Transfer info you need to know 4, 12-13

Trappeze - 7 History of the 40 Watt - 15

March 27, 2009 Gainesville State College Oconee, 1201 Bishop Farms Parkway, Watkinsville, GA 30677 www.gscvoice.com

The Voice March 27, 2009Page 2

great music reviews, restaurant reviews, what’s going on the GSC Oconee campus, and catch up on the latest sports stories. One of the stories I found very interesting was the history of the 40 Watt written by staff writer Wil Petty. Also, after reading the review on the bar and restaurant Trappeze, I think it could quite possibly become my new hangout.

I hope everyone enjoys this issue of the Voice and can take away a lot of useful ideas for transferring as well as where to eat, drink, hangout, and make good decisions on your teams for the season.

We at the Voice would love to hear from you. If you have ideas, letters or just want to write for us feel free to contact us at Voice@gsc.edu. Our advisor for the Voice is Dan Cabaniss. We are always looking for new people to join our staff as well as letters to editor from students, faculty and staff.

Contact information

Page 3 What’s Inside ...

E-Mail: voice@gsc.eduPhone: (706) 310-6306

or write us at:

1201 Bishop Farms ParkwayWatkinsville, GA 30677

Want to advertise with us?For information about advertising, please contact:

Whitney Conner924167533@gsc.edu

The First WordTo whom it may concern...

FeatureTransfer info you need to know

12-13

News

Arts & Entertainment

Styles

Sports

Opinions

The history of the 40 Watt

UGA changes GPA requirements

Trappeze: a unique experience

Braves spring preview

Where will you transfer after GSC?

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It’s amazing how fast time flies, here we are approaching April. Where has the semester gone? I hope everyone enjoyed their spring breaks, I’ve seen a lot of you around campus looking a lot darker than you did before the break. It’s back to school we go and with that in mind I would like to tell you about this issue’s special feature, hope it will be a big help to all.

To whom it may concern: we at the Voice have a special edition to this issue for you. Transferring to a four year college and what to do. A majority of us on this campus plan to attend a four year intuition after leaving Gainesville, and that is why we created a special feature for all you planning to transfer. So happy transferring!

Something we added to this edition was a personal interest story. Our Lifestyles editor Jenny Marshall searched long and hard for that special person, the person being a Gainesville State student Kristen Sivertson who battled cancer. This is a story that will warm your heart.

Don’t forget about the must-reads of every section such as our

Cover photo by Alex Gregorie

March 27, 2009

News March 27, 2009Page 4

UGA will soon change GPA requirementsBy Christen RochlinVoice News Editor924173381@gsc.edu

If you thought you could apply to UGA with 60 hours and a 2.5 GPA, think again. The University of Georgia has decided to change their required GPA average for students with 60 or more credit hours from a 2.5 to a 2.8 for beginning with applications for the spring 2010 semester.

“I think changing the required GPA is a good thing,” said Taylor Mitchell, a GSC student. “It will make the students who really want to go to UGA work a lot harder and there is nothing wrong with that.”

In 2006 the University of Georgia admitted around 1,798 transfer students, and the average admitted

transfer GPA was a 3.34. Since 2004 the number of transfer students to the University of Georgia has increased by 31 percent.

“Our student population keeps growing,” said Jennifer Button, a UGA student. “I think we have close to 34,000 undergraduate and

“Changing the averageGPA to 2.8 will make theadmissions processeasier for the university ...It will keep the number of transfer applications lowerand allow for UGA to admitthe best possible students.”

graduate students on campus now.”“Changing the average GPA

to a 2.8 will make the admissions process easier for the university,” said Button. “It will keep the number of transfer applications lower and allow for UGA to admit the best possible students.”

UGA serves as a major recipient of transfer students from two year schools in the state of Georgia. GSC is the number one school that students apply most frequently from in the state of Georgia.

“I applied to UGA with a 2.8 GPA and did not get in,” said Josh Hixson, a former GSC student. “I don’t think that changing the GPA requirement will make much of a difference because UGA already gives the transfer students with the higher GPAs first priority.”

Nursing a high-demand careerBy Courtney StevensVoice Staff Writer924187674@gsc.edu

With the economy in worse shape than ever, jobs are not exactly plentiful, but healthcare is a profession that is definitely in demand and nursing in particular is one of the most popular majors amongst college students. If you are a pre-nursing major at Gainesville State, have you considered the steps that you will need to take in order to transfer in to a nursing school?

If not, Diane Ruberti and Eleanor Schut, the nursing advisors at GSC Oconee, recently held a workshop to help students better understand

the steps they will need to take in order to transfer. The workshop offered advice on schools with nursing programs in the area, what classes students should take while at GSC, and how to stay proactive.

GSC does not have a nursing school, so advisors suggest that students research three to five schools of interest. Also knowing the schools’ requirements and pre-requisites will be of great benefit for the student. Keeping a notebook with application deadlines, entrance exams, and letters of recommendation will help students to know where they stand in terms of being accepted.

Cori Burns / The Voice

TAG program guarantees admission to school of choiceBy Haley McManusVoice Staff Writer924165543@gsc.edu

Georgia Perimeter College offers a program that puts its students ahead when transferring. The TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) program allows students seamless transfer between his or her two year college and the four year college chosen. Students who have signed up with TAG are bumped to the top of the list for transfer admissions.

Georgia Perimeter College has a TAG agreement with over 30 schools in and out of state including UGA, Georgia State, and the University of Alabama. The students are guaranteed admission to the college they choose if they meet the school’s minimum entry requirements. Although the TAG agreement guarantees admission to

the school of choice, certain majors may have additional requirements.

Marjorie Cowan, the associate director of advising at Georgia Perimeter’s Decatur campus, says “I really believe that TAG has been instrumental in helping to provide an incentive for some students to continue their education, thereby creating an avenue for added success.” She thinks that TAG “helps students in two year programs to carefully focus on the institution which most closely matches their own interests, aptitudes, and personal lifestyles.”

After signing the TAG agreement, students at Georgia Perimeter College receive added advising to make sure they take all required core curriculum for their chosen school. Cowan’s students are “are primarily transferring to Georgia

State University, with Clayton State and Kennesaw attracting sizeable numbers as well.”

UGA had a record setting 18,100 students apply this year. With so much competition, Gainesville State College students interested in attending UGA would really benefit from this program. GSC’s career counselor, Crystal Allred, believes having TAG at Gainesville State College “would ease student’s minds about the transfer process especially since UGA changed its core requirements.”

When asked whether or not Gainesville State College would offer the TAG program, Allred responded, “discussions have already happened and are still underway but I don’t know when exactly.” Special

Transfer consideration requirements are subject to change for each semester as the University of Georgia reviews space availability for that term.

“It’s black and white,” said Crystal Allred, a GSC Oconee career counselor. “It is based on grades. If you don’t have it you don’t have it.”

“I know how hard it has gotten to get into UGA, so I applied to several other schools,” said Mitchell. “I will be attending Auburn in the fall, and I am really excited about it.”

“Students need to have an alternative plan. They need to investigate more than one school,” said Allred. “There are so many great institutions inside and outside of the state. Think outside of the box. Think outside of UGA.”

By Aaron PaulVoice Staff Writer924195803@gsc.edu

You might have noticed some new recycling bins that have been placed around GSC Oconee this semester. There are two types of bins: blue, which are for paper products, and green, which are for cans and bottles. Everyone has been doing a great job so far with the recycling campaign, but there seems to be a little confusion about what can and can’t go into the bins. The blue bins are for any type of paper product, such as magazines, cardboard and newspapers. Food wrappers and pizza boxes cannot be recycled because the cost to remove the grease and food from the wrappers is more than it costs to recycle them. The green bins are for cans and bottles, but they must be empty in order to be recycled. Only cans and bottles that have the numbers “1” or “2” on the bottom of them can be recycled in this area. If anyone is interested in helping out the recycling campaign please contact Veronica Walker at vwalker@gsc.edu. Keep up the good work, GSC!

Recycle!

Special

March 27, 2009 NewsMarch 27, 2009 Page 5

Red Cross blood drive visits GSC OconeeBy Lauren OliverVoice Staff Writer924199304@gsc.edu

One of the many ways GSC Oconee is helping others is with the Red Cross Blood Drive. Giving blood is a great way to help out other people that are in need of medical treatment. Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia or other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.

This semester the Red Cross came to GSC Oconee February 12. Many students turned out to give their support and donate blood.

When asked, many of the students said that they felt like they were personally helping save the lives of many people.

“I feel like this is a simple way that I can help other people,” says Kathryn DiGregorio. “You don’t really realize how something this small can make such a huge difference in someone else’s life.”

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be considered “healthy,” age 17 or older and weigh no less that 110lbs. You can also visit the Red Cross website to view a more detailed list of eligibility.

The campus is not the only local place that you can sign up to donate blood. Many places such as the Athens Donor Center are taking blood donations. The Athens Donor Center is located off Atlanta Highway. For a list of more places to donate blood, or to sign up to donate, visit www.givelife.org.

Café:Ine offers convenient, affordable treats in the SRCBy Connie LeeVoice Staff Writer924196309@gsc.edu

Don’t worry, my fellow classmates. You don’t have to say goodbye to your parking space to go on a coffee or food run in between classes. GSC Oconee has provided you with a new café Café:Ine on campus in the SRC building. The café has been in business since Feb. 9, serving coffee and yummy treats to students, faculty, and staff.

“The café is designed to benefit students who may not have time between classes to grab lunch,” says Mark Jones, Director of Business Operations.

According to Jones, there was a “tremendous call for some type of daily, dependable food service here on campus.”

The café is being manned by Jason Kriel and his brother, Eric. They run a successful café in Budford, GA. They also operated a kioski on the Gainesville main campus.

“We were glad to be able to contract with them to do a similar arrangement here,” said Jones.

In the first week of business, the demand showed that this campus is a viable market. To make this café even more successful, the Kriel brothers would like to have feedback on

Cori Burns/The Voice

Cori Burns / The Voice

their present and future sale items.

“I think this was a great idea,” says Kathleen Kennedy, a GSC student. “The café looks like it’s doing well. It has a variety of food and drinks.”

The prices are also much more reasonable here than at Starbucks or Jittery Joes. You spend about three or four dollars for a medium-sized coffee over at those coffee shops. Well at Café:ine, you can get the same amount for two or three dollars.

Café:Ine is 100 percent student-focused. So, stop by the café, and grab a cup of coffee and some yummy treats. Cori Burns / The Voice

GSC Oconee has replaced the old bookstore with a new and improved computer lab. The computer lab is equipted with several computers, which allows GSC Oconee students to have more access to the internet and much more quiet, productive space. The new lab is also furnished with high-top tables for those students who just need a little quiet working area. The new lab is conveniently located next to the 300 building.

New computer lab replaces old bookstore at GSC Oconee

Lifestyles March 27, 2009Page 6

Rubber Soul Yoga is a revolutionary approach to community and exercise. Though yoga is a great way to get fit, the benefits of yoga are much more than simply physical. Yoga teaches the philosophy of living in the moment and helps many feel a better sense of self.

Cal Clements, the manager of Rubber Soul, tells us that “a great many students come and the classes are open to beginners.” With 8 different instructors and over 20 classes to choose from you are sure to find a time and teacher that suits you.

Clements also says that Rubber Soul “takes away from the grading mentality.” It’s nice to have classes so different from those at a College where at Rubber Soul you can

“come, don’t come; pay or don’t pay.” Rubber Soul Yoga is a donation based studio with a suggested donation of $3-$5.

Rubber Soul Yoga Studio is located in the Leathers Building

on Pulaski Street less than a mile from downtown. You can find more information about the studio at www.rubbersoulyoga.com or become part of the Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution group on Facebook.

Yoga helps relieve grading mentality

Finding an apartment in Athens is somewhat difficult.

