Tuesday, TTu ues esd esd day da ay, y, FFebruary eb bruary 1 14, 4 2012
Serving S i the h U University i i off Al Alabama b since i 1894
Vol.l 118 V 118, IIssue 87
These are my confessions y ny, y Oh Bryant-Den wanted to let yyou know that even on this drearyy j Sweetie, I just the hot g together, p y Those times we spent y, I think of you. ry day, February p g – those will never be replaced. afternoons,, the wild nights September after y but none are as m y stadiums across the country, many s I have visited g laughed g We have cried together, y welcomingg as you. an as w m and warm remember will I times all are these together; songs together, sung y always. crimson seats and g g yyour crispp ggreen grass, s breathtaking: ar so You Y are y like the last one yyou added ;) p beaut f banners. I especially the beautiful p inside yyou in the ppast, but late after ve llet a lot of ppeople you’ve I know you ggames as I write feverously of our times together, you make me feel like the onlyy one. g move awayy from yyou qquite soon, let it g it is true that I might Tho Though y and forever be in myy heart. known that yyou will always be kno p 14 date canand our April g yearn to be with yyou again, Each day I year not come soon enough. Until then, stay beautiful and keep me in your thoughts. er faithful, Forever
THAT’S AWKWARD
Tony Tsoukalas
Dear Google, I feel as though our relationship is less give-and-take than a relationship should be. I use you for every tiny detail of my life and you never complain or fail me. You know everything I don’t; you even complete my sentences and dres s up for every holiday. Without you, I would be both literally and figuratively lost. You get me from point A to point B without ever making a mistake, but more importantly you keep my life together. You connect me with people near and far, you keep my calendar and you keep me from making stupid mistakes by just answering any questions I have. Some people complain about you r issues with privacy and sometimes I understand them, but I’ll never leave you over som ething like that. I know you have a rela tionship with millions of people, but I also know ours is special. Wh enever I’m feeling lucky, you’re the one I turn to. We’ve come so far, and you’ve done so much for me. So on Valentine’s Day I just wan t to say that despite my never giving to you the way you give to me, you are loved and appreciated. You always will be, Google.
d F-150
My dearest double-parke
your p ny gazed upo have gga since I h It has been far too long d pened pp hap I en w wh it, st adm d magnificence, and I mu oreed s collor his ing cream-co behold y, I felt like Ahab, finally yesterday g nce y too steal a gla k d white whale. parrke double-pa fiance off thee pose! Your sheer defi And if ever there was a i y qquickened n the driving ssociety tall constraints thrust upo yle! societa sty -parked, and with such d There you sat, double f of my blood. e lin ite wh existence, that ne of ex , ine Diagonally acrosss the pla g eng r you y f of nd sou so thunderous your hy g tyranny no match for the oug thr iv rse unive d the very essence of the ted wisste on bo bon car howling as it twi as p ape esc only to have iit e us combustion chamber, enc rnoous wh aveern cav m fro e her osp atm troying the very dioxide hell-bent on des h is it came. ble-parked F-150, and suc Such is your reality, dou y r loveliness. you notice the mud! On the But do not think I do not your g orant off y ign I am ig nk thi not contrary! I revel in it. Do to notice me d nte n nt wa unaware you onss.. Do not think I am ntiion yside, y intent ntr cou the in out ou n ve bee to see you’ve is it; that you wanted me t tha as heir to all your God-given station f my y fro away far a g d. nce? Do innocent and goo yo r pparking circumsta Is this the meaning of you ept acc now reffuse to you no th t y message tha you y u mean to send me a own r you y f you in ffavor of f y rt for q r hatt which has been set apa tha we may conque it be so, that w Let so! be it we t tha determination? Oh, let you, so erwise. Let me ride inside ld,, paved or other worrld the wo nt of God and man. may stand defiant in fro
Ashley Chaffin ffin
Guess G Gue ess I gotta give i you part 2... John Davis
er • Plea s
er • Plea
ap
ecycle this p
ap
er
INSIDE NSIDE today’s paper
on p page 9
Briefs ........................2
Sports ..................... 12
Opinions ...................4 4
Puzzles.................... 13
Lifestyles....................7
Classifieds ............... 13
WEATHER THER HER today
Chance of rain
59º/40º
Wednesdayy 70º/56º Chance off TT-Storms Ch S
cl e recy this p se
GO ON THE
ONLINE
ON THE CALENDAR TODAY
VIDEO:
WEDNESDAY
What: Dance Alabama!
What: Breast Cancer...Be
What: Technical &
Where: Morgan Hall
Aware and Show You Care
Engineering Career Fair
Auditorium
When: 1 to 2 p.m.
Where: Sellers Auditorium,
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: G-54 Rose
Bryant Conference Center
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
Administration
STUDENT SOUND-OFF What: Study Abroad Fair
Should gymnastics head coach Sarah Patterson have a statue in her honor?
Where: 2nd floor Ferguson Student Center
Business Career Fair p.m.
What: Life Beneath the Seafloor Explored by UA Guest Lecturer
P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 Advertising: 348-7845 Classifieds: 348-7355
What: General Interest and When: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00
When: All day event
Page 2• Tuesday, February 14, 2012
THURSDAY
Where: Sellers Auditorium Bryant Conference Center
What: What is your Identity? Going Beyond Black and White
Where: 232 Ferguson Student Center
When: 3:30 to 4 :30 p.m. What: Radiohead Tribute
Where: 1004 Shelby Hall
What: Dance Alabama!
Concert with Jazz Chamber Music
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Morgan Hall
Where: Moody Music Building
Auditorium
When: 7:30 p.m.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Submit your events to calendar@cw.ua.edu
EDITORIAL Victor Luckerson editor-in-chief editor@cw.ua.edu Jonathan Reed managing editor jonathanreedcw@gmail.com Will Tucker assistant managing editor wjtucker1@gmail.com Taylor Holland news editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Malcolm Cammeron community manager outreach@cw.ua.edu Ashley Chaffin lifestyles editor Tony Tsoukalas sports editor SoRelle Wyckoff opinions editor letters@cw.ua.edu John Davis chief copy editor Jessie Hancock design editor Evan Szczepanski graphics editor Drew Hoover photo editor Tyler Crompton web editor Daniel Roth multimedia editor Tray Smith special projects editor
ADVERTISING Emily Richards 348-8995 Advertising Manager cwadmanager@gmail.com Will DeShazo Territory Manager 348-2598 Classified Manager 348-7355 Coleman Richards Special Projects Manager osmspecialprojects@gmail.com Lauren Aylworth 348-8042 Creative Services Manager Tori Hall 348-8742 Greg Woods 348-8054 Chloe Ledet 348-6153 Robert Clark 348-2670 Emily Diab 348-6875 Jessica West 348-8735 Mallory McKenzie osmspecialprojects2@gmail.com 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 on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. 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 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2012 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.
ON THE MENU LAKESIDE LUNCH
DINNER
Chicken Fried Steak with Smokey Red Pepper Sauce Macaroni & Cheese Steamed Broccoli Steamed Carrots with Ginger Honey Glaze Turtle Brownies Fried Tofu (Vegetarian)
Grilled Chicken Black Bean Sofrito Rice Seasoned Corn Vegetable & Cheese Burrito Clam Bisque Vegan Chicken Tacos (Vegetarian)
BURKE
BRYANT
FRESH FOOD
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
Turkey Tetrazzini White Rice Fresh Yellow Squashed Steamed Peas with Pearl Onions Shrimp Po Boy Szechuan Tofu (Vegetarian)
Hunting for pests among the roses Days before the most romantic holiday of the year, the temperature in the chilled warehouse hovers at 57 degrees as sharp-eyed specialists inspect the tables of flowers and plants that will eventually become Valentine’s Day bouquets and arrangements. The specialists stand behind long tables piled with cartons of palms, chrysanthemum and long-stem roses in a rainbow of hues, from deep red to pale peach to white. They open the cartons, grab the bunches by the stems, turn them upside down and give them a pat. Dirt and the occasional bug shakes loose – the ritual of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the pre-rush of the holiday in Miami, which ranks first among U.S. ports of entry for shipments of cut flower imports. “I am looking for anything that can come in and cause harm,” says U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture specialist William Oldrup, as he leans in to examine the debris that fell from a bunch of palm fronds from Guatemala. Oldrup is among those on the front lines in the fight against the entry of
Grilled Rib Eye Steak Overstuffed Potato Station Corn on the Cob Seasoned Peas & Carrots Chicken Salad Club Sandwich Pesto Cavatappi (Vegetarian)
ON CAMPUS
ON THE RADAR From MCTcampus
Beef & Broccoli with Rice Herbed-baked Chicken Parsley Rice Collard Greens Glazed Carrots Creole Vegetables & Rice (Vegetarian)
Balfour representatives at Ferg
harmful insects and diseases into the United States from grower countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and the Netherlands. An army of 2,300 specialists across the nation – many based in Miami – conduct inspections to spot pests and traces of disease, ranging from thrips and aphids to fungi. They work in 23 chilled warehouses within a five mile radius of Miami International Airport. At this time of the year, the shipments are mostly roses and chrysanthemum, arriving by air carriers. Last year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection processed approximately 802.5 million cut flower stems during the Valentine’s Day six-week season from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, compared to 320.8 million stems processed in 2010. The 2012 number is expected to stay about this same as last year. The inspection process last year netted a total of 3,404 pests, of which almost half were detected in Miami. Once spotted, they are dropped in a vial and sent to the Department of Agriculture for identification. The agency can order the flower or plant to be destroyed, returned or treated.
UA students can meet with representatives from Balfour at the Ferguson Center location of the University Supply Store on Feb. 14 through 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to see the official ring collection, get sized and ask questions. Orders can also be placed online at
www.balfour.com. The UA official ring is available to all alumni, graduate students and undergraduate students who have earned a minimum of 60 credit hours while pursuing a baccalaureate degree or graduate degree at the University.
Spring 2 registration open through Friday Spring 2 registration is open through Feb. 17. Students can pick up extra hours in this shorter semester. Spring 2 classes, many of which are offered online,
begin Feb. 13 and end with the regular semester. To register, students can log in to mybama. ua.edu and link to course options by clicking on the Spring 2 logo.
Networking banquet to be held for National Society of Black The UA chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers will host its annual networking banquet on Feb. 15 at Hotel Capstone, which is located at 320 Bryant Drive adjacent to the Bryant Conference Center. Students
will be able to meet and talk with company representatives over dinner. A mixer starts at 6 p.m., and dinner follows at 6:30 p.m. To register and receive more information, visit bama.ua.edu/~uansbe.
