LIFESTYLES ‘Purgatorio’ Theater Review
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011
SPORTS Tennis coach teaches players life lessons
Serving the University of Alabama since 1894
Vol. 118, Issue 30
Facebook changed its profile picture The website has altered its look before, but next week’s redesign takes your page to a new level FACEBOOK DESIGN THROUGH THE YEARS
Cover Photo: The new Facebook profile has been made more personalized with the addition of the cover photo at the top of all of the profiles. This picture can be any picture you want it to be and will be visible to everyone who views your page.
Timeline: Facebook has separated your life on Facebook into separate months and years from the day you joined until the day you get the new profile. They also encourage you to add previous life events such as baby pictures to make it a more complete timeline of your life.
2005
2006
Map: All the times you’ve ever “checked in” on Facebook, or been “checked in” by a friend, will now be put together on a map of the world. It is also separated into different categories you checked in under such as life events, photos, public places and home and work.
2009 By Caroline Hiott Contributing Writer Facebook continues to be one of the highlighting aspects of the social media generation. The website is constantly changing and updating its content to keep up with the fast pace of social media interaction. However, some of the recent changes to Facebook have users experiencing a range of emotions from confused and questioning to excited and ready for the change.
2010
The new design of the webpage, as quoted by The Facebook Blog, is to “surface the most recent and relevant information – in the form of post stories – about you” and to make the site “simpler and cleaner.” However Laura Greene, a sophomore majoring in public relations, said, “I cannot see anything positive to any of the changes, they just seem unnecessary and inconvenient.”
See FACEBOOK, page 8
Residents hopeful for Alberta After the tornado, plans could make Alberta come back ‘better than ever’ By Hailey Grace Allen Staff Reporter hgallen@crimson.ua.edu The community of Alberta was one of the areas hit hardest by the April 27 tornado. The storm left hundreds of families without homes, business owners without shops and students without a school. But in the wake of tragedy, the community has come together in strength and in courage with the determination to move forward. “One thing I’ll always take with me from that tragic day is the spirit of the people of Alberta,” said Tuscaloosa City Councilman Kip Tyner, a life-long resident of the Alberta community. Tyner said he feels the community has made great strides toward recovery in recent months. “In the days that followed the tornado, we couldn’t even see what needed to be done because of all the damage,” Tyner said. “Our main priority was to remove all the debris and severely damaged structures. I feel that we’ve made a great deal of progress with that goal.” Tyner said there has been tremendous planning by the Tuscaloosa City Council and members of the community. le this
“The Tuscaloosa Forward Plan shows some incredible and exciting things for Alberta,” Tyner said. “In the 1960s and ‘70s, Alberta was the place to live, it was the place to be. For me, that wasn’t that long ago.” Tyner said he feels confident in the
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people’s resilience. “It will be a long road,” Tyner said. “But I think people, especially the locals, know that Alberta will come back, and it will be better than ever.”
See ALBERTA, page 3
By Rich Robinson Contributing Writer Today, the eyes of the legal world will be on U.S. District Judge and University of Alabama graduate Sharon Blackburn. At stake: the fate of House Bill 56, informally known as the “Alabama immigration law.” The measure, which was swiftly passed by the Republican-dominated state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley in June, was met with controversy. The bill sparked much discourse on campus, with leaders from both College Democrats and College Republicans being well represented. “I find House Bill 56 to be a naked, racist political ploy, and one that will cost Alabama taxpayers millions
INSIDE today’s paper
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Workers continue to remove debris damaged buildings in Alberta. Alberta was one of the parts of Tuscaloosa hit the hardest by the tornado of April 27.
Judge to rule on immigration law House Bill 56 today
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
Briefs ........................2
Lifestyles....................8
Opinions ...................4
Puzzles......................7
Sports .......................6
Classifieds .................7
“Various provisions of H.B. 56 conflict with federal immigration law and undermine the federal government’s careful balance of immigration enforcement priorities and objectives.” — Department of Justice Press Release
to defend in court,” said Michael Fitzmorris, a junior who serves as the vice president of the Alabama College Democrats. “Alabama is less than 50 years removed from the Civil Rights Era, and would do well to avoid embracing costly, hateful mistakes of the past.” However many disagree with Fitzmorris and his view of the law.
See BLACKBURN, page 2
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Page 2• Wednesday, September 28, 2011
EDITORIAL Victor Luckerson editor-in-chief editor@cw.ua.edu
ONLINE
ON THE CALENDAR TODAY What: Close to Home: Artist
PHOTO SLIDESHOW: ALBERTA
Book and Prints by Bill Hall & Amy Pirkle
RECOVERY
Where: Sella-Granata Gallery, Woods Hall
View photos of the recovery process in Alberta
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Former Tide star Shaun Alexander spoke at a Monday night meeting of campus ministry The Huddle at The Zone. The CW also interviewed long snapper Carson Tinker and offensive lineman Barrett Jones about the event.
Where: Ferguson Theater When: 7 p.m.
Amanda Sams news editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Malcolm Cammeron community manager outreach@cw.ua.edu Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles editor
Where: Bidgood Hall When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Sella-Granata Gal-
Book and Prints by Bill Hall & Amy Pirkle lery, Woods Hall
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Moody Music Building When: 5:30 p.m.
What: Nursing Career Fair
What: Rose Gladney Lecture
When: 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
Where: Ferguson Center Ballroom
on Justice and Social Change
What: Purgatorio, tickets cost
Where: Gorgas Library When: 7 p.m.
$10
Where: Allen Bales Theatre When: 7:30 p.m.
What: Purgatorio, tickets cost $10
Where: Allen Bales Theatre When: 7:30 p.m. Submit your events to calendar@cw.ua.edu
Jonathan Reed managing editor jonathanreedcw@gmail.com Will Tucker assistant managing editor wjtucker1@gmail.com
What: Close to Home: Artist
ing Dawn Neely, soprano
Series presents “Grey Gardens”
SHAUN ALEXANDER SPEAKS ON CHRISTIANITY
What: Engineering Student Interest Day
What: Student Recital featur-
What: HCA Documentary Film
VIDEO:
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
ON THE MENU LAKESIDE LUNCH Grilled Southwest Chipotle Chicken Chef Mashed Potato Steamed Green Beans Greek Antipasta Salad Beef and Broccoli Portobello Sliders
BURKE
BRYANT
FRESH FOOD
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Gravy Cornbread Dressing Sweet Potato Casserole Greek Gyro Sandwich Spinach, Feta, Ham Pizza Penne with Marinara (Vegetarian)
Italian Chicken Baked Potato Bar Seasoned Black Eyed-Peas Supreme Popcorn Chicken Wrap Chipotle Cheddar Wedges Polenta with Broccoli and Mushrooms (Vegetarian)
Baked Meatballs Country Fried Chicken Kentucky Gumbo Green Chile Mashed Potatoes Baked Beans Vegetable Lo Mein (Vegetarian)
Roasted Pork Loin Mashed Potatoes with Red Scallions Steamed Green Beans Chicken Buffalo Flatbread Cilantro Brown Rice Spanikopta (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 Daniel Roth multimedia editor
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
ON CAMPUS Trey Johnson Memorial Fund holds first benefit today
University to hold discussion of CNN documentary
The first benefit to raise money for the Trey Johnson Memorial Fund is being held today from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Johnson was a graduate student in the Operations Management department who was shot and killed on Sept. 11 near Sterling Crimson Place. This is a come-and-go event catered
The College of Communication and Information Sciences’ Diversity Forum is partnering with the UA Women’s Resource Center to sponsor a screening of “Latino in America 2: In Her Corner”, a documentary about Marlen Esparza, a young woman from a working-class, Mexican-American family
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.
who will be one of the first women to represent America within boxing in the 2012 Olympics. Following the hour-long documentary, there will be a discussion lead by George Daniels, associate professor of journalism.
