WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2014 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 85 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894
CULTURE | GROUNDS
in
40 thousand
Grounds department maintains University landscaping, scenery
dollars per year
100 thousand
By Hannah Widener and Dylan Walker | CW Staff
total flowers per year
70 thousand tulips per year
CW | Photo by Mackenzie Brown; Graphic by Belle Newby Major publications rank The University of Alabama as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation.
hey are up at dawn and work all day, every day, even during summers. They win national awards. However, 34,852 students pass by and step on their work every day. These artisans make up the University of Alabama grounds department. Composed of 80 employees, the grounds department maintains every flower bed, tree, bush and grassy spot on campus. The employees plant 100,000 flowers every year, including 70,000 tulips. The cost of flowers alone is $40,000, noted Bryant Anderson, director of grounds for the past two years. “It’s a good budget,” Anderson said. “They’re very nice to us. We’re not lacking for money.” The tulips are planted in the fall to bloom in spring, but
T
TODAYON CAMPUS Photography exhibit WHAT: Scottsboro Boys: The Fred Hiroshige Photographs WHEN: 9 a.m. WHERE: Paul R. Jones Gallery
all of the other flowers are grown elsewhere and shipped in for display. University of Alabama horticulturalist Chrissy Plowman said the tulips, planted in about half of the beds, are imported from Holland. The President’s Mansion is planted with salvia in the spring. “That’s what Mrs. Witt [wife of former UA President Robert Witt] liked, and we kept it. Salvia in the spring and multi-colored pansies in the fall,” Plowman said. According to Business Insider, Alabama is listed among the “14 Most Beautiful and Iconic American College Quads” alongside universities such as Harvard and Yale. Other publications such as The Daily Beast ranked Alabama number three on its “Most Beautiful” list in 2011. Known best as the home of Denny Chimes, the
WHAT: The Morgan Collection exhibit WHEN: 9 a.m. WHERE: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center
Science celebration WHAT: Darwin Day WHEN: Noon - 7 p.m. WHERE: Smith Hall
SGA statements of candidacy due Changes in election rules to help inform student voters Statements of candidacy for the upcoming Student Government Association elections are due Wednesday. Statements of candidacy include general information about a candidate, as well as their 200-word platform stating their motivation for running for office.
of the SGA rules will stay the same this year, but the election process itself will be slightly different. “The main change that we’ve made [is that] we’re going to put the statement of intent on the ballot this year, which is a new thing, so when people go to vote for those positions right next to [the candidate’s] name will be their 200-word statement of intent,” Vaughn said. “That’s something new this year to give students more SEE SGA PAGE 2
CULTURE | WORKING CONDITIONS
Chance of rain 40º/34º
Partly cloudy 52º/34º
CONTACT
Ple a
Thursday
per •
9 11 11
Wednesday
recycle th i se
per • Ple a
Sports Puzzles Classifieds
tomorrow
pa
2 4 6
today
SEE AWARENESS PAGE 5
s
today’s paper
help and lifeless forms. She said she eventually found hope for an escape, though it was one not without sacrifice. “There was one woman whose shoulder was pinned down under a machine, and we tried to help her, but we could not lift it,” Sikder said. “She told us she might not survive, but could show us a way to.” Tearing up, Sikder continued to relay the story of her deliverance, which was found when a gust of air was felt through a crack in the wreckage and a way out of the concrete maze was discovered. However,
pa
WHAT: “Blood Wedding” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Allen Bales Theatre
WEATHER
Student performance
Groggily waking up to darkness and smoke, Reba Sikder found herself trapped among the rubble of what was the biggest factory collapse in the history of the garment industry. That was April 24, 2013. Ten months and more than 8,400 miles later, Sikder sat in 38 Lloyd, translator at her side, with a story to tell. “I am one of the survivors of the Rana
s
By Margaret Wilbourne | Contributing Writer
Plaza disaster,” said Sikder, beginning her story of what happened when the 8-story building she worked in crumbled, leaving more than 1,100 of her 5,000 coworkers dead and numerous others injured. “The power was gone, and then I just hear a huge sound like ‘boom,’ and I see everyone running and felt like I was falling, and then nothing,” Sikder said. “When I got conscious I felt my whole body wet – the blood was from a body trapped behind me. I heard other people screaming.” Sikder, whose feet were confined under debris, was finally able to free herself, and struggled through the dark among cries for
recycle thi
UA campus group promotes workers’ rights awareness
se
WHAT: “Santitos” WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: B.B. Comer Hall
INSIDE
Madalyn Vaughn, senior advisor to the SGA president and member of the elections board, said she is optimistic about this year’s election, based on two highly attended candidate interest meetings. Students can run for one of the fifty senate seats, which are allocated by college, or one of seven executive offices. In last year’s election, all but one of the executive offices was unopposed, which Vaughn said was a unusual situation. However, Vaughn said, aside from adding a new section about election fraud to the official manual, all
Event hosts factory collapse survivor
Spanish movie night
Briefs Opinions Culture
SEE GROUNDS PAGE 11
NEWS | SGA
By Emily Williams | Staff Reporter
Local art
University’s Quad does not run itself. “I think it’s the leadership commitment,” Anderson said. “Their commitment to making the campus beautiful all year around. They give us the money, equipment, people and resources. They’ve always been very gracious. We’ve never heard them say ‘Chrissy, you can’t plant another flower’ or ‘Kim Byram, you can’t plant another tree or shrub.’” National achievement comes with a slew of challenges for the department, especially during winter storms. Kim Byram, associate manager of grounds, said ice-melting chemicals are an important safety precaution, but can
editor@cw.ua.edu
website cw.ua.edu
CAMPUSBRIEFS
Wednesday February 12, 2014
p.2
ACE accepting applications The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering is accepting applications for ACE, a student ambassador program. ACEs are responsible for helping with events, recruiting future students and serving as hosts and hostesses for the college. Applications can be found online at eng.ua.edu/about/aces and are due Friday.
SCENEON CAMPUS
Career Center holds resume review The Career Center will be holding quick resume reviews on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are necessary. For more information contact Tiffany Goodin at tgoodin@sa.ua.edu or (205) 348-5848.
CHES sports lecture to be held The 2014 Distinguished Lectures in Sport Management presented by the College of Human Environmental Sciences continues tonight with “The Olympic Games” presented by Andrew Billings. The hour-long, free lecture will take place at 1 p.m. in 247 Bryant Hall. For more information, contact Ken Wright at kwright@bama.ua.edu. CW | Lindsay Leonard
WRC to hold relationship panel
The initials of UA Dance Marathon’s slogan “For The Kids” feature student signatures pledging support.
The Women’s Resource Center presents Hot Topics: Situationships. The panel and discussion is being held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Forum. For more information about Sexual Responsibility Week visit a local Health Hut or contact the Women’s Resource Center at (205) 348-5040.
Symphony orchestra to perform The Huxford Symphony Orchestra will hold its fourth concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. in the Moody Music Building Concert Hall. The Orchestra consists of music majors and talented students from other disciplines. The event is open to the public and is $3 with student ID. For more information contact Michelle Rosenberg at (205) 348-7111. Compiled by Maddison McCullough
P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355
WHAT: “A Gift from Nanoscience: Molecular Memory” Lecture WHEN: 2-2:15 p.m. WHERE: Rodgers Library
TODAY WHAT: Scottsboro Boys: The Fred Hiroshige Photographs WHEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Paul R. Jones Gallery
WHAT: “For Love of the Blues” WHEN: 5-8 p.m. WHERE: Druid City Brewing Company
WHAT: The Morgan Collection Exhibit WHEN: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center
WHAT: “William Hazlitt’s Dissenting Memory: Criticism, History, Revolution” WHEN: 5-6:30 p.m. WHERE: 301 Morgan Hall
WHAT: Ladies Night with DJ Proto J WHEN: 4 p.m. WHERE: Rhythm & Brews
EDITORIAL editor-in-chief
Lauren Ferguson
production editor
Katherine Owen
online editor news editor
Marc Torrence John Brinkerhoff Christopher Edmunds
video editor
Daniel Roth
photo editor
Austin Bigoney
lead designer
Sloane Arogeti Elizabeth Lowder Lauren Robertson
ADVERTISING advertising manager
territory manager
special projects manager
creative services manager
account executives
WHAT: Dance! Alabama WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Morgan Auditorium
VISIT US ONLINE AT CW.UA.EDU FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @THECRIMSONWHITE
Mark Hammontree
sports editor
community managers
WHAT: Splatter-Heart Painting WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Sips N Strokes
Mackenzie Brown
culture editor
chief copy editor
WHAT: Second Annual Valentines Gala WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Cypress Inn
Anna Waters
Abbey Crain
opinion editor
WHAT: Huxford Symphony Orchestra WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Moody Music Building
WHAT: Cupid’s Ball WHEN: 4 p.m. WHERE: Rounders
Mazie Bryant editor@cw.ua.edu
managing editor
visuals editor
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
BURKE LUNCH
Batter Fried Chicken Buffalo Chicken Sandwhich Baked Macaroni and Cheese Fresh Collard Greens Penne with Summer Vegtables
LAKESIDE DINNER
Sweet and Sour Pork Cilantro-Lime Rice Grilled Green Beans Steamed Squash Veggie Bean Burger
Tori Hall 251.751.1781 cwadmanager@gmail.com
Candidates hope to display importance, power of SGA
Chloe Ledet 205.886.3512 territorymanager1@gmail.com
SGA FROM PAGE 1
Taylor Shutt 904.504.3306 osmspecialprojects@gmail.com Hillary McDaniel 334.315.6068 Ali Lemmond William Whitlock Kathryn Tanner Camille Dishongh Kennan Madden Julia Kate Mace Katie Schlumper
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 © 2014 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.
