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February 7, 2011

Blue Storm Baseball, a history in the making

By Kaleb Clark Staff Writer Luther Williams Field, historic former home to the minor league teams of the Pittsburg Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and the Atlanta Braves, is now called home by the Blue Storm. Blue Storm baseball clubs first game of the season is on Feb. 12 starting at 2 p.m. at Luther Williams Field against Georgia Tech. To mark the importance of the occasion, David A. Bell, president of Macon State College, will be throwing out the first pitch. The baseball club has come a long way from their start. In 2010 the first year team began their season by making a name for themselves with their dominating pitching staff and a powerhouse line up. They did not have a field to call home, so they competed all of their home games at the local Westside High Schools baseball field. Macon States first year baseball club fought and won the opportunity to play ball at Point Stadium in Johnsonville, Pennsylvania during the National Club Baseball Association (NCBA) Division 2 College World Series. The baseball club ended their eye opening first season with a trip to the World Series, and ranking number 6 in the nation with a regular season record of 17-9. Because of the success of their first season, Director of Recreation and Wellness, James Staff Photo Hagler signed a lease with the local Macon Pinetoppers. This gave birth to Macon States first true home baseball field. Like the All Star players Chipper Jones and Raphael Furcal, Blue Storm baseball will have a chance to make history at Luther Williams Field. What can we expect

Volume 42, Issue 11

Call For Letters

Egyptian citizens are rioting against their government; will it affect you? The Macon Statement is asking readers of this newspaper to send letters to the Editor to respond to this question. If you feel there will be repercussions to the United States and that ultimately you as a citizen will feel those repercussions, what do you think they will be and how will they affect you? Unrest is also occurring in other countries throughout the Middle East. What, if any affect will the problems in that part of the world have on the United States? What do you think the policy of the United States should be regarding governments that have been politically and financially supported in the past in light of the unrest in the world?

from the baseball club this year? According to NCBA polls, Macon State Colleges Blue Storm baseball club is projected to be number seven in the nation during the upcoming season. Who are Blue Storms top prospects this year? Starting first baseman, junior Clae Mathis, is on multiple Major League Teams radars due to his impeccable power at the plate. Ace number one starter, crafty left handed veteran, junior Brandon Bryan is returning after last season. Behind the plate, veteran catcher, junior Tyler Sailors was recognized in a professional combine in Atlanta for having the

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BLUE STORM

Is there a safe way to drink alcohol?

By Kaleb Clark Staff Writer Do you think that there is a safe way to drink alcohol? No matter how you think, there is going to be someone who believes differently. This is because everyone has different views of drinking alcohol, people have different experiences, and people are ill informed on the effects alcohol has on your body and your brain. The media is partially responsible for peoples view of drinking alcohol. Commercials advertising beautiful people having a fun time can give you an image that there is a safe way to drink alcohol. While other commercials such as the governors office of public safetys zero tolerance advertisements give you an image that there isnt a safe way to drink alcohol. This article will explain the positive and negative effects of drinking alcohol by addressing quotes from people with different backgrounds and then back each of their views of drinking alcohol with hard facts from professors, literature, and research studies. in inhibition, a person becoming more talkative, more confident, and it makes people do things they wouldnt ordinarily do. This means drinking alcohol can help you to socialize easier, but according to nursing major Sarah Walker, There are two different types of drinking socially. She explained that it is safer to drink at home with your family then to drink at parties where you are not in a controlled environment. Sleep- Health and physical education major, Lonnie Castellano said, Alcohol helps you chill and go to sleep. Myers textbook, Psychology (edition nine), also stated, drinking alcohol depresses the medulla (brain stem), the part of the brain that controls your heart rate, breathing, and temperature. In small doses, alcohol will induce sleep, but in larger doses, alcohol can cause you to loose consciousness involuntarily. Pippa Sales book titled Alcohol Abuse-Strait TalkStrait Answers argues that drinking alcohol to fall asleep can make your later sleeping hours to be fitful, leaving you not feeling rested in the morning. De Stressor- History major, Leila Beckham said, Drinking can be a de stressor. According to Myers textbook, Psychology (edition nine), after suffering a loss, ending a romantic relationship, or dealing with other depressing situations, drinking alcohol can help by lowering your self awareness. This loss of self awareness is because alcohol slows your neural activity and your bodys functions. This positive effect of
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How can alcohol affect your life? Positively

Correction
An incorrect statement was included in the Jan. 24 issue in the article on Enforcement of the new smoking policy will begin when signs are posted. According to the Tobacco Policy effective Jan. 1, 2011, individuals can walk on campus while smoking but the use of tobacco is prohibited within 50 feet, approximately 20 paces, of the main entrance to all campus buildings; including residence halls with the exception of College designated smoking areas. The Macon Statement regrets the error.

