Tuesday, December 21, 2010

As End of the Year Nears, Economic Uncertainty Persists




The economy began began recovering in 2010 from the deepest recession since the 1930s, but that recovery seemed to go in fits and spurts with no clear trajectory.
As for 2011, expect more growth but with a continued pattern of uncertainty, said Bill Schaniel, an economist with the University of West Georgia.
"This year will be a year that will be remembered as being both not as good as some hoped -- there was no significant reduction in the unemployment rate -- but not as bad as many feared, as there was no double dip in the recession," Schaniel said. "This year did see the technical end of the recession, but for most people the recession will end when there is significant job growth," he said.
In 2010, the economy grew at a steady rate in the January-March quarter. But, those gains were achieved largely from businesses replenishing stockpiles that they had allowed to become depleted during the recession. That first-quarter pace of growth couldn't be sustained.
The effects of the $814 billion government stimulus program subsided. Consumer spending was tepid, as was hiring by businesses. City and state governments were forced to cut payrolls. All of those factors contributed to slower growth in the third and fourth quarters of the year.
Joblessness remained chronically high, with more than 15 million Americans still unemployed. The Federal Reserve unveiled a plan to purchase $600 billion in Treasury bonds to try to reduce interest rates, boost stocks and spur consumer spending.
At year's end, manufacturing is up, consumer spending is rising and Congress has passed $858 billion in tax cuts and unemployment insurance extensions.
All of this leaves an economic picture that remains murky but offers some hope.
"Most economists are optimistic about 2011," Schaniel said. "The forecasts for slow but steady job growth in 2011 will provide some relief for the falling home prices and the federal deficit. As long as there is positive job creation, 2011 will be a much better year than 2010. The rate of job growth will define whether it is a decent year, a good year or a great year for the economy."

Thursday, December 16, 2010

UWG Joins Prestigious Research Cooperative

The University of West Georgia has been accepted into a prestigious cooperative that provides research, technical assistance and education to environmental and natural resource projects conducted by the government.


Known as the Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (PSAC-CESU), the cooperative is hosted by the University of Georgia and is made up of federal agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations.


The research work supported by the cooperative includes projects in biological, physical, social and cultural sciences, with topics ranging from anthropology to zoology.


Dr. Ann McCleary, UWG professor of history and the director of the Center for Public History, said membership in the research cooperative will give faculty and students greater access to federally funded environmental and cultural resource-management research projects.


The consortium provides a marketplace for university and NGO members to bid on projects funded and supported by federal agencies, McCleary said.


The majority of the projects focus on the sciences. McCleary said UWG faculty in the geosciences, biology and environmental studies “will find many opportunities for research in their respective fields.”


Other departments, among them sociology, anthropology and the Antonio J. Waring Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, could also find projects on which to bid. Faculty in departments across the university can participate in projects, McCleary said.


The addition of UWG strengthens the cooperative and “enriches the opportunities for collaboration and support of our 10 member federal resource agencies," said James M. Sweeney, associate dean for research and service at UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Sweeney is also director of the studies unit.


Among the 17 institutions in the consortium are Auburn, Duke, the University of Florida and the University of North Carolina.


The National Park Service, Department of Energy, Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Defense are among the federal agencies in the cooperative.


Recent projects funded through the cooperative include: conservation and recovery of rare, threatened and endangered plant species in Georgia; a natural resource condition assessment for six Southeastern national parks; and a study to determine the long-term flood history of the Congaree River in South Carolina.

Students Set to Respond to Proposed HOPE Changes

This is the time of year when Georgia's college students should focus on finals. Instead, some are taking a study break to plan how they will fight changes to the HOPE scholarship they depend on to attend college.

Acting in response to comments state officials made last week about potential changes to salvage a financially troubled program that covers tuition and some other costs for about 200,000 students a year, some students have planned protests.

