8. OPENING DAY WALK-OFF GSU baseball defeated Illinois 5-4 in ten innings on Opening Day at the Baseball Complex with a walk-off home run from Greg Bowder.

9. MARIA PALACIOS Palacios on the 21st annual John Kirk Panther Intercollegiate for her first win of her Georgia State career. Palacios has had three top five finishes this year.

PHOTO BY: ANDRES CRUZ-WELLMANN

4. MICHAEL NWILOH BECOMES FIRST GEORGIA STATE SOCCER PLAYER DRAFTED TO MLS

Former Georgia State defender Michael Nwiloh made history when he became the first Panther to be drafted into Major League Soccer in January. Chivas USA selected Nwiloh in the fourth round of the MLS Super Draft with the 59th overall pick. The 23-year-old was drafted into MLS despite not being invited into the league’s combine and received little discussion in terms of him being a potential draftee. Hailing from Conyers, Nwiloh played four years with Georgia State, in which he finished with nine career points on two goals and five assists after redshirting his freshman year in 2009. In December, the National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America named Nwiloh to its All-South Region Second Team. Chivas recently signed Nwiloh to an official contract.

5. FATHER-SON DUO NAMED SUN BELT CONFERENCE COACH AND PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The Sun Belt Conference named Georgia State guard R.J. Hunter and his father, Head Coach Ron Hunter, the conference’s player and coach of the year, respectively. In Georgia State’s first year in the conference, R.J.

PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

7. HANNAH STEFANOFF’S SUCCESSFUL 2013 This included her winning two races: the JSU/Struts Invitational and the Coach “O” Classic where she beat her personal bests in the 4,000 and 5,000 meter races. Stefanoff had five top 10 finishes and was named Sun Belt Runner of the Week twice.

PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

10. GEORGIA STATE’S SAND VOLLEYBALL TEAM Sand volleyball ranked as high as No. 8 in the AVCA rankings in only its second year of existence.

PHOTO BY: TAYLOR BUSCH | THE SIGNAL Hunter finished fourth in the conference, scoring with 18.3 points per game. He also finished the season with the highest free throw percentage in the conference, shooting more than 88 percent from the free-throw line. Hunter was also in the top 50 in the NCAA in steals and the

top 20 in the nation for freethrow percentage. Head coach Ron Hunter led the Panthers to a 24-7 record in 2013-14, including a 17-1 mark in the team’s first year in the conference beating every team in the conference.


21

SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

WORST MOMENTS OF THE YEAR Written by: Eric Yeboah

1. TENNIS VIOLATIONS

Men’s Tennis Head Coach Joerg Barthel and Assistant Coach Cesar Vargas were dismissed after both were accussed of numerous NCAA and Georgia State Athletics violations. An internal investigation revealed gambling on collegiate and professional sports, misuse of University money and alcohol use as only a few of the many allegations. The situation turned out to become a blame game between the two coaches who used to be good friends, but fell apart during the situation. For the full story, go to georgiastatesignal.com/sports.

na-Lafayette rallied in the final minute of regulation to force overtime before pulling out an 82-81 victory over the topseeded Panthers. Harrow’s lastsecond shot to win the game, as well as the Panthers’ March Madness chances, fell short.

3. FOOTBALL GOES WINLESS

The 2013 football season is one the Panthers would love to forget. After winning only one game in 2012, the Panthers finished 2013 0-12. The defense

could not make an impact on the game, as they allowed 36.7 points per game, and the offense struggled to put points on the board, averaging 18.8. The dismal season led to low attendance at games and was evident at the Jacksonville State game, where less than 300 students in the student section were in attendance.

4. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BLOWN-OUT IN SUN BELT TOURNAMENT

2. HARROWS’ MISSED SHOT IN SUN BELT FINAL

The men’s basketball run in the Sun Belt came to an abrupt end as Ryan Harrow missed a last-second layup to fall to Louisana-Lafayette in the Sun Belt final. Harrow stole the show scoring a career-high 37 points and carried the team to a 11-point lead with five minutes to play. However, Louisa-

PHOTO BY: MIKE EDEN | THE SIGNAL

PHOTO BY: CHRIS SHATTUCK | THE SIGNAL The Panthers’ season came to an embarrassing end at the Sun Belt tournament as they were obliterated by Texas State 78-44 in the first round of the Sun Belt tournament. The Panthers were sitting in second in the conference with a 6-2 conference record midway through the season, but then injuries took its toll on the team. Four players missed a total of 36 games including two starters: Ashley Watson and Haley Gerrin. The Panthers finished with a 12-19 overall record and 8-10 in the Sun Belt.