ON THE RADAR
Rutgers University’s gender-neutral dormitories get first students From MCT Campus Thirty-three students have moved into so-called genderneutral dorm rooms at Rutgers University this semester as part of a pilot program that allows them to choose a roommate of any gender. About 60 schools nation-
BLACKBURN Continued from page 1
Tori Hall 348-6153 Rob Clark 348-4367
by Dreamland BBQ. The cost is $10 a plate, which includes a sandwich, two sides, a dessert and drink. It will be held in the Alston Hall Parlor, which is on the 4th floor of Alston. If you have a picture or want to leave a note for Johnson’s family, please bring them. Donations will be accepted as well.
“Facts about H.B. 56 have been purposefully misrepresented in order to generate fear and anger,” said Cliff Sims, the President of the UA College Republicans. “They do this because it is difficult to convince Alabamians that it is somehow unfair to require proof of legal residency from those wishing to receive public benefits, or that that it is somehow discriminatory to require employers to hire only legal, documented workers.” H.B. 56 requires proof of citizenship when renewing or
wide, offer the housing option designed to make students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer more comfortable. The gender-neutral rooms are available at two dormitories at the university’s Newark, N.J., campus and three residence halls at the flagship campus in
New Brunswick-Piscataway. “We’re the No. 1 diverse school in the country, particularly on our campus, and we thought it was time to bring it here,” said Angie Bonilla, interim associate dean of housing on the Newark campus. Rutgers officials said genderneutral housing for upperclass-
men was under discussion for nearly three years but its launch was hastened by the suicide last year of Ridgewood, N.J., native Tyler Clementi, the first-year student who leapt from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate allegedly secretly video-streamed his gay encounter in their room.
In Newark, there are four suites with four rooms that are designated gender-neutral. The university says the concept of gender-neutral housing “goes beyond the assumption that there are two genders: male and female,” and recognizes that there are an “infinite amount” of genders.
applying for a driver license and requires all employers to use the ALverify system. ALverify was developed by the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama and allows employers to check the citizenship of its workers against various state databases. This is important as the law makes it illegal to knowingly hire an undocumented immigrant. If implemented, the law mandates all public schools to check the immigration status of all students and criminalizes many activities that could be seen as aiding an alien, such as giving them a ride. After Bentley signed the
bill into law, the Department of Justice quickly filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Alabama, Blackburn’s district. In a statement released to the media, the DOJ expressed its reasoning, “Various provisions of H.B. 56 conflict with federal immigration law and undermine the federal government’s careful balance of immigration enforcement priorities and objectives.” The statement continues, “While the federal government values state assistance and cooperation with respect to immigration enforcement, a state cannot set its own immigration policy, much less pass laws that conflict with federal
enforcement of the immigration laws.” The Supremacy Clause is found in article six of the Constitution and seems to be the cornerstone of the Department of Justice’s legal argument. It reads, “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.” Cody Jones, the College Democrats’ Communications director, said he believes the Department of Justice is right. “Most people take up the constitutionality arguments,” he said. “And from my opinion, the argument is certainly strong enough that Alabama is stepping into federal jurisdiction and unlawful racial profiling, and I believe the judge will rule to that effect.” Sims disagrees with the constitutionality argument. “The federal government has failed this country when it comes to immigration and endangered our citizens,” Sims said. “It has willfully relinquished its right to enforce its immigration law, and now the
Department of Justice is trying to take away Alabama’s right to enforce our own laws. If the federal government won’t do its job and protect us, we must protect ourselves.” The matter that will be decided today is essentially three separate lawsuits in one. The various plaintiffs in the first suit form a class action, made up of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama, Southern Poverty Law Center, National Immigration Law Center, Asian Law Caucus, Asian American Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union. The second suit is between the state and Rev. Henry N. Parsley, the Episcopalian church’s Bishop for the Diocese of Alabama. Parsley and other religious leaders believe the law’s provision about aiding illegal immigrants is cruel and goes against the mission of his faith. The third lawsuit was brought by the Department of Justice. In a statement released after Blackburn postponed the ruling, Bentley said, “I look forward to the Judge ruling on the merits. 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.”
The Crimson White
NEWS
student organization spotlight By Elisabeth Garcia Contributing Writer
Nonprofit organizations are widespread across the University’s campus, but the Indian Association of Tuscaloosa is much different from the typical club. “We are all together all the time,” said Nischit Kadari, the organization’s president. Kadari, a graduate student in the mechanical engineering
ALBERTA Continued from page 1
Tyner isn’t the only one who shares this hope for Alberta’s future. The teachers and students of Alberta Elementary School echo Tyner’s confidence and excitement for the community. But they know all too well just how long the road to recovery will be. Stephanie Brogden Faulkner, a fourth grade teacher at Alberta Elementary School and life-long Tuscaloosa resident, got involved with the recovery effort mere hours after the tornado struck. On the morning of April 28, Faulkner set out alone in search of students and their families. Before noon, a spontaneous group of teachers formed in front of what used to be Alberta Elementary School. The group was on a mission to find hope among the devastated streets of what used to be neighborhoods. “I will never forget the look on the faces of the people as they began to come out of their houses or wander down the streets. It was a look of fear and despair that is indescribable,” Faulkner said. “I remember us directing people to where they needed to go and even helping a mother of a student gather all the belongings that she could. I think she knew she would most likely never again see what she left behind.” The community and the school have come a long way since those heart-wrenching moments of uncertainty, but they still recognize the task before them. Malachi DuBose, a fifth grade student at Alberta Elementary School, said he now knows what it looks like when friends and
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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Group helps Indian students adjust
program, said he came to the University in 2009 after l e a r n i n g about its top program in aerospace engineering. After being accepted, he contacted the Indian Association via email after locating their website online. They quickly replied and assured him that he would be taken care of, even offering Kadari a temporary apartment for the first week. Narendra Chaganti, the association’s webmaster, said these apartments are offered to all incoming students who contact them through email.
