MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2014 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 78 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894
NEWS | FIRE
NEWS | FLU
Students relocated after fire Thursday
season
Six-unit complex catches fire, displacing UA student tenants
TYPE
As of Jan. 11, 2014, 98 percent of the flu specimens in circulation are type A.
100 percent of the flu specimens sampled in Alabama were the H1N1 strain, which is a subtype of A.
By Mark Hammontree | News Editor Rebecca Dodge heard the fire before she saw it. “Before I even smelled any smoke or anything, I just heard this crackling outside my window,” Dodge said. “Then I heard my neighbors yelling and panicking.” At approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, the Tuscaloosa Fire Department responded to a fire at a six-unit apartment complex at 1303 8th St. between Red Drew Avenue and 13th Avenue. All 14 of the building’s residents are University of Alabama students, said Cathy Andreen, director of media relations for the University. All had evacuated by the time the fire department arrived, and the firefighters quickly put the fire out. “We got here, and we’ve got an apartment building here with six units – three upstairs, three downstairs – had fire in two of the top units,” Kevin Pate, battalion chief for the Tuscaloosa Fire Department, said. “The [firefighters] made a quick attack on the fire and knocked the fire down real quick.” Dodge, a senior majoring in psychology, said the fire started in her next door neighbor’s apartment, and smoke quickly spread throughout the two-story building. “I had just been lying in my bed, so I didn’t really have time to grab anything,” Dodge said. “I was kind of in a panic, so I just got out.” Christopher Gonzalez-Tablada, a sophomore majoring in philosophy, was driving by the building with some friends when they saw the smoke. “We were about to drive to the library, and then we just saw smoke coming out of this apartment,” Gonzalez-Tablada, said. “At first we really didn’t know what it was, so we just started slowing down, and then we saw fire coming out.” Gonzalez-Tablada got out of the car and, with another onlooker, ran around to the back of the building to make sure the apartment’s residents were out. “So, me and this dude ran over there, and there were people fleeing, and we just started knocking on doors to let people know,” Gonzalez-Tablada. Many of the residents had already evacuated the building, but Gonzalez-Tablada said he found one student asleep in one of the
H1N1 flu strain predominantly affecting younger, healthier age groups this year
TTHIS HIS YEAR YEAR
USUALLY
61.6%
50-60%
of flu hospitalizations have been patients 18-64 years old.
By Samuel Yang | Staff Reporter This year, a familiar virus has shown up in the labs of the Alabama Department of Public Health. Sherri Davidson, an epidemiologist for ADPH, monitors the spread of influenza virus in Alabama by taking flu specimens and identifying which strain they carry. The familiar virus she’s been seeing is H1N1, which previously made headlines as a pandemic in 2009. That in itself is neither unusual nor particularly dangerous – H1N1 has been around before with predictable consequences. What is unusual is that H1N1 is all she’s been seeing. “The most unique thing about this year is that so far we’ve only seen one strain circulating,” she said. Typically, there is one dominant strain, which is accompanied by a sprinkling of other strains. This year, only H1N1 has been identified in Alabama.
of flu hospitalizations are in patients 65 years and over.
TYPE
As of Jan. 11, 2014, 2 percent of the flu specimens in circulation are type B.
SEE FLU PAGE 2
CW | Hannah Glenn H1N1, a strain of Type A flu, is the predominant virus this season.
NEWS | OBITUARY
University remembers Nagy El-Kaddah metallurgical and materials engineering department. “He dedicated his life to providing quality education to students for nearly 30 years.” El-Kaddah, a professor of metallurgical and materials engineering, came to the University 28 years ago. El-Kaddah received his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Cairo University in Egypt and received his Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering in 1976 from London University in England. Before coming to the University, he taught at Cairo University and was a visiting scientist and research associate at the
Engineering professor passes away after 28 years at Alabama By Mark Hammontree | News Editor Longtime University of Alabama professor Nagy El-Kaddah passed away Jan. 20, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Attiat, and his two children, Ahmed and Dahlia. “Dr. El-Kaddah will be truly missed by the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the department of metallurgical and materials engineering,” said Viola Acoff, head of the
SEE FIRE PAGE 9
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1982, he won the Egyptian State Incentive Prize for outstanding contributions to engineering. “Dr. Nagy El-Kaddah joined the faculty at The University of Alabama College of Engineering in fall 1985,” said Adam Jones, director of public relations for the College of Engineering. “A full professor in the department of metallurgical and materials engineering, his research focused on transport, kinetics and electromagnetic processing SEE EL-KADDAH PAGE 8
SPORTS | FOOTBALL
Former FSU player Jacob Coker commits to UA Mobile native, quarterback announces transfer for fall By Charlie Potter | Assistant Sports Editor Former Florida State quarterback Jacob Coker has signed with The University of Alabama, coach Nick Saban announced Sunday. Coker spent the past two seasons with the Seminoles and redshirted his first year. Last season, he served as Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston’s backup. Coker reportedly spent the weekend in
Tuscaloosa for an official visit and committed to transfer to Alabama Saturday night. “We think a lot of Jake, and we are excited to have him join our team,” Saban stated in a press release. “He is not only an outstanding football player, but he is also a fine young man who we feel will be a great fit with our program at Alabama.” Coker was recently released from his scholarship from Florida State and granted the opportunity to search for his next collegiate destination. It did not take long for the Mobile native to fall in love with Tuscaloosa. “I was very impressed with everything on
my visit to Tuscaloosa,” Coker said. “I feel very comfortable with the coaches and the players, and I’m looking forward to getting started at Alabama and competing. I also want to thank my coaches and teammates at Florida State. I had a great experience there, and I’m excited to build on that at Alabama.” Coker will spend the remainder of the spring semester at Florida State to complete his degree and graduate. Once he graduates, he will be eligible to transfer and play immediately without sitting out a year. MCT Campus Coker throws during FSU spring scrimmage.
SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 8
TODAYON CAMPUS
Overcast
45º/24º
34º/19º
CONTACT
Ple a
Partly Cloudy
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Tuesday
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10 9 9
Monday
recycle th i se
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INSIDE
Sports Puzzles Classifieds
tomorrow
per • Ple a
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today
WHAT: Diverse Desserts: The Musical WHEN: 8 p.m. WHERE: 205 Gorgas Library
pa
Briefs Opinions Culture
WHAT: The Alabama Charter School Forum WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: South Engineering Research Center
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today’s paper
WEATHER
WHAT: Discovery Series: Guy’d to Success WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: 360 Ferguson Center
Honors College
recycle thi
WHAT: Health and Social Services Career Fair WHEN: 11 a.m. WHERE: Ferguson Center Ballroom
Charter school forum
se
Campus lecture
Career fair
editor@cw.ua.edu
website cw.ua.edu
CAMPUSBRIEFS
Monday January 27, 2014
p.2
Practice graduate exams offered Kaplan and the Student Government Association will be providing practice graduate exams on Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. Exams include the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, DAT, OAT and PCAT. Each test will include scores and sample questions. Register at http://bit.ly/UAFPTSpring14.
SCENEON CAMPUS
Xpress Night starts new semester The first Xpress Night of the spring semester will be held Thursday in the Ferg Starbucks. Xpress Night is an open mic night for UA students. Students can sign up to perform by contacting HCAartsawareness@gmail.com.
Richard C. Fording to speak Richard C. Fording, professor and chair of the department of political science at The University of Alabama, will discuss his latest book, “Disciplining the Poor: Neoliberal Paternalism and the Persistent Power of Race,” in a public talk Monday at The University of Alabama School of Social Work. The lecture is part of the School of Social Work’s Colloquium Series that brings speakers to campus to share expertise with UA faculty, staff, students and guests. The talk will be held in Little Hall from noon to 1 p.m. For more information on the Fording’s lecture or other events in the series, contact the UA School of Social Work at 205-348-3924.
CW | Austin Bigoney A member of Team Parliament catches a pass to give his team a score in the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Sunday.
