Love Section B Feb. 12, 2015
Volume 83, Issue 21
www.FlorAla.net
Student newspaper off the University off North Alabama
LGBTQ
ʻI DO.ʼ JUDGES DON'T. photo by KALI DANIEL I Managing Editor
Yashinari Effinger (left) and Adrian Thomas were the first same-sex couple in Huntsville to be granted a marriage license Feb. 9. “This is a celebration of love, and I’m so thankful for all of the support from the community,” Thomas said.
Confusion continues as officials dispute federal marriage ruling ASHLEY REMKUS/KALI DANIEL 6M_[ 5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ[ VM_[(NTWZITI VM\
Rev. Zola Pickett of Universal Life Church in Tupelo, Mississippi stood with open arms and paper flowers welcoming same-sex couples that entered the Lauderdale County Courthouse Feb. 9. Probate Judge James Hall refused granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples but allowed them to file applications. Florence residents Beth Ridley and Rose Roysden were among those denied licenses. “We feel really let down,” Ridley said. “It breaks my heart to think people do not approve of our love. It’s just like theirs.” Hall said no licenses would be issued until it was clear whether state or federal court rulings prevailed on the issue.
INSIDE
this week’s paper
After U.S. District Judge Callie Granade ruled Alabama’s gay marriage ban unconstitutional Jan. 23, confusion arose as to what rights, if any, gay couples gained. A stay was granted upholding the state’s ban on same-sex marriage until Feb. 9. Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore issued a mandate to all probate judges Feb. 8 saying they should not issue marriage licenses or marry gay couples the following day, despite federal rulings. The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed Monday morning it would not stop same-sex marriages in the state. “I understand it had been shown that the Supreme Court of the U.S. denied the stay; however, there’s still conflict of law at this point in time between the federal district
NEWS . . . . . . . . 2A IMAGES. . . . . . . . 4A LIFE . . . . . . . . . 5A
judge and chief justice of Alabama Supreme Court,” Hall said. “Today we don’t have that clarification. I’m still working on the research.” Representatives from Equality Alabama said the order from the U.S. Supreme Court trumps Moore’s mandate. The golden rule is golden for a reason, Pickett said. “I have seen a lot of distinct lack of the philosophy ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you,’” she said. Richard O’Phillips and Michael Borden, both ordained Universal Life Church ministers, came in support of same-sex marriages at the courthouse. They both said they came prepared to perform marriages. “If it’s one thing I want to say, it’s all acts of love and kindness are holy,” O’Phillips said.
SPORTS . . . . . . . 7A SPECIAL . . . . . . . 1B EXTRA . . . . . . . . 8B
Borden said Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore is going against the federal court’s decision, adding “he doesn’t have jurisdiction.” Ridley and Roysden said they would travel to Jefferson County to obtain marriage licenses and become next of kin. Although local probate judges refused to marry gay couples or issue marriage licenses, other courthouses across the state saw same-sex ceremonies throughout the day. Hundreds gathered at Madison County Courthouse and Big Spring Park in Huntsville Monday to celebrate Wedding Week, the first week of legalized gay marriage in Alabama. Caterers and volunteers celebrated the occasion 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day the week of Feb. 9.
“It’s a beautiful day,” said Yashinara Effinger, referring to more than just the weather. Effinger and her wife Adrian Thomas were the first north Alabama couple to marry, and both said they felt the day was a joyous one worth the wait. “This is a celebration of love,” Thomas said. “I’m so thankful for all of the support from the community. I believe all people should be able to love each other without stipulations.” Spencer Williams, of Huntsville, attended the celebration to support the numerous couples that claimed the day as their wedding celebrations. With him came his son, 2-year-old Stark. “I’m glad he will grow up to know this is normal,” Spencer Williams said. “And I’m proud I get to tell him he was here for it.”
TOMMY JOHN EPIDEMIC .... 5A
Please recycle your paper.
2A NEWS
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FUNDRAISING
SINGIN’ FOR A CAUSE photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Chief Photographer
Senior Courtney Wray of Alpha Gamma Delta performs during the organization’s “Beyond Pride Rock� routine at Step Sing 2015 in Norton Auditorium Feb. 7. The sorority placed first in the women’s division and won the Kid’s Choice Award, which was voted on by local children who attended the show.
Organizations compete to benefit local charity SPENCER BROOKS
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photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Chief Photographer
Members of Alpha Tau Omega perform “Mafia Men� during Step Sing 2015. The fraternity won the men’s division and best overall performance.
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
The Honors Student Organization performs “Zombies� during Step Sing 2015. The group won the coed division of the competition.
Donations and ticket sales from Step Sing 2015 raised more than $13,000 for local charity organizations Feb. 6 and 7 in Norton Auditorium. The villain-themed event benefits United Way of Northwest Alabama, the local branch of a national organization that provides programs to help meet communities’ financial, educational and health needs, according to its website. “We are very grateful, particularly this year,� said Caitlin Holland, director of Resource Development. “Step Sing raises an incredibly significant amount of money.� Some of United Way’s local partners include Safe Place, Rape Response, Hospice of the Shoals, Salvation Army of the Shoals and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Shoals. Alpha Tau Omega won overall best performance for its “Mafia Men� routine.
“There is no comparable feeling to getting up there and doing that with such a hard-working group,� said Alpha Tau Step Sing captain Alex Hughes. “These guys just come in, work their butts off and pour their hearts into it.� Junior Austin Bullock said the event met expectations. “I think overall they all did great,� Bullock said. “I think ATO are really hardcore choreographers, and they’re really good at harmonizing. They all seem to work really well together.� He said the villain theme allowed organizations to get creative with their routines. “I think last year’s theme was a little bit more concrete and easier to follow, but I liked the interpretations of this year,� he said. “Everybody went a different angle and was able to stand out.� The fraternity also won first place in the men’s division, which included Delta Chi, Kappa Sigma and Phi Gamma Delta.