LUNCH
Steak Chicken and Swiss Sandwhich Baked Potato Bar Carrots Broccoli
Buffalo Meatloaf Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Panini Sausage Pizza Carmelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
LUNCH
Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwhich Garlic Mashed Potatoes Broccoli Grilled Eggplant Pizza Baked Potato with Chili
IN THENEWS
Pew research finds college education worthwhile based on education has widened over the decades as the economy has become High unemployment has left many more service-oriented and specialized Americans questioning whether the and as globalization and an erosion of soaring cost of college makes it a good unions have further held down wages bargain for today’s young adults. especially for blue-collar workers, analysts But there’s strong evidence that a four- say. year degree pays off, in some ways even For young adults in the mid 1960s, more so now then in the past. when a much smaller share went to New data from Pew Research indicate college and manufacturing was a much that for people 25 to 32 – part of the bigger part of the labor force, college so-called millennial generation – the gap graduates earned $38,833 in 2012 dollars, in earnings between college graduates but employed high school graduates and those with a high school diploma or weren’t so far behind. They had a median less has never been greater in the modern income of $31,384, or 81 percent of those era. with bachelor’s degrees. Pew researchers, in a report released What these data show is that the Tuesday, found that millennials who have education pay gap has widened partly college degrees made about $17,500 because the pay for college graduates more in 2012, on average, than their has risen over the decades but even more peers with only a high school diploma. In so because the real earnings of the less inflation-adjusted dollars, that compares educated have kept falling. The millennial with a gap of almost $10,000 for the early worker with only a high school diploma baby boom generation when they were had a median income of $28,000 in 2012; the same age that millennials are today. that’s down from $32,299 for comparably For the so-called Generation Xers, who educated early baby boomers when they were born between 1965 and 1980, the were young adults. And this difference is pay disparity between college and high even larger than the increase in earnings school graduates at the time they were for college graduates for millennials young adults was $15,780 in adjusted compared with the early boomers. dollars, according to Pew’s analysis of Moreover, in the work world, many federal data. employers see a four-year degree as a In percentage terms, millennial workers must, even for clerical jobs. So even if with only a high school education earned there are doubts about the value of a 61.5 percent of the annual income of college degree – many millennials in the similarly aged adults with a bachelor’s Pew survey had regrets about their major degree. By comparison, for early boomers – what’s clear is that the alternative is a high school graduate’s pay was 77 much worse. percent that of a college graduate, and for As the Pew report authors put it, “The Generation Xers it was 64 percent. picture is consistently bleaker for lessIt’s not surprising that the pay gap educated workers.”
From MCT Campus opportunity to learn about the candidates.” Eugene Berry, a junior majoring in pediatric studies, has previously been involved with SGA and said he is planning to run for a senate seat this year. “I’m hoping that, if nothing else, we’re able to get awareness out about who these people are that are in SGA,” Berry said. “It really bothers me how little people actually know the people that are in SGA and what it does for them and the power that SGA has. I would like to enlighten more people on what it is that we do and why we need this and why people should care about the election process.” Dalton Beasley, a freshmen majoring in music administration who is planning to run for senate, said having the statements of candidacy printed on the ballot will increase candidates’ accountability to their campaign promises. “I’m an open person, and whatever I put beside my name I plan on doing as a candidate,” Beasley said. “So I’m not going to put something in my statement of candidacy that I don’t plan on fulfilling.” Beasley said even students who aren’t involved in SGA have a responsibility to stay informed about the election and vote. “I think it’s important for everyone to not necessarily run for student government, but to do everything they can do to benefit the University,” Beasley said. “If only a certain percentage of people vote, then it’s not a true representation of the student body.” Campaigning officially begins Feb 24. Elections will be held March 11 on mybama. ua.edu.
DINNER
FRESH FOOD
p.3 Mark Hammontree | Editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Authors to be honored for cultural contributions By Taylor Manning | Staff Reporter Students and faculty at The University of Alabama will have the opportunity to commemorate African-American Heritage Month with books this Wednesday. The Women’s Resource Center and the gender and race studies department will honor the works of black female authors and promote literacy through the National AfricanAmerican Read-In event at the Ferguson Center. Participants will read excerpts from their favorite black female authors.
PLAN TO GO WHAT: National AfricanAmerican Read-In WHEN: 5 p.m. WHERE: 312 Ferguson Center “We encourage anyone and everyone to present, no matter their gender or their race,” Jessica Hitchins, assistant director of the Women’s Resource Center, said. The read-in will also promote
literacy in a big way. Part of being literate is being able to read and critically engage different information, she said. “Black women writers have made significant contributions to literature but often go unnoticed by the dominant culture,” Hitchins said. “We cannot make informed decisions and be articulate in an area without reviewing everything that is offered.” Eric Patterson, education and awareness coordinator at the Women’s Resource Center, said that the program also helps bring attention to blacks who have invested in the literary
culture of the United States. “This event honors AfricanAmerican Heritage Month by honoring pioneers within the population,” Patterson said. “The event will have [participants] who will read passages, and they will serve as examples of how literacy can touch people [and be] a transformative experience.” Hitchins said black female writers are often under- appreciated in literary genres, but the read-in provokes participants to actively question why they have not been incorporated into the general education curriculum.
“Black women’s voices are continually marginalized [in] literature, scholarship and artistic arenas,” Hitchins said. “This demands that we take notice of these brilliant works and hopefully spark people to add these authors into our daily practices.” The read-in is hosted in conjunction with African-American Heritage Month, which celebrates black history and recognizes its contributions to society. The event is open to faculty, staff and students and will be held at 5 p.m. in room 312 of the Ferguson Center.
NEWSIN BRIEF Committee discusses proposals
Spring II registration ends Friday
The Faculty Senate Steering Committee met Tuesday afternoon to discuss topics and proposals to be introduced at the next meeting of the full Faculty Senate. The meeting included a presentation of the campus master plan from Dan Wolfe, University of Alabama planner/designer. Wolfe discussed the various aspects of the master plan currently being executed as well as those still in the planning phases. The committee members also discussed several proposals to be introduced to the full senate body, including a proposal to ensure that UA students were receiving multicultural and global citizenship-based instruction as an aspect of the core curriculum.
This semester, The University of Alabama is offering 39 Spring II courses. These courses will be conducted over 10 weeks and range from traditional classroom instruction to online education. These courses are intended for students who may have room in their schedule, need extra credit hours or are below the minimum 12 hours required to be a fulltime student. Elizabeth Perkinson, a sophomore majoring in English and theatre, is taking the Spring II course “Common Book Experience: Banned!” “I was short on hours at the beginning of the semester, but was also very busy with rehearsals,” Perkinson said. “Spring II classes start right around the time the show is ending, so it worked out pretty perfectly.” The subject of Spring II courses vary. The Honors College is offering an extensive list of courses, ranging from interdisciplinary aesthetics to social entrepreneurship. Quintin Slovek, a graduate student in American studies, is teaching a five-week Spring II course in the American studies department called “Music of New Orleans.” The course is split up into jazz, R&B and contemporary music. “People have a lot of misconceptions of New Orleans particularly after Hurricane Katrina,” Slovek said. “I want to look at the area with a different perspective, cut down on misinformation and listen to some good tunes along the way.” Students may register for Spring II classes at mybama. ua.edu through Friday.
