February 2nd, 2012 Issue

February 2, 2012

Volume 80 No. 18

Local book suppliers not worried about new digital book options

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Living the dream

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photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Apple has recently announced an upgrade to its downloading platform to include iTunes U, a large online library of free education content available on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

This app also allows Apple to release cheaper digital textbooks from education p u b l i s h e r s Student Blair Robbins such as Pear- uses her iPad in a microson and Mc- economics class Jan. 26.

Graw-Hill.

While Apple is offering its own solution to expensive textbooks, some book suppliers are not worried about the possible effects of future sales. Online versions of textbooks are still less popular than the physical copy, said Laura Holden Irvine, manager of College Book Supply.

“I have had several students who have bought the e-book wanting the physical copy,” Irvine said. “They just didn’t like reading it on the screen. I think the techsavvy students will really want (Apple’s ebooks) and then find out they don’t like it.”

Irvine mentioned she does not believe the cheaper price of the digital books will play a role in their popularity.

“People are old school and will want the book in their hand,” she said.

The on campus book store has already been providing textbooks via CafeScribe’s e-reader, which is available for any computer’s operating system.

“Apple’s announcement reinforces what we already know and has been part of our core strategy,” said Elio DiStaola, director of public and campus relations.

“Course materials continue to evolve to-

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photos by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

2011 Miss UNA Brandi Lewis crowns 2012 Miss UNA Anne-Marie Hall, a music education major, Jan. 28 in Norton Auditorium.

Hall reflects on upcoming year as Miss UNA 2W[P ;SIOO[

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For a long time, student Anne-Marie Hall said she has wanted to be crowned Miss UNA. She remembers dreaming of the title from an early age.

“I have always dreamed of being Miss UNA,” Hall said. “As a little girl, (my mom) would always bring me to school, and we would always go to the pageant as a tradition.”

Hall’s win still surprises her, even days after she was crowned in front of hundreds of people Jan. 28 in Norton Auditorium.

“It has not sunk in that I’m Miss UNA,” Hall said. “It was so shocking to me, because all I cared about was getting out there and showing them me.”

which is Americans for the Arts.

“For me, it was more or less I want to be the voice for people (that don’t have the opportunity to speak up),” she said.

Hall said she looks forward to meeting with community leaders and administrators to start promoting UNA across the state. She wants to use her role to recruit students to come to the university.

Head Coach Bobby Wallace was right when he said he wanted to recruit students from this area, Hall said.

“There are fine people in this area that kind of bypass UNA, and I don’t know why,” Hall said.

Hall’s platform is centered on one of Miss UNA contestants dance to the “Lather loves—the arts. The arts have been in Rhythm” Jan. 28 in Norton Auditorium. in her life since she was young, she said.

Hall is excited to use her position She plans to be a music teacher after she as Miss UNA to promote her platform,

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Officials: No hope for 24-hour library )TM` 4QVLTMa

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While some of the larger Division I universities in the south have library hours comparable to UNA’s, State University of West Georgia— one of UNA’s peer institutions of comparable size—moved to a 24/5 schedule last fall.

With big changes coming to UNA, students may find themselves wondering about the future of Collier

Library and if it could support a 24hour system as well.

Probably not, UNA Director of Library Services Dr. Melvin Davis said.

“It’s atypical for universities of this size to have a 24-hour library,” he said. “Libraries at universities of comparable size typically close around 11 or 12.”

To manage a system like the one in place at UWG, Davis said UNA would run into some issues.

“We just don’t have the staff to be able to remain open for those types of hours,” he said. “Our staff is small for our size as it is. From our end, we’d have to justify to folks that we really need (a 24-hour library).”

SGA President Ralph Akalonu said SGA began discussing the prospect of a 24-hour library last year.

SGA presented the idea to a library staff that was open to the idea last year, he said. Those discussions gave

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photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Student Will Shannon uses a computer in Collier Library.

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News Briefs CAAP exam next week The Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency will be administered to students Feb. 7-9.

The CAAP exam will be given in Stevens Hall room 422. Students should enter through the third floor breezeway, not the main entrance.

A picture ID and a No. 2 pencil are required to take the exam.

Play time changed The Aquila Theater will return to Norton Auditorium to perform “Macbeth” at a different time.

The performance will be on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $5 for students and $10 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Douglas Center for the Arts, ColdWater Books, Pegasus Records and the UNA bookstore.

Different RSOs seek Step Sing title Traditionally Greek event adds two new groups to its lineup 2IKWJ ?ITTIKM

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This year, Step Sing—scheduled for Feb. 2 and 3 at 7 p.m.—has two new additional teams that are competing to support United Way. Cheryl Mathis, coordinator of programming in the Office of Student Engagement, is looking forward to the event.

“I am incredibly excited two new groups are involved,” Mathis said.

The two new groups that will be competing this year are the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and the honarticipation has ors program.

“It has grown, and this is a been many years since good way to get our Step Sing has name out there and seen so much participation benefit United Way. other than the traditional groups, such as Greek organizations,” Mathis said. “Though it is typically a Greek-oriented event, any campus group can participate,” Mathis said.

Jerry Saylor, GSA public relations chair and team captain for the GSA Step Sing team, explained the reasons that GSA decided to break the traditional expectations.

“We are just trying to be more of a face on campus,” Saylor said. “Participation has grown, and this is a good way to get our name out there and benefit United Way.” Saylor said being a part of the first GSA

”P

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-Jerry Saylor

News Briefs are compiled by News Editor Josh Skaggs. Email jskaggs@una.edu to have your event featured in this section.

online www.florala.net These stories and more online!

-SGA approves resolution to extend Thanksgiving break -Obama administration works to protect birth control

Follow us on Twitter at @UNAFlorAla and on Facebook to get breaking news from The Flor-Ala.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

file photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Sisters of Alpha Delta Pi perform for the crowd at Step Sing last year. Step Sing has traditionally been a Greek-driven event on campus, and in more recent years, the event has drawn a lot of attention from other student groups as well.

Step Sing team was stressful, but overall pretty fun. According to him, the Step Sing experience has unified and brought together a group of individuals that may not have otherwise worked together.

“I am a freshman trying to get involved,” said Tori Sparks, part of the 10-member GSA team. “It was cool to see people working together and getting to know each other.”

