Florala - Jan. 26, 2012 Issue

January 26, 2012

Volume 80 No. 17

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Study: 1 in 6 Americans binge drink )VLa <PQOXMV

@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports

A LOOK INSIDE

See page 2 Officials recently announced that new buses will not be purchased at UNA.

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The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released its vital signs report in early January, determining that binge drinking in the United States is more prevalent than it was once thought to be.

Researchers randomly interviewed 457,677 people across 48 states. In summary, the CDC estimated one in six Americans – more than 38 million – participate in binge drinking. The highest percentage of binge drinkers

was found in the 18 – 24 year old age range.

Binge drinking is defined for men as five or more drinks in a short amount of time, whereas, for women, it is four drinks, according to the CDC. Out of the estimated 38 million binge drinkers, the data suggests that participants binge drink approximately four times a month. The average number of drinks consumed per sitting is eight.

The study was released at the end of UNA’s AlcoholEdu program. AlcoholEdu started

last summer and was a required program for all incoming freshman. According to Dr. Kim Greenway, director of Student Conduct, it was designed, in part, to gather information about freshman drinking habits and perceptions as they enter college. “(AlcoholEdu) is a unique attempt to understand what students expect about drinking and address that in a healthy way,” Greenway said. “We’re not out there to say ‘Alcohol is a terrible thing.’ We want to educate on

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photo by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer

Sam Townson shows off during a game of beer pong Jan. 21 at a house party.

Under the weather

UNA enters into agreement with Chinese university 4]Ka *MZZa -`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ TJMZZa(]VI ML]

See page 3 Experts say a job search can be affected by social media.

See page 5 Flor-Ala editors explore local supermarkets to find the best deals for students.

photos by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

A UNA student gets soaked in the pouring rain Jan. 17 as he prepares to use the crosswalk on Wood Avenue. Meteorologists predict more rain and warmer temperatures in Florence in the coming months.

University finds ways to cope with severe weather on campus 4]Ka *MZZa

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See page 5 The year of the Dragon is the animal for the traditional Chinese New Year.

See page 9 Head Basketball Coach Bobby Champagne brings energy to the court.

Trudging through campus in the early weeks of the spring semester to avoid snow and heavy rain, UNA students can expect more unusual weather in the coming months as temperatures rise and precipitation increases, officials said.

The Shoals has experienced a mixed bag of weather conditions this month—including tornadoes, snow, unseasonably warm temperatures, rain and flooding—and those conditions are only expected to increase in the next few months, said Jennifer Lee, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville.

Last spring’s snow and tornado activity prompted the university to

A UNA student steps onto the wet pavement on Wood Avenue Jan. 17 after a storm.

create a stronger weather strategy as part of UNA’s new crisis communication plan that is being developed by Josh Woods, director of University Communications.

Woods said the weather plan will include an improved system of action for future extreme weather situations. For example, three

back-up systems have been added in the emergency operations center on campus so officials can communicate with students even if power goes out as it did in Florence after the April 27 tornadoes last year.

“In the crisis communication plan, weather plays a major part in it,” Woods said. “Things have to be dealt with pretty quickly.”

When there is severe weather in the Shoals, UNA police Chief Bob Pastula keeps an eye on conditions and monitors the situation using specialized radar.

He said he gives his recommendation to UNA President Bill Cale, who ultimately makes the decision on whether to delay opening or close the university.

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An international agreement signed recently by UNA President Bill Cale to build a partnership with Shenqi Ethnic Medicine College will create a Center for Integrative Health and offer a new master’s degree concentration to students, officials said.

Zhang Zhiting The agreement awaits approval by the UNA board of trustees, SEMC and Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said Cale.

Zhang Zhiting, chairman of SEMC, has worked with Cale and other officials since last summer to bring the partnership to light. He created the school in China to take a holistic approach to health, which is unique to the Shoals area and across the United States., said Cale.

The new center would allow local and international students to obtain a master’s degree in health and human performance with a concentration in integrative health. Officials anticipate the center will be operational and enrolling students by fall 2013.

“A degree in integrative health doesn’t just mean working with medicine,” Cale said. “It means working with individuals on making life choices that lead to good health. Students would have training in nutrition, exercise, child development, gerontology, counseling and all the elements that come together to create good health.”

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News

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News Briefs Miss UNA pageant to be held this weekend Thirteen students will compete this weekend in hopes of being crowned Miss UNA. The pageant will take place Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in Norton Auditorium. Tickets are free to students and can be picked up in the Office of Student Engagement.

For more information about the Miss UNA pageant, contact Cheryl Mathis in the Office of Student Engagement at 256-765-4248.

Changes to FAFSA filing process According to officials in Student Financial Services, there are significant changes in the FAFSA filing process this year.

Student Financial Services is asking all students to utilize the IRS Data Retrival function when filing their FAFSA, Associate Director of Student Financial Services Amanda Sharp said.

Students can utilize this function by selecting it during the filing process.

Students who do not use this process will have to turn in an official tax transcript from the IRS if they do not choose this function, Sharp said.

Students with questions are urged to contact the Student Financial Services Office at 256 765-4278.

Baseball players named to preseason all-conference team UNA baseball players J.P. LaMunyon, Michael Schmidt, Josh Cyr, Josh Carpenter, Jake Sloan and Chad Boughner were named to the preseason allconference teams by the Gulf South Conference Tuesday.

These players will be representing the Lions Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. at Mike Lane Field on UNA campus.

News Briefs compiled

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

Stay up to date with what’s going on around campus by following The Flor-Ala on Twitter at @ UNAFlorAla.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

Cale: Fundraising to begin for science building 4]Ka *MZZa

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Finding the remaining funding to pay for the new science building on campus is one of the final steps needed to begin construction on the long-term project, said UNA President Bill Cale.

The most current building estimate— which is $41 million—will require administrators to think of new ways to bring in additional money toward the project. Cale said officials have already secured $25 million from bonds, $6 million from a state grant and $700,000 from federal funding.

“We’re about to engage in some serious private fundraising,” Cale said. He hopes to raise the remaining money for the science building in approximately one year.