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photo by KATLYN SHANNON I Chief Photographer
Phi Mu members perform during Step Sing 2015. The sorority raised $921, winning the People’s Choice Award. The group also took second place in the women’s division.
NEWS 3A
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
DINING
Student misuse leads to removal of to-go containers MONDAY SANDERSON
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Students visiting Towers Cafeteria this semester likely noticed a difference: no more to-go boxes. Although the to-go boxes have been around for several years, this is the first time they have been removed, said Sodexo operations manager Gwen Burney. “Being a musician, we have to be in the practice rooms almost eight hours a day,” said freshman music major Maria Sullivan. “We don’t have a lot of time between our classes to spend in the cafeteria or our rooms. The to-go boxes were a great benefit to us.” While some students said the change is inconvenient, officials said they removed to-go containers because students misused them. “The abuse was overwhelming,” Burney said. “We saw people get to-go boxes and feed people on the outside who no longer have meal plans.”
restructuring, needs to be managed.” Sullivan praised Sodexo’s efforts to make getting a meal on-the-go possible for students. Burney said neither herself nor Teran have received any complaints or other feedback on the to-go boxes. She said she also noticed there has not been a decrease of people coming to Towers. “I barely go to Towers anyway — to-go boxes or no to-go boxes,” said sophomore Mia Adams. “It doesn’t affect me going to Towers.” Adams said she heard the containers were removed because of the Corner Store, commonly known as the C-Store, being open all day. “We also know that it’s because they were losing money, but I don’t know how much money they lose,” she said. Students said the C-Store, which is seen as an alternative to the to-go boxes, is not held in high regards. At the same time the to-go boxes were removed, the C-Store started to stay open longer.
Burney said the boxes are only meant for people who have busy schedules or cannot stay in a crowded environment due to sickness or an injury. Students were also not supposed to get a box and dine in at Towers. “I think it sucks,” said freshman Kris Dewberry. “It’s outrageous, really. Who cares if I try to save an extra meal by taking a meal in the box back to my dorm so that I can have it later?” Sullivan said she was angry when the to-go boxes were first removed, but now she has adapted to the change. “I just modified my schedule to work around that,” she said. “I don’t really go into Towers as much as I used to. I just go when I have the chance.” Burney said the containers have not been eliminated altogether. “We still have to-go boxes for the purposes that it was intended for,” she said. “If they contact the Sodexo food office or email us, we’ll make sure head chef Paul Teran has their name listed and times when they need to have the meal. It’s just something that, in the process of
At the beginning of the semester, a sign in Towers stated while the boxes were no longer available, the C-Store was open. “I can go to Wal-Mart and get more from there than from the C-Store for a lot less,” Adams said. Despite some negative comments about Towers, Burney said her message is positive. “I want it to be known that Sodexo is here to serve the student population to the best of its ability,” Burney said. “I just want everyone to realize that Sodexo’s main mission is to serve the needs of the students and the people who live here.”
CONTACT SODEXO: TO
BE PLACED ON THE LIST TO
RECEIVE A TO-GO BOX, E-MAIL
GWEN BURNEY AT GWENDOLYN. BURNEY@SODEXO.COM
photo by PEYTON BYRD I Senior Staff Photographer
President-elect Kenneth Kitts speaks to students, faculty, staff and locals during his campus presentation Oct. 16. Kitts was selected as the 20th president by the board of trustees at its Nov. 5 meeting.
photo by DEANNA KAMPMEYER I Staff Photographer
Students eat together in Towers Cafeteria Feb. 7. Sodexo Operations Manager Gwen Burney said to-go boxes were removed from the facility because students were misusing them. She said students can request to be added to a list to receive meals in to-go boxes.
;16/16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ) “(ATO’s) performance was upbeat and they never had a slow song, so it kept the show going,” said sophomore Rachel Osborne. “It kept the crowd energized throughout their performance.” Alpha Gamma Delta won the Kids Choice Award, voted on by local children in the Shoals area, and first place in the women’s division with their Lion Kingthemed performance “Beyond Pride Rock.” The women’s division also included Phi Mu, Alpha Delta Pi and Zeta Tau Alpha. “Step Sing itself was full of excitement this year, along with some amazing performances from our fellow campus organizations,” said Alpha Gamma Delta
Step Sing captain Laci Willis. “For Alpha Gam to win the women’s division and the Kid’s Choice Award was uplifting for all of our sisters. We worked extremely hard to produce a show for United Way.” Phi Mu received the People’s Choice Award, raising $921 from donations during the two days of Step Sing. The sorority was also named second place in the women’s division. The donations received for the People’s Choice award totaled about $2,800, said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson. The Honors Student Organization took first place in the coed division with its “Zombies” performance. “There wasn’t anyone competing against us in coed, but we’re thrilled to win first place again,” said HSO Step Sing captain Hailey Boeck. “It’s just
nice to have a coed division and be able to represent honors kids on campus. It’s nice to show them (we) can do fun things, too.”
”
WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL, PARTICULARLY THIS YEAR. STEP SING RAISES AN INCREDIBLY SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY.
CAITLIN HOLLAND DIRECTOR OF RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
UNITED WAY OF NORTHWEST ALABAMA
FOR THE RECORD... We strive to get it right the first time, but when we donʼt, we are happy to set the record straight. •
The Feb. 5 front-page graphic should have reflected members of Greek organizations comprise about 10 percent of the student body. The corrected graphic can be viewed at www. florala.net.