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
WRC hosts UA Women Win The University of Alabama Women’s Resource Center will host the Elect Her-UA Women Win program at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in 301 Ferguson Center. The Elect Her campaign is a national initiative sponsored by the American Association of University Women and designed to encourage and train young women to run for student government and future political office. In 2013, 88 percent of Elect Her participants in colleges and universities across the country won their bids for student government president. For more information, contact Richard LeComte, UA media relations, rllecomte@ur.ua.edu, 205-348-3782. Compiled by Rachel Brown
P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Lauren Ferguson
production editor
Katherine Owen
online editor news editor
WHAT: Ladies Night with DJ ProtoJ WHEN: 4 p.m. WHERE: Rhythm & Brews
WHAT: Reading Speed Workshop WHEN: 4-5 p.m. WHERE: 230 Osband Hall
WHAT: Managing your Time in College WHEN: 4-5 p.m. WHERE: 230 Osband Hall
WHAT: Faculty recital feat. Noel Engebretson, piano WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Concert Hall, Moody Music Building
WHAT: Spanish Movie Night: “Cocalero” WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: 203 BB Comer Hall
Mark Hammontree
sports editor
Marc Torrence John Brinkerhoff Christopher Edmunds
video editor
Daniel Roth
photo editor
Austin Bigoney
lead designer
Sloane Arogeti
community managers
WHAT: Discovery Series: Guy’d to Success WHEN: 6-8 p.m. WHERE: 360 Ferguson Center
WHAT: International Spouse Group WHEN: 9:30-11:30 a.m. WHERE: 105 BB Comer Hall
Mackenzie Brown
culture editor
chief copy editor
WHAT: The Etiquette Advantage in Business WHEN: 1-2 p.m. WHERE: G-54 Rose Administration
WHAT: Always, Patsy Cline WHEN: 2 p.m. WHERE: Bean-Brown Theatre, Shelton State
Anna Waters
Abbey Crain
opinion editor
WHAT: Health and Social Services Career Fair WHEN: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Ferguson Ballroom
Mazie Bryant editor@cw.ua.edu
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TODAY
WHAT: Exhibition Over the A.M. by Ethan Sawyer WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Kentuck Art Center
WHAT: Community Meeting to Address the Needs of Alabama’s Children WHEN: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Bryant Conference Center
Elizabeth Lowder Lauren Robertson
BURKE LUNCH
Sloppy Joe Spicy Chicken Chipotle Sandwich Garlic Potato Chips Steamed Broccoli Florets Tomato Soup
FRESH FOOD
LAKESIDE DINNER
Country-Style Meatloaf with Country Gravy Chicken and Swiss Sandwich Chicken Fajita Pizza Delmonico Potatoes Steamed Brussel Sprouts
LUNCH
DINNER
Kung Pao Pork Pot Roast with Tomato Brown Rice Gravy Steamed Yellow Squash Bacon Tomato and Mushroom and Onion Cheese Sandwich Quesadilla Creamy Mashed Mu Shu Tofu Potatoes Broccoli and Mushroom Quiche
LUNCH
Rigatoni and Meatball Casserole Bistro Chicken Sandwich Brussel Sprouts Garlic Toast Vegetable Enchilada
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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.
Low flu vaccination rates affect college age group FLU FROM PAGE 1
Even back in 2009, Davidson said, there was nothing inherently more severe about the H1N1 virus. What made it destructive was that it was a new strain that then proceeded to go “viral.” This year, it’s not new. It’s seasonal. “It’s now considered to be one of the seasonal influenzas because it’s been in circulation ever since then,” she said. “The flu that we’re seeing in Alabama that we’ve seen identified at our state lab is in all of our vaccines.” While robbed of its previous power, the H1N1 virus has returned with one distinctive trait intact. During its pandemic run, Davidson said, the virus was notable because it infected those who were traditionally less vulnerable to infection, such as college-aged students. Davidson said she’s seeing the same trend this year. The virus prefers young adults and healthy adults. Nationally, H1N1 is dominating flu cases in similar fashion. Jason McDonald, a health communications specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the virus is back in larger proportions than before. In the 20122013 flu season, it only made up 6 percent of Type A samples, one of the two seasonal flu types. In the 2010-2011 season, immediately following the pandemic, it represented 38 percent. This year, it represents 97 percent of type A samples. This resurgence also echoes the 2009 season, deviating from the normal pattern. “Of the hospitalizations reported to CDC so far this flu season, 61.6 percent
have been in persons aged 18-64, which is somewhat uncommon for seasonal flu but similar to what was observed during the H1N1 pandemic,” he said. “Typically, between 50 and 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people over 65.” Part of this, McDonald said, may be due to the fact that younger people are less likely to be immunized. The CDC estimates that under a third of those between 18 and 49 were vaccinated, almost 10 percent under the national average. “During the pandemic, older people were less likely to get sick, probably because they had pre-existing immunity from earlier viruses that were like H1N1,” he said. “Younger people do not have this pre-existing immunity, and they are also less likely to get vaccinated.” Elizabeth Cockrum, a UA professor of pediatrics, said while college students are generally a healthy population, less than desirable immunization rates allow college campuses to become hotbeds for the virus. “[Any] environment where large numbers of individuals are housed or grouped together increases an person’s chances of acquiring the virus from others,” Cockrum said. “This would include places such as dorms, large classroom, student centers and gyms – any place where large numbers of students would congregate.” The typically low vaccination rates led the University to research what was keeping them, and the faculty and staff on campus, from getting the most effective method of prevention. “The top factors were cost and convenience. Therefore the vaccination strategy was changed in 2012 by the University. The vaccine would now be offered at no cost to all faculty, staff and students, and
medical personnel would make it much more convenient by bringing the vaccine to multiple sites and buildings on campus,” she said. “This change in strategy has resulted in a marked improvement in the UA rate of influenza vaccination.” The University’s campuswide campaign was organized and implemented by the College of Community Health Sciences. The No Flu Zone campaign and Flu Blast Team, which included Cockrum, were awarded the University’s Sam S. May Commitment to Service Award in 2012. President Judy Bonner, who presented the award, mentioned the administration of 7,000 vaccines. This year, the campaign administered 7,500 shots, a number Cockrum said can still grow. “[It is] still not too late,” she said. “If someone has not been immunized they can still come to the SHC or UMC for their vaccination.” Davidson also stressed the importance of the vaccination. Another vaccine will be available for next season, but students are encouraged even now to get a flu shot. The flu season is in fact, she said, a misconception. “It does circulate year-round,” she said. “There’s no way to predict when it’s going to be most active.” Flu vaccines and the strains they cover are derived from investigating patterns in the Southern hemisphere, which gets hit with winter and the flu first. “We kind of get a preview of what our winter influenza situation is going to look like,” she said. Despite the changing composition of the flu, Davidson advocated a class approach to controlling the virus. If you’re sick, stay home. “Cover your cough,” she said. “And wash your hands.”
p.3 Mark Hammontree | Editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu
Monday, January 27, 2014
NEWSIN BRIEF Glow Run comes to Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa One Place and the Honors College are partnering to sponsor the Glow Run 5k. The race will be held in downtown Tuscaloosa Feb. 22. Activities include face painting, Zumba, the 5k race and a dance party. Register online at glowrun5k.com/tuscaloosa.
Spring II classes begin Feb. 10 Spring II registration is currently underway, and classes will begin Feb. 10. Students can search and register for classes on myBama. Spring II is a way for students to earn additional credits this semester. Most Spring II classes offer one or two credit hours.
A-Team taking applications A-Team applications are due Feb. 7. A-Team is a group of upperclassmen student leaders who support incoming freshman and help freshmen become acclimated to university life. Applications can be found online at fye.ua.edu/ateam.
Peace Award accepting nominations Nominations are now being accepted for the Buford Peace Award. The award is granted annually to a University of Alabama faculty member who has made profound contributions to overcoming social injustices and establishing peace. Students and faculty are eligible to make nominations. The official nomination forms can be found online. The deadline to nominate is Feb. 21.
Ferguson Center hosts career fair The Health and Social Services Career Fair will be held Monday in the Ferguson Center ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students majoring in any health-related field are welcome to attend. Dress for the event is business causal.
Photos courtesy of Anna Hawkins Dauphin Island Sea Lab offers summer courses, a chance for marine science students to get hands-on experience.
Safe Zone offering training
By Jessica Smith | Staff Reporter
Safe Zone announced its open training schedule for the spring semester. All sessions are free and open to anyone wishing to learn more about ways to support the LGBTQ population at The University of Alabama. To register, email safezone@sa.ua.edu. The first session will take place Feb. 12.
