Vol. XLII No. 3 www.gsccompass.com NOVEMBER 28, 2008 THE COMPASS The Student Voice of Gainesville State College In this issue: Mixed responses to election By Lauren Blais He supports tax breaks for more wealthy citizens, [email protected] like the ones given during the Bush administration. Staff Writer “If my employer is taxed heavily, I don’t get that raise,” he said. Party Gainesville State College students have diverse rea- Brandsma initially supported Mike Huckabee’s fair sons for voting for – or against – a presidential can- tax. When Huckabee ceased to be an option Brands- didate. While using their family’s values as a starting ma became a Sen. John McCain supporter. He didn’t like it’s point, students show a willingness to jump from the agree with everything on McCain’s platform, how- familiar platform and adopt their own views. ever. Lillian Otieno’s family has been following Presi- “Both candidates were horrible,” he said. “You had 1999! dent-elect Barack Obama’s progress since 2004. His to pick the better (one) of two evils.” Page 10 election as Illinois senator created quite a stir in the A mock election jointly sponsored by the GSC family when they discovered that his father was from Oconee Young Democrats and College Republicans the same Kenyan tribe as Otieno’s father. But when appeared on the main page of the college’s website in Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency, the form of an online poll. While state-wide the vote there was just one problem. Otieno’s family is Re- was close with McCain carrying 52 percent of votes publican. and Obama taking 47 percent, at GSC students fa- “He’s not a socialist, but a step in that direction,” vored McCain to Obama 2-1. Winter said Otieno. In order to win the support of those who did not Yet she found herself leaning toward the Democrat vote for him, Brandsma said Obama will have to pro- holidays when she learned his plan for the economy was viewed vide an immediate solution for the economic troubles in favorable light by The Economist magazine. facing the country today. “That’s what started me saying ‘Hmmm...’” said “He’s either going to make it or break it,” Brandsma (besides Otieno. She also appreciated his “refresher” image. said. In the end though, Otieno did not vote for Jacob Davis, who voted for Obama, believes that Christmas) Obama. it’s more a matter of clearing things up for the presi- Page 9 “I just couldn’t vote for him,” she said, citing dent-elect to garner the support of other voters. Obama’s pro-abortion platform as the main reason. “I think he’s got to clarify that he’s not going to Josh Brandsma did not vote for Obama either, raise taxes, that he’s not a socialist, or an atheist, or though he comes from a family of Democrats. He anything non-Christian,” Davis said. said that once he began working he changed his party Davis’ family uses faith as a tool for selecting the preference. candidates they will vote for. “If they satisfy the reli- “I started using my own brain instead of looking to gious litmus test then it goes to other issues.” Obama’s my parents,” Brandsma said. Please see “Mixed responses” on page 3. sports GSC mock election was not a idea good prediction of real election By Leah Perdue The numbers are almost a di- percent. However, the race was a Page 4 Campus Life/Op Ed Editor rect reversal of how the 18-29 de- much tighter with Obama netting [email protected] mographic voted on Election Day. 48 percent. Barr took 1 percent. According to CNN exit polls, the So, what demographic voted John McCain won by a land- 18-29-year-olds comprised about most like GSC? Georgia voters slide. 18 percent of voters. Obama and who were 65 years old and older Or, at least, he did in Gainesville Biden were the top pick in this age gave McCain the nod 54 percent State College’s mock election. range, with 66 percent of the vote. of the time. Obama took only 46 GSC faculty, staff and students McCain and Palin took only 32 percent in that demographic. Keep voted in an online election hosted percent and Barr and Root man- However, in one area, GSC vot- by GSC’s Young Democrats. The aged 2 percent. ers were representative of the na- your mock election was available in the Even young Georgia voters tion. The mock election also fea- student portal. voiced opinions that were quite tured a question about what the Republicans McCain and Sar- different than those stated here at most important issue was to vot- waist ah Palin took 60 percent of the GSC. 18-29 demographic voters in ers. Of participants, 58 percent be- 663 votes cast. Democrats Barack Georgia comprised 14 percent of lieved the economy was the most trim Obama and Joe Biden received 35 the turnout. pressing. CNN exit polls show that percent. Libertarian candidates The race was much closer 60 percent of those polled believed this winter Bob Barr and Wayne Root took 4 among those voters. McCain still that the economy was the “hot” is- Page 5 percent. had a strong following with 51 sue this election. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 2 News Obama plans loan changes Turn down music, By Landon Johnson tus earlier this year. watch for workers to Staff Writer “Over the summer three or four lenders avoid fines, tickets [email protected] stopped providing loans because they weren’t making enough money off of schools with By Jaime Munoz A new president inspires hope among all such a small population,” Smith said. “Gaines- Staff Writer American demographics. With the current ville was one of those schools. Community [email protected] state of the country’s economy, students are colleges don’t have enough students applying suffering along with the vast majority, and for loans to be worthwhile for the lenders.” It’s easy being late to the accessibility of loans has seen better days. The upcoming year looks stable, Smith class, and it can be easier Some current and future college attendees are said. GSC has its five lenders secured, and for cutting through traffic optimistic that President-elect Barack Obama now there are no major changes taking place. while your foot is on will instill helpful plans for financial aid. For Obama has proposed a tuition tax credit the gas. It can be now, though, it appears that any glimpse of plan as an alternative to student loans. The just as easy be- improvement for loans will not occur as terms of this plan would vary depending on ing served a quickly as the nation’s change in command- the institution, but the basic premise for com- $500 citation ers. munity colleges is that students would receive ticket by the Susan Smith, director of financial aid at free tuition in exchange for 100 hours of com- man with the Gainesville State College, said that the re- munity service. brass badge. sults of the election have not yet triggered “I’d much rather do 100 hours of commu- What stu- any backlash with the school’s lenders or stu- nity while I’m in school than be in debt long dents may dents. She did say that the economy was af- after I get out,” said Lindsay Bishop, a student not be aware fecting both lenders and students beginning at GSC. “My student loan through Wachovia of while driv- a few months ago. is very helpful, but I think the tuition credit ing to Gaines- “More students have been applying for system would benefit me a lot more and be ville State Col- loans,” smith Said. “I think it’s probably be- less stressful in the long run.” lege every day cause more people are unemployed and want “Obama has an interesting financial aid are unfamiliar traf- to go to college in order to get better jobs, they plan,” said Andrew Woodrum, a business ma- fic violations that see how hard it is to be successful right now.” jor at GSC, “but getting Congress to pass it can empty their wal- As far as lenders go, GSC is required to may be difficult.” let if not careful. have a minimum of three year-round, and For more information, read about Obama’s The first one of currently has five. However, the struggling plans for student loans at www.barackobama. these laws is the state economy began to influence the lenders’ sta- com/issues/education. of Georgia’s 2007 Move Over law. It has been difficult even for local police departments to get Mixed responses, continued from page 1 the word out to motorists on the new law, said Oakwood City Police Chief Randy Moon. Though he respects and Davis believes that of Pres- time. “The biggest problem has been educating motorists,” carries some of his family’s ident-elect Obama’s priori- “Obama has to make a vis- said Moon. “What we did the first year is handed out religious values as well as ties, ending the war in Iraq ible difference,” she said. pamphlets to traffic violators to inform them on the new their unorthodox pro-abor- is the most likely to be real- Davis points to what may law and issued a lot of warnings.” tion stance, Davis can think ized. Other issues will take be Obama’s greatest tool: his According to MoveOverAmerica.com, 43 states have for himself. time, probably longer than ability to inspire. passed similar “Move Over” laws. The laws were origi- “My family tends to see Obama’s four-year term. “People can relate to Ba- nally passed to protect the lives of law enforcement of- things in black and white,” “Healthcare is such a diffi- rack Obama. He can inspire ficers while on the side of the road of traffic. As many as he said, “and I see things in cult issue,” he said. people, call them to fight 71 percent of Americans have not heard of nationwide shades of gray.” Otieno also believes that poverty, oppression.” Move Over laws. Davis said he’s seen mixed the effects of Obama’s social This ability has led Obama “When you see blue lights move over to the furthest reactions on campus. “I’ve reforms will not be seen dur- to move even those who did lane possible in a safe manner,” Moo said. “If there is a seen people jumping up and ing his time in office. And not vote for him, like Otieno, vehicle in the next lane then slow down your vehicle if it down and things like that, but even with the economy as who was pleased with the re- is not at all possible to change lanes” I’ve also seen people moping his top priority, she’s not sure sults on Election Day. Moon advises to be aware of their natural surround- around saying ‘Oh it’s Hit- Americans will be able to “It was like a dream that ings and take measures to avoid any unnecessary risks ler.’” note improvements for a long couldn’t be true,” she said. while driving past DOT workers, emergency or police personnel on the side of the road. The maximum fine in the state of Georgia is $500 – money that could be used for a student’s books. The second law aimed more towards the group of stu- Visit our website, dents who rush out of the college campus with full speak- ers blasting out music on max volume or what Moon re- fers to as “boom boom speakers.” www.gsccompass.com, “Another thing to point out is students who have what I call boom boom speakers,” said Moon. “We generally receive complaints of students leaving the GSC campus for videos and a place with loud speakers and we understand that students want to listen to their music but we emphasize keeping the level of noise to the boundaries of their own vehicles. We to discuss your opinions stop a lot of college students and hand out citations for these types of violations. You cannot emit a sound that can be heard over 100 feet. The maximum fine is $500. with other students. With loud music you can not hear other motorists or ap- proaching emergency vehicles.” NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 3 NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 4 Sports The proposal that has never been implemented By Edward Hooper the team wins each game and the BCS schools.” The four current BCS bowl games - Staff Writer level of competition the team plays Many proposals have been made Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl [email protected] every week. for ways to fix the playoff system for and Sugar Bowl - would be played as The teams that play in impressive college football. However, none have normal. By playing these games as Reaching the Bowl Championship conferences like the SEC are usu- ever been implemented. normal, tradition of the bowls would Series (BCS) is the goal for every col- ally given higher rank- still be intact. The winners of those lege football team when they open ings, even if they have one games would play in a four-team camp in the middle of August. Of the loss, than a team that is playoff. 