LIFESTYLES Manhattan Film Festival comes to Bama Theatre
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tide readys for trip to The Swamp
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SPORTS
Serving the University of Alabama since 1894
Vol. 118, Issue 29 Stephen Swinson, who was sworn into office on Friday afternoon after the resignation of former SGA president Grant Cochran, addresses members of the SGA executive council Monday night.
Organizations unite to involve public in arts Groups look to introduce local cultural organizations to public By Alexandra Ellsworth Staff Reporter amellsworth@crimson.ua.edu Twenty-seven art and cultural organizations will gather on Tuesday at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater from 4 to 7 p.m. for Community Arts Conversations. Organized by The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa, Community Arts Conversations intends to introduce local cultural organizations to the public and provide information about them and their staff on a personal level. “It’s been planned for a while to bring all the organizations together at one venue to meet the public they serve,” said Kevin Ledgewood, publicist for the arts council. Each organization is a member organization of the arts council, and will have a table on the stage at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. Guests can walk around to check out the displays and talk to members of the groups. Members of the community may be familiar with many of the groups that will be present, but community members may have never had the chance to meet the performers, artists and the people behind the events, Ledgewood said. “Students spend so much time on campus, and this is just a good chance to introduce the community to the student body,”
Participating Groups • The Arts Council • Alabama Art Kitchen • Barber Shop Harmony Society Museum • Kentuck Museum Association • Northwest Alabama Arts Council • Paul R. Jones Gallery
• Paul W. Bryant Museum • Prentice Concert Chorale For more participating groups, see page 5 Ledgewood said. “Sometimes, campus can be really isolating from the rest of the community, so I think students can especially benefit from this.” There will also be giveaways; various groups will offer reduced ticket prices and T-shirts throughout the event. All participating groups will have creative displays such as demonstrations or performances.
See ARTS, page 5
Law school offers free legal services for Bama students By Stephen Walker and Chuck Matula The Crimson White Some UA students may be unaware of the wide range of legal services provided by the School of Law’s legal clinics here at the Capstone. The law school’s seven different clinics provide students with practically every type of representation that they could need during their college career. And it is all done free of charge. Although other schools across the nation have similar programs that assist students with legal matters, many require students to pay a significant amount if they use the services. Legal assistance provided by the clinics of the UA School of Law is completely free, thanks to annual funding from the Student Government Association. According to the School of Law, the first law clinic at the University was started in 1970, but was later terminated when it lost its grant from the state. It was reopened years later when the University found an alternate source of funding. le this
• Law School offers seven different types of clinics
• Legal assistance provided by the clinics of the UA School of Law is completely free “The Civil Law Clinic has existed for more than 35 years,” said Anne Hornsby, associate dean for Clinical Programs at the School of Law. The clinics provide an opportunity for law students to gain experience and grow as lawyers while helping students with legal issues. “Students from the law school represent our clients in court,” Hornsby said. “Each case is supervised by a staff attorney to make sure it’s done correctly. The law clinics are very unique in that they are an academic program that also extends services to students of the University.”
See LAW, page 3
After the presidential resignation, Swinson aims for easy transition By Will Tucker Assistant Managing Editor wjtucker1@gmail.com
7:33 p.m. Friday, immediately after Cochran’s resignation. Cochran resigned Friday amid allegations of irregularities in the selection process for The first business day of First Year Council, a subject the Stephen Swinson adminSwinson said he couldn’t comistration, according to the ment on. new president, was hectic — Stephen Swinson “Currently, it’s under invesas the Student Government SGA president tigation by the University, so Assosiation attempted to move Swinson, formerly the SGA it’s not an SGA investigation,” on with regular business after the resignation of former SGA executive vice president, was he said. “The [SGA] Attorney sworn in as SGA president at General found some irreguPresident Grant Cochran.
larities, reported it to the University, and at that point it’s out of our hands.” Swinson said his main goal right now, in the midst of lingering questions about Cochran’s resignation, is to start over with a clean slate — a process that can start, he said, by bringing in new perspectives to SGA.
See SWINSON, page 2
House Bill 56 comes under fire due to its handling of immigration laws By William Evans and Jon Chapin The Crimson White Students for a Democratic Society, a left-wing student organization, will protest legislation passed by the state House of Representatives that targets illegal immigrants at noon on Sept. 28 at the Ferguson Promenade. “House Bill 56 is a hateful and racist law,” said Laura Langley, president of SDS, in an emailed statement. “If this law goes into effect, our state will be catapulted back 50 years into the decades of Jim Crow laws. I’m protesting the Anti-Immigration Law because I believe in Martin Luther King Jr.’s words written from the Birmingham jail: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’” House Bill 56, signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley, contains punitive measures that would revoke the business
“If this law goes into effect, our state will be catapulted back 50 years into the decades of Jim Crow laws.”
“Anybody who wants to come to Alabama, we want them to come, but they must come the right way.”
— Laura Langley president of SDS
— Representative John Merrill R-Tuscaloosa
licenses of employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants and would also make it a felony for illegal immigrants to register to vote. Also, local law enforcement officers are allowed to request proof of immigration status during stops for traffic violations if there is reasonable suspicion that the person is an illegal immigrant. “HB 56 undoubtedly targets people with brown skin,” Langley said. “So if you think that it’s unethical for police officers to arrest and detain someone just because they are Latino, even if that person is a legal citizen of this country but happened to have left their driver’s
license at home one day, then you should not support this law.” Rep. John Merrill, R-Tuscaloosa, who co-sponsored HB 56, said the bill is not racist but merely enforces federal immigration law. “The purpose of this bill and the reason I supported it is because it requires everybody to be treated the same,” he said. “Anybody who wants to come to Alabama, we want them to come, but they must come the right way. There are prescribed methods and they must be followed.
See SDS, page 2
Bluegrass group comes to amphitheater By Caroline Hiott Contributing Writer
IF YOU GO ...
Yonder Mountain String • What: Yonder Band will be playing at the Mountain String Band, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater a unique approach to with Widespread Panic this bluegrass music Friday. Yonder plays neobluegrass that has, in the • Where: Tuscaloosa past year, brought out over Amphitheater 250,000 fans. The members of the band all • When: Friday, began individually exploring opening act for music from different roots, yet none of the four grew up Widespread Panic listening to bluegrass. Adam • Cost: $42 Aijala (guitar and vocals) said he went through several Submitted Photo different musical genres, lov- Yonder Mountain String Band will be the opening act Friday in the including drums, an element ing everything from metal to Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. They offer a new approach to bluegrass. few bluegrass band have. the Beatles. strives for an “unorthodox Other influences include The Grateful Dead. Aijala said now their music approach to bluegrass,” See YONDER, page 5 Bob Dylan, Neil Young and
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“The number one goal right now is to make sure that the student body has confidence in their student government representatives.”
SDS to protest controversial bill
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Swinson hopes for clean slate
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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
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WEDNESDAY
What: Purgatorio, tickets cost $10
Where: Allen Bales Theatre When: 7:30 p.m.
Track the popular campus Twitter hashtags #uachat and #uatweet through last week.
Page 2• Tuesday, September 27, 2011
What: Homegrown Alabama
Where: Sella-Granata Gal-
Chapel
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ture series with Jeff McMahan
SOCIAL MEDIA WEEK IN REVIEW
What: Close to Home: Artist Book and Prints by Bill Hall & Amy Pirkle lery, Woods Hall
What: ‘Philosophy Today’ lec-
What: HCA Documentary Film
Where: 205 Smith Hall
Series presents “Grey Gardens”
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ferguson Theater When: 7 p.m.