Recent Strip changes bring diversity By Sarah Massey Special Projects Reporter masse.sarahe@gmail.com Changes to the Strip appear to be slowing down; construction of the Waffle House is complete, property alterations to the front of the University-owned buildings are done and the Jupiter Bar & Grill has been remodeled. What has yet to be seen is how these changes and others will affect the environment of the Strip and how students and residents will respond. The makeup of the Strip is much different than it was five years ago. Bars coexist with restaurants, and retail services make up a large portion of the business community in the Strip area. For many, this diverse group of businesses is seen as an asset for the future of the Strip. Connie Cooper, a consultant with Cooper Consulting, Inc., said that this diversity is healthy and is creating a “vital commercial shopping area.” “There’s a reason to invest in there,” Cooper said. “I think
that is very, very healthy to see more of that go in.” Cooper conducted a study of the Strip in 2006, looking closely at the relationship between bars and crime in the area, and many of the suggestions she made, such as earlier bar closing times, were adopted. She also stressed the importance of students not needing to get in cars to travel to entertainment venues. “I did not want to see the bars completely go away,” Cooper said. “I thought the idea of having a place where students could go for entertainment in proximity to where they lived is very important. They should not have to drive three or four miles … I think it’s important that the two coexist.” Although some bars are no longer located on the Strip, for the most part, all types of businesses on the Strip have been able to successfully coexist. Two businesses that are doing just that are Waffle House and the Jupiter Bar and Grill. After undergoing remodeling, the Jupiter Bar and Grill reopened
Shouldn’t the perfect job just drop into your lap (or your in-box)?
AlabamaLegals.com now offers subscriptions. • Receive daily e-mails matching your search • Keywords track the type of bid notices you are looking for • 10 counties per subscription • Only $35 per month! If you are looking for construction bids, road repair bids, consulting or even food service bids, AlabamaLegals.com can help you find them easily.
the pe rfe ct job AlabamaLegals.com is a fully searchable database of legal notices
published in the newspapers of Alabama. This site is made possible by the newspapers of Alabama and the Alabama Press Association. Free public notice searches
The Strip has seen significant changes in the last five years. Wednesday of last week. The Waffle House, located next door, opened its doors for the first time the Sunday prior. Jeremiah Jones, the owner of the Jupiter Bar and Grill, said that the addition of the Waffle House “added a retail anchor space to this end of the Strip.” He believes that the addition of the restaurant, plus the remodeling to the Jupiter, Crimson Café and the University-owned property brings more attention to the Strip. “I hope that the University and city of Tuscaloosa are pleased with the development that’s going on,” Jones said. “It’s a lot of money and long-term investments in this area for several businesses.” David Jones of the Alabama Book Store said changes to the Strip seem to have stabilized,
although he anticipates there being less bars at some point in the future. One change that is to be seen is the addition of three new businesses to the Strip in the University-owned property. Cathy Andreen, director of UA media relations said that “no decisions have been made on the [requests for proposals] for the space at 1203, 1205 and 1209 University Boulevard.” Jeremiah Jones said that another restaurant - one that brings greater dining diversity - would be a positive addition to the Strip. Jones added that there is a diverse offering of bars, and that each business has a wide appeal. “There are a lot of unique places that hopefully, if they haven’t already, will grow into a tradition for Alabama students
CW| Megan Smith
and Tuscaloosa residents,” Jones said. Cooper thinks that there will be more eateries that serve alcohol on the Strip rather than an increase in bars. In addition to the growth that has already occurred, she believes that there will continue to be an opportunity for more commercial activity on the Strip. “It indicates to me that the Strip is getting even healthier and more vibrant, and that bodes very well for the future,” Cooper said. “[The Strip] will be a stronger asset to the University and to the city as far as a destination for people who visit campus and the city to visit, to shop and to dine and entertain. I don’t think that could have been said many years ago, and so, I think that’s a huge positive.”
The Crimson White
NEWS
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
3
ABC Board cracks down on underage drinking By Bobby Atkinson Contributing Writer El Rincon Latino Bar and Grill, a popular Mexican restaurant on The Strip, is in trouble with the Tuscaloosa ABC Board for allowing underage drinking, according to ABC officer Lt. Amy Pailette. “El Rincon was serving to minors, but I’m not sure how many minors were caught,” Pailette said. “Administrative action was taken.” The extent of the action taken against El Rincon was not specified, and no one from the restaurant commented on the ABC Board’s disciplinary actions against the restaurant. Pailette said the check on El Rincon was a random check. “We use a couple of different methods to check for underage drinking,” Pailette said. “Sometimes, we send agents in to check IDs, and sometimes, we use a minor operation detail where we send a minor into an establishment, and they try to get in and purchase alcohol.” While El Rincon is likely to
continue business as usual after this run-in with the ABC Board, the possible implications of getting caught serving to minors by ABC agents keeps most local business owners diligent in their effort to prevent underage drinking. Jeremiah Jones, owner and manager of Jupiter Bar and Grill, said the price of getting caught serving to underage drinkers is too high. As such, Jones said the Jupiter has a “one-strike” policy, kicking out anyone caught drinking underage or buying drinks for someone underage. “I pay tens of thousands of dollars in liability insurance, and my staff is trained to the ABC standard,” Jones said. “I’m not here to let kids get drunk and spend Momma and Daddy’s money.” Jones, whose bar was randomly checked by ABC on Thursday, said that even though his staff at Jupiter takes all possible precautions, underage drinkers still slip by security with expensive fake IDs that would fool even a veteran ABC agent. Not to mention, those innovative underage
The Jupiter has a “one-strike” policy when it comes to kicking out people who are drinking underage.
drinkers that slip by ABC with quick thinking. “I personally saw an [ABC] agent walk up to a kid on Thursday night and ask him for his ID,” Jones said. “Then when the agent looked away for a second, the kid threw his wallet into the [Jupiter] kitchen and claimed he didn’t have his wallet and was never asked for an ID. “It just goes to show that we
can’t always control things,” Jones said. “I don’t have a crystal ball.” Underage drinkers have been attempting to outsmart bars since the drinking age was enforced, and many of them had no problem getting away with it. However, UA students under 21 years old have noticed a decreasing ease in getting away with drinking at bars.
“I used to be able to just show my ID, get X’s on my hands for being under 21 and then wash the X’s off and order a drink,” said Tyler McDonald, 20, a junior majoring in secondary education social sciences. “But now, they all are more strict and give out wristbands instead of marking X’s.” Jones said that while being strict on IDs and having a one-
strike policy gives many customers a reason to complain about his bar, a reputation of following ABC guidelines is better for business than most people realize. “If you get in trouble for selling to minors, it can ruin everything,” Jones said. “Property owners and bar owners want to have a reputation for following the rules.”
Elect Her Initiative helps women run for SGA office By Jasmine Cannon Senior Staff Reporter jmcannon@crimson.ua.edu
The University was one of 30 schools chosen to be participants in this year’s Elect Her Initiative titled Campus Women Win. This was the second year the University hosted the oneday training session. “It was Alex Sims and Cori Moore who took the initiative to start Elect Her at this Campus,” said Alex Peloquin, member of this year’s Elect Her committee. “The University fully supported the idea but ultimately it was these two women who sparked the initial Elect Her training.” Fifty students were able to register and attend Elect Her, which is a collaborative
effort between the American Association of University Women and Running Start. As stated on the AAUW website, the initiative “encourages and trains young women to run for student government on their campuses.” Corionna Moore, a junior management and information systems major, has been a participant in Elect Her for the past two years. “Elect Her is a learning and nurturing experience,” Moore said. “You are put in an environment where there are other women from all different walks of life who have the same goals and interest as you, and you are sharing experience, ideas on leadership and you network with women you otherwise
would have never met on campus.” Sydney Page, a sophomore majoring in political science, was also a participant. “I have been an Elect Her participant for two years now and I have enjoyed each workshop because of the amount of information that is given and being able to interact with other ambitious young women across campus,” Page said. “Not only was it helpful in terms of equipping me with skills necessary to run a successful campaign, but it also provided me with the opportunity to network with other young ladies and learn beneficial leadership and communications skills.” Both students and members of the planning
New Day New Deal
SP3687
Tuscaloosa Daily Deal – Sign up NOW!
I think that it is important for young women to expand their networks within their community. We are after all our own greatest resource. — Alex Peloquin committee feel it’s important to have initiatives like Elect Her alive on campus. “I think that Elect Her is an extremely important tool to have at any University,” Peloquin said. “In fact, after this past Elect Her training I had some ladies come up to me and tell me that they were not necessarily interested in politics or running for political office but learned a great deal about leadership and networking
through the program. I think that it is important for young women to expand their networks within their community. We are after all our own greatest resource.” “The discussions and exercises provide you with confidence and teach you how to effectively communicate your point to others,” Page said. “I love the mission of Elect Her and I would definitely recommend this to all women
on campus” Elect Her participants hope that the initiative will flourish and encourage other student leaders to get involved on campus and learn from different perspectives. “I would hope that in the future, Elect Her would grow, attracting women from all demographics of the university as our campus population grows and becomes more diverse,” Moore said. “I hope that this year’s participants and the future participants gain the necessary tools and encouragement to become the leaders on our campus and in our government.” For more information on Elect Her or AAUW visit aauw.org.
OPINIONS Tuesday, Febraury 14, 2012 Editor • SoRelle Wyckoff letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4
{ YOUR VIEW } (WEB COMMENTS) In response to: “Drug testing violates rights”
“As an Alabama tax payer, I expect basic law-abiding behavior from the people who are getting degrees off of my money. If you live in the buildings I help pay for and benefit from the scholarships I contribute to, I expect you to follow the same laws.” — Salli_Eri
“This amounts to profiling. Why is the University taking such a strong stance against drugs? Certainly the University shouldnʼt be handing out dime bags, but why are they spending my tuition and tax dollars on this?” — Tom S. Spires
EDITORIAL BOARD Victor Luckerson Editor Jonathan Reed Managing Editor Will Tucker Assistant Managing Editor SoRelle Wyckoff Opinions Editor John Davis Chief Copy Editor Drew Hoover Photo Editor Sarah Massey Magazine Art Director
CW | Kevin Pabst
Crimson Tide basketball team lacks leadership Nearly three months ago, I wrote a column devoted to the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team. Being the football fanatic I am, I seldom devote my space to the basketball team. In the column, I praised them, accusing the students of not showing them the attention they deserve because of the lack of attendance at games. I am here today to admit I was wrong. The basketball team many projected at the beginning of this season is not the team we see today. What was then youthful energy and inexperience is now immaturity and incompetence. What was then untapped potential is now sheer disappointment. While this season is not yet over, something has clearly gone wrong for the Crimson Tide. There were many question marks going into this season. What freshman will step up as real contributors? Who will emerge as a legitimate 3-point shooter? Who will replace the rebounding void left by Chris Hines? One question very few had leading into this season is the
Submit a guest column (no more than 800 words) or a letter to the editor to letters@cw.ua.edu
GOT A STORY IDEA? cw.ua.edu/submit-your-idea
TWEET AT US @TheCrimsonWhite The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
CW | John Michael Simpson we’ll take what we can get.) If Alabama rallies and salvages what is left of this season, it will take a reemergence of leadership. The freshman must step into new roles and grab hold of this team. Coach Grant put it best when announcing the suspensions of four players Saturday: “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.” While Tony Mitchell and JaMychal Green may be the most talented players on the team, they have proven they
lack the character needed to win consistently. This season is not over, but the next few games will be a big character test for Alabama’s freshmen. Hopefully these talented players make different choices then their older counterparts and Alabama basketball can be once again relevant.
Jake Gray is a senior majoring in journalism and economics. His column runs on Tuesday.