Others are throwing out their own ideas to bolster the merit-based program, such as changing how students earn the scholarship and using tax revenue from Sunday liquor sales.

Legislative recommendations aren't expected for a few of weeks, but suggestions include decreasing the amount of the award and raising the minimum grade-point average to qualify for HOPE from a 3.0 to a 3.2, said Rep. Len Walker, R-Loganville, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee.

Both possibilities make students nervous. Some could lose the award. Others could have to delay graduation because they would have to work more hours to afford school, they said.


READ MORE:

http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/students-prep-to-challenge-778386.html

UWG OPENING AT 10 AM THURSDAY

The University of West Georgia will open at 10 am on Thursday, Dec. 16 as a result of weather conditions.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Maintenance Project at UWG Could Get a Little Stinky



On Saturday, Dec. 18, the Z-6 Food Service building's grease trap will be excavated and opened for grease removal. This activity is quite likely to generate very strong offensive odors that may be discernible in areas surrounding the building. Weather conditions such as wind and temperature may affect how the odors are spread, but be advised that the odors will last only temporarily. The contractor will take all steps to mitigate the smell, including using neutralizers, disinfectants and deodorizers. The sludge removed from the tank will be taken off site the same day.
The following day, Sunday, Dec. 19,
the existing tank will be demolished and hauled away. There may be some residual odor associated with this activity, but the worst of the odor will be diminished by then.
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, Plant Op Drive will be closed for at least part of the day, and possibly all day. The university will be closed for the holidays, so few if any people should be affected. Access to facilities along and beyond Plant Op Drive will be available only via the Arbor View concrete service roads. The work areas will be primarily near the front (north) entrance of the Z-6 building, and Plant Op Drive in front of the building. The contractor will erect barricades near any excavations, but pedestrians and motorists should avoid the work areas from Dec. 18 - Jan. 2.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias to Perform at UWG




Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, whose high-octane standup act has sold out clubs nationwide and landed him on several TV shows, will perform at the University of West Georgia’s Coliseum on Friday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at the UWG Coliseum website or at the coliseum box office, which will be open Tuesday, Dec. 14 - Friday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

All tickets are general admission and are $20. UWG students and employees can purchase a maximum of two tickets for $15 each with UWG ID.

Iglesias combines impeccable voice abilities with an uncanny knack for storytelling to keep crowds on the edge of their seats, that is, when they aren’t rolling on the floor laughing.

He has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and HBO’s “Comedy Minutes,” among many other shows.

For a sample of Iglesias’ comedy performances, visit fluffyguy.com.

New UWG Facebook page

Keep up with the University of West Georgia at our new Facebook page. Come, share your comments, photos and news with us while we keep you up-to-date with West Georgia happenings.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Temple wants foreclosed properties to be kept clean

by Spencer Crawford/The Villa Rican

It was just a few years ago that Temple was on the precipice of exploding growth with a number of new houses being built, but the effects of the poor economy have left many homes standing empty with yards that have gotten out of control.

In an effort to ensure upkeep of these properties, the Temple City Council is working toward adoption of an ordinance regulating the maintenance of vacant and foreclosed residential properties in the city. The ordinance is expected to be approved in January.

“This has been in committee for quite some time,” Mayor Rick Ford said. “We’ve received numerous complaints about unkept properties that have been foreclosed – people who aren’t cutting their grass, maintaining codes violations and so forth, so this is a by-product of that.”


Read more:
http://times-georgian.com/view/full_story/10610977/article-Temple-wants-foreclosed-properties-to-be-kept-clean?instance=TG_home_story_offset

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Fall Commencement At UWG

The University of West Georgia will host its fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the Coliseum. Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, university president, will serve as speaker and Master of Ceremonies.


Approximately 560 undergraduates and graduate students will make the hard-earned walk across the stage to receive their diploma. The ceremony will also be broadcast live by The Wolf — UWG’s Internet radio station — at westga.edu/thewolf.


