Nov. 17 - Florence City Meeting, Rock Wall, and Police on Alcohol Arrests

November 17, 2011

Volume 80 No. 13

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

Mayor: Economic development is priority 2W[P ;SIOO[

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

@UNAFlorAla @FlorAlaSports

A LOOK INSIDE photo by Barry Minor

Florence Mayor Bobby Irons speaks to citizens Nov. 8.

The Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum was full of citizens and civic leaders listening to Florence Mayor Bobby Irons’ state of the city address last Tuesday night.

Irons, who is not running for reelection next year, addressed the city for one of his last times as mayor. Irons spent much of his time discussing the city’s growth and what the city has to look forward to.

“Our No. 1 priority for the past seven years, and for the future, is economic devel-

opment and the creation of new jobs,” Irons said.

Irons also addressed topics related to improving schools, the city’s financial state, sales tax revenue, solid waste disposal and other issues related to the city’s day-to-day operations.

Irons’ main goals for the year are creating new jobs, recruiting new businesses, resolving the landfill issue, managing finances well, obtaining a regional medical center, promoting the green initiative, working with local schools and improving highway infrastructure.

Police weigh in on alcohol arrests Committee discusses whether Kilby Lab School on campus is in UNA’s future.

See page 2

The Office of International Affairs hosts International Education Week on campus.

See page 10

Local charities allow students to make an international difference.

See page 5

Sleep deprivation can cause a lapse in brain function.

See page 8

Playoff time is here as the Lions travel to West Alabama.

See page 9

4]Ka *MZZa

-`MK]\Q^M -LQ\WZ TJMZZa(]VI ML]

Florence police Chief Rick Singleton said one of the most difficult parts of his job is showing up to the scene of a fatal car crash and explaining to a young person’s parents that alcohol was the cause of the accident.

Six of 150 driving under the influence and 52 minor in possession of alcohol arrests have occurred so far this year in Florence involving young people under the age of 21, according to Singleton.

Years of experience in law enforcement have taught Singleton to be a realist regarding the issue of college students and underage drinking, he said.

“College is an exciting time and there are a lot of temptations and opportunities out there,” he said. “One of the big experiences you get from college is to learn to be responsible.

For the first time, you have a lot of freedom that you’re not accustomed to at home, but with freedom comes responsibility, and if you violate laws, there are consequences.”

Since October of 2009, seven public intoxication and 15 minor in possession of alcohol incidents have occurred on the university campus, said UNA police Chief Bob Pastula.

No driving under the influence arrests on campus have been reported at UNA, he said.

Pastula said his department works closely with city police, and that all off-campus arrests are reported to his office. Students who are arrested for an alcohol-related or other offense must also go through the judicial process with the Office of Student Conduct.

“The biggest myth that students have is they think (alcohol-related arrests) are never going to happen to them,” he said. “Whatever (students) do off campus that reflects poorly on the university, they will get in trouble here too.”

Each year, approximately 3 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drive drunk in the United States, according to data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The NIAAA also reports 110,000 students of the same age bracket that are arrested and detained for alcohol-related offenses,

;MM +1<A ),,:-;; XIOM

Campus, community come together to celebrate veterans

including public intoxication and DUI. In questionnaire-based self reports that were published in the “Journal of Studies on Alcohol,” researchers found that 31 percent of college students met the requirement for alcohol abuse and 6 percent for alcohol dependence during a year-long period.

Peggy Bergeron, registered nurse with the UNA Health and Wellness Center, said health officials on campus incorporate a variety of alcohol education programs to help students learn more about the topic.

“Health Services does offer alcohol educational and awareness programs, such as Welcome to the Party, which deals with alcohol and sexual assault, and Purple Haze, which is alcohol facts, risks and binge drinking and safety,” she said.

She said the Health and Wellness Center plans to implement other alcohol education events next semester before spring break photo by Darrick Dawkins and during the month of April, which is National Alcohol Awareness Month.

A person who is of legal age cannot have a blood alcohol level of .08 and operate a vehicle legally, but the level drops to .02 for people under 21, according to Singleton.

This year’s Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11 proved significant for many campus and local community members, especially after recognizing the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks only two months ago. But among the most significant was the involvement of the university as a whole.

UNA planned to have its traditional ceremony as it has during the last 15 years, but SGA, with the help of Lt. Col. Wayne Bergeron, discussed having a roll call honoring members of the military that have fallen since the 9/11 attacks.

Bergeron explained that the roll call is actually a national event suggested by Eastern Kentucky University at a veterans education symposium months ago. There are approximately 180 schools, with at least one for every state, that have done a similar roll call, but UNA was the first school in Alabama to sign on to take part.

“We really need to do this because every one of those names is a person; every one of them gave their lives defending what they believed in: freedom and our nation,” Bergeron said.

Laura Giles, SGA chief of staff, agreed that the Veterans Day ceremony was a unique event on UNA’s campus.

“The ceremony is always very good,” said Laura Giles, SGA chief of

;MM )::-;<; XIOM

;MM >-<-:)6; XIOM

photo by Darrick Dawkins

Veterans and members of the UNA community gather Nov. 11.

*ZIVLWV )VLMZ[WV

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ [IVLMZ[WV (]VI ML]

Page

News

2

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News Briefs Committee meets to discuss future of Kilby Lab School Local restaurant invites students for Thanksgiving

• Loss of funds, rising costs force officials to look at options 2W[P ;SIOO[

Jen’s Cafe in downtown Florence is 6M_[ -LQ\WZ hosting its tenth-annual free Thanksgiving R[SIOO[(]VI ML] dinner for UNA students and other memMembers of the Strategic Planning bers of the community. and Budget committee at UNA met and For more information, contact Victoria discussed the future of Kilby Laboratory Stutts at 256-760-9918.

School on campus Nov. 9. The committee is charged with looking at the feasibility of Kilby, and what it provides for the university.

The Kilby ad hoc committee, which looked into the issue, presented its report summary to the Strategic Planning The Quality Enhancement Plan plan- and Budget committee and cited several ning team at UNA will hold two sessions strengths, threats and opportunities regardfor students in the GUC Performance Cen- ing Kilby School.

In the past, UNA has looked at options ter Nov. 16-17.

The Nov. 16 session will be from noon to help ease the financial strains the laborato 1 p.m., and the Nov. 17 session will take tory school places on the university. The lab place from 2-3 p.m. The QEP planning school costs the university approximately team will give out free T-shirts and refresh- $400,000 a year due to cuts in state funding.

“No one in this group looked at Kilby ments to students.

For more information on the QEP ses- as a liability to the university,” said UNA College of Education Dean Donna Jacobs. sions, call 256-765-4625.

The College of Education currently oversees the operations at Kilby School and regularly sends students to do observations and clinical experiences at the lab school.

UNA President Bill Cale explained to the members of the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee that they need to careUNA Film and Digital Media Produc- fully consider whether or not Kilby School tions will host “Storytelling in Short Docu- is central to UNA’s mission as an institumentaries” Nov. 19 from 1-4 p.m. in the tion. communications building.

Cale told the committee that it’s not Nichole Triche, an assistant professor about whether Kilby puts out good students and director from Elon University, will at the elementary level; it’s about whether speak to students.