First you have to know how many roommates that you will live with. Many apartment complexes offer several floor plans that you can choose from. Even though you are living in an apartment, you must be aware of the possibility of sharing a bathroom. Next, you will find that location is a key element. You want to be close to campus and downtown but not too far from the loop. If you are planning on transferring to UGA, you will want to find an apartment complex that is on the bus route. Finally, pricing an apartment is very important when trying to live on a budget. Here are several apartment complexes that are conveniently located and are in an affordable price range.

University Garden Apartments is located conviently at 189 Baxter Street. University Garden is a great place for single living because it is such a good price. They offer several floor plans to choose from: one bedroom/one bath studio for $360 or three bedroom/two bath for $700 a month. University Garden is on the bus route to UGA and is also walking distance to campus. There are several restaurants to choose from and delivery is fast and convenient. University Gardens does not have a washer/dryer in the apartments but they do have a convenient laundry mat on location. They also offer a state of the art fitness center, a pet garden,

and a beautiful pool. Town Club Condominiums is

located at 260 Springdale Drive. Town Club is conveniently on the UGA bus route and not a far ride to downtown. Town Club has several floor plans to choose from: four bedroom/two bath, four bedroom/three bath, or three bedroom/three bath all ranging from $365 to $395 a month. Town club comes equipped with a washer/dryer, microwave, stove, and refrigerator. Town Club is also a good place to entertain with its balconies and patios, pool, grills, and volleyball court. Caroline Sydow, a UGA student, praises Town Club “it’s in a really good location, right next to campus. Good size, nice, not crappy. Good price for the location. I found other places that were an extra $100 a month that were not in a good location.”

Riverbend Club Apartments is located at 355 Riverbend Parkway. Riverbend Club is also located on the UGA bus route, located by a grocery store, and by the

loop. Riverbend Club offers three bedroom/two bath for $335 and four bedroom/two bath for $335. Although Riverbend is not close to downtown Athens, it is a great place to live for GSC Oconee students because it is located close to the loop.

Moose Club Condominiums is located at 101 Davis Street. Moose Club is a highly recommended apartment complex because of its location, office staff, and it is a very nice condo. Moose Club has a two bedroom/two bath floor plan that is $385 a month. The apartments are clean and spacious and have a great garden to hang out in. Moose club is in a safe location and the staff is always there to help.

These are just a few great apartment complexes located conviently in Athens. As long as you have good roommates to live with, you will have a great experience living in one of these nice, affordable locations.

Apartment hunting at UGA

Runners! On your mark. Get set. Donate!

Over one hundred people participated in the Third Annual American’s Home Place GSC Habitat Hustle 5k that was held on Feb. 21. The race was hosted by the Habitat for Humanity student chapter in order to raise funds and awareness of the new Habitat housing project soon to take place. The runners not only ran the 3 miles for themselves, but also for a great cause.

Audrey Pallotta, a GSC student and president of the Habitat for Humanity student chapter, said “We are in the process of raising funds to build a home for a family in need. Our goal is to raise $32,500 for the house building project.”

There could not have been a better day to run 3 miles. It was a cloudless sky with a high of fifty eight degrees. Men and women of all ages participated in the race, ranging from under ten years old to over seventy

years old. The first person to cross the finish line clocked in at nineteen minutes and forty two seconds.

At the end of the race, the runners were treated to bananas, grapes, and strawberry smoothies from Smoothie King. Door prizes, such as local artwork, a membership to the Core and a Jittery Joes gift card, were awarded. Each age group was awarded first, second and third place trophies, which were innovatively enough, bronze, silver and gold hammers.

Anyone can volunteer or donate to this incredible cause. By shopping at the Habitat Thrift Store you are giving to the community in so many ways. Also by purchasing a Rain Barrel you are not only supporting Habitat for Humanity, but also obtaining water efficiency. The Rain Barrels are recycled fifty five gallon plastic drums that save water for various uses.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating, contact Audrey Pallotta for more info, 924185106@gsc.edu.

Habitat Hustle raises awareness

Sara Blum / The Voice

By Cori BurnsVoice Photo Editor924173372@gsc.edu

By Haley McManusVoice Staff Writer924165543@gsc.edu

GSC student Haley McManus and manager Cal Clements do some stretches following one of the classes at Rubber Soul Yoga.

By Margaret ForanVoice Layout Assistant924172805@gsc.edu

Sara Blum / The Voice

River Club Apartments are located about ten minutes driving distance from the Oconee Campus.

Cori Burns The Voice

Equipped with a tropical themed atmosphere, a unique menu, and Jimmy Buffet music, Gnat’s Landing in Athens is sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation even before summer arrives. Located on Baxter street, this bar and grill is out to prove that they can bring island style dining to the city.

Originating in St. Simons Island, this “flip-flop friendly” restaurant fit right into Georgia’s coastline. But in 2007 Robert Bostock, the original owner, joined brother- in- law’s Andy Osborne and Rob Burch in talks of opening another Gnat’s Landing within the United States. After much deliberation, they made the perfect choice. The annual Georgia-Florida game and summer vacations bring many Athens residents to the original location, which made the classic city excellent for a second location.

Opening in August of that year, the restaurant features mostly

seafood cooked just the way you like it; fried, blackened, or grilled. Many of the seafood platters range from $13 to $18 in price, which include two sides plus hush puppies. Most lunch prices average $10 with a drink, which makes for a great vacation from a nine to five job. Gnat’s also serves cold and hot sandwiches that contain anything from flounder and grouper to shrimp salad and pimento cheese. A wide selection of salads and burgers also occupy the menu. But if the diners cannot wait until the main course they have a wide range of appetizers, also known as “Bug Bites”, to choose from. St. Simons Stew, crab corn chowder with andouille sausage, and fried dill pickles are just a few things that make up this tasty category.

And if you really want to feel like you’re at the beach, you can take on the sunshine with an outdoor patio that can seat up to 45 people, which is great for dinner parties. Catering is also offered by this unique restaurant.

Gnat’s Landing offers beach style eating to whet your appetiteBy Taylor FulcherVoice Staff Writer924171019@gsc.edu

Lifestyles Page 7March 27, 2009March 27, 2009

By Connie LeeVoice Staff Writer924196309@gsc.edu

This workshop is totally different from others. It talks about dating, hooking up, getting lucky, and rape.

Doctor Hawley, Coordinator of Personal Counseling and Wellness, and Ed Glauser, Alcohol and Other Drugs or Wellness Specialist, have done it again. They provided another successful workshop here at GSC-Oconee.

Sex Signals is an improv performance that looks at the issue of dating, sex, and rape. The two-person show explores how mixed messages, gender role stereotypes, and unrealistic fantasies contribute misunderstanding between the sexes. Kyle Terry and Sharyon Culberson were the stars of the Sex Signal workshop. Bursting with emotion and enthusiasm, they started out with role playing in a bar scene.

So in every dating scene, meeting new people could be awkward of great. Generally, girls overanalyze what guys say or do. Here’s a tip: go with the flow, ladies. If you stop worrying or overanalyzing, it could be fun. If it’s fun, guys will get more comfortable around you.

“And there’s also that double standard,” said Culberson. For the girls, we are always told to act like a lady. From the audience’s feedback, that means being classy and passive, sit with our legs crossed, let the guys come to us, and have no sexual experience. For the guys, it means that they have to act non-emotional, aggressive, and like a pimp.

Terry shouted, “We don’t know the word ‘no.’”

Word of advice to the guys: don’t be too aggressive. Instead, be polite.

So here’s another topic, stereotypes.

Culberson asked, “Why would a woman dress sexy?” According to the audience, women dress sexy because they like the attention. It’s also to build confidence. But if a woman dresses too sexy, she’s a slut. But if she doesn’t dress sexy, she’s a prude. It’s a lose-lose situation.

But for the guys, it’s a little bit different.

Terry said, “We’re told that guys are always thinking about sex.”

The guys at the workshop said that they are annoyed by that general assumption. They want to be seen as gentlemen. Qualities of a gentleman are respectful, polite, dependable, and protective.

At the end of the workshop, they transitioned into a more serious topic, rape.

Terry said, “Rape is sex without the consent.”

There are two kinds of rape, stranger rape & nonstranger rape. Stranger rape usually happens in a dark alley, van, or car. The aggressor usually is a big person who may have weapons. The victim is either passed out or screaming. This idea of a rape comes from the media. Nonstranger rape happens in either our home or room with someone we know.

“The only person to prevent rape is the aggressor,” said Terry.

Hopefully, this workshop helped the roomful of kids understand more about dating, hooking up, getting lucky, and rape.

Workshop explores sex

Trappeze can be thought of in reference to a circus, but not in the context I am writing. Although, the idea behind the business once known as Hot Corner Coffee can seem a bit entertaining. Located on the corner of Hull and Washington Street in downtown Athens, Trappeze juggles a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one. And believe me, they pull it off quite well.

Enter the doors of Trappeze anytime between noon and closing, 12 a.m. Mon-Wed and 2 a.m. Thur-Sat, and a very familiar site you will always see. The days are filled with students on laptops and groups doing projects as well as an older crowd meeting over a cup of joe discussing the latest politics or the happening events of the music scene and who is playing at 40 watt the current week. I myself visitingTrappeze on a weekly basic have to say this is the best place in Athens for coffee, whether it be just a

cup of their 1000 Faces coffee, a newer brand provided by local roaster Ben Myers. My favorite cup would be their oversized coffee mug non-fat latte with one packet sugar in the raw. Ashley Knotts, UGA student, avid coffee drinker and nearly daily patron says, “Trappeze has the best Chai Latte in town. I have tried them everywhere in Athens and no one can make them as well as Trappeze.”

Other than the joe, Trappeze offers the biggest selection of

import and microbrews than any other bar in Athens. With over 30 taps and 200+ bottles, their alcohol menu includes 25 pages of the best blondes, stouts and pales around. There is nothing better on a warm, sunny Thursday afternoon than sitting outside Trappeze looking out onto Washington street trying out a new hoppy brew. If you happen to be a beer adventurer, like to sip on a 10-year-old aged whiskey or enjoy a nice red wine Trappeze should be calling your

name. When you think one business

cannot exceed once again, think again my friend. Take away the best coffee shop and bar in town, and you still have a restaurant in Trappeze, offering breakfast muffins and bagels from local Luna Baking Co., and very unique sandwiches, salads, soups and appetizers for lunch and dinner. The roasted red pepper hummus plate including sprouts, cucumbers, carrots, roasted garlic olive oil and pita points for dipping is to die for. The walnut spinach salad is what a light lunch is all about with feta cheese, walnuts, cranberries, and green apples over a bed of fresh spinach served with balsamic vinaigrette. Yum! Bring your boyfriend and he will enjoy their North Carolina style BBQ sandwich or Bratwurst made from locally farmed beef cooked in another local- Terrapin Golden Ale- added with onions and topped with sauerkraut. Babysitting? Have a kid of your own? Even better, because the kids menu is not shabby either! Including a twist to the traditional PB&J with raspberry jelly instead

of the ole faithful grape, a big pretzel, hotdog, cereal (fruit loops and honey nut cheerios), or the american classic grilled cheese.

What I must admit about Trappeze, although, it’s not the beer, coffee or food that really makes this business boom. What does is the unique atmosphere. With light jazz/blues in the background, dim lighting, and a low tone of voices throughout the day and night is what truly makes Trappeze one of a kind, allowing coffee and alcohol to share the same space from open to close. The outside tables and chairs offer a nice scenery for the bustling downtown days and quiet evenings. The big booths inside offer a lot of room to spread out papers, laptops, and many people. The middle area between the bar and coffee areas offer larger tables to enjoy dinner with friends. This place can never be replaced with its many different angles. The workers are laid back helping one person at a time and no one seems to mind because in Trappeze there is no hurry. Just one beer, cup of coffee, order and person at a time.

Trappeze: So many beers, so little time

By Alicia HarperVoice Staff Writer924185464@gsc.edu

Complete with a unique variety of food and drinks, a kick ass staff and awesome patrons, Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar is rapidly becoming a favorite for those willing to try new tastes.

