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PAGE 2 WTDNLSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2007 Vending machine deaths: Can it happen to you? Wending fromjjagc_l__ CPSC, or Consumer Product Safety Commission. Vending machines were first introduced to the United States by the Thomas Adiuns Gum Company in 1888, according to About.com. They were installed in New York subways mid dispensed Tutti-Fruiti gum. From there, interest in the machines grew. In 1902, the first coin-operated restaurant was introduced in Philadelphia. It seems only natural that in the 40’s and 50's, Coca Cola mid Pepsi products were being widely distributed in vending machines everywhere. What seems quite unnatural, however, is dial a machine pmviding a refreshing, ice-cold cola is also a notorious killer. In 1998, a young man named Kevin Mackle was found dead at Bishop’s University in Quebec, when a Coca- Cola vending machine fell on top of him, according to cokemachineaccidents.com. Members of his family started a website to commemorate their son, and to spread awareness oc from page 1 patio. The old “V.1.P.” section is now an official V.I.P. section marked oft with velvet ropes and filled with couches and tables and can be rented out nightly. I interviewed general manager Jacob Boyd and assistant general manager Ben Lemer who are both students at West Georgia, and they had nothing but positive things to say about this “new” bar in Carrollton. The atmosphere is Lost Boys from page 1 Muslims, and the less educated southern region, dominated by black Christians. The North Sudanese raid southern villages, taking many as slaves and murdering most. “Since 19X3, more than two million people have been killed in Sudan," Bixler said. "More than 5 million people had been forced from their homes—that’s more than in any other nation on earth.” Southern Sudanese boys are away from home during the raids—herding cows, going to school in Ethiopia, or being part of the rebel army in Ethiopia. Since all these tasks are not traditional female roles, many young girls were murdered at home with their parents. This is why most of the refugees are boys, though some girls managed to escape their villages. In 1987, children around ages 6 to 8 years old walked from southern Sudan to Ethiopia in order to escape the chaos of a civil war. Thousands died along the way due to starvation, Quiet roommate wanted. Gated community in Villa Rica. 2 room/1 bath suite plus kitchen privileges Credit check and background required S6OO/mo includes utilities 770-851-7507 11AM-3PM about the dangers of rocking a vending machine. “Our Goal [is] to make it a legal requirement that pop machines located in educational institutions, workplaces and public places _LH Photo h\ Josh Gruhb should be secured so as to prevent any further accidents or deaths.” There is no current law that requires companies to secure machines down, w hich would significantly reduce the chance of an accident. With their bulky frames and heavy content, they pack quite the punch w hen toppled over. While the CPSC’s 1995 report stated they were aware of 37 deaths mid 113 injuries. completely different, it is try ing to “bring a Buckhead feel to Carrollton” according to Boyd. “We bring the most popular music to Carrollton" said Boyd when I asked w hat the best appeal of their place is. “We have live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.” I decided that I needed to experience their night life, so 1 went to the O.C. last Thursday night to see country group Brently dehydration or attacks from wild animals. These young children would eat mud and drink their own urine in order to survive. As Bixler told us everything he knew about the conditions in Sudan he expressed himself with such a feeling of empathy. These young boys entered Ethiopia as skin and bones. “When asked the question why, each child gave almost a prepackaged answer.' ’ Bixler explains, “They said they were away from home tending to cattle while militia came to their homes and killed or kidnapped their parents.” Eighty one percent of these children saw someone die of starvation, and 97 percent had witnessed murder. The children spent four years in Ethiopia, followed by nine years at a refugee camp in Kenya, enduring hardships along the entire way. A few solutions were thought up as to what to do with these refugees. Either locally integrate or settle them in a country near their own, or resetde them into the United States. Finally, the United States took in a small number of them in 2000- actions to impmve the safety of vending machine usage have not been advanced. That same year, an industry wide warning label campaign was put into effect, requiring all vending machines have a label with the words, “Warning! Never rock or tilt. Machine can fall over and cause serious injury or death. Vending machine will not dispense free product.” There is no evidence to support that the campaign worked; there are no recent reports by the CPSC or any other committee regarding deaths by vending machine. So the next time the vending machine steals change, don’t wrestle it to the ground. While it seems humorous to push or tilt a machine, in reality, it is very dangerous. Many people have suffered from a serious injury while trying to gain a free soda, or perhaps entertain their friends. Know ing the dangers surrounding vending machine deaths can only ensure safe usage by students and faculty. Also, remember to do unto others as you would have them do to you: how would you like to have your buttons pushed all day long? Gilbert. After paying five dollars (their standard cover) I ordered beer from the beer tub girl at three bucks a pop. The newly erected stage is the one thing Lemer is most proud of. "This place is designed for live music” he explains. Boyd and Lemer both suggested that 1 try the food. We wanted to try the 35 cent w ings, but we were unfortunately too 2001. By this time, they were teenagers and young adults. The US accepts more refugees than any every other country combined. In 2001, 3,800 Lost Boys were allowed to enter and resetde in the US. They