Sparks said getting people to participate was the biggest challenge. Saylor agreed, adding that working on dance moves and lyrics also required a lot of work.

Saylor said creative thought was placed on the theme of the GSA team’s performance.

“I am really excited to see how creative each team is,” Mathis said.

Step Sing’s overall theme this year is “Once Upon a Time” which was chosen by University Program Council, Mathis said.

The GSA Step Sing group is using the musical works of Lady GaGa in order to do something different from what other groups might be doing.

The GSA team’s theme is titled “Once Upon a Time in the Haus of GaGa.” “I think the honors program got involved because we thought it would be a fun new opportunity,” said Leslie Carter, freshman double majoring in English and secondary education. “And the honors program had never done it before.”

Carter also explained her personal experience with Step Sing so far and the reasons

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Changes to FAFSA form affect students, university Education department implements new requirements for applicants )UJMZ 0]M\\

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The U.S. Department of Education has made changes to the way the FAFSA for the 2012-2013 school year is processed, adding extra work for students. Students who do not file the FAFSA On The Web in the encouraged manner will likely have to contact the IRS for tax verification.

Amanda Sharp, associate director of student financial services, encourages students to use the IRS data retrieval process to directly provide FAFSA answers from official tax documents. Students have the option to enter the information manually, but it is strongly discouraged.

Entering the data manually drastically increases the chances of being selected for tax verification, according to Sharp. Under the new FAFSA guidelines, tax transcripts must now be obtained directly from the IRS. Accountant transcripts will no longer be accepted. If selected for verification, students must contact the IRS to request an official transcript and wait for it to be mailed before turning the document into the university. It may take up to 16 days for students to receive the transcript.

“We just want to get the information out,” Sharp said. “Every school in the country has to do this, not just UNA.” The IRS may have to provide transcripts for thousands of students, a workload they may not be prepared to undertake, she said.

“Once the forms have been submitted, our hands are tied,” Sharp said.

Sharp strongly encourages students to contact student financial services about any questions that they may have before filing.

“We have computers in the office for students and parents to use while filing,” she said. “That way they can get help if they get stuck.”

Deb Bailey, a graduating senior, has had to provide tax verification every year.

“The data retrieval makes sense to me, especially if it reduces my chances of being selected for verification,” she said.

“It makes it all the more complicated to go through the IRS for verification when I need to file with my parents’ taxes but I don’t live with them.”

Bailey said the request for tax verification has come late in years past. Waiting for an IRS transcript will add to the time needed for verification.

The data retrieval process has been

available before this year, but it has never before been so essential to stress-free filing.

A statement from the Department of Education said applicants who do not use the data retrieval process will need to explain to their institution why the information they provided is more accurate than the information that would have been obtained directly from the IRS. Students who need assistance or have any questions can contact student financial services at 256-765-4278.

For your information....

-File FAFSA online at www. fafsa.gov.

-Use the IRS data retrieval tool.

-Do not enter the data manually under the IRS information.

Want a job working for The Flor-Ala? Apply on LionJobs by Feb. 17!

Thursday, February 2, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

News

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Faculty discuss ʻstereotype threatʼ in math

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

UNA students Cameron Kelly-Johnson and Cara Depew watch the State of The Union Address Jan. 24.

photo by DARRICK DAWKINS I Staff Photographer

UNA math instructor Karen Driskell teaches a lesson on quadratic equations to her students during an algebra class.

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For years, scientists have attempted to explain why more men than women excel in higher-level math, and since 1999, it has been generally accepted that the reason was a psychological phenomenon known as “stereotype threat.”

This decade-old theory claims that poor self-esteem caused by negative outside pressures is the reason women are statistically not on par with men in mathematics.

Earlier this month, a new study was published in “General Psychology Review” entitled, “Can Stereotype Threat Explain the Gender Gap in Mathematics Performance and Achievement?” which challenges the old theory. The study claims the evidence for the stereotype threat is not sufficient and does not explain the difference in men’s and women’s achievement in math.

However, UNA’s math program has not reflected these trends in either enrollment numbers or success rates.

Dr. David Muse, chair of the Department of Mathematics, has taught almost every level of math from seventh grade to college seniors. Muse said UNA’s math classes are not lacking women at all and that he has never seen his female students excelling less than his male students.

“I think the problem goes back to elementary school and the fact that there are more female teachers than male teachers,” he said. “Boys will respond better to a female teacher and girls will respond better to a male teacher, and girls just don’t have that many male teachers to respond to.

“Generally, female teachers have a natural, unconscious disposition to respond to and encourage their male students, and vice versa.”

Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Cynthia Stenger said women do not lack the ability to do well in math, but that math is not as appealing to them as other fields.

“There is a lot of effort to attract women to (mathematics),” she said. “They do well but do not pursue the field. We think that women do not see the interpersonal benefits

of working in that field.”

UNA’s math program does not have an unbalanced ratio of men to women, Stenger said.

“If anything, there are more women in our program who are pursuing secondary education,” she said.

Sophomore Amy Brown decided to major in math before she came to UNA. “I’ve never seen my being a girl as an obstacle, and in my second semester, I realized that being a girl gave me an advantage because, apparently, it’s uncommon,” she said.

Freshman and math major Christian Bayens said his math classes reflect that females have a slight upper hand.

“In past math classes, the girls proved themselves to be generally better than the males,” he said. “That became the trend, and it seems to have stuck.”

While the national average may show men ahead of women mathematically, UNA’s math classes—as well as the opinions of many students and faculty in the math program—show different results.

Community weighs in on SOPA, PIPA legislation 2IKWJ ?ITTIKM

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The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) have professors and students at UNA talking out about the issue of piracy versus protection of rights.

Dr. Gregory Pitts, chair of the Department of Communications, gave context to his thoughts on SOPA and PIPA by saying that, historically, the protection of revenue streams on copyrighted content is something that the government has attempted in the past. Both bills—though well intended— may encroach upon the limiting of people’s First Amendment rights, he said.

“The challenge is to figure out how to protect people while at the same time adversely limiting free speech and the free exchange of ideas,” Pitts said. “That is the concern today of both these measures that some of the things—again while perhaps well intended—are so astringent that they stifle speech and the exchange of ideas.”