Black Student Union not an ‘isolated black group’ By Samaria Johnson I will say the following in the most articulate and tactful terms possible: the presence of the Black Student Union offends a lot of people. If it doesn’t, there is a strong chance that those people don’t notice the BSU long enough to be offended by it in the first place. The reason is simple: most students fail to take notice of the BSU because they don’t have to. It is automatically regulated to “other” status, outside of the norm and therefore only worthy of notice if and when the organization joins the mainstream community. The failure to recognize and understand the value and need for the BSU speaks volumes about race relations on this campus. In his letter to the editor, a response to ‘State of the Black Union addresses racial dynamics,’ Casey Butler suggests organizations that primarily and ultimately serve the black
Instead of seeking out a solution that effectively silences the best avenue for progress and visibility that black students have on this campus, I would much rather Butler thoroughly consider the reasons for the BSU’s existence and what motivates its members to involve themselves in it. community isolate the black community from the general university community, and organizations that ultimately serve the black community are unfair because they exclude white people. The attitude in these statements and similar ones is that organizations are only “right” if a white person can comfortably assume residency within them. It considers anything that does not intentionally benefit the mainstream – which is also, not coincidentally, whitedominated – to be “other.” This attitude points to a person who believes, on purpose or otherwise, that white is the “default setting.” It considers the BSU a
mere branch, if a substantial one, off the greater (read: “actual” or “real”) UA community. There is no such thing as the exclusion of white people. The very idea that BSU obstructs improvement of racial relations is foolish. The fact of the matter is the University does isolate its black community. If this fact makes a white student uncomfortable, or in some way threatens his or her sense of student body unity, perhaps he or she should evaluate why the obvious solution, in his or her eyes, is to get rid of the BSU. Would it not be more constructive to ask why the University’s black community finds a black student organization necessary at all?
Instead of seeking out a solution that effectively silences the best avenue for progress and visibility that black students have on this campus, I would much rather Butler thoroughly consider the reasons for the BSU’s existence and what motivates its members to involve themselves in it. There are several and all are valid. The arrogance and hypocrisy of criticizing the presence of the BSU, while simultaneously rendering in other ways the black community invisible, only noticed when it becomes “problematic” – or, ahem, politically useful – is shameful. Placing the blame upon the black community for its sense of a fundamental disconnect between itself and the general UA community is problematic, because it releases white students from assuming any responsibility in that disconnect, treats black students as a problem to be solved instead of as full members of the community with sincere concerns, and strengthens
the idea that the disconnect will only be removed when black students “join” the general UA community. None of that is fair. This argument would hold water if we lived in a colorblind, post-racial society. The fact BSU exists is a clear, unfortunate reminder that it we don’t. Acknowledging the differences between racial groups and unique struggles minorities have experienced is a far better step in achieving harmony than pretending that those differences and struggles aren’t there at all. No one would stop any white student from becoming involved in a black organization. The University’s black community needs the BSU, if only so that black students have a place where the color of their skin will cease to have any bearing on how others perceive and treat them.
Samaria Johnson is a freshman majoring in history and French.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT
College Democrats provide forum for campus liberals By Connor Blackwell
GOT AN OPINION?
performance of Tony Mitchell. He was unquestionably the most dynamic and electrifying player leading into this season, and all fans expected him to be called upon to lead a young squad. Mitchell was brilliant at times, but he never failed to disappoint. For every highlight-reel dunk Mitchell had prior to his Feb. 6 suspension, he took multiple plays off. He was always there to add points onto a rout, but miraculously disappeared when the team needed him most. According to many NBA scouts, Mitchell could have “played his way” into the first or second round of the 2012 NBA Draft this season. Now, it appears he has played his way into the Turkish Premier
Basketball League, possibly never playing another Southeastern Conference game. JaMychal Green, another player whose poor attitude and multiple suspensions will forever overshadow his high level of play, is also indefinitely suspended. His work with Team USA in the offseason gave many cynics indications that he had finally matured. This was his senior year. This was supposed to be Green’s chance to lead his team back to the NCAA tournament. Instead, here we are in February, and JaMychal Green is indefinitely suspended. Again. The Crimson Tide is currently relying on a flurry of talented freshmen, two shockingly uncoordinated foreign centers and two more “veteran” guards who are fresh off their own one-game suspension for “violating team rules.” Thanks to a difficult schedule and a few “good” losses, the Tide still has a strong RPI and remains in decent position to make it into the NCAA tournament. (I’m still not sure how good losses exist, but
Every Monday night at 7 p.m., a group of unique, intelligent and patriotic students meet at Room 226 in Lloyd Hall. This group is the University of Alabama College Democrats. We discuss not only politics, but also many issues that face our society such as the economy, healthcare, immigration reform, and human equality. Our organization’s officers try to incorporate as many voices of the group as they can when discussing a certain issue, because we believe everyone has a voice; not only
in our group, but also in our society. We are comprised mostly of liberal Democrats, but also have conservative Democrats as well as moderates. I personally, am a liberal Democrat. It is somewhat difficult being a Democrat in such a conservative state. But, if this group has allowed me to do one thing, it has allowed me to express my Democratic views openly without the fear of being ostracized or judged for what I believe. We have a serious engagement about politics at our usual Monday night meetings as well as at least two weekly
social events, which include informal dinner discussions, attending Crimson Tide athletic events, and having watch parties for televised political events such as The State of the Union Address. The social events allow the members of our group to develop a strong bond with each other and develop friendships to help our group progress. I truly believe that groups like UA College Democrats can change society among today’s youth; not just with increasing voter turnout, but also to encourage today’s youth to be active in politics. It may seem crazy when I
think a group like ours can change the world, but Steve Jobs once said, “The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” I truly believe what Steve said and I believe that we
can help make a difference not just in Alabama or even in Washington, D.C., but all across the United States of America.
Connor Blackwell is a freshman majoring in journalism.
The Crimson White
NEWS
Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2012
5
Environmental Council to host energy forum By Jordan Cissell Staff Reporter jrcissell@crimson.ua.edu The University of Alabama Environmental Council, in collaboration with Focus the Nation, will host the University of Alabama Clean Energy Forum in Gorgas Library Room 205 from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday. The program, titled “Crimson in Green,” will investigate environmentally friendly energy initiatives through lecturer presentations and panel discussions. Bailie Clark, student coordinator for the event and a sophomore majoring in environmental science, said the forum specifically aims to educate students on these initiatives’ applicability to the University and Tuscaloosa communities. “We’re actually one of the most energy-efficient schools
in the SEC,” Clark said. “However, we would like to see a passion for our campus eventually implementing renewable energy technology.” Student coordinator Andrew Bersson, a senior majoring in biology, said he feels change will not necessarily be significant in the immediate future, but he stressed the importance of getting the ball rolling now. “The stuff the presenters are going to be talking about, it’s not going to happen in just one year,” Bersson said. “But if we get people started thinking about it, maybe four or five years down the road, we’ll start to see some change.” Presentations and discussion with guest lecturers will serve as the primary catalyst for change in Friday’s forum. “We’ll have information booths and stuff set up, but the real focus is on the presenters,” said Emma Buchalter,
“We’re actually one of the most energy-efficient schools in the SEC. However, we would like to see a passion for our campus eventually implementing renewable energy technology.” —Bailie Clark student coordinator and New College senior. “We’ll have three different panels, with a number of different speakers in each panel.” The panels will flow from what Buchalter described as a “top-down scheme,” with initial presentations scheduled to focus on general green practices, the second panel to outline Alabama and Tuscaloosa applications and the third group to emphasize UA initiatives. The final hour of the forum is reserved for casual, open dialogue between presenters and attendees. Clark insisted the forum isn’t geared to appeal only to
the pathos of the environmentally conscious but is designed instead to interest those approaching the topic from diverse perspectives. Several speakers will emphasize the practical benefits of environmentally conscious transitions. “One of our speakers is going to be a business owner from Birmingham, and he’s going to be talking about the benefits on the business side of things,” Clark said. “There are lots of opportunities for new industries and jobs to be created from going green, whereas a lot of people have the misconception that it will kill jobs.”
Though the forum is listed as running from 1 to 6 p.m., the organizers made it clear students don’t have to be present the entire time to learn something new. Clark said most speakers’ presentations will last no longer than 15 minutes. “We encourage people to come even if you can’t be there the whole time,” Buchalter said. “You’re going to get something out of it even if you just stop by for a few minutes between classes.” The coordinators have spent much more than a few minutes organizing the event. They have been working to arrange presenters and promote attendance since November, when Focus the Nation offered the opportunity for collaboration. Focus the Nation, a national, nonprofit organization based in Oregon, works to hasten the “transformation to a clean energy future by…
empowering young people through education, civic engagement and action,” according to its website. Clark said a central goal of the program, beyond presenting clean energy information to campus audiences, is training students in the art of establishing public programs such as the UA Clean Energy Forum. “I’ve never hosted a forum before. We’re all kind of flying by the seat of our pants,” Clark said. “This program is giving us some real life experience in being grassroots organizers.” In true grassroots fashion, Bersson encouraged all interested students to stop by Friday afternoon. “Everyone should come by and check it out and learn something,” Bersson said. “It’s not just for science majors – there’s something here for everybody.”
Apwonjo hosts benefit concert for Invisible Children By Mazie Bryant Contributing Wrtier
In an effort to raise awareness for the crises in SubSaharan Africa, the student organization Apwonjo will host IgNIGHT, a benefit concert for members of the UA community, on Feb. 17. Apwonjo, meaning “I teach” in the Luo language of Uganda, was founded as a student organization at the University in 2007 as a way to connect campus with the mission of the international organization Invisible Children. Invisible Children raises awareness to humanitarian issues involving the Lord’s Resistance Army of northern Uganda. Led by the rebel Joseph Kony, the LRA is a radical army that uses military and spiritual power to justify genocide in central Africa. It is currently responsible for Africa’s
longest-running armed conflict, using violent means to overthrow governmental bodies. The unrest has resulted in a civil war within Uganda that has quickly spread to other countries within the SubSaharan region of Africa. The rebel group is known for brutal killings and the kidnapping of children for soldiers to promote its radical Christian ideology. Invisible Children raises money to protect these children and civilians from the atrocities committed by the LRA by offering protection and educational alternatives to the violence. The leaders of Apwonjo envisioned their organization as an opportunity to support and progress the efforts of the Invisible Children on the UA campus. “Sub-Saharan Africa is a great paradox,” Apwonjo
president Maddy Haddock said. “Alongside its incredibly rich culture, it contains some of both the worst and the most ignored cases of genocide and war in modern times. We strive to voice these unspoken issues within campus and the community.” The organization’s original benefit concert, “Music Uganda Love,” successfully raised $1,200 in 2010, and the event has since become a tradition. The leaders of Apwonjo discovered an increased student involvement with a concert-based fundraiser. “We all wanted to plan another concert as our big fundraiser this semester because it offers people a unique way to connect to a cause,” Haddock said. “It’s more than arousing sympathy and collecting money. It’s an experience where people who care can come together and party with a positive energy.”