119 teams that are in Division 1 col- undefeated but plays in a “I believe it should be given a lege football (FBS), only 67 play in a non-BCS conference. An chance,” said UGA linebacker Rennie conference that qualifies for an auto- example is the Mountain- Curran. “I don’t think people should matic BCS berths. West conference, which shut it down, especially after what The six conferences that automati- has one undefeated team happened last year when a couple of cally get bids to play in the BCS are and that is threatening to teams jumped through that whole the Pac-10, Big 12, Big 10, Big East, make it into the BCS this BCS process. It really made me ques- SEC, and ACC. The winners of those year. tion the whole system.” respected conferences automatically “If they go undefeated College football is said to be at its earn a bid. The other BCS spots are in their conference and most popular point in its entire histo- given to at-large teams. win all their games then ry. However, recent polls have shown At-large bids are determined by the I think they should get that it has the worst postseason of any BCS computer rankings. The teams respect,” said University sport. that usually receive at-large bids are of Georgia defensive line- The level of competition is also the teams that are ranked high in the man Geno Atkins. “Look highest it has ever been in college BCS standings and did not win their at what happened a few football history. UGA Head Coach conferences. years ago with Boise State Mark Richt believes that is a reason Many factors determine how high in the Fiesta Bowl when why the BCS system should be fixed. a team is ranked in the BCS stand- they played Oklahoma and beat The most frequently proposed “There are just too many good ings, including the votes of the USA them. That was a surprise and they playoff scheme is to have an eight- teams out there,” said Richt. “You just Today/Coaches poll, how impressive earned massive respect for the non- team playoff to end the season. Please see “Proposal on page 11 Two opinions ... Here’s hoping Obama Obama’s playoff idea can get us a playoff is not necessary By Joe Patrick ball like the debate, and it keeps the Sports Editor sport on the forefront of the fans for a By Tyler Hernandez more teams than does the BCS. [email protected] longer portion of the year. Perhaps the Sports Writer This system will be an eight-team sports talk show fodder is just music to playoff, and I guarantee that there [email protected] No matter your race, religion, or po- the NCAA’s ears. One thing is certain, will be at least four teams a year litical background, most people in this the complaints of their fans about the that will be upset that they were Recently there has been much country will side with Barack Obama system are worrisome, and the NCAA not included in those top eight speculation if college football is on one of his stances: The BCS needs will have to change at some point. spots. going to continue with the current a playoff. It would be unfair to put all the Also, college football bowl sea- BCS system, or change to a play- In a recent interview that aired the blame on the NCAA. After all, they do son is one of the most exciting off. Most of this speculation comes night before Election Day, Barack have college football playoffs in all of times of the year for any fan. If from an odd source as well. Obama may have earned himself a the lower divisions. Much of the blame the switch is made to a playoff sys- President-elect Barack Obama vote or two. ESPN’s Chris Berman needs to be put on the university pres- tem, the bowls will most likely be stated that he thinks that a playoff asked then-presidential candidate idents who are also holding strong phased out. should instituted in college foot- Obama what would be one thing he against the resistance. They want to That would be a bad situation ball. That raises a big question: would change in sports. ensure the student athletes are prepar- for fans and for the colleges, since Will this actually happen now that Obama quickly replied, “ I think it ing sufficiently for their final exams, the revenue that the colleges re- he has been elected? I hope that is about time we have playoffs in col- but they are still practicing 20 hours a ceive from the bowl games will no this does not happen. I know the lege football!” week like they normally would. longer be available. BCS has problems, but a playoff I happen to agree with him. Just like Another excuse the presidents use With the BCS system, the whole system will just cause more. President-elect Obama, I am fed up is that the season would drag too far season feels like a playoff atmo- First, one of the main problems with computer rankings, voters, and along the calendar. However, when sphere. College football is so ex- of the BCS is that some teams get all of these other artificial things that the BCS National Championship is citing because of the fact that ev- left out of the equation at the end determine who is the best team in the being played over a week after the ery single game matters, and each of the year. There may be three country. Last time I checked, the best New Year, a four-week void exists in game could end up costing your undefeated teams at the end of team in any sport is determined by the college football schedule between team a shot at the title. Sometimes the year and with the BCS system who wins the game, so why would a the conference championships and the we look at the flaws of the system only two get to play in the national sport as widely enjoyed as college foot- final game of the season. This leaves and think it will be better with an- championship game. ball be left up to such debate year after more than enough time to implement other system. That logic may be That is unfortunate, but not ev- year? a four- or eight-team playoff to replace true sometimes, but in this case I eryone is going to get his way. In a Perhaps the higher-ups in college the current bowl structure. think the BCS playoff system, teams will still be foot- Now it is time for Barack Obama to left out and this will upset many is just fine. Voice your opinion at www.gsccompass.com! make his dreams come true. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 5 Sports The Hawks are for real Staying smaller By Edward Hooper Smith. The 6-foot-9-inch Smith is currently than the holidays Staff Writer suffering from an injured ankle. Although he [email protected] currently cannot play, Smith is excited about By Elizabeth McKinnon and Michelle Bennett his team’s new label as a contender in the East- [email protected], [email protected] Win it all! That is what the Atlanta Hawks ern Conference. are planning on doing in the 2008-2009 NBA “To be labeled one of the dominant teams in Most people are suckers for those mocha sandwich basketball season. After only a month into the the East, I am real excited,” Smith said. “I think cookies, double chocolate peanut butter grahams and season, the Hawks are already one of the front- if we can keep up the success with each other chocolate chip cookies. running teams in the Eastern Conference. then we can show people that we are a force However, a lot of people don’t want to become fat Last season the Hawks finished with a 37-45 not to be messed with.” junkies of those treats. record, yet they still grabbed the eighth and Seven-year veteran guard Joe Johnson has “The average American gains approximately seven final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. recently been a cornerstone for the Hawks, and to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s The Hawks were eliminated in game seven of was elected to his first career All-Star game last Day,” said betterhealthusa.com. a seven-game series against the No. 1 ranked year. However, Johnson is not as enthusiastic Between Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cinnamon Boston Celtics, who eventually went on to win about his teams’ fast-paced start as his team- rolls and New Year’s hors d’oeuvres, the holiday sea- the NBA championship over the Los Angeles mates. son can be the hardest time of year to maintain a sleek Lakers. “You can’t feed into that early season suc- figure. N o w , with the early season suc- cess stuff,” Johnson said. “The NBA One way gives us the opportunity to do something cess of the Hawks this season is a mara- thon, not our parents always told us not to: “Don’t feel obliged to season, a sprint. clear your plate. When you feel full, stop eating. Sim- m a n y A 6-0 ple,” said betterhealthusa.com. experts s t a r t Aside from the internet help, many major food com- are calling didn’t do panies are now coming out with healthier options. the Hawks anything for Candie Cochran, a chef at Riverside Elementary legitimate con- us. We still have School, says obesity isn’t a major problem for those tenders for not only a lot of work to do.” children. the Eastern Conference The history speaks for “Though the holidays are upon us we don’t feed the crown, but an NBA champion- itself. The Hawks are off to their children unhealthy foods,” said Cochran, “and we try ship as well. best start since the 1997-1998 to get the parents involved by sending home letters Point guard Mike Bibby, a season. That year, the Hawks with great information on how to find some less fat- 10-year veteran, will lead the Hawks started out 11-0, yet were knocked out tening foods that kids will love.” this season. The Hawks acquired Bibby in the first round of the playoffs by the For on-the-go college students, Cochran endors- on Feb. 16 in a trade with the Sacramento Charlotte Hornets. es exercise and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. Kings. Since acquiring Bibby, the Hawks have Through the Hawks’ six-game winning “Also, sleep right and drinking plenty of fluids, not so- a winning record, and Bibby could be the rea- streak to start the season they won four of the das, such as fruit juice, water and hot teas.” son that the Hawks are being talked about so games on the road. Three out of four road wins Cochran said it is easy to eat healthy when it be- highly. Early in his career, Bibby was a large were against playoff teams from last season. comes a priority in people’s lives. part of the Sacramento Kings Western Confer- The Hawks’ 6-0 start ended Nov. 12 against the “You have to be able to make time to sit down and ence success. During his time there, the Kings Boston Celtics. Last season, when the Hawks eat at least one healthy meal a day or more. Try some fought with the Los Angeles Lakers several played in Boston, the Celtics won by double- fruit smoothies for breakfast and for a mid-afternoon seasons for Western Conference supremacy. digits in every contest. snack. Also fruit as an evening snack, but not before “I sit there and I talk to everyone and let “They ran us right out of the gym last season bed.” them know my outlook on certain things,” in Boston”, said Josh Smith. This season ap- At holiday parties, choose the smarter of the smor- Bibby said. “Everybody talks to everyone about pears to be different. The Hawks lost 103-102 gasbord made available, such as low fat cheeses, wheat things, so I am open and listening to things because Boston Celtic captain and NBA super- crackers and fruit. too.” star Paul Pierce hit a winning shot with less “And for meals at your own home,” said Cochran, It’s not a secret that the Hawks have a team than one second left on the clock. After that “go to Kraft.com for some great dinner ideas that are full of young players. Eleven of the 15 players game alone, people realized how far the Hawks cheap and easy.” on the Hawks roster have five years or fewer of have come and how they truly are contenders The key to enjoying sweets is moderation. NBA experience. One of those players is Josh in the Eastern Conference. “You can eat anything you want, as long as you do so in moderation,” said Cochran. “Sweets are great and I eat them myself, but in moderation.” Get out and enjoy the cold weather Local places to go ice skating: By Lindsey Blalock ice and into the water. So if you choose to go Asst. News Editor ice skating this winter be careful. Atlanta Ice Forum [email protected] There are many ways that you can do ice 2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. skating. You can do ice hockey, figure skating 770-813-1010 Snow skiing and ice skating are yearly sports and speed skating. Those are the most popular www.iceforum.com that are done during the winter months. They ways to ice skate. Admission: $7 adults/$3 children 5 and under are both so fun because I have done both of When snow skiing you will need to get skies Equipment rental: $3 them. To me one is a little harder than the oth- and make sure that you wear warm clothes Lessons: Eight-session package is $144 er. because you will be outside more likely than What’s special: There is a chance you might pass a When you want to go ice skating you will inside. professional hockey player in the lobby. Both the need to either rent or buy ice skates that is the Atlanta Thrashers and the Gwinnett Gladiators most important. What should you wear to go There are also dangers for snow skiing when practice on one of the two rinks at this complex. ice skating, wear something warm because it you go. Those are falling, avalanches, fatigued, Ice Skating in Centennial Olympic Park will be cold. ignoring the signs and watching out for oth- 404-223-4412 Some dangers in ice skating and that would ers. www.centennialpark.com/events/ice.html be falling on the ice. If you were to go to a pond Types of snow skiing that can be found are Look at website for times and discounts. that is frozen over it is even more dangerous alpine skiing, nordic skiing and jumping and Admission is $7 per person for a 90 minute session; because you could completely fall through that kite skiing and para-skiing are just some. skate rental is an additional $2. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 6 Sports The fan’s guide to buying a jersey By Mitch Blomert to details, including the stitching, the patches, the tually every professional sport, and the option Contributing Columnist logos, whether or not they want a player’s name on to customize your jersey is always out there, too. [email protected] their jersey, and so forth. There’s even a blog that And that’s where you hit another fork in the road keeps track of every detail for the fans: www.uni- – what’s going on the back of your jersey? Do you Every sports fan has a jersey or some sort of ap- watchblog.com. want to be like everyone else and get a Jeff Fran- parel hanging in their closests. Are they obsessed? Maybe. But those who are, coeur Braves jersey? Do you want to put your name Yep, I do, too. My most prized possession is a aren’t alone. and favorite number on it, and escape your boring 1995 Winnipeg Jets jersey, professionally stitched There’s a process involved when it comes to part-time job to live out your dream? Or do you with NHL legend Teemu Selanne’s name on it. Un- finding the perfect jersey for your fanaticism. It all crave attention, and want to put something com- less you buy a “re-made” version online begins with how much you want to spend. If you pletely absurd and possibly inappropriate on your (or actually go to Winnipeg), back? it’s hard to find one just like Regardless of what you it. choose, be ready to pay an ex- Among others, I also tra $30-50 to add numbers have jerseys worn by the and letters (and the cap- Colorado Avalanche, the tain’s “C” patch, if you’re bold Anaheim Ducks, the Calgary enough) if your jersey doesn’t al- Flames, the Boston Red Sox, ready have them. the Seattle Mariners, and of Another big thing to keep in course, some autographed mind if you’re concerned about Atlanta Thrashers threads. I the authenticity of your jersey even have that red and blue is that only professional leagues Tennessee Titans jersey that, sadly, never graced want the real thing, or the “authen- tic” jersey, get are allowed to market their teams’ uniforms. That’s the field. ready to drop some major coin, because it won’t why you’ll never see a college football jersey with I guess you could say collecting different teams’ be cheap. Currently, an Atlanta Falcons authentic a name on it. I bet you’ve seen that black Geor- uniforms was my hobby for a while, but I don’t have home jersey with Michael Turner’s name and num- gia jersey with the number 24 on it. I can also bet the time (or money) to collect them anymore. ber stitched on it will put you back $260 if you buy you’ve never seen one that actually had Knowshon Other people do though. In fact, the fan apparel from the NFL’s official shop (Or hey, you can get Moreno’s name on it. And if you have, did it actu- industry isn’t fading by any means. From die-hard a DeAngelo Hall authentic for a discounted $125 ally look real? fans to rappers to little kids dressed head-to-toe in and pretend he still plays for Atlanta). For some fans, having the right jersey, or expand- their parents’ favorite team’s colors, it’s no surprise Digging the jersey, but not the price tag? Try the ing their jersey collection is a hobby taken seri- to see recognizable jerseys from teams in every replica jersey. It looks just like an authentic and has ously and is worth dropping a few hundred dollars league all over the country wherever you go. the same design, but lacks the stitching, the official for that cherished hard-to-find vintage throwback And while a simple t-shirt with a player’s name patches, and as some fans would tell you, that “real” alternate only-worn-once-in-team-history jersey. on it may satisfy one fan, the other wants the real feel. Remember that $260 Michael Turner jersey? For others, a simple replica to show team pride is deal; the exact same thing that the players wear on Its replica counterpart is only $80 (And yes, you good enough. the field, called “authentic” jerseys, or something can still get a discounted DeAngelo Hall replica for Whatever the case, a jersey is what you make it, very similar to it and cheaper, known better as a mere 30 bucks). That comes out to a savings of whether it’s only brought out on game day, or worn “replicas.” $180, and you still get to show off your team pride to campus every day of the week. y Picking a jersey to buy is a fun process for die- – just not in a “real” kind of way. But I’d still like to see another 1995 Winnipeg hard sports fans. Some of them pay close attention Authentic and replica jerseys are made for vir- Jets professionally stitched Teemu Selanne jersey. Canadian sport is a good way to enjoy winter By Caitlin O’Dell Scholarships.net, wrote that Thrashers’ Upcoming Home Games Gladiators’ Upcoming Home Games Editor-in-Chief the first game of hockey was [email protected] played in the United States in • Dec. 10 vs. Rangers, 7:00 PM • Dec. 7 vs. Checkers, 4:05 PM 1893. • Dec. 12 vs. Bruins, 7:30 PM • Dec. 12 vs. Sea Wolves, 7:05 PM It’s easy to imagine a few From there hockey evolved burly guys huddled around a into what fans see today in • Dec. 18 vs. Penguins, 7:00 PM • Dec. 16 vs. Jackals, 7:05 PM fire in Canada thinking of cre- many cities around the world. • Dec. 20 vs. Lightning, 7:00 PM • Dec. 21 vs. Jackals, 4:05 PM ative ways to beat the snot out In the US alone, there are 24 • Dec. 22 vs. Maple Leafs, 7:00 PM • Dec. 26 vs. Sting Rays, 7:30 PM of each other. teams. Around here, there are • Dec. 26 vs. Hurricanes, 7:30 PM • Dec. 27 vs. Sting Rays, 7:35 PM Around 1800, those guys the Atlanta Thrashers based • Dec. 28 vs. Bruins, 5:00 PM • Dec. 29 vs. Sea Wolves, 7:05 PM took a stick (called a “hurley” out of Atlanta and the Gwin- then) and a square wooden nett Gladiators based out of block inspired by the Irish Gwinnett County. game of hurling. The Thrashers are a profes- Thus, hockey. Boys from sional team, so tickets may be Caitlin O’Dell, The King’s College School played more expensive and harder Compass the first game in Windsor, to come by than the Gladia- Nova Scotia on a frozen pond. tors, who are the Thrashers’ The Gwinnett Students from McGill Uni- primary ECHL, formerly the Gladiators faced versity in Montreal set rules East Coast Hockey League, af- off against the in 1879 and amateur teams filiate. Mississippi Sea formed in Canada in the late A hockey game can be a fun Wolves in their 1880s. cheap date. Just remember to Nov. 11 game. The Mike Lancaster, for an ar- bring your scarves and jackets Gladiators won the ticle published on Athletic- – the ice is cold. game 5-2. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 7 Features Mr. Bubbles makes art How to: with his bare hands Prevent an alien invasion By Michelle Bennett By Caitlin O’Dell Features Editor Editor-in-Chief [email protected] [email protected]

Most of us played with bubbles at some Close Encounter of the First Kind – Sighting of a UFO. Close En- time during our childhood. counter of the Second Kind – Physical Evidence. Close Encounter of After several years of bubble experi- the Third Kind – Contact. WE ARE NOT ALONE. ments, 19-year-old Zachary Richard re- Pending an alien invasion, the military is quick to devise a discovered his childhood affection for cover-up in the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” bubbling. Of course, as is always the case, the civilians are much smarter “I played with bubbles as a child to an and wittier than the government and figure out how to save the extent but not as much as I have in the past earth. year,” said Zachary. To help prevent an alien invasion of earth, it is important that Zachary doesn’t just play with bubbles; civilians know what to do to save our precious planet. Books and he is a master over them. Zachary’s bub- movies are a good place to start in the search for knowledge. ble tricks are not limited to “… the carou- In “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the average people sel, bubble chains, the chain caterpillar, (Roy Neary) are the ones who know and learn to circumvent the stretching bubbles and splitting and com- aliens and the government. The lesion from this movie: pay atten- bining bubbles.” tion to guys who build strange mounds with their mashed pota- The best part is that he can do all of this toes. Also, hone your musical and light-flashing skills. If there is with his bare hands. someone willing to be sacrificed, send him in to the aliens. This While the typical child plays with some may provide a distraction to the aliens while the government rendition of “Mr. Bubbles” bubble solution, scrambles to find a new diversion. Zachary uses a slightly different solution in If there happens to be a small alien lost in a field, do not form order to do the tricks with his hands. a close bond with it. In the movie “E.T.,” Eliot almost dies be- Zachary has the routine down to a sci- cause he and the alien become friends. Should you take in a stray ence. “Mix a solution of water, dish soap, alien, do not leave it at home alone – your refrigerator will get de- ordinary bubble solution, and glycerin,” stroyed. Be careful about letting it play with Earthling technology Zachary said. and communications. It may nearly kill itself. And don’t forget the He said that in the beginning, discover- signs from household plants. ing the exact ratio of ingredients needed Should a large meteorite-like object crash into the middle of for the solution was simply trial and er- a large city, do not push anyone – no matter how insignificant ror for him. Now he mixes the ingredients he may be – into the hole. This will, as evidenced in “War of the with his hands with ease. Worlds” (the book), spur the aliens to not only create an under- “I read a book about bubbles as a child,” ground network and easily take over the city, but begin coming said Zachary. “Later I expanded on the out of their holes. This is especially dangerous if the aliens have tricks in the book with dish soap at work landed in several cities on several continents. in Texas where I worked as a dishwasher.” As usual, distrust of the military is imperative. Of course the Zachary said that long hours of wash- military would never have anything under control or care about ing dishes and an already-existing love for the cities and people they are charged to protect. bubbles is a match made in heaven. The The main thing that H. G. Wells can teach us, above all, is to rest is history. trust earth and the natural balance of things. After all, it was a When asked if his talent has helped common bacterium we humans are immune to that destroyed the him meet women he said, “Not at all, but advanced Martians. it is very useful for having something im- First and foremost, learn to play chess. For non-chess-players, pressively entertaining to do when you’re listen to strange men who do play chess, such as Jeff Goldblum in bored, alone or with anyone.” “Independence Day.” Zachary encourages as many people as Escape on Air Force One with the president and always trust he can to develop a love for playing with Will Smith to take care of killing things and bringing back speci- bubbles like he has. He said that in the mens in large parachutes. summer he likes to get his friends together “Now we get to the really icky part.” Remember Area 51 is and mix an expansive bucket of bubbles not quite normal, and neither are the scientists who work there. and make bubble chains. Computers – no matter how old they are – are all the same in ev- Zachary was born in Tampa, Fla. “I’ve ery universe, so spent roughly nine years in Georgia and don’t be afraid also a few in both Texas and California,” to make a com- said Zachary. “When I’m not working I puter virus that write, paint and play music.” will kill the He is enrolled for the upcoming spring alien menace. 