STUDY ABROAD
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
How to get your classes off campus — way off campus
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The Crimson White now prints Monday through Thursday
Serving the University of Alabama since 1894
Vol. 118, Issue 14
Hightower: ‘I’m back’ After losing a year due to injury, Dont’a Hightower passed up the NFL Draft for another shot at a championship By Zackary Al-Khateeb Sports Reporter zialkhateeb@crimson.ua.edu
Razorbacks. The damage the injury caused forced Hightower to miss the rest of the ’09 season, undergo extensive surgery and rehab, and even hindered his level of play in the ’10 season. “I could tell I was a little bit slower,” Hightower said. “So I had to change the way I play a little bit. A lot of people kind of realized that I was a little bit slower, that I wasn’t able to use… my quickness and explosiveness to catch up to them… I wasn’t able to do that last year.” Now, however, Hightower said his knee is no longer giving him problems and that he should be back up to his playing ability before the injury. “I don’t have any knee pain at all,” Hightower said. “I’m like at 7 percent body fat, so that’s not an issue. I’m moving a lot faster than I was, able to keep up with some of the faster guys, so I feel like I’m back to where I was. This year, that’s not even part of the question.” If anyone beside Hightower himself knew he was back, it would be Barrett Jones. Jones, a junior offensive lineman, said he has had to deal with pass rushes from Hightower all through fall camp.
Two years ago, linebacker Dont’a Hightower suffered a devastating knee injury from a cut block in the Sept. 26 game against the Arkansas
CW | Jerrod Seaton
See DONT’A, page 2
Protocol ignored in block seating By Will Tucker, Tray Smith, and Katherine Martin The Crimson White
The chair of the SGA block seating committee has made several decisions without the consent of other committee members. Emails obtained by The Crimson White reveal Mckenzie Jones conducted the block seating application “I think student orprocess withganization seating is out seeking definitely something approval from that can improve this the rest of the campus,” committee, having a com— Ryan Flamerich, commitmittee meettee member ing, or holding a vote of any form. “This is what I’ve decided the application process [will] be like for the fall of 2011,” Jones wrote in a July 28 email to committee members. “It is important for us to accept this application process the way I’ve drawn it up in order for us to move forward.” Jones also directly dismissed requests by committee member Ryan Flamerich, for committee votes on issues ranging from GPA requirements for applying organizations to a timeline for when applications would be posted and accepted.
See SEATING, page 3
CW File After sustaining an injury in the ‘09 Arkansas game, Dont’a Hightower spent a year on the sidelines recovering. In 2011, Hightower puts injury behind him to lead the Bama defense.
Chloe’s Cup filling a Tuscaloosa niche downtown The downtown coffee shop owner looks to offer fair trade products and local music events By Jordan Staggs Senior Lifestyles Reporter jlstaggs1@crimson.ua.edu With TCBY, Starbucks and Crimson Cafe near campus, UA is hardly found wanting when it comes to a place to get a nice hot cup o’ Joe (or iced, whipped or blended, for that matter). But until May 2010, the downtown Tuscaloosa area was missing that little neighborhood coffee place. Chloe’s Cup owner Gail Faulkner has filled that niche with her cozy little spot just to left of City Hall on University Boulevard., where students and business people alike can relax and recharge with organic coffees and teas and an array of tasty treats. Faulkner shares her experiences of owning a small business and her favorite cup of coffee with the Crimson White:
restaurant in Alberta City, so I grew up around the business. Chloe is my granddaughter. She’s three now. So it’s Chloe’s Cup. CW: What inspired you to open a coffee shop, as opposed to another restaurant? GF: Well, I love coffee. I love to drink coffee and I love the atmosphere that comes with it. When you walk into a coffee shop, your troubles melt away. That’s how it should be.
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• Ferguson Center lot: only for faculty and staff
• Residence halls: no longer in different parking zones
INSIDE today’s paper
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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
More changes have been added to the University of Alabama’s parking regulations. The 2011-2012 school year ushers in alterations that have left some students perturbed. “The University should assign students’ parking permits based on their schedules,” said Dallas Manning, a UA senior. “As a student majoring in anthropology, I needed a West Commuter parking space. I was not able to purchase this space because of a prior commitment.” Among other changes, the Ferguson Center parking lot has now been converted into a faculty and staff only lot. Visitors are still allowed to park in the North Ferguson lot, however. “At about the same time, Science and Engineering Phases III and IV ramped up, closing the faculty and the staff park-
CHANGES TO PARKING
CW: Why did you decide to open the cafe in downtown Tuscaloosa? GF: Rent is so high on The Strip, so downtown worked out better, and I thought we could get the business district as well as the University, which we do. It was a niche that I think we were able to fill.
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By Elizabeth Manning Contributing Writer
See PARKING, page 3
CW: I noticed some customers with The Crimson White: So how did you get punch cards coming in. What are those CW | Mitchell Hughes into the food and beverage industry? Gail Faulkner, owner and manager of Chloe’s Cup in downtown Gail Faulkner: My family owned Wright’s See CHLOE’S, page 2 Tuscaloosa.
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Changes in parking bring up questions
• H.M. Comer: parking behind now closed to faculty and staff
WEATHER today
Briefs ........................2
Sports .......................8
Sunny
Opinions ...................4
Puzzles......................9
94º/63º
Lifestyles....................7
Classifieds .................9
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WEDNESDAY
WHAT: Honors College Assembly Pool Party & Pizza
WHAT: Get On Board Day
WHAT: Student Job Search
WHERE: Ferguson Plaza
WHERE: Riverside Clubhouse Pool
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHERE: G54, Rose Administration
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHAT: Capstone International Information Sessions
WHAT: Circle K General Meeting
GreekFest Highlights
Watch highlights of last weekend’s GreekFest concert, sponsered by Costa del Mar.
WHERE: Room 300, Mortar Board Room, Ferguson Student Center
WHEN: 10 a.m.
WHERE: 360 Forum, Ferguson Student Center WHEN: 3 p.m.
Page 2• Tuesday, August 30, 2011
EDITORIAL
WHAT: Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market WHERE: Canterbury Episcopal Chapel WHEN: 3 p.m.
WHEN: 8:15 p.m.
WHAT: Xpress Night: Open Mic at Starbucks
TWEET OF THE DAY:
@g0ldenratio I’ve been watching @TheCrimsonWhite videos featuring Tray Smith. The most awkward/hysterical things I’ve seen in a LONG time GO FIND THEM
THURSDAY
WHAT: Chemistry and Physics Tutoring
WHERE: Starbucks, Ferguson Student Center
WHERE: Gorgas Library
WHEN: 6 p.m.
Submit your events to calendar@cw.ua.edu
WHEN: Throughout the day
Victor Luckerson editor-in-chief editor@cw.ua.edu Jonathan Reed managing editor jonathanreedcw@gmail.com Will Tucker assistant managing editor wjtucker1@gmail.com Amanda Sams news editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Malcolm Cammeron community manager outreach@cw.ua.edu
ON THE MENU
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ADVERTISING Emily Richards 348-8995 Advertising Manager cwadmanager@gmail.com Brittany Key 348-2598 Territory Manager Amy Ramsey 348-7355 National Representative Classifieds Coordinator Lauren Aylworth 348-8042 Creative Services Manager Nikki Amthor 348-8742 Greg Woods 348-8054 Tori Hall 348-6153 Rob Clark 348-4367 Will DeShazo 348-8041 Jessica West 348-8054 Ben Gordon 348-8042 Lauren Gallas 348-8042 Coleman Richards Special Projects Account Rep The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2010 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.
