Issue 11 | Volume 104

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@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University December 10, 2024

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Remembering Laken Riley

How students are prioritizing running safety Kate Briesemeister

Students from GCSU’s run club,

Staff Writer

GC Prowlers, shared their safety

an who was murdered while she was on her daily run. She was enrolled in Augusta University, where she studied nursing. Riley was running on a trail near Lake Herrick, which is near UGA’s intramural fields in Athens, Ga. when

measures when they went on runs.

Many runners, particularly females, feel impacted by Riley’s murder, and are now amplifying the safety measures that they now take.

“I always run with an alarm that will call 911 or emergency contacts and stuff like that, and I’m never in

José Ibarra attacked and killed her.

sketchy areas when it’s dark,” said Au-

Ibarra was subsequently arrest-

drey Stipple, a junior exercise science

ed and tried for Riley’s murder, and

major. “I would say mentally, it has

on Nov. 20, was found guilty on nine

made me a lot more aware that things

counts that make up his attack on Ri-

can happen to you even when you are

ley. Per his request, Ibarra was not

doing all the right things. It doesn’t

tried by a jury, but his attorneys are

mean you should stop running, but

already requesting a new trial, calling

you just have to be a lot more alert.”

unspecified evidence into question.

See RILEY | Page 2

Sabrina Carpenter

A Nonsense Christmas Kylie Rowe A&L Editor

OPINION

In recent memory,

Laken Riley was a 22-year-old wom-

Sabrina

Carpenter,

the beautiful, hilarious pop princess that she is, now has a Netflix special, “A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter” released on Dec. 6. This special was the equivalent of a holiday, girly Saturday Night Live episode.

Carpenter spent this 49-minute show performing songs from her Christmas EP “fruitcake” in various beautiful costumes. While all of the costumes had a holiday flare, they were primarily focused on accenting Carpenter’s absolutely perfect features.

The special also featured many guest stars, musical and comedic.

The musical guests were all women, and mostly new to the industry.

Honestly, I need every duet on Spotify immediately. I can’t even choose my favorite one.

Tyla appeared in a cute red bow outfit and sang “This Christmas” and Carpenter took the low harmony which I was so impressed with, and they both sounded absolutely lovely. In contrast, Carpenter sang “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” with Kali Uchis where she took the high note and showed off her gorgeous vocal range.

Musical guest appearances also included Chappell Roan and

Shaina Twain both appearing in festive costumes

and

singing

“Last Christmas” and “Santa

Baby”.

Twain

also appeared in a skit alongside Sean Astin, Santa

Claus,

Megan

Stalter and Owen Thiele.

In the skit, Stalter and Thiele played Carpenter’s concerned friends about a long-distance boyfriend that she was involved with. The boyfriend, Nick, was very obviously Santa Claus even though Carpenter’s character, Debbie, was very defensive about how he was not. Finally, it was revealed that Nick was in an open marriage with Shaina Twain herself… for over 400 years.

See SABRINA | Page 9

College football rivalry week Brennen Schmitz Sports Editor

Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor

GCSU’s mascot history Jaylen Mahayag

began when it was Georgia State Col-

Staff Writer

lege for Women in 1889. The school

This year marks the 17th birthday of

first adopted the “Colonials,” sym-

Thunder the Bobcat, GCSU’s beloved blue-green mascot. For nearly two decades, Thunder has been the face of school pride, energizing students and alumni in academics and athletics.

bolizing the historical significance of Milledgeville as a former state capital.

Rather than sporting today’s blue and green, the Colonials wore brown and gold, and remnants of these colors can be spotted throughout campus, such

But GCSU’s mascot history spans

as in colored tile in some bathrooms

much further back, with a legacy that re-

that is inconspicuously reflecting the

flects the evolution of the university itself.

Colonial color palette to this day.

GCSU’s journey in mascot identity

See MASCOT | Page 6

The 2024 college football rivalry week and conference championships are now in the books, with just the playoffs left to conclude the season.

Rivalry week saw the newest installments of some of the most storied and bitter rivalries in the sport, some of which had major playoff implications.

With their rivalry commonly referred to as “The Game,” the Ohio State University Buckeyes took on the University of Michigan Wolverines in a matchup that most predicted would be a blowout in favor of the Buckeyes.

After losing to the Wolverines in three straight years, OSU hoped to catch their rivals in an off-year, as the defending national champions suffered a major backslide this season and came into the matchup with a record of 6-5.

However, the Wolverines stunned the college football world, besting the Buckeyes in a defensive slugfest with a score of 13-10.

Although Ohio State will still get a shot at the national championship, Michigan retains bragging rights for at least another year.

The University of Miami Hurricanes had their playoff hopes crushed by the Syracuse University Orange.

The Orange mounted a come-from-behind victory, facing a deficit of 21-0, to eliminate the Hurricanes from an ACC Championship berth, which was necessary for a shot at the playoffs after dropping a game to unranked Georgia Tech earlier in the season.

Despite the best efforts of their rivals, the other playoff-contending teams handled business in rivalry week to make the best possible impression to the playoff selection committee.

The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish looked to notch their 50th win over their nearly 100-year-old rival University of Southern California Trojans.

See RIVALRY | Page 4

NEWS | PG. 2

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

The Native American landmark full of ancient history is now a federally recognized national park.

The men’s basketball standout guard scores the title despite athletic injuries.

After 21 countries, ten million tickets sold and generating over two billion dollars, The Eras Tour comes to a end.

As students head into break, resparking holiday magic is not always as easy as it once was.

MACON’S OCMULGEE MOUNDS

ZYAIR GREENE NAMED ZAXBYS POTW

LONG LIVE TAYLOR SWIFT’S ERAS TOUR

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

2

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

12.10.2024

NEWS RILEY

Continued from page 1 “Honestly, I feel like it’s a little different being a guy than a girl when it comes to taking precautions while running,” said Tate Hunter, a junior business management major. “I just choose to run in more populated areas, but besides that, it hasn’t really changed much for me. I could definitely do better at taking more precautions. Laken Riley did everything right and still

was killed which is scary and so sad. I think her death has taught a lot of people in general to take extra safety precautions.”

Riley made sure to notify her friends and family before she went on her run and when they could not get in touch with her, they were able to track where she had been and knew what time she had left. Her roommates went out to search for her and then decided to call the police from there. Many women runners felt defeated, noting that Riley took mea-

sures to ensure her safety - running in a public place in broad daylight with her location shared and friends aware of her run - and still found herself subject to attack.

“I have always made sure when I run that I run with at least one other person, but after Laken Riley’s case, I prefer running with a small group and in daylight,” said Laura Fudger, a sophomore elementary education major. “I keep pepper spray on me, too.”

Video footage captured Ibarra throwing

away clothes and Riley passing by his residence before she started her run that day. Riley reportedly fought her attacker for 17 minutes.

Data on her apple watch provide this information, as the heart rate started to struggle, according to CNN. The police are stating Ibarra suffered minor injuries from her efforts.

“As someone who is a consistent runner, there are many precautions I have to take, especially because I am a young female,” said Rebecca Dunn, a sophomore mass

communication major.

“Running has always been a part of my daily routine, and after the murder of Laken Riley that took place last February, there were many things I had to change.”

This case did not just affect Riley’s community of female runners.

Many runners were shaken up by the attack.

“I do a few things to be safe when I go on runs and think everybody should as well if they go on runs,” said Cab Cabiness, a sophomore finance major. “I do not

run at night and only use one AirPod, so I can hear what is going on around me. I also tell people when I go on runs so they know what I am doing if I do not come back.”

It is important for not only runners but everyone to always remain alert and take safety precautions. GCSU is equipt with blue emergency call posts across all campuses, and students looking to run in groups can look into the GCSU Run Club for a community to work out with.

POTENTIAL GEORGIA NATIONAL PARK Kate Walker Staff Writer Last month, Georgia legislation that would redesignate Georgia’s Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as a full national park and federal preserve passed out of the Georgia Senate committee and is now eligible to be heard on the Senate floor. Located just 30 miles away in Macon, Ga., the Ocmulgee Mounds were originally established in 1936 as part of the New Deal program.

In 2019, the park was expanded from 702 acres to more than 2,800 acres and was redesignated as a National Historic Park. Now, five years later, the same lawmakers are seeking to expand the park even further as Georgia’s first national park and preserve.