Kilby benefits students at the collegiate The event will also include a presenta- level at UNA. tion on producing authenticity in artistic “The insufficient funding at this point expression from 1-2 p.m. and will also include two question and answer sessions.

For more information regarding the event, contact Jason Flynn in the Communications Department at 256-765-4489.

QEP discussions on campus

FDMP hosts storytelling event

photo by Malisa McClure

First grade teacher Mandy Wicks instructs students Camie Love and Logan Thornton at Kilby Laboratory School. Kilby, an on-campus lab school, offers education majors the chance to observe students and teachers on UNA’s campus.

will continue to grow,” Jacobs said. “We get less money for the same number of students.”

”The insufficient funding at

this point will continue to grow.

We get less money for the same number of students.”

-Donna Jacobs Currently, Kilby School has 147 students enrolled, and its funding is predominantly based on a head-count system, Jacobs said. The lab school, which is affiliated with Lauderdale County Schools, re-

Law could have effected UNA students

MEISA holds artist showcase The Department of Entertainment Industry and the Music Entertainment Industry Student Association will host the second annual UNA MEISA Showcase Nov. 30 in the GUC Performance Center from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Auditions for performers were held Oct. 25 and 26.

For more information regarding the event, contact the Department of Entertainment Industry at 256-765-4342.

Do you have an event that you would like to see featured in The Flor-Ala? E-mail florala@una.edu.

given up for adoption.

Personhood USA was the organization behind the redefinition.

They describe “personhood” as the legal

a n d cultural recognition of the equal and unalienable rights of human beings. )VV 0IZSMa If it had passed, it would photo by Kayla Sloan ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ have limited the options MisIPIZSMa(]VI ML] sissippi women had to birth control to conFifty-seven percent of the voting resi- doms and a few types of birth control pills.

According to Dr. Jonathan Burgess, a dents in Mississippi voted against Initiative local pharmacist, the birth control methods 26 on Nov. 9. that consisted of progestin, a hormone that The initiative would have altered the definition of a “person” to include a fertil- prevents the attachment of a fertilized egg ized egg, eventually labeling all abortion as to the uterus, would have more than likely murder, banning Plan B and limiting the op- have been targeted. This would ban in-utertions of birth control methods substantially. ine devices and implantation methods.

He explains, however, that there is curIt would also ban in-vitro fertilization, because multiple fertilized eggs are needed rently no law that would prevent Alabama to be successful. It would require all left- pharmacies from selling birth control to over eggs be used for other procedures or Mississippi residents, especially if they had

ceives $1.2 million annually from the state.

“It was the conclusion of the (Kilby ad hoc committee) to keep Kilby open as a K-6 school we would need internal and external funding,” Jacobs said. “We would envision a capital campaign as something that would be necessary to that reality.”

Jacobs and other members of the ad hoc committee said that the uncertainty of Kilby’s future is weighing heavily on the students, faculty and families involved with the school.

“It has a lot of aspects to it that I hope that this group will carefully consider,” she said. “The funding (needed) will not go down, it will most likely go up.”

Members of this committee will meet again in December, and the Kilby issue is on their agenda. Stay with The Flor-Ala for updates as they become available.

a prescription. As of right now, pharmacists hold the right to withhold the selling of Plan B without a prescription.

Many women feel this initiative would have been an infringement on their personal rights as human beings and citizens of the U.S. It would ban all abortion, even in cases of rape and incest. It would also ban abortions in ectopic pregnancies until immediate danger occurred.

“I think that’s a woman’s choice,” said Emily Horn Kelley, coordinator of the UNA Women’s Center. “That right lies with each individual woman—it’s that simple.

As someone who had a pregnancy in my ovary, I think it is foolish to not allow an abortion during an ectopic pregnancy. I almost bled to death myself. Had I not been so close to a hospital, I would have died.”

UNA students from Mississippi feel strongly about the issue.

“I think the government should control criminal acts like murder, which is what I think abortion is,” said Pam Scheske, a junior at UNA from Tupelo, Miss. “While I’m pro-life, I think the proposition was way too ambiguous. I don’t think the government should control a woman’s uterus.”

Some students feel the issue is complicated. “ I think it should have left out the birth control part,” said Brittany Damons, a junior at UNA from Corinth, Miss. “In Mississippi, politics are too based in religion.

In no way do I think abortions are right, but I think different circumstances call for different actions.”

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

News

Page

3

New rock wall coming to campus

Human rights advocate to speak

+WXa 7XQVQWV[ -LQ\WZ ITQVLTMa(]VI ML]

*Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

)TM` 4QVLTMa

SGA recently voted to use surplus money from what was originally intended to help purchase the Florence Golf and Country Club to buy a rock climbing wall for the Student Recreation Center. The decision is not final, but SGA plans to write and vote on a resolution in the coming weeks to finalize plans.

Senate Vice President Emily McCann said SGA began considering a rock wall for students after posting a Facebook poll to determine what students want most for campus.

“It’s important that (SGA does) what the students want,” she said. “We posted the poll, and the rock wall got the most votes, followed by a disc golf course.”

And, according to McCann, the other items students voted on in the online poll are still possibilities.

“The rock wall will only cost a very small fraction of the budget we’ve got,” she said. “We’re working with about $120,000, and we voted to allocate $20,000 for the wall.”

SRC Director Jim Eubanks said he has wanted a rock wall for the SRC for a long time.

“A rock wall was part of the original plan for the SRC,” he said. “It’s been something I’ve wanted since I got here. It will bring another element to what we can offer to the student body.”

Eubanks said adding the rock wall will be a test.

“We’ll look at how it goes as far as space and student use,” he said. “We’ll know after a while if we need to expand.”

The wall will be a flat panel system, which means it can attach to any cinderblock wall, according to Eubanks.

“We’ll be able to relocate it if we need or want to,” he said. “We could move it outdoors in good weather and have possible contests and other events for students.”

Outdoor Adventure Center Coordinator Blake Lomenick believes the wall will be popular with students.

“We’ve got a lot of students at UNA who are interested in rock climbing,” he said. “It’s a good, well-rounded workout, and there’s a lot of places around here you can go to climb. Having the wall will also generate more interest in climbing.”

After the wall is installed, the SRC will likely try to plan events involving it, according to Lomenick.

“We might try to incorporate (the wall) with intramurals,” he said. “And photo courtesy of Jim Eubanks we’ll have possible challenges and timed contests The rock wall pictured above will be similar to the new for prizes.” rock wall planned for UNA’s campus, according to ofEubanks believes the ficials. rock climbing wall will versity,” he said. increase student use of the SRC. Eubanks said he is happy about the pos“The wall will tap into a whole group sible addition to the SRC. of students who don’t participate in other “We’re excited about it,” he said. “We things we do,” he said. “My main point is are very fortunate that SGA decided to just to get people in the building.” include us in their plans.”

The wall will likely be a recruiting tool Lomenick said SRC and OAC student for UNA, according to Eubanks. workers will staff the wall to ensure safety “(The wall) will be impressive to stu- and proper use. dents when they’re taking tours of the uni-

Students decide whether or not to vote

4I]ZMV <PWZV\WV

;\]LMV\ ?ZQ\MZ T\PWZV\WV(]VI ML]

With the 2012 presidential election coming up, students are faced not only with the decision on who to vote for, but the decision on whether or not to vote at all.

