SET is a publication of Listerhill
VOLUME 02 ISSUE 09 OCTOBER 2014
I SAY TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY
SMASHING PUMPKIN PATTERNS
THE HEROES ALL AROUND US
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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EDMUND BURKE SAID, “ALL THAT IS NECESSARY FOR EVIL TO PREVAIL IN THE WORLD IS THAT GOOD MEN DO NOTHING.”. 2014 VOTER’S GUIDE, P12
LETTER
FEEDBACK
FROM THE EDITOR
LET’S HEAR IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
APPS TO APPS AN APP THAT’S APPSOLUTELY GOT YOUR BACK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
BALLOTS AND VOTING AND POLLS, OH MY! Oh October, the month of sweets, pumpkins and politics. Yes, politics. October may be full of tricks and treats, but it also leads up to numerous federal, state and local elections, and what’s an eligible voter if they don’t know how or who to vote for? We’ve devoted our main feature this month not to ghouls and goblins, but to helping you figure out this whole voting thing. We’ve tried to think of all the questions new voters might have and from that, put together a feature that will answer all those questions and turn all of you into informed, responsible citizens capable of voting without any doubts as to what you are doing. Like the last two issues before this, we’ve focused the theme around a simple word. From that word, our contributors come up with ideas for articles. So what’s the word, you ask? This month, the word is ‘free.’ Everything in this issue has evolved from ideas that word has provoked. Since so many people loved our pumpkin carving patterns last year, we were excited to provide you guys with some more this month. We’ve also got interviews with local military personnel who have fought for our freedom, an article showing you a few free activities your area offers, some recipes to cure the grumbling belly and much more! Everyone who contributed to this issue had so much fun putting it together and we hope you have an even better time reading it. Remember that we really grow from your feedback. It may not seem like a couple of sentences about what you thought really makes that much of an
TEN, TEN, TEN, TWENTIES ON YOUR DEBT HOW TO THROW HUNDREDS TO A DEBT FREE LIFE. . . . . . . . . . . 6
A TASTE OF FREEDOM A FEW TIPS ON FEEDING YOURSELF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
THE EXTRA STEP TWO GIRLS DOING A LITTLE MORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
HANDY LUNCHES SOMETHING TO CHEW ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2014 VOTER’S GUIDE HELPFUL INSTRUCTIONS TO GET YOU READY FOR UPCOMING ELECTIONS!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13 impact, but it really does help us to understand what it is you want from SET and shows us how we can continue to improve. Once you look through this issue, let us know what you thought! Don’t forget that SET always welcomes new contributors. Since we’re a collaborative publication, all our content comes from the local young people who brainstorm and work hard to create each issue. Whether you’re a writer, photographer, illustrator, designer or proofreader, there is room for you in these pages! Getting involved with SET is a great way to learn how the magazine world works, expand your portfolio and earn some extra cash. If you’re interested in becoming a contributor, email me at editor@ getsetmag.com and I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. Happy reading!
BY LINLEY MOBLEY, EDITOR
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
FREE YOURSELF THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF TRENDING LIFESTYLES. . . . . . . 14
PUMPKIN CARVING 2.0 DESIGN YOUR OWN SMASHING PUMPKINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
SOUTHCOAST TAKES THE FIELD ART ON THE FIELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
PINCHIN’ PENNIES HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME. . . . . . 23
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27
LOCAL HEROES GET TO KNOW SOME LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
FREESTYLE ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CONNECT WITH SET MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 566 Sheffield, AL 35660
Please take one copy and share it. Listerhill Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for the membership by providing cost effective services to meet their financial needs while maintaining financial soundness and promoting the credit union philosophy.
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4 FEEDBACK & CONTRIBUTORS
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OCTOBER 2014
LET’S HEAR IT! EMAIL FEEDBACK@GETSETMAG.COM
FEEDBACK
CLAIRE STEWART, @CLURRSTEW
a SET is
ill Listerh tion of publica
“‘The Fair Foods feature just made me want to chow down on a turkey leg and a fried Snickers bar! I could do without the 9 mile jog, though!” 02 VOLUME
08 ISSUE
KAHRI BOLDEN, @KAHRIJASON
14 BER 20 SEPTEM
“I enjoyed this issue, especially the article on haggling people to try to get a better deal. I liked the article about fair food and what you could substitute for that and how much you will need to run. Very cool way of showing people how to replace unhealthy for healthy foods.”
KALYN MULLIS, @KALYNM “The Fair issue of SET was full of fun, from cover to cover. ‘Flashbacks Worth A Fortune’ with the nod toward 90s games was my favorite article. My inner nerd shined on the Freestyle page with the crossword puzzle, sudoku and word find. I like fun. I like SET. I really liked this issue.” NY
NIGHT RIDAY ER E IT’S F U K N O W W H ? D O YO U R TE AM IS YO
DEAL OR NO DEAL EP R IG H T U P ST
OR YOU C MAN,AN D O TH ER ODS FA IR FO
CALEB WALKER “I liked the ‘Say Cheese’ section, it was cool seeing people I know. I just wish there was more of a caption that said what was going on.”
KALI DANIEL, @KDANIEL93 “It never ceases to amaze me that everything in SET relates to one central concept - for example, games. My favorite article was the fair spread. It really got me in the mood for fairs and I didn’t realize there were so many options. The calories were really helpful, too.”
SET CONTRIBUTORS CHASSITY MARTIN Collinwood, TN
TRENT CRONIN
ELIZABETH BROCK
AMBER ABRAMS
EMILY RUSSELL
Florence, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Florence, AL
Killen, AL
ALEX RICHEY
Russellville, AL
EMILY ALLISON
Tuscaloosa, AL
CHRIS ANDERSON ANNE CLAIRE CHEATWOOD ALEXANDRIA TERRELL Florence, AL
Lawrenceburg, TN
KAT SHANNON
JAMES THIGPEN
Huntsville, AL
Killen, AL
Rogersville, AL
OCTOBER 2014
TECH 5
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Each day the average American spends 162 minutes on their mobile device.