Compiled by Mark Hammontree
Located on the strip · 1218 University Blvd. 205-752-2990 · www.locker-room.biz
Compiled by Jacqueline Visina
p.4 John Brinkerhoff | Editor letters@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
COLUMN | SOCIAL JUSTICE
Today’s discourse needs more civility, respect, less vitriol By Samaria Johnson | Staff Columnist
CW | Talia Scarpelli
COLUMN | SGA
SGA must save itself from irrelevance By Patrick Crowley | Senior Staff Columnist The complete irrelevance of the current SGA administration compels me to believe that Jimmy Taylor is The University of Alabama’s version of Carmen Sandiego. Sandiego, however, has a purpose to be hidden, whereas Taylor is, well, absent without a reason. His executive office, senate, judicial branch and First Year Council have more than an ample amount of ambitious and talented people who are capable of generating a positive impact for students. It is a tragedy that the SGA, with so much potential, has produced so little, but one glance at the productivity of Congress reminds me that things could be a lot worse. Jimmy should receive the benefit of the doubt because this academic year thus far has been filled with challenges and issues that the SGA was unprepared for or incapable of answering. He is also a student at the end of the day, with academic and personal obligations he must fulfill. Still, he is the SGA president, and he did not perform up to the expectations of being the leader of the SGA and voice of the student body. So, let us now remind ourselves of the oft-spoken words of every sport fan, and now Alabama student, “There is always next year.” Indeed, on Wednesday, the statements of can-
Patrick Crowley didacy and intent will be turned into the SGA and a new round of potential students will compete for a spot within the organization. I sincerely hope these potential students bring innovative ideas, unequal passion and strong desires to make a difference for the student body of the University. Because the demographics, academic capabilities and interests of students are different for each new entering freshman class, the SGA must reinvent itself yearly in order to properly reflect the evolving dynamics of the student body. Throughout the previous years, the SGA has failed to seize the opportunity to change, and thereby better itself, and it is currently paying
the price. Failures, if handled correctly with the proper mindset, are merely catalysts for profound transformation. Perhaps the new SGA officials will have better hindsight than their predecessors, learn from their past and be bold with vision and progressive leadership. Adding to the wish list, maybe the SGA will elect a female president, which I believe would be an instrumental way to increase collaboration within the SGA and between the SGA and other student organizations. Female leaders are known to be more collaborative than their male counterparts. A female SGA president, the first in this decade, to match the first female president of The University of Alabama, Judy Bonner, would be a progressive and potentially powerful combination. I veritably believe the SGA could be a better voice for the student body that generates collaboration and progressive action on campus. Furthermore, it is high time for a female SGA president to end the streak of similar-looking males. Although the SGA has had its fair share of setbacks, it will be judged much more on their ability to get back up and become the SGA The University of Alabama deserves and needs. Patrick Crowley is a junior majoring in mathematics, finance and economics. His columns runs weekly.
There’s been a fair amount of talk lately about the need for more civility in discourse. Last week, for instance, Janet Mock joined Piers Morgan to talk about her experiences as a trans woman. The two-day exchange quickly devolved into the kind of no-man’s-land characteristic of discussions about controversial issues. Still, niceness is overrated. I’m not saying that these kinds of things don’t ever get out of control. When these sorts of conversations take place, especially on a social media platform, there’s always potential for real damage to be done. However, let’s not confuse hard medicine for vitriol. Civility means that a basic respect is present. It doesn’t mean that an argument never gets personal, because opinions, like oppression and privilege, don’t exist in a vacuum. Let’s remember that if someone’s angry or upset, their emotions don’t invalidate their argument, but are legitimate manifestations of real injury. Dismissing someone or a group of people for being “too sensitive,” for instance, only underscores the world’s failure to provide them with the adequate protection and respect they deserve. It reinforces their marginalization and the privileged’s undue dominance. Civility doesn’t have to be clean. When people like Piers Morgan meet someone like Janet Mock, we must remember that they aren’t meeting on a level field, regardless of appearances. Morgan has power that Mock doesn’t. What’s more, his power is legitimized, while the world generally believes that Mock doesn’t deserve to have any. When Morgan purposely misgendered her and asked inappropriate questions, Mock responded to Morgan on neutral turf – Twitter, that is, where marginalized voices have an outlet they (almost) literally don’t have anywhere else. She outlined very clearly how she was disrespected during Morgan’s interview; her fellow trans activists supported her. Morgan ignored actual contempt – the fatal violence, workplace discrimination and rampant sexual abuse trans people face daily – to blame them for “attacking” him online: “I’m on your side, dimwits.” Maybe someone did bully him; that isn’t excusable. Nonetheless, that doesn’t negate the fact that Morgan both abused and perpetuated abuse against a group of marginalized people and then held himself up as their savior. He, a cisgender heterosexual white man, decided that his feelings were more important than how a black trans woman had been treated. He wanted to be rewarded for the barest minimum of human decency, as if not using gendered slurs was an exceptional feat. How someone is represented is just as important as them being represented at all. Morgan abused Mock and, by extension, the entire trans and non-binary community, when he completely dismissed and ignored her complaints about the way he behaved toward her and treated her experiences. That’s not acceptable. In my journey as a social justice activist, I’ve come to the point where my fundamental stance is that if it’s not intersectional, it’s not valid. If it doesn’t prioritize the well-being and safety of the abused, it’s pointless. “It,” that is, being social justice work. Opinions aren’t created equal: If someone’s opinions and actions advance systems of oppression, I don’t respect them. Accusing marginalized people of causing divisiveness and tension within social justice communities is oppressive, because yes, these places can and do reproduce and perpetuate the capitalistic, ableist, racist, sexist, classist status quo. If my language and behavior harm the people that I’m fighting for - if someone speaks up and I don’t heed their correction - then I’m not actually working for positive change in anyone’s life. I’m only contributing to the filth. So I’m not interested in silencing or submitting myself to the erasure of my experiences because they inconvenience or offend someone. I don’t coddle or make room for so-called allies, even other women and people of color, who insist that my niceness and “good” behavior is a prerequisite for their solidarity. I will and do call people out if they screw up. That’s not vitriol. That’s basic self-care and self-respect. Samaria Johnson is a senior majoring in history. Her column runs biweekly.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR | SOCHI OLYMPICS
Loving sports is no excuse While there is very rarely any occasion to get riled up over a sports page in a student newspaper, the recent Crimson White article by Caroline Gazzara on the Sochi Winter Olympics is notable in its lack of insight. Caroline has decided for her readers that the numerous social, political and economic issues that surround this year’s winter games are of considerably lower importance than the “unifying” effect that the Olympics is intended to have. To this, I say that Caroline is wrong. The issues that she so insensitively refers to as media “buzzing” are actually incredibly powerful and pressing cultural issues. To diminish them, as she does, is perilous and laden with ethnocentrism. How difficult could it possibly be to understand that sports, and even their intended
RReall people and real animals are suffering, and that is not something that Americans can or should support.
unifying effects, are hardly equitable to the monstrous injustices that are taking place around the Russian Olympic games? Whatever “unity” that you believe is being created is certainly not more important than the sufferings of those affected people and animals, be they gay or poor or stray
or some “other [issue] Americans disagree with.” Gazzara is not alone in this belief. An attitude of forgiveness towards the Sochi Olympics, an establishment that has disenfranchised so many groups, has been force-fed to Americans over the past weeks. Most mainstream media, especially that media which caters to the far right, has presented the horrors of these games as dull versions of the truth in comparison to the gleaming hope of the human spirit. And, what is worse, otherwise good Americans have believed them. The denial of humanity to the Russian LGBTQ+ community, the destruction of innocent animals for aesthetic purposes, the extravagance of the games at the expense of Russia’s poor - this “buzzing” is not something to be glazed over because you like watching ice skating. Real
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
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
people and real animals are suffering, and that is not something that Americans can or should support. Our founding documents demand that we seek injustices, in all places, and rectify them. Supporting these games is truly un-American and, more importantly, inhuman. So, to Caroline Gazzara and anyone who thinks like them, I call on you to re-examine your attitudes, to realize that humanity requires you to understand that suffering, in all of its forms, is inexcusable and, most pressingly, to open your heart to compassion. Do not deny the importance of these people and these animals. Represent your country to the best of your ability and love those who are oppressed more than you love luge. Ben Ray is a senior majoring in English.
