01.13.14 by The Crimson White

MONDAY JANUARY 13, 2014 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 71 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Controversy with Kiffin Lane L ane K Kiffi iffin h hired ired for offensive coordinator position, p osition, rreceives eceives mixed reacti reaction from public By Marc Torrence | Sports Editor Former Tennessee and Southern California head coach Lane Kiffin will be the next Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, the Crimson Tide announced on its Twitter feed Friday evening. ESPN first reported the news Friday afternoon. Former offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was hired Wednesday night by Michigan. “We are excited to have Lane join our staff,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He is an outstanding and creative offensive coach who has great experience both at the college and NFL level. He has a very good understanding of the game, and I have always been impressed with what I saw in the games he called. He coaches with a great deal of passion and enthusiasm, and also does an excellent job as a teacher. Lane will be an outstanding addition to our coaching staff, and we look forward to him and his family joining us at The University of Alabama.” Kiffin brings with him to Tuscaloosa an impressive pedigree as both a recruiter and offensive mind at the college level, but he carries a considerable amount of controversy in terms of public statements and NCAA violations. With Kiffin as the USC offensive coordinator in 2005, the Trojans averaged nearly 600 yards per game in a season, going undefeated but losing in the national championship game to Vince Young and the Texas Longhorns. That year, USC quarterback and 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart threw for 3,815 yards and 28 touchdowns, while running backs Reggie Bush and Lendale White rushed for 1,740 and 1,302 yards, respectively. Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett notched 1,274 yards receiving. It was the first offense in NCAA history to have a quarterback throw for more than 3,000 yards while having two running backs eclipse the 1,000-yard mark and a 1,000-yard receiver. As the head coach at Tennessee, Kiffin improved the Tennessee offense from 116th in the nation in 2008 to 60th in 2009, a year which

CW | Austin Bigoney As head coach at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin improved the offense from 116th in the nation to 60th in one year.

SEE KIFFIN PAGE 2

TODAYON CAMPUS Book arts WHAT: Southeast Guild of Book Workers Annual Exhibition WHEN: 8 a.m. WHERE: 2nd floor and 5th floor, Gorgas Library

NEWS | ECONOMICS

Economic forecast predicts growth University center optimistic for employment increases By Emily Williams | Contributing Writer

Campus art WHAT: 75 years of Abstract Prints at the SMGA WHEN: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Garland Hall

Interest meeting WHAT: SGA Candidate Interest Meeting WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Ferguson Center, Room 309

The economy in the state of Alabama is expected to improve in 2014, according to the annual forecast by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business. “In 2013, the Alabama economy grew by around 2 percent, and I think we’re a little more optimistic for the next year. It may grow by around 2.5 percent this year,” said Ahmad Ijaz, director of economic forecasting at CBER. “We expect employment to also pick up a little bit. It’s getting better, but it’s getting better

Relative to other southeastern states in particular, I think our business environment is regarded as being pretty business friendly. — Carolyn Trent

really slowly.” Ijaz warned Alabama residents to expect merchandise prices to increase now that the economy is picking up. However, the increase will be offset by a drop in gas prices. Ijaz said the decrease in unemployment is somewhat misleading because it takes into account not only

people who have been hired, but also people who are still unemployed but have given up looking for a job. Additionally, most of the jobs that were added in the last year were temporary, part-time or unskilled labor. “We want growth in more skilled jobs, and that’s not been the case. And that’s not just unique to Alabama; every state is grappling with the same issue,” Ijaz said. “I think overall Alabama is doing relatively well, and one reason for that is the automotive sector.” Over the past 25 years, the job market in Alabama has shifted away from textiles and apparel to automotive manufacturing. Companies like Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota all produce either cars or engines in Alabama. SEE ECONOMY PAGE 9

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Crimson Tide gymnastics team opens season with bang

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CW | Austin Bigoney Senior Kim Jacob posted the highest all-around score at Friday’s meet.

SEE GYMNASTICS PAGE 9

WEATHER

When Alabama gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson raved about her six-member freshman class, that wasn’t just posturing. The Crimson Tide took down Missouri 197.15 to 193.425 in its season opener Friday in front of 12,971 fans. The Crimson Tide used three freshmen on six routines, showing the rest of the country how deep of a team it can be early on in its quest to win a seventh national championship. Alabama’s 197.15 is its highest season-opening score in team history. “This freshman class reminds me of our freshman class,” senior Sarah DeMeo said. “Just the way they’re stepping up off the bat, the first meet. They’re just going to continue to get stronger and more competitive. We’re really proud of them.” Even with and one of the team’s three

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By Marc Torrence | Sports Editor

leaders junior Kayla Williams sidelined after falling in warmups and sustaining a foot injury, that didn’t change Patterson’s plans for her freshmen. Aja Sims, a former member of the USA Junior Olympic Team who joined the team only a day after Christmas, scored 9.825 on balance beam. Amanda Jetter co-led the team with a 9.925 on uneven bars. But the most impressive of the trio was Katie Bailey, who competed in all four routines in her first meet as an Alabama gymnast. Bailey’s lowest score was a 9.775 on beam. She scored 9.825 on vault, 9.875 on bars and 9.85 on floor to finish a stellar debut. “I thought Katie Bailey did a great job, but I expected that from Katie,” Patterson said. “She’s a stud competitor, and I knew that. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted her to come to the University.” It remains to be seen how serious Williams’ injury is. But establishing depth early in the season is a luxury for Patterson, as she searches for her top six gymnasts on each event.

Meet sees highest season-opening score, overﬂowing fan attendance

editor@cw.ua.edu

website cw.ua.edu

CAMPUSBRIEFS

Monday January 13, 2014

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UA scholarship recipients named The University of Alabama Division of Student Affairs recently announced the recipients of the Spring 2014 UA Away Scholarships, an initiative that supports students who want to work, serve or study away from campus. Five students were selected to receive the scholarship this semester. Karis Dison, a senior from Birmingham majoring in nursing, will travel to Costa Rica to volunteer on a medical service trip. Lindsay Ghiroli, a junior from Branford, Conn., majoring in nursing, will travel to the Dominican Republic with an Alternative Spring Break program. Luckie Milad, a junior from Auburn, Ala., majoring in biology, will study abroad in Antibes, France, for her spring semester. Kinsley Fowler, a senior from Centreville, Ala., majoring in nursing, will also travel to Costa Rica on a medical service trip. Anna Woods, a senior from Cement City, Mich., majoring in French, will take international relations courses in Dubrovnik, Croatia, during her spring semester. The goal of the UA Away scholarship initiative is to provide students with opportunities to study in different environments, serve others and gain on-the-job experience. For more information about study away and work away, visit international.ua.edu. For more information about serve away programs, go online at volunteer.ua.edu. Applications for UA Away scholarships for summer and fall programs are available at sa.ua.edu.

SCENEON CAMPUS

CW | Austin Bigoney The A.S. WIlliams III Americana collection on display at Gorgas Library demonstrates accomplishments of black Alabamians.

Board hosts SGA interest meetings

The first meeting will be held Monday at 6:30 p.m. The second meeting will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will cover pre-election procedures and campaign guidelines. Attendance is not mandatory to be considered for candidacy.

VISIT US ONLINE AT CW.UA.EDU FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @THECRIMSONWHITE

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

The Student Elections Board will hold two meetings in 309 Ferguson Center for any University of Alabama students who are interested in learning more about the SGA and how to get involved in the election process.