APPS TO APPS
AN APP THAT’S APPSOLUTELY GOT YOUR BACK Apple says there are 1.2 million apps in its App Store. The App Store does a great job of categorizing popular apps, but it doesn’t tell you if you’re getting the best deal. Here’s the thing, app developers change the prices of apps — a lot. So how can you know if the app your about to buy is at its lowest possible price? Introducing App Shopper Social. To get started, just download the app, open it up and add App Shopper as a ‘friend.’ After that, you can view all the free and discounted apps they’ve found. The app allows you to create a wish list of apps you want to track. Is there a $9.99 game you’ve had your eye on, but don’t want to pay that much for an app? Add it to your wish list and it will send you a notification or email letting you know the price has dropped, that way you can make your purchase before the price goes back up. By selecting an app and going to “app activity,” you can view the app’s price history. This can help you know if the new price is the lowest it has ever been or if it’s now low enough for
you to make a move. You can sort through apps by popularity, categories, newly added, paid and free — just like the App Store. However, App Shopper Social adds the ability to also search by “price drops.” This feature allows you to recognize and download expensive apps you may not have considered before, but can now download for free. Although App Shopper Social is only available for Apple devices, the Google Play store does have apps, such as AppSales or AppDeals, which are similar. There has never been a freer app than one that will save you money. Don’t be a sucker and pay for an app that was $3 cheaper the week earlier. This is why App Shopper Social should be at the top of your next shopping list … ‘cause you keep an actual list, right?
STORY BY CHRIS ANDERSON
6 MONEY
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Bankruptcy cannot be declared just to remove student loans.
OCTOBER 2014
The National Debt is over 17 trillion dollars.
TEN, TEN, TEN, TWENTIES ON YOUR DEBT HOW TO THROW HUNDREDS TO A DEBT FREE LIFE Debt is an addiction. People will take on debt to escape their financial reality only to wake up in the gutter outside of some sketchy bar covered in interest. Before you go crawling back for another fix of that sweet, sweet insta-money, we’d like to sit you down for an intervention. Let’s take the first steps to climbing off that slippery slope ... together.
HATE DEBT
How long do you want to be in debt? It all depends on how quick you are willing to get out. You will not become debt free without selfcontrol. Your willpower should be fueled by your hatred of owing other people money. The stronger that hate is, the better chance you have of actually becoming debt free. Hate will not only drive you to pay off debt, it will also make sure you never return to that low point of being in the red.
PAY WITHOUT CEASING
Now we’re all jazzed up to tackle debt, but we need to be sure to hold on to this passion. Take a look at your monthly income and determine how much to set aside to make that payment … now pay more than that. You will have to be hard on yourself as well as your budget. Live frugally by forgoing fast food and designer clothes. Stop buying $6 coffee and start thrift shopping. Make your own home décor and jewelry. Put all the money you’re saving toward your debt and accept the fact that you’ll probably accidentally become a hipster.
FIND THE RIGHT APPROACH
There are two main ways to knock out your debt. Figure out which one of these works best for you. 1. Debt Snowball – Order your debts from the lowest balance owed to
the highest. Each month, pay the minimum amount on all the loans except for the one with the lowest balance. Once you pay off the first loan, move on to the second one. By focusing your extra money on one loan at a time, you knock loans out quicker. 2. Debt Avalanche – This method is similar, but order your debts from highest interest rate to the lowest. Put all your extra money toward the loan with the highest interest rate. Once you’ve paid that loan off, move on to the one with the next highest interest rate. This is a good choice if you want to knock out the loans that are costing you more money in the long run.
FIND A CHEAP HOBBY
Now that you’re putting all your money toward your loans, you will have to pass the time on a budget. I recommend finding a cheap hobby and becoming a master at it. Here are some options: • Cooking – Improve your homemaking skills with the added benefit of saving money. • Reading – Expand your mind! Popular books can often be found at thrift stores for only $0.50! • Running/Walking – Burn debt and fat at the same time! • Studying – Improve your grades by spending more time in the books or take some online courses from Khan Academy, a free educational website. • Playing Disc Golf – Play games with your friends fo’ free! • Working A Second Job – Earn more money to put towards your debt. Before you know it, you will not only be debt free, but you will also be the champion of underwaterbasket weaving — that’s résumé material!
DEBT IS A HECK OF A DRUG.
KEEP IT GOING
Paying off one loan can be a huge milestone, but it can also be a stumbling block. Many people see this as a chance to take a break from paying on loans and splurge with a shopping spree. Instead of falling for this, combine your old payment with a current loan payment for an overly aggressive approach. You were already used to this money going to a loan, so you will not even notice a difference in the weekly budget. The difference is the amount you will be paying on principal. Basically, the sooner you can be free from debt, the more money you will save.
SAVE WITH A VENGEANCE
One day you will wake up to a debt free life and feel like anything is possible. It will be glorious, but be
careful — there will be temptation to “reward” yourself with a new credit card or an overly expensive item. You must fight this feeling. Remember the stressful nights worrying about debt and don’t return there. Instead, maintain that dedicated budgeting and start saving the money you originally put toward loan payments. Become ‘in debt’ to yourself. The idea here is to pay for big purchases in cash — medical bills, trips, a car, etc. With a fierce savings plan, the things you once needed loans for can be paid in full … plus, paying straight cash will make you feel like a baller. Now it’s ten, ten, ten, twenties on your 401(k).
STORY BY TRENT CRONIN
OCTOBER 2014
FOOD 7
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McDonald’s sells more than 75 hamburgers every second.
2.9 billion coupons were redeemed in 2012.
A TASTE OF FREEDOM A FEW TIPS ON FEEDING YOURSELF The freedom of college living is exhilarating. For the first time curfew is nonexistent, cleaning is optional and mealtime is not Mom’s choice. We are all thankful for Mom’s meatloaf, but there is a sense of authority in being able to eat ice cream for dinner. Of course, unhealthy meals are not good for those high school bods we aim to keep for life. The best way to keep the pounds from piling on is to steer clear of fast food — well, except for the times when it’s necessary to splurge on greasy onion rings and limited edition milkshakes (after all, pumpkin spice is only here once a year). When those times come, simply be prepared by having the right types of food at home. The best way to eat healthy at home is to shop healthy. Stay away from sugary cereals and frozen pizzas and start stocking your cabinets with foods that nourish your body. Here are some personal favorite recipes that are fast, easy and mostly healthy.
SIMPLE SALSA
6 large tomatoes, chopped 1 large onion, chopped ¾ cup green Chile peppers 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon salt
Mix up tomatoes, onion and peppers. Drain briefly. Stir in vinegar and salt. Note: You can substitute the tomatoes, vinegar and salt with ketchup.
WARM UP WITH SOME HOMEMADE, SPICY SALSA.
VEGETARIAN CHILI
1 can of kidney beans 1 can of black beans 1 can of pinto beans 1 can of tomato sauce 1 can of corn Chili seasoning and salt to taste
Mix the ingredients together and heat up on the stove.
POTATO SOUP
1 large potato per person ¼ cup chopped onion, per person ¼ - ½ cup milk salt and pepper to taste
Peel and cube potatoes. Put potatoes and onions in a saucepan. Add water, but do not cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Crush the potatoes with a fork or potato masher but be sure to leave some chunks. Add milk to thin to desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
FIESTA CASSEROLE
1 box chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni 1 lb ground beef 1½ packets taco seasoning 1 cup water 1 lb Velveeta 1 can Rotel 1 bag Doritos
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare rice as instructed on box. Brown ground beef, then drain. Add seasoning and water to beef. Bring ground beef to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. Melt Velveeta and Rotel in a large bowl. Combine all ingredients and pour into casserole dish. Cover with crushed chips and bake for 10 minutes. Best. Meal. Ever.
CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS 2 3 3 2
cans cream of chicken soup cans chicken broth cups shredded, cooked chicken cans refrigerated biscuit dough
Stir soup, broth and meat together
in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat until it begins to simmer. Cut each biscuit into quarters and stir into the simmering soup. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the biscuits are not doughy in the center. Dishes like soups and casseroles are extremely easy and can be used to feed the group of friends that gather in the apartment without busting a tight budget. Once these meals have been mastered, there is no reason to ever hear a stomach growling with hunger. Make too much soup? Pour it into a Tupperware dish and freeze it. Most foods are good for weeks, even months, if frozen properly. Be aware of sales, specials and coupons. It is always wise to stock up on nonperishable food items like condiments, canned foods and
STORY BY ALEXANDRIA TERRELL
8 HERO
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15 percent of Americans are living in poverty.
OCTOBER 2014
Over one billion people go to bed hungry every night.
THE EXTRA STEP TWO GIRLS DOING A LITTLE MORE Catlyn Watkins and Addison Pointer were in their last year of high school at Mars Hill Bible School when they were given responsibility over the school’s annual food drive. However, an ordinary charity campaign was interrupted by two extraordinary teenagers who saw a great need and decided they could do something more to fill it. Though the school’s food
drive was officially over by the first of December, the girls knew there was still more to be done. “I realized there are a lot of people right in front of us that need help,” said Pointer. “Seeing that made me realize there was work to be done.” With the help and financial support of Killen Church of Christ, the two girls were able to rent the Handy Recreation Center once a month starting the following March. When the doors officially opened on the second Saturday in March 2010, Watkins and Pointer hoped at least one person would show up. That one person came, bringing along 40 others who were hungry and ready for a meal. “I’m a firm believer in the theory that nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care, and if showing we care means feeding
ADDISON POINTER AND CATLYN WATKINS them a meal then that’s what we’ll do,” said Watkins. Many young people often feel they have little power to affect change until they are older and “wiser.” When Watkins and Pointer saw a need in their community as high school seniors, it would have been easier to leave their
community service neatly typed on a college resume and never bother to do anything more. It would have been easier, yes, but Watkins and Pointer were willing to risk the difficulties for the sake of serving others. “It’s so easy to say, ‘I’m so busy, I don’t have time.’ School is a legitimate excuse. Work is a legitimate excuse,” said Watkins. “But even if you just contribute 15 to 20 minutes, that’s something. There’s always room to do more.” Look around. Where do you see a need in your community? And what can you do to help?
STORY BY ELIZABETH BROCK
OCTOBER 2014
NONPROFIT 9
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Approximately half a million children are homeless in the U.S.
HANDY LUNCHES
SERVING UP SOUP AND A SMILE.
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON With the perfect combination of booming industry, artisan entrepreneurs, family life and a Mayberry atmosphere, the poverty level in Florence, AL is not something that is readily discussed. According to the United States Census Bureau of 2012, 24.6% of Florence residents live below the poverty level. For almost five years, Catlyn Watkins and Addison Pointer have been serving the neighborhood surrounding the Handy Recreation Center by providing local residents with a free meal every month. The girls started the program, Handy Lunches, when they were seniors in high school and the organization has grown exponentially over the past four and a half years. The girls and their team of volunteers now give out close to 200 meals as opposed to the 40 that arrived on their first day back in March 2010. The girls’ local churches are largely responsible for making much of the food, though there are often other schools and service groups that come to lend a hand. “It’s a team effort,” said Watkins. The goal of the program is to provide a free meal “that people in the area would like to eat,” said
Watkins. Every second Saturday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Watkins and Pointer gather their troops of volunteers to serve the neighborhood surrounding the Handy Recreation Center. For those who come through the line, the meal consists of a vegetable or two and a portion of protein. “It’s rewarding to be a part of something so simple but to those we serve it’s something so huge,” said Pointer. “We see so many people leave happy, and that makes us happy.” This is an organization that meets a physical need by providing food to the hungry, while also feeding hope to the hearts of those who walk through its lines. Watkins and Pointer are just as excited to see new faces in the serving line as they are in the receiving line. If you would like to volunteer (as an individual or as a group) at the Handy Recreation Center for Handy Lunches, email Watkins at catlynwatkins@yahoo.com.
STORY BY ELIZABETH BROCK
10 FEATURE
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OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
FEATURE 11
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STO CHCAHSARY BYSTOR SSITITYY M Y BY AARRTTIN IN
ON NOV. 4, 2014, VOTERS WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE POLLS TO CAST THEIR VOTE FOR SEVERAL DIFFERENT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL OFFICES.
If you are a first time or new voter, the process can often be confusing; therefore, we have created the 2014 Voter’s Guide to make your experience at the polls incisive and meaningful rather than intimidating and confusing.
12 FEATURE
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OCTOBER 2014
WHY YOUR VOTE MATTERS: A
mericans have fought and died for the right to vote. After the Civil War in 1870 African Americans were granted the right to vote, and it was just less than a century ago that women in the U.S. gained the right to vote. After all we’ve been through, it is a duty of Americans to exercise these rights, to honor those who have fought for it and to help make our country better.
I
f you don’t vote, someone else will. Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for evil to prevail in the world is that good men do nothing.” If you don’t vote, others still will — people you don’t agree with. Not voting means you have completely relinquished your right to complain about what politicians do.
T
here are examples, from city council to U.S. presidents, of victories won by the smallest handful of votes. The most obvious example in modern history is the 2000 presidential election, which was followed by a recount in Florida. George Bush was declared the winner by only 537 votes out of about six million. But there are two more recent examples, both of which were in Republican elections. In 2012, Mitt Romney won the all-important Iowa Caucuses — the first vote of the presidential nomination process — by a mere eight votes over Rick Santorum. In Tennessee just last month, scandal-plagued Congressman Scott DesJarlais bested Jim Tracy by 36 votes in the Republican primary. In fact, Jim Tracy, in an ill-advised move, went out to the podium and declared victory before all the votes came in. But when the votes were counted he had lost the election. So every single vote — especially yours — matters!
LET’S GET STARTED REGISTER TO VOTE
ABSENTEE/ EARLY VOTING: L
ife gets in the way and sometimes you know you won’t be able to make it to the polls on Election Day. Lucky for you, the government thought that through and provides ways that you can vote without standing in line at the polls — absentee voting and early voting.
