VolumeVolume 42, 42, IssueIssue 5 5

October 11,October 11, 2010 2010maconstatement.commaconstatement.com

See Page 8

Blue Storm has created a furious storm among some studentsBy Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer

Since the new Macon State mascot has offi cially been named Blue Storm, students may be wondering how this all came to fruition.

James Hagler, director of recreation and wellness, has been approached several times by students wanting a new mascot. Hagler decided to approach the Student Government Association

(SGA) with an idea for a contest. After presenting the idea to the SGA, the next step was to obtain approval from President David Bell, Ph.D.

Once Bell granted permission, students were notifi ed via e-mail regarding the contest. Ray Lightner, media coordinator, sent the e-mail July 22. According to the e-mail, the contest winner would receive a $100 gift card to the Macon State bookstore sponsored by SGA and the offi ce

of Student Life. A total of 370 new mascot

names were submitted. The fi nal day to submit an idea was Aug. 20. When the total list of names was compiled, a working group met on Aug. 23 to narrow down the results.

This working group consisted of four SGA members, fi ve club sports representatives, six staff members and two faculty members. Among these select members was Dean of Students,

Lynn McCraney. According to McCraney, the

mascot Blue Storm was the top pick of 10 members at the Aug. 23 meeting and the second choice of one of the members. McCraney said that the last task for the meeting was to submit the fi nal list to Hagler by Aug. 25.

Once the narrowed down list was submitted to Hagler two days

Four students chosen to be on Shadow Editorial BoardStaff Reports

All four were chosen to serve on The Telegraph’s “Shadow Editorial Board,” a project to give local college students the opportunity to interview candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and U.S. senator.

Congratulations to four of our Macon State students – three are communications (CIT) majors: Norma Jean Perkins; Meaghan Smith; Katelyn Laconte and one from interdisciplinary studies, William “Dane” Caskin.

The students will then write editorials endorsing the candidates of their choice, and the newspaper will publish them. Charles Richardson, The Telegraph’s editorial board editor, said the project was designed to open up the endorsement process and get other voices into the newspaper.

Facebook: Good, bad or ugly?By Norma Jean PerkinsEditor in Chief

Facebook, like many things in life, can be classifi ed as good, bad or ugly.

Facebook as a social networking connection, has gained popularity exponentially since Mark Zuckerberg fi rst put it out on the world wide web in February 2004. According to www.blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/, Facebook grew 228 percent between February 2008 and February 2009.

But who is on Facebook and how is it viewed and, more importantly, how is it used or

abused?There are defi nitely three sides to Facebook

and users should consider all three.

THE GOODBy Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer

Many students use Facebook as a means of communication, but some students say the network is pointless and causes more problems than it is worth

Lakeysha Adams, a health service administration major, said she uses Facebook

to socialize but she also uses the site to be nosy. She said it is a main source for gossip, “especially man problems.”

Facebook allows users to stay up-to-date on other friends and their activities by posting current statuses, which are displayed for all other friends to see.

Although Facebook is a good way to stay in touch with friends, Adams also acknowledged that the site can be turned into an avenue for harassment, or even stalking.

STATEMENTn acon MM SSnnSSSSnnnthe

Macon State College’s Award-Winning Student Newspaper

Facebookcontinued on page 6

Blue Stormcontinued on page 3

Photo by Glen StoneExploding from the top turnbuckle, wrestler “Q-Ball” delivers a devastating blow to his opponent, Paul Warfi eld, a Macon State CIT graduate.

Professional Wrestling comes to Macon State College

See page 5 for more wrestling photos

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.com October 11, 2010 October 11, 201022

e-mail us at statement@maconstate.edu

staff478-757-3605 FAX 478-757-2626 OFFICE: SLC-120 www.maconstatement.com

LETTERS POLICY: The editor of the Macon Statement will try to print all letters received. Letters should be, at maximum, 250 to 300 words long. The writer must include: full name, professional title if a Macon State employee or Georgia resident, or year and major if a student. An address and phone number are required with all letters sent, but this personal information will not be published. The

student newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for style, possible libel, or length. The newspaper will not, under any circumstance, withhold names. Please address all correspondence to Letter to the Editor at editor@maconstatement.com. Where current events are concerned, priority will be given to those letters written by students, faculty, and staff of Macon State College.