Dr. Tim Collins, associate professor of political science, said there are many reasons why students choose to or not to vote.

Collins said students might choose not to vote because they do not see how their vote will count. Another reason Collins said students might not vote is because they do not want to take the time to research candidates and don’t like the idea of voting for a party ticket. Some students are independent, and that increases the research it takes to make a decision on a vote that they feel is insignificant.

“Depending on where students are in their lives, they aren’t yet invested in communities enough to actually turn out and vote,” Collins said.

On the contrary, Collins said students might choose to vote because they feel it is their duty as American citizens. Students are more traditional in wanting to exercise their vote, Collins said.

According to Collins, some candidates or issues can determine an increase in the young voter turnout. If an issue fits students’ interest, such as government school funding, students are more likely to vote.

Pace Holdbrooks, 19, said he plans on voting in the 2012 election because he feels that it is important.

“If this country is to remain a democracy, then the citizens should be expected

photo illustration by MorgueFile.com

Many college students who live away from home can use absentee ballots to vote for elections in their hometown.

to vote,” Holdbrooks said.

Holdbrooks said although he hasn’t yet researched the potential candidates in depth, he is following the controversy concerning Herman Cain.

“I think I’d like to just piss people off and vote for Ron Paul,” Holdbrooks said.

“He never changes his opinions so you know what you’re going to get.”

Holdbrooks is not yet registered to vote, but plans on registering in his hometown

of Decatur.

Karly Cochran, 21, said she votes because she feels it is a privilege to have a voice to let opinions be known.

“It’s a good way to take part and be involved,” Cochran said.

Cochran has not yet looked at potential candidates in order to make a deci-

;MM ;<=,-6< >7<- XIOM

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML]

John Prendergast, human rights activist and bestselling author, will address UNA’s graduating class at the fall 2011 commencement ceremony Dec. 16.

Prendergast is the cofounder of the Enough Project, a group that aims to put an end to genocide and crimes against humanity. The project is affiliated with the Center for American Progress. Under this initiative, he has also launched the Satellite Sentinel Project with George Clooney, which focuses on the prevention of conflict and human rights abuse through satellite images.

Prendergast has been advocating and working for peace in Africa for more than 25 years. He co-authored a recent bestselling book titled “Unlikely Brothers,” which was released in May 2011 and was written alongside his first little brother in the Big Brother program, which he has been a member for more than 20 years.

Prendergast has been awarded six honorary doctorate degrees and has been a visiting professor at multiple universities, such as Stanford University, Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Josh Woods, director of University

”Itʼs good to expose

graduates to some of the people who are the best in their fields.”

-Josh Woods Communications, said it is important for graduates to hear from someone who is influential and one of the best in their field, like Prendergast.

“To become the best—that’s one of the reasons people go to college to begin with,” Woods said. “There’s something particularly important and signifying about bringing someone so special to campus that truly is as influential as Prendergast.

“It’s good just to expose graduates to some of the people who are the best in their fields. That’s one of our aims in selecting a commencement speaker. It broadens their horizons.”

David Shields, vice president of Student Affairs, also feels that it is important to have someone of Prendergast’s caliber speak to the graduating class.

“Our goal is not necessarily to get graduates to remember their commencement speaker’s name,” Shields said. “We want graduates to remember what the speaker said. Our hope is that we’re not just sending out well-prepared individuals, but rather change agents and people that will change the world for the better.

Prendergast has done that, and we’re hoping that he can impart some wisdom to our graduates.”

Shields also said that Prendergast’s message will be one not just for the graduates, but for everyone in attendance.

“It’s about being engaged and active in something in your community,” he said.

“Find something that you’re passionate about and get involved. You can be successful at your career and make a lot of money, but if you haven’t done anything to help others around you, you haven’t fully lived.”

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Viewpoints

Page

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

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/OPINION EDITOR JORDAN BRADLEY ONLINE EDITOR DEVIN KENNAMER AD MANAGER SAVANNAH COMER GRAPHIC ARTIST EVAN KING 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.

4

Calling it like we see it at UNA, in the Shoals, across the state and around the world The Lions made the Division II playoffs Sunday.

Having earned No. 5 seed in Super Regional 2, the Lions will play West Alabama in Livingston noon this Saturday. The game will be a chance for UNA to avenge a 31-26 loss to West Alabama earlier in the season. The victor this Saturday will continue on to play Delta State Nov. 26.

Post-season playoff for university After a big win against ond chance to rebound from the Valdosta State, UNA was selected regular season mistakes and let to play in the Division II playdowns along the way. It offs on Sunday and will play also can change the perin a rematch this weekend ceptions of fans if your against rival West Alabama. team makes a run for That’s what makes the the title.

Division II post season so This could be true much better than what you for the Lions. Ever since have with the bowl system the team fell in conthat Division I FBS has at secutive weeks, the end of its season every <WUUa *WT\WV fans were panick;XWZ\[ -LQ\WZ year. Pretty much one loss \JWT\WV(]VI ML] ing and saying this on your schedule and your is a letdown year. chances of making it to the cham- After those losses, the team got pionship are over. back on track, picking up two big That’s the beauty of Division wins, and is carrying momentum II having a playoff system at the into the playoffs. end of the year: you have room Look at last season. The Lions for error and still can win a cham- lost to Valdosta State in the seapionship. As long as you get in son and met for a rematch in the the field of 24 teams, anything first round of the playoffs and can happen at that point. came up with a victory at home The playoffs give teams a sec- field. The following week, the

Lions met Delta State, who they beat in the season, and lost, and Delta State made it all the way to the championship.

Going into this postseason, the Lions could do exactly like Delta State did last year: lose in the regular season matchup and meet up in the second round and avenge the season loss. I’m not saying it will happen, but it would make a very neat story if it did end up like that.

That’s what is great about being able to play in a postseason playoff: you just don’t know what is going to happen. So throw out all the rankings and all the stats, because, at this point, none of that matters. It’s about who wants the national championship the most and who will give everything to win it all.

Moral responsibility worth more than football As the recent Penn State child sexual abuse scandal reveals, the chain of command isn’t always enough. Simply reporting a crime to your boss and letting the rest unfold without your involvement makes you almost as—if not equally as—culpable as the perpetrator.

Such is the case with Joe Paterno and Mike McQueary. McQueary witnessed Jerry Sandusky sexually assaulting a young boy in the shower and reported it to Paterno, his superior. Paterno reported the event (an allegedly watered down and hazy retelling) to his superiors and left it at that.

And what did the all-knowing, all-powerful higher ups do? They took away Sandusky’s locker room keys.

Aside from Paterno’s moral responsibility to make sure Sandusky was reported to the authorities who could actually stop him, how did he live all these years with the knowledge that Sandusky was taking the innocence of young children? Somehow, he managed, and, in the opinion of The Flor-Ala editorial board, that makes him a

monster as well.

Yet, many football fans seem to mourn Paterno’s recent firing.

Photos on The Washington Post website show students rallying in his favor with picket signs displaying such witty mantras as “Don’t Go Joe” and “God bless Paterno.”

So he should stay? Maybe knowing Sandusky had allegedly raped and was continually raping children and saying nothing qualifies him to continue to coach a football team. Or maybe his amazing coaching abilities lift him above all responsibility. He did say the children who had been abused as a direct result of his complacency and Sandusky’s evil were in his prayers, after all.