2009 semester at Georgia Gwinnett Col- Finally, the lege and hopes to major in English. Men in Black Zachary has a way of sparking an inter- reveal a valu- est in bubble tricks in others and encour- able piece of ages all his audiences to get their feet - or information: hands, rather - wet. It doesn’t mat- “If you look up in the light you can see all ter how big the the colors associated with this, “said Zach- gun is, just how ary after launching an expansive bubble up Photos by Michelle Bennett, The Compass you use it. into the air. “It’s really miraculous.” Photo from special NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 8 Features Evergreens symbolize life, protection By Katie Martin and Caitlin O’Dell ery and lights. Gifts included coins for prosper- [email protected], [email protected] ity, pastries for happiness and lamps to light life’s journey. Any variety of evergreen trees are common in In Great Britian, priests of the woods called households this time of year. Druids used holly and mistletoe as symbols of Taken out of context, cutting down plants and eternal life in their winter solstice celebrations. To erecting them inside houses seems odd. Not to ward off evil spirits, they hung evergreen branch- mention placing wrapped presents under the es over doorways. boughs and using the boughs to hang glass, porce- In the Middle Ages, Germans (from whom lain or hand-knit ornaments. Americans derive many customs and traditions) With the holiday season fast approaching many and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside Gainesville State College students are excited about or just outside their homes to symbolize a hope decorating for Christmas. in the coming spring. It seems most students lean toward the more According to legend, Martin Luther (the leader traditional decorations rather than the contempo- of the Protestant Reformation) is responsible for rary- themed trees. decorating evergreens to celebrate Christmas. “We still use the same ornaments we did when I Around 1500, he was walking through snowy was a kid,” said Erica Spencer, a student at GSC. woods and was amazed by the beauty of a small Spencer says her tree has a little bit of every- group of evergreens. In the moonlight, their thing ranging from cartoon ornaments to ones that snow-laden branches shimmered. have been used in her family for many years. Luther set up a little fir tree to share the joy with “We like to use a lot of color on the tree, we al- his children. To honor Christ’s birth, he decorated ways use small colored lights,” said Spencer. the tree with lit candles. Leighann Cox says her family chooses to keep it The tradition of Christmas trees in America simple when it comes to decorations. most likely came over with Hessian troops during “We do a few things outside but mostly limit the the American Revolution or with German immi- decorations to the living room,” she said. “The tree grants. Trends have changed over the years. For ex- goes up right after Thanksgiving.” However romantic and sweet the story is, the joy ample, in the 1960s many families favored colored Cox also says that her family uses traditional did not spread quickly. At first, Puritans banned aluminum trees with matching ornaments. ornaments, many of which her family has had for Christmas in New England. In Boston, children With trees now ranging in color from black to years. went to school on Christmas Day until 1870. pink to white this season, it seems the trend may But behind all the tangled lights and ornaments, Sometimes, schools would expell those students repeat itself. the Christmas tree has an acient history. who didn’t attend. For many like Spencer it’s tradition that makes Egyptians come from a long line of evergreen In 1851, Catskill farmer Mark Carr kickstarted the holiday season special. tree-worshippers. They would bring in green date the Christmas tree market. He hauled trees into “I like using the same decorations,” said Cox. “It palm leaves, wrote David Robson for The Christ- New York City and sold them all. Twenty years reminds me of Christmas as a child.” mas Tree Farm Network. The greenery symbolized later, nearly every American family joined in the Of all Christmas trees, Scotch Pine is the most life’s triumph over death during the winter sol- new tradition. popular, accounting for 40 percent of the market. stice. Similar to now, Christmas tree farms did a lot of The second most popular is the Douglas fir (35 Romans also celebrated the winter solstice. To business during the Great Depression when farm- percent), followed by noble fir, white pine, balsam celebrate, they decorated their houses with green- ers were unable to sell their trees for landscaping. fir and white spruce. Birds and pigs eaten in historical celebrations By Brigitte Autran ly available until the late 19th century,” said arti- clebase.com. Assistant Opinions Editor clebase.com. “Chicken was more highly regarded For many, Christ- [email protected] than it is today but rooster meat was tough, and mas wouldn’t be com- hens were valuable as long as they laid eggs. Venison plete without a nice, As with most traditions,turkey eating hasn’t would have been another option, especially during big ham adorning the been questioned by many people who willingly the 17th and 18th centuries, though it would have dinner table. stuff themselves annually with the bird. Turkeys required extensive hunting.” “It has become as were once a contender for the bird of America. Supposedly we eat turkey for Thanksgiving be- much a part of the Yule Benjamin Franklin was an advocate of putting cause the pilgrims ate it when they first arrived Boar celebration today the turkey on the American flag. here in America. as it was to the ancients,” said “I wish the eagle had not been chosen as the rep- “Although it is uncertain whether or not the pil- Yaim.org. resentative of our country,” said Franklin. “He is a grims actually ate turkey, it is known that whatever In Sweden and Denmark it is bird of bad moral character ... the turkey is a much meat they were eating during their meal was some custom to bake a loaf in the form of a boar-pig. more respectable bird, and withal a true original sort of bird,” wrote Michelle Tsai at Slate.com. They call this the Yule Boar and feel it insures a native of America.” “Since that time, turkeys have been good harvest for the next year. The turkey was always a favored symbol by pil- extensively raised because of the “A real boar was formerly sacrificed at Christ- grims. They were fresh and big enough to feed a excellent quality of their meat mas among the Scandinavians,” according to Yah- crowd. and eggs.” weh‘s Assembly. “In the past, Americans preferred “Since the days of men like Ed- On Christmas day, the Saxons offered a boar in large poultry for celebrations be- ward Winslow, the turkey has be- sacrifice to the Sun to propitiate it. cause the birds could be slaughtered come a popular symbol of Thanksgiv- “That boar will make you a good Saturnalia,” without a huge economic sacrifice,” ing Day,” wrote Tsai. said Yahweh’s Assembly from Yaim.org. said articlebase.com. “The popularity of ham at Christ- “The boar’s head is still a popular dish in Eng- “Cows were more useful alive than mas is second only to the turkey at land at the Christmas dinner and is usually served dead and commercial beef wasn’t wide- Thanksgiving,” according to arti- with an apple or pomegranate in its mouth.” NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 9 Features X in Xmas keeps original intent Kwanzaa based on 7 principles By Caitlin O’Dell “History tells us that Emperor Con- By Jarvis Johnson Editor-in-Chief stantine’s conversion to Christianity was News editor [email protected] influenced by a vision,” wrote N.S. Gill. In [email protected] his vision, Constantine saw the Greek let- As the “politically correct” try to secu- ters “Chi” and “Rho” intertwined. “Chi” is This December you larize holidays to promote tolerance and written as “X” and “Rho” is written as “P.” will either be decorating unity among the religious and non-re- These are the first two letters of the Greek the halls with boughs of ligious, the Christians have managed to words “Christ savior” and the reason for holly, spinning a dreidel circumvent them – without even know- those funny elongated Ps with Xs across and eating potato cakes ing it. the tails that decorate some Christmas or just getting drunk “Many Christians do not trees. while watching “The understand their own iconogra- Now, of course, with the gov- Grinch.” However, not phy and symbolism,” wrote Dennis ernment and most public en- many of us will be cele- Bratcher for the CRI/Voice Institute. tities scrambling to become brating African heritage “The fact that the use of ‘Xmas’ can be “politically correct,” a lot of by lighting the Kinara in associated so easily with crass Christians take it to heart and observance of Kwanzaa. commercialization rather feel that they are being margin- “What is Kwanzaa?” asked Gainesville State College student than locating it within alized. Sara Knight. the Christian tradition “Among religious folks, “It is a holiday for a specific African culture,” said Carolyn La- itself reveals a lack of the objection to Xmas is bella, a pharmacy major at GSC. understanding of heritage and usually along the line that people Kwanzaa is “a unique African American celebration with focus history.” have taken Christ out of Christmas on the traditional African values of family, community, responsi- Substituting “X” for “Christ” and replaced him with an unknown bility, commerce, and self-improvement” said tike.com. The web- in the word “Christmas” can (since the Greek letter chi site also explains that “Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious be traced to Johannes … looks like the English and is not a substitute for Christmas.” Gutenberg who invent- letter x, the symbol for an Kwanzaa was created by scholar Maulana Karenga in 1966. On ed the printing press in unknown quantity in math- the official Kwanzaa website, Karenga said that Kwanzaa “was 1436. While he is not cred- ematics),” wrote Bratcher. chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give ited with inventing the substi- “It is the glib way people substi- Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather tution, he did facilitate its more tute Christ with this anonymous ‘X’,” than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.” widespread use. said Deputy Editor of the Church of “I think it is cool, Kwanzaa gives people an opportunity to cel- Before modern machines and techno- England’s C Magazine for the Diocese of ebrate something different,” said Mike Green, a sociology major logical advances, the movable type had to Southwell Jane Wyles for an article pub- at GSC. be hand-set, requiring a lot of time and lished by BBC News. “It’s all a part of the The holiday is based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Uni- expenses. To help, printers started using PC picture – Christianity gets squashed ty, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, coop- abbreviations. The church used C to sub- into a smaller and smaller corner.” erative economic, purpose, creativity and faith. stitute for “Christ” and soon “Xmas” was “Understanding this use of Christian While Kwanzaa celebrates African culture, it is not limited to accepted as “Christmas,” “Xian” for Chris- symbolism,” Bratcher wrote, “might help only African participation. tian and “Xianity” for “Christianity.” us modern day Xians focus on more im- “Like Cinco de Mayo and Chinese New Year, anybody can The “X” comes from the Greek word for portant issues … and bring a little more celebrate Kwanzaa, not just Africans,” said M.K. Asante Jr., film Christ, which is “Xristos.” The symbol “X” peace to the Xmas Season.” director. (which was a letter) was representative of Photo from Special “I actually know one or two people who celebrate Kwanzaa,” “Chi” or “Khi” and became representative said Marc McDonnell, a student at GSC. Displayed above are the first two letters, Chi “We should really make people aware of Kwanzaa around cam- of Christ as abbreviations became more (Χ) and Rho (Ρ), of the Greek word for Christ widespread and accepted. (Χριστύς). pus,” said Kiara Smith, an English major at GSC. Hannukah is more than eight crazy nights By Leah Perdue scribes the Hanukkah celebrations revolve around family, Campus Life/Op Ed Editor holiday as festivity and food, much like other winter holi- [email protected] one of “praise days. and thanks- Traditional verses are recited and Jews of Euro- The Festival of Lights, The Feast of Dedication, giving” and pean descent sing hymns. The Feast of the Macabees and even Eight Crazy states that it The aroma and texture of oil permeate the foods Nights are all names for an ancient Hebrew holiday is celebrated of Hanukkah, like potato latkes and sufganiyot, to that few outside of the Jewish community know with festive remind celebrants of the miracle of the cruse of much about. songs, games oil. Hanukkah is much more than “that other winter and food. The Talmud recounts a miracle of a single days’ holiday.” It is age-old festival that celebrates the rec- The cen- worth of oil burning for eight nights, said MyJew- lamation of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 B.C. tral focus of ishLearning.com. The foods are cooked in oil to Hanukkah is the modern celebration of Judas H a n u k k a h remind Jews of this miracle. Macabee’s rededication of the temple after it had is the light- The concept of gift-giving during Hanukkah is ing of the a later addition to the holiday. According to His- been profaned by the king of Syria, according to hanukkiyah, tory.com, many scholars speculate that the tradi- History.com an eight- tion arose as Christmas gained popularity and gifts The word Hanukkah means “dedication.” The branch can- were exchanged. followers of Macabee first celebrated the holiday delabrum. The lights are lit one night at a time. The The traditions and history of Hanukkah are for eight days and nights, the length of Sukkot. candles being lit symbolize the Hebrew concept of compelling. Adding a bit of this ancient festival Today the Jewish community celebrates Hanuk- “lo moridim ba-kodesh,” which means “one does into holiday celebrations could bring a little taste kah in many ways. MyJewishLearning.com de- not decrease in holiness.” of age-old cultural into life. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 10 Features Party like it’s 1999

By Jarvis Johnson could stay mad at Jamal Anderson and the News editor boys for long, after all Cher made us believe [email protected] in Life after Love. Many may remember 1999 as a Limp Bizkit bumping, Eminem reciting, The year of the rabbit had its Britney Spears idolizing, NFL share of phenomenal pop acts as 2k playing, Napster download- well as sinister tragedies. Aside ing, Backstreet Boys gawking, from the Columbine Massacre, Beanie Baby owning, American the worst tragedy among Falcon Pie laughing, Fubu wearing, The fans was Atlanta losing to Den- Rock praising, Bill Clinton bashing ver in Super bowl XXXIII. No one and Playstation 2 anticipating year.