For more information on the commencement ceremony, call 678-839-6464.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Christmas with the Carrollton Symphony Orchestra

The Carrollton Symphony Orchestra will present its annual holiday show on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the University of West Georgia's Townsend Center for the Performing Arts.

Sure to thrill kids and grown folks alike, the CSO returns with its gift of Christmas favorites ranging from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite No. 1, sacred Christmas hymns and sing-along songs to the world premiere of S. Baltzer’s Holiday Suite for Orchestra. Conductor Terry Lowry will move from the baton to the piano to improvise upon holiday requests taken from the audience. Bring the entire family and make Christmas with the CSO part of your holiday tradition.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors/military and $8 for children and can be purchased by calling 678-839-4722 or visiting Townsendcenter.org.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias to Perform at UWG



Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, whose high-octane standup act has sold out clubs nationwide and landed him on several TV shows, will perform at the University of West Georgia’s Coliseum on Friday, Jan. 7 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at westga.edu/coliseum/index_14691.php.

Iglesias combines impeccable voice abilities with an uncanny knack for storytelling to keep crowds on the edge of their seats, that is, when they aren’t rolling on the floor laughing.

He has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and HBO’s “Comedy Minutes,” among many other shows.

For a sample of Iglesias’ comedy performances, visit Fluffyguy.com.

Friday, December 3, 2010

UWG Conducting Toy Drive for Holidays



The annual UWG Toy Drive is here, benefiting children throughout Carroll County, in partnership with the Department of Family and Children Services.

The toy drive continues through Friday, Dec. 10, with a brunch from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Townsend Center's Dangle Theatre.

To make gift collections easier, many departments throughout UWG
keep a decorated drop-off box as a collection point.

To participate bring any unwrapped gift for a child age newborn - 18 to the Toy Drive on Dec. 10. You may select clothing, toys, recreation

items, arts and crafts or school supplies. Winter clothing is a
priority for many this year.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Circo Comedia Coming to UWG


The University of West Georgia's Townsend Center for the Performing Arts proudly presents Montreal’s Circo Comedia on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in partnership with the annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts are the signature style of Circo Comedia. Starring Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté, experience an evening of humor, acrobatic tricks, heroic feats and magical jesters that are great entertainment for the entire family.

Tickets for Circo Comedia are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military, and $8 for children.

Visit or call the Townsend Center Box Office at 678-839-4722, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and one hour before show time.

Tickets may also be purchased online at TownsendCenter.org. The TCPA website contains information on the 2010-2011 Season, educational outreach programs, Live Art 2011 and driving directions.

Attendees are also invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the holiday Toys For Tots drive. Donations will be accepted at the Townsend Center.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

UWG Professor Weighs in on Pentagon Survey Findings

The Pentagon’s conclusion that repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy will not disrupt military effectiveness comes as no surprise to Daniel Helminiak, professor of psychology at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton.
The shift in attitudes is generational, said Helminiak, who has written extensively on homosexuality.
“It really is no surprise to me that it came out so positively,” Helminiak said.
“I’ve seen, over the years, a shift in the students’ attitudes. The young adults these days have had gay and lesbian friends since their junior high days. They are very comfortable with their sexuality and understand it much better than other generations. They are not afraid of one another. This change is all for the good.”
The survey, released this week by the Pentagon, revealed that two-thirds of the overall force predicted little impact on the military's ability to wage combat if gays were allowed to serve openly.

Furry Friends for Finals

Who says finals can't be fun?
The Carroll County Humane Society and University of West Georgia staff brought puppies to campus Dec. 1, 2010 to help relieve students' test anxiety and stress.
Check out this and other UWG videos on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo4JbjIz-Ps

Monday, November 29, 2010

Good Things Come in Small Packages

4th Annual Holiday Show & Sale
Featuring artwork from UWG faculty,
students, alumni and friends!
THURSDAY DECEMBER 2nd, 2010
GALA PARTY 6-8 PM

BOBICK GALLERY, HUMANITIES BUILDING


SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS



www.westga.edu/~artdept/

For more information contact the Department of Art
at (678) 839-6521

or Stephanie Smith, Gallery Coordinator
slsmith@westga.edu


BOBICK GALLERY HOURS:
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm


Location:
University of West Georgia, West Georgia Drive, Humanities Building, first floor.