ABSENTEE BALLOT
Y
ou can’t vote on Election Day unless you are registered to vote and, believe it or not, the process is extremely easy! Deadlines, qualifications and the process of completing a voter registration application varies from state to state, so be aware of your state’s laws.
QUALIFICATIONS IN ALABAMA: • Must be a U.S. Citizen • Must reside in the state of Alabama • Must be at least 18 years of age • Must not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony • Must not have been legally declared “mentally incompetent” by the court. • Must register to vote at least 10 days before the election.
QUALIFICATIONS IN TENNESSEE: • Must be a U.S. Citizen • Must reside in the state of Tennessee • Must be at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the next election • Must have never been convicted of a felony • Must register to vote at least 30 days before the election.
SUBMIT A VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION In order to obtain a voter registration application, there are several options. • Download the application online at eac.gov, fill it out and mail it to your local election office. • Visit the local election office. • Visit a state or local government agency (the driver’s licensing office, county and municipal public libraries, the Dept. of Human Resources, etc.)
A
bsentee ballots are in effect in both Alabama and Tennessee. These are available for voters who are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day due to unforeseen circumstances. To obtain an absentee ballot, you have to write or visit the local elections office and request it. You’ll have to fill out the form providing your information, the reason you’ll be absent and the date of the election you’ll be missing. Once the request is completed, return it to the local election office. Upon receipt, the election administrator will evaluate whether or not the request needs to be further researched or they will approve it and send the ballot to you in the mail. Once you receive the absentee ballot, fill it out and mail it back to the administrator before Election Day.
EARLY VOTING
C
urrently, Alabama does not offer early voting. However, Tennessee does and a significant amount of votes are cast during this time period. To vote early, just show up at either the county election commission office or at a satellite voting location opened by the county election commission. For each election, early voting begins 20 days before the election and ends five days before. Although the locations are closed on holidays, you may vote early on any Saturday that falls during this time frame.
T
here are many advantages to voting early, namely being able to choose a day during the early voting period that best fits your schedule. You’ve also got an added bonus of being able to change your address of registration while you’re there! Beat the long lines on Election Day and vote early! Early voting in Tennessee runs Oct. 15- 30.
OCTOBER 2014
FEATURE 13
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POLITICAL I PARTIES:
n the United States, we have two major political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Most candidates align themselves with one of these parties in order allow voters to better understand where that candidate stands on certain issues. Below we’ve copied a list of core values and beliefs of each party from their respective websites (gop.com and democrats.org). As a helpful exercise, we’ve provided check boxes by the values of each party. Check the values you agree with, you may be surprised to see where your stand.
OR
REPUBLICAN
DEMOCRAT
REPUBLICANS BELIEVE:
DEMOCRATS BELIEVE:
Leaders should serve people, not special interests Families and communities should be strong and free from government intrusion Institution of traditional marriage is the foundation of society The country is exceptional Government should be smaller, smarter and more efficient America should be energy independent Health care decisions should be made by us and our doctors The American Dream should be restored by creating more jobs Paychecks should not be wasted on poorly run government programs Military must be strong and prepared to defend our shores Culture should respect and protect life Children should never be left in failing schools Veterans should have the best care and opportunities in the world Social programs should help lift people out of poverty
Americans should have more job opportunities America prospers when everyone, from Main Street to Wall Street, plays by the same rules. The safety and quality of life of all people should be ensured The middle class security should be rebuilt The country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot If we are stronger in the world, we will be more safe and secure at home The spreading and use of nuclear weapons should be prevented Global prosperity and development should be promoted Everyone’s choices, rights and freedoms should be protected We should maintain the strongest military in the world Universal values, such as dignity, tolerance and equity among all people, should be practiced America should be energy independent Government is more accountable when it is transparent The war in Iraq should be responsibly ended
I
f you’ve found that more of your check marks are in the left column, you might agree more with the Republican Party, whereas if most of your marks are on the right column, you might agree with the Democratic Party. If you’ve found that you’ve checked an almost equal amount in both columns, you could be an independent voter, which means you base your votes on individual candidates and how they handle issues rather than what party they affiliate with.
HERE ARE SOME MORE PARTIES YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT:
GLOSSARY OF POLITICAL TERMS:
L
ibertarian Party – A party that advocates maximizing individual rights and minimizing the role of the state. Go to lp.org to read more.
S
D
T
ACTIVISM - Consists of efforts to promote, impede, or direct social, political, economic, or environmental change or stasis.
CONSERVATIVE - Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.
direct contact with a target group of individuals commonly used during political campaigns. A campaign team (and during elections a candidate) will knock on doors of private residences within a particular geographic area, engaging in face-to-face personal interaction with voters.
voter is variously defined as one who votes for candidates and issues rather than on the basis of a political ideology or partisanship.
ocialist Party USA – A democratic socialist party striving for economic order in which workers and consumers control production. To find out more visit socialistparty-usa.net. ea Party – A grassroots movement that calls awareness to any issue that challenges the security, sovereignty or domestic tranquility of our nation. For more information visit teaparty.org.
G
reen Party – A party committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice, grassroots organizing and renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors. To learn more visit gp.org
C
onstitution Party – A party whose mission is to elect their candidates for offices at all levels in order to uphold the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Visit constitutionparty.com to find out more.
uring election season, we all hear terms on the news or from politicians that may seem vague or we may just not seem to know exactly what they mean; therefore, we have put together this glossary to help you better understand these terms.
INDEPENDENT VOTER - A voter who is not CANVASSING - The systematic initiation of aligned with a political party. An independent
LIBERAL - Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views or dogmas.
CAUCUS – A meeting of the members of a legislative LOBBYIST – A person seeking to influence body who are members of a particular political party, politicians or public officials on a particular to select candidates or decide policy. issue.
14 HEALTH
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Currently 70% of the world’s vegetarians are Indians.
OCTOBER 2014
Ellen DeGeneres, Mike Tyson & Ozzy Osborne are vegans!
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
FREE YOURSELF THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF SEVERAL TRENDING LIFESTYLES If you’ve gotten on the Internet recently, you have probably seen some of the latest trends in dieting for a lifestyle. With so many of these lifestyles becoming mainstream, it’s hard to keep up with what’s what. We’re here to shed some light on the benefits and possible dangers of some of the more popular lifestyles.
VEGETARIANISM
This is the easiest to define. As you probably know, vegetarianism is defined as abstaining from the consumption of meat. There are several different types of vegetarian lifestyles. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians are the “typical” vegetarians — they don’t eat meat, but they can still have eggs and a glass of milk for breakfast. Pescatarians, on the other hand, abstain from all meat except fish. There are also fruitarians, who’s diets consist of 70% fruit. Not eating meat probably means that you’re not getting enough protein in your diet. However, foods like beans and quinoa will help with this. It would also be wise to take iron supplements to keep a steady supply of iron in your blood. Although eating out can get tricky, many restaurants are starting to offer better options for vegetarians. Check out the café at Alabama Chanin’s The
IS THIS CHICKEN GOING TO BE YOUR PROTEIN OR YOUR PAL? Factory. They offer great vegetarian lunches that will keep you coming back for more.