Don Lambert, one of the partners with Lambert, Ezell, Durham Architecture + Design in Florence, is the firm responsible for the design of UNA’s new science building.

He said they have been looking to cut costs where possible through the design process and have worked to provide the most functional and cost-effective design for the university.

When the design was originally drafted in 2005, it included a total of 179,885 square feet of floor space, but the most current design has been scaled back to 163,824 square feet, Lambert said.

Since the original design, the total number of teaching laboratories has been reduced down from 41 to 30, while faculty and research labs have also been reduced from 32 to 13. A total of 13 instructional classrooms and 41 faculty offices will exist in the new building.

“We have been doing our due diligence throughout this whole process to do our own value engineering of the project as we develop plans for the science building,” Lambert said. “If we can still provide (UNA) with a finished product and we can do it in an economical fashion, then that’s what we’re looking for.”

photo courtesy of Michael Gautney

The proposed new science building from the outside. The new science building has yet to break ground, but according to officials, fundraising efforts will begin soon.

Lambert said the science building design aims to recreate the feel of the older buildings on campus. Instead of using limestone, which is more expensive, officials are planning to use a less costly calcium silicate manufactured stone masonry and brick exterior to harmonize with the classic design of historic buildings at UNA. Officials will also use a composite slate shingle roof with a 50-year warranty that will cost half the price of the imported Spanish black slate that exists on comparable buildings at savings of approximately $10 per square foot, Lambert said.

“This is a very complicated building in that there are some stringent criteria that you have to follow that must be integrated into a state-of-the-art science building,” he said. “In a lot of cases, our hands are tied with respect to cost savings.”

Dr. Brenda Webb, chair of the Depart-

ment of Physics and Earth Science, said constructing the new science building at this time allows UNA to align its academic emphasis with the national goal of increasing interest, support and participation by the citizenry in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“President Cale is addressing the longidentified need for an updated science building,” she said. “Students and faculty will interact in a physical environment that is more conducive to learning, teaching and research. New facilities will provide specifically designed spaces that better meet the needs of students who take science courses in their general education programs and those students who select science majors and minors.”

Lambert said officials plan to begin the bidding process for the new science building this summer.

Officials say ʻno goʼ to proposed buses University postpones purchase of passenger buses *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

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The decision to purchase two new 44-passenger buses for the university has changed. The university is not currently seeking the purchase of the two buses after it was decided the buses were not what was best for the UNA community.

The Strategic Planning and Budget Study Committee approved the request to purchase the two new buses Oct. 12, 2011.

However, at the committee meeting Dec. 14, 2011, Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields reported that officials decided to postpone the purchase.

“As the university expands, there is a greater need for buses and transportation for over-the-road trips for all student groups, not just the athletics department,” Shields said.

The buses being considered would not meet the needs of the athletic teams, and currently there is not enough need outside of athletics to make a purchase, Shields told the committee members.

“One of the reasons we chose not to go ahead with the purchase of the new buses was that there would be no bathrooms on board for the athletic teams,” Shields said.

“Overall, the potential buses just weren’t going to work.”

Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs Steven Smith also said the potential buses would not be a good fit for the university.

“At this point, we’re just looking,” Smith said. “We’re studying the situation closer to see which specific groups would use the buses and if there is enough demand for them.”

The university is looking for buses that are designed for over-the-road trips, as well as buses that complement the university’s current set of shuttle buses, Shields said.

“The current shuttle buses are not comfortable for longer trips, especially for athletic teams,” Shields said. “We’re continuing to look at buses that would serve all of our purposes.”

The university currently owns 10 shuttle buses for use on campus and in the surrounding community. Eight of these buses are used in the day-to-day operations of the university. The shuttle buses are not unsafe, but they are not built for longer trips, Shields said.

“One of our biggest concerns is if an

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Staff Photographer

Students board a shuttle bus in Harrison Plaza on campus.

athletic team or student group takes one or two of our shuttle buses on an overthe-road trip, it has the potential to break down,” Shields said. “If two of our buses break down, we have to use two more to go pick students up. At that point, we are down four buses and cannot properly maintain our shuttle service on campus.”

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

News

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3

Social media can affect future, job search Grant to reduce Facebook, Twitter cause employers to think twice

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Companies are now taking notice of how easy and convenient it has become to check employees’ online status updates and pictures. More than 79 percent of employees use social media to screen possible employees and check up on current employees, said Jennifer Smith, career development coordinator for UNA Career Planning and Development.

If not careful, what someone posts online could potentially lead to a pink slip, she said.

“Employers don’t like to see profanity, negative comments, talking about employers and underage partying or drinking,” Smith said. “It gives them a negative view of you.”

Smith explained that 69 percent of human resource professionals recently rejected applicants based on what was discovered on their social media sites. Social intelligence employees perform these legal background checks on social media and inform companies of the negative aspects found.

Activating high privacy settings isn’t enough to keep one’s account unsearchable.

“They know ways to get around that sort of thing,” Smith said.

Employers usually perform a simple Google search. If little is found, they then create a “shadow” profile and request to be friends on Facebook or follow people on Twitter.

Employers aren’t the only people using social media to perform screen checks. Professors also use social media to check up on students.

“As competitive as the work world is, why not?” said Dr. Beth Garfrerick, a public relations and journalism professor at

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

Employers are using Facebook regularly to take a closer look at potential employees, according to many experts.

UNA. “It’s a part of who you are. One of my previous bosses once said, ‘I can teach you certain skills, but I can’t teach you to be a team player.’ A lot of your personality comes out from your online self.”

Garfrerick said she has been troubled by some of the inappropriate items she has seen students post. Professionals have also been known to cross the line when using social media by posting comments that are “to the point of being creepy,” she said.

One of the controversial issues with social media checks is the unknown factor.

Employers are legally able to check social media without informing the employee they are doing so.

“I think it comes with the time,” said Jake Brasfield, a public relations major.

“It comes with the new generation of how people determine if a person is good. I think it’s ethical because we have the power to control what people see on our pages.”

People should keep their profiles clean

and professional for proactive reasons, said Smith.