The concert will feature performers Kadesh and the Perfect Strangers and Looksy from 8 p.m. to midnight at Mellow Mushroom. For a $5 cover charge, students can also purchase the specialty shot Fireball at a discounted price, as well as enter in a guitar and gift certificate giveaways. The proceeds will go directly to the Invisible Children international organization. Although the event will host an upbeat atmosphere, Apwonjo is dedicated to bringing awareness to the strife of central Africa. “Our focus is on issues pertaining to Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Public Relations Officer Elizabeth Shahid. “We recognize the need to look outside our own borders and unite with our fellow humanity around the world. We hold events on campus here at the University of Alabama and in the larger
Tuscaloosa community to raise awareness about issues of social justice and celebrate the cultures and traditions of this region of the world.” Although the concert will help fund the Invisible Children campaign, Apwonjo is also broadly affiliated with other worldwide organizations such as Freedom in Creation, Save Darfur Coalition, STAND: The Student-Led Division of the Genocide Intervention Network and Kiva. “Students should join Apwonjo if they are interested in being part of a group of people that values everyone’s opinion, acts on ideas and works to promote good causes,” said Treasurer Valerie Walters. “Although an interest in Sub-Saharan Africa does seem essential, students may become more interested in the area and culture after they become involved.”
The Apwonjo leaders suggest that anyone interested in becoming a part of the student organization should attend one of their weekly meetings every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Lloyd 202 or send an email to apwonjo@gmail.com.
IF YOU GO ... • What: IgNIGHT Benefit Concert featuring Kadesh and the Perfect Strangers and Looksy
• Where: Mellow Mushroom Bar
• When: Feb. 17 from 8 p.m. to midnight
• Cost: $5
FZ[e HS^W`f[`WÆe VSk Y[hW fZW a`W kag ^ahW S Y[Xf fZSf eSke *'$$ ,!
6
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
NEWS
The Crimson White
Holt’s storm recovery differs from Tuscaloosa’s By Alyssa Locklar Senior Staff Reporter arlocklar@crimson.ua.edu Although it is a part of the Tuscaloosa County, nearby Holt is an unincorporated area, which means it is self-governed. In Holt’s case, the same authority that governs Tuscaloosa does not run them. Therefore, after the April 27 tornado, their recovery process has not been quite the same. “It’s different. We are in a rural city,” said Mike Henderson, one of the county engineering coordinators. “It’s an unusual case because it’s heavily urbanized, but it’s also not a part of the city. We have different laws to work with in regards to cleaning up the structures that are still out there. We have an extended amount of time to consider demolition.” Even with Holt’s special circumstances, they have made great strides toward rebuilding the city. “The clean up is pretty well complete,” Henderson said. “I think we have four structures where we are in the process of soliciting bids for their demolition. There are a lot of Habitat for Humanity projects going on in Holt, but, from the county’s perspective, the clean up is done, and the individual property owners are now faced with the task of rebuilding.” Although the city has almost completed their role in the clean up, the Alabama Department of Transportation is responsible for many of
the damaged homes that still remain in Holt. “The Alabama Department of Transportation has been working to build a new bypass, specifically a bridge over the warrior river called the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Bridge,” Henderson said. “And after the tornado, they pursued a large number of houses for the project. Many of the houses you still see in Holt actually belong to the state of Alabama, and we have encouraged them to get those demolished and cleaned. However, we technically can’t condemn them on their parcels.” With the process near completion, Henderson expressed his gratitude toward FEMA and how they made the difference in the recovery. “FEMA was very responsive,” Henderson said. “They took care of the immediate needs of the citizens. They gave us good sound [advice] on how to proceed and used the core of engineers to organize the clean up. The amount of help was overwhelming. They made things a lot easier.” Although there is much gratitude from the Holt community toward FEMA, some still think they could have done more. “FEMA has worked pretty well with us all around from my understanding,” said Frank Sites, the county economic and community development director. “We have been pleased with all of their help with the cleanup. But there is always going to be the feeling that it would have been nice to get a little more reimbursement. But
Because it’s unincorporated, Holt’s recovery process is not dictated by the city of Tuscaloosa.
they have treated us very well.” In addition to the help of FEMA, a completely new program called Clean Sweep was incorporated for the first time in Tuscaloosa County following the tornado. With the program, private property owners could apply and be approved to get the federal government to pay for their clean up. Applicants had to show proof of no other funding or insurance. Henderson explained that government funding for private property was a completely new occurrence. Throughout the county, there were 382 parcels that were approved to get assistance through Clean Sweep. “As far as funding is concerned, I believe that FEMA has reimbursed us for most of the clean up,” Tuscaloosa County Commissioner Gary Youngblood said. “The Tuscaloosa County was able to provide enough equipment to take care of many of the problems as far as the clean up. There are things that we are going to try and implement from a lot of group meetings. We’ve been working with a recovery plan.” There are several projects that have been discussed to build the Holt community back up; however, they have not passed dialogue. “We are in very preliminary stages, but we hope that in maybe a year or two we can get some money in order to do some sewage expansion,” Sites said. “We don’t have our figures or anything. But it’s something we are looking into.”
CW | Kelsey Stein
IdeaLAB bonds business and engineering colleges By Sydney Newman Contributing Writer The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration and the College of Engineering have come together to create a new learning environment called IdeaLAB. A number of faculty members from each college collaborated on the initiative, and with the support of the deans, they then sought students to get involved. The project is in its first semester and there are approximately 30 students involved, mainly from the business and engineering colleges. The students were instructed to pick an area where they wanted to study and create a project or
service within that area. The main idea behind the initiative was to create the project or service with the intent to benefit community and economic development. Since each project would require a large amount of involvement, the students needed to understand the market they were pursuing and the emotional needs of the consumers within their specific market. Jim Brown, a management and marketing professor in the College of C&BA, is one of the faculty members associated with the initiative. “This is an opportunity for the students to learn by doing. They are also given the chance to experience the opposite end of the developmental process
“The business students are learning where the projects ends up, while the engineering students are understanding where the idea for the project originated.” — Jim Brown
by following the project from identifying the concept to carrying out the physical aspects,” Brown said, “The business students are learning where the projects ends up, while the engineering students are understanding where the idea for the project originated.” Brown suggested there is the potential to incorporate freshmen and sophomores in the future so they will have the
opportunity to grow dramatically by the time they reach their junior and senior years. The departments are still working on the creative space, which is being completed in Hardaway Hall, but the students are already hard at work. There are numerous technological components to the initiative, one of which Brown explained to be 3-D printing
capabilities in order to create the prototypes for the projects. These prototypes are for the students as well as future consumers to learn about and test the products. “I have had the opportunity to jump into the initiative during its first semester,” said Jared Witherington, one of the students involved in the project. Witherington explained IdeaLAB as “a place to build creative teams and give them the opportunity, space and guidance to create radical solutions to difficult problems.” Witherington is one member of a four-person group working to create a solution for getting children excited
about eating healthier, natural, locally grown foods in an effort to improve their quality of life. The IdeaLAB information page on the C&BA website explains the project as well as its specific goals. The goals include fostering creativity and problem solving, creating tools and processes to deliver solutions to challenging problems, pursuing action with a vengeance, learning about issues and improving solutions by use of prototypes, identifying measures of creative performance and becoming a catalyst to revive economic and community development. For mo re information, visit the website at www.cba. ua.edu/idealab.
Tuscaloosa resident’s home rebuilt by good samaritans By Rickey Shahid Contributing Writer
Samaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit international relief program that has provided water, food and other necessities after the April 27 tornado, has been working to rebuild 20 houses for homeowners who lost everything in that storm. The homeowners were chosen through an application process for tornado victims who could not afford insurance or were underinsured. On Friday, Feb. 10, the group completed its first home, and homeowner Stephannie Nixon was given the keys to her new home on Juanita Drive. Nixon, her two sons and her oldest son’s girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time, were huddled together in the hallway while the tornado destroyed their home. After the storm, Nixon said she didn’t know where to go for help, so she applied for FEMA, but was denied. Later, at a house expo, she met Linda Howard, who works for Leah Bromley, founder of Rebuild Tuscaloosa. Howard walked up to a man who worked for FEMA and asked him to help Nixon reapply. He connected her with Samaritan’s Purse, which stepped in to help her rebuild her house. First, a disaster relief unit came down to help clean debris. Three months later, the construction unit was brought in. Dan Borton, program manager for Samaritan’s Purse
CW | Rickey Shahid Dan Borton, program manager for Samaritan’s Purse Tuscaloosa Rebuild, hands Stephannie Nixon and her son, Cornell, the keys to their new house. Nixon’s house is one of 20 homes teams from Samaritan’s Purse have been working to rebuild. Tuscaloosa Rebuild, said when he came to help, he didn’t know where to start. He said everything was a mess. “A lot of the people who were in this disaster left, and they’re gone, they don’t want
to come back,” Borton said. “They are scared and do not want to return.” Borton also said they would be building all of the new homes with FEMA qualified safe rooms, made of steel and
concrete designed to sustain 150 mph winds and a two-byfour approaching at 200 mph. The safe room is built inside the home’s bathroom, made with a 200-pound steel door with three deadbolts.
Doug Konetchy, the construction manager for Samaritan’s Purse, and his team of volunteers started to do repairs on those homes that could be repaired. When they finished that, it
was time to set plans to rebuild the houses. They took put a lot of consideration into building the safe room. Konetchy said he hopes the safe room can give the families a peace of mind “to help them sleep better.” Nixon’s house was furnished by First Baptist Church, and Rebuild Tuscaloosa stocked the kitchen. Nixon said Samaritan’s Purse has been a blessing while planning her new home. “I knew what I wanted my home to look like, and Samaritan’s Purse worked with me,” Nixon said. “They showed me a plan that was identical to what I pictured my house to be. This is home.” The safe room was a bonus, Nixon said. It helps her feel safe. She takes comfort knowing where to go when there is a storm. Gifts were given to Nixon from many of the groups that helped, including a journal with scriptures and words of encouragement from the people who had worked on her house. The journal was given so she could be reminded of those who have helped her. They also gave her a frame with a spreadsheet of what has been done to the house. The spreadsheet has a stamp that said, “paid in full.” “You didn’t do anything to earn your salvation,” Borton explained. “It was paid in full by the Lord Jesus Christ.” “I am eternally grateful for everybody who has worked on the house,” Nixon said.