Parking: Visitor parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Technology-Enhanced Learning Center building on West Georgia Drive or in the Academic Quad lot after 6pm

For maps and directions visit: www.westga.edu

Long-Range Academic Calendar Posted


Academic calendars for coming years

Semester

Beginning Date

Ending Date

Graduation

Fall 2012

August 20, 2012

December 07, 2012

December 08, 2012

Spring 2013

January 07, 2013

April 26, 2013

April 27, 2013

Summer 2013

May 06, 2013

July 26, 2013

July 27, 2013

Fall 2013

August 26, 2013

December 13, 2013

December 14, 2014

Spring 2014

January 06, 2014

April 25, 2014

April 26, 2014

Summer 2014

May 05, 2014

July 25, 2014

July 26, 2014

Fall 2014

August 25, 2014

December 12, 2014

December 13, 2014

Spring 2015

January 05, 2015

April 24, 2015

April 25, 2015

Summer 2015

May 04, 2015

July 24, 2015

July 25, 2015

Beheruz. N. Sethna: Brain Gain

By Lavina Melwani • Nov 28th, 2010


The US has several Indian-Americans doing important work in academia. Meet Beheruz. N. Sethna, President of West Georgia University which has a budget of $ 100 million and 100 programs of study through the doctoral level.


He’s a Parsi who’s got some important firsts affixed to his name: he is the first person of Indian origin to ever become the president of a university anywhere in the US. He’s also the first person from any ethnic minority to become president of a predominantly white or racially-integrated university or college in Georgia.


While Indian heads of American universities are becoming more commonplace now, back in the 80’s Sethna, who is a professor of Business Administration, was the only one. In fact he has the rare distinction of being the president of three universities – West Georgia College, State University of West Georgia, and The University of West Georgia – all of them in the same office! He jokes, “I was the last President of West Georgia College, the first and only President of the State


University of West Georgia, and the first President of The University of West Georgia.”

He had started as the president of a College with 7,000+ students, and today, the institution after two name and designation changes, is one of four robust- tier doctoral comprehensive universities in the 35-campus University System of Georgia, with 11,500 students.


To see the full story:

http://www.lassiwithlavina.com/24_7_talkischeap/beheruz-n-sethna-brain-gain/html


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

That's grape advice: Vineyard expert offers tips to local growers

byJohn P. Boan/Times-Georgian
8 hrs ago | 136 views | 0 0 comments | | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Brian Kent, Dr. Dave Lockwood and Doug Mabry tour Kent’s farm near Farmers High Road Tuesday. Lockwood, a faculty member of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, surveyed local plots of land farmers hope to convert into vineyard space next year. (Photo by Thomas O Connor/Times-Georgian.)
Brian Kent, Dr. Dave Lockwood and Doug Mabry tour Kent’s farm near Farmers High Road Tuesday. Lockwood, a faculty member of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, surveyed local plots of land farmers hope to convert into vineyard space next year. (Photo by Thomas O'Connor/Times-Georgian.)
A noted expert in the field of vineyard cultivation has been providing pointers to the dozen or so individuals in Carroll County who are working to start their own grape-growing operation.

Dr. Dave Lockwood, a long-term faculty member of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, surveyed the various plots of land that Carroll farmers are hoping to convert into vineyard space next year.

While grape development isn’t rocket science, he said, it does take year-round dedication and a certain amount of patience. After the seeds go in the ground, it’s usually between three and four years before any grapes appear.