“I would say most employers don’t search for the negative,” said Jeremy Britten, web communications manager for UNA. “They just want a feel of the person’s personality.”

Some people have grown up with social media and may have less than mature content floating around the web. Not all hope is lost, because there are ways to clean up social media to help find and keep employment.

Smith suggests students start posting positive comments and eliminate posting profane language. Reputation.com can also be used to control what other people comment on one’s page.

Combine all that with setting Google Dashboard to control the order of what comes up during a search, and people’s social media should check out fine.

SGA, UNA police continue work on pedestrian safety *ZIVLWV )VLMZ[WV

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SGA has set several goals to meet in the coming year. One of those goals is to improve regulation of safer pedestrian crossing on Pine Street for students.

SGA has made it a goal to promote pedestrian safety for UNA students who park near or on Pine Street, either on the road beside the communications building, Greek row, or Kilby School, and take risks to cross the busy street to classes. Some students have noted the danger of this situation.

“People cross that road like they own it or won’t get hit,” said UNA junior Molly Killen. “I never park on Pine Street. I’m afraid I’ll get hit.”

Killen said one of the main factors that cause this problem is the limited parking on campus that leaves many without anywhere else to park. The problem increases with the growing number of students at UNA. “All the parking spaces are taken up, and our school is growing bigger as it is,” Killen said. “This year’s freshman class is bigger than mine was two years ago.”

Nothing official has been proposed, but ideas have been expressed by both SGA and

UNA police Chief Bob Pastula.

“If SGA doesn’t care enough (about parking on Pine Street), then we may not do anything about that,” Pastula said. “If someone has an accident, then we may have to make some changes.”

Pastula’s idea is to repaint the designated parking spaces on Pine Street, limiting student parking on the road in order to reduce jaywalking across that street to the communications building.

“It should make it easier to see across the street,” Pastula said. “I haven’t made a proposal yet.”

SGA member Tyrie Fletcher notes a problem with the idea due to students who claim the UNA shuttle buses do not pass by as scheduled.

“The problem is that the buses don’t come as often as they should,” Fletcher said.

“Students have told me this last semester. I don’t know if that has been brought to (Pastula’s) attention.”

Pastula said he has not received complaints about the buses from students.

“I haven’t had any complaints about buses being late,” Pastula said. “Usually, kids will call me and complain about it, but I haven’t received any yet.”

Other SGA members disagreed with

Pastula’s idea and have thought of other solutions.

“I think it would be more effective by requesting a crosswalk or flashing lights with pedestrian crossing,” said SGA member Austin Brass. “But I don’t think changing the parking on Pine Street will work.”

Some students suggest increasing parking on campus to improve pedestrian safety.

“If (UNA) could put another parking deck (at the end of Pine Street), it could solve a lot of problems,” said UNA student Dustin Cahoon.

The idea to paint a crosswalk across the street would be up to the city, Fletcher said.

“I think it is a good idea,” he said. “It would be up to the city to (add any crossing options). They said they would not be in favor of that.”

SGA is aware that the movement toward pedestrian safety may not change jaywalking right away, but the group intends to meet its goals to help make crossing Pine Street safer.

“We know that it won’t be popular,” Fletcher said. “We have to think about the students’ safety at the cost of it being unpopular.”

UNA recently received a grant to establish a project that will focus on reducing gun crime in the 31 counties of the North Alabama district, said university officials.

Project HOPE, which stands for Helping Our Partners Excel, will be funded by a grant from the state in the amount of $272,939, which must be used by the project’s deadline of Sept. 30, 2012 or it will be returned to the state.

HOPE, which is directed by UNA’s Director of Continuing Studies and Outreach Lavonne Gatlin, will focus on three main areas: training existing law enforcement to better handle gun crimes, teaching 5th graders in Alabama’s North District about the dangers of gangs and gun crimes and establishing a system of support for released inmates to reduce their number of gun crimes.

”Itʼs largely to reduce gang and

gun violence, so an advantage to students is a safer environment.”

-Tanja Blackstone “We are currently in the final stages of recruiting and hiring staffing for this project,” Gatlin said about the status of the project. “We now have to pull together the focus groups for this project. We’ll have at least four groups of focus groups for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, educators and citizens.”

According to Gatlin, at least four students of the Department of Criminal Justice at UNA will assist in creating and carrying out the curriculum on anti-gun violence to approximately 500 students in at least four different school systems in the district.

“This grant was awarded as a community grant,” said Director of Sponsored Programs Tanja Blackstone. “It’s largely to reduce gang and gun violence, so an advantage to students is a safer environment.”

Blackstone said her office administered the grant for Project HOPE, which included handling all administration forms, and will continue to help Gatlin with the project when needed.

“We assist with pretty much anything that comes after,” Blackstone said about the help that the Department of Sponsored Programs offers. “Sometimes they have extra money, so we help them determine how to spend it.”

Blackstone also said some parts of the project, including the fifth grade curriculm, will begin by March, though Gatlin said several parts of the project including who exactly will participate and where it will take place are still being decided by the Department of Justice.

“With this grant, we’re just trying to implement it,” Gatlin said. “Our goal is to just get this project underway. But with resources available here at UNA and all the people that support this program, (this is) why it’s going to be successful.”

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

Students complain to wrong people 2W[P ;SIOO[

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In my position as news editor, I get the opportunity to sit in on a large number of meetings on campus where huge decisions are made. Many of these decisions affect the entire UNA campus, and the decisions can last for a lifetime.

My No. 1 complaint—or shall I say observation—is that many students who complain about the issues on campus are never at these meetings to state their opinions to the people who need to hear the complaints.

Someone famous once said, “If no one ever complained, nothing would ever change.” Well, they were right—partially.

Although UNA doesn’t have a complaint department, the university does have ways to let your voice be heard. For example, students can go to SGA meetings, board of trustees meetings and even meet with the president or vice presidents.

I see it every day: students walking around complaining about parking, student fees, lack of food options on campus and the list goes on, yet I never see any of these students in the important meetings on campus to voice their concerns.