The mounds themselves make up the largest archaeological exploration in North America, as scholars estimate humans have inhabited the area for 17,000 years. According to Jessica Wallace, an assistant professor of history at GCSU, millions of artifacts have

been uncovered and cataloged at the site.

“It’s a really great window into the types of cultures that lived in Middle Georgia over the last thousands of years,” Wallace said. “Most of the archeology that’s been done there focuses on cultures that were around what we would call the medieval time in Europe, people living in the Americas prior to Columbus.”

The park also includes exhibits on Civil War battles that took place in Macon, as well as showcasing trade between early Georgians and the Muscogee-Creek. However, most of the exhibits focus on a settlement before the Muscogee-Creek and the cultural significance of the mounds.

Many Native American cultures built mounds for a variety of uses, but especially for ceremonial purposes, such as burials, and as homes for the region’s political and religious elite. They were also used as markers of territory or social status amongst tribes. The park contains seven mounds.

The mounds are particularly import-

ant to Muscogee-Creek.

They were removed from Georgia in the early 19th century, but many descendants are still deeply connected to their ancestral homelands.

The National Park and Mounds Association prioritizes close contact with the Creek’s tribal leaders, also hosting an annual celebration of Native American culture.

“The current push to make it not just a historic park but also a national park includes a lot of input from tribal leaders, who will kind of co-lead the national park once it’s in place,” Wallace said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for Macon to learn about the past, learn about the Native American present and to hopefully bring more people to our region to learn about the Southeast.”

While historical parks tend to be smaller and focused on one historical place, such as a house or, in this case, a mounds complex, a national park would include more land, setting aside more of the Muscogee homeland as nationally protected and preserved. If the site becomes a national park, for the first time in histo-

VOLUME 104 | NO. 11

Editorial Board

Kate Verity......................... Editor in Chief Paige Blakemore............Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Shadimon Smith.............News Editor Emma Eslinger................ Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Sports Editor Benjamin Clark............... Asst. Sports Editor Kylie Rowe.........................Arts & Life Editor Mary Ciucevich...............Asst. Arts & Life Editor Delaney Derry..................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Matthew Malkowski..... Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo..........PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager Eva Galova........................ Faculty Adviser

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

ry, a tribe that was once removed from the land will be able to help manage the land once again.

Eowyn Agullo, a junior history major, noted the importance of commemorating the past through monuments and parks.

“Often, American history is predominantly about white Americans, and so it’s great that we remember those who were here before us,” Agullo said. “By remembering our past, we’re able to move forward in a better light, towards a future that accepts all of us.”

Today, the site includes a main path that tours the Great Temple Mound, an Earth Lodge, a visitor’s center museum, a trading post site and several trails for visitors to explore.

The park is also home to over 170 bird species and 35 reptile species, such as alligators, turtles and snakes, as well as fish in the Ocmulgee River. With opportunities for wildlife viewing and recreation, the park not only holds historical and cultural significance but also has potential for environmental education.

“It’s going to provide some educational val-

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park

ue for the natural and original environment and ecosystem of Georgia, really preserving the original state of Georgia,” said Arden Pantsari, a freshman environmental science major.

Every March, the park offers Lantern Light Tours led by local guides and history professors, who offer interpretative talks along an illuminated path from the visitor center to the Great Temple Mound.

Another annual favorite is the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration, which draws different tribes from across the Southeast to celebrate their culture and history.

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Past gatherings have featured Native American storytelling, a Choctaw youth stickball demonstration and indigenous performances such as the Muscogee Creek Stomp Dancers and the Mvskoke Hymn Singers.

“We have an ancient past in the United States as well, it’s just not as well-known as ancient Rome or ancient Greece,” Wallace said.

“But people have lived in the United States for a very long time too, and having one of those sites set aside as a national park can hopefully allow more people to experience what life was like before Americans.”

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3

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

12.10.2024

NEWS

Update on the war in Ukraine Reed Walters & Eero Cheatham

Contributing Writers

The conflict in Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022, escalating from the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea.

The annexation, widely regarded as a violation of international law, involved Russia’s claim over the island of Crimea following a disputed referendum. This was met with condemnation from the global community as Crimea was internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

The war has since evolved into a broader proxy conflict involving significant global powers like the United States.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, is a mutual defense treaty among nations that was first put in place to safeguard democracies from the Soviet Union after World War II. NATO experienced diminished prominence after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 but has seen renewed activity in the last decade as an international response to Russian aggression.

Notably, Finland and Sweden have joined NATO since the conflict began, driven by concerns over their own regional security and the perceived threat posed by Russia.

There is speculation that the conflict may be nearing its end. Howev-

er, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has emphasized that no resolution will be possible as long as Western nations continue to support Ukraine.

Following the recent presidential election of Donald J. Trump, many

the border of a NATO ally,” said Enzo Biagi, a freshman business major. “Then, if Russia decides to attack our allies it could very well lead to a third world war.”

Despite support from much of his party, there is a mix of opinions on how

ways had an obligation of defense so if negotiations are not sought out then conflict will continue.”

Protests against the war are occurring worldwide, with calls for peace and diplomacy. In Russia, anti-war demonstrations have resulted in govern-

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

anticipate that U.S. foreign policy will undergo significant changes such as furthering isolationism, which entails lessening the amount of aid and overall assistance for allies and or other democracies around the globe. Trump and his supporters have pointed to both the Ukraine conflict and ongoing tensions in the Middle East as crises that began under current President Joe Biden’s administration.

“I personally think the U.S. getting involved is for a good reason; if Russia takes over Ukraine then they will be on

much Trump will really change the situation. Part of Trump’s election ticket was that his administration would stop the wars in both Ukraine and the Middle East, but candidates for decades have made unfulfilled promises on the campaign trail, and spurring action on Capitol Hill is not as easy as many voters might hope.”I think the U.S. is giving way too much money to Ukraine,” said an anonymous student.

“Putin says he’s ready for negotiations and if he sticks to his word then we should end it now.

However, the U.S. has al-

the needs of those affected in meaningful, long-lasting ways, rather they provide short term, immediate assistance but have little power to affect the conflict itself.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. has provided about $61.4 billion in military help to Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022, and anoth-

Russian President Vladimir Putin

ment crackdowns, while protests in the West often focus on the humanitarian toll of the conflict, or in the case of the U.S., the financial weight as well.

The war has resulted in over 9,000 civilian deaths, according to the United Nations, plus an estimated 350,000 military casualties, according to The Defense Post and more than eight million Ukrainians having been displaced, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency, or UNHCR. Humanitarian organizations are working hard, but at times they struggle to address

er $64.1 billion since Russia first moved in 2014.

The U.S. has also used the emergency Presidential Drawdown Authority 55 times since August 2021, and that totals to $31.733 of Department of Defense resources.

Numerous people want the U.S. to halt foreign aid and focus the full attention of the government on domestic issues, mostly economically as these wars have been a cash and subsequent weaponry drain.

“If conflict continues, the ultimate goal of NATO will be to bring Ukraine in as a member, which is a scary thought,”

an anonymous student said. “That would mean immediate global conflict on a scale we haven’t seen. My wish is for the conflict to end completely, however that is achieved. The land Russia has taken from Ukraine has much Russian heritage and it would not feel as though Ukrainians are being occupied by Russia. At least, I hope.

Settle it and stop sending all of our d***money.”

Ukrainian officials are visiting the U.S. to strengthen their case for continued support as the conflict with Russia endures. This outreach includes efforts to engage with advisors from Trump, who has signaled potential policy changes regarding Ukraine should he return to office.

Ukrainian representatives are emphasizing the critical importance of U.S. military aid to their furthered survival as well as the broader defense of democracy as a style of governance.

While Ukraine remains at the forefront of international attention, global tensions are shifting. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and concerns over China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific have drawn resources, eyes and focus away from Ukraine.

These developments are reshaping geopolitical priorities, leaving Ukraine to make an urgent case for sustained Western support amid evolving socio-political sentiment.