5. STREAK SNAPPED

The men’s basketball team’s longest streak in the program’s history came to a screeching halt Feb. 15 against Troy on ESPN2. The Panthers were on a 14-game winning streak at the time, but had not played in eight days due to winter storm Pax that shut down Atlanta for a week. Troy was 4-8 in conference play at the time. The loss began the Panthers’ woes on ESPN as they went 0-2 on games broadcasted on ESPN this season.

Miss Consistency

Maria Palacios emerges as one of women’s golf’s top players JEREMY JOHNSON Staff Reporter

M

aria Palacios has been the modal for consistency in her two seasons of playing golf at Georgia State. Palacios is a native of Castellon, Spain and is a Western Texas College transfer. Last year, she concluded her first season at Georgia State with one top 10 finish, but she placed in the top 25 five times in her 10 tournaments. This season, Palacios’ consistency has made a significant leap. Palacios has emerged with six top 25 finishes and five top 10 finishes, including winning the John Kirk Panther Intercollegiate. Teammate and close friend Lauren Court thinks Palacios’ consistency has helped motivate and calm the players around her. “She’s really pushed the team to be better,” Court said. “She’s one of those people that just plays because she loves it. “She doesn’t think too much, and she’s really brought that into the team, and that’s been good for us.” “She’s also consistent every time, she’s a person you can depend on to play well,” she said. Not only is Palacios’ play consistent, but her on-course demeanor is also consistent despite the score. Palacios holds the same demeanor whatever the situation is, and she is not easily rattled. This allows her to make calculated decisions on where to place her shots and not allow pressure to break her.

“You can’t ever really tell when she’s playing good or bad by her facial expression, which is a big deal for golfers,” Court said, “because a lot of us wear our emotions on our sleeves.” “With [Palacios], she could be shooting 100, she could be shooting 52, you just never know. She could be breaking world records and you wouldn’t be able to tell,” Court said. Palacios believes that a consistent routine has helped her improve from last season after making a few tweaks. “I usually go to the gym before [tournaments] with Laura [Sanchez]. I always go to the gym and warm up,” Palacios said. “I don’t think I did it last year, but this year we did it no matter what,” Palacios said. “It makes you play better I guess, if you have a routine. It makes you ready,” she said. Palacios said she can see the changes in herself from her days at Western Texas College. She is more even keel and that has helped her to develop her game. “I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I mean, still think I can get better. There are still areas that I have to improve, but I kind of know how now,” Palacios said. “I didn’t know before. I was just like crazy, you know, and was just playing,” she said. “Now I focus more, and I have a routine, and I do certain things I didn’t do before,” she said. Palacios’ calm temperament has allowed for consistency. But she broke through in a big way for her first collegiate victory with a little extra motivation from her sister who made

PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS the journey from Spain to watch and show her support for Palacios. “It was good because my sister got to watch it,” Palacios said of her victory in the John Kirk Panther Intercollegiate. “I always try to win, but because my sister was there, I was more excited about playing,” Palacios said. “She came all the way from Spain to watch me play.”

The 2013-14 season was definitely special for Palacios, but the disappointing finish still looms fresh in the mind of Palacios. The Panthers fell short of a NCAA Tournament regional bid with their fifth place finish in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. “I was really confident that we were going to play good or better anyway, but

I guess we were too nervous,” Palacios said. “Sometimes when you really want it so much it can mess you up on your game,” she said. Palacios was quick to see the bright side. “We had good fun, apart from the golf,” she said. “We always have fun with the girls.”


22 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 23 19

SPORTS

Ware commits to Georgia State Former Louisville guard Kevin Ware committed to Georgia State ALEC MCQUADE Sports Editor

K

evin Ware, former guard for Louisville, will transfer to Georgia State as he committed last Saturday during his visit to the University. After committing, Ware quickly updated his bio on his twitter account @5Juice to “2013 National Champion. Georgia State Guard.” Ware was likely to sign after he took to Twitter at 11:58 p.m. Friday and tweeted “GSU” with two emojis of the number 100 next to each other. The tweet received more than 100 retweets and favorites. PantherTalk was reporting soon after the tweet they had sources that confirmed Ware would be committing to Georgia State. The Georgia native told the AJC that Georgia State is a “perfect fit” and is glad he will be closer to home. He said he will petition to the NCAA for immediate eligibility. Ware picked Georgia State over Auburn, another school he reportedly had interest in. Before signing to Louisville, Ware committed to Tennessee under the