Yes, Paterno reported to his higher ups, but he also knew that they did next to nothing in response to his report. The next step should have been easy. Dial 9-1-1. It’s pretty simple.

It appears that Paterno did what he thought would save his job and the legendary football program he worked for. Now, he is paying for that decision, if he hasn’t paid

already with years of guilt, which The Flor-Ala editorial board hopes he has experienced.

Aside from the lesson that sexual predators are not always the hooded strangers behind the bushes, another lesson remains to be learned for students.

Sometimes the chain of command has to be broken to save others and, in Paterno’s case, yourself.

McQueary was a graduate assistant when he witnessed Sandusky raping a child. He did not make the right decision when he decided to allow his higher ups to cover such a horrific crime. As students, we are only a few years away from entering the professional world, where we will inevitably witness wrongdoing—hopefully nowhere near the disgusting nature of the Penn State scandal.

Will we be ready to do the right thing? No job is worth the loss of a child’s innocence.

The opinions expressed are the collective opinion of The FlorAla editorial board.

Athens’ largest employer is considering adding as many as 100 jobs to its workforce. Steelcase Inc. recently announced that its operations in Athens would be expanded due to the company’s closing of other facilities across the nation. The company, which manufactures office equipment, currently employs 934 Athens employees and plans to add between 80 and 100 jobs, according to Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks.

Malisa McClure was named a Flor-Ala staff writer this week.

Congratulations!

Columns submitted to The Flor-Ala do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff. Want to submit your own? E-mail us at florala@una.edu.

Congratulations to Blythe Steelman for writing last week’s story of the week!

Life

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Page

5

Students participate in international charities on campus ;PMTJa *WUIV

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

With Christmas right around the corner, students are looking to share their generosity with those who are less fortunate than they are. Operation Christmas Child and Angel Tree are two charities that allow students to do just that.

Operation Christmas Child, or OCC, is a project of Samaritan’s Purse and has been available for students to take part in on campus for the past four years.

“Being involved with this organization is a real character builder,” said Jennifer Brown, assistant director for leadership and volunteerism. “It is such a rewarding experience knowing that by putting another’s needs before your own, you’re making a great impact on a child’s life.”

When taking part in OCC, students will need to pack a shoebox full of toys, toiletries, school supplies and whatever else a child might want or need. It has also been suggested to include a personal note to the child expressing your kindness. In this case, a child may write back.

However, avoid packing items such as war-related items, food, medications and breakables. Students will get to select whether their shoebox will go to a girl or a boy, as well as the age group, so they can customize their boxes for that child.

“It’s an amazing feeling knowing that a few items in a shoebox—items we take for granted—are such a big deal for poverty

stricken children,” said UNA junior David Johnson. “This will be my third year taking part in OCC, and I always feel so rewarded by giving back to others.”

The boxes typically go to children in foreign countries. Students may track their box by going to samaritanspurse.org, making a donation and receiving a label to put on the shoebox being sent. This way, students can find out the destination of their boxes and possibly the child who receives the box.

“I love being involved with Operation Christmas Child,” said junior and RSO co-

”Itʼs an amazing feeling knowing that a few items in a shoebox... are such a big deal for poverty stricken children.”

-David Johnson chair Amber Griggs. “The littlest things that we as students can do make the biggest difference to a child who may have never even seen a Christmas present in their life.”

OCC is not the only charity that UNA encourages students to get involved with.

Angel Tree is an organization in which volunteers pick a child’s name and gift list from a Christmas tree and purchase presents for that child in hopes that his or her Christmas will be more pleasant.

The names on the tree are mostly of

British humor hits home at UNA

children whose parents are incarcerated and cannot afford a nice Christmas for their children.

“Not every child is fortunate enough to have Christmas with their family or be presented with gifts,” said Jori Chatman, service chair of UPC. “Angel Tree is a great way to show those kids that people do care.”

In the past few years, these two charities have been successful with students, and UNA is hoping the pattern continues.

Junior and SGA Vice President of Senate Emily McCann has taken part in both OCC and Angel Tree.

“My family and I have participated in OCC and Angel Tree for years,” she said. “It’s such a blessing to provide kids with presents for Christmas.

Plus, the shopping part is always fun, too.”

Any students interphoto by Barry Minor ested in volunteering for either charity should stop Kaylie Watts carries a stack of shoeboxes filled with presby the Student Engage- ents for children in poverty-stricken countries. The boxes ment Office for more in- contain donations ranging from toys to toiletries. formation.

Sleep deprivation depletes brain function, study says

*Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

;\INN ?ZQ\MZ J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML]

photo by Kayla Sloan

From left to right: Forrest Harlan, Brian Hall and Adam St. John perform in the British farse “Charley’s Aunt.”

Laughter was widespread across Norton Auditorium Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12 as the UNA Department Music and Theater presented the classic British farce “Charley’s Aunt.”

The play, written by Brandon Thomas, follows the story of two young men attending Oxford University in the late 1800s. Jack and Charley are men in love with Kitty and Amy, respectively. The two plan to propose to the young women while Charley’s aunt, Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez, is visiting from Brazil. However, their plans go astray when they receive word that Donna Lucia will not

;MM .):+- XIOM

Christmas classic to debut at Shoals Theater 2M[[QM 4IUJMZ\

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

The Gingerbread Players will present “A Christmas Story” Nov. 17-20 at the Shoals Community Theatre. Terry Pace, of UNA’s Department of English, will direct the production.

The play is based off the 1983 American comedy and holiday film classic “A Christmas Story,” written by Jean Shepherd. The story follows 8-year-old Ralphie who wants a BB gun for Christmas. When Ralphie asks for the gun, adults tell him that he would just shoot out his eye. He does

not stop asking, though, and persistently begs his parents, his teacher and even Santa Claus for the gift. The play will also incorporate some of the major subplots in the comedy, such as the dare to lick the cold lamppost, the neighborhood bully and the lamp shaped like a woman’s leg that Ralphie’s father won.

The play will show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Advanced tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. Door prices are $10 for students and $12 for adults. Visit the Shoals Community Theatre website to order tickets online.

photo by Barry Minor

According to some studies, lack of sleep can cause side effects relating to alcohol consumption, symptoms of depression and even hallucinations. Most health professionals agree that sleep is necessary for college students.

2IKWJ ?ITTIKM

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

Under the influence or sleep deprived?

According to WebMD, it may be hard to tell the difference.

An article on the medical information website WebMD states that people who exhibited sleep deprivation showed similar slowed reaction times to individuals under the influence when tested using the same hand-eye coordination tests that are commonly used on people under the effects of alcohol.

WebMD said sleep deprivation’s major effect on the human body can have even more negative effects. The popular website said that loss of sleep may cause loss of memory, a weakened immune system, increased perception of pain and even deeper psychological issues such as depression.

Coinciding with the predictions of the website, Lynne Martin, LPC and associate director of University Health Services and Counseling and Disability Service at Bennett Infirmary, said that sleep deprivation

;MM ;4--8 XIOM

Page

6

Images

After the sun goes down

By Barry Minor - Staff Photographer - sminor@una.edu The beauty remains. Our campus here at UNA is beautiful day or night, rain or shine. At night, it takes a longer exposure to capture but the same beauty can be found as during the day.