setded in large cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, Kansas City and Seatde. While in Kenya, these boys learned how to speak formal British English and were all assigned the Christian names which Bixler knows them as today. Bixler traveled to Clarkston, GA, about 11 miles from downtown Atianta. He met four young men who were all refugees from Sudan. He interviewed these young men and wrote an article that ran on the front page of the AJC. More than 100 people decided they wanted to help out these boys. “I think every story I write should elicit that kind of response.” Bixler said. Alter the overwhelming Students to take vow of silence for equality By Alainc Murphy Staff Writer imurphy4@my. westga.edu Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are indirectly responsible unless we take a stand and speak out against it, right? “Of course”, you say. Or, perhaps, in the case of the annual Day of Silence, we can take a stand and refuse to speak. Wednesday, April 18, 2007, is the eleventh annual Day of Silence. For one day students take a vow of silence that Parking from page 1 students a chance to voice their opinions about how the parking situation on campus is a little over crowded. I know a lot of people including myself who have to work their schedule around parking just so they can be on time and even if you get to campus early, there is still a chance of being late,” says UWG senior Chris Guttery Dunn. 49 -9 '&S6 Photo by Josh Grubb AJC journalist Mark Bixler speaks to a group of students and faculty of the hard ships in Sudan and its many refugees. response to his article, Bixler decided to follow a group of Lost Boys for four months and write a book about it. “I went with these young men when they applied for their social security cards," Bixler said. “1 went with them to job interviews—l even taught a represents the silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and their rights. It is a movement for a safer academic experience for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. “Be heard without being heard”, the slogan reads. Raise awareness and make a difference without so much as saying a word. Protest the maltreatment and harassment suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, as well as their straight compatriots. As this year’s There will also be a meeting on Monday Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at City Hall for the Carrollton community to give its’ input. “It is important for the committee to make recommendations after taking intoconsideration the concerns and suggestions of students, faculty, staff and community members. There is never just one solution to any issue and open communication is the best avenue to discuss options and opportunities,” late because they sold them all before we got there. Monday night. Their menu contained more appetizers than any thing else, w hich is typical for a bar. Our server was friendly and prompt and told us up front about the dollar draft beer special. The food isn’t bad but it’s obvious that people go there to drink instead of eat. The O.C. is open Monday, few of them to drive...l was with them as they watched Divorce Court on a donated black and w hite TV,” he said w ith a warm smile. “1 ux>k some of these guys to an Atlanta Braves baseball game at Turner Field.” Before they entered the United States, these boys had never used electricity, flushed a toilet, seen a skyscraper, felt ice, or even seen or walked on stairs. The US Government only provided four months of assistance for these refugees and alter that, they were on their own to find a job and support themselves. One boy found a job in a meat packing plant, one as an overnight stocker at Target, one would cook at the Dekalb County Jail, and one even became a truck driver. Bixler was amazed at the ability for these young men to cope with the tragedy of their lives. “According to anthropologists,” Bixler begins to explain, “these men THF. WI ST GEORGIAN UWG organizer, Stephanie Mason, expressed, “| You do) not have to be a supporter of the gay lifestyle, but...only an understanding individual, who views any harassment as wrong”. Throughout the day, there will be various “silent” activities, acting as a support basis for participants. Following the Day of Silence, there will be a “Breaking the Silence” event for activists to reflect on their day. So remember April 18th. It is YOUR day to protest. For more information visit www. day ofsilence.org. says Lisa Ledbetter, Parking committee member and UWG Director of Communications and Marketing. Parking and transportation problems cannot be fixed overnight, however many students feel the survey and meetings are a big step in the right direction. For more information, contact Mike Renfrow, assistant vice president for campus planning and facilities at 678- 839-6385. and Thursday through Saturday from five p.m. until two a.m. Monday still has the always entertaining karaoke. It’s 18 and up at all times, so it remains one of the few places in Carrollton that allow smoking indoors. Tuesday and Wednesday nights can be used for private parties or socials. had a very strong Christian faith and they strongly believed in the power of education.” Southern Sudanese people were not allowed to receive a formal education. These young men wanted nothing more than to receive a high school diploma. Most were too old to attend high school and had to take the GED in ordertoattend college. One young man attempted to take the GED five times until he finally passed all parts and later received his associates at Georgia Perimeter College. Bixler maintains hope for these young men. He felt it necessary for someone to tell their story. They all wanted to receive an education and coming to America made that possible for them. His book The Lost Boys of Sudan is a story about survival and grief, and is also a compelling and inspiring story. "Despite our differencesofrace.nationality, or age...” Bixler pondered, “all people, I think, are more alike than they are different, and reporting and writing the book has reminded me of that lesson.”