“With vineyards, like any long-term crop, you want to make sure you do a good job getting the soil ready before you plant,” Lockwood said. “The soil, the pH, the nutrition. You need to look at the types of grapes that are adapted to this area. That’s what we’re going to focus on. What kinds of grapes grow well here and don’t have weaknesses like susceptibility to certain types of insects and diseases? It’s not hard to grow a crop of grapes, but it is something you have to stay with pretty much year-round. You have insects and diseases in summer. You prune in the winter, and hopefully you’ve got a harvest in the fall to go along with it.”

It’s largely unknown what kind of grapes will grow well in Carroll County, though muscadines have long flourished in the region.

The Vineyard and Winery Association of West Georgia, which was formed about four months ago, has generated local interest, with about a dozen people committed to beginning their own vineyards at the start of 2011, said Doug Mabry, a consultant with the county who is spearheading the effort.

One of those interested, farmer Brian Kent, said that by cultivating a vineyard on his property, he hopes to be paving the way for the future of agriculture in the county.

“We have a cattle farm here, and it’s a matter of trying to plan ahead. It’s a way to get your foot in the door,” he said. “There’s history behind these grapes going back to the late 1800s, and it’s neat to bring it back.”

Carroll County was once one of the biggest wine producers in the country. In the 1890s the area was known as the “Napa Valley of the East.” Bulgarian and other Eastern European immigrants developed a massive local industry that at one time touted 1,500 acres of vineyards. But in 1907, prohibition went into effect, and the local industry never really recovered.

Local development of vineyards could possibly lead to a cooperative winery.

What is known is that the market is there.

For the farmers, a vineyard provides a sustainable crop that also increases the value of the land itself, and a feasibility study conducted by the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development paints an even broader picture of a local winery’s economic impact. The study, completed in 2009, concluded the county could support such an industry, as it would draw from a 75-mile radius. The county market area would include much of metro-Atlanta, representing more than 5 million people.

Not all of these people are of legal drinking age and some don’t drink wine, but according to numbers from The Wine Market Council, those who do drink wine do it liberally. On average, Americans drink 3.2 gallons of wine a year, and when broken down by the number of wine drinkers in the market area and the average amount of disposable income, estimated retail sales for wine in Carroll County comes to $5.7 million.

But the possible impact to the local economy doesn’t end there. Wineries are big business, Mabry said, and it’s not necessarily because of the wine they sell. Wine-related tourism has always been a cash cow for areas typically known for their wine production, like northern California, and there’s no reason Carroll County couldn’t reap the same benefits, he said.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Preview Day a Success



Fall Preview Day, in which prospective UWG students and their families came to tour the campus and learn about its programs, was a huge success this year. Held on Sunday, Nov. 14, this year's event drew the largest crowd in its 15-year history. Some 627 students and 862 guests attended, bringing the total visitor count to 1,489. The previous attendance record was set in 2002.
This year's event coincided with the recent launch of the Go West branding campaign, which is designed to draw more student interest.
UWG's next Preview Day will be held Jan. 30.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Tallapoosa gets 9/11 artifact


by Kelly Quimby/Tallapoosa Journal
1 day 9 hrs ago | 421 views | 1 1 comments | | 2 2 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Tallapoosa is now home to a piece of American history. Unveiled on Veterans Day, a remnant of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City is now on display at the West Georgia Museum of Tallapoosa.

Mayor Pete Bridges and his wife Barbara drove to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Oct. 27 to pick up a piece of twisted metal, which had been recovered at ground zero in Manhattan.

Deemed “Artifact #G-0076” by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the 60-inch piece of metal is on display with a video and photos at the West Georgia Museum, though the plan is to eventually install it in Tallapoosa’s Veterans Memorial Park.

“We may be the only persons in Georgia that have a piece of the World Trade Center,” Bridges said. “We were told when we picked it up that they’re no longer giving out artifacts.”

