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This Week in USC History Mar. 2, 1992 - Prop comedian Carrot Top performed at the Russell House Ballroom for $1. The -event was sponsored by Carolina Program Union. Alcoholism: A new solution by Michelle Pittman The Gamecock Editor’s Note: Students’names have been changed to protect their identities. ulia Fallows has a drinking problem. According to Alcoholics Anonymous, her weekend drinking might become a habit. Every day for the rest of her life, this woman will be enticed by the evils of alcohol. Or will she? Ever since the legal drinking age in America was bumped from 18 to 21, law enforcement officials have been looking for ways ^ to punish underage drinkers. As tickets and fines have proven futile, movements have been made toward more active punishments. Fallows, a 20-year-old who was recently ticketed outside of Columbia’s popular Flip Side night club, doesn’think she has a problem. “I see no reason to throw healthy, stable young adults who are looking to unwind on a Friday in the same class as those who have chosen alcohol as the most important thing in their lives,” she said. Pre-Trial Intervention and AA meetings are the simplest ways for college students to dismiss their tickets, often saving money and a traffic record. Many people are questioning this option: Does it work, and is it necessary? The answers aren’t so apparent. Who hasn’t heard stories of slack counselors and missed classes? “You’re supposed to show up on time for everything, pay attention and leave when you’re dismissed. It doesn’t quite work that way,” Fallows said. Another underage drinker, Marcia Smanning, talked about her punishment for a ticket she - received at a tailgate. “One of the girls who was with me had not been drinking at all, but there was alcohol in her vicinity, and she got a ticket. We entered into the trial together, hoping to get a lesser punishment, and it worked. “We were sentenced to 100 hours of community service apiece, with no fines. We should have been done by January [2000]. Neither one of us had done more than 15 or 20 hours by February, but no one was checking up on us. I stopped service, and I haven’t heard anything since,” Smanning said. State Law Enforcement Division has beefed up its presence in Five Points this year, and though more tickets are being handed out, many offenders are slipping through the judicial cracks. “I got a ticket a few weeks ago, but I lost my copy. I’m not too worried about it. Can’t I just claim that I was drunk and foigot?” asks one student. “It’s not that the classes are a total waste of time, but that many of the people there are on another level,” Fallows says. “I’ve seen those people who would sell their souls for a drop of liquor, but I’m not like that. I don’t crave alcohol. I don’t drink alone. It’s a rarity that I get wasted.” Fallows seems to be in the majority at USC. As some groups point out, most students don’t party all the time, and when they do, they do so responsibly. USC’s Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs has run advertisements in The Gamecock touting that 71 percent of USC students have four beers or fewer when they party. “I’d be more concerned with the kids who don’t go out. If you’re underage and at the bar, you have to stay in control,” Smanning said. “It’s when you’re sitting at your friend’s house with nothing to do and nowhere to go that you get fucked up.” Many people with serious drinking problems choose not to flaunt them. “I’ve met people whose families have begged and pleaded with them to stop drinking. They’ve been through interventions. How could they not be resentful to some bratty college kid who got busted because they were stupid?” Smanning said. The effects of these different groups on one another have yet to be noted accurately. They’ve changed their ways, but many have not. “I even know a girl who got depressed over her legal problems and started drinking more,” Smanning says. “I guess everyone reacts in their own way, but the people who really need help don’t realize it. They say there are as many types of alcoholism as there are alcoholics.” The complexities of alcoholism and the legal system don’t make this dilemma one that’s easily solvable. There are major flaws in the rationalization of sending weekend drinkers to meetings with those who’ve messed up their entire life, but that’s not an excuse for bypassing the law. “It’s harder than you would imagine to drink underage,” said Fallows. “Maybe if you’re putting that much effort into it, you have a problem — even if you think you don’t. And trust me, if you’re doing something wrong, you will eventually get caught.” The spotlight desk can be reached at gamecockspotiight@hotniail.com ‘Radical’ reconstruction ■ Important era in USC history largely unknown 1 by Kamille Bostick The Gamecock As USC celebrates its bicentennial, it also celebrates the special place that African-Americans hold in its history and continue to provide for its future. The period deemed “radical” in USC history is detailed in university accounts, but isn’t widely or well understood. To some, the events from 1873-77 would seem like a step in the right direction. During Reconstruction, under the direction of the Legislature and at a