neighbors become family. DuBose said his house was “split down the middle” after the tornado but that none of the seven people that crowded into his bathroom were injured. “Right after the tornado, my neighbor that lives next door came running into our house, yelling our names,” he said. “He knew that there were a lot of kids there and wanted to make sure we were all OK.” DuBose and his family now live in a rental home in Northport but are hopeful to return to Alberta after their home has been repaired. Faulkner was DuBose’s fourth grade reading teacher. She said she believes the role of an educator extends far beyond facilitating learning. “It is my personal philosophy that in order to be a successful teacher, you must first establish a relationship with your students and their families,” Faulkner said. “Along with that comes the emotional bond and sense of responsibility that you feel for each student. At the beginning of every school year, I explain to my students that we’re going to become a family; caring for each other, supporting each other and always working together.” Faulkner said she believes this time of empathy and support will make a positive impact on the students of Alberta Elementary School, and it will be an impact that lasts a lifetime. “From a teacher’s perspective, what I have seen is an entire nation of people, both adults and children, come together to support each other,” Faulkner said. The most important thing to her now is for the Tuscaloosa community to continue to offer
Entrants are paired with Indian roommates, with whom they normally room for the remainder of their campus stay. “Most of them just want to stay close to anybody who is from India,” he said. Gaurav Mehta, the association’s treasurer, said about 10 to 15 students come from India each year. He said entrance has decreased over the years, which may be associated with rising tuition. Mehta came from Bombay, India to get his Ph.D. in civil engineering at the University. Besides helping newcomers find accommodations, the association celebrates Indian culture with festivals such as Diwali and Indian
Independence Day, Mehta said. The association makes sure others understand the Indian culture and shows them how good it is, he said. Events they hold share the customs and history of the nation, including traditional food and dance. Despite the name, the association maintains diversity. Mehta said they’ve reached out to other Asians who come to the University and may not be familiar with the customs. Though all three board members have engineering focuses, Mehta said they have people from many majors, ranging from business to science. Chaganti stressed that the association is not solely for Little reconstruction has been done to the effected area onthe corner of University Blvd. and 23rd Ave. E in Alberta on Sept. 27.
those from India and is largely a learning environment. “We are open to anyone who wants to come and know what’s happening here,” he said. The association also participates in the Crimson Cricket Club, which competes in championships with other Southern schools. The club incorporates students from many nations, including Ghana and Trinidad. Kadari said the Indian Association is not a very big community, numbering around 100 students. This contributes to a very tight knit community, however. Though the group does not
meet very often, Mehta said everyone is quick to help each other. He said they keep a mailing list, and everyone is contacted whether somebody wishes to sell a car or celebrate a happy moment in their life. Chaganti said they also have potluck dinners and gettogethers. Seniors leaving the University also address the community with advice to the students staying behind. Though he soon graduates, Kadari said he has bright hopes for the association. “I hope in the future it keeps continuing,” he said, “and that it will really contribute on our behalf to the University.”
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CW | Katherine Martin support in not only rebuilding the community of Alberta City, but also in seeing that Alberta Elementary School is rebuilt also. “Alberta City was a special place where our students not only went to school, but lived, shopped, worked and even worshipped,” she said. “It was the place they called home.” Faulkner said while they are fortunate and grateful to have a temporary school shared with the Tuscaloosa Magnet School, the school is just that: temporary. “We all took pride in our building, but mostly, we took pride in being able to call Alberta Elementary ‘our school,’” she said. “Until we are able to do that again, we have not completed the challenge left behind from the storm that forever changed our lives.” DuBose agreed with his The intersection of Alberta Dr. and University Blvd. on Sept. 27.
fourth grade teacher, saying that while he enjoyed his new school, he wished he could go back to the old Alberta. “At our old school, there was more room to spread out. Here, everything is a little bit more crowded,” DuBose said. “But what I miss most is P.E. I loved going outside and having all that room to run around. And I really miss the big trees.”
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OPINIONS
NCAA football contenders that remain through September By Tyler Rigdon
What is your GPA really worth? By Xavier Burgin
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Editor • Tray Smith letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4
{ YOUR VIEW } WEB COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO “SWINSON HOPES FOR A CLEAN SLATE” “SGA president resigns apparently without cause, new president intent on a clean slate... what are they hiding? Swinson can talk about gaining the student bodyʼs confidence, but until he is honest with us, that wonʼt happen.” — Charles McCullough
“Itʼs already been reported why Cochran resigned. If youʼre going to accuse someone of being dishonest in a public forum, at least do the minimal amount of research to make an educated comment on the subject matter.” — JackWhitman
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.
I’m a resident advisor on campus. The majority of students have dealt with my kind for at least one year during their time at Alabama. While most free themselves of my administrative tyranny once they’ve finished two semesters, I always have a new batch of doe-eyed freshmen entering college with this urge for reckless abandonment I will never understand. A few days ago, a couple of rapscallions were clogging up the hallway. Since they were impeding on my avenue to walk, I impeded on their conversation. Their talking points were pretty standard – girls, parties, football, how terrible financial aid is, noon in the Ferguson Center and the quantum mechanics of neutrinos. Somewhere in the bustle I heard a resident complain about their grades. He wasn’t doing very well. The response to his problem was quite nonchalant. Your grades will pick up. Your freshman semester doesn’t matter. You have three more years to buckle down. Overall, the sentiment seemed to be enjoy now, fix later. That’s when I had to join the discussion. I was flabbergasted, stooped and downright confused. I asked the group as a whole where they got these opinions from.
Some said older students. Others said brothers and sisters. One of the kids said his high school teacher (I truly hope that was a lie). I took a step back and asked if they realized the gravity of their statements. Do they honestly realize the severity of the pitfall they are currently building to trap themselves in later? Most of them were confused at this point, so I forced them to sit on the floor and listen. Your first semester as a freshman is your most important semester. That’s not a joke. Don’t let someone tell you otherwise. If they tell you otherwise, they have no grasp on the dynamics of scholastic endeavor, which they should’ve picked up around kindergarten. Your GPA is like a girl’s reputation on campus. Everyone says it doesn’t really matter, but they always check just in case. In the real world, no one cares about your GPA if you do your job well, but until you leave college, it will always be a major factor in your collegiate decisions. A GPA can also be your glass ceiling for scholarships, internships and your choice on graduate schools. I believe people want substance over fluff, but there is a measuring rod for any position, competition or grant. You may be a qualified individual, but (more than likely) there
will be someone just as qualified with a stronger GPA. Visualize this example: An administrator is given two resumes that are identical in strength. Both show drive, dedication, passion, and work ethic. This administrator who governs XYZ Scholarship has never met you in person (and most won’t). The only factor separating each resume is a 2.6 GPA and a 3.3 GPA. Who do you think they are going to choose? When is your GPA created? Your first semester freshman year. Let me make this clear. Your GPA for your first semester will probably be the highest overall GPA you have your entire collegiate career. It’s like the difference between a 100 and a 0 on a test averaged into your overall grade. A 100 won’t really bring you up much if you already have a decent grade, but a zero will destroy your grade average. A GPA works similar to this. Getting a good GPA for a semester will boost your average a little, but never much. A bad one will destroy it. It’s possible to make high GPAs each semester. But should students expect to do well in higher-level classes when they’re flunking out of computer science 101?