DISCLAIMER: The Macon Statement is the registered student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays) during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in The Macon Statement are those of the individual artists, authors, and student editors, and are not those of Macon State College, its Board of Regents, the student body, or the advertisers. The Macon Statement is paid for, in part, through student activity fees.

&EDITORIALSEDITORIALS OPINIONSOPINIONSApathy abounds at MSC resulting in frustration among the student bodyNorma Jean PerkinsEditor in Chief

Perhaps it shouldn’t have been too surprising when only nine people out of almost 6,400 students completed a survey on the Constitution. But when only 17 students out of that same 6,400-student body voted in the SGA elections held during the week of Sept. 13-17, it was shocking.

When I asked students if they voted, no one said “yes”. When I asked why the general reply was, nothing ever gets done by the SGA; or, they said they had not heard of any elections going on.

Well fellow students, guess who voted on the Macon State mascot name? It was the SGA and any students that were attending the meeting. Did the fi nal decision come from that meeting? No, but

the results of the voting ultimately were sent to Dr. Bell for his fi nal decision.

Now, we have a new mascot name. I have heard complaints, gripes, and anger from a large number of students on this issue. All I have to say is, “do you want a little cheese with that whine?”

The elections weren’t a big secret, people. There were notices on the web site, throughout the buildings and in the calendar.

Participation in the Constitution Day activities was minimal, at best. In fact, I would almost say the majority of the students in the Arts Complex theatre that were taking part were there because their professors counted their attendance as a class attendance.

What a sad commentary on the future leaders of this state and nation. If you think for one minute that it will make no

difference whether you cast a vote or speak up on an issue, talk to an individual who has legally immigrated to this country and see if they think it is a waste of time to vote.

Ask them if they had the freedom to speak up by casting a vote for the person they really wanted to run their country.

This country has many faults. But each and every one of us can speak out loud and clear with a vote. We can put people in offi ce or we can take them out. We can petition for laws to be changed. Will we always win? Not necessarily so, but we would at least have had a say in our government.

The opportunity to have your voice heard begins with your community. Your community is Macon State, the city you live in, the county you live in, the state

you live in and last but not least, the country you live in. That is, if it is a free and democratic country like the United States.

But there are so many people that can’t, won’t or refuse to take the time to speak up with a vote and then whine, complain, moan and groan when some decision is made and it is not what they want.

Take an interest in something besides Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. Life is what you make it. Be a part of the WHOLE process. Be responsible for your own future. You are obviously on that path by enrolling in college and working toward a career that will, hopefully, make you fi nancially stable.

We all work. We all have commitments. We all have a voice. Use it; don’t sit back with the attitude that your one voice will not make any difference.

Clarifi cation for previous issue

Dean of the School of Information Technology Dr. Alex Koohang and Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Dr. Barry monk wished to clarify statements in the Sept. 27 story “Change of structure in the Department of Mathematics.”

Koohang said “the plan is to deactivate the Associate of Science in IT. The students in this program have two years to fi nish their

associate degrees beginning with the program deactivation date. Students with an Associate of Science in IT will be encouraged to continue their education enrolling in the BS in IT program.

Monk said “the Associate of Science in Computer Science will be deactivated” and that the students in this program will have two years to fi nish their associate degree

once the program is deactivated.

Koohang said “Students with an Associate in Computer Science will be able to continue their education enrolling in the BS in IT – Computer Science Informatics concentration, an existing concentration, housed in the School of Information Technology.”