What: National Weather Service SKYWARN Spotter Training
What: Purgatorio, tickets cost $10
Where: Sellers Auditorium,
Where: Allen Bales Theatre When: 7:30 p.m.
Bryant Conference Center
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
EDITORIAL
Submit your events to
Victor Luckerson editor-in-chief editor@cw.ua.edu
Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles editor
Where: Canterbury Episcopal When: 3 to 6 p.m. What: Rose Gladney Lecture on Justice and Social Change featuring environmental justice scholar Cheryl Fish
Where: Gorgas Library Room 205
When: 7 p.m. What: Purgatorio, tickets cost $10
Where: Allen Bales Theatre When: 7:30 p.m.
ON THE MENU
Will Tucker assistant managing editor wjtucker1@gmail.com
Malcolm Cammeron community manager outreach@cw.ua.edu
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Jonathan Reed managing editor jonathanreedcw@gmail.com
Amanda Sams news editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu
THURSDAY
LAKESIDE LUNCH Pork Cutlet with Onion Gravy Scalloped Potatoes Steamed Peas Nachos Roasted Red Peppers over Linguine Farfalle Pasta with Broccoli & Riccotta (Vegetarian)
DINNER
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Barbecue Brisket Steamed Cauliflower Vegetable Medley Kosher Hot Dog Station Sweet Roasted Potatoes Peppers Stuffed with Black Beans (Vegetarian)
Turkey Legs Macaroni & Cheese Italian Vegetables Seasoned Peas & Carrots Chicken, Bacon & Chipotle Ranch Pizza Black Bean Cakes (Vegetarian)
Baked Cod Jerk Chicken with Orzo and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce KC Classic Barbecue Pork Margherita Pizza Jerk Chicken Soup Vegetable Nachos (Vegetarian)
Roast Beef Carrot, Corn, & Onion Rice Sauteed Squash & Zucchini Spaghetti Cream of Asparagus Soup Potato Pancakes (Vegetarian)
Tony Tsoukalas sports editor Tray Smith opinions editor Adam Greene chief copy editor Kyle Carey design editor Evan Szczepanski graphics editor Drew Hoover photo editor Tyler Crompton web editor
ON CAMPUS Storm Spotter class to be held today The National Weather Service will be holding a Basic Storm Spotter class for Tuscaloosa today in Bryant Conference Center. The class is free and no registration is required. The class will cover severe, violent and unusual weather, and will discuss such topics as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, downbursts,
flooding and other severe weather common in Alabama. Participants will also have the opportunity to sign up to be storm spotters to report unusual weather phenomenon to the Tuscaloosa EMA and the National Weather Service. The class is scheduled to take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Daniel Roth multimedia editor
ADVERTISING Emily Richards 348-8995 Advertising Manager cwadmanager@gmail.com
Amy Ramsey 348-7355 National Representative Classifieds Coordinator
After more than two days of deliberation, an Orange County jury on Friday found 10 Muslim students guilty of two misdemeanors to conspire and then disrupt a February 2010 speech at the University of California, Irvine, last year by the Israeli ambassador to the United States. There was crying as the verdict was read in Superior Court Judge Peter J. Wilson’s courtroom. The students showed no
Greg Woods 348-8054 Tori Hall 348-6153 Rob Clark 348-4367 Will DeShazo 348-8041
Youth Services Institute; James E. Ware, of the Dallas County Department of Human Resources, and Dr. Shelley Wyckoff, Alabama A&M University were all inducted into the Hall of Fame at a recent luncheon hosted by the University of Alabama School of Social Work.
Muslim students guilty of disrupting Israeli’s speech From MCT Campus
Nikki Amthor 348-8742
Four retired professionals were recently inducted into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame. Dr. Susan G. Barfoot, of the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System; Dr. Raymond O. Sumrall, professor emeritus in the UA School of Social Work and former director of the
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Brittany Key 348-2598 Territory Manager
Lauren Aylworth 348-8042 Creative Services Manager
Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame Class of 2011 selected
visible emotion, although they hugged each afterward. Some stormed out. In a case that garnered national attention over free-speech rights, the trial centered on conflicting views of who was being censored. Prosecutors argued that Ambassador Michael Oren was “shut down” when his speech was interrupted by students who took turns shouting preplanned phrases in a crowded UC Irvine ballroom. Six defense attorneys argued
that the students, seven from UC Irvine and three from UC Riverside, were only following the norm of other college protests and were being singled out. A guilty verdict, the defense had said during the trial, could chill student activism and the free exchange of ideas at colleges nationwide. University administrators disciplined some of the students involved and suspended the campus Muslim Student Union, whose members participated
in the protest, for an academic quarter. The group is still on probation. The case also has drawn the attention of a wide range of groups, including Muslim and Jewish organizations and civil libertarians. The trial began Sept. 7. Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of UC Irvine’s Law School, has said that although freedom of speech is not an absolute right, university sanctions were enough for the students.
However, he also added that he believes criminal sanctions go too far. Chemerinsky told the Los Angeles Times last week that “it makes no sense” to use such resources. “It’s so minor.” Charges against one defendant were tentatively dismissed pending completion of 40 hours of community service at a local soup kitchen. The other 10 went on trial Sept. 11 before packed, and at times noisy, crowds in the courtroom.
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.
SDS
Continued from page 1 “If the federal government was doing its job, we wouldn’t have to have the immigration bill. If you want to come to work, you must have a work visa. If you want to become a citizen, then there are procedures that must be followed.” The procedures in HB 56 crack down on a number of services that could be rendered to illegal immigrants. The bill requires public schools to determine the immigration status of all students and to publish figures on the number of immigrants, legal and illegal, that are enrolled and the costs associated with educating them. The bill also makes it illegal to rent housing to or transport illegal immigrants. Cliff Sims, president of College Republicans, said in an emailed statement that citizens should not have to pay for local benefits and services that illegal immigrants can enjoy without paying for them in the form of taxes. The federal government’s failure to enforce immigration law provides a justification for the state of Alabama to take action, he said. “The federal government has failed our country when it comes to immigration,” he said. “We need a better system by which people can enter our country legally and become productive members of our society. But Alabama cannot be expected to sit idly by and allow the Federal Justice Department to keep us
from enforcing our laws.” Joseph Smith, a constitutional law professor in the political science department, said in an emailed statement that HB 56 has been challenged in court by the U.S. Department of Justice because the Constitution, under the Supremacy Clause, gives the power to regulate immigration to the federal government. “From the point of view of the national government, it is as if Alabama wanted to have its own foreign policy,” he said. “Police suspicion is likely to be based on things like the ethnicity, skin color or accent of the person being stopped. If this is how it works in practice, then people will be selected for questioning on the basis of factors that are illegitimate.” The large popular uprising against the bill, including Hispanic interest groups, religious leaders and demonstrators, indicate the bill does not represent the majority of Alabamians, Langley said. “The state of Alabama does not look like the white male politicians who sit in Montgomery, creating and signing horrific bills like HB 56 without much regard to how it will actually affect their constituents,” she said. “The state of Alabama looks like the 5-year-old child who has no idea what the words ‘illegal’ or ‘undocumented’ mean, but who will no longer be able to attend her local public elementary school because her family is fearful of HB 56’s mandate that the school be made aware of their child’s immigration status at enrollment.”