•
Clarification: Although there are 184 recognized student organizations listed on UNAʼs Orgsync page, which the Feb. 5 front-page graphic stated, only about 105 are eligible for student allocations funding.
4A IMAGES
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
The Time of the Season
Love Birds Senior Chad Miller and junior Dayeon Jang study together in The Commons. Jang and Miller enjoy their quality time, though they do more teasing than studying.
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There are so many different types of love. A parent’s love for his or her child, siblings’ love for each other or the love we have for our best friends. But in the month of February, there is a type of love that is a little bit different. This type of love is the type
things, such as going shopping, going to the movies and eating out. The only thing that matters to them is spending time with each other. Some couples like to travel. Sophomore couple Michael Gullette and Vicki Chittams enjoy going to Nashville. “We love to just get away from campus,” Chittams said. Some couples do not celebrate Valentine’s Day like
Americans do. This is the case for sophomore Colton McCormick and senior Carolyn Chien. Chien is from Taiwan, and in her culture they celebrate Valentine’s Day three times per year. There is the standard Feb. 14 celebration followed by a separate event March 14 called White Valentine’s Day. This holiday is set aside for women to give a gift to men.
The third day of celebration is the Lunar Valentine’s Day, which is a festival during the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. There are many types of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Just be sure to spend it with people or someone you love.
GUC Date Senior Jarrod Vaughn and junior Sarah Welsh meet in the GUC Feb. 5. The UNA campus may not have many ideal date spots, but there are plenty of places for couples to relax.
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you have for a girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse or partner. Several UNA couples are getting ready and planning this special day — Valentine’s Day. There is so much planning, time and money spent on this one special day. Many couples enjoy staying in and watching a movie on Hulu or Netflix since being a college student can be financially difficult. Few couples do so-called “normal”
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SHAY REDD
International Love Juniors Chao Ma (left) and Ying Li take a walk around campus, discussing plans for Valentine’s Day.
SRC fun Sophomores John Moore and Désireé Garner enjoy spending their quality time at the Student Recreation Center. Here, they shoot hoops while teasing each other.
SPORTS 5A
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
INJURIES
SCOREBOARD Feb. 5- 10
Feb. 5 Womenʼs Basketball Vs Shorter 78-62 Win Menʼs Basketball Vs Shorter 89-65 Win Feb. 6
Tommy John Epidemic?
Softball
Vs Indianapolis 4-0 Win Softball Vs Bellarmine 7-1 Win Womenʼs Tennis @ Belmont 6-1 Loss Feb. 7 Softball vs. Wayne State 9-0 Win Womenʼs Tennis @ West Georgia 5-4 Win Softball Vs Ohio Dominican 9-1 Win Womenʼs Basketball Vs Lee 72-60 Win Menʼs Basketball Vs Lee 77-67 Win Baseball Vs Stillman 6-5 Win Baseball Vs Stillman Feb. 8
15-3 Win Softball Vs Maryville 2-0 Win
Softball Vs Southern Indiana 5-3 Loss Menʼs Tennis @ Tuskegee 8-0 Win Baseball Vs Stillman 16-4 Loss
photo by AMANDALYN DORNER I Staff Photographer
Senior pitcher Brantley Claunch throws a pitch against Stillman College at Mike Lane Field Feb. 7. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews said there is a Tommy John surgery “epidemic” in baseball.
Coach, players discuss elbow injury KADIN POUNDERS
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Much like the sport of football deals with concussions, the sport of baseball deals with an increasing number of elbow and shoulder injuries among pitchers. The most common and most well-known of these injuries is the tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews labeled the increase in UCL injuries as an “epidemic.” Before the first month of the 2014 baseball season ended, 14 major league pitchers required surgery to repair the torn ligament in their elbows. And the number only increased as the season went along. “We feel (a pitcher has) so many throws in his arm and if they have thrown a lot of innings in travel ball, league play then high school, eventually the arm will break down,” said head coach Mike Keehn. “Because they are not resting or specializing, they are throwing more pitches than needed.” To repair the UCL, pitchers must undergo a procedure known as Tommy John surgery. Pitchers have dealt with elbow injuries since the beginning of baseball, but it was not until 1974 that a procedure was developed to repair a torn
UCL. That year, orthopedic surgeon and Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first successful reconstructive surgery on pitcher Tommy John, whom the surgery is named after. Since Jobe, the leading orthopedic surgeon in reconstructive surgeries has become Andrews who has written multiple books, prepared various studies, and made many speeches about the increasing wear and tear on pitchers’ arms. Andrews, also the founder of the American Sports Medicine Institute, performed Tommy John surgeries on many high-profile pitchers: C.C. Sabathia, John Smoltz, Matt Moore and Matt Harvey. Andrews, through the American Sports Medicine Institute, released a statement in July of 2014 regarding the institute’s stance on the increase in elbow injuries. Research has shown the amount of competitive pitching and pitching while fatigued are strongly linked to injury, according to the Institute. Andrews said young pitchers are throwing too hard and too often. The amount of pitches thrown by young pitchers today is wearing down the arms to the point of extreme injury.