The new restaurant/bar opened on Clayton Street in August and stepped out of the box with their main dish; the crepe, which consists of a thin pancake-like outer shell filled with various meats veggies and toppings. Most people think that a crepe is merely a desert, but Pauley’s proves that sandwich-style crepes can not only appease your appetite, but also leave you wanting more.

Paul DeGeorge, the owner of Pauley’s and its neighbor The Loft, was out to create something different for hungry Athenians. “Though we do have some average lunch items, Pauley’s is not just another sandwich shop. Once you taste a crepe you will love it, they are very hard to dislike.” said DeGeorge.

Along with the phenomenal sandwiches, salads and make-your-own desert crepes, not to mention appetizers like brie and brushetta, comes Pauley’s unusually large beer selection. It boasts 120 different kinds of beers, 28 of which can be found on tap.

“Trapeze was the only place with this kind of beer selection in downtown Athens,” said DeGeorge. “This side of town needed something, and now they’ve got it.”

Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar is also home to something else you may have never seen in Athens, the one and only “Pauley’s Around the World Beer Club.” To become an honorary member of this distinguished society one is

Pauley’s a new bar favorite in Athens

By Whitney ConnerVoice Staff Writer924167533@gsc.edu

Sara Blum The Voice

A patron enters Trappeze Pub located on Washington Street

given a beer list and is required to drink thirty-five different imported beers and their choice of at least sixty-five different domestic beers; that’s 100 beers total. Upon completion of this great task one will receive a plaque with their name, picture, a quote and their completed beer card to hang on the wall for all to see. This great marketing tool also gets people to try new types of beers they would have never sampled otherwise.

“Everyone likes to try new things but sometimes people get stuck buying their same old Bud Light every night. There is also the element of competition to see who can complete their card the fastest.” explained DeGeorge.

Only 22 people have completed the Around the World Beer Club card, but over 500 are signed up.

Pauley’s is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11-2 a.m. and Sundays from noon to midnight. They have great specials like Man Monday’s, Tucher Tuesday’s and Wine Wednesday’s. The restaurant just added freshly made juice, a brunch menu, recently began making all their sides from scratch and may also be starting a martini list for the ladies to enjoy. Their prices range from $5-$8 for a meal and $3 to the most expensive $20 beer.

Sara Blum The VoicePauley’s offers a wide beer selection in the heart of downtown.

Lifestyles March 27, 2009Page 8

GSC-Oconee is a school in which with the wide variety of characters represented it is easy to find the many different cliques shown throughout the campus. As I wander throughout the school I can’t help but feel that I have been placed into my own sick fantasy and have been body snatched by the geniuses behind MGM and Warner Brothers and am living in many of their films.

Speeding into the parking lot I am incredibly overwhelmed by the sight of the many classy, high-end cars which I have only seen in my dreams and I am thrown into the film “Legally Blonde.” With their Bubble Yum smacking away, their newest “in” shoes, and their pristine haircut combined with their daddy’s Beamer makes these fortunate souls an envy for all, including myself. And yet these fashionistas have more going on then where to be seen and which eyeshade to be seen in but in making a name for themselves as well and moving out of the pampered life of a privileged child and into the real world surrounding them.

Walking from my car towards the Atrium I am embraced with a cloud of smoke and a tremendous odor of tobacco coming from the group of friends circling their cars, smoking tobacco on their “property” at the tobacco-free college. True rebels. And I am reminded of a group of college students just like these who rebel against all authority and norms at their self-proclaimed property, their frat house, in “Animal House.” These students are their own boss as they make their own time when they want to and do just as they please, when they please to. It’s people like these which I always strive to be like and yet never have the fines to pull off.

Entering the one library located in the SRC building of the Oconee campus I feel as if I am taken out of my element and am instead welcomed into the world of “Weird Science.” A world where any “nerd,”

who would normally be shunned, humiliated, and harassed, has the power, fully equipped with pocket protectors, horn-rimmed glasses and metallic briefcases, to use their brains and skills to make just of their lives what they dream to. Instead of the creation of the bodacious babe “Lisa” jolting their lives into a reality where their dreams come true and they are truly recognized, these real life “nerds” are able to take their brains and talent and excel in a future alongside Bill Gates and the best of the best. Just don’t forget about this measly wannabe once you’ve reached the top.

Life is one giant cliché in my opinion and no matter how many of us spend our lives in desperate attempts to break these clichés, we are human and in the end we become just what we were meant to be. If it wasn’t for the relentless rebels, the prim pristine princess‘, the knowledgeable nerds, and the many more encountered daily at GSC-Oconee life would be a bore. But just as the TV Channel “USA” states daily, so do I: “Characters welcome,” please.

While most 18-year olds were planning their perfect post-graduation vacation, Kristen Sivertsen was planning the next few months of medication and chemo.

Sivertsen, now 20, has never been a stranger to hospital visits and medication.

At age 10 she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic inflammation in the bowel resulting from immune system malfunction. Once diagnosed with the disease, which resulted in multiple hospital visits and a necessary change of diet interfering with school and a normal teenage lifestyle, Sivertsen found a helpful outlet in camps offered throughout the U.S. for children suffering from the disease. These camps allowed Sivertsen to enjoy a safe and accepting atmosphere where others with Crohn’s disease could bond together and support each other throughout the years.

With the help of these lifelong friends and the acquired habits of living with Crohn’s, Sivertsen soared through the following years of middle and high school. It wasn’t until the summer following her high school graduation that she would receive news that would

startle everyone and change her life forever.

Starting off as night sweats and an abnormally enlarged stomach, Sivertsen was sent from her own doctor to see an Ovarian Cancer Surgeon to better understand the cause of the symptoms. As weeks went by Sivertsen’s voice began growing weaker and weaker leaving her with the end result of the volume of a whisper. Later it was to be found that not only had the tumor on her left ovary, causing the enlarged stomach, extended to her right ovary but she had another tumor located in her chest wrapped around her bronchial tube and heart making it hard for her to breathe and her heart to pump blood.

After extensive hours in

the hospital, taking x-rays and biopsies to discover the severity of these tumors it was discovered that she had Non-Hodgkin’s Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, or Lymphoma for short, a cancer located in the lymph nodes, which had been caused by the medication she had been on for Crohn’s disease.

The months following the news of her cancer, Sivertsen remained a fighter throughout and no matter the hard times, concentrated on continuing a positive attitude towards the situation, “[I had to remain] positive about it or it would be harder to get better. It would draw out the process.”

“I didn’t worry about death during the process, I worried

more about losing my hair” Sivertsen explained about the effects which comes with the chemotherapy process of cancer.

While spending countless hours alone bedside with Kristen, her mother discovered a new channel to get the support and advice needed as well as keep everyone informed of Kristen’s progress, a website called “Carepages,” an online health blog.

Before long, Sivertsen’s carepage website was visited often by caring family members, friends, and people everywhere.

“People all over the world were praying for me,” said Sivertsen. Along with this worldwide support was her family, friends, and church remaining by her

By Jenny MarshallLifestyles Editor924171042@gsc.edu

side and giving her just what she needed to get through it all.

The support she received radiated in many forms. After Sivertsen made the decision to shave her hair once it started to fall out her then-boyfriend, as well as around seven to nine of his friends, arrived at Sivertsen’s house with their heads shaved as well. “They supported me,” said Sivertsen.

It was with the incredible support of her doctors, as well as those around her, that allowed Kristen to go into remission two years later, where she is now.

Now that her concentration has been shifted off survival it has allowed Sivertsen the opportunity to pass on the same support she once received to those who’s shoes she was in herself not very long ago.

“I want to raise awareness,” Sivertsen said. After participating in multiple cancer awareness charities and activities she has found just where she wants to be in life and just what she wants to be doing with it. Helping others just as others had done for her.

Sivertsen confessed, “It’s weird, I think everything happens for a reason. And I still think to myself maybe God is having me do what he wants me to do. Why did I get cancer? Does he want me to tell my story?”

Young cancer survivor wants to raise awareness

Photo courtesy of Kristen Silversten

Kristen Silversten (left) found strength through her fight with Crohn’s Disease with the help of friends, shown here after shaving their heads to help her cope with the loss of her hair.

Characters around GSC OconeeEmail us

your thoughts!

Have any opinions, questions, or submissions that you’d like to send

to us? Shoot us an email at:

Voice@gsc.edu

March 27, 2009

Clubs Guide to Clubs at GSC Oconee

Bapti st Campus MinistriesContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Serkan Hekimoglu Phone:(706) 310-6248 Email: abarnett e@gsc.edu

Campus Acti viti es Board (CAB)Time: Every other Monday at noonPlace: Room 508Advisor: Stacie Rowley Phone: (706) 310-6250Email: cevans@gsc.edu

Campus AmbassadorsContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Erin WilliamsPhone: (706) 310-6201Email: ewilliams@gsc.edu

Chestatee ReviewContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Dotti e Blais/Anita TurlingtonPhone: (678) 717-3841/(678) 717-3935 Email: dblais@gsc.edu/aturlington@gsc.edu

GSC College RepublicansContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Lance BardsleyPhone: (706) 310-6223 Email: lbardsley@gsc.edu

Colleges Against CancerContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Ed GlauserPhone: (706)310-6311Email: eglauser@gsc.edu

Creati ve Writi ng ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Alex JohnsPhone: (706) 310-6213Email: ajohns@gsc.edu

GSC on the GoContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Chaudron GillePhone: (678) 717-3692Email: cgille@gsc.edu

GSC Young DemocratsTime: Wednesdays and noon.Place: Room 560Advisor: Kelly ManleyPhone: (706) 310-6203Email: kmanley@gsc.edu

Habitat for HumanityTime: Every other Wednesday at noonPlace: Room 530Advisor: Jim Konzelman, Randy ParishPhone: (706) 310-6231Email: jkonzelman@gsc.edu/ rparish@gsc.edu

Media Emmersion ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Dan CabanissPhone: (706)310-6306Email: dcabaniss@gsc.edu

Multi cultural Student Associati onContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Tia Williams Phone: (706) 310-6250Email: twilliams@gsc.edu

Non-Traditi onal Student ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Crystal AllredPhone: (706) 310-6310Email: callred@gsc.edu

Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Nina LamsonPhone: (706) 310-6224 Email: nlamson@gsc.edu

Psychology ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Katherine Kipp, Nina LamsonPhone: (706)310-6224Email: kkipp@gsc.edu/nlamson@gsc.edu

Roboti cs ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor:Casey Bowman Phone: (706) 310-6315 Email: cbowman@gsc.edu

Running ClubContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisor: Charles Burrage Phone: (706) 310-6216 Email: cburrage@gsc.edu

S.A.V.E. (Shelter Animal Volunteer Eff orts)Time: Every other Wednesday at noonPlace: Room 313Advisor: Ashley Gresham, Polly SwilleyPhone: (706) 310-6238Email: agresham@gsc.edu/pswilley@gsc.edu

Sigma Chi EtaContact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisors:Allison Ainsworth & Paul Rapti sPhone: (678) 717-3699/(678) 717-3785Email: aainsworth@gsc.edu / prapti s@gsc.edu

Spanish ClubTime: Every other Wednesday at noonPlace: Room 310Advisor: Sara BurnsPhone: (706) 310-6233Email: sburns@gsc.edu

Student EnvironmentalAwareness (SEA)Time: Every 1st and 3rd Monday at noonPlace: Room 311Advisor: Eleanor Schut, Jill SchulzePhone: (706) 310-6235Email: eschut@gsc.edu

Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)Contact the advisor for meeti ng ti me and place.Advisors: Penny Lyman/Garfi eld Anderson/ Kelly Manley Phone: (706)310-6211/(706)310-6310/ (706)310-6203 Email: plyman@gsc.edu/garanderson@gsc.edu/ kmanley@gsc.edu

Student Government Associati ons (SGA)Time: Every other Monday at noon.

Place: Room 560

Advisor: Stacie Rowley

Phone: (706) 310-6293

Email: srowley@gsc.edu

The VoiceTime: Every Monday and Wednesday at noon.

