THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2014 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 94 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894
CULTURE | WEEKEND
THURSDAY FRIDAY
IS THE NEW CW | Austin Bigoney
A weekly special at Gallette’s, Wine Wednesday initiates the weekend early, attracting hoardes of students, despite its placement in the middle of the week.
Class schedules, bar specials bring students out during week By Francie Johnson | Staff Reporter College, for many students, means freedom. Freedom from parental supervision, freedom from curfews, freedom to eat Chinese food, pizza, a burger and fries all in one meal – the list goes on and on. Perhaps one of the most
distinct changes from high school, though, is the freedom to choose one’s own schedule. In an environment where students have complete control over their class schedules, many choose to forgo Friday classes in favor of starting their weekends a day early. Teasia Thomas, a junior majoring in political science, said she avoids Friday classes whenever she can, trying to only register for these classes if attendance isn’t mandatory. “Most professors understand the importance
TODAYON CAMPUS Astronomy lecture WHAT: “Out There and Beyond: The Search for Earth-Like Planets” WHEN: 2 p.m. WHERE: Rodgers Library
of the weekend to a college student,” Thomas said. “Whether they like it or not, their class attendance will decrease on Fridays.” Thomas specifically designs her schedule to exclude Friday classes, often registering early or taking online classes to keep her Fridays open. “The weekend has to include Friday when you’re in college to really enjoy it,” Thomas said. “With so many students working parttime on the weekends, the weekend will not
exist if Friday is not completely devoted to relaxation.” During prime time, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the University offers about 25 percent fewer course sections Fridays than it does Mondays or Wednesdays, said University Provost Joe Benson. For example, Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, about 180 of the school’s 389 available classrooms are in use. At the SEE THURSDAY PAGE 6
SPORTS | SOFTBALL
Murphy leads UA toward success Softball coach gains 800th win, looks to strong season By Kelly Ward | Staff Reporter
Body Appreciation Week WHAT: “Open Your Eyes” WHEN: 5-7 p.m. WHERE: Tutwiler Hall Large Living Room
Undergraduate research WHAT: Oral Presentation of Research Undergraduate Workshop WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: 324 Lloyd Hall
Patrick Murphy is competitive. Some coaches might use a flight delay to look at game tape or hold a team meeting. In 2012, Murphy didn’t. When the Alabama softball team was stuck in an airport in Kentucky, Murphy spent that time playing four square with the team. Much of the game was spent diving to keep the ball in play. “It was his finest moment, but he’s that competitive,” said Jennifer Fenton, a member of the 2012 WCWS National Championship team. “He wants to win, but he does it the right way, which is awesome.” SEE MURPHY PAGE 16
NEWS | DOWNTOWN
Growth compromises historic area
Friday Clear
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CONTACT
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Sports Puzzles Classifieds
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WHAT: The Doctors and The Lawyers WHEN: 10 p.m. WHERE: Rounders Bar
The landscape of downtown Tuscaloosa is changing. Over the next few years, students and citizens can expect the arrival of a new apartment complex, an Embassy Suites Hotel and a Hilton Home 2 Suites extended-stay hotel. “We’re just as happy as we can be to be a part of Tuscaloosa and the growth of Tuscaloosa,” said Stuart Cohen, of Cohen Investments, the real estate investment
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By Samuel Yang | Staff Reporter
The new skyline, however, comes at a cost. New construction means clearing old streets, and the demolition of historic houses in the name of development has become increasingly concerning to people like Tim Higgins, a 2011 UA alumnus and founding member of Preserve Tuscaloosa. Higgins said Preserve Tuscaloosa is an advocacy group that works with preservation groups in the hopes of protecting neighborhoods from unfit development. “I hope people understand preserving the historic nature of Tuscaloosa is not
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WHAT: Movie Series: “The Butler” WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: 159 Russell Hall
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Film screening
firm developing the extended-stay hotel. “We’re looking very much forward to being a good corporate citizen in town and doing our part.” Cohen said the new hotel, which will service guests from business travelers to visiting parents, complemented downtown Tuscaloosa’s existing entertainment and food options while opening doors for new growth. “We think downtown speaks to all that. Downtown’s as much an amenity for our guests as we are for downtown,” he said. “I think downtown Tuscaloosa is going to be a gateway to the University and that it is going to build on what it already is.”
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WHAT: Girls Game Free and Fight Night WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: Hive Bang Gaming
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Briefs Opinions Culture
CW | Austin Bigoney Head softball coach Patrick Murphy talks with his team in the dugout after his 800th UA win Saturday against Virginia Tech.
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