VEGANISM
Think of veganism as the ultimate vegetarian lifestyle. Veganism is for animal lovers and health nuts alike! Along with not eating meat, vegans do not consume any food that has animal product. For the most part, vegans also don’t use or buy products that have been tested on animals. Veganism takes some time to get into, so take baby steps. Start adding tofu or mushrooms to your meals to replace your meat. Both soak up marinades really well and mimic the texture of meat. The downside of veganism is that many vegans are deficient in vitamin B-12, calcium and other important nutrients, which can severely affect the body’s ability to carry out normal
processes. Keep in mind that it is important to talk to a doctor before starting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle just to make sure you know how to get the nutrients your body needs!
DAIRY-FREE
Here’s another simple one: dairyfree. A dairy-free lifestyle incorporates many aspects of a vegan lifestyle. This diet is most frequented by those who are lactose-intolerant. For some great milk alternatives, there is both soymilk and almond milk that come in a variety of flavors and still taste scrumptious with your Lucky Charms! The obvious negative to this lifestyle is your lack of calcium intake. It is very important to make sure you are taking calcium supplements when you are not consuming dairy. Also, many people who stop consuming dairy products lose muscle mass, so keep that in mind when beginning this diet.
GLUTEN-FREE
Gluten is that thing in bread, right? While gluten IS in bread, that actually isn’t a great description of it. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten is a general name for the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. Gluten can be found in a plethora of foods and drinks including bread, soup, pasta, cereal, sauces, salad dressings, beer, malt and more. Tyler Wallace, a student at the University of North Alabama, leads a gluten-free lifestyle and sometimes finds it difficult to eat at restaurants. “I’ve changed my diet to be mainly a meat and cheese diet, so that helps considerably. It is getting easier, though, because restaurants are beginning to have more gluten-free options.” Looking for some local restaurants that have gluten-free options? Try out Odette or Singleton’s Barbecue in Florence, AL. “Even if you aren’t technically allergic to gluten or dairy, they may still be impacting your body in different ways. Many people are sensitive and affected in ways they don’t even realize,” said Sarah Gillis, personal trainer and owner of Gentle Movements in Florence. “One of the things I like to tell my clients is to experiment for 31 days by introducing or eliminating things from their diet to see how it makes them feel. By experimenting with different things for a few months my clients are able to really fine-tune their diet to match their body.” If you’re thinking of making a lifestyle change, take Gillis’s advice. “Everyone is different and it’s important to figure out what works for you and stick to it. Start slow. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
STORY BY ANNE CLAIRE CHEATWOOD
OCTOBER 2014
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STEP 1: PREP YOUR PUMPKIN
Cut a circular lid into the pumpkin by carving a wide circle around the stem. Make sure it’s at least big enough to put your fist through. Pull out as many seeds and stringy goo that you can by hand, and then use a pumpkin or ice cream scoop to scrape the inside clean. 
STEP 2: PLACE PATTERN
Tape or pin your pattern onto your pumpkin. Use a pumpkin poking tool to poke small, shallow holes through the paper, following the lines of the pattern. When all lines have been traced, remove pattern and save it for reference later.
STEP 3: CARVING TIME
Insert your carving saw (never use a knife!) into a poked line. Begin sawing out each section. Remember, saws don’t twist and pumpkins don’t give! To prevent your saw from breaking, saw curved areas carefully, gently turning the saw the direction you wish to go while you continue to saw.
STEP 4: LIGHT IT UP!
Battery lights are great for pumpkin lighting. However, if you really love candles, use these to light your pumpkins. Light your candle and then, about a minute or two later, blow it out and observe the inside top of your pumpkin. You’ll see a dark area singed by the candle’s flame. Carve a chimney hole into this area, just over an inch wide, to allow the flame’s heat to escape. Now, relight the candle and watch your pumpkin glow!
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account on campus at the University of North Alabama or any of our CO-OP Shared Branches located worldwide. To find the location nearest you, go to co-opsharedbranch.org
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
MUSIC 19
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Members of marching bands acquire multi-tasking skills.
It takes roughly 20+ hours to draft a show.
SOUTHCOAST TAKES THE FIELD ART ON THE FIELD Over any given lifetime, the average person will attend numerous football games and witness countless halftime shows. People may recognize a few of the performers and hum along to some of the tunes, but past that, few people give much thought to what actually goes into a halftime show. Jeremy Smith and Blake Lankford, creators of Southcoast Music and Design, intend to change that. “We make art,” said Smith, “not just marching band shows. No one else is doing it the way we do.”
Smith and Lankford joined as a power-writing duo after performing in several marching ensembles together and attending the University of North Alabama. The two have been performing, teaching and designing marching band and indoor percussion shows together for over three years now. They also handle the main production and designing. “Not very many people take into consideration the time and talent it takes to produce a show,” said Lankford. “They just don’t think about the guy slaving over a laptop to create something.” Smith is very adamant about changing the crowd’s view of the halftime show as something hokey into something more substantial that amazes the popcorneating crowd at a football game. “We try and make what we do an expression of ourselves,” said Smith. “We hope that soon the audience will view marching
LANKFORD TEACHING AT COLUMBIA CENTRAL HS. performances in the same regard as musical plays or film … as works of art.” Southcoast has played a valuable part in designing or teaching shows for several schools and programs across the area including Lauderdale County High School, Phil Campbell High School,
Athens High School, Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Music City Drum and Bugle Corps and Bangock Drum and Bugle Corps. Currently, Smith and Lankford spend a majority of their time instructing the drumline and front ensemble at Columbia Central High School in Columbia, TN, where they also helped design the halftime show. In the future, the guys hope to expand the Southcoast reach across the area by helping many other band programs incorporate well-built shows and to grow their business into a powerful name in the ear of the Marching Music Arts world.
STORY BY ALEX RICHEY
20 CALENDAR
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EVENTS
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 1 - OCTOBER 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THE BEAR AND THE BRIDE PLAY AT 116 E MOBILE ON OCTOBER 3 AT 9PM.