Professor Spotlight: World Languages Hedwig Fraunhofer Shadimon Smith

ten ended earlier for me

teach French courses.

skills, languages are also

News Editor

than my dad’s teaching

Students are intro-

good for your brain.”

day. I could say the al-

duced to basic listen-

According to the Na-

phabet in English before

ing, speaking, reading

tional Library of Med-

I learned it in German.”

and writing in language

icine, learning a new

Fraunhofer graduated

courses at GCSU. The

language helps improve

from the University of

classes

short and long term

Oregon with her Master’s

the history of the lan-

memory.

degree and doctorate in

guage and aspects of

with

comparative

literature.

history that are cru-

multiple academic sub-

Fraunhofer also went

cial to the language.

jects and boosts stu-

to Universität Regens-

“I think that we’re ob-

dents’ literacy by helping

burg in Germany, where

viously a global society,

them be able to adapt to

“So when my students

what we do in class.”

she earned her First

and we need to be able

new knowledge quickly.

(come to class), they al-

The classes cover the

State Examination for

to talk to other people

majors

ways kind of lobby for

different aspects of ev-

Teachers at Secondary

even if they don’t speak

and minors, GCSU of-

more English to be spo-

eryday life, such as order-

Schools, which is equiv-

English,”

fers

differ-

ken in the class. And I

ing food, navigation and

alent to a Master of Ed-

said.“It gives us the op-

ent courses on gram-

say, what do you want to

household item names.

ucation

America.

portunity to have expe-

mar and speaking, but

be able to do at the end

Each class is built to

is

the

riences that we wouldn’t

also about French lit-

of these classes? Do you

was a teacher,” Fraun-

be a continuation of the

main German professor

usually have. Yeah, so

erature

culture.

want to be able to explain

previous one in hopes

hofer said. “When I was

on campus, and though

one of the abilities that

“We want people to

grammar in English, or

of developing students

five years old, I sat in reg-

she is fluent in both Ger-

we develop is the ability

be able to speak the lan-

do you want to be able

in all areas of speech,

ularly in an English class

man and English, she

to work in multicultural

guage and to be able to

to speak the language?

writing, reading and oral

that my father was teach-

speaks other languages as

teams. So these kinds of

communicate in the lan-

They want to speak the

expressions for all Ger-

ing because Kindergar-

well, allowing her to also

cultural communication

guage,” Fraunhofer said.

language and so that’s

man-speaking countries.

GCSU offers multiple languages for students to learn from the Department of World Languages and Cultures, including French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Hedwig

Fraunhofer,

a professor of French and German, is from Germany and became a professor at GCSU in 1997.

Before

coming

to GCSU, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.

“Both my parents were teachers, and my brother

in

Fraunhofer

also

explore

Fraunhofer

It also helps

performance

For

French multiple

and

in

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

4

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

12.10.2024

SPORTS RIVALRY

versity Mustangs were simply looking not to

Continued from page 1

fall out of consideration.

Coming into the game

It was looking like a

after a disappointing year

convincing win for the

with a record of 6-5, the

Tigers, heading into the

Trojans’ only goal for

half with a 24-7 lead,

the game was to elimi-

but the Mustangs roared

nate the Irish from postseason

back to tie the game at

consideration.

31-31 with little time left.

The game was neck-

However, an impres-

and-neck at halftime,

sive kick return and

with a score of 14-14.

quick play to put the Ti-

Late in the fourth quar-

Michigan Football Team

ter, the Trojans drove

The new college foot-

Somewhat surprising-

down the field, looking

ball overtime rules have

to tie the game up at

that

headed into the break

ly, the Mountain West

this game would be a

with 6-3 Longhorn lead.

teams attempting two-

Conference

champion-

blowout in favor of the

The finale of the game

35, but made the costly

point conversions if the

ship was a game with

Ducks, and that seemed

would see UGA going

mistake of throwing an

game needs to extend

playoff

to be the reality at first,

into extra time in back-

interception that was re-

past two extra peri-

The

a

the Nittany Lions man-

to-back weeks, but the

turned for a touchdown.

ods, with the team that

matchup between the

aged to make it a close

Bulldogs took care of

They would repeat the

gets into the endzone

11-1 Boise State Uni-

game, but the Ducks

business

same error on the follow-

and forces a stop being

versity Broncos, led by

snagged

intercep-

this time, ending the

ing drive, and the Irish

declared

Heisman

trophy-con-

tion on PSU’s final drive

game in one overtime

to secure a 45-37 win.

with a score of 22-19.

the

winner.

implications. game

saw

many

predicted

an

sealed a 49-35 victory.

That proved to be

tending running back

In what was perhaps

incredibly difficult for

Ashton Jeanty and whose

The

the game of the year,

the Georgia rivals, as

only loss of the season

Conference,

the University of Geor-

the

gia Bulldogs took on

eight

Southeastern or

SEC,

much

faster

In the Big-12 championship, the Arizona

gers in field goal range allowed them to kick a

game-winning

goal,

field

presenting

the

playoff committee with a 34-31 ACC championship

Tiger

victory.

“I don’t think SMU should be in the playoff no matter what,” said Dylan Lewis, a senior marketing major.

“They haven’t beat a ranked team all season.”

went

into

came against No. 1 Uni-

championship game was

State

University

Sun

overtimes

un-

versity of Oregon Ducks,

a rematch between UGA

Devils

handled

the

the Georgia Tech Yellow

til the Bulldogs finally

and the University of Ne-

and the University of

Iowa

Jackets in Athens, Geor-

found a way to win with

vada, Las Vegas Rebels.

Texas Longhorns, whose

Cyclones,

gia. The Yellow Jack-

a final score of 44-42.

As he has done all sea-

first game ended in a

ly punching their tick-

ets stunned the favored

“It was so exhaust-

son, Jeanty blew the game

30-15 Bulldog victory.

et to the postseason to

Bulldogs in the first

ing to watch, but I’m

wide open, rushing for

The first half of the

the tune of a 45-19 win.

see will play No. 6 Ohio

half, heading into the

just glad we managed to

209 yards and a touch-

game was surprisingly

The Atlantic Coast

State, No. 10 SMU will

break with a 17-0 lead.

get the job done,” said

down in a 21-7 win, all

low-scoring, as the Bull-

Conference,

UGA, typically show-

Owen Faulk, a senior

but guaranteeing a play-

dogs could not keep pos-

championship

ing strong second-half

accounting major and

off berth and first-round

performances through-

Georgia

football

fan.

out the season, contin-

The

rivalry

week

ued to fight despite the

results

deficit, forcing overtime

matchups

with a score of 27-27.

ence

game

set for

up

the

confer-

championships.

State

University confident-

In the first round of the

revamped

college

football playoff, No. 16 Clemson will play No. 3 Texas, No. 7 Tennes-

ACC,

play No. 4 Penn State

game

and No. 8 Indiana will

session of the ball long

arguably had the most at

play No. 5 Notre Dame.

bye for the Broncos.

enough to score points,

stake. The Clemson Uni-

The first-round byes

In the Big Ten cham-

and the Longhorns could

versity Tigers were look-

were given to No. 12

Ducks

not capitalize on most

ing to get into postseason

Arizona State, No. 1

took on the Penn State

of their long gains and

consideration, while the

Oregon, No. 9 Boise

Nittany

good field position. They

Southern Methodist Uni-

State and No. 2 Georgia.

pionship,

the Lions.

While

or

Greene impresses early for GCSU men’s basketball Bryan Cohen

“You’ll just see him

“You know, he came

good start to the season,”

point line lead the team.

may be one of the best.

Contributing Writer

going through a lot of

in as a shooter, and he’s

Greene said. “There’s al-

“I think he’s devel-

“I just try to play hard

ups and downs in his ca-

really developed other

ways room to improve, a

oped, you know, maturi-

‘cause you know, when

reer to finally see some

parts of his game be-

lot to work on, you know.

ty as well,” Aquino said.

more of those ups, and

ing able to get to the

I watch a lot of film. I try

“It’s been fun to see and

you play hard, everything

his hard work and per-

hoop,”

said.

to go back after every

get to know him on and

severance really paying

When looking deeper

game and try to see what

off the court. I’ve en-

off,” said Ryan Aquino,

into the numbers, Aqui-

I can do to be better.”

joyed working with that.”

Zyair

Greene,

the

redshirt junior guard of GCSU’s men’s basketball team, was named Zaxbys Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 17.