TODAY WHAT: Southeast Guild of Book Workers Annual Exhibition WHEN: 8 a.m. WHERE: 2nd floor and 5th floor, Gorgas Library WHAT: 75 years of Abstract Prints WHEN: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Garland Hall

WHAT: ‘Writing an Effective Resume…and Then What?’ lecture WHEN: 9-10 a.m. WHERE: 301 Ferguson Center

WHAT: Off-Campus Housing Fair WHEN: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. WHERE: Ferguson Center, main floor

WHAT: Google Analytics by Donald Malone WHEN: 10-11 a.m. WHERE: 301 Ferguson Center

WHAT: Men’s Basketball v. Mississippi State WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Coleman Coliseum

WHAT: Honors Weekly Coffee Hour WHEN: 7-8 p.m. WHERE: Ridgecrest South Lobby

WHAT: ‘Alive and Well’ Film WHEN: 7:30-9:30 p.m. WHERE: Bama Theatre

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355

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The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students.The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are in room 1014, Student Media Building, 414 Campus Drive East. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2013 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.

BURKE LUNCH

Grilled Curried Chicken Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Chicken Crispy Zucchini Basmati Rice and Peas Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

LAKESIDE DINNER

Meatloaf Spicy Chicken Chipotle Sandwich Mashed Potatoes Creamed Spinach Seasoned Corn

New offensive coordinator expected to be top recruiter KIFFIN FROM PAGE 1

included a near upset of Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium. “We want to thank The University of Alabama and Coach Saban for this tremendous opportunity, and we feel humbled and honored to be a part of the Crimson Tide family,” Kiffin said in the release. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for what coach Saban has done with his programs. Having the unique opportunity to be here last month, I was able to meet some of the great players and the great people in the organization, and I’m very excited to start working with them. We’ve seen the passion and support of the Alabama fans firsthand, and when that’s combined with the storied history and tradition of the program, this is a very special place to coach.” Kiffin will also be one of the top recruiters on Alabama’s staff. He signed the No. 3 class, according to 247Sports, in both 2010 and 2011, his first two years as head coach at USC. The next two years his classes were rated Nos. 9 and 13, respectively, but had the highest average player rating while the Trojans dealt with scholarship reductions and other NCAA penalties. With only a short time to put together a class in his only year as coach at Tennessee in 2009, the Vols signed the No. 9 class, according to 247Sports. But Kiffin’s hire was met with a significant amount of skepticism and criticism from Alabama fans. While the 2005 USC team is considered one of the best teams of all time, especially on offense, the NCAA does not formally recognize the season, as all of its victories were vacated.

LUNCH

Rigatoni and Meatball Casserole Bistro Chicken Sandwich Garlic Toast Brussels Sprouts Vegetable Enchilada

FRESH FOOD

DINNER

LUNCH

Roast Beef with French Au Jus BLT Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Fried Okra Grilled Portobello Sandwich

Kung Pao Pork Brown Rice Steamed Yellow Squash Mushroom and Onion Quesadilla Roasted Corn and Potato Soup

USC was punished for lack of insti- he announced he was leaving to be tutional control in 2010 and received the coach at USC, there were riots a two-year bowl ban, a loss of 30 on campus. Knoxville police and fire scholarships and four years of pro- departments were called in to prebation from the NCAA. A total of 14 vent students from blocking his exit wins were vacated from the 2004 and from the Neyland Thompson Sports 2005 seasons. Center. The NCAA found that Bush had Kiffin’s Trojans amassed a 28-15 received improper benefits such as record during his three-plus years gifts from sports agents, a limousine as head coach while the school dealt ride to the 2005 Heisman Trophy cer- with the sanctions stemming from emony and a rent-free home. the Bush investigation. His 2012 After a twoteam was voted preyear stint as head season No. 1 by the coach of the NFL’s Associated Press Oakland Raiders, as they returned Kiffin returned to stars like quarterthe college ranks back Matt Barkley as head coach of and wide receiver the Te n n e s s e e Marquis Lee, but the Volunteers in 2009. team finished with That year, the Vols a 7-6 record, includimproved from 5-7 to ing 5-4 in Pac-12 play — Nick Saban 7-5, and the offense and a loss in the Sun saw a dramatic Bowl. increase in producHe was fired after tion with Kiffin callstarting the 2013 seaing the plays. son 3-2 with early Pac-12 losses to But the NCAA violations and con- Washington State and Arizona State. troversy followed. Still, Saban said he thinks highly Kiffin made waves with his brash of Kiffin as a coach with an offensive remarks in public, which included mind. After a 34-28 loss to Auburn calling out then-Florida coach Urban that ended Alabama’s regular season, Meyer for contacting a recruit while Saban brought Kiffin in to meet with he was on a visit to Tennessee. He coaches and evaluate the offense. also reportedly told wide receiver “Lane is a really good offensive and South Carolina native Alshon coach, and I’ve always had a tremenJeffery that if he signed with the dous amount of respect for him,” Gamecocks he would end up “pump- Saban said at the time. “Just to come ing gas for the rest of his life.” in and brainstorm a little bit, just Jeffery put up 3,042 yards receiv- some professional ideas with our ing and 23 touchdowns in three years guys, I think, is a real positive thing.” at South Carolina and made the Pro Kiffin will be able to mostly avoid Bowl in his second year with the creating public controversy at Chicago Bears this season. Alabama, as Crimson Tide assistants Kiffin denied ever saying that to are generally not allowed to speak to Jeffery. the media. Kiffin left Tennessee with a handContract details such as length and ful of secondary violations, including term have not yet been released for publicly naming a recruit, and when Kiffin.

Lane is a really good offensive coach, and I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for him.

p.3 Mark Hammontree | Editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu

Monday, January 13, 2014

Professors voice predictions for the new year By Andy McWhorter | Assistant News Editor A resurgence of MySpace, the return of the slip dress and widespread 3-D printing are just a few of the things we can look forward to in 2014 if The University of Alabama’s annual educated guesses come to pass. For the 33rd year, the University of Alabama Office of Media Relations asked some faculty and staff to take their best guesses about what big advancements will take place in the new year. “It was just kind of a fun project,” Cathy Andreen, a spokesperson for the University, said. “We asked faculty members to kind of go out on a limb and make predictions in their areas of expertise.” Andreen said she feels the University has been accurate, for the most part, with their predictions in the past. “We feel like we have a good track record,” Andreen said. “One year, many years ago, when there was a Major League Baseball strike, we had a professor who actually predicted the day that the strike would end, and he was right.” But the twists and turns of current events always prove some predictions off the mark. “Of course, on other occasions, we’ve had someone predict that a particular candidate would win an election, and they didn’t,” Andreen said. This year, UA faculty and staff predicted a number of changes to occur in the coming year. Randall Huffaker, an instructor in the department of advertising and public relations, predicted that MySpace would have a comeback in 2014. “When I say resurgence, I mean a very little resurgence,” Huffaker said. “It already has come back a little bit.” Huffaker predicted that, as the population on Facebook starts to include older generations, teenagers and younger generations would return to the newly-redesigned MySpace, which now has a sharper focus on music. “They’re bringing people back to it slowly but surely,” Huffaker said. “Most kids, preteens are looking to move away from Facebook now that grandma’s on there, and they’re looking at new things.” Huffaker also predicted that augmented reality would find its way into social media on the backs of devices like Google Glass. “You’re taking me out of what’s basically my hand and interacting with the world around me,” Huffaker said. “I think there will be a lot more functionality, a lot more interplay like that that allows me to see what’s going on around me, and I look and experience it at the same

EDUCATED

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guesses

For the 33rd year, the University of Alabama Office of Media Relations asked some faculty and staff to take their best guesses about what big advancements will take place in the new year.

3-D printers will go commercial. ANDREW GRAETTINGER

“I would expect to see, hopefully by the end of this year, some commercial spots that are going to be available for printing. Something like a Kinko’s might put a 3-D printer in.”