SWINSON Continued from page 1
“The number one goal right now is to make sure that the student body has confidence in their student government representatives,” he said. “One way we can do that is by bringing more people from different corners of campus, and have a little more diversity. That’s something I seek.” That diversity could come with appointments to a new president’s advisory board composed of five to seven students, Swinson said. To find those students, Swinson said he plans on asking students whom they look to for leadership and asking administrators which students can provide insight on certain topics, like tornado relief. ‘Tornado recovery…I don’t feel like SGA has done enough so far,” Swinson said. “We’re going to up that effort, and so maybe one of my advisors would have a lot of insight as to how we can help that effort.” Swinson also said that improving communication with the legislative branch of SGA is a priority. “I think there’s always an opportunity for communication to get better no matter what,” Speaker of the Senate Ryan Flamerich said. “Going forward, we’re going to announce some changes in terms of how the two branches communicate with each other.” Swinson said his relationship with Flamerich has been pro-
CW | Drew Hoover Stephen Swinson addresses the Executive Council about how he plans to move forward as SGA president. ductive so far. “I’ve had talks with Speaker Flamerich and they’ve been positive talks,” he said. “I’ve had talks with senators, and they’ve all been positive talks. The way I look at it…this is a clean slate. We’re focused on moving forward.” Ultimately, Swinson said his experience in the SGA would help him lead the administration through the current challenges. “This is my fourth year in SGA,” he said. “I have a lot of experience. I know what works, I know what doesn’t…if there are skeptics out there, I’m confident we can prove them wrong.” Swinson ran unopposed last year for the position of executive vice president, but stressed that he was elected
by the whole student body to serve the whole student body. “When I ran I was prepared to serve under either [Coresa Nancy Hogan] or under Grant [Cochran]. I ran for Executive VP, and I was excited about the opportunity to work with Grant,” he said. “Let me show you that I’m going to make a real effort and make a real change here. You’re going to see through the next couple weeks, the next couple months, that this is a sincere SGA that is out to really improve relations among different groups on campus. All I ask is that you give me time,” he said. Swinson said he would introduce a full plan for his administration on Thursday night during the State of the University address.
The Crimson White
NEWS
Crossroads to discuss immigration, tornado Students will have the opportunityto discuss issues pertaining to the hispanic and Latino communities at Crossroads Community Center.
By Caroline Murray Staff Reporter cemurray@crimson.ua.edu Students will have the opportunity to discuss the new Alabama immigration bill, the April 27 tornado and how both of these events have affected the Hispanic and Latino community with other community members Thursday evening. Crossroads Community Center’s monthly Community Conversation event, which will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Crossroads Lounge, Room 232 in the Ferguson Center, is focusing on these topics in light of Hispanic Heritage Month. Brice Miller, assistant director of Crossroads, said the topics are important for everyone to consider. “The people who are helping clean up our city are the exact same people being targeted,” Miller said. “What are we to turn blind to? I don’t remember too many law enforcement officials standing on front lawns carding people doing roofing jobs after the tornado, yet these people are the ones being pulled over.” Beverly Hawk, director of Crossroads, said Community Conversations is about being able to speak openly about issues such as these with a diverse group of people. “We all experienced that day together,” Hawk said. “Community Conversations is the opportunity to be heard, and to give the gift of listening to your neighbors.” Oniska Blevins, Crossroads’ intern, said the dialogue would give students the opportunity to actively fight cultural stereotypes. “When you learn about different people and
Submitted Photo
IF YOU GO ... • What: Crossroads Community Conversations
• Where: Room 232 in the Ferguson Center
• When: Thursday, 5:30 • Cost: Free different stereotypes, you fight stereotypes,” Blevins said. “Stereotypes and negative stigmas come from fear of the unknown. Branching out and learning allows you to not only appreciate these cultures, but also to change your perspective.” Miller said this unique opportunity to learn is what makes Community Conversations so powerful. “This is an opportunity for the whole person to be educated,” Miller said. “When you go into Biology 101, you know what you’re getting. But in situations like this, when you learn from things you didn’t think you would, you learn the most.” Hawk said this deep learning is what brings communities
together. “Community Conversations hosts conversations that build community, the conversations that come from the heart,” Hawk said. “It can be tempting to avoid these conversations sometimes but we never do here. We have those deep, rich conversations that build community.” Miller asked that students come into these deep conversations with an open mind. “Come with a blank slate,” Miller said. That can be one of the most beautiful aspects of learning.” Miller also said that students should recognize the power they hold. “I want students to understand their voice, and the power of their voice in the context of social justice and social change,” Miller said. “Understand we’re all a part of the larger community.” Blevins agreed many students have untapped power. “Accepting diversity can change the world,” Blevins said. All students, faculty and community members are invited to attend. Free refreshments will be served.
Swinson Speaks at Special Session The newly appointed SGA president preaches progress to Senate By Ashanka Kumari Contributing Writer Stephen Swinson, newly appointed President of the Student Government Association, said the SGA must be focused on moving forward and working together to serve the student body in his address to the SGA Senate last night. Swinson was sworn in as the new SGA President immediately after former SGA President Grant Cochran’s resignation Friday. “[Cochran] felt that he would be a distraction to the progress within SGA and he did not want to hinder our effort to serve students,” Swinson said. Swinson said the SGA should be proud of the way they smoothly transitioned but must concentrate on the future because as a student government, their main focus is to represent the student body in the best way. “The students we represent are too important,” Swinson said. “We must go on from this moment with a clean slate, one team, one SGA, three pistons within an engine that implements real progress for students on campus.” Swinson said that he felt that each branch of the SGA was entitled to an equal share of the blame. “This term in office has by far been the most turbulent I have experienced in my four years serving the student body, and I agree with members of the legislative branch that argue it is because we as a whole have lost our focus,” he said. On Thursday, Swinson will reveal his plan dur-
“Our goals are not feasible without cooperation between branches and a true dedication from each member of SGA, no matter what role they play in serving the student body.” — Stephen Swinson ing his State of the University Address. “Our goals are not feasible without cooperation between branches and a true dedication from each member of SGA, no matter what role they play in serving the student body,” Swinson said. “Again, the blame falls equally on the executive branch and I sincerely apologize for any ill relations that hindered our ability to fulfill our primary mission.” Ryan Flamerich said that the process of electing a new Vice President of the Executive Board of the SGA would be implemented soon. The process will involve a 10-day application period where the SGA will approve the final selection. In other news, Bill 47-11 was presented during the meeting. According to the SGA Constitution, the bill must be presented at a Special Session. SGA Senator Tyler Evans presented the goal of establishing a new 2011-2012 budget. Mark David Kennedy, vice president for Financial Affairs, further elaborated that funding was increased to Academic Affairs among other groups. “We are trying to make our financial statements more clear and concise,” Kennedy said.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
LAW
Continued from page 1 According to Hornsby, law students provide thousands of hours of legal services to students needing advice about a variety of different legal issues. “We handle all sorts of civil matters,” she said. “We see a lot of landlord-tenant disputes, automobile issues, identity theft, and other civil cases. We have also set up companies and corporations for students, and helped secure patents and copyrights.” The clinics also provide some legal assistance for students who are charged with minor criminal offenses. Although the clinics had humble beginnings with little funding and less-than-adequate office space, they’ve since expanded to a new 11,500 square foot state-of-the-art law office. The new office space is located next to the School
of Law and across a parking lot form the Sewell Thomas Stadium, off Bryant Drive. “Together, the students in the school’s six law clinics provide approximately 15,000 hours of free legal assistance each year to needy individuals and organizations; clinic faculty and staff provide over 10,000 hours of additional assistance,” according to the clinic’s website. “Annually, over 1,500 individuals and organizations are aided by law clinic program students and staff.” To increase privacy, the law clinic provides private client parking just feet from the clinic’s entrance. According to Hornsby, this allows clients to slip in and out discreetly. “Lawyer-client confidentiality is very important to us,” she said. “That’s why we are set up in this location. We want our clients to be able to discreetly come to our offices and receive the legal assistance they need while keeping the matter private.”
