03.10.11

Page 1

the

Scene

NEWS

UA reduces housing options at the Bluff

doesn’t need the beach to have fun

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Serving the University of Alabama since 1894

Vol. 117, Issue 98

Student dies of unknown illness

Bubbling with anticipation Tide looks to lock up tourney bid in Atlanta By Marquavius Burnett Sports Reporter msburnett1@crimson.ua.edu The Southeastern Conference Tournament will take place in Atlanta, Ga., this weekend. The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators earned No. 1 seeds in their respective divisions. The Tide and the Gators, along with Mississippi State and Kentucky, all earned first-round byes. For Alabama (20-10, 12-4 SEC), its first matchup of the tournament will be against a familiar opponent. On Friday, the Tide will face the winner of the Auburn/Georgia game, which is the first game of the tournament on Thursday. Alabama has played and defeated both teams in the last two weeks. Head coach Anthony Grant said that will help with preparation. “When you go back and evaluate film, you always look at things like if you had a chance to do it over again, you would do them differently,” Grant said. “It’s the same for our opponents. If you look at the first time we played Auburn compared to the second time, you will see that they made some adjustments that bothered us. I’m sure if we have to play Georgia or Auburn there will be some changes on both ends of the floor. It certainly helps to be familiar with your opponents and to be able to anticipate what is going to happen so that you will be prepared for it.” After having an up and down start to the season, the Tide finally got its season on track and has won 15 of its last

See TIDE, page 9

By Alyssa Locklar Contributing Writer

Un ive r s i ty of Alabama l aw student Allison Bronner died March 3 of an unknown illness, according to a release by the University. Although they suspect the cause of death to be of natural causes Allison Bronner related to a recent illness, nothing has been officially determined. It is known that a family friend found her dead in her apartment March 3, Fox Alabama reported. The daughter of Mary Lynn and David Bronner, Bronner, 25, also leaves behind her brother George and sister Courtney, along with many other family and friends. Bronner was a UA graduate who went on to attend the UA School of Law, hoping to pursue a career in security law. “Her phone calls are a favorite memory,” said friend Liorah Camak. “She would call and have these two hour conversations with you about nothing. Like what she had for dinner or why she likes Publix better than Bruno’s or what her dog was doing at every changing minute. We always joked about them and just how ridiculous and entertaining they were. She was hilarious. I know anyone who was ever privileged enough to receive those calls would give

See BRONNER, page 2

SGA ELECTIONS CW | John Michael Simpson Sophomore Tony Mitchell completes a layup, while being fouled during a game against Arkansas on Feb. 19 at Coleman Coliseum. Mitchell and the Tide will look to win the SEC championship and ensure a spot in the tournament over the weekend in Atlanta, Ga.

Who you should root against: Team:

Next game:

Colorado

Today vs. Kansas State, 2 p.m.

Virginia Tech

Today vs. Georgia Tech, 8:30 p.m.

Michigan State

Today vs. Iowa, 3:30 p.m.

Boston College

Today vs. Wake Forest, 1:30 p.m.

USC

Today vs. California, 2 p.m.

Tide still hovers on NCAA bubble By Laura Owens Senior Sports Reporter lkowens@crimson.ua.edu According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Alabama is still a bubble team for the NCAA tournament. As of this week prior to the SEC tournament, Lunardi has Alabama as the NCAA tournament’s first team out on his brackets posted at ESPN.com.

The team right below Alabama is Georgia, who the Tide beat Saturday 65-57 in Tuscaloosa. In the SEC tournament, the winner of the Auburn-Georgia game Thursday will play Alabama Friday, so there is a possibility of these two teams meeting again less than a week after their first matchup.

See NCAA, page 5

Lai Lai’s lease set to expire this summer By Karissa Bursch Senior Staff Reporter kabursch@crimson.ua.edu By the end of this semester, students will have to look elsewhere for Chinese food options on The Strip. Lai Lai’s lease, which is owned by the University, is expiring, which means the business will have to vacate the property. Jennifer Chen, the manager of Lai Lai, said the University sent Lai Lai a letter in November 2010 notifying them of the expiration of their lease. The letter stated the lease le this

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CW | Katie Bennett

See LAI LAI, page 12

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-8036 | Advertising: 348-7845 | Classifieds: 348-7355 Letters, op-eds: letters@cw.ua.edu Press releases, announcements: news@cw.ua.edu

UA turnout tops most colleges in conference By Amanda Sams Senior Staff Reporter alsams1@crimson.ua.edu

After weeks of hard work campaigning, debating and examining the issues to choose the most qualified candidates, Student Government Association elections are over. At least 32 percent of students chose to vote. Excluding the presidential election, the executive offices were unopposed this year, so the winners were settled before the race began. This turnout is relatively high for Southeastern Conference schools. Only 4 percent of approximately 35,000 students voted in the most recent election at the University of Georgia. Ed Mirecki, SGA adviser at UGA, said this low turnout was rare and well below the average. UGA usually participates in a party system where the president, vice president and treasurer run on one ticket with a group of senators. Since a single party ran unopposed this year, the winners of the election were predetermined, much like the majority of the UA executive positions, and voter turnout was low.

See VOTERS, page 7

INSIDE today’s paper

er •

Plea s

yc rec

Lai Lai, a chinese restaurant on the Strip, will be closing by the end of the semester.

will end March 31. Lai Lai’s original last day open was going to be March 27. Since then, the University has decided to extend Lai Lai’s lease for another month, so the closing won’t happen until the beginning of the summer. “Now we’re unsure of the closing date,” Chen said. “Most likely it will be at the beginning of the summer. We’ll be able to finish out the semester with the students now.” Chen said they know the University wants the property,

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Briefs ........................2

Puzzles.................... 13

Opinions ...................4

Classifieds ............... 13

Sports .......................8

Lifestyles.................. 14

WEATHER today Partly cloudy

54º/32º

Friday Clear

58º/63º

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ON THE GO

ON CAMPUS Research and Creative Activity Conference deadline nears Undergraduate students of all majors are invited to enter The University of Alabama’s annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference scheduled for April 11 at the Bryant Conference Center. Students can compete for cash prizes and earn practical experience in defending or performing their research projects before judges. More than 280 students competed in last year’s competition. To participate, an undergraduate student must register his or her project by submitting an application form and abstract describing the project by March 21.

Applications for Documenting Justice available Documenting Justice, a two-semester course in documentary filmmaking, is accepting applicants for next year’s class. During the course, students will explore social issues across the state or, if students study abroad in the spring, in the country they study in. Students will produce a 10-minute documentary film to be screened publicly at the end of the course. Applications are available online at cesr. ua.edu.

FRIDAY

TODAY What: Global Cafe Where: Crossroads Lounge, Ferguson Student Center

When: Noon - 1 p.m.

Have a great spring break!

What: Convocation Where: Moody Music Building

When: Noon What: Moundville Knap-in:

What: Improbable Fic-

A Stone Toolmakers Meet students $6

tions presents Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s� Lost

Where: US Moundville

Where: 214 Farrah When: 7 - 9:30 p.m.

When: Untimed event

Archaeological Park

What: Jazz Cavaliers and Alabama Jazz Ensemble Where: Moody Concert

Submit your events to calendar@cw.ua.edu

Hall

When: 7:30 p.m.

Research group hosts Middle East round table

Page 2• Thursday, March 10, 2011

EDITORIAL • Victor Luckerson, editor-in-chief, editor@cw.ua.edu • Jonathan Reed, managing editor, jonathanreedcw@gmail.com • Brandee Easter, print production editor • Will Tucker, news editor, newsdesk@cw.ua.edu • Kelsey Stein, lifestyles editor • Jason Galloway, sports editor • Tray Smith, opinions editor • Adam Greene, chief copy editor • Emily Johnson, design editor • Brian Pohuski, graphics editor • Drew Hoover, photo editor • Brian Connell, web editor • Marion Steinberg, community manager, outreach@cw.ua.edu • Daniel Roth, multimedia editor

ADVERTISING • Dana Andrzejewski, Advertising Manager, 348-8995, cwadmanager@gmail.com • Drew Gunn, Advertising Coordinator, 348-8044 • Hallett Ogburn, Territory Manager, 348-2598 • Emily Frost, National Advertising/ Classifieds, 348-8042 • Jessica West, Zone 3, 348-8735 • Courtney Ginzig, Zone 4, 3488054 • Robert Clark, Zone 5, 348-2670 • Emily Richards, Zone 6, 3486876 • Amy Ramsey, Zone 7, 348-8742 • Brittany Key, Zone 8, 348-8054 • Nikki Amthor, Zone 44, 3486153 • Will DeShazo, Zone 55, 3488041 • Kelly Sturwold, Creative Services Manager, 348-8042 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 354032389. 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 Š 2010 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hireâ€? and “Periodical Publicationâ€? categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.