MySpace will resurge. RANDALL HUFFAKER “They’re bringing people back to it slowly but surely. Most kids, preteens are looking to move away from Facebook now that Grandma’s on there, and they’re looking at new things.”

CW | Hannah Glenn time as interacting.” Andrew Graettinger, director of the UA 3-D Printing Lab and an associate professor in the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering, predicted that household 3-D printers are still a few years off, but the technology would expand into more commercial markets. Graettinger said 3-D printers are still relatively expensive and complex, with high-quality printers costing $10,000 to $15,000 and lowerquality models going for around $2,000. Current printers are also fairly complex to operate, keeping all but the most dedicated garage tinkerers out of the market. “I would say you’re probably going to see something in the next five to 10 years, where the prices of those good-quality machines are going to get down into the thousand dollar mark,” Graettinger said. “The ease of printing will be pretty straightforward, so it will almost be like printing something – just push a button and you get your part out.” Graettinger did, however, predict that 3-D printers would find their way into dedicated businesses this year. “I would expect to see, hopefully by the end of this year, some commercial spots that are

going to be available for printing,” Graettinger said. “Something like a Kinko’s might put a 3-D printer in.” Although household use might still be a few years off, Graettinger predicted that we would one day see 3-D printers become common appliances. “It’s becoming more and more popular,” Graettinger said. “It’s going to be part of our lives just like things like the microwave are part of our lives.” Diana Dolliver, an assistant professor in the department of criminal justice, predicted that the push to legalize marijuana in the United States would slow this year as the rest of the country watches Colorado and Washington work out the logistics of legalization. “We’re not going to see a whole bunch of states jump on board,” Dolliver said. “It’s going to take some time to evaluate these policies.” Dolliver said policies on drugged driving would be among the questions law enforcement will have to answer in Colorado and Washington. “What these two states have done is say that there is no driving under the influence,” Dolliver said. “We’ll have to see if that trend

Marijuana legalization will slow. DIANNA DOLIVER

“We’re not going to see a whole bunch of states jump on board. It’s going to take some time to evaluate these policies ... More states are going to get on board with decriminalization as opposed to legalizing small amounts.”

continues or if they get to the point where they allow a little bit, and then how they deal with that.” Although states might not jump on board full legalization right away, Dolliver said states will continue to decriminalize the drug. “More states are going to get on board with decriminalization as opposed to legalizing small amounts,” Dolliver said. Alabama, however, is unlikely to follow the crowd and relax restrictions on marijuana, given the political atmosphere and actions of surrounding states, Dolliver said. Besides a MySpace comeback, 3-D printing at Kinko’s and slowed marijuana legalization, other professors and instructors predicted that 2014 will be an eventful year. University faculty and staff predicted, among other things, that car manufacturers will start making luxury hybrid plug-in cars; sports concussions, particularly in young people, will result in federal legislation; the NSA controversy will result in increased mobile phone encryption; slip dresses would come back into fashion and targeted advertising would be made easier in 2014. To see the full list of this year’s educated guesses, visit uanews.ua.edu.

p.4 John Brinkerhoff | Editor letters@cw.ua.edu

Monday, January 13, 2014

COLUMN | GRADE INFLATION

Grade inflation hinders student, class progress By Patrick Crowley | Staff Columnist

“Haunted” is bold commentary about so-called deviant sexuality with black lady queers front and center. “XO” doesn’t mention gender at all. Bey calls herself a feminist at least twice in two different languages. Feminism should be humbled to have black women at its party. BEYONCÉ is a multilayered and intelligent work of art. More importantly, it’s a work that doesn’t make caricatures of black women, refuses to marginalize or compartmentalize or undermine any part of our experiences – not our sexualities, not our relationships with their families and significant others, not our emotions. Beyoncé is a person, in all of her gritty and complex and beautiful glory, which might seem so obvious as to not warrant mention, but which black women have a disturbing lack of in our representation. Beyoncé isn’t every black woman, but she’s a lot of us, and all of us can share in this album in some capacity.

Every student in every high school and college around the world is constantly reminded that the single, most important quantity one can possess is a high, if not perfect, grade point average. Frankly, I believe it is myopic to judge someone’s intellectual and academic capabilities by a single number when there are numerous qualitative characteristics that will always trump the perfect 4.0. Alas, this is not the world we live in, nor will it change anytime soon. In the wise words of many urban philosophers, “you gotta play the game to change the game.” Yet the game of attaining a high GPA actually results in a misrepresentation of your academic success and, thus, an illusory facade of your intellectual capabilities. The University of Alabama itself is notoriously known to inflate the grades of the introductory classes to supposedly balance the hardness of the upper level classes. And if you think this problem is only isolated to The Patrick Crowley U n i ve r s i t y of Alabama, I encourage you to visit whatwouldmyharvardgrade.be and smile at the bright red ‘A’ that appears on your screen. For those unaware, in December, Harvard – that old and prestigious university in Cambridge, Mass., – was publicly critiqued by a tenured professor because the most common grade given to a student at Harvard is close to an ‘A.’ But Harvard and The University of Alabama are not the only academic institutions slowly inflating the grades of students. A Duke researcher said, “The average GPA at four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. rose from 2.52 (on a 4.0 scale) in the 1950s to 3.11 in 2006 and continues to climb.” The slow inflation of grades reduces the intellectual intensity a student must possess to earn a high grade. It also lowers the overall intensity of the class because the professor has to dumb down the course because students lack the intellectual fervor that was once expected and demanded. Furthermore, a professor aiming for tenure wants better student evaluations, so they further reduce the workload and give out higher grades to please students. This systemic crisis in all of academia promotes a vicious cycle, ultimately resulting in a lesser academic education but with higher grades for students and easier tenure tracks for faculty members. So what seems great on paper – an inflated GPA – is in reality just an inaccurate measurement of a student’s academic success and future potential. For example, because of all the tremendously high GPAs at Harvard, the only true academic honor is to graduate without any honors. (Around 90 percent of Harvard students graduate with academic honors, the other 10 percent have the real honor, though.) An inflated GPA not only reduces the prestige of an academic honor, but also impairs a student’s ability to judge her academic success and intellectual potential relative to her peers. As college students seeking advantageous opportunities, it is about being better than everyone else – or at least pretending to be better. It would be naive as students to ascribe blame solely to administrators and faculty when much of the academic curriculum and classes are dictated by the caliber of the students. Still, faculty and administration should not merely disregard this issue in favor of boasting about an increasing amount of academically excellent UA students. The inimical action of grade inflation will reduce the opportunities for the University, faculty and, most importantly, students. I believe the University should promote a fairer, more rigorous academic system, but I still have to play the game to change the game. Or do I? I just can’t decide with my inflated GPA.

Samaria Johnson is a senior majoring in history. Her column runs biweekly on Mondays.

Patrick Crowley is a junior majoring in mathematics, finance and economics. His columns runs weekly on Mondays.