As one finds themselves walking around the campus, he/she quickly realizes that they are surrounded by a wonderland of beauty and if not careful can find themselves lost in the wonderful sights to be seen around campus.

These sights at night are just that much more interesting than they are during the day. I myself would venture to say that we have one of the most beautiful campuses in Alabama.

I know that when I visited our campus for the first time, I was instantly pulled in by its towering buildings and the impressive fountain. Those aspects only solidified my decision to attend school here at the University of North Alabama.

These photos are all long exposure shots, which require the use of a long shutter speed and a tripod.

I was attempting to bring a new point of view to our campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; landscape.

These photos are a brief exploration of this nighttime scene. I speak truthfully by saying these photos do not do any true justice to the actual scene.

Visit florala.net to view more photos from this series

Thursday, November 17, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

+1<A ),,:-;; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM

photo by Barry Minor

Florence police Chief Rick Singleton speaks at the state of the city address Nov. 8.

According to Irons, the city gained three new hotels, which added 258 new rooms to the city’s lodging options. The city’s occupancy is up 10 percent and tax revenue is up on lodging.

In addition to new hotels, Irons mentioned the retail growth in the city. The city has seen the addition of Burkes, Ross, JoAnn’s Fabrics, Bed Bath and Beyond, Five Guys, EyeMart and will soon see Publix.

The city now has 13 national retailers in the community, Irons said.

In addition to retail and business growth, Irons discussed the growth that UNA is experiencing with the

addition of many new buildings on campus.

“UNA is a strong partner in our community,” Irons said. “The economic impact is great to our area. “(The new buildings are) a tremendous thing for our university in this community.”

Florence has been spared from the economic downturn the nation has been experiencing, Irons said.

“The city is in a sound financial position,” Irons said. “Some of our sister cities have not been as fortunate … as they have encountered huge deficits.”

Irons attributes the city’s growth and good business practices to quality management practices from his department heads. The good management practices are the reason the city is staying afloat in the tough national economic times, he said.

“I am very proud of our team’s accomplishments during this tough time,” Irons said. “We are hurting somewhat because of the state of our nation.”

The City of Florence must place a high priority on quality of life aspects, he said. The city must continue to work closely with its schools and healthcare providers, Irons said.

”UNA is a strong partner in our community.”

-Mayor Bobby

Feature

Page

7

)::-;<; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM The Alabama Department of Public Safety will suspend or revoke the driver’s license of an underage person if found in violation of the state’s drinking and driving laws. Singleton said fines vary and it may be required that the offender takes part in a DUI or substance abuse court referral program.

Pastula and Singleton both said an alcohol-related arrest will act as a mark on a person’s criminal record, harming their chances to get jobs in the future due to mandatory background checks that are required at most places of employment.

“Disrespecting the law—a lot of people think it’s not a big deal but it is,” Singleton said. “It’s

a big deal concerning someone’s integrity and it says something to me about a person’s character.

To me, as an employer, when I look at potential employees and I see where a young person has willfully disobeyed the law, I question whether or not I want to have that young person working with me.”

To learn more about DUI laws in Alabama, visit findlaw.com

>-<-:)6; KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM staff. “But I think the roll call gave a personal touch. Hopefully, we can continue to do that in the future.”

Roll call began a few minutes after 6 a.m.

One by one, volunteers took turns reading off the names from 10-20 minutes each time. Volunteers arrived when needed and a few onlookers at a time stopped to listen to the names called aloud in front of the Memorial Amphitheater. This continued until 3:30 p.m.

“I am impressed to see students take at least five minutes to listen to the names called,” Giles said.

At 11 a.m., the roll call ceased for an hour in order for the ceremony itself. The amphitheater was surrounded by audience members, which included ROTC members, retired military officers, their families, as well as a number of civilian students. Behind the audience was the Pride of Dixie Band, which played the National Anthem while UNA’s Chamber Choir sang with them.

In Lawrence Zandarski’s speech, he referred to events in his life, of what he remembered

about Veterans Day as a child and of the emotional yet confusing time it was for him then. He discussed his involvement in the Vietnam War, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also informed the public of what many men and women had to give so that they might have freedom. “(Veterans) have never forsaken their oath to protect this nation from all threats foreign and domestic,” Zandarski said. “We thank them for their service.”

After Zandarski’s speech, the Pride of Dixie and the Chamber Choir gave a salute to the veterans in the audience by playing the service songs of each military branch while those in the audience stood, each according to which military branch he or she served. Then the tone seemed more solemn as everyone moved into a moment of silence and the band gently played Taps.

“I look at (Veterans Day) with a great deal of respect of how a nation pays tribute to its servicemen,” said SGA President Ralph Akalonu. “You don’t see that a lot from other countries.”

Page

Sports

8

Players of the week

UNA Volleyball

Lions prepare for rematch vs. West Alabama 5ITQ[I 5K+T]ZM

The team made it all ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ the way to the GSC cham- U[UKKT]ZM(]VI ML] pionship game, but fell to The Lions will play in the first West Florida. Even with round the 2011 NCAA Divithe loss, the team was se- sion II offootball playoffs at noon lected to play in the NCAA this Saturday at West Alabama in tourney starting Thurs- Livingston. day.

According to roarlions.com,

UNA Football The Lions picked a huge win against Valdosta State to earn a bid in the NCAA tournament, which starts Thursday.

Week At A Glance

Volleyball When: Thursday, noon W Where: Tampa Who: Rollims College NCAA Tournament

Women’s Basketball When: Friday, 5 p.m.

Saturday, 3 p.m.

S

Saturday’s game will be the 17th time the Lions have appeared in the Division II football championships. The Lions have a 2813 playoff record and are 10-6 in playoff games that were rematches.

After losing at West Alabama Oct. 27, the Lions are eager for a chance to redeem themselves.

Head coach Terry Bowden is excited for the team to face West Alabama again.

“Of all the teams you want to play, you want to play somebody that beat you,” Bowden said.

In the Oct. 27 game, a fumble on a punt return and personal foul penalty in the first quarter put the Lions behind. At the end of the first quarter, West Alabama was winning 14-0.

Bowden said that although the Lions outscored West Alabama after the first quarter, they were unable to bridge the gap in the end. West Alabama won the game with a score of 31-26.

The Lions will prepare for the game by focusing on the things

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

Dana Jackson is a guard

Where: Dahlonega, Ga. for the UNA women’s basketWhere: D ball team. She graduated from

Georgia College Franklin County High School in Who:1. G

Winchester, Tenn. in 2008 where

2. North Georgia she has played basketball since was in sixth grade.

Men’s Basketball she Q. What are your

Where: Wher Flowers Hall W Who: Oakwood

Football When: W Wh en: Saturday - noon Wheree West Alabama Where: Who: Who West Alabama

that will give them a better chance to win, according to Bowden.

“We’ll be trying to make little adjustments from the first game that we think will stop some of the things that they did well and help us do things better,” Bowden said.

