The Navigator

Car crashes into Mayflower

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Senior Patrick Hawkins says he heard a loud crashing sound at 2:45 a.m. on Friday, didn't think anything of it, and tried to go back to sleep. A few minutes later he could smell smoke. He got up and noticed his air conditioning unit was pushed a foot away from the wall.

Dryer ignites fire in Purcell Hall

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The new Maytag high efficiency dryers in Purcell Hall caused a fire on Wednesday night after sophomore John King plugged in a dryer.
Kings says when he plugged it in there was a blue spark. After a couple of seconds he says he heard some crinkling and saw the dryer ducts on fire.

Needed addition seeks to improve Piedmont budget

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Piedmont welcomes Margie Means as the new assistant vice president of administration and finance.
Means is returning to Piedmont as not only an alumna, but also as a graduate student. Graduating in 1984, Means became a certified public accountant and worked for a private company for 12 years as executive director of financial reporting.

New policy in effect for all of Piedmont community

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Yahoo, Google and Hotmail e-mails are no longer an official way to communicate on campus. Piedmont students, faculty and staff are required to use only Piedmont addresses when communicating with each other.
On July 29, the college changed the communication policy after the Information Technology Committee recommended the Piedmont College e-mail system be the official way of communicating on the campus.

Piedmont working to become a safer campus

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When arriving at Piedmont College this year, there are many new features added. They may be nice to look at, but they were ultimately installed to make Piedmont a safer place for students.
A pedestrian crossover bridge that connects the college to the city of Demorest and an emergency notification system to alert the students of an emergency were installed on or near the campus.

Program comes to Demorest campus

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With the introduction of 18 new Mac computers to the Swanson Center, Piedmont is now able to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts of graphic design to the Demorest campus.
The mass communications department, in conjunction with the art department, brought the graphic design program to the Demorest campus so that it's now offered at both campuses.

Democracy Chokehold

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Oh say can you see.
Warning: The following is simply an opinion, words are not to be taken literally.
Our proclaimed "living and breathing" Constitution has recently become asthmatic, and like many old folks on the proverbial back-nine of life, it has now been placed on life support.

Editor's Pick

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When you live in a large family, feuds are always happening. Because you've been wronged by siblings, you're constantly fighting with them.
At the same time, other siblings will try to convince you that they've been wronged in an unforgivable way, too, and that you should shun that person.

Ink Insights

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Opinions Battle

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Brett Favre should have retired long ago.
Surrounded by young, talented players last season, Favre appeared to be rejuvenated when the Packers made the playoffs.
Let's not forget that Favre, one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, mentally hasn't been prepared to play. Each year a soap opera acts out to decide if he'll return for another year.

Piedmont College Blogs

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Having been on the front lines in the middle school environment, I saw how single-gender education would be a great idea.
You only have to watch the posturing of the middle school animal to see that males and females are wired very differently. The hormones rise and there is a direct correlation in the number of distractions.

Protesting Olympics not the real issue

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Lately, there has been a lot of controversy over the Beijing Olympics, mostly over whether the United States should have boycotted the event or not.
At this point, we really can?t go back in time and change. For future reference though, it's always good to understand the topic.

Staff Editorial

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Lack of parking, high gas prices and the beautiful weather Georgia is experiencing are all reasons to walk to class. However, it seems that not even high gas prices can keep Piedmont College students from driving to class or to the cafeteria three times a day.

The other side of fear

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Often in our lives we bring upon ourselves exactly the things we fear most. This is a recent epiphany I have had. It may not be news to many, but it is news to me. And I suspect it will be news to someone else. If this article only touches one other person, it's worth it.

A whole different world

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Several students and professors from Piedmont had the opportunity to experience another culture this summer. Dr. Albert Pleysier and Dr. Garen Simmons, along with eight others, traveled to Egypt from May 10 to May 23. The trip wasn't a Piedmont field trip because the Cubit Foundation sponsored it.

An experience to remember in Costa Rica

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"Bienvenidos a Costa Rica."
What? I mean, "Qué?" My tica mommy, Auxi Valerio greeted me with a warm hug and a kiss on either cheek. Pointing the way toward my room, I noticed it was only a few steps away from hers.
The first night I arrived in Costa Rica, I thought I was in way over my head.

Diary of a Nottingham Student

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Matthew Jackson, a junior at Piedmont, is attending school in England at the University of Nottingham. He will share his experience with Piedmont students through this column in each issue of the paper.
Dear Diary,
I am scared out of my mind. I have so many emotions running through my head right now that I cannot possibly sort them all out at once.

Free Food

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Grill is providing a way for students to eat out for free this semester. Every Piedmont resident has $50 on their student ID to spend at The Grill on Georgia Street anytime.
The IDs work similar to a debit card, where the balance declines each time you use it.

Homey restaurant serves exceptional cuisine

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Habersham County business is growing with more stores and restaurants settling into the small town communities. In Clarkesville, restaurants are opening up everywhere giving customers a variety of dining options, except on Sunday and Monday.
Anniversaries, birthdays and date nights fall on all nights of the week.

It's a bug's life

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Rick Austin, associate professor of biology, and roughly 30 kids explored a side of nature most people shy away from. For two weeks in June, Austin conducted science camps based out of the Marten's Botanical Center from 9 a.m. to noon for children ranging in age from nine to 12 years old.

Locked file cabinet leads to discovery

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What started out as a search for a file cabinet key turned into a discovery of much more.
In May, Kathy Perry, payroll clerk for Piedmont, was looking for a file cabinet that would lock to store some confidential documents. She came upon Piedmont's assistant controller and internal auditor, Linda Pitts' cabinet and found that it was able to be locked.