Aquino

past his game average in

in his first two games,

points, shooting for 23

domi-

and knocking down four

nance from the previous

three-pointers in turn.

season and once again

Even more impres-

filling the role of leadership, which is helpful for the team’s youth. even

these

numbers

up

com-

spotless game for the

far in the season, needed

Bobcats,

to ensure that he could Courtesy of GCSU Athletics

do one very important

A stress fracture ear-

put

While it was not a

brought to the team so

scorer: be on the court.

Greene

ing the team in points.

the dominance he has

become the team’s top

sive,

ing off the bench, lead-

with

thing before he could

cent game against South-

find Greene as he pushed

points and four rebounds

Greene,

In the team’s most re-

Bobcat win, the ball did

Greene averaged 26.5

his

“The ball will find you.”

ern Wesleyan, a 91-80

Opening his season,

continuing

else comes,” Greene said.

the men’s basketball head

no is proven correct. At

Greene has also im-

As his career contin-

coach. “You’re just hap-

the same time, Greene

proved in other areas,

ues at GCSU, Greene

py for a kid like that.”

has put up impressive

such as rebounds, which

does not look like he will

shooting

performanc-

have increased from his

be slowing down on the

Greene began his col-

fouling

28

times, Greene was a bright spot throughout the entirety of the contest.

Only time will tell if Greene’s dominance will

maintain

consis-

lier in the season side-

legiate career with GCSU

es, as he has improved

career average of 1.3 to a

court. However, some be-

lined the redshirt ju-

and has continued to de-

even more in that de-

whopping 3.7 this season.

lieve that mental skills in

tency, but it will be hard

nior for a few weeks,

velop into the dominant

partment

through-

His 19.8 points per game

basketball are better than

to find somebody bet-

preventing

from

force on the court he is

out his GCSU career.

and .429 shooting per-

physical ones. Neverthe-

ting against him based

stepping onto the court.

with each passing year.

“I feel like I had a pretty

centage behind the three-

less, Greene’s mindset

on his season so far.

him

5

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

12.10.2024

SPORTS

NFL Thanksgiving game recap Benjamin Clark

of the best teams this

changed its mascot to

Asst. Sports Editor

year, and they will go

Commanders in 2022, as

The

NFL

far,” said Derek Kim, a

they had previously been

Thanksgiving games of-

junior political science

known as the “Redskins.”

fered a mix of tradition-

and philosophy major.

“I think the intentions

al rivalries and exciting

“The Bears are turning

were good at the start,”

matchups,

continuing

a lot of heads, but they

said Ellison Townsend,

the league’s long-stand-

are losing a lot. It’s clear

a

ing tradition of Thanks-

the team has changed for

and psychology major.

giving

football.

the better, and they have

“But the fact that the

The first game of the

Caleb Williams who’s

game now is glorified

day was the Detroit Lions

great and I think he will

and viewed like a spec-

and the Chicago Bears.

take them very far away.”

tacle, it washes away

The Lions, who have

The Lions pulled out a

the history of the Na-

played on Thanksgiving

very close win on the hol-

tive American suffrage.”

since 1934 (according to

iday with a score of 23-20.

At 8:30 p.m., the final

sports news site Marca)

At 4:30 p.m., the Cow-

game of the night was

2024

Day

Spanish

faced their NFC North

boys,

Thanksgiving

the Miami Dolphins vs.

rivals, the Chicago Bears.

staple since 1966, hosted

The Green Bay Packers.

show-

the Giants in what prom-

This primetime game

cased the Lion’s come-

ised to be a classic NFC

paired

back as a competitive

East showdown. Typical-

competitive teams, fea-

team and gave fans an

ly, the Cowboys play the

turing the Dolphins’ ex-

early dose of division-

Washington Command-

plosive offense and the

al rivalry. The Bears

ers on Thanksgiving Day

and Lions have played 20 times on Thanks-

This

game

a

freshman

Dak Prescott

was a very notable game

talented team like Mi-

more recently, provides

between two NFL pow-

ami drop a crucial game

an opportunity for the

erhouses

Packers

in their playoff chase,

league to showcase high-

dominated the Dolphins,

but Green Bay deserved

stakes matchups, with-

securing a 30-17 victory.

the win—they played

out putting overpowered

smarter

rivalry

the

“I think Miami had a struggle with the cold

Thanksgiving

Day

teams

against

underpowered

ones.

Overall,

three

games have been a hall-

Steel, a junior philoso-

mark of NFL culture

Thanksgiving Day games

phy major. “Tagovailoa

for decades, blending

serve to be very welcome

put up impressive stats

American

traditions

entertainment for many

Packers’ strong legacy.

and fought hard, but be-

with football. The Lions

families, and despite the

in a historic matchup.

It provided a match-

cause of the conditions

and

controversy

Due to public pres-

up to cap off the day.

and Green Bay’s defense,

in particular, serve as a

ing rivalries, create a

extremely

said

harder.”

Cade

two

weather,”

and

Cowboys

games,

the

surround-

giving day, kicking off

sure

the

The matchup between

the Dolphins were very

bridge between genera-

warm traditional expe-

this year at 12:30 p.m.

sanctity of Native Amer-

the Miami Dolphins and

clearly put on the back

tions of fans. The prime-

rience for many to enjoy

“The Lions are one

ican culture, the team

the Green Bay Packers

foot. It sucks to see a

time game, introduced

with their loved ones.

surrounding

The NBA Cup makes its return for the 2024 season Hudson Taylor

ics and the Cavaliers,

ro, a power forward.

Staff Writer

giving them a 3-1 re-

OKC Thunder point

cord in their group and

guard Shai Gilgeous-Al-

clinching the No. 3 seed.

exander is playing amaz-

The Celtics also went

ing basketball as usual,

3-1, but the Hawks had

averaging 30 points per

the tiebreaker over them

game and seven assists.

due to head-to-head play.

He has been feasting in

“I may be biased, but

the paint, shooting 75%

I think Jalen Johnson

in the restricted area.

The NBA Cup is back in action for the 2024 season. The tournament was introduced last year, where it functions as a midseason competition, running alongside the NBA regular season.

It is a bracket-style format with teams from both conferences competing.

The Cup games are played in the regular

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic

certain

nix Suns, the LA Lak-

seeds in the west are

sists of the Milwaukee

matchups counting to-

ers, the Utah Jazz and

the Warriors and Rock-

Bucks, the Detroit Pis-

ward both the tourna-

the San Antonio Spurs.

ets, who will face off on

tons, the Miami Heat,

ment and the regular

West Group C con-

Wednesday,

11.

the

season standings. It was

sists of the Denver Nug-

Both

lost

and the Indiana Pacers.

designed to add more

gets, the Dallas Maver-

game four of the tour-

East Group C consists

excitement to the NBA

icks, the New Orleans

nament, dropping their

of the Atlanta Hawks,

regular season and gives

Pelicans,

Golden

records to 3-1, but they

the Boston Celtics, the

players and fans some-

State Warriors and the

still managed to get out

Cleveland Cavaliers, the

thing to look forward to

Memphis

Grizzlies.

of their groups on top.

Chicago Bulls and the

outside of the playoffs.

On the west side of

The fourth seed was

Washington

Each conference has

the bracket, the Thunder

given to the Maver-

The

season,

with

the

Dec.

teams

Toronto

Raptors

Wizards.

Bucks,

who

should be the MVP,”

Point

guard

Jalen

said Tyler Gardner, a se-

Brunson

has

played

nior finance major and

great as well, leading his

Hawks fan. “He’s aver-

Knicks to an undefeat-

aging a double-double

ed 4-0 record in group

in

tournament.”

play. He is averaging 27

The wild card team

points per game and

out of the Eastern con-

was a huge reason for

ference will be the Magic.

the Knicks’ one-point

There is a lot of talk

win against the Hornets.

about who will be the

He scored 11 points

MVP of the cup and

over the last five min-

many predictions point

utes

without

towards

Magic

small

mitting

a

forward

Franz

Wag-

On Tuesday, Dec. 10,

ner. He averages 30.5

the Thunder and Mav-

points per game along-

ericks as well as the

this

comturnover.

of

five

icks, who had a high-

Bucks and Magic will

groups

clinched the No. 1 seed

side seven and a half

three

had struggled a bit to

boards and six assists.

square off in the knock-

teams

that

compete.

with a 3-1 record in their

er

find their identity in

“I didn’t even know

out rounds. The winner

West Group A con-

group, outscoring oppo-

than the Suns, which

the

season,

who Franz Wagner was

of the game will play on

sists of the Minnesota

nents by 45 points. Their

ultimately

them

found their stride, go-

until the tournament,”

Dec. 14 in the semifinals.

