Wednesday, January 14, 2009

West GeorgianThe

Top Movies of 2008How To Shed Some Unsightly Holiday Pounds

Volume 60 - Issue 1 www.thewestgeorgian.com

Carrollton Increases Water Defense

In Opinion - Page 7In News - Page 3 In A&E - Page 11

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Celebrating 30 Years

of Excellence

$24m Coliseum Opens Doors to a New Generation

Photos by Terence Rushin and Ellis Smith, montage by Paige Ely

The West Georgian

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Letter Submission PolicyThe West Georgian welcomes letters to the editor. Let-ters may be mailed to: Editor, The West Georgian, Uni-versity of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, 30118, or sent

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Ellis Smith, Editor-in-ChiefAlexandrea Heard, Advertising & Business Manager

Danielle Davidson, News EditorLindsay Murray, Sports Editor

Katheryn Elie, A&E EditorDana Edwards, Copy EditorMaggie Hills, Copy Editor

Paige Ely, Production CoordinatorNick Graydon, Distribution Manager

Doug Vinson, AdvisorMasthead Art by Jesse DukeErik Waters, Editor Emeritus

The West Georgian is now accepting applications

for writers and photographers for 2009.

To apply, e-mail the editors at uwgpaper@westga.edu or

visit the Mass Communication office in the Humanities building.

The West Georgian - NEWS Page 2 — wedneSday, January 14, 2009

By Lindsay Murray and Ellis SmithEditorsLmurray1@my.westga.edu Students showed up in drives for the first game ever played at UWG’s new basketball Coliseum. The building, formally known as the health and wellness center, cost millions to build, but boasts a list of amenities such as a state of the art scoreboard, around 6,790 seats, VIP rooms, and full-featured concession stands. The double-header between the Wolves and Montevallo Falcons saw a night of excitement as both teams began Gulf South Conference East Division play. The women cruised past the Falcons 54-38 for their fourth straight victory improving their overall season record to 10-4. Unfortunately, the men’s team was unable to overcome an early 17-point deficit despite a late comeback. Pulling within 1 point with 7:02 to go, the Falcons were able to hold off the Wolves for a 74-65 win. The Wolves have lost four consecutive games dropping their overall record to 3-11. Eddie Duffy, assistant athletic director for operations, was overjoyed to see students flocking into the new venue.

“It’s unbelievable as far as the energy I think it creates as [the players] run out of the tunnel,” he remarked shortly after the beginning of the girls’ basketball game. Duffy believes that the new stadium will create advantages both on and off the court, saying “We’ll develop a home court advantage – it’s a dynamic that we’re eagerly anticipating in the near future.”One of the advantages apparent at first glance is the $350,000 quad-directional scoreboard with high-defination screen and 3D graphics. Developed by ITS in partnership with the Athletic department, the 11 ft. by 22 ft. board is operated in real-time by a member of ITS, displaying specific animations designed especially for the Coliseum. The operator can tailor fans’ experiences from minute to minute by following a “game script,” a detailed plan that dictates proper visual responses to every possible situation.The hardwood maple floor contains five NCAA regulation courts, and the automated bleachers take about five hours to set up and take down. The responsibility for care and maintenance of the building falls to a small team of three full-time interns and

five volunteers. Dr. Lance Hatfield, Assistant Professor of Physical Education and Recreation, oversees the operation of the Coliseum (formally the Health & Wellness Center), and is its only full-time employee. While the building has an obvious sports emphasis, it was funded and designed as an academic building, and contains a number of classrooms, a weight room, and a aerobics studio. The building also contains a new 75-seat lecture hall, an addition insisted upon by Dr. Hatfield as a necessity to facilitate student learning in a large-class situation. Under his supervision, the building will be used for Basketball, Vollyball, concerts, orientation sessions, Preview Day, and other large events. “Ideally, we are still thinking about hosting a presidential debate,” Hatfield said last Thursday. Additionally, by hosting large-scale events with third-party partners such as Southwire, the school stands to recoup a percentage of its expenses associated with the project.The Coliseum was designed by architect Elsa Pena to be UWG’s greenest building yet. Her specifications included a

100,000 gallon rainwater tank to aid in irrigation and take some of the strain off Carrollton’s water supply. Along those same lines, all toilets feature a ‘low-flow’ design that offers students two flushing options, depending on the amount of water needed. Urinals in the men’s room use only one pint of water per flush, as opposed to typical urinals that can waste as much as a gallon of water per use. The T8 technology used for lighting consumes 40% less power than typical lightbulbs, and the entire building’s power grid is compartmentalized and automated. This enables everything from heating to lighting to be used only as needed, and shuts down systems in unused portions of the building. Visitors to the Coliseum had nothing but compliments for the new

building. Heather Jones, a student at UWG, reported that “It finally feels like a college basketball court.” One member of the opposing team candidly told reporters that “This is the nicest athletic building in the conference.” An assistant coach for the wolves also remarked that the Coliseum is the “Best looking gym in the Conference, hands down.” The opening of the Coliseum ends a 43-year stint in the HPE Building. The building will now be used solely for intramurals and other student-related activities. Both men and women’s teams head to Valdosta State this week and will return to the Coliseum for more division action Jan. 22, when the men take on Emmanuel. The women will resume Coliseum action Jan. 24 against Talladega.

Coliseum Grand Opening a Seat-Shaking Success

Circle K Student Group Reaches Out to Carrollton CommunityBy Maggie HillsCopy Editor Mhills1@my.westga.edu Circle K International, a new community service organization, opens the semester with its first meeting on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in room 210 of the UCC. CKI Vice-President Justin Carter described it as “the collegiate version of the Kiwanis International organization” that “is being re-chartered here at the University of West Georgia.” According to www.circlek.org, it “is the largest collegiate community service, leadership development, and friendship organization in the world”, including over 11,000 members ranging over seventeen nations. CKI strives to benefit the community through hands-on activities. “Our main focus is on helping under privileged children, so any activities we do, we’re going to try to gear them towards that, such as the Sheriff Youth Home,” said Carter.CKI already has something in the works. “We’re selling tickets for the annual pancake breakfast for the Kiwanis of Carrollton. It’s every Saturday in February at the Mansion. “ Although CKI offers students a great chance to give back to the community, Carter

finds fellow classmates reluctant. “Currently, we [are] still trying to get our numbers up to register with the SPADE organization […] I know there are people who are interested, but the dues are $15 […] but it’s hard to get college students to join an organization where you have to pay dues.” Right now, however, the Kiwanis of Carrollton are aiding the university chapter, paying half of all dues. For more information, contact Julie Meigs at jmeigs2@my.westga.edu or Justin Carter at jcarter16@my.westga.edu. CKI tables will also be set up in the TLC from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20.

The scoreboard in the 6,800 seat gym features 3D computer graphics designed by the IT Department.

