The Crimson White

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

GAMEDAY

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This Friday

Serving the University of Alabama since 1894

Students show homecoming spirit in effort to fight hunger

Vol. 118, Issue 35

Debate over gun control continues Group advocates right for concealed carry on campuses

CW | Margo Smith Laura Phillips and Kristy Tippey, members of Materials Advantage Club for Metallurgical Engineering, participate in the Can Formation competition Wednesday afternoon. For more on homecoming, see page 8.

FERPA overused, law’s author says Law not originally intended to apply to student governments By Tray Smith Opinions Editor ralphlesliesmith@gmail.com

the law was never intended to shield records about Student Government Association activities from the public. “Frankly, I don’t think that The United States senator who wrote the federal kind of information entered Family Educational Rights into our calculus,” former U.S. and Privacy Act (FERPA) said Senator James Buckley of New

York told The Crimson White when asked if student government records were outside the original intent of the law. Buckley served in the Senate from 1971 through 1977 and wrote FERPA (also known as the Buckley Amendment) in

Mayor: Tornado death toll expected to increase While the April 27 tornado killed many residents instantly, it is still taking its toll on some.

Almost six months after a deadly tornado struck Tuscaloosa last April, the city’s fatality list is still increasing. On Sept. 29, Mayor Walt Maddox’s office officially added Samuel Brasfield’s name to the list of those killed by the tornado, bringing the total to 52 le this

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See GUNS, page 2

By Melissa Brown Staff Reporter mbrown104@crimson.ua.edu

See SEXTING, page 9

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As the freshly energized debate over allowing firearms on college campuses is brought back into the spotlight by the actions of state legislatures across the country, it is important to remember the event that served as its impetus. The Virginia Tech massacre was the worst killing spree in American history. Colin Goddard survived. He was shot four times by Seung-Hui Cho, who killed 32 people and wounded 16 others in the 2007 rampage. “It was my fourth year,” recounts Goddard in a phone interview from his Washington D.C. office. “I showed up late to French class. A few minutes later, we heard some banging noises outside our room, but we didn’t think it was any cause

Researcher warns of potential consequences

See TORNADO, page 3

CW | Drew Hoover 78 percent of students have received sexually explicit messages on their phones.

INSIDE today’s paper

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By Rich Robinson Contributing Writer

‘Sexting’ messages, images grows popular among college students

dents transferred from nursing home to nursing home, and their condition declined. “[Their] health was so fragile that the move caused health to decline and they passed,” Fisher said. Fisher referenced the La Rocca nursing home in Alberta, which was destroyed in the tornado. Although the

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deaths citywide. “Based on evidence from prior disasters, we expect that as the weeks pass, the number of deaths that could be attributed to the storm may increase,” Maddox said in a press release. Brad Fisher, director of communications at Druid City Hospital, said the number was likely rising because there were a number of elderly resi-

See SGA, page 6

From Scarlett Johansson to Anthony Weiner, there are often high profile “sexting” incidents in the news. For celebrities, it can provide a much needed publicity boost. For politicians, it can ruin careers. But a recent University of Rhode Island survey shows that sexting is not just reserved for public figures: four out of five college students do it, too. The study, reported earlier this summer in Time’s Healthland, found that 78 percent of students admit to receiving sexually explicit messages, while 56 percent said they’ve received explicit images. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 21 states have introduced bills or resolutions aimed at sexting among minors in 2011, and at least 14 states have enacted bills to address the issue. Alabama has not. Between adults, though, sexting is legal. And while most would classify sexting as a private and personal choice, the fact remains that any missteps in the process can make the act very public.

CW File

By April Ivey and Taylor Holland The Crimson White

1974. Buckley’s comments came a week after the UA administration blocked a request for SGA records related to events leading up to the resignation of

CW | Drew Hoover This year, at least 14 states have introduced 35 bills that would allow students and faculty to carry concealed weapons on state colleges and universities.

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

Sports ..................... 11

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

Puzzles.................... 15

Lifestyles.................. 13

Classifieds ............... 15

WEATHER today Clear

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ON THE CALENDAR TODAY

FRIDAY

What: Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market Where: Canterbury Episcopal Chapel When: 3 to 6 p.m.

ON THE

GO

ONLINE

FOOTBALL PRACTICE The Tide gets ready to face Vanderbilt and one of the nations most underrated defenses.

