Nikki Haley on CofC Campus

By Hanna Johnson

Charleston, SC—June 18, 2010, at 8 a.m. Republican Governor Candidate Nikki Haley held a press conference in Randolph Hall on the College of Charleston campus. Several well-known political figures accompanied her to show their support and publicly endorse Haley, including Henry McMasters, Jenny Sanford, and Mitt Romney.

Nikki Haley is headed for the runoff for Governor of South Carolina in the next week, and is still travelling and campaigning as hard as ever. Her “Join the Movement” campaign is promising in its platform and beliefs.

McMasters kicked the event off by saying “Let the unification begin now,” referring to Haley’s push to earn voters’ trust in her as well as the government, and calling for voters to stand behind her in the push for her election as governor.

Following McMasters was Haley’s friend and political colleague, as well as former South Carolina First Lady, Jenny Sanford. Sanford has previously spoken highly of Haley’s reformist attitude, targeting her support of the taxpayers and business of South Carolina. Along with Sanford’s obvious “girl power” opinion on having a woman in such a powerful office, she voiced her opinion on Haley as a person. She called her an “articulate and bright” woman, and “the right one to move us forward.” Haley’s political platform is characterized by small, efficient government and “accountability and transparency in the Legislature,” which according to Sanford is exactly what South Carolina needs.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney took the stage next as the final endorser of Nikki Haley for the day, and proudly referred to her as a “next generation conservative” who can lead South Carolina in the right direction as governor. He has previously publicly approved of Haley’s fight against wasteful spending in the government and advocating of smaller government, and consistently speaks very highly of his friend Nikki Haley.

Romney introduced Nikki Haley herself, and she was welcomed to the stage with a grand applause. She said that she wants to impose term limits so that “fresh faces” will infiltrate the state government and push towards reform. Also, she is vying for income and spending disclosures because voters and taxpayers have a right to know what their money is going towards. Haley finished by saying that “we’re going to make South Carolina the state that makes everyone proud.”

After Haley won 49.5% of the primary vote, she is now preparing for the runoff. When asked about her plans for this race, she said that she is not treating the runoff any differently or less seriously than the primary, and that she still works hard at her campaign. In response to her promise of a different and better government, she said that she wants the government to understand the value of a dollar, just as the people should.

Dr. Brian McGee, Chair of the Department of Communication at College of Charleston, did a post-conference interview concerning Haley and her campaign and political views. He said that voters have a simpler choice with only two candidates, but that the two have lots of similar values and idea, and not many large differences on policies. There are definite tone and character differences, but voters still have an important choice to make. When asked his opinion on the impact of big name endorsements on the voters’ opinions, McGee said that it “may or may not make a difference” in the final outcome.

Nikki Haley is considered to be “one of the strongest fiscal conservatives in state government,” and this was very apparent during this press conference. One component of this push for fiscal conservatism is her plan to eliminate income tax for corporations in order to promote small business growth and to create more jobs for South Carolinians.

Surprisingly, nothing was directly addressed or asked about her affair allegations during the conference although it has brought drama to the political race. Conservative blogger Will Folks wrote on his blog that he and Haley had an affair several years ago while she was married. Nikki Haley vehemently denied these claims previously although rumors continue to circulate. Although this was left out of this most recent public meeting, the allegation still remains in the minds of South Carolina voters as the runoff election approaches.

Nikki Haley brings a strong platform to the table for the gubernatorial race in South Carolina. Her conservative views and reform plans, as well as her impressive endorsers, may just be enough to win her the runoff this week.

Sullivan's Island- Happening Place to Be

By Kara Partelow

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, SC-- Whether your day is comprised of drinks with friends at one of the many popular restaurants, or a relaxing day at the beach, Sullivan’s Island will not disappoint. Driving over the Ben Sawyer bridge, you enter charming Sullivan’s Island. Tucked away from busier parts of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is home to many attractive amenities that are suitable for people of all ages, both natives and vacationers.

Sullivan’s Island has preserved its simplicity over the years by maintaining laid-back southern traditions. With a population of approximately 2000, and number of houses nearly half that, Sullivan’s residents keep their community tightly knit. With the allure of the simple life, Sullivan’s Island has attracted many affluent people. Former wife of the Governor of South Carolina Jenny Sanford has maintained occupancy on the island. Actors Reese Witherspoon and Bill Murray have also made homes on Sullivan’s.

Middle Street, the main drag on the island, is located only one block shy from beach front offers an array of various cuisine, unique gift shops, and low country art galleries. From 2209 Middle Street up to 2263 Middle Street you can expect to find cuisine ranging from all ends of the spectrum.