The people who view drinking alcohol positively take in to account the depressing affects that alcohol has on the brains functions and neural transmitters. Socially - Macon State student, Nicholes Lang said, Drinking helps peoples self confidence. It helps the socially awkward. According to the textbook Psychology (edition nine) by David G. Myers, drinking alcohol affects the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that processes information from the senses and it processes thoughts. This leads to a decrease

ALCOHOL

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EDITORIALS & OPINIONS

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Wanted
Do you find yourself standing in line at the movie theatre when you first hear your favorite star or action heros latest film is about to be released? Can you tell just enough of the story to entice others to buy a ticket on your word alone? Why not be a FILM REVIEWER? You can be paid and published! Friends will envy you! Apply at The Macon Statement, in the Media Room 120 in the Student Life Center.

Graduation Reminder

Students must apply for graduation two semesters prior to the anticipated graduation term. A student who files an application to graduate in the spring term after April 1 is not eligible to participate in the annual commencement ceremony in May. Contact the Registrars Office should you have questions at 478-4712853.

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 recognized student newspaper of Macon State College and is published biweekly (Mondays)

during fall and spring semesters. Opinions and ideas expressed in the student newspaper are those of the individual artists, authors, or 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. For a review of all Macon Statement policies, see The Macon Statement Handbook at http://www.maconstate.edu/studentlife/ statementmedia.aspx

staff
478-757-3605 FAX 478-757-2626 OFFICE: SLC-120 www.maconstatement.com
Staff Writer: Allison Boutwell Staff Writer: Carrie Ginest Staff Photographer: Kayla Barton Editor-in-Chief: Norma Jean Perkins Managing Editor: Summer Leverett Copy Editor: Marian G. Brewer Copy Editor: Alexis Meeks Layout Editor: Lily Billingsley Photo Editor: Kimberly Waddelton Sports Editor: Kaleb Clark Webmaster: Harry Underwood

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ON CAMPUS
Matson said, It takes alcohol 30-45 minutes to reach its peak effect on your body. Matson further explained that when you take your first drink you might feel that it is safe to drink a second drink because you dont feel the full effect of the first drink yet. Later, the effects of both drinks will layer together, increasing your chance of becoming intoxicated, and your liver will struggle to process the alcohol. You can prevent this by spacing out your drinking and by have a higher tolerance to alcohol then you are at a higher risk to become an alcoholic. Information from Alcohol Sourcebook third edition explains that dopamine neurotransmitters in your brain control movement, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. Drinking alcohol over stimulates these transmitters causing euphoric effects. As a person continues to drink alcohol their brain adapts to the surges of dopamine by producing less naturally. As a result you need to exponentially drink more alcohol to obtain the same effects. Then when you try to stop drinking alcohol, your brain isnt producing enough dopamine, so you crave alcohol. This is what leads to addiction and alcoholism.