Where: Morgan Auditorium

When: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

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 Tori Hall 348-6153 Rob Clark 348-4367 Will DeShazo 348-8041 Jessica West 348-8054 Ben Gordon 348-8042 Lauren Gallas 348-8042 Coleman Richards Special Projects Account Rep The Crimson White is the community newspaper of The University of Alabama. The Crimson White is an editorially free newspaper produced by students. The University of Alabama cannot influence editorial decisions and editorial opinions are those of the editorial board and do not represent the official opinions of the University. Advertising offices of The Crimson White are on the first floor, Student Publications Building, 923 University Blvd. The advertising mailing address is P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White (USPS 138020) is published four times weekly when classes are in session during Fall and Spring Semester except for the Monday after Spring Break and the Monday after Thanksgiving, and once a week when school is in session for the summer. Marked calendar provided. The Crimson White is provided for free up to three issues. Any other papers are $1.00. The subscription rate for The Crimson White is $125 per year. Checks should be made payable to The University of Alabama and sent to: The Crimson White Subscription Department, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. The Crimson White is entered as periodical postage at Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Crimson White, P.O. Box 2389, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-2389. All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2010 by The Crimson White and protected under the “Work Made for Hire” and “Periodical Publication” categories of the U.S. copyright laws. Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of The Crimson White.

What: Homecoming Reception and Parade Viewing

What: Dance Alabama! Fall Concert

Where: Morgan Auditorium

When: Noon What: Alabama vs. Vanderbilt Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium

Susan Barber, bassoon Where: Moody Music Building When: 7:30 p.m.

When: 6 p.m.

Submit your events to calendar@cw.ua.edu

ON THE MENU LAKESIDE LUNCH Moroccan Vegetable Stew Chicken Parmesan Spinach Dip and Pita Chips Poached Eggs Shrimp Po Boy

DINNER Chicken Fajita Pizza Scalloped Potatoes Fresh Steamed Cauliflower Sweet and Sour Vegan Meatballs Grilled Chicken Thigh

Tony Tsoukalas sports editor

Kyle Carey design editor

logical Park

What: Guest Recital featuring

Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles editor

Adam Greene chief copy editor

Where: Moundville Archaeo-

When: 5:30 p.m.

Jonathan Reed managing editor jonathanreedcw@gmail.com

Tray Smith opinions editor

What: Homecoming Parade Where: University Boulevard When: Noon

Where: Reese Phifer Hall

Concert

Victor Luckerson editor-in-chief editor@cw.ua.edu

Malcolm Cammeron community manager outreach@cw.ua.edu

American Festival, $8 Students, $10 Adults, Kids 5 and under Free

What: Dance Alabama! Fall

VIDEO:

EDITORIAL

Amanda Sams news editor newsdesk@cw.ua.edu

What: Moundville Native

When: All Day

Page 2• Thursday, October 6, 2011

Will Tucker assistant managing editor wjtucker1@gmail.com

SATURDAY

BURKE

BRYANT

FRESH FOOD

LUNCH

LUNCH

LUNCH

Honey Baked BBQ Chicken Jerk Pork Loin Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Cantonese Stir-Fried Vegetables Greek Gyro Sandwich Creamy Tomato Soup (Vegetarian)

Beef Stroganoff Southwest Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy Parmesan Chicken Pizza Four Cheese Pita Wrap Chili Con Carne Penne Pasta (Vegetarian)

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges Black Eyed-Peas Meatball Calzone Pesto Cavatappi Vegetable Stuffed Pita (Vegetarian)

ON CAMPUS UA Grad named one of the most powerful women in business Marillyn Hewson, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Systems business area and a University of Alabama graduate, was recently ranked 27 in Fortune’s annual list of America’s 50 most powerful women in business, up from 32 last year. Hewson earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and

her master’s degree in economics from the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration at The University of Alabama. As executive vice president, Hewson increased revenue and operating profit for her division, the largest in Lockheed Martin, one of the largest defense contractors in the world.

Anderson Society holds T-shirt sale for tornado victims The Anderson Society, a leadership honorary that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the University of Alabama, is hosting its annual homecoming t-shirt sale through Oct. 11. T-shirts cost $10, and all proceeds will ben-

GUNS

Homecoming parade time set

efit a Tuscaloosa school that was damaged by the April 27 tornadoes. Anderson Society members will be selling t-shirts in the Ferguson Center Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cash, check and Bama Cash are accepted.

“Out of the 17 people in my French class, I am one of seven to have survived,” continued Continued from page 1 Goddard, now the assistant for alarm because there had director of legislative affairs for been construction on the build- the Brady Campaign to Prevent ing next door all semester. Gun Violence. “I believe I was a When they got a lot closer and a victim of this crime because of lot louder