direction of Bruce Pearl, but Pearl was fired soon after. Ware then de-committed and signed with Louisville. Pearl is now the new head coach of the Auburn Tigers, and many thought Ware would pick Auburn to get the chance to play under Pearl like he originally planned. Ware announced he would be transferring from Louisville on March 29, the day after Louisville lost to Kentucky in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament. Ware is famous for a terrible injury he sustained in the 2013 men’s basketball tournament where be broke his leg on a 3-point shot. He only missed the last few games of the Louisville’s National Championship run in Atlanta, but then only played nine games of the 2013-14 season after sustaining another injury. Ware is 6-2, 175 pounds and averaged 3.1 points per game at Louisville. In the 2013 season, Ware scored 167 points shooting 45 percent from the floor, 41 percent from 3-point range. Ware has two years of eligibility remaining. Ware is a Georgia native and graduated from Rockdale County High School.

APRIL IS STD AWARENESS MONTH

Women’s tennis brings home Sun Belt title championship ALEC MCQUADE Sports Editor

PHOTO CREDIT: LOUISVILLE ATHLETICS Kevin Ware committed to Georgia State during his visit with Head Coach Ron Hunter.

Medical Network for Education & Research is conducting FREE screenings for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Hunter’s contract extended to 2020

You should be screened if you: 1. Are at least 18 years of age; 2. Have had a positive test for Gonorrhea iGonorrhea or Chlamydia and have not received any antibiotic treatment; 3. Have had unprotected genital contact with someone known to be positive for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia and have not received any antibiotic treatment. If you suspect you have Gonorrhea or Chlamydia and have not been tested, free screenings will be conducted at our office in April and May by appointment only. Treatment options will be provided. Please contact the study coordinator for more information: Loretta Patrick, R.N. 404 292-1144 or mednetstudyteam@gmail.com

IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW:  Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease. CDC estimates that, annually, 820,000 people in the United States get new gonorrheal infections.  It is especially common among young people ages 15-24 years.  Any sexually active person can get gonorrhea through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Redemption was served. The women’s tennis team brought a conference championship back to Georgia State for the first time in the program’s history since 2009 with a dominant performance this weekend defeating South Alabama in the Sun Belt final 4-1 Sunday in New Orleans. The Panthers redeemed last year’s disappointing end to their season when they fell in the final of the Sun Belt tournament. But this year, it was smooth sailing through the bracket, and the win guarantees them a bid in the NCAA tournament. “It feels amazing to bring a championship back to Georgia State,” Interim Head Coach Robin Stephenson said. “We’ve worked hard for this. We came up short the last few times, so it’s great to get over that hump and finally get the W in the finals.” The Panthers started Sunday’s final winning two of their three doubles matches. The No. 1 pair of Masa Grgan and Abigail Tere-Apisah won 8-2, and Marcia Tere-Apisah with partner Tarani Kamoe snuck by with an 8-6 win. Georgia State clinched the title with Linn Timmerman coming from behind after dropping the first set. She defeated Emily Newton 3-6, 6-1, 6-3. *For full story, go to georgiastatesignal.com/sports.

ERIC YEBOAH Staff Reporter

M

en’s basketball Head Coach Ron Hunter received a two-year extension to his contract Friday that will keep him at Georgia State until at least April 30, 2020. Hunter will receive an increase in his base salary to $425,000 in the 2014-15 season. Additionally, if Hunter leads Panthers to an NCAA appearance, this base salary would increase $500,000. The buyout clause will remain the same at $650,000. This came roughly a month after Hunter led the Panthers to a Sun Belt regular season championship, posting a 25-9 record overall and a 17-1 in the conference. This was his second extension since taking the position in 2011. The 2013-14 Sun Belt Coach of the Year has brought success to the program since he arrived, signing great talent like Ryan Harrow, Manny Atkins, R.J. Hunter and, recently, Kevin Ware. In just three seasons, Hunter has totaled 65 wins, including two post season berths, while setting both school and conference

winning streak records. Hunter has enjoyed his time at Georgia State and is striving for more. “We are excited to be here, we are excited to bring championships to Georgia State and we are excited to bring postseason opportunities to this great university and its incredible students, alumni and fans,” Hunter said to Georgia State Athletics. “I especially want to say thank you to all of those who made this possible, including my great coaching staff – which I feel is the best in the country – and of course to my players.” For Athletic Director Cheryl Levick, Coach Hunter is who they envision to lead the program, and the extension shows that. “It was an absolute pleasure to extend coach Ron Hunter’s contract,” Levick said to Georgia State Athletics. “Ron [Hunter] epitomizes what we want in a coach, a leader and a role model for the Georgia State Athletics Department, and he has all the characteristics needed to build a powerhouse program in the Sun Belt Conference. We have made a commitment to each other through 2020 and look forward to many championship celebrations in the coming years.”