February 7, 2011

ALCOHOL

continued from front

as an honor student, joined the navy, started his own medical practice, alcohol should be viewed and married a beautiful wife. Then because of with caution because, his drinking he went When you loose control, broke, and he lost his wife someone else will have and his practice. In the the opportunity to take end he joined Alcoholic control, said Charles Anonymous and is now Matson, director of rebuilding his life alcohol respiratory therapy and free. first aid responder. Diseases- Business Negatively administration major, The people who Tawatha Berry said, view drinking alcohol negatively attack alcohols Alcohol can cause hemorrhages. Alcohol stripping of peoples Sourcebook third edition, inhibitions and they edited by Joyce Shannon, address the medical side published in 2010, states effects alcohol can cause. that drinking Inhibition- Criminal alcohol can cause justice major, Samantha various health Hagan said, There is no problems and positive way of drinking diseases such as; alcohol. You never know what is going to happen. bleeding from the stomach, fatty liver, According to sleep disorders, Myers textbook titled depression, Psychology (edition strokes, and nine), drinking alcohol depresses your inhibitions. several types of cancers. You can say you wouldnt Where do do something or you wont do something, most people but alcohol alters your go wrong brains cerebral cortex, when drinking the part of your brain that alcohol? controls how you process Matson said, information and think. There is a safe way This is one of the reasons to drink alcohol, why, People do things but most people they regret because of dont know when it drinking, said Marshall becomes unsafe. Rhoades, IT Major. Pacing Your Family and Drinking- William Relationships - Rhoades Hervey, Chair of also said, Alcohol can Health Services mess up families and Administration, relationships. explained that Stephanie Browns drinking alcohol academic book, is not like eating Treating Adult cookies. You Children of Alcoholics: take one cookie A Developmental and if you want Perspective, says that another cookie alcoholism is a family then you can disease. Each member of decide consciously the family is affected in whether you will some way whether it is eat a second or a emotionally, economically, third. socially, and sometimes Myers textbook, physically. Alcoholic Psychology (edition fathers are known and nine), explains when you more prone to physically take a drink of alcohol or sexually abuse their it lowers your selfchildren while alcoholic awareness, your inhibition, mothers are more likely and your thought process. to abuse their children You take your first drink through neglect. and it alters your ability In the book Alcoholics to decide whether you Anonymous third edition, should drink a second, one of the anonymous then your second drink writers wrote about his further alters your ability experience with alcohol to decide whether you that started at the age of should drink a third drink 20. He explained how he and so on. graduated high school

allowing your body to metabolize your previous drinks before you drink another. Know Your LimitsWhen discussing drinking alcohol, physical therapy major, Albert Williams said, You need to know your limits. Most people are under the misconception that if their tolerance of alcohol is higher then it is safer for them to drink alcohol. Actually if you

Hervey said, Is there a safe way for everyone to drink alcohol, no. According to, Associate Professor of Psychology, Dr. Ervin Briones, some people never develop a tolerance to alcohol. Alcohol Sourcebook third edition explains in detail how alcohol affects people differently based on their; body mass, gender, genetics, ethnicity, and the way they view drinking alcohol. Gender- Your gender plays a large role in how much alcohol your body can handle. When alcohol enters the body it is diluted by the amount of fluid in your body, since woman have less fluid in their body and they tend to be lighter, alcohol affects them stronger then men. On the other hand, men are more prone to becoming dependent on drinking alcohol because they do not feel the

Can alcohol affect you differently?

effects of alcohol as strong as a woman. Genetics- Research has shone that people with family history of drinking alcohol are more prone to becoming addicted to alcohol. The exact hereditary genes are still being discovered, but by studying diseases such as ADHD and Tourette Syndrome, a correlation has been discovered between genes and the developing of addictions. Ethnicity- Compared to whites, Hispanics have been shown to be twice more at risk for developing liver disease while drinking alcohol. This is due to a prevalence of hepatitis C. Body Mass- People with a higher body mass absorb alcohol better then those who are lighter. This leads to a dangerous concept. If your tolerance is partially dependant on your weight then your tolerance to alcohol can change when you gain or loose weight. Peoples view of drinking can cause them to abuse alcohol. Tawatha Berry said, In Italy and France, some people drink a glass of red wine with every meal, but they dont abuse alcohol. Briones explained that the placebo effect could lead to addiction and misuse of alcohol. When people believe alcohol is helping their problems then they will become dependent on alcohol.