By Jasmine Cannon Contributing Writer

study of the region. I will be in general public despite their Tuscaloosa this week to talk importance; rarely are they about another topic—digital subjects of study in public humanities—and I was hon- schools and not always in instiThe Middle Eastern ored to be asked to join a panel tutions of higher education. research group will be hoston the Middle East with Juan “Much of what is seen and ing the “Revolutions of 2011: Cole and Richard Chambers, heard in the public media is Why the History of the Middle both of whom are major schol- subjective and frequently misEast Matters� round table disars in the field.� leading or actually incorrect. cussion March 10 at 12 p.m. in Michelson and members Many of our political leaders Gorgas 205. Topics of discusof the round table said they are themselves ill informed sion will revolve around the hope the lecture will enlighten about the Middle East and history of the Middle East, people on the Middle East and Islam, and they are subject to such as the 1920s and how it motivate them to learn more. various degrees of pressure correlates to today. “The Middle East and Islam by lobbies representing a wide David Michelson is the are at the forefront of the news variety of competing interdirector of the research group today,� said Chambers, a UA ests. Perhaps the round table and an assistant professor in alumnus and former direc- will stimulate students and the history department. tor and professor emeritus at faculty members to face these “The general purpose of the the University of Chicago, in realities and make an effort to event is to spur student interan e-mailed statement. “Both est in the Middle East and are exceptionally controespecially in studying Middle versial and both are of vital Eastern history,� Michelson interest to the United States. said. “For our discussion There is little knowledge or Continued from page 1 each participant will explore understanding of either in the two topics — first, how their anything for one right now.� Bronner was not only important to her friends and family but to the outside community. Some activities she participated in included honors societies and volunteer projects like a recreational dodge ball team, Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon Honor Society, Golden Key National Honors Society, the R.I.S.E. program, the Humane Society and volunteering with the Special Olympics. “Whatever dreams and goals 7KH 5HSURGXFWLYH %LRORJ\ (JJ %DQN LV VHHNLQJ ZRPHQ EHWZHHQ Allison had, she went above and WKH DJHV RI DQG ZKR ZRXOG OLNH WR GRQDWH WKHLU HJJV WR beyond to reach them,� Camak said. LQIHUWLOH FRXSOHV ZKR RWKHUZLVH FRXOG QRW <RXU GRQDWLRQ LV Andrew Gearhart, a friend of FRPSOHWHO\ DQRQ\PRXV DQG FRPSHQVDWLRQ RI ZLOO Bronner, said she was brilliant and spent as much time in the EH SDLG IRU \RXU YDOXDEOH WLPH library as he did out on the town. 7KH DGDYQWDJHV LQFOXGH “As long as I’ve known her ‡ 4XLFNHU FRPSHQVDWLRQ DV QR PDWFKLQJ LV QHHGHG she has been on the path toward becoming a great lawyer, and ‡ 'RQDWLRQ GRQH DW \RXU FRQYHQLHQFH QR UHFLSLHQW I know she have been working perspective as historians can help inform our understanding of the current revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa. Second, each will speak autobiographically about how and why he became interested in studying the region.� Michelson will serve as the moderator for the discussion, in which three guests will be featured. Juan Cole, Richard Chamber and Will Hanley will be the three panelists participatingt in the round table. “I am always happy that academic events are held to consider the Middle East, which consumes so much of our political and military energy,� said Hanley, associate professor of history at Florida State University, in an e-mailed statement. “This seems like a good opportunity to consider the merits of more in-depth

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better inform themselves and others.� Michelson said the Middle East is an important region for the UA community to understand. “Events there have a political significance for our country; the economies of the region and our country are tied together due to fossil fuels,� Michelson said. “Many UA students even end up in the Middle East due to military duty, thus there are many connections, and it is important that our students and our community have a sophisticated understanding of the region.�

her butt off and going to school to make that dream happen,� Gearhart said. Unexpected deaths can take a toll on family and friends, but Joseph Noojin, a friend of Bronner, said it’s even harder when it’s a young person. “No matter what the cause of death, when a young person’s life is unexpectedly taken there is a sense of unrest in everyone familiar with the situation,� Noojin said. “Allison was a very fun, loving and caring person, and it is going to be really hard for everyone to go on without her,� said Jennifer Spears, another friend of Bronner’s. Spears said Bronner was not only preparing to graduate from law school but was also preparing for the rest of her life. She had already received job offers in Washington, D.C., and was headed toward a bright future. The funeral will take place today at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Montgomery.

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The Crimson White

NEWS

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Cuts to cost UA $4 million Witt says University foresight will minimise cut’s negative effects By Taylor Holland Senior Staff Reporter tlholland1@crimson.ua.edu

On Feb. 28, Gov. Robert Bentley announced a 3 percent across-the-board cut in the state education budget, a declaration that will reportedly cost the university $4.2 million. Despite the cuts, UA System Chancellor Malcolm Portera said he expects no changes in normal operations at the Universty because University President Robert Witt had created a proration reserve to be used to address possible cuts in state funding. “The recent cuts were not a surprise, although we were all hoping that we might see a continued uptick in the economy and avoid further cuts,” Portera said. “We had put in place plans to minimize the negative effects of more proration, so we had prepared for the cuts.” Last week, Witt sent a campus-wide e-mail to faculty and staff members, addressing the situation. “I am sure you are aware that

Gov. Bentley has announced 3 percent proration in the Education Trust Fund, effective immediately,” Witt said in the statement. “The University of Alabama will use central administration reserves to cover this $4.2 million loss in state funding. Academic and operating units will not be affected, and we will continue to focus on ensuring a quality academic experience for our students.” Including the University’s $4.2 million loss, it has been reported that Bentley’s declaration of proration will cost the system $13 million in the remaining seven months of the 2011 fiscal year. Patrick Gray, a junior majoring in nutrition, said he was happy to learn that the governor’s declaration of proration would not affect the University’s everyday business operations. “When I first heard Gov. Bentley had announced the 3 percent cut in the education budget, I was a little worried about how that might affect our campus because I knew that it would likely be

The recent cuts were not a surprise, although we were all hoping that we might see a continued uptick in the economy and avoid further cuts. We had put in place plans to minimize the negative effects of more proration, so we had prepared for the cuts.

a costly cut to us,” Gray said. “However, it was a relief to learn that President Witt had created a proration reserve to help ensure that nothing would change when something like this actually happened.” Gray said he had no idea what would have been cut had Witt not created a proration reserve. “I’m not sure how the University would have decided what to cut and what not to cut,” he said. “The $4.2 million cut that affected UA is a lot of money. I’m not an expert, but I feel like losing that much would have affected a lot of people on this campus, both students and faculty and staff members. I’m glad, for the University’s sake, that no hard decisions about what to cut will have to be made

this year.” In addition to the 3 percent proration in the education budget, Bentley announced plans to declare 15 percent proration in the state’s General Fund after first working with the legislature. “Both our Education Trust Fund and our state’s General Fund budgets are based on unreliable revenue projections,” Bentley said in a news release. “Now, five months into the 2011 Fiscal Year, it is clear that there is not enough revenue to sustain either budget. Proration is necessary to balance the budgets.” Proration in the Education Trust Fund is effective immediately.

UA housing withdrawing Bluff leases By William Evans Senior Staff Reporter wjevans@crimson.ua.edu

Housing and Residential Communities plans to withdraw half of its leases from The Bluff at Waterworks Landing in the 2011-2012 academic year, said Alicia Browne, associate director for information and communication for HRC, in an e-mailed statement. As it stands, HRC leases rooms from The Bluff, an offcampus student living community, so that students can apply for housing there as they would for other residence halls on campus. HRC began leasing spaces from The Bluff in the 20082009 academic year with the intention of relinquishing that space in the future. “The agreement the University entered into with The Bluff several years ago included a process by which we would return spaces to The Bluff,” Browne said. “We are entering the first year of that process. Although The Bluff has certainly been a popular

option, there has not been sufficient demand to fill all spaces.” The University plans to return the remaining half of its leases to The Bluff by the 20122013 academic year, she said. Before this year’s room selection process when students apply for housing for the upcoming academic year, HRC informed Bluff residents who would have their leases withdrawn to look for space elsewhere, Browne said. “We made determinations about which spaces to return based on student demand, so as to disrupt the fewest number of residents possible,” she said. “Students who had recontracted and paid their deposit were also notified that they would receive a full refund of their housing deposit if they preferred to lease their specific space directly from The Bluff.” Students will no longer be able to pay for their Bluff housing through their University account for the rooms no longer leased by the University, according to an e-mail sent

FAST FACTS • Housing and Residential Communities will withdraw half its leases from the Bluffs. • Students won’t be able to pay Bluff housing through their UA accounts.

to the residents of The Bluff by property manager Michael Miller. “We can offer a lower rent price and the option for you to stay in the same apartment you’re living in right now,” he wrote. “However, those who have scholarships that cover housing and are billed directly to your student account don’t apply.” Miller said in a phone interview that students can still rent the rooms they are currently staying in for next year but must do so through The Bluff and not the University if the space has been withdrawn. He said the monthly rent turns out to be less expensive overall than the rates students

Group addresses gambling risks By Ashley Rucker Contributing Writer

— Malcolm Portera

pay for the University’s 11.5 month contract for Bluff housing, which is projected to be $11,225 for a three-bedroom unit and $12,100 for a two-bedroom unit, according to HRC’s projected residence hall rates for the 20112012 academic year.

3

This week is Problem Gambling Awareness Week, and Michelle Harcrow, assistant director of health education and promotion, is helping to get the word out about the dangers of being addicted to gambling. Harcrow said even though gambling is illegal in Alabama, it’s important to take notice of a national problem that can affect the community. Benson Bolling, president of lending at Alabama Credit Union, is also joining the cause of raising awareness. “Gambling is a very serious issue, and many people still gamble even though it is illegal,” Bolling said. “Gambling on campus is as prevalent as underage drinking, though both are illegal.” The primary goal for any health and wellness initiative is to be diligent in preventing an issue from becoming a problem on campus, Harcrow said. “Is it our intention to make sure that UA remains cutting edge with proven preventive strategies and education,” she said. Problem Gambling Awareness Week began March 6 and will continue to March 12. Harcrow said during this week they had informational booths in both the Ferguson Center on Monday and the Student Recreation Center on Wednesday and will have other events during the week. “We offered a program,” Harcrow said. “‘Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score,’ for faculty, staff and students on Tuesday night [led] by a local banking professional. We plan to offer the credit program again in April. Harcrow said another reason for this event is to tell those who are addicted to gambling that there is hope. “According to the National Counsel on Problem Gambling, research finds that 2-3 percent of the U.S. population will have

a gambling problem in any given year,” she said. “That’s 6 million to 9 million Americans, yet only a small fraction seek out services such as treatment and selfhelp recovery programs.” Bolling said there are financial consequences to problem gambling that can get in the way of every day life. “Gambling losses lower the amount of income available for other expenses such as rent, utilities, car payments and other normal living expenses,” he said. “It can also result in excessive use of credit card and the accumulation of debt. The result is often the destruction of the gambler’s credit rating and overall financial standing as more and more resources are consumed by the attempt to recover gambling losses.” Bolling said a person could get out of financial debt once he or she has been treated for the addiction. “Full recovery of a credit score can take up to four years depending on the extent of the damage,” he said. “Recovering funds lost to gambling requires a structured savings plan and financial discipline, but it can certainly be done. Harcrow said there are websites that tell the signs of a gambling addiction if you think you or someone you know might have a gambling problem. Harcrow said the University can help with sending people to treatment, but only if the individual wants help. “Gambling is an addiction and should be treated as such,” she said. “We have counselors here at UA who are trained to help with these issues. Please contact their office to schedule an appointment to talk with someone more about your concerns, 348-3863.” Bolling said his best advice would be not to gamble at all. “People who decide to gamble should treat it as a recreational expense and never gamble more than they can afford to lose,” he said.