Timberwolves, the Los

only loss was in game

to the wild card spot.

ing 4-0 and clinching

said Luke Parris, a se-

On Wednesday, the

Angeles Clippers, the

two, dropping to the

East Group A consists

the No. 1 seed on the

nior exercise science ma-

Rockets and Warriors

Sacramento Kings, the

Spurs 110-104, and that

of the New York Knicks,

east side of the bracket.

jor. “If he keeps balling

as well as the Knicks

Houston Rockets and the

was a game where Spurs

the

also

like this, the Magic may

and Hawks will play

Portland Trail Blazers.

phenom

forward-cen-

the Philadelphia 76ers,

went 4-0, beating ev-

win the whole thing.”

each other. The same

West Group B con-

ter Victor Wembenyama

the Brooklyn Nets and

ery team in their group.

He is doing all of

applies, as the winner

sists of the Oklahoma

was not even available.

the Charlotte Hornets.

this without star team-

of those games will also

City Thunder, the Phoe-

The two and three

East Group B con-

mate

play in the semifinals.

point

differential led

Orlando

Magic,

The

regular

Knicks

Shockingly,

the

Hawks defeated the Celt-

Paolo

Banche-

6

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

12.10.2024

ARTS & LIFE

THE END OF AN ERA: TAYLOR SWIFT’S ERA’S TOUR Mary Ciucevich Asst. A&L Editor Taylor Swift’s highly acclaimed “The Eras Tour” has officially come to an end. The tour kicked off in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17 and concluded on Dec. 8 in Vancouver, BC. The tour encapsulated all of Swift’s musical eras from her self-titled debut album “Taylor Swift” to her most recent 2024 release “The Tortured Poets Department.” The tour consisted of multiple legs: the U.S. leg, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Canada and the final North American leg.

Each show stop is over three and a half hours long, with thirty minutes of openers and Swift performing for the other three hours.

The set list included 44 songs that were divided between the 10 acts, representing her albums.

The show is full of outfit changes, large moving sets, detailed introduction videos and theatrical performances

by Swift and her dancers.

When Swift first kicked off her tour back in 2023, she garnered many new fans, due to the drop of her 2022 “Midnights” album a month previous and also due to curiosity about the performance of the concert itself.

“I think that level of production drew outsiders in and made them

MASCOT

show brought about new trends that continued for the entirety of the tour, like fans dressing up as something or someone related to an era of their choosing. One of the most well-known trends, the friendship bracelet, brought about by the tour came from

“Fearless” heart hand and the passing of the “22” hat to a fan. New moments like the specific surprise songs segment, which consisted of an acoustic set of two full songs or mashups of songs, and the outstanding dance choreography to songs like “Bejeweled,”

some people went because of the sheer size of the concert and FOMO (fear of missing out).”

The Eras Tour included many different openers for each of the legs including artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Sabrina Carpenter, Gracie Abrams, Muna, Beaba-

dobee, Paramore, Benson Boone, Griff, etc. The tour has helped many artists, both new and old, gain either new fan attraction or expand their already large fanbases.

Artists like Carpenter and Abrams have become much more mainstream artists since their opening legs for The Eras Tour. Since being openers they have both been nominated for a Grammy.

Since The Eras Tour began, Swift has released two re-recorded albums, “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” Additionally, in 2024 Swift announced and released her eleventh studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” which mixed up her setlist adding songs like “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” and “So, High School.”

On top of the tour, Swift also released “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”, which is an immersive recording of the concert that premiered in theatres on Oct. 13, 2023.

Swift also came out with “The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book”, which released Nov. 30 as a Target exclusive and provides a detailed description of the tour and provided pictures.

Over the length of the tour, Swift has received both praise and backlash for the amount of exposure she receives.

Swift’s booked and busy schedule has caused many music fans and fandoms to express a feeling of oversaturation within the media.

Colby, who considers

new mascot. The fierce

After rallying support

the ropes of mascot cre-

Thunder made his de-

fans,” said Lauren Colby, a sophomore mass communication major. “I also think that since most of the songs played are the classic Taylor songs pretty much everyone knows, fan or not, the show felt accessible. You don’t need to know every single song on every single album to have a good time and sing along.”

The hype and excitement around each

Swift’s song “You’re on Your Own Kid” from her “Midnights” album.

Since then, the friendship bracelet has become a marker of a “Swiftie” or of Swift herself.

Along with exchanging friendship bracelets and the countless fans dressed up as different versions of Swift and her references, the popstar re-created memorable fan moments like the

“Willow” or “Karma.”

The tour has presented fans across many generations to experience albums they love and may not have been able to see when they were growing up. It has opened up interest in those who would not consider themselves die-hard fans in their teens but maybe where their younger self was.

“I think a lot of people associate Taylor Swift with their childhood, which makes them reminisce on childhood memories,” said Milly Peta, a sophomore economics major. “Also, perhaps

Julia Jensen | Art Director

rattler served as the

from

school’s symbol for sev-

This mascot highlight-

Fajardo, a senior ex-

he approached Stan Al-

Hendrix’s persistence

during a home basket-

ercise

eral decades before the

dridge, former director of

led him to Tom Sapp of

ball game, accompanied

“I always say hey and

ed the area’s ties to Geor-

Bobcat was chosen to

the Athletic Department,

Real

by a dramatic unveiling.

sometimes even take a

gia’s Colonial Era. The

reflect agility, strength

with an idea. Aldridge

who was known for de-

Cheerleaders

placed

picture with him,” said

Colonials reflected the

and

adaptability.

encouraged Hendrix to

signing iconic mascots

Thunder’s head at cen-

Denise Fajardo, a senior

university’s deep connec-

By the 2000s, although

take ownership of the

like UGA’s Hairy Dawg

ter court while Hen-

exercise science major.

tion to the region’s ear-

the Bobcat was the of-

project, and thus began

and UF’s Albert and Al-

drix, hiding in a blue

ly American history, as

ficial

GCSU

the creation of Thunder.

berta. Hendrix’s detailed

duffel bag, was zipped

GCSU mascots tells a

the state was an origianl

lacked any physical rep-

Determined to make

vision for Thunder was

into the full costume.

story of the universi-

American colony and

resentation of a campus

the mascot a reality,

shared with Sapp, and

As AC/DC’s “Thun-

ty’s growth. Thunder’s

carries a lengthy history.

cat. This changed thanks

Hendrix led efforts to

the design process began.

As the school grew

to Jason Hendrix, Class

raise

reaching

With a $25,000 do-

Thunder sprang to life,

how

and rebranded, it ad-

of 2009, who noticed

out to alumni, students

nation from then-Pres-

electrifying the crowd.

and a commitment to

opted the “Governors,”

the void while attend-

and

ident Dorothy Leland,

From his first public

school pride can cre-

an homage to Milled-

ing basketball games.

for donations. But the

Thunder’s

creation

appearance at the Hang-

geville’s history as the

Hendrix, inspired by

funds raised were not

was

funded.

ing of the Greens that

The evolution from the

state’s seat of govern-

mascots he encountered

enough to secure a mas-

“It was one of the most

Christmas to his contin-

Colonials to the Bobcats

ment from 1804 to 1868.

while photographing na-

cot costume, so Hen-

rewarding moments in

ued presence at events

was marked by changes

This mascot resonated

tional sporting events,

drix began networking

my life,” Hendrix said.

across campus, Thunder

in GCSU’s identity, mir-

with the university for

rallied his friends to

with other universities’

“It felt like everything

became an emblem of

roring its transition into

years, reflecting the po-

form the Thundercats, a

mascot

coordinators.

came together. It wasn’t

GCSU pride. Students,

a larger, more diverse

litical heritage of the city.

rowdy student fan base.

conversa-

just about creating a

faculty and alumni alike

institution. As Thunder

Later, GCSU leaned

He was determined to

tions with schools like

costume; it was about

embraced him as the

celebrated his 17th year,

into Georgia’s natural

bring a mascot to life

the University of Flor-

creating something that

face of school spirit.

he reminds GCSU of

wildlife,

introducing

that could embody the

ida and Michigan State

would

our

“I love when I get

its rich history and the

the “Rattlesnakes” as its

spirit and pride of GCSU.