time when the country was healing from the division of the Civil War, blacks were admitted to the university. While this integration was short-lived, it’s integral in the university’s liistory. “There were very well-educated students attending, as well—both white and black. The teaching of slaves was illegal, so many of the fomier slaves that entered USC after the war were provided with additional courses to bring them up to task in what was regarded as a ‘sub freshinan class,”’ Bicentennial Associate Director Harry Lesesne said. For these four years, USC was one of the few options in the South for blacks who sought quality higher education. Black males composed nearly 90 percent of enrollment, and some managed to get degrees before the school closed. Several graduates went on to become presidents of other state colleges after receiving their degrees during USC’s open enrollment. The first black man to receive a degree from Harvard, Richard Greener, was USC’s first and only black faculty member during the “radical” period. Greener, a professor of philosophy, went on to improve the library’s oiganization after the previous director left without notice. Despite Gov. Wide Hampton’s closing of the school and expulsion of students, the contributions to USC by African Americans and the effects of their education at USC helped to change the course of education in this state. Though another black wouldn’t have USC alumni status for nearly 86 years — when Henri Monteith, Janies Solomon and Bob Anderson would enroll—USC shares a rich legacy with African Americans. The “radical” days of USC remain embedded in history and mystery, where they aren’t common knowledge even to present-day students. “I’m surprised to know that, and embarassed,” said Danita Heyward, an undeclared first-year student. But she isn’t alone. Chaunsy Harrell, a third-year student in the College of Liberal Arts, said he was “shocked” that he wasn’t informed about the complete history of USC. Harrell wishes “to see more celebration and participation between all people” during Black History Month. “I appreciate Black History Month because you always learn more about black people and their contributions,” Harrell said. Blacks have made history and are making history every day. Just because . Black History Month has passed, many thinkthe education and celebration shouldn’t stop. “There’s a lot of room for improvement... [to stop] getting away from things and forgetting our past,” Heyward said. The spotlight desk can be reached at gamecockspotlight@hotniail.com Festival to feature eight music stages by Erin O’Neal The Gamecock Kool & The Gang, Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, Three Dog Night, Cravin’ Melon, John Michael Montgomery and Better Than Ezra highlight the lineup of bands expected to perform at this year’s 3 Rivers Music Festival. The three-day event, which begins April 6, showcases talents in alternative, classic rock, country, jazz, blues, R&B and gospel. The festival’s eight stages will include a stage for family-oriented bands and unplugged performances. “Last year’s festival exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Frank Monk, chairman of the festival. “This year, we have all new acts that will continue to showcase the spirit and diversity of Columbia.” The lineup features big names in a variety of genres. ■ Kool & The Gang, best known for their hit single “Celebration,” will headline the BellSouth R&B stage. ■ Grammy nominee Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band will headline the Wachovia Jazz and Blues stage. ■ Three Dog Night, whose 1970s hits include “Joy to the World,” music FESTIVAL will headline the Pepsi/Publix & WOLO Classic Rock and Country Stage on opening night. Gov’t Mule, Ratdog featuring former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Rob Wisserman, Dr. John and Hie Bar-Keys are also slated to perform at the festival. Three-day advance tickets are available for $27.50 at local Ticketmaster outlets until 5 p.m. April 6. One-day tickets are $20.00 and are only available after 6 p.m. on April 6. For more information on the 3 Rivers Music Festival, visit their Web site at www.3riversmusicfestival.oig. The spotlight desk can be reached at gamecockspotiight@hotmaH.com Elbow Room prepares to be Guided By Voices T*~ivery n°w HUHhmHI H and again, |Hypocritic| JL-Jthe stars ti .. i:_r_ 12m-u—mu Kevin Langston will UWgll 1 Indie Rock purists. Columbia has a special treat from the Dayton, Ohio, indie gods — lovingly called Guided By Voices. They will be packing ’em in the Elbow Room on Friday night in support of their upcoming album, Isolation Drills. The initial leg of the tour only includes eight stops, and Columbia is second on the list. Doors open at 9 p.m. GBV played their first South Carolina show this past January and were well-received. They must have been so impressed that they decided to return and destroy our eardrums all over again. It’s probably best to bring some earplugs and no expectations, but it would be safe to assume that we’re going to hear some new material with this show. That was the case with their New Year’s Eve show at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, N.C. Older GBV standards were replaced with stuff from the upcoming