NEWS in brief Students encouraged to attend basketball tournament By Brittney Knox Staff Reporter bsknox@crimson.ua.edu The Crimson Tide basketball team will travel to Atlanta to participate in the finals and the Student Government Association encourages all students to attend and show their support. “The Tide has a bye on Thursday so we will not play until Friday in the single elimination championship,” SGA President James Fowler

said. “So if the Tide continues to progress they will go on to Saturday and then the championship is on Sunday.” Students can purchase tickets at the Georgia Dome and are $10 for one session, which includes two games. Fowler said students should not be concerned about the availability of seats in the Georgia Dome. “They said they haven’t sold out in the past, and they don’t expect it to sell out in the future,” he said.

Fowler said the SGA monitors students’ interest in events like this to see if they could possibly offer more opportunities for other sporting events such as this one as they did in the past for football games with “Ride with the Tide.” “The SGA is very involved in supporting athletic events including the game this weekend,” Fowler said. “We want to provide information on how to get in the game for students so they can go if they want to support the team.”

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OPINIONS

The problem is The Machine

Thursday, March 10, 2011 Editor • Tray Smith letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4

{ YOUR VIEW } TWEET OF THE WEEK WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE OUTCOMES OF THIS YEAR’S SGA ELECTIONS? “If everyone would come out and vote the results wouldnʼt be so predictable.” -@christiew09 Christie Wilson, sophomore, elementary education

“This is not the end, itʼs only the beginning.” -dannyboy1717 Daniel Connors, sophomore, global business management

“What election?” -@badun Brian Dunlap, sophomore electrical engineering

“Itʼs going to be a nice change of scenery to see a white guy whoʼs involved with the greek system as our president. Wait...” -@chrispgriffin Chris Griffin, senior, mathematics

EDITORIAL BOARD Victor Luckerson Editor Jonathan Reed Managing Editor Tray Smith Opinions Editor Adam Greene Chief Copy Editor

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Letters to the editor must be less than 300 words and guest columns less than 800. Send submissions to letters@ cw.ua.edu. Submissions must include the author’s name, year, major and daytime phone number. Phone numbers are for verification and will not be published. Students should also include their year in school and major. For more information, call 348-6144. The CW reserves the right to edit all submissions.

By Michael Patrick

MCT Campus

Haters everywhere we go By John Davis Self-loathing is a fickle mistress. On the one hand, the perpetrator can seem acutely aware of faults. On the other, it’s an excellent method of aligning oneself with the problems and not any foreseeable solutions. Such is the case of Wednesday’s piece titled “CW caters to thoughtless student body,” a column that started out with what appeared to be a solid message before showing its true face as an 800 word insult hurled at “this, my generation…the generation that is so self-involved, so uninformed… that, in their mind, getting drunk on Sunday actually is the most important thing that happened this weekend.” (There are many aspects of this letter to address, so please forgive me if my thoughts seem to jump from one place to another.) Let’s get one thing out of the way from the start: The Crimson White is a local newspaper. Yale, Princeton, Harvard – their newspapers also cover local news. If you take a quick glance at the Harvard paper’s website, you will very plainly see this. In fact, as I write this, the only piece in The Crimson (Harvard’s paper) that deals with anything outside the Harvard community is on the Opinions page, a place where anyone can literally write about anything. Which brings me to my next point: if you are oh-so disconcerted over the downfall of civilization via Generation Text, why don’t you offer your services to The Crimson White as a columnist? It’s simple enough – I, a member of the generation that has made the white trash cast of Jersey Shore a household name, did it; so clearly, someone with the infinite wisdom and self-importance that can only be achieved through attending law

Yale, Princeton, Harvard – their newspapers also cover local news. If you take a quick glance at the Harvard paper’s website, you will very plainly see this. In fact, as I write this, the only piece in The Crimson (Harvard’s paper) that deals with anything outside the Harvard community is on the Opinions page, a place where anyone can literally write about anything. school should have no trouble. On a side note, whatever the youngest job-seeking generation is at the time is the absolute worst in history; whichever generation directly follows that one is the harbinger of the apocalypse. Shifting focus, let’s discuss the idea that college students don’t care about what’s going on around the world. It’s completely accurate, but it’s not because we’re apathetic or self-absorbed. It’s because we can’t relate, and we can’t relate because we lack the perspective one can only gain through a life of experiences. My father can better understand (and thus be more interested in) rising fuel costs because he lived through the crisis in the 1970s. I, on the other hand, am not only less directly impacted by this (what with still largely being dependent on my parents), but I also have no real personal history that allows me to view it from anywhere but the outside. Of course one way to gain perspective is through the study of history. I know studying the 1910 Mexican Revolution happens to be significantly more interesting and engaging when similar events are currently taking place in Tunisia (among other nations). That being said, one without the other becomes background noise because I simply lack any real point of reference. Thomas Nagel once wrote (and I’m simplifying here) that to be conscious is to have a subjective character that can only truly be experienced by the organism. Thus, as Nagel wrote, we can

know everything there is to know about the physiology of a bat, but we can never know what it is actually like to be a bat. The relevance of this is that while I can keep up with the union battles in Wisconsin, I can never know what it’s like to be a union worker until I actually am one. Personally, I don’t think it’s fair of me to have any substantial opinion on the matter if I cannot fully understand the perspective of one side or the other (obviously this isn’t true of everyone). Not to mention that even if I wanted to know everything there is to know about the situation, it’s impossible to find a news outlet that somebody somewhere won’t decry as being a liberal mouthpiece or a conservative puppet. Any real discussion becomes nothing more than “Oh, you got your information from Outlet XYZ so clearly you’re just a liberal/ conservative nut job.” So excuse me and my generation for being a little cynical, a little disenfranchised when any attempt at actual dialogue or fact-finding becomes a shouting match between two extremes of insanity. So yeah, maybe I do want to go to Publix on a Sunday, buy a six pack, and plop down on the couch to watch something that will make me laugh, because in the year 2011 comedy is the only thing that doesn’t induce teeth-grinding frustration. But hey – Libya, am I right? John Davis is a junior majoring in anti-social entrepreneurship. His column runs on Thursdays.

Local newspapers cover local news By Robert Maxwell So what’s worse than waking up early for class on a dreary day with the entire campus tense from the election of yet another Machine candidate last night? Having it topped off by having to read “CW caters to thoughtless student body” about how much news this guy reads and how little he drinks. I agree that understanding world situations is very important, especially for students. Currently our world is changing rapidly and we need to be up to date on how it’s changing and try to ascertain why it’s changing. But to say that the students of the University of Alabama are uninterested and uninformed because The Crimson White covers mostly campus and community events is astoundingly stupid. Probably the most mindboggling aspect of the column was his complaint about the lack of global coverage in The CW. Someone please tell the author that if he looks to the right of the stack of CWs there will probably be a New York Times or a USA Today with all the global news he wants. Business students get the Financial Times for free; the University Library System has wonderful resources for all kinds of news; you can get a RSS feed of BBC news directly to your browser; or you can download news apps that get you the BBC, Bloomberg,

For better or for worse, The CW covers things around campus and around our community that students are interested and involved in. If that’s the Sunday alcohol sales for which we utilized the democratic process, so be it. Yahoo!, CNET, CNN and so on for a whopping $0. If you’re relying on The CW for global news, all the sources above provide more global and national news faster and without any asinine columns about how informed and sober the author is. Obviously neither UA nor Alabama taxpayers feel like sending students to Libya to report on the situation for The CW. Of course they could reword AP stories but, when news is as available as it is today, why bother? For better or for worse, The CW covers things around campus and around our community that students are interested and involved in. If that’s the Sunday alcohol sales for which we utilized the democratic process, so be it. So, if there are better sources of “real” news, why do we have The CW? Because it covers UA exclusively and gives us a chance to have a dialogue with each other about unique events that we as students at UA face. Look at the second page of The CW. You can see all the ideas that students are forming to discuss these events and solutions to rising problems. Just imagine students creating

The Machine, or Theta Nu Epsilon, is an organization of white sororities and fraternities that use collaborative efforts to elect SGA representatives and homecoming queens. There are people who question why the Machine is a negative thing; after all, it is just a highly organized and efficient voting bloc from the greek system. However, the Machine is not like a political party because it tries to deny its existence and uses coercive tactics in order to get votes in elections. The Machine uses threats within the greek community to get voters to turn out in support of their candidates and uses bribes in the independent community to solicit votes. The use of stickers and chalking have in the past been cheap, easy and effective means to obtain name recognition and the new campaign rules that ban these practices only further silence the whispers of the independent community, making it harder for them to gain the name recognition needed to win elections. The Machine does not, as the Capstone Creed suggests each UA student should, “act with fairness, honesty and respect.” In fact, it does the opposite of that. We saw this on Monday, when our SGA President-elect Grant Cochran refused to answer yes or no concerning his support from the Machine, which is contrary to his promise of more transparency. Honesty and respect for the student body is something that we should value in a SGA presidential candidate. What Grant Cochran overlooked in his refusal to simply say yes is the same thing that former SGA president Mary Margaret Carroll encountered in her presidency. The Birmingham News reported in 2006, “Entering office, [Carroll] helped organize a task force on renovations to historic Foster Auditorium, the site of Gov. George Wallace’s stand in the schoolhouse door protesting integration of the school. Carroll said she felt the diverse task force was unified and enthusiastic about renovation plans but, as time went on, detractors criticized the effort because of the SGA’s involvement. Throughout the year, Carroll observed how the SGA was distrusted because it was viewed as an extension of the Machine.” This is going to be an obstacle Cochran will deal with for the rest of his presidency, as he faces obstacles in the same way Carroll did when she was promoting the renovation of Foster Auditorium. His lack of regard for honesty and transparency is already weighing on the minds of the student body. But as Wesley Vaughn pointed out yesterday, the SGA President is not the end-all indicator of progress on campus, because progress has been made since Mary Margaret Carroll was SGA President. The emergence of Greeks T.I.D.E and the Progressive Potluck are huge strides in the right direction. Both promote openness and progress in campus politics, be that within the SGA or just dialogue with trustees and administrators. This campus could benefit greatly from a transformational SGA President and a renewed trust within the students’ own governing body, but that in and of itself is not the only thing that will benefit the student body. Student initiatives from all corners of campus have been working to create a more positive climate by tearing down the oppressive walls that have been put up by the Machine. What is specifically unique about all the progress that has been made is that it lies mostly with the student body, and that is something that students past, present, and future should be proud of. However, it is time that administrators recognize this shift in interest and work openly with students to support their efforts. For this to happen, the UA administration needs to openly recognize the existence of the Machine, because the first step in fixing a problem is admitting that we have one.