Dunleavy’s Pub guarantees a perfectly poured Guinness and authentic Irish fish and chips. Directly next door, Seel’s On Sullivan’s Fish Camp and Bar is known for their fresh seafood and frozen Vodka Red Bull slushies. When dining on Sullivan’s Island, one must be careful not to leave out Poe’s Tavern named after the late poet Edgar Allan Poe. Whether you chose the Annabelle Lee or the Pit & Pendulum, these burgers will be as delightful as the short stories they were coined after.

With the long standing history that Sullivan’s Island has, Fort Moultrie National Monument is a must-see. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and with only a small fee of $1 for individuals, and $5 for families, Fort Moultrie is an inexpensive and interesting way to spend a few hours on Sullivan’s Island. As the base of command for the defense of the City of Charleston, Fort Moultrie once served as the site of a major battle between Confederate and Union troops during the American Revolution. Sullivan’s Island preserved a multitude of fortifications, from original cannons that were used defend the coast from troops at Fort Sumter to standing brick walls from the original acropolis. When leaving Fort Moultrie, make sure to stop in the gift shop directly across from the parking lot at the site.

Fourth of July Festivities in Charleston

By Beckett Brennan

Fireworks, hotdogs, and some fun in the sun, yes, its that time of the year again and this years Fourth of July festivities are sure to be a good time. Known for its rich American history, the Charleston area of South Carolina is a great place to celebrate this year’s 235 anniversary of our nation’s independence.

As a true historical landmark, this patriotic city offers an endless amount of activities throughout the day and into the night that are sure to spark some fun for all ages.

Patriots Point

This year at Patriots Point, home of the USS Yorktown, located right off the Ravenal Bridge, promises to uphold their reputation as one of the “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” according to the New York Times. Offering an evening filled with entertainment, people can enjoy live music on two stages, a kid-zone full of activities and plenty of food and beverages throughout the night. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and finish with what promises to be a spectacular fireworks show over the Charleston Harbor at 9 p.m.

If Patriots Point is your destination of choice, admission and parking for this event are free. There is a shuttle service with complimentary parking by Waterfront Park that will run continuously throughout the evening. Personal blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged but no pets or personal coolers are allowed at this event.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, continually known for being a favorite among locals, is a great place to watch fireworks as they light up the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean. Guaranteed to be a fun filled day in the sun, Folly beach is known for getting the party started. If an all day beach trip is not what interests you, enjoy dinner and cocktails on the beach later in the evening or visit one of the local restaurants or beach bars Folly offers. Experience a Fourth of July unlike any other with locals and visitors alike. A night that is certain not to end with the fireworks show, but continue on the beach or in the bars until the early morning hours.

If you plan to join the Folly Beach celebrations please be courteous to the residence of this island by not leaving your trash behind. Open containers are permitted on the beach; however please note that no glass or cans are allowed. Arguments over allowing open containers on the beach have become a center of debate in recent years as a result of the disgusting amount of trash left behind from years past. Enjoy the beach and the fun that Folly has to offer but be aware of the $500 dollar fine or 30 days in jail punishment as a result of an open glass or can container.

Isle of Palm

Another destination that promises a lively, patriotic Independence Day celebration is on the Isle of Palm. Always a crowd favorite, the Windjammer, locally known as one of Charleston’s premiere beach clubs, offers great music, food and drinks on the beachfront. The Windjammer is an extremely entertaining spot year-round and is sure not to disappoint this Fourth of July. During the day, the Windjammer is hosting the 2010 Bud Light Lime Bikini Bash, followed by a mix of reggae and hip-hop music by Tropix International Sound. Following the fireworks show, enjoy the music from the local party-band Playlist, a group who plays your favorite songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Expect spectacular fireworks, great music and an all-day entertaining atmosphere perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Admission to the Windjammer through the fireworks show is free. Tickets to continue the celebration with Playlist are $10, and the doors open at 9 p.m. If the party scene of the Windjammer is not your ideal location, the beaches on the Isle of Palm offer a more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. Great for games on the beach or basking in the sun on a comfortable lawn chair, Isle of Palms has something for everyone.

Picnic on the Harbor

The South Carolina Aquarium, located right here in downtown Charleston, is celebrating this year’s Fourth of July with the Picnic on the Harbor. The Aquarium is set overlooking the Charleston harbor and offers a fascinating look into creatures of the sea through an adventure of numerous exhibits and hands-on activities. A favorite attraction for all ages, the South Carolina Aquarium is putting on an action-packed event that is sure to be a blast. In attending this event, expect an evening of fabulous food and beverages, live entertainment, and what promises to be a stunning fireworks display over the Charleston harbor.

Tickets for this event are $26.00, which includes a catered dinner, entertainment throughout the evening and all of the exhibits the aquarium has to offer. Beverages will be on sale at the event and the doors open at 7:30 p.m. This event is great for kids and families who want to experience the Aquarium unlike in any other way.