Major League teams and orthopedic surgeons are not the only ones concerned with the spike in Tommy John surgeries. The injuries have increased at the high school and college levels as well. “(Pitchers) have to stick to the protocol and not do more than you’re supposed to do on that particular day,” said junior pitcher Austin Carpenter. “We have to be patient.” Parents pushing kids’ arms too hard and too fast is also contributing to the increase in injures, Keehn said. “We also feel that with the radar gun, parents are obsessed with kids’ velocity. So they are throwing max effort all the time, and anything you do at its maximum every day will break down,” he said. Young pitchers throwing particular pitches before their arms have matured is also a concern of Keehn’s and Andrew’s. “Another factor is pitchers throwing curveballs before they have matured and are not being taught the correct way to throw a curveball,” Keehn said. “Dr. Andrews, who is the best orthopedic surgeon in the world, says no player should throw a curveball until they can shave.” Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.
6ASPORTS
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
FOOTBALL
PROFILE
Post player snatches boards, wins for team
Lions fill positions on signing day DUSTIN POLLARD
MIKE EZEKIEL
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The ink has dried since UNA football announced the signing of 18 high school student-athletes and five two-year college transfers on National Signing Day Feb. 4. The Lions added 11 offensive players and 10 on defense. Of the 18 high school signees, 11 are from the Shoals area. We are very pleased with our signing class,” Wallace said. “It’s a cross between older junior college players that can come in and help make an immediate impact and high school players that can help build our future.” Wallace said the two-year college transfers are a reflection of the team’s immediate needs. “We lost a lot of seniors at defensive end so it was important to sign some players at that position,” he said. “We also wanted to develop some more depth on the offensive line and at linebackers.” Wallace said he was proud to sign so many high school players from the Shoals area and is pleased with all of the players they signed. “There were three guys we recruited really hard, and they were Blake Hawkins (quarterback), Terrance Humphrey (running back) and Mike McGee (linebacker),” he said. Offensive coordinator Cody Gross said he was excited to see the Lions land Florence High School quarterback Blake Hawkins. The 6-foot-5 signal caller threw for 1,639 yards and 12 touchdowns as he led the Falcons to the Class 6A semifinals in 2014.
”
ITʼS A CROSS BETWEEN OLDER JUNIOR
COLLEGE PLAYERS THAT CAN COME IN AND HELP MAKE AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT AND HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS THAT CAN HELP BUILD OUR FUTURE.
BOBBY WALLACE
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photo by SHAY REDD I Student Photographer
Senior forward Calvin Dade gets ready to shoot a free throw against Lee University Feb. 7. The Lions won 77-67. Dade is averaging 14.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game on the season.
The men’s basketball team is on a roll, winning five of its last six games, and much of the success is due to the play of senior forward Calvin Dade. Dade averaged 19.3 points and 11 rebounds during the six-game stretch. While most people know Dade for his height and his playing ability on the court, some may not know much about him off the court. “I really don’t talk a lot,” Dade said. “I just try to stick to the shadows. I’m a whole different person when I get on the court. I really don’t notice my surroundings and unless it’s my team, I really don’t hear much. I’m just trying to get the win.” Head coach Bobby Champagne said he recruited Dade to be a force in the paint, something he lacked the previous season. “We were coming off a year where we were out-rebounded almost every game,” Champagne said. “We needed a presence inside, and he filled that void.” At 6-foot-6, Dade mostly plays in the post and is second in the Gulf South Conference in rebounds (9.1) and first in offensive rebounds (3.5) per game. Not only can Dade dominate the inside, he can step out and play guard if needed. “In high school I played every
FANS
Meet the man tossing T-shirts in Flowers Hall MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\
The crowd rumbles just as one of UNA’s basketball players pulls up and sinks a three-point shot. There it is — nothing but net — and a free T-shirt. The crowd goes wild because of the shot, but also because the “T-shirt guy”
is watching from the second floor to see who the wildest fan is. Self-proclaimed “UNA T-shirt Guy,” senior Steven McClain said he has been ecstatic since he found out he would be UNA basketball’s official T-shirt thrower. “I applied through the ticket office because they need someone to throw the free shirts,” he said. “I started throwing and they liked me, so that’s where I got
HEAD COACH
“It’s a big deal for me to get him,” Gross said. “He made a 28 on his ACT. He’s fast, tough and a smart kid. He has all the intangibles you look for in a quarterback. I think we’re very fortunate to get him.” Hawkins had several D-I offers but ultimately stuck with the Lions. “We offered him early, Gross said. “And we don’t offer many people early, but it paid off. I’m excited about getting him in here and seeing what he can do.” Wallace said there is still an opportunity for UNA to add more players to the program. Four college transfers are already enrolled at UNA and will be available for spring practice, which starts Feb. 16.
position,” Dade said. “In junior college I was recruited to play the three, four and five positions, like a small forward. We had enough guards but not enough big men. I just played where I knew I would get playing time, and I got better in the paint.” Apart from Dade’s rebounding skills, he can also step out and take a mid-range jumper. He is second in the GSC in field goal percentage (58.6 percent). “In high school I had the midrange shot, but I didn’t shoot it much,” he said. “In junior college I never shot it. I just got to the rim. With Marcus (Landry), Lazar (Petrov) and Luke (Corkery), I thought I would play more at the four, so I strengthened my game and worked on my midrange shot in the offseason.” Dade said he hears people talk about his height on many occasions but says he likes the advantages of being tall. “I haven’t really found a lot of disadvantages of being tall,” Dade said. “I get to ride on every ride at an amusement park, so being tall is where it’s at. I mean, I have to worry about hitting my head on stuff sometimes, but that’s about it.” Dade is also an identical twin. His twin brother, Cordero, plays at Faulkner State, Dade’s previous school. The two were commonly known as “The Dunking Twins” in high school, Calvin said. Editor’s Note: To read the rest of this story, please visit www.florala.net.
photo by SHAY REDD I Student Photographer
Senior Steven McClain aka “UNA T-shirt Guy” rears back to throw a T-shirt to a fan after a UNA three-pointer Feb. 7. McClain said he considers himself UNA’s No. 1 basketball fan and has not missed a home game since 2012.