Michael Patrick is a junior majoring in political science. His column runs biweekly on Thursdays.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR McGough unfair, misinformed By Ross Owens

events to really unite other students and address current local and global crises instead of throwing a temper tantrum in The CW because you assume you’re the only person aware of what’s going on. In the same paper in which the column was printed, there is news of a Middle East scholar who is speaking on campus, arts festivals, SGA elections, opinions on hate and racism specific to UA and more. I think Mr. McGough’s column should be taken as a challenge for the students at the university. Let’s show everyone, even people as uniformed as Ben here, that not only are we aware of our world, but that we understand our role in these situations and how we can positively impact them. Let’s show the Ben McGoughs of the world that what you know about global issues isn’t nearly as important as what you do with that knowledge, and that being aware of what is going on is no longer enough, at least, for the “thoughtless” students of the University of Alabama.

Ben McGough’s letter titled “CW caters to thoughtless student body” is unfair and misinformed. The Crimson White is first and foremost a student-run university newspaper produced for students of the Capstone. By definition, The CW is concerned primarily with issues facing students on a local level. If you want to read about the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa then reach six inches to either side of the Crimson White stand and pick up a USA Today or similar paper. Do you really think any fledgling reporters working for The CW are qualified to report and comment on such a complicated issue? Any story on this subject matter would either be shallow and pedantic, grossly underdeveloped, or a re-print of a professional news story. While I also thought Alex Cohen’s article on Sunday alcohol sales was somewhat immature and read more like a live journal or blog post than a news story, the recent vote directly affects the Tuscaloosa area and by proxy the University and its students. I make a conscious decision to reach for The CW when I want to read about campus news because it’s the only place I can get it. When I want to read about international affairs, I go elsewhere. Another rather ignorant comment McGough made is that The CW is “selling a product.” I have personally never paid a dime for a copy of The Crimson White. It is a free newspaper. You should complain less and study more, because if you are any indication of the quality of law students this University is producing, we have more serious problems than newspapers.

Robert Maxwell is a senior majoring in economics.

Ross Owens is a junior majoring in anthropology and German.

The Crimson White

Thursday, March 10, 2011

5

6

Thursday, March 10, 2011

NEWS

The Crimson White

University can act on Premier Awards honor off-campus violations student role models — Sarah Jenkins, junior, fashion retailing If a student is turned over to Judicial Affairs, the charges will be investigated and a hearing can be held, according to the website. There are several sanctions that may be imposed upon any student who is found to have violated the student code. Those sanctions include warning, probation, loss of privileges, fines, restitution, discretionary sanctions, residence hall suspension, university suspension and expulsion. If a student is sanctioned to expulsion, he or she has no right to request a review, the website said. Jacob Monroe, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, said he understands the University’s tough laws but thinks a student deserves more privacy. “I understand why the University feels like they should know everything about students legally, but I think if

they get in trouble off campus, it should be handled off campus,” he said. “If a student gets in trouble off campus, they will have to face the consequences; I just don’t understand why the University would want to get involved and fuel the fire.” Monroe said he has several friends who got in trouble off campus, yet the jurisdiction did not turn in the student. “I have had several friends get things like MIPs off campus, and I have never heard of the police turning them in to the school,” he said. “They did get in trouble out of state, so that may have been why, too.” Sarah Jenkins, a junior majoring in fashion retailing, said she thinks the University reserves the right to know a student’s legal standing. “What if a student gets in trouble for doing heavy drugs such as meth?” Jenkins said. “The University needs to know to help protect the fellow community of students. The University should be able to know if a student has a drug problem or gets in trouble for drugs because that person could flip out and hurt other students.” Jenkins said she thinks the University has done a good job protecting students thus far and hopes they will continue. “Words cannot express how thankful I am that we have not had a shooting or something bad happen like at Virginia Tech a few years ago,” Jenkins said. “I think that is due in part to the University regulating students. That would only be possible if they reserve the right to know about us.”

By Alyssa Locklar Contributing Writer To many students at the University, the Premier Awards may sound like just another prestigious set of honors that commend students’ intellectual accomplishments and high grade point average. However, the Premier Awards take on a much different role. “UA presents these awards to recognize students who have made a tangible difference in our University community,” said Marshall Houston, an Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winner. “These awards differ from purely academic awards because each award weighs different contributions to society, while also factoring in academic achievement.” The Sullivan Award is given to one male and one female who display a character that exemplifies scholarship, leadership and service, according to the University’s Premier Awards description. Some past winners of this award include Kendra Key, Alex Flachsbart and Trey Hayes. Along with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the other Premier Awards include the William P. Bloom Award, the Morris Lehman Mayer Award, the Catherine J. Randall Award and the John Frazer Ramsey Award. “The day I found out I won the Ramsey, I spent hours researching John Fraser Ramsey and reading stories of his students and past winners of the award,” said Lindsay Lindsey, the John Fraser Ramsey Award winner. “I realized just how influen-

WINNERS • The William P. Bloom Scholarship Award: Seema Kumar

• The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award: Marshall Raymond Houston, Meg McCrummen and Louis C. “Pat” Whetstone Jr.

• The Catherine Johnson Randall Award: Darryl A. Outlaw

• The John Fraser Ramsey Award: Lindsay Jones Lindsey

• The Morris Lehman Mayer Award: Ellyn Louise Hamm and Dr. Frank M. Thompson Jr.

tial a man and professor he was. He inspired his students, pushed them to greatness and he became a patriarch of a family of likeminded people.” Although the recipients are hand-selected for their specific awards, many of the recipients had admiration for them long before they had ever applied. “When I was a freshman at the University, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mayer at a dinner,” said Ellyn Hamm, the Morris Lehman Mayer Award winner. “Throughout the dinner people were surrounding him. People were even waiting in line to get to talk to him and everyone walked away with a huge smile on their face after getting the chance to catch up or meet Dr. Mayer.” Hamm said for her personally, this award was so significant because it meant that the committee saw the same selfless, humble and influential qualities possessed by Mayer, in her. She said she hopes to touch as many lives as Mayer. The Premier Awards not only include cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 and University prestige but also comes with more long-lasting

benefits. “This award introduces me to the Randall Award Family,” said Darryl Outlaw, the Catherine J. Randall Award winner. “This consists of the group of previous award winners, as well as Dr. Catherine Randall, who has already served as a great role model and friend. Dr. Randall is always willing to mentor and help her students. As a hopeful medical oncologist, this award will always tie me to The University of Alabama and Randall family.” Outlaw said the Catherine J. Randall Award is presented to a student who exceeds in scholarship, course study and extraordinary scholarly endeavors. “One of my favorite quotes is ‘To whom much is given, much is required,’” Hamm said. “I have been given many opportunities and experiences during my four years at the University. I hope that over that last four years I have already started to give back to this community that has already given me so much and winning this award only further compels me to continue giving back.”

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Students charged with alcohol or drug-related violations off campus may face repercussions on campus. “If a student is involved in an alcohol or drug-related incident off campus, the law enforcement agency that handles the incident may notify the University,” said UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen. She said such violations could involve the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. “If the Office of Student Judicial Affairs is made aware of an incident that adversely affects the University through law enforcement channels, Judicial Affairs will generally meet with the student,” she said. According to the Judicial Affairs website, disciplinary action may be taken against students with an off-campus violation of federal, state or local laws. Sanctions can be imposed for misconduct that is detrimental to or demonstrates disregard for the University community or its pursuit of University objectives, the website said.

“What if a student gets in trouble for doing heavy drugs such as meth? The University needs to know to help protect the fellow community of students.”

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By Jennie Kushner Senior Staff Reporter jfkushner@bama.ua.edu

The Crimson White

Thursday, March 10, 2011

7

Safety kits, tips offered for spring break By Brittney Knox Staff Reporter bsknox@crimson.ua.edu Students received spring break safety kits on Wednesday that were filled with sunscreen, hand sanitizer, Band Aids, Tylenol and candies with healthy messages on them encouraging them to make healthy decisions this break. This week, there may be rain drops and rain boots

everywhere, but next week students hope to enjoy sunshine as they travel to beaches for vacation or home to rest. “We encourage students to think critically about the decisions they are making before they make them,� said Michelle Harcrow, assistant director of health education and promotion. “There was once a saying we used: ‘Today’s decisions are tomorrow’s memories, so how do you

want to remember today?’� Dean of Students Tim Hebson sent a University-wide e-mail on March 4 including some ways to remain safe, over spring break. The e-mail included tips, such as locking doors and windows at all times, even when at home, always being aware of your surroundings and calling the police in times of emergency. Harcrow said while there is

always talk about the larger scale things, such as alcohol and date rape, there are little things students should remember to do, as well. “Students should remember to stay in groups, have a plan, wear sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time and wear your seatbelt,� Harcrow said. “Students should even remember simple things like getting rest, sleeping and remaining hydrated.�

Hebson also advised students to always be aware of their surroundings, look out for each other and walk in groups in well-lit areas. He said it’s important to remember that students who are impaired are at greater risk for harm to person and property. Harcrow said spring break should be a time when students rejuvenate themselves for the second half of the semester.

“Oftentimes students don’t realize the importance of these statements until something goes wrong, but students should listen because we are the University’s health professionals and want all students to be safe,� she said. Harcrow said her office offers the safety kits every year around spring break. She said she wants all students to come back to the University after break better than ever.