As I sit in my office penning this message, it is ten years after the horrendous terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It is just over 150 days since the April 27, 2011 tornadoes that devastated Tuscaloosa and surrounding Alabama communities. It is also nine months since Jonathan Reid went to his home in Kingston, Jamaica, to become a member of the Jamaican National Track and Field Team. Sept. 11, 2001, is one of the rare days that should be etched in everyone’s memory. I can vividly recall standing in a large atrium at the University of Central Florida with around 500 students watching the planes attack our heartland. Despite 500 people being in that small space, you could have heard a pin drop, it was so quiet. That sensation alone was unnerving. I am sure each of you can also recall where you were when the mass media, in real time, graphically displayed the tragic events. On a national scale, the intent of al Qaeda was to damage and hurt the United States. Much as the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, “awakened a sleeping giant,” the 9/11 attacks instead resulted in a tremendous increase in patriotism and devotion to preserving the United States. Many young people flocked to join the military and other national services as a direct result of 9/11. Pat Tillman, for instance, gave up a lucrative NFL career to serve in the Armed Forces and was subsequently killed in Afghanistan. The symbolism of attacking on 9/11 was not lost on the first responders, many of whom perished. 9/11 is closely linked to criminal justice since many of our students will be first responders, and many alumni are first responders, either in law enforcement or fire rescue. Agencies who investigated the aftermath also relied on many criminal justice majors. Rather than providing a crippling blow to the U.S. ten years later, Osama Bin Laden is dead and al Qaeda is seriously weakened. More importantly, the patriotism ignited by 9/11 persists to this day. On a regional scale, the tornadoes that ravaged the southeastern United
States and Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, also ignited a strong sense of community pride and volunteer action. Again, many criminal justice and sociology students and alumni were central players in the rescue and recovery efforts, as well as in the rebuilding of Tuscaloosa. We also had faculty and students who had homes destroyed and lives shattered. However, like 9/11, this tragedy also brought out the best in people. People from around the nation sent donations to Tuscaloosa; even rival football teams such as Kent State and Auburn sent student athletes to help in the immediate aftermath. Donations overwhelmed Tuscaloosa. Students and faculty donated time, housing, services and resources to assist victims. As devastating as the tornadoes were, they, like 9/11, served to remind us all of how fleeting life and stability can be and how much we must treasure our loved ones, homes and communities. It also brought out the best in University of Alabama students, faculty and staff. Unprecedented accommodations were made by the University of Alabama to assist affected students in every way possible. Many moving memorial events were held, and the Aug. 6 graduation ceremony was the most emotional graduation exercise I have ever experienced. That joyous graduation ceremony also had a somber side; five of the six families received posthumous diplomas on behalf of their lost children. It was again unnerving to see how many of our proud graduates were reduced to tears on this day celebrating the culmination of their college experience. Jonathan Reid is a sophomore student athlete the University of Alabama. He specializes in the triple and high jumper for the Track and Field team. Despite his youth, he has already cleared 7 feet in the high jump and ranks among the elite field athletes in the nation. Jonathan found his way to my office last semester and asked to borrow one of my criminological theory texts. That led to a conversation about why he would want to read such a relatively dry book. He then explained his reason and
One month of college football has come and gone. Now, we are left to see who will be the real contenders for a national title.
became a symbol, to me, about why students attend the University of Alabama. Jonathan also epitomizes what we want all our student athletes to be. Resources do not permit many visits home to Kingston, Jamaica, so Jonathan was excited to return to his home during summer of 2011. On a personal level, Jonathan experienced unexpected tragedy on his highly anticipated return trip home. His first day home, his favorite uncle was shot and killed. One week later, one of his young student mentors was also shot and killed near his home. Mourning and contemplation was how Jonathan spent his summer break. Just as the nation as a whole responded to 9/11, and as the Crimson Tide nation (and our friends at Auburn) responded to the tornadoes in many positive ways, upon his return to Alabama, Jonathan devoted himself to the study of crime causation. Jonathan is currently researching and writing a theoretical paper on the problems and solutions facing Jamaica with regards to the preponderance of violent street crime. That quest is what brought him to my office and attention. It is also why the Capstone is such a great university. More than anything else, it is the hope, ambitions and abilities of our students that make Alabama great. While everyone is aware of the 9/11 attacks and the tornadoes of April 27, very few people are aware of Jonathan’s personal tragedy. These three events show that tragedy can strike anyone at any moment. None are immune. How we, as a nation, community and individuals react to tragic events serves to define us. All three events described above brought out the best in those affected. All three also showed how criminal justice and sociology (the study of how large events shape societies and individuals) are increasingly relevant. As we move forward, the focus is on the positive effects that each of these tragedies, at a national, local and personal level, led to.
Alabama – in the already most-hyped regular season game since Ohio State/Michigan in ‘06. They play Florida, but it will be in the comfy confines of Death Valley. Alabama is the definition of consistency, and the validity of their first four games is to be seen. Penn State has proven that a key area of recruiting is the quarterback position. As for Arkansas, Alabama has been their only legitimate opponent, but the Hogs will be a tough obstacle for anyone they play this year – especially LSU in the Battle for the Golden Boot. Alabama’s true test before LSU lies with Florida as well, but in The Swamp. If they survive, the hype will only keep growing for the early November matchup. As quoted from Sports Illustrated, “The last time Saban and Co. spent a year dwelling over a loss, Tim Tebow ended up weeping on the sideline of the SEC Championship game.” This should trouble LSU and potential SEC East victor South Carolina. Nick Saban has been 5-0 in rematches where his team had previously lost while at the University of Alabama. Big 12: This may be one of the last shots at a championship for the Big 12. The conference contains two contenders, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. One team will knock off another in their matchup, but it is doubtful that either will be playing in the national championship game. Oklahoma State may be a high-octane, speed-trip of a football team; however, their one-two punch of Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will not get them through the season. “Choklahoma” may beat Oklahoma State. Trust that they will lose to a mid-tier Big 12 team at some point. Big Ten and Pac-12: The Big Ten will most likely be decided this weekend when Wisconsin hosts Nebraska. However, the winner of this game will most likely play the other in the premiere of the Big Ten Championship game. Michigan is still undefeated, but they are only as strong as the untied shoes of Denard Robinson. The Pac-12 will be decided by an NBA affair between Stanford and Oregon. Over/under on the points total should be around 130. Dark Horse: My dark horse through the first month of football resides in the ACC basketball conference. Alabama graduate Dabo Swinney and Clemson have reason to believe they are the best team in the state, if not in the country. Although they have yet to unleash a Cam Newton, Clemson reminds me of the Auburn team that surprised the nation last year. Over the last two weeks, they have discovered that they can move the ball and score with ease. It was Auburn’s recipe, and points are a defense’s best friend. If they beat Virginia Tech this weekend, Clemson has a great shot of being undefeated until they play their ‘funsized Iron Bowl’ against South Carolina.
Mark M. Lanier, Ph.D. is the chair of the University of Alabama Department of Criminal Justice.
Tyler Rigdon is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism and economics. His column runs biweekly on Wednesdays.
Xavier Burgin is a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies and film production.