From MCT Campus

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In response to ‘Freedom of religion does not guarantee exemption from law’ In the column “Religion does not guarantee exemption from law” last week, Matthew Bailey noted that “in order for…groups that have challenged the mandate to succeed, they must prove these businesses have a religious liberty that is being substantially burdened by the contraceptive mandate and then that the law is not a compelling governmental interest that is the least restrictive way to further the governmental interest.” As Mr. Bailey also noted, Hobby Lobby must demonstrate it has a religious belief that could be violated under the First Amendment. The company is owned by a Christian family who has the right to operate its business in accordance with its values, which it does. Hobby Lobby is closed on Sundays, donates 10 percent of its profits to charity, and provides its employees with spiritual counseling. It won’t be difficult for the owner of Hobby Lobby to prove that he is, in fact, religious. Mr. Bailey’s claim that all the

Little Sisters of the Poor must do in order to be exempt is fill out a form expressing their religious objection to contraceptive coverage ignored an important fact. The very same form used to register a group’s religious objections to contraceptive and abortifacient drugs also authorizes the insurer to cover them. This form is hardly an “accommodation”; the nuns have refused to sign it because it could still mean they would be required to employ a third party to dispense what they consider a grave moral evil. There’s no guarantee that this form would prevent them from having to fund drugs that go against the fundamental teachings of their faith, and the nuns don’t want to risk their consciences. Doing so would, as Mr. Bailey put it, “substantially burden” their religious liberty. Although this debate is, at its core, about religious freedom and isn’t centered on the question of whether contraception is good, it’s worth noting that contraception has plenty of adverse

health effects. For example, the International Agency for Research on Cancer lists hormonal and oral contraceptives as Group 1 carcinogens. It’s difficult to imagine what compelling interest the government has in forcing Catholics who follow their religion’s timeless teachings to fund other people’s promiscuity by pumping them full of cancercausing drugs. Not everyone believes what the Catholic Church teaches about human sexuality, and they have every right not to; however, footing a bill of $9 a month for birth control or hitting up one of 8,000 federally funded community health centers for free condoms isn’t much to ask of a responsible individual who chooses to be sexually active. No one is forced to work for a religious employer. Anyone looking for someone to foot the bill for his or her birth control probably shouldn’t work for a group of Catholic nuns or an organization that makes its values clearly

known in its everyday operations. Mr. Bailey’s assertion that “Religious liberty is extremely important in this country, but having a religious belief doesn’t mean you are exempt from all generally applicable laws,” ignored a multitude of legal precedents, including, but not limited to, Wisconsin v. Yoder, Church of Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah, and Watchtower Society v. Village of Stratton. In all these cases, the right to religious liberty trumped civil laws that clearly violated a group’s deeply held religious beliefs. Non profit and for-profit institutions across the country have taken the contraception mandate to court and have won injunctions 52 out of 59 times, with many more cases still to be decided. The courts seem to understand that religious liberty is more important than “free” birth control. It’s a shame Mr. Bailey doesn’t. Joe Puchner is a freshman engineering student.

COLUMN | BEYONCÉ

Women find identity in new album ‘BEYONCÉ’ By Samaria Johnson | Staff Columnist It’s been a month since Beyoncé dropped a surprise new album, and yeah, I won’t ever be over it. It was a move of pure spunk and genius, sure, but when Bey released the self-titled visual album, she gifted the world with a two-hour love song for black women. After a year filled to the brim with absolute tomfoolery surrounding black women, she ended it by delivering one of the most beautiful clap backs anyone’s seen in a while. There are plenty of people who’ve leveled considerable critique against Beyoncé and her album, most of it from burnt white feminists who seemed awfully jealous that their Lena Dunhams and Sheryl Sandbergs have yet to match Bey’s flawlessness, but some of it is valid. Beyoncé’s album is worth the attention, even the negative vibes haters gave off. It shed much-needed light on how black women are treated and the role(s) we’re expected to fulfill. Perhaps a refresher course? Robin Thicke has a black wife and, while promoting “Blurred Lines,”

talked about how much of a pleasure it was to degrade women. Lily Allen had the audacity to sing about how women are objectified and slut-shamed and how she wouldn’t twerk because she’s intelligent, all while mockingly dancing alongside black video vixens. A white feminist decided that it was her place to say that Michelle Obama is a disgrace to feminism for taking on a domestic role as First Lady, ignoring the loaded history of black women and family, discounting the narratives Mrs. O subverts about black womanhood and motherhood in that position. We could talk forever about Miley Cyrus’ cultural appropriation shenanigans. Don’t forget how the same white women who praised Lena Dunham for her chronic nudity on Girls, calling it a bold statement about female sexuality, started whining about how Bey’s amazing laser-cut leather bodysuit in her Super Bowl halftime show was anti-woman and pandered to the male gaze. Listen. There are some things not-so-awesome about Beyoncé – like Jay Z’s verse in “Drunk

In Love,” where he references domestic abuse in a song about being, well, super-duper in love. I’m not fond of that nonsense in a song celebrating black relationships. Barring the few other hiccups on the album, it’s just about perfect. BEYONCÉ is about a black woman who’s aware of her power (“***Flawless”); who also enjoys the security she has to be vulnerable (“Drunk In Love”). It’s about a “good” black woman who’s learned to enjoy her sexuality. “Blow” and “Partition” sound like yet more freak-nasty songs, but for us black women like Bey who’re always plagued with fear of being carefree black girls while struggling to become one, who’ve been raised to be proper ladies, with every cultural expectation within and outside the black community that comes with, it’s brazenly thrilling. It’s about a black woman finding fulfillment in being a mother (“Blue”) and also unapologetically taking pride in her hard-won independence (“Grown Woman”). Bey leaves room for queer black girls: For one, the video for

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Alabama startup company receives $150,000 NSF grant By Morgan Funderburk | Contributing Writer

of Entrepreneurs building, which houses multiple startups in a small-business The National Science incubator. Foundation has awarded “Initially, the most sup$150,000 to a University of portive people were over in Alabama startup company AIME,” Sayler said. “I was a that is working to make a Ph.D. student. I knew nothmore effective and longer- ing about business; I had lasting catalyst to be used never even taken a busiin chemical reactions. ness course. They hold your Martin Bakker, a UA hand, they teach you about associate professor of writing a business plan chemistry, co-founded and all these other things ThruPore Technologies I never even knew you had with Franchessa Sayler, to do.” who earned her Ph.D. in Neither Bakker nor analytical chemistry from Sayler have had any experithe University this past ence in the business world May. outside of academia, but The idea originally the environment of the formed when Sayler began University allows startups analyzing existing cata- to grow without of some of lysts for a colleague at the the typical pressure assoUniversity. The catalysts ciated with the business proved to function quite world and lets them focus poorly in her tests, and on the similarities between she saw the academia opportunity and business to begin instead of the producing a differences. more effec“In one tive carbon sense runcatalyst ning a small sheet to business is be intronot terribly duced into different — Franchessa Sayler the market. from running An initial a research $50,000 NSF g r o u p , ” Innovation Bakker said. Corps grant allowed for “However, business is research to begin on the now, now, now, now, now. new catalyst, which led to Academia is, I wouldn’t the latest grant. say mañana, but there is The larger grant will be this tendency of, ‘I can’t used to do product testing do it right today; I’ll do it to remove any sort of risk tomorrow.’” from the production proThe expansion of cess. Because ThruPore’s ThruPore Technologies will catalysts will be used in also continue to open up multi-million dollar pro- opportunities for students duction facilities, inves- at the University. tors within those facilities “By bringing University are hesitant to make a of Alabama-developed change that has performed technologies to the marwell only on a small scale. ketplace, we can grow the This proves difficult for economy and help proThruPore Technologies pel job creation,” Carl A. who have, so far, only been Pinkert, UA vice president able to produce a relatively for research, said. “We are small number of the cata- pleased to have more than lysts at once. a dozen startup companies “These are very big located on campus. The plants, and when you have opportunity to work within a billion dollars invested in and alongside these innovaa plant, you take no risks,” tive companies is another Bakker said. “It’s very dif- way we’re exposing our ficult to get something new students to technology and in, because that is a risk opportunities that benefit they are going to have to them both now and in their take.” futures.” ThruPore is currently Sayler said she believed looking into having a joint merging business and sciventure with a larger com- ence did not negatively pany to be able to have a affect her research. larger and more sustainable “I think that it helps steer synthesis of the product. it in a direction that is benThe team is in the process of eficial to everyone,” Sayler moving into a rented space said. “You are focusing sciin the University’s Alabama ence on what needs to be Innovation and Mentoring done.”