University, he learned

school for generations.”

to see Thunder around

resilience of its spirit.

funds, local

Through

businesses

ation

and

said Denise

but in November 2007

mascot,

students,

campus,”

financing.

Continued from page 1

fellow

herself a Swiftie, shows an appreciation for Swift and the tour but feels glad that the tour is ending and believes that Swift deserves a break.

The tour positively impacted each city it came to, it boosted local economies around the world and concluded its run making a little more than two billion dollars total in ticket sales, according to The New York Times.

With the unmatched success of The Eras Tour and Swift’s number of releases within a short span, the way the music industry functions is sure to change. Swift’s re-recorded albums have changed the way musicians have thought about owning their music.

Despite the positive impacts, the production value and quantity of music Swift has released has affected the idea fans have when it comes to how long the time between album releases.

“This may be a hot take but I think that The Eras Tour has a negative impact on what fans expected from artists,” Colby said. “I think fans have come to expect that they’ll get two or more albums per year, and I think other artists are beginning to feel pressure to put out music more frequently.”

Swift’s discography and commitment to her fans have contributed to her ability to produce the immense production that is The Eras Tour.

Swifties and non-Swifties alike cannot deny the tour’s domination.

Characters

officially

represent

Inc.,

derstruck”

blared,

science

Each

major.

iteration

of

story is a testament to

ate

collective

lasting

efforts

traditions.

7

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

12.10.2024

ARTS & LIFE

GCSU’s Christmas Music Classics

The nostalgic feel of a

helps the spread of old

song around the holidays

and new holiday music

Molly Goff

can capture the essence

with the latest trends,

Staff Writer

of the holiday cheer - a

videos and influences.

mood we all want to be

“I definitely feel that

in when studying for ex-

social media has an in-

ams and the exams them-

fluence on what Christ-

selves are around the cor-

mas songs are trending

ner. Holiday classics are

because

special for keeping tra-

media that songs gain

ditions during this time.

popularity,

As the festive season approaches, the air fills with familiar sounds of Christmas music, creating a soundtrack for holiday gatherings and celebrations. From time-

it’s

through especially

“I think the traditional

for a lot of current-age

music from the 50s-60s

artists who are mak-

really reminds me of a

ing Christmas singles,”

classic Christmas,” said

said Rayna Schneider,

Callie Paulk, a freshman

a freshman MIS major.

psychology major. “Like

Whether you excitedly

Bing Crosby is a staple

anticipate holiday music

of Christmas to me. My

around Christmas time

go-to Christmas song is

or secretly dread a song

probably ‘Have Yourself

on constant repeat, it be-

A Merry Little Christ-

comes clear that music

mas’ by Judy Garland

serves as a powerful con-

from the movie ‘Meet Me

nector, uniting individ-

In St. Louis.’ I know this

uals through shared ex-

is a hot take, however, my

periences and cherished

least favorite Christmas

memories. Thus, wheth-

cludes the older songs,

song that is overplayed

er one prefers timeless

less classics to modern hits, this year’s musical landscape is rich and varied, displaying diversity in what resonates with GCSU students as they curate their holiday playlists.

The infectious cheer of Christmas music is often reflected in the Billboard charts, making room for classic tunes and con-

Julia Jenson | Art Director

temporary releases alike

like it,” Billboard said in

unshakable catchiness.”

to dominate the air-

an article. “The things

Taking a look into the

waves and sales, reshap-

that

ing the musical land-

songs great — wheth-

and holiday spirit, it be-

like

Buble,

is Mariah Carey’s ‘All I

classics or the latest

scape every December.

er carols, old pop stan-

comes essential to exam-

Frank Sinatra and songs

Want for Christmas Is

holiday hits, there is no

“There’s a reason that

dards or newer enduring

ine how these melodies

sung in old Christmas

You.’ It’s a fantastic song,

denying that these mel-

listeners seem to get

hits—are most of the

not only evoke nostal-

movies,”

Karsyn

but I hear it too often.”

odies create an ambiance

more impatient every

same things that make

gia but also foster con-

Jewell, a senior mass

The downfall of a

that enhances celebra-

year for the Christmas

pop great in general:

nections among friends

communication

major.

holiday classic becomes

tions and brings people

music season to start:

emotional

connection,

and family during this

“They are nostalgic and

the overplayed nature

closer together during

Nothing else feels quite

universal

relatability,

special time of year.

make a person feel cozy.”

of a song. Social media

this

make

Christmas

intersection

of

music

“I feel like classic Christmas

music

Michael

said

in-

magical

season.

17th annual holiday concert Chloe Sanders

awed the audience and

semble directed by Susan

Staff Writer

ushered in the holiday

Craig, lured in the au-

GCSU hosted its 17th

spirit. From the moment

dience and set the stage

annual holiday concert

the

walked

for a night of music,

on Friday, Dec. 6, where

into the auditorium, the

laughter and applause.

the music department

soft murmur of excited

One of the unique as-

transformed Russell Au-

voices filled the air with

pects of GCSU’s holiday

ditorium into a vibrant

anticipation for the up-

concert is its impressive

coming

performances.

variety of music. Some

“You could tell that

of the performances in-

the performance was go-

cluded the low brass en-

ing to be great as soon

semble, jazz combo, flute

as you walked in,” said

choir, Max Noah Sing-

Ethan Sanders, a fresh-

ers (MNS) bass quar-

mance by the university

of months of preparation

Director of production

man finance major. “Ev-

tet and the jazz band.

chorus, Sara Carr per-

and careful coordination

services, also played a

eryone who performed

The university cho-

formed a beautiful ren-

by the music depart-

major role in making

is so talented and I am

rus, directed by Jennifer

dition of “Carol of the

ment. The department’s

this event such a success.

so

Flory, also blew the au-

Bells” in the tradition of

professors and students

Stagehands and volun-

began

dience away with their

the Trans-Siberian Or-

worked tirelessly to per-

with an orchestral piece

performance of “Ding

chestra. She performed

fect each element. From

performed by GCSU’s

Dong Merrily on High”,

the piece as a solo played

selecting the music to

orchestra. The arrange-

as well as other child-

on an electric violin.

fine-tuning the acoustics

ment, a medley of time-

hood Christmas classics.

The jazz band brought

of Russell Auditorium,

less holiday classics, set

“Hearing a lot of

a playful, upbeat energy

every detail contribut-

“So it was nice to be able

the tone for the evening.

these songs were re-

to the program, perform-

ed to the seamless exe-

to support my friends

Strings, winds and per-

ally nostalgic to me,”

ing a lively rendition

cution of the evening.

who were performing.”

cussion filled the audi-

said Charis Philo, a ju-

of “God Rest Ye Merry

The event was made

The holiday concert

torium with beautiful

nior mass communica-

Gentlemen” arranged by

possible thanks to the

plause and warm con-

was nothing short of

music that captured the

tion major. “It brought

Preston Raburn and di-

tireless efforts of produc-

gratulations

for

the

spectacular, as the entire

audience’s

attention.

me back to Christmas

rected by Cliff Towner.

ers Jenifer Flory, Bradley

performers,

and

was

music department deliv-

Outside of the audito-

during my childhood.”

It was clear that this

Sowell and Cliff Town-

a perfect way to kick

ered a performance that

rium, an accordion en-

Following the perfor-

production was the result

er. Keith Bergeron, the

off this holiday season.

hub of festive cheer and musical brilliance.

The

performance

was also live streamed on the music department’s Facebook page where friends and family alike could enjoy the performance from afar.

“I wasn’t able to attend the concert in person because I was sick so I watched it virtually,” said Julia Whalen, a junior marketing major.

audience

glad The

I

attended.”

concert

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

teers also played a critical role, ensuring smooth transitions between acts and adding a touch of theatricality with their lightingandsetadjustments.