The Awesome

• Christina Aguilera- Genie in a bottle • Sega Dreamcast • Fight Club • NATO Yugoslavia Peace Treaty The Good

• Furby • N Sync • MTV VMA’s • Blair Witch Project The Bad • The Box Music Channel

Photo by Dennis Bratcher The Jokes • Columbine Massacre • Woodstock 99’ • Oklahoma Tornado • 98 Degrees (Nick Lachey) • George W. Bush seeks nomination NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 11 Campus Life Teacher Feature: Gina Reed International By Michelle Bennett students sample Features Editor [email protected] American holidays Compass: How long have you been teach- By Brian Revels ing at Gainesville State College? Staff Writer Reed: I began teaching in June 1990. [email protected]

Compass: What is your title here? With the semester winding down, every college stu- Reed: Professor of mathematics. dent loves the idea of the break for the holidays. While Thanksgiving is traditionally an American holiday Compass: Where did you go to college? commemorating the settling of new lands, people all Reed: I went to Appalachian State Univer- over the world find joy in the season. sity in Boone, N.C., where I received a mas- “Thanksgiving is not an official holiday for Czech ter’s degree in math education. I also went to people,” says Marek Fikejz, 19, of Gainesville State Col- Pennsylvania State, where I received a master’s lege. “However, there is a traditional celebration, sort degree in statistics. of like Mardi Gras, in the Czech Republic. My family generally celebrates it the ‘Americanized’ way.” Compass: When did you become interested Christmas takes on different forms for people of ev- in mathematics? ery cultural background. Fikejz’s family has a specific Reed: In undergraduate school when I took tradition as well. an intro statistics class. “We do most of the celebrating on what is considered Christmas Eve, December 24th,” Fikejz says. “The tra- Compass: Have you ever taught any other gram at GSC. Photo from Special ditional meal is carp and potato salad and other sides. subjects than Statistics? We usually bake cookies, 16 kinds, actually, because the Reed: I have taught MATH 97 and 99, Col- Compass: What is his name? number 16 holds significance for the Czech Christmas lege Algebra, Pre-calculus, Calculus 1 and Dis- Reed: Johnny Reed. We met in high school, tradition.” crete Math. dated, and married while in college. “We never eat turkey for thanksgiving,” says Jose Loyola, 22, also of Gainesville State College. His family Compass: What kind of student were you in Compass: Do you have kids? is Peruvian. “We either have chicken or pork. We usu- high school and college? Reed: We have a son, Michael, who attends ally just sit together after dinner and drink coffee or hot Reed: I was very studious. I have always West Hall High School. chocolate and talk. Generally, the conversation is about wanted to do well and learn as much as I can. the upcoming year.” Compass: Do you have any pets? Christmas has its own characteristics for Loyola’s Compass: What was your first job? Reed: Yes, we have a dog and a cat. family. Reed: I worked in a tobacco factory in the “We don’t put presents under the tree,” he says. “In- summer. After college I taught business statis- Compass: What is your favorite food? stead, we usually just take the children to the toy store tics at ASU for a year. Reed: Chocolate ice cream. around Christmas time. On Christmas Day, it is tra- dition to celebrate all night until we can’t help falling Compass: What were some of Compass: What is your favorite over-21 asleep.” your favorite experiences in college? beverage? Despite their traditions and backgrounds, students Reed: At Pennsylvania State, we always went Reed: In college, Alabama Slammers. all over Gainesville’s campus are looking forward to the out after we finished doing homework and brief transition from classes, grades, and schedules to studying together. There were lots of great Compass: What is your favorite winter hob- family, friends and dinner. places to hear new bands and lots of great res- by? taurants. Reed: Walking outside (it clears my mind) and reading. Compass: Tell us something about yourself Do you or that we wouldn’t expect. Compass: Would you share a piece of advice Reed: In college, I had the N.C. state record for GSC students? in the bench-press (a power lifting event). Reed: I read this somewhere someone you and loved it so it is not original. Compass: Are you married? Work hard. Be prepared. Luck is when oppor- know play an Reed: Yes, my husband is in the GIS pro- tunity meets preparation. unusual sport? Proposal, continued from page 4 Let us know, get one trip-up and you’re out. It’s tough and if everyone is thinking National Championship or bust then you have to look at team like Southern Cal, they have one little slip up and they’re out, and we’ll m ay b e .” With all the positives a playoff system would bring to college football, there are some negatives as well. feature you! With a weak economy, it may not be easy for television networks to pay more money to cover the extended playoffs. Email Joe Patrick Also, college football playoffs would interfere with the National Football League playoffs. Some say would this take attention away from the NFL, which pays a lot to market their playoffs in January. at 924202892 For college football to change to a playoff system, said Richt, it would come down to the presi- dents of college football to vote and finalize the change. The coaches, players, fans and media @gsc.edu. have no say in making the decision in changing college football. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 12 Campus Life New game room will ease student boredom By Andrew Woodrum room. Staff Writer According to attendees, many changes are [email protected] planned for the GSC game room. It is going to be bigger and better than the game room Men shouting “Oh yeah!” Balls flying all students loved before. over the place. Joysticks being toggled with. A couple of new additions are going to be All while some groovy jam pumps from the added as the years go on. There has been talk jukebox. This is the game room GSC gamers of buying a Playstation 3, a Nintendo Wii, have missed. more arcade machines, a new 9-foot pool ta- When the student center closed for remod- ble and additional ping pong tables. eling many of the students in the game room The additions would be a great thing for were sad and bored. We all had nowhere to go all game room lovers to have. Especially since to hang out. many students look at the 8-foot table as the But now that the student center is back in “kiddy” table. business. The new game room is open, and it’s A sad change that is that our old game better than ever. room manager Jasun Pina, left his position All students were invited Nov. 4 to at- to continue his education full-time. Howev- tend the game room setup event. This event er, there is a new manager, Scott Allen, who Caitlin O’Dell, The Compass marked a new beginning to our beloved game started Dec. 1. Welcome, Scott! Scott Allen, new game room manager, took over Dec. 1. GSC ID cards save money on food By Paul Holley Assistant Editor [email protected] Because Gainesville State College does not currently have any kind of food service available on campus, students have to either bring their own lunch or travel to one of the many nearby restau- rants for a meal. Eating “out” can add up to be expen- sive if it is a regular habit. Even spend- ing just $5 on a meal can add up to be a couple hundred dollars over a semester. However, many students don’t know that a majority of the restaurants around Oakwood give some kind of discount if you show your GSC student identifica- tion card. What are some of the more popular restaurants around Oakwood that do give a discount? Dairy Queen, Cool Beans, Zaxby’s, Burger King, Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken all give a 10 percent dis- count when you show your student I.D. Restaurants that do not give a dis- count include McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, Pizza Hut, Arby’s, Sonny’s Bar-B-Q and Lorettas. Moe’s Southwest Grill gives a great discount to students with their GSC I.D. Students can purchase a $5 Joey combo. That is a burrito, a side of guacamole or queso, chips and a drink for $5.

Barberitos also has a really good dis- Paul Holley, The Compass count. Students who show their GSC I.D. will get a free drink with the pur- chase of a meal. Some of these establishments men- tioned slow business due to the ongo- ing construction on I-985 and Highway 53 and that they would be thrilled to let college students know about their dis- count with the hopes of obtaining more customers. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 13 Opinions Obama wins: Race Respect Obama’s authority, no longer an issue but question his politics By Ian Bowling By Paul Holley way of doing things, but it will do no good A&E editor Assistant Editor if the only change is from Republican ultra- [email protected] [email protected] partisanship to Democratic ultra-partisan- ship,” said Bruce Bartlett, who worked on No matter how our views differ from person to person, we The most recent Presidential election has the White House staff during the Regan ad- can agree that we witnessed a change in history happen on sent shockwaves coursing through this na- ministration. election night. Not only did we watch our first president with tion. While working together is all well and African roots elected but we saw the rebirth of voter confi- Barack Obama, president elect, deserves good, we’ve all seen politics get in the way dence, as it was shown to voters that their votes did count. our respect. He has made history as the first of politicians making promises. The results of this election show that any educated person African American man to be elected presi- Obama does have a chance to unite Re- of African descent has the potential to become president. Ev- dent of the United States. Congratulations publicans and Democrats, but even after ery American will surely remember where they were this past to him for that. the Bush years, his policies will still make it election night. But while every one should respect him difficult to do so. Over the course of this election we saw dirty strategies for the man he is, his policies have raised Obama’s website outlines his plan for from both campaigns, especially from the McCain campaign. some concern. taxes, which fall nothing short of cutting Sen. McCain’s concession speech showed his true maverick Reading some articles on republicans- taxes for everybody and still lowering the attitude, however. forobama.com, I found some interesting national budget deficit, a bold promise that While both candidates were clearly qualified for the job as views on Obama and what he needs to do will be interesting to watch. commander-in-chief, America felt that Barack Obama had as the next president. He plans to put 1 million hybrid cars on more potential to bring change about from the past eight Obama’s campaign preached diligently the roads and make sure those cars are made years. that he was “The candidate of change.” Ac- As we’ve seen since the election, President-elect Obama has in America, another bold promise seeing as cording to several writers on this blog stated how the top carmakers in America are ap- already been surrounding himself with an array of potential many of his characteristics of change were cabinet members with views both agreeing and opposing. plying for federal monetary aid. more personality related rather than policy While these promises come with every As he has been compared to Lincoln, Kennedy and FDR, related. new president, Barack Obama has a lot rid- we can only hope that in four years things really will get bet- “I personally admire John McCain, but I ter. simply cannot see him inspiring the nation ing on his shoulders. He has created his- As we come to the day of President-elect Obama’s inaugura- and our world economic partners to work tory. He will accept a floundering economy tion, we will witness the remainder of President Bush’s second together and solve our very daunting prob- as his responsibility. And he will become term. We will also witness our economy’s continued rocking lems,” said Joel Haugen, who lost an elec- commander-in-chief of a military that is up and down, which will become scary at some points, espe- tion bid as a Republican candidate in Or- fighting a war in two places. cially with the Christmas season being in full swing. egon’s first Congressional district. Welcome to the White House, Mr. However, we cannot let this destroy our hope. “Obama is right to want to change Bush’s Obama. We hope you enjoy your stay. Slumping economy forces The democratic students to reconsider majors music revolution By David Hulbert General Studies. they are selecting candidates By Andrew Stern [email protected] According to EconEdLink. with degrees for positions that Columnist Staff Writer org, “The number of unem- used to be open for any educa- [email protected] ployed persons in the U.S. rose tion level. Okay, so the market is in by 592,000 to 9.4 million in Au- Many of these ex-profession- In a time when democracy has been on the shambles and professionals are gust, and the unemployment als are returning to school to front page of every newspaper, what could be losing their jobs, so what? Why rate increased by 0.4 percentage compete with current students better than a democratic music revolution? I would we, as college students, point to 6.1 percent.” directly for new jobs in the fu- think a lot of you can relate to the old model of care about these old people? Over the past 12 months, the ture. the record industry being outdated and needing an overhaul. This is your chance to be a part of They had their chance, right? number of unemployed persons If there ever was a time to the movement. As soon as we get our chance has increased by 2.2 million and make as many connections in I run cherrypeel.com, a music website that at the real world we will show the unemployment rate has ris- college and in the professional helps bring artists and listeners together. them how it should be done. en by 1.4 percentage points, with world as you can, it is now. Up until now, major labels, radio stations, This brings back the ques- most of the increase occurring By the time most of our first- and TV channels have been the only ones with tion, “What are you going to be over the past four months.” year students graduate, they the power to decide which artists and genres get when you grow up?” More and more unemployed might find that their field of heard. We are trying to democratize music by giv- We held an anonymous poll professionals have been given study is not as open as it is now. ing the listeners a voice. To do this we give each of 100 random students here on no choice but to start over in Students need to get their listener the right to vote on the songs they want the GSC campus. entry-level positions that would foot in the door as soon as pos- others to hear and we give new artists a platform Thirty percent are majoring normally be occupied by stu- sible. to get their music heard. in a medical/pharmaceutical dents entering the work force. This job market has once In addition to the website itself being of inter- field. This need to start over is again opened the idea of how est, it would also be a good tool to find new mu- Forty-seven percent are ma- delaying and eliminating the important the college you go to sic to review. You can read more about the site joring in education. availability of these jobs for is on your resume. Choose your and how we are trying to change the industry Eleven percent are majoring many who need the experience college wisely and strategically. here: http://cherrypeel.com/#p=/philosophy and in an Art of some kind. to move on in their career. Just having the degree might how the site works here: http://cherrypeel.com/ Two percent are majoring in Employers are realizing that get you the interview, but hav- link/votesharediscover.jsp. Let me know if you Psychology/Social Sciences this is their time to pick and ing the prestige will set you out have any questions: Andrew Stern andrew@cher- Ten percent are majoring in choose the best of the best and in front. rypeel.com. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 14 Opinions The student voices of Gainesville State College Thank you, GSC student life We just want to say thanks. Thanks so much to the Student Life office here at Gainesville State College and to the students whose activities fees have built the amazing new Student Center. Caitlin O’Dell The Compass, like many on-campus clubs and organizations, has long been packed into a tiny office that shared Leah Perdue Editor-in-Chief walls with restrooms and classrooms. As discussions frequently got spirited in our old office, irate professors would Campus Life/Op Ed Editor send students to remind us that we were way too loud. But with one look at our office in the new student center we immediately realized that we would have room to move around and could allow ourselves to discuss controversial or popular ideas more freely. The most amazing part of the new student center is the amount of cooperation that students have had from the student life staff. The workers in student life have worked very hard to make the transition to the new facilities smooth. So we at The Compass want to say thank you to all students whose student activity fees helped to build the amaz- Paul Holley ing new building that all benefit from. Ian Bowling Assistant Editor And, of course, thank you to the staff of the Office of Student Life. The efforts of the workers have made the A & E Editor Student Center a place all students can enjoy. Politicking is over Jarvis Johnson Americans, get back to work Dao Cao News Editor Clubs Editor The election is over and we couldn’t be happier. wait for Election Day to make a change. Not that we all agree on the results. Here in the Com- The most important thing that Americans can do to pass office there is just as much political division as ensure that our government is for the people is to be- throughout the rest of the country. come a part of it. We’re just glad that the campaigning and back-and- If we unite to make the changes that need to be made, forth bickering are finally over. then who got the nod on Election Day isn’t as important But is it? as the people’s voice. Michelle Bennett The nation still seems pretty divided between those If you are a staunch supporter of Obama, then it is Joe Patrick Features Editor who are thrilled to see Barack Obama in office and your duty to hold him accountable for the promises and Sports Editor those who think that the country is headed straight for policies that got him into office. a catastrophe at his hands. Some of us think that Obama was the best choice, But, like the staff at here at The Compass, the country others are terrified about his leadership, but if we all can needs to come together. look past political pandering and begin to work togeth- The decision has been made. Obviously not every er on the policies or issues that are important to us, then American is happy with that decision, but that’s one of we can shape the next four years and beyond. the shortcomings of a democracy. If this election has made anything clear, it is that his- The great thing about our government is that the peo- tory can be made even in this jaded day and age. While ple can be involved. it may sound naïve, even delusional, that Americans If you are frightened or unsure about the upcom- could step up on a massive scale and change politics as ing administration, then take charge. Start a grassroots usual, this year has proven that just such a thing is pos- movement to focus on the issue that you are passionate sible. about. Organize town hall meetings to call politicians’ It is our duty to step up and make the next four years attention to social injustices. Responsible citizens don’t accountable to the citizenry and not the politicians.

Thanks for reading! erry Christmas and a Happy New Year Mfrom the Compass. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 15 Opinions Andre Cheek leaves GSC a better place By Jarvis Johnson summers, they will receive a scholarship,” News Editor said Cheek. [email protected] Cheek is the adviser for the Black Student Association and has been a leader for many First Louis Negron and now Andre Cheek campus events and the African Male Initia- will depart from Gainesville State College tive Program. leaving behind the Minority Affairs office and “My best memories are probably seeing so many supportive students. many first-generation students graduate from “This is definitely a loss to GSC,” said GSC, transfer to four-year institutions and Amon Kirk, a sociology major at GSC. “Not become successful,” said Cheek. only did she serve as an adviser, she was like a mother figure to a lot of people. She’s tackled Cheek’s new beginning in Atlanta will start very important and controversial issues. She soon. For now students and faculty have to embraced everybody regardless of race.” deal with her sudden decision to leave. It is Cheek has prided herself as being a student apparent that Cheek will leave big shoes to advocate and a positive role model for ev- fill eryone: “I feel like my real job was to impact “We’re going to expect her replacement to the lives of everyone that I touch. No matter be as good as Ms. Cheek, and if they’re not like if it was the president of the college a visit- her we’re going to be reluctant to trust them,” ing speaker, parents, student or child,” said said Kevana Wiggins, psychology major. Cheek. “I feel like Ms. Cheek is the life of this of- After dedicating seven years to GSC, An- fice and without her it’s going to be dead,” said dre Cheek will be pursuing other career op- Brittany Perry, pharmacy major. portunities. “I’m going to cry,” said Jaleesa Lott, an edu- “I’ll be working with Atlanta public schools and the Project GRAD office in downtown cation major. Atlanta,” said Cheek. Cheek offered advice for her successor. “It’s Cheek will be part of a developing college going to be important that the individual take readiness program in Atlanta high schools risk and have a voice. Let their voice be heard that will implement during the summer on and be a constant student advocate. Also re- Jaime Munoz, The Compass different college campuses. member to do their research before they act.” “If the students attend two consecutive “I’m happy for her,” said Mike Session. Andre Cheek is leaving GSC after seven years. She will be missed. Keep your ^%@*& correctness out of my Christmas By Caitlin O’Dell wants to spend a pretty penny and help inflate the around this time. I was tempted to go into those Editor-in-Chief estate of Sam Walton, Wal-Mart and Sam’s club stores and ask for a “holiday tree” in July, since the [email protected] founder.. Fourth of July is a holiday, too. I personally have no problem sharing my Christ- Speaking of the Fourth, shouldn’t that be called It’s the “holiday” season. Which means that once mas or my Christ with others. Different religions, something else? “Independence Day” implies that Halloween costumes are put in the back of closets races, genders ... the more the merrier. Still, we can- we Americans were once dependent. Not only that, around the country and all the sugar has been con- not be politically incorrect by saying which holiday the day is symbolic of our break with Great Bri- sumed, it’s a Santa Claus explosion in America! we’re celebrating. tian. Shouldn’t the Brits be offended by that? What Two days after Halloween, there were Christmas Honestly, is there anyone offended by a specific could we call it instead? wreaths on the posts of the local grocery store in religion celebrating their Messiah’s birth? Who are Of course, Native Americans should take um- tiny Flowery Branch. There is Christmas music Christians hurting by saying two words? Not only brage to Thanksgiving, because Thanksgiving sym- playing in most department stores. Santa’s little vil- Christians, but anyone who wants to use the holi- bolizes the time when colonists came over to the lage is all set up in the Mall of Georgia. day’s proper name is shushed. Yes, using X in place “new world” and brought “peaceful” religions and Yet no one can say “Merry Christmas.” of Christ in the name is shorter and allows for big- diseases. It signifies the downfall of Native Ameri- Well, yes, I know there are other holidays. Cha- ger font in ads. If Christians look at the X-symbol cans to our pompous European ancestors’ egos and nukah and Kwanzaa among others. Still, why will in a historical context, they’ll see it is nothing of- (gasp) intolerance. they stop us from wishing others a Merry Christ- fensive at all, but actually quite perfect. The American government isn’t doing anything mas? Printing “Xmas” rather than “Christmas” does for them. Although Christmas is a predominately Chris- save room ... but “happy holidays?” The amount of If we Americans are planning on truly embrac- tian holiday (hence the Christ in the name), many letters are the same in both “happy holidays” and ing all religions and making no difference or pref- non-Christians celebrate. Religion is not to blame “Merry Christmas.” erence to any of them, we really should publicize for this - consumerism is. With a non-religious How about those holiday trees? We started see- and sell things for the other religious holidays rep- tone, Christmas can be celebrated by anyone who ing those more and more in store ads last year resented here in the States. Got an opinion? Make it known on our website, www.gsccompass.com, or write a letter to Editor in Chief Caitlin O’Dell at [email protected]. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 16 Arts and Entertainment Brian Wilson’s ‘That Lucky Old Sun’ By Chris Bell “I Get Around,” the deceptively com- Assistant Professor of English plicated toe-tapper “California Girls,” [email protected] and the rapturous “pocket symphony” “Good Vibrations.” He doesn’t seem The myth of Brian Wilson is so to have the energy to sustain an entire great that it seems odd to note that album’s worth of material, which is the former Beach Boy has released why songs on “That Lucky Old Sun” five solo records in the past ten years, such as “Good Kind of Love” and the most heralded of which is the “Live/Let Live” are more enjoyable 2004 completion of the famously when taken out of context aborted “SMiLE,” initially abandoned Furthermore, the Southern Cali- in 1967. Add two live albums to the fornia myth the Beach Boys exploited mix, and Wilson appears to have re- in the sixties has never truly been gained that spark that established featured in Wilson’s best work. The him as the most important American songs that celebrate Los Angeles on pop composer of the rock era. his new album feel somewhat forced Wilson’s solo career, including and feature trite, almost embarrass- 1987’s self-titled debut, is marred ing lyrics. by inconsistent, half-hearted efforts. The composers more introspective Living in the shadow of his own ac- work, such as “In My Room,” “Don’t complishments during the sixties is Worry Baby,” “Surf’s Up,” “’Til I Die” intimidating even to him. And, al- and “Love and Mercy” has always though his health has improved re- been far more enduring than the odes markably, the psychological break- to surfing and hot rods upon which down that left him out of the public the Beach Boys built its reputation. eye for the better part of thirty years Therefore, one is not surprised that Capitol Records, www.capitolrecords.com still haunts him. Yet with the release the final quarter of “That Lucky Old of his second concept album in Sep- Sun,” wherein Wilson muses on his Formerly the lead songwriter and singer of The Beach boys, Brian Wilson released tember of this year, titled “That Lucky depression, marked by nearly three his new album That Lucky Old Sun on Sept. 2. The album rose up to No. 21 on the Old Sun,” Wilson appears to have decades worth of doing little more Billboard 200. nearly found that old groove entirely. than lying around his Beverly Hill The album certainly isn’t perfect. Mansion, is much more intriguing isn’t applying an obsessive compulsive harmonies of Wilson’s new band . Wilson’s most frequent collaborator, than the rest of the album. effort to his compositions these days, By itself, “That Lucky Old Sun” “SMiLE” partner Van Dyke Parks, In fact, the six songs that close the Wilson still offers more compelling, continues to show Wilson’s incre- pens narrative interludes sandwiched album are Wilson’s best, most consis- intricate music than probably anyone mental improvement as a solo artist, throughout the album, which Wil- tent work since his Beach Boys hey- in the business. His voice has aged not including the brilliant “SMiLE,” son recites with more a little to much day. “Midnight is Another Day” is a with time, yet his falsetto remains an anomaly of sorts in that the major- gusto. These narratives are meant beautiful ballad that segues perfectly mostly intact, and he sings with more ity of that record was written nearly to serve as markers between move- into “That Lucky Old Sun,” the old panache than in any of his previous forty years before Wilson found the ments within the album, which is yet Louis Armstrong song serves as the solo efforts, including “SMiLE.” And courage to complete it. In the annals another paean to Southern Califor- frame for the various movements of his band, made up mostly of the for- of rock history, however, the album nia, Wilson’s muse for all these years. the album, and is followed by “I’m mer Beach Boys tribute band the is a gift to Wilson fans, as nearly any But as a concept, the songs don’t flow Coming Home,” a rocker reminiscent Wondermints, has never sounded recording the troubled composer can that well.. of “This Old World” and “Hey Mar- better. Musically, there is little this compile makes us the lucky ones, for The problem with the album as cella.” The capstone is “Southern Cal- group cannot accomplish, and the each new effort moves us farther away a concept lies in the fact that, with ifornia,” a tune that looks back fondly decade long collaboration with their from defining the old Beach Boy as a the exception of “Pet Sounds” and at his Beach Boy roots. musical idol continues to reap re- wasted talent and more toward a re- “SMiLE,” Wilson has always excelled What trumps the album’s flaws is, wards. And not even the Beach Boys covered boy wonder who still offers at writing singles, such as the raucous of course, the music itself. Even if he themselves can match the soaring flashes of that old brilliance.