3
Although the law clinics are not usually in full operation during the summer, the need for legal assistance after the deadly tornados earlier this year caused the clinics to stay open throughout the summer. “After the April 27 tornadoes, we opened an emergency law clinic to provide services over the summer to victims of the storm,” she said. “The program was called the Tornado Relief Assistance Program, or TRAP.” Students in need of legal assistance should call (205) 348-4960 and make an appointment, Hornsby said. On the first visit, a pair of law students interviews each client. That information will be used to determine if the clinics can help the client with their legal issues. “I think it’s important for people to realize that this really is a law firm and when they come to us, their problems are being taken seriously,” Hornsby said.
Group plans tornado relief project Samaritan’s Purse plans to rebuild homes over next two years in an extended-stay effort to help after April 27 tornado disaster By Adrienne Burch Contributing Writer Disaster relief organization Samaritan’s Purse will be in Tuscaloosa for up to two years helping to rebuild the city in the aftermath of the April 27 tornado. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian-based volunteer organization that is centered on the story of the Good Samaritan from the Bible, which presents the idea that it is God’s desire for people to help those in need wherever they are found. The group arrived in Tuscaloosa shortly after the April 27 tornado and began helping to clear debris and rebuild throughout the city. They were there for immediate relief and now they have initiated a plan for an extended stay in Tuscaloosa to aid in the long-term rebuilding process. “Our goal is to rebuild anywhere from 20 to 30 homes from the ground up in the Tuscaloosa area,” said Erinn Ford, representative for the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Tuscaloosa. They began this potentially two-year project on July 29 when the first wave of volunteers arrived in Tuscaloosa. Ford said they are currently focusing on the Alberta City and Holt areas that were hit hard. Samaritan’s Purse brings in around 20 volunteers from across the United States to work on each project. However, they have plenty of
CW | Kelsey Stein Residents of Forest Lake welcome relief efforts after the April 27 tornado. Samaritanʼs Purse will continue their efforts. opportunities for local students and Tuscaloosa residents to get involved. “There will soon be a Samaritan’s Purse banner that will be displayed in different places throughout the city that people can point their Droid or smart phone at and be able to look at what the ongoing project is about,” Ford said. Some students, like senior Karly Wilson, who volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse immediately after the storm, feel the organization is an ideal organization to get involved with to help with tornado relief. “I really enjoyed working with Samaritan’s Purse,” she said. “My most memorable times were spending time talking, listening to and pray-
ing with the homeowners who we were working for.” Wilson worked with Samaritan’s Purse for a week following the storm and recommends any student who wants to help with tornado relief to get involved with the organization. “Samaritan’s Purse wanted to make sure [the homeowners] were cared for personally, not just materially,” Wilson said. If anyone is interested in volunteering with Samaritan’s Purse as they continue their two-year stay in Tuscaloosa, contact the organization directly via email at tuscaloosarebuild@samaritan.org.
Jasmine Cannon contributed to this article.
OPINIONS
Communication key to understanding by John Brinkerhoff @JohnBrinkerhoff
MCT Campus
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Editor • Tray Smith letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4
{ YOUR VIEW } (web comments)
“Iʼm sad to see this. I know Grant and I know he is a great leader. The fact that he takes responsibility for someone in his administration making a bad decision shows he has character. And the fact that he resigned for the good of the SGA speaks very highly of him. Maybe one day the campus can get over the issues of race and/or greek/ non-greek [divides]. I wish Grant well in his future endeavors and hope that Mr. Swinson can lead the SGA to get on with what is best for the whole UA community.” — msbama82003, in response to “SGA President Grant Cochran resigns”
“Itʼs awesome people are recognizing Mallet for how awesome they are! Iʼm not a Malleteer, but I visited once to just get an idea of who they are, and theyʼre really a great group of people!” - Haley Herfurth, in response to “Mallet Assembly: a family”
S.O.S. has positives for students by Jake Gray @jagray55 Throughout the past month, The Crimson White has put an extra emphasis on the Student Organization Seating selection process. Many students saw a system with several flaws, and did their absolute best to correct it. Unfortunately, the system has been flawed for years. It will take much more than a few personal initiatives from individuals in order to correct it. But there are a lot of great things about Student Organization Seating that are seldom brought up on these pages. Its biggest merit is the massive incentive it gives all organizations. Many members are told throughout their college career that their involvement around campus can help their organization’s block seating resume. Student organization leaders know that the success of their philanthropy events go a long way in moving them closer to front row, thus creating a more active and giving student body. It is sad that it requires that much incentive for people to be productive members of society, but it is a fact of life. Sometimes people need an extra motivation to give back, and having good seats is, more often than not, that motivation. It has been noted many times that a new incentive program must be put in place for student organizations, yet none have surfaced.
The process also gives all students a motivation to get more involved on campus. While only a few non-greek organizations are currently in the seating area, any organization can apply. By taking the time to join an organization, attend its weekly meetings, and participate in any major events, a member should be able to reap the benefits that come with joining that particular organization. While there are many good things about the entire student organization seating process, there are still many faults. There is no set code or guideline for the process, and the general perception of it stinks of corruption. A plan needs to be set in place now in order to save Student Organization Seating. In order for this process to go on any longer, it will take an entire revamping of the application process. The process must be codified. The current process is time consuming and controversial. It affects almost every student at every home football game. Yet, for whatever reason, it is nowhere in the SGA Code of Laws. This traditional system, that has been corrupted time and time again, cannot be expected to improve without proper guidelines. There must be a committee that will research the system and write a code for the procedure. They must engage all students in a discussion to revamp the process. What parts of the current system aren’t fair? What other SEC schools have blocked sections, and
how do they do it? Members of this committee have to be diverse, and the opinions of students from all corners of the UA campus must be included in their research. The application process needs to begin in the spring. Putting together an application that contains every individual member’s accomplishments in the past year is a very time-consuming process. It takes weeks of collecting data and checking for authenticity. The time between move-in dates and the first football game is simply not long enough. If the forms are due in May, the committee has all summer to grade the forms and assign the sections. Many people have called for the end of Student Organization Seating. They have claimed it to be too big of a nuisance for the administration, or that it is simply an unfair system. I believe, under responsible leadership, that the SGA is very capable of making a more transparent system. The process is an incredible way to help all organizations strive to be their best. The football team drives this university, and there is no better tool to motivate the students than dictating where they can view this championshipcaliber team. There are dozens of student leaders who genuinely want to improve this campus. They simply need a process that can facilitate that change. Jake Gray is a senior majoring in journalism and economics. His column runs on Tuesdays.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR A modest proposal for campus attire by Patrick Crowley In the present, students wear overly casual attire that does indeed send the wrong message to professors and classmates. I have a modest proposal for this sartorial problem. I say, for every pair of norts and over-sized tee-shirts that girls wear, they must donate used, nice clothes to Africa. If they are only willing to wear Lilly Pulitzer on Saturday, maybe they should give Lilly away to someone who will wear it everyday. Furthermore, for every odd-patterned neon sports bra that is worn,
they should just go without a ripped shirt so everyone will clearly see it. Ostensibly, they wear weird sports bras only to show off how fetch and cute the bra is. Why wear a tank-top like a shirt when you can lose the top, be more comfortable, and still have all the eyes on you? As for the gentlemen of the Capstone, how careless are you when you wear that Polo T-shirt with knee-length Bermudas? Get with the program, men. The only proper way to go to class is with a wife-beater and dirty underwear. If a male student fails to wear a nice and
ironed wife-beater, he must donate one of his wrinkly pocket shirts. Just imagine Dr. Witt’s face when every girl has her belly button showing and the impressive accomplishment that the school provided clothing for every person in Africa. At that point, Alabama would be ranked No. 1 by US News and World Report and the University would no longer have to throw around statistics like a hyperactive kid who just read his first Guinness Book of World Records. Patrick Crowley is a sophomore majoring in math.