There are times during all of these meetings that people from the general public can voice their concerns, whether it be at a Florence City Council meeting, UNA board of trustees meeting, SGA meeting and many other meetings like this.

Students need to know there is an outlet for their complaints—other than Facebook and Twitter—that will actually get something done.

Just taking the time to bring a complaint to the proper person’s attention will not only help one

student, but it could also help many.

Yes, I see many adults at the city council meetings, but there are never any students at these meetings to voice their concerns about downtown, the city or to just plain be in the know about what is going on in their local government.

The generation that most college students are in is the generation that will soon assume responsibility for many of our local governments, universities, businesses and many other important institutions. College-aged students have got to do better to be informed and involved in local decision-making processes.

I admit it, I complain about things on campus and see issues that could be addressed, but I typically bring these issues up to the proper people.

Everyone could do a better job to “complain” or voice his or her concerns to the proper people.

To contact Josh, call 256-765-4296 or you can follow him on Twitter at @joshskaggs.

Have opinions to express? Why not become a columnist for The Flor-Ala? Just send us a small writing sample and resume at florala@una.edu!

Page

SHOUTOUT!

Congrats to Staff Writer Jacob Wallace for being named Writer of the Week for The Flor-Ala. Also, great job to Student Photographer Carrie Cook for having Photo of the Week in the last edition of The Flor-Ala.

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I would like to sincerely apologize to David Johnson, the campus, the Shoals community and anyone else affected by a text message I sent out in early November. I should have realized that sending out a text message using a derogatory term would do a lot of harm. My actions were impulsive, and I should have thought twice about the consequences that would follow. I know I offended several people by it, and I am deeply sorry for it. I hope that this apology can make up for some of the damage I have caused.

Sincerely, Jennie Sun Editor’s Note: According to Director of Student Conduct Kim Greenway, Sun sent the text message to a select number of her fellow sorority members.

Students can respond to this letter on our website at www.florala.net.

Relationship Column

Difference between dating, monagamy 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ U[UKKT]ZM(]VI ML] One of the first things I say to a guy on a first date is “I’m not looking for a boyfriend, just someone to have fun with.”

Why do I say this? Well, firstly because it’s true. I’m not looking for anything serious.

Having recently gone through a breakup after spending nearly three years with someone, I know I can’t make that kind

of commitment again anytime soon. But it’s more than that.

I realized that during those three years, I forgot the difference between dating and monogamy. Suddenly single again, something occurred to me: I had been monogamous for so long that it had become synonymous with dating. Watching people my age and even younger (I’m only 21) get married and have babies, I’m beginning to see it as a common misconception.

It’s not surprising that we have this misconception –we’ve been hearing about the “happy

Cartoon of the Week

Have your own cartoons? Want to get published? Send us your stuff at florala@una.edu!

4

ending” since our parents were reading us to sleep as children. However, being that we are a generation that watched our parents’ marriages fall apart, you’d think we would be a little more cautious when it comes to dating.

Urbandictionary.com has 26 definitions of dating. They range from “when you’re boyfriend/girlfriend” to “when two people go somewhere on a romantic visit” to “the act of entering into the domain of hell where the lost and the lonely go to get laid.”

Obviously, there is no one way to define dating. Contrary to popular belief, a date (or three or 10) does not imply monogamy. And it shouldn’t have to. When two people go on a date (or three or 10), they need to discuss what their intentions are. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting a relationship, just as there is nothing wrong with wanting one. However, it would be unfair to continue to see someone without revealing your intentions—and perhaps dangerous to go into it not knowing the other person’s.

Another misconception that needs addressing—not every girl is dreaming of her perfect man and perfect wedding followed by perfect children and a perfect family life (ick!). Frankly, I feel too young to even consider it. Why not enjoy my twenties while they last?

No matter what you’re looking for, just remember that cute guy (or girl) sitting across the table from you at Sweet Magnolia may or may not be looking for the same thing. The only way to know (and to prevent unnecessary heartbreak), is to state your intentions from the beginning. Uncomfortable or not, it’s a conversation every dater should have. Lastly, don’t change your needs for anyone else, no matter how much you think you like him (or her).

To contact Malisa, follow her on Twitter at @MSM_FlorAla.

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 e-mail.

• 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.

E-mail: 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.

Thursday, January 26, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Life

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The price is right Finding food to ďŹ t your budget might not be as hard as you think

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Everyone knows college life can get expensive. From textbooks and rent to nights out and necessities, things can add up fairly quickly.

In order to find some of the best deals, we picked five grocery items that you might find in any apartment, house or dorm room and compared local grocery

stores to find the best prices. For our purposes, we went for quantity over quality, because in the life of a college student, every cent counts.

The local stores we chose were Big Star, Hometown Market, Food World, Foodland, ALDI and Wal-Mart.

What we found may surprise you.

What was the cheapest?

Well, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Wal-Mart.

Note: the specific brands pictured may not be pictures of the cheapest.

Breakfast Best Homestyle Waffles Size: 10 count, 12.3 oz.

Where: ALDI Price: $1.29

Food Club King Sandwhich White Bread Size: 26 slice, 20 oz.

Where: Foodland Price: $0.99

Mama Cozziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pepperoni Pizza

Always Save Coffee

Friendly Farms 2%

Size: 21.1 oz.

Where: ALDI Price: $1.99

Size: 11.5 oz brick, 9.9 oz.

Where: Hometown Market Price: $2.49

Size: 1 gal.

Where: ALDI Price: $3.19

ĘťThe year of the dragonĘź welcomed with tradition ;PMTJa *WUIV

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photo courtesy of MorgueFile.com

While dragons are considered a source of fear in American culture, Chinese cultures believe them to be symbols of luck and power.

Chinese legend has it that long ago a large-mouthed monster by the name of Nian preyed on people at night before every New Year.

The beast had the ability to swallow multiple people at once. The Chinese people were very afraid of Nian. One day an old man emerged, offering to control the monster. After rebuking Nian, the dragon began to swallow only the beasts of prey on earth.