You are focusing science on what needs to be done.

CW File Students volunteer to babysit children of graduate and undergraduate students. The service is provided by the University for free.

Volunteers babysit for students Sitters for Service help student parents manage class and family By Jessica Smith | Staff Reporter The struggles of parenthood and full-time classwork are made easier thanks to Sitters for Service, a program that uses undergraduate students to provide free babysitting services to student parents. Undergraduate students volunteer their time to babysit in exchange for community service hours. Students interested in serving as a student sitter go through an application and interview process and, if selected, are trained in infant and child CPR. Cori Perdue, graduate school programs director, said she realized student parents had a hard time balancing school and having kids. “We have about 2,000 students on campus that have kids, and their number one concern was childcare,” Perdue said. Leah Tucker, a junior majoring in communicative disorders and Spanish, said Sitters for Service has become one of her favorite organizations. “The families are extremely hardworking and gracious for the help,” Tucker said. “Being in school is timeconsuming, and I can’t even imagine doing it with kids. I am so glad to be a part of an organization that gives back to these members of the Tide.”

WHAT TO KNOW WHAT: Application to volunteer and receive sitting services WHEN: Due Thursday WHERE: gps.ua.edu Student parents interested in receiving free babysitting are required to fill out an application at the beginning of each semester. Student parents are randomly selected for the program depending on the number of student sitters available. Each student sitter agrees to provide 20, 30 or 40 hours of free babysitting over the course of one semester, while each student parent in the program receives up to 30 hours of free babysitting for that semester. The Sitters for Service program renews each semester, with a new application process for both interested student sitters and student parents. Stephanie Charles, a senior student sitter majoring in history and anthropology, said The University of Alabama has given her so much as a student and she wanted to give back. “Sitters for Service has given me the unique opportunity to give back to the UA community, which has given me so

much, by serving UA’s student and faculty parents,” Charles said. “Watching the program grow from what it was my freshman year to what it is now has been especially rewarding. I feel as though I’ve been a part of fostering something that will continue to fill a need within the school long after I graduate and move on from here.” The Undergraduate Parent Support and Graduate Parent Support programs at the University provide an academic, social and emotional support system for student parents. UPS and GPS help to create new programs and provide assistance for participants. They also work to implement family-friendly campus events to help student parents access campus and community resources, develop support networks and have a presence on campus. The deadline to apply to be a student sitter or for sitting services is Thursday by 11:59 p.m. Interviews will be conducted Jan. 21-24. Students will be expected to provide their availability for the semester, indicate the number of hours they will commit to serve (20, 30 or 40), select desired CPR training times if needed and take a picture if one is not already on file at the time of their interview. To view applications for student sitters and parents, visit gps.ua.edu.

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p.6 Abbey Crain | Editor culture@cw.ua.edu

Monday, January 13, 2014

Top reads for the new year By Deanne Winslett | Assistant Culture Editor

Setting new goals for the new year is a social norm, but oftentimes we let them go as the year carries on. To keep your resolution going strong, consider reading some of these novels to keep you on track as the new semester and new year pick up. “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson

“On Looking: Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes” by Alexandra Horowitz

(List price: $18.95)

Amazon.com

If you’ve resolved to become more interested in math and science this year but don’t have the time or energy to dedicate yourself to a class on the subject, consider staying true to your New Year’s resolution by giving Walter Issacson’s “Einstein” a chance. Isaacson takes the reader on a journey through Albert Einstein’s life in a candid way that shows the different sides to the well known scientist. Beyond E=MC^2, Isaacson invites the reader to see the humorous and odd side to Einstein that not many people are taught in their introduction physics classes. He recounts events without much embellishment, allowing Einstein’s quirky personality to stand for itself, such as when Einstein offered his wife his Nobel Prize money to divorce him. If you’ve never felt engaged by the world of science before, take a look at it through the experiences of one of the field’s leading characters. You’ll learn a lot about the scientist and his discoveries as you trek through the pages of “Einstein” in a way that you never could from an online physics self-help lecture.

(List price: $27) If you’re trying to expand your way of thinking and live outside of your comfort zone this year, go for a walk with Alexandra Horowitz in “On Looking.” The novel follows Horowitz as she takes 11 walks, each focusing on a different encounter with a variety of experts. She walks and talks with a child, a geologist and even a dog, to name a few, as she attempts to see the world from their point of view. Horowitz addresses the way that we perceive everyday things versus the way that others do, opening the reader up to a new way of interpreting everyday encounters. This book is ideal if your resolution is to re-evaluate your perception.

Amazon.com

“Divergent” by Veronica Roth

“Life Is So Good” by Richard Glaubman and George Dawson

(List price: $9.99)

(List price: $15)

Anyone aiming to be more adventurous this year can do so vicariously through the pages of the “Divergent” series. Fans of books about more than what they present at face value will appreciate the symbolism that author Veronica Roth manages to weave into every page, creating both a new type of adventure story and symbol of independence and self-confidence. “Divergent” is set in a dystopia divided into five factions, and people are assigned a faction based on the results of one test, which they take when they are teenagers. The main character Tris takes it upon herself to defy this system, and Roth tells Tris’ story with a, no-nonsense approach. The third installment of the series was released at the end of 2013, and the “Divergent” movie is set to premiere in March so now is the ideal time to give this series a chance. Amazon.com

Amazon.com

COLUMN | HEALTH

Dining halls should nix buffet style By Heather Combs With graduation fast approaching, I find myself reminiscing about my freshman days, residing on campus and living on dining halls. But as I continue to think back, I have realized something: Every dining hall on campus is buffet-style, with what seems to be bottomless food, and frankly, we may as well have been eating at Golden Corral. Students would benefit from the University of Alabama doing away with all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining halls or, at the very least, adding restrictions. At first, this notion may seem absurd, but it would be far more absurd to leave things the way they are. With obesity rates continuing to rise, University dining halls are only aiding this increase. A common trend among buffet restaurants is to fill your plate with as much food as you can and then add more, and UA dining halls are almost encouraging this same trend. This is only considered OK in moderation, but the problem is that dining halls can account for the majority of students’ meals. There are no restrictions within our dining halls to eliminate this tendency, and by allowing this system to continue as it is, the University is enabling unhealthy eating habits that may follow students even past graduation. Strangely, grade schools have a better meal system, structured to promote healthy eating. Maybe it is time for us to take a lesson from middle school and

CW File All-you-can-eat buffets contribute to rising obesity rates and should have restrictions to discourage unhealthy eating habits. relearn the proper way to prepare a plate in a buffetstyle setting. Within our dining halls, there are no limits on the number of “seconds” one can have, no requirement to include healthy foods on one’s plate and no rule against having multiple entrées (i.e. pizza, hamburger and pasta) all on one plate. From K-12, students are taught the proper way to eat in a buffet setting, but the second you cross the threshold of a university dining hall, all that knowledge goes right out the window. At this age, students are expected to know what a healthy plate should consist of, as well as the proper portion for each food item, but as I look at the plates of students around me, these expectations may be too high. Fortunately, there are changes that can be made to promote the health of

For those heading into the new year low in spirits and morale, “Life Is So Good” can provide the perspective you need. RIchard Glaubman paired with George Dawson to tell the story of Dawson’s inspiring life, from when he was a young boy helping his parents on their farm to when he finally learned to read at the age of 98 and all of the struggles in between. Dawson states “life is so good” despite the obstacles that he encounters, giving the reader a refreshing perspective on living through and overcoming adversity. This book is in no way new to the market, having originally been published in 2000, but Dawson’s approach to life could give you the mental boost you need to take on new challenges.

the University’s students by encouraging better eating habits. Completely removing buffet dining halls is clearly not a feasible option, considering the number of students that must be fed per day. Incorporating restrictions similar to those used in K-12 schools would prove to be beneficial in preparing students to fight the war against obesity and weight gain. Foods should be categorized by entrée or main meal, side dish, salad or soup and dessert. Workers should also be assigned to each station, ensuring no plate exceeds the recommended portion and that each plate consists of all the major food groups. The University has much to improve on in terms of encouraging healthy eating habits, and the dining halls are the perfect place to start.