started. I made up the name and made up my own Twitter (@una_guy) as well.” He said the T-shirt throwing job requirements were simple and straightforward. “They wanted to have someone to build up the atmosphere for basketball and get people hyped up whenever they shot a three,” McClain said. “That’s what I did, and that’s what I love to do.” McClain said he considers himself UNA basketball’s No. 1 fan. Alexis Pester, sophomore guard for the women’s basketball team said she agrees McClain is one of the team’s biggest fans. “He will always tell us good luck before games, and he is definitely the first fan at every game,” she said. “He really builds the energy because he won’t throw a T-shirt until the crowd gets crazy. That really helps to create the hype we need.” McClain, a computer information systems major and former Pride of Dixie percussionist, said he dreams of one day working for ESPN. “I even considered coming back and getting my masters or even a sports major,” McClain said. Editor’s note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.
LIFE 7A
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
BHM
Professor fights for campus diversity MARI WILLIAMS 4QNM -LQ\WZ TQNM(NTWZITI VM\
From being the young black girl pulled off the city bus to being denied entry into college because of the complexion of her skin, Ernestine Davis waged war on diversity from the beginning. Davis, professor of nursing, said she fondly remembers her family’s involvement in the civil rights movement. “We were never hit, punched or knocked down, but we had always refused to sit in the back of the bus,” she said. “My mom was a very strong-willed person and she would say, ‘When they tell you to go to the back of the bus, do not go. You sit in the front and don’t say anything.’” Davis said the Atlanta police would forcibly remove her and her sisters from the bus and drive them to the station. “My sister and I remember them saying, ‘We really do admire you girls because you all are taking a stand for something you believe in, and I wish other people were like you,’” she said. Davis did not stop standing up for equality when the civil rights movement ended. “I’ve always been a person who believes in taking a stand,” she said. “Sometimes I may be a little outspoken, but that’s my personality. I can’t sit quietly and see injustices being done and not say anything about it.” Professor of English Lisa Minor said Davis is one of the most influential AfricanAmerican
professors on campus. “She has just been such a champion for civil rights on this campus,” Minor said. “I once spoke with a woman who talked about her like she was Martin Luther King.” Davis showed her passion for helping minorities early in her career at UNA. “When I first came to this campus there wasn’t much around here in terms of a diversity of students,” she said. “I went to President Robert Potts’ because we didn’t have a multicultural committee or anything in place. He said, ‘If you can come in with the purpose, goals and objectives, I’ll look at it.’ I brought it to him the next day, and he said it looked good.” Out of that meeting came the first Multicultural Advisory Committee at UNA, she said. The committee’s purpose was to identify diversity issues on campus and take them straight to the president. Davis said she has helped many students since she started her career at UNA. “I think she’s a great mentor for a lot of students,” said freshman Madison Abernathy. “She encourages me more than anything to keep doing well in my class.” Davis said she found more problems exist among under-represented students. “In my mind I call them the invisible group. They’re here, but no one listens to what they have to say,” she said. “I felt there was something I could do to make a difference.” Although Davis has been teaching at UNA for 35 years, she said she still feels her work on campus is not yet complete. “We all deserve equality, and that’s where I’m coming from. That’s my passion,” she said. “I just have a passion. I like to see students be successful. My greatest joy is to see students walk across that stage, get their degree and become somebody.” At the end of the day, Davis said she does not do her work for herself. “There are so many people on this campus that I’ve helped,” she said. “But it’s not about me. It’s that I just want them to be able to achieve what they are capable of achieving, be placed in positions they are capable of achieving and be recognized for what their capabilities are.”
photo by KAITLIN DOUGLASS I Staff Photographer
8A LIFE
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
RELATIONSHIPS
Students analyze warning signs of dating abuse MELISSA PARKER
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“What are you doing?” Why aren’t you answering my texts?” “Why aren’t you answering my calls?” “Where are you?” “Answer me!” “I miss you.” “I love you.” “I just want to spend time with you.” Forty-three percent of college women who date experience abusive dating behaviors including physical, sexual, technological, verbal or controlling abuse, according to the 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse poll. The study also showed 38 percent of students did not know how to get help if they were victims of dating violence. One Place of the Shoals Victims Service Coordinator Leeann Ford said the beginning of a relationship is full of mystery and excitement, but it is also the time to watch for red flags. “You feel like you’re on top of the world,” she said. “You don’t ever want that feeling to end.” Sophomore Leslee Tank said her previous partner showed signs of irrational and possessive behavior. “He never wanted to take blame for anything,” she said. “It was always my fault. Any male contact I had was clearly something to be worried about. My motives were never pure.”
Relationships can shift without either party’s realization, Tank said. One party may call or text several times per day. Sophomore Mariann Jahraus said texting or calling repeatedly when someone does not answer is inappropriate. “Having control over who someone hangs out with or what they do is unacceptable,” Jahraus said.
UNA Planetarium and Observatory Presents
th
Trey Abernathy, a junior, said he does not think a person’s partner should control who they speak to or see. “I don’t really know what would be a normal amount of texting or calling,” he said. “I would just say as long as the person still has time for the other important people in their life, then it would be okay.” Not allowing alone time, time with strong-minded family or constantly questioning someone’s whereabouts are
Editor’s Note: To read the rest of this story, visit www.florala.net.