The old man was later revealed to be an immortal god, and he vanished riding Nian into the distance. With the monster gone, people began to live normally once again. However, before the old man left, he told the people to place the color red on their doors at each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. In case Nian ever got loose, red was the color that the monster feared most. Guo Nian, once meaning Survive the Nian, now means to celebrate the New Year.

This legend, told by Linlin Zhang at an honors program Chinese New Year luncheon, is one that reminds people of the origin of the Chinese New Year. This holidayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;also called Spring Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;is considered similar to the American Christmas and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve celebrations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We celebrate in many of the same ways as people do here in America,â&#x20AC;? said Zhang, instructor of Mandarin at UNA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have so much in common; people just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it.â&#x20AC;?

In preparation for the New Year, it is considered important to clean the house thoroughly, sweeping away any bad luck that lies in the home. Red decorations such as lanterns, paper cuts, and paint cover the doors and window panes of many homes in China.

Another tradition for Chinese families during the New Year is the preparation of food. Dumplings are among the most common foods eaten at this time. The older generations sometimes place a coin in a dumpling, and whoever receives that one is said to have good luck for the coming year.

On the night before a New Year, families gather together and take part in eating the festive foods, playing games such as Chinese poker, watching the Chinese New Year program and lighting firecrackers, which are all red. Children usually receive a red envelope full of money and other gifts from older generations. The night is also celebrated by cheering and popping a bottle right as the clock strikes midnight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My favorite part of the New Year as a child was receiving the red envelope,â&#x20AC;? said Xuetong Li, vice president of the Chinese Student Organization. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that I am older and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get an envelope anymore, my favorite part is probably the many shopping sales going on during this time.â&#x20AC;?

According to both Li and Zhang, the start of Chinese New Year changes every year because it is dictated by the lunar calendar. This year, the New Year fell on Jan. 23. Every year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. This year is the year of the dragon, and people born

;MM 6-? A-): XIOM

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6

Images

Exposure

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

View more photos at florala.net

By Kayla Sloan - Staff Photographer - kbsloan@una.edu I could go on for 300 words explaining what these pictures mean to me and what message I’m trying to send, but honestly, I’d be BSing you.

The truth is, I took these picture with a plastic, red 120mm camera when I was out with friends at bars, parks, restaurants and lake houses. The camera was casually strung around my neck and I casually snapped away.

That’s not to say that I don’t think these pictures have some aesthetic value, because I definitely think they do. They please my eye for no specific reason—or for a million reasons that might not make sense to you at all.

I didn’t take a picture of a cat with a red flash to convey some deeper message about society and consumer culture; I took the picture because it made me happy. I liked it. And I don’t feel that always has to be explained.

I like candid. I like color. I like journalistic. I

like spontaneity, passion, mistakes and the irregular. These things are art for me.

Art doesn’t have to be pretentious. And artists don’t have to have tortured souls. You don’t always have to understand what someone is trying to say with their work for it to be important.

I believe in what it means to you; how it makes you feel. I’ve Kayla Sloan always thought it was a lost cause trying to attach a certain meaning to a work. Its irrational to think it will always mean the same to everyone who experiences it.

I try to let my art be simple, uncomplicated and welcoming. I just want to make things that are fun to look at. I want to make art that I enjoy.

My artist’s statement: I do what I love, and I LOVE what I do.

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

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Feature

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Winter weather ‘mixed bag’ during month of January ?-)<0-: KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM

photo courtesy of TATE HIPPS I UNA Student

Snow fell on UNA’s campus Jan. 12 during the first week of classes, causing traffic problems for commuters. The weather caused UNA officials to delay opening the university by two hours the following day.

Pastula said he submitted the paperwork last week to the National Weather Service for UNA to become a storm ready university.

“We do our best to monitor the weather and road conditions and make sure that everyone is safe in getting to campus and around campus,” he said.

“If students are afraid to venture out in severe weather, we recommend they not. If they’re uncomfortable with the weather, then by all means stay home.”

This month, temperatures have been above average and the amount of rain in the Shoals and across the Tennessee Valley has been higher than normal, according to Lee. She said there has been more than six inches of rain in Northwest Alabama this month, which is more than 2.5 inches above normal. She also said temperatures in the Shoals have been several degrees higher than the average in January.

Dr. Richard Statom, assistant professor of geology, names meteorology as one of his research focuses. He said the Shoals is experiencing the La Nina

weather pattern, which occurs due to unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, unlike El Nino, which includes unusually warm ocean temperatures.

“We’re going to be looking at a little wetter weather and temperatures that are higher than normal,” he said. “It’s where we are in the country in where our weather patterns occur that put us in an inclement weather area where the southern air from the Gulf meets the cold air from the north.”

Lee said students should improve their own emergency preparedness for severe weather to cope with future extreme weather on campus and in the Shoals.

“The best thing to do is to make sure you’re educated in terms of knowing what to expect in the forecast,” she said. “Be aware that if we’re expecting a winter storm to come in, that you know what to do and how to prepare for winter weather. You need to have things prepared for severe weather ahead of time so you’re not running around at the last minute.”

Students discuss alcohol consumption at UNA after CDC results )4+7074 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM what the misuses of alcohol can cause.”

While the executive summary of the data is not scheduled to be released until the end of January, Greenway released some numbers showing that UNA may not align with national trends observed by the CDC. According to Greenway, 58 percent of incoming freshman have had at least a sip of alcohol. Out of the same population, 61 percent said they have never participated in binge drinking and 70 percent said it’s never acceptable on school nights.

The statistics, according to sophomore Lauren Esslinger, aren’t surprising. Drinking, for Esslinger, has not been seen as a problem before or during college.

“I just thought drinking would be more prevalent in certain places,” Esslinger said.

“If you wanted to partake in it you could, but it wouldn’t be shoved in your face if you didn’t go looking for it.”

Senior and history major Stephen Jack-

son agrees with Esslinger.

“I figured it would be tame here because it’s a small town,” Jackson said. “Publically stating that you’re drinking is kind of taboo around here because it’s the Bible Belt. I figured there would be parties, but I thought they would be at parties off campus. I never thought of it like you would in a big city, or a big party school like LSU or Florida.”