album. This might be the case Friday night. Either way, it’s going to be a loud ;md encigctic show. These guys were showing children half their age that they knew how to rock. Alter watching them, it was no surprise to learn the band looks up to The Who. You’ll see similar antics from these middle-aged rockers on Friday. It might not be Maximum R&B, but it’s easily Maximum Indie Rock. My ears were in bad shape for three days after that show, and I don’t think they’ve been the same since. GBV frontman Robert Pollard, one of the most prolific songwriters of his time, has been known to sketch out 50 songs in one sitting. He’s the envy of many a bandleader and songwriter. It’s a good thing lie quit his old job as a fourth-grade teacher to pursue a career as an indie-rock god. Some bands will never reach 50 songs in a career, but Pollard easily churns them out day after day and somehow finds a way to keep them fresh. Isolation Drills is not Do the Collapse, Part II. It’s a progression, and why shouldn’t it be? The songs are being called some of the most personal of Pollard’s career. It might be more polished, but if you can get around that, you might hear one of the finest efforts of GBV. That’s really up to you, but there are some strong songs here. Interestingly enough, Elliott Smith plays piano and organ on a few of the album’s tracks and ex-GBV member Tobin Sprout makes a brief appearance. But enough about the album. Only a few of us arc lucky enough to know how it sounds. However, you are sure to get a good idea by coming out to the Elbow Room on Friday night. Elf Power will open for GBV, making this a very strong show. It’s not very often you get the benefit of a strong opener to such a great show. Elf Power is a worthy partner, and they should offer an impressive set of their own. If you’re still having reservations about the new album, you might want to know that producer Rob Schnapf (Foo Fighters, Beck, Elliott Smith) let them drink beer during the recording process. Knowing GBV as the beer-loving guys they are, this should be some good news. Expect to see the boys down a number of ‘em Friday night. Don’t worry. They’re trained professionals. Tlic spotlight desk aut Ik reached at gamecockspotiight@hotmail.coni What’s Happening Friday, March 2 COCK PIT, The Ultimate Jazz Experience DELANEY’S, Davey Clark ELBOW ROOM, Guided By Voices, Elf Power HEMINGWAY’S, Break the Silence JAMMIN’ JAVA, Danielle Howie JULIAN'S, Red Sky MAC’S ON MAIN, ISabor! Latin Jazz ROADRUNNER’S, Joe Davis Band SKYLINE, Along for the Ride SUNDANCE, King Konga, Pause for Effect UNCLE DOCTORS, Corrosion of Conformity, Clutch, Throttlerod, Spirit Caravan Saturday, March 3 ART BAR, Play DELANEY’S, Davey Clark ELBOW ROOM, Daxnummy, Death to VanGogh's Ear HEMINGWAY’S,3-D Monday JAMMIN’ JAVA, Lindsay Fuller MAC’S ON MAIN, Page II Jazz Ensemble NEW BROOKLAND, Nute, Pawnshop SUNDANCE, Maywater Rum, Stewart & Winfield DECISIONS, No Stage Fright Karaoke VENUE 44, Dance Party Sunday, March 4 CHERRIES, Karolina Laser Karaoke COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF ART, Czech Trio CRACKER JACKS, Boogie & Blues Fest w/The Griff Band DECISIONS, Blues Jam w/Brainstorm DELANEY’S PUB, Team Trivia DRAFTER’S, Open jam w/Rick Stevens HOUSE THEATER, Joe Torry PUBLICK HOUSE, Traditional Irish Session ROADRUNNERS, Open Jam w/John Scallon & Smiley Park COMEDY RAY’S PLACE, Cat's Karaoke In The News ■ Academy mails balds to Oscar voters in more secure way BEVERLY HLLS, Calrt (AP) Attention Academy Awards voters: Your Oscar ballots are in the mail. And this time, Oscar overseers expect them to arrive. About 4,300 ballots went out Wfednesday for members of the Academy of Motion Picture Aits and Sciences who live in California Roughly 1,400 ballots for members outside California were mailed last week. A year ago, ballots for California academy members got lost in the mail. The academy invalidated them, sent out new ones and extended the voting deadline by two days. The missing ballots eventually turned up at a postal center in a Los Angeles suburb, where they had been mistakenly mixed in with bulk mail shipments. Oscar organizers traditionally have dropped off the ballots in canvas sacks at the Beverly Hills post office. “The post office, to riiake sure it didn’t happen again, came and picked them up this time,” said Robert Rehme, academy president. The lost ballots were the first of several Oscar problems last year. A shipment of 55 Oscar statues was stolen off a loading dock, with all but three recovered later. ■ Theatrical haven hoping to ne-estabish glory days of 1940s NEW HAVEN, Com (AP) -The Shubeit Performing Aits Center hopes its Broadway premiere of a new musical will help re-establish its claim to fame as “The Birthplace of the Nation’s Greatest Hits.” The Adventures of Tom Sawyer started a two-week premiere run at the Shubert on Tuesday. The musical is scheduled to open later this year at Broadway’s Minskoff Theater. In the 1940s and’50s, the Shubert showed world premieres of OklalK)ma! Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, My FairLady, The Sound ofMusic and other Broadway hits. “It feels like you are in the middle of a historic place, really tire Betlilehenr of musicals,” said Tom Siwyersongwrilcr Don Sclililz.