The Crimson White
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
7
COLUMN | HEALTH
Dark chocolate treats satisfy your sweet tooth and your health By Lindsey O’Brien Valentine’s Day has finally arrived, and we find ourselves being inundated with the expression of love. Heart shaped candies abound, red roses are brimming and eloquently written expressions of love find their way into the hands of many. But as you wade through the overly jolly, somewhat cliché gifts and treats this holiday, consider experiencing a darker side of Valentine’s day and buy dark chocolate for yourself or the one you love. As you may have heard, dark chocolate, in contrast to its counterparts, milk and white
chocolate, contains high levels of heart-healthy nutrients. These nutrients are called flavonoids. Flavonoids are compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on your cells and blood vessels, respectively. Antioxidants help protect our cells from damage and, subsequently, a variety of chronic diseases. Antiinflammatories help remove cholesterol from our blood vessels, increasing blood flow, an important aspect of maintaining a strong, healthy heart. Research shows that these heart-healthy nutrients are found in the cocoa content of chocolate, and dark chocolate
contains the highest amount of cocoa when compared to other forms. The higher the cocoa content, the more flavonoids it contains. In light of this research, chocolate companies have revved up their dark chocolate manufacturing processes to now maintain up to 95 percent of the flavonoid content. In grocery stores, you will find dark chocolate in a variety of cocoa concentrations. Choosing a variety with at least 70 percent cocoa will provide the highest dose of flavonoids. Now remember, just because dark chocolate packs a powerful nutrient punch, it does not mean that you should eat it in mass proportions. Chocolate
still contains a lot of calories and fat, but the heart-healthy benefits deem it reasonable to consume a moderate amount, about 1.6 ounces every day. Also, for you milk lovers out there, certain components of milk prevent the absorption of these heart-healthy nutrients, so hold the milk when enjoying this treat to maximize your body’s nutrient absorption. Whether you have a significant other on this special day or not, everyone can and should take the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and step into the dark side of deliciousness. To help with this, two heart-healthy recipe ideas are listed below:
Dark chocolate brownies:
(Recipe created by Ellie Krieger, Registered Dietitian/Chef for The Food Network) Ingredients: 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup whole grain pastry flour 1/4 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 4 large eggs 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt 1/4 cup canola oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the yogurt, oil and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add the chocolate-butter mixture and whisk until blended. Add the flour mixture and mix until just moistened. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and sprinkle with nuts if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the Sacramento Bee/MC pan on a wire rack. Cut into 24 squares. Above: With a prep time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 1820 minutes, dark chocolate brownies make a tasty Valentineʼs Nutrition Facts: serving size 1 square treat. Calories 150; Total Fat 8g; Carb 18g; Fiber 1g; Cholesterol 40 mg; Ron Jenkins|Fort Worth Star-Telegram Sodium 55 mg Right: A strawberry is coated in chocolate at the new flagship Per Serving with walnuts: Calories 170; Total Fat 10g; Carb 19g; store and headquarters of Whole Foods on March 3, 2005, in Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 40 mg; Sodium 55 mg Austin, Texas.
RING WEEK FEBRUARY 14 15 16 th
th
10-4 FERGUSON CENTER
th
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Ingredients: 6 ounces (175 grams) of dark chocolate 12 long-stemmed strawberries
Directions: To make tempered chocolate, chop the chocolate into pieces and place 3/4 of it in a small glass bowl in a microwave for 20 seconds exactly. Stir the chocolate, and continue to microwave for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and shiny. Add the remaining 1/4 of the chocolate, and stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry into the tempered chocolate, and place on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 2 minutes to set. Nutrition Facts: serving size 1 medium sized strawberry Calories: 60-100 calories; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol 0g
8 Tuesday, Febuary 14, 2012
LIFESTYLES
The Crimson White
A variety of dates for a T-Town Valentine’s By Alexandra Ellsworth Senior Staff Reporter amellsworth@crimson.ua.edu Coming up with things to do for Valentine’s Day is not always easy, especially when
it falls on a weekday. However, this Tuesday, no matter if you are single or attached, Tuscaloosa will offer several options for those looking to celebrate the holiday.
A ROMANTIC MOVIE
INNISFREE BAR
For the romantic in everyone, The Cobb Hollywood 16 is showing “The Vow,” a movie based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks.
ROUNDERS BAR Rounders is hosting a singles party called “Cupid’s Ball.” For ladies, admission is free, and for gentlemen admission is $5. DJ Spinnz will be playing music in the back, and James Borland will be playing downstairs. They will have $2 Pinnacle vodka shots and $3 cranberry vodka.
SIPS N STROKES Looking to be creative this Valentine’s Day? Try your hand at painting! Sips N Strokes will be doing a special Valentine’s Day splatter-heart painting session. The event begins at 7 p.m. and costs $25.
CW| Katie Bennett
Rotten Tomatos
BAMA ART HOUSE
Innisfree Bar is having a single’s party for Valentine’s Day. They will have a DJ and $2 shots, $2 champagne and $4 pitchers in addition to their regular drink specials.
DANCE ALABAMA!
The Bama Art House presents “Carnage” at the Bama Theater. In “Carnage,” Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz tell the story of two sets of parents who decide to have a cordial meeting after their sons are involved in a schoolyard brawl. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m.
CW| Katie Bennett
Dance Alabama! is a student-organized and choreographed concert designed to expose audiences to the culture of dance while exhibiting the talent of UA students. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in Morgan Auditorium and student tickets are $12. Rotten Tomatos
DRESSES AND WINE BE MY VALENTINE
STAY IN
Rent the Runway is hosting a Valentine’s Day Trunk show at The Booth. Tickets are $10 and the show will begin at 7 p.m. For those over 21, the ticket price includes unlimited wine from 7 to 10:30, as well as the opportunity to try on the dresses.
If you don’t wish to go out, you can make a romantic meal for two in the comfort of your home and rent a movie from Redbox or watch one on Netflix. Last Valentine’s Day, the city of Tuscaloosa had the third largest amount of Redbox rentals.
www.wvuafm.ua.edu
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA Submitted Photo
MEDIA PLANNING BOARD
redbox.com
invites applications for these positions for the 2012-13 academic year
DEADLINE: FEB. 15 @ 1 P.M.
Tuscaloosa Daily Deal – Sign up NOW!
Editor & Advertising Manager
THE CRIMSON WHITE DEADLINE: FEB. 17 @ 1 P.M. Editor
COROLLA Editor and Managing Editor
MARR’S FIELD JOURNAL Station Manager
WVUA 90.7 FM www.osm.ua.edu
Email osmalum@sa.ua.edu with questions.
New Day, New Deal. Get Ready to Save 50% or MORE on a great meal!
SP3685
Applications and additional information are available online at
The Crimson White
LIFESTYLES
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Can buy me love
Dearest CW, Our first year together, my freshman year, was a whirlwind of front-page stories and new campus experiences. I thought we’d be together forever. When we broke up in 2009, we both took it pretty hard. But even that day when I walked out on you, I knew I’d want you back. When we reunited a few months later, you could hardly catch a suitor’s eye. In desperation, you were letting people from every corner of the country ravage your every page. But I was determined to give you the tender love and care you’ve always deserved. Like any relationship, it’s been tough. Though I love your outspoken spirit, it’s gotten me into hot water on more than an on one occasion. But just know that I’ll defend your honor against nst any ma man or machine that attempts to challenge it. Please understand that when I criticize y you, it’s out of love. I dare not think about the day we will havee to ppart ways, y though I know it draws near. Just remember,, no matter who else spends their late nights with you, they’ll never ever match the time we had together.
9
Continued from Confessions Part 1 Dear M&Ms, y? Small, Could there ever be a more perfect cand y shell. And cand ful color a in chocolate dots of goodness wrapped look any don’t you old, s year 60 than even though you’re more ix. up at Publ older than yesterday, when I picked you . (Oh yes, You melt in my mouth, not in my hand but that et, pock my in ed melt there was that time that you ) you. e blam r neve could I . fault your certainly wasn’t cool, From y? nalit And what other candy has perso to red dent confi dly, worl from ; jazzy blue to flirty, sexy green your in hy wort tineValen each re you’ w; adorable, doltish yello own inimitable way. el, cherry, And in so many flavors. There’s mint, pretz butter, will ut pean you, But . olate choc almond, coconut and dark should I ites. show favor always be the one. I know I shouldn’t your But ue. uniq you love all of you for what makes each of surolate choc milk of shell a e insid r little sphere of peanut butte g. icatin intox is shell y cand chy crun thin rounded by your One for which I m addicted. But it’s a sweet addiction. I’m
Forever Yours,
I seek no cure.
Victor L Luckers k on
i ht Wrig Paull W P
My dearest Nutella, Every girl loves chocolate, but you ou are so much more. You bl hazelnut into a mouthwate end cocoa and ring treat that mass-produced He Hershey’s bars cannot match. I will never forget our first date in a hotel breakfast roo m in Paris – there you were, across the room on a table next to the bagguuettes. I did not know of your intentions, but what a marvelous breakfast it was. Oh Nutella, you take white bread to places it has never been before! After that day, we were inse parable. You reside faithfu lly in my kitchen cabinet on the upper left-ha nd side, always waiting to brighten my day. No matter my troubles, a spoonf ul of you is all I need to fall into a temporal bliss. So on this Valentine’s Day, I do not wish for a Hallmark shaped box of Russell Stover card or a heart, but simply another jar of you , sweet Nutella, to store next to my almost emp ty one.
THIS UNHE IS ALTHY
I love you, naptime Sunday afternoon sun, golf-playing in the background; I fell in love. And now, whenever I am tired, I turn to you. When my day has gone awry or I’m overwhelmed, I find comfort in you. You save the day and provide me with strength to make it through the day. Between my pillow and covers, I curl up and let your brief magic of slumber fall over me. My mind is filled with brief and fleeting dreams, and I awake with insight into a world of make believe. I can rarely go a day without you. I wake in the morning; you are out of my mind. But, you know every day after lunch I will turn back to you, begging for your presence. And you forgive me. And I love you for it. I remember our first date like it was yesterday. What would I do without you? I shudder at the thought. I would fall faint, prisoner to the pain of exhaustion. Even your surprise visits bring me joy; I rarely regret your presence. I depend on you, I need you and you never fail me. I love you, naptime.
Love,
Lauren Ferguson
Dear Space Program, for decades. I was with What can I say? I’ve supported you now n. Even then, there moo the on you as a kid when you landed men whole thing in the d stage you ing claim there were nutcases out people who same the are these some airplane hangar. Never mind real. is tling wres and believe Elvis is alive boring Skylab missions Hey, I was even with you during the you landed Vikings 1 when ed thrill was I in the early ‘70s. And with those hip rovers up and 2 on Mars in 1976 and followed that . 2004 Opportunity and Spirit in over the past three I was also like a kid in the candy store ches in person at laun tle shut space decades when I got to witness say, I was sad to see the the Kennedy Space Center. Needless to e that the most magnifirealiz to shuttle program end last July and ed to museums. head now are built ever cent flying machines -to-earth problems down that But hey, I’m a realist. I know know your future also I . days these ing fund require most of the California to pick in eX Spac may depend on private companies like . orbit into s naut astro up slack and ferry American ve that somewhere belie I And you. in ve belie I me. by fine That’s no clue, yet, that in the there’s a 10-year-old kid out there with n to set foot on Mars. future he or she will become the first perso
ove, Love,
Relle Wyckoff SoRelle
WHO NEEDS RELATIONSHIPS?