New year, new group of freshmen

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Every year for three days, incoming freshmen learn about their fellow classmates through activities and games. These activities introduce them to the students who'll stand by them for the next four years.
The new students climb though ropes, swing across tires, and balance on pieces of wood to accomplish the tasks given to them.

Piedmont hard at work throughout the summer

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While most of us are enjoying our time off from school in the summer, Piedmont stays hard at work getting ready for the upcoming year. All of the offices do their part to prepare for the new academic year.
The admissions office workers receive applications of prospective students and sends out packets with information about shot recorders and housing deposits.

Trip to D.C.

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This summer Piedmont sent me to ATHGO International's 3rd annual forum, Good Governance and Capacity Building, at the World Bank in Washington D.C. The purpose of the forum was to produce ideas for meeting the United Nations millennia goals, especially the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger and fostering a global partnership for development.

A new art department

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Piedmont College Art Department saw their fair share of changes this past summer, bringing in three new faces to contribute to the department's strong reputation. Starting off at the top, the college hired Professor Carl Kelly to assume all the responsibilities of the Department Chair.

Book review

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for a nothing-to-do, book version of a chic flick, Barefoot is the year's winner. Not surprisingly, the plot is a far cry from reality, complete with corny lines and obvious hooks.
The story is based around three women all with huge issues.

CD Reviews

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Coldplay Vida la Vida

Coldplay has never been a band that I went out of my way to see in concert or spent money to buy their CD's. I had heard a couple of songs and liked them enough to not change the station on the radio. Vida la Vida was the first Coldplay CD I had ever listened to all the way and now I know why they are so popular.

Chamber Singers go to Boston

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Every year, the Piedmont College Chamber Singers get the chance to travel to a new place and tour around churches. On the day of graduation, May 3, they traveled to Boston, Mass. for five days of rehearsing and performing for United Congregational Churches.

Hands on at Highlands

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Students do many different things on their summer vacation. Some look for a summer job, while others take a break from school to rest. While looking for a change of the normal summer pace, some of Piedmont's theatre majors and graduated alumni had a big change this summer.

Movie Reviews

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The most anticipated movie of the summer was well worth the wait. Christian Bale stars in the lead role as Batman.
The one thing that makes this movie unforgettable is the role of the Joker, as played by the late Heath Ledger.

National Arts and Entertainment

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thousands of fans, family members, and friends congregated at the House of Hope church in Chicago on Saturday to pay their respects to actor-comedian Bernie Mac, who died last week due to complications from pneumonia.
The memorial was filled with many celebrities who delivered emotional speeches on the life on Mac.

Students hand-make limited edition books

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Painting illustrations, carving illustrations into wood, painting the wood, stamping paper, and making covers is only a fraction of what two Piedmont students accomplished while making illustrated books.
Regina and Mat Fried, both seniors graduating in December, were asked to help make illustrations for limited edition hand-made books of The Raven.

Theater sets the stage

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Theatre Department looks forward to the upcoming year. With no major changes with the staff, the returning directors and leaders look forward to another great year. The department is planning on four shows with two on the main stage and two in the Blackbox.

Video Game Review

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With new combat features and cutting edge 3D animation, Bandi Namco games recently unveiled the fourth installment of SoulCaliber.
A long list of warriors, complete with several Star Wars characters, provide a wide array of fighting techniques for the gamer.

HOPE and GTEG scholarships increase just in time for tuition increase

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There is good news for students attending private colleges or universities this year as the HOPE scholarship and the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG) have increased.
According to Monet Robinson, communications specialist for the Georgia Student Finance Commission, as of July 1 this year, residential students who attend a private and eligible institution and earning an undergraduate degree will be able to receive extra financial aid for this academic year.

Keep off the dreaded freshman 15

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Your first year of college will see you gain knowledge, friends and independence. It will also bring on a lot of stress as you face deadlines, race to class, and try to keep some sense of a social life. To keep up with it all, you'll need all the comfort food you can get.

New IDs for students help protect credit

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This year, Piedmont College is issuing new student identification cards to freshmen and returning students alike.
Historically, Piedmont has always used students social security numbers as their student numbers. However, because of today's high risk of identity theft, the decision was made to issue new student numbers along with a photo of the students on their new cards.

Extreme makeover for Cave Arena

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Cave Arena at the Johnny Mize Athletic Center, which is the site for Piedmont's basketball games and volleyball matches, received a much-needed restoration on its hardwood floor.
The court, unaltered for eight years, got a new paint job that included new logos and color schemes.

Lady Lions welcome new

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After former volleyball coach Katie O'Brien left Piedmont in the spring, the Athletic Department found Bill Shook to fill the void.
Shook brings an impressive resume to Piedmont. From 1994-2003, he coached volleyball at Mars Hill College. He's also served as the coach of the Biltmore Volleyball Club near Asheville, N.

Lions have hay day in May days

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

2008 was a dream year for the Lions' baseball team, who advanced to the NCAA Division-III Baseball Championship for the first time in school history.
Piedmont sported a 34-14 overall record and remained in the top-25 rankings for the final 13 weeks of the season, ranking as high as tenth in the D3baseball.

Lions hoopsters snag national honors

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Piedmont College men's basketball players Wes Parker and Jake Baldwin gave Piedmont one last honor as their senior year came to an end.
Both men were named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches honor roll.
The NABC honors players not only for their talents on the court, but also for their hard work in the classroom.

Pro Sports Inside Look

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The best Olympian ever? It's gotta be Michael Phelps. The American swimmer has the most gold in Olympics history after winning all eight of his events, seven in record time in Beijing. However awesome his success is, Phelps believes that failure to go eight for eight in the gold is in fact a failure� Another Olympic headliner is American James Blake, who stunned the world with his defeat over tennis star Roger Federer in straight sets, ending Federer's first attempt at a singles Olympic medal.