The city learned that it could obtain a piece of the buildings’ wreckage after reading an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which was a reprinted version of an article in the New York Times. Bridges and City Planning Coordinator Patrick Clarey contacted the Port Authority about receiving an artifact, and applied Sept. 18, 2009. It was not until July 22 of this year that the city was approved to receive the artifact, and still another three months before it was in the hands of the mayor.

“We were patient,” Clarey said. “We sent certified letters to Congressman [Phil] Gingrey and [Sen.] Johnny Isakson and then it went pretty fast for an organization that big.”

The Port Authority informed the city of Tallapoosa that it would receive the artifact after District Court Judge Alvin Hellerstein of New York signed an order granting the city ownership.

The city is working with Haralson County Veterans Association President and County Commissioner Sammy Robinson and architect Tim Pope to find a permanent home for the artifact in the League Lowe Veterans Memorial Park. According to a press release from the city, “the hope is that the monument will be erected and unveiled for the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.”

“We’ll check and see what the regulations are and design a proper place for it in the park,” Robinson said. “Until we can do what we want to do, it’ll be housed in the museum.”

Clarey said that the intent of obtaining the metal was to serve as a reminder of that period in American history.

“We thought it would be pretty awesome, really, to get people to remember what happened,” he said.

While the metal is being housed at the museum, it is being displayed with a nearly 2-hour documentary video on the events that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

Tallapoosa’s was one of 900 requests for artifacts being released by the Port Authority, all from the World Trade Center buildings, which the authority owned before their destruction.

Clarey said the city also obtained video documenting the construction of the twin towers, along with a book chronicling the events, which are also on hand at the museum.


Friday, November 19, 2010

Boys & Girls Club Needs Your Help


Carroll County Boys & Girls Club


There are many ways to be involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta!

The organization, which sponsors programs that help kids succeed, welcomes new faces to join it in shaping the future of our communities.

If you are looking to volunteer regularly, mentoring a child is a great avenue. If you want to contribute but don't have the time to volunteer, consider donating to the organization, a program or an event.

Young professionals looking to connect in the community can join Club Blue, a social networking group. To get involved on a daily basis with the kids in our community who need us most, visit the career center to view career opportunities.

We can provide promise and hope — in more ways than one!

See what exciting events we have coming up.

Or stop by the local branch in Carrollton at 601 Maple St. at the Old Maple Street Elementary School. The phone number is 770-834-0017.

Brandon White Named GSC Freshman of the Year

For the first time in over a decade, a University of West Georgia football player has earned top rookie honors from the Gulf South Conference.

2010 Wolves
Offensive tackle Brandon White was named Thursday the GSC Offensive Freshman of the Year. White was selected for the honor in balloting conducted among the league’s head coaches.

The honor is the first for a West Georgia player since 1999, when offensive lineman Conelius Alvin was named the GSC’s top freshman. Also, White is only the fourth UWG freshman to win the prize since UWG joined the conference in 1983.

Head coach Daryl Dickey is among White’s biggest boosters.

“This is an outstanding honor for Brandon,” said the Wolves’ coach. “He had a very good year for us, and
2010 Wolves
the potential to become a truly outstanding offensive lineman. I’m really looking forward to coaching him for three more years.”

White, a redshirt freshman from Cincinnati, Ohio, was a mainstay along the Wolves’ front line in 2010. He had 54 knockdown blocks, and was on the field for 607 snaps, second highest among the UWG’s offensive linemen. White also was the highest graded lineman in four-of-nine games in which he played in 2010.

Beyond White, four other UWG players received league honors. Three senior defenders, end Jeremy Cook (Baton Rouge, La.), linebacker Travis Payton(Hattiesburg, Miss.), and cornerback Ken Hale
2010 Wolves
(McDonough) were all named to the All-GSC Second Team. Also, freshmanDenarius Appling was chosen All-GSC Second Team as a return specialist.