UNA police Chief Bob Pastula credits the university with the attitude toward alcohol.

“It’s everybody’s part,” Pastula said. “It’s not just the police or any other department.

It’s everyone’s participation.”

Pastula gives students credit for knowing when not to binge drink.

“Most students are responsible to know enough is enough and to designate a driver,” Pastula said. “I think our students take it more seriously than they do at other uniphoto by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer Students hang out at a house party Jan. 21. The new survey from the CDC suggests versities.” that 18 to 24 year olds engage in the most binge drinking.

Share your thoughts about binge drinking at UNA by visiting our website at florala.net.

0-)4<0 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM Dr. Tom Coates, chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, said the new master’s degree concentration will consist of 30 hours with a thesis or non-thesis option and will be similar to other graduate programs in the department.

Although courses have not yet been determined for the new master’s degree concentration, graduate students who enroll in the integrative health program will take 12 hours of required courses conducive to the master’s degree, 12 hours of concentration

requirements and six hours of electives, said Coates.

“This is a rather unique program and it’s moving quickly, but we want to make sure we get it right the first time,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of interest on campus about the program, and I believe it will be a very positive thing for the university.”

Coates said the university will have to hire more faculty, build new offices and implement additional classroom space once the program is under way. He said the

money used to have resources for the program, bring in personnel and faculty and purchase equipment will be justified given the anticipated number of students expected to enroll in the program.

He said there may be a misconception about the master’s degree concentration in that it’s only available to international students.

“This program is not just designed for Chinese students,” he said. “Any student who wants to apply and meets the criteria can enroll.”

A location for the Center for Integrative

Health has not yet been chosen, but Cale said officials are scouting for potential properties in Florence to build the program.

UNA will be responsible for developing, implementing and operating the new program, while SEMC will purchase the land, construct the facilities and providing seed money to hire faculty and staff, according to Cale.

Once enrollment is full, salaries of employees of the center will be funded through tuition dollars.

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Sports

8

Player of the week

Champagne brings energy to court 7ZZMa *WT\WV

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ WJWT\WV(]VI ML]

The UNA Lions basketball program has been run by Coach Bobby Champagne for the past nine seasons with an overall record of 1 4 0 113.

Warrick Mastin Hometown: Muscle Shoals Major: Physical Education Position: Guard Stats: Mastin had a team high 17 pts. in the team’s victory over Delta State.

Week At A Glance Women’s Basketball When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall Who: UAH W

Men’s Basketball When: Saturday, 3 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall Who: UAH

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Along the way before becoming head coach for the Lions, Champagne has been an assistant coach for Georgia State, Louisiana Lafayette, Oklahoma and Washington State under coaches Kelvin Sampson and Lefty Driesell.

He has used their coaching techniques and others to prompt his coaching style, but there is also a different side UNA fans have become accustomed to: his energy on the court.

favorite part of the coaching,” he said. “I have either met or coached players from all over the world and United States. Coaching has allowed me to visit every state in the union and some nice destinations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska.”

Q. Do you have some hobbies that you do away from coaching?

Q. What made

A.“I used to try to play want golf, but I don’t do that anymore,” he said. “My golf game is like my basketball team: I try to put up as many shots that I can on the golf course. My hobbies to be a college basketball are being with the kids now coach? because they are active doing their thing. I enjoy going A.“I wasn’t smart to minor league ball parks enough to do anything else,” with them.”

Champagne said. “Growing up, I had a lot of good Q. What is some of the coaches, and it was like a music that you listen to? natural progression at South Alabama. I got lucky with A.“Oh, I listen to everyguys offering me jobs and thing,” he said. “Well, let’s giving me a chance to coach see what we got. We have and put my foot in the door.” Barry White, a little Rolling Stones, Mark Brossard and Q.What is your best Matchbox 20. It’d probably memory so far as a coach? be more on your classic rock and on Sirius Radio Classic A.“Being in coaching Vinyl.”

29 years has all been good memories,” he said. “The Q.You are very animatlong bus rides and building ed on the sidelines. Have relationships with the play- you always been that way ers are probably the best part with basketball? about it. I mean, I still keep in touch with players that I A.“I have always been coached at Washington State enthusiastic, and I like our 20 years ago.” players to play with a whole lot of energy,” he said. “I Q.What is your favorite think sometimes the players part about coaching? can take on the personality photo by CARRIE COOK I Student Photographer of the coach out there on the A.“The players are my floor.” you

Q. What coach or player did you look up to growing up?

A.“My favorite player was Andrew Toney of the 76ers,” he said. “Growing up in Southwest Louisiana, I went to every home game the Ragin’ Cajuns played. I try to steal stuff from coaches all the time by reading books and learning some of their styles and techniques that I could use.”

Q. What is your favorite restaurant here in town?

A.“Oh no, you can’t do that because I would have people get mad at me,” he said. “I try to eat at as many of the local establishments as possible. I’m a big Food Network type of guy, but I like going to Bunyan’s, Ricatoni’s, Rosie’s and Staggs. At home, I like my cooking, but I don’t know if anyone else does or not.”

Q. March Madness is coming up soon. Do you get to watch any Division I ball?

A. “I try to watch a lot at night once everybody goes to bed at my house and I’m done with what I need to do with my team,” he said. “I watch a lot of college basketball.

“I think Syracuse and Kentucky are the two best teams in the country. I’m a classic North Carolina fan, I guess. I fill a bracket out with my kids every year, and usually my youngest son does the best.”

Sports fans participate in Tebow Mania +PMVMM *WaL

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

Be sure to follow @FlorAlaSports on Twitter for live updates on UNA sports.

Everyone is talking about Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who has led his team to several victories this season.

Some students believe Tebow is one of today’s most respected faces in the sports world and is looked up to by many, but he has also raised a significant amount of controversy in the media.

Many students think of Tebow as a novelty item due to the way he shows up in the news more than others. When the Green Bay Packers were chasing an undefeated season and the New Orleans Saints were breaking all sorts of offensive records, somehow Tebow still managed to be topic of discussion.