Recipes: White Chocolate Brownies, Pumpkin Streusel Pie White Chocolate Brownies In a 2 quart saucepan, heat but- Pumpkin Streusel Pie In a mixing bowl, combine the ter and baking chips of a low flame, pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of margarine be sure not to scorch them! Stir fre- 1 deep dish pie shell eggs, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ginger, 1 10 oz bag of vanilla baking mor- quently, just until melted. They may 2 cups of canned pumpkin nutmeg, and salt. sels (1 2/3) be chunky and curdled but that is to 1 can of sweetened condensed milk Pour batter into the pie shell. 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour expected. Remove from heat. (14 oz.) Bake in oven for about 15 minutes. 3/4 granulated sugar Mix together 2 and 3 2 slightly beaten eggs Reduce oven to 350 degrees once 1 teaspoon all natural vanilla fla- quickly to avoid sticking. 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinna- you take it out for the first time. voring Spread evenly into pan. mon, divided In a small bowl, combine brown sug- 1/4 teaspoon of salt Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until a 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger ar, flour, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon 3 large eggs toothpick comes out clean. Also, for 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg of cinnamon. Cut in the butter until (OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup chopped extra flair sprinkle left over baking 1/2 teaspoon of salt the mixture is crumbly. Stir in nuts. nuts) chips over top while it is still hot so 1/4 cup of brown sugar, packed Sprinkle mixture evenly over the pie. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. there’s some extra melty goodness! 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour Bake pie for 40 minutes. Cool pie Grease and flour a 13x9 inch pan. 2 tablespoons of melted butter completely before cutting. Refriger- Mix together flour, sugar, vanilla fla- 3/4 cup of walnuts, chopped ate any leftovers! voring, salt, and eggs in a large bowl Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 17 Arts and Entertainment Restaurant review: 2 Dog café By Michelle Bennett Whitaker describes the food as Features Editor “high-quality cuisine.” [email protected] When asked what he saw on the menu Whitaker said, “Ribs, quesadil- You know what they say about a dog being a las, salads … every kind of cuisine.” man’s best friend. Jon visited 2 Dog for dinner and Gainesville State College student Jon Whitaker also saw entrees like blackened porta- visited 2 Dog café in Gainesville for the first time bella, the 2 Dog burger, stuffed floun- recently and left deeming 2 Dog café man’s new der and lasagna. Tim Robert’s said, best friend. “Right now I like the lamb.” “They have something for everyone,” said Whi- New diners shouldn’t be confused, taker. “It’s a bistro-meets-a-wine-bar-meets-a-con- however. 2 Dog does not just special- temporary-coffee-shop. I will definitely go back.” ize in dinner. It also has an extensive 2 Dog café is located at 317 Spring St. in Gaines- lunch menu. ville. Owner and Chef Tim Roberts calls 2 Dog “A “Lunch and dinner are two very local, independent restaurant.” different animals,” said Roberts. Roberts describes the atmosphere of 2 Dog as Roberts and his staff at 2 Dog keep “casual and easy-going but not ‘down-home.’” in mind during lunch hour that the When asked what sparked his passion for majority of the people who come in the business Roberts said, “It’s all I’ve ever really are taking just a short break. done.” “We know these people are in and Roberts’ passion for the restaurant business out,” said Roberts. didn’t start with 2 Dog. He said that he started his Their lunch menu clearly reflects first restaurant in North Carolina when he was 27 that. Currently on the menu are things years old. like soup, salad, veggie sandwiches Michelle Bennett, The Compass “We’ve been in Gainesville for 11 years now,” he and the 2 Dog club. 2 Dog is located off of EE Butler Parkway on Spring Street in downtown said. Roberts and Whitaker agree that 2 Dog has a unique style and atmo- Gainesville - two blocks away from Brenau University. It offers dishes Roberts’ dedication to the establishment shows made from locally grown produce and spices. Besides its menu of food through the food. sphere. items it also serves quite a selection of beer and wine. “There is very little that we do that you’re going “We pride ourselves at the fact that to be able to find in a grocery store,” said Roberts. we are who we are. We like that fact. They even make their own bread, catsup and We’re comfortable with that,” said Roberts. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and Wednesday mustard. 2 Dog café is open Monday through Saturday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. Jaguar is no longer a rich old man’s car, hopefully By Caitlin O’Dell the rotary shift knob. Creatively named Editor-in-Chief the JaguarDrive Selector, this knob ris- [email protected] es out of the transmission tunnel upon pressing the glowing red keyless start/ Since Ford bought Jaguar in 1989, few stop button. people have been completely happy with Like most new cars, the XF’s Jag- what happened to the old cats. uarDrive Selector gives you the option “I hate what Ford did to Jaguar,” said of driving the car as a manual or auto- Jacob Davis, a sophomore political sci- matic. However, the shifters are paddle ence major at Gainesville State College. shifters, and anyone who has driven a “The 80s jags were really cute,” Davis true “old-fashioned” stick shift will at- said. “Under Ford, Jaguars always seemed test that paddle shifters are not as fun. dirty … they just seemed cheap.” Because there is less to go wrong with “The old ones are a little bit cooler a simpler transmission, paddle shift- just because you have the old factor in ers have become the preferred method there,” said Brandon Carey, a junior early of controlling new cars’ transmissions. childhood education major at GSC. Now “they’re a little ostentatious.” However … paddle shifters just don’t When shown a picture of the new XF, provide the same joy as actually pressing Carey said it looked “like a Volvo” and the clutch pedal and physically moving was “not very original at all.” the gear shift. “It doesn’t look as cool as that one (the As an appreciator of classic jag sedans, E-type),” said Steve Franklin, a sopho- I miss the snarling jaguar that leaps more at GSC. Jaguar, www.jaguarusa.com from the bonnet at anything threatening It’s a good thing Jaguar is not trying to to slow down its speed. If the XF were reel in buyers in their 20s. The new XF is According to motortrend.com, the new XF Supercharged JaguarDrive Selector sleeker, like the 60s E-types, I could un- aimed at the generation between 20-year- is a fully “drive by wire” system-no mechanical connections between shifter and derstand removing the cat for aerody- olds and their grandparents. Ian Callum, transmission. namics. Without the ornament, the XF Jaguar’s design director, told the New York looks more like its competition – Audi’s Times that his goal was not for 25-year- Indeed, the XFs start at $50,000. These are pow- A6, BMW’s 550i, Mercedes-Benz’s E550, olds to buy it, but for them to confirm their par- ered by a 4.2 liter V-8 engine with 300-horsepower. Cadillac’s STS and Lexus’s GS 460. ents’ coolness. The top model, which uses the supercharged ver- As a college student, I am not in the age bracket “It’s beautiful, expensive and I’ll never own one,” sion of the same engine as the base model with 120 the new XF is marketed toward nor could I afford said Anita Turlington, assistant professor of Eng- more horsepower, costs $63,000. it. lish at GSC. The favorite feature – so far – of this new XF is Maybe James Bond will pick it as his next car. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 18 Arts and Entertainment GSC has something to offer the music scene here By Wil Petty Catch-22. On December 6, So it Goes Staff Writer will be opening for Murphy’s Law, [email protected] considered by many to be legends in the punk world. When people talk about the mu- “I am very excited to be able to sic scene here in Georgia, you typi- open for so many talented bands like cally hear about Athens, Atlanta, Ma- Murphy’s Law, Catch 22, and World/ con and Savannah, but what about Inferno,” said Brown, “It is really Gainesville State? great to play with bands you admire Athens claims R.E.M., Widespread and respect.” Panic, and the B-52s, while Atlanta The band is heavily influenced by claims Sevendust and possibly the punk and ska bands including: Op- biggest rap scene in the world. Macon eration Ivy, Rancid, Bad Brains, Anti- had the Allman Brothers and Savan- Flag, and Flogging Molly. nah has Kylesa and Passafire. So It Goes has already released one Believe it or not, GSC has plenty EP earlier this year titled “Long Road of bands looking to soon join those Home.” In January, the group plans ranks. to release a new EP featuring eight One such band is the “socially songs, but they have yet to come up Jaime Munoz, The Compass aware” punk rock group, So It Goes. with a title. Though they were formed in nearby New songs will include “52,” a song So it Goes (pictured) began as a group of friends performing for charity events at Cumming, So it Goes features GSC’s which compares the economy to a GSC such as the most recent being in Spring 2008 as part of Autism Awareness own Taylor Lanham and Jonathan deck of cards, and “Una Eternidad donation drive. So It Goes and Attila can be found online at www.myspace.com/ Brown. Senti,” which is sung completely in soitgoes1 and www.myspace.com/attilaga. Both Brown and Lanham are mem- Spanish. have also influenced the band. available at Hot Topic, Best Buy and bers of the Students for a Progressive If punk is not your style, then may- Attila has shared the stage with FYE upon request. Society. Brown is the president and be party metal is. many bands including Born of Osiris Whether you are just bored of the Lanham is the treasurer. The Buford-based band Attila con- and The Chariot, which features mainstream, or looking for some- “We are incredibly happy about siders themselves to be party metal, former Norma Jean front man Josh thing new to listen to, Gainesville having a president who represents or a blend of hardcore and death met- Scogin. State has a variety of music to listen more progressive values,” said Lan- al. The band also features drummer The band had a CD release party to. Support your local music scene, ham, about President-elect Barack and GSC student, Sean Heenan. in Loganville on November 21. The and show some love for these up- Obama. Numerous bands have influenced new album, “Soundtrack to a Party,” and-coming artists. They have already opened for Attila ranging from Pantera and Me- was highly anticipated by their fan For more information, visit www. Fighting Records’ Whole Wheat shuggah to Killswitch Engage and As base. myspace.com/soitgoes1 and www. Bread, as well as Victory Records’ I Lay Dying. Living life and partying Heenan said that the CD will be myspace.com/attilaga. GTA presents ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ By Andrew Woodrum to believe that tomorrow is going to behind a very thinly veiled Chinese Staff Writer be better than today. character. [email protected] “I don’t ever think I have been Millie has decided that her best more excited about a show, because course of action in being successful A young lady who lives in Kansas we have a perfect casting pool for is to marry her boss, since she hadn’t sets out an adventure to see the world this,” he said. been able to secure a job yet. She goes in the 1920s. Sound like Wizard of The stage is set for a young girl with for an interview as a stenographer for Oz? Well, think again! dreams of stardom shining in her Trevor Graydon the Third. Millie is Thoroughly Modern Millie