FRESH FOOD
DINNER
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
Fried Chicken Steak with Smokey Red Pepper Macaroni & Cheese Mexican Rice Greek Gyro Station Double Dipped Chocolate Pretzel Vegan Chicken with Pineapple Salsa (Vegetarian)
Pork Cutlet with Onion Gravy Cilantro Lime Rice Chicken & Okra Creole Soup Ham, Mac & Cheese Meltdown Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwich Tacos
ON THE RADAR
Tray Smith opinions editor
Kyle Carey design editor
BRYANT
LUNCH Breaded Pork Chop White Rice Fresh Steamed Zucchini Caribbean Pasta Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Szechuan Tofu (Vegetarian)
Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles editor
Adam Greene chief copy editor
BURKE
LAKESIDE
Judge Sharon L. Blackburn temporarily blocked Alabama’s immigration law for up to 30 days, saying there was not enough time remaining before Thursday, when the law would have gone into effect, to address all the legal arguments surrounding it. In addition to temporarily blocking the law, Blackburn ordered that it couldn’t be executed and enforced until she lifts her temporary injunction. Opponents of the law include the U.S. Justice Department, American Civil Liberties Union and various
Industrial Assessment Center is center of excellence
church leaders across Alabama. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the law on June 9, which makes it a crime to be an undocumented alien in the state of Alabama. Law enforcement officials were also given the right to detain those they suspect to be in the country illegally, while calling for businesses that knowingly hire undocumented aliens to face non-criminal sanctions. “I look forward to the judge ruling on the merits,” Bentley said in a press release after learning of Blackburn’s ruling. “We have long needed a tough law against illegal immigration in this state, and we now have one. I will continue to fight at every turn to defend this law against any and all challenges.”
College first to ask about sexual orientation on admission application From MCT Campus Something new at 140-year-old Elmhurst College made senior Ally Vertigan very proud when she learned of it. A question on the undergraduate admission application for the 2012-13 school year asks: “Would you consider yourself a member of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community?” The college is believed to be the first in the nation to ask about sexual orientation on its admission application.
DONT’A Continued from page 1
“I think I’ve got a lot of great practice from both Dont’a and Courtney [Upshaw],” Jones said. “That’s something that you have to feel good about, that you’re going against such great players at practice.” For head coach Nick Saban, having Hightower’s leadership and experience on an already talented defense is a huge plus for his team. “[Hightower] certainly has had a good offseason, very good spring, very good offseason program, good summer, and has played extremely well all this fall camp,” Saban said. “[Dont’a has] shown really good leadership.” Senior defensive lineman Josh Chapman echoed his coach’s thoughts on Hightower.
The question is optional for potential Elmhurst students filling out the application. But officials at the private college say their goal in asking it is to increase diversity and give them a better understanding of LGBT students. Diversity, according to the officials, is an important mission of the school, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. “I’m so proud of my college. I think this is a great step contextually, within the nation,” said Vertigan, who noted that she “identifies within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community.”
“Dont’a, he’s a great leader, not just being a linebacker,” Chapman said. So now, roughly two years removed from his injury, Hightower can finally step up and truly take a leadership role on the defense. Still, he won’t be the only one on this defense ready to step up and lead. He also has senior safety Mark Barron to help, as well as a plethora of talent around him, which should help free up Hightower to make more plays this year. “Ever since the spring, I feel like this team has kind of come together,” Hightower said. “It doesn’t really need as much leadership. Kind of like the ’09 team, a lot of guys are older, they know how to practice, they know how to watch film, they know how to be coached. “But as far as me stepping up and being that guy on defense, I’m ready to do it.”
Roast Beef Seasoned Corn Steamed Peas Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich Cheeseburger Pizza Stuffed Shells (Vegetarian)
ON CAMPUS
Judge blocks immigration bill From The Huntsville Times and al.com
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Home Fries Cheddar Cheese Soup Seasoned Collard Greens Creole Vegetables and Rice(Vegetarian)
The Alabama Industrial Assessment Center, one of 26 centers throughout the country funded by the Department of Energy to assist manufacturing plants with energy conservation and efficiency, was recently named the Center of Excellence. The accolade means that, of the 26 centers, the AIAC is the best. The AIAC has completed more than 20 assessments in the past year using
resources from the Department of Enegry, allowing plants to pinpoint and address areas of energy waste. “Helping Alabama companies excel by reducing energy has been very rewarding, and to be recognized by our peers for our work is gratifying,” said Dr. Keith Woodbury, professor of mechanical engineering and director of the AIAC. To find out more about the AIAC, visit aiac.ua.edu.
Zoë’s Kitchen pledges donations for UA charity According to The Birmingham News, Zoë’s Kitchen has pledged to donate profits to a University of Alabama. In memory of Zoe Bromberg, the granddaughter of Zoë’s Kitchen founders Marcus and Zoe Cassimus, who died in an Accident on July 12 in
Spain, Zoë’s Kitchen will donate $5 of every Dinner for Four sold from September 1 to 15 to the Rise Program of the University of Alabama. The Rise Program assists children with physical disabilities from birth to five years of age.
Baldrige Conference to bring industry leaders to Birmingham The 2011 Baldrige Regional Conference will be held on September 27 at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort in Birmingham. The conference, which is sponsored by the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, the Alabama Productivity Center at The University of Alabama, the Alliance for Performance Excellence and the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award, will bring at least 14 current and former Baldrige
CHLOES’s Continued from page 1
GF: We stamp the card every time you get a drink, and every tenth drink is free, so people like to hold onto those. We also do discounts for university students, faculty and staff. Ten percent. CW: Your coffee and tea is all organic, fair trade product. What does that mean exactly? GF: That’s really important to know. It comes from third world countries, and the people who gather and make it get paid for their work so they are able to build schools and other things. Look up fair trade online. It’s great. We sell it by the pound and half pound as well. We’re also participating in the Alabama Home Grown Farmer’s Market this fall. CW: So what is your favorite drink here? GF: The Bama Brulee. It’s got Ghirardelli white chocolate syrup, caramel sauce and cream all stirred, iced or hot. It’s a crème brulee drink but we renamed it the Bama Brulee. Sometimes we offer it as a special on game days. CW: What else do you offer in addition to coffee?
Award recipients to Birmingham to discuss aras such as leadership, patient safety and engaging the Generation Y workforce. The Baldrige Program was founded in order to improve competitiveness and performance by identifying business leaders and providing them with the means to discuss their practices. For more information about the conference, visit www.nist.gov/baldrige/ regionals.