Upcoming Events Around Warner Robins Campus and Main Campus

WARNER ROBINS CAMPUS:

-OCT. 12 11-NOONAre you game? Xbox Game

Day

-OCT. 1412:30 p.m.–2 p.m.Student Career Experience

Program

-OCT. 157–10 p.m.Family Movie Night“Despicable Me”

-OCT. 255-7 p.m.Premium Blend Coffee House

MAIN CAMPUS:- OCT. 134-5:30 p.m.“Calculus – The Musical”

- OCT. 143-8 p.m.Indoor Soccer

- OCT. 226-9 p.m.Game Nite “Let’s Make a Deal”7-10 p.m.Family Movie Night“Despicable Me”Start time 10 p.m.-until the last

one drags inMonster Dash Midnight 1 mile

Costume Fun Run(Multi-Day Event)

Editor-in-Chief: Norma Jean PerkinsManaging Editor: Summer LeverettCopy Editor: Marian G. BrewerPhoto Editor: Kimberly Waddelton

Layout Editors: Chris Gray & Gary Smith Webmaster: Harry UnderwoodStaff Writer: Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer: Devereaux Lindsey

Staff Writer: Chateaux-Capri SirmansPhotographer: Glen StonePhotographer: Sarah Walker

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.com October 11, 2010October 11, 2010 33

What do you think of the stories and photos? Want to see a special feature?

What do you think of the stories and photos? Email us your thoughts to us at www.studentlife.maconstate.edu/maconstatement

Check out our website at www.maconstatement.com Wus at www.studentlife.maconstate.edu/maconstatement

ON CAMPUSON CAMPUS

later, he then submitted the list to Bell, to make the fi nal decision. Bell offi cially selected Blue Storm as the new mascot.

The fi nal decision has had an impact on the student body. Many students demand to know exactly what a Blue Storm is and how the college came up with it. “Where did it come from?” sophomore, Cesar Torres asked.

Director of Communications Bill Weaver did not participate in the selection process, but he offered his opinion on the subject matter. He said that the main individuals responsible for the selection process were Lynn McCraney and James Hagler.

Weaver said it would be very diffi cult, if not impossible to

reach a consensus regarding an image that will represent the entire college. “Personally, I would not have selected it, but if it was the students’ wishes, then I’m all for it,” said Weaver.

The winner of the contest, and student responsible for the Blue Storm idea was J.P. Mitchell. Mitchell said that he did not think his idea would win but was happy to receive a $100 gift card. “I can get one book for free next semester!” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is a Baseball Club member who works closely with Hagler. Mitchell was also present at the mascot decision meeting. It was this same meeting that his winning mascot name was selected.

While interviewing Mitchell and Hagler for MSC-TV, student J.R. Peeples, recalled overhearing Hagler’s warning to participating interviewees. “He [Hagler]

told them that there could be repercussions if anything negative was said about the new mascot.”

Hagler said, “I advised the employees of the Recreation and Wellness Program and the sports clubs to avoid making negative comments about the new mascot because “Blue Storm” was legitimate and offi cial. The selection process sought input from all members of the College community and the procedure was followed to the letter. Since “Blue Storm” was selected, it became our responsibility to represent it well.

As far as any “repercussions,” my comment was intended for student employees and members of the sports clubs to know that what they write or say in public COULD have a negative impact on students’ desire to participate in the activities and events of the Recreation and Wellness Program.

My comments were meant to build support, school spirit and unity among those who represent the program.”

Peeple also said that there is a Facebook site where several students had commented on the new mascot name. “All of the negative comments were removed, so now all you see is the positive stuff,” he said.

After evidence was given to indicate some suspicious activity during the selection process, Bell was contacted for clarifi cation. He refused to participate, on the notion that “James Hagler and Lynn McCraney would know more about it,” Bell said over the phone.

The hype about the new mascot has created a commotion among students, as well as staff members. One student, Robert W. Tharpe, was so distraught by the ordeal that he has created a petition to once again change the mascot.

Mr.

Fuz

z

Elisha Faulks

Blue Stormcontinued from front page

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.comOctober 11, 2010October 11, 201044 FEATUREFEATURE

Macon State’s ISSA Club experience the Greek Festival in Atlanta

Photo by Sarah WalkerBrian and Sophia point the way to the Greek Festival.

Photo by Sarah WalkerThey all seem pretty excited!

Photo by Sarah WalkerJosh and Sarah pose with the entrance sign.

Photo by Sarah WalkerQuite a good looking group ISSA has there!

Photo by Sarah WalkerOne of the art shops.

Photo by Sarah WalkerSome pricey little hand bags they have there.