Last week, in a strange homage to the Reformation, Wesley Vaughn nailed his “22 Theses” to the already cluttered walls of the opinions page. In it, he essentially criticized the UA administration by presenting them as beholden to outside influences, disconnected from the student body and unconcerned about its interests. While the University has many issues to fix and has ignored many opportunities to do so, it is difficult to believe Vaughn’s implicit assertion that the administration is entirely unreceptive to the student body, especially in regards to its vision for campus growth. Regardless, the fact that this accusation is prevalent far beyond The Crimson White indicates that the administration might have a problem communicating to the student body about this vision and the sweeping changes accompanying it. Ironically enough, their overreliance on safe public relations statements has created its own set of problems. For starters, they seem to ignore the fact that high school seniors care about a completely different set of issues than currently enrolled students. As such, the marketing points that have been so effective in appealing to and recruiting new students, such as the rise in average GPA and ACT scores, the number of new buildings on campus, and the records that have been set with prestige scholarship recipients, completely miss the mark when they are used to sell campus vision to enrolled students. The long-term benefits of increasing University prestige, which translates into a higher value for UA diplomas, and interested applicants, who increase competitiveness, are applicable to all students. The simple fact remains, though, that when a new face comes to campus, he or she is faced with a lack of parking spaces within a mile of classes, an excessively long line at the Ferguson Center, a shortage of on-campus housing space for upperclassmen and a host of other problems. The administration can tout its National Merit Scholar recruitment to enrolled students all they want; however, they are marketing it to the wrong crowd in the face of these tangible problems. In fact, doing so only creates the unfortunate perception in the minds of some students that the administration neither understands nor cares about their daily problems. To clarify, I find this pessimistic view to be simply false. For the most part, my experience at UA has been nothing short of wonderful and I am proud to be a part of the Crimson Tide. Additionally, my limited interactions with UA administrators have led me to believe that they genuinely care about student issues. Nevertheless, the perception exists and it will persist if the University continues to fear saying anything unpopular. The University needs to directly reach out to students and honestly explain their vision to them in a way that actually connects. The safe PR statements currently issued create more controversy than they avoid. While I cannot speak for all students, it might be beneficial to look beyond UA’s record number of USA Today Academic All-Americans and answer a few more pertinent questions: Is parking acceptable in its current state as a systematic problem doomed to persist or a temporary product of growing pains that will be fixed with the development of the Bryce property? Will housing become more limited with the continued demolition of residence halls or experience a net gain because of new housing? How will the campus vision, especially in regards to the rapid student body growth, affect our collegiate experience? Even though these questions appear to be shortsighted and may have disappointing answers, simply providing a direct and honest response to them can be a key to opening up a dialogue that concerned students can appreciate. We can never hope to progress if we are limited to a back and forth between people that do not understand each other’s reasoning. As the coverage of greek integration and Student Organization Seating demonstrate, issues that place the administration in difficult positions will persist on this campus; however, the University should not subject itself to new points of disagreement simply because of a lack of genuine communication.
John Brinkerhoff is a sophomore majoring in political science and communication studies. His column runs biweekly on Mondays.
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.
Gaddis showed bias against facts in column on taxes by Justin Bond Austin Gaddis’s Sept. 15 op-ed piece on the liberal war against fiscal responsibility, jobs, and soda troubled me because of its obvious bias. It is not the conservative bias with which I take issue — arguing for your opinion is, after all, the point of an editorial. What startled me so much was Mr. Gaddis’s overwhelming bias against facts. I have taken the liberty of highlighting his arguments’ inaccuracies so that The Crimson White’s readership may develop an informed opinion on the subjects the article in question explored. First, while the economic stimulus of 2009 may not have been universally popular, the data undergirding its success in moderating the effects of the recession on unemployment is unequivocal. The Congressional Budget
Office estimates that the stimulus created or saved between 1.3 and 3.6 million jobs, Moody’s Corp. estimates that it created or saved 2.5 million jobs, Macroeconomic Advisers approximates it created or saved 2.3 million jobs, and PolitiFact always rates any argument claiming the stimulus didn’t create jobs with a “Pants on Fire.” So sorry, Mr. Gaddis, but your characterization of the stimulus as a failure at job creation is incorrect. Second, Mr. Gaddis attempts to cast doubt on the fact that sugary soft drinks can cause weight gain. He claims the science behind this notion is “shady, at best” and quotes a “nutritionist” who dismissed the idea of sugar being stored as fat as absurd. It doesn’t take a biology major to realize this is untrue, and a quick search yielded mountains of peer-reviewed articles proclaiming soda intake is a significant predictor for
obesity and weight gain. Considering the negative effects of excessive soft drink consumption and its ubiquity, why would Mr. Gaddis attempt to portray the use of taxpayer funds to curb this epidemic as villainous? Here are some actual facts in which Mr. Gaddis may be interested: the CDC’s campaign to combat the obesity epidemic was funded by $230 million tax dollars. This represents such a small portion of our country’s expenditures last year that its percentage of the budget must be expressed in scientific notation. We may be funding this, but in all likelihood the wallets of average Americans don’t even feel it. One thing we all could feel, however, is the lower health insurance costs that could potentially result from the CDC’s program. It is no secret that with obesity comes significantly
increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, and many other costly ailments. If this enterprise is even a little successful and obesity rates slow, everyone (even you, Mr. Gaddis) might reap the benefits of lower health insurance costs brought about by a healthier, less obese population. We set dangerous precedents for the integrity of news when journalists can fly in the face of evidence and facts to spout opinions that are clearly ill formed. I would encourage the CW’s editorial staff to embrace the ease of access to information our generation has been lucky enough to enjoy and buttress their opinions with some respectable sources. And no, Mr. Gaddis, FOX News doesn’t count. Justin Bond is a junior majoring in electrical engineering and physics.