Place: 501

Advisor: Dan Cabaniss

Phone: (706)310-6306

Email: dcabaniss@gsc.edu

For changes or additi ons to the

Clubs Guide, please contact:

Sara Blum

924143877@gsc.edu

Clubs Guide Page 9March 27, 2009

Sports March 27, 2009Page 10

By Daniel MillerVoice Sports Writer924186034@gsc.edu

The Atlanta Hawks made the playoffs last year for the first time in nine years and then “shocked the world” by taking the eventual champion Boston Celtics to a win-or-go-home game seven. There were so many great moments in that series that these young hawks had and will take away. First, the fans at Philips Arena were the loudest they have been in quite some time and everybody is hungry for more.

An embarrassing lop-sided game seven loss was hoped to be fuel for this team to build on for the 2009 season. This year the Hawks have picked up right where they left off, challenging the NBA’s elite on a regular basis with some great team basketball. So far, the Hawks have gone 19-6 at Phillips, and that is good enough for seventh best in the league and fourth in the eastern conference.

Atlanta has a great nucleus of talent with a mixture of young players. The unquestioned leader is all-star Joe Johnson, but the real x-factor to this team’s turnaround success is Mike Bibby. Before

Bibby, the Hawks were struggling. Out of nowhere the Hawks made a trade deadline deal for the former Sacramento Kings point guard. Ever since, Bibby has provided leadership and has helped to run an offense that is now respected around the league. The Hawks have had a winning swagger about them that is good for the city of Atlanta, a city still searching for a professional team to make a constant run to the playoffs.

The great thing about attending a Hawks game is that the tickets on most nights are very affordable. Philips Arena and the Hawks run ticket promotions through different sponsorships for most of home games. Single-game tickets on average are usually eight to 20 dollars depending on where the seat is. The chick-fil-a family night package is probably the best package. It includes four tickets to and four chicken sandwich combo meals, all at a significantly discounted price.

The Hawks have started the second half of the season and they just finished a five-game west coast road trip. When they return home, come and check out the “highlight factory,” and be ready to make some noise.

Hawks plow through season

By Kyle DeVitoVoice Staff Writer924167950@gsc.edu

After a disappointing 2008 season and a turbulent off-season, there is a renewed feeling of hope that surrounds the Atlanta Braves as they head south for spring training.

Constantly plagued by injuries and inconsistency in 2008, the Braves enter training camp with high hopes that new faces and steady veterans can translate to a return to contention in the powerful NL East.

Entering the off-season there was one major concern for the front office to address: pitching. The emergence of Jair Jurrjens in 2008 helped ease the pain of losing John Smoltz to the Boston Red Sox, but it was obvious a major signing was needed in free agency. Enter A.J. Burnett, a right handed pitcher coming off his most dominant year as a pro last season. Thanks to an aggressive approach early on, it appeared as if Burnett would be Atlanta’s first big acquisition. Terms were agreed upon and all that was missing was a signature until, true to form, the New York Yankees began throwing outlandish amounts of money at Burnett. Also true to form, the pitching star opted for the additional zeros New York could attach to his salary.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the Burnett fiasco, Atlanta’s front office rebounded in a big way. The starting pitching was quickly transformed from a

weakness to strength through the acquisitions of three new starting pitchers. Javier Vazquez, acquired through a trade, has great potential, but is an inconsistent pitcher with a lot of good years left in him. Kenshin Kawakami, a Japanese pitching phenom, has the Atlanta fan base thinking Dice-K. And finally, Derek Lowe, arguably the third best free-agent pitcher on the market, was added to the mix to provide solid starts and, more importantly, veteran leadership in the locker room.

By answering the pitching questions, the focus moves to the outfield. While no one can predict if Jeff Francoeur can rebound from his lacking 2008 performance, he appears to be the only sure thing in this outfield. While Gregor Blanco appears to have the inside track for center field, watch out for Josh Anderson, a more powerful version of Blanco. Newly acquired Garret Anderson will shore up left field, and may split time with Matt Diaz.

With a strong infield and consistent catcher in Brian McCann, the spotlight will

Braves spring preview By Justin KimmelVoice Sports Editor924172701@gsc.edu

It’s that time of year again. So pay more attention this time and make this season more fun by being better prepared when it comes time to fill out your NCAA tournament bracket. Let this guide help you this March.

Remember, it’s never going to turn out perfect. And it never ends up the way you want it to, either. Whether you enter plenty of pools, fill out 20 brackets, or just do it because everybody else is doing it, there are things you can do in order to stand above the competition or brag about your big upset pick. So, here is a six-pack of rules to help out.

Rule number one is for one seeds. A number one seed has never, and I repeat, never lost a first round game. Don’t bet on it happening this year. Remember, it’s better to go down with everybody than to go down by your lonesome when it actually happens one day.

Rule number two is for number two in the number two. Think on bathroom terms here, like dookie. You know, like Duke. The Blue Devils consistently put out crappy performances in the second round.

Rule number three is for three-pointers. Don’t bet on teams that rely on three-point shooting to go very far in the tournament. These teams often hit a cold streak somewhere along the distance line. Just a couple examples here: Duke and West Virginia.

Rule number four is for four-year players. Senior-laden teams always do well, even if they are a ten to twelve seed. These teams have experience and are dangerous indeed. If a team starts four or five seniors, watch out.

Rule number five is for five seeds. A number five seed always loses a first round match to a twelve seed. Choose wisely and don’t get carried away.

Rule number six is for the sixth man. Teams with depth off the bench usually do well in a tournament format. If a team consistently gets production from three or more players who don’t start, this is a team that can make it to the final four. Check in and check it out.

These rules shouldn’t serve as too strict of a guideline when filling out your bracket. After all, when March comes around, rules are meant to be broken. That’s why we love Cinderella.

almost surely be positioned on the pitchers. They will be expected to ease the recent woes of the disappointing starting pitchers that have called Atlanta home for the past few seasons.

It would be easy to call the off-season a failure for the Braves, considering how close the club came to signing Burnett, Atlanta favorite Rafael Furcal, and eventual Hall-of-Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who all, for reasons varying from money to comfort, chose to dangle a commitment in front of the Braves and then sign elsewhere. However, with the strong new starting pitching and return of some key veterans, the Braves begin spring training looking much stronger than in years past. Atlanta was a competitive team last year, and led the NL East early in the season before fading late. Barring injuries, this year’s team should be able to compete in the division until the last pitch is thrown in the 2009 baseball season. Look for the tomahawk choppers to reach about 83 wins this year, and compete for a wild-card playoff berth.

March Madness guide

College bass fishing can help youaplenty for anglers to compete at the college level and be exposed to the sport while they stay in school.

A good example of how college bass fishing can help an individual on their way to a career at the professional level is my own story.

It was my sophomore year in college and my grades were bad, classes were boring, and fishing was on the brain. Bass fishing had actually been on my mind for quite some time then, ever since I began to fish competitively back in middle school. I came to the point where I just didn't enjoy school and figured it was getting me nowhere closer to what I wanted to do. So I dropped out.

I figured I'd roll the dice, get a job, save up for a boat, and start fishing tons of tournaments. It wasn't that simple. Six months and two jobs later, I got a real bad taste of life without a college degree and I knew I needed to go back to school. That's when

I found out about college bass fishing.

It's the real deal. There are four different trails all leading to four different national championships. The competition is pretty tough. Virginia Tech, Auburn, Alabama, and Tennessee are just a few of your big name schools that are frequently competing in the tournaments.

College bass fishing gives me an avenue to chase a dream while staying in school to achieve my degree. It also will expose me to the business of bass fishing, allowing school clubs to deal with fishing companies at the sponsorship level. It's just a great opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of a sport that is still growing and growing fast.

When I transfer to a four-year school after this semester, I will finally be able to fish at the college level. I won't yet be fishing professionally, but I'll be one step closer to a dream: winning the Bassmaster Classic.

Last month, Skeet Reese became $500,000 richerby winning the Super Bowl of professional bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. It was an accomplished dream for the veteran pro who has been an elite competitor in his sport for quite some time.

Reese, along with nearly all of his fellow competition, never had the chance to compete at the collegiate level. But thanks to the exponential growth of the sport, college anglers now have the opportunity to pursue a career in bass fishing while working towards their degree.

Professional bass fishing used to be a sport where a young aspiring fisherman fresh out of high school would normally forego the chance to go to college in order to chase after a dream. Now, with multiple collegiate trails, the opportunities are

By Justin KimmelVoice Sports Editor924172701@gsc.edu

Special

Sports Page 11March 27, 2009

High hero Phelps being overscrutinized?

Marijuana is back again. This time it comes strolling into the headlines with eight gold medals, all made in china of course. Michael Phelps, 23, arguably one of the greatest athletes to ever walk, or should I say, swim the earth, has come under sizable scrutiny for a photo that popped up in the British tabloids at the beginning of February.

According to the aquadite he was attending a college bash at the University of South Carolina last November when the picture was snapped. Bong in hand; the young athlete was branded forever, if a picture tells a thousand words this one tells a million.

According to the Associated Press, Phelps; in a million words or less, will be losing millions in sponsorship funding, and serve a three month suspension from the USA swim team due to a picture captured with a cell phone. BANG! Thanks to the electronic age of communication in one instant, the entire world was given the opportunity to criticize the mistake of a 23-year-old kid. Not surprisingly enough however, amidst a crumbling economy, government scandals, and superstar womanizers riddling front pages across the world, everything comes to a screeching halt with the mention

of Phelps and marijuana in the same sentence. Tune to any news station at the beginning of February, and the idea that the United States of America is teetering on the edge of a vast void that engulfed the Iron Curtain some seventeen years ago, is all set aside by one measly plant. Marijuana, the gateway drug, the drug that turns teens into suicidal, homicidal rapists and werewolves, has taken another promising young man. That anyway, seems to be the thought of the 100-plus year old cereal tycoon, Kellogg.

Kellogg has dropped Phelps like a bad habit, stating Phelps’ behavior to be “not consistent with the image of Kellogg’s.” The Frosted Flakes manufacturer backs their statements with the thought that kids around the world may not continue consuming their delectables on account that the company in some way or another supports the use of marijuana. Really? As a former kid myself, I could have cared less what was on the news. I cared about what was in my bowl of cereal.

The fact that the company just flat out abandoned somebody, an American hero in a time of need, is a real tragedy.

One Dr. Rodger Roffman, a professor at the University of Washington has been studying the cultural marijuana movement sense the late 1960s. Dr. Roffman claims that companies such as Kellogg are sticking strictly to the rhetoric of 30 plus years ago, when the scare

of drug influence on teens really began to come to light.

This, may I remind you, was a time of American indulgence and wasteful neglect. A time when good gas mileage was in the realm of nine or ten mpg, and all the common man worried about was whether or not he could fit the whole family in his shinny new auto buggy for the weekend camping trip. Well I hate to break it to you people, but the last thing I am worrying about is the ability of my fancy new Hoover vacuum doohickey to properly clean my stylish drab-green shag carpet. We have bigger problems now! Let us first get the economy righted and forget about the pot for a few years, the NFL sure has, for example Ricky Williams, Santonio Holmes, Michael Vick, etc.

The fact of the matter is, Phelps did use and admirably admitted to using an illegal substance. He broke the law. However, in the eyes of many the real crime here is in the media, not the mistake itself.

The media is the “Johnny Appleseed” of human understanding. The device at which our knowledge of the world we live in is spread. When asked if there was a true crime here, Mari Coffee, a junior at Gainesville State College-Oconee responded with “Criminally, or morally?” She continued by stating, “I believe the true crime is against him, [Phelps] he was doing nothing to harm anybody at all and now the whole thing has been blown way

out of proportion.” She accepts the fact that the athlete’s actions were against the law, but assures me with her tone that she will not lose any sleep over the matter. “There are much bigger fish to fry right now,” she said.