GF: Besides coffee and tea we do sell sandwiches, soup and baked goods. I just wanted everything to be good and homemade, so that’s my whole thing. We offer a lot of vegetarian choices, but we also try to make some things the students can get that are “like mama makes,” like our banana and strawberry bread. CW: Was there a particular theme you were trying to accomplish with the decor and the atmosphere in your shop? GF: Yes, I wanted to have a lot of art displayed. The downtown area has an art night once a month, so we feature artists every first Thursday of the month – so this Thursday – and if they sell anything while it’s here I don’t charge them for it. Usually it stays up the whole month, and every Tuesday night we have live jazz with The Voodoo Saints. Soon we’re going to display some pieces from Arts and Autism. That’s kind of what we’re all about. We have a little music, a little art and a nice relaxing atmosphere. CW: You also have little gifts and other things for sale? GF: We’ve got all kinds of photography and jewelry, like hemp bracelets and earrings. One time a sculpting class from the university brought some pieces in to sell. We even have hula-hoops a local girl makes. Everything is
made by local artists. It’s nothing really fancy, just neat little things people can pick up as a gift, and we’ll wrap it up for them. We also do gift cards. CW: What is your favorite part of running Chloe’s Cup? GF: I like to interact with the people who come in. I like to talk to people; I wouldn’t be happy in a cubicle somewhere. We have all kinds of people from different backgrounds and cultures come in. Some of them are international students or have traveled all over and they give us their opinions on the coffee in their home countries or coffee they’ve tried. I love the diversity of our clientele. CW: What’s the hardest part? GF: Hmm. Well, it’s still a new business, so you have to work really hard and work a lot of hours. It’s really growing, but not quite to the point I can back it off a bit. I get up at 5 a.m. to be here at 6, but I don’t dread it. CW: Are you currently reading anything? GF: I’ve been too busy to read a whole lot lately, but I love to watch the BBC. I do have a few old books in here, like O. Henry and “The Iliad,” or it might be “The Odyssey,” and I’ve got a good collection of magazines, so anyone can come in and grab something to flip through.
The Crimson White
SEATING Continued from page 1
When asked to allow the committee to hold a broader conversation on application criteria, including a vote of the full committee on the final application, Jones refused. “We will not be able to vote on [the final application’s point scale] as the applications are going live tomorrow,” Jones said in an email the day the application was released. The application was posted without a final vote of approval by the Student Organization Seating Committee. Jones had originally proposed keeping unequal point intervals for judging the GPAs of student organizations that apply for seating, but later emailed the committee a revised GPA scale after continued complaints from Flamerich. “The GPA scale increments and associated points scale will be altered for consistency,” he wrote. In further emails, Jones responded to Flamerich’s suggestion that organizations be rewarded for their diversity by accusing Flamerich of discriminatory behavior.
PARKING Continued from page 1
ing areas behind H.M. Comer and McMillian,” said Chris D’Esposito, UA’s assistant director of Transportation Services. “As a result, those faculty and staff spaces were shifted to the North Ferguson Surface lot. It should be noted that the Time Limit parking was not impacted in the North Ferguson Surface lot.” Kayla Moreland, a sophomore majoring in accounting, said she transferred from Auburn University to UA this semester. Moreland said she purchased a perimeter permit and plans to ride the Retreat shuttle back and forth to class. “Parking in perimeter has both advantages and disadvantages,” Moreland said. “I can skip the mainstream traffic and I always know I have a spot. However, I have to get to school early in order to walk to a bus stop to get
NEWS “It is one thing to get on a soapbox and preach the word of diversity, but it is yet another to actually practice what you preach,” Jones said, saying that the committee members Flamerich appointed were not representative of campus. Of the Executive Council’s eight selections for the Student Organization Seating Committee, all eight are greek and seven are white. Of Flamerich’s eight appointments, two are greek and five are white. Flamerich responded to the allegations Jones made in a subsequent email, defending his appointees and saying they closely mirror the demographics of the campus. “I think everyone’s motives on this committee are genuine, and I don’t think vilifying them will advance this process,” Flamerich wrote. The Executive Council consists of the SGA president, vice presidents, chief of staff and executive secretary. Jones was appointed as chair by the council despite not holding any other position in the SGA, but his appointment was never officially submitted to the SGA Senate, a possible violation of the SGA Code of Laws. Although there is no mention of block seating in any of the
SGA’s governing documents, Chapter 200.1.3 of the Code of Laws reads that, “The Executive Council shall select the committee chairs for all executive committees and submit these selections to the Senate.” SGA Communications Director Seth Morrow said student government officials are confident that all actions have been in compliance with the constitution. In an interview with The Crimson White last week, Flamerich declined to discuss the conversations, saying, “I think the emails speak for themselves.” “My goal is I think student organization seating is definitely something that can improve this campus,” Flamerich said. “If it’s done fairly it can push organizations to be better so that they can have more competitive applications for student organization seating so that then they can get better seating.” Jones did not respond to three phone calls seeking comment, but was quoted by SGA Communications Director Seth Morrow in a statement released over the weekend. “I promise to oversee a committee that operates with transparency and accountability,” Jones said.
to my classes.” D’Esposito said instead of different zones for each dormitory, the resident parking has been simplified. Now, the parking lots around the numerous residence halls on campus can accommodate all on-campus students, he added. Freddie Custodio, a sophomore majoring in engineering, said he opted to live on campus for his second year at UA due to all of the various expenses, including parking. “I think an idea to discuss or acknowledge would be for parking and other certain fees to be included in tuition,” Custodio said. “Tuition is already expensive, especially for out-of-state students.” Manning said he remembered when controversy arose in the 2010-2011 school year regarding an overflow of students needing a space in the West Commuter lot. This year, on the date many students were assigned to request their permits, he said a
server glitch kept students from choosing the West Commuter lot. Despite the glitch, Manning said he felt the University handled the situation well when they placed students on a waiting list and consequently allowed students to return and switch out parking permits for the zone they needed. One solution, noted early last week in the Crimson White, is the new transit system UA is introducing. A CrimsonRide bus is available to transport students from free parking in downtown Tuscaloosa to campus and back. As the student body grows, so does the need for parking. “Currently there are no parking decks in the programming stage of development, however all future parking decks and surface lots will be constructed in keeping with the campus master plan,” D’Esposito said. For more information on parking zones, rules and regulations, visit bamaparking.ua.edu.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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Capstone takes students abroad UA students take their classrooms across borders worldwide By Jessica Ruffin Contributing Writer Imagine climbing up a mountain to the famed Incan village of Machu Piccu. Thick mist frames the ancient stone city and the lush mountains graze the clouds. Some may describe the experience as unbelievable, but UA student Hannah Emerson can say it’s just another day in her South American adventure through Alabama’s Study Abroad program. The program that gave Emerson the opportunity to see Machu Piccu—and experience living with a family in Chile for the rest of her trip— Capstone International will hold a study abroad fair will be held on September 13, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a the second floor of the Ferguson Center. Students will be able to
meet program representatives who can provide them with more information about studying abroad. Holly Buckner, the director of Capstone International Academic Programs, feels students see the world differently after studying abroad. “Study-abroad is so important because it offers students an opportunity to shift their perspective and view the world through an entirely different lens,” Buckner said. “When you travel, you learn more about yourself and your culture as you interact with citizens of another. “You undoubtedly come home with a respect and appreciation for your host country rivaled only by that for your homeland,” she said. Emerson, a junior in the New College, has been pursuing her Spanish minor in Chile since
February. She was set to return to United States on July 17, but has decided to continue studying abroad until December 19. “I have undoubtedly learned more about myself than about Chile or Spanish grammar,” Emerson said. “It sounds so cliché, but living abroad teaches you things that maybe have always been inside of you that our culture in the United States keeps on lock.” Another Study Abroad participant, Kaitlyn Burgin, said she gained more than just a better Spanish vocabulary during her trip to Spain this summer. “Studying abroad not only improved my Spanish, but also allowed me to embrace a completely different culture and connect with other students from Alabama,” said Burgin, a sophomore studying international business.