Photo by Ellis Smith

The West Georgian - NEWS Page 3 — wednesday, January 14, 2009

By Danielle DavidsonNews Editor ddavids1@my.westga.edu

After a soggy winter, Georgia may start recovering from the years-long drought that tortured the Southeast. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a federal agency that monitors and classifies the conditions of the oceans and atmosphere, 2009 could be the year that ends the drought. “This rain is something we haven’t dealt with in a while,” said David Glenn, chief meteorologist for WTVC-TV NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Most of Tennessee has received enough rainfall to eliminate the drought, but the southeastern corner remains dry, alongside South Carolina and the tip of northeast Georgia. Georgia suffers across the state from the continuing drought with the wettest zone being the northwest corner, which gathered rain from the surrounding states. Most of Georgia remains classified as in moderate or extreme drought, which are the two highest levels, making the state one of the worst hit by the drought. Florida continues

to lack precipitation, especially in the past few months. While Tropical Storm Fey brought enough water to temporarily end their two-year drought, Florida’s rainfall for the November-to-May dry season has gone worse than usual. The next few months will determine the extremity of the drought Alabama ended its drought with the past few months of precipitation, concluding in a classification of “abnormally dry,” the lowest class of irregular precipitation. The fall season conditions were perfect for gathering the rain and replenishing the groundwater. The sudden influx of rain over the holidays caused flash flood warnings across Tennessee and Georgia, delaying some school schedules. Lake Lanier’s water level increased by over a foot, but weather experts warn that the drought is far from over. Typically, Lake Lanier gains 7 feet in the winter season, an unfortunate reminder of the scarce water. State climatologist David Stooksbury eyes Lake Lanier as a monitor for Georgia, but it remains one of the hardest-hit

areas. “At least we are going in the right direction,” said Stooksbury. “It definitely doesn’t mean we’re going out of the drought, nor is there much of an indication that we are starting to pull out of the drought.” However, NOAA’s most recent prediction for Georgia looks like a dry winter, with an increased possibility for abnormally low rainfall from January through March. Carrollton has felt the brunt of the drought

already; last year, Governor Sunny Perdue ordered state institutions to decrease their water by 10 to 15 percent. The University of West Georgia exceeded that mark, claiming over 20 percent average reduction. The city of Carrollton holds a partnership with the university that allows them to take up to 15000 gallons of water daily from the artesian wells on campus, helping both groups Dan Lewis, the man in charge of the Carrollton and UWG coordination,

stated, “This is a way West Georgia helps its community. The wells are a tremendous resource and thanks to those professors in our geosciences department that helped to locate these resources, we are able to utilize them on and off campus.” “I am very proud of our water management,” said President Beheruz N. Sethna. “Water conservation is a way of life at this campus.”

The Southeast Finally Recovers from Epic Drought

Increased rainfall means the Southeast’s drought could finally be at an end, allowing students to wash their cars, and go back to leaving the faucet on.

Stock Photo

Fontez BrooksStaff WriterFontez0622@gmail.com

The City of Carrollton gets its water from the Little Tallapoosa River and the University of West Georgia gets its water from Carrollton’s water supply. Though that may seem simple enough the entire process of water acquisition is quite the rigorous one. And even though many students wonder where the water they shower in and drink from begins, even more students and Carrollton residents alike often ponder “What is in my water?”For those that do not know, Carrollton’s water has come along way in terms of quality. Though it may not be a very popular thought among Carrollton natives, in 1987 the city led the United State’s first major waterborne outbreak of cryptosporidiosis, a protozoan parasite that affects the intestines, during which 61 percent of household water drinkers reported illness caused by the parasitic disease. Carrollton residents were not the only ones who dealt with this unfortunate outbreak; University students succumbed to the disease as well since West Georgia draws its water from Carrollton.To say Carrollton’s Water Treatment Plant has since then stepped up their defenses would be the ultimate understatement.

After this disastrous outbreak, then newly elected Mayor Wayne Garner took it upon himself in 2004 to make sure Carrollton had the cleanest drinking water in the state. After much deliberation, Carrollton began making this dream a reality by moving forward with advanced membrane technology. As of Dec. 2008, Carrollton’s Water Treatment Plant is in the process of implementing a membrane filtration system. The ZeeWeed Membrane System, a product of Zenon Environmental out of Canada, will be the second total purification system in a treatment process that already meets all federal and state guidelines. Where the initial cleansing process removes much of the contaminants found in everyday drinking water, the membrane system will specifically protect against waterborne parasites like cryptosporidium. In

other words, Carrollton’s water treatment plant will be playing with its first and second string, simultaneously creating the ultimate water purification defense. If everything works out, this system will not only make every glass of water that much cleaner but will also establish the plant as one of the most advanced in the nation, an event that will be historic considering Carrollton’s water history. “I really think we’re going to have the finest plant in the Southeast and certainly one of the finest in the nation,” said Assistant City Manager Tim Grizzard. Overall, this entire process will cost somewhere in the neighbor hood of $7.5 million to complete. However, according to Grizzard this is a necessary step in making Carrollton’s water the cleanest it can possibly be.

CRIME STOPPERS: MOST WANTED

The following subject is wanted for theft by taking. The white male suspect is heavy set, wearing dark shorts, white shoes & a green

T-shirt.

If anyone knows who he is or where he is, please call Crime Stoppers @ 770-838-

STOP.

More unsolved suspects can be seen @ www.youtube.com/carrolltongapolice or on

our lobby TV.

Carrollton’s Increased Water Defense Means Cleaner Water for Students, Tastier Tap Water

Cleaner water for the students, faculty, and staff at UWG is a top priority for the city of Carrollton.Stock Photo

The West Georgian - NEWS Page 4 — wedneSDay, January 14, 2009

Students! Come to LocoMex on Monday

with your Student ID and get

20% off!

Take a right out of the school onto 166 and go straight ‘til you get to Bowdon. Take a left at Commerce Street and LocoMex

will be on your left.

Coldest Margaritas in Town!Remember to come on TACO TUESDAYS for $0.99 Tacos!

River Place Shooting Startles Quiet Community

Can’t get enough of the West Georgian?

Check us out on the web at:www.TheWestGeorg ian .com

Dr. Sethna Named Most Influential Georgian

By Danielle DavidsonNews Editor Ddavids1@my.westga.edu

On Nov. 22, 2008, Carrollton police officers and University of West Georgia Campus Police responded to a call reporting gunfire at River Place Apartments. One man was shot, and officers arrested one man on charges of reckless conduct and aggravated assault. The gunfire supposedly originated from Building 200, where there was a large party consisting of roughly 250 people. Two groups of people started arguing, insults were thrown, and guns appeared as the two groups began to shoot at each other. One group was on a balcony while the other was in the parking lot. Shots were fired into the apartment and crowd, hitting multiple cars as

well. The only victim was in the parking lot and shot in the leg and the elbow, resulting in non-lethal wounds. Whether he was involved in the altercation or simply a bystander remains unknown. Police found multiple bullet casings of at least 3-4 different types of guns. By the time the police had arrived, many in the involved groups had dispersed and officers could not locate them. However, they were able to apprehend one man with a weapon who admitted to firing into the crowd towards the apartment complex. He is currently charged with reckless conduct and aggravated assault. “I don’t think it’s gang related, people just don’t want to be involved or have their name in

it, not come forth with any information, which is unfortunate when we have somebody who is shot,” said Carrollton Police Captain Jami Sailors. “I don’t know if they were students at West Georgia, or if they were from this area, some of the subjects were down from the Atlanta area, I’m

sure there were several college students there, but there were a lot that were not,” stated Sailors. “From the information we have so far, I don’t feel like we’re dealing with UWG.” Police were not surprised by the shooting; several years ago, three people were shot in an exchange of gunfire at

The Mansion on Maple Street.