The intended purpose of SOPA and PIPA—as Pitts said he understands it from his reading up on the subject—is to shut down “rogue sites” that post, and many times profit from, copyright protected information, false, damaging information, or pornographic contact.

“As I have read things, I don’t know that

SOPA would necessarily lead to a shutdown of Wikipedia,” Pitts said.

According to Pitts, the issue is where the line will be drawn if governmental regulation of the Internet begins.

Pitts said the first step in attempting to regulate the Internet may lead one step right after another, and pretty soon “you have given away part of your freedom.”

He said that is what he believes Wikipedia, Google and other sites have been trying to convey through movements such as the recent Wikipedia blackout.

Pitts said the concept of licensing content for consumption is an idea that has been proposed as a solution to the illegal spread of copyrighted content. The challenge of licensing content, Pitts said, is how to measure that content’s use and how to ensure that the appropriate people get paid for the content that is copyrighted to them.

“I don’t know that anybody necessarily disagrees with the idea that some content is copyright protected and ought not be openly freely shared,” Pitts said, “It’s a question of making sure that you don’t choke off other forms of content in an effort to protect copyrighted material.”

Some students are against SOPA and PIPA. “I am against piracy,” said Atticus Wright, a junior majoring in computer science. “Don’t get me wrong. From what I

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

Illegal downloading sites like Pirate’s Bay are frequented by users looking to take intellectual property.

have read, though, SOPA and PIPA seek to end piracy by placing the task of dealing with piracy on the wrong people.”

Wright said he is against the two bills because what they seek to do is end piracy in a guilty until proven innocent way.

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The UNA College Democrats club held an open viewing of President Barack Obama’s annual State of the Association address Jan. 24 in the GUC Performance Center.

At the conclusion of Obama’s address, Dr. Alex Aguado from the Department of Political Science spoke and took questions about the speech as well as the history and development of the State of the Union address since its beginning.

The moments leading up to the actual speech included the ceremonial pageantry that Americans have grown accustomed to. The aisle seats filled up first so congressmen could shake hands with the president and cabinet members.

Obama began his address and was interrupted numerous times by standing ovations. After welcoming home the troops that recently returned from Iraq, he suggested that as a nation, citizens could all follow the military’s example and complete the task at hand regardless of society’s differences.

He continued by saying that the issue of the present time is to keep the “American Dream” alive. Not to dwell on the negatives, Obama peppered his address with lines such as, “The American auto industry is back,” and “America is back and those who don’t believe that don’t know what they’re talking about.”

The economy was a popular subject in the president’s address as well.

He produced a laundry list of bills aimed at the economy that he was ready to sign right away. Some of these were aimed at the education system and helping students finish their educations without huge debts. In July, reports said student loan debt interest will double unless the president and congress can agree on a bill to stop it.

Obama also put universities on notice, saying that if they cannot stop tuition from increasing, federal funding will go down.

A member of the College Republicans, Daniel McGuire watched the president’s address as well. He said the main thing that stuck out to him was a common thread in Obama’s speeches.

“I agreed with Obama’s points about tax rates, corporate taxes and

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Thursday, February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

What gets your gears grinding on campus? )VLa <PQOXMV

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Do you ever see something on campus or in the community that just makes you wonder? You might think “Why?” or “What are they thinking?” or “If I was in charge, I would—” (insert profound and society-altering solution here).

Well, in the spirit of my past columns of trying to tastefully complain about things I think should be done differently in our area, I’d like to mention something that really—in the words of the perennial Mr. Griffin—“grinds my gears.”

Once upon a time, I took a 9 a.m. weight lifting class in Flowers Hall. On one occasion—just one, of course—I was running late. Driving up Wood Avenue, I casually turned down Circular Drive beside Wesleyan Hall, ignoring the four “No Left Turn” signs planted or strung around the intersection. Immediately after turning, the blue lights from a university police cruiser coming up Circular stopped me.

As we were both stopped in the middle of the road, the officer graciously explained the error of my ways by employing the age-old cop tradition of asking biting and stunningly witty rhetorical questions such as, “Do you know how many signs you passed? … Do you want me to write you a ticket?”

For the record, I wasn’t even speeding.

The officer let me go, but there’s not one time I turn left at that intersection that I don’t think about that morning. I haven’t

done the research, but I ask the question, why can’t we turn left right there? What danger does it present? Especially when the lights are programmed for a left turn.

And also when everyone does it anyway.

In order to legally reach the Flowers Hall parking lot, the parking deck and all the prime parking on Circular Drive, responsible drivers must drive up to West Hawthorne Street, make a left on Sherrod Avenue and then another left back on Circular.

I’m aware this is only three blocks, and maybe this is senseless rambling. But have you tried to turn left onto Hawthorne from Wood Avenue between 8 to 10 a.m.? It’s tricky with no light or stop sign to control traffic.

Argument: The laws surrounding the intersection at Wood and Circular are senseless and unforgivably frustrating.

Admission: Anyone in the community can easily find out what the deal is by calling the City of Florence Street Department, and I haven’t done that. I’m just doing a little public ranting.

I’d like to propose another question: What do you, reader, see around campus or in the city that doesn’t make sense, that bothers you, or that just gets your gears grinding?

Ask me, and I will try to console you with sarcasm while attempting to find the reasons why the problem is there. If I can’t, I’ll make something up.

My email is up there above my face.

Give me a shout. I’ll shout back.

To contact Andy, call 256-765-5233 or follow him on Twitter at @TheFlorAndy.

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PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world UNA has received two back-to-back government grants in recent months. The first was given to the UNA Department of Criminal Justice by the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention for $237,000. The second was granted to Continuing Studies and Outreach by the Department of Justice for $272,939.

The Office of Diversity and Institutional Equity is bringing author and Alabama resident Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson to campus Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Jackson and her late husband were close friends with Martin Luther King, Jr. and opened their home to King and other activists during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march.

SHOUTOUT! Congrats to Staff Writer Brandon Anderson for being named Writer of the Week for The Flor-Ala. Also, great job to Staff Photographer Kayla Sloan for having Photo of the Week in the last edition of The Flor-Ala.

Social Media Column

Let’s not get caught up in social media

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+WT]UVQ[\ J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML] I will be the first person to admit I am a social media junkie. My iPhone is permanently glued to my hand, and I am relentlessly connected to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and my blog. I think in 140-character snippets and sensible status updates most of the time. I waste no time in posting pictures or liking and com-

menting on someone else’s activity.