West Alabama had 143 rushing and 209 passing yards in the photo by Malisa McClure Oct. 27 game against the Li- Junior receiver Mo Miliam races down field against West Georgia earlier this ons. The Lions season. He and the Lions are looking to revenge their loss in the season to West had 119 rush- Alabama and make a deep run in the post season. ing and 397 The Lions were hurt by pen- tance of getting to a fast start and passing yards. The Lions had 32 alties, losing a total of 100 yards getting on the board early. first downs total, while West Ala- because of them. West Alabama “Hopefully we get on the ball bama had 19. also lost 67 yards due to penal- offensively and get some drives Key players included West ties. going early,” he said.

Alabama’s Matt Willis and Ken Bowden looks forward to the The winner of this game will May, and the Lions’ Wes Holland chance to correct the mistakes go on to face Delta State at its and Mo Miliam. Willis rushed that were made in the Oct. 27 home turf Nov. 26. for 113 yards while May received match.

The Flor-Ala will be reportthree catches for 121 yards. Hol“Having played them before, ing from the game on Saturday. land rushed for 73 yards, while we’ll know some things that work Follow @FlorAlaSports on TwitMiliam received nine catches for against them,” Bowden said. ter for live updates and stats.

128 yards.

He also stressed the impor-

Jackson key to Lionsʼ success this year 4I]ZMV -[\M[

When: Th Thursday, 6 p.m.

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

favorite shots/moves on the court?

“I like the step-back jumpshot—that’s my favorite move.

When I was little, I was really bad at basketball, and I didn’t make the team in the fifth grade. Then I tried out my sixth grade year and made it. I really just wanted to play with my friends, but in middle school I wanted to continue playing, so my dad knew this previous Lady Volunteers player, Tiffany Wiggly, and she gave me individual lessons every Sunday in Luxemburg, Tenn., which was an hour away from my house, so we would drive there and stay for four hours. She taught me pretty much everything I know. I took lessons with her up until my junior year of high school. She introduced me to the basics of everything basketball.”

What is your favorite pregame food?

“I always find myself eating chicken for pre-game meals; it can be grilled or chicken tenders

A.

Q. A.

… I like chicken.”

Who is a person or a player you looked up to growing up?

“My mom and dad motivated me when I was younger. If it wasn’t for them staying on me, I probably wouldn’t be as good.”

“Dana, Adam Sandler or .

Will Ferrell?”

A. “Adam Sandler for sure. I loved ‘Just Go with It.’ It was so funny!”

What is your game-day routine?

A. “On home games, we have a pre-game meal, then I go home and take a shower. I have to take a shower before the games. I also have to put on my left sock then my right sock, then my left ankle brace, then my right one, then my left shoe, then my right shoe. It’s just a weird superstition that I have. I guess that’s all to my routine, really.”

What is your favorite UNA basketball memory?

“Last year, we were all about making it to the NCAA Tournament, so when we would break our huddles instead of saying, ‘Lions’ we would say ‘NCAA.’ When we were in the classroom last year, waiting to see who got picked to make it to the NCAA Tournament, and when they called out our name, everyone freaked out!

That was probably one of my favorite memories because we

Q.

A.

Q.

Q.

Q. A.

worked so hard to get there.”

If they were going to make a movie about you and your life, who would play you?

“Either her Cameron Diaz or Jenniston.” nifer Anniston.”

If someone turned on the io in your car right now, radio at would we hear playwhat ing?”

“Well, ell, the radio is broken in my car right now; I haven’t listened to it since this past summer.

The only stations I really pick up at home are 104.3 and 99.1—pop/ stations. rock stations.”

Do you have a favorite e, and who said it? quote, “The Beatles song, ‘Let It Be’ is my motto. I actually havee it tattooed on my foot.””

What at is somesomeeu te amthingg your es do n o t mates you that know about milly d es and vice do your family does versa?”

“I used to fore cry be-I went t o school evuntil ery day third t h e I didn’tt grade. want my mom and dad to leave.. ly don’t think anyone I honestly hat. As for my famknows that. ily, all myy teammates underow much hard work stand how

Q.

A.

Q.

A.

and time is put into the gym. I don’t think my parents or family realize how much we put into it.”

Bonus If you u could dunk, w h o would you dunk like and why?

Q.

A “Kobee be cause and he is ite.”

Q. A. Q.

A.

photo by Darrick Dawkins

Br y a n t , he’s legit my favor-

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Sports

Page

9

Beasley looks to play big for Lions this season 7ZZMa *WT\WV

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

In order for UNA men’s basketball to compete for the Gulf South Conference title, the Lions are hoping for a big performance this season behind senior guard Beaumont Beasley.

A returning starter and, most importantly, a more experienced point guard, Beasley comes into the season averaging 12 points a game and third in conference in assists with 112. But, for Beasley, continuing the offensive input isn’t the only thing he is looking to improve on for this season.

“I just want to be a better leader and set a better example for the team,” Beasley said. “Just being someone who my teammates can look to whenever things are good or bad. I also would like to improve on my free throw shooting. That is something I have to do better this season.”

Basketball has always been the life for Beasley, dating back to his childhood days.

Just like any young kid, Beasley idolized Michael Jordan when he was growing up.

He hopes to continue playing basketball after his career at UNA. “Basketball definitely started for me when I was little playing with my cousins at my aunt’s house in the backyard,” Beasley said. “It really has stuck to me ever since then. This game is something that I love to play, and I really couldn’t picture my life without it.”

Even though it seems as if basketball has been something enjoyable for Beasley his whole life, bumps in the road occurred for him just like any other person.

During his sophomore year and transferring from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, thoughts of not playing and giving up basketball ran through his head, and coming to play for UNA returned the love of the game back to Beasley.

“My mom and my family never forced

me into a position to play basketball,” he said. “When I was transferring, it did run through my head of not playing again, but

Bio Facts Hometown: Kansas City, MO. Position: Senior Guard Stats: 17.3 ppg. 6 rpg.

Hobbies: Video Games (NBA 2K11, and NCAA Football 2011) Major: Finance when I got the opportunity to do it again, I was definitely pleased. In coming to UNA, it was different to me, and it sounded like a good situation to me after keeping in contact with my roommate Sam (Buxton) after he left Missouri-St. Louis for UNA.” Beasley’s mother has always had a big influence on him.

“My mom is just a better person than anything I could ever be,” he said. “I just hope I can turn out half the kind of person that she is. She is just really a great person.”

When not spending his time making jumpers and breaking ankles with crossovers in Flowers Hall, Beasley enjoys spending time with friends and playing games like “NBA 2K11” and “NCAA Football ’11.”

After graduation, if basketball isn’t in the future, Beasley hopes to work in the field of his major, which is finance.

With the hope of getting back to conference prominence, the Lions need a big role out of Beasley in order to compete for a title. The confidence level couldn’t be any

Photo by Malisa McClure

Senior guard Beaumont Beasley looks to be a big part of the offense this season.

He hopes to help improve on last season’s record.

better going forward.

“I don’t care who we play or where it is at,” Beasley said. “The goal is to win a championship. I just don’t sell my team short

against anybody.”

The Lions will play Thursday at 6 p.m. against Oakwood in Flowers Hall to try to remain unbeaten through the year.

Lions gets huge road win against Valdosta State 4I]ZMV -[\M[

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

The Lions traveled to Valdosta, Ga., Saturday to play GSC foe Valdosta State and grabbed a come-from-behind win 30-23.

UNA had to score 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure a victory over the Blazers.