Last Week’s Poll: Do you know how Bitcoins work? No (36%) Yes (33%) What are Bitcoins? (31%) This Week’s Poll: What is your favorite locally brewed beer? cw.ua.edu/poll
p.5
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Black History Month events highlight impact By Maddison McCullough | Contributing Writer The University of Alabama is celebrating Black History Month with a plethora of events that began last week. The Crossroad Community Center is sponsoring events ranging from tours to read-ins that recognize the contributions of African-American culture to local Alabama society and the rest of the nation. The events also hope to highlight the ongoing impact of the African-American heritage and experience. With events taking place all month long, students are encouraged to try to attend as many events as possible in order to fully take part in the celebration. A campus tour and a literacy event will be held Wednesday. The African-American Heritage campus tour, sponsored by the College of Communication and Information Sciences, will be held every Wednesday in February and will highlight the many locations around campus that take part in African-American history. Jason Black, an affiliate professor of gender and race studies, said the tour is about balancing the good with the bad and honoring our detailed past. “The tour contributes to AfricanAmerican Heritage Month in obvious ways, such as the choice of sites that involve moments of black oppression and black liberation at the University. More to the point, though, the tour treasures our rich, deep and powerful past when it comes to race relations and
PLAN TO GO WHAT: African-American Heritage Campus Tour WHEN: Wednesday, 9 a.m. WHERE: Reese Phifer front steps reconciliation,” Black said. “AfricanAmerican Heritage Month isn’t just about retreading the same icons and storylines in one glimmer of a moment for the sake of storytelling alone. The stories themselves are powerful and motivate thought, deliberation and action. And the stories are to be cherished all year round. The tour helps to underscore the mission of our campus’s celebration of African-American Heritage Month and black heritage throughout the year by working toward social justice and toward living the ‘good life’ together in more fulsome and positive ways.” The second event being held Wednesday is the National AfricanAmerican Read-in literacy event at 5 p.m. in room 312 of the Ferguson Center. Sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, this event features African-American female authors ranging from African authors to more familiar American writers, such as Audre Lord, Maya Angelou and even local artists. On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Bama Theatre will host the second annual
Campus group promotes safe foreign factories, proper audits AWARENESS FROM PAGE 1
total relief was far from being felt. “I don’t want any worker to get trapped like I did and rescued two days later,” Sikder said. “Without your help, we cannot accomplish this.” Sikder refers to the work already set in motion by the University’s United Students Against Sweatshops student group, which advocates for fair labor and living wages in factories like Rana Plaza. USAS hopes to get the SUPe Store to stock merchandise printed on Alta Gracia products, a “living wage brand” already affiliated with 180 colleges nationwide such as Duke and Notre Dame.
Tuscaloosa African Film Festival. Three movies will be presented along with two award-winning shorts. The event is presented by the Edward A. Ulzen Memorial Foundation and Afram South Inc., two non-profit organizations supporting education and public health initiatives in Ghana, West Africa and West Alabama. Tickets are available online and at the Bama Theatre box office. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Capstone College of Nursing is hosting a lunch panel and discussion titled “Addressing the African-American Health Disparities.” An array of topics will be discussed, such as disparities in fertility, cancer health, cardiovascular disease in rural populations and underserved minorities in medical education. “This event is important in regards to the overall health issues and disparities that exist among African Americans. There is certainly relevance to today’s culture, for example, some of the health issues that will be discussed during the panel discussion could be significantly impacted by lifestyle changes,” JoAnn Oliver, a panelist member for the discussion, said. “As health care professionals, we have an opportunity to provide information to an audience that is inclusive of other ethnicities and are a part of the ‘village’ that can help make a difference.” To see the full calendar of events, CW | Austin Bigoney go online or email Lane McLelland, Black History Month will be celebrated with events that expand director of the Crossroads Community on the work accomplished by last year’s Through the Doors series, which commemorated the University’s integration. Center, at lane.mclelland@ua.edu.
The factories manufacturing Alta Gracia products operate differently from a typical sweatshop by offering realistic wages and safer working environments via audits. These two factors are needed for change in the industry, said Kalpona Akter, a labor organizer from Bangladesh who helped translate Reba Sikder’s story. “Who is responsible for this disaster? It is beyond the factory owner. The companies, the brand, have more responsibility,” Akter said. “They are supposed to audit and ensure factories are safe, but these [audits] are always announced, and workers are coached on what to say. “We are [also] asking for companies to give factories more money – as it is, they do not have enough for repairs [in machinery and infrastructure] or for decent wages.” Angely Martinez, a junior majoring in inter-
Who is responsible for this disaster? It is beyond the factory owner. The companies, the brand, have more responsibility. — Kalpona Akter national studies and French, said it is important to stay globally aware despite the cloistered life of a college setting. “It’s people’s job to inform themselves and to learn about living in perspective,” Martinez said. “When I read about this last year, it was really chilling, but hearing about it in person makes it more terrible.”
Martinez said she recognizes the need for the kind of action Akter is calling for and plans to help make an effort for the fair labor cause. “It’s unacceptable to have a huge factory like this collapse. That shouldn’t be happening today,” said Martinez. “If I can at least reach out to one or more people, that can get the ball rolling.” Akter and Sikder will continue their nationwide tour, sponsored by the National United Students Against Sweatshops organization, with stops in Washington, D.C. and New York City to raise awareness about slacking fair labor laws and inspections in countries such as India. But, as Garrett Strain, the NUSAS member who is managing the tour, reminded attendees, change begins locally. “We can all leave this room being aware,” Strain said. “What needs to happen is action.”
Check out these deals to find the sweetest gift for your Valentine!
1 Microdermabrasion
$48
$8 Brow or Upper Lip Wax
The Laser Skin Center 2810 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd. 205-333-7670
p.6
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
CW | Austin Bigoney Alabama International Justice Mission hosts “Night of Justice” to raise awareness and generate participation for a cause, fighting human trafficking and slavery worldwide.
Night of Justice raises trafficking awareness By Kailey McCarthy | Contributing Writer Alabama International Justice Mission, a campus organization that fights human trafficking and slavery all over the world, held an event on Monday in order to raise awareness for the cause. Night of Justice was intended to be an opportunity for anyone interested in joining the fight against oppression to hear how they can get involved and what is happening this semester. “The purpose of AIJM is to, through prayer, raise funds and awareness in regards to the issues of human trafficking (modern day slavery). Our mission is to make it so that no one on this campus is uninformed that there are more slaves in the world today than in the entire African slave trade,” Katherine Jordan, president of AIJM, said. “It is our mission to inform people that this is not just an issue across the world from us, but it is happening in
We’re trying to put the word out because a lot of people don’t know that modern slavery is a thing. — Parker Floyd
our own backyards, as Atlanta is one of the top trafficked cities in the world.” Jordan added anyone who has an interest or a passion for fighting human trafficking should be involved in AIJM. “Coming to our events and spreading the word means that you are member of this movement,” Jordan added. “We want to share our
heart behind why we are a part of this movement to stop human trafficking.” Parker Floyd, AIJM social media officer, said he wants to make AIJM a known organization around campus. “We’re here tonight to tell people who we are and what we do. Essentially, we are here for freedom from slavery. We are going to point out that slavery is still happening; it’s a real thing and a real problem,” Floyd said. “We think our generation has been called out to do something about it. We’re just trying to put the word out there because a lot of people don’t know that modern slavery is a thing.” Maggie Snead, coordinator of the event, said AIJM works directly with International Justice Mission to support funds and raise awareness. “The International Justice Mission has people that actually find brothels, and they go in to free the girls, then have rehabilitation houses for them to go to. AIJM works to
support these people, and make it possible for them to succeed,” Snead said. “At the Night Of Justice event, we introduce the members of our team and their roles. I will share about the future events that we have coming up, then we will show a brief video and then have a time where people in attendance can write letters to their congressmen about the Safe Harbor Laws.” Jordan added that AIJM raised more than $15,000 in the past year for IJM and that the money goes directly to IJM to help funds things like brothel raids, arresting pimps and rescuing slaves. “We have a Night of Justice every semester in order to help people get more involved and share the heart of this organization with others,” Snead said. “This event is not about raising funds, but simply allowing people outside of our team to be involved as well as spread awareness of the problem of slavery.”
Smith Hall to host Task force to promote diversity science, evolution celebration event By Taylor Manning | Staff Reporter
By Christopher Chase Edmunds | Chief Copy Editor The Alabama Museum of Natural History will celebrate Charles Darwin’s 205th birthday Wednesday with a day-long celebration of scientific advances. Darwin Day will include evolution talks, poster presentations, a themed cake competition, trivia and a movie showing. The event is presented by several organizaWikimedia Commons tions, including the UA Charles Darwin Evolutionary Studies Club. Taylor Burbach, president of the club, said this year’s Darwin Day is a more accessible version of last year’s event because of the variety of fun and interactive elements. “The Evolutionary Studies club hosted a Darwin Day colloquium last year as part of our effort to promote evolution education,” Burbach said. “This year we’ve tried to make the event more accessible to the general public.” Students will present alongside faculty members and experts as part of Darwin Day. Sarah Duncan, president of UA Biology Graduate Assistants, said student presentations are just as important as presentations by experts in the field. “Student participation is extremely important,” Duncan said. “To create a movement of science literacy in general, we need the next generation of science supporters to speak out and share their own knowledge to their peers.” Charles Darwin was a well-known naturalist born in 1809. His many scientific theories, including evolution by natural selection, have contributed to discoveries in a variety of disciplines, including medicine, technology and biology. Darwin’s work has not always been well recieved by the public. Many people refuted his theories when they were first published. Now, 155 years after the publication of his book “On the Origin of Species,” the debate over the validity of evolution and how it should be taught in public schools still rages on. Leslie Rissler, associate professor of biology and chair of the Evolution Working Group, said she has encountered some challenges while teaching evolution at a Southern school. “The Bible Belt presents its own challenges because many students have not been taught evolution in the public schools,” Rissler said. “That means students enter college with much less knowledge than they should.” According to the National Center for Science Education’s study of K-12 science standards across the United States, Alabama has a failing grade when it comes to science education. Rissler said Darwin Day is one small step in the long process to correct the state’s path. “As an educator, I want that to change,” she said. “I want our students, and my children, to have access to the best education in the country. We do not have quality education without science, and evolution is very much a part of WHAT: Darwin Day that.” WHEN: Wednesday, Darwin Day is free and open to the public. The first noon – 5 p.m. talk will be presented by WHERE: Alabama Leslie Rissler at noon in Museum of Natural History, Smith Hall.