STAFF PREDICTIONS

PANTHER Of The Week Guest pick of the week

GEORGIA STATE ATHLETICS

ALYSIAH WHITTAKER

The Scoreboard Men’s Soccer

Former Georgia State defender Michael Nwiloh became the first athlete in Georgia State history to sign a contract to play for a Major League Soccer team. Nwiloh will play for Chivas USA in Los Angeles, Calif.

Baseball

On picking Virginia: “Virginia will win the series because they have one of the deepest pitching staffs in the nation, including 10 guys with an ERA less than 3.00.” On picking UL-L: “UL-L has two players with over 40 RBI and two pitchers with more than 13 wins. They are a tough team for anyone to beat twice.”

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD

Alysiah Whittaker set a new school record, throwing the shot put 14.59m (47-08.5) Saturday. Whittaker’s throw was good enough for fifth place in the event out of 29 competitors in the War Eagle Invitational in Auburn, Ala. Her previous best distance in shot put was 43-10. The new record surpassed former Panther Yolanda Berryhill’s 2008 record of 47-06.5. Whittaker was a two-time allconference honoree in the shot put at Northwest in Cedar Hill, Mo. Whittaker is a freshman from St. Louis, Mo. studying pre-accounting.

23 19

SPORTS

TUESDAY, APRIL 22,10, 2014 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2013

Matt Lee Arsenault Arsenault is a graduate assistant for Georgia State Athletics Communication Department.

On picking: GSU Softball “The Panthers will use timely hitting and quality pitching to surprise the Bulldogs.”

STAFF:

This weekend, Georgia State played a series against conferencefoe Texas State in San Marcos, Texas. In the first game, the Panthers lost 8-1 to the Bobcats on Friday. Sophomore catcher Joey Roach drove in the lone run for Georgia State. The Panthers lost the second game 4-2 on Saturday as outfielder Chase Raffield extended his hitting

David

Jeremy

National

BASEBALL April 22 Mississippi (12) √ √ √ √ vs. Mississippi State (22) April 25-27 (3-game series) Virginia (18) √ √ vs. Florida State (28) √ √

Sun Belt

BASEBALL April 22 Louisville (9) √ √ √ √ vs. WKU April 22 UT Arlington vs. Oklahoma √ √ √ √ SOFTBALL April 22 (2-game series) Baylor (12) √ √ √ √ vs.

Akiem

Georgia State

BASEBALL April 23 Savannah State vs. GSU √ √ √ √ April 25-27 (3-game series) GSU √ √ √ vs. Arkansas State √ SOFTBALL April 23 GSU √ √ vs. Georgia √ √ April 26-27 (3-game series) GSU √ √ √ √ vs. Louisiana Monroe

GUEST: √ Matt Lee Arsenault

streak to 13 games.

lie Wilson also went undefeated.

Sand Volleyball

Softball

Georgia State finished second in the Florida State Tournament last weekend in Tallahassee, Fla. In the silver pool, Georgia State’s No. 2 pair of Jansen Button and Sara Olivova went undefeated, and in the AA pool, Milani Pickering and Nata-

UL Lafayette April 18-20 LSU (22) √ √ √ vs. South Alabama √

The Panthers defeated South Alabama 10-6 at home on Wednesday. This year’s team surpassed the home run record of 47 set by the 2006 team with 48 hit so far this season. Georgia State faced South Ala-

Sun Belt Standings (as of Saturday, April 19) STANDING

BASEBALL

SOFTBALL

1st

UL Lafayette 15-1 | Overall:35-4

UL Lafayette 11-1 | Overall: 30-7-1

2nd

Arkansas State 11-5 | Overall: 22-16

WKU 8-3 | Overall: 28-13-1

3rd

Texas State 9-7 | Overall: 20-17

South Alabama 10-4 | Overall: 33-8

4th

South Alabama 8-8 | Overall: 18-20

Georgia State 7-6 | Overall: 23-22

5th

UT Arlington 8-8 | Overall: 16-22

UL Monroe 4-7 | | Overall: 18-16

6th

UL Monroe 7-9 | Overall: 16-24

Texas State 4-8 | Overall: 21-24

7th

WKU 7-10 | Overall: 19-20

Troy 2-9 | Overall: 18-25-2

8th

Troy 6-9 | Overall: 19-19

UT Arlington 2-9 | Overall: 17-24

9th

Georgia State 5-11 | Overall: 17-21

---

10th

UALR 4-12 | Overall: 15-20

---

bama on the road last weekend. In the first game, the Panthers lost 8-0.