Make sure to pick up the paper on September 1 for a copy of CONUNDRUMS, a book of puzzles (aka procrastination).
OPINIONS
OUR VIEW
Change needed for seating
{
Carson Tinker: A symbol of hope By Jake Gray
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Editor • Tray Smith letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4
{ YOUR VIEW } (WEB COMMENTS) IN RESPONSE TO, “BUILDING NUMBERS ISN’T BUILDING A UNIVERSITY” “As a private college counselor, I couldnʼt agree with you more. I find (that) many students are beginning to prefer universities that go out of their way to make it a more personalized experience. The larger they get, the harder it is for schools to do this. Big does not mean better.” — susiewatts
“Second, although I share your concern for the size issue, UA has most definitely NOT lowered standards to grow its enrollment. Every year Witt has been at UA, the application rejection rate has increased. UA only accepted 53.6 % of applicants last (fall). See the OIRA section of the UA website for my reference.” — David Blake Jones
EDITORIAL BOARD Victor Luckerson Editor Jonathan Reed Managing Editor Tray Smith Opinions Editor Adam Greene Chief Copy Editor Will Tucker Assistant Managing Editor Drew Hoover Photo 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.
Saturday, students will fill their In short: Seating part of Bryantassignments Denny Stadium should be based and cheer on the in some SGA Crimson Tide as it documents. faces Kent State. Most students will find their seats as they get there, hoping to spot enough seats for them and their friends as close to the field as possible. Some students will find their seats overlooking the south end zone, where they’ve been saved for them by the Student Government Association. No document gives the SGA the power or lays out the process for something that is so vital to student life at the University of Alabama. When an organization composed of students has the authority to decide who gets to sit where in a stadium where every single student pays the same fee, there should be a reason for it. The director of media relations for the
I first met Carson Tinker in Mrs. Terry’s third grade class. He was a tall, funny boy who always seemed to have a smile on his face. I’m not sure if we just happened to be sitting next to each other one day, or if maybe we liked the same juice box, but for whatever rea-
loss of someone he loved. Flash-forward to today and Carson is a spirit to be around. One could expect a poor attitude, possibly a loss of desire to play – but not Carson. “I never thought about not playing, that wasn’t even an option,” Tinker said. Through months of physical
While thousands of people were leaving town for an early summer break, Carson laid in a hospital bed with his family and friends at his side mourning the loss of someone he loved. son, we became friends. After several years of slumber parties and birthday events at various parks in Decatur, Ala., Carson eventually moved to Murfreesboro, Tenn., during junior high. Fast forward 10 years later and Carson and I are both students at the University of Alabama. Carson, the starting long snapper for the Crimson Tide football team, was someone I greeted when I saw on campus from time to time. Always a friendly person, we struck up conversation whenever we saw one another. Nearly four months ago, Carson was a victim of the devastating tornado of April 27, 2011. Carson and his girlfriend, Ashley, were right in the destructive path of the EF4 tornado when it barreled through the heart of Tuscaloosa. Upon being thrown from his house, Carson sustained multiple injuries to his head, wrist, and ankle. Ashley, however, died upon impact with a broken neck. Carson was in the hospital for weeks. His close friends, including his teammates, were at his bedside every day. While thousands of people were leaving town for an early summer break, Carson laid in a hospital bed with his family and friends at his side mourning the
when the Crimson Tide kicks off against Kent State in BryantDenny Stadium. While the casual fan usually may not notice the long snapper as much as the starting quarterback or middle-linebacker, Carson may be the exception. Throughout the past four months, the city of Tuscaloosa has recovered greatly. When you take a tour of the city, one can visibly see cleared destruction. There are already businesses and homes being rebuilt on 15th street, and all of them are an evident symbol of recovery and progress that this community desperately needs. However, there will not be a more visible sign of hope than when number 51 walks onto the field for his first snap. This Saturday, my favorite player probably won’t score any touchdowns. He probably won’t be on SportsCenter’s “Top 10 Plays.” He will be the same smiling child I met many years ago, and the same man who went from unconscious in a hospital bed to the 50-yard line of Bryant-Denny Stadium in four short months. Carson Tinker’s recovery is a testament to good faith and great character and should be applauded by all.
therapy and recovery, Carson was ready for the grueling four weeks of fall camp and is completely healthy going into the season. He even claimed to have his best fall camp this year, despite his injuries. “People expect me to have the ‘poor-me’s’, but I don’t,” Tinker said. “It’s all about keeping a good attitude. When you drive around and see these ‘coming back’ signs surrounding the destruction, how can you have a bad day?” Carson’s optimistic attitude and spirit came naturally to him. However, he may not yet realize what his rehabilitation and effort means to this community. “I’m just an average guy going Jake Gray is a senior majoring in through the same thing as hun- journalism and economics. His coldreds of other people throughout umn runs on Tuesdays. this state. If I can inspire people, then that makes me happy.” Football, in a sense, was Carson’s emotional outlet throughout the #tinker grieving process. “We really are a family up here; my teammates and God helped me get through this. Nobody was trying to be heroic; it just came natural to everyone to be at my side when I needed them. That really meant a lot,” Tinker said. Carson and the rest of his teammates are poised and ready for an emotional kick-off this Saturday,
No document gives the SGA the power or lays out the process for something that is so vital to student life at the University of Alabama. University and the communications director of the SGA cannot point to a single public document that grants the SGA these powers. The Student Organization Seating Handbook, which is not readily available to students, was not even given to members of the committee. Student Organization Seating, it seems, exists only as a tradition. It is passed down from student body to student body with little questioning of why and few consistencies in who allocates the seats and how. From year to year, the process is so inconsistent that the people who allocate seats are not selected in the same way. This year, the SGA Executive Council chose half of the committee and its chairman, and the speaker of the senate chose half. Last year, the SGA Vice President of Student Affairs chose the entire committee. Every year, the SGA makes up a new way to fill those seats. Most importantly, what happens to students when they sit there? Cathy Andreen, the University’s director of media relations, couldn’t say. Seth Morrow, the SGA’s communications director, said there were penalties… but couldn’t say what they were. If there is no open and transparent policy stating what Student Organization Seating is, what keeps other students from sitting there? If Student Organization Seating is to persist as an institution at the University of Alabama, it needs to be more than just a vague tradition. It needs to be a policy; a transparent, official, enforceable policy. Our View is the consensus of the Crimson White’s editorial board. Assistant Managing Editor Will Tucker and Opinions Editor Tray Smith did not participate in this editorial.
Café reopening good for The Strip Student aid key By Greg Houser The Crimson Cafe is set to reopen this week, which is cause for some sort of celebration. There are entirely too few options to purchase coffee off campus. I should make it known that I am no fan of the Crimson Cafe. I’ve found their business model to be terribly confused. Is it a coffee shop? Is it a bakery where you can also buy a fajita? Is it a place to play trivia and Connect Four? Having said all that, I’m a huge fan of independently owned businesses on The Strip and I will support them however I can, even if I find their coffee bland. If the as yet unexplained burbling water feature sends me running to the bathroom roughly every seven to 10 minutes. What bothered me most about Crimson Cafe closing was not the fact that my only coffee option on The Strip was reduced to a yogurt shop that looks like a set for a Japanese children’s show that would probably feature a talking radish and nothing else. What bothered me is that the Crimson Cafe was essentially forced to close because its revenue stream was being dictated by the University’s relationship with a monolithic company in the form of Aramark. When owner Rhett Madden had the nerve to question the 21 percent fee that Aramark extracts
from every Dining Dollars transaction, Aramark advised him that he would no longer be able to participate in the program. This is infuriating on several levels, the first being that Aramark is leeching 21 percent, almost a quarter on the dollar, of every transaction from every business that accepts Dining Dollars. They’re also dictating which businesses are able to accept dining dollars, putting independent owners in a catch22 situation. Any local business would be foolish not to accept a primary means of payment from one of the largest demographics in town - almost 30,000 young people, most of whom are mandated to have a certain amount of cash on their cards. Aramark’s involvement on campus brings up a whole host of other issues too. All undergraduate students with at least nine credit hours are automatically charged $300 in the fall and spring on their student accounts for Dining Dollar funds. The only exemptions for the program are students with children and those who are heads of their household. Some former students filed a class action lawsuit requesting their funds be returned in August of 2010. The suit was dismissed. There’s also the issue of choice, or lack of it, when it comes to dining options on campus.