PLAN TO GO
Smith Hall
The task force created last fall in response to allegations of segregation in the Greek system has begun to show the first fruits of its labor in encouraging campuswide diversity. The Senate Task Force for Excellence in Equity, Inclusion & Citizenship, which was initiated in a unanimous resolution by the Faculty Senate, hopes to present its findings and recommendations to the senate before the spring Student Government Association elections. “It’s a temporary task force [that] brings a lot of different good people together to help overcome some of the problems that occurred during the fall semester,” Norman Baldwin, task force member, said. Though Baldwin was unable to comment on what the recommendations are, he said the panel’s report to the next Faculty Senate Steering Committee will involve SGA election reforms. In the past, SGA has had a number of problems with diversity, including election infractions and over-representation of Greek members, Baldwin said. “The committee is interested in any number of things, including making sure elections are fair and that they will allow for an inclusive SGA, that a variety of people can in fact get elected and essentially that there are fair processes and [that] when there are violations, people are held accountable,” Baldwin said. George Daniels, associate professor and member of the Black Faculty and Staff Association, said the task force is a way for the Faculty Senate to continue the efforts initiated by the Greek controversy. Maintaining ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusiveness is a positive movement, he added. The task force, which is comprised of faculty, students and UA administrators, meets every Tuesday for two hours. Members also meet informally throughout the
week. The committee’s meetings are currently private, though it will hold some public meetings in the future, Baldwin said. The committee has also spoken with several representatives from student organizations, including SGA and the Panhellenic Association. “They spend a lot of time every week meeting with a number of individuals across campus, [including] administrators and faculty members, to get a sense of the temperature on campus – where there’s opportunity for improvement,” Steve Miller, faculty senate president, said. Baldwin said there are a few problem areas on campus concerning diverse student representation. “Throughout the University there are organizations that are more exclusively one race,” Baldwin said. “The University as a whole is integrated, but the organizations within the University need to be further integrated and diverse.” While there are departments on campus that address diversity and integration issues, there is no formal Office of Diversity. Baldwin said the absence of an Office of Diversity may also be addressed by the task force. Though an Office of Diversity has been suggested, various organizations on campus, such as the Crossroads Community Center, reflect that the University is clearly concerned with diversity, Baldwin said. However, the task force is open to hearing about any new structures that are suggested. The task force’s upcoming report was a joint effort from a variety of elements on campus, he said. “The key is what happens after the recommendations are released,” Daniels said. “Will they actually become actionable? It’s not enough to just have a controversy and nothing changes. The question that those of us on the outside should be asking is what permanent changes are going to happen as a result of the task force.”
The University as a whole is integrated, but the organizations within the University need to be further integrated and diverse. — Norman Baldwin
p.7 Abbey Crain | Editor culture@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Table for two By Hannah Widener | Contributing Writer
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and whether you are celebrating with your beloved, going out with friends or celebrating your singledom, here are some places to consider going.
H They say the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and if you are most men, then you enjoy a good steak. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Birmingham is a bit out of the price range for most college students, but the food is worth it. If you are willing to spend a little extra on the one you love and make the trip, then you’ll be able to enjoy juicy steaks that melt in your mouth and equally delicious desserts. For reservations call (205)879-9995. They are open from 3-10 p.m.
Known for its Southern charm, Epiphany Café serves jumbo lump crab cakes and dinner at a price that won’t break the bank. Try the delicious chocolate soufflé, or if chocolate is not your thing, the ginger lemon crème brulée or apple and brown butter financier. Call (205) 344-5583 for reservations.
Looking to dance the night away? Cypress Inn is hosting their second annual Valentine’s Day Gala. Located on the beautiful Black Warrior River, the night will feature a three-course “Surf and Turf” meal, a dessert buffet and music by Soul Tide. You can make a reservation and purchase tickets online for you and your loved one, or for a group of your single friends. Dinner will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and music and dancing will begin at 8:30 p.m. and go until midnight.
Girls who want to start their Valentine’s Day early but don’t have a date can make their way on over to Five Bar for Thursday’s Ladies’ Night, when selected drinks are half priced. The bar is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Mon. through Thurs. and open until midnight Fri.t hrough Sat. Ladies can kick off their heels and enjoy a night of good food and great friends with no reservations needed. Who said you need a significant other in order to celebrate Valentine’s Day anyway? But if you do, Five is taking reservations
Seafood lovers will enjoy dim lighting and a romantic atmosphere at Chucks. They offer a wide variety of sushi, steak and desserts ranging in price from $6-$30. Get your chopstick skills ready for Chucks’ famous sushi bar. After all, you are just two fish in the sea, so why shouldn’t you enjoy a California roll — or 12 — on Valentine’s Day? Chuck’s is taking reservations for Valentine’s Day.
For lovebirds who are looking to re-enact the scene from “Lady and the Tramp,” DePalma’s is the place to go for fine Italian cuisine. Twinkly lights over a plate of veal marsala has romance written all over it. DePalma’s does not take reservations, so get there early. They’re open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
CW | Phoebe Rees
Woods Hall hosts Valentine’s-based art collection By Elayne Smith | Contributing Writer
CW | Austin Bigoney Derek Cracco’s artwork depicts the depth and connotations of love, on display in Woods Hall.
Love is in the air, as Derek Cracco’s artwork exploring the nuances of love hangs in Woods Hall until Friday. Inspired by the depth and connotations of love, Cracco’s exhibit, “Love Songs,” is a collection of pieces dating from 2004 forward. On Feb. 17, Cracco will give a speech on the evolution of the artwork and the different techniques he used. With some pieces a political statement and others an autobiography, Cracco’s artwork expresses his passion. “I cannot not make art,” Cracco said. “I have to be in my studio making a mess. The works are just basically my way of getting rid of this tick that I have. If I make art, it’s a way of calming myself.” Some of Cracco’s pieces took up to four months to make, while others took about a month. He uses collages, paint, computer graphics and various styles. Cracco said he considers himself a mixed media artist, as he doesn’t limit himself to one technique or form of art. Pete Schulte, assistant professor of art at The University of Alabama, said Cracco’s juxtaposition of materials adds an exciting visual vocabulary to Cracco’s expression. “He’s a really technically innovative artist in the way he blends media and technology and painting, as well as the imagery that he uses and combines in collage and technique,” Schulte said. “They’re visually very stimulating and very electric.” The exhibit’s title was inspired by some pieces that portrayed a love song in art. Cracco said these pieces are a sarcastic foil as the love described in the songs is unhealthy. Other pieces explore the differences in romance and how a person sees their
Runoff Stormwater runoff is the rain and melting precipitation that flows off streets, rooftops, lawns, and farmland. The flowing water carries salt, sand, soil, pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, oil, litter, and many other pollutants into nearby waterways. In developed areas much of the land is covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow water to soak into the ground. Storm Sewers are used to carry the large amounts of runoff to nearby waterways.
For questions, concerns, or to report potential stormwater violations, contact the Office of Environmental Safety at 348-5905
mate or how their mate sees them. Some of Cracco’s pieces explore the deviations in Christian love. “In the end, what I try to do is to try and create work that is personal, but I try and express it in a way that’s universal so that everybody can come to images with their own thoughts and feelings and relate to it on their own terms,” Cracco said. “It’s a way to just connect to another human being, my thoughts, my ideas and then having someone else, I guess, justify it or relate to it. They respond to the work.” Schulte said Cracco’s approach to his subject and the way he expresses his beliefs allows the audience to respond in their own way. Experiencing a piece of art can vary from person to person, but Schulte said that if everyone goes in to an exhibit with an open mind, there’s a lot for them to experience. “We all have beliefs and points of view,” Schulte said. “I think more that he’s asking questions, and I think that’s one of the great things art can do. And the more you do that – it kind of serves as a mirror for the audience. Cracco’s work does that very eloquently and allows you to really question where you stand in some of the themes he expresses.” Cracco explores conceptual connotations through color. He uses a light pink color in several of his pieces that comes from artificial sweetener bags to represent the fake sweetness that can be characteristic of love and religion. Cracco said he’s gotten a lot of negative responses to his work, but they’re important because they spark dialogue. “It’s important to get students to think beyond the four walls that they’re contained in, to see that there are other opinions and other ways of thinking outside of their norm,” Cracco said.