Medical Effects on Your Body and Your Brain

Sex- Briones said, A long term effect of drinking alcohol is erectile dysfunction. According to Alcohol Sourcebook third edition, excessive drinking of alcohol can harm testicular function and male hormonal production. Alcohol may help lower your partners ambitions or give you more confidence, but drinking alcohol can lower your overall sexual performance. Calories- Alcohol Sourcebook third edition says alcoholic beverages supply an abundance of calories, but few essential
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

maconstatement.com

The Lost Art of Gratitude it is actually a lost plot

not like in the first place and gets lost in her own mind pondering words while others are speaking to her. Her fianc finds her distractions cute, but I found it rather rude and annoying to the point of distracting me from what was supposed to be happening in the book. The majority of the book is based on Isabels distractions rather than a real solid plot. Isab accomplishes is to distract even more from the plot. Her use of a chacun son fromage was her way of getting out of an argument over cheeses that she started with Minty Auchterlonie, the party host, victim, and villain. More than half way through the book the reader finds out that Isabel is a feminist as she ponders yet another dilemma and she determines that the barricades in this life are in the wrong place; but they are still barricades, and they have to be womanned. With this being said, she is still a moral philosopher and thinks that Minty being a strong, successful woman is wonderful, but Mintys villainous antics are not appropriate and need to be stopped. Unfortunately, there is nothing that Isabel can do to stop them. In short, if you like philosophy and constant daydreaming this is the book for you. However, if you prefer a book that has a solid plot, actual mystery, and good writing then you should probably skip The Lost Art of Gratitude.

Experience Middle Georgia on the Cheap

By Katelyn E. Laconte JOUR 3131 Whoever said there is nothing to do in the Middle Georgia area? We have things to do here any time of the year whether it is catching a movie on a rainy day, or picking some peaches in the summer sun; our area is filled with activities that are fun for all ages. Samuel Neloms, an information technology junior, said that one of his favorite things to do in Warner Robins is go see a movie at the Russell Parkway Cinema. I like going to the Russell Parkway movie theatre because it is so cheap. I dont like paying $10 to see a new movie. I can just wait the two extra months to see it at the dollar theatre. The price to see a movie at the Russell Parkway Cinema is $1.99 and it is usually not very crowded. Its like going to your own private viewing of your favorite movie. If being outside is more your thing, then check out Lane Packing Company in Fort Valley. Lane Packing has something going on any time of the year. Trisstina Yarber, a mathematics graduate of Macon State, said that going out to Lane Packing is one of her favorite places to go because of their home-made peach and strawberry ice cream. After a hot summer day picking my own peaches and pecans in their orchard

By Carrie Ginest Staff Writer Have you ever went searching for something new to read and found a book that seemed to have a couple elements in it that you particularly liked in a book? Yet, you were not familiar with the author and in turn unsure of the book, but you went ahead and purchased it hoping it was worth the money you spent? The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander McCall Smith was just such a book for me. It combined Scotland and mystery all in one, so I had to give it a shot. This is the sixth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series and Smith has written at least three other series. Isabel Dalhousie is a moral philosopher, a logophile (lover of words and word play), and just a generally nice person. Being nice is what gets Isabel involved in so many problems, but it turns out she is only nice because she thinks she has a moral obligation to be so. She questions why she has to help people she does

ls knowledge of paintings, her use of Latin and French phrases, i.e. a chacun son fromage everyone has their own cheese, and her word power, i.e. funambulista tightrope walker, are all used to indicate a higher level of intelligence. However, what it

I love going inside their caf and looking at their merchandise. Not only can you pick your own seasonal produce at Lane Packing, they also have seasonal activities such as the ever popular corn maze in the fall, as well as other events on weekends throughout the year. So next time you and your friends find yourselves saying to each other, theres nothing to do around here, be sure to check out some of the Middle Georgia activities before jumping in your car and driving to Atlanta for the day.

Crossroads Writers offers screenwriters workshop

Staff Reports So you want to b e a screenwriter Just about everyone, at some point or another, thinks they have a great idea for a movie, right? Well, every movie starts with a script and thats where award-winning journalist Phillip Ramati comes in. Not only is he a journalist with 15 years and a few accolades under his belt but also, hes an avid screenwriter whos going to help you figure out how to get into screenwriting yourself. Ramati will be presenting the basics of how to turn your idea into a screenplay or TV series. Learn story structure from Ramati, a 2003 Disney/ABC Screenwriting Fellowship finalist, who has optioned two scripts. Ramati also was a 2006 quarterfinalist at the Austin Film Festival, is a former student judge for the George M. Foster Peabody Awards and writes The TV Guy blog for The Macon Telegraph. The workshop will be held at the Sidney Lanier Cottage House Museum located at 935 High St., Macon, GA. To reserve your seat, RSVP to chris@crossroadswriters.org and save a little cash in the process! Early registration $15 Student registration $10 Day-of registration $20 Bring cash or check the day of the event. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the workshop begins at 10 a.m. Refreshments (coffee, pastries, etc) are provided. Visit www.CrossroadsWriters. org for details and a look at other upcoming events!