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Monday, January 13, 2014

CW | Austin Bigoney Jacob Thompson, musician and owner of the Druid City Time & Spaceship recording studio, said the studio is a “happy accident” after returning to Tuscaloosa following Hurricane Katrina.

Tuscaloosa welcomes opening of new recording studio By Laura Testino | Contributing Writer Opportunity often nestles in unexpected times and places. The Druid City Time & Spaceship, for example, a newly functioning recording studio just outside the city of Tuscaloosa, is tucked away on a wooded path that opens to reveal the muted green building on a 40-acre plot of land. Jacob Thompson, musician and studio owner, refers to his studio as a “happy accident” and a “labor of love” that became possible after meeting his wife and receiving the land as a gift from her family. “It’s as much by accident as by plan. I’m fond of saying every moment is the summation of history,” he said. Thompson operated Green Pyramid, a recording studio in Tuscaloosa, from 1996 to 2001, before leaving Alabama for jobs in both New York City and New Orleans. He returned to Alabama after Hurricane Katrina, and began constructing Druid City Time & Spaceship as part of his new home. “The blueprint of that was simply for me to impress myself with it – to make it where I would want to record,” he said.

The blueprint of that was simply for me to impress myself with it – to make it where I would want to record. — Jacob Thompson Thompson came back to Tuscaloosa and crafted a studio where the audio appeals can be both seen and heard through visual elements and the wide array of gear. “This room in particular, it’s meant to tempt you. It’s meant to go, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen one of those before,’ and there’s a reason you would come here,” Thompson said. He also crafted the console, a combination of Neve and Solid State Logic pieces that sits in the middle of the Spaceship. David Allen, a recent University of Alabama graduate and event coordinator at Green Bar, spends many hours at this console as an audio engineer. “I see punk bands all the time that don’t

have any music recorded for them, and I always wanted to be able to document it. It’s really nice to work as an enabler in that capacity, where you’re totally just in it with somebody helping them produce a great work that’s hopefully just as fantastic – the best they could possibly be,” he said. Allen has most recently worked with the Dead Balloons, a band based in Birmingham. Band member Chris Seifert enjoyed the unconventional aspects of the location. “I wanted the guitar to sound really large at one point in the song, to sound like it was going into outer space,” he said. To accomplish this, the band relocated and recorded outside. Thompson treasures the possibilities he finds in being completely surrounded by open land. “Nothing’s more inspirational than nature … It’s quite an amenity,” he said. Allen encouraged Seifert and his band to use this amenity a second time to overcome a roadblock with a song. “[The Dead Balloons and I] went out and we took a long walk beside a creek in the middle of nowhere, and we got this idea for a xylo-

phone overdub,” Allen said. DC Moon, a band member of Mary Tylosaur, has been performing and recording with Tuscaloosa-based bands since the 1970s. He was impressed with the professional and relaxed atmosphere of the Spaceship after recording two songs there this past November. “[Thompson] has worked in a lot of professional studios, and he’s been around for a long time. It’s really nice to have somebody who’s well versed in what musicians need in the studio,” Moon said. Thompson enjoys having a creative job where his experience at work constantly changes. “It’s always an adventure, it really is… Strangers show up at your house, and they invade your home, and you live with them and you have this intense period of creative activity, and then when it’s over they go away,” he said. “It’s this brief, intense encounter, and hopefully you’re left with some sort of souvenir out of it.” Thompson encourages musicians to visit druidcityspaceship.org for further information and to view a full list of available gear at the Spaceship.

COLUMN | HEALTH

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MCT Campus The new Xbox One, while slightly larger than other consoles, has less risk of overheating.

Xbox One lives up to hype, competes with Playstation 4 By Matthew Wilson The Xbox One launched on Nov. 22, giving the Playstation 4 some much needed competition. Launching a week after the PS4, the Xbox One was playing catch up but after having sold one million units on launch day, the “console war” is still neck and neck. The Xbox One has a different focus than the PS4 or the under-appreciated Wii U. Whereas the latter cater almost specifically to gamers as dedicated video game consoles, the Xbox One caters to the generation of iPhone users and Netflix watchers by trying to become the media center of the living room. While playing the Xbox at a friend’s house, I noticed that the Xbox One is slightly bulkier and bigger than the PS4 or even than the Xbox 360. The tradeoff is that the Xbox One won’t suffer from the fatal flaw of overheating as its predecessor did. With heat vents covering it, it seems almost as if Microsoft chose functionality over form. The Xbox One packs a 500 GB hard drive like the PS4, but unlike the PS4, the hard drive cannot be removed or replaced. Microsoft hopes to counter this in the future with the introduction of external storage systems. The back of the box has a HDMI pass-through that is meant for a TV cable, satellite hookup or even a computer. A big feature of the Xbox One is the multitasking feature called Snapping. When watching TV or playing a game, players can snap to a second app. Snapping opens a window on the right side of the screen, allowing players to do multiple things at one time such as receive game invites and surf the web. Each unit comes with what has been dubbed Kinect 2.0, a camera that tracks movement

The Xbox One caters to the generation of iPhone users and Netflix watchers by trying to become the media center of the living room.

and voice commands in the living room. The new Kinect improves on the original’s idea in almost every way. Given the Xbox One’s focus on multitasking and multimedia, the Kinect functions as an extension, giving players the ability of voice commands, visual sign-in and video calling with Skype. The Xbox One controller is also an improvement over the Xbox 360 controller. Microsoft took a less-is-more approach by tweaking the little things about the controller and not giving it a major overhaul like Sony did with the PS4 controller. The new controller has an improved D-pad with a lighter feel and better grip. The newest addition is the creation of rumble triggers that can be programmable to specific responses and give players a better immersion into gameplay. The games, like the PS4 launch, are somewhat lacking, and I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that currently the Xbox One runs games in a upscaled version of 1080p rather than naturally like the PS4. It is a small problem that should be sorted out in the near future. For now, the Xbox One is still in the lead for gaming consoles that offer more than just the standard game play experience.