When asked to another student at GSC-Oconee I received a slightly more radical statement. Known to the press only as “Theo” for backlash reasons, this freshman stated “There is no crime here at all! If the man wants to smoke a bong, go ahead and let him. He won eight gold medals in a** backward communist China not only for himself, but for you! He is a freakin’ American Hero for God’s sake.”

To put a word somewhere in between those two statements, I would like to believe that we live in a ‘Walgreen’s’ world where athletes wink at children from cereal boxes and get paid solely to be role models. The fact is, however, we live in the real world and that athlete is winking at a camera in L.A. to be placed on a cereal box made in Malaysia.

Listen, the bottom line is this: his purpose in this life is to be the greatest athlete he can possibly be, no exceptions, and grab as many medals as his scaly fins can possibly grab, no exceptions. Yet, like you and me, Phelps is still 100-percent pure bread human, no exceptions.

By Tynan MahanVoice Staff Writer924174169@gsc.edu

The Diamond Dogs were one win away from a National Championship last season, but lost to a surprising Fresno State team who hadn’t played in Omaha since 1991. Although the Bulldogs lose shortstop Gordon Beckham and closer Joshua Fields, they are primed to make another run to Omaha.

Rich Poythress is one of the top sluggers in the nation and is arguably the best defensive first basemen after winning the Gold Glove award last year. Although he won’t have the luxury of batting behind Beckham, he should still put up some great numbers.

The pitching staff looks strong with the ace Trevor Holder returning for his senior season even though he was a tenth round draft pick by the Florida Marlins. The number two starter will be Alex McRee who went 7-1 last year with a

3.98 ERA. The southpaw served as a middle reliever last year and is expected to be one of the cornerstones of this strong team.

Junior Dean Weaver will replace Fields as the team closer and is expected to make a huge impact after going 6-1 with a 4.24 ERA.

“Our biggest strength is pitching, pitching, pitching,” said Georgia head coach David Perno, who enters his

Special

Eight-time gold medal winner Michael Phelps, lost sponsorship due to marijuana use,

13th season with the Bulldogs including his eighth as head coach. “Our top ten is as good as we have ever had. We don’t have the star power like we had with Josh Fields, but we feel like we are just as capable as last year’s staff.”

The 2009 season will undoubtedly be the year of the true freshman. Coach Perno could start as many as five true freshmen. Those being 3B Colby May, 2B Levi Hyams,

Hopeful new season for Diamond Dogsand outfielders Johnathan Taylor, Zach Cone and Chase Davidson.

“They were nervous coming out of the gate, but then they relaxed. Colby hit the batter’s eye, and Johnathan and Levi (Hyams) are just electric players out there.” Coach Perno went on to say,”They’re really fun to watch. Zach made a couple of nice plays, and Chase played well too.”

Expect lead-off man Johnathan Taylor to make a huge impact. After just three games against Youngstown State he went 8-for-10 with five RBIs.

“Johnathan’s numbers this weekend are out of this world,” Coach Perno said. “He had some extra base hits and scored a bunch of runs. What an unreal and exciting first weekend for the freshman.”

Although this season may be a little scary because it will be anchored by freshmen, expect them to make a huge impact for the Bulldogs who are trying to make it back to Omaha.

By Will HessVoice Staff Writer924201904@gsc.edu

Special

FeaturePage 12 March 27, 2009

Feature Page 13March 27, 2009

Clubs March 27, 2009Page 14

By Taylor ForthVoice Clubs Editor924161209@gsc.edu

Even though Gainesville State College is a smaller school, it is still a very active one. Most students stay active at GSC by joining one of the many clubs that are offered. The great thing about the clubs here at GSC is that there is such a diverse selection of clubs and new ones are emerging each semester. This semester one of our newest clubs is the film club. The very proud members of film club have just announced their new arrival this semester. I sat down with the club advisor, Matthew Horton, and the club president Jaymes Harrison to find out what film club was all about.

My first question was “Where did the idea of film club come from?” Mr. Horton informed me that he actually started the club while working over at the Gainesville Campus. When he was transferred over to this campus he already knew that he wanted to bring film club over here. “When I started teaching classes at this campus I just always kept in mind the students that I thought would like to be apart of film club”. Apparently this strategy worked because he did not have a problem with beginning this club at all. One of his students

that he has taught here, Jaymes Harrison, who is now the film club president, shared Mr. Horton’s enthusiasm about starting film club over at the Oconee Campus. There are a number of students that feel the same way as Mr. Horton and Harrison do about film. A club advisor, plus a club president, plus students who are eager and ready to participate in a club, plus lots of passion about film, equals the film club here at GSC.

My next question was “What is the objective of film club?” Both Horton and Harrison agreed that film club in a nut shell is about watching good movies. Horton and Harrison both explained to me that their definition of a good movie is the movies that you should watch before you die. “If you looked at the book, Movies You Should Watch Before You Die, those are the movies that we will be showing in film club”. A good movie is where the director had some kind of artistic reason of doing what he did. “We want to promote the kind of films that GSC students do not usually watch, but if they did watch they would be glad that they did. Even though one of their objectives is to look at film as an art form, there is still plenty of room for the entertainment aspect as well.

Film club meets on every Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 in

room 306. Wednesday is their day of business, to discuss upcoming events and of course film. On Friday’s the club views the films that they have picked out, which leads me to my next question. “How do you choose what films you show?” The films are picked in a fair manner. The entire club gives suggestions of different films they would like to watch. Next Horton and Harrison make a list of nominee films, and then the whole club votes on what they want to see next. “We pretty much let them chose, we only improvise a little bit when needed” “We want to make sure that all of our members are represented equally” The movies they have already shown include: Blade Runner, Mulholland Drive, The Killing, Delicatessen, and Rashomon.

The film club has upcoming event on Sunday March 22. Downtown Athens will be holding the 5th annual Robert Osborne Film Festival on March 19-22 and the film club will be attending this event together on that Sunday. If you are interested in this event or in joining film at all please contact Matthew Horton, faculty advisor of the film club through your GSC e-mail, or you can just show up at the meetings. The film club meets every Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 in room 602.

GSC Film Club offers diversity

By Taylor ForthVoice Clubs Editor924161209@gsc.edu

The Spanish Club is one of GSC’s most well known clubs. They are known for their great activities that they hold here at the Oconee Campus. In Just the month of February they have held a valentines party, a game night, and a fiesta party. Spanish club is also one of the largest clubs that we have on this campus.

With new members joining every week, the Spanish Club is a very fast growing club. They have five club presidents, a secretary, and a person in charge of advertising. The Spanish Club faculty advisor is Sara Burns. Their presidents are: Tristan Gravenor, Taylor Wall, Meghan Bowden, Dan Burnett, and Daniel Alzate. Their club secretary is Adam Greenwald. The Spanish club advertising coordinator is Barbra Stander.

Spanish club offers many attributes to their active club members. One thing about Spanish club is that it is very entertaining. Every month they hold events and fiestas that consist of free food, free drinks, and lots of fun. Students also get co- curricular credit for attending Spanish Club events. One of the best features about the Spanish club is speaking Spanish. If you are an active member of the Spanish club there are tutors available to help you with your Spanish speaking skills. When I spoke to the faculty advisor Sara Burns she told me that the main objective for Spanish club is to help students to be able to converse in Spanish.

If you are interested in Spanish club you can contact Sara Burns or you can attend the meetings held every Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 in room 310.

Spanish Club growing at GSC Oconee

Email us! Have any opinions, questions, or

submissions that you’d like to send to us? Shoot us an email at:

Voice@gsc.edu

A&E Page 15March 27, 2009

By Wil PettyVoice Staff Writer924183283@gsc.edu

Athens is a city known for many things: academia, parties, and those “dawgs” we all root for during the fall. What Athens is the best known for is its music scene, and on the corner of Pulaski and Washington sits the Mecca of this establishment, the 40 Watt Club.

When the club opened its doors Halloween night in 1978 above where the Grill stands today, no one expected what was going to come out of it. It was just a party space with a single light and a floor that was caving in owned by Curtis Crowe, whose band Strictly American performed. What happened was the end of the world as Athens knew it (and they felt fine).

Where did the term “40 Watt Club” originate?

“It was about 6000 ft of open space,” said Paul Scales, who would be the owner of 40 Watt Club East. “There was a big floor lamp out toward the middle of the room for lighting to see what was going on, and his buddy Bill Taber came up from Marietta and said ‘hey Curtis this is a real 40 watt club you got here.’ That’s where the name came from.”

Athens beforehand consisted of blues at Tyrone’s and beach music at the frat parties. The B-52s had just signed with Reprise Records, and had made their way to New

York. Before the “B’s,” Athens had been semi-known for the Hampton Grease Band, who were signed by Columbia Records, and released one of the least sold records by the label. The band broke up in 1973 when the lead singer tried out for a vocalist audition Frank Zappa was holding; he didn’t get it.

It wouldn’t be until May of 1980 when the club opened above where the Starbucks now is that the 40 Watt would change Athens. It would be renamed the 40 Watt Club East, and Scales along with Crowe would manage.

“That’s when it opened as a real

The history behind the 40 Watt Club

club instead of just a party place,” said Paul Butchart, drummer of the Side Effects. “When it was above the Grill it was just someone’s party space it wasn’t the real ‘official’ club.

Butchart’s band was the only band that played on the opening night, but other acts would follow. Love Tractor, Pylon, and Twisted Kites (later renamed REM) would soon follow, bringing to life an Athens music scene. Soon afterward, bands from New York and Hoboken (NJ) would come down to play such as the Bongos, the Db’s, and the Raybeats, establishing

Athens as a national hotspot for new wave and college rock.

“We packed the place the first night,” Scales recalled. “Word hit the street about this shindig and we charged a dollar to get in and an 8 ounce of Miller Draft was a quarter.”

Crowe would help form the band Pylon, which ended up going on an European tour leaving Scales to run the place. He enlisted Steve Allen to help him out.

In 1982, Doug Hoescht, who owned a health food store in Athens, would buy the venue from Allen and Scales. It would

be moved to where the Caledonia Lounge is. Scales jokingly refers to this as the biggest moment in the 40 Watt’s History. In 1984, Hoescht would again relocate it to a place on Broad Street and rename the club the 40 Watt Uptown. Office spaces for UGA now sit there. Barrie Buck, who is now the owner, would start working as a bartender then. Rent would increase on that particular space, and the location would return back to where the Caledonia is.

It wouldn’t be until April of 1990 that the club would relocate to where it stands today. It would be at this location where Five-eight, Modern Skirts, Dead Confederate, Drive-by truckers, and many others would start adding a new chapter to the history. It would also be outside this club in 1998, where thousands of fans would come to Athens for Widespread Panic’s historical CD release show.

Today, the 40 Watt Club continues to give back to Athens. When local or national acts aren’t rocking out on the stage, numerous charity or non-profit events and benefits take place there.

“It was a great honor to host a show at the 40 Watt,” said Wojciech Kacowski, the president of UGA’s NORML chapter, which hosted a benefit show there. “It was exciting to be able to go backstage and see graffiti written by members of Nirvana, and add some of ours.”

Thirty years later, one can still see the history of the 40 Watt.

Special

By Haley McManusVoice Staff Writer924165543@gsc.edu

Friday, February 13, the night before Valentine’s day- it’s 11:25pm and I am picking up the check from my last table of lingering assholes, while scrambling around to get the closing work done. We have wine glasses to polish and silverware to put away and we need to vacuum and drag the outdoor tables in and, and, and, etc. One of my and my boyfriend’s FAVORITE bands, Dr. Dog, is set to play in a few minutes and we are desperate to get out of hell.

We get a call from a friend telling us the show is sold out. If I only had a brain I would have gotten tickets. But my boyfriend, Nathan, says dramatically “I can’t sleep tonight if I don’t try to get in.” Like I said, it’s Friday the Thirteenth and I am in no mood to push my luck, so Nate goes without me.

Feeling lonely and left out, I pout while polishing glasses. Nate calls to say “I pulled on the back door of Tasty World to sneak in, it was locked but behind me I heard car doors shut, it was Dr. Dog. I

told them of our situation and they said they’d try to sneak me in...but, better yet they put us both on the guest list and walked me right in the front door with them.”