Students grow through tragedies By Mark M. Lanier
As we approach October, the college football preseason poll begins to shape. Teams such as Notre Dame and Florida State long for a restart, while others, such as Clemson and Baylor, soak in the thoughts of what could be. Meanwhile, LSU, Oklahoma and Alabama play a twisted game of musical chairs, only to tease the nation for what looks to be weeks to come. One month of college football has come and gone. Now, we are left to see who will be the real contenders for a national title. SEC: Everyone knows it is all about Alabama and LSU. Through four games, both teams have looked dominant, but LSU is still given the edge in the polls. LSU boasts the tougher schedule, beating Oregon, Mississippi State and West Virginia on the road, but Oregon looks to be the only legitimate team in that bunch. Mississippi State surrendered 41 points to Auburn, could not fathom the thought of a first down against LSU and was victorious against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs – in overtime. West Virginia can move the ball, but when their defense allows 477 yards to teams like Maryland, one can only imagine what a mediocre LSU offense can do paired with a great defense. LSU has one test before playing
The Crimson White
NEWS
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
5
Troy Davis case brings attention to death penalty By Jasmine Cannon and Kyle Borland The Crimson White
0.80
However, Fording said there is still an overwhelming majority of support for the death penalty nationwide, although that support has softened in recent years because of the questions that are raised in high profile cases like Davis’. “I think you do see disagreements about how extensive the support of the death penalty is,� he said. Today, 34 of the 50 states still have the death penalty in place. Alabama has the highest number of death row inmates per million of the population at 43.55, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Nevada is the second for number of death row inmates per million people, at 30.51. Ten people have been exe-
cuted in Texas in 2011, making it the No. 1 state for the most executions this year. Texas also holds the record for the most executions since 1976, when the Supreme Court resurrected the death penalty after a suspension of four years. Since 1976, Texas has had 474 executions, which is more than four times any other state. Georgia has had only 52 executions since 1976, and the current death row population is 103. There have been five innocent persons freed from death row in the state of Georgia. Davis’s case took over the social networking world in the days surrounding his execution in Georgia, and the University of Alabama student
(0.64)
0.60
Alabama Florida Georgia Missouri North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma South Carolina Texas
Source: Death Penalty Information Centre
0.40 0.20
(0.19)
0.00 Black
White
Death Row Inmates per Million pop.
53
43.55
69
21.31
51 68
10.4 8.32
43
17.44
45
13.79
96
20.67
43
13.7
474
12.73
Source: Death Penalty Information Centre
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tim is white, that depending on the state and time period you’re looking at, you’re several times more likely to be sentenced to death than some other combination of races. “That’s one of the most robust social science findings in the literature. There have been tons of studies on this to show that this is the case, and yet the Supreme Court will not consider that evidence.� “The most comprehensive studies have shown that race is a factor in who gets the death penalty,� Smith said. “The race of the alleged murderer in conjunction with the race of the victim—those things can matter. And that certainly is controversial because of course, race should not be a factor in this.�
body was no exception. Students took to their Twitter and Facebook accounts to voice their opinions on the case, the death penalty and our legal system, in general. On Facebook, supporters of Troy Davis voiced their opinions in different ways before his execution. After his execution, however, a four-word chain status took over newsfeeds on both Twitter and Facebook, “I am Troy Davis.� “I think in a case like this— the Troy Davis case—where the person being executed is black, I think it brings race and race relations into the debate as well,� Fording said. “It’s well known that if the accused is black and the vic-
U.S. Executions By State
Execution Rates Compared by Ethnicity
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Rate per million of population
The execution of Georgia resident Troy Davis started much conversation in the South and throughout the nation about the death penalty. Davis spent more than 20 years on death row before his execution. Controversy surrounded the case, as it was believed by many that the accused was actually innocent. Though Davis was the 33rd person executed this year, he was the one who brought the most attention to the issue of the death penalty. “I think it’s controversial because it’s final,� said political science professor Joseph
Smith. “If we find out later that, in fact, we executed the wrong person, there’s no way to remedy that at all. Whereas if you put someone in jail for life and later on find out you did it to the wrong person, you can let them out and they can live what’s left of their life in freedom.� Smith also mentioned recent situations in Illinois where defendants were released off of death row after being found innocent. Illinois abolished the death penalty earlier this year. Richard Fording, chair of the political science department, said the actual use of death penalties has decreased because of the challenges and the cases of those defendants who were exonerated.
all around campus
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This aerial rendering shows where the NOAA water center will be built on-campus.
Submitted Photo
NOAA to build water center The one-of-a-kind facility will be located on campus when ďŹ nished By Ashanka Kumari Contributing Writer
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration will build a new national water center on the campus of the University of Alabama, according to a press release. The NOAA awarded a contract to Triune-Beck, Joint Venture V of Dallas to build the center. The $18,881,500 award will create a one-of-a-kind facility that will combine hydrological forecasting operations and research under one roof to support field operations, improve joint agency coordination and address emerging stakeholder needs, the press release stated. The Water Center will be a national facility that will serve the entire nation, said Vice President for Research and Vice Provost Joe Benson. “The facility will take advantage of the research expertise in water and water resources that exist in the universities within the state and will provide the nation with a seamless suite of consistent water resource monitoring and forecasting information,� Benson said. “The Center will make Tuscaloosa a focal point for water science in the nation.�
The project has been in development stages for several years. Construction is slated to start either later this year or early in 2012, with a completion date of 2014, Benson said. Water resources are considered to be one of the most significant challenges facing societies and governments in the 21st century, according to a document submitted by Benson. Managers and decision-makers in water resource divisions need new and more integrated information and services to prepare for uncertainty, climate and land-use change and increasing demand on limited resources. The Integrated Water Resources Science and Services consortium (IWRSS) was created by NOAA to help unite water science observation, prediction and management missions and uniquely assemble the main capabilities to meet these objectives, according to the document. “The Center is part of the vision of NOAA’s IWRSS initiative which is designed to bring together various federal agencies that have complimentary missions related to water science,� Benson said. The Center is part of NOAA’s
commitment to creating a weather-ready nation, in which the country will be able to prepare for and respond to environmental events that affect safety, health, the environment, economy and homeland security, according to a press release. NOAA is located within the U.S. Department of Commerce and includes the National Weather Service, National Ocean Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Science and Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Benson said. “The presence of the National Water Center in Tuscaloosa will allow UA faculty and students to work with federal scientists to address issues of mutual interest,� Benson said. “These could include both the scientific and socio-economic aspects of issues such as flood forecasting, water quality, water availability, etc. From the standpoint of the community, the Center, when fully staffed, will bring up to 200 professionals to Tuscaloosa, which will have a positive impact on the local economy.�
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SPORTS
FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
Gators’ new head coach not new to Bama
Page 6 • Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Editor • Tony Tsoukalas crimsonwhitesports@ gmail.com
SPORTS
this weekend
Little did Alabama know when they played Texas two years ago in the national championship that they would be facing the then-Longhorns defensive coordinator in 2011 as the new Florida head coach. “I have a lot of respect for [Will Muschamp],” center William Vlachos said. “I think he’s a great coach. Seeing him jumping around at the national championship two years ago, just the passion that he brings on the sidelines is pretty awesome. Great defensive mind; I know he learned a lot from Coach [Nick] Saban, and he’s doing a great job so far at Florida.” Wide receiver Darius Hanks was on the Alabama team that lost to Florida in the SEC Championship game in 2008.