By Danielle DavidsonNews Editor ddavids1@my.westga.edu

In Georgia Trend magazine’s January 2009 issue, University of West Georgia President Beheruz N. Sethna was listed as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. The annual roll takes into account lifetime achievements as well as the past year in action. A c c o r d i n g to Georgia Trend editors, “Georgia’s Power List” spotlights prominent figures in business, politics, government, science and education, and are selected by the editorial staff as “the people who keep Georgia moving in one direction or another: influence can follow diverse paths.” Sethna, whose name has appeared on the list for multiple years, was listed as “the first person from any ethnic minority to become president of a predominantly white or racially integrated university in Georgia and believed to be the first person of Indian origin to become president of any university in the nation.” Other familiar names were Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines; Arthur Blank, owner and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force; Shirley Franklin, mayor of Atlanta; Brig. Gen. Maria Britt, Commanding General of the Georgia Army National Guard; and Sonny Perdue, Governor of Georgia.“I am truly honored

to be included in the 2009 list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians,” Sethna said. “It is my pleasure to be among this set of distinguished Georgians. Such an honor is possible only because of the excellent faculty and staff colleagues at the University of West Georgia, its wonderful students, and its great friends and supporters.” UWG alum Bill Bolling, executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, is also named on this list. Sethna is no stranger to fame- last year he was featured twice in promotional posters for the Georgia Department of Education’s Read More program. He was also awarded the Cornerstone Award by the Vice Chancellor for Facilities in the University System of Georgia, which is given for achieving e x t r a o r d i n a r y accomplishments in the university system. Sethna received the

award namely for his work on the Health and Wellness Center, the new athletic complex, and a record-breaking enrollment for Fall 2008. Sethna is in his 15th year as president of UWG, a leading residential, doctoral c o m p r e h e n s i v e university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. UWG enrolls more than 11,250 students in the College of Arts and Sciences, Richards College of Business, College of Education, Nursing School and Graduate School.

A party with some out-of-town students from Atlanta turned sour when it was discovered that some of the visitors were gunning for each other.

File Photo

Dr. Sethna is named one of the top 100 most influential Georgians by magazine.

UWG Stock Photo

The West Georgian - NEWS

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Read Stories Online and Comment at

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START a discussion!

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Start a Revolution!

Page 5 — wedneSDAy, January 14, 2009

By Maggie HillsCopy Editor mhills1@my.westga.edu

Fighting continues in Gaza between Israeli troops and Hamas members. Israel struck back on Jan. 3 with a ground invasion of Gaza after a week of air strikes proved inadequate in stifling Hamas’ long-range rocket attacks on Israeli cities. Hamas, which controls Gaza in Palestine, began firing at southern Israel when a cease-fire agreement broke down completely in December, with Hamas officials pronouncing its expiration on Dec. 19. Four Israelis, three of which were civilians, died in the Hamas rocket strikes. Since Israeli invasion, 870 Palestinians, at minimum, have died, said Palestinian health officials. Thirteen Israeli have died so far on Palestinian soil. Israel credits the exorbitant casualties to the supposed use of populated districts by Hamas in their activities.In their attacks on Hamas

Jan. 6, Israeli forces fired on a U.N. school being used as a civilian shelter at the time. Thirty Palestinians died. Israel said they responded to militant rockets that came from the area.Israeli military leaders say 40 militant targets have been hit. On Jan. 7, Israel ceased fire for three hours, allowing humanitarian aid in to help Palestinian citizens caught in the crossfire. Eighty trucks of supplies and fuel for the Gaza power plant entered the city during that window. Fire recommenced promptly afterwards from both sides. Again on Jan. 10, Israel imposed another three-hour intermission for food distribution. Some reported fighting during the two intervals. Jan. 8, the United Nations Security Council voted 14-0 in favor of a cease-fire between the two groups. Meanwhile, attempts at mediation have been made in Egypt, with French aid.The U.N. vote was made without the United States

as it awaits “the outcomes of the Egyptian mediation,” according to Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State. After the vote, an unhappy Palestinian Foreign Minister Raid Malki said Israel must make the first move on the U.N. resolution. “The moment that they do so, I believe that Hamas will do the same,” said Malki. Malki is not a part of Hamas, but rather the government of the West Bank, which President

Mahmoud Abbas heads.Gabriela Shalev, U.N. Ambassador of Israel, countered Malki’s statement. “The past eight years have taught us that an arrangement must be fully respected and secured, including the total cessation of rocket fire and smuggling, in order to be durable and to allow the possibility of lasting peace.” Monday, Hamas leader Ismail Radwan sent an

e-mail message saying his group would not cease-fire without Israel first halting their attacks and pulling out of Gaza. Radwan also stressed all border crossings be opened, which have been closed during the invasion. Despite the fact that both sides have ignored the U.N. resolution so far, German and British delegates are urging Israel and Hamas to put an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Hamas and Israel Fight Tooth and Nail for Gaza

Israel massively retaliated for three years of Hamas rocket fire into south Israel. Israel is concerned with protecting itself; but Hamas is fighting for its life.

File Photo

The West Georgian - NEWS Page 6 — wedneSDAy, January 14, 2009

By Nicole HeadStaff Writer thead2uwg@gmail.com

During December’s final exams, representatives for the University System for the state of Georgia shocked students with the chill of an additional tuition fee for spring semester. After facing a severe budget cut in August 2008, Georgia’s research and comprehensive institutions were forced to charge students an additional $100 as a University System-wide deficit mitigation effort for 2009. In a letter addressed to students of the University System of Georgia, Chancellor Erroll B. Davis Jr. explained that demanding economic conditions have forced the Board of Regents to consider a further decrease in the state budget for the 2009 Fiscal Year. According to Davis, universities should expect to experience a budget cut between eight and ten percent, a distinct difference from the six percent introduced last fall. As word spread and students began to learn about the new fee, UWG President Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna addressed a letter to the student body. In this letter, Sethna expressed sympathy for the poor timing of the fee. He also took time to explain that the new fee would not pay for developments in Greek Village or for the new Stadium, but to improve the harmful impact of further budget cuts, specifically noting an increase in employee insurance premiums. Despite his efforts, students still felt that questions were left unanswered and the distribution of amended tuition bills left a bitter aftertaste for the holiday season. In a separate interview conducted by The West Georgian, Dr. Sethna took time to explain the fee and allow a better

understanding for the students of UWG.

The West Georgian: It is understood that the obligation of the $100 student fee was a last resort for many universities in Georgia. Prior to this fee, how did UWG’s faculty and staff comply with the tight budget and when was the decision to move forward with the fee made?

Dr. Sethna: There have been efficiency measures in all Divisions of the University – Academic Affairs, Students Affairs and Enrollment Management, Business and Finance, and University Advancement. Many new positions which are needed have been put on hold, and only critical ones are being filled. Some areas of UWG have cut back on travel and other expenditures. Since this is a large and complex organization, we trust individual managers to make decisions which are most appropriate for their area of responsibility; thus, the responses would be different across the university. When we believed that the economic downturn would entail a budget cut of 5 percent, we did not approach students or employees, but simply made internal cuts – efficiencies, doing far more with less, etc. That amounted to a budget cut of approximately $2,653,000 without touching students’ or employees’ personal finances. At 6 percent, we modified our insurance coverage such that employees had less coverage. As the budget situation became more dire, we [temporarily] modified our business procedures that enabled the release of further resources and we also reduced the employer match for insurance that caused an increased burden on employees, sometimes well in excess of a thousand dollars. All of this occurred without

asking students and their parents for any additional money. It was only at the last stage, when the budget situation got even worse that the additional fee was sought.