ld field Mayfi M Markk M Dear Warm Warmer Weather,
Hey, you. Yeah, you. I want to make you How it is that our love could be so grand. feel special today, sweetums. It’s Valentine’s Day, so you deserve to know how much I So, here’s to you, Silk. appreciate you. I wrote this poem to express You will forever be better than milk… my love for you, and I hope that you enjoy it. Silk, you are marvelous beyond words. Never My dearest love, could I have imagined that I would leave milk for you; alas, here I am. It’s been six Every morning that I awake months since we began our romance, and I In your deliciousness must I partake. look forward to a lifetime of building memoYou’re dreamy and smooth ries with you. So, on this, Cupid’s blessed day, And you really know how to soothe. will you be my Valentine? You are heaven to me, And you make me feel free. When I think of you The world has a brighter hue. To you none can compare; All others are jealous of this, our affair. They could never understand
I cheateed. I admit it. That one snowy day was absolute paradise, building snowmen aand making snow angels. I want ed a change, something different. The chills th those snowmen sent up my spine can never be taken back and I regret every minutte of it. I turned my back on you that day and I now know the error of my ways. I yearn for your warm cares s; to run around in swimsuits would be heaven. I even m miss our flip-flops. I want tto hear the lulling sound of your voice again, as deep as the ocean. Your warmtth fills my soul, warms my heart and makes me young. My romp in the snow w was cheap and has turned to dirt. I am only left with the burning sting of ice ppellets and the numbness of know ing that you are gone. Forgive me, me
I love you… Jordan Klosky Sophomore majoring in journalism
Mega g n Smith
Photos by Megan Smith, Drew Hoover, Natalie Nichols, John Davis Graphics by Evan Sczcepanski
10 Tuesday, February 14, 2012
LIFESTYLES
The Crimson White
The Crimson Café recreates atmosphere, menu By Courtney Stinson Contributing Writer
Long-time Strip restaurant The Crimson Café is reopening after extensive renovations with a focus on fresh food and a fresh perspective on tradition. The café has been on the Strip for 19 years and has been completely revamped with a new look, menu and atmosphere. “A coffee shop was not the perfect fit for the way the Strip and campus has evolved,” Crimson Café owner and President Amy Mullins said about the choice to convert the café into a tavern. Co-owner and Vice President Rhett Madden said the café’s new look is reminiscent of an Irish tavern, but with an Alabama sports bar twist. “An Irish pub is nice, but it’s just Irish. We want to bring their tradition here and make it our own,” Madden said. Renovations to The Crimson Café include new woodwork, a full bar and a completely revamped kitchen. A portion of the wall beside the bar has been cut out and the Roast Room has
been opened up to allow more seating and to create additional bar seating. Where students used to stand in line to order, there is a full bar space that features the largest number of taps of any location on the Strip. On tap will be craft beers from Sweetwater and Guinness, as well as popular choices such as Budweiser. Two to four of the taps will be changed weekly to offer a variety of beers. The bar will also offer specialty drinks in flavors like marshmallow cream, granny smith apple and hibiscus. Rather than selling expensive flavored vodka in the drinks, the drinks will be flavored in-house with a variety of syrups housed at the bar in order to make them affordable for students. The bar will also feature a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar during brunch, which will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. In keeping with the café’s fresh philosophy, drink specials will be based on the availability of products like fruits and vegetables. The Crimson Café has also revamped its menu to be based
CW | Natalie Nichols Patrons sample the food and service at the Crimson Cafe on Feb. 13 at a free tasting event. on fresh, seasonal items and most of the food is made in-house and sourced from local farmers markets. As with drink specials, food specials will be based on the availability of fruits and vegetables and what is in season. There are also plans to grow an herb garden on the roof that will provide fresh mint and basil among other herbs. “Probably the only thing you
will have on the table that we didn’t make is the ketchup,” said Oakley West, The Crimson Café’s hospitality manager. The new menu also celebrates Southeastern Conference tradition, including burgers and sandwiches named after SEC mascots like the Razorback Burger, the Tiger Burger and the Gamecock Chicken Tender Sandwich. With its new look and
atmosphere, The Crimson Café hopes to become a venue for live music. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the café will host bands. Cover charges for those under age 21 will be based on the popularity of the performers. On Saturdays and Sundays, acoustic performers will play during brunch. The owners explained that The Crimson Cafe will not become a “party bar,” but will be a place people can relax, hear live music and still enjoy their conversations. Unlike many bars on the Strip, it will be smoke-free all night. For a late-night menu, Crimson Café will offer their appetizer menu that offers selections such as chicken bombs and quesadillas. Along with its many renovations, the owners of The Crimson Café have chosen to keep the exposed ceiling, the walls, the floors and the name. “It has history; we don’t want to change too much,” said Madden. “The location, they just know this as The Crimson Café.” For people that have been to The Crimson Café in the past, the
owners insist that the new restaurant will offer a completely different experience. “It’s completely revamped,” Madden said. ‘The menu is completely different. The atmosphere is completely different.” “We’ve adjusted to the times,” Mullins added. The Crimson Café is scheduled to officially open Thursday. The owners will host a trial run tonight that is invitation only. Hours for the first few weeks will be from 10:30 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and from 10:30 a.m. until 2 or 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
FAST FACTS • The Crimson Café is adding a full bar that will include the largest number of taps of any Strip location • Bands will play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights • Most food is made in-house using ingredients from local farmers
COLUMN | TRAVEL
Romance on the road brief but leaves long-lasting memories By Jared Downing
I had a little tryst in India. Her name was Alex, one of three German girls on leave from a volunteer stint in the South. The four of us blasted around Rajasthan as fast as we could, spending each night on the bus to the next desert town. As her friends crammed guidebook sights, Alex and I kept finding ourselves on midnight walks, sharing a watermelon in a bustling market or huddled under my jacket in a bus seat, rolling through the dusty night. Ain’t that romantic? I don’t know why romance on the road happens like it does, but there’s rarely a more perfect match than two travelers in a strange
land. If it were a movie, it would be cheesy as hell. I planned to part with those Germans in every new destination, but somehow I could never manage it. One afternoon, Alex found me on top of a fortress wall in Jaisalmer, near the Pakistani border. Surrounded by street kids, I was holding a stray puppy and wearing what I imagine was a really dumb grin. But soon we were alone again, gazing together over the ancient city with nothing in the distance but the Great Indian Desert and the sun falling softly behind it. And then I realized why I hadn’t left. We went north after that, and I stayed in the mountains while the Germans moved on. We had
vague plans to meet up at the Ganges River, but I knew I was done. Alex cried. I damn near did, too. But understand: It never works. I’ve seen travelers try to hitch themselves on the road, but once you give in, that’s it. You’ve spoiled the very stuff that made it so exquisite. Last summer I met an American in Nicaragua. It was pretty romantic: I had gotten off the bus in a pouring rain with nowhere to go. I saw her jump into a cab and told another driver, “Follow that chiquita.” We spent the night swapping stories over bad beer. The next morning I tried to slip out of the hostel before dawn, but she was awake, watching me from her bunk. She said something really nice,
about seeing each other again, but I don’t remember her name. I travel to be anonymous, blast it; to leap hundreds of miles on a whim. Besides, sometimes fate just spits on you. I met a girl in New York. Her name was Virginia, and she had yellow eyes. We had a mutual friend at Vassar College; I had spent the last two nights on a floor in Manhattan and looked it, but Virginia didn’t care. She was a slim tomboy from Charleston with chestnut hair that fell loose around her freckled face. When we met, she bounced up, smiled at me with eyes the color of yellowjackets, and said, “It’s you!” I stayed there two days then flew to London. She was on my mind the whole way.
A year later, driving down New England with the same pal from Vassar, we stopped to visit his friend and her twin sister in a little shack on the South Carolina beach. The last night, the twin and I ended up in a hammock on the porch. It was warm, the moon sparkled on the ocean and the only sounds were the crickets and the surf. Finally, she moved in for the kill, but I dodged, put a kiss on her forehead, and whispered, “Not when I’m leaving tomorrow. I’m sorry.” Humphrey Bogart would have slow-clapped. I probably shouldn’t have done that, but understand: I couldn’t kiss her. Not when her sister Virginia was in the next
room. But it makes for a hell of a story. And I guess sometimes that’s all you get. Like the one about Miranda, the green-eyed Swede that made me lose my passport in Guatemala, or Lenna, who I met in downtown D.C. and then ran into again on a train the next morning. And there’s ol’ Ami; she and I got lost in the Himalayan woods and spent the night in a Tibetan orphanage. So I guess sometimes you have to go with it, if only for a good story. This is what happened with Alex. I stayed in the mountains a week and then found her on the Ganges, where we just held each other for three days. It’s all so sappy it makes me want to vomit.
G aBrRoEuAnKd SPriRgIN ht
! R E N R O C THE is
11 Tuesday, February 14, 2012
LIFESTYLES
The Crimson White
COLUMN | BOOKS
‘The Marriage Plot’ offers new perspective on getting hitched By Isabela Morales
“There is no happiness in love, except at the end of an English novel.” That’s the motto Madeleine Hanna lives by, anyway, in the 1980s college world of Jeffrey Eugenides’s “The Marriage Plot.” Hanna, a senior majoring in English with an impending graduation date and no idea what she wants to do with the rest of her life, probably isn’t too different from you especially if you were raised on Jane Austen novels and the sort of early 19th-century happily-ever-after that ends with someone becoming a Mrs. Darcy. Madeleine Hanna is a hopeless romantic. When her professors and more fashionably cynical classmates
argue that the trope of the Jane Austen “marriage plot” is as fantastic and unrealistic as any Grimm’s fairy tale, Hanna closes her eyes and mutters “na-na-na-na-na” under her breath. Well, not exactly. She also happens to be bright and articulate, and instead, she thinks something like this: “What Thurston was saying seemed to Madeleine both insightful and horribly wrong. It was maybe true, what he said, but it shouldn’t have been.” Let’s ignore for a moment the fact that a pretentious guy named Thurston really should play a handsome, but sinister rake in an Austen novel. In this book, he’s just a pompous preppy, and maybe that’s just as well. Madeleine Hanna is also an incur-
able idealist. After graduation, she, along with her friends, seem somewhat perplexed by the “real world” they’ve finally entered. And it’s really no wonder: She lives in an intellectual circle made of Nietzche-reading classmates like Thurston and professors with names like “Zipperstein” and a boyfriend who makes fun of her drink preferences with quips like, “Sure. Martinis. We can pretend we’re Salinger characters.” College, clearly, is a far cry from grown-up life. And Madeleine Hanna, bless her heart, is expecting to grow up to be Elizabeth Bennet. Of course, it wouldn’t be a novel if there weren’t some sort of conflict. And it wouldn’t be a Valentine’s Day book review column if there weren’t some sort of love triangle - am I right? Of course I’m right.
Our heroine, like many a Bennett before her, has two suitors: Leonard Bankhead, the biochem major from semiotics class, and Mitchell Grammaticus (what did I say about these names?), the religious studies guy who emerges from his long library sojourn with Meister Eckhart with the total conviction that Madeleine is his soul mate. What’s an Austen devotee to do? Well, marry one of them, naturally. To Madeleine Hanna’s puzzlement and most readers’ exasperated sighs, the traditional marriage plot takes a twist in Eugenides’s new take on an old trope. This might not be the book to read on Valentine’s Day. But it’s a great read on a day when you’re not swamped in sentimentalism. Like tomorrow, for instance.
READERS MIGHT ALSO LIKE... • “The Dovekeepers,” by Alice Hoffman • “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green • “Death Comes to Pemberley,” by P.D. James • “The Paris Wife,” by Paula McLain
Performers rehearse for 14th annual Dance Alabama! performance in Morgan Hall
CW| Harish Rao Dance Alabama! will be held Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
HOUSING EXPO! February 13th - 15th
Come visit our Temporary Leasing Office in Midtown Village across from Old Navy & Rack Room Shoes to check out our mock model, the furniture, the virtual tour, & more! Refreshments provided!