New IDs no problem for most local venues By Jennie Kushner Senior Staff Reporter jfkushner@bama.ua.edu

As some states are changing the layout of their driver’s license, local bouncers and bars are adapting accordingly. States like Georgia and California have recently changed their licenses to make replication more difficult. Despite such drastic changes, co-owner of The Red Shed bar Aaron Zucker said his staff is prepared. “We advise our security team to pick up on trends from

VOTERS

Continued from page 1

“Eighteen percent of the student body voted last year,� Mirecki said. “This is more typical of what we usually see. Our numbers fluctuate between 18-20 percent. In talking about SGA elections in general across the country, that seems to be on the high end of things.� University of Arkansas SGA Adviser Jessica Morgan said they also experienced a drop in voter turnout, topping out at 5 percent of 21,000 students, because three of the four executive positions were uncontested. “We usually have at least two

common states that come in to The Red Shed,� he said. “Our staff is very familiar with Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Florida and other popular out-of-state IDs,� Zucker said. “Recently, there has been in an influx of fake Texas and Georgia IDs. Our security are very aware of their flaws.� Zucker said bars are responsible for knowing current identifications. Although the transformation can be hard to recognize at first, Zucker said the adjustment time is brief. “Our security is expected to be able to tell if an ID is fake

“It’s your civic duty as an active member of society to vote, and if you choose not to, you have no room to complain when people make decisions you don’t agree with.� — Molly Griffin

candidates for each position,� Morgan said. “Last year, one of the presidential candidates was disqualified and a vice presidential candidate dropped out with him.� Troy Jackson, the attorney general for the Associated Student Body at the University of Mississippi, said the number of candidates and level of competition definitely correlates to increased voter turnout. Around 20 percent of students at Ole Miss voted in 100% their most recent SEC Sudent Government election. Elections Voter Turnout “Personally, I think 20 percent is very low voter turnout,� Jackson said. “The * President ran unopposed national average **Louisiana State University is around that perhad less than 20% voter turnout centage [with young adults being the least active], so I guess it’s normal. I think other SEC schools will have 58% Vanderbilt | 12,714 around 20-25 percent voter turnout. It’s hard to get students motivated and caring about programs when they have hundreds of other things 32% | 30,232 going on.� 30% Auburn | 25,000 Jackson said one 26% Mississippi State | 19,644 way to increase turnout is to spotFlorida | 50,000 ** 20% light what the ASB is Ole Miss | 18,344 doing to improve stu17% Tennessee | 27,107 dent life. 12% Kentucky | 27,102 “If more students 10% South Carolina | 29,597 understood how much the ASB has affected 5% Arkansas* | 21,000 their time at college 4% Georgia* | 35,000 0% and how much they 0 Student Enrollment 50,000 can do with ASB in

Alabama

or not,� he said. “Our management stresses the importance of blacklighting, feeling out the material of the card, matching the face on the card with the patron and doing other tests, such as asking the customer about the information on the ID or providing a second form of identification.� Cordario Eatmon, a bouncer for Stand Alone Security, said the recent changes of identifications aren’t too complicated to detect. “They give you a booklet with what the state IDs look like, so you are familiar with all the

the short amount of time they are here, people will be more inclined to look at issues and make an educated decision during the election,� Jackson said. “Ole Miss is so diverse, and it makes it difficult to connect with every single person. However, we share, like other SEC schools, a bond with our university; and it is up to students to make sure this bond is strengthened and never broken.� Laurel Parker, student government elections commissioner for the University of South Carolina, attributed a low turnout of less than 10 percent of the student body in the last general election to a clean race, The Daily Gamecock reported. “It was very respectable, and it’s sad, but a lot of students want scandal,� Parker said, according to The Daily Gamecock. “That drives more people to vote.� Another aspect of the percentage of students voting in SGA elections is the method in which they are asked to vote. Rhett Hobart, student association president at Mississippi State University, said they transitioned to a complete online election this past year and eliminated the need for students to go to a polling station to vote. As a result, they experienced a vastly increased turnout in every election including senate and homecoming. “We were excited that roughly 26 percent of the student body voted because we want to do our best to make sure the most students can vote in our

changes,� Eatmon said. “The changes don’t make my job harder at all.� Eatmon, who usually works at the Brick House downtown, said he rarely sees people using an older state identification as a fake. “I never see people trying to use an old state ID to get into the bar,� he said. “I don’t see the recent changes as a problem at all.� California native Jessica Buchholz, a senior majoring in marketing, said many restaurants and bars were unfamiliar with her driver’s license.

“The California license has several holograms and two photos of the driver,� Buchholz said. “Although I was 21, many businesses did not recognize the license because it was so new.� Buchholz said her license was repeatedly denied when she attempted to purchase alcohol or enter a bar. Buchholz said she changed to an Alabama license to make things less complicated. “I was having so many problems with people not recognizing my license,� she said. “I went to the Alabama DMV and got a state license. Since then, I

have had no problems.� Georgia native John Theriot, a senior majoring in finance, said when he first got the new license Tuscaloosa bouncers did not recognize it. “When I first changed to the new ID bouncers thought it was fake,� he said. “Once they saw many students had the same one, they realized the state had changed their ID. “I think bouncers in Tuscaloosa do a great job,� Theriot said. “A lot of students are from out of state here, and I’m sure it is tough to regulate in the heat of the moment.�

elections and that the most students possible have a voice,� Hobart said. The University of Florida still uses a paper-and-pencil ballot system where students can go to the polls at different locations on campus. The president and vice president run on a single ticket together, so if one wins, they both win. Following along with the average, UF had a 20 percent turnout in elections this year. The University of Tennessee had a 17.2 percent voter turnout, and Auburn University reported 30 percent, just two percentage points behind the University of Alabama. Vanderbilt University sets the

record for the highest voter turnout in the SEC, with 58 percent of their 12,714 students voting. When the University of Alabama first began using the online voting system in 2009 the percentage of students voting jumped from 5,240 to 14,469 or 56 percent of campus. However, this leap could be attributed to the controversial election between Steven Oliver and Kendra Key. In 2010, 28 percent of students voted online, according to Kelli Knox-Hall, senior assistant director of the Ferguson Center and convener of the SGA elections board. “Just a click of a button sitting

in your dorm room could sway the vote,� said Molly Griffin, a junior majoring in political science. “It’s your civic duty as an active member of society to vote, and if you choose not to, you have no room to complain when people make decisions you don’t agree with.� While the University of Alabama is above average at 32 percent, some students said they believe the turnout is still not high enough. “It’s sad that only 32 percent of students voted in the election,� said Courtney McAdams, a sophomore majoring in secondary education. “Even if a student writes in their candidates, they should at least vote.�

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Ingram improves stock at Pro Day By Jason Galloway Sports Editor crimsonwhitesports@gmail.com

Page 8 • Thursday, March 10, 2011 Editor • Jason Galloway crimsonwhitesports@ gmail.com

Since the NFL Combine, some have speculated that no running backs will be taken in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. Mark Ingram may have changed those opinions Wednesday. The Heisman Trophy winner ran “between a 4.47 and 4.53” in the 40-yard dash at Alabama’s Pro Day, a significant difference from his 4.62 at

ABOVE: Running back

the Combine just weeks earlier. “I saw the race that I ran at the combine. I looked at it plenty of times,” Ingram said. “I just really wasn’t happy with how I ran it… I knew I could run faster. Any small thing can make your time go this and there.” Ingram also said he weighed in at 214 pounds Wednesday, seven pounds under his playing weight at Alabama. He said he feels more explosive now, and he very well could be considering he ran among the fastest 10-yard split (first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash) of all

Mark Ingram runs the 40-yard dash in front of pro scouts at Alabamaʼs Pro Day Wednesday. He said he ran between a 4.47 and 4.53, a significant improvement from his 4.62 at the NFL Combine.

LEFT: Quarterback Greg McElroy talks to the media at Wednesdayʼs Pro Day. McElroy did not participate because of an injury to his throwing hand, but he plans to have his own Pro Day on April 5. CW | Drew Hoover

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running backs at the combine. “I just feel better this way,” he said. “Today was an overall success.” It was not difficult to find out who was paying attention to defensive lineman Marcell Dareus at Pro Day. Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Denver Broncos head coach John Fox – whose teams own the top two picks in April’s draft – were in Tuscaloosa Wednesday. Dareus has been in the conversation to become the first overall pick. “I’ve never been in the top of anything,” Dareus said. “For people to acknowledge me for what I do and put me that high is kind of unheard of. I didn’t think I’d ever be in that position. “They say I’m doing pretty good. They say I’m going to be a good player and that I can play at least 10 years in the league. That sounds good to hear from other teams.”

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On top of Rivera and Fox, other notable NFL executives in attendance Wednesday included Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway, Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert, San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix. Other Alabama players who participated alongside Ingram and Dareus in Wednesday’s Pro Day included James Carpenter, Earl Alexander, Luther Davis, Brian Motley and Chavis Williams. Julio Jones (foot), Greg McElroy (hand) and Preston Dial (unspecified) did not participate due to injury. Jones, who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine with a broken bone in his foot, said he will not participate in any more workouts before the draft. McElroy said he – along

with Dial and Alexander – will compete at Alabama’s second Pro Day on April 5. “I just want to go out there and do everything I possibly can,” McElroy said. “In the next couple weeks, I’ll be able to throw 100 percent every route that I’m going to be asked to throw at Pro Day.” Former players Javier Arenas and Roy Upchurch were also in attendance, along with many current Crimson Tide players, to show support for the athletes participating. “The fact that we get to come back and watch these guys, I think it means a lot to them,” Arenas said. “[I would tell them] just continue to have fun and play good football. Don’t get caught up in all the hype and the money and the things of that nature.” The 2011 NFL Draft will be held in New York April 28-30 and will be televised by ESPN and the NFL Network.