TWG: Will the fee become a permanent fixture for tuition bills?

Dr. Sethna: This fee is a one-time fee. The fee is a University System-wide deficit mitigation effort, and there is a fee increase at every public USG institution in the State. UWG is not unilaterally imposing this measure. It was not a hasty or uninformed decision, and was a last resort after other cuts were made. However, there may be tuition increases for next year.

TWG: For those who have not read your letter or do not quite understand the explanation given, could you elaborate on exactly how the $100 is being used?

Dr. Sethna: To preserve the quality of your education in the face of a very serious decrease in resources. There is a significant relationship between resources and quality. Some efficiency measures can result in

cost decreases without appreciable decrease in quality. We have made these. However, there is a limit to such decrease in costs.

Having worked in both worlds, business and academe, I know that a major difference between the two is what happens in a downturn. In the corporate world, a downturn typically occurs when sales decrease – there is less demand for the product, so resources decrease – and because there is less need for workers, layoffs occur, and the business ratchets down to a lower level of output. Efficiency cuts are made, but if the downturn is too severe, then a limited number of options exist which include a decrease in quality or service, or an increase in prices.

In the academic world, the second sentence still applies: Efficiency cuts are made, but if the downturn is too severe, then a limited number of options exist which include a decrease in quality or service, or an increase in prices. However, the big difference is that sales are not decreasing during this period – they are increasing!

When economic times are rough, more students flock to higher education. So, while budgets are decreasing, our business cannot ratchet down to a lower level of output – but must ratchet up to a higher level of output, in spite of decreasing resources! This appears to be counterintuitive to a business or corporate person, but national data shows that it is true. Further, since revenue from those increased “sales” (i.e. more students) results in coverage of only about 25 percent of what it costs to deliver the product, this results in significant financial strain. These are major points of difference which are noteworthy.

Quality is a matter of pride and repeat sales for the higher education world as it is for the corporate world, but it is more than that in the former – it is a matter of changing lives. If we spend more money in retention rates of students, and move one student from a dropout to a graduate, then we have changed the trajectory of a human life – and we have also converted that person from a drain on the state’s resources to a net contributor to the state’s coffers.

Student Fees Increase to Offset Ailing Economy

Dr. Sethna explains his reasons for passing on additional expenses to al-ready cash-strapped students in an exclusive West Georgian interview.

File Photo

Rant and Rave- I love the Coliseum but where’s the freakin’

pool? It’s like the Campus Center all over again ... promises, promises, promises.

- Look, wearing shorts when it’s chilly outside doesn’t make you cool. It makes you

cold.

- Is it just my imagination or is the parking situation getting better?

- I can’t believe they’re making Hillary Secretary of State. I thought we voted for Obama so we wouldn’t be forced to listen to

her talk ever again...

Send Rants and Raves to uwgpaper@gmail.com with the subject line “Rant & Rave”

Government: Always Backwards

When the price of money (interest) is cheap, things that are not normally profitable begin to look like they are. Because governments attempt to fix prices by lowering interest rates through the inflationary action of creating “money” out of thin air, government itself tends to create the booms, which must later be corrected through recession. The increase in the money supply is greatly exaggerated through the government’s cartelization of banks, which allow them to collectively lend far more currency than is actually created by the central bank. The overall increase in the money supply causes prices to be bid up, which is why higher prices are a feature of the ‘boom’ period of the economic cycle.

Recessions are wonderful in that they tend to cut out bad investments and spending, and key indicator of a recession is a general drop in prices. As toxic investments caused by artificially low interest rates make themselves apparent, money is demanded at an ever increasing rate to cover the gulf between real assets and flimsy, worthless mal-investments. If government continues conjuring up currency at this increasing rate in order to bridge that gulf of bad debt, it risks hyperinflation, but short of this, recession is inevitable. This recession comes in the form of the liquidation of bad assets and investments, causing banks to be unable to fulfill their reserve requirements and explaining the tendency for banks to collapse during times of economic woe. As banks collapse and investments

are written off, the money supply contracts and prices tend to go down. The severe decrease in gas price has been an example of this activity, and the fluctuation in prices is the method that allows the market to correct itself toward an equilibrium where consumers can always find suppliers and vice versa. One of the consequences of recession is a reduction in wages. Since wage is a price (for labor), it is subject to the same general effects that determine the price of anything else. This lowering of wages is not such a bad thing, as the quantitative number on currency does not matter, but its buying power does. If you suddenly made ten times the salary you now make, you might be overjoyed, but if everything cost ten times its normal price, than you would be no better off.

The same is true in reverse, and as more natural prices are revealed during recession and resources are reallocated into more useful areas, overall consumer wealth can even increase. This is the beauty of the market and its ability to correct itself even as politicians distort and attempt to manage it. Yay recession! If it has not been obvious yet, I will be more direct: government creates these recession crises in the first place as it lays the seeds of destruction through false booms. Modern booms and busts are the fault of bureaucrats claiming a monopoly on currency and destroying the ability of the free market to correctly set interest rates and the cost of capital. These economic fluctuations are not inherent to capitalism as the deluded Marxist might claim, but results of the very kind of government control of the economy that socialists and their ilk are proponents of.

Opinion“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,

and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”-First Amendment, United States Constitution

Laissez-Faire with Jacob Lovelljlovell1@my.westga.edu

By Kaleigh TharpeStaff Writer ktharpe1@gmail.com

Holiday weight symbolizes the celebration of the holiday season and, for many, becomes proof that the holidays were well spent feasting on turkey, dressing, potatoes, beans, ham, cakes, cookies, and peppermint candies. Thus, the weight becomes another expected gift of this winter holiday. Though these pounds are cherished through New Years Eve, few wake up on the first day of the New Year and do not resolute to lose all the weight they gained, plus more. For those looking to lose the weight through a dieting system, there are steps to take in losing the weight in a healthy way. Healthy eating is the key to losing pounds; start by cutting back on processed foods. Further, start lunch and dinner with a salad and grilled or baked meat with spices and fresh herbs. Keep carbohydrates to a minimum and bring them back in moderation. One day a week, it is healthy to indulge in favorite foods by eating them in moderation. Exercise should be added to this new diet. Richard Simmons gave an interview on Entertainment Tonight, suggesting five tips in how to lose weight. “1. Exercise in the morning (10 or 15 min) 2. Drink 8

glasses of water every day 3. Eat early. 4. Look in the mirror and compliment yourself 5. Always know your self worth, no matter what.” There are a variety of exercise programs as we enter the new year, however, buying a DVD or take a fitness class to lose this weight is not the only option. Here are exercises that will help rid the body of extra holiday pounds. Walking is the number one suggested workout. “Doing a brisk walk can burn up to 500 calories per hour,” says Robert Gotlin, DO, director of orthopedic and sports rehabilitation at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. Another is cardiovascular workouts through running, jogging, or dancing. Squats, crunches, lunges, and push-ups will help build muscle and lose weight. For those that also resolute to not gain as much in the upcoming holiday season of 2009, here are some ways in which to make a feast a bit healthier: Chose whole grain rolls and bread, serve steamed veggies versus casseroles, serve raw fruits instead of pies, cook your stuffing separate from the turkey, and when baking replace the ingredient milk with water. These tips should help make meals healthier and bellies smaller, but just as happy.

How To Lose Those Unwanted Holiday Pounds, with Insight from Richard Simmons

The SGA is back this semester and already has many events planned for the semester.