The University’s contract with Aramark limits the options available, pretty much eliminates competition and makes it all but impossible to eat healthy on campus. Sure, we have Chic-fil-A and Burger King, but that’s just more of the same. Having one major food vendor on campus has made it all but impossible to find something green to eat unless you want to over-pay for a salad at the Ferg. Put simply, the University’s relationship with Aramark is another example of how the administration views us. They view us as consumers. We aren’t individuals who should be given choice and healthy options and some freedom to spend our dollars where we like. Instead, we’re just a cash register for a juicy contract with a huge corporation that stifles small business owners on The Strip. I hope Crimson Cafe figures out what it wants to be. I hope it wants to be a coffee shop in the style of those found in larger cities. I hope it stops selling fajitas and takes out the waterfall before I have to invest in one of those bladder bag contraptions I’ve seen die-hard Tide fans sporting at games. Mostly I hope they survive and thumb their nose at Aramark. Greg Houser is a graduate student in creative writing. His column runs biweekly on Tuesdays.
for Forest Lake By George W. Harris
Since 2003 I have served as both vice president and president of the Forest Lake Neighborhood Association, Inc. A significant number of the houses in parts of Forest Lake have become student rentals. We have had issues with a small minority that we did not think respected the neighborhood. The FLNA Board held our first recovery meeting Saturday, May 7, just after the storm. I was authorized at that time to write this letter for the board. In the wake of the April 27 tornado we would like to offer kudos to our student neighbors for their fast thinking, courage, and kindness. Immediately after the storm, students were going door-to-door asking if everybody was out and okay. On my street a couple could not get out of their house because huge trees had fallen in both the front and rear of the house. A group of students made a narrow path so that the couple could walk out. A woman could be heard inside her house obviously injured. Students broke into the house and stayed until a medic and nurse were there. Emergency vehicles could not get in. They carried her out, using a door as a makeshift stretcher. In the days following the storm and as we continue to go forward with the recovery, the help from so many has been overwhelming at times. UA students and many from other schools have been in the forefront. Thanks to all who have come to our aid. Special thanks to our student neighbors. “We Are Coming Back.”
George W. Harris is the vice president of the Forest Lake Neighborhood Association, Inc.
The Crimson White
NEWS
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
5
SGA increases football ticket penalties Students who upgrade tickets three times will not be eligible for postseason tickets By Taylor Holland Assistant News Editor tlholland1@crimson.ua.edu
As the Alabama football team prepares for Saturday’s home opener against Kent State, so too is much of the student body, friends and family members. However, the SGA has amended the student football ticket penalty system, which may affect the number of guests a student can bring to
UPGRADE FEES •
Kent State » $50
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North Texas » $50
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Arkansas » $60
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Vanderbilt » $60
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Tennessee » $80
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LSU » $80
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Ga. Southern » $50
Bryant-Denny Stadium over the course of the season. Students can now only upgrade their ticket twice before being penalized, said SGA Communications Director Seth Morrow. “The change was made to ensure that UA students were being provided every opportunity to attend home football games,” he said. “Upgrading to student guest is not a bad thing. It should just be limited.” Morrow said students who upgrade their tickets three or more times will not be eligible for postseason tickets, including the SEC Championship Game. “After discussions with the Ticket Office and Student Affairs officials, we decided the changes would hopefully provide more chances for students to fill the seats in the student section,” Morrow said. The penalty system also states that students will
“We decided the changes would hopefully provide more chances for students to fill the seats in the student section.” — Seth Morrow receive a full point penalty if it or donating it,” he said. Dylan Till, a sophomore they allow their ticket to go unused or a half point pen- majoring in pre-law, said the alty if they donate their ticket new ticket penalty system after 5 p.m. on the day before the game. “Just like last year, students who receive three or more penalty points throughout the season will not be eligible for postseason tickets or season tickets for the next year,” said David Wilson, SGA Vice President for Student Affairs, in a press release. Morrow said students could opt out of receiving a ticket through the My Football Ticket tab to avoid receiving a penalty point for not using a donated ticket. “If a student receives a ticket once the game begins, they are still responsible for using
seemed fair. “I don’t see anything wrong with the system,” Till said. “If you go to every game and don’t over-upgrade your ticket, you’ll be fine. A majority of those who upgrade their student ticket three or more times probably won’t be interested in attending postseason games anyway. I think this
new system will help more students fill the student section.” Students will be able to appeal ticket penalties through an online form located on the SGA’s website. Morrow said the SGA judicial board will hear appeals and decide on them in a timely manner.
Win prizes for parking By Jasmine Cannon Senior Staff Reporter jmcannon@crimson.ua.edu
University of Alabama students can now be rewarded for parking. The Positive Parking Incentive is a new program that will provide five students with scholarships at the end of the semester.
to park correctly on campus. The Judicial Board meets every Tuesday to hear parking appeals and Ward said there is always a parking complaint from students. “We believe that by giving students a reward for appropriately dealing with the system it will cut down on all the negativity,” she said.
“We believe that by giving students a reward for appropriately dealing with the system it will cut down on all the negativity.” — Tara Ward
Transportation services and the Student Government Association Judicial Board are co-sponsoring the initiative. Tara Ward, chief justice of the judicial board, said the program would help with parking, which is one of the biggest issues for students on campus. “I am very excited about this new incentive for parking appropriately,” Ward said. “One of the biggest concerns amongst students is parking, so by giving them a reward for following the rules it encourages them to do the right thing.” The program was incorporated to encourage students
All students with an active parking permit with no parking citations for the semester including warnings will be eligible. These students will be entered into a random drawing at the end of the semester and five will be rewarded $100 scholarships. Chris D’Esposito, assistant director of transportation services, said the department is looking forward to being a part of the initiative. “Transportation Services is excited to partner with the Judicial Branch of SGA in rewarding individuals for their commitment to doing what is right,” he said. “We understand the tremendous
time constraints placed on students, and that it is sometimes challenging to park in accordance with University rules and regulations, but doing so provides a safe and efficient environment for all.” This is the first year of implementation for the program with hopes for it to be longstanding, Ward said. “My hopes for this program are that it will shine a positive light on parking across the campus and that it will reward rule abiding students,” Ward said. “In the future I hope that this program can be grown to have more scholarships allotted to well-deserved students.” The drawings will be each semester and the winnings will be awarded the following month and credited to the student’s account. Students think the program will have a positive impact on the parking situation. “I feel as if it’s a great incentive for students,” said Kayla Dinkins, a junior majoring in elementary education. “It’s a great way to get students to park in the right places. Why not participate if you have a chance to win $100 just for parking in the right spot? [The program] will probably be effective.”