By Lauren Ferguson Staff Reporter ldferguson@crimson.ua.edu
The Actor’s Charitable Theatre will be showcasing their rendition of “Chicago” this Friday through Sunday at The Bama Theatre. Director Joey Lay said Actor’s Charitable Theatre tries to have a wide variety of productions each season, with at least one well-known musical. “‘Chicago’ is a classic that hasn’t been done in Tuscaloosa in about 10 years,” Lay said. “It’s a great production with lots of dancing.” The musical is set during the prohibition era of the 1920s and follows main character Roxie Hart as she seeks fame, fortune and her own vaudeville act. Lay has worked to create a more modern version of “Chicago” by incorporating unique elements with the 1920s style. “It’s impossible to have all 1920s costumes,” he said. “We
dancing, a 20-foot runway will extend into the audience seating to allow cast members and dancers to be more interactive with the audience. “The audience will be surprised, impressed and entertained with the attention to details in the choreography,” she said. “It will bring flavor and style to Tuscaloosa.” Open auditions are held six to eight weeks prior to each show. “Chicago” has a cast of 28 members with a variety of students from Stillman College, Shelton State Community College, UA and local high schools. Miller Coop, a junior majoring in telecommunication and film, will be playing the role of Fred Casley, Roxie’s lover, as
well as a member of the chorus. “I enjoy the interactions with the cast members from the community and not just UA students,” Coop said. “The performance aspects, crowd reactions and entertainment are the best parts.” Director Joey Lay will also be performing a lead role in the play. “There is really good camaraderie among the cast,” Joey Lay said. “I am glad I get to do it with them. It’s a different show with different content for Tuscaloosa to experience and for us to share with the audience.” Actor’s Charitable Theatre was started in December of 2008 as a theatre company that partners with local charities to donate 33 percent of performance proceeds to the charity. The company performs six to nine shows per season and selects a different charity for each show. Tuscaloosa’s King’s Home will be partnered with the “Chicago” performance and
Aijala (guitar, vocals), Ben Kaufmann (bass, vocals), Jeff Austin (mandolin, vocals) and Dave Johnston (banjo, vocals). Bess Troiano, a sophomore majoring in phycology, said,
“both Widespread and Yonder are really great talented bands that strayed from the mainstream sounds. They really know how to play. You can tell they have been inspired by so many types of music and they combine it to make their own sound.” Paste Magazine said the band has “found a formula that works; take rootsy bluegrass influences, add in some rock ‘n’ roll, and seek out an adventurous audience.” This week, that adventurous audience is in Tuscaloosa and tickets are sold out. Yonder has played with Widespread Panic a half a dozen times or so. They played in Tuscaloosa last year and Aijala said, “we love Tuscaloosa, it was really cool; Alabama is always good to us anyway.” They will play a completely different set than they played last year, playing music from their new albino “The Show” and will showcase material that will be released in 2012. They have played with iconic bands like Dave Mathews Band and at festivals all over the nation including Telluride Bluegrass Fe st iva l , S u m m e r f e st , Bonnaroo, Rothbury and All Good. They sell out top historic venues like The Fillmore, Best Buy Theater and Red Rocks Amphitheater. Heather Saad, a sophomore majoring in marketing, said, “having this type of music and this talented of artists is essential to the music life of Tuscaloosa. Especially after the tornado, it is so important that we be seen as a place that desires to have music like this.” They are excited to be back and said they were “really stoked to see everyone and be back again”. They said they are “very fortunate because there are so many people out
“The audience will be surprised, impressed and entertained with the attention to details in the choreography. It will bring flavor and style to Tuscaloosa.” — Alicia Lay
are trying to create a nod to 1920s couture. We don’t come out in flapper dresses, but rather twenties hairstyles with a twist and sexier and more provocative costumes.” Choreographer Alicia Lay used the 1920s influence and style of Bob Fosse, a famous American musical theatre choreographer, for inspiration in the dance numbers. “After everyone learned the music and signing, every rehearsal after that was a dance rehearsal,” she said. “We anticipated that [“Chicago”] would be a very stylistic show, so we did an intensive workshop to learn the style before starting rehearsals.” In addition to the complex
Yonder Mountain String Band will perform with Widespread Panic at the amphitheater this Friday.
Tobin Voggesser
YONDER
thing unique because we never try to be someone else.” They have created a sound no other Continued from page 1 band can boast; an original They described their goals as and liberal taste of traditional a band as presenting, “some- music. The band consists of
ARTS
Continued from page 1
The Kentuck Museum Association will have a simple display set up with information about volunteer opportunities, festivals and ways people can get involved. They may have a computer set up with a slideshow of pictures, posters and brochures with information and a ticket giveaway. Jan Pruitt, executive director of Kentuck, said she thought the Community Arts Conversations event was a good way for students to see some of the community art. “Sometimes it is hard to
grasp what is going on around you,” Pruitt said. “Having a lot of great stuff in one place can help people a get a sense of art, particularly the University students that are new to the area.” Discounted pricing for upcoming events will also be offered by individual groups according to their specific activities, and tours of the amphitheater will also be available to patrons during the event. For more information about The Arts Council or The Bama Theatre, visit tuscarts.org or call (205) 758-5195 for further information about Community Arts Conversations.
PARTICIPATING GROUPS • Shelton State Community College • Slash Pine Press • Stillman College • The Actor’s Charitable Theatre • The Alabama Blues Project • The University of Alabama - Dept. of Theatre and Dance • The University of Alabama Press • Theatre Tuscaloosa • Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre
• Tuscaloosa Community Dancer’s • Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society • Tuscaloosa Museum of Arts: Home of thr Westervelt Collection • Tuscaloosa Public Library • Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra • University of Alabama Creative Campus • University of Alabama School of Music • West Alabama Quilter’s Guild
IF YOU GO ... • What: “Chicago” • Where: Bama Theatre • When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Cost: $13 for student tickets, $15 for seniors and $17 for adult tickets
LIFESTYLES
‘Chicago’ comes to the Bama Theatre
will have a table set up outside the theatre with additional information on the charity. Friday’s showing will be at 7:30 p.m., Saturday’s at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday’s at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $13, senior tickets are $15 and adult tickets are $17. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more and can be bought online. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (205) 393-2800 or visit theactonline. com.
there doing it. We took this opportunity and have never taken it for granted”. The band is hosting a music festival, Harvest Fest, Oct.13 to 16, for 7500 fans. This festival will highlight numerous artists including Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Peter Rowan, Bill Kreuztmann of Grateful Dead and Todd Snider. “This is something that can surely not to be missed,” Saad said.
Page 5 • Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Editor • Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles@crimson.ua.edu
LIFESTYLES this week
TUESDAY • Manhattan Short Film Festival: The Bama Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
LIFESTYLES
The Crimson White
COLUMN | BOOKS
Abraham Lincoln hunts vampires in new book Author revisits Civil War and adds vampires to plot, gives “Honest” Abe a flame gun and axe By Isabela Morales
Armed with a flame gun, an axe and an unshakeable conviction in the rightness of his cause, the 16th President of the United States stands ready to fight for the nation his fathers brought forth four score and seven years ago—a nation free from the tyranny of vampires. In the grand tradition of completely making things up and then pretending you have historical documentation, author Seth Grahame-Smith brings us his latest masterpiece (and I use the term very, very broadly), “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” The history is atrocious; the explanations are reductive; and suspension of disbelief while reading is patently impossible. But isn’t that the case for all conspiracy theories? And I guarantee you’ve never heard anything
the Jane Austen canon were outraged. Fan fiction writers quailed at the thought that Mr. Darcy, the object of their ardent affections, might be undead! Book critics, wiping misty tears of frustration from their hornrimmed glasses, bemoaned the public’s abysmal literary taste (or lack thereof). Voltaire and Mark Twain rolled over in their graves, and then, realizing that the novel was about zombies after all, thought better of it. I mean, the book wasn’t even satire! But readers enjoy an iconoclast, and shattering Jane Austen fans’ smug propriety was undoubtedly part of the appeal. hachettebookgroup.com “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” seems to cause a similar sort of furor, a riotous mix like this one before. Grahame-Smith made waves of anger and enthusiasm. And some years ago with the publi- with the title so refreshingly cation of “Pride and Prejudice transparent, I don’t even need and Zombies.” Protectors of to include a plot summary to
READERS MIGHT ALSO LIKE… •
• •
“The McSweeney’s Joke Book of Book Jokes” by McSweeney’s “Android Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy and Ben Winters “The Zombie Survival Guide” by Max Brooks
explain why. Elementary school social studies teachers taught us that “Honest” Abe Lincoln was born in a log cabin somewhere in backwoods Kentucky. In American popular mythology, he epitomizes the everyman who rose to the highest position of power in the land (contemporaries might have given the
honor to Andrew Jackson, but that whole Trail of Tears thing has understandably disillusioned modern Americans). Grahame-Smith tells us Lincoln was traumatized as a child by the death of his mother at the hands of rapacious vampires. American civ professors emphasize the complexity of causes leading up to the Civil War. Grahame-Smith informs us that it was little more than Lincoln’s fanatic fight against vampire slaveholders. And all this on the basis of a “lost journal” that somehow fell into his possession, along with a handful of doctored photos scattered throughout the novel. As a history major, I find the idea repulsive. But this book isn’t meant to be taken seriously. It isn’t meant to be an enduring classic. And, unless I have seriously overestimated the American public, there
isn’t going to be a “DaVinci Code” debacle like we saw in 2003. Like he did with Jane Austen in “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” Grahame-Smith is parodying the conventions of biography itself. Hey, maybe this is satire after all. Most of the humor of the novel comes from the ridiculous juxtaposition of an absurd plot with GrahameSmith’s staid, stuffy, David McCullough-esque writing style. He doesn’t break character for so much as a sentence, and halfway through readers might find themselves accepting Abe Lincoln’s flame gun as an accessory as natural as his stovepipe hat. Ultimately, I’m ambivalent about “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” But I will say one thing in its favor: at least the vampires don’t sparkle.