ENTERTAINMENT
New band arrives on to Florence music scene CHELSEA YARBER
th
all red flags, Ford said. “They pull you away from important stable relationships,” she said. Jealousy over interests or anything that interferes with personal time is another sign of a possessive relationship, Ford said. “It’s more about the addictive role of who you are in their life,” she said. “A lot of times those things can look like love, and not be love.” One Place has staff trained to assist in these situations, she said. Victims are given information and options but are not pressured into doing something they do not want to do. “When someone comes in here, we sit them down so they actually have a room to talk in privately and confidentially,” she said. “We let them talk about the relationship in the way they want to talk about it.” Other signs students should look for in potential partners are a history of abusive relationships, unemployment and alcohol or drug abuse, Ford said. She said students should also be aware of people who try to pressure them into sex. “If you’re being pressured big time into sex and they say ‘If you loved me, then you’d do this,’ it is a problem,” she said.
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Shoals rock band Strange Waves will hold its first album release show at 116 E. Mobile Feb. 28 at 8:30 p.m. Although the Shoals is home to a wide array of musicians, there has not always been a convenient local venue for artists to share their talents until recently. Last year 116 E. Mobile grew right in the heart of Florence. This month, 116 E. Mobile sold out of tickets for the upcoming concert featuring bands Grace&Tony and The Pine Hill Haints. Strange Waves consists of members Jackson Gilreath on vocals/guitar, Joseph Whitehead on bass, Jeremy Couch on vocals/guitar and Evan Sandy on percussion. UNA student and drummer for Strange Waves Evan Sandy said he is looking forward to the album release show and has already started putting up fliers in several downtown businesses. “Strange Waves convened for the first time in my parent’s basement in the
summer of 2012,” he said. “After a few years of incubating, we played our first several shows around Florence.” Vocalist and guitarist Jackson Gilreath said he is excited to share the album with a live, attentive audience. Strange Waves album “Walls” will be released the night of the release show. “Greg Scheshe is responsible for the producing and engineering,” he said. “He’s actually a UNA graduate. We all feel like he is just as responsible for the way our finished product sounds as we are. So far we are beyond pleased with the outcome and are grateful to have Scheshe on our team.” Junior Sarai Ingle said she is looking forward to hearing what Strange Waves has to bring to offer the local music scene. “Hearing the talent that is so prevalent in this area makes me realize just how much of an honor it is to go to school here, and I definitely made the right choice when I decided to call this area home.” Editor’s Note: Student Writer Evan Sandy is a member of Strange Waves and did not contribute to this report.
LOVE
SECTION B
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
L O V E (7B) Worst Dates
(3B) History of Valentineʼs Day
(2B) Dating on a budget
2B LOVE
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
FINANCES
DATING ON A BUDGET Shoals offers cheap, enjoyable date venues ANNA BROWN
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Dating in college is hard enough with class and homework, but add in the money factor and dating can seem almost impossible. But, for college students in the Shoals area, there are several enjoyable dating venues that will not break the bank.
For the moviegoer: Carmike Regency Square Cinema offers discounts throughout the week, allowing couples to catch a movie together any time on a budget. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. each day, tickets are $5.75. On Stimulus Tuesdays, small drinks, popcorn and candy are $2 each. Once the weather warms and the days last longer, couples can enjoy a night at the movies for $12 at the King’s Drive-In in Russellville. Tickets cost $6 for people over 12 years old, and the drive-in is open March through November. Fridays and Saturdays include a double-feature show beginning at sunset.
For the competitive spirit: After couples have a meal together, they can also enjoy a little late-night competition at Lauderdale Lanes. The bowling alley offers a discount after 9 p.m. Each game costs $3, and shoe rental is $3 per person. After three tests and five meetings during the week, students are often too mentally exhausted to workout. As the temperature begins to rise, outside activities sound more appealing. Conveniently, Veterans and McFarland parks have their own disc golf course. Disc golf discs can be purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods for as low as $9.99
For the music lover: The Shoals area offers many places to hear great music, including the end. Theater, located on Pine Street, 116 E. Mobile and Pegasus Records at 612 E. Tennessee Street. Pegasus is undergoing a garage revamp but will be up and running soon. Cover charge for these venues ranges from free to $20, depending on the night’s act. These venues include upcoming performers and schedules on their Facebook pages.
For the adventurer: Diebert Park is a beautiful place to have a picnic, take a walk and explore nature. McFarland Park, 2 miles from campus, is located on the beautiful Tennessee River. Couples can hang out and enjoy the peaceful river. For those who are really adventurous, they can take a dip in the water. Those looking for a little more challenge can hike the TVA Reservation in Muscle Shoals. TVA has a paved running/walking trail and miles of hiking trails. Couples are sure to enjoy a day of beautiful scenery and exercise.
For the volunteer: While we are all in need of love, so are our furry friends. The Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter has volunteer opportunities that include walking and playing with dogs. The only requirement is you fill out a volunteer application. This fun date will literally cost you nothing and will strike a chord with the ladies when you show your soft side, guys.
Lauderd $2 Stud $2 Shoe Ren ntal
BUYO ON NE E S d ch Sandw ch
$2 Games
Monday throug gh Thursday 12pm-4pm. Monday through h Thursday 7pm to close. Must show current t college ID. ID Limited lane availability, first come, first served. Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Prices do nott include tax.