The FIRST 25 people will receive Application & Service Fee WAIVED! A S AV I N G S O F $ 2 2 5 !
O P E N I N G
F A L L
2 0 1 2
C Facebook.com/EastEdgeApartments L @EastEdgeStaff w w w. E a s tE d g eA p a r t men t s . c o m
Temporary Leasing Office in Midtown Village, 1800 McFarland Boulevard East, Suite 414, across from Old Navy. 855.711.8433
12 Tuesday, February 14, 2012
SPORTS
Releford, Steele may return Freshmen Rodney Cooper and sophomore Charles Hankerson look on after beating Ole Miss 69-67. Both Hankerson and Cooper will have increased playing time vs. Florida. By Brett Hudson
Senior Sports Reporter bbhudson@crimson.ua.edu @Brett_Hudson When Alabama and Florida meet in Coleman Coliseum tonight for ESPN’s Super Tuesday, the Crimson Tide will still be at a personnel disadvantage. However, the Tide will not face the mismatch in depth experienced during Saturday’s game in Baton Rouge. Head coach Anthony Grant said in his press conference Monday that sophomore point guard Trevor Releford and redshirt junior guard Andrew Steele will likely be available for tonight’s game, while senior forward JaMychal Green and junior forward Tony Mitchell remain suspended. Grant stressed again the importance of making good decisions and that the events were disappointing. Many fans supported Grant in his decision to suspend the players, as did his mentor, Florida head coach Billy Donovan. Grant was an assistant for Donovan at Florida when the Gators won two national championships with players such as Joakim Noah and Al Horford. “He’s not the type of guy to just plug holes in a leaking ship, because those will come back to hurt you,” Donovan said. “By him doing that, he told his team he was prepared to lose big to win big. You have to go about things a certain way in order to win big.” Grant did not address his decisions very extensively, trying to
COLUMN | MEN’S BASKETBALL
Tide may find difficulty reaching NCAA tourney By Brett Hudson
push the focus to Alabama’s primetime match-up. “I would really like to talk about our opponent,” Grant said. “We have a very talented Florida team coming in here [tonight]. We’ve dealt with those situations. As a coach, I’m ready to move forward and I think our players are ready to move forward.” Moving forward will be no easy task for the Tide, as Alabama has to take on one of the Southeastern Conference’s best offenses. “From an offensive standpoint, they may be the most explosive team in the league,” Grant said. “Florida hits you with skill. At four or five positions on the floor they can play guys that create matchup problems.” One of those matchup problems is 6-foot-3 true freshman guard Bradley Beal, who is second on the team in both points and rebounds per game, averaging 14.4 points and 6.2 rebounds. “He affects winning in a lot of ways for them.” Grant said. The Gators come into Tuscaloosa as one of the top offensive teams in the country, scoring just under 79 points a game. Florida has five players that shoot greater than 45 percent from the field: Cody Larsen, Patric Young, Will Yeguete, Kenny Boynton and Erik Murphy. Two of those players, Larson and Young, are shooting greater than 60 percent from the field so far this season. Two more, Boynton and Murphy, shoot better than 70 percent from the free throw line. “I think our guys are excited
t a F e Los r e g n u H b r u C t a F e l c s u LoBsue ild M
r e g n u H rb e l c s u M d l i u s: Locateirosn lvd. B y t i v
ni 1403 UT he Rec
The Crimson White
Photos by John Michael Simpson Andrew Steele will likely enter the Tideʼs lineup against Florida Tuesday. The players were missed Saturday against LSU in Baton Rouge. to have the opportunity to play against a team of that caliber,” Grant said. “We know that they are coming off of two straight losses, so they will be very hungry.” Florida lost at Kentucky, also a Super Tuesday game, before losing to the Tennessee Volunteers at home.
In the midst of the recent suspensions in the men’s basketball program, fans have had varied reactions. Some have applauded head coach Anthony Grant for running a tight ship and some have taken their NCAA tournament bid hopes and cast them away. If you did both, join the club. There is no doubt Grant did the best thing for the program in this situation. If he allowed the players to run the show in his program, the losses would come by the truckload, and that never bodes well for job security. As for an NCAA tournament bid this season, I won’t tell you to throw out your optimism. Optimism fills Coleman Coliseum on a nightly basis, and no one wants to see empty seats when the team is one improbable win streak away from contending. But, let’s take a look at the upcoming schedule. Florida is far-and-away one of the best teams in a top-heavy Southeastern Conference, and Alabama has to face them without its most consistent post scorer and its most consistent three-point shooter. The return of Trevor Releford and Andrew Steele is big, no doubt about it. Anything is possible in college basketball, but the Gators will probably be the favorites – and that’s accounting for another Jeremy Lin-like outburst from Rodney Cooper. It doesn’t get easier, either. Alabama will play host to Tennessee on Saturday. You know, Tennessee, the team that completed a season sweep of the Gators on the road just three days ago? That leaves Alabama with four games to go. The first of the final four is on the road against Arkansas, which just so happens to be the location of one of Alabama’s four conference losses last season. Then comes a two-game home stand against Mississippi State and Auburn. The Jan. 14 loss to the Bulldogs sent Alabama on a four-game tailspin, and all bets are off for the meeting in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 25. As for Auburn, well, when it comes to basketball season, it’s not so great to be an Auburn Tiger.
TIDE’S FINAL GAMES • 2/14 at 6 p.m. vs. Florida (19-6) • 2/18 at 6 p.m. vs. Tennessee (1312)
• 2/23 at 6 p.m. at Arkansas (17-8) • 2/25 at 5 p.m. vs. Mississippi State (19-6)
• 2/29 at 7 p.m. vs. Auburn (13-12) • 3/3 at 3 p.m. at Ole Miss (15-9)
The finale will come against Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss., against a Rebel team that forced the Crimson Tide to double overtime in Coleman. They say home court advantage is worth three points, and three points obviously would have won the earlier matchup in regulation. Long story short, Alabama has six games left, starting with tonight’s matchup against Florida. I expect Alabama to go 4-2 in this stretch, with a 5-1 or 3-3 performance not out of the question. A 4-2 performance would put the Tide at a 9-7 record in conference play. 9-7 SEC teams don’t have a great track record when it comes to NCAA tournament bids, even with a nonconference resume as solid as the Tide’s. I won’t rule out a tournament bid just yet, seeing as both Andy Katz of ESPN and Jerry Palm of CBS have Alabama seeded somewhere in the neighborhood of seven to 10. But, I just don’t see it. I’ll end my negativity parade with a positive: Grant did buy himself one more year here at the Capstone, whether Alabama makes it to the NCAA tournament or not. The Alabama faithful have a lot of respect and a little more patience for a man with power and a strong backbone (who is this Saban guy I keep hearing about?). That being said, next year is the year. All of the talent Grant brought into the program in the class of 2011 will have an entire season of collegiate basketball under their belts, so inexperience will no longer be the reason. Dare I say, it’s big dance or bust next season.
MARKETPLACE
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.
HOUSING 2 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE for rent or sale in Northport on the water at Indian Lake, Email at edna4ua@aol.com CAMPUS 3-4 BEDROOM HOUSES very nice, available now. Lease and deposit required. No pets. Call (205) 752-1277. WILLOW WYCK 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, perfect for roommates, Âżve minutes from Campus. Move-In Special. Pre-leasing Available. 391-9690 UNIVERSITY VILLAGE 2 bedroom, female roommate needed. Private bath, washer/dryer, furnished except bedroom. $475/month, utilities included. February paid, no deposit. halmarti2@aol.com(334)546-9279
history, and be able to travel in Alabama and nearby states. Email resume to Recruiter3@osmose.com or apply online at www.OsmoseUtilities. com EOE M/F/D/V. ATTENTION: DRIVER trainees needed! $800 to $1000 a week plus beneÂżts. 15 day CDL training with several tuition options available. Everyone approved if qualiÂżed! 1-800-TRUCKING (1-800-8782546). (R) BILLY BARNES ENTERPRISES, Inc. is hiring experienced Ă€atbed drivers. Home most weekends.Requirements include: must be 23 years of age, class “Aâ€? CDL, 1 year veriÂżable tractor/trailer experience, clean driving record. For more information call Mary @ 1-800-844-6458 opt. 1. (R)
JOBS CAN YOU DIG It? Heavy Equipment School. 3 week training program. Backhoes, bulldozers, rackhoes. Local job placement asst. Start digging dirt now. 1-866-362-6497. (R) FOREMEN TO LEAD utility Âżeld crews. Outdoor physical work, paid training, $17/hr. plus weekly performance bonuses after promotion, living allowance when traveling, company truck and beneÂżts. Must have strong leadership skills, good driving
3$/,6$'(6 $ 3$ 5 7 0 ( 1 7 + 2 0 ( 6
1, 2, 3 bedrooms
FREE • • • •
monitored security system gas log fireplaces fitness rooms 2 resort pools
CALL (205) 544-1977 3201 Hargrove Road East Tuscaloosa, AL palisadesapthomes.com
! /$ 1 %' '! 0/%'%/%!. %) '0 ! .*(!/%(!. 2!'' 2 /!- %. %) '0 ! '' "*- - /!.
East Edge - ) )!2 0''3 "0-)%.$! /0 %*
! -**( 0)%/. '' %) '0.%1! %) %1% 0 ' '! .!. ) (*-!4 *1%! /$! /!- *(+0/!- ' # (! -**( "-!! / ))%)# 4 EastEdge Apartments.com '*.!/ .+ ! 1 %' '! *) -!/! (*./ *" /$! /%(! * *- $! / -%)#
Best Commercial Rates:
4-8 days is $.50 per word. 9 plus days is $.35 per word.
Student/Faculty Rates:
$.35 per word. You must register with a Crimson Mail address to get this rate. If you enter your ad under student rate without a Crimson Mail address your charge will be adjusted to regular price.
DEADLINES: Classified line ad deadline is the previous business day by 4:00 p.m.