Dauphin Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, is host to Dauphin Island Sea Lab, which offers summer courses to students at 22 colleges and universities across the state in courses ranging from “Dolphins and Whales” to “Marine Aquaculture.” Julie Olson, professor of biological sciences, said students who have a passion for marine sciences need to have a hands-on experience with it, as attending a university four hours from the beach couldn’t do it justice. “We have a degree program in marine science, and it’s only a dual degree program,” Olson said. “The second majors are biology, chemistry and geology. For the marine sciences program, I really don’t feel like we can do it justice trying to teach classes on the main campus when we’re four hours away from the coast.” Olson said students are required to take 16 hours of marine science coursework during the summer at DISL. She said it is possible to take all 16 hours in one summer. “What’s nice about this program is that
Advising awards taking nominations Nominations are now being accepted for the Outstanding Commitment to Advising Award. The award is given to outstanding faculty or professional advisers and seeks to recognize the importance of academic advising. Nominations are due by 5 p.m on Feb. 12. Nomination forms can be found online. Compiled by Rachel Browm
Program takes students to Sea Lab WHAT TO KNOW • Marine sciences students can take summer classes at the DISL. • The deadline for DISL summer classes is Feb. 14. it’s not just for marine sciences students, but any of our biology students can also take classes down at the sea lab,” Olson said. “The classes there count as upperlevel biology electives.” The marine sciences program is an interdisciplinary degree. Olson said this is beneficial to students because they usually end up with an advanced degree or in a professional program that builds on foundational knowledge. “If we just offered marine biology I feel like it’s specializing too early and then there’s less to specialize when you move on to a higher program.” Olson said. Anna Hawkins, a senior majoring in marine sciences and biology, said she chose to do the dual major because she was
interested in the ocean. “I’ve always been interested in the ocean,” Hawkins said. “We got to go out on the boats a lot of times. In my ‘Dolphins and Whales’ class we went out and observed dolphin pods in the Gulf. In ‘Sharks and Ray Biology’ we went line-longing to do a species survey of the sharks found in the gulf.” Hawkins said her experience at the sea lab prepared her for the future. The authentic experience was what she said she was expecting when she attended DISL. “You get a lot more hands-on experience in these classes than any other class I’ve had in college,” Hawkins said. “The class sizes are small enough that the professors really get to know you well, and there’s a lot of one-on-one time.” DISL summer courses are split up into three sessions. The first session is from May 26 to June 20, the second is from June 23 to July 18 and the third session from July 21 to Aug. 15. To apply for summer courses at DISL, email Julie Olson for an application at jolson@bama.ua.edu. The deadline to apply for priority consideration is Feb. 14. Juniors and seniors have first priority.
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p.4 John Brinkerhoff | Editor letters@cw.ua.edu
Monday, January 27, 2014
COLUMN | GUN CONTROL
Gun control laws only first step to prevent violence By Amber Patterson | Senior Staff Columnist
MCT Campus
COLUMN | COURSE REGISTRATION
Add/drop period should be lengthened By Patrick Crowley | Senior Staff Columnist At the start of every academic semester, there is that brief period of time where students are allowed to switch classes and professors at the click of a mouse, touch of an iPhone or with the help of one’s overbearing mother. Similar to the description of the college experience as a period of exploration and experimentation, add/drop permits students to attempt to discover the best combination of classes for the semester. For those who have no notion of what classes to take and enjoy shopping around for classes, add/drop is a blissfully short time full of a ridiculous number of choices. And for those so confident in a selection of classes earlier in the previous semester, add/drop becomes an opportunity to convince a few buddies to stay in the class or to studentwatch all the new entries into the class. The professors, on the other hand, keep teaching and attempt to work with the new entries or early departures; that must be annoying and frustrating. Yet what happens every year
Patrick Crowley is that more than a few students are trapped by the add/dropsystem and are unable to properly select classes that will suit them best. This can be for various reasons, but the three main reasons I see the most are: The desired class is full, and no students drop out; the desired class doesn’t have enough students and is unable to meet; or, unfortunately, the professor traps students by modifying his or her teaching style to make the class harder. (This does occur, and it can utterly derail a student’s semester rather quickly.) Two of those three reasons can be mitigated by extending the length of add/ drop and permitting students to
interact more with their profes- class experience and better sors to better understand what education. is expected in the class. The While I am not suggesting other reason can’t be mitigated, add/drop be extended a signifisince the classes that do not cant amount to allow maximum have a minimum number of stu- student selection, I am suggestdents are always cut before the ing that the University at least start of the academic semester. review the length of add/drop in In addition, extending add/ favor of a longer period. It would drop allows students to positive- be quite rare to find a student ly select into classes that will who would not agree with an most benefit them. Students who extended period of class selecare in the classes tion. that benefit them Likewise, I the most are cannot fathom probably going to a professor who study more seriwants more than Add/drop permits ously, enjoy the a fair number students to attempt to of disinterested class more and are more likely to students in his discover the best receive a higher or her class. Of combination of grade. course, this is not The profesa panacea to the classes for the sor will benefit problems associsemester. from more interated with class ested students selection, but I through better would prefer to student evaluasee the University tions, which are be proactive and heavily factored into tenure self-aware of flaws that greatly promotion and salary increas- affect students. es. The combination of a more interested student body and Patrick Crowley is a junior a professor teaching actually majoring in mathematics, interested students in his or her finance and economics. His colclass is a recipe for a greater umn runs weekly on Mondays.
L a st we e k America saw a string of deadly shootings, mainly on university campuses, and one shooting in a shopping mall in Maryland. These shootings are not Amber Patterson linked and the motives vary, but is this becoming a normal week in America? Is our nation getting to the point where we cannot feel safe in big crowds? Personally, I do not want to live like that. Further, I don’t want to see the day when I do not have a choice in the matter. When tragedies like this occur in our nation, news outlets always point to two causes: gun control laws and mental health. I am not a fan of the present gun control laws, and yes, the regulations regarding who is allowed to own a gun must be changed. Guns are getting into the hands of the wrong people, which has been proven over and over again. A simple background check is not doing the job anymore; more has to be done. Many of those against gun control reform will point to the old saying that “guns don’t kill people; people kill people”. However, if we could stop these “people” from gaining access to these weapons, another week of killings would be a rare occasion. Our mental health system in America is not perfect by far, and people do tend to slip through the cracks. However, mental health has only a small stake in this issue. Insanity seems to be the go-to defense mechanism for all these cases, which makes it hard to tell the mentally ill apart from the plain demented. Those actually suffering with mental health issues have the stigma of being violent criminals because their conditions are used as scapegoats. I am not discounting the fact that some offenders do fall to their mental health issues and commit these extreme acts of violence, but I do believe that society uses it as an excuse. When it is hard to stamp a motive on an event or even understand the given motive, many find it easier to just say “they are crazy” and move on. As much as I hate to say this, when I heard about these incidents, I did not feel an overwhelming wave of grief. I felt bad for the victims and their families, but I was not as shocked as I should be. We have become desensitized to these incidents because they happen so often. Purdue University even continued classes after the shooting that happened on their campus that killed a student. Something is wrong with the humanity of our country. While I don’t think laws are going to fix that, it is a good start. Amber Patterson is a junior majoring in public relations. Her column runs weekly on Mondays.
COLUMN | ABORTION
Buffer zone at anti-abortion protests is the least that can be done By Samaria Johnson | Staff Columnist Every Saturday I join a group of volunteers at the West Alabama Women’s Center as a clinic escort. I’m unapologetically pro-choice. Escorting patients from their cars to the clinic’s front door is one way I express that belief, as there are people who believe that not only should someone not have the option of abortion care but believe it so strongly that they, too, stand outside of WAWC. As escorts, we make their walk past the protesters as smooth as possible. The protesters outside the clinic are seldom the mild-mannered “sidewalk counselors” that the anti-abortion movement insists they are. There’s no real concern for patients’ well-being. The least obnoxious of their signs pictures a preterm fetus underneath the words “Choose Life.” Another warns that abortion kills a life. In the warmer months, the mother this sign belongs to likes to prop her three small children
Anti-abortion protesters rely on intimidation, emotional manipulation and bullying.
behind it. Yet another protester enjoys carrying a giant wooden cross as he shout-reads passages from a Bible he carries. They’ve been kind enough to give us some of their literature, all of which includes either debunked and unscientific information or lots of Bible verses. As escorts we distract protesters, so we’ve spent hours listening to anti-abortion arguments that involve ahistorical statements, hardly theologically sound beliefs, classism, racism and heteronormative ideas about gender.