CULTUREIN BRIEF Diverse Desserts teaches Valentine’s Day cultures The Honors College will host their Valentine’s Day edition of Diverse Desserts on Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Ridgecrest South Atrium. “Love Around the World” is a chance for students to sample desserts from around the world while learning how other cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day.
‘Blood Wedding’ premieres in Rowand-Johnson Hall The University of Alabama department of theatre and dance presents Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding” Thursday at the Allen Bales Theatre in RowandJohnson Hall. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at ua.tix.com.
p.8
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Roberts
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Roberts
Photo Courtesy of Brian Taylor
Photo Courtesy of Brian Taylor
Photo Courtesy of Brian Taylor
In the past, Fashion Inc. has presented shows with various themes. The organization is partnering with the Career Center and Belk to present the “Dress for Sucess” fashion show Wednesday.
Fashion Inc., Career Center pair for fashion show By Bianca Martin | Contributing Writer Fashion Inc. and the Career Center are partnering up with Belk to answer one question college students constantly struggle with: “Do you think this counts as business wear?” The “Dress for Success” fashion show will be presented to give students examples of professional outfits that go beyond the basic black suit. Hanna Roberts, president of Fashion Inc., said the show will be beneficial for anyone who wants to spice up his or her business wear. “It is really informative,” Roberts, a senior majoring in fashion retail said. “[Students] can learn more about what to wear and what trends they can incorporate into business attire.” Roberts said Belk will provide the clothes that will be shown and the idea for the show was originally brought on by the
PLAN TO GO WHAT: Dress for Success Fashion Show WHEN: Wednesday, 6 p.m. WHERE: Ferguson Center Theater Career Center. The idea of appropriate, yet stylish business wear is one that is on the minds of many students. Fashion Inc. member Emily Helveston said the show will give students a good guideline for going into interviews. “I think it is really important that [students] know how to dress professionally for the interview so they will not be wearing something that is not appropriate,” Helveston, a senior majoring in fashion retail, said. “And they can have a fashionable side to it.” Rachel Ramey, a sophomore majoring in
civil engineering, is part of the STEM business program and said professional wear is a skill college students should master. “It is important, especially for girls, to know what ‘business’ means,” Ramey said. “Do you wear a skirt? Do you wear heels? What kind of heels are appropriate? What kind of jewelry? How much makeup? How does your hair go? There are lots of options, so you do not really know what to do.” Though the main idea of the show is about the clothes, it is not just for those looking to be a little more fashion-forward. Representatives from Belk will be there to give information about their business. The representatives will give information on what it is really like to work with a large retail business, such as Belk. Roberts said she believes the information will be useful for students of many different majors. “They get to learn a little more about
Belk and the opportunities that are available,” Roberts said. “Whether you are a business student in marketing or whether you are a retail student, it is going to be really beneficial.” However, the main purpose the fashion show still stands – giving students more assurance of what really counts as business-wear. Ramey said she hopes the show will teach her how to keep her personal style when dressing professionally. “When you are a 20-year-old girl, you want to look professional, but you also do not want to look too old,” Ramey said. “You do not want to look too young or too flirty or unprofessional, but not too boring. You want to be you.” The “Dress for Success” fashion show will be Wednesday, in the Ferguson Center Theater at 6 p.m. For more information about Fashion Inc., visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/UAFashionInc.
p.9 Marc Torrence | Editor sports@cw.ua.edu
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
COLUMN | FOOTBALL
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Athletes’ personal lives should not be a factor By Sean Landry Like most sports addicts, I’m watching the Olympic Games while I’m supposed to be working. Infamously, these Sochi games are being held in a country where it is illegal for people to be openly gay. Public acknowledgement of a homosexual identity is grounds for imprisonment in Russia, a law which many claim violates the Olympic Charter and led many to call for the first Olympic boycott since the 1980s. Yet despite this controversy, people are watching. The Olympics are drawing incredibly high overnight ratings, because in the end, these are amazing athletes who are the best in the world at what they do, and that’s what matters to the audience. Meanwhile, at home, the nation is facing the high probability of welcoming the first openly gay player in a major sport – not just a major sport, but the major sport. The NFL is the biggest sports league in the world, and by the end of the summer, Michael Sam will play for an NFL team. He will play defensive end or linebacker for an NFL team, he will probably sack a few quarterbacks, and he will be openly gay. His sexual orientation won’t matter, because he can play. It won’t matter next year, just like it didn’t matter to Sam’s classmates when they found out about it nearly five years ago. It didn’t matter to his teammates at the University of Missouri, either, when they found out in August, just before an historic run to the SEC Championship Game. But, in many ways, it will matter. It will matter to the bigots in the locker room, who undoubtedly exist. Sam will be hazed, because all NFL rookies are hazed, but hopefully not any more than his peers. It will matter to people like the Westboro Baptist Church, who are reportedly planning to protest on Missouri’s campus, much like they did on The University of Alabama last year – though for slightly different reasons. It will matter to NFL scouts and front offices, who are notoriously wary of “locker room distractions,” in a league that is, in many ways, miles behind the other major leagues in terms of acceptance in the locker room. NFL executives have already anonymously told Sports Illustrated that they expect Sam’s draft stock to fall from the mid-draft position he previously held. Most of all, it will matter because it shouldn’t matter. Just like Jackie Robinson, in the end, it comes down to whether or not the player can play. It’s important that Sam work hard, fight for his teammates and contribute. In the end, what matters is winning.
50%OFF
Select Women’s Apparel
CW File Natalia Maynetto and the rest of the women’s tennis team will host Virginia at home Saturday.
Maynetto, Tide to face Virginia By Caroline Gazzara | Staff Reporter For the last few minutes of practice, Natalia Maynetto stepped up against teammate Maya Jansen, ready to face off against her friend. At 5 feet 6 inches, Maynetto had to look up at her opponent, but that didn’t concern her. With a smile on her face, she was ready for the serve. Four short volleys later, Maynetto ended the practice with a victory. The sophomore is used to ending the day with a win, though she humbly said there’s always room for improvement. Maynetto has won six of the last seven singles matchups this season. “Well I think it was a lot of how I was brought up,” Maynetto said. “My dad is my coach. He played for Clemson. I was brought up to never take things for granted. I’ve learned so much from [coach Jenny Mainz] and she’s always saying we’re never satisfied, there’s always room for improvement. I think you can always keep accomplishing more. It’s also how I like to handle the [matches], always shoot
PLAN TO GO WHAT: Women’s Tennis vs. Virginia WHEN: Saturday, noon WHERE: Roberta A. Baumgardner Indoor Tennis Facility for more and just be grateful for what you have.” The Crimson Tide will host Virginia at the Roberta A. Baumgardner Indoor Tennis Facility for the last match of the ITA National Championship on Saturday. Alabama faced Virginia last weekend but lost 4-1. As a freshman, Maynetto was one of six players on the team. She went undefeated in SEC competition, 10-0, and went all the way to the NCAA Championships. With all her early success, Maynetto said it was hard to deal with the pressure to succeed. “It was tough because everyone was like you never lose, you never lose a match,” Maynetto said. “Obviously
I had that in my head. Every match I was about to play, I would try not to think about it, I would just try to focus on that match. I think that helped a lot because as the season went on everybody said, ‘You’re 9-0.’ And I was just like, ‘I’m just going to try and focus on this match.’ For me, if I was caught up in it, it would have distracted me but it was tough. I definitely had to battle staying focused.” Originally from Naples, Fla., Maynetto was ranked No. 17 in the country before being recruited by Mainz. Mainz said Maynetto’s aggression really peaked her interest. “The first time I ever saw her play was in Birmingham at a clay court tournament,” Mainz said. “It was the way she competed, it wasn’t necessarily her forehand or her backhand, but it was just her tenacity, her feistiness, the way she competed. It was on clay, so the points are more of a struggle. You have to work harder on clay to set points up. But I love the way she competed. She’s a ferocious competitor. She is ferocious.”
{} REACH A LARGE, DIVERSE AUDIENCE DAILY.
Advertise with
525 Greensboro Ave. Downtown 752-6931
www.TheShirtShop.biz
NA5655397
STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7-6pm Sat. 9-5pm
Miss an important issue? No worries.... we’ve got you covered!
For only $5 you can have a back issue mailed to your home. Visit http://store.osm.ua.edu and request the one you missed today!
p.10
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
SPORTSIN BRIEF Brown hired by Louisville Alabama secondary coach Greg Brown was hired by Louisville to do the same job, Louisville announced Monday. The move frees up former director of player personnel Kevin Steele to move to an on-field role.