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.com October 11, 2010October 11, 2010 55FEATUREFEATURE

Macon State College hosts an action packed, entertaining smack down

Photo by Sarah Walker

These fi ghters almost defy gravity with their fl ying stunts.Photo by Sarah Walker

Together James Hagler and Dr. Summerlin drive the competition into the ground!

Photo by Sarah WalkerThey take their fi ght outside of the ring where there are no rules.

Photo by Glen StoneThe Macon State Blue Storm cheerleading squad paused in the wrestling ring before throwing free t-shirts to waiting sports fans.

Photo by Glen StoneTag team ‘BFF’ (Macon State student, William “Iron Will” Edwards, right, and “Marvelous” Michael Stevens, center) battled ‘Rec N Rez Express’ (James Hagler, Director of Recreation and Wellness, and Chris Summerlin, Director of Residence Life) in the main event on Sept. 30.

Photo by Sarah Walker Sal Rinauro declares himself victor without waiting for the referee.

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.comOctober 11, 2010October 11, 201066

Adams that she heard of an incident where an individual’s home was broken into, due to their status revealing they would be away for the weekend.

Sophomore Caroline Williams revealed that she recently de-leted her Facebook account. She said realized how annoying other people and their statuses actually were. She said she can just call the people she needs to get in contact with, instead of reading through all of the useless information on her friends’ profi les.

At one point Williams did use her account to keep in touch, but said she could just call friends she wants to hang out with and did not see the point in having one any-more.

Although Facebook is mainly used for social networking, it can also be used for other types of activity. Andy Brown, a junior majoring in journalism and mass communications, talked about joining groups and fads on Face-book.

Brown explained one fad on Facebook called Farmville. The game allows members of Face-book to manage a virtual farm by planting, growing and harvesting virtual crops and trees, as well as raising livestock.

Brown uses Facebook on a daily basis and uses it to stay in touch with his family and friends. He also said Facebook is “something that is not just a social outlet, but can be used for business too.”

Many users log onto Facebook to communicate with friends, but acknowledge other uses for the network as well.

BAD By Devereaux Lindsey Staff Writer

Facebook is a public social community that is open to many people, even some that one may not know quite as intimately- in-cluding future employers.

While the prospect of having your potential supervisor take a look into your personal life may be daunting, it may also be benefi cial. Courtnie Blakely, a sophomore majoring in nursing, believes that having her profi le searched would be a nice advantage. “I would feel pretty good knowing that my future boss was examining my Facebook. They would get to see how I am and how I interact with people,” said Blakely.

For many students, a job inter-view may be the only interaction

they have with employers. Andrew Hill, a junior majoring in busi-ness, agrees with Blakely. “It gives employers a chance to know you beforehand. It gives them a chance to get a sense of who they are go-ing to be hiring, while at the same time, students must be aware that the same information can be used against them, you just need to be careful,” Hill said.

Facebook is a way that many express themselves outside of the scholarly environment. If employ-ers are considering using the social network to gather further informa-tion on employees, it would be benefi cial to keep some experi-ences strictly personal.

Dean of students Lynn McCraney also recognizes Facebook as an in-novative means of communication and networking. McCraney said that the site is an awesome tool for making connections. “Your Face-book page is representative of you, and you are a representative of Macon State College. If you would not use profane language and discuss mature weekend experi-ences on campus, it might be best to keep it off of Facebook as well.”

Should students begin to change the way they use Facebook to impress employers? The site has become so widely used that many, like Blakely, already fi lter themselves. “I am friends with my parents on Facebook so I am always aware of what I post,” said Blakely.

Facebook is all about personal accountability. Express yourself in any way you see fi t, but you never know who may be watching.

UGLY By Harry Underwood Webmaster

On the Internet, browser security has long been an issue for those who use Microsoft Windows based computers.

The platform has, for much of its history, been the primary target of malware infections and unscrupu-lous black-hat cracking (in other words, using a computer network to gain unauthorized entry into other computers for malicious, bad-faith purposes.)

For Windows users who spend a large chunk of their waking hours on social network services

such as Facebook, the threat of having an account or a computer compromised is very real and can manifest themselves when the user is not aware of safeguarding their own security and privacy.