OCTOBER 1
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 2
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm UNA HOMECOMING CONCERT @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm BOXCAR VOICES @ The End Theater, Florence, AL, 8pm
OCTOBER 3
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL FIRST FRIDAY @ Downtown Florence, AL, 5pm LITTLE BIG TOWN & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm JORDAN DENTON @ Brimstones, Sheffield, AL, 7pm GRAND OPENING @ Greasy Hands Barbershop, Florence, AL 8pm RIDGE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW @ Pegasus Records, Florence, AL 8pm THE BEAR AND THE BRIDE @ 116 Mobile St, Florence, AL, 9pm
ANNABELLE @ Your Local Theater GONE GIRL @ Your Local Theater THE GOOD LIE @ Your Local Theater
OCTOBER 4
AUBURN TIGERS VS. LSU TIGERS @ Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS VS. CHATTANOOGA MOCS @ Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN WARRIOR DASH OF TENNESSEE @ 520 Milky Way Road, Pulaski, TN ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL DEADWOOD HOLLOW ZOMBIE 5K @ 118 Mobile Street, Florence, AL, 10am RUN THE ROLLING HILLS CROSS COUNTRY
5K & FUN RUN @ Campbellsville, TN, 9am UNA LIONS VS. WESTERN OREGON @ Braly Stadium, Florence, AL, 6pm JIMMY WAYNE & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm JERRY LEE LEWIS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm TRICK ZIPPER @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL, 9:30pm
OCTOBER 5
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS @ LP Field, Nashville, TN, 12pm SHOALS SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE @ Singing River Bar & Grill, Sheffield, AL, 7pm
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HOG JOG 5K @ Tennessee Children’s Home, Spring Hill, TN, 8am
OCTOBER 6
TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
OCTOBER 7
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm FLORENCE FOODIES @ Dish Gourmet Café, Florence, AL, 6:30pm
OCTOBER 8
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 9
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. OTTOWA SENATORS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm MUNOOK & STRANGE WAVES @ The End, Florence, AL 8pm
OCTOBER 10
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm LADY ANTEBELLUM & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm CASTING CROWNS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm ADDICTED @ Your Local Theater DRACULA UNTOLD @ Your Local Theater ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY @ Your Local Theater THE JUDGE @ Your Local Theater
OCTOBER 11
CALENDAR 21
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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS VS. CHATTANOOGA MOCS @ Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL APPLE ANNIE 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN @ Swan Creek Park, Athens, AL OKTOBERFEST 10K & 5K @ 209 First Avenue, Cullman, AL, 7am RENAISSANCE FAIRE COSTUME-MAKING WORKSHOP @ Kennedy-Douglass Center For The Arts, Florence, AL, 10am GRIDIRON GROWL @ Singin’ River Brewing Co., Florence, AL 2pm THE WIZARD ROCK HALLOWEEN PARTY @ Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence, AL, 7pm NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. DALLAS STARS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRACE ADKINS & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 12
TENNESSEE TITANS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ LP Field, Nashville, TN, 12pm
OCTOBER 13 COLUMBUS DAY
OCTOBER 14
FLORENCE FOODIES @ The Chicago Café, Florence, AL, 6:30pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. CALGARY FLAMES @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm OLD DOMINION & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 15
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm MOTLEY CRUE @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm JOSH TURNER @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm PAUL MCCARTNEY @ Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA, 8pm EST
OCTOBER 16
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm BOXCAR VOICES @ The End Theater, Florence, AL, 8pm PAUL MCCARTNEY @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 8pm
OCTOBER 17
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm DARRYL WORLEY & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm KIP MOORE @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm FURY @ Your Local Theater THE BOOK OF LIFE @ Your Local Theater MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN @ Your Local Theater
OCTOBER 18
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE VS. TEXAS A&M @ Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL GREY GHOST 5K @ Oaklawn Plantation, Spring Hill, TN, 8am CCS COLOR RUN @ Covenant Christian School, Florence, AL 8am ARROW LAKE FOUNDATION SCARECROW 5K @ 100 Public Square, Mt. Pleasant, TN, 9am THE RENAISSANCE FEAST @ Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum, Florence, AL 6pm ONE MORE GIRL & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm BUGGABOO @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL, 9pm
OCTOBER 20
PAUL FM @ Swamper’s, Florence, AL, 8pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
OCTOBER 21
NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. ARIZONA COYOTES @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm DEL MCCOURY BAND & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm WILCO @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm
OCTOBER 22
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm WILCO @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm
OCTOBER 23
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT @ University of North Alabama, Florence, AL, 7pm ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7pm TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm
SEAN RIVERS & DARYL ALDRIDGE @ Flobama, Florence, AL, 10pm
OCTOBER 24
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm ARTISTS TBA @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm JASON ISBELL AND AMANDA SHIRES @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm SEAN RIVERS & DARYL ALDRIDGE @ Flobama, Florence, AL, 10pm OUIJA @ Your Local Theater
OCTOBER 25
AUBURN TIGERS VS. LSU TIGERS @ Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS VS. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE @ Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN REFUSE 2 SINK 5K AND FAMILY FUN RUN @ Lawrenceburg City Square, Lawrenceburg, TN ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL 10am FALL FUN FESTIVAL @ Downtown Florence, AL , 4pm UNA LIONS VS. WEST GEORGIA @ Braly Stadium, Florence, AL, 6pm NASHVILLE PREDATORS VS. PITTSBURG PENGUINS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7pm STURGILL SIMPSON & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm JASON ISBELL AND ST. PAUL & THE BROKEN BONES @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm MARY JUSTICE LUCAS @ Swamper’s, Florence, AL, 8pm DEAD SOLDIERS & RED MOUTH @ 116 Mobile St, Florence, AL, 9pm HOBO HIPPIE @ Flobama, Florence, AL, 10:30pm
OCTOBER 26
ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL 10am ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL TENNESSEE TITANS VS. HOUSTON TEXANS @ LP Field, Nashville, TN, 12pm
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MARY JUSTICE LUCAS AND MAXWELL RUSSELL @ Singing River Bar & Grill, Sheffield, AL, 7pm JASON ISBELL AND STURGILL SIMPSON @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 8pm
OCTOBER 27
TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8pm
OCTOBER 28
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm TERRI CLARK & MORE @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 29
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm
OCTOBER 30
ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7pm DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS AND HOUNDMOUTH @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30pm KARAOKE NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8pm BOXCAR VOICES @ The End Theater, Florence, AL, 8pm
OCTOBER 31
HALLOWEEN ARX MORTIS HAUNTED ATTRACTION @ Killen, AL POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli & Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7pm BREW BALL @ Downtown Florence, AL 7pm LIGHT BEAM RIDER & FOLLOW APOLLO @ 116 Mobile St, Florence, AL, 9pm NIGHTCRAWLER @ Your Local Theater
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OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER 2014
SPECIAL FEATURE 23
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Americans average $2,827 on entertainment each year.
Arrange a Clothes Swap to trade clothes with friends!