Club offers bus to Auburn The Alabama gymnastics booster club is providing a free bus to the Crimson Tide’s meet at Auburn on Friday. The bus will leave from Coleman Coliseum at 2 p.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Auburn by 5:30 p.m. Those who choose to ride the bus will receive free tickets to the meet. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. If interested, contact Rita Martin at rmartin@ia.ua.edu.
Jacob earns SEC honor Alabama senior gymnast Kim Jacob was named the SEC Specialist of the Week, the league announced Tuesday. It’s Jacob’s second SEC honor this season and the team’s fourth overall.
Gymnastics moves up to No. 5 The UA gymnastics team moved up two spots to No. 5 in the latest rankings. The Crimson Tide is also ranked No. 4 in both vault and balance beam, No. 5 on uneven bars and No. 9 on floor exercise. Alabama will travel to face No. 12 Auburn Friday at 7 p.m.
UA soccer hires new assistant Former Sky Blue FC assistant coach Erwin van Bennekom will join the Alabama soccer team as the newest member of the coaching staff. The Netherlands native will bring nearly 15 years of coaching experience with him at both professional and collegiate levels.
Tulsa hires volleyball coach Assistant volleyball coach Ryan Willis has accepted a head coaching job at his alma mater, the University of Tulsa, the University announced Monday. Willis spent three seasons at Alabama, during which the Crimson Tide had a 53-44 record. Compiled by Kayla Montgomery, Charlie Potter and Marc Torrence
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Releford, Alabama snap streak By Sean Landry | Staff Reporter It was so nearly the same old story for Alabama basketball Tuesday night. Turnovers and a stagnant offense made a halftime lead evaporate, and Alabama was fading down the stretch. The same formula had seen Alabama drop several winnable games this season, including a road loss to Arkansas less than a week ago. Tuesday night, however, senior Trevor Releford flipped the script. The senior point guard’s late-game heroics, including 21 second-half points on his way to 26 overall and a game-winning threepointer with less than a second to go, powered the Crimson Tide to a 67-64 victory over Ole Miss. The win, which snapped a 4-game losing streak, was one Releford said the team needed. “It was joy. It was a lot of relief off the players,” Releford said. “We’ve been practicing hard, and we needed a win. We deserved it … I’m happy for everyone on the team … This was huge.” Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy said he was anything but surprised at Releford’s performance. “We all knew that the ball was gonna go
through Trevor Releford,” Kennedy said. “That’s what a senior all-league player does, and he made a big shot.” While the closing minutes of the game belonged to Releford, 18 points from senior Nick Jacobs and 15 points from Shannon Hale helped power the team to an early lead. “It was great to see some other guys step up,” coach Anthony Grant said. “I thought Nick Jacobs’ effort tonight was huge. I thought Shannon was aggressive to get himself to the free-throw line … I thought Rodney Cooper was huge tonight with 10 rebounds.” Kennedy was disappointed in his team’s performance, particularly with guard Marshall Henderson. The senior was held to 14 points, 5 less than his season average. “We’ve seen almost everything as it relates to [Henderson],” Kennedy said. “We challenged him. He shot 3 free throws this game. It’s the first time he’s been to the foul line on the road in our last four games, and that was being fouled on a 3-point shot, so that doesn’t really count. We told him, ‘If they’re doing that, if they’ve got a big on you, you’ve got to drive to the basket.’ He chose to shoot 4-15.” Alabama will travel to take on South Carolina on Saturday at 3 p.m.
CW | Austin Bigoney Trevor Releford celebrates with his team following a game-winning three-pointer.
MEN’S GOLF
Tide prepares for two coastal tournaments By Kelly Ward | Staff Reporter Despite the recent cold weather, the Alabama men’s golf team is gearing up for the spring season. For its next two tournaments, the team will be on the coast. “It’s going to be nice and warm,” coach Jay Seawell said. “We haven’t had very many practice days here, and it really does give us eight or nine really good days to practice. We will probably catch a wave or two but mostly practice, so we look forward to that and look forward to seeing what happens this spring.” The team will head out to Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, for the Puerto Rico Classic at the end of February. The next weekend, the team will play in the Querencia Cabo Collegiate Invitational in Los Cabos, Mexico. The team swept its fall schedule. Combined with the spring, the Crimson Tide has won 10 straight events. “To win 10 in a row is an accomplishment.
Like I said, [when] I’m hopefully rocking on a rocking chair, I’m really old, I look back and go, ‘Wow,’” Seawell said. “We’d like to get 11 because that’s the next one, but I am really proud of that.” Even with the recent streak after winning the national championship, the team has gone back to basics on the offseason to prepare for the spring. “The biggest thing during the offseason is just to evaluate your weaknesses,” senior Cory Whitsett said. “First evaluate your game. Figure out what you need to work on. That’s really the main thing I try to do. I try to take it easy in the beginning of the offseason, just really recuperate and get my mind fresh, and work out a lot, too, to get the body back to where it needs to be to work and improve the things you need to.” Whitsett is one of three seniors on the team. Whitsett and fellow senior Bobby Wyatt were awarded first team All-American honors by Golfweek.
Senior Trey Mullinax was an honorable mention for the same award. “Our program was doing the right things, and we built the foundation, and when these three guys decided to come, it changed Alabama golf, and I think we can always look back on that a long, long time from now, and it be really a special time, so I’m excited about this last go together, and we’ll see where it goes,” Seawell said. Mullinax, Whitsett and Wyatt have been roommates since they were freshmen, so they’ve had time to reflect on their accomplishments at the University, Mullinax said. “We always kind of, every now and again, talk about the NCAA and the SEC Championship and stuff, but we really look forward to the coming spring and look forward to what we can do now and try to not to reflect too much on it,” Mullinax said. “Yeah, like coach says, there’s always time to reflect on what we’ve done, but now’s a new season, and it’s a new start for us so we’re looking forward to the spring.”
Alabama Statewide Classified Advertising Network Ads
Got the design bug? Apply for an Advertising Creative Services Design Internship with The Crimson White Gain valuable experience without leaving campus! No prior experience is necessary. There is a possible hiring at the end of the internship for any intern who has shown strong creative skills, a willingness to learn, and dedication to their work.
Email Hillary at: cwcreativemanager@gmail.com
for more information or to set up an interview
SERVICES HIGH-SPEED Internet is now available where you live for only $39.99 per mo. New Superfast Satellite Internet with speeds up to 15 Mbps! Ask about discounts for DishNetwork or DirecTv customers! We also now offer phone service as low as $19.99 per mo. Call Today! 1-800-266-4409 www.pbsinternet.com
INSTRUCTION MEDICAL OFFICE trainees needed! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant! No experience needed! Online training at SC gets you job ready! HS diploma/GED & PC/ Internet needed! 1-888-9266075. (R)
HELP WANTED-DRIVERS 25 DRIVER TRAINEES needed now! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $750 per week! No experience needed! Job ready in 15 days! 1-888743-4611. (R) ATTN: DRIVER trainees needed now! $800 to $1000 a week plus great benefits! Home weekly or OTR available. No CDL? We will train you! Call today 1-800-878-2537. DRIVERS: RUN FB with WTI. Be home through the week and weekends. Start up to 28% plus fuel bonus. New equipment. BCBS. Experience needed. LP available. Call 1-877-693-1305. (R)
& Texas. $0.38 - $0.45 per mile. Home most weekends. BC/BS insurance + benefits. Minimum 2 years experience & clean MVR. 1-800-580-2205 x 1. OWNER OPERATORS CDL-A up to $200,000 a year. Out 2 weeks home as many days as needed. Lease purchase available. Sign on bonus. 1-855-8032846. NEED CLASS A CDL training? Start a career in trucking today! Swift Academies offer PTDI certified courses and offer “Best-In-Class” training. New academy classes weekly, no money down or credit check, certified mentors ready and available, paid (while training with mentor), regional and dedicated opportunities, great career path, excellent benefits package. Please call: 1-520-2264557. TRANSFER DRIVERS: Need CDL A or B drivers to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch: 1-800-5013783 or www.mamotransportation.com under careers.
HELP WANTED TRADES HEAVY EQUIPMENT operator training! Bulldozers, backhoes, excavators. 3 week hands on program. Local job placement assistance. National certifications. GI Bill benefits eligible. 1-866-362-6497.
LAND FOR SALE
NEW CAREER - CDL training. Jobs available if qualified. Call today - start tomorrow! WIA, VA, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill & Rehab. ESD TDS, LLC. 1-866-4320430. www.ESDschool.com. (R)
2 ABUTTING SMITH Lake front lots. Being sold as 1 just $59,900. On maintained road with all utilities in place. Great location, beautiful land ideal for friends and family. Priced for quick sale but must be bought together. Call 1-877-452-8406.
NOW HIRING OTR flatbed drivers. Birmingham to Florida
BLUE RIDGE Mountain Getaway! 4.64 acres, only $44,800.