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The Crimson White

SPORTS

Thursday, March 10, 2011

9

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Tide poised for National Championships By Mike Albanese Contributing writer

As the men’s track and field squad heads into the NCAA Championships, they faced stiff competition at the Alex Wilson Invitational, held at the University of Notre Dame March 4-5. During the event, several members of the Crimson Tide bolstered their rankings for the NCAA Championships and solidified their spot to compete alongside other great athletes. Continuing his stellar freshman season, long jumper Kamal Fuller became one of only three freshmen to qualify in the field of 16 for the long jump

NCAA

Continued from page 1

Cecil Hurt, the sports editor of The Tuscaloosa News, said he doesn’t think the winner of that game will automatically get in. He said he believes, as long as Alabama can make it to the SEC championship game on Sunday, the Tide will be in good shape to make the tournament, regardless of the outcome of the championship game. “If they get to the finals and lose, that’ll be a 14-5 record in the conference, and it would certainly be unprecedented and historic if a team with that kind of success in a major conference was left out,” Hurt said. Head coach Anthony Grant said the team’s goal from the beginning has been to have a chance at the SEC title, and that’s as far as they’ll be able to control. “Our goals at the beginning of the year were for us to have a chance to win the [SEC] West, to have a chance to be overall champs and to have a chance to go to the SEC tournament and compete for the championship there,” he said. “In this league,

TIDE

Continued from page 1

19 games, including an undefeated record at home. During the regular season, the Tide led the SEC in opponents points per game, opponents field goal percentage, turnover margin and steals per game. Despite the hot streak and the accomplishments, Grant has kept the team focused on the task at hand. “Our focus is on controlling the things we can control,” Grant said. “We want to make sure that we are playing the best that we can play

category during the National Championships. He set a new personal best and recorded the best jump since 2002 and fourth best jump in Alabama history, with his leap of 25-6.25. Fuller recorded this critical jump on his last chance, which further enhances his standing with head coach Harvey Glance, who relishes in his ability to succeed early in his college career. “He hit his best jump at a time when he’s trying to get to the National Championship. That says a lot about his character,” Glance said. “He showed poise and got up on his final jump, whether he’d get to the Championship and he nailed it.

We like that, it gives us hope that we can trust him in the future and he could do great things.” The distance medley relay squad nabbed the 12th and final spot for the National Championship as they ran to a fifth-place finish. The quartet of sophomore Kirani James and seniors Joel Rop, Emmanuel Bor and Fred Samoei ran to a time of 9:33.77, which ranks as the third fastest in school history. Although the squad ran the fastest time of the season, the Tide dealt with losing a leadoff runner who fell ill before the race. Despite the effort, Glance pointed out that there is always room for improvement.

if you can do those things, you’ve got a pretty good team. Whether somebody else feels that our overall body of work warrants that – I can’t control that.” Hurt said he believed Alabama does deserve to go to the tournament, but that not every team that deserves it gets to go. “I think based on the last 20 games of their season, they probably do deserve it,” he said. “Hopefully things will work out where they get an opportunity to go because I do think they’re a team that can win games in the tournament. That’s really the first criteria they’re supposed to be looking at. They’d be a difficult matchup for almost anybody they’d play.” The team’s mentality all year has been to concentrate only on the next game at hand, and despite questions about whether they’ll get a bid, they said they aren’t focusing on that. “I think we’re worthy, but it’s not in our hands, so all we can do is patiently wait and just take one game at a time,” junior forward JaMychal Green said. Grant shared the sentiments of his team, saying they had to keep focusing on the day-to-day process.

“You naturally hear some things [about our NCAA Tournament chances], but I guess I’ve always been a oneday-at-a-time guy and just try to stay focused on the task at

individually and collectively. We also want our team to understand the preparation that goes into trying to win against the caliber of competition that we are playing. That has been the theme all year, and we have high expectations for the things we want to do and accomplish.” Junior forward JaMychal Green, sophomore forward Tony Mitchell and freshman point guard Trevor Releford will look to lead the Tide to their first SEC tournament championship since 1991. Green earned first team AllSEC honors while Mitchell was selected to the second

team. Releford earned allfreshman honors. “It was a great honor for each of those guys and also for our team,” Grant said. “Those guys will tell you that it is a result of the success that our team has enjoyed this season and they were a big part of that success. I’m really proud of them for getting the recognition. It’s well deserved.” Other first round games include South Carolina versus Mississippi, Tennessee versus Arkansas and LSU versus Vanderbilt. The tournament’s championship game will be Sunday, March 13 at 1 p.m. EST.

“I don’t think we were really on top of our game even though our time indicated we ran fast. We still have great room for improvement,” he said. Individually, the Tide’s relay squad is comprised of runners who can run alongside any athletes in the nation. Two of the four members, James and Samoei, have qualified for individual events at the National Championship. However, in a sport where players often battle themselves individually, the Tide comes together to form a team that ranks as one of the best in the nation. “Track and field is an individual sport, but there are some things that bring you together as

a unit.” Glance said. “The relays make you understand that we’re also a team. When they get it together in the relays what I think they end up doing is fighting for each other. You can throw the selfishness away, you don’t feel sorry for yourself at any point in time. You fight for the next person that has Alabama across their chest and that’s what makes this thing so wonderful.” Along with Fuller and the rest of the relay team, James will compete in the 400-meter and Samoei will compete in the 800-meter during the National Championships. Going into the National Championships and competing against several of the best run-

Keys to Selection Sunday Selection Criteria

Alabama Yes

ners in the world, the acceptable margin of error is slim. The talent field is even, and as Glance points out, there are things that they must do in order to be successful. “The most important thing because the talent level is so level, we not only have to, we must be able to run in traffic, because that traffic will be there,” he said. “If we can execute like we’re capable of executing from start to finish, we’ll get some positive result. If we do not, the talent is too good for us to make mistakes.” The National Championships will be held in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University, March 11-12.

Explanation

No Alabama has won 10 of its last 13 games.

Momentum

Alabama is ranked with an RPI of 83 out of 345 teams.

RPI/Strength of Schedule Quality Wins

The Tide has only three key wins: Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia

Bad Losses

Early season losses to Seton Hall, Iowa, St. Peter’s and Providence hurt the Tide.

Eyeball Test

The Tide’s hot play and strong defense make them a tough match in the tournament.

Conference Record

No team since the SEC expanded in 1992 has had more than 11 conference wins and not made the tournament. hand,” Grant said. “I really don’t get wrapped up in that because if that was the case, we would have been the ninth best team in this league because that’s where everybody said we were going to

be at the beginning of the year. “I’m just proud of our guys, the way we competed and the way we stayed the course, the way they allowed myself and our staff to coach them and the way

they played for each other. We will move forward with the SEC tournament and try to focus on doing what we can to advance in that tournament and try to win a championship.”

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

SPORTS

The Crimson White

CLUB SPORTS

MENS TENNIS

Paintball returns to capstone Bama suffers big losses to SEC titans

By Miranda Murphy Contributing Writer The newly reinvented paintball club is looking forward to its one and only tournament this season at the National Collegiate Paintball Association National Championships. Club President Cory Smith said he re-founded the club last semester because he wanted to get people interested in the sport again. The new club marks the first time that paintball has been a club since 2008. “[Cory] loves the sport and wanted Alabama to have that much more diversity,” said junior Will Dobbs. “We are a very athletically driven college, and we are a very athletic sport so it fits.” The team has surpassed the minimum requirement of five players needed to compete, with seven players committed to the national championships. All of the players plan to return to the sport next year. “I’ve made some of the greatest friends through this sport that I’ve ever had,” Vice President Cameron Pletcher said. “It’s just incredibly competitive. Anyone can pick up a marker, go out and win a tournament. It’s what you want to put into it.”

By Brett Hudson Contributing Writer

Submitted photo Members of the University of Alabama paintball team pose for a picture. The recently formed club team looks to bring back paintball to the Capstone. The team started to practice this past Sunday. Team members said one of the main problems was getting the word out about the club. They had a hard time finding players who are dedicated enough to the club. While they are looking for members to have fun, they are also looking for them to take it seriously. “We tried to form everything and get it going in October, but it’s been a slow process,” Dobbs said. “We’re not looking to compete that much this season. It will be next year before we really kick in.” The club is part of the NCPA, and it will compete against

Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Dobbs said he is looking forward to playing against Florida because it will be tough competition. The object of the game is to capture the other team’s flag and return it to their flagstaff to get points. There are 16-minute halves. If a player is hit with a paintball, he is automatically eliminated. The winner of the game is the team with the most points at the end of the 32 minutes. “It’s kind of like capture the flag and tag rolled into one game,” Pletcher said. The players said they want

students to know that paintball is a lot of fun to watch and play. Dobbs said his overall enjoyment of the sport is what motivates him to go out and compete. “Just the thrill of being in a five-man tournament and being the last guy left and outwitting everyone left on the field is like sheer luck and adrenaline combined,” Dobbs said. The team said they hope the club will stay around for 20 years or more this time. Players encourage interested students to come out to Splatzone Paintball in Cottondale and see them practice, or to contact Cameron Pletcher at cspletcher@crimson.ua.edu.

UA’s top 25 athletes No. 21 JACKIE TRAINA, softball, pitcher/utility • Honors: Won two straight SEC Freshman of the Week honors in February

• Key Stats: Hit 10 home runs in her first 21 career games; leads the SEC in home runs; leads the Tide in RBI with 32; second on team with .472 average; currently 8-0 with 0.94 ERA

• Great Moment: Broke the Alabama singlegame home run record by belting three over the wall against Western Michigan on Feb. 26.