Food, Fun and Football after Five. Get pre-season analysis or post-game comments with Sports Editor Cecil Hurt.
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6
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NEWS
The Crimson White
Delta Gamma anchors away at 2011 Bid Day By Katherine Martin Assistant News Editor klmartincw@gmail.com The Beta Psi chapter of Delta Gamma has officially colonized here at the University of Alabama, welcoming 224 new members to the sorority, said Nicole Porter, director of communications for the sorority. More than 30 Delta Gamma volunteers from across the nation came together to organize colonization efforts, according to a press release. During formal recruitment week in late August, all potential new members were introduced to Delta Gamma in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and those interested signed up for interviews with
“I hope for DG for years and years to come to be one of the best sororities at Alabama with the best reputations.� — Megan Berry, new Delta Gamma member official representatives from the sorority. Nearly 500 women were interviewed. “After preparing for two years, we are very proud to introduce our colony to the Alabama community, with appreciation for all the campus has done to contribute to our success,� said Beth Bell Searcy, national Delta Gamma president, in the release. “A strong, well-rounded group of student leaders and scholars comprise this colony, and we have every confidence the outstanding
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women who accepted our membership invitation will contribute significantly to the greek system at Alabama and will shine as Delta Gamma’s 147th chapter in North America.� Megan Berry, a freshman majoring in nursing from Charlotte, N.C., said although she did go through formal recruitment, she knew within the first days of formal recruitment she wanted to interview to join the Alabama chapter. “Everyone was so inviting and so classy,� Berry said. “I was very impressed at how organized everything was and how nice everyone was.� Berry said on Saturday the sorority held a preference ceremony, similar to those during formal recruitment week. About 100 members from the Ole Miss chapter of Delta Gamma assist-
ed with the ceremony. As potential new members walked into the party, which was also held in the scholarship room of BryantDenny Stadium, they were given flower leis they placed on an anchor, the official symbol of the sorority, as they left. On Sunday, the potential new members met at the Ferguson Center where they received handwritten envelopes with their names on them which included a letter notifying them whether or not they would be founding members of the Beta Psi chapter, Berry said. “I hope for DG for years and years to come to be one of the best sororities at Alabama with the best reputations,� she said. Holly Jordan, a freshman majoring in accounting from Frederick, Md., said she likes how dedicated the sorority is to their philanthropy, Service for Sights, which aids children with vision loss. “I thought it would be a great experience to start a chapter here at Alabama,� she said.
CW | Submitted Photo Newly recruited members of the Delta Gamma sorority became the ďŹ rst class of the UA chapter. Jordan said some of her goals for the sorority are to build a strong bond between the sisters and work hard for the philanthropy. Katie Blazic, a freshman majoring in chemical engineering from Cincinnati, Ohio, said
she considered joining Delta Gamma from the beginning of formal recruitment. “I’m really excited,� she said. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but I look forward to helping shape the chapter and making it our own hope.�
New site lists cheap home services By Brittney Knox Contributing Writer
FAST FACTS
Students looking for assistance with home and automotive repairs should be aware of a new website, Zambooki. com, that enables them to seek estimates from various service providers for free. Jacob Jones, co-founder of Zambooki.com and graduate student at the University, said when the idea of launching the website was being tossed around between him and a friend, they wanted to make sure it had a name that people would remember. “The idea came from a discussion myself and the cofounder of the website had when he was wanting to find out how much it would cost to get a room painted in his home,� Jones said. “At this point he was just looking for
Zambooki.com provides users with prices and contractors for services such as home and entertainment repair.
prices, and then we decided to make a website that would help with this problem.� The website offers the names of contractors that assist in areas of home repair such as additions to one’s home, landscaping needs, painting and electrical problems. “Additionally, there is an auto component that is solely for the purpose of finding contractors for auto repair,� he said. “It is not for looking to
“We list the contractors and upload their credentials for people to see what type of contractors would be completing the job for them,� — Jacob Jones, co-founder buy or sell a car.� Jones said it is also free for the businesses listed to be featured on Zambooki.com. He estimated that there are currently between 80 to 100 contractors from West Alabama listed on the website. “We list the contractors and upload their credentials for people to see what type of contractors would be completing the job for them,� he said. Jones said the Zambooki. com’s motto, “Don’t just get a list, get the job done,� is also
their goal. Lauren Horn, a resident of Northport, Ala., said she used Zambooki.com to find Williamson Contracting Corporation in Brookwood, Ala., and said the contractor showed up on time and completed the job in a timely manner. “The cost was the same as quoted on the website, and I would recommend this contractor and website,� she said. Jones said he feels that college students should be aware of the Zambooki website because it gives them a list of contractors so they can find the best one at the cost most appealing to them. “I think Zambooki.com allows people to find a list of contractors that are open and transparent,� he said. “They can find legitimate contractors at competitive rates.�
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The Crimson White
LIFESTYLES
COLUMN | FOOD
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
7
COLUMN | TRAVEL
Tuscaloosa’s Top 3 Seeing the world is easier than thought By Avery Driggers
There are more than 196 restaurants in the city of Tuscaloosa. Whether you are a freshman on campus for the first time or a seventh year senior making a few victory laps, chances are you haven’t eaten at them all.
So how do you find out where the best meat and three is, or where to eat at four in the morning? Time and experience, sure, but for the less patient, there is the Tuscaloosa Top Three, a list naming the best places to eat in town, and this week we’re starting with the most important meal of the day: breakfast!
THE WAYSIDER (205) 345-8239 1512 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Open 7 days a week, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Game Days, 5:30 a.m. to noon The Waysider is a Tuscaloosa institution. Its doors have been open and griddles have been buttered since 1951. Known for its biscuits and cheese grits, Waysider is a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. The tiny red cottage’s walls are crammed with Daniel Moore paintings and hungry diners. It is not uncommon to find the line to eat well outside the front door, but most diners agree that it’s worth the wait.
RAMA JAMA’S 205) 750-0901 1000 Paul W Bryant Dr. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rama Jama’s may have the best location in town. Nestled in the shadow of Bryant-Denny, Rama Jama’s serves up some quick, cheap and tasty breakfast. Nothing on their breakfast menu costs more than $10, and their speedy service is topped only by their proximity to campus. The whole restaurant is covered with thousands of famous quotes from coaches, pictures of football players from the past 60 years and pictures of famous guests. Rama Jama’s is the perfect place for anyone who loves Alabama football and some speedy, Southern breakfast.
CITY CAFÉ (205) 758-9171 408 Main Ave. Northport, AL 35476 Mon.-Fri., 4 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Extremely affordable prices and huge portions are what make City Café good. Serving breakfast starting at four in the morning is what makes this place great. Pulling an all-nighter is almost worth it just to head over the river for some of their flakey biscuits and fluffy pancakes. The rooms are cozy, the waitresses end nearly every sentence with “sugar,” and for about $5 you can get more food here than anywhere else in town. The only negative is that they aren’t open on weekends, so make sure all of your City Café fixes are met Monday through Friday.