Purposeful miseducation persists among them. Abortion comes with risks involved, but with proper care taken by both the provider and the patient care that’s easily done with little effort - it’s by far one of the safest medical procedures anyone can undergo. It’s also several times safer than pregnancy and childbirth, but they’d never mention that if they cared. We’ve held back friends and family from beating the protesters after slurs and insults have been hurled at them. The clinic director has been stalked. Our cars’ plates have been photographed and tracked. I’ve been pushed into the highway. We’ve been physically attacked - one notable example being that one of the protesters, who happens to be a University professor, chased and hit another escort with a large sign. He’s since been banned, as he was seen by a police officer. However, we can’t count on the police for help; when they drive
by, they often honk in support of the protesters. Protesters have filmed both us and the patients. Protesters have dressed up like escorts (we wear bright safety vests) and flag down cars on their way in to shove anti-choice literature at them. These people aren’t concerned with the well-being of the fetus or the person carrying it. They holler about available help, but none of them support measures such as comprehensive sex education, Head Start programs, immigration reform, universal health care that emphasizes reproductive health, foster care and adoption reform or increased funding and fewer restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. (Yes, we’ve asked.) These efforts would encourage peace of mind about raising a child, create a safer environment for pregnancy and childbirth and make it less burdensome for lower-income families to do these things. They responded to
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Mazie Bryant editor-in-chief
Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns less than 800. Send submissions to letters@ cw.ua.edu. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
Lauren Ferguson managing editor Katherine Owen production editor Anna Waters visuals editor
Mackenzie Brown online editor Christopher Edmunds chief copy editor John Brinkerhoff opinion editor
these arguments with disdain, dismissal and lots of shaming. Anti-abortion protesters rely on intimidation, emotional manipulation and bullying. They do little more than harass the clinic staff, escorts and patients. None of them are truly pro-life. They seem to only be for forced births. Some consider this issue to be one of free speech. It’s not. No one stops any anti-abortion protesters from standing outside clinics. However, it’s absolutely necessary to preserve the privacy and maintain the safety of the patients. A buffer zone is the absolute least the government can do for this. In the meantime, I wish protesters would understand that there are better ways to support someone faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Standing outside a clinic is the worst way to do so. Samaria Johnson is a senior majoring in history. Her column run biweekly on Mondays
Last Week’s Poll: How do you feel about your relationship with Siri? (Who is Siri?, 28%) (We’re not on speaking terms, 22%) (Aquaintances, 22%) (Frenemies, 20%) (Besties, 8%) This Week’s Poll: Have you ever recieved a SNAM? cw.ua.edu/poll
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Monday, January 27, 2014
Dance Marathon hosts fundraiser at Chipotle By Jason Frost | Contributing Writer
CW | Lindsey Leonard
Photo courtesy of UADM The University of Alabama Dance Marathon host numerous fundraisers throughout the year including the event at Chiptole last Tuesday (top).
Last Tuesday, both UA and Auburn Dance Marathon sponsored a fundraiser at Chipotle resteraunt in both Tuscaloosa and Auburn, Ala. Chipotle donated 50 percent of all profits that night to each organization. The event was created as the result of UA Dance Marathon recruitment chair Rachel Coleman’s collaboration with Auburn Dance Marathon at Better Relations Day. “The line wrapped around the inside of the restaurant, and people were waiting about 30 minutes to order,” Coleman said. It was only one of many UADM fundraisers planned for the year, but this one was specifically designed to defeat Auburn during Rivalry Week. “For the past couple of years, we have been talking with Auburn about the possibility of playing on the rivalry to help each of our dance marathon programs,” UADM
PLAN TO GO WHAT: University of Alabama Dance Marathon WHERE: Rec Center WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. REGISTER AT WWW.UADM. UA.EDU president Katlyn Klootwyk said. Although no totals are in yet, Klootwyk said she is hopeful. “We were able to get lots of attention from students on campus, and I know a lot of staff members received donations from family and friends to try and help beat Auburn,” Klootwyk said. “Our Chipotle night was very successful.” In addition to Chipotle Night, UADM is also sponsoring Koins for Kids, a campaign to allow professors and students to donate to children
around the country. This initiative will be implemented at various colleges throughout the semester. Gloria Kelly, vice president of relations, said UADM will be at the Feb. 1 basketball game and will hold a spirit night Feb. 10 at Glory Bound. “We’re having a Screen on the Green event on the Quad Feb. 24,” Kelly said. “It’s sponsored by Cobb Theater. One of our committees is voting on the movie. You can bring popcorn, a chair, whatever, and Cobb will bring the backdrop. It’ll be just like a drivein movie, except you can’t park on the grass.” Overall, the goal of the week’s events is to raise more than $50,000, according to Klootwyk. All the money UADM raises goes directly to the Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham. “We really relied on our dancers to raise as much money as they could this week,” Klootwyk said. “And we are really excited for our events throughout the rest of the semester.”
Museum of Natural History 3-D prints shark teeth By Christopher Chase Edmunds | Chief Copy Editor In the atrium of Smith Hall, replicas of fossil shark teeth were printed in 3-D as part of the first Science Sunday of 2014 put on by the University of Alabama Museum of Natural History. The free event also featured fossil displays, a guest lecture and the unveiling of a skull from Xiphactinus audax, a lateCretaceous predatory fish. Allie Sorlie, education outreach coordinator for the museum, said the event was designed as a fun, family-friendly program. “This Science Sunday was all about 3-D printing and how it can be used in paleontology,” Sorlie said. “We had crafts, coloring and other activities for kids, including making a Xiphactinus kite.” Jamey Grimes, an art instructor who works with the 3-D printing lab on campus, said the printers provide a substantial educational opportunity. “3-D printing is a great way to bring multiple fields together,” Grimes said. “It works on an educational level, like kids getting hands-on with printed shark teeth, as well as a full-scale research level, where the best way to study a specimen and to keep it intact is to use scans and models.” Several student groups were in attendance, including the UA Geology Club. Lee Drago, a senior majoring in geology, represented the club at Science Sunday.
“We go out to see practical uses of what we learn in classes,” Drago said. “The fossils here are a big thing for us. We’re trying to generate more interest in the club and geology in general.” Organizers also used the help of student volunteers to host the event. Elizabeth Schweers, a senior majoring in geography, has volunteered for similar events at the museum. “I volunteered for Science Sunday and last year’s National Fossil Day event,” Schweers said. “It was a lot of fun to see how excited all the kids were.” The event concluded with a lecture by Dana Ehret, curator of paleontology, about the abundance of fossils that could be found in the Black Belt region of Alabama. “I like doing these kinds of things, especially reaching out to the community,” Ehret said. “It’s important for kids to be able to see and touch real fossils and learn about the state.” Sorlie said she hopes to see more people attend future events at the museum. “The museum is a great resource,” she said. “I think sometimes people are a little timid about coming on campus when they’re not students, but hopefully events like this will generate some more interest.” The next Science Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, March 2. The event will explore the origins of the universe by looking at planets, stars and meteorites. The event is free and open to the public.
CW | Lindsey Leonard The University of Alabama Museum of Natural History’s first Science Sunday event of 2014 featured fossil displays and 3-D figurine printing.
Southern Exposure films showcase Alabama’s natural resources By Samuel Yang | Staff Reporter Mountain views and coastlines draw visitors to the other 49 states, but what does Alabama have to offer? David Pope, director of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Georgia and Alabama offices, said Alabama is one of the nation’s most resource-rich states. Most people just don’t know it. “Alabama has all that as well,” Pope said. “It just became apparent to us that Alabama is so blessed with resources it ought to be something that’s touted with the state.” With that in mind, the question became how Pope and the SELC could best educate not only Alabama citizens, but also the public at large about the state’s natural resources. The answer was Southern Exposure, a series of short documentaries made by film fellows at the law center. Four of the films produced in 2013, the program’s second year, will be screened Monday at 7 p.m. in the Ferguson Theater at an event and discussion hosted by The University of Alabama Environmental Council. Luke Buckley, a graduate of the UA visual journalism program, was one of SELC’s 2013 film fellows and produced the documentary “State of Power,” which will be screened. The film, as the name suggests, is about power companies in the state, but Buckley soon found himself involved in a story about a different kind of power. “The story that kind of played out was about the political corruption in an economic story,” he said. “What’s controversial is Alabama Power’s relationship with the Public Service Commission.” Buckley’s film was originally commissioned as simply a documentary about energy, with the Public Service Commission as a possible lead. “It was more about capturing a moving target,” he said. “I kind of hit the ground running. It was pretty intense, to say the least.” As he started to gather interviews and footage for the film, Buckley found himself being “body-checked by a coal miner,” followed by men with cameras and visited by a private investigator.