1500 Woo oodward Ave. ve Musclel Shoals, M Sh l AL A 35661 3566 256.320.5774 0òFS FYQJSFT 'FC t 7BMJE .VTDMF 4IPBMT %FMJ 0OMZ
LOVE 3B
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
information compiled and designed by Managing Editor Kali Daniel
The History of
Valentine’s Day
o Christian martyrs by the name o of St. Valentine were killed the second and fifth 3 between o centuries. o In 1382.... The first person to romanticize these deaths was o Geoffrey Chaucer o o In 1847.... Today.... o The holiday is illegal in Esther Howland made the first o mass-produced Saudi Arabia cards in Worcester, Massachusetts. She o made more than dones o In i countries, o including o o o o o o o o o o o oo o o a
· Malay
$5,000
Russia
In the beginning....
s
ia
·
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Sources http://www.worcesterhistory.org/wo-valentines.html Henry Ansgar Kelly, in Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine (Leiden:Brill) 1986. Oruch, Jack B., “St. Valentine, Chaucer and Spring in February,” Speculum, 56 (1981): 534. http://www.statisticbrain.com/valentines-day-statistics
62% of people celebrate Valentine’s Day, and
11, babies are conceived each year on the holiday.
174,000 ppounds of wine are sold throughout the week.
4B LOVE
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
EDITORIAL
Loving yourself serves as best Valentineʼs Day treat
DUSTIN POLLARD
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I love myself. Yeah I know. It sounds like a very Kanye West thing to say. Saying I love myself may sound egotistical, but I promise it is not. I was taught at a young age to treat others as I wanted to be treated. Apparently, either I did not listen as a
whippersnapper or I did not like myself, because I was a mean kid. In middle school I once got into a fight after peeing on somebody’s shoe. I laugh at it now but I was not treating that guy how I wanted to be treated. I was not treating anybody how I wanted to be treated. Luckily, I grew up (my friends may deny this claim but do not listen to them! Come on, what do they know?). And while growing up I learned to appreciate my abilities, interests and flaws. I am a senior at UNA, a journalist, a librarian, paisano, a sports junkie and a rapper. Yeah, that’s right. Dustin “Wicked P” Pollard spits bars. When T.I. comes to the spring concert I am giving him a copy of my mixtape. I like shooting hoops in my
throwback Tracy McGrady jersey while listening to Shakira’s angel-like voice with my amigos. I have an obsession with sports, except when it comes to curling because sweeping on ice is not a sport. I rap and dance to Latin pop music. I can go ScHoolboy Q to Daddy Yankee real quick. This is what makes me happy. I also like foreign women. If they are ever timid to go out with me I can ask, “Have you ever been on a date with an American man before?” They will say “no,” and I will respond with, “Well neither have I.” Sixty percent of the time it works every time. It sounds odd, like seeing Al Gore at a NASCAR event, but I do not live for other people’s approval. Everybody is different. I love being happy so I do what
WHATʼS NEXT?
makes me happy, which I love. Hopefully that sentence makes more sense than some of the Super Bowl commercials. Love yourself and do what makes you happy. We can all learn something from Kanye West, I suppose, just as long as it does not involve picking baby names. I want to treat everybody how I want to be treated because I love myself. This means I want a freestyle battle every time we see each other. We can just remake the movie “8 Mile.” Just kidding. But seriously, this Valentine’s Day remember to not just be with someone who makes you happy, but be someone who makes you happy. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, “But what love got to do with it when you don’t love yourself?”
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LOVE 5B
Feb. 12, 2015• The Flor-Ala
COMMUNICATION
KatNSam Timeline
About
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Social media creates issues with significant other trust ISAAC NORRIS
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It is no secret social media has an impact on the way people communicate with each other. A bigger question is how that change in communication affects the way individuals form romantic relationships and date. Psychology majors Erin Cooper, Jordain Crump and Erica Kelly are working on an original survey that focuses on jealousy and social media. “We were all in experimental psychology, and we had to come up with a project for the class,” Cooper said. “Something that I was interested in is romantic relationships and social media, and the impact it has on those relationships.” Crump said they are including
various social media outlets in the survey: Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tinder. Cooper said with Snapchat’s newest update no one can view another user’s best friend list. “That’s probably because it was causing so many relationship issues, from what I’m hearing,” said Amber Paulk, assistant professor of sociology. The students’ study also has the possibility of being published in a journal, Cooper said. There are a few different journals that could cover the study such as Cyber Psychology and Behavior in Social Networking, Paulk said. Cooper said she hopes the survey will help people reflect on dating choices. “Ideally, we could educate people and hopefully help them make better
decisions when it comes to dating,” she said. A more recent trend in social media is couples sharing profiles or passwords. According to a 2014 Pew Research survey, 67 percent of internet users in a marriage or committed relationship have shared the password to one or more of their online accounts with their spouse or partner. In addition, 11 percent of partnered or married adults who use social networking sites share a social media profile, the survey reads. “I think it depends on the couple and it depends on how mature they are,” Cooper said. “I see mostly older people using shared profiles.” A need for shared accounts could stem from mistrust, Crump said. “Personally, from what I have seen
with people that share profiles, there have been infidelities with either one or both of the people involved,” Crump said. In terms of relationships and infidelity, social media has created another obstacle, Paulk said. “People that would have never cheated 30 years ago are messaging people on social media, and they’re cheating,” she said. “I don’t think we will fully understand the impact of social media in reference to infidelity.” Business major Ethan Byrd said the only reasons couples share accounts are if one person does not want their own account or if there is mistrust. “If it’s the first case, then just don’t have a Facebook,” he said. If it’s the second, then you’ve got bigger problems.”