Tuscaloosa joins the world in Manhattan film festival By Alex Cohen Senior Staff Reporter cohen.alex.c@gmail.com
This week, more than 100,000 people will unite to judge recent works of filmmakers from around the world. Audiences will gather in more than 200 cities, linking six continents as they cast their votes. Two of those venues are located in Alabama. One is less than two miles from campus. Tonight, the Bama Theatre will host the 13th annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. The screening is the seventh manhattanshort.com installment of the Bama Art House Fall Film Series, which “The Legend of Beaver Dam,” directed by Jerome Sable kicked off in mid August. The Manhattan Short Film the Manhattan Short, which General admission is $7, students and seniors pay $6, and Festival began in 1998 as a local began 12 days after 9/11, those Arts Council members pay $5. festival in New York City. While same crews found a chance to Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and it’s always had entries from cover their nations’ own filmthe show will start at 7:30. As around the world, strong inter- makers. The press helped the the audience trickles into the national support did not come festival to flourish. “We were really in the right theatre, they will also have until 2001. News crews from the opportunity to view “Land Italy, England and Australia place at the wrong time,” said of Oz,” a film highlighting Oz among other countries were in Nicholas Mason, founder and Music store by local filmmaker New York for weeks covering director of the Manhattan Short. the tragedy of Sept. 11. During “It snowballed from there.” John Hannah.
“Snowballed” may be an understatement. What began on one screen on the side of a truck in Manhattan’s Little Italy has grown to include over 800 screens across the globe. One aspect that helped spark the program’s popularity was that the audience voted for the winner. Before branching out to include audience voting in 2004, the Manhattan Short relied on actors, directors and other experts for opinions. Mason believes their current method of choosing the winner is more appropriate. “The general public are the people that drive the industry— the people who pay to see the film,” Mason said. “They follow their favorite artists and project them to a higher plane.” Tuscaloosa’s general public will join the world in viewing the 10 short films that have been labeled this year’s finalists. Chosen from a pool of 598 entries from 48 countries, the 10 finalists constitute what Mason calls “the next generation of filmmakers.” This praise is not “David and Goliath,” directed by George Zaverdas manhattanshort.com
IF YOU GO ... • What: Manhattan Short Film Festival
• Where: The Bama Theatre
• When: Tonight at 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $6 for students a stretch. Past winners have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations, and one has won. Chris Wedge’s film “Bunny” won the Manhattan Short in 1998 and won the Oscar months later. Wedge built on his success, directing “Ice Age” and “Robots” in the years that followed. Both feature films were multi-million dollar endeavors. After viewing the 10 shorts, each member of the audience at the Bama will be handed a ballot and asked to vote for the film he or she deems the best. Votes
from hundreds of venues will be tallied, and the results will be posted online on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 10 p.m. Mason said he’s particularly excited to see youth participation in the festival increase. Tuscaloosa is just one example of many college towns screening the films this week. Mason believes students are the right demographic to help further the cause of global unity. “This festival is amazing because there are so many cultures and so many races judging it,” Mason said. “I’m glad students are a part of it—I don’t think we’re aware of how powerful college students can be.” David Allgood, manager of the Bama Theatre, also feels students can benefit from the international occasion. “Students will be able to give their input as they’re exposed to other cultures and means of expression,” Allgood said. “It’s an opportunity for anyone in the Tuscaloosa area to be part of a worldwide film community for one night.”
LIST OF FILMS: Incident by Bank: Director Ruben Ostlund Dik: Director Christopher Stollery Mak: Director Geraldine Zosso I Love Luci: Director Colin Kennedy The Legend of Beaver Dam: Director Jerome Sable Sexting: Director Neil Labute
“Sexting,” directed by Neil LaBute manhattanshort. com
The Forest: Director Kárpáti György Mór A Doctor’s Job: Director Julio Ramos David and Goliath: Director George Zaverdas Martyr Friday: Director Abu Bakr Shawky Note: Labute and Zaverdas are American directors
manhattanshort.com “I Love Luci,” directed by Colin Kennedy
Put a tutor in your notebook
8.5”x11” format with 1, 2 or 3 panels. 24-30 pages of key elements are condensed into a typical 2 panel guide.
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Today’s Birthday (09/27/11). Don’t forget what you’ve learned, but don’t get stuck in the past, either. Changes can be bittersweet. Invent a future that you’d be delighted to live. Then share that vision with your social connections. They show the way, once they know what you want. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Talk it over with your team to work out strategy and schedule. Work in private, and delegate what you can. Do the research before making long-term decisions. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Communication outlets may not favor a revolution today. Postpone risk-taking (especially romantic and financial). A word from you helps a loved one. Move up a level. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Love is smiling down upon you, sprouting new tendrils of creativity, sprinkling you with magical magnetic attraction. Unpredictable changes could disrupt, so play it cool. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -- If you feel chained or captive to an obligation, give up resistance. It only makes the imprisonment persist. Instead, relax into the confines and finish the job to be truly free. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Put it in writing, even if you have to use a paper napkin. Take an inventory of your wealth, and you’ll discover the answer you were looking for. No gambling allowed.
next couple of days. You jump over the hurdles with grace, like an Olympic athlete. You’ve got confidence and power. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Procrastinate later. You’re under some pressure, and it’s best Tuesday to be occupied, rather than preoccupied. Take short September 27th meditation breaks to stay focused. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Friends could help you clean up a mess. Discover your boundaries, and let others support you in To place your ad: expanding them. Say “thank you,” and offer to do 348-7355 the same. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- There cwclassmgr really is no way to prepare for the unexpected. Sometimes blind faith is necessary. Angels guide @gmail.com your actions. Take on a tough job. Get help, if you need it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 6 -- It’s adventure time. Summon up your courage to battle www.cw.ua.edu a dragon and rescue a prince or princess. Challenges feed you and make you stronger. You have what it Student rate: takes. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 6 -- There’s $.35/per word/ a decision to make, and you may find all kinds of per day distractions. It may even get uncomfortable. In the end, trust your instincts. (Min. 16 words, 4 runs)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You could be tempted to take a big chance, but think it over well. One thing ends and another begins. Don’t go against your core values, no matter what. Watch your feet. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- You’re ready to inspire and teach by example for the
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SPORTS
FOOTBALL
Tide begins preparations for Swamp battle
Page 8 • Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Editor • Tony Tsoukalas crimsonwhitesports@ gmail.com
SPORTS this week
WEDNESDAY • Women’s Volleyball vs Mississippi: 7 p.m.