PLAN TO GO WHAT: Southern Exposure film screening WHERE: Ferguson Theater WHEN: Monday at 7 p.m. “[We] kind of immediately knew that we were up against something,” he said. “So it got pretty weird there for a few months in my life.” Buckley sees the story that he ultimately documented as a simultaneously comical and depressing picture of Alabama’s “state of power.” “The film was toned down a little bit,” he said. “Earlier cuts of the film were sort of a little bit more controversial than the final film that’s out now.” Still, the process and product were such that a documentary released by the Alabama Coal Association sought to discredit him, Buckley said. “I looked at it more as a piece of journalism than advocating one way or another,” he said. “I’d do it again.” Pope said that while the program is designed to let filmmakers exercise their artistic freedom, the film’s main purpose is to educate and entertain in a thought-provoking way. “We’re certainly not shying away from identifying problems, but we’re trying to identify problems in a way that reveals some sort of solution to the problem,” he said. “[We] are not going to be doing ‘gotcha’ films, we are not going to be doing films that make people look stupid, we are not going to be doing films that have an antagonistic air about them.” He said the films ultimately promote Alabama’s resources, a goal that falls perfectly in line with SELC’s work as a whole. “We do two different types of work,” Pope said. “We are an environmental advocacy and law organization. What people sort of know us for is our work in court, but really 75 percent of our work is what we call collaborative work. We want people to leave our films thinking, ‘Man, I didn’t know that, and they made a good point there.’” Even the selection of filmmakers was driven in part by a
desire to show others what Alabama offers. In the process of showing native viewers what their home state has to offer, Southern Exposure fellows often decide to stay in Alabama. “We sort of wanted to be an ambassador for the South and the good people we have down here,” Pope said. Olivia Bensinger, a member of the UA Environmental Council, said the four Southern Exposure films ECo will be screening were chosen for their local content. “We just thought it would be a good way to localize environmental issues and show people what’s happening in their states, in their backyards,” she said. “The localest of the local, I guess, is what we tried to find.” Bensinger said the topics covered by the SELC’s films are relevant to everyone, and while the term “environmental” can sound like a niche cause, the films describe topics relevant to students. “The environment is not some distant wilderness. It’s where you are, where you’re living all the time. The Black Warrior River is right across the street, and it’s one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. That’s not distant,” she said. “Clean water’s important, but why is it important? Because people have to drink it.” ECo is generally focused on environmental justice, or the pursuit of healthy interaction between people and their environments. One common example is the fight against airpolluting industrial plants in low-income neighborhoods. Bensinger said watching the films can be a good first step towards action. “Before you get to this point where you want this action, you have to be aware and find your passion and the particular action you want to take,” she said. “[The series is] very people-focused.” The ECo-hosted screening will feature “Overburdened: Undermined” about strip-mining in the Black Warrior River watershed, “Dammed: The Story of Alabama’s Rivers” about the Coosa River, “Forever Wild” about the recently renewed land trust by that name and “State of Power.” All Southern Exposure films can be viewed online at www. southernenvironment.org or www.vimeopro.com/selc/southernexposure.
p.6 Abbey Crain | Editor culture@cw.ua.edu
Monday, January 27, 2014
Spartan Race offers extreme challenges for participants
“
If you can get to the finish line, dead, covered in mud and soaking wet, it feels really good.
“
— Thomas Falcon
Photos courtesy of Thomas Falcon Thomas Falcon, left, completed his first Spartan Race in March 2012. Now, Falcon will team up with other University of Alabama students for his third attempt at the 5k race. By Reed O’Mara | Staff Reporter When someone begins a 5k, 10k or 15k, they hear the gunshot and begin to walk, jog or run. They keep running until the race is finished. For those who enter the Spartan Race, whether to compete in a 5k or a 15k, running is only half the battle. “Many portions of the race, you’re running through water where you can’t see the terrain and through wooded areas as well, so there’s roots and rocks,” said Thomas Falcon, a senior majoring in management and management information systems. “There are several injuries every time they host a race, so it’s not dangerous like a war would be, but it’s more dangerous than you’d expect a run to be. But it’s absolutely a blast because it’s a mental and physical challenge.” Falcon competed in his first Spartan Race in March 2012 with his triad martial arts group from Huntsville. The team began training for the race two months beforehand, going so far as to build their own obstacle course in Falcon’s backyard, which included a 10-foot tall sheer face and a ramp with handholds. Falcon’s backyard obstacle course also included a scenario to mimic the spearthrowing portion of the Spartan Race, where each miss equals a set of “burpies” for the competitor.
In Falcon’s first race, he placed 170th overall out of 4,300 and 65th in his age group. In his second race, he ran with his father and placed 153rd out of 4,300 and 35th in his age group, while his dad was sixth within his own age group. “Both times I ran at the pace of the group I was with, so the first time I ran it with my martial arts group, who wanted to run it completely barefoot, which slowed their times a little bit,” Falcon said. “The second time – my dad is getting ready to turn 50 and he wants to compete in all three distances – I ran with my dad, and we ran at his pace.” For his third attempt, Falcon has gathered a small team from The University of Alabama, which will be joining forces with his dad, brother and 14-year-old sister, the youngest girl to ever to do three distances in a year. Falcon trains three to five times a week with Torry Daniels, a sophomore majoring in management and marketing, to assure the two can keep pace with each other during the actual race. “Thomas and I train together as often as we can. We trail run, creek run, carry heavy objects on trails, rock climb and run hills to keep our cardio levels maintained,” said Daniels. “When our schedules don’t allow for a mutual workout, we continue our workouts by running alone. My motivation is my time.
I will not feel accomplished if I finish the race in an hour and a half.” Motivation is the key to staying on task, Falcon said. Falcon serves as vice president of membership for Alpha Kappa Psi, vice president and director of auxiliary services for Information Technology Society and a member of Business Honors and the Honors College. He said he has enough on his plate to keep him busy, but he finds the Spartan Race one of the most important things in his schedule. “Everyone’s always hooked when I show them a video, but the two biggest factors for a college student are time and money. So they find out they can get it as cheap as $50 when registering early, but that’s a year-early commitment that you’re making,” Falcon said. “But if you can get to the finish line, dead, covered in mud and soaking wet, it feels really good.” For Daniels, motivation lies in competition, and he said he finds an appeal of the Spartan Race is “the exclusivity of the finishers.” Daniels’s and Falcon’s competitive natures keep them pushing each other, as they work together to try and beat the other. The official motto for the Spartan Race is, “You’ll know at the finish line,” something Falcon said is absolutely true and tangible. “You start out with this concept of how cool
it would be to run this fun 5k, but at the end, it just takes so much mental concentration and fortitude that you get to the end and you do know what you’ve accomplished,” Falcon said. This is something Daniels said sets the Spartan Race apart from other races. “Many people can say they have run a 5k. Fewer can say they are competitive in them. The Spartan race is much harder than a typical 5k in that it is a running race with obstacles. While I can run a 5k in 19 minutes, the records for the Spartan Race range around 35-40 minutes,” he said. Committing to the Spartan Race and doing the training while maintaining grades, relationships and extracurriculars is not easy, but it is where Falcon said he has found his sense of accomplishment. “I think a lot of the time people’s goals fall by the wayside. You have all these things you want to do, and there are opportunities that we want to have, so we sign up for a lot of things, but a lot of time they just get overlapped or they fall behind and they just let go,” Falcon said. “The Spartan Race gave me the opportunity to take something and say, ‘This is going to be mine, and I’m going to do it.’ Whatever else gets in the way, I’m not going to reschedule, ‘cause it’s so tempting to live easy lives and that’s the way we lose the importance in what we do.”