Jonathan Atchison and Anthony Orr run through drills during practice Tuesday afternoon. CW | Margo Smith Hanks said the team doesn’t talk about that much. “It is brought up by Coach Saban,” Hanks said. “We’ve got to treat this game like any other one. This is our biggest game of the year so far, and we’ve got to go out there and dominate.”
The Swamp Throughout the SEC, the
Gators’ home stadium, known as “The Swamp,” is one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams. Additionally, this weekend’s faceoff is a night game, making the environment that much tougher. Having played at Penn State already this season, Hanks said he thinks the offense can battle the fans’ noise. “I feel like we’re good,” he
said. “We played well at Penn State, against all the noise. So if we played well there, we’ll be able to play well anywhere.”
Florida’s strengths Though this Florida defense isn’t particularly big, Hanks said they’re very fast. So far this season, the Gator defense has gotten four interceptions. “It’s no different than any other week,” Hanks said. “I look at all [defensive backs] the same. I respect all of them, but I still feel like I can beat them.” On the offensive side, Florida quarterback John Brantley has a 64 percent completion rate with 752 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. The Gators’ leading runners are Chris Rainey, who has 411 yards with two touchdowns,
and Jeff Demps, with 320 yards and four touchdowns. “It’s going to be a big change [from Arkansas] because the speed on the field is going to be a little faster, with Demps and Rainey being pretty fast,” defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick said. “We’ve just got to adjust to it and go out there and execute on all cylinders on the field.”
Finish in the fourth After last year’s loss to Auburn, the team has been focused on finishing in the fourth quarter this season. “That’s been our main focus going into the season: finishing,” Hanks said. “This year, we’re trying to win every fourth quarter. We just go out there and do it. We can always talk about it, but we’ve got to be about it at the same time.”
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Coach Jenny Mainz: Serving up collegiate success By Aldo Amato Contributing Writer
FRIDAY • Women’s Soccer vs Vanderbilt: 7 p.m.
By Laura Owens Senior Sports Reporter lkowens@crimson.ua.edu @laurako_O
Since arriving at the Capstone over a decade ago, the Crimson Tide women’s tennis coach Jenny Mainz has maintained a winning program that has pro-
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duced successful student athletes both on and off the court. Mainz, a San Antonio native, has been at the helm of the Tide’s women’s tennis program for 13 years. She has turned the program into a perennial powerhouse. Mainz’s journey began as a student athlete at the University of Houston as a three-year captain and All-Southwest Conference player on the tennis court and an All-American in the classroom. She said she stresses the importance of off-the-court contributions that carried her through her successful collegiate career to her current players. “Development on the court is important,” Mainz said. “But it is what you do off the court that can really carry a student athlete a long way.” Mainz’s knowledge of the game led her to being an assistant coach at her alma mater before going on to coach at various universities across the country, including the University of Iowa and Florida State University. But it was in 1998, at the University of Alabama,
CW | Amelia J. Brackin
the Tide to its first SEC Western Division crown in 2003. In 2009, one of the most successful years in her career, Mainz guided the Tide to a No. 26 overall ranking, the highest in the program’s history. That year, she also received the Wilson/ ITA South Region Coach of the Year title. Last season, after another successful year, Mainz was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in addition to individual awards distributed to
her team by the SEC. However, Mainz said her most gratifying reward is seeing her current and former athletes excel off the court, in addition to what they have done on the court. “I have to say, the greatest thing for me to see are my players growing, to see them advance and make an impact in the community and society,” Mainz said. “It is just so rewarding to see them positively impact the world in whatever they decide to pursue.”
Crimson Tide readies for Louisville Classic NS04638663
By Tyler Hanes Contributing Writer tshanes@crimson.ua.edu
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UA tennis coach Jenny Mainz coaches from the sidelines at the Roberta Alison Fall Classic in 2010.
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where she said she found her new home. “The people of Alabama are the best people I have ever been around,” Mainz said. “The support system at the University of Alabama is incredible. It just doesn’t get any better, and it all starts from the top with Athletics Director Mal Moore, who has really allowed my coaches and I to run such a successful program, to our trainers who keep our players healthy. Everyone plays an important role in the success of this team.” Mainz also credits the recent success of other Alabama sports, such as football and basketball, as key contributors of her success while coaching at Alabama. “The success of the other sports at Alabama is contagious,” Mainz said. “Coach Saban and Coach Grant have done a tremendous job with their teams and have been an integral part of the support system that is Alabama Athletics.” Mainz’s tenure at the University of Alabama has been extremely successful as well. She is the only coach to take the Tide to six straight NCAA tournaments, and she also coached
The Alabama men’s and women’s cross country team will participate in the Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic this Saturday at Tom Sawyer
Park in Louisville, Kentucky. This meet will be the biggest the Crimson Tide has competed in this season, with more than 40 schools in attendance. The competition includes familiar conference foes such as Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Kentucky, but it also includes out-of-conference opponents like Michigan and Louisville. The women won the Commodore Classic on Sept. 17, and the men finished second. Junior Katlyn Will finished fourth individually and is improving every day, said head coach Dan Waters. “She is increasing her workload and getting used to the new coaching style, and she is capable of being one of the best runners in the SEC,” Waters said. The top performer on the
men’s side was senior Carison Kemei, who finished second. “Kemei was one of the better athletes last season and has developed into a leader this year,” Waters said. “This will be a good test with a larger pack of people for him to compete against.” While individual performances are a major part of the meets, Coach Waters said the team’s performance requires everyone to be competitive. “Individual performances are important, but the real challenge of cross country running is getting the entire team to perform their best at the same time,” Waters said. Waters said the first several meets can be considered almost pre-season meets, because they are all about building the
strength of the team for the later competitions, and this competition marks the part of the season that begins counting towards the strength of schedule for the conference and national championships. “The Greater Louisville Classic is the right size and level of competition to build some momentum for later events,” Waters said. Senior Austin Duckworth, who finished thirtieth overall in the Commodore Classic, emphasized the importance of this meet. “This weekend is a big race, and the crucial goal is to build momentum,” Duckworth said. “We are more rested going into this weekend’s race, so hopefully we will have a big performance.”
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Today’s Birthday (09/28/11). When in doubt, follow your heart. In business, diversify your interests for a variety of possibilities. In love, notice the blissful moments, and leave distractions aside. Cherish your precious time together, and let folks know how much they mean to you. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Love is the game and the prize, and you’re playing marvelously. Stick to the rules, and acknowledge other players. Get stuck in one view, and you can’t find a balance. Open up. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -- A slow morning allows for focus. Your fortunes increase as you set juicy goals and meet them. Meet with important people for a mutually beneficial plan. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Get something you’ve always wanted, and discover a new true love. Line up your plans in this new direction. A brilliant idea puts coins into your pocket. Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Elders are in a good mood. Settle into a cozy spot with a cup of tea and a nice view to handle practical tasks. Practice frugality. The rewards of diligence are sweet. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Stick to common sense. You’re gaining status. An authority communicates a transition. Reassess the situation. Work smarter, not harder. Find another source of revenue. Home feeds your spirit.