O. P. Galt IV Sports Reporter @OPGaltIV
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team began practice this week in preparation for Saturday’s game in “The Swamp” against the Florida Gators. With all of the speed Florida presents, head coach Nick Saban spoke about the importance of players making sure they focus on making themselves better and having consistency in the way they play. “I think the focus for the players should be, ‘what can I do to be a better player,’” Saban said, “‘and what do I need to do to help myself be a more consistent player, play smarter, as well as make my unit more effective by more consistency’ and everybody doing their job together so that we don’t have CW | Margo Smith any negative plays, bad plays, missed assignments, things Tight end coach Bobby Williams watches players run through drills during Monday’s practice. that we control.” “Will is a good coach commitment – those types of Saban’s staff at LSU in 2001 as a linebacker coach and because he is a great teacher,” things that I think are sort to defensive coordina- Saban said. “He is a really of fundamental to being sucSaban on facing former rose tor for the 2002 season, where hard worker. He’s got about as cessful and he’s always done a assistant he remained until the end of much passion and enthusiasm great job.” the 2004 season. He left LSU as anybody that you are ever Saban will see a famil- to be the defensive coordina- going to be around and he iar face wearing a headset tor for Coach Saban’s Miami relates well with the players. Florida speed presents across the field on Saturday Dolphins for the 2005 sea- I think the players sort of feed when the Crimson Tide team son, his only season with the off of his passion and enthu- challenges faces Florida head coach Will Dolphins, and returned to the siasm in terms of the way he Muschamp and his Gators college game in 2006 and has coaches and what he does. The Alabama defense will in “The Swamp.” Coach since coached at the college He believes in the fundamen- be tested this Saturday by Muschamp joined Coach level. tals – discipline, hard work, Florida’s two speedster run-
ning backs, Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Rainey has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Gators last three games, and Demps is a track star who spent his summer running sprints in Europe. Alabama redshirt junior linebacker Dont’a Hightower spoke on the speed Florida has in its offense. “Those guys from Florida are arguably one of the fastest teams in the country, but hopefully we will be able to contain those guys and keep those guys running east and west instead of north and south,” Hightower said. “It’s going to be a really good game. It’s always a good game when Alabama and Florida come out.”
Injury Report
Coach Saban talked about the injury status of sophomore linebacker C. J. Mosley and sophomore running back Eddie Lacy. “From an injuries standpoint, C. J. Mosley probably will not practice today and will be out for a couple days for sure, and probably is questionable for this game, at this point,” Saban said. “Eddie Lacy will probably not do much today. But, he should progress as the week goes on and should be OK for the game.”
VOLLEYBALL FRIDAY • Women’s Volleyball vs Mississippi State: 7 p.m. •Women’s Soccer vs Mississippi State at Starkville: 7 p.m.
SATURDAY • Track & Field, Cross Country Greater Louisville Classic: 8:30 a.m. • Football vs Florida: 8 p.m. • Women’s Tennis vs TBD at Los Angeles: TBA • Men’s Tennis: All day
Crimson Tide returns to Foster to face Ole Miss By Morgan Upton Contributing Writer The University of Alabama volleyball team returns to Foster Auditorium Wednesday, Sept. 28, to square off against Southeastern Conference foe Ole Miss. After defeating Georgia on Sunday, Alabama picked up its first SEC victory of the season, and its first SEC road victory in two years. Head coach Ed Allen’s squad looks to pick up another victory at home. “We’ve played two SEC matches in Foster and it’s an incredible environment to play in,” he said. “First of all, we’re very excited to be able to be back in our home court and have the support that we have, because clearly our fans are providing a seventh man advantage for us. We’re excited about trying to give our fans a brand of volleyball they’ll
be pleased with.” After Sunday’s victory, Alabama was back at 0.500 with a 7-7 record. The Tide will have a small break from travelling, with its next three matches at home. Out of the 14 matches Alabama has competed in, the team has only played five at home. Allen said the lack of traveling is a welcome change. “We’re excited about having the opportunity to stay at home and not having the wear and tear of what traveling creates,” Allen said. After gaining its first SEC win, the Tide hopes to build off the weekend’s success. But Ole Miss will be tough competition. Both squads are 1-3 in league play, but the Rebels have yet to gain a road victory. Alabama will need a solid performance to defeat Ole Miss. The Rebels have been a clean ball-handling team this season,
SOCCER
SUNDAY •Women’s Soccer vs Mississippi at Oxford: 1 p.m. • Men’s Tennis at Atlanta: All Day • Women’s Tennis vs TBD at Los Angeles: TBA
averaging only one serve reception error per set. “We’re excited about playing a team that consistently competes at the top of the Western division,” Allen said. Junior Kayla Fitterer will once again have her hands full facing Ole Miss’s outside hitter Allegra Wells, who has 124 kills on the season. Ole Miss’s team is well balanced, with multiple standout players. The Tide will need a tough defensive standing to put away the Rebels, something Allen has continuously hammered into his team’s head. One of the Tide’s disadvantages is the youth of the team. Nine out of the Tide’s 13 playCW | Margo Smith ers are underclassmen, while Ole Miss only has seven under- Sophomore Shelbi Goode goes for a kill during Saturday night’s classmen out of 15. Allen stated game against Texas State. that with such an inexperienced team, each practice and match is Alabama faces off against Ole Auditorium at 7 p.m. important to becoming one unit. Miss on Wednesday at Foster
Todd Bramble reflects on coaching career at Alabama By Miranda Murphy Sports Reporter Women’s soccer head coach Todd Bramble never thought his career path would allow him to coach the sport he loved growing up, but that is exactly what he is doing at the University of Alabama. Bramble grew up in Atlanta and began playing soccer around the age of nine. “It quickly became my sport of choice,” Bramble said. “With youth sports, it’s the environment you get in. I fell into being a yearlong soccer player and didn’t bounce
Clemson University and came to the University of Alabama in 2008. “I think coaching women suits my personality,” Bramble said. “The approach when you coach males or females has to be different. I can’t ever see myself going back and coaching on the men’s side.” Bramble said his favorite memory so far was during his first season, when his team played at the Southeastern Conference Tournament. “That was an important milestone at the time,” Bramble said. “We’re eager to get back there.”
“College is supposed to be the best four years of your life. This is a sport that they love, so I don’t ever want it to become so intense that the emotions of winning and losing override the enjoyment of the experience and what they’re taking from it.” — Todd Bramble, women’s soccer head coach
around season to season playing other sports.” During his summers, Bramble said he would work at soccer camps. He received his first coaching job through a contact he made while at one of the camps. Bramble began his coaching career as an assistant men’s coach at Brown University. He coached men’s soccer for eight years. He began his women’s soccer coaching career as head coach at
Bramble said he wants his team to not only play well, but also enjoy their college career. “College is supposed to be the best four years of your life,” Bramble said. “This is a sport that they love, so I don’t ever want it to become so intense that the emotions of winning and losing override the enjoyment of the experience and what they’re taking from it.” Sophomore Molly Atherton
Photo by Jeri A. Gulsby Coach Todd Bramble walks on the field during a practice with the women’s soccer team. said Bramble takes the time to get to know the players on his team. “He’s great,” Atherton said. “He’s always there to tell me what to do better and what I need to work on. He knows what to say and when to say it.” Freshman Theresa Wolfkeil
said Bramble is very passionate about the sport and his team. “He will think of things that I’ll never think of in a million years,” Wolfkeil said. “He will fight for us and that’s what I love.” Bramble said his goal is to help make the team and the
program reach its full potential. “I want to make this a nationally competitive program that sustains success on a yearly basis,” Bramble said. “We want to get this team to a championship caliber level where we’re competing for conference championships.”