maconstatement.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 7, 2011

Macon Film Festival begins its sixth year of bringing independent filmmakers to middle Georgia
By Norma Jean Perkins Editor-in-Chief As the third week in February approaches, the Macon Film Festival is gearing up for what might prove to be their best festival yet. Terrell Sandefur, in charge of marketing and publicity for the Festival, said there are over 100 films in competition and they are from around the world. He said there would also be five special screenings in addition to the competition. Nick Moran, who play Eddy in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as well a Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will be showing The Kid at the special screening on Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m. Moran directed this film based on the life of English writer Kevin Lewis who struggled as he grew up with a dysfunctional family. The release on this film states that Lewis was beaten and starved by his parents, bullied at school and abandoned by social services. In spite of all the difficulties, he grew up to better himself. In addition to participating in the question and answer session after the screening, Moran will be conducting a workshop on Sunday, Feb. 20 about Directing and Distributing Independent Films. The Macon Film Festival is embracing new technology for this years program. The Festival is on Facebook and Foursquare social networking sites and they are going to have a tweeting section in the theatre, said Sandefur. Sandefur said, if anyone is interested in being part of this section they should send an email with their age range, twitter name and Facebook name to MAGAVolunteers@gmail. com with the reference line as: Consider as tweeter on MAGA. The Macon Film Festival has international appeal said Sandefur. The Festival will also include the entire Savannah Film Office as visitors. This will be the first time the entire film office from Savannah has attended the Macon Film Festival, said Sandefur. Although it is too late to submit films for this festival, Sandefur offered the following suggestions for students that might be interested in next years festival. Begin in early summer even though the deadline for submissions is usually in mid-October. You will definitely need to have some production stills. Films are to be submitted on the website, Withoutabox. com. This is a clearinghouse for film festivals. There are many different categories including niche films. Sandefur said the Festival is always looking for volunteers. He suggested people go on the website at www. maconfilmfestival. com to learn more about the festival. There will be three free filmmaking workshops to be held at The 567 Center for Renewal located at 533 Cherry Street. The workshops are: Friday, Feb. 18th 11 a.m. to Noon: Wearing Multiple Hats in the World of Independent Film -Workshop with special guest, Morgan Simpson. (Star, Writer, Producer of Black, White and Blues which screens Friday, Feb. 18 at 8:15 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 19th 11 a.m. to Noon: From Story to Screenplay Workshop with special guest Scott Seeke. (Screenwriter of Get Low which screens Sunday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.) Sunday, Feb. 20th 2 to 3 p.m.: Directing &

Distributing Independent Films - Workshop with special guest Nick Moran. (Director of The Kid which screens on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m.) *Special guests are confirmed but subject to change.

Macon Little Theatre, then and now

By Paul Roadarmel JOUR 3131
The Macon Little Theatre (MLT) has gone through some rough financial times in the past several years. But despite leaking roofs, blown A/C units and the economic downturn, the theater has managed to finally pay off all its debts. According to John Jones, the manager of MLT, the problems started in 2002 when several things went wrong all at once. The roof began to leak badly, the aging air conditioner ceased to run and the theater got behind on some bills. To deal with these problems, the theater took out a $100,000 loan and started a Save the Theatre fundraising campaign, said Jones. The repairs were completed in 2003. Since that time, MLT has made some changes in order to cut costs and be able to pay back the loan. Some of those changes were making and reusing less expensive set pieces and costumes; instead of renting them. They also hired local guest directors who worked on a stipend rather than keeping a full time director on staff, according to Jones. Jones said that community theaters like MLT are not-for-profit organizations and cannot survive on ticket sales alone. They need grants and donations as well, to prosper- a lesson that Macons halls of fame are learning as well. One grant that helped MLT get back on its financial feet was from the Peyton Anderson Foundation. The type of shows MLT has done in recent years has also changed. We plan our seasons carefully, based on community response and look for shows that would appeal to our audience, Jones said. One audience he admits that MLT hasnt attracted is students from the three colleges close to the theater: Macon State, Mercer and Wesleyan. Jones said he would love to have college students think of seeing community plays as a fun date, or group outing. At $10 a student ticket, its cheaper than a movie and snacks. Jones remembered that Macon State used to have a student voucher that was good for one play a semester. The school no longer offers this, but Macon State Junior Liam Copan-Kelly