“I think Tebow has always been considered the golden boy

even throughout his college career in Florida,” said UNA offensive guard and senior Kyle Thornton. “I believe that the media puts more focus on him instead of other teams.”

The 6’3” 235 lb. quarterback is known for his skills on the football field, such as his passing and rushing abilities, but he is also known for his faith.

“He is a genuine guy and a good role model,” said linebacker Tyler Addison. “He practices what he preaches and stays true to himself no matter what. He doesn’t try to be a Tom Brady or Drew Brees type of quarterback, and he doesn’t try to be what people want him to be.”

Even though Tebow is considered a role model to many and has been successful throughout his entire college career all the way up to his stardom in the

NFL, he has also faced major criticism.

“As a quarterback, I think he struggles a lot with his throwing technique and his reading of defenses,” Thornton said.

He is also famous for ‘Tebowing,’ in which he kneels and prays before a game.

“I believe that Tebow is an inspiration to us all,” said Richie Mata’Afa, UNA junior linebacker.

“He is very admirable as a person and as a player. What makes him stand out the most is that he has such strong faith and he shows no fear when on the field.”

Tebow attended the University of Florida in 2006, where he spent his freshman year as a backup. Even though he served as a backup, he still played a major role in helping the Gators win the National Championship.

That following year, Tebow

became the starting quarterback for the Gators. He was also the first sophomore to ever receive the Heisman Trophy. In 2008, the Florida Gators won the National Championship again.

In 2010, Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL draft.

Since then he has been going in and out of the starting lineup.

He has been criticized and analyzed more this year as he continues to win games despite his poor statistics.

“Tebow makes the Broncos a better team,” said Christopher Coffey, a running back and sophomore. “He works hard and puts effort in everything that he does.”

Tebow and the rest of the Broncos were recently defeated by the New England Patriots, so for now the Tebow Mania should die until August.

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Sports

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9

Spehr makes transition to new territory 4I]ZMV -[\M[

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

UNA men’s basketball brings something different to the floor. Coach Bobby Champagne and the team have four players that are from overseas, adding somewhat of a ‘melting pot’ outlook and international experience to the court for UNA. Nathan Spehr, a freshman point guard, is from Adelaide, Australia and is one among four international players. Senior Sam Buxton, a teammate and fellow international player from Gibraltar, UK, said Spehr is a mature player, and it’s obvious he has played basketball overseas because he has a European finesse about him.

o watch, and why that player?? love to A: “J.J Barea, because he’s played y 5’10” jjust like me and p p y s last really well in the playoff year and p plays similar to the way I play.”

Q: Burger King or McDonald’s?

“Probablyy A: onald’s— McDonald’s— n’t have hav ave we don’t ng Burgerr Kin King ustrrain Australia.”

Q: If someeone decided A: “My name is Nathan Spehr, and t o I’m from Adelaide, Australia.” make a moviee In response to his answer, I said, “I ab outt know your name and where you are y o u , from. I just wanted to hear the way w h o you would say it; I love the accent!” d would Q: What was the biggest culture t h e shock moving to Florence from Aus- cast ditralia? rector o hire to A: “First of all, I had to get over play you y u the jet-lag—that was really the only in the thing. Australia is sort-of like Ameri- movie?? ca, and most people don’t know.”

Q: Will you state your name and hometown for the record?

Q: Who is a basketball player you

A: “That’s a tough t one.

Ad A am Sandler— Adam Sandler—I guess— b be cause he’s fu because funny.”

Q: That’s my next q question, actually: Adam Sandle Sandler or Will Ferrell?

A: “I’d sayy W Will Ferrell, b bu h an afro, butt he has so he can’t reallyy p play me in aany movies.” an Q: Tell th readers the a little about yo yourself.

A: “Norm a l l y, w when peop ple meet m me I’m q quiet, but a you get as t to know m I talk me a lot more.

W When I’m w with my fri friends, I’m not shy at all.”

Q: What’s yyou favorite fa you athletic brand b letic name t wear? we to photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Chief Photographer

A: “Nike. When I wear shoes, I wear Nike—the Kobe Bryant’s, that’s my favorite shoe.”

Q: So, I guess my next question’s answer will be obvious: in the LeBron and Kobe war, which player is your choice?

A: “Yeah, I like Kobe. I don’t like LeBron at all.”

Q: We mentioned earlier that you are one of the four international players on the team, and having played overseas, what does that bring to the UNA table?

A: “We all have international experience, so I guess we just bring something different from the other players. We’ve traveled a little more than they have and have seen more players play.”

Q: What has been your best made memory at UNA so far?

A: “Probably going to the football games, and (when) we all painted our bodies.”

Q: What are your goals for the season as a team?

A: “To win it all. I think that’s what everyone’s goal is.”

Thursday, January 26, 2012 • The Flor-Ala

News

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Department of Criminal Justice receives grant, recognition • Grant to help with child abuse and neglect program, research ;aLVMa <PZMM\

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ [\PZMM\(]VI ML]

The Department of Criminal Justice is the recipient of a three-year $237,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention to begin a program that will assist in research and

prevention of child abuse in Alabama.

“The main thing we will be doing with the grant money will be providing this online resource,” said Dr. Phil Bridgmon, chair of the criminal jusBridgmon tice department.

“Community professionals—such as judges, attorneys, teachers and social workers—will be able

to access the resources relating to juvenile and family justice.”

The kickoff of the program will take place Feb. 3. State, local and university dignitaries will be present to view a demonstration of the online resource. The name of the program is Child Defend, and it will be a replication of Texas Loves Children, which is an award-winning organization in Texas that has been a resource for child abuse and neglect cases.

“This project is very much a program of UNA,” Bridgmon said.

He said he hoped students would get involved with the program through assisting with research for the site.

“The resource is no good if there is no

research,” Bridgmon said.

Students have plenty of opportunity to get involved, he said.

“Part of our mission is fostering collaboration in order to get professionals to work together, so if students are looking at service learning opportunities or interested in working with children or youth services areas, we have many partner agencies we can help them get in touch with to work on projects,” Bridgmon said.

Bridgmon said this program is not just for the criminal justice department, but it is a campus-wide effort. He said students of all majors are encouraged to get involved.