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Monday, January 13, 2014

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Tide wins home swim meet By Sean Landry | Contributing Writer Kristian Gkolomeev traveled 50 hours, roughly 5,700 miles in the air, arrived in Tuscaloosa from Athens, Greece on Wednesday morning, and swam 50 yards in 20.48 seconds on Saturday afternoon – good enough for first place in the men’s 50 freestyle and one of Alabama’s many victories en route to a 184-96 rout of Kentucky. Swimming and diving coach Dennis Pursley said Gkolomeev, a freshman who competed for Greece in the 2012 Olympic Games, is an important addition to an already strong stable of sprinters. “We’ve got Brett [Walsh] and Vlad [Caciuc] and some other guys who are very great sprinters. You can’t have enough sprinters because of all the sprint relays.” Pursley says. “BJ [Hornikel] comes down to the sprint events and is very competitive. Now we’ve gotten more fortified in that area CW | Austin Bigoney with the addition of Kristian.” The women’s swimming and diving team defeated both Arkansas and The Alabama sprinters were Kentucky Saturday, while the men’s team defeated Kentucky.

impressive Saturday, with senior Hornikel winning both the 100 freestyle and 200 freestyle, senior Vlad Caciuc taking second in both the 100 backstroke and butterfly, and sophomore Brett Walsh finishing third in the 100 butterfly and second in the 50 freestyle. On the women’s side, Alabama was paced by sophomore Emma Saunders, who won both the 100 and 200 freestyle, helping lead the team to a 149-113 victory over Arkansas and a 152-110 win over Kentucky. Pursley said Saturday’s meet was an important mental victory for the Crimson Tide. “What I was looking for more than anything was a team that was spirited, brought some fight to the meet, was excited about it and just really focused on performing to the best of their ability on the day.” Pursley said. “We’ve been up and down and not as consistent as we would have liked to have been in the year so far. We wanted to get back on track, and I think they did that this weekend.”

The team paired strong performances in short distance races with dominant showings in relays. Both teams swept the relays, with the men taking four of the top five places in the 200 medley, and winning the 200 freestyle by more than 5 seconds. The women were similarly assertive in the relays, taking three of the top five places in the 200 medley. At the final tally, the women won 10 of 16 events, and the men won 12 of 16. Pursley said the team showed good signs at Saturday’s meet while they prepare for SEC Championships, which begin Feb. 18 in Athens, Ga. “I think we’re in a good place right now.” Pursley said. “I think they’ve done the work they need to do, and it’s a question of whether they can go into the SECs as they did last year, and as they did today, focused and determined and spirited and enthusiastic. It’s all in the head right now, on the morale and mental side … I think it’s going to be an exciting championship season for us.” The teams will host Emory on Jan. 25 at the Alabama Aquatics Center.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Crimson Tide downs Ole Miss 93-79 for ﬁrst SEC win By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter Behind the shooting precision of veteran guards Daisha Simmons and Shafontaye Myers, Alabama (8-8, 1-3) defeated the visiting Ole Miss Rebels (9-8, 0-3) with a score of 93-79 for the Crimson Tide’s first Southeastern Conference win. “I think it’s just great to see it happen for the kids,” coach Kristy Curry said. “They worked extremely hard. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s always good to get that first [conference win]. You can focus on that next one.” Myers, who leads the team in points per game, knocked down four three-pointers, which accounted for all but three of the team’s baskets from downtown. Myers had 21 points by halftime, while Simmons also achieved double digits after 20

minutes of play. “My team needs me, I need my team, so I gotta do what I gotta do, they do what they gotta do,” Myers said. “So we pull together to get a win.” Myers led all players with 28 points. Simmons finished with 23 points, going a perfect 9-9 in free throws. In the first game since former starter Karyla Middlebrook was ruled out for the season, every player on the Crimson Tide roster earned playing time, while nine players scored points for Alabama. Four players finished in double digits for the Crimson Tide, including freshman Ashley Williams, who scored 14 and reserve Briana Hutchen, who chipped in 13 points. “They work so hard, and to see that pay off for those kids, it means a lot,” Curry said of the overall

scoring effort. “If one’s not on, the other one can be, so they have a lot of confidence in each other.” In another Crimson Tide trademark, Alabama nabbed 10 steals from the Rebels, turning it into 23 points. Myers accounted for four of those steals, and Sharin Rivers and Simmons contributed two steals apiece. The Rebels committed 15 overall turnovers, while the Crimson Tide was responsible for 10. The first 10 minutes of the first half remained close between the Crimson Tide and Rebels, as the lead changed three times and the game was tied the same number of occasions. Then Alabama took charge behind Myers’ sharpshooting, and Alabama pulled ahead for good. The official attendance for Sunday’s game was 2,561, which

is the largest total for a game at Foster Auditorium this season. The Crimson Tide is 6-2 at home this season. “We want to make this the best home court advantage in the country,” Curry said. “The environment, the opportunity to play in this facility really makes it difficult. We have a great crowd, and our crowd was phenomenal today, and we hope everybody comes back on Thursday night because we need them.” Tia Faleru scored 27 points to lead Ole Miss in that category. Gracie Frizzell was the only other Rebel to reach double-digit scoring. Alabama next plays rival Auburn Thursday night at Foster Auditorium before embarking on trips to South Carolina and Kentucky.

UA Athletics Coach Kristy Curry congratulates Shafontaye Myers during the Tide’s win against Ole Miss.

Getting the Most from UA Wireless Networking

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1. Avoid using wireless connections when wired connections are readily available. 2. Avoid using wireless in crowded areas wherever possible. Move to less crowded areas for better wireless service. 3. Reset your WiFi connection after moving to a new location (turn WiFi off and back on again to reset the connection). Turn WiFi off when not in use. 4. Avoid using streaming media, Skype, or other high-bandwidth applications over shared wireless connections. 5. Do not use WiFi hotspot features of your cell phone or set up wireless routers, printers, or hotspot appliances in areas where UA wireless services are available. It won’t work well and it interferes with those using the UA wireless service. 6. Report wireless connection problems to the OIT Service Desk (348-5555 / itsd@ua.edu).

For details about how to improve your wireless experience see http://oit.ua.edu/2013/09/27/wireless-article/

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Monday, January 13, 2014

Alabama attractive for new businesses ECONOMY FROM PAGE 1

Ijaz gave a few pieces of advice for future UA graduates hoping to succeed in Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get all the skills that you can,â&#x20AC;? Ijaz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of firms that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked to have become very picky about what skills they need. There are definitely jobs in skilled sectors. For example, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in engineering, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely be able to find a job.â&#x20AC;? However, he cautioned students that getting their dream job right out of school is not necessarily a realistic goal in this economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It used to be, if you majored in finance you would start working in finance; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case anymore,â&#x20AC;? Ijaz said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You may have to take something less than what you expected just to get your foot in.â&#x20AC;? Socioeconomic analyst Carolyn Trent works to compile the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alabama Business Confidence Index,â&#x20AC;? which shows what the executives of major businesses across the state are thinking about the economy and whether or not

they are willing to hire more workers. Trent said slow economic growth combined with issues at the federal level, such as the budget crisis and the government sequester, made businesses reluctant to hire last year. In 2013, Huntsville, Oxford and Anniston, Ala. were the hardest hit areas in the state. Trent said he maintains a positive outlook towards 2014 and contends that, despite the difficulties over the last year, Alabama remains a strong environment for business. Area Development Magazine ranked Alabama the fourthbest state in the nation for business in 2013, and a Kaufman Foundation survey on small business friendliness gave the state an A+ rating. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relative to other southeastern states in particular, I think our business environment is regarded as being pretty business-friendly,â&#x20AC;? Trent said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a plus for attracting other companies to the state.â&#x20AC;? Ijaz and Trent will discuss the forecast at the annual Economic Outlook Conference in Montgomery Wednesday, which will be attended by business leaders from across the state as well as representatives from many state agencies.

CW | Austin Bigoney The Alabama gymnastics team posted its highest opening meet score in school history Friday against Missouri.