With 2:30 to play in the first quarter, UNA was the first to get on the scoreboard with a four-yard pass from Lee Chapple to Jason Smith for a touchdown.

Josh Montgomery added the extra point.

Lee Chapple was 26-38 passing with two interceptions for 247 yards on the game.

VSU replied back 14 seconds later with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown; however, special teams member Janoris Jenkins blocked the Blazer’s extra point, making way for Darnell Jackson to return the PAT for three points, putting the Lions on top 9-6.

With 3:41 to go in the second quarter, VSU scored off an 11-play drive, retaking the lead 13-9. Not giving up, UNA replied back with a one-yard run for a touchdown

by Chris Coffey set up by a seven-play, 63yard drive with 46 seconds to play in the

first half. Montgomery added the extra point, putting the Lions up 16-13.

For the next 37 seconds, VSU managed five plays and 57 yards, ending with a 33yard touchdown pass, switching the lead yet again in Valdosta State’s favor with only six seconds left of play before halftime.

The UNA special teams took charge in those last seconds. Kickoff returner Jenkins kept the ball in play well after the time ran down off the clock, returning the ball to the VSU five-yard line before halftime.

Bryan Thomas was a key ingredient to the Lion defense against the Blazers.

“We’ve got to have a strong will to win every game,” Thomas said. “Our motto last year was never, never, never quit. We’ve always got to keep going and accepting adversity. It’s a football game; our opponent will make plays, we will make plays—it’s all about how we react after it happens. We have to stay positive, and we can overcome anything.”

The UNA team did just that. Coming out after halftime, VSU was the first to score, hitting a 26-yard field goal with 11 seconds to go in the third quarter; however, that would be that last time Valdosta would put points on the scoreboard in the GSC battle. UNA would go on to score 14 unan-

swered points in the fourth quarter.

Tristan Purifoy blocked a Blazer punt with 8:08 to go in the fourth quarter, giving way for Robbie Burdine to return the ball 22 yards for a touchdown, followed by a Montgomery extra point.

The blocked punt and score tied the ball game at 23 a piece.

With 57 seconds left to play, a 79yard, 12-play drive set up a 16-yard pass from Chapple to Wes Holland for a touchdown, and with the Montgomery kick, UNA led VSU 30-23 with less than a minute to play.

The game was still not over, as the last play of the game for UNA was against a back-up VSU quarterback, and a victory-saving interception in the end zone to secure the win by safety, Bryan Thomas.

“I had a sigh of relief (after he picked of VSU’s pass) that the game was over,” Thomas said. “The game plan was working. An opportunity came for a play to be made, and it just happened that I was in the right place at the right time.”

The Lions will travel to GSC rival West Alabama in Livingston for the first round of the playoffs Satur-

day Nov. 19. Kickoff will be at noon in Tiger Stadium.

The winner of that game will go on to play at Delta State Nov. 26 as the Division II playoffs get underway.

The Flor-Ala will be live at the game on Saturday. Follow @FlorAlaSports on Twitter for live updates.

Page

News

10

Thursday, November 17, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

International Education Week celebrates culture -TQ[M +WNQMTL

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

Only one week of the year on UNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus can African Umdabu dancers and chopsticks lessons be found within walking distance of one another.

A number of cultural exhibits can be found this week all around campusâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Parade of Flags, International Coffee Night, and a Parade of Countries fashion show, just to name a few.

This week, UNA is joining more than 100 countries worldwide to celebrate International Education Week.

Coordinator of International Services Joy Mallard is looking forward to seeing participation in the events planned for the week, most of which are coordinated and sponsored by student organizations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been involved with International Education Week, this is the most activities weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had planned,â&#x20AC;? Mallard said.

International Education Week is celebrated on campuses across the nation.

Its purpose, said Mallard, is to serve as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;reminder about what a culturally diverse student body we have, not only with in-

International Education Week Events

ternational students here at UNA, but also with American students who have studied abroad.â&#x20AC;?

Mallard emphasizes that the week is intended for everyone on campus. It is a time to unify globally, learn something new, and meet new people, and all events are free. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it is important for students to have the opportunity to see how international education relates to them (and everyone), regardless of major or personal goals,â&#x20AC;? Mallard said.

However, this week isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just about the number of cultures represented in UNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student body. The purpose is also to celebrate international educational programming and students who have studied abroad or are international scholars.

Senior Allison Ray is heavily involved with the Office of International Affairs.

She looks forward to what she calls a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cultural exchangeâ&#x20AC;? which she expects as a rephoto by Darrick Dawkins sult of the week.

Students and community members listen to speakers and performers at the Internaâ&#x20AC;&#x153;The week is different this year because tional Education Week kick-off event at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. we are encouraging student organizations overall understanding of international stu- starts at 6 p.m. in the GUC and promises to have a more hands-on approach to plandents on campus.â&#x20AC;? to be a fun evening of cultural celebration. ning the weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This The week will conclude Friday night, The complete list of this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events week is a time to learn about various forms Nov. 18, with the annual capstone event can be found at www.una.edu/international/ of diversity and to increase UNA studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; called Passport to the World. The event news.html.

Thursday Nov. 17 Japan Day sponsored by JUMP Study Abroad Displays in the GUC - 8 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thanks Prayers Dayâ&#x20AC;? - This is Japan Stone Lodge noon - 2:30 p.m.

Occupy movement sparks interest at UNA â&#x20AC;˘ UNA community reacts to protests in New York, other cities 2IKWJ ?ITTIKM

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

The series of Occupy Wall Street demonstrations are an ongoing attempt by protesters to raise awareness of issues such as corporate greed, economic failings and social inequality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been so long since this country saw a revolution, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve forgotten what one looks like,â&#x20AC;? said MBA student Cameron Kelly-Johnson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is how I view Occupy Wall Street.â&#x20AC;?

Kelly-Johnson believes the people participating in the movement are making a tangible difference. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are looking to build consensus solutions and make sure that the catastrophic financial events of recent times do not get swept under the rug,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have been acknowledged by President Obama and other politicians and have held to their model of not allowing outside political forces to control their agenda. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have even had a likely direct effect on Wells Fargo, Chase and Bank of America, who all retreated on their new policies to charge fees for debit card users.â&#x20AC;?

Other members of the UNA community also see the effects of the movement around the globe and even here in Florence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Occupy Wall Street has spread to a number of different cities around the world, such as Oakland, London, and even Court Street in Florence,â&#x20AC;? said Associate Professor

of English Vince Brewton.

Brewton said that the Occupy Wall Street movement has made people think about wealth and inequality. He questions, though, the extremity of continuous occupation.

Regardless of whether one believes the Tea Party has been negative or positive, Brewton said the Tea Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s method of â&#x20AC;&#x153;protesting for an hour on a Saturday morningâ&#x20AC;? and then electing officials that represent the values being represented is a positive model for effective change.

Both Kelly-Johnson and Brewton agree, though, the misconception of the general public that all of the protesters are the unemployed is simply false.

Brewton said that one cannot know the situation of every individual that is part of the movement, but he said that many may be students with flexible schedules. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While hearsay paints the occupiers as unemployed individuals of certain demographics, photographic evidence and direct interviews have proven otherwise,â&#x20AC;?

Kelly-Johnson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The movement is diverse and contains individuals from a wide variety of demographics, including Occupy Wall Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s donors.â&#x20AC;?