For instance, the accessible media and apps hosted on the user or group pages of the website can hide malware of various types, many of which either seek to obtain personal information from the mere action of typing on one’s keyboard, or infl ict damage to the hard drive of the user’s personal computer.

Malware or spam agents can also mimic e-mails from Facebook in order to trick the user from his or her e-mail inbox.

The implications of having your own Facebook account com-promised by another person can wreak havoc on your own sense of personal security and can, in extreme circumstances, force the user to create a new user account.

However, tools for recovery of control over your own Facebook account exist on the site.

“Honestly, it has only ever hap-pened once and it happened when I couldn’t gain access to my own account,” said Cameron Walker, a student at Macon State. “All I had to do was change my password and everything since then has been fi ne.”

One means of recovering ac-cess to an account in case one has forgotten the password, is to both create a security question and provide a memorable answer in the account settings page.

The level of visibility which a user may want for certain types of information contained in a pro-fi le (contact details, photos, etc.) can be changed by going to the account security section of the ac-count settings page.

Furthermore, to exercise the highest caution against malware infestation on one’s personal com-puter, it is advised that the user be mindful of the inherent dangers in clicking hyperlinks or buttons on the site (whether or not such links go within or outside of the site).

According to Christopher Null of Yahoo! News, in June 2010, a relatively-benign server-side script propagated the spamming of Face-book walls by clicking on popular topics which were allegedly liked

by members of the affected user’s friends list, even though the af-fected user never clicked on the like button in the fi rst place; the term relatively-benign was used only because the script did not propagate actual malware onto the user’s own computer or smart-phone.

This was followed up by an Aug. 2010 discovery by AppRiver, a security analysis fi rm, of phishing attacks which fool the user into thinking that similarly designed e-mails are being sent from Face-book, and that the links contained within such e-mails were also legitimate Facebook links.

Instead, the links redirected the user to a third party website which loads malware onto the computer, resulting in such nasty effects as the so-called ‘blue screen of death’ with which countless long-time Windows users are familiar as a sign of a malfunctioning computer.

Thus, it is best to keep frequent updates of your arsenal of anti-malware defenses handy, and to use web browsers which are capable of warning the user of suspicious looking redirects before such actions and the resulting con-sequences take place.

For more tips and frequent up-dates on the security and privacy status of the site, visit http://www.facebook.com/security.

CONCLUSIONBy Norma Jean PerkinsEditor-in-Chief

Ainsley Carry, Ph.D., vice presi-dent for Student Affairs offi ce at Auburn University felt the stu-dents at AU should be notifi ed of predator-type incidents, although none had occurred at AU, as a cautionary measure.

Last week the Offi ce of Commu-nications and Marketing included this statement from Carry in their student electronic newsletter in his Facebook advice to the students at Auburn.

Carry said, “ Activate privacy settings. Be aware and vigilant. There has been a rise in Facebook predators. Although Facebook can provide an excellent opportunity for members to make connections with old friends and meet new friends it can also be a means for predators to fi nd potential victims. Facebook has privacy settings to make it easier for people to choose who can and cannot access infor-mation on their profi les. It is up to you to adjust your privacy setting so that you do not share too much personal information or post some-thing that may put you in harms way.”

ON CAMPUSON CAMPUSFacebookcontinued from front page

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.com October 11, 2010October 11, 2010 77COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY

Mike Hale retiring as executive director of Warner Robins campusStaff Reports

Mike Hale, executive director of Macon State’s campuses in Warner Robins, has announced he will retire at the end of December.

Hale has been instrumental in developing the Warner Robins Campus, as well as serving as a liaison between the college and programs aimed at helping the Houston County community and Robins Air Force Base. Hale has been serving the college for nine years, with most of that time in Warner Robins, where he also has been active in the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Macon State President Dr. David A. Bell said he’ll be sorry to see Hale leave.

“Mike and I have worked together for many years,” Bell said. “He’s accomplished a great deal for Macon State, particularly in his role as executive director of the Warner Robins Campuses. I’ve always been impressed with how clearly he thinks and the wide range of his expertise. I will miss Mike and (his wife) Rita.”