PINCHIN’ PENNIES HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME By the third month of school, the proverbial rubber has usually hit the road with considerable force. The excitement of the first day on campus has faded, late nights and weekend cramming are part of normal routine and the extra cash we’ve saved up all summer is dwindling. Students are known for being poor and we live in a quiet little corner of the southeast where many businesses are closed at dusk, so the nightlife is slim. But part of being a good student is learning to take welltimed breaks and relax the mind. How do you keep a healthy balance between work and play, study and relaxation, monotony and extravagance? With a little imagination, there are ways to spend a lazy afternoon or weekend away from the classroom or textbooks without going broke. Here’s a list of activities that provide a break from studying while putting minimal dents in your wallet, and another list of similar things to do that — believe it or not — will cost you nothing whatsoever.
STORY BY EMILY ALLISON
TO SPEND
NOT TO SPEND
I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t enjoy going to the movies, but seeing the latest flicks can be costly. Save some money by going to a matinee, taking advantage of Stimulus Tuesdays (drinks and popcorn are only $1 each!) or choosing a showing between 4-5:30 p.m. to get a $5 ticket at participating Carmike Cinemas.
Save even more cash by renting movies from the library. They may not be the newest releases, but watching classics can be just as entertaining. Or borrow movies from friends and have a movie night without spending a dime. Keep an eye out for the occasional free movie screening at public libraries or at Wilson Park in Florence, AL.
Do you love to read? Don’t underestimate the timeless recreation of enjoying a novel or magazine. It’s been said that you can travel the world in the comfort of your own home by picking up a book and reading. You can purchase used books for just a couple of dollars at thrift stores, antique shops or at public libraries.
Finding books to read for free is also feasible. Many bookstores like Coldwater Books in Tuscumbia, AL and The Old Curiosity Book Shop in Columbia, TN allow you to grab a book off the shelf, curl up on a couch and read for hours. You can also search on littlefreelibrary.com and find the nearest Little Free Library, a communitybased ‘take one, give one’ library.
With changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s the perfect time of year to spend outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and biking are great ways to get outside and enjoy nature, but new equipment can be very expensive. Check out local equipment rentals or buy used items to cut down on costs.
Did you know you can try out new games before buying them? Check out For The Win in Florence, where you can play new games for free for the first hour! Just bring your own controller and a few buddies. Also, don’t forget to check out your local library, many libraries have begun to stock their shelves with video games you can check out.
If you’re more of a gamer, check out local game shops for sales or shop deals online. New games can be incredibly expensive, so try trading in your old games for new ones. You may have to pay the difference for more expensive games, but it still comes out cheaper in the long run.
There are plenty of exciting things to do outdoors for free, too! Visit Cane Creek Canyon in Tuscumbia for some of the area’s best hiking trails or take a picnic at a beautiful local park. You can also rent kayaks, life jackets and camping gear for free at UNA’s Outdoor Adventure Center if you have a Mane Card.
Around the Shoals, music is our claim to fame. You can find live music almost every weekend at venues like Billy Reid’s 116 East Mobile, Flobama, Pegasus Records and The End. Tickets are usually cheaper if you buy them in advance, so follow each venue’s Facebook pages for information on events and ticket sales.
If you’re looking for some free live entertainment, check out Swamper’s in Florence, Trojan House in Muscle Shoals, Brimstone’s in Sheffield or Puckett’s in Columbia where up-and-coming musicians often play on the weekends.
It’s October, so haunted houses like Arx Mortis and Deadwood Hollow are popping up everywhere. While these places aren’t outrageously expensive, it’s still easy to drop $10-$20 to get into a haunted house with your friends.
Instead of opting in for a fake haunted house, why not research the real haunted places in your area, like Sweetwater Mansion in Florence or Henry’s Hill in Mt. Hope, and go a’haunting with your best buds? It will definitely make for a night to remember!
24 SPOTLIGHT
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SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
OCTOBER 2014
PHOTOS BY PHOTOS BY NAME JAMES THIGPEN AND KAT SHANNON AND NAME
WATER LIARS 116 E MOBILE, SEPTEMBER 12, PHOTOS BY KAT SHANNON
THOMAS RISNER, CULLEN STEWART AND ALBERT ROTHSTEIN
MEGAN CALL AND JEFF PRUET
ADDISON ISOM AND MARY BETH COATS
PACE HOLDBROOKS, LAURA MCCRAY AND JUSTIN ARGO
LYDIA RODRIGUEZ, ALICIA THREET AND TORI LOTHROP
OCTOBER 2014
SPOTLIGHT 25
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PUNKOUT PUNKDOWN THE END, SEPTEMBER 13, PHOTOS BY KAT SHANNON
BOBBY USHMAN, J-LUKE CHESTEEN AND ANTONIO MARTELLI
AUDREY MOREE AND ANIAH MARSH
HANNAH WEST AND MONICA SAROFF
ANDREW MCMULLAN AND JARED MEINHARDT
JANUARY WILLIAMS, KRYSTALLE SCHAFER AND LACEY SMITH
BROOKE BOAK, TANNER COATS AND JERRY SAYLOR
26 SPOTLIGHT
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OCTOBER 2014
BONNAMU UNA AMPHITHEATER, SEPTEMBER 18, PHOTOS BY KAT SHANNON
JONATHAN VICK, TAYLOR WILLIAMSON, OLIVIA PULLUM, BRIANA BALL, KELSEY COOPER AND MITCH BYRD
SARAH WILSON, NICK WALTON, DREW JONES, KATIE POOLE, WILL GIESKE, TREY ALEXANDER AND ASHLEE GATLIN
KELSEY VARNER, NICOLE GALLMPS AND LEXI NULL
NICK SANDY, TORI RICHARDSON, ARIEL PARRISH AND BAYLEE RICHARDSON
WES THORNHILL, JAMES DOLAN, ASHLEY PRINCE, KATHERINE BEVIS, JAKE HECKAMAN AND KELSEY COOPER
CARLEY DEMPSY, SYDNEY BAKER, MARISSA COLEY AND MADELINE JOHNSON
OCTOBER 2014
SPOTLIGHT 27
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CHIEFTAN THE END, SEPTEMBER 19, PHOTOS BY KAT SHANNON
LUKE WRIGHT AND SHELBY HOWARD
JOSEPH WHITEHEAD, MR. T AND MARY BETH COATS
LUPE MCGONIGAL, KELSEY DAMONE AND COURTNEY CANNON
CLINT WATSON, CHEYENNE MURDOCK, MICHEAL BOWLING, COREY KEENUM AND MICHAEL COMAN
TYLER JENKINS, CHRIS NIX AND FRIENDS
GEEK GATHERING SHEFFIELD REC CENTER, SEPTEMBER 20, PHOTOS BY JAMES THIGPEN
ROBB BRYANT, GUNNER WILSON, AMANDA WILSON, CHELSEA BRYANT AND NICK FREVOLT PLAYING MAGIC
SARAH SCHIAVONE AND JOSHUA BROOKOVER
JORDAN FERRELL, STEPHANIE GILE AND JED PERRY
COSBY CATCHING AND JACOB SUTTON
28 SPECIAL FEATURE
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30 of the 44 presidents have served in the military.