Of the three defenders, Dickey said, “I’m really proud of this group of seniors. Our defense made some major strides this season, and they were a big part of it. I want to congratulate each of them for this honor.”

Appling, like White, is set for three more seasons in a West Georgia uniform. Dickey smiles when he speaks of the Griffin native’s accomplishments and potential for the future.

“Denarius had very good numbers, especially for a true freshman,” said Dickey. The coach added, “Our
2010 Wolves
challenge now is to find ways for him to be more involved in what we’re doing offensively.”

Beyond his punt return duties, Appling saw limited duty at wide receiver during the 2010 season.

UWG’s five players receiving Gulf South Conference honors marks the highest number for the program since the 2006 season.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Flu Shots

Health Services has now treated its first patient to test positive for
influenza this season.  PLEASE remember to take precautions to
reduce the spread of infection.

The CDC recommends that a student not attend classes until they have
been free of fever for 24 hours without the assistance of medication.
With patient permission Health Services can confirm a diagnosis of
influenza for instructors thus validating absences from class.

For further information regarding prevention, symptoms, and care please
see the Center for Disease Control's web site for influenza at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
This site includes prevention posters that can be copied and posted in
your area.

Health Services still has flu vaccine available free for students and
for $15.00 to faculty, staff, and their dependents, ages 8 and above.
Please pay by check or bring the correct amount needed.

Keep the campus as healthy as possible as we head into the
holidays and those exams!

Student band: Tetrarch

By Lauren Taylor

Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 22:11

Tetrarch

Chris Casatelli Photography

West Georgia is a university full of diverse groups of students. Some are athletes, sorority members, cheerleaders, and then there are artists. Many people at the university are unaware that they walk by many promising music artists and band members every day; one is Ryan Lerner, a senior at West Georgia and a member of the band called "Tetrarch."

Lerner is a mass communications major; however, he wants to focus more on his band when he graduates. Lerner explained, however, that it is a necessity to have a degree from a university.

"I think it is important that I have a degree just in case the band thing doesn't work out," Lerner said. "I would like to produce music in a recording studio if that became the case."

The band consists of four members. Three of the members are male and the fourth member is female. Lerner is a newer member of the band and plays the guitar; however, the band has been together since 2004. Tetrarch asked Lerner to come audition and ended up really liking his style. He played for several other bands previously but decided to audition for Tetrarch since the other band he was playing for wasn't working out.

Tetrarch, an Atlanta-based band that plays shows regularly in the region, is a metal band with a mesh of older sounds like Metallica and Iron Maiden mixed with a newer twist. Although not signed with a label yet, Tetrarch is on the right track.

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, the band played with Black Tide, an up-and-coming metal band, at the Masquerade in Atlanta. Lerner explained that playing with Black Tide was a big deal.

"Black Tide is pretty well known, which is good, because it helps create more exposure for us when we play with them," said Lerner.

Although Tetrarch is a metal band, they sound far from death metal.

"We play our music in a tasteful way, there is some screaming but we are trying to focus more on singing," said Lerner. "We want to be mainstream and be played on the radio but not sound like Nickelback. We like the sound of Disturbed -- they are heavy but not overboard."

Lerner explained that many people associate metal with Satanic-like music and that their music is far from that.

"Just because we all wear black doesn't mean we praise Satan," Lerner said. "I think wearing black is slimming anyway. Also, most people who listen to metal are just like everyone else, they just like more intense music."

Tetrarch's music has already been played three times now on the radio. They hope one day that being played on the radio will become a regular thing. The band owes much of its exposure to social media. Tetrarch utilizes Facebook and MySpace to gain contacts and to promote the band.

"Social media has really helped gain contacts for us," said Lerner. "We have more than 2,000 Facebook friends from all over. Without it we wouldn't be where we have gotten today."

Although the band is not signed, they are working toward that goal by regularly playing shows and networking through social media.

http://www.thewestgeorgian.com/go-west-brands-university-new-identity-1.1769883