By Jared Downing When I decided to take a year off after high school to travel, my friends thought it was just swell. They told me, politely, how it was wise that I wasn’t rushing things and brave that I could just go off like that, but more than anything else, how they wished they could take a year off too. Once, after hearing such a compliment, I asked a girl, Katie Moore, why she couldn’t. Katie hadn’t expected that. Her eyes just went vacant, like someone trying to think of an excuse to get out of going to a baby shower. She muttered something about getting college out of the way and opened a chemistry book. A part of her wanted to go, of course. Everyone dreams about it. If you’ve never fantasized, not even a little bit, of traversing the endless Sahara on the back of a camel, flying a crop duster under the Eiffel Tower or hacking your way to a forgotten temple in the jungles of Argentina, then there’s something inside you that’s broken. But Katie just couldn’t, not with everyone going to school. Not with her plan. Maybe later. She didn’t realize that the next four years might be the best time in her entire life to see the world. Most of us will never be in a better position to just go. In college, time is negotiable. Summer break alone is three times what most people get after a year in a cubicle, then there’s winter break, spring break, fall break, Thanksgiving break – we students must have it rough, to need all these breaks. But even ordinary school time is pretty flexible. The University has study abroad programs on every scrap of terra firma,
and if all else fails, take time off. Bama won’t begrudge you a semester or two, so long as you come back eventually, and getting a scholarship deferment is a simple matter of asking nicely. It’s cheap for us, too. The shoestring travel market is growing. Although travel magazines seem to feature only posh hotels made of solid glass, cruise ships where trained dolphins serve the drinks and countries you have to make seven figures to even know about, it has never been cheaper to travel. Backpacker hostels are springing up like dandelions, with rooms for dollars a night. It’s cheaper to fly to Costa Rica than the Yucatan. A train ticket from one end of India to the other goes for the cost of a medium pizza. You
can bum around Thailand for $20 a day, hotel and all. There are even ways to do it for free. It’s easier to raise money for volunteer stints, mission trips and study abroad programs, but it also isn’t difficult to find real, paying work overseas. Teaching English in Asia is very popular, but most countries wouldn’t mind an American bartender or two. You can get a one-year work visa for New Zealand in 24 hours, and it’s free for students. In Guatemala, American volunteers earn their keep by taking tourists up active volcanoes. I once considered working in a Caribbean hostel run by a sarcastic Brit named Rusty. The job description was, “Serve drinks, and get the party started.” This column will discuss
finding time, raising money, picking destinations, staying safe and other ins and outs of stepping out the door. There are plenty of other resources too, but I would start with the book “Vagabonding” by Rolf Potts. If it doesn’t give you the wanderlust, you may just be the domestic type. College students lead a pliable life, and we can stretch it to far away countries and twist it into adventures. We’re durable; we don’t mind spending a night in a hayloft in Ireland or crossing the hills of Nepal in a bus seat the size of a cigar box. We’re free; we don’t have some crusty banker waiting for a mortgage check every month. Even the naysayers will roll their eyes and say, “Let him get it out while he’s young!” The world is ours for the seeing.
8 Tuesday, August 30, 2011
SPORTS
The Crimson White
FOOTBALL | COLUMN
Alabama football program becoming an NFL Factory? By Justin Labovitz Contributing Writer
Heading into the 2000 NFL Draft, former Alabama standouts Shaun Alexander and Chris Samuels were projected by ESPN football analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to be drafted in the first round. It’s safe to say that Alabama fans, known for their passion for anybody who has ever donned that crimson and white jersey, were eager to see what teams would select their beloved superstars. Chris Samuels was drafted third by the Washington Redskins, while Shaun Alexander went
nineteenth overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Alabama would have to wait eight years to celebrate another first round draft pick. In the 2001 NFL draft and the seven years that followed, Miami (FL) had 25 players drafted in the first round of the NFL draft, while Ohio State, USC and Oklahoma had 16, 11 and seven, respectively. In the past two seasons, the Tide has certainly turned, with Alabama accounting for six first round draft picks, more than any other school during that span. Something has changed, earning Alabama the reputation as
an NFL factory. The question remains: Is there such an extraordinary difference in coaching that Saban and his staff have simply been turning good players into great ones? Evidence may prove otherwise. No player was selected from Alabama in any round of the 2008 draft, and only four were selected in 2009. These players, recruited by Mike Shula, had at least a year under Saban’s watch, but were unable to earn a spot in the coveted first round. This suggests, far from conclusively, that the dominance of Nick Saban and his staff on the
recruiting trail plays a big part in cultivating first round talent. The fact remains though that Nick Saban and his staff dominates their competitors on the recruiting trail. Rivals.com, which has emerged as a leading source on NCAA football recruiting, began recording player commitments in 2002. In the preSaban era, Alabama never found itself in the top 10. Since Coach Saban took the reins, Alabama has never once failed to be among the top five recruiting classes in the country, including boasting the top overall recruiting class in 2008,
2009, and 2011. According to Rivals.com rankings, there has always been a steady supply of upper-echelon talent in Alabama high schools, but where they are deciding to play college football is changing faster than Usain Bolt in a 100M dash. Alabama has become the favorite to land these talented players with offers from the nation’s other premier college football programs. Lately, the fact that Alabama gets a recruit over Auburn has become about as newsworthy as Lebron James beating Jason Reese in a game of pickup basketball. The past few years have
given Alabama fans plenty of first round talent to cheer for on Sundays. Alabama players are lighting up NFL drafts of late, but their success hasn’t been limited to Radio City Music hall, as these players are playing at a very high level in the NFL. The Alabama coaching staff and players have earned the question of whether Alabama is the premier force in cultivating NFL talent. Skeptics might need a couple more years before proclaiming Alabama the king of the NFL draft, but nobody is questioning that things have certainly changed in Tuscaloosa.
FOOTBALL
Tide working for the weekend Great for Gamedays!
(205) 752-6931 525 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-1561
By O. P. Galt IV Contributing Writer @OPGaltIV The Alabama Crimson Tide football team continued practice in the heat this week in preparation for their season opener against Kent State this Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium. Saban talked about the challenge of playing a team with a new coach in Kent State’s head coach Darrell Hazel, a former Ohio State assistant. “There are a lot of unknowns,” Saban said. “More unknowns than you usually have in preparation for a game. So, really the key thing is to take care of business, everybody to take the approach to take care of business and challenge themselves to prepare well, play the best football, see where our team is and kind of work to create an identity of who we want to be, what we want to be, what we want to accomplish and spend our time focused on those things.”
The Crimson Tide does not know exactly the schemes that Kent State will be using, given that Kent State is playing the Tide in the first game with their new head coach. “They have a coordinator from Purdue on offense, they got a coordinator from Youngstown State on defense and you see what they did last year,” Saban said. “You see what their personnel is, you don’t know if they are going to run Ohio State’s offense.”
Team anxious to see quarterback play The Crimson Tide have yet to name a starting quarterback, and it is likely there will be multiple quarterbacks playing in the opener. “The truth is, both guys have done a great job this offseason and both have made some great plays,” offensive lineman Barrett Jones said. “I honestly have no idea of
which one will step up. I think it’s really going to come down to who performs better in the games and I think that’s going to really be the ultimate test of whether one does step up and fill that role or whether we do keep on with both.” Jones is one of many who are anxious to see who will step up at quarterback. “We are anxious to see just because we feel like we have, we really do feel like we have two really good quarterbacks. I am excited to see how they play,” Jones said.
Freshman lineman impresses upperclassmen Freshman Cyrus Kouandijo, a five-star rated offensive lineman coming out of high school, has been competing for a starting spot along the offensive line. Jones spoke highly of Kouandijo’s work ethic since he has arrived on campus.