Hale, who grew up in south Florida, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and he played two seasons on the Army football team prior to being sidelined with a shoulder injury. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in engineering he served as an Army infantry offi cer in Vietnam. He advanced in the Army and served in a variety of positions around the world, including a time as battalion commander in Berlin, Germany, and in the Pentagon as special assistant to the comptroller of the Army.

Throughout his 21-year military career, Hale carved out a specialty in operations research and systems analysis. He also picked up two master’s degrees, one in physics from the University of Virginia, the other in business administration from Boston University. After retiring from the military in 1982 at the rank of colonel, Hale’s education and experience served him well in his civilian career as he became one of the nation’s most experienced chief information offi cers (CIO).

He returned to his native state of Florida, and when the state

established the Information Resource Commission Hale became its fi rst executive director.

In 1995, Hale moved to Georgia

as CIO, tasked with planning, making policy for and overseeing state information systems. Hale led the modernization of Georgia’s major computer systems and earned the state recognition by three national institutions as being fi rst in the nation in e-commerce and fi rst in the use of technology related to public safety.

After 17 years as a public sector CIO, Hale spent two years in the private sector, but returned to the public sector in 2002 when he was hired by Bell to head up the college’s Institute for Business and Information Management. Hale

was instrumental in establishing the fi rst Student Career Experience Program, helped identify the need for a degree concentration in production/operations management, and assisted in the development of Lean Six Sigma and ICAPP programs at the college.

Hale also served for two years as CIO for the college, during which he reorganized the Offi ce of Technology Resources. He was named shortly thereafter to be the college’s executive director of the Warner Robins Campuses. In that position, Hale has been deeply involved in developing the Warner Robins Campus, which opened in 2003, and the Robins Residence Center, a jointly-operated education center located on Robins Air Force Base. In addition to his roles with the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce, he spent two years as chair of the 21st Century Partnership’s education committee, he serves on the board of directors of the Museum of Aviation and is a member of the Warner Robins Rotary Club.

Smokers vs. Nonsmokers on CampusBy Brittany SpornhauerStaff Writer

Smokers standing outside of entryways of campus buildings may have created an unspoken animosity among nonsmoking students at Macon State.

Tyler VanDusen, a junior majoring in history, said, “I can’t stand walking in this (Humanities) building through a cloud of smoke.”

VanDusen suggested that the college create a designated smoking area that is located away from doorways. VanDusen also said he could see a no smoking

policy being put in place if the issue continues. Referring to the smokers on campus, VanDusen said, “They should be considerate of nonsmokers.”

Carlos Sumner, a sophomore majoring in engineering, said, “there are all kinds of other carcinogens in the air anyways.” Sumner also said, “second hand smoke is one of the less harmful substances in the air.”

According to the EPA’s website, the 2002 national-scale air toxics assessment identifi ed 80 out of 124 air toxins as carcinogens.

Joya Paris, a junior mass communications major, said

there should be a designated smoking area. Although Paris does not want to intrude on the personal choices other students make, she thinks smokers should be considerate of others around them. “Students should just smoke away from doorways,” Paris said.

When asked why some smokers gather near doorways, Amy Sapp, a junior majoring in English, offered her hypothesis. Sapp said smokers like to sit on benches beneath the shade.

Sapp also said she has noticed some hostility from the nonsmoking population when

they enter the building. “They will roll their eyes or give us dirty looks,” said Sapp.

Sapp said smokers would probably utilize a designated smoking area if it was not too far away and offered a place to sit in the shade. She said a smoking area would be a good compromise. However, for the time being, in reference to nonsmokers, Sapp said, “we all have to deal with things we don’t like.”

Currently, there are no plans for a designated smoking area or a smoking ban on campus.

“Calculus” and math made easier through stage productionBy Gary SmithLayout Editor

“Calculus: The Musical” is scheduled to appear Oct. 15 at 4 pm in the Arts Complex Theatre of the Humanities building. Admission is free.

