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Debate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 \ are both from California. Shermer argued that science proves that man created God and the concept of religion, while Geizette brought up a more con servative argument. They presented conflicting ar guments to the audience, one an affirmation of faith in God and the other the view that religion is a de vice people use to explain the un explainable. Shannon Calega, a graduate student who wofks with Carolina Productions, said the forum en couraged thoughtful discussion. “This event definitely brings different views on aspects not openly talked about,” she said. The purpose of the debate was to stir up controversial thoughts on religion through the open for mat of the debate. The Ideas and Issues Commission Committee, a divi sion within Carolina Productions, was an active par ticipant in bringing the profes sional debaters to Carolina. Known for bringing nationally recognized speakers such as Ralph Nader and Spike Lee, the committee aims to address cur rent issues and pop culture. “It is a good idea for people to be open-minded and come to gether to share their opinion on God and faith,” said Kristie Flynn, a second-year undeclared student involved in Carolina Productions. ' ' Though not on the Ideas and Issues Commission division of Carolina Productions, Flynn knows how hard they work. “The Ideas and Issues Commission spends a lot of effort into organizing events that make on-campus conversations more in teresting,” Flynn said. Nick Stayman, a second-year engineering student, said he thinks it is good to bring to USC an objective look at religion. “I believe that God does exist, but the debaters make you think about issues that sometimes are overlooked,” he said. The justification for why things happen is a part of both science and religion. Through the panel, people had the opportunity to be come more aware of the overlap ping effect that the factors also have. The annual Tigerburn is next on the Carolina Productions cal endar and will be held at the Colonial Center on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m., followed by a free concert from the Pat McGee Band. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockudesk@hotmail.com SNA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 aren’t embarrassed to bring their friends because they know they’re going to laugh.” Cast members attribute the in terest in the show to a reputation for original comedy, an opportu nity for fellowship and a new house band called Moments of Awkwardcy. Wright said dona tions from local churches and cast members’ parents fund the show’s expenses, which include renting the ballroom and a stage, as well as sound and lighting sys tems. “Hopefully, we’ll keep consis tently filling the ballroom be cause there’s really no place left to go,” Wright said. Third-year media arts student and cast member Stephen Milne said he feels the pressure of keep ing the show original but that each season brings a new kind of comedy. “We’ve added in our skits a more random feel to where not everything has to make sense,” Milne said. “It kind of keeps the audience guessing.” SNA veteran Will Troutman, who was a cast member from 1997 to 2000, now serves the cast as a content consultant. “I think this is one of the best casts ever assembled,” Troutman said. “Their potential is just in credible.” Wright said the cast does little to promote the show and at tributes new interest in it to word of mouth. She also said that at tendance tends to drop as a semester progresses but then in creases for the final show before the winter or summer breaks. Troutman said the show’s guest hosts, which are usually student athletes or other widely recognizable students, contribute to attracting larger crowds. The cast holds annual audi tions for potential new members. Fourth-year English student Katie Glaze is experiencing her first year on the cast and says making the transition from au dience to stage has been welcom ing. “It’s just a really easy work ing environment,” she said. “I think this has attracted peo ple who were already Christian, but we’re also providing a huge outreach on campus,” said Glaze, who added that attending the show in recent years contribut 9 ed to her becoming a Christian. The cast has no intentions of losing momentum. Wright said a logistical problem forced a show this year to be held in the Russell House Theater and that it felt un comfortable. Carey said she would contin ue to outdo her stage stunts as long as the crowd keeps enjoying it and she is promoting the Gospel. “This is something that is completely different than any thing anyone does on campus where believers come together,” Carey said. Carey said she feels just as ner vous looking out to see 400 people as she did when there were only 20 attendees. “It makes me feel like I’m on the USC bench wait ‘ ing for the coach to put me in.” Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockudesk@hotmail.com mmmm \ . n hiiiiiim— ■■ — PHOTO BY JASON STEELMAN/THE GAMECOCK David Stagg, guitarist and third-year media arts student, and Jonathan Stenbeck, a second-year physics student, perform at Sunday Night Alive. -. £ CAKOM.^Lr.MSONWr.KK.ND,,, f The Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated *******pj££§£]yr£§******* The Battle of Olympus Step Show Friday, November 21, 2003 Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor Street Columbia, SC 29202) Doors open at 7:00 PM Show Starts at 8:00 PM Special Guest Host: BET COMIC VIEW ALLSTAR, Comedian Steve Brown TICKETS ON SALE NOW !!! Tickets can be purchased at: Township Auditorium Sounds Familiar Seaco Music in Sumter, SC Sounds of Sumter in Sumter, SC Or Charge by phone at 803-252-6530 DJ UDAcrv on i»s a„. |www^thetaiuiU6jOir^^^^ ^^^fund«Hn^ai^>^JSC^Iealtt^ru^WcllnessJ»i-ogn»ms^^^^J Student Media is now Accepting Applications for Account Representatives. We are looking for outgoing, energetic, well organized students who can commit 15-20 hours per week to this position. Must have reliable transportation. Gain valuable experience. All majors encouraged to apply... Sales looks great on ANY resume!! Come by the Student Media Office on the 3rd floor of the Russell House to fill out an Application. Or call 777-5064 for more information. I -1 turned or». commissions CULTURAL AWARENESS PROVIDES PROCRAIDS THAT ARE REFLECTIVE OF DIVERSE CULTURES AND INTERESTS. eiREIDATie ARTS PROVIDES THE HUB SERIES SHOWN IN THE RUSSELL HOUSE THEATER. Homceomine / 1 - PLANS AND COORDINATES THE ANNUAL HOfflEeOffllNC EVENTS. eoneoers BRINGS BANDS TO PLAV AT USS. TRADITIONAL EVENTS PLARS WEEKLV ACTIVITIES ARD PAROLIRA SPIRIT EVERTS IHCLUDIR® TICERBURfl. IDEAS AMD ISSUES PROVIDES CHALLENGING LECTURES AfID PROGRAMS OH ISSUES OF CONCERN FOR USe STUDENTS. SPECIAL PPOePAIDS PROVIDES ENTERTAINING EVENTS SUCH AS COfflEDIANS, (DAGieiANS, HIPNOTISTS, AND OTHER UNIQUE PROGRAMS. _