I walk down to Tasty World and the guy at the door proudly says “sorry....we are all sold out” but HA, I am on the guest list. He still pulls out his sharpie and marks both of my hands with dreaded N’s that stand for ‘no alcohol’ or ‘underage.’

I walk inside and begin licking off the N’s when they start playing. Their performance is a playfully aggressive orgasm for the ears with just a touch of Philadelphia filth. Dr. Dog is a blend of psychedelic indie rock with generous three part harmonies. They offer two

distinctive sounds from the songs of Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken. My favorite song of theirs is Leaman’s Little Bird because it is just so damned adorable.

At the end of the show we talk to Toby who is humble enough to start the conversation by asking us about our lives in Athens. He also tells a tale of them ‘sneaking’ in 24 people at one of their shows and not getting paid because it had (for good reason) pissed off the management at the venue. Dr. Dog is a down to earth yet eccentric band much deserving of your support and attention. Check them out on Myspace at www.myspace.com/drdog .Their new record, Fate, is available on both CD and Vinyl.

Dr. Dog meets ‘Fate’ at Tasty WorldBy Wil PettyVoice Staff Writer924183283@gsc.edu

Ruckus was a door wide open for college students to get the music they wanted free and legally; that door has now been locked.

In early February the Virginia-based service shut down. Jason Herskowitz, Vice President of Product Management at TotalMusic, stated the economy as one of the reasons why Ruckus demised in his blog. TotalMusic bought Ruckus in 2007.

When accessing the website for more information, it just shows a white screen stating “Unfortunately the Ruckus service will no longer be provided. Thanks.”

The service started in 2004 and always had its problems. Students who used the service often complained about the fact that music from Ruckus could not be put onto iPods or any other music players, as well as the constant advertisements that came along with listening to the music.

“Gainesville State had nothing to do with Ruckus,” said Brian Wesnofske, the Coordinator of Information at the Oconee Campus.

The main reason Ruckus was

introduced at GSC was to help prevent peer-to-peer file sharing from programs such as Limewire on the school’s network. The school has to hand over information to the RIAA about illegal downloading at this campus.

On the GSC website, there is a posting giving information about alternative sites that offer music and movies. A vast majority of the sites listed, including the entire list of movie sites, have fees students will have to pay.

Contrary to several other colleges, GSC students did not pay for Ruckus from their student fees. It was an entirely free program that students could use of their own free will; very few did.

With Ruckus being the latest casualty in the music industry’s problems, the only question one can ask is who’s next?

Ruckus music service closes its doors

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A&EPage 16 March 27, 2009

By Ryan StevensonVoice Staff Writer924182961@gsc.edu

Robert Osborne’s 5th annual

Classic Film Festival came to the Athens Classic Center on March 19-22. Osborne, host of the Turner Class Movies network and long time film historian, picked several superb films for the festival this year including “The Godfather,” “ E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial,” and “King Kong.”

This weekend event was an amazing opportunity for those of us not old enough to have enjoyed these classic films when they were first released to see them on the big screen in all their glory. The Classic Center was turned into a true cinema complete with giant screens and huge speakers so the films may be enjoyed the way they were supposed to be seen.

In order to attend the festival, a paid pass was required. The passes were $60 for non-students and $45 for all students with a valid student I.D. These passes allowed attendees to enjoy all of the screenings as well as attend the panel discussions hosted by Osborne himself to discuss the films and the impacts they made on the industry. The Friday matinee of the classic “Rear Window” was free and open to the public until seats were unavailable even if passes for the weekend sold

out or attendees just wanted to see the Classic Center turned into a huge cinema.

Films at the festival:“The Godfather”“ E.T. the Extra- Terrestrial”“Goldfinger”“Funny Girl,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Rear Window,”“King Kong”“For Your Consideration.”

Robert Osborne’s 5thannual Classic FilmFestival comes to Athens

By Scott JenkinsVoice Staff Writer924160844@gsc.edu

Constricting their grasp tighter around the live entertainment industry, the world’s largest ticket provider, Ticketmaster, revealed plans of their conglomeration with the colossal concert production company Live Nation on Feb. 10.

Ticketmaster operates in 20 global markets, selling over 141 million tickets for around $8.3 billion in 2007. In 2008 they acquired Frontline Management Group, the world’s leading artist management company that fronts almost 200 artists consisting of acts like the Eagles, Fleet Wood Mac, Christina Aguilera and Aerosmith. If Live Nation, who produces 16,000 concerts a year, combines with Ticketmaster, then one company’s interest would control tickets, venues and stadiums, as well as the artists performing in them.

The monopolizing union is projected to happen by the second half of 2009, but that is if it gets past hearings being held by Congress’s antitrust subcommittee on Feb. 24 and 26. Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Live Nation, is among

those being questioned on the various problematic issues that these two companies could create if merged.

One week after finalizing the plans, Ticketmaster’s own share holders began protesting the conditions of the merger. They’re even taking the company to court with a class action lawsuit, alleging that the proposed deal underestimates the value of their stocks. Ticketmaster says the joining was formulated to help the two companies out during recent times of economic uncertainty and they expect savings in excess of $40 million in operating cost annually.

Others in the industry, such as venue and sports team owners, professional athletes, artists, event organizers and fans are feeling threatened by the potential domination such a cartel would have. Ticketmaster and Live Nation are both billion dollar corporations individually, already the giants in their competitive markets. This merger could shift control of the live entertainment market into the hands of one cumbersome conglomerated company.

This most recent news of merger

isn’t the first time Ticketmaster has come under scrutiny because of their aggressive business strategies. In 1994 members of the band Pearl Jam brought the company before the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice for monopolistic behavior. Pearl Jam wanted control over their ticket prices to make sure concerts were affordable for fans. The band resented Ticketmaster’s steep service charges that add to the price of tickets. The court ruled in favor of Ticketmaster, making for an ugly situation for Pearl Jam and their tour that year because of course, all the stadiums and venues they were playing are controlled by Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc.

In July 2008 Ticketmaster filed suit against one of their clients in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers after the launching of their own online ticketing service Flash Seats. The site allows the team’s ticket holders to sell or give away tickets over the web. Ticketmaster pushed for the court to rule that they had exclusive rights to all of the Cavaliers’ ticket sales, including the resale of season tickets, but the Cavaliers and Flash seats sued back on the grounds of monopolistic behavior and beat the monopoly.

Ticketmaster reveals plans of merger with Live Nation

By Ryan StevensonVoice Staff Writer924182961@gsc.edu

Love stories involving Vampires seem to be all the rage nowadays. The massive commercial success and cult following of the Twilight series is evidence of this. However, if you are looking to get your fix of a soft and shallow teen drama, look elsewhere.

Let the Right One In is a foreign film based on the critically praised novel written by Swedish author John Ajvide Lindqvist. The story revolves around a young boy, Oskar, who is frequently bullied by other boys at his primary school. An old man and a young girl, Eli, move into the apartment next door to Oskar and his mother. Unbeknownst to Oskar and the other inhabitants of his town, Eli is a vampire and like all vampires, sustains off of the blood of humans.

Over time, Oskar develops a crush on Eli and the two seemed to form a special bond. With the two main characters being a twelve year old boy and a vampire that

appears to be around the same age, the romantic substance of the film is very sweet and innocent minus the part where she is a vampire that must tear people apart for her own

survival. Oskar is harassed often at his school by the same group of bullies and struggles with the will to fight back until he meets Eli, who tells him to fight back. Although the

film has its supernatural elements, it is mostly a story of two individuals being very alone in their own way and although they are so different, they begin to care for one another.

A major question asked in the film is what the differences are between Oskar’s desire to harm those who torment him so much and Eli’s actions of harming others for no desire other than her own survival. Oskar is shown stabbing a tree outside his home as if it were the bullies at school while it is obvious that Eli gets no pleasure from harming the people she feeds off of.

One of the best qualities of the film is the overall cold and dimly lit visuals of the town that the story takes place in. All of the dark still shots of the town covered in a gloomy white blanket of snow adds immensely to the creepiness of the entire film.

Let the Right One In is far from a guilty pleasure vampire tale. The story of the pre-adolescent affection between Oskar and Eli and their growing relationship is both charming and warm. With an English remake being targeted to come out around 2010, there is much to look forward to as this wonderful story comes even closer to us.

‘Let The Right One In’ far from your average vampire flick

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Let The Right One In is a foreign film based on a Swedish novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Robert Osborne

A&E Page 17March 27, 2009

I want something new. I want something different, something fresh. I want a revolution. I want a radical change. I am in search of something new.

Some people who know me may say that my music taste is narrow. Others may say that I only listen to one genre of music. Some may even say that I will not open my mind to something new, and I say… they’re right. They are almost right.

My preference of music may seem to fall under the category of jam bands (I hate that label). But there is a reason for this. To me it seems that, but not entirely, non-mainstream bands are the only ones who have anything to offer these days. I mean the indie/townie kids I know can agree to this. They’ve got it down. They certainly do not let mainstream music influence their lives at all. Far from it. Now let me say this, I am not trying to label anyone, I hate giving labels, unfortunately that seems to be the only way media can target certain demographics.

But seriously what has mainstream music given us in the last ten years? Have they given us anything that is memorable, anything important, anything to hold on to? I mean anything? I want to hear some raw power, real emotion, and genuine passion. It’s just not there. But where has it gone? I wish I had an answer but I don’t. So I have turned a cold shoulder to mainstream music, and this may be why many people may say I am closed minded. Well you’re right. Unfortunately I am, and it’s not by choice. I have been bombarded with crap for far too long. Recycled music can only go so far. I understand that most bands are heavily influenced by someone and that they may resemble someone else’s sound. That’s fine, that’s not what I am talking about. What I am talking about is a new message. The message doesn’t even have to be lyrical. It can be a new energy, a new sound, something refreshing, it can

be anything. Just give me something new!

I understand that one of the goals of mainstream music is to be able to cater to all different kinds of people. Therefore, it has to be dumbed down. The music has to be easily digested. But it used to not be this way. Take a look at the charts in the late 60’s. You’ve got Hendrix, Joplin, Led Zeppelin, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones, and Credence Clear Water revival. That

I want something new in music!

is powerful stuff. These are legends. I am sorry but Kelly Clarkson, Lil Wayne, Gwen Stefani, and Chris Brown are not going to be legends. It’s just not going to happen. We live in a horrible music era and it’s just despicable.

I just want some diversity among mainstream music. It is all the same. I am just tired of hearing the same old female pop singers talking about sex, or rappers who all sound the same, rapping about selling drug, killing folks and slappin’ bitches. I am tired of the same bands with good looking lead singers, singing love songs. I want something real. I am tired of it. All of

these sounds have been done before, and have been done better. So John Mayer, go get a life. T.I., go educate yourself. Britney Spears… oh poor, poor Britney you’ve had enough bashing for one lifetime.

Bottom line is I want something new. Give me something tasteful, I don’t even have to like the way it sounds, but I just want to hear something new. I want something distinctive, and I think you do too. One would think with all the access to musical instruments there would be someone out there in the mainstream world doing something

new and unique with some real power and passion. Unfortunately it’s just not here yet. We as consumers must have the courage to demand something new. We can’t just sit back and take whatever is given to us. I want to hear a song, and say to my self that beyond a shadow of a doubt that I know who sings this song. I don’t want to have to rack my brain and flip through the 7 other bands who sound like this. I want to know. I want passion, I want raw, I want grit, I want something new and hopefully you do as well!

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Current mainstream artists like Kelly Clarkson (above) will not be remembered as a music legend in history. Where’s the diversity in mainstream music?

A&EPage 18 March 27, 2009

By Alex McCarthyVoice Assistant Editor924168638@gsc.edu

This April, Nintendo’s newest handheld system will hit stores for the masses. The Nintendo DSi has a slew of new features, as the new system is an upgrade of the previous DS Lite. Some of these features I am excited about, some of them I’m not.