“She hates to lose. It’s her will to win and her competitive fire that makes her successful. She has a lot of raw strength, but once she gets used to the routine of building up her strength more with weights, she’ll be even better.” — Head coach Patrick Murphy

CW File 22. Robert Lester, football 23. Courtney Upshaw, football 24. Justine Bernier, soccer 25. Justin Hightower, football Compiled by Britton Lynn

Scheduling for the men’s tennis team was not very advantageous for the Crimson Tide, to say the least. Alabama opened up Southeastern Conference play against Georgia and Tennessee, the two best teams in the SEC. The strength of the competition showed, as the Tide dropped both matches, falling 6-1 to the Volunteers and 7-0 to the Bulldogs. On March 4, the Tide went to Knoxville to face the Volunteers, who ranked No. 2 in the nation. Estonian freshman Daniil Proskura got the Tide’s only point of the day, beating No. 41 singles player senior Matteo Fago. “It was good that I won my match,” Proskura said. “But overall, of course we’re disappointed. We didn’t use the opportunities we had well.” Though the final score does not indicate it, the Tide felt as if it had chances to win some individual matches throughout the weekend. “We had a chance to win singles versus Tennessee,” head coach Billy Pate said. “We were pleased with the fight and effort we displayed. In matches as close as we had, they can be decided by just a handful of points. We just did not play the key points well.” Pressure opportunities were a big part of the Tide’s tough weekend, but there were other areas of concern as well. “Doubles play has always been a concern for us,” Pate said. “We did not play that great in doubles against Tennessee, but the effort was improved against Georgia.” The overall skill level of last weekend’s competition surely

was a big contributor to the Tide’s struggle as well. Both teams are ranked in the top 15 nationally, with Georgia ranked No. 13. “This year’s Tennessee team is probably the best team they’ve ever had,” Pate said. “They’re likely to win the national championship this year.” The losses against tough competition didn’t shake Proskura and the rest of the Tide from its confidence. After all, the Tide is ranked No. 29 in the nation. “[Georgia] is better than us right now, but they’re not good enough to beat us 7-0,” Proskura said. “If we’re all playing good, we can beat anyone in the country. We should’ve won both of those matches.” Looking forward in Alabama’s SEC schedule, the Tide has two home matches this weekend, starting on Friday against Florida. “Florida is a top-10 caliber team,” Pate said, “but we definitely have a good chance to beat them. Being at home will help.” Proskura said he is dialed into making sure the Tide avoids losing any more matches this weekend. “We’re just going to focus more in practice, get our confidence back,” Proskura said. Even if Alabama was not looking for its first SEC win of the year, this would still be a very important weekend in the grand scheme of SEC tennis. “This is a very crucial weekend for us,” Pate said. “This weekend could give us a lot of momentum, if we do well.” After playing Florida on Friday, the Tide continues competition against South Carolina on Sunday at Alabama’s Tennis Stadium.

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The Crimson White

11

LIFESTYLES

Thursday, March 10, 2011

COLUMN | FOOD

Homemade junk food offers outlet for the health-conscious By Avery Driggers

vitamins and minerals. But you know what they are? Delicious. As a conscious eater, I often grapple with my convictions towards the food industry, sustainable eating and healthy meal preparation. Other times, I just want the junk food. So

Cheez-Its, Oreos, Sour Patch Kids and Pop-Tarts are not healthy foods. They won’t help you lose weight, they won’t help build strong bones, and they aren’t a good source of

how do these two warring urges come to a truce? Homemade junk food! These recipes may not be as healthy as celery sticks, but they are fun, tasty and can always be adjusted, unlike their packaged counterparts.

Homemade Cheez-Its Ingredients: 1 8-oz. block extra sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely shredded 1/2 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup flour 2 tablespoon ice water

Homemade Oreos Ingredients: To make the chocolate wafers: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar [see recipe note] 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) room-temperature, unsalted butter 1 large egg To make the filling: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room-temperature, unsalted butter 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Makes 25 to 30 cookies

Makes 15 dozen crackers fromaway.com Directions: 1. In a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix cheddar, butter and salt until incorporated. 2. Add flour and mix on low speed; the dough will be dry and pebbly. 3. Slowly add water and continue to mix as dough comes together. 4. Pat dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 6. Divide dough into 2 pieces and roll each into thin rectangles. 7. Cut rectangles into 1-inch squares and transfer to baking sheets. Punch a hole into the center of each square. 8. Bake for 17 minutes or until puffed and browning at edges, (Watch carefully, they can burn quickly.) 9. Immediately move the crackers to racks to cool.

Homemade Pop Tarts

smittenkitchen.com Directions: 1. Set two racks in middle of oven. Preheat to 375 degrees. 2. In food processor or mixer, thoroughly mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt and sugar 3. While pulsing on low speed, add butter and then the egg. Continue processing or mixing until dough comes together in a mass. 4. Take heaping teaspoons of batter and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet 2 inches apart. With moistened hands, slightly flatten dough. 5. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating once for even baking. Set baking sheets on a rack to cool. 6. To make cream, place butter and shortening in mixing bowl, and at low speed gradually beat in sugar and vanilla. 7. Turn mixer on high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until filling is light and fluffy. 8. To assemble cookies, cut off small corner of a Ziploc bag and pipe teaspoon-size blobs of cream into center of one cookie. Place another cookie on top of the cream. Lightly press, to work filling evenly to outside of cookie. 9. Continue this process until all cookies have been sandwiched with cream.

Homemade Sour Patch Kids Ingredients: 1 bag of cranberries 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons hot water 1-2 cups powdered sugar 1-2 cups granulated sugar 1 orange peel, grated 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)

pepperpaints.com blogs.babble.com Ingredients: 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and diced 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons water 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 package prepared pie crusts

To make glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1-2 tablespoons milk 1/2 teaspoons vanilla food coloring and sprinkles (optional) Wooden Popsicle sticks

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch and almond extract. 2. Heat on stove over medium heat until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool. 3. Unroll pie crusts and use a pizza cutter to slice them into 1 1/2 by 2 inch rectangles . 4. Place a wooden stick on top of half the cut rectangles, then spoon a small amount of cooled cherry filling into center of half the pie squares, taking care not to get it near edges. 5. Gently lay the rest of the rectangles over the top of them and press edges of the rectangles together with a fork. 6. Transfer to baking sheet. Bake Pop-Tart pops in oven for 8-10 minutes, or just until edges begin to brown. 7. In small bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Tint with food coloring, if desired. 8. Spoon over cooled pops, sprinkle with colored sugar, and allow to the glaze to harden slightly before serving.

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12

Thursday, March 10, 2011

LIFESTYLES

The Crimson White

New tattoo parlor opens in Tuscaloosa By SoRelle Wyckoff Contributing Writer

When a state trooper walked into newly opened tattoo parlor All Inkd Up, its owner didn’t know what to think. But his worries were in vain. The state trooper, who already had several tattoos, was familiar with the tattoo artist’s work and simply walked in to get another tattoo. “In fact, he liked his tattoo so much his brother, who’s a cop in Birmingham, is coming down, too,” said the tattoo and piercing artist Chewie, as he likes to be called.

After growing up in Tuscaloosa, Chewie considers it to be his hometown. “I’m a hometown, local guy,” Chewie said. “That’s about it.” It was with this mindset that he decided to open his own tattoo parlor, after working at other tattoo parlors around Tuscaloosa. “I was tired of working for other folks,” he said. “I finally decided enough was enough and opened my own.” So, with business partner Wes Fortenberry, the two opened All Inkd Up this February. The new store is located at 1700 Greensboro

Ave., across the street from Piggly Wiggly. But the store is about more than just tattoos, Chewie said. And looking at the art on the walls and decorative furniture, his goal of making it more than just a tattoo parlor is apparent. Chewie’s wife and store manager, Elizabeth, decorated tables and other pieces of furniture using a collage of work by Chewie, Fortenberry and pop culture icons. Tuscaloosa artists are also on display on the store walls, which Chewie said would continue to grow with artwork. “Art is art to me,” he said.

“Having a tattoo shop is more about art than it is about tattoos.” Both artists chuckled when asked how many tattoos they had, saying they lost count. “I think mine are about to turn into one big tattoo,” said Fortenberry, who has been a tattoo artist for more than 11 years. However, both artists are serious when it comes to safety. “Safety is number one here. We do it all ‘by the book,’” Chewie said. “We are trying to give Tuscaloosa good prices and good quality.” The close-to-campus location

Shakespeare reading tonight By Alexandra Ellsworth Contributing Writer

Improbable Fictions aims to help students uncover the majesty of the bard, William Shakespeare, by performing a staged reading of Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” tonight at 7:30 in Farrah Hall room 214. “The plays of Shakespeare are not novels or even short stories,” director and dramaturge Scott Free said. “They are studied as literature, and rightfully so, as it is some of the finest writing in the English language, but they were never intended to be read. They were intended to be performed.” The turnaround for this performance is very quick, which Free said is a benefit of doing a staged reading. The actors do not have to memorize their lines, and there will be limited use of props and costumes. The rehearsal process is short and began Monday with a read through. However, Free has been working on cutting and adjusting the script for about six or seven months to make it more understandable and fit the desired length. “I feel that this particular play

is uniquely suited for this form,” Free said. “There are no big battle scenes, no sword fights. It is charming, witty, people saying charming, witty, things.” Free said the show should run about 90 minutes without intermission, and admission is free. The cast is a mix of students, faculty and other members of the community. Mark Hughes Cobb and Nic Helms will perform pre-show music. The music will begin at 7:00 p.m. and should last about 20 to 25 minutes. English classes on campus will be studying “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “Hamlet” this semester. Nic Helms, who started Improbable Fictions with Alaina Jobe in 2010, said he hopes that by providing staged readings of Shakespeare’s work, English students who are currently studying Shakespeare can have a chance to hear it, as opposed to just reading it. “The text is just the blueprint of the building, not the building itself,” said Jean FullerScott, who will play the part of Rosaline. “It’s a guideline for how it’s supposed to be done… but it’s nowhere near the final, finished product.”

CW | Teresea Portone King Ferdinand, Charles Prosser, and the princess of France, SaraMargaret Cates, argue over her being allowed to stay in his house in a staged reading of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost. Free said, “The performance students will see tonight is a bit like taking a trip to the building site, better than looking at just the blueprints but not the finished product. “A staged reading is a strange animal. It is a performance, but not a complete one. You are visitors at what can only be described as an early rehearsal for the play,” he said. This staged reading can provide a good jumping off point to do a full production at a later time because it allows the director to hear his cut of the script

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and work out any problems. “[Shakespeare’s work] is daring and passionate and scary and dirty and mean and poetic and dangerous and romantic,” Fuller-Scott said. “It’s supposed to live and breathe and weep and bleed and sigh.” Both Free and Fuller-Scott encourage those who enjoy the staged reading to seek out full productions to get a better grasp of Shakespeare’s work. For information and a full cast list visit Improbable Fictions at improbablefictions. wordpress.com.

has brought in many students, he said. “Lots of football players come in here, and in this town, that means something,” said Chewie, who said he believes in catering to each customer individually. Chewie said All Inkd Up is a place for all Tuscaloosa residents. “I just want it to be a local, hometown tattoo parlor,” he said. “No chains or big buildings, just good prices and good quality.” So far, business has been normal, according to both Chewie and Fortenberry. But

LAI LAI Continued from page 1

but beyond that they weren’t given any more information. “[The University] had purchased it, and we’re not sure what they’re planning on doing with the property, but because they want it back we’re unable to renew our lease,” Chen said. Lai Lai, which opened in July of 1998, is in its thirteenth year of business on The Strip. Chen said she was unsure of the status of other businesses on The Strip, but when Pepito’s and Pita Pit, which are located on either side of Lai Lai, were called, employees at both restaurants said there are no plans for closing or moving. Before Chen knew that she had until the end of the semester instead of the end of March, she said she wasn’t sure if Lai Lai would be doing something special on March 27, the previous closing day. “Right now, we’re just slowly letting our customers know,” Chen said. “If we do something special, we’ll announce it. Right now we’re just focusing on moving.” Lai Lai does plan on reopening in the future, Chen said, but a location still has to be found.