COLUMN | FASHION
Dressy evening outfits don’t have to sacrifice warmth By Bianca Martin
Photo courtesy of Brandon Wingler
As someone who has spent 15 years in Alabama and thrives on summer heat, the harshness of winter makes me miserable. Waking up to 20-degree weather knowing I have to get ready for class makes it extremely difficult to get up in the morning. When I do finally drag myself out of my warm bed and get dressed, I search for any outfit that will keep me from dying of frostbite. During the day, it makes sense to put warmth over trendiness and wear the warmest sweatshirt and hoodie just to survive the walk to class. But what about at night? The temperature drops even more, but we still want to dress up and go out. I, for one, am all for the idea of hibernating every night until March. But realistically speaking, Tuscaloosa nightlife cannot be stopped by the freezing temperatures. There are still
formals to attend, bars to frequent and many other nighttime activities that require you to face the cold. If you have any formals, semi-formals or other dressy events, the easiest thing to do would be to just throw a nice winter coat over a strapless dress. For those looking for a bit more thermal protection, opt for a dress that covers your arms. Stores such as Charlotte Russe carry party dresses that have long-sleeves in nice winter colors like blue, green and black. Many of the dresses have thin material in the sleeves, so you still need a coat, of course. But the thinness will keep you from getting too hot once you reach your event. If you want to be a little more daring, try a dress with only one sleeve. It will make your look a little sassier and, again, will keep you from sweating as soon as you walk into the heated building. For shoes, try a closed-toe heel in order to keep your toes from freezing. Another option is to
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wear heeled booties to add a bit of edginess to your outfit. For any dates, dinners or just a night out on the Strip, you have a variety of choices that can keep you warm. If you want to be a little dressed up, a sweater dress is perfect. Throw on a pair of pretty, patterned tights underneath the dress and finish the look with closed-toe heels or boots. If you do not own a sweater dress, try warming up a regular short-sleeved dress from summer or fall. Throw a pretty jacket or cardigan over it and add a fun scarf. For extra warmth, wear a nice pea coat or faux-fur-lined coat over the outfit and invest in a good pair of gloves. Do not let the harsh low temperatures ruin your weekend plans to go out. Go dance and hang out with friends while staying warm and cute. Or, if you really are not a fan of the cold, staying in and watching a movie in your pajamas really isn’t that bad either.
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Monday, January 27, 2014
CW | Austin Bigoney Located in the Downtown Plaza Shopping Center, Effie’s offers clothing options designed by UA graduates and contemporary designers such as Badgley Mischka and Michael Kors.
Local clothing boutique carries UA alum’s designs By Laura Testino | Contributing Writer After settling into the perfect pair of jeans and warm sweater on chilly mornings before an 8 a.m. class, it becomes easy to want to live in that fuzzy comfort zone and not see the opportunities down other avenues – particularly down Tuscaloosa’s Queen City Avenue. By taking that path and looking closer, one encounters a window peeking into Effie’s Inc., a boutique bringing designer clothing to Tuscaloosa since 1988. Terry Davis, a UA graduate and owner of Effie’s Inc. for the last 16 years, said she values offering her customers the latest trends. “We want to keep it special,” she said. “We don’t want everybody in Tuscaloosa to have the same thing. We want a variety.” Randall Bobo has been the buyer and stylist at Effie’s Inc. since the boutique opened its doors. Together, he and Davis strive to create a special experience and look for each customer. “[Bobo] does a lot of studying of magazines and television and such and sees where the trends are going,” Davis said. “That’s where his buying presence comes and how he just puts it all together with the accessories, the shoes. We see the whole
We want to keep it special. We don’t want everybody in Tuscaloosa to have the same thing. We want a variety. — Terry Davis
picture. We want to be that one-stop shop. That’s our plan.” The boutique specializes in providing women’s semi-formal, formal and professional attire to its customers from various cities in the Southeast. Hunter Bell, the designer behind fashion line Hunter Bell and season two winner of the NBC reality show “Fashion Star,” frequented Effie’s Inc. during her stay in Tuscaloosa as a fashion design and studio art student before graduating in 2003. Other women in her sorority recommeneded she go to the store. “I would do all of my shopping [at Effie’s Inc.] and have Randall outfit me for every football game,” Bell said. Mary Katherine Honeycutt, a senior
majoring in dance and psychology, took advantage of the crimson and white designer clothing as well. “I like that they have unique options and not the same gameday dresses you see everywhere,” she said. The boutique offers an array of options that appeal to the clothing styles of multiple students, Honeycutt said. Included in this variety are Bell’s designs. Currently based in New York City, Bell designs clothing found in Anthropologie, as well as other boutiques like Effie’s Inc. “The beautiful thing about designing is that you can allow women to be able to play dress-up,” Bell said. “For me, I’m not sticking to one young look for my wardrobe on the daily basis. “That’s the beauty of playing dress-up. That’s the beauty of designing: having diversity and having different looks for different occasions. Effie’s offers that, and that’s what I want to offer in everything that I design.” Effie’s Inc. offers a variety of styles, Davis said, and carries Hunter Bell, along with Leona, another line by UA graduate Lauren Leonard. The store also carries the latest trends from contemporary designers such as Badgley Mischka, Rachel Roy, Michael
Kors and Jeffrey Campbell. Effie’s Inc. can also be found online at effiesinc.com and on Instagram, where Bobo puts together an outfit for each day. “In today’s day and age, you don’t have to wait to be featured in a magazine. You can be featured on Instagram through one of your retail outlets, such as Effie’s, which is incredible for me as a designer,” Bell said. Finding the perfect outfit is a treat Bell encourages all women to seek, even if it means taking a risk and stepping outside the comfort zone. “I would encourage women to play dressup and to feel beautiful,” Bell said. “Women should get in their closet and try different things or ask a friend to help them, because we get into this kind of rut where it’s like, ‘Okay, we’ve got our jeans on, we’ve got our top,’ and we’ve worn it over and over and over again,” she said. Davis said she enjoys the moment of seeing a client in the perfect outfit, especially when it’s from Effie’s Inc. “I get just as excited as they are. We all do. Just to see the whole transformation, the wish fulfillment,” Davis said. Effie’s Inc. is located at 404 Queen City Avenue and is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COLUMN | GAMING
CULTUREIN BRIEF Unlocked hosts Alabama Charter School Forum Unlocked, a student-run local organization committed to exploring policies and practices that improve educational equity in the state of Alabama, will host The Alabama Charter School Forum Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the South Engineering Research Center. The forum, which will feature a panel of state experts presenting their views on charter schools, is focused on the charter school debate in Alabama.
Diverse Desserts to hold next installment Diverse Desserts will return with their next installment Monday from 8 to 9 p.m. in 205 Gorgas Library. The installment, titled “Diverse Desserts: The Musical,” will feature desserts and treats for those in attendance. The event will discuss how music has shaped American culture and the impact it has on shaping an individual’s personality.
University Programs to discuss men’s career fashion University Programs will focus their next Discovery Series on professional preparedness in regard to men’s fashion. The series, titled “Guy’d to Success,” will go over topics such as what to wear to an interview, how to tie a tie and more. The event will be held in 360 Ferguson Student Center on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Survival videogames pit players against hardships of environment By Matthew Wilson It is dark in the forest. You sit huddled around the fire. The trees cast shadows from the glow of the fire. Out in the darkness is a vast array of things that want to kill you. Tired and hungry, you look over your meager portions after your first day of hunting. The grass crunches nearby, and you equip your stone axe, just in time to see a zombie stumbling at you. Dispatching the zombie with your axe, you return to your perch by the campfire. You allow yourself to believe that you are safe, and you return to examine your meager portions. There is a growl behind you. A bear charges from the forest before you can raise your axe. The screen turns to black, and you realize that you are dead. Such situations make up the bulk of survival video games like “Rust,” that pit players as illequipped survivors forced to either endure the elements or die trying. Due to the growing industry of independent developers and distributing companies, survival games such as “Rust” or “Minecraft” have grown to be more prominent on the market. Survival games offer an alternative experience to big budget mainstream games. Where most games allow players to fulfill their fantasies in superhuman roles, players are often cast as themselves in survival games. Weak and with little to no resources at the start of the game,
players are forced to scavenge and search the game world for resources. Scavenging for resources usually forms the bulk of gameplay. Finding food, whether through hunting animals or looting vacant houses, is a necessity. With a constant hunger meter and weapons that degrade and break over time, players must always be searching the world for valuable resources. Survival games usually have minimal story guiding the player, often casting them into the wilderness of the game world at the game’s start. The players must use their own imagination to create a scenario for their character’s marooning. With little information on where the player should go, the player must quickly figure out the ways of the inhospitable world around them. Many of these survival games offer a multiplayer function that casts players together to battle for resources within a randomly generated world. Players are left to their own devices and can either be allies or, more often than not, foes. Players are given the option to strike down their fellow players and steal their gathered resources. In such cases, players can be more deadly than the environment. These games can be ruthless at times, causing players to lose resources they have spent the last few hours scavenging for, but there is something strangely enduring about being able to survive the hardships and live to see another day.
Littering Place all waste materials in trash receptacles, to ensure they do not make their way into our local bodies of water.