is eyes. She has such dreams of success bowled over by his good looks and a Tony Award-winning play that when she is mugged shortly after ar- determinedly sets up to amaze him Gainesville Theatre Alliance has re- riving in the big city: losing many of with her talents on her speed test, produced. her belongings, including her purse. positive that she will become his wife For those who do not know, the Jimmy Smith, a fabulous man-about- eventually. Gainesville State College theater the-town character, advises Millie to All the actresses in the boarding program is a 29-year collaboration go back to Kansas where she belongs. house decide to look for a speakeasy between Gainesville State College, This strengthens Millie’s resolve to and are actually slipped into one by GTA, www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org Brenau University, and the Northeast stay and place her own brand on the Jimmy Smith. As Millie’s luck has loves Jimmy, but after learning that Georgia community, and guest pro- city! been for the entire show, the speak- he was a drifter floating from job to fessionals who help out! Millie checks into a boarding house easy is raided and everyone is taken job, is more determined to forget The story itself is set in 1922, but for hopeful actresses called the Hotel into custody. Jimmy and Millie share about him. was written and produced as a film in Priscilla. She and several other girls some quality conversation and he in- The show comes to a dramatic the 1960s. After a wonderful recep- are attempting to make it big, though vites her and Dorothy, her orphaned climax when Millie discovers Mrs. tion, it was then turned to a Broad- the acting gigs are not as plentiful as roommate, to a game on Long Is- Meers’ true nature to help rescue Dor- way musical in 2001, mere months they would hope. At the same time, land. othy, and accepts a breathless propos- after 9/11. the city is dealing as issue of white Numerous antics are offered up al from Jimmy. Luckily for Millie, she John B. Hammond, theater pro- slavery that seems to have been oc- by Mrs. Meers’ henchman in their makes some discoveries about Jimmy gram director said, “We turn to mu- curring with many young orphan quest to capture Dorothy, while Mil- that lead to a happy ending for all. sical theater when we need a laugh, girls. Mrs. Meers, the hotel’s propri- lie struggles with the realization that The acting and production in this when we need to take ourselves a etor, is the diabolical mastermind be- she’s in love with Jimmy, rather than GTA show were exceptional, keeping little less seriously, and when we need hind the slave trade and hides herself Trevor as she had planned. Millie up with their usual high standards. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 19 Clubs SEA seeks volunteers for Elachee by Jaime Munoz Cash said. “With many Americans trying to be- back some weeds. We would also like to just hike Staff Writer come more healthy and eco-friendly, what better a trail and clean up any trash we see along to trail,” [email protected] way than to spend your Saturday volunteering at said Cash. Elachee? You can unplug electronics, keep your Besides hosting the annual winter festival, the The Students for Environmental Awareness club electricity off longer, work off Thanksgiving food, Elachee Nature Science Center, located inside of the at Gainesville State College is seeking student vol- get some fresh air and volunteer at Elachee Nature 1,500-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, also unteers to participate at Elachee Nature Science Center that is unknown to many.” have bikes trails, a golf course and hiking trails. Center’s Winter in the Woods festival. Student volunteers will be assigned either to Elachee also has a live animal room with native The Winter in the Woods annual kid’s festival instruct children how to create natural and kid’s animals to Georgia, which is open to the public. will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to crafts, lead children through the Elachee museum “It would be a unique opportunity and a great 1 p.m. on a candy cane scavenger hunt, help create holi- way to spend some time outside. It’s a great way to The festival events and activities are geared more day cookie treats, or participate as tour guides for give back to your community and with the “Green” toward school children of all ages, and is the per- the children on an outdoor scavenger hunt to spot kick why not join in and help out at a nature cen- fect opportunity for students to volunteer a few local wildlife. ter,” said Cash. hours of their time, especially if they love working For student volunteers who are actually interest- For those of you who are interested in vol- with children. ed in getting a little dirty, there will be the perfect unteering or have any questions regarding the GSC student and SEA member Michelle Cash is opportunity after the fest as Elachee will be doing Winter Woods festival at Elachee Nature Sci- organizing and coordinating the volunteering be- some hands-on work on the trails. ence Center, you can contact Michelle Cash at tween the college and Elachee. “After the Festival, volunteers will be working [email protected]. Directions to the facility “We are looking for mostly GSC students,” in the picnic area, re-mulching and maybe cutting from GSC can also be found at www.elachee.org.

GSC Debate Club SGA improves campus plans tournament By David Parchert Jarvis Johnson SGA member News Editor [email protected] [email protected] You might be thinking what The Gainesville State College Debate Club will be bringing the Student Government Asso- the competition to Hall County on Jan. 16, 2009. The tourna- ciation does for you? SGA im- ment, entitled “The Chicken or the Egg,” will be held on the plemented the “Right Choice GSC campus and will have debate and individual speaking competition. for a Healthier You” program. “It’s a two-day event and 15 schools have already commit- Check out the right side of the ted to attending,” said Tom Preston, Debate Club adviser and vending machines, look for the tournament organizer. apple sticker, and you are on A few schools that have already committed to attending your way to enjoying a health- the tournament are the University of Alabama, Carson-New- ier snack! man College, Southern Poly Tech University, Volunteer State SGA has also drafted a se- Community College, Piedmont College and South Georgia curity proposal to add lighting College. on campus. Be on the lookout, “Everybody’s been working so hard,” Preston said. “To go from four people two years ago to now hold hold our own night students, for LED flash- tournament, that just blows my mind. It’s inspirational, too. light key-chains to help keep We’ve grown from last year. you safe! “We’re just going to do our own thing and still win.” Do you want a voice in what goes on at Gainesville State College? Come to any and all Promote SGA meetings at 1 p.m. on Fri- days in meeting room 4 of the Your Club student commons. Can’t come SGA President Katie Taylor encourages students to contact to a meeting? E-mail SGA at them at [email protected] with any questions, Advertise in [email protected] with comments, or concerns which they may be having with the Compass any concerns or ideas! student life at the GSC campus. NOVEMBER 28, 2008 Page 20 Clubs Film Club produced first film this fall By Michelle Bennett of all beings,” says Davis. “But he is a lovabl guy Features Editor named ‘Stoney’ and from the name you can kind [email protected] of get an idea of exactly who he is.” Davis says he models the character on the late You’ve passed the posters and maybe even Jim Morrison, lead singer of the ‘60s group the glanced up at the sign on the hallway in the Aca- Doors, and also cites the film Apocalypse Now demic II building. For most of us, free movies and as an influence. popcorn on Friday afternoons are the only things “The film… stared three students from GSC that we’ve heard about the Film Club. and three others from the community,” says However, that is about to change. The film club Hulbert has started to produce its first film. “Jenny Strickland, a nursing major, played David Dorcas, president of the film club, and Christine, a not-so-friendly, yuppie girl,” says members William Davis and David Hulbert have Hulbert. “David Dorcas played Mike, who is rallied together to shoot a horror film. kind of the jock over-confident type.” The filming started a week before Halloween The film club hopes that this horror film is and will continue through the end of November. just the beginning of a tradition of filming at The screenplay, written by Dorcas, is about a least one project each semester. group of friends that come to a misfortune because The members of the Film Club encourage of a few bad decisions. all GSC students to contribute to any of the In addition to his role as president of the film film projects and will be looking for actors club, Dorcas is also directing the movie. for future projects. David Dorcas was accepted into the Georgia Students who don’t necessarily want to State University film production program and will act are also encouraged to contribute ideas. be transferring in the spring. Those interested in set design, acting, William Davis and David Hulbert plan to take producing, editing, cinephotography, di- over the film club when Dorcas transfers to GSU. recting, writing, lighting, costume design, Davis and Hulbert will also be working with pro- story boarding or any other facet of film fessors David Smith and Jeff Marker to continue making are encouraged to join the film the program’s growth. club. Hulbert is both producer and editor of the film. The finished film will be shown before the SPECIAL “I own a small production company with my end of the semester in the Academic II build- friend and business partner, Paulo Diaz,” says Hul- ing. The Media Studies department at GSC will be offering MDST bert. “I also work with Leah Perdue and Brigitte “In the course of life, you only have so long 2725: The Film Industry and Moviemaking and MDST 2750: Autran to produce the GSC Gainesville Campus’ on this earth and if you have a dream of being Screenwriting, in spring 2009 taught by Professors David Smith and Jeff Marker. first news reel.” an actor, writer, director, do it!” says Davis. “My character is not the most ethical or moral For more information on joining the Film Club contact [email protected]. GSC students make Advertise your skateboarding video By Ben White club’s events in Staff Writer [email protected] One of the most frequently encountered problems for mankind, “What do The Compass I do in the meanwhile, between here and there?” GSC student Candler Woods and a few of his friends answered the age-old question by making a skate video titled, “Meanwhile.” The video will premiere on December 3 at Eastside Lounge in Atlanta. and get noticed. As for the motivation behind “Meanwhile,” Woods said it was “mostly about having fun.” “It was largely a collaborative effort between friends,” he Said, “A majority of the footage came from just wanting to get out and skate together.” They simply skate for the satisfaction and enjoyment they get from it, Woods said. The line-up for the video consists of well-known skaters from in and around Atlanta, most of whom have been featured in films before. Of these skaters are Rhett Freeman, Ryan Fitch, Steven Criger, Candler Woods, Aaron Brown, and Ryan O’Connor. For those of you who want to sneak an early peek, search for “meanwhile” on www.skateboarding.transworld.net, as well as www.youtube.com. The trailer sets a good tone for the video. The song, Broken Social Scene’s “KC Accidental,” really complements that tone. The video, like the song, starts off slow. It’s a montage of clips of them cruising the streets of Atlanta. Shortly afterwards, it delves into the hammers: buttery blunt slides, solid 360 flips, and creative gaps, all of which were executed smoothly and stylishly.