Math teacher Marc Gutman found that students could learn math better with a little music factored in. Gutman, together with Sadie Bowman, a comedian and stage actress, created a show that became a

theatrical performance.Bowman and Gutman fi rst met in Minneapolis and they wrote some songs taking on the personas of other musical artists’ voices and beats. “It worked well with students,” Bowman said.

Their mission was to “de-mystify math,” Bowman said, and to alleviate the fears of math. They did songs for pre-calculus students and started joking around making the effort into a show.

After an appearance at a Cincy Fringe Festival, a venue for experimental arts, the KNOW Theatre of Cincinnati asked Bowman and Gutman if they could license their production.

Borrowing from a broad range of music genres and acting talents, the theatre re-wrote and re-cast the show. “All the stunts are real, all songs are live,” said Bowman.

No longer acting in “Calculus,” Bowman now works for the KNOW

Theatre as education coordinator and Gutman has returned to teaching.

One of Gutman’s talents includes improv origami. “You can ask him for anything and he can fold a piece of paper into it,” Bowman said. “I’m not even kidding,” she laughed adding, “Even (conceptual) ideas.”

Macon State’s Blanche Presley, Ph.D. said she had heard about the troupe. “After seeing and enjoying it, I wanted to bring them to the students

here,” said Presley. Aside from some

calculus inside jokes, the absolute value of the performance is not just restricted to the math savvy students. “It’s strictly entertaining,” Presley said, adding that some students, depending on individual professors, may get extra credit for attending.

Macon State’s Artists and Lectures Committee, funded by student activity fees, provide for the production.

Mike Hale

The Macon Statement The Macon Statement maconstatement.com maconstatement.comOctober 11, 2010October 11, 201088 MISCELLANYMISCELLANY

How can a bone marrow registry help?Staff Reports

When a family member receives devastating news that can possibly mean an untimely death for that person, and the search for alternatives begins.

If that news deals with the need for a transplant, a search for a match starts with the hope that a family member might be the requisite match needed. That may not be the answer.

Chris C. Tsavatewa, assistant professor of health administration provided the following information on the need for a bone marrow donor national registry. Every year, thousands of adults and children need bone marrow transplants – a procedure which may be their only chance for survival. Although some patients with leukemia or other cancers have a genetically matched family member who can donate, about 70 percent do not. These patients’ lives depend on fi nding an unrelated individual with a compatible tissue type, often within their own ethnic group, who is wiling to donate marrow to them.

Additional information provided by Tsavatewa shows Many patients, especially people of color, cannot fi nd a compatible

donor among those on the Registry. Patients and donors must have matching tissue types, and these matches are most often found between people of the same racial and ethnic background. A large ethnically diverse group of prospective donors will give more patents a chance for survival.

Medical Director, Transplant Services at the National Marrow Donor Program, Dr. Willis H. Navarro, said that in addition to bone marrow transplants “when there is not an adult donor, cord blood might be the only option.

Cord blood is the blood from the umbilical cord after the birth of a child. Navarro said, “cord blood is relatively equivalent to well matched donor it is a good option.” Navarro said that cord blood that is not saved for cord blood banks is usually disposed of a medical waste.

According to Navarro, there are no cord blood banks in the Georgia. However, he said the Dekalb Medical Center in Decatur was a collection hospital “works with one of our banks.”

The National Marrow Donor Program website states that “In 2009, 42 percent of transplant patients from racially and ethnically diverse communities

received a cord blood transplant.”Tsavatewa said that registering

with the National Bone Marrow Registry does not mean that you will absolutely donating. According to Tsavatewa, you could change your mind about donating the marrow if, several years down the line, your health had changed or if you simply changed your mind.

Several Macon State College organizations are sponsoring a National Bone Marrow Registry drive from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, in the lobbies of the Student Life Center and the

Charles H. Jones Building.The campus community and

the general public are invited to participate. This event is sponsored by the Macon State Association of Respiratory Educators; Future Health Information Professionals; Association of Healthcare Executives; and Alpha Rho Sigma, the Macon State chapter of the International English Honor Society. For more information, contact Chris C. Tsavatewa, assistant professor of health administration, at chris.tsavatewa@maconstate.edu.