Crimson Tide competes for teammate after injury GYMNASTICS FROM PAGE 1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought this was an amazing start,â&#x20AC;? senior Kim Jacob said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so proud of the freshmen. And the seniors, juniors and sophomores for stepping up when Kayla went down. We were all upset. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want any of our teammates to get hurt. But I think we used that; we were competing for Kayla tonight. It was an amazing start.â&#x20AC;? A UA spokesman said that after filling up the designated student seating, more than 1,000 students

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HOROSCOPES Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birthday (01/13/14). Apply your trademark discipline to health and fitness this year for energizing results. Your love life and career advance naturally, building to a peak between May and July. Indulge your curiosity for deeper meaning with someone fun and fascinating. Maintain financial organization, and your net worth grows. Refine your message to forward a cause that matters. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about love. To get the advantage, check the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Heavy activity provides great lessons today. Learn from your mistakes and save time ultimately. Communications go further, so talk about what you like, and spread enthusiasm. Reward yourself with rest and relaxation at home. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Disciplined communications get your message out in new channels. Use creativity, charm and intellect to generate profits. Keep building infrastructure. Delight in witty banter with someone interesting. Talk about passion and promise. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -- The moonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your sign and the world is listening. Sing out from your heart, and closed doors open. Your persistence and dedication accomplish more than expected. Take responsibility for a change you want. Make it happen. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Snuggling seems delightful. Ponder concepts like freedom and inner health. Let go of some old limitation. Serve others by serving yourself. Recharge while considering your next move. Share your thanks and appreciation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Words come easily, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially clever today. Enjoy your friends. Talk about your next adventure. Build your plans with strong foundations. Invite those youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to play with to come along. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Apply yourself to your work, and creativity sparks in unique directions. Maintain a respectful attitude with clients and bosses as you get lost in the job. Your talent, articulation and focus win appreciation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Travel or studies, including social, cultural or philosophical inquiries,

satisfy your spirit. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in liberty and justice. Craft a perfect pitch to persuade others to join the endeavor. Disciplined efforts bear fruit. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Apply your smarts to solutions that benefit your partner. Handle insurance matters or financial details. File the paperwork. Communications flow with ease, so share, connect and hit â&#x20AC;&#x153;send.â&#x20AC;? Your nest egg grows. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Connect with an inspiring creative partner. It seems easier to handle tasks youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been avoiding, so complete them. This gives space for new endeavors and collaborations, and some enticing ones wait in the wings. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Today has powerhouse potential. Align your efforts to serve and support health for yourself and others, and incredible results could arise. Your words and deeds travel further, and fun takes all the work out of it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re especially brilliant today, and things are starting to get fun. Time with kids and young people rejuvenates your spirit. Set aside worries for a while and play light-hearted games. Get outside and see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Home projects flourish today. Choose what results you want, talk it over and make it happen. Creative partnership comes easily, and domestic temptations and joys distract. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK. Enjoy simple family pleasures.

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were overflowed throughout the rest of the arena. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our students are amazing,â&#x20AC;? Patterson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the doors opened up two hours ahead of time, and the lower level, they started packing it in. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t express my appreciation enough to our fans, but certainly to the University students. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty great sign of support.â&#x20AC;? Alabama opened the meet with a solid 49.3 on the vault, led by 2013 NCAA vault champion Diandra Millinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9.925. On uneven bars, the Crimson Tide posted a 49.475, better than it did on bars in any meet last season. Jacob saved Alabama on

balance beam, finishing with a 9.875. Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 49.075 on beam was lower than all but three beam routines last season. Alabama finished strong on floor with a 49.3, led by Diandra Millinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 9.95, which one judge scored a 10. DeMeo competed in the all around for the first time in her career, earning a 39.1. Jacob won the all around with a 39.525. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kim continues to be a rock for us,â&#x20AC;? Patterson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought her floor routine was exceptionally great.â&#x20AC;? Alabama will hit the road next week, traveling to Knoxville, Tenn., for a tri-meet with Kentucky and Nebraska.

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p.10 Marc Torrence | Editor sports@cw.ua.edu

Monday, January 13, 2014

FOOTBALL

Four juniors leave for NFL Draft By Charlie Potter | Assistant Sports Editor Four Crimson Tide juniors have decided to leave Alabama a year early and enter the NFL Draft, while a fifth may reportedly join the quartet. Cyrus Kouandjio, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Jeoffrey Pagan and Adrian Hubbard all announced in a press conference Thursday that they will forgo their final year of eligibility at Alabama. ESPN’s Joe Schad reported Sunday afternoon that junior safety Vinnie Sunseri will enter the draft as well. “I’d like to commend each and every one of these young men … who have had a fantastic career here at The University of Alabama,” coach Nick Saban said at the press conference Thursday. “They’ve done a wonderful job representing this institution, their families and this football program.” Kouandjio received a first-round grade from the NFL and is considered to be one of the top offensive tackles entering the draft. He said the hardest part was giving up the opportunity to play another year beside his brother, Arie Kouandjio. “It’s tough. It’s really emotional for me,” Kouandjio said. “It’s hard for me to even talk about it right now.” Clinton-Dix received a first-

It doesn’t matter what kind of grade they give you. You’ve still got to go out there and present yourself. — Adrian Hubbard round grade from the league and is largely rated as the No. 1 safety prospect. “I bought into this system since I was in high school,” ClintonDix said. “Coach Saban told me if I came here and I worked hard, I would be a great player and I could be three-and-done and go conquer my dreams and whatnot. And I feel like I’ve done that. He told me I did, said I worked hard, and he also told me if I stayed, I could graduate and win all types of awards. It has ups and downs in my decision-making, but I think I made the right decision.” Pagan is projected to fall between the second and third rounds. The defensive lineman said he was thankful for Saban and the coaching staff for giving him the chance to play at Alabama. “There was a time I thought I was never going to be able to play football again,” Pagan said.

“Just being able to play here and achieve the things I was able to achieve just means so much to me.” Hubbard is slated to be chosen anywhere between the second and fourth round. The outside linebacker received his degree in business management from the University this December. “It doesn’t matter what kind of grade they give you,” Hubbard said. “You’ve still got to go out there and present yourself.” The news of Sunseri making the jump to the NFL with one year of eligibility remaining broke Sunday afternoon, but there has been no confirmation from Alabama. Sunseri sustained a season-ending ACL injury, forcing him to miss the second half of the season. Thirteen Alabama juniors have left early for the draft since Saban became the coach of the Crimson Tide, including 11 first-round draft picks. Junior linebacker Trey DePriest said he would come back while the team was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. “I know it’s difficult for each and every one of these players to make decisions,” Saban said. “They each love The University of Alabama, and they [had] to make a difficult business decision about what is best for their future.”

CW | Austin Bigoney Jeoffrey Pagan (top left), Cyrus Kouandjio (top right) and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (bottom) have decided to leave Alabama a year early and enter the NFL Draft.

SPORTSIN BRIEF Rumph to leave for Texas

Men’s basketball loses to UGA

Jacob honored for performance

Alabama defensive line coach Chris Rumph is leaving Alabama to take the same position at Texas, according to multiple reports. BamaOnline.com first reported the news Saturday. Rumph had been Alabama’s defensive line coach since 2010 and had developed NFL draftees Josh Chapman, Jesse Williams and Damion Square.

The Alabama men’s basketball team fell on the road Saturday 66-58 to the Georgia Bulldogs, dropping its first SEC game of the season. With the Bulldogs’ 19-8 run in the first half, the Crimson Tide trailed 34-23 at halftime. Following the half, Alabama cut the lead to three after a 10-3 run. However, the Crimson Tide was called for 29 fouls, leading to 21 more free-throw attempts for the Bulldogs. Senior guard Trevor Releford led Alabama with 17 points.

Alabama senior gymnast Kim Jacob was named Capital One’s Impact Performance of the Week for her showing in the Crimson Tide’s season opening win over Missouri. Jacob tied a career-best in the all around with a 39.525 in Alabama’s 197.15 to 193.425 win on Friday. Compiled by Kayla Howard and Marc Torrence