Fortenberry said he has had an interesting customer or two. “My favorite request was for a tattoo of a flaming piece of broccoli,” Fortenberry said. “I didn’t ask.” All Inkd Up is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weeknights, and until 2 a.m. on weekends and offers tattoos starting at $40 and piercings starting at $30. “We’re here for our customers,” Fortenberry said. “We have the best customer service around.” Chewie had one bit of advice for UA students: “Come by here. I promise we’ll hook you up.”

“We want our customers and Tuscaloosa to know that we’re making plans to reopen, but we’re looking for a place right now,” Chen said. Cathy Andreen, the director of media relations for the University, explained the process behind the expired lease and University-owned property. “The University purchased the building where Lai Lai is located in 2007 and agreed to honor the leases that were already in place,” Andreen said. “Lai Lai’s lease was originally negotiated with the previous owner.” Now that the lease is up, the University will be offering a Request for Proposals, which is the opportunity for any entity that may wish to rent the space to submit a proposal. Lai Lai will get a chance to submit an RFP to regain that location as well, Andreen said. “RFPs are advertised publicly,” Andreen said. “The RFP will be sent to Lai Lai when it is ready and they may submit a proposal.” Andreen said the proposal must include detailed information about how the space would be used, any renovations or work that the renter would do to the space, the amount of rent they are willing to pay and a description of how the business would benefit the University community. In reference to other businesses not experiencing the same closing as Lai Lai, Andreen said the businesses operating on the University’s property on The Strip have different lease agreements, and they expire at different times. Lai Lai’s lease is currently expiring. Chen said she wanted to take this chance to thank all of Lai Lai’s customers over the years. “We wanted to thank all of our customers for their support over the years, UA students and faculty and especially the international Chinese students who have been a big part of our customer base over the years and the locals for making us a part of their community,” Chen said. “We just wanted to express our gratitude towards them.” Jenae Stainer, a senior majoring in social work, said she has been in the on-campus organization Students for a Democratic Society for four years now and, after every meeting, SDS would go to Lai Lai for tofu. “I think that Lai Lai is a valuable local business that cares about its customers,” Stainer said. “And its customers care about them. I’m not sure why they’re being singled out if there have been no problems with them in the past.”

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Today’s Birthday (03/10/11). The summer months (in the northern hemisphere) will provide a nesting ground for nurturing family relationships. You may have to work harder (or smarter) than usual, but you’ll reap the benefits before winter. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Money comes easier than normal today. Don’t take it for granted. Don’t forget to put some away for tomorrow before you go out and spend it on a whim. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- When you got it, you got it. Don’t worry too much about your appearance. Your confident presence shows strength and ease. Charm them with your smile. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Today you find some relief from the stress of the past few days, but there are still some obstacles to manage. Take it easy. Tomorrow will be a great day. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- The best way to avoid procrastination is to get support from your friends. Do you love hiking but feel glued to the couch? Invite someone to go play. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -It seems like business as usual, working hard and getting things done. Nevertheless, life is full of surprises,

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the

Scene

Spending spring break in T-town?

LIFESTYLES Page 14• Thursday, March 10, 2011 Editor • Kelsey Stein kmstein@crimson.ua.edu

By Stephanie Brumfield Assistant Lifestyles Editor snbrumfield@crimson.ua.edu

Are you stuck in Tuscaloosa for Spring Break? Don’t worry! The Scene has all sorts of suggestions to keep you occupied and entertained while you’re here. Whether you make a few day trips to Tuscaloosa’s nearby cities, or whether you stay in Tuscaloosa and simply explore all those places you’ve always wanted to visit but simply never had the time to, spring break 2011 has the potential to be memorable. The Tuscaloosa area has an abundance of fun, cheap distractions whether you’re interested in shopping, art museums, hiking trails, cool restaurants or nightlife.

SATURDAY Suds of the South Beerfest

Most students will already be miles away from Tuscaloosa come Saturday, but if you’re still in town and over 21, stop by Wilhagan’s between 4 and 7 p.m. for the second annual Suds of the South beerfest. Sponsored by local blog Well That’s Cool, patrons will receive a 3 oz. beer glass to keep for $20, which they can then use to taste as many beers as they desire that are offered by the 12 featured breweries. Craft beers from out-of-town breweries like Birmingham’s Good People Brewing Company will be featured at the event.

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SUNDAY

Flicks

Moundville Park & PieLab

to catch

COBB HOLLYWOOD 16 • Just Go With It (PG-13) • Justin Bieber Never Say Never 3D (G) • The Roommate (PG-13) • The Eagle (PG-13) • Gnomeo & Juliet 3D (G) • The King’s Speech (R) • No Strings Attached (R) • Justin Bieber Never Say Never (G) • True Grit (PG-13) • Sanctum 3D (R) • The Rite (PG-13) • The Mechanic (R) • The Green Hornet 3D (PG-13) • The Dilemma (PG-13) • Tangled (PG) • Yogi Bear 3D (PG)

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Tuscaloosa-area Parks Lovers of the outdoors, look no further than the UA Arboretum, Munny Sokol Park and Natural Bridge Park. Admission to all of these parks is free, and each is unique in its own way. The UA Arboretum is the closest of the three, located near at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Parkway (15th Street East) and Pelham Loop Road. Visitors can walk along several trails, including the paths of an abandoned golf course, as well as see several gardens. Munny Sokol is a great place for mountain bikers with an 11-mile long trail, and it is located just a few miles north of highway 82 on Watermelon Road. Natural Bridge Park is about an hour drive away going north on highway 43, but it makes for a good little day trip for anyone interested in hiking and climbing. It also has the longest naturally-formed bridge structure east of the Rocky Mountains, and there are waterfalls, trails, a creek, picnic area and gift shop.

WEDNESDAY

life

• The Booth: The Outcome • Eagan’s: 50s and 60s Dance Party • Copper Top: Nick & Andy • Harry’s: Whiskey River • Moe’s: Chinchillionaires • Green Bar: Seymor Blue • Gnemi’s: Chase Wilson • The Filling Station: Just the Tip Argyle Images | Gregg McGough

SATURDAY • Eagan’s: Mansfield, James Spann & the Suspenders, Uri • Copper Top: Matt & Tyler • Green Bar: The Motions, Cory Taylor Cox & The Time Machine • Gnemi’s: Deep South Dread • The Filling Station: Billy Snowden & Briley Sandlin

CW File Photo

Shopping and art in Birmingham

THURSDAY

• Eagan’s: DJ Bin Rockin • Copper Top: Cooper & Crouch • Green Bar: Many Mansions, Hurricanes of Love, and Dirty Lungs • Harry’s: Uri • Gnemi’s: Zippy D & Dirty Luv • The Filling Station: Jon Ray & Tracy Williams

If you’re looking for a relaxing day in the park, Moundville Archeological Park is the place for you. Located along the Black Warrior River just 20 minutes south of Tuscaloosa, visitors can walk about the park’s more than 300 acres and learn about Indian culture while doing so. Historic Indian mounds line the park’s trails, and the Jones Museum, which closes at 5 p.m. daily, offers further insight into Indian culture. And the best part is, admission into the park is only $6 for students. Travelling south to Moundville is an excellent excursion for your Sunday or Monday, as it is open daily starting at 9 a.m. when many other venues around town are closed. While you’re south of Tuscaloosa, you may also want to drive an additional 30 minutes to downtown Greensboro for the unique pies of PieLab, which is also open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TUESDAY

Night

FRIDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

Taking a small day trip to Birmingham is a good option for your Wednesday because most venues are open then, and many bars downtown offer drink specials on Wednesday nights. During the day, you could visit Reed Books and the Birmingham Museum of Art, both downtown and within easy walking distance (only five blocks) of each other. Throughout March, Reed Books is displaying more than 300 miniature books from all over the world, and they also have a large selection of books for purchase. Its web inventory includes 47,500 books, magazines, newspapers and posters, but there are more than 250,000 additional items in the store. After browsing the bookshelves at Reed Books, walk over to the Birmingham Museum of Art, which is currently featuring photography from South Africa, several works of African-American art and works from the museum’s general collection. Admission is free, and the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reed Books is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. By nightfall, make your way over to the intersection of highways 459 and 280 for shopping and dinner at The Summit. For more information, see jimreedbooks.com, artsbma.org and thesummitonline.com/birmingham.

FRIDAY

Tuscaloosa-area Art Galleries If you’ve never been before, the Westervelt Warner Museum of American Art is a must-see. One of the largest collections of American art in the world, the Warner Museum features more than 400 paintings, sculptures and pieces of furniture and decorative arts dating from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. As a bonus, the small drive to the museum is a pretty one, as you have to cross Lake Tuscaloosa and go through North River Yacht Club to get there. The Warner Museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and admission is $7 for students. For directions, go to warnermuseum.org. One you finish browsing through the many rooms of the Warner Museum, you might want to finish your day in downtown Northport either at the Kentuck Art Gallery, the Renaissance Gallery or one of the many locally-owned shops and restaurants of Northport.

SATURDAY

CW File Photo

Six Flags in Atlanta For those who don’t mind travelling a few hours, Six Flags Over Georgia kicks off their season on Saturday, March 19, and they’re offering tickets at the special discounted price of $20.11. The only catch is that you must bring six or more non-perishable food items to donate to MUST ministries, and the items must be on the list of acceptable food items located on the Six Flags Over Georgia website. But the deal is still good, as general admission is usually around $50. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., so even with the drive you should have plenty of time to ride as many roller coasters as your heart desires before leaving the park. For more information, see sixflags.com/overGeorgia. MCT Campus

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