So its time to wear your red, white and blue and show your American pride this Fourth of July. No matter what your destination of choice may be for the Independence Day celebrations, Charleston is sure to a blast. A day that promises to be filled with great food, live music and spectacular firework shows. Charleston S.C. is a fabulous place to enjoy an American celebration with family and friends.

Guns for Everyone?

By Sana Ali

On Monday June 28, 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment applies to local and state government, as reported by The New York Times.

The Second Amendment reads “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

This constitutional amendment guarantees the right of each individual to keep and bear arms while assuring citizens that congress is forbidden from interfering with this right.

Although having the right to defend oneself sounds like a brilliant idea, it does not play well when it means giving everyone unlimited access to guns.

In a nation where gun violence has been increasing steadily, we should work on limiting the number of guns available rather than allowing free access to them. As reported on the Brady Campaign website, www.bradycampaign.org, the United States ranks amongst the nations with the highest gun murders.

In 2006, a reported 10,177 murders took place in the U.S as a result of gun violence with an average of 300 murders a day. These numbers have been on the rise since and I fear that they will continue to do so as a result of the new law passed by the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justices should work on taking the guns away from the hands of the American people and equipping them with jobs, education and safer communities.

Justice Samuel Alito Jr. should be working with Mayor Richard Daley to help keep guns off the streets and perhaps maybe, just maybe we can preserve many lives.

Who, Brian McGee, Who?

By Reid Armstrong

If you were to ask many of the students on the College of Charleston campus who Brian McGee is there would be a few that could tell the story…but only a few.

Of the 100 recently surveyed CofC summer 2010 students, only 17 that were non Communication major or minors were able to tell me who Dr. Brian McGee is. The obvious pointed out that McGee has some ties into the Communication department.

If you were to ask that same question to nearly any of the faculty here at CofC, they would be more than happy to regurgitate out his title. As taken from the faculty bio sheet on the Colleges’ website, he is the “Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication and Faculty Associate in Women’s and Gender Studies.”

Many of his current and previous students would share a different side of McGee that the entire campus should experience. Katie Weaver says, “The College could not have picked a better department chair than Brian. He is one of my only professors that can take a course as boring as Theories of Rhetoric, and turn it into something bearable. And oh yeah, go Buckeyes!”

McGee can be credited for some PR work for the College, your typical national anthem singer for the Charleston RiverDogs, a published news/book writer and of course your everyday communication connoisseur.

Many who know McGee, or have had the pleasure of taking a course or two of his, would be able to oppose to any of those statements. Many would be able to argue the list should go on and on.

There are very few that would be able to strengthen or mold the department into what it has become today. If the College should anything in accordance with McGee, it should consist of something along the lines of “never fear Brian is here”.

I do not think the College has anything to worry about as long as they have the watchdog McGee lending a helpful hand.

Finding a department chair that will hand out extra credit is hard to find in any esteemed school, but McGee has found a sure proof way to incorporate some extra points into his classes. It’s simple, memorize the schools alma mater, sing it in front of your entire class and he will gladly hand over five of the classes one thousand total points.

Needless to say Dr. Brian McGee stands alone as the 2010 CofC’s number one draft pick.

"When" is Still the Questions for SCSU Transportation Center

By Glenn McNeil

Within the past two weeks, the Post & Courier has posted numerous articles regarding challenges at South Carolina State University's University Transportation Center. The Jun 14, 2010 article cited twelve years of a vacant area initially planned as the site of the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center (JECUTC).

In a related article posted on Jun 24, 2010, a South Carolina State University board member said he will ask trustees to approve an audit of the JECUTC at an upcoming retreat.

While accounting for funds looms large for the JECUTC, perhaps a bigger issue is a plan for the center going forward. When, or if, implemented, the center could provide excellent training for local transportation/logistics career oriented prospects.

According to the college's website, the JECUTC places major focus of intermodal research, education and technology on transportation-related programs. Completion of a $50 million transportation center would certainly help the cause.

The UTC program, initiated in 1987 under the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act, authorized the establishment and operation of transportation centers in each of the 10 standard federal regions.

With over 30 University Transportation Centers nationwide it would be great to complete construction of the JECUTC complex - a project started over ten years ago. A project that could recruit, educate and mode local talent. A project that could help South Carolina's economy.

Now South Carolina State University plans to conduct an audit of millions and confirm where funds may have been spent. Supposedly, a little over $26 million remains for the new complex but questions have come up regarding the center’s program funding.

As an explanation of millions of funds which are not accounted for, a finance official said the university put in place a new financial recording system a few years ago, and it's difficult to access records from the old system. Not much assurance for taxpayers.

According to university officials they still hope to move forward with a complex for the JECUTC.