Beautifully wooded 4.64 acre estate with picturesque rolling mountain views. Ideally located at end of quiet country road with no traffic. Enjoy privacy along with peace & quiet. Build when you are ready. All underground utilities: water, electric, fiber optic cable. Excellent financing. Perfect for weekend mtn. cabin or year-round residence. Call now 866-952-5303, x 145. SMITH LAKE 2 acre deep dockable, 230+ ft. waterfront. Was $220k, now $89,900 (brand new covered double dock slip installed). Call 1-855-389-3620.
FOR SALE DISH TV retailer. Starting $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) Broadband Internet starting $14.95/month (where available.) Ask about same day installation! Call now! 1-800311-7159.
FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM only $4897. Make & save money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1-800-578-1363 ext. 300N.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEW AND used - stair lift elevators, car lifts, scooters, lift chairs, power wheel chairs, walk-in tubs. Covering all of Alabama for 23 years. Elrod Mobility 1-800-682-0658. (R)
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT Jesus Christ? Any question on the Bible is answered. Open forum/ dynamic bible query. Call 1-513-476-0486 now. Familyradio.com or Lesfeldick.org.
p.11
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
UA students can help to maintain clean grounds GROUNDS FROM PAGE 1
have adverse effects. “The melt is labeled that it’s not supposed to kill plants and shrubs,� Byram said. “But the first year I was here, we salted the steps at the President’s Mansion, and it killed everything beside the steps.� Due to the intensity of the unexpected snowstorm that occurred a few weeks ago, the grounds department supplies are depleted. Sand and ice-melt have been the main source of relief to prevent ice
buildup and potential accidents. “We had ice-melt, and now that it’s all gone, I don’t know what we’ll do this time,� Walt Dendy, manager of grounds, said. Weather conditions have permitted perks, temporarily, for the grounds department when it comes to the never-ending battle against weeds. The cold temperatures will keep the weeds at bay for a longer period of time, but will not wipe out the problem completely. “My two guys probably go through, in a normal week, maybe two and a half gallons this year in the beds and mulch areas. We bought a dozen drums last year, and they’re 30-gallon drums,�
Byram said. According to The Weather C h a n n e l ’s w e a t h e r. c o m , Tuscaloosa receives an average of 1.06 inches of rain per week, with more in the spring and less in the fall. Irrigation supplements the rainfall, but plants without irrigation, including some flowerbeds and trees, must be watered by hand. Plowman has three employees that water all day in the summer, pulling two 500-gallon tanks and one 1,000-gallon tank. “Water, water, water, water,� Plowman said. “Can’t get enough.� Anderson said students are not typically destructive to property but can help to keep it clean
from trash. “Flower planters pick up trash three days a week for about an hour and half,� Anderson said. “With 34,000 people walking around, there’s lots of trash. There’s no way around it.� Constant construction and renovation has resulted in many changes to the University, including many that Anderson has seen in the past few years. Anderson, who attended the University in 1978, said he has been able to see campus expand. “When I was here in 1978, well, there’s just no comparison just in size and how we’ve grown. I don’t think we had a flower on campus –
MARKETPLACE
RATES
$1.25 for the first 5 words, $0.25 for every additional word A border around your ad is an additional $0.50 per ad
IN THE
How to place a classified: For classified line ads visit www.cw.ua.edu and click on the classifieds tab. For classified display ads call (205) 348-7355 or email cwclassmgr@gmail.com for a free consultation. The Crimson White is published four days a week (M, T, W, TH). Each classified line ad must run for a minimum of four days and include no less than 16 words.
DISCOUNTS:
5% off for 4 issues - 10% off for 8 issues - 15% off for 16 issues
DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.
HOUSING 2 Nice Lofts Downtown: 2 bedroom, 1 bath Available: August $950/$1150 (205)752-9020-or-(205)657-3900 Efficiency & 1 Bedroom Units Available now. Also, pre-leasing for Fall 2014. Starting at $425 per month. Walking distance to campus. No Pets.
a wild flower, maybe. I think things have changed because of Dr. Witt and Dr. Bonner’s commitment to campus,� Anderson said. Anderson, Byram and their colleagues agree that the challenge of an improving and changing campus motivates them to excel in their work. They face ice, weeds, drought and litter to continually improve the University’s aesthetic for students, faculty and visitors alike. “It’s an opportunity to change or make better what you’re looking at everyday,� Byram said. “It’s almost like being an artist when it blooms and you see the whole process come together.�
Call 205-752-1277. Email: crissy@ tiderentals.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS Part-time Maintenance Grass cutting, light painting and clean up. $8/ hour. 205-657-3900 / 205-752-9020.
Sudoku
“When other jewelers say no, Tom says yes�
Tom’s Jewelry Repair Like on Facebook & get a free cleaning! Jewelry Sales
HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (02/12/14). A healthy body and mind propels peak performance this year. Align diet, exercise and meditation practices to support this. Give up old habits that no longer serve. Break from travel over spring, favoring home renovations. A new level in romance and partnership opens around the eclipse (6/10). You can have both adventure and domestic bliss. Play like a child. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -Today is a 5 -- Postpone a financial discussion. Wait for a quiet, peaceful moment. Spend more time on love today and tomorrow. There’s no need to buy toys. Have fun with what’s at hand. Go for a hike. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Handle disagreements in private. Enforce household rules today and tomorrow. Choose solid directions over ephemeral. Study with quiet discipline. Check out a new neighborhood establishment. Practice with others pays off. Get your body moving. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -Today is an 8 -- You can be easily exploited now. A competitor’s impressed by the skills you’ve acquired. Think things out carefully before taking action. Stay persistent, despite breakdowns. Gain determination from adversity. Push yourself forward. Discover another way to utilize resources. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- It’s not a good time to argue, but do stand firm. Rules simplify things. You’re entering a potentially quite profitable twoday phase. Work smart, and turn on the self-discipline. Budget time for the unexpected. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Prioritize responsibilities, and get into action. You’re stronger, but the inspection continues. Exceptional patience is required. If one door closes, do more planning and research. Your confidence keeps rising as you practice the moves. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Today is a 6 -- Work interferes
with a fun diversion. Finish up what you’ve promised today and tomorrow. Advise frugality and simplicity. Everything seems possible, but proceed with caution, and choose the least expensive option. Rest with quiet time for reflection. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -Today is a 6 -- People depend on you. You’re focused on generating money. Don’t throw it around blindly. Home could get uncomfortable. An emotional reaction could arise. Keep digging and find the clue. Friends help with a different perspective. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Choose love over money to increase satisfaction. Figure out how to make it happen. You’ll have to report on your activities over the next few days. Discipline is required. Send love to one who loves you. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Today and tomorrow are good for financial planning. Find a new option to high costs. Add to your savings instead. Postpone expansion, distracted by a beneficial development. Don’t gamble. A partner sets a social date. Review accomplishments. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Costs overruns could throw some surprises. Stick to your budget, and finish the work. Make big changes today and tomorrow, without spending money. Entertain creative suggestions. Your partner’s the teacher. You lack total agreement. Get outdoors. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -Today is an 8 -- Review tactics and find out what you’re doing the hard way. You’re gaining skills, even if money’s tight. Consult with partners over the next few days. Spend time in the sun. Spend only what is necessary. Emerge victorious. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Turn your attention toward work today and tomorrow. Don’t give up on a thwarted intention. Invest in efficiency. Research for the best quality. Patiently and persistently, take small steps forward. Clean up messes as you go. .
2300 McFarland Blvd East (205) 758-2213
Leasing NOW & Fall! 1HZN¡V H[SUHVV &DIH %UXPILHOG¡V 5HVWDXUDQW DUH QRZ KLULQJ FDVKLHUV VHUYHUV EDUWHQGHUV OLQH FRRNV &RPSHWLWLYH ZDJHV HPSOR\HH PHDO GLVFRXQWV &DOO WR VHW XS DQ LQWHUYLHZ
1HZN¡V %UXPILHOG¡V Public Intoxication? Minor in Possession? Driving Under Influence?
Randal S. Ford, Esq. (205) 759-3232
1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms
Minutes from Campus & Malls
*Monitored Security System
*Gas Logs/Fireplaces *Tanning Beds Fitness Center; 2 Resor t Pools
Onsite Management 3201 Hargrove Road East
205-554-1977 palisadesapthomes.com
R MPE U B R to CARE E P BUM TAL CAR TO
205-556-8411 TIDE DISCOUNTS 12% OFF up to $100 Mention Crimson White when you drop off car. Other terms apply.
3017 McFarland Blvd
We buy your wrecked or broken down car or truck!
www.tuscaloosacourt.com
Call, text, or email info and pictures “No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.�
205-454-4300 webcars7077@gmail.com
p.12
Wednesday, February 12, 2014