The night was a success,

filled

with

ap-

8

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

12.10.2024

ARTS & LIFE

CHRISTMAS DECOR AT GCSU Ryan Grant

18th annual lighting of

Staff Writer

the trees, an event fea-

GCSU

turing games, candles,

decorates its spectacu-

cookies, hot chocolate,

lar campus with Christ-

wreaths

and

garlands

mas lights, evergreens

across

front

campus.

Every

year,

and colorful banners.

Before 2023, the event

On Saturday, Nov. 30,

was smaller in scale.

the decorations began

GCSU

going up with the help

Cox introduced several

of

staff

suggestions for the light-

and student volunteers,

ing ceremony during her

just in time for students

first year as GCSU’s pres-

light bulbs,” said Clau-

da Respess. “It’s a really

returning to classes af-

ident. This is her second

dia Dick, senior mass

cool and uplifting event.”

ter Thanksgiving break.

year hosting the annual

communications major

maintenance

PresidnrCathy

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

Staff

and

students

the

holi-

Hanging of the Greens.

and a student worker

are not the only ones

decorations

over

Since 2023, the arch-

for the Office of Student

who visit front campus

weekend

ways along the sidewalk,

Engagement. “I think

to embrace the holiday

prepared GCSU for its

the large tree behind the

this really connects ev-

spirit. Many communi-

official lighting ceremo-

Bobcat head and the cer-

eryone to just see it light

ty members and fami-

ny. On Thursday, Dec. 5,

emonial lever Cox pulls

up, and it’s something

lies of students and staff

at 7 p.m., the decorations

have become traditions,

everyone

enjoy.”

also come to GCSU to

were lit for the first time

making the Hanging of

Claudia worked on

see the lights and attend

this year on front campus.

the Greens even more

the lights and garlands

the lighting ceremony.

The event was organized

Hanging day

Thanksgiving

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

make the archways short-

are shorter. This year,

er,” said University Event

the

Coordinator, Blair Simp-

made

son. “It looked really

alongside GCSU’s mas-

cool, but it was too long

cot, Thunder and Santa

of a tunnel and the lights

Claus. All were present

special. This year, there

were a whole situation.”

to take pictures with

at the ends of the arch-

in part by the Offices of

were additional changes.

“I always try and add

guests Thursday night.

ways. It is a tedious job,

ing of the Greens, Cox

the President, Student

On the night of the

an element to where it’s

Every year, as the

but she believes it has

was joined by Thunder,

Life, Facilities, Student

event, students saw new-

not the same every year,”

event grows, there are

a

benefit.

special guests, speakers

Engagement, the Student

ly added spotlights in

Simpson said. “This year,

minimal

to

“Right at the end of

and choir members in

Government

Associa-

front of the front campus

we are going to do lighted

decorations,

which

the semester, when fi-

hosting the celebration.

tion and Pi Kappa Alpha.

halls in full use. Facili-

bracelets and necklaces.”

makes planning easier

nals week is coming,

Cox started the count-

years,

ties staff had been work-

During the planning

for everyone involved.

you have these really

down for the official

GCSU has planned and

ing on these enhance-

stage, all office heads

“This is my third year

pretty decorations that

lighting of the decora-

managed all of its Christ-

ments for two years.

discussed what worked

working for the office,

represent

holi-

tions, making this holi-

mas season decorations.

“We changed last year,

last year and what didn’t,

but this is my first time

days,” said Director of

day season—and finals

This year marked the

and continue this year to

which is why the arches

replacing

Public Affairs, Aman-

week—a

es, and it’s so funny.”

content on social media,

For

many

Coca-Cola an

bear

appearance

changes

Christmas

Do students care about SNL? Emma Eslinger Asst. News Editor Since its debut on Oct. 11, 1975, Saturday Night Live, or SNL, has been a cornerstone of American television, shaping the landscape of comedy and popular culture for nearly five decades. Cre-

can

deserving

many

Beyond

iana Grande. The show

watching it. You get to

that often features sa-

then puts together a se-

know the cast a lot better,

tirical takes on political

ries of sketches, recurring

and it makes the sketch-

issues, pop culture and

characters and satirical

es so much more enjoy-

social trends. Cast mem-

segments,

interspersed

able when you love the

bers and hosts will often

with

performanc-

people you’re watching.”

take on recurring roles or

es by a musical guest.

Weekend Update, a

report in character, add-

“I enjoy that it’s some-

parody news segment in-

ing a distinct, sometimes

thing completely new

troduced in the first sea-

absurd, spin to the news.

each episode,” said Kee-

son, has become a cen-

“My favorite sketch is

ley Casalou, a junior

tral commentary feature

probably the supermod-

economics major. “I ap-

for cast members such

el showcase with Kristin

the

During

the

bit

Hang-

brighter.

come-

not live television. The

dy sketches, SNL is also

‘Domingo’ skit, a parody

known for its musical

of Sabrina Carpenter’s hit

performances.

Many

summer song “Espresso,”

artists, such as Nirva-

featured Ariana Grande

na, Harry Styles, Ste-

and

vie Nicks and Noah

views on YouTube. ‘Rap

Kahan. The combina-

Roundtable’ is another

tion of live comedy and

popular skit featuring

music gives the show

Timothée Chalamet and

a unique edge, appeal-

Pete Davidson, reaching

ing to a broad audience.

31 million views on You-

got

13

million

“My

favorite

per-

Tube. SNL’s TikTok page

formance

and

host

boasts 9.8 million follow-

live from Studio 8H in

has been Taylor Swift,”

ers and videos regularly

New York City’s Rocke-

said Sofia Caldas, a ju-

receive millions of views.

feller Center, the show

nior nursing major. “I

“I do think social me-

blends topical humor,

thought her monologue

dia is helping the show

sketch comedy, and live

was funny, and I still

because it’s creating a lot

performances into an

watch it to this day.”

of viral moments as well

engaging format. The

“My roommates and

as promoting the differ-

show is now on its 50th

I always quote the ‘Do-

ent hosts better,” Casa-

season, and many peo-

mingo’ sketch,” said Jes-

lou said. “I feel like peo-

ple still watch loyally.

sica Douglas, a junior

ple who don’t regularly

nursing

“We

watch the show watch it

consistent. A cold open

love watching the pop-

when they see a celebri-

often discusses current

ular sketches and quot-

ty they love hosting it.”

ated by Lorne Michaels and originally broadcast

SNL’s

structure

is

events or even political

Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor

ing

them

major.

frequently.”

For nearly 50 years

SNL’s impact extends

now, SNL has remained

by a monologue from the

preciate how quick their

as Marcello Hernandez,

Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Va-

beyond the show. Social

a popular show. Its abil-

week’s host, who is usu-

turnarounds are to pro-

Kenan Thompson and

nessa Bayer, and Bill Ha-

media has made a huge

ity to evolve with the

ally a celebrity from film,

duce something so good

Colin Jost. The segment

der,” said Casalou. “I also

impact on the show’s

times while preserving

television, sports or pol-

in such a short period of

parodies a traditional

love the ‘Debbie Down-

popularity in recent years

its core appeal ensures

itics. Some recent hosts

time. It also has just be-

news broadcast and mix-

er at Disney World one.’

as they work to remain

it remains a beloved

have been Charli XCX,

come a comfort to me

es current events with

The whole cast breaks

appealing

staple of America’s late-

Michael Keaton and Ar-

over the years I have been

comedic

in both of those sketch-

audiences who consume

satire. This is followed

commentary

to

younger

night

entertainment.

9

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

12.10.2024

OPINION SABRINA

Continued from page 1 That was not the only skit in the show. There was also this really funny autotuned family gathering where Carpenter sang and spoke about how she had no idea what to get her brother-in-law, played by Kyle Mooney, and it had a hilarious, awkward family gathering feel that Carpenter was undoubtedly going for.

I think the most surprising guest to me was Cara Delevingne, who appeared in another skit based on “A Christmas Carol” where Delevingne was the ghost of “ghosted” future. This performance featured Nico Hiraga as a modern Scrooge. He was the classic tech-bro influencer wanna-be with a complete disregard for women’s feelings.

Carpenter played “Ghosted Past,” Quinta Brunson was “Ghosted” Pres-

ent” and of course, Delevinge was Future. Basically, the three women were all love interests of this “Ebby,” derived from Ebenezer Scrooge, and visited him to insist he change his ways and start having honest conversations about whether or not he wants to continue relationships. The skit ended with a very lovely message, “To the ghosters on the naughty list, learn from this.”