We are living in an age where connectivity is as easy as a few simple clicks or entering login information. In a matter of seconds, we can connect with someone halfway across campus or someone halfway around the world. It is remarkable, if you really think about it.

And by now, if you haven’t hopped on the social media bandwagon in some form or another, you’re almost considered outdated

Caught reading The Flor-Ala!

Is this you? Stop by our office at 443 Wood Ave. behind Willingham Hall to pick up a free Flor-Ala pen and T-shirt!

or obsolete. Social networking has quickly become the norm.

There are so many positive sides of social networking that people often fail to see the downsides. While they are—in my opinion— few and far between, the fact remains that the negatives do exist and they are becoming gradually more evident.

With connection and interaction at our fingertips, it is becoming increasingly easier to replace face-to-face interpersonal interaction with virtual relationships. Online acquaintances you have met one time in real life are boosted to “friend” status. Instead of picking up the phone to call family or friends separated by distance, we find it easier and more convenient to write on their Facebook timeline or send a tweet their way.

I’m in a pot-calling-the-kettle-black situation here because I do the exact same thing.

Last week, though, one of my professors pointed out the slow decay of interpersonal relationships due to the fact that we now have computer screens and smart phones to hide behind.

In the hustle and bustle of school, work, sports or social calendars, it’s easy to let relationships fall to the wayside. It’s easy to label a Facebook chat as spending time with our friends. We look at pictures and automatically assume that we know what is going on in the lives of people we know, when really we haven’t had a conversation with them in months.

We need to go back to the time where we didn’t keep up with our cousin’s life via Facebook albums or learn about our best friend’s engagement from a changed relationship status. Social networking can be an important part of our lives, but it shouldn’t be the function that defines our lives.

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Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama LUCY BERRY EXECUTIVE EDITOR JOSH SKAGGS NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANDY THIGPEN LIFE EDITOR TOMMY BOLTON SPORTS EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY COPY/OPINIONS EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST JULIANN LOSEY CIRCULATION MGR MALISA McCLURE CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA SLOAN BARRY MINOR DARRICK DAWKINS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

EDITORIAL BOARD: LUCY BERRY ALEX LINDLEY

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writer’s name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editor’s Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

Letters may also be submitted through our website at florala.net.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

Copyright © 2011 The Flor-Ala All rights reserved.

First copy free.

Additional copies $1 each.

Life

Thursday, February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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The

photo by DARRICK DAWKINS I Staff Photographer

Meghan Baucum, Robert Schiavi and Brandon Shores sit together and share laughs. Similar situations can cause confusion when trying to understand and cope with “The Friend Zone.”

Friend Zone

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It may sound pleasant, but anyone who has found themselves in the friend zone knows the misery and frustration associated with this particular situation.

The term “friend zone” refers to a situation where one partner wants to move things to a more intimate level while the other prefers to stay friends. This tends to be more of a problem for males than females. However, while women can also find themselves in

the friend zone, it is much easier for them to escape and move things to an intimate relationship than it is for men. According to a 2001 Match.com survey, 71 percent of respondents hoped they would fall in love with a friend. Oh, if only it were so simple.

UNA student Molly Stell likened a possible relationship with a guy friend as “trying to be attracted to your brother.”

“All of my friends in high school were guys, and I could never look at them like that,” she said.

There are numerous reasons a man can fall into the friend zone, according to “How to Succeed with Women,” a 2009 book by dating coaches Ron Louis and David Copeland. It is not always based on her inability to be attracted to you. Some of the reasons include being too available and accommodating in the beginning. They

suggest making your intentions clear from the start so there will be as little confusion as possible.

“You have a month or so of being friends to make a move—otherwise you get stuck,” Stell said.

Askmen.com gives a bit of insight.

They suggest that a male friend for a woman gives her the best of both worlds. She gets to have a man around for things such as advice or the strength to move her couch while not having to complicate things with sex.

UNA student Natalie Wilson sees it differently.

“I think the misstep here is overthinking, which harbors a strong tendency to disturb the organic quality of human courtship, which is undeniably the best part about it,” she said.

If you are wondering if that certain someone has placed you in the friend zone, there are some phrases you are likely to hear if indeed you have landed in that dreaded area. They include, “I can talk to you about anything,” “You’re like a brother to me,” “You understand me” and—if you do get around to asking him or her out— the stomach-churning, “I don’t want to risk losing what we have as friends.”

Face it. When it comes to the complicated messes of relationships, the nice guy finishes last. Take some initiative. Let him or her know how you feel as soon as you feel that way.

There are no known good solutions to escaping the friend zone. By the time you realize you have ended up in the friend zone, it will more than likely be too late, so do whatever necessary to steer clear.

Classic, campy ʻCabaretʼ show to Songwriter faces challenges, finds premiere tonight at Shoals Theatre enjoyment while teaching courses )VLa <PQOXMV

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In celebration of 40 years of the Zodiac Theater, the Zodiac Players and Shoals Theatre will present a production of the 1966 classic “Cabaret” Feb. 2 at the Shoals Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

Director and UNA Music Instructor Alan Flowers said the musical is back by popular demand.

“We had a vote all last year about which play in the past 40 years that (the voters) would like to see again, and this one got the most,” Flowers said.

The musical is set in 1931 Berlin, Germany. The story follows Cliff Bradshaw— played by UNA senior music education major Ethan Lolley—an aspiring novelist who falls for Sally Bowles, a cabaret girl at the Kit Kat Klub, who is played by Katie Cockrell.

Because of various risqué scenes in the cabaret involving tight tights and lots of

lingerie, Lolley hopes the community stays open-minded while attending the musical.

“People just have to go to the theater to be entertained,” Lolley said. “If you go into it open-minded, you won’t be offended. After all, it’s just acting. It’s not real.”

“It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, though,” he added. “I will say that.”

”There are not many

musicals that can be twisted, dark, politcal and sexy, but this is one of them.”

-Katie Cockrell Cockrell, a UNA graduate in vocal and piano performance, is excited about this production.