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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Accept money with grace. It’s time to put the pedal to the metal, but don’t stress about it. Count your blessings. You get more than you asked for. P^]g^l]Zr Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 9 L^im^f[^k +1ma -- Go ahead and take pride in your accomplishments. Make sure that you show the team your appreciation. Together, you can weather any changes. Mh ieZ\^ rhnk Z]3 Celebrate. ,-1&0,.. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Although there’s plenty of room for \p\eZllf`k miscommunication today, use your intuition to avoid it. Keep your word, first 9`fZbe'\hf of all. Apologize if necessary, and stay active. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today ppp'\p'nZ'^]n is a 7 -- Set long-range goals to be the best. Why not? Changes remind you of the impermanence of life. Honor sucLmn]^gm kZm^3 cesses and failures, joys and sorrows, all with good friends. ',.(i^k phk]( Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is i^k ]Zr an 8 -- Get into your research, and use it to revise your plans. Distant interaction !Fbg' */ phk]l% - kngl" might be delayed. You’re exceptionally cute now. This is good, as there’s a party ahead! *The Crimson Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a White places 7 -- Conquer new territories through these ads in discipline and focus. Breakdowns could good faith. occur with sending signals. Accept a We are not partner’s suggestion. Pay back a debt. responsible for Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 5 fraudulent -- Conflict abounds. You could run away advertising.* from it, or confront it and gain wisdom and experience. Replenish energy with good food and trusted friends.
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www.cw.ua.edu C&IS Technical Student Assistant 0806067. Provides desktop support, hardware/software installation, multimedia and computer imaging support. Applicants must have experience with hardware/ software installation, configuration and troubleshooting of both Mac and PC platforms. Must be available to work some nights and on Sundays. Job close date: 10/14/ 2011. CC&E Publications Student Assistant - 0806066. Assists with creating and editing templates, publishing works and interactive documents as directed by faculty/staff of the UA Civil, Construction & Engineering Department. Must be proficient with Adobe Pro, and have experience creating forms in Adobe. Must have experience creating and editing templates, creating forms, and with desktop publishing. Job close date: 9/28/2011. Systems Student Assistant - 0805407. Applicants must have ADVANCED computer/software experience; Deep Freeze, Terminal, ARD, DeployStudio, Insight, Symantec Ghost, Registry and Group Policy editing, general image construction, network troubleshooting a plus. Must have minimum 2.25 GPA, and be able to work some late nights, early mornings and occasional weekends. Job close date: 9/23/2011..
For more details and to apply to these and other student assistant job opportunities, go to http://jobs. ua.edu/, then click ‘Student Assistant’.
LIFESTYLES
COLUMN | MUSIC
Alabama Shakes have energetic sound
Page 8 • Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Editor • Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles@crimson.ua.edu
LIFESTYLES
By Trey Irby
Last Wednesday night, it seemed as if Green Bar in Tuscaloosa was approaching fire code capacity. The building, which is legally maxed out at 150 people, hosted Alabama Shakes, a band from Athens, Ala. “I had a feeling that just maybe we’d see a few familiar faces, considering we came through with the Drive-By Truckers at the Bama Theater, but I didn’t expect so many,” said Brittany Howard, lead vocalist of Alabama Shakes. It was the Drive-By Truckers show that helped develop a sudden influx of attention towards the group. “It felt unreal,” Howard said. “We’re all fans of the Truckers and have been listening to them for a few years. So when Patterson asked us to do a few dates, well, it was shocking and an honor all at once. Also, we love them as people. Great bunch, those Truckers. Miss them already.” The Shakes’ sound is a culmination of Howard’s powerful voice mixed in with a southern rock vibe, as well as the work of guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson. It’s a merging of the Tennessee flair of Aretha
this week
WEDNESDAY • HCA Film Series presents “Grey Gardens”: Ferguson Center Theater, 7 p.m. • Purgatorio: Allen Bales Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY • Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market: Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, 3 p.m. • University of Alabama Wind Ensemble: Moody Music Building, 7:30 p.m. • Purgatorio: Allen Bales Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY • Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents “Chicago”: The Bama Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Purgatorio: Allen Bales Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Widespread Panic with Yonder Mountain String Band: Tuscaloosa, Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY • Actor’s Charitable Theatre presents “Chicago”: The Bama Theatre, 7:30 p.m. • Purgatorio: Allen Bales Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
alabamashakes.bandcamp.com The Alabama Shakes performed last Wednesday night at Green Bar and will be back to Tuscaloosa in October. Franklin and the 1970s-style aesthetic of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Nothing the Shakes do is “new” per se, but the energy of their work particularly stands out. “We evolve every time we sit down to have a song,” Howard said. “The chemistry is with
each other, and sometimes it is very instant; Heath, Zach and Steve know where I’m going with something, and they feel it too. Feel is everything.” While their performance at Green Bar was amazing and certainly deserves to be lauded (after all, I’m talking about it in a
newspaper), I left with more general thought about the southern hipster. While nothing about the Shakes’ music is overly “hip,” for lack of a better term, it is made aware to those audiences by a hip source. In this case, it’s Patterson Hood. Hood is to southern hipsters what Pitchfork is to
the Northeast, and there is no denying that. This fascinates me, because we’re told that music as a shared cultural experience is more democratic than ever, but great bands often go unattended simply because the right person hasn’t heard them yet. It was once a theory for struggling bands searching for a major label and never finding what they want, but with the major label system beyond repair, the Internet has only continued the principle to a select group of tastemakers. And it’s not too far off to say that Hood is the top name in invoking that feeling. And this isn’t an attempt to damn the process, just state it aloud, especially when the attitude that follows is one of the “catch them now before they never play here again” persuasion. With this in mind, the Alabama Shakes do live up to the hype, which I hope only swells while still playing in Tuscaloosa. “I can’t wait to let [Tuscaloosa] hear what’s next,” Howard said. “It’s kind of killing me. We will see you, Tuscaloosa, Oct. 14 at Egan’s on University Boulevard. I have expectations for all of you now; you’ve spoiled me! I expect you to at least know the Matador at this point. We’ll see. Better dance like something.”