Women’s Golf

Georgia State finished fifth in the Sun Belt Conference Championship this week in Loxley, Ala. The team shot 71-over for the tournament. Maria Palacios led the team tying for ninth in the tournament with 12over for the tournament.


What’s

Supported by Student Activity Fees

Happening ay April-M4 201 Monday Tuesday Courtyard Music Series: Angelina Sherie

Soul Food Cypher 7-9 p.m. 460/465 University Center

Finals Break: Sips N Strokes

6-10 p.m. Student Center Ballroom See details below.

12-1 p.m. Courtyard Stage Student Center

21

To request disability accommodations at this event, please contact the University Events Management at 404-413-1377 or events@gsu.edu. Please provide your name, event name, date and sponsor when making your request.

22

Wednesday Georgia State Story Tellers

24

FINALS WEEK

FINALS WEEK

6 p.m.-Midnight Six Flags Over Georgia See details below.

FINALS WEEK

3&4

2

30

Distinguished Speaker Series: Jack Hanna

26 & 27

25

FINALS WEEK

MAY 1

29

Sat-Sun

Friday GSU Night at Six Flags

23

7-10 p.m. Speaker’s Auditorium Student Center See details below.

FINALS WEEK

28

Thursday

3 p.m., Student Center Ballroom See details below.

For event details, visit our websites: Campus Events studentevents.gsu.edu

Cinefest Film Theater spotlight.gsu.edu/cinefest

Spotlight Programs Board spotlight.gsu.edu

Student Government Association sga.gsu.edu

Student Media studentmedia.gsu.edu

Student*University Center studentcenter.gsu.edu

GSU NIGHT

FRIDAY

SI X FLAGS at

APRIL 25

6 p.m.-

FR

EE

Midnight

PARKING

TICKETS Student ISCOUNTS! FOR D BUY EARLY try & Meal) (Entry / En

NOW till April 18

$23 / $33

At The Gate

April 21 - 24

$33 / $43

$28 / $38

Faculty, Staff, ALUM

NI And Guests (Entry / Entry & Meal)

NOW till April 18

April 21 - 24

$30 / $40 $35 / $45

TICKETS ON SALE AT

CAMPUS TICKETS

$40 / $50

N TICKET R U E T , 8 o r 15

R E1 EE JUN

F

FR

AND ONLINE

studentevents.gsu.edu Season passes not allowed

At The Gate

OR

E.T., April 21-27

FREE for GSU students, faculty & staff with ID. Guests $3 before 5 p.m. & $5 at 5 p.m. & after.

“Night Flight� Series, April 21-25

Film Theater

M: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m. TU-F: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 9 p.m. 4"5 Q N Q N Q N t 46/ Q N Q N Q N Q N . ' Q N t 56 5) Q N Q N

A History of Nexus, April 24 5) Q N

JACK HANNA THE

Georgia State University Campus Events continues the tradition of

Cinefest

DISTINGUISHED

SPEAKER 2013-2014

3 p.m.

SERIES

.PDL #FWFSBHFT t -JHIU 3FGSFTINFOUT t 4QPLFO 8PSE Student Center Ballroom Student Paint Sessions: 6-7:45 p.m., 8-9:45 p.m. (FPSHJB 4UBUF 4UVEFOU XJUI * %

FREE MONDAY, April 28 Student Center Ballroom

Jack Hanna, host of the hit TV series Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, is one of America’s most beloved naturalists and adventurers. He is the author of four popular books and a regular guest on shows such as Good Morning America, Larry King Live and The Late Show With David Letterman. Hanna À UVW JDLQHG QDWLRQDO DWWHQWLRQ IRU WUDQVIRUPLQJ Ohio’s rundown Columbus Zoo into a household name, and he is now its director emeritus. He and his team will bring live animals to this event.

Followed by MEEt AND GREET

studentevents.gsu.edu

(VFTU

5JDLFUT XJMM CF TPME BU $BNQVT 5JDLFUT $BTI DSFEJU DBSE 1BOUIFSDBTI DIFDL PS NPOFZ PSEFS QBZBCMF UP (FPSHJB 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ 5JDLFUT XJMM OPU CF BWBJMBCMF BU $BNQVT 5JDLFUT BGUFS Q N EBZ PG FWFOU

7 p.m. &OKPZ ĂśOF NVTJD XJUI BSUJTUT -JUUMF #PYFT 3JEHF .POJRVF"OHF Tialae


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Vol 81 No 29 | April 22- April 28 by The Signal - Issuu