said if Macon State offered vouchers like these again, he and several of his friends would certainly make use of them. MLTs next offering is the classic Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire. The show will run from Feb. 4-13. For more information please visit: http:// maconlittletheatre.org/

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maconstatement.com

MSCs Academic Council to vote on creation of new faculty senate

By Kelly Geeslin JOUR 3131 There was a Call Meeting of Macon States Academic Council Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. to decide on the creation of a new faculty senate and the conversion of the Academic Council into an Academic Assembly. The faculty will vote on two documents to do with the Academic Assembly and the faculty senate. If the votes go through on these two documents and if they are approved by President David Bell and the Regents Office, many of the responsibilities of Academic Council will be transferred to the faculty senate. The idea behind the change is to transfer many responsibilities from the large Academic Council to a smaller faculty senate in order to more quickly and effectively make decisions about important Macon State issues. Chair of the Executive Committee of Academic Council, Kevin Cantwell, said that the purpose of the faculty senate would be to have a smaller, more deliberate body that is more intimate to coordinate and better serves students and more effectively do work for the college. Academic Council has held numerous forums and meetings the last two months with SGA President Greg Padgett and SGA Vice President Liz Law to discuss the changes planned. If the vote for the senate goes through, President Bell must then approve the changes and then

ALCOHOL

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nutrients. As a result, drinking alcohol can make it difficult to ingest nutrients within a persons daily calorie limit. Your Brain- Briones said, Your brains frontal lobe is affected in the first 5 minutes by lowering your reaction time and your ability of judgment. According to Myers Psychology (edition nine), alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the neural activity of your brain and nervous system. Alcohol can cause memory loss, and when drinking excessively, alcohol can cause the shrinking of your brain. Your liver- Alcohol Sourcebook third edition explains that your liver, pancreas, and brain are responsible for processing the alcohol you drink. When you drink more alcohol than your liver can process, you can injure your liver and cause a build up of fat cells in your liver, called fatty liver. This can hurt how your liver breaks down essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Red wine- Alcohol Sourcebook third edition says that for people over 55, drinking moderate amounts of red wine has shown light increases in HDL cholesterol, good cholesterol. Resveratrol found in some alcoholic beverages may prevent

blood platelets from sticking together. However, the American Heart Association does not recommend the use of drinking wine or other alcoholic drinks to gain these benefits. They claim eating healthy and exercise can give the same benefits.

Ways people think they can make drinking alcohol safer

1. Eat before you drink alcohol and drink plenty of water beforehand Myth- Drinking water while drinking alcohol can dilute the alcohol you absorb and eating heavy foods such as; potatoes, pasta, and bread can help your body absorb the alcohol you drink therefore making it safer to drink alcohol. Fact- According to Alcohol Sourcebook third edition, people who can tolerate more alcohol have false pretences that they can safely drink more alcohol. When you drink more alcohol your body produces less dopamine naturally. This leads to people craving alcohol in order to receive the dopamine surges that are associated with drinking alcohol. This is one of the reasons why people become alcoholics. 2. Have a designated driver Fact- According to Alcohol Sourcebook third edition, even one drink

of alcohol can severely impair your ability to drive. Having a designated driver is a way to drink with your friends lowering the risk of drinking and driving. 3. Set a limit Fact- Before you drink set a limit of how many alcoholic drinks you are going to drink and only make that much alcohol available to you. According to Matson, once you take that first drink your ability to choose whether to drink more or not, is impaired. 4. If you are set on drinking alcohol, wait until the legal drinking age of 21 Fact- According to Alcohol Sourcebook third edition, during adolescent, the hippocampus, the part of the brain in charge of learning new things and processing your memories is not fully developed. Drinking before the age of 21 can severely alter the development of your hippocampus, causing long term learning problems.