For each potential donor, the process will take 10-15 minutes. Each potential donor will need to:

Complete a registration form with contact information, health information, and a signed agreement to join the “Be The Match” registry. To help you complete the form, bring along:

- Personal identifi cation (such as a driver’s license or passport).

- Contact information for two family members or friends who would know how to reach you in the future if your contact information changes

- Give a swab of the cheek cells to be tissue-typed. We will use the results to match you to patients.

The F.E.A.R. Institute haunts downtown MaconBy Chateaux-Capri E. SirmansStaff Writer

One of the more popular haunted houses of the Halloween season is the Fear Institute, which opened Oct. 1 and is located on 450 Third St. in downtown Macon.

With a minimum age of 11, teens and adults are welcome to come enjoy the event each weekend of October from 8 p.m. to midnight. The dates in which it will be held are Oct. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 27-31. General admission is $13 and $11 for students and military with ID. Tickets are sold online at http://www.maconfear.com.

Serena DeLee is the co-owner of the Fear Institute. She is also one of the tour guides through its frightening journey.

“It’s a lot of fun to watch people have a

good time. Most of it is scary, but if we can’t make it scary we try to make it entertaining,” said DeLee.

The haunted house has been running since 2005 and started at the Children’s Museum as a trial year. It has been at its current location for the past two years. The popularity and look of the haunted house has grown and changed greatly over the years.

“It’s a guided tour, which is different than a lot of haunted houses,” said DeLee.

With a large crew to bring this event together, DeLee expressed what she likes most about being part of it all. “I like to do it for charity most of all. 70 percent of the profi ts here go to the Cox Capitol Theatre; the other 30 percent goes to pay for all of the stuff that we put into it,” DeLee said.

Fundraiser is a Hair-raiser, Perry Haunted Barn benefi ts Perry Players and the Red CrossStaff Reports

Perry, Ga - Each October,

when the nights turn dark and cool, a ghostly fog falls on a barn just off of Highway 41, in Perry, Ga. Eerie sounds and blood-curdling screams warn travelers-by of the carnage waiting for them at the Perry Haunted Barn. And this year is no different-the 2nd Annual Perry Haunted Barn opens Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.

With over 3,000 visitors last year, the Barn has grown exponentially and expects to welcome twice the crowd this year. Event host, Jimmy Steffen, boasts that there will be over 15 spin-chilling rooms guaranteed to shock the most fearless soul. “This year, we have added new props and special effects,” Steffen said.

The month-long event will benefi t the Perry Players this year. “It was a perfect match,” Steffen said. “The Players have expert set designers, actors, and make-up professionals.” The Players plan to replace

the roof on their community theatre, located at 909 Main Street in downtown Perry. They also hope to purchase more lighting for their productions.

Thanks to sponsors like Applebee’s of Perry, Middle Georgia Technical College, The Party Store and others, special contests will be held on Facebook and on-site. DVDs of the Vampire Diaries were awarded to fi ve lucky winners in September and October promises contest winners even more: DVDs, event T-shirts and free meals at local restaurants.

The fi nal week of the month-long event will host a B.Y.O.B. party to benefi t the Red Cross. A Red Cross blood-mobile will be on the premises and the Perry Haunted Barn encourages community members to “Bring Your Own Blood” to donate to a worthy cause. All donors will receive half price admittance to the haunt.

HAUNT DATES:Oct. 1 & 2; 8 & 9; 15 &

16; 22 thru 31TIME: 8 p.m. - MidnightGeneral Admission tickets

are $12Fast Pass Tickets are $16

and allow visitors to pass the line for quick admittance.

B.Y.O.B. Party - Red

Cross Blood DriveOct. 25 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.**Donors receive half

price admittance.For more information,

visit their website at www.perryhauntedbarn.com and follow the Facebook link to enter contests.

The Perry Haunted Barn is located on a 150-year-old farm owned by Jimmy & Piper Steffen, business-owners of East Coast Horseshoe Supply. Piper’s love for the Halloween season is the impetus behind the annual event. Last year, the event benefi ted the Humane Society with over 3000 visitors enjoying the event. This year, the event benefi ts the Perry Players and it is expected to have over 7000 visitors.