The Smashing Pumpkins to Visit the Music Farm

By Marielle Hartmann

On Saturday July 17, the Smashing Pumpkins will be performing at the Music Farm in downtown Charleston. Selling out within eight minutes of the tickets going on sale, the show is one of twelve concerts on their Teargarden by Kaleidyscope Tour that is starting in Cleveland, Ohio and ending in Osaka, Japan.

Smashing Pumpkins announced on their website in early June that they would be doing a 12-show series of intimate venues and invite a select group of fans to attend their sound checks.

Lead singer, Billy Corgan, announced on their website, “We’re going to do something unique, which is play an invite-only set during sound check of almost all new unreleased songs. We’re still figuring out a way to make it possible for some of the fans who’ll be waiting outside in line to get in for that.”

The internationally renowned band has continued with their decision to perform at more intimate venues because “it allows the band the opportunity to take some chances musically,” explained Corgan. They recently broadcasted a live rehearsal session in Los Angeles online: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-from-coldwater-studio.

The Pumpkins released their four-song EP, Teargarden By Kaleidyscope Vol.1: Songs For a Sailor, this past May. This is the first of 11 EP’s that will be released online, surprisingly, for free.

When asked during an interview by Beatweek magazine why the band was releasing the complete 44-song series for free, Billy Corgan stated, “Well, as I’ve said a few times free isn’t free. It isn’t easy taking all this on my own, but the reason I choose to do it is I didn’t want to negotiate anymore with a broken system until it is fixed. I wanted to move at the speed the internet is moving, which of course is lightning speed. In this thinking I have tremendous flexibility to reach people in all sorts of different contexts without constantly asking them to give me more, more, more. Right now it is all about the music and I love it.”

The band’s lineup, which has changed multiple times over the past 22 years, includes Jeff Schroeder on guitar, Mike Byrne on drums, and Nicole Fiorentino on bass. The original lineup, beginning in 1988, had included James Iha, D’arcy Wretzky, Jimmy Chamberlin and Billy Corgan. But due to much internal fighting, drug abuse and shrinking record sales, the band split up in 2000. Other rotating band members have included Melissa Auf Der Mauer, Ginger Pooley, Jonathan Melvoin, Matt Walker, and Dennis Flemion.

Billy Corgan stated, “I haven’t been this comfortable in a band situation since about 1995. Musically, we seem to have wound our way back to a more kinetic, electric and psychedelic sound that reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins in Gish-Siamese era.”

The Smashing Pumpkins have never fit into one genre before. Their musical style includes elements of gothic rock, psychedelic rock, electronica and heavy metal. Billy Corgan has always been the main lyricist and his songs have been described by William Shaw of Details magazine as “anguished, bruised reports from Billy Corgan’s nightmare-land.”

Their most recent album is one of eight. Their third album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, released in 1995, is their most successful album to date. It went platinum in the U.S. nine times and became the best-selling double album of the decade to date.

In 1997 it received seven Grammy Award nominations, including Album of the Year. They ended up winning the Best Hard Rock Performance category for the lead single off the album titled, “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”. That year they also won Favorite Alternative Artist for the American Music Awards. In 1998, they won the Grammy Awards’ Best Hard Rock Performance again for “The End is the Beginning.”

The band cites post-punk and gothic rock bands such as The Cure, Joy Division/New Order, Bauhaus and Depeche Mode as some of their main influences. Many current music artists have cited Smashing Pumpkins as their influence including such diverse artists as Nelly Furtado, My Chemical Romance, Kill Hannah, Silversun Pickups and the Deftones.

This will be the Smashing Pumpkins first visit to the Music Farm and to Charleston, SC. When the band's tour manager called All-In Entertainment and Music Farm representative, Greg D'Angio, this past May to do a performance at the Farm, D'Angio responded, "That's effing awesome. Let's do it!"

When asked why the Pumpkins would choose the Music Farm over other venues in the southeast, D'Angio said, "Well, I think the Farm has a good reputation here in the concert business. We try to create good and lasting relationships with all of our visitors. We take care of them and they always seem to enjoy what the city has to offer them while they stay. Many of the bands who perform at the Farm come back for second or even third visits."

Hopefully the Smashing Pumpkins will enjoy their stay enough to want to come back. This concert will probably be one of the most memorable that the Music Farm will be hosting this summer.

"I think the audience is probably going to be the most interesting array of people to attend a concert here this summer. Since the Pumpkins are from the 90's era, there's going to be a middle-aged crowd and a lot of ex-goth types. There will also be a bunch of young people your age there too. Probably even some high schoolers. It will definitely be an interesting vibe to say the least. And the show is sold out, so all these people are going to be getting very close," stated D'Angio.

The Pumpkins' new album has received some good press attention and the last time the band was on tour was in 2008. Hopefully, playing at small concert venues is the new trend for big bands like the Pumpkins because the people of Charleston would love to have them return and for others to follow in their footsteps.