Conclusion

After reading this article you should have a clearer picture of how alcohol can positively and negatively affect your life and relationships. You should know what effects drinking alcohol has on your body and brain, and how people can go wrong when drinking alcohol. Now it is time for you to decide. Is it safe for you to drink alcohol?

the Regents Office must approve them as well. Modifications of the documents can be made at any point along the line of needed approvals. I am optimistic that the vote will go through, Cantwell said. If the proposed changes make it through the Regents Office, an election will be held in midAugust of this coming fall semester to vote on who will hold the different senate positions based on nominations from each department or academic school. The potential faculty senate is planned to include approximately 20 senators and eight nonvoting members, as well as the SGA president and vice president. The Academic Assembly and the faculty senate would be separate bodies with the faculty senate meeting more often and taking over more responsibilities. The senate would meet a minimum of two times a semester up to a projected two or more times a month. All committees would report to the faculty senate. We are excited about it because it brings a new chapter in shared government in the college. I think it will be good for the college, and I think it will be good for the students because the faculty senate will be able to better represent students, Cantwell said.

maconstatement.com

SPORTS

February 7, 2011

Photo courtesy the Blue Storm Baseball Club The Macon State Blue Storm Baseball Club will be playing its home games this season at historic Luther Williams Field.

BLUE STORM

continued from front

best pop time, meaning he was the catcher who was the fastest at throwing out base stealers at second base. With all of Blue Storms talent what is different about the team this year? One of the most significant differences in baseball at Macon State is this seasons change in competition. Furman University has been removed from their division to be replaced with the addition of: Chattahoochee Tech, University of Oxford, Kennesaw State University, and West Georgia Tech. To insure that the team stays one step ahead of their competition, the team will be increasing practice

sessions from 1-2 sessions a week to 2-3. Another difference in this years baseball team is that the experience gained from last years successful season can rub off on the new recruits. New additions to the team include; junior Dillon Mitchell (OF, P), freshman Blake Burriss (third base), junior Clae Mathis (first base), freshman Elijah Acklin (second base, OF), freshman Shane Smith (P, OF), and freshman Travis Grimes (OF). The upcoming season is predetermined by the success of last season, the increase in competition, and with the addition of new players. Bearing the new name of Blue Storm, playing on a new stage, Macon State Baseball is about to begin.

Photo courtesy The Blue Storm Baseball Club The 2011 Macon State Blue Storm Baseball Club, is (from left, back row) Brandon Byram, Austin Duckworth (assistant coach), Clae Mathis, J.P. Mitchell (head coach), Tyler Sailors, Jake Wood, (front row) Kody Patrick, Devon Crouse, Shane Smith, Travis Grimes and Kurt Thornburg. Not pictured are players Dillon Mitchell, Elijah Acklin, Blake Burriss and assistant coaches James Hagler, Chris Summerlin, Jeremy Aikin and Steve Wallace.

Help Wanted
Love to watch sports? Can you tell someone all about a game and get them excited about it? How about becoming a SPORTS WRITER? You can be paid and published! Apply at The Macon Statement, in the Media Room 120 in the Student Life Center.

Ultimate!!! Intramural Frisbee Sign-Ups Going On

By Allison Boutwell Staff Writer Signups for the intramural sport Ultimate Frisbee are taking place until Feb. 10 on the Intramural Sports Leagues website for all interested students taking six or more hours of college credit at Macon State College. The season will start on Valentines Day, Feb. 14, and lasts for four weeks according to Intramural Sports Coordinator Rachel Hardy. Thats up to the team captains, Hardy said when asked when practices will be held. She said that some teams do not practice, because they have enough experience. Registration ends Feb.10; students can form teams until that date. After registration, students cannot form teams, but they can join an existing team, according to Hardy. To register, students must go to imleagues.com to sign up, Hardy said. Id like to encourage everybody to come and sign up, Hardy said. If students encounter any problems, Hardy encourages students to come and see her. I want them to have an opportunity to play. If students do not have a team to with which to sign up, they can sign up as a free agent, and they will be assigned to a team, according to James Hagler, Director of Recreation and Wellness. Hagler also said that there are no requirements for playing Ultimate Frisbee or other intramural sports, except that players must be Macon State College students taking at least six credit hours. Its a really simple game, Brandon Thomason, a senior business major from Byron, said. Pretty much anyone can pick it up and know what to do. Thomason says he will play if he can get enough players for a team. Games will be on Mondays from 3-6 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., according to Hardy. Games are free and open to the public and will be held on the track field, Hardy said. Playoffs will be the week of March 14, and food will be served on the 16th; each winner will receive an intramural championship shirt, according to Hardy.