There was also this continuous bit where some of Carpenter’s guest stars would sing Nonsense outro suggestions to her. Delevinge, Mooney and Thiele had these little moments, and Carpenter nailed the comedic disgust each time.

Aside from the skits and musical guests, Carpenter is a comedic genius and beautiful artist on her own performace other songs “cindy lou who,” “santa doesn’t know you like i do” and “buy me presents.” Again, in beautiful costumes and with lovely set design.

Part of the stage was a lit stair-

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Delaney Derry Opinion Editor

December is upon us, and it is officially the most wonderful time of the year. Whip out the eggnog and light up the tree because the holiday season has finally arrived.

It is no secret that people’s spirits rise as soon as Christmas comes around, but let’s be honest, things are not the same as when we were kids. I am sure we all remember well what it was like when we were younger and the feeling we had when Christmas came around. The halls of the schools were all decked out, and we drank hot chocolate and sent letters to Santa. This magic is indescribable, and I know, for myself and I am sure others, that we long to feel the joy we did as a kid at Christmas time again.

However, there are still ways in which adults can feel the magic of the holiday season.

As we get older, there are new ways in which we get into the holiday spirit, but there may

be some holiday traditions that never change.

“The way I get into the holiday spirit is by watching Christmas movies,” said Cat Wall, a junior English major. “While I am going about my day and I see a holiday movie on TV, I’ll just stop what I am doing and watch it because I would watch those movies when I was a kid with my family. It’s very nostalgic for me, and it really gets me into a Christmas-y mood.”

Whether it is listening to holiday tunes or watching classic Christmas films, there are still things that we all do that make us feel warm inside around Christmas time.

Just because we are older does not mean that all of our holiday traditions have to change, and with holding onto those wonderful holiday memories comes a feeling that is so much sweeter as an adult.

Something that always gets me into the Christmas spirit is decorations. One thing I love about living in Milledgeville and being a student at GCSU during the holiday season is how beautiful the town and

campus look during the month of December. I love how all the small businesses decorate their storefronts and the town just comes alive at night with Christmas lights.

case much like the one featured in many old, iconic performances like Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” which was fitting since Carpenter also donned a replica of the costume for her first song.

Carpenter also had a little house set up where many of the skits took place. There was a small kitchen and living room decorated with lots of beautiful Christmas cheer, and did I mention, it was all pink? It was absolutely amazing and is now the inspiration I will use for my future home.

The home also had the classic vintage feel that Carpenter’s brand has really started working with, which I absolutely love. To add to the ambiance, much of the font used, kitchen appliances and even the way they shot the special was inspired by vintage aesthetics.

There was even a little segment of Carpenter at a backstage vanity where she told a story about how on Christtions always remind me of my sister and me decorating the tree for Christmas with all of the ornaments that we collected from family vacations and ones we hand-made as kids. It always came out a little tacky, but it seemed perfect to me.

Personally, something

I do now to make my spirits bright is to dress up in December attire.

I love wearing winter clothes and dressing up in warm knit sweaters, boots and winter coats because, let’s face it… baby, it’s cold outside.

It really makes me feel all warm and joyful as I

walk around the deckedout downtown and go from class to class with a peppermint latte in hand while dressed in a cute, cozy winter outfit.

Another thing I do to boost my holiday cheer is by enjoying various Christmas activities with friends. Something I always did as a kid was go for drives with my family during Christmas, and we would drink hot chocolate, listen to holiday music and look at all the Christmas lights people decorated on their houses. It is one of my favorite childhood memories that I will cherish forever. Now, I do it with my friends while I am away from home, and it is so sweet to continue with that tradition while sharing that experience with new people.

“I bring Christmas decorations from home and I decorate with things that make me happy, and the classic Christmas songs always put me in a cheery mood,” said Madeline Marx, a junior mass communications major.

“My family and I always watch Christmas movies together every year, and Christmas Vacation is a movie that I love to play.

It makes me feel like I’m

home with my family.”

Something I think we all need to understand is that the magic of Christmas we experienced as kids never came from the decorations, the movies, or Santa Claus coming into town. It was our family. They were the magic.

They made it nostalgic.

They made it special. It was never about the red and green cookies or the presents or the mystical reindeer flying in the air.

This season is about the people you share it with and the memories you make together. That is what makes Christmas feel like Christmas, even when you are apart from those people.

Christmastime may not be as it once was, but the stockings still get hung, the music still sounds the same and the memories you have never fade. It’ll still be a holly jolly Christmas, and we’ll all still be rocking around the Christmas tree, same as the year before and for all the years to come.

So, no matter what you do this holiday season, it certainly won’t be a blue Christmas if you make a little magic for yourself and maybe make a little magic for others, too, as our families have done for us.

tremely) late nights put-

plish in your careers and

soak in every moment

ting together the student

lives. Along with so many

and feel an immense

newspaper were always

others, I will be cheering

amount of pride for the

filled with the most joy-

you on every step of the

past four(ish) years. You

ous laughter and secret

way, whether virtually or

both deserve every good

sharing that I would not

in person. Please, always

thing this world has to

trade for anything in the

remember the essence

offer. When Swift does

world. I know for myself,

of your sparkle and the

another greatest hits tour

“The Colonnade” will

little people in Milled-

in forty years, we bet-

never be the same with-

geville who love you so.

ter all be going together.

out these two beautiful

As you walk across

Thank you for ev-

people to work along-

the stage on Saturday,

erything.

side. I learned valuable

Dec. 14, I hope you

you

Julia Jensen | Art Director

I especially love the decoration on GCSU’s front campus and how we make lighting up the campus into an event every year. With Hanging of the Greens this past Thursday, it is really beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Christmas decora-

Thank you, Kate & Kylie Paige Blakemore

That’s the thing about

with intention and al-

Managing Editor

Kylie—she has this way

ways managed to put a

of making people in-

smile on my face. For all

stantly feel like you are

the times you two have

her best friend and ful-

given me a ride home

ly understood all at the

or gone on a sponta-

time. It is truly a gift.

neous endeavor with me,

It wasn’t long before I

thank you. You will nev-

met her roommate, Kate,

er understand how much

the soon-to-be Editor in

your consistent friend-

Chief. With her undeni-

ship has meant to me.

able attention to detail

Both Kylie and Kate

and unparalleled work

are the very definition of

ethic, it was obvious from

twin flame best friends,

the moment we first in-

even more like sisters at

teracted that she was go-

times. They love deeply,

it was Kylie who marched

ing to take on the world.

and they’re never afraid

up to me, introduced

Soon enough, these

to show their passions.

herself and assured me

two girls would be the

They share the kind of

we would tackle the Arts

ones I would call in the

unspeakable kinship ev-

is an honor within itself.

& Life desk together. In-

middle of a boy crisis,

eryone dreams of finding

I cannot wait to see all

stantly, I knew Kylie and I

or to cry about Taylor

during their college years.

of the monumental mo-

were going to be friends.

Swift with. They listened

The (sometimes ex-

ments you will accom-

My time on “The Colonnade”

editorial

board would not have been

nearly

as

joy-

ous or complete without the wildly intelligent Kate Verity and inimitable Kylie Rowe.

Stepping into this position, I’ll admit I was more than nervous and not sure what to expect.

I didn’t know most of the people on the board. But

mas as a child she did not really care about the presents but was mainly focused on having chocolate cake. They also included adorable camcorder footage of Carpenter when she was little showing the validity of the story.

As per Carpenter’s brand of being hot and horny, there were many innuendos and jokes made that were of course funny, but like Carpenter said in her parody “The Most Nonsense Time of the Year” it is rated TV-14, so it is okay… but I would not recommend this for family movie night.

From making some espresso martinis in her little pink kitchen to receiving a vibrating “massager” during her last performance of “A Nonsense Christmas” I am completely, indescribably jealous of the live studio audience that got to see Sabrina Claus in full action, and I would have sold my soul to be one of them.

both,

I

love always.

experiences and lessons from the pair that I will always carry with me.

Kate and Kylie, I am endlessly proud of you.

You both inspire me every day to be a better leader, thinker, listener and friend. To know you both

Kate Verity | Editor in Chief

Paige Blakemore, Kylie Rowe and Kate Verity