Their first event is the Diversity panel on Wednesday January 14th at 7:00 p, in the Campus Center Ballroom. There will be refreshments provided and representatives

from many organizations on campus, such as the N.A.A.C.P. Lambda and Latino Cultural to discuss

the various facets and topics of unity and diversity on campus.

All students are welcome and encouraged to attend the forum as part of the SGA’s

continuing effort to unite and diversify the campus and community at large.

SGA Announcements

The West Georgian - OPINION Page 8 — wedneSDAY, January 14, 2009

Democratic Corruption After a recent spate of corrupt Congressmen and Senators, the Democratic party has been reeling from bad PR ever since Speaker Pelosi’s historic pledge to preside over the most ethical Congress ever. But the most recent scandal for the Democrats comes from outside the Legislature. Serbian-American Rod Blogojevich, Governor of Illinois, conspired on tape to sell President-Elect Obama’s vacated Senate Seat for hundreds of thousands of dollars to the highest bidder. There is no question about this fact. The question is whether the man he picked to succeed Obama, Roland Burris, should be seated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a man not unaccustomed to scandal. Many Democrats and most Republicans

believe that a man picked by a Governor who actively sought to sell Obama’s former seat should not be accepted, but others disagree. Many African-American leaders decried efforts by leading Democrats to block what would be the only black Senator from taking his seat. Politico wrote that “Bobby Rush may not

have played the race card - it was already on the table - but he picked it up and waved it around yesterday: ‘There are no African-Americans in the Senate. And I don’t think that anyone, any U.S. senator who’s sitting in the Senate right now, wants to go on record to deny one African-American from being seated in the U.S Senate.” Describing the situation as politically awkward could be an understatement. The Democrats have risked alienating the very block of voters who overwhelmingly turned them into office - African Americans - by attempting to fight a clear case of corruption. This catch-22 that Harry Reid finds himself in could be a career-ender. Either the Democrats appear to be soft on corruption, or they appear to be racists.

In this case, the facts are clear: The Democrats are crazy to seat anyone picked by the undeniably corrupt Governor Blogojevich. It makes a laughingstock of their holier-than-thou attitude of the past four years, and puts an ethical taint on the United States Senate. Burris helped Blogojevich to get elected during his Gubernatorial race, and while he denies any quid-pro-quo, it would be par for the course for a governor who is famous for having a “$25,000 Club” of donors, 75% of whom he has aided in some way with state funds. To be sure, there have been plenty of corrupt Republicans. The party in power always finds a way to put a little extra coin in its pocket, and the Democrats have been in power in Illlinois for many years now. But when Republicans are found to be in violation of the law, they typically resign and go to jail. On the other hand, when Democrats get in trouble, they place the race card. As someone who watched the presidential election, I’m a bit sick of this behavior. Can we please just concentrate on the facts for once?

From the Deskof Ellis Smith

Editor-in-Chief

By Larissa SawyerStaff WriterLsawyer1@my.westga.edu

It all started in a little plane, 14,000 feet in the air.Actually it started a little earlier than that. My name is Larissa, and I enjoy drawing, reading, using my computer, and, most recently, skydiving. A few weeks ago, my friends and I decided to go on a road trip to Chattanooga, TN. In the midst of planning the trip, my friend asked everyone to celebrate his birthday by skydiving.A few brave soldiers agreed to take on this feat initially, but as the days passed, the only two left standing were the birthday celebrant and me. As I told a few people I knew about what I planned to do, my anxiety swelled. People, being their considerate selves, shared endless stories about people who went skydiving and died or broke 100 plus bones. It also did not help that during this time, quite a few television shows about horrific skydiving accidents had aired. I eventually became so fearful that one night I jumped out of my bed in a cold sweat around 3 a.m. and decided to Google skydiving.After finding out that statistically a person has a greater chance of dying while in a Wal-Mart parking lot than while skydiving, my fears

were quelled – at least for a while. So, I resigned myself to performing this death-defying act. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something that no one would expect me to do. After experiencing some nausea and a few sleepless nights, the day finally arrived. Many questions ran through my head on the car ride there. I wondered, “What does falling from the sky feel like?” and “Did I ever complete my life insurance forms?” I had kept this a secret from most of my family and friends so that they wouldn’t worry, so I couldn’t even call home for some comfort. My friend and I waited for hours until it was our turn to jump. We had the pleasure of watching plane after plane go into the sky and watching person after person jump out. As you can imagine, seeing other people plummeting to earth while screaming like banshees was not helpful. To add to this, I had to sign in about 47 places on a waiver to ensure that neither I, nor my family would sue in case of death, fractures or sprains, loss of hearing, psychological damage and a myriad of other horrifying possibilities. At this point, I wondered about the Wal-Mart statistic that I had relied upon so heavily.Finally, my name was called and it was time for the moment I had been waiting on for so long.

My heart rate slowed and my hands became numb as I was put into my harness for my tandem jump. I saw my instructor’s lips moving, explaining to me how to fall out of the plane and land, but I could not hear a thing. Then, we began our walk to the plane, a death march, as far as I was concerned. We hopped into the plane and began the ascent. I asked my instructor if I was going first and he assured me that about four or five people were ahead of me, so I relaxed a little. In the meantime, I practiced that long and drawn out falling technique I was shown earlier. My ears were popping and I was freezing cold from the increased altitude. I watched the door open as the wind sucked the first skydiver into the atmosphere, and was the slightest bit

comforted by the fact that my turn was at least a few minutes away. Then, my tricky (but clever) instructor pushed me forward on the seat and forced me into a kneeling position at the plane’s open door. Before I had time to be afraid or to carry out the falling technique that I had practiced so keenly, I was pushed out of the plane and was falling towards the earth at more than 120 mph. My cheeks were rippling, my lips dried out, my clothes felt as if they would be ripped off of my body. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. It wasn’t like a roller coaster, it was just like flying. The closest thing that I can compare it to is feeling like I was a bird. I was screaming louder than I ever have before, not because I was scared, but because I felt so overjoyed

and empowered that I had finally conquered this exploit. My instructor and I fell for about fifteen seconds before he released the parachute. In this time, I was able to enjoy the beauty of Tennessee, Georgia, and, maybe even, Canada, from a point of view that most people will never see. We made a smooth landing, and I made calls to family and friends who all responded with, “WHAT? YOU?” The short of this long story – Skydiving is great and I definitely plan to repeat this experience. I encourage everyone to either do this or whatever it is that will get your adrenaline pumping. As someone wise told me (coincidentally, right before my jump), “Life is short, so let’s live it!”

Sky Diving in Georgia an Amazing Experience

Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane might not seem like a good idea, but some folks enjoy the rush that 15 seconds of free-fall provides.

Stock Photo

Dear Wolfie, It’s cold outside, and I’m looking for food. Do you have any tips on where I can find some fresh meat around here? Cordially,

-Hungry Student

Dear Hungry Student, There are plenty of cats around. I like to chase them sometimes after I finish hanging around with the cheerleaders on Wednesdays. They taste a bit like chicken. You might also want to try the local homeless shelter.