“I think Cyrus, I think he’s a gamer,” Jones said. “You know, I don’t know that yet because we haven’t had any games. But, you know, I think when the lights come on he’s going to really do some special things. I’m really excited for him and I know he is excited. I have been trying to prepare him and talk to him about the offense and a lot different things, so I think he’s going to do a good job.”
Offensive Lineman Shows Versatility
Jones, a two-year starter at right guard the past two seasons, has seen time at every position on offensive line minus right tackle, which is manned by D. J. Fluker. Jones is currently listed on the depth chart as the starting left tackle but has shown enough versatility to man other positions along the line. “Honestly, I really don’t care where I play, I just want to win,” Jones said.
9 Thursday, July 1, 2011 BIG 4BR/2BTH HOUSE for rent in Forrest Lake on Forrest Hill. Newly remodeled, great for students. $1600 per month. Call 657-0073 or 2920076. 2 AND 3 BEDROOM HOUSES suitable for students. Call RESCO (205) 752-2202. FOR RENT 85 Circlewood near Loop Rd, 2BD/1BTH. Available September 1st. $650/ mo and $650 deposit required. References required. Call 371-2478 or 792-0088.
House For Sale 4 BDRM CLOSE TO CAMPUS Brick veneer, 2200 SQ FT, 4 Large Bedrooms, All new Appliances, New Cabinets, New Roof, New Flooring with Tile in Kitchen, Large Living Room, Den and Dining Room, Fresh Paint inside and out, Large Washer and Dryer area, Carport for two cars with ample parking for two more, Landscaped yard with sprinkler, Corner Lot, Alarm System READY FOR OCCUPANCY #10 ROSEMONT 411 23rd STREET $179,000 CALL 205-333-0668
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!BARTENDING! $300/ day potential, no experience necessary. Training courses available. (800)965-6520 Ext214. AD AGENCY MEDIA POSITION Location: Birmingham, AL Education Required: BA Advertising Degree (no MA) Skills: Must have strong attention to detail, selfstarter, excellent work ethic and committed to getting the job done. Industry: Advertising Job Status: Entry Level, Full Time
Please send resumes via email: adcareers7@ gmail.com ALL BLOOD TYPES NEEDED Southern CAMPUS- Behind the Blood Services, Inc. University Strip. Small 205-759-4007 (I¿FLHQF\ $SDUWPHQWV $300-350/ mo. Utilities included. Lease and deposit required. No pets. Call 752-1277. WILLOW WYCK 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, perfect IRU URRPPDWHV ¿YH minutes from Campus. Move-In Special. Preleasing Available. 3919690 UNIQUE DOWNTOWN LOFT 3BR2BA $1650/ PR KDUGZRRG ÀRRUV brick walls, skylight, roof deck 2BR1BA Downtown Northport. Huge Deck! $1000/ mo. 7529020/657-3900 CAMPUS 3 BLOCKS away 1 bedroom apartments, Hackberry Place. $400-$425. Water and garbage included. Lease and deposit required. No pets. Call 752-1277 AVAILABLE NOW -- 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath loft next to Depalmas on University Blvd. Walk COACHES Experienced out balcony, brick walls, Cheerleading & Dance KDUGZRRG ÀRRUV &DOO Coaches needed for loRESCO (205) 752-2202. cal cheer/dance gym. Start ASAP. (205) 2427576 EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads. www. 1 BEDROOM APARTFreeCarJobs.com MENT SUBLET Until HOTEL CAPSTONE July 2012. Location AsBanquet Server, must pen Village off Skyland. EH DEOH WR ZRUN ÀH[LEOH Rent $544. (205)219schedule and weekends. 5919 Apply in person at 320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 or email resume: angela. lamp@hotelcapstone. com EOE ROOM FOR RENT! MODELING/ACTING/ CLOSE TO CAMPUS One room left to rent in a MAKE-UP BARBIZON MODELING seeks curfour bedroom house. rent or former models, actors or make-up artistRent: $425.00/ mo ry professionals to teach Two blocks from campus weekends. Contact CeFor more information, vet Jones 800.330.8361 please call Angela Clark or Cevet@BarbizonUSA.com (205) 300-3757
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PART TIME Help in retail store, work on web sites, pack customer orders. Flexible hours. Some Saturdays. e-mail resume and work availability. babytalkstore@ gmail.com No phone calls please. STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers needed in Tuscaloosa. 100% FREE to join! Click on Surveys.
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Today’s Birthday (08/29/11). You get more than you give this year. New opportunities arise for career and for influencing opinion. Choose love, every time. If you lose, use that juice for fantastic art. If you win, savor it. Your work earns attention and respect. 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 an 8 -- Make an emotional appeal for something you care about deeply. You gain more than expected. The end of one thing is the beginning of another. Love prevails. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Advance to the next level. You make it look easy. Take your bearings, and then set an enticing goal. It’s an excellent time for romance, and offers pour in. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is an 8 -- A beautiful moment unwraps itself for you today, presenting truth, love and fortune. Later, get moving with lively conversation and physical action. Home nurtures. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- When this job gets completed, the space will be left wide open for creativity. Consider what to paint on this blank canvas. It’s easier than you expect. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- A lucky break could come your way today. It’s a good time to get the word out. Take charge, and have fun with it. Reconnect with a long-distance friend. Love will find a way.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- It’s harvest time: Bring in the crops and set up stores for winter. Take time to notice the landscape. Abundance can be yours. It grows when you act in community. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Your recent education benefits many. Suggest an innovation, and cheer when it works! Contribute to your family. They need something that only you can give. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- It’s time to get the band back together and put your creative juices in the blender of infinite wisdom. Drink it up and top it off with a home-baked cookie. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- You’re being called to the bat. Remember that you’re part of a team. Take the necessary risks, and add up the home runs. Who’s on first base? Keep score. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 6 -- You may be feeling especially sensitive to your spirituality today, to that which moves you and makes your clock tick. Indulge that craving. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- Find a friend to help you solve a philosophical problem. It’s a good time to complete projects, deliver communications and take new territory. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Take advantage of the wonderful conditions for friendship, partnership and even romance. Keep your chin high, but avoid arrogance. Let folks know what you appreciate about them.
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www.cw.ua.edu HES IT Student Assistant - 0805814. Assistant needed for technical support duties at the College of Human Environmental Sciences. Applicants must have overall GPA of 2.8, and strong working knowledge of installation, configuration & troubleshooting of Microsoft Windows XP and 7 operating systems. Job close date: 9/9/2011. Multimedia Web Student Programmer - 0805870. Assists staff web programmers and graphic designers to support the existing web infrastructure as well as develop new technologies. Must have must have strong knowledge and/or work experience with various content management systems, and be proficient with modern web languages such as HTML(5), PHP, CSS, etc. Job close date: 9/9/01. Dining Room Manager - 0805871. Assists in managing the day to day functions of the dining room, lounge, and all food related events at the Capstone Village Retirement Community. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and have previous food service, customer service, and supervisory experience. Job close date: 9/16/2011. Dining Room Server - 0805872. Assists with courteous and professional meal service for residents and guests at the Capstone Village Retirement Community. Applicants must have strong customer service skills, applicants with previous food service and/or customer service experience preferred. Job close date: 9/16/2011.
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Thursday, February 18, 2011