In accordance with Brewtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view that many of the protesters may be students, Kelly-Johnson believes that this movement can give students a chance at participation in a political venue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For university students in particular, this may have a large effect,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The chance to not only participate in a consensus process, but also being a part of one of the most in debt demographics means the results of this movement could have a high impact.â&#x20AC;?

Friday Nov. 18 Friday, Nov. 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Passport to the World 6 - 10:30 p.m.

Passport to the World in Banquet Halls 6 - 8 p.m.

Parade of Countries Fashion Show 8 p.m.

Dance Party in the GUC Atrium 9 -10:30 p.m.

;<=,-6< >7<- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM

Stay Bold Custom Tattoos specializing in quality

sion on who will receive her vote.

Cochran said she wants to further her research to find out who she feels has the best points and opinions.

Collins said students can visit votesmart.org. According to Collins, the website provides voter registration information and provides the opportunity to learn who is running for office in a particular area.

1213

n. wood ave. flor ence, al 35630

256-275-3392 Owners/Artists: Matt Gr een + Stephen Gilchr ist Body Piercing: Vance Bishop Over

25 years combined exper ience.

Call or come by for an appointment.

Walk-ins welcome when available.

Hours:

Tues. - Thurs.

Fr i. - Sat.

12pm

12pm - 8pm - 9pm

Thursday, November 17, 2011 • The Flor-Ala

Life

No Shave

Eco-friendly way to be ;\INN ?ZQ\MZ J[\MMTUIV(]VI ML]

USA Today College recently published an article outlining several ways for college students to save the environment every day.

These ideas included going tray-less in the cafeteria, using a reusable water bottle, and walking or riding a bicycle to campus,

photo by Kayla Sloan

A mound of plastic bottles waits to be processed at the Florence City Recycle Center.

among other things.

However, one of the biggest, and most obvious, eco-friendly moves college students can make is recycling. The Florence City Recycling Center offers students the

.):+- KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM be arriving as originally planned.

Desperate for a chaperone so they can propose, Jack and Charley convince their friend, Oxford undergraduate Lord Fancourt Babberly, to dress in drag and pose as Charley’s aunt. The tangled web becomes even more elaborate when Jack’s father, Sir Frances Chesney, and Kitty’s uncle, Stephen Spettigue, both fall in love with the fake Donna Lucia, before the real Donna Lucia arrives with her adopted niece, Miss Ela Delahay.

“Charley’s Aunt” elicited a good re-

;4--8 KWV\QV]ML NZWU XIOM affects more than just physical health. She said that, in very intense cases, even extreme hallucination has been known to occur.

“A lot has to do with the underlying issue of poor self-care,” Martin said. “Most traditional-age college students need at least eight hours of sleep, but that will vary from person to person.”

Lynne said the anxiety of sleep deprivation can be compounded by having too much on one’s plate. She suggests limiting activities that deprive one of rest unless that activity is absolutely necessary. If ever a student does feel overwhelmed, Martin said that UNA’s counseling services are al-

opportunity to recycle.

Rachel Mansell, the education and outreach coordinator at the Recycling Center, stated that in 2010 alone, the center processed more than 3,000 tons of recyclable items.

“Students don’t realize that almost anything they use can be recycled,” she said. “We take any paper products, as well as cardboard, which is the most recycled thing in the city. We also take plastic and electronics. Our drop-off is open 24/7 outside the plant.”

A second local option for students is to get involved with Keep the Shoals Beautiful. KTSB sponsors and partners with groups in the community, as well as any student organization or group on campus, for community cleanups and beautification projects. KTSB provides all of the needed supplies, such as garbage bags, recycling bins and gloves, to any group looking to take part in one of these cleanups.

“Students can also get involved and stay eco-friendly just by simply picking up the trash they walk by on campus,” said Judy Keenum, coordinator of KTSB. A couple of nontraditional and unusual ways to go eco-friendly in college were also published in USA Today College. The first tip is to make an agreement or commitment to “Meatless Mondays.” Almost one-fifth of all the greenhouse gases in the world are produced by the meat industry.

Blackle.com is a search engine powered by Google that uses a black background. By simply using a darker background and Blackle as the primary search engine, students can help individually save up to 750 Megawatt hours per year. sponse from the audiences of each show, despite having roots in British comedy and the high Victorian time period.

“We always had a very active audience and I really appreciated their laughter every night,” said actress Summer Akers, who portrayed Kitty Verdun in the play. “Even though it was a British play, I could tell by the reactions that they understood the humor.”

The play is a classic example of a farce, which, in short, is a comedy that exists to entertain an audience by means of extravagant, unlikely, and improbable situations.

Dr. David Reubhausen, assistant professor of theater, directed the play. He said ways available and can help students that feel they are taking on too much.

”I think performance in everything would improve by getting more sleep.”

-Michael Thaxton “If you keep (overexerting yourself), you will crash and burn,” said Martin.

She said that getting the eight hours of sleep needed to be healthy is extremely important.

“I feel like it adds to the stress already present in college,” said honors sophomore student and mathematics major Michael

11

November

Easiest way for students to be eco-friendly: Recycle *Ta\PM ;\MMTUIV

Page

Last week began the hairy documentary of two gentleman’s pursuit for the scruff. Compare their progress to last week and see how they’re doing.

Week Two

photos by Andy Thigpen

Dylan Tucker

Stephen Long

Class: Sophomore Major: History

Class: Freshman Major: Undecided “It’s growing— slowly.

“The beard is coming along quite well. No problems. The only difficulty is bathing it!”

this play was a good, lighthearted change from the heavier, more thought-provoking plays the department has performed this

photo by Kayla Sloan

From left to right: Bryan Hall, Forrest Harlan and Max Raybon play their parts in the production of “Charley’s Aunt.”

semester.

Thaxton. “I tend to be more easily agitated when I don’t get enough sleep, which lately has been fairly often.

“It also tends to adversely affect the quality of my work, in and out of school. I think that performance in everything would improve by getting more sleep.”

Thaxton said approximately half of his sleep deprivation is caused by school-related activities.

The other half is due to his own habits regarding schoolwork.

Thaxton humorously suggested mandatory naptime as a solution to sleep deprivation in students, but, in reality, he’s not sure what would help.

“I don’t know that there is much to do besides better time

That would be the trial I must say. A funny thing is people seem to think I’m older than my 30-year-old brother.””

“It is fun for anybody,” Reubhausen said. “It’s just a very clean, very fun play.

Not to mention that it involves a good deal of entertainment and can appeal to everybody.”

It is safe to say that Reubhausen was correct—from the youngest to the oldest, audience members were entertained and kept on their toes for the next insane twist in the plot.

“It was a fantastic production,” said UNA sophomore Jenni Powell. “The actors and actresses were great, and I laughed the entire time. I couldn’t wait to see what the characters were going to come up with next!”

“We had some amazing nights,” said Forrest Harlan, who played the character of Jack Chesney. “Each night was different, though. You never knew what they would laugh at or react to, and it was exciting. We had a great run, and it was due largely in part to our fans and supporters.” management and perhaps commitments to fewer organizations,” he said.

Sixteenth page — 2.9 in. wide by 3 in. tall

Page

12

Tweets of the week

November 17, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ The Flor-Ala

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.