JOBS
JOBS
JOBS
RATES
DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED now! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $750 per week! No experience needed! Job ready in 15 days! Local CDL training! 1-888-743-4611. (R) DRIVERS - CDL-A OTR drivers needed. Start up to $0.44 per mile! Lease purchase available! Great home time. Experience required. Call today 1-800-441-4271 x AL-100. www.HornadyTransportation.com. (R) DRIVERS - CDL-A teams needed! Plenty of miles! Including West Coast runs! Top pay for experienced drivers. Even more for Hazmat! 1-800942-2104 ext. 7307 or 7308. www. totalms.com. (R) DRIVERS - REGIONAL Àatbed home every weekend, 40-45 CPM, full bene¿t package. CDL-A required to apply. Flatbed training available. Call 1-800-992-7863 ext 158, www. mcelroytrucklines.com. NEW CAREER - CDL Training. Jobs available if quali¿ed. Call today- start tomorrow! WIA, VA & Rehab. ESD TDS, LLC. 1-866-432-0430. www. ESDschool.com. (R) REGIONAL CDL-A DRIVERS. Ramp up your career at 37 cpm w/1+ years experience! 4-12 months
ANNOUNCEMENTS
experience? Paid refresher course. 1-888-362-8608 or Averittcareers. com. Equal Opportunity Employer. (R) WANT TO GET home weekends, earn up to $0.39 / mile? Must live along or north of Highway 78 and/ or I-20 in Alabama. 1 yr OTR Àatbed experience. Sunbelt Transport, LLC 1-800-572-5489 ext. 227. (R)
ANNOUNCEMENTS ABSOLUTE AUCTION - Arvest Equipment Finance, February 24, 2012. 3475 Ashley Road, Montgomery, Alabama. Of¿ce furniture, desk & returns, chairs, tables, recliners, rockers, book cases, ¿le cabinets, sofa, podium. For details visit www. jmwood.com. J.M. Wood Auction Co., Inc. 1-334-264-3265. Bryant Wood Al Lic#1137. ABSOLUTE PUBLIC AUCTION - Alabama Department of Public Safety, February 22, 2012. 1030 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, Alabama. Crown Victoria’s, Chevrolet Impala, Ford F350 dually, Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Avalanche, military truck tractor, dump truck, lowboy, Àatbed & tag trailers, generators, light plants, fuel tanks, scrap metal. For
details visit www.jmwood.com. J.M. Wood Auction Co., Inc. 1-334-2643265. Bryant Wood Al Lic#1137. ALLIED HEALTH CAREER training - attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualiÂżed. SCHEV certiÂżed. Call 1-800-4819409. www.CenturaOnline.com. (R) ATTENTION DIABETICS WITH Medicare. Get a free talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at no cost, plus free home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful Âżnger pricking! Call 877-364-1774. AUCTION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21st, 10 am. Sizemore American Alum. Products 1828 Pinson Street Tarrant, AL. Real estate & inventory. 1-205-612-4221 www.assetliquidators.biz. C. Hughes AL 1275. BRAND NEW 2012 singlewide $19995.00. Built to order. $1000.00 deposit reqired to build. Only available through winter. Call now! 1-800537-7184. DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month plus 30 premium movie channels free for 3 months! Save! & ask about same day installation! Call 1-888-816-8471.
DIVORCE WITH OR without chil dren $125. Includes name change and property settlement agreement Free information. Save hundreds Fast and easy. Call 1-888-789 0198 24/7 orwww.pay4divorce.com
DONATE YOUR CAR, truck or boa to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 day vacation, tax deductible, free towing all paperwork taken care of. 1-877 576-7619.
GET HUGHESNET HIGH-SPEED internet with free installation! $39.99 month for 3 months after mail in re bate. $49.99/ month after introductory rate. Get high-speed internet where you live today. 1-800-283-1057 o www.probroadbandsolutions.com Limited time offer. (R)
HEAT YOUR HOME for 5c an hour Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50 percent. Free shipping too! Use claim code 6239. Was $499, now $279. Call 1-877-553-3375.
HOUSE FOR SALE - Beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath home All appliances, 3.5 acres. 2BR 1.5 cottage included, Sears lawn tractor some furniture. Atmore AL $240,000 Offers considered. 1-251-368-3145.
4527 18th Ave. East 205-556-4700 www.HeightsAtSkyland.com
NEED TO ADVERTISE statewide? ALA-SCAN can place your 25-word ad in 130 newspapers across Ala bama for only $210 (additional words $7.50). Make one call to this news paper (a participating ALA-SCAN member) or call 1-800-264-7043 to Âżnd out how easy it is to advertise statewide! (R)
1 bedrooms start $469 2 bedrooms start $539
NEW AND USED - stair lift elevators car lifts, scooters, lift chairs, powe wheel chairs, walk-in tubs. Covering all of Alabama for 23 years. Elrod Mo bility 1-800-682-0658.
*Price per apartment NOT per bedroom
OWN YOUR OWN FRANCHISE for $499.
BUSINESS
Serious Calls ONLY. Call David @ 704-477-3493
HUGE SAVINGS! Remodeled Units available
SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3,997 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.
Near the action, but away from the party!
DOWNTIME Crossword
TIRED OF HIGH COST on any o these services? Phone, Internet, Cable, Cell Phone Energy.
Advertise in the Crimson White’s Classi¿ed Marketplace. Visit www cw.ua.edu and click on the classi ¿eds tab and look for the place new ad button. Low cost, highly effective ads available in print and online.
Fun-filled Time Wasters
ACROSS 1 Place for family game night 4 Book of poems partly by King David 10 Farm grazer 13 Egg cells 14 Communicating regularly 16 Fat Tire product 17 Ballplayer’s hat 18 Woos, minstrelstyle 19 N.J. neighbor 20 Dismiss an occult doll-making practice? 23 Hanukkah money 24 Govt.-issued ID 25 Donahue and Collins 26 Double Stuf cookies 28 With 57-Down, wealthy people 31 Hair removal brand 32 “What’s that chocolate beverage you’re drinking, Yogi?� answer? 36 Raggedy doll 37 Debate side 38 PC component 39 Studio whose films get off to a roaring start 42 Model train expert? 45 Speed-of-sound name 48 Wee, like bairns 49 Sarandon of “Bull Durham� 50 Snow-block home 52 Hippie’s home 55 When Romeo meets Juliet 56 Frilly Hawaiian dress? 60 Small amount 61 Temps 62 Fib, e.g. 64 Dark time for a poet 65 Kind of fiction 66 Recreational transport, briefly 67 Driller’s deg. 68 More sexy 69 Manhattan liquor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Crimson White accepts Visa and Master Card for payment fo your classiÂżed ads. Visit www.cw.ua edu , click on the classiÂżeds tab and charge it today!
Advertise Here!
Sudoku By Marti Duguay-Carpenter
DOWN 1 Bespectacled dwarf 2 Role for Patti LuPone or Madonna 3 Layered pastry 4 “Hogwash!� 5 Scissors cuts 6 Periodic table figs. 7 Access with a password 8 “Faster, huskies!� 9 John Candy skit show 10 Golf bag carrier 11 World Cup chant 12 Runner-up’s news 15 Earring style 21 Texter’s “From a different aspect ...� 22 “Say it isn’t so!� 23 “La maja desnuda� painter 27 Second-year student 29 High, in Hamburg 30 Spanish river 33 Top Olympic medals, in Madrid 34 Rapid economic expansion
Need money for the weekend? Turn your “stuffâ€? into fast cash. Visit www cw.ua.edu and click on the classi Âżeds tab. Ad placement is quick and easy.
ClassiÂżed display ads get results Call your Crimson White ad repre sentative today to Âżnd out how the Crimson White can help you create new business opportunities. Ca (205) 348-7355 or cwclassmgr@ gmail.com
2/14/12 Monday’s Puzzle Solved
LEADING BANK TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
ATTENTION
STUDENTS! (c)2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
35 Plains tribesmen 39 Powerfully built 40 Tip on a table 41 City bond, informally 42 Dynasty during Confucius’ time 43 Juliet’s family name 44 American territory in the Pacific 45 Offended 46 Signed a pact, say
LOOKING FOR INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR US
2/14/12
47 Circus performers 51 Slays, mob-style 53 “Care for __?�: after-dinner offer 54 Numbskull 57 See 28-Across 58 Hodgepodge 59 Mouse manipulator 63 Night of anticipation
The Crimson White
EMAIL DARRYL BRASFIELD DARRYL.BRASFIELD@TRINOVUS.COM
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SPORTS
Hampered by injuries, Russell hangs up laces
Page 14 • Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Editor • Tony Tsoukalas crimsonwhitesports@ gmail.com
SPORTS this week TODAY • Men’s Basketball vs Florida: 6 p.m. Tuscaloosa, Ala.
WEDNESDAY • Swimming and Diving SEC Championships: All Day Knoxville, Tenn.
THURSDAY • Women’s Basketball vs Kentucky: 6:30 p.m. Tuscaloosa • Swimming and Diving SEC Championships: All Day Knoxville, Tenn.
By Jasmine Cannon Senior Staff Reporter jmcannon@crimson.ua.edu
After three knee surgeries and consistently playing through pain, Tuscaloosa native and senior shooting guard Ericka Russell’s college basketball career has been cut short. “It was a tough decision, but everything happens for a reason I feel like,” Russell said. “I’m still going to be around supporting them throughout my years in Tuscaloosa. It was a tough decision, but I had to do what’s best for me long term.” Head coach Wendell Hudson said Russell’s leadership will be missed on the court. “When you ask the team if you were going to follow somebody and who would it be, Ericka’s name is the first name that always pops up,” Hudson said. “She’s been that model that we’ve used many times to say ‘if you want to be like somebody, this is the person you need to follow.’” Russell is a member of the 1,000point club, and finishes her career as one of the best three-point shooters and defensive players to come
through Alabama. She ranks fourth in 3-pointers made and attempted. Russell hit eight 3-pointers last season against Arkansas in Fayetteville, tying an Alabama record. “Ericka Russell is the epitome of being a student-athlete,” Hudson said. “We all kind of game in here together. She’s one of the people who people have looked at and said ‘okay, she’s a pretty good player, she works hard and I want to go play with her.’” Russell’s teammates comment on how great of a leader she was and the effects she had on the team. “She’s has been a leader since day one,” junior guard Jessica Merritt said. “When I first came in from junior college, she was one of the first to meet and greet me, so that showed a lot to me about her. She’s a good leader on this team, and we will miss her a lot.” Junior forward Kyra Crosby echoed Merritt’s words. “She understands what she means to the team as far as just being there and still letting us know that she still wants to be a part of the team even though she can’t be physically,” Crosby said. “She still
means so much to us, and she’s still a leader, and she still motivates us and everything else as if she was playing.” While everyone on the bench and in the stands praise Russell for her work ethic, personality and attitude, she remains humble when thinking about what her legacy will be. “I feel like I’m more of a leader that shows it more than trying to say it all of the time,” Russell said. “[My legacy probably is] trying to be a great leader and making this team successful.” Russell earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration in three years. She’s currently enrolled in the University’s sports management master’s program and hopes to work on the business side of athletics. Russell went to Northridge High School and was the school’s first basketball player to sign a Division I scholarship. She was voted onto the 2011-2012 preseason All-SEC second team, was a Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award candidate and earned the MVP award at this year’s Paradise Jam, while leading her team to a first place finish in the tournament.
Erika Russell goes up for a layup last season. Russell’s leadership will be missed by the Tide.
UA Athletics | Amelia J. Brackin
The Booth
COME SPEND VALENTINES DAY WITH ME!!!
TONIGHNTWAY
RENT THE RU
$10
AN-DRINK
ALL-YOU-C
WINE
N AT 7 DOORS OPE
WEEKLY SPECIALS
MONDAY - SHOT NIGHT 1/2 OFF ALL SHOTS
WEDNESDAY - 1/2 OFF BEERS & WELLS THURSDAY - $1 TALL BOYS $5 BOTTLES OF WINE
JOE
YOU
GILM
ORE
R FAV ORIT E DO OR M AN
TUESDAY
$1 BIG GUL PS 1/2 OFF A BEERS, WEL LL DOMESTIC LS 8-11 (LADIE& COCKTAILS S ONLY)