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I think I’ve been in seven shows at the Shoals

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Walt Aldridge has written dozens of hit songs, produced records for popular artists and has a bronze star on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. He is also in his second semester of teaching classes in the Department of Entertainment Industry at UNA. With all the success Aldridge has accomplished in his career of publishing, recording and songwriting, he feels graduating from UNA is how it all began.

“I’ve always had a personal attachment (to UNA) because I feel it has personally been how I got my jobs doing something I love,” Aldridge said.

Aldridge’s journey to UNA began last summer when Dr. Bob Garfrerick, chair the Department of Entertainment Industry, contacted him and offered him a one-year contract to teach. Aldridge felt like it was a perfect time in his life to take on teaching

;MM )4,:1,/- XIOM

photo by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer

Walt Aldridge teaches a class in the Department of Entertainment Industry.

Aldridge said he finds joy in his year of teaching at UNA.

Page

6

Images

Thursday, February 2, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

The evolution of technology

By Barry Minor - Staff Photographer - sminor@una.edu As I think back to where the surrounding world. madness that we now know as cell I have been able to use the skills I phones originated, it is a wonder to have to bring these see how far they have come. From images to the paper playing snake on the old Nokia green screen to the many wonders today. I look forward to seeing how much of the newest iPhone, I am amazed by the advanced nature of the further technology Barry Minor product. is going to go in the The pictures in this photo essay future, because the way it looks towere all taken with my iPhone. day, the sky is the limit.

I would love to hear the readThey are a testament to what phones have become today. De- ers’ feedback on my images. You cent skills coupled with today’s can contact me at my above email technology can turn phones into address. tools to very accurately capture the

To shoot photos for The Flor-Ala, email Chief Photographer Malisa McClure at msmcclure@una.edu.

Feature

Thursday, February 2, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Page

ater productions since then.

“I hope to use my Miss UNA role to go to these communities to help them see that the arts really matter,” Hall said. “If you have the arts thriving in your community, you will have it in your schools.”

Hall said growing up in the arts gave her something to be a part of besides being a star athlete or star student.

“When you take programs like music, like drama out of a school system, you are telling a child you aren’t worth it,” Hall said.

Hall plans to meet with local elementary schools to promote arts education.

“I want to go commend the community leaders who are working in this area to keep the arts in this area,” Hall said.

Pageant Director and Coordinator of Program in the Office of Student Engagement Cheryl Mathis said she’s thrilled to photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer see what Hall will accomplish during her Terry Hall, father of Anne-Marie Hall, kisses his daughter on the cheek after she was reign. crowed Miss UNA 2012 at the annual pageant Jan. 28.

“She’s so excited about supporting her was the reason she started in the arts. She 51;; =6) KWV\QV]ML remembers listening to her mother practice platform; she says UNA has such a great NZWU XIOM piano for church every Sunday morning, music department and she wants people to know about it,” Mathis said. and how special it made her feel. graduates, and has known this since she Hall’s platform is what she is most exHall started voice lessons at age six, and was in middle school. cited about, Mathis said. has participated in choral and musical theAccording to Hall, her mother Susan

41*:):A KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM rise to the 24-hour study days.

“Over the last year, we have made significant strides in (obtaining a 24hour library schedule), and hopefully in the future it will become a fullfledged operation,” Akalonu said.

Ann Barnhart, head of instructional services for UWG’s Ingram Library, said getting 24/5 library hours was a step-by-step process.

“We started out with sort of a pilot during finals week (fall 2010),” she said. “We worked out funding internally and did it again in the spring.

Then we showed the administration the numbers, and they agreed to fund it.”

But the library staff was not the only part of UWG campus pushing for increased hours, Barnhart said.

“Our student government association was also pushing for it the same time we were,” she said. “I suspect this is the main reason it went through. Our only regret is that we stopped at 24/5.”

Barnhart said the test runs during finals week were key in obtaining funding.

“We believed that if we could show the university that a 24-hour system had value, they would fund it,” she said.

And the value was apparent in the number of students who showed up in the wee hours, she said.

“We were completely full during finals week,” Barnhart said.

But UWG hasn’t agreed to permanently fund the 24/5 schedule, Barnhart said.

“The university only agreed to fund it for one year, but we trust they will continue to give us the money,” she said.

Barnhart said the increased library hours at UWG are an effort to help students in more ways than one.

7

“She’s already done a lot of research, and she’s really excited about getting the community involved (in her platform),” Mathis said.

The role of Miss UNA is an important one, and it’s a big one-year commitment, Mathis said.

“It was fun to see and hear about Miss UNA’s experience in the community because she really was like a celebrity,” Mathis said. “She is recognized, and people are aware of what a big title and what a big role that is. (The community is) so proud of (Miss UNA) and so thankful of her representation of the university.”

Hall and Mathis both were pleased with the turnout to the pageant and the crowd involvement.

“My favorite part of the pageant this year was how engaged the audience was,” Mathis said. “I have never been to an event where there were supporters for all the contestants.”

In addition to the title of Miss UNA, Hall will receive a one-year full scholarship as well as a custom ring from Creative Jewelers. She will also get salon services, gym memberships, $1,500 wardrobe allowance and many other awards and gifts.

Q8),; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM ward digital at various speeds on both to finish class work problems.

Some UNA professionals think it is discipline and levels of education.”

He ensures that the Follett Higher too early for the digital textbooks to be Education Group will be able to pro- successful in the college book field.

Jeremy Britten, web communications vide information access competitively manager for UNA, does not foresee against Apple. digital textbooks Some UNA stubecoming promidents find the digiI would say within five years nent any time tal format unfavorable. students will be using some sort soon.

“I think it will “Personally, I do not care for the eventually,” he of tablet for their books. said. “I don’t digital textbooks,” see it happening said Jonathan King, within a year. I physics major at would say within UNA. “There are a few reasons. For one, they cost almost five years students will be using some as much as a book that you can actually sort of tablet for their books.” hold in your hand. Secondly, I have alWhile the time for tablets being used ways been a person to have to actually in the classroom as textbooks may not have arrived just yet, Apple will also have the book in front of me.”

King explains that the digital text- provide free online college courses books he has for his iPad are not conve- to help students and educators via its nient because it is difficult to navigate iTunes U app. back and forth between pages in order

”

” -Jeremy Britten

Do you use digital textbooks? Let us know at florala.net.

photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Collier Library’s hours vary, but they stay open as late as 1 a.m. some nights.