First of all, it’s going to be slimmer. The DSi will be a solid 3 millimeters smaller than its big brother, and slimmer can’t hurt. The only problem is that the battery life is a little bit less, to be expected ffrom smaller components.

And I am very excited about the online connectivity that the DSi will boast. Sure, it will open up many doors of playing with other gamers across the globe, but I don’t care about that. I’m more interested in the DSi “shopping” network, similar to the “Wii Shop Channel” on the Nintendo Wii. Now games will be accessible online and can be stored on the DSi’s hardrive.

I like this a lot, mostly because of what will be available now. The DSi removes the Gameboy

Advance slot that it had before, stopping backwards compatibility, but the shopping network is the cure. I expect a bunch of Gameboy and Gameboy Advance games to become available, as well as possibly NES and Super Nintendo games. And the Nintendo DS version of Super Mario 64 tells me that Nintendo 64 games are in the realm of possibility as well.

The main new feature of the system, however, is the onboard camera. There will be two cameras on the DSi, one inside and one outside. One will face the player as he or she is playing and the system is open, and the other will be on the outer shell when it is closed.

I am not so excited about this. This is Nintendo’s attempt to open the gaming market to non-gamers, and making video games more a part of everyday life, like a cell phone or a laptop. Now there is a reason to have a DSi with you at all times, because there is a camera on it. But now I have to pay for a camera when all I want is my video game.

So, are the new features worth paying for a camera? I’m afraid so. Nostalgia is going to get the best of me on this one, and I’m going to have to get one just for the possibility of getting all of my old games. Maybe I’ll use the camera a little bit too.

Nintendo’s new DSi to hit the United States in April

By Wil PettyVoice Staff Writer924183283@gsc.edu

With the reign of the GSC Songwriter’s Guild coming to an end, Dr. Samuel Prestridge decided to start something new at GSC, chautauquas. What are chautauquas? They are presentations that anyone can give on any specific topic. It is based on the Chautauqua movement that started in the late 1800s in New York, where people would come and speak about the arts, religion, and politics. The series started February 4 with Dr. Kristen Roney, the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, speaking about Punk Music and American Culture. “The lecture was definitely interesting,” said Russell Koons, a student who loves punk music and attended the series. “It gave a great overview of a lot of punk rock’s aspects.” The main punk music scenes in the United States are located in New York, Washington D.C., Seattle and Los Angeles. Why would there ever be a punk lecture in Georgia, much less Watkinsville? “I have had a long fascination between music and political culture,” said Roney. “Punk is just a natural growth of that particular study.” The lecture focused on the

counterculture and used bands such as the Sex Pistols, the Germs, and the FARTZ to illustrate these examples. Roney primarily focused on the “Westie” (or west coast) sect as a guide to follow everybody along. In the second half of the series, British bands were also used to implement their influence on American music.

“You can see some definite influences in American punk by Brit punk” said Roney. “But it seems to go back and forth.” The main point, as Roney stated in the Chautauqua, was to make an attempt to discuss punk music academically. Roney used books such as Brian Corgan’s “Encyclopedia of Punk” and Greil Marcus’s “Lipstick Traces” as sources. The lecture also focused from the time punk was first used to describe music by Cream’s Lester Bangs in 1970 until what was considered the death of punk in 1982. Other subjects brought up included how punk influenced 90s grunge as well as the term “Quincy Punk”. With these chautauquas are talking in depth about such random subjects, one wonders how much they have to know in order to enjoy the lectures. “The chautaquas are like a baseball game,” said Prestridge who hosts the lectures. “You can watch the game and enjoy it without knowing anything, but rudimentary

knowledge would probably enhance your enjoyment.” Several other chautaquas will be taking place throughout this semester. The speakers of these events will include Tracy “Fester” Haygood from the band King Cotton, giving a lecture

Chautauqua brand-new addition to GSC activities

By Luisa GomezA&E Staff Writer924176903@gsc.edu

Since fall of 2006, Athens-based band Mama’s Love has been performing and spreading their music around town. Mama’s Love consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Thomas Galloway, bassist Patrick Atwater, drummer Ben Torbert, lead guitarist Taylor Knox, and keyboardist William Boyd. The band delivers a funky, classic rock sound influenced from the likes of Phish, Grateful Dead, Little Feet, The Allman Brothers, and Widespread Panic.

In 2007, the band recorded and released their twelve song EP, Willow Street Sessions with rhythmic songs such as Catch a Feelin and Tinted Blue. The band frequently headlines at The Georgia Theatre and have a set list containing a mixture of originals and cover songs like Inner City Blues by Marvin Gaye and Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who.

Mama’s Love has toured many cities in the southeast but plan on branching out to the northeast and west coast this summer.

Another accomplishment for the band was performing at the Echo Project, an Atlanta music fest, in the fall of 2007. To be a part of a festival was a pretty school experience, said Atwater. Having over two years of experience under their belts, the University of Georgia students enjoy making music and would like to continue building a fan base across the country. We want to spread the music as much as possible, said Galloway.

Aside from having their fans dance about, they want to make sure their music is actually listened to and urge fans to gain something from it. There are messages in the songs, Galloway added. They also want to build a strong community around the band and encourage their fans to be involved. For upcoming tour dates, contact info, and live show recordings visit www.mamaslove.net.

‘Mama’s Love’ spreading the music

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on songwriting, and A Troupe of Actors will be performing the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Close to exam time, Dr. Melinda Hawley will be doing a chautaqua on stress reduction. King Cotton has a CD out called

“The Gypsy,” and their music is available to listen to at myspace.com/kingcottonband.

For more information on the chautauquas, contact Dr. Samuel Prestridge or go to the website at http://www.gsc.edu/chautauqua.

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A&E Page 19March 27, 2009

Athens based veteransHarvey Milk declined the invitation to play the main stage, but instead opted to play the smallest where the room reached full capacity in no time. This left many without the chance to see the prominence of this extraordinary band.

Savannah’s heavy touring outfit Kylesa began the festival’s outdoor main stage events by delivering metal frenzy, in-your-face vocals and trademark double drum solos. It was a perfect way to start the day of humidity and overcasts.

Also coming out of the sludges of Savan-nah were Baroness. Exhibiting precise and melodic riffs which al-ways seem to build up into a thundering ex-altation, they provided the perfect soundtrack for walking through the trenches.

The day before the snow began to fall in north Georgia, there was a rock festival at the Mas-querade located in Atlanta. It was sponsered by Scion and it was free. Four stages, almost 30 bands, a few thousand people and one muddy field. Those were the stats for the ocean of black hoodies who had their highlighted schedules of band performances as well as their well deserved earplugs. All were hurriedly dashing from one stage to the next ready to witness that which has been deemed rock. No one had time to see the all of the simultanious perfor-mances, but here is an account of a few.

One of the main atractions to the event was the head split-ting performance of Neurosis. With over two decades of grinding out experiemental and psychodelic metal, and with how seldom they play live in the States, it was an overall thrill to observe the rarity.

A quick look at the

Scion Rock Festphotos and story by Sara Blum

Atlanta’s own Torche provided the masses with a fast-paced head banging experience. Within their home town they were welcomed with open arms and closed, pounding fists.

All photos taken on Feb 28 2009

OpinionsPage 20 March 27, 2009

Advisor:Dan Cabaniss

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Whitney Conner924167533@gsc.edu

HELPWANTED!The Voice welcomesarticles and lettersfrom faculty, staff,and students.

voice@gsc.edu

In Our Opinion ...

Transferring to UGA is not a cakewalkGSC Oconee has often been viewed as a detour route

to UGA. Many students have hopes of taking a few easy semesters at GSC Oconee and sliding their way into the big university with a 2.5 GPA. While we do not want to crush anyone’s dreams of being a Bulldog, it is our obligation to remind everyone of the reality of the situation.

UGA’s official transfer website displays the criteria for transfer students as a 3.2 for a student transferring with 30-59 hours and a 2.5 for a student transferring with 60 hours or more. Many students misconceive these figures as credentials that will guarantee their spots at UGA. But the website clearly states that “there is no minimum GPA that guarantees admission.” The hard truth for many to face is that admissions are based on availability and as that availability changes, the criteria are subject to change as well.

Looking at the situation rationally, it makes sense that more and more college students want to stay in state with the economic situation putting a strain on people’s pockets. The increased demand for a place at UGA has only raised the bar for transfer students. The current average admitted transfer student GPA is 3.34 - the highest ever at UGA. Voice News editor Christen Rochlin’s article in this issue explains that the GPA minimum for an applicant with 60 semester hours will rise from a 2.5 to a 2.8, beginning with the spring 2010 applicants.

The Voice is not highlighting this information to discourage students from applying to UGA. We are not saying it is not impossible to get in to UGA by any means, but it is no cakewalk either. It is critical for students to

start looking at the situation realistically and understand what they are really up against.

We advise students to redouble their efforts. Despite what many people think, our time at GSC is not the time to slack off. Students would be wise to get their GPAs up while they have the advantages of being at a small school and the special attention available from professors. It definitely will not get any easier at UGA. Time goes by faster than one would think, and one bad semester can really hurt a cumulative GPA, which is the most critical part of the puzzle to becoming a Georgia Bulldog.

We understand the value in setting goals, but there is nothing to be gained in completely obsessing over one school. Crystal Allred, coordinator of career and transfer services at GSC Oconee, advises students that “everyone should have a back-up plan.” She explains that there are “lots of respectable schools besides UGA.”

The Voice agrees with Allred and we urge students to think about other schools that could be a good fit for them. Voice staff writer Wil Petty provides information regarding the many other colleges to transfer to in Georgia. His article can be found in this issue of the Voice on page **. A person’s situation can change very quickly, so it is important to have plenty of alternatives.

We sincerely hope that all GSC Oconee students end up where they want to be. However, the decision regarding where to transfer is not one that should be taken lightly. Think about how college has gone for you so far and be realistic about how it will go for you in the future.

After many requests for a more substantial means of nourishing the student body, the school responded with the addition of a kiosk-style café in the atrium. The café offers an array of refreshments and snacks at fairly reasonable prices. The Voice is very grateful not only for the café itself, but also for the effort put forth by Student Government Association (SGA) and the school to make it happen.

In acquiring our new café, SGA demonstrated real

leadership and representation for the students. The school has shown us that there is a genuine interest in fulfilling the needs of the students at GSC Oconee. We asked (a few times) and they answered. It is very comforting to know that our voice has not gone unheard. We hope to see this trend continue.

Some of you might have noticed that in the appearance of the café, a few activities were sacrificed, such as the Xbox 360. A few people have

expressed disappointment in the loss of the game system; however, there is a general consensus among us at the Voice that the benefits have outweighed the losses. After all, the Xbox 360 only appealed to those who played video games and only two or three people could use it at a given time. The café benefits everyone.

While space has and always will be an issue for GSC Oconee, the new addition is compact enough that it has

not taken up too much space in the atrium. In exchange for just a little less space, we have easy access to coffee and no longer have to eat lunch from a vending machine.

We are happy to note that in its first few weeks the little café seems to be doing well. The Voice would like to remind everyone that if the café is something you would like to see stick around, be sure to demonstrate your support by using it.

GSC grateful for new cafe Comments?*

Questions?*

Submissions?

Email us at:

voice@gsc.edu

Page 21March 27, 2009 Opinions

Where do you planon transferring toafter GSC?

“Probably UGA, at the end ofnext fall.”

Jessica Vang“UGA... number one choice! It’s close, it’s good.”

TristanGravenor

“UGA - I want to stay in Athens.”

AustinSharretts

“Humboldt State, in northernCalifornia.”

TheodoreMahan

StudentOpinion Poll

It’s possible to survive the ‘Great Recession’ we faceBy Kelly ManleyAsst. Professor of Economicskmanley@gsc.edu

We are in what may be shaping up to be the worst recession we’ve experienced in our modern economic history. Even the most optimistic of forecasts are predicting that we’re looking at a slow recovery not likely to begin before early 2011.