For questions, concerns, or to report potential stormwater violations, contact the Office of Environmental Safety at 348-5905
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Monday, January 27, 2014
GYMNASTICS
Alabama wins Power of Pink By Marc Torrence | Sports Editor While the Alabama gymnastics team prefers a slow build over the course of a season, one night a year always stands out as meaning a little bit more than others. In front of a sell-out crowd in Coleman Coliseum, No. 7 Alabama took down No. 10 Arkansas 197.125 to 196.1 in the 10th annual Power of Pink meet, which raises awareness for breast cancer and money for the DCH Breast Cancer Fund. Coach Sarah Patterson presented a check before the meet for $108,900, bringing the Crimson Tide’s total amount raised to $1.45 million. Alabama is now 21-0 overall while wearing pink and advances to 3-1 on the season and 3-0 in the SEC. “We go out there not about winning tonight,” senior Kim Jacob said. “But it really motivates us getting to walk out with a survivor and seeing everyone wear pink for such a great cause. It pushes us to be the best we can be.” The highlight of the night may have been freshman Dominique Pegg’s Crimson Tide debut on vault. Pegg’s mother is a breast cancer survivor and was introduced alongside her before the meet. Pegg scored a solid 9.8 with her mother in the crowd. “It was amazing. More than I could imagine it was going to be. Very inspiring for sure,” Pegg said about her night. “I
couldn’t really prepare myself for how it was going to be.” Jacob led the way for Alabama, posting at least a 9.9 on the three events she competed in. Freshman Katie Bailey once again competed in the allaround, scoring a 38.625. Bailey has competed in all four events in her first three meets as an Alabama gymnast. In all, 10 of Alabama’s 24 routines came from freshmen, with four freshman gymnasts competing Friday. “This freshman class – and Kim said it best after the first meet – they remind me of the senior class when they came in as freshmen,” Coach Sarah Patterson said. “They’re not perfect in warm-ups, but they make most of the adjustments they need to. This group of women has one of the best temperaments in terms of team unity and their work ethic. And I’ve coached a long time with some pretty good teams.” DeMeo’s vault and a 9.875 from Diandra Milliner powered Alabama in the opening rotation. On uneven bars, Jacob led Alabama with a 9.9 as the Crimson Tide turned in a 49.3. DeMeo and Jacob once again led Alabama on balance beam, turning in a 9.9 and 9.925, respectively. Jacob finished the night with a bang, posting a 9.9 on the floor event and solidifying the win. “We weren’t perfect tonight, but we improved in a lot of different areas,” Patterson said. “I couldn’t be more proud of this CW | Lindsey Leonard team right now. We’re on pace to do what we need to do.” Freshman Lauren Beers competes on floor, scoring a 9.875.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CW | Lindsey Leonard Senior guard Trevor Releford drives to the basket against No. 6 Florida Thursday night.
UA Athletics Alabama ends a 23-game losing streak to the Lady Bulldogs with a 69-66 win at home Sunday.
Crimson Tide splits pair Women’s basketball team of SEC games at home ends drought against UGA By Charlie Potter and Sean Landry | CW Staff The Alabama men’s basketball team split its pair of home games over the weekend, losing to No. 6 Florida Thursday and defeating LSU Saturday. The Crimson Tide is now 9-10 overall on the season and 3-3 in Southeastern Conference play. Thursday night, Florida attempted a season-high 28 three-pointers, making 10 en route to an efficient 65-59 victory over Alabama. Sophomore guard Michael Frazier led Florida with 18 points, shooting 5-13 on the night – all from behind the arc. Senior guard Trevor Releford said Florida’s long-range shooting, and Frazier’s in particular, hurt the Crimson Tide. “Those threes hurt our momentum,” Releford said. “We just gave Frazier his confidence, and … he just kept letting it go.” Inside the arc, Alabama struggled to quiet senior forward Casey Prather. Prather had 14 points on the night, shooting 6-16 – all inside the paint. For his part, Prather credits his success to halftime adjustments and Frazier’s shooting. “We knew we had to get the ball deep into the zone in order to get good shots at the basket,” Prather said. “I think we did a good job with that in the second half.” Saturday night was a different story for the Crimson Tide, with Alabama claiming an 82-80 victory over LSU. But it was not all smooth sailing against the Tigers. In the first half, Alabama went on a 22-2
Coker to join UA after graduation from FSU FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 1
immediately without sitting out a year. He will have two years of eligibility remaining. Coker joins the quarterback competition to replace three-year starter AJ McCarron next season, something he is accustomed to doing. During his high school career at St. Paul’s, Coker served as McCarron’s backup. At 6 feet 5 inches, 230 pounds, Coker gives the Crimson Tide a big body with a big arm. Bruce Feldman, a senior college football columnist for CBS, spoke with FSU quarterback coach Randy Sanders about Coker’s arm.
run, after LSU opened the game with a 7-0 lead. LSU came alive after halftime, scoring 57 of its 80 points in the second half. “We knew coming in, LSU’s extremely talented,” Alabama coach Anthony Grant said. “They’re an explosive team. They’ve been that way all year.” Junior guard Rodney Cooper contributed 19 points, and his 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range helped the Crimson Tide avoid a second-half meltdown. Cooper also led the team with six rebounds. Cooper and freshman forward Shannon Hale both hit late-game shots that kept Alabama afloat and eventually led to victory. Cooper sunk a layup after an offensive rebound with 1:32 left in the game, and Hale knocked down a three-point shot with 46 seconds to go. Hale scored a career-high 17 points and led the team with six assists, which was also a career best. His three-point basket that gave the Crimson Tide a 79-77 lead came after he missed a three the possession before. “That’s huge,” Releford said. “That just shows how much heart he’s got as a freshman just to throw up a shot like that. That’s huge. That’s huge.” Sophomore guard Retin Obasohan sat out for a second straight game Saturday night after initially missing Thursday’s game against Florida with a strained hip flexor. The Crimson Tide will travel to Auburn Wednesday to face the Tigers. The game tips off at 7 p.m. and is televised on SEC TV.
I’ve never had anybody with his size who throws it as well as he does. — Randy Sanders “I’ve never had anybody with his size who throws it as well as he does,” Sanders said. “Jake has a really quick release with tremendous arm strength. Rarely does it not spiral or not go where he wants it to go.” Coker saw action in four game for the Seminoles this past season and completed 18-of-36 of his passes for 250 yards and one interception.
By Nick Sellers | Staff Reporter The Alabama women’s basketball team enjoyed a signature weekend for coach Kristy Curry’s first season as head coach. On Thursday, Alabama took down No. 9 Kentucky on the road 57-55, winning on a buzzer beater. The Crimson Tide returned Sunday to a packed Foster Auditorium, where it mounted a comeback and broke a 23-game losing streak to the Georgia Bulldogs 69-66. “I wanted this win so bad,” junior guard Sharin Rivers said. “Thinking about my teammates and how hard we were working, I just wanted to knock them down for us.” Georgia (14-6, 2-5 SEC), which was 6-of15 from three-point range in the second half, went cold in the final minutes, missing its last three from downtown after Sharin Rivers gave the Crimson Tide (1010, 3-4 SEC) its final points on two free throws. The announced crowd was 2,678, the largest ever to witness a game in Foster Auditorium. “Crowd was absolutely spectacular, just incredible support today,” coach Kristy Curry said. “[It was] such a big difference maker for us down the stretch.” Alabama had a trio of 16-point scorers in Ashley Williams, Sharin Rivers and Shafontaye Myers. Rivers’ 16 points was a personal best. Williams, a freshman, also led the Crimson Tide in rebounds with nine and hit 7-of-8 from the field. The Crimson Tide was down by double digits in each half, but led 30-29 at haltime.
There were a total of five lead changes in the game and six ties. Georgia also jumped on top of Alabama early in the second half, but a couple three-pointers by Khadijah Carter and Myers chipped away at the Bulldogs’ lead. “People are stepping up,” Curry said. “We practice in different situations with different lineups, and I thought Khadijah Carter’s big threes were huge. Different people stepped up at critical times.” Myers did not play at Kentucky last Thursday and did not start against Georgia. Myers did make an entrance two minutes into the game and ended up with 31 minutes played, second only to Rivers with 36 minutes. Myers’ 16 points accounted for most of the Crimson Tide’s 25 points off the bench. The Bulldogs’ reserves scored six points. The win over Kentucky was Alabama’s first win in Lexington, Ky., since 2002. “There’s nothing better as a coach than watching your team win on the road in a top-10 environment,” Curry said. “That’s what it’s all about. So that emotion’s a little different maybe than coming back and defending your home court.” Daisha Simmons, who led Alabama in scoring against the Wildcats and hit the game-winning shot with three seconds left, was held to two points Sunday, both coming on free throws. “Coming off a win, we just had the perseverance to come get this next win,” Williams said. The Crimson Tide will carry its threegame SEC winning streak to Florida on Thursday to face the Gators (13-6, 3-3).