8 February 7, 2011

SPORTS FEATURE
Erbesfield-Raboutou began climbing recreationally in North Georgia in 1982, and by 1988 began climbing competitively. She got her break in the U.S. team that would compete in the first World Cup Event by being recognized in an Atlanta held competition called the Southeastern Bouldering Championships. Among Erbesfield-Raboutous most notable accomplishments was that she was the first woman to onsight Overdose, a 5.13c climb located in Lourmarin, France. To onsight a climb is to attempt it on a first try and complete it without falling, recreational climber Eric Dixon explained. Its like the home run of the climbing world, so to speak. Erbesfield-Raboutou resides in Colorado with a summer home in France. She married climber and French World Cup winner, Didier Raboutou, and they had two children that developed into avid climbers as well. Currently, Erbesfield-Raboutou and her husband coach a promising new generation of competitive climbers, which make up team Americas Best Climbers. Macon State posted an event where students could hone in on their climbing technique or scale their first wall. On Jan. 21, Macon State took a trip to Atlanta Rocks, an indoor climbing gym. Intramural Sports Coordinator for Macon State, Rachel Hardy, explained that the cost of the trip was $25 and the price included gear rentals and two hours of climbing. Interested students should look for more opportunities next fall semester to visit a climbing gym.

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Georgia raised: Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou rocks

By Shanna Dixon JOUR 3131 Greatness emanates from Georgia through all veins of fame. This nod is aimed at Georgias most famous woman rock climber, Robyn ErbesfieldRaboutou. Atlanta born and raised, 47-year-old ErbesfieldRaboutou attained the moxie and distinction of women sport climbers among the ranks of Lynn Hill and Bobbi Bensman. Erbesfield-Raboutou was a competitive climber and the third woman to complete a 5.14 climb. During the mid-1990s she became a four time World-Cup Champion. The American ranking system of climbing, for all purposes needed here, begins at five, which translates to a vertical surface, and ends at 5.15b. The additional points and letters define the difficulty beyond vertical.

Local running club races benefit local charities

By Jacqueline Hunsicker JOUR 3131 The Macon Tracks running club is holding a local race to benefit special Olympic athletes. The up-coming race for the Macon Tracks is the GEICO 5K, which will be held in Macon on March 5 at 9 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics. Emily Doebereiner, a Macon State teaching student, will be participating and is looking forward to running with my best friend for a good cause. As an avid supporter of the Special Olympics, I love that the race proceeds are going to sponsor the athletes and the games. A non-profit organization, the Macon Tracks Running Club is open to running enthusiasts of all levels and ages. Club members are provided access to training aids, injury forums through Piedmont Sports Medicine and discounts on local race entry fees. Many races held or sponsored by the Macon Tracks donate the proceeds to local charities and causes such as the 2010 Macon Labor Day Road Race, the profits of which went to a $4,000 donation to the Georgia Industrial Childrens Home. Along with the first-time racers, there will be the group of regular Macon Tracks members at the race who have for the runners. I like all the volunteering from the club and the fact that they give to charity. Roughly three times a month races are held in the Central Georgia area, thanks to the directors associated with the Macon Tracks. The majority of these

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watched the running club grow year-by-year, and are pleased with the quality and organization of their races. Victor Hunsicker, a regular race attendee, said I like the new timing clock and the food provided

races count towards the Piedmont Race Series. For more information on the Macon Tracks Running Club, or to view a race calendar for 2011, visit www.macontracks.org.