The little children there are especially tender. After basketball games, Dr. Sethna sometimes takes me (on my leash, of course) over to the Z-6, and lets me wait outside while he sneaks in and steals hot dog buns. Occasionally, he’s kind enough to bring some frozen tater tots for me to take home to my pups. My wife, Wolfette, usually takes care of feeding the kids, but with the economy the way it’s been lately, everyone’s had to chip in with a dead bunny or a piece of roadkill. Sometimes we find frozen freshmen in the TLC, but you have to pop ‘em in the microwave before consuming. Other than that, I pretty much just knaw on my own leg. After the last football season, they haven’t been feeding me much, so I’m in the same boat as you. Cordially, WOLFIE

“Dear Wolfie”With The West Georgian Staff

Photo by Ellis Smith

The West Georgian - OPINION

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Does Race Really Exist?

By Eduardo MendezStaff WriterEmendez1@my.westga.edu Some of you who read my article last semester have asked me about my small statement on race as something you can choose. It seems that the concept of race is so embedded in our culture and our society that it has come to dictate much of our social behavior. Social segregation still occurs in many segments of our society. At the lunch tables in the Z6 this is most evidently seen in the clearly divided black and white faces. Southern pride in our part of the nation has come to mean prejudice for outsiders. As a last example, think of the recent election and the way in which the two sides interacted here on campus. Whether there was ever really a riot is a non-issue. The backlash and the racial pride displayed by both sides made us all hang our heads in shame. Truly, there must be another way. While many of the world’s populations struggle with racism, I would like to point to a much more deep-rooted cause than just simple ethnic difference. The cause of racism lies in the belief that there are genetically distinct races across our world that can be tied to a set of predisposed characteristics. The truth of the matter is that this is much more a fantasy of human psychology than a reality. Already, we know that the human mind is a natural organizer. We create distinct categories based on characteristics. When we see an object, we can place it into an already created folder of traits in our mind. As we grow, the number of folders expands. This gives us the ability to interact appropriately with our world. Unfortunately, we have learned to do this with people as well. This is what causes us to get nervous or react differently when surrounded by those of another “race”. Our mind is categorizing. While this may make it natural to form racist thoughts based on past experience, reality is different from what we picture in our minds. The truth is that predicting the characteristics or the genetic predispositions of a human being based on skin tone never work. Already, anthropologists can tell

us that there is too much genetic variation to define racial lines this way. “In the United States both scholars and the general public have been conditioned to viewing human races as natural and separate divisions within the human species based on visible physical differences. With the vast expansion of scientific knowledge in this century, however, it has become clear that human populations are not unambiguous, clearly demarcated, biologically distinct groups. Evidence from the analysis of genetics (e.g., DNA) indicates that most physical variation, about 94%, lies within so-called racial groups. Conventional geographic “racial” groupings differ from one another only in about 6% of their genes. This means that there is greater variation within “racial” groups than between them. In neighboring populations there is much overlapping of genes and their phenotypic (physical) expressions. Throughout history whenever different groups have come into contact, they have interbred. The continued sharing of genetic materials has maintained all of humankind as a single species” (Statement on Race by the American A n t h r o p o l o g i c a l Association at http://www.aaanet.org/stmts/racepp.htm). Even further, genetic traits do not coincide with one another. For example, skin tone is based on relative north-south locale and climate. However, this does not coincide with thickness of hair which varies among many different regional locales. As for skin tone, it is very important to note that this too is subject to great variation. Where do we draw the racial line? If you took the skin tone of each person who lives in a straight line from South Africa and northward, you would get very close grades of dark tones to lighter tones. Yet, there is no clear definition between black and white. There is too much middle ground here. If you try to draw a line to mark different races anywhere on such a graph, it would be arbitrary. The long-held belief in race as a real form of categorization based on real physical traits actually tends to confuse much more than be useful. Does anyone really want

to define the race of our next president? Is he white because of his mother and his level of education or is he black because of his father and his Kenyan ancestry? To answer either way is to pick arbitrarily.It seems that the debate is fueled much more by relative opinion and worldview than actual facts. I can remember at the beginning of the election when many were questioning Barack Obama’s “blackness”, yet when he won the primary and became the democratic candidate, the same people embraced him as their black savior. Even worse, he was demonized because of the same “blackness” by self-identified white conservatives. There is so much wrong with this picture. Does the selection of our nation’s leader really call for picking along racial lines? Such a fallible category of selection must not get in the way of our better judgment. As Americans and citizens of the world, we can do much better. While I recognize that race is a false category in our society, I do also realize that it will not go away any time soon. Much of human history has seen prejudice and strife centered around group differences and race has played much of a role in that ongoing history. Yet, the move to rid ourselves of inferior thinking starts with ourselves and then spreads to our children. Then slowly, but surely it spreads into the rest of our society. I do believe that there are real differences across perceived racial groups. There is much more crime and incarceration among self-identified Latinos and Blacks in America. Yet this difference is much more the effect of years of societal indoctrination than real predisposition. When you teach a child that he will never have the same opportunities as those who look and believe differently, what is that child to do but cling to the only culture of anger and violence it knows? When your role models tell you to chase after money and pleasure, when no one else gives you a chance to teach you something different, something positive, because they’ve given up on your “kind” to whom else can you turn? This is the sad reality of our neighbors in this country. If we do not give up our old way of dealing.

Drinking from the Fountain Fully

Is race real, or is it just a pigment of our imaginations? Find out here.Stock Photo

Page 9 — wedneSDAy, January 14, 2009

By Lindsay MurraySports Editorlmurray@my.westga.edu

The last time I sat down to write my column before Christmas break, my ending wish was that when I began this article, my first column of 2009, the Atlanta Falcons would still be playing football in the NFL Playoffs. Well, half of my wish came true. Although the Falcons suffered a season-ending loss last week to the Arizona Cardinals, the team that was ranked 32nd in the NFL during the preseason overcame doubts all season long from critics everywhere by making the playoffs, something no one thought could happen with a rookie quarterback and first year head coach. The Falcons, a team that finished 4-12 just one

season ago, exceeded every expectation this season. A terrible 2007 season consisted of Head Coach Bobby Petrino leaving the struggling team during the middle of the year while the Michael Vick dog fighting case surrounded the team all season. After all the adversity the previous season and with a rookie quarterback leading the team, no one believed the Falcons would still be playing in January. But standout performances by Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and John Abraham helped lead this Atlanta team to an 11-5 overall record, a trip to the playoffs, and for Matt Ryan, Offensive Rookie of the Year. While many credit Ryan and his offense the reason for the Falcons’ success this season, let’s not forget about first year Head Coach Mike Smith and what he has meant to the Atlanta franchise. Smith, who was named the AP Coach of the Year, led the Falcons to one of the biggest turnarounds in franchise history. Leading Atlanta to its first playoff appearance since 2004, Smith became only the second coach in franchise history to earn coach of the year honors. Dan Reeves was the first Atlanta coach to win the honor during the 1998 season after leading the Falcons to an 11-2 overall

record and a Super Bowl appearance. Other standout performances from the 2008 season include John Abraham setting a new franchise record with 16.5 sacks in a single season. The defensive end also forced four fumbles and recorded a blocked punt. Wide receiver Roddy White also recorded franchise numbers with 1,382 receiving yards. The four year veteran was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl for the first time ever. Atlanta’s special teams was another reason for the Falcons’ success as the unit set a NFL record allowing only 49 punt return yards.