El-Kaddah passionate about teaching, research EL-KADDAH FROM PAGE 1
of materials.” A private burial service was held at the Birmingham Islamic Society on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. El-Kaddah’s family hosted a wake the following day at their home in Tuscaloosa. Much of El-Kaddah’s work at the University dealt with the field of transport phenomena and kinetics concerning the electromagnetic processing of materials. He authored several patents on containerless melting processes which allow metals to be melted while
University of Alabama Nagy El-Kaddah suspended midair by electromagnetic fields. These processes include electromagnetic stirring in continuous casting of
steel, electromagnetic casting of aluminum, inclusion removal in molten metals processing systems, gas tungsten arc welding processes, thermal plasma spraying and synthesis of materials. “His passion for teaching was well known by all who had the opportunity to interact with him,” Acoff said. “I had the pleasure of working with Dr. El-Kaddah for 20 years, and we collaborated on a number of research projects. He was a mentor, colleague and friend who will be greatly missed.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Humane Society of West Alabama, Alabama Public Radio or the West Alabama Food Bank.
p.9
Monday, January 27, 2014
Fire leaves two student apartments unlivable FIRE FROM PAGE 1
downstairs units, woke him up and helped him grab some possessions and get out of the building. The smoke from the fire spread from the building, located just a couple blocks behind the Strip. Residents of neighboring apartment buildings smelled the smoke and left their own buildings to see what was going on. “We live directly behind the house on fire, and we were walking out of the door and could not see in front of us. We couldn’t see the building in front of us because it was so smoky,� said Kathryn Crenshaw, a senior majoring in economics and Spanish. “We had no idea what was
happening, so we ran down the street, and the entire building was on fire. The blaze was taller than the rooftop of the building next to it.� Pate said the cause of the fire was still unknown but originated in one of the upper units and quickly spread to the adjacent unit. Pate said the two units that were on fire both have moderate to heavy fire damage, while all six of the units have some smoke damage. Some of the lower units have some water damage from the fire hoses used to extinguish the fire. Only the two units with fire damage have been designated as unlivable, Pate said. While no students remained in the building when the fire department arrived, Joey Helean, a junior majoring in journalism, said he was at work when he heard about the fire and immediately returned to the build-
ing where his dog had been left in his upstairs unit. “I saw all this stuff going on, and I just asked the firefighters if they got my dog out, and they hadn’t even opened my door yet because I padlocked it before I left,� Helean said. After the fire had been put out, the firefighters took Helean around the building to unlock his apartment. “I unlocked my door, and they opened it, and it just poured out with smoke. You couldn’t even see in, and they went in – they wouldn’t let me go in – and found her buried under my clothes in my closet,� Helean said. Helean said the firefighters gave Cricket, the dog he had rescued two years ago, some oxygen, and she seemed ok after the ordeal. Pate said a local veterinarian that works with the fire department was on scene and found that Cricket’s lungs
sounded fine. After the fire had been extinguished and the building cleared of debris and deemed structurally safe, the students were allowed to enter their rooms with the firefighters to collect any belongings, many of which were either wet or smelled of smoke. Helean, a diabetic, retrieved his insulin and a few other personal belongings but said that many of his other things were ruined from the smoke and water. “I got all my meds out, and I got my phone charger,� Helean said. “Pretty much everything else was soaking wet. But it’s all just stuff.� The fire department and the University of Alabama Police Department worked with all the residents to ensure that every student had arrangements for a place to
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spend the night. “UAPD worked with Housing and Residential Communities to offer accommodations to the students who were displaced,� Andreen said. “Two needed housing [Thursday night]; the other 12 made other arrangements.� Andreen said the University will continue to provide the students with any residential needs. She also said the Counseling Center is available for any students at all times. “The University will work with the students to meet their individual needs,� Andreen said. “Dr. Benson’s office contacted the students’ professors to make them aware of the situation and ask them to work with the students as needed.�
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p.10 Marc Torrence | Editor sports@cw.ua.edu
Monday, January 27, 2014
SWIMMING AND DIVING
Seniors perform in last home meet without Pursley By Sean Landry | Staff Reporter The final home meet for Alabama swimming and diving was nearly the perfect send-off for Alabama’s seniors. The Alabama men won 15 of their 16 events, defeating Emory 192-62. On the women’s side, Alabama won 13 of 16 events, outscoring the Eagles 178110. Senior Paige McCleary set new school records on both the 1-meter and 3-meter dives, scoring 377.70 and 325.88, respectively. Present at the meet were school officials, including President Judy Bonner, and one of the loudest Alabama Aquatics Center crowds in recent memory. Notably missing, however, was head coach Dennis Pursley, who is currently serving a two-meet, in-house suspension for Level III NCAA Violations. According to the NCAA’s official website, Level III violations which result in a head coach suspension “are isolated or limited in nature; provide no more than a minimal recruiting, competitive or other advantage; and provide no more than a minimal impermissible benefit.” Many Level III violations involve recruiting outside of designated times or excessive amounts of communication with recruits. They are the most
minor of NCAA recruiting violations, and are frequently “inadvertent.” Furthermore, a program’s head coach is “presumed to be responsible for the actions of all assistant coaches and administrators who report, directly or indirectly, to the head coach.” Over the summer, the swimming and diving team reported eight secondary violations from last season, which led all UA teams. The violations ranged from texting a recruit while on an on-campus visit to paying for a club coach’s meal to posting bond for a student-athlete. In the pool Saturday, Alabama sent its seniors off on a high note. McCleary set both diving school records, an achievement she said she hopes will cement her legacy in the program. “For me it’s been an honor,” McCleary said. “It’s so much about tradition, and to be a part of that tradition for four years has been great. For this last meet, leaving a part of myself here has been awesome.” Senior BJ Hornikel was part of the relay teams that opened and closed the meet with Alabama victories, swimming 3:13:99 in the 400 medley and 2:56:21 in the 400 freestyle. Hornikel owns several Alabama records, including the 100 freestyle, but said he looks forward to seeing
those records broken in the future. “I hope other guys step up and break those soon,” Hornikel said. “It’s getting great to be on this team, moving forward, and I wish I had four more years to spend on the team … The freshmen are really impressing me, going forward. They bring so much to the team. It’s just a different level.” In fact, many of the strongest performances on Senior Day came from freshmen. Kristian Gkolomeev, the spring enrollee and Greek Olympian won the 50 freestyle for the second time in as many meets with the Crimson Tide, swimming it in 20.33 seconds. Leah Bird won the 500 freestyle for the women, while Anton McKee won the 1,000 and 500 freestyles, Szymmy Day won the 200 backstroke, Alex Gray won the 100 backstroke, and Connor Oslin won the 100 freestyle all freshmen. Hornikel said he has faith that the Crimson Tide will do well at the upcoming conference and national championships. “I think we’ve been doing pretty well so far,” Hornikel said. “I think people will be surprised when we get to the SEC [Championships] … I think we’re gonna surprise a lot of people.” The Alabama swimming and diving teams will close out the regular season against the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga, Feb. 1.
Despite the absence of head coach Dennis Pursley (left), the UA swim team seniors exceled in the final UA Athletics home meet.
CW | Austin Bigoney
SPORTSIN BRIEF 800-meter performances propel Tide in Kentucky
Men’s tennis team splits weekend matches in California
Women’s tennis team advances to Indoor Championship
A pair of 800-meter runs highlighted the Alabama track and field team’s trip to Kentucky at the Rod McCravy Memorial. Senior Yanique Malcolm recorded the nation’s second-best time of 2:06:58 in the women’s 800 meter. Malcolm’s time was also good enough for third best in Crimson Tide history. Junior Jacopo Lahbi finished runnerup in the men’s 800 meter with a time of 1:48:71, which ranks fourth in the country and third in school history.
The Alabama men’s tennis team fell to No. 16 California 4-2 Friday, dropping its first dual match of the season. However, the Crimson Tide defeated San Diego 4-3 Saturday to advance to 4-1 on the season. Both matches took place in Malibu, Calif.
The Crimson Tide women’s tennis team defeated Oklahoma 4-3 in the ITA Kick-Off Weekend championship match at the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility. With the win, Alabama moved to 2-0 and advanced to the USTA/ITA National Team Indoor Championship for the second consecutive season. Compiled by Charlie Potter
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