“There was a concern that there weren’t enough non-alcohol-related activities for students,” she said. “So we’re trying to make the library a social place. We want (students) to have options other than getting drunk for entertainment.

“We’re even trying to book live music every other Friday night.”

UNA’s SGA recently began sponsoring

photo by BARRY MINOR I Staff Photographer

Student R.J. Stein uses his iPad in class Jan. 28.

Apple recently announced an upgrade to a large online library of free education content available on the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.

24-hour study days during finals, but attendance at Collier isn’t quite the same as at UWG’s study days.

“We’ve found that the 24-hour study days really taper off around 1 or 2 a.m.,” Davis said. “We close at 1 a.m. most nights anyway.”

But Collier’s hours don’t necessarily have to stay stagnant, Davis said.

“There are lots of angles that need to be explored,” he said. “We’re trying to look at options that fit here and nationally as well.”

One of those options could possibly involve a little library Feng Shui.

“I know some universities keep the library computer labs open 24 hours,” Davis said. “One option would be to reconfigure our space to allow for something like that.

Most students don’t use the later hours to check out books anyway.”

UNA graduate history major Clint Alley

is in favor of a 24-hour library.

“As a night owl, I usually do my best work at unconventional hours,” he said. “It would be great to have a library flexible enough to suit those needs.”

UNA freshman fashion merchandising major Conley Easter agrees.

“Some students work later hours than the library is open,” he said. “Plus, the dorms are loud at all hours of the night.”

Regardless of whether or not UNA can afford to extend Collier’s hours, Davis said there are some exciting changes forthcoming.

“This is a great time of transition,” he said. “We’re looking forward to ramping up our research consultations with students and making a lot of changes to the workflow component of the library’s software.

There’s a lot of changes about one year down the road.”

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Sports

8

Player of the Week

Baseball team set to start season <WUUa *WT\WV

;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ \JWT\WV(]VI ML]

Theron Jenkins Hometown: Flowood, Miss.

Major: Recreation Position: Forward Stats: Theron recorded a doubledouble against rival UAH with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Week At A Glance Women’s Basketball When: Thursday, 6 p.m.

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Satur

Where: Home W Who: W West Georgia West Alabama

Men’s Basketball

Coming into the 2012 baseball season, the Lions have to carry the burden of high expectations while dealing with a tough schedule.

With six returning All-Gulf South Conference selections from a team that went 37-14 a year ago, the Lions are the preseason co-favorite to win the 2012 GSC baseball title in voting by the league’s head coaches. The Lions are tied in the pre-season poll with defending NCAA Division II National Champion West Florida with 44 total points.

“We are all really anxious to get started and get on the field to play and see the hard work we put in the off-season shows,” said Head Coach Mike Keehn. “Our biggest thing right now is to get all the little things ready for the season such as our bunting, stealing and our signals.”

On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions will return some key pieces—including five allconference performers—while also returning the entire infield from a year ago to help with the defensive percentage.

“On paper, we look like we should be pretty good with our bats, but it comes down to defense,” Keehn said. “With as many infielders as we have returning, we have the opportunity of being even better on defense

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ

Saturday. 3 p.m. UL_QT[WV (]VI ML] Satur

Who: h :W West Georgia West Alabama W

Baseball When: Saturday, 1 p.m. (DH) Sunday, 1 p.m.

Where: H Home

than we were a year ago, and that will be our key to success.”

Junior Josh Cyr will return for the Lions at first base in his third consecutive year of starting at that position and also as a second team all-conference performer. Last season, Cyr had a 314 batting average with seven homeruns and 46 RBIs. “Cyr has been in our league longer than anybody else and really understands how to make the necessary adjustments at the plate, and playing as a freshman helps him,” Keehn said. “Last season, teams pitched him real photo by SUSAN KING I File Photo tight, and he had to make adjustUNA sophomore Josh Carpenter tries to score during a game against ments in the season.”

Southern Arkansas last season.

The other returning allconference players include J.P. doing that; they are just going to us this season and our staff.”

One of the biggest concerns LaMunyon, third-baseman; have to mature and work on it.”

As for the pitching staff, the coming into the season for the Josh Carpenter, short-stop; Jake Sloan, designated hitter and Mi- Lions lost Trey Mitchell in the Lions is the back end of the bullchael Schmidt, second baseman. starting rotation but will return pen, as the team lost both setup All four of those players had two of the three weekend start- man Casey Jones and closer Joel breakout seasons last year and ers to the team, including ju- Sessions, and closing out games make big contributions to the nior Chad Boughner and senior will be a big question mark.

Johnny Hornbuckle.

“We have about four guys team.

Boughner finished last sea- right now who all have good “The biggest thing with those guys (LaMunyon, Carpenter, son with an 8-3 record with a arms, but we are still trying to Sloan and Schmidt) is that they 3.53 ERA while striking out 57 find out what their roles are for came out of nowhere and no- batters. Hornbuckle also had a the bullpen,” Keehn said. “Right body knew anything about them solid year, with an 8-3 record now, that has to be one of the in terms of pitching to them,” with a 4.07 ERA while striking biggest questions we have.” out 80 batters.

The baseball team is set to Keehn said.

“Both guys didn’t have the start the season this Saturday “Whatever they weren’t doing right, teams figured that out numbers that (Mitchell) had against Kentucky State with a late, so that’s what we’ve been last year, but I felt that they were double header starting at 1 p.m. telling them that they need to pretty consistent for us last sea- and a game Sunday also starting make adjustments on,” Keehn son,” Keehn said. “Having two at 1 p.m. Both games will be at said. “I think they are capable of weekend starters will be huge for home.

McBrayer transitions from Olympics to UNA

W en: Thursday, Wh When: Thursd 8 p.m. 5I\\ ?QT[WV

Where: W h Home

Thursday, February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Noel McBrayer grew up in Birmingham and went to Woodlawn High School and later Samford University. In 1972, he accepted a job at UNA to teach.

He spent the last 30 years as a full-time instructor at UNA and the last 10 years as an adjunct professor.

He has taught students tennis, pickle ball and various other dueling sports, including badminton, which has earned him a bit of a reputation on campus. McBrayer has competed in badminton at the Senior Olympics five times and placed in all of them.

At the age of 66, he is in great shape and attributes his health to his active lifestyle.

it and knew in my heart that it was the right place to be.

Q: What got you into badminton?

A: While attending Samford Univer-

sity, I came across indoor badminton.

Part of my duties for my scholarship included running and closing up the gym each night. The room that I lived in was in the gym. So at night—once I got the gym locked up—my friends and I would play all night. Eventually, I got good and began playing in the state tournaments.

Once I got to UNA, I put together a team, and we started playing around photo by TOMMY BOLTON I Student Photographer Noel McBrayer takes his Olympic talent to UNA to teach the Southeast. We did well and won numerous tournaments, but eventually students the game of badminton. the funding from the school for the team that they can play for the What motivates you? went away, and it kind of fizzled out. rest of their lives. Tennis, badminton, volleyball— I have a peace in my There is a rumor that during all these are what we call heart that I am doing what of your years at UNA, you have only lifetime sports. I’m 66 years I am supposed to be dolost once to a student. Is this true? old, and I’ll play badminton ing. The students keep me until the day I drop. young and keep me motiWell, it’s almost true. I’ve actually What brought you to vated, but knowing each lost three times.

Once was to a graduUNA? Do you have any morning when I wake up ate student. And then about three other hobbies? that I am doing what I feel years ago, there was a kid here from I came up here in 1965 to I was called on to do is my Canada.

We had to play over at the play in a tennis tournament.

I’m a bogey golfer, and main motivation.

Rec Center, which is a horrible place All I knew about this area at love to fish. I would fish to play badminton, but he beat me by Ievery the time was tornadoes. I day if I could. I also one point two different times. did not have a good impreshelp out at my church with sion of the school at the time.

What do you get out of teaching children’s activities and with When I was offered the job, I here at UNA? a singing group as well. I had to do some deep thinktravel around and haul the ing because I thought it was I feel like I’m making a difference sound equipment around. the armpit of the state. But I for people by teaching them something Basically, I’m their roadie. had some friends up here and

Q:

Q: A:

Q: A:

A:

Q: A:

Q: A:

Sports

Thursday, February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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9

Fillmore makes name for herself on court 4I]ZMV -[\M[

Q.

Q.

Who are your favorite teams How long have you and/or players to watch? Why? been playing basket-

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ TM[\M[(]VI ML]

Sophomore post player Nichelle Fillmore was expected to fill big shoes after last year’s all-GSC first team post Niala Harris graduated. Fillmore has done just that after averaging 10.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

A: “My favorite team to watch is the ball? Do you play

Boston Celtics. My favorite players are any other sports?

Kevin Garnett and Tina Charles.”

A: “I have only

been playing organized basketball since the sevQ. Who/what helped initiate your start in playing enth grade, and I never basketball? wanted to play any other A: “My dad got me started playing basketball be- sport.” cause he played when he was younger and it was something we could do together.”

Q. If a director decided to make a movie about your life, who would they cast to play you? Why that person?

A: “That’s a hard question, but I would probably say Sanaa Lathan just because she played in my favorite movie ‘Love and Basketball.’”

A: “My pre-game routine is usually just listening to music, going over the scouting report (for that game), and going over in my head what I expect to do in the game.”

Q. What are the team goals for the rest of the season?

Q. You’re from Bir-

A: “We want to come together and mingham and graduatfocus on winning the rest of our games, and ed from Fairfield High also do well in the tournament.” school, but give the readers some background informaQ. What about as an individual? What do tion about you, brothers/ sisters ... that type of thing? you want to see yourself accomplish?

“Yeah, I’m from BirQ.What is your pre-game routine? A: mingham, and I have four

Do you have any superstitions you stick to each game day?

photo by DARRICK DAWKINS I Staff Photographer

brothers and three sisters.

And I’m the youngest of all the girls.”

Q. Burger King or McDonald’s? Why?

A: “I want to keep being a presence on the offensive and defensive end of the court, and to keep the team motivated, because we can’t do anything if we don’t do it together.”

Q. If we turned on your car radio right now,

what would we hear playing? Likewise, what kind of music/artists do you listen to in order A: “McDonald’s. I don’t like to help you get ready for a game?

Q. What’s your favorite move on the how the burgers are cooked A: “You would probably hear Future or Two court? at Burger King. They taste Chainz playing in my car, but before the game, A: “I love the right hook over my left shoul- funny. I’m picky!”

I listen to everything from Gucci Mane to Lil der.”

Wayne.”

UNA to add two new sports <WUUa *WT\WV

;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ \JWT\WV(]VI ML]

UNA has completed all but two of the five benchmark requirements for NCAA Division I, according to UNA President Bill Cale.

As of now, UNA still needs to be admitted into an athletic conference, but after a review of potential sports, Athletic Director Mark Linder recommended adding women’s indoor and outdoor track to go into next year’s athletic budget.

Adding these sports will make a posi-

tive contribution to the university’s compliance with Title IX, Cale said.

“I am quite excited about the addition of women’s indoor and outdoor track,” Cale said. “These sports will create new opportunities and strengthen our existing sport of cross country. I think the athletic department has reached an excellent decision on how to expand our varsity sports program.”

These two sports can be added within the existing budget of the Department of Athletics.

Linder will make an announcement of the two new sports and also hopes to begin competition by next year.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

News

Page

Lunch spending compounds commuting costs +PZQ[ 8MVVQM

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ KXMVVQM(]VI ML]

Half of American workers buy coffee on a regular basis, totaling up to $1,092 a year and two-thirds buy lunch at work, totaling up to $1,924 a year, according to a new study.

A study by the accounting firm Accounting Principals of 1,000 people, who were 18 to 24, showed that people spend more on lunch and coffee than they do on commuting to work.

Many students have issues with saving money while attending college. Freshman Nikki Messer and sophomore Chase Wise agree they spend most of their money on food. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Food is a necessity, but excessive spending can hurt us more than it helps,â&#x20AC;?

Wise said.

UNA professor of finance Kristy Van Rensselaer understands students as well as non-students will spend money on dining not only because of the need to eat, but also the social aspects of itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as well as feeling the need to grab something such as coffee while out getting through their busy schedules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overspending is not bad for the economy,â&#x20AC;? Van Rensselaer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is living above oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, so I think it is a negative.â&#x20AC;?

Van Rensselaer explained why overspending can be good for the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consumer spending contributes to 70 percent of our gross domestic product; if we suddenly stop, it would be detrimental to our economy,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Van Rensselaer said students who rely

more on credit cards may end up in personal debt. When students rely on credit cards to get through normal balances with minimal monthly payment, it leads to higher interest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a psychological factor,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you swipe a card, it does not feel like paying, almost as if using monopoly money because you do not have to deal with the payment up front.

She also said the meal plans provided can be convenient but also inconvenient at the same time. For example, if a student chooses to study late, she may crave a snack, which will urge her to drive off campus and buy one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We may have to spend a bit more money due to the time pressures of collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which is slightly inconvenientâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and also to avoid eating the same food from the cafeteria,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Messer said people who excessively spend money should look at their budgets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We should not spend money frivolously on new shoes rather than textbooks,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it is important that we invest in a savings account.â&#x20AC;?

Gas is a necessity, Van Rensselaer said, but since students are not driving around for no reason as much as they did in high school, it is not a drastic issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are aware of the cost,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the amount per gallon increased to $4 then we would hear lots of complaints.â&#x20AC;?

Messer works in Bath and Body Works at the mall. She strives to spend $20 or less for gas. Messer believes that overspending harms society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overspending can lead to the rise of debt, which outcomes the increase in tax-

10

),,:-;; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM insider trading, but he usually fails to give any specific goals for reaching those solutions,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Aguado mentioned that though the annual speech has grown into a media event over the years, the viewership has grown and then dwindled. He assigned this to the fact that there are many more channels on television today as well as other entertainment options.

Aguado also said that the majority of people who watch the speech already have their minds made up either in support of or against the policies of the president.

He also said ideally, the State of the Association address should articulate the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals, recite his accomplishments, present his agenda and mobilize his support.

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Einstein Bagel Bros. employee Kelsey Sledge assists customers at their location on campus.

payer dollars,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There should be other alternatives because the government would not spend on stimulus plans to lower taxes. We are a capitalist country without socialist or communist beliefs.â&#x20AC;?

Messer offered an explanation as to why people overspend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the accessibility of it,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Van Rensselaer said the best tip for students is to make a monthly budget. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is hard but the best thing to do,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sticking with a budget will help in the long run. Living in your means is good; living beneath your means is even better.â&#x20AC;?

;<-8 ;16/ KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM behind her personal involvement. She also furthers the sentiment that Step Sing brings groups closer together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I joined because it seemed like a fun new college experience and a memory I would like to make,â&#x20AC;? Carter said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Step Sing has been so much fun learning the songs and working with people toward a common goal. I have made new friends and forged closer ones. I will kind of miss working with them all of them.â&#x20AC;?

Thursday, February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

+)*):-< KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Theatre, but I’m definitely most excited about this show. The content reaches a whole new level. It’s not one of these hohum, happy musicals. It can definitely reach the soul.”

The musical, Cockrell explained, uses the rise of Nazi Germany as a metaphor for how oppression affects people.

“Anybody that has ever been oppressed or been the oppressor will really enjoy this show,” Cockrell said. “It’s a huge metaphor. It definitely lets you look at any type of political, spiritual or cultural conflicts so that—regardless of

your opinion about a situation—you can look at it from every point of view.”

“The other thing is—as political as it is—it’s really sexy,” Cockrell said.

“There are not many musicals that can be twisted, dark, political and still be sexy, but this is one of them.”

“Cabaret” will play Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. at the Shoals Theatre. There will also be a matinee performance 2 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students in advance, and $12 for adults and $10 for students at the door.

Life

Page

11

Workin’ for the

Weekend

Check out what’s coming up this weekend in the Shoals.

Thursday, Feb. 2nd Chris Roach On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Scott Boyer and MC Thurman of The Decoys

Cabaret

Step Sing Norton Auditorium 7 p.m. $8 online, $10 at door

Shoals Theatre 7:30 p.m. $8 student advance $10 at door

DP’s 8 p.m. - midnight

)4,:1,/- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM at a university.

“I’ve always taught,” he said. “Even at school here, I had 40 guitar students.

I’ll always be teaching something, somewhere.”

Aldridge has also started working on his MBA in business from UNA. “I feel challenged because I don’t have any of those teaching certifications, but I do know how the business is and this is what students want,” he said.

He said he can offer the valuable truths students need to consider about the industry. He also said he has additional insight as a teacher because he is working on his master’s degree.

Aldridge explained that one of the best parts of teaching is the possibility of influencing students’ lives and careers.

“It’s the pride in feeling like you had some minute part in their journey,” he said. “You never know if you’re one of those teachers that have made that posi-

tive, dramatic effect in someone’s life.”

To enhance students’ learning experiences, Aldridge has been known to invite guests he has met in the industry to class. He said the best part of his department is the small class size, which allows him to give attention to all of his students.

Even though he is teaching and continuing his education, he hasn’t slowed down.

“I feel like I have my plate pretty full,” he said. “I still write songs; I still produce records. I don’t have any down time.”

He is currently mentoring two songwriting groups that are part of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Aldridge said teaching at UNA is an enjoyable experience and he hopes to continue teaching in the future.

Friday, Feb. 3rd Lovelution presents: Hip Heart the end.

8 p.m.

Doctors, Lawyers, and Such DP’s 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Monkee and the Spank Daddies On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Step Sing

Cabaret Shoals Theatre 7:30 p.m. $8 student advance $10 at door

Norton Auditorium 7 p.m. $8 online, $10 at door

Chris Roach, Chad Burdine and Matt Hayes DP’s 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4th Max Russell and the Shakedown Kings DP’s 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Shane and Wendell On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

Cabaret Shoals Theatre 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $8 student advance $10 at door

Page

12

February 2, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

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START EARNING RESPECT.

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There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. Make Army ROTC part of your University of North Alabama experience and be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship, fees for books and a monthly stipend. When you’re finished, you’ll earn the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Register for an ROTC elective today.

ASK ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND SIMULTANEOUS MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM! Visit our office at Wesleyan Hall Annex Room 142. Contact Major Leslie Nelson at (256) 765-4458 or lnelson@una.edu or visit our web site at www.una.edu/rotc ©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

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