When mentioning Falcons’ highlights and set records, it’s nearly impossible to leave out the rookie quarterback from Boston College. Ryan became the first rookie in Falcons’ history to throw over 3,000 passing yards and record 11 wins in his first season. Maybe we should have expected the standout performance after Ryan completed his first-ever NFL pass for a 62-yard touchdown in his first game as a professional quarterback. Who would’ve known? As Coach Mike Smith commonly referred all season long to the “the process,” it is clear the

process is far from over for the Smith and the Falcons. Help on the offensive line would greatly improve the team for next season and so would an upgrade at outside linebacker. There will always be room for improvement at the quarterback spot and it is clear despite a stellar rookie performance, Ryan has room for improvement. But none the less, the Falcons have many positive things to build on and many things to look forward to in their future. A franchise quarterback and a well-respected coach have Atlanta fans looking forward to the 2009 season.

Page 10 — Wednesday, January 14, 2009 SportsOn the RecORd

With Lindsay Murray

Matt Ryan did a great job for the Falcons, but it wasn’t good enough.Photo from AtlantaFalcons.com

Come Support Wolves Basketball In The New Coliseum WOMEN HOME GAMES

MEN HOME GAMES

1-24 Talladega 7:30

1-31 North Alabama 5:30

2-5 West Florida 5:30

2-7 Valdosta 5:30

2-24 Alabama-Huntsville 5:30

1-22 Emmanuel 7:30

1-31 North Alabama 7:30

2-5 West Florida 7:30

2-7 #25 Valdosta 7:30

2-19 Reinhardt 7:30

2-24 Alabama-Huntsville 7:30

Arts & EntertainmentPage 11 — wednesDAY, January 14, 2009

By Grant WallaceStaff Writergwallac2@gmail.com

Hollywood released many new movies in 2008, the best of which stunned, touched, and entertained. Here are the top three:

3. Milk Director Gus Van Sant has been a prominent figure in the independent scene for some time, so it should come as no surprise when I honor his 1978 rendition of the Harvey Milk debacle as one of the most exhilarating films of 2008. Like with Elephant, Sant’s take on the 1999 Columbine High School Massacre, he goes a bit farther back to tackle the still highly confrontational issues surrounding gay rights. It is 1978 and Harvey Milk has just been elected as the first openly gay man to public office in California.

Seemingly just a blip in history for myself, I found this ‘based on a true story’ premise to hit harder than usual. Sean Penn’s performance as Milk was both spectacular and truly eye opening. What I’m trying to say is although I am not homophobic in the least bit, my ignorance made me feel ashamed to have not had stronger feelings about this prior. Along with Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin and James Franco, the entire group of straight men has taken on a role like no other, with not just passion, but a truly important message to send as well. Milk is just one of those films that will stick with you for the rest of your life. After all, it’s been 30 years and we’re still battling the same thing. Harvey Milk is what Spiderman wishes he could be.

2. Let the Right One In There are two main

reasons why this Swedish film has easily grabbed my number two spot of the year. First, for the completely revamped adaptation of what we thought was a traditional vampire and second, for the best use of sound effects I’ve ever heard. Oskar, a extremely pale and scrawny 12 year old boy, is coming to age in the most unusual way possible, dating his new friend, Eli the vampire. Now I may be eluding this to be “family friendly” film or even as a B-movie worthy script, but rest assured, this is not American. And as would be expected, leave it to the American’s to destroy something good and genuine (Cloverfield’s Matt Reeves has signed on for a remake). Regardless, this film will not only reinvent your previous connotations with vampires, but also the way we watch films.

What we take for granted as simple sounds, such as the swashing of saliva in our mouths or the inaudible chomping of teeth, are amplified in a way that makes these seemingly boring acts become almost terrifying. As far as the new vampire goes, I’ll give you just a taste to not spoil your newfound thirst for blood. The list includes but is not limited to: spontaneous combustion, the random profuse bleeding of any or all orifices on the face, and the inability to enter a room without being formally addressed without the aforementioned consequences occurring.

1. Wall-E Surprised? Well if it is any comfort, just know the year is over and this is the last you will have to hear me praise about my love over a robot that does not even know my name. Throughout the previous year, I might have made

more Wall-E references in non-Wall-E reviews than any other critic out there. Granted, an obvious bias has been made and thanks to the gracious editors of The West Georgian, they have let me indulge more than enough, but, alas, his time has come. I’d like to make a toast to the robot that made me believe in love again, so here is my end-all-be-all-commemoration to my friend, my partner in crime, my hero. I feel this is what Wall-E would have wanted. If you’re still not convinced, answer me this. Who do you know that would attach themselves to a live rocket shooting into outer space at a billion miles an hour with absolutely no clue of where they are headed, all while being surrounded by enormous brain-washed zombies and a demented autopilot from hell, all to impress a girl?

The West Georgian Picks the Top Movies of 2008

Aleta Watson - “Driven, Ambitious, and Gifted”

Aleta Watson is a remarkable and brilliant young woman with a very bright future. She is in her third year and is currently working on a Mass Communications degree with a minor in Sociology. Not only is Aleta an outstanding student, but also involved in several organizations such as Phi Sigma Pi (a national honors fraternity), Women of Diversity, and the NAACP. “I have always been driven to write. There is nothing else more I love to do. I even love to write essays in class. I am always writing,” Watson said. When it comes to her motivation, Aleta gives all her praise to God. “It is totally God, because I couldn’t have done this on my own.” Also , the environment around her inspires and motivates Aleta to write, “whether it is an injustices or different types of emotions”. She always has a notebook with

her wherever she goes. One bit of life advice Aleta could give to anyone is “to stay true to yourself, because you are the one who has to go to sleep with yourself at night. If you don’t have that love and self confidence then there is not much you can do nor accomplish.” After graduation, Aleta wants to go to in print journalism and dreams of working for the AJC.

Arrogant I Am

I am the epitome of perfection,Despite your misconceptions.I am the zenith of all beauty,

Therefore it is my duty.

To educate the ignorant; make aware the unaware,

Of the narcissism within because of a beauty that’s so rare.

I was the muse for Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman,

The sign of my birth was the world omen.

Cocky to some but uncontested by all,

I am the rise of beauty before its fall.

And no my breast aren’t a double D,

And no I don’t have ass enough for her and me.

And no my skin may not pass the brown paper bag test,

And despite that my aura is still higher than the rest.

Magnificence and dignity I poses, For my looks are peculiar...noble

at best.Just because I don’t have the

visage of the girl on TV,You commoners see fit to pity me.However to live in a world were

assimilation is the new fad,For me to stand above the sheep

makes me oh so glad.You seethe and I love it,

You gawk cuz I’m above it. You stare cuz you want me,

You envy cuz you want to be me.For to be in bondage to the

restraints of popular society,No longer has place in my book of

propriety. So therefore...I am the epitome of

perfection,

Despite your misconceptions.

I Can’t Stop Crying TodayBy: Stacy Aigbe

I can’t stop crying today,My world walked out the door.

With him he took my heart,For I will love no more.

The hours passed like seconds,When our two hearts were one.The seconds passed like hours,After he said that he was done.

He was going to love me forever,At least that is what he said.

His heart belonged to someone else,

That is what his letter read.I no longer live in color,

My world is black and white.I always wonder what he is doing,

As I lie awake at night.I hope tomorrow is better,

This is what I pray.But right now my heart is broken,

I can’t stop crying today.