The typical recovery we experience after a recession is “V” shaped, meaning that the downturn and upswing both occur relatively quickly. However, this recover may be more “L” shaped, much like the trajectory that Japan followed after the recession it fell into in the early 1990s. President Obama is hoping that the stimulus package recently passed by congress will prevent us from taking more than a decade to recover, as it did in Japan. Much of this proposed round of stimulus spending is aimed at the states. While it’s possible that some of that money sent to states may find its way into higher education budgets, it’s unlikely to be significant. However, regardless of what type of stimulus package Congress passes, and how the state of Georgia decides to spend whatever monies it receives, there are some things that you can do to preserve or improve your financial wellbeing no matter what happens in the upcoming months and years.

Make the most of your time: one

of the very best things that you can do right now is stay in school. With unemployment on the rise (and only predicted to go higher for at least the next year), the competition for jobs is fierce. Your opportunity cost (what you’re giving up to be in school) right now is likely at its lowest.

Protect the money that you have: it’s critical that your bank accounts are FDIC insured. Currently FDIC protects the first $250,000 (until the end of this year when coverage will return to $100,000) in your deposit accounts per bank. What this means to you is that even if your bank fails, your money is safe and easily accessible. When the government takes over a failing bank it typically does so on a Friday and you have access to your money by Monday.

Don’t spend money unnecessarily: this piece of advice may sound obvious, but there are many ways that we waste money without even thinking about it. One way that banks and credit card companies are making up for lost revenue as the economy slows down is by increasing the amount and frequency of fees and service charges. Be very careful not to overdraw your bank accounts or charge over your credit limit on your credit cards. Instead

of paying for monthly “overdraft protection” on your checking account, link it to your saving account or request a line of credit. Some banks charge as much as $25 a month for overdraft protection. You would be better off to take that $25 every month and put it in a savings account that is linked to your checking account. In the event that you are charged service fees, call and politely request that they be refunded.

Plan for the future: one of the best things you can do while you’re still in school is intern. Completing an internship can make a huge difference in your ability to find a job after graduation. Another thing that is critical to your financial future is building a good credit record. Your credit record not only affects your ability to obtain credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, but also can affect your ability to get a lease or obtain a job. Monitor your credit record diligently by regularly reviewing your accounts for free at the three major credit bureaus through www.annualcreditreport.com.

Ask for help when you need it: if you find yourself in a situation where you will not be able to make a payment, call your creditor immediately. In the event that you are hopelessly behind in all of your bills, contact a reputable credit counseling agency such as Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) before going to the extreme of declaring bankruptcy.

Does anybody reading this ever remember competition being a bad thing? Especially if you know you’re the best. I’ll bet that Michael Jordan openly welcomes 1 on 1 games. Well, the word on the street is that 1 university in particular is doing everything in it’s power to keep down competition. Who is the competition that’s being kept down? Gainesville State College, Oconee Campus.

Unnamed sources have indicated that one of the reasons that our campus is not significantly larger than it is is because of the political clout of a certain president of a certain university in a certain little town right next door to Watkinsville, GA.

Think about it. We probably do have the space for at least one more building, right where those nasty little trailors are. We clearly have the demand. When’s the last time you went to register and didn’t feel shafted by how quickly everything

fills up? And with President Obama handing out money like bottles of water we should be able to get the funding.

So why aren’t there plans for growth? From what I’ve heard, it’s almost like the particular school I’m talking about is scared of our little 2-year transfer school. Ah, but that’s just it. Most 4-year universities make quite a lot of money off of their undergraduates. If we start to cut into that, then they might suffer a lot. Perhaps I’ve solved it?

In reality though, I’m not so sure that Gainesville ever really could pose that much of a threat to the biggest school in the state of Georgia. But for the sake of argument, let’s say that we did. Would that be such a bad thing? That would cause them to have to

step up their game, which in turn would cause us to step up our game. You see? If there’s competition, everyone gets a little better.

The reason you and I should care whether or not Gainesville and UGA can compete is that usually marketplace competition leads to lower prices for the consumer and a better product for the consumer. Since colleges don’t exactly control their prices to a large degree, we would most likely enjoy a much better quality of education, much better facilities, and many more amenities if marketplace competition were instilled in the schools here in the Athens area.

Maybe I’m wrong about why were not expanding and this is just a conspiracy (Side Note: It would actually be really cool to have started a conspiracy, so go ahead reader, conspire!). But if I’m not wrong, then I ask the question: come on, who’s afraid of a little competition?

Is UGA president standing in way of Gainesville State’s expansion?

“The pharmacy school at UGA, don’t think I could afford anything else.” Galen Conti

Send your letters or comments to voice@gsc.edu

Faculty Column

So Gainesville State College is considering implementing a plus/minus system in how grades are distributed. Awesome. Except not really. The cons outweigh the pros in this case. For every good thing about this system, there are several bad things that make it completely arbitrary. “But now my 89 is actually better than my 85!”

some may say. But when it comes down to it, if I make an 89 in a class, most professors are nice enough to turn that B+ into a solid A-, which is an A. But in a +/- system it would just stay a B+, since that is the grade that is earned. If a B+ is really a B+, most professors wouldn’t see a point in changing it, since it is better than a B. Aside from that, our A- or B- is no longer a solid B or a solid A. That’s just great. Now ask yourself how many times you crunch in the last weeks of a semester to find out exactly what grades you need to continue to make to bring your C grade up to an 80, or your B grade up to a 90. 85 and 95, respectively, if you want the solid grade. So I ask this question: what the hell is wrong with the system we have now? It is perfectly fine the way it is, and changing it is going to be bad news. What do we strive for here in college? I strive to do the best that I can. And the minimum that I have to do in a class to get the best possible grade is a 90. I make a 90, and I’ve got the A. I have the highest possible grade I can get, and I only had to get a 90. Now it’ll be just an A-. And not only is there a higher grade, but there will be two higher grades to fight to get. I don’t need to get that 90, I have to struggle through and get a 95 for that next grade up. And if you have a high grade throughout the semester, I know that it feels nice in the last couple weeks to relax a bit. Let that 93 slip a few points, it’s still an A. Not anymore. GSC, don’t change your grading policy.

Letter to the

Editor

OpinionsPlus/minus system does not belongA+ for plus/minus

Page 22 March 27, 2009

The plus/minus grading system has probably been a topic of controversy on college campuses since, well, it was first enacted.

T h e

concept is simple enough: you get what you earn. If you make a high B, then you get a B+. This equates to a 3.33 GPA. If you barely squeak by with an 80, you earn a 2.75 GPA. Obviously the topic of whether or not this system is advantageous to the student is purely subjective, varying from case to case. My pro plus/minus system argument is not built on the shaky foundation of subjectiveness. Rather, this argument is built purely on logic.

Having a spread of 10 points between each letter grade is frankly irresponsible. It is as if the powers that be are sending students a clear and simple message: just do enough. If you have that grade cemented, then don’t study for that final. If perfection in your grade column is what you covet, then you have a 10 point cushion to fall back on before you enter the B zone.

We all know an 80 is not the same as an 88. You, the devoted student put in that extra study session that Friday...Don’t you want that extra effort to be rewarded? In the plus/minus system, it is.

To me, the plus/minus system is simply this: motivation. Instead of gunning for that 90, I am going to log the hours and make a 95. In a normal grading system, what is the point? If my 90 is the same as my lab partners 98, then isn’t the joke on him for sacrificing valuable Halo 3 time to earn the extra eight points that do not even show up on his transcript as an A+? The system is raw motivation, and it demands excellence out of the students.

It is only logical that the time has come for the student to get the grade that is earned. Not some assigned number on my transcript because my grade fell between two numbers ranging so far apart that they don’t even come close to justifying the true effort, or lack thereof, logged by the student.

My fondest childhood memories were of playing touch football in the L.A. “barrios.” My friends and I adhered strictly to game rules, some of which we created on the spot but always by consensus. And when one team clearly dominated, we’d quickly re-organize to increase competition, thus, improving our athletic skills.

The guiding hand in these games was and always has been fair competition. “Fair” describes a situation “free from bias, dishonesty, or injustice.” Our bias-free games featured democratically determined rules applied to all players, and established a level playing field. Likewise, our games were free from dishonesty through mutual oversight, i.e. we monitored our opponents, and they us. Our games were also free from injustice in that we resolved disputes through transparent fact-finding, greater oversight when “repeating downs,” and prompt modification of existing rules to deal with

new infractions, again leveling the playing field. True lovers of competition find little satisfaction in victory, much less accept defeat, under unfair rules.

So, why shouldn’t Americans worry about the upward re-distribution of wealth? In describing how George W. Bush and his business partners got Arlington taxpayers to finance construction of the Texas Rangers baseball stadium, author David Cay Johnston notes “[w]hen government uses [its power of eminent domain] to take one man’s land to enrich another, a moral hazard arises.” That is, “the powerful and connected will manipulate the levers of

government to redistribute wealth, forcibly taking from someone else so they can grow richer still.” (In fairness to Mr. Bush, the author also mentions in the same breath George Steinbrenner, Arthur M. Blank, and other owners of taxpayer-subsidized commercial sports franchises). Johnston’s forensic accounting found “[e]very dollar that Bush and the other investors pocketed when they sold the team came from the taxpayers, from that subsidy [i.e. a half-cent sales tax increase].”

These facts hopefully correct a mis-perceived correlation between wealth and industriousness: poor people aren’t necessarily lazy, any more than the rich work harder and longer hours, or that they’re smarter. Many college students and adjunct instructors earn less than $12,000 annually—so far, none have proven lazy or stupid.

I don’t disparage people from working hard (or hardly working) to amass personal wealth. But

Fairness explained, questionedgiven our currently lop-sided wealth distribution, is it not in our best, long-term interest to re-examine the rules by which wealth was and continues to be accumulated, perhaps consider replacing altogether existing rules to achieve transparency and a level playing field?

If reviving American capitalism and improving our global competitiveness really matter, then we must question the fairness of allowing those in the top one percent wealth class to pay a smaller proportion of their personal incomes to the IRS. Similarly, since threat of an audit increases tax compliance, we must question the fairness of lower tax audit rates on the wealthiest Americans. Fairness, not wealth envy, invites these questions.

George Washington once said, “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair.” Let fairness be our standard.

The Voice Page 23March 27, 2009

Comments?Questions?

Submissions?

Email us at:

voice@gsc.edu

By Alex McCarthyVoice Assistant Editor924168638@gsc.edu

Neverender.Never have I heard a more

appropriate title for a music DVD in my life. This DVD never ends.

Coheed and Cambria have been through a lot in the past decade, line up changes, drug and alcohol abuse, four side projects, comics, and four albums. For those of you unfamiliar with Coheed and Cambria’s operation, they are a concept band. Some bands have concept albums, but all of Coheed’s music, all four albums, revolves around a convoluted tale of the titular characters, Coheed and Cambria.

Some people love Coheed for the straight up rock ‘n’ roll that has been missing in life for the past few years. Some people eat the concept up and love it. But both fans of the music and the story were ecstatic upon hearing that Coheed and Cambria are doing a special event, named after a song on their first album, Neverender.

Neverender is a four day long event; four days in New York, four

days in Los Angeles, four days in Chicago, and four days in London. Each night, Coheed plays one album, front to back. Each album is played in order, and the shows sold out.

Imagine what the fans thought about this when they first heard. Now imagine what the fans thought when it was announced that the first four nights will be recorded and released in hi definition.

I needed this DVD. It is titled Neverender, and the entire length is over 405 minutes. They released it, warts and all. There are some mistakes in the performance, they didn’t overdub anything. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. After watching every second of performance, I was more than satisfied. The performances were amazing, and the documentary is heartwarming. Watching every second of every CD that Coheed has made live made me respect the band so much more. Many bands write songs that they can’t play live, Coheed hasn’t written one.

Neverender is the best music DVD I have ever seen from a band, and I highly recommend it to everybody.

Special

405 minutes of rock bliss

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The VoicePage 24 March 27, 2009