SOCIOLOGY
Professor explains reasoning behind relationship deal breakers JASMINE FLEMING 7VTQVM -LQ\WZ WVTQVM(NTWZITI VM\
Relationship deal breakers develop for different reasons, but they can be important in helping people figure out what they are looking for in a significant other. Relationship expectations can come from influences such as friends, parents, the media and literature, said Amber Paulk, assistant professor of sociology. Overall, those expectations create a comparison level for alternatives. Paulk said when a person feels his or her comparison level for alternatives is met, he or she is satisfied. If the comparison level is not met, he or she begins looking for alternatives to being with that individual, which could include being single. “I’m sure you have experiences where you’ve seen a friend not treated particularly well by somebody, and you yourself go, ‘I would not be happy if I were in that relationship,’” she said. “She looks very happy, and she’s not looking
to break up with the boyfriend she’s got. That tells me her comparison level of alternatives, and what she expects out of a relationship, is different from yours.” One of sophomore Renae Moseley’s deal breakers is the other person must also be religious, she said. “I was brought up with one person that was not religious and one person that was,” she said. “I see the hardships that they have, and they struggle to stay on the same page. I would like to avoid those kinds of problems.” Paulk said it is important to go into a relationship with “bottom lines,” which are things that are intolerable. They should be centered on making sure the relationship is respectful and healthy, she said. “Research says if you don’t go in with some bottom lines with how you expect to be treated, in the name of love, you will put up with anything,” she said. Paulk also said to figure out what is absolutely necessary for an individual’s future happiness, such as having children, and stick with those requirements. She said these long-term
requirements should be found in a individual does not possess themselves, person’s value system or belief system. she said. “A big piece of what predicts long“Some things are necessities and term success in romantic relationships are deal breakers for you, and that’s is compatibility,” she said. “So, it’s OK,” she said. “Can you have too many essential that you figure out what you’re to where your expectations are too looking for in terms of what will fit well unrealistic and no human being could fit with you. It’s going to make those first that mold? Yes.” dates so much easier because you have an idea of what you’re looking for.” Editor’s note: To read the rest of this Jesse Rogers, a freshman, said story, visit www.florala.net. individuals should know the important things they want from someone else. “If it’s just blondes over brunettes, that’s not really important,” he said. “But, RESEARCH SAYS IF YOU DON T GO IN WITH SOME when it comes down to the things that are really going BOTTOM LINES WITH HOW YOU EXPECT TO BE TREATED, IN to matter in your life, you THE NAME OF LOVE, YOU WILL PUT UP WITH ANYTHING. should take time to figure that out.” When deciding what is a deal MBER AULK breaker, individuals should ask ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY what they want from a significant other, Paulk said. Then, they should look to see if they possess the same qualities. It is unreasonable and unfair to ask someone to have characteristics the
A
P
6B LOVE
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
ENTERTAINMENT
Classic films create tearful Valentineʼs Day
ASHLEY REMKUS
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History buffs can find entertainment in the classic “Titanic.” A tearful Valentine’s Day movie night cannot happen without Leonardo DiCaprio in the story of two unpredictable young lovers that captivates viewers when ‘impossible’ devastation strikes.
Nicholas Sparks, the king of the tear-jerker, never disappoints. “A Walk to Remember” is the story of teenage love that knows no end — even in death. The film is also a story of growing up and learning some of life’s most valuable lessons.
Throwback to the 1940s and WWII with this classic award-winning love drama. Rick Blaine must choose between love and wartime duty. He must search within himself to determine if he will honorably walk away from his lover or dishonorably indulge it.
Sports fans are not left out of the Valentine’s Day film mix. Those looking for a tear-jerker will find it in this film about tragedy striking a football team, university and town. The movie ends on a happy note when the community rebuilds and grows from hardships.
Twenty-something products of the 90s probably did not grow up without this Disney classic. The story of never-ending friendship between two unlikely companions brings tears to the toughest soul’s eyes.
Leave it to Nicholas Sparks to write a good love novel, and leave it to the film experts to turn it into a captivating motion picture. The story line follows star-crossed lovers, Noah and Allie. She fights within herself to determine who her true love is.
Your Ad Here For more information call 256-765-4427
Email advertising@florala.net
LOVE 7B
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
MOTS
WORST DATES ”
”
IʼM FROM LAWRENCEBURG, TENNESSEE. THIS GUY WANTED TO COME HERE TO EAT AT RED LOBSTER. I HAD TO DRIVE AND PAY FOR MY OWN FOOD.
I WENT OUT ON THIS DATE WITH A GIRL ON VALENTINEʼS DAY. I GOT SUCKERED INTO BUYING ONE OF THOSE BIG $40 TEDDY BEARS, ON TOP OF DINNER AND ALL THE OTHER EXPENSES.
JOSIE MESSER
CADE OLIVER
FRESHMAN
”
I WENT TO THE MOVIES ON MY BIRTHDAY. HE FORGOT IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY, AND I HAD TO PAY FOR MY OWN TICKET.
JUSTICE BURGOS SOPHOMORE
JUNIOR
”
”
”
IT WAS VALENTINEʼS DAY LAST YEAR. I GOT REALLY SICK. IT WAS OUR FIRST VALENTINEʼS TOGETHER AND WASNʼT A GOOD WAY TO START. WEʼRE STILL TOGETHER.
WE SAT ON OUR PHONES THE WHOLE TIME. THERE WASNʼT MUCH CHEMISTRY. THEN HE DROPPED ME OFF AND, I CRIED. THAT WAS THE FIRST VALENTINEʼS DATE I HAD EVER BEEN ON.
I WENT ON A DOUBLE DATE WITH MY BEST FRIEND, AND
LUKE WINGO
MOLLIE OLINGER
MARTEZ HILL
JUNIOR
FRESHMAN
THE GIRL HE PAIRED ME UP WITH WAS INSANE. SHE WAS WAY TOO
PUSHY, AND IT JUST WASNʼT CLICKING.
JUNIOR
Danielle Patten Member Since 2012
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8B EXTRA
Feb. 12, 2015 • The Flor-Ala
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