Free Expression Section: Ladies’ Week of Expression

Sean Penn’s Milk, Pixar’s Wally, and Let the Right One In are all among the top movies of 2008, according to Grant Wallace.Stock Photos

UWG’s female poets get a chance to sound-off this week.Stock Photo

Arts & EntertainmentPage 12 — wednesDAY, January 14, 2009

By Kathryn ElieA&E Editorkatelie2005@yahoo.com

Matt Williams grew up in Americus, Georgia and moved to Carrollton in

1994. Immediately, music found him, and he has been rocking out in different bands ever since. Williams is a very talented and diverse singer and guitarist. His sound ranges from grunge punk, to classic rock, to funky jazz, to blue grass, to easy feeling sweet sounding jams. This is probably why he is in four very popular local bands: Thunder Monkey, The Bugzappers, The Hand Puppets, and his predominant band, Granfalloons.His main motivation and drive for his music is his wife Lizzy and their beautiful two-year-old daughter Isabella. One thing that listeners can look forward to is he “won’t be the guy who plays to same stuff. The cool thing about music is it is always different, and that is one of the things

that keeps it interesting.” He usually is found playing rocking acoustic sets around Carrollton; however, it is always unique. “There is always a show, it isn’t about me, it is about entertainment”, and that is what people can expect when they come out and Matt Williams and friends are playing. Some of Williams’ goals are to keep going, moving forward, traveling further, making fans, and to keep expanding more. He has been creating music for a living since 2004 and believes that he is blessed to have traveled all over the country playing gigs. “My goal is to be able to do it, and to do it comfortably and never stop. I am a songwriter. I write different songs every week, it just comes out of me. The

inspiration is there. The more I live life the more inspiration comes out.” Williams’ advice to readers and listeners alike would be “to quit worrying about life. You just have to go with what you feel at the time, because you never know how long your life is going to last. You always want to keep yourself happy balanced, and never let anything get a hold of you. People think that when they get into a miserable rut they can’t get out, but you can. Go explore, stay on the go, and find what makes you happy and concentrate on it, and do it.” If interested in listening to Matt Williams live, he plays every Thursday night at Miller’s downtown on the Square, or checking his band out, go to http://www.granfalloons.com.

Matt Williams: The Man of Many Sounds

Matt Williams is a local musician who is part of four local bands in Carrollton, including the Bugzap-pers. He plays at Millers’ on Thursday nights.

Photo by Kat Elie

By Bobby MooreGuest Writerbobby@douglascountysentinel.com

Before this column gets down to the business of chronicling Atlanta’s finest punk, power pop and garage bands, here’s a quick primer of what goes on in Georgia’s capitol city. No scene can exist without bands, and Atlanta has two heavy-hitters, which have gained worldwide notoriety: Deerhunter and The Black Lips. Both bands are very different style-wise. Deerhunter plays what can be best described as ambient, indie-rock and The Black Lips play rougher-around-the-edges, psychedelic garage rock. Despite their different musical approaches, each has reached the same heights internationally and maintain very busy tour schedules. Both group’s busy schedules involve more than playing in seedy bars all over the United States. Deerhunter has shared the stage with mainstream

acts like The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Nine Inch Nails, and are no strangers to the music festival scene. The Black Lips have built their reputation by putting on live shows all over the world that can only be matched in energy and quality by fellow punk and garage-rock luminaries Jay Reatard and King Khan.

One band potentially on the verge of widespread success is The Coathangers. The all-girl quartet has improved as musicians and songwriters after a couple of years of constantly practicing and playing gigs, so their upcoming Suicide Squeeze Records LP/CD could put them on the road to stardom. Each Coathangers show is as upbeat and fun as a birthday party. The band acknowledges this by bringing balloons to shows and sharing party favors with the audience. They also share keyboard-fused punk rock through new songs (“Killdozer” and “Getting Mad and Pumping Iron”) and old favorites (“Tonya Harding” and “Nestle in My Boobies”). The Carbonas are winding down their run, which began in 2001, but are worth a mention since they have had several sold-out singles and two solid albums. Several outstanding Atlanta bands of today and yesterday have members in common with The Carbonas, including Gentleman Jesse and His

Men, Beat Beat Beat, Frantic and The Lids. Outside of Atlanta, bands like New York’s Baby Shakes and Ex-Humans and Chicago’s Busy Signals have a current or former Carbona in their lineup. The Carbonas have had their infectious punk sound spread outside of the states, though they had barely

toured outside of the South prior to a 2008 European tour. Canadian all-girl trio The Stolen Minks shocked and delighted an Atlanta crowd at The Earl in October when they unveiled a cover of The Carbonas’ classic, “Lost Cause.” Stolen Minks bassist Tiina Johns said her band has covered “Lost Cause” in their native country, and have discovered that many of their fellow Canadians are also Carbona fanatics. There are numerous less-known bands in Atlanta that draw from varying musical influences and play all kinds of different styles. Among Atlanta’s best barely known bands are The Poison Arrows, a powerpop band featuring former members of Vengeance ‘77 and HellCat recording artists The Heart Attacks; local songsmith Derek Lyn Plastic and his energetic electro-punk outfit; Baby Dinosaurs vs. Extinction, a fun-loving, female-fronted punk band with clever pop tunes like “$.49 Hot Dog Day;” and Coffin Bound, a garage-rock trio from nearby Austell which mixes influences ranging from blues to Southern rock. No two Atlanta bands are alike, but there are several musicians who show their wide array of talents and influences by playing in more than one band. One night, you might see Jesse Smith play guitar with the hardcore-influenced Carbonas. When the weekend rolls around, Smith and Carbonas drummer Dave Rahn might be at a different bar performing as part of the highly-touted powerpop band Gentleman Jesse and His Men. Smith also breaks out his Rickenbacker guitar to play with The Gaye Blades, a band that also features Jared Swilley from The Black Lips and Bobby Ubangi from The Lids. Jessica Juggz, drummer for Baby Dinosaurs vs. Extinction, is another musician who changes styles when she switches

bandmates. Juggz is also lead singer of a harder-rocking horror-punk band called Mourdella. There are other examples of musicians who play in multiple bands. Basically, there are not as many talented and motivated people in Atlanta as one might expect, but those who can play and write good songs stay busy.While there are no true “punk clubs” in Atlanta like there were in the 1980’s, they are not necessary because there are plenty of bars, restaurants and art galleries willing to book more than just local bar bands and better-known touring acts. Bars and other venues which book groups like The Coathangers and Poison Arrows include The Star Bar, The Drunken Unicorn, Lenny’s, Eyedrum, The Clermont Lounge, Vacation, The Earl and The East Atlanta IceHouse.Atlanta music fans also know that anyone who claims that vinyl is going to make a comeback has

never heard hot-off-the-presses 7-inch singles from local labels Douchemaster, Die Slaughterhaus, Rob’s House and Danger House.Vinyl has gone nowhere, and 7-inch singles have been crucial for Atlanta bands for years now because they are collectible and cheap to have pressed. Plus, it is easier for newer bands to magic out three or four good tunes for a single than it is to write a whole album worth of material.The four main local labels put out records for their Atlanta friends and also bands from all around the world. For example, Douchemaster in the past year has released full-length LPs by Atlanta’s Gentleman Jesse and His Men as well as New York’s Baby Shakes (with Rahn on drums and in the producer’s chair) and The Wax Museums from Austin, Texas.Be sure to check out this column each week for new bands and updates..

Atlanta’s Rock Music Scene

The Coathangers and Carbonas are among some of Atlanta’s current hottest rock bands who often play collaborative shows.

File Photo

The Blacklips started in Atlanta and remain true to their roots, often playing to sold-out shows.

Photo courtesy of theblacklips.com