COLUMN | THEATRE REVIEW
‘Purgatorio’ engages through compelling anti-chemistry By Jared Downing Even before it started, “Purgatorio” gave me the creeps. It was the set – a sterile, white square that didn’t even fill up the Allen Bales’ tiny stage. With little more than a cot and metal chair, it could have been a hospital wing, child’s bedroom or padded cell – all prime real estate for theatrical head-screwage. And it was set in Purgatory? Oh boy, here we go. But, all things considered, Purgatory is a pretty down-toearth place, where divine correction officers in glasses and lab coats try to rehabilitate the damned for a fresh life on Earth. Here we find Jason (Stephen Brunson) and Medea (Amy Handra), a couple from Greek mythology who wind up in the
second level of Dante’s Inferno after the nastiest lovers’ spat in history. In the myth, when Jason leaves Medea for a younger dame, she murders their children. Dramaturge Tiffany Towns graciously includes some back story in the program for us layfolk, but Dorfman’s characters aren’t pure Ovidian pastiche, jumping between poetic language and modern F-bombs as they duke it out over questions of love, revenge and forgiveness – ultimately making you wonder if their little white Purgatory isn’t straight-up hell. Even in the afterlife, Medea’s still ticked, and Handra radiates a pure, black hatred that overpowers Jason’s attempts to play it cool. Brunson takes a little longer to hit his stride but eventu-
ally carries the young conqueror with sufficient naïve confidence. He treats her repentance like another military conquest, while she seeks to poison everything around her from sheer spite. The pair forms a wonderful antichemistry, each bringing out the other’s filth while too conceited to achieve real intimacy. While there’s plenty of fodder for bookworms – the script is packed with allusions to the Garden of Eden, St. Augustine, Plato and probably many more classics majors will recognize – Dorfman plays on brainy subject matter without requiring English class dissection. His imagery is attainable but not blunt; the symbolism intellectual, yet pertinent. My seat was one of a handful shoehorned on the stage to
make a fourth side. Handra and Brunson act to the round seamlessly and naturally, but the Allen Bales just isn’t built for it. While those added seats are definitely the best in the house (if you don’t mind the clouds of thespian spit), I doubt if the same intimacy carries to the regular sections. It made me wonder what this department could do with a legitimate flexspace theatre (basically, a great, empty black box to arrange however you want). Whether or not it’s meant for the round, Allen Bales allows the actors a finesse you can’t get in the big auditoriums, and they manage complicated tones of dependence and sexual tension that fall into place as the narrative unfolds. Their only weakness comes at certain points
when the two in turn don white coats and switch from interrogated to interrogator. They never seem really comfortable blending desperate purgatory inmate and divine correction officer. Handra’s bookish alterego especially doesn’t show the hints of affection for her patient I sensed Dorfman was after, though it’s a small price to pay for the sheer intensity of Medea. But emotion-driven narratives are tricky. They’re tricky to write and they’re tricky to do. But when they work, they sing. “Purgatorio” works. Dorfman’s impeccable script is never cryptic nor sentimental, and Kontos doesn’t indulge in “Black Swan” mind-sploitation. Every part feels purposeful and necessary, finding its place in a powerful tale of love and hate.
Arts organizations engage public at amphitheater By Jared Downing Contributing Writer It was what happens when a circus meets a flea market, covering the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater stage in booths, banners, raffle tickets, carnival games, typewriters, quilts, Disney princesses, a robot and a librarian. It was the first ever Community Arts Conversation, a free event lasting from 4 to 7 p.m., sponsored by the Tuscaloosa Arts Council, that gave artists across the county a chance to display their creative offerings, featuring a ballad by the Barbershop Harmony Society, a display of relics from Moundville Archeological Park, and even a man from the Tuscaloosa Public Library, each with a common purpose: to expose their existence to the common folk. “We’re just trying to get the word out,” said Michael Causey, a student at Shelton State Community College who covered the table for the school’s arts program. “Some students don’t even know about it, and they go to Shelton State.” “It’s a chance for all the arts
FACEBOOK Continued from page 1
They have based the new Facebook on feedback offered by more than 100,000 Facebook users. The Wall now gives a faster more constant stream of information about whoever’s wall is being looked at. They also see the personalization of each profile as highly important. There is a new component called “The Timeline” that lets you choose which pictures, stories and updates you want oth-
University of Alabama Creative Campus and The University of Alabama Department of Theater and Dance were two of the organizations at Community Arts Conversations at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
organizations to come together under one roof – for the community to come out and see the organizations,” said Sandra Wolfe, director of the Tuscaloosa Arts Council. The council, based out of the Bama Theatre, acts as an umbrella cooperative for every facet of the creative community in Tuscaloosa. “We have new organizations popping up,” said Kevin
Ledgewood, the organization’s public relations director. Ledgewood said the event helped give a human face to the arts scene, especially larger outfits such as Kentuck and Theater Tuscaloosa. “When you go to a production, you get to see this great performance, but you don’t get to talk to them,” he said. “You don’t get to know what goes on backstage…We always think of
these things as organizations; we don’t think of them as people.” Anna Sarcone and Kelsey Dinbon, both members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, haven’t been very involved in local arts since starting college. “Not until now have I really noticed much of an art scene,” said Denbon, who came to Alabama from Austin, Texas.
“But it’s nice to see this.” “I don’t think Tuscaloosa really screams ‘arts,’” Sarcone said. “It’s cool to see the artsy side of Tuscaloosa.” The event served not only as a chance for outreach but for creative organizations to network within the arts community itself. UA poetry club Pine Slash Press hoped to recruit some dancers for their upcoming Poetry Walk, and off-beat theatre troupe Rude Mechanicals aimed to strengthen ties with other theatre groups in Tuscaloosa. “We often get in the niches of our own worlds,” said Deborah Parker of Rude Mechanicals. “This opens up conversations so perhaps we can do more collaborative efforts.” While Tuscaloosa may not be a likely stop for Wicked or Cirque du Soleil, Ledgewood said he believes personal connection of arts in smaller places gives the city that something that is missing in more happening scenes like Birmingham or Montgomery. “In larger cities, the organizations are so spread out,” he said. “Being a little bit smaller, we know each other.”
ers to see. Old stories that you find more important will not vanish as new, less important stories are updated. Now you can adjust the size of pictures, notes, etc. on your wall to “promote things you care about the most.” The pages have become more emphasized on “Twitter-like” updates so everyone can follow their friends’ lives as they scroll through the site. The frequent changes leave some, like Kathleen Wainwright, a sophomore majoring in nursing, saying, “I think that everything is too
fast-paced and they are overcompensating. But let’s be honest, no one is going to boycott Facebook.” Other changes include a revamped Friends List that shares content with only your closest friends. Also, the improved news ticker allows you to have real-time conversations with friends as soon as they sign in to Facebook. There is also a subscribe button that allows you to fill your newsfeed only with updates and people you want to be on there. Facebook says it “will be reborn; prepare yourselves for
the evolution of social networking.” Other Facebook blogs say the single reason for all the changes is to “become the social layer that supports, powers and connects every single piece of the web, no matter who or what it is or where it lives.” Despite such a positive oversight from the network, users seem to be much more concerned. Some are more optimistic and look forward to the growing social network. “I like it because it seems to somewhat weed out the less important ‘news,’ and it is eas-
ier to navigate between friends and pictures,” Evan Brooks, a sophomore, said. Natalie Duffy, a sophomore majoring in special education, said, “People should accept change. We need variety in our lives. It would be boring if everything was kept the same.” Either way, the overwhelming response is that there is too much change, too fast. Users get comfortable with a certain layout and ability to navigate in the site. When changes are constantly occurring, many are left unsure of how to use a site they visit everyday.
CW | Katie Bennett