OCTOBER 2014
Every year more than 180,000 people enlist.
LOCAL HEROES GET TO KNOW SOME LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY
ZAC CRAIG AFTER LANDING IN HAWAII AFTER DEPLOYMENT.
ZAC CRAIG TOUCHING UP THE U.S.S. CHAFEE WHILE STATIONED IN JAPAN. The word “freedom” is one used — well, freely. It’s used all the time; when spending money, making choices and getting out of that class you hate. Regardless of how you use the word, it’s one that holds significant meaning to many people. I was given the opportunity to talk to some local young people who have a unique view of the word “freedom.” The freedom they refer to comes with a price they’re willing to pay. These three men all come from diverse backgrounds with one thing in common; they all chose to serve
their country.
ZAC CRAIG
Zac Craig graduated from Sheffield High School in 2009 and immediately joined the United States Navy at 18 years old. Joining the military was never a concrete plan he had while growing up, but he was aware of the college benefits, wanted a chance to travel the world and felt strongly about fighting for our freedom. “If we can’t choose what we want to do with our lives or how to live our lives, then
we have no freedom,” Craig said. “Many brave men gave their life for my freedom so I chose to join so I could continue to protect this country’s freedom.” After boot camp in Chicago, Craig was sent to Hawaii where he spent four years stationed in Pearl Harbor on the U.S.S. Chafee. During Craig’s time as a sailor, he worked mainly as an Operations Specialist (radar operator). He was on several teams including Search and Rescue Plotting, Global Command and Control System Maritime, and Naval Surface Fire Support; he also served as a tactical data link operator. “On top of my main jobs I also had every day chores like cleaning, painting and busting rust off the ship,” said Craig. Craig progressed up the ranks to Petty Officer 2nd Class while he was deployed for about seven and a half months from November 2011 to June 2012. “The pinning ceremony was awesome. We got pinned the moment we crossed the Prime Meridian and the Equator,” said Craig. During his deployment he got to travel to Guam, the Philippines, American Samoa, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore.
“Hong Kong was really cool, it was just really crowded. We hiked up this mountain and got to see over the city, that was awesome,” said Craig. “The coolest thing was really getting to see and experience all the cultures, like the Aborigines in Australia.” November 2013 ended Craig’s four year contract with the Navy. Now he’s back home in the Shoals and is currently in the apprenticeship program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His advice to those thinking of going into the military? “Don’t expect anything to be handed to you. You have to work hard and study hard when it comes to test time.”
COLTON SCOTT
Colton Scott, a resident of Florence, AL, enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in 2007 after graduating from Rogers High School at 17. “I would say that I just had a youthful, adventurous spirit or that I experienced some type of existential crisis and felt the need to fulfill an abstract duty to ‘protect freedom’ in America,” said Scott. “But honestly, it just seemed like a good idea at 17 years old.” He chose to enlist in the National Guard because they were the first ones to contact him, and he wanted to join a reserve component so he could work on his college degree at the same time. Scott has worked his way up the ranks and is now a Sergeant. He serves as a Multi-Channel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer, which means he is in charge of ensuring that his fellow soldiers have phone and Internet services. Scott was deployed to Afghanistan from October 2011 to October 2012. During this year, he spent six months in Kandahar and the last six months in Bagram. “It was a neat experience. When I was in Kandahar, I was able to travel a lot with some of the locals. I learned very
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Only 1-in-4 Americans, ages 17-23, qualify for service.
The U.S. Air Force was part of the Army until 1946.
COLTON SCOTT IN CORDOVA, AL AFTER A TORNADO IN 2011. quickly that the average Afghan is very different from how they are depicted in the American media. They were chill. They joked around. They had Facebook,” said Scott. “I asked one of them why he wanted to help America. His response was, ‘Because I have a daughter.’ It was very eye-opening.” Scott is currently serving his second contract in the National Guard. During his enlistment, he was able to work his way through school and graduated this past summer. On top of being in the National Guard, he now works as a Projects Coordinator for Healing Hands International, a nonprofit Christian humanitarian relief organization. Protecting America’s freedom is something not everyone has the courage to do, but Scott has spent the past seven years willing to leave at a moment’s notice. “When I think of generations past – the actions of brave men and women who served during the great wars, the courage of great political leaders, and the overall attitude that everyone needed to work together,” said Scott, “the word “freedom” means very much to me.”
ZACK O’BRYANT
Zack O’Bryant decided he would enlist in the Marines while he was still just a senior at Curry High School. The choice was easy for him to make because he’d always thought highly of the Marines. “I wanted to be the best. That’s pretty much it,” said O’Bryant. It also helped that the Marines is the only branch of the military that still operates a drum and bugle corps. After graduating at Curry, he spent his last summer marching in the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and then went to boot camp. After three months in intense boot camp, O’Bryant was stationed in Washington, DC with the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, “The Commandment’s Own.” He
was a bass drummer and ceremonial snare player. Essentially, his job was to represent the Marine Corps to the United States. O’Bryant served as Sergeant (E-5) and traveled with the Corps overseas for events and ceremonies, but was never officially deployed. He performed at the annual commemoration ceremony in Belleau, France on Memorial Day each year and also at the island of Iwo Jima, the location of the famous flag-raising photo. O’Bryant finished his time with the Marines in 2011 and is now a fulltime student at the University of North Alabama where he is studying Music Performance. You can see him Saturday’s at UNA home games performing as center marimba with the UNA Pride of Dixie. He plans to go to graduate school and would like to eventually teach college level percussion. O’Bryant’s advice to those looking to go into the military is simple: “If you want to, just do it. Do not get wrapped up over how ‘hard’ boot camp is going to be. Forget that. Marines have the longest boot camp (three months) and I promise you can do anything for three months,” he said. “At the end of it all, you’ll have a really impressive resume, great work experience, tons of connections and you get free school.” Former Illinois Representative Lane Evans once said, “Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and their families, this Nation, along with our allies around the world, would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly and live so freely.” And he was absolutely correct. Each of these men, in one way or another, have served their country well. Without their dedication and bravery, the United States wouldn’t be where it is today.
COLTON SCOTT RETURNING HOME FROM DEPLOYMENT.
ZACK O’BRYANT PERFORMING IN GUAM WITH THE U.S. MARINE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS.
ZACK O’BRYANT TRAINING AT THE RIFLE RANGE. On behalf of SET Magazine and its readers, thank you for your service.
STORY BY EMILY RUSSELL
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