“Our ultimate goal is improving the lives of children and families,” he said.

SGA: DVD kiosk not making money, leaves campus Kiosk in GUC atrium removed due to lack of profit, student use 2W[P ;SIOO[

6M_[ 5IVIOQVO -LQ\WZ R[SIOO[(]VI ML]

After approximately six months of being in service, the DVD kiosk in the GUC Atrium has been removed from campus.

Due to a lack of profit and student use, the kiosk’s owner Kenny Porter of Vendisk LLC asked members of SGA to remove the

kiosk, according to SGA President Ralph Akalonu.

“Apparently, (the kiosk) was not profitable enough and the vendor was not making any money,” Akalonu said. “We were not making any profit after all the expenses (associated with the kiosk).”

Akalonu cites lack of student use as the main reason the DVD kiosk did not survive.

“Students were actually willing to drive to Redbox rather than to just walk to the GUC to get movies,” Akalonu said. “It pretty much had the same movies that Redbox had—it was only about 25 cents more.”

Akalonu and former SGA President Cory Hamilton placed the kiosk on campus last summer for students to rent movies,

while still staying on campus.

“We saw it as an added advantage that we had a DVD kiosk on campus, but on the business side, it really wasn’t profitable and it wasn’t hurting us.”

”Students were actually willing to drive to Redbox rather than to just walk to the GUC to get movies.”

-Ralph Akalonu In the month of October, 55 movies were rented and two movies were purchased, according to Akalonu.

“Not enough students were renting movies, for what it was going to cost,” he said.

SGA was using the profit generated to go into their endowed scholarship fund, and only received $3 from the endeavor, Akalonu said.

“It didn’t kind of hurt us, it kind of hurt (the vendor) because of all the capital expenses went on him,” Akalonu said.

SGA will be working to raise money in alternative ways such as utilizing its 5k run and a letter writing campaign to continue to raise money for the endowed scholarship SGA sponsors, he said.

Title Sponsor of the 2012 Miss UNA Pageant

The Shoals’ Only True Custom Design Jeweler.

Featuring on-site designers and state-of-the-art computer-aided design technology.

choose your stone. design your masterpiece. realize your vision.

Creative Jewelers owner Billy Hammock gives a showroom tour for Brandi Lewis, Miss UNA 2011.

The store has the largest custom and brand name jewelry selection in Northwest Alabama.

216 N. Court St., Florence, AL 35630 • Mon.-Fri.: 9-5, Sat.: 10-3 256-766-7650 • www.CreativeJewelersOnline.com Look for the Big Purple Awning in Historic Downtown Florence!

Thursday, January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Life

Skiing, snowboarding classes fail to hit slopes again this year

-TQ[M +WNQMTL

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ MKWNQMTL(]VI ML]

The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation wants to take the learning experience out of the classroom and into the mountains of Boone, N.C. “Skiing and snowboarding classes are two of several lifespan activity courses that the department is now offering,” said Dr. Lee Renfroe assistant professor in the HPER department.

“These classes exist to give students out-ofthe-box experiences that they would never be able to do otherwise.”

Students may have noticed the skiing and snowboarding classes listed in this year’s and last year’s spring catalog and the fact that neither time did the classes make it off the ground.

According to Renfroe, lack of participation was the only setback.

“For the last two years, we have offered the skiing and snowboarding classes, but we have to have at least 10 people signed up in order to justify going,” Renfroe said. “Last year, only

six people signed up, and this year, only three.”

The HPER department is looking for answers to why the class has low numbers.

The package, which includes ski lift tickets, hotel room, equipment, textbook and instruction for four days, costs $380.

Both courses fall in early January during the week before spring semester classes start.

Renfroe believes this should be a convenient time for most students—even those with full schedules, because the course is over by the time other classes are just starting.

The course is open to skiers and snowboarders alike. Those of all experience levels are welcome to participate, and instruction is customized to fit each student’s ability, according to Renfroe.

“I guess we will try next year, but a lot of effort goes into offering the class,” Renfroe said. “The department would love any feedback from students.”

Feedback or interest in the course can be sent to HPER Department Chair Dr. Tom Coates at tecoates@una.edu.

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Workin’ for the

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

Thursday, Jan. 26th Gabe Allen and Friends

Evan Chuck

On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

DP’s 6 - 8 p.m.

Jon Davis

Shane Baker

Swampers Bar & Grill 5 - 7 p.m.

Swampers Bar & Grill 8 - 11 p.m.

Scott Boyer, Calvin Holly and MC Thurman DP’s 8 p.m. - midnight

Friday, Jan. 27th Gabe Allen and Friends On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

The Pollies DP’s

Archie Hubbard Swampers Bar & Grill 5 - 7 p.m.

Angela Hacker & James Leblanc Swampers Bar & Grill 9 p.m. - midnight

The Flannels On the Rocks

6-? A-): KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM during this year are said to have the characteristics the dragon represents. The dragon signifies stateliness, luck and power.

“We perceive the dragon differently than Americans do,” said junior Lu Hao. “We do not see him as dangerous or scary, but rather powerful and lucky.”

The Chinese believe the gods and goddess-

es have blessed the dragon.

The year of the dragon comes once every 12 years, just as all of the other years from the Chinese zodiac.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated in many ways that are similar to those of American traditions. Chinese students at UNA will be bringing in their New Year by celebrating Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the GUC banquet hall. Anyone wanting to experience the Spring Festival is welcome to attend.

Saturday, Jan. 28th Archie Hubbard Swampers Bar & Grill 9 p.m. - midnight

Billy Smart & Jacob Lovell DP’s 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Shoals Blues Band with Mrs. Judy Tony DP’s 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Jeff and Jordan On the Rocks 9:30 p.m.

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January 26, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Tweets of the week

START PUSHING YOURSELF.

START CHALLENGING YOURSELF. START DEVELOPING SKILLS. START BUILDING CONFIDENCE.

START RAISING THE BAR. START TAKING ON CHALLENGES. S.

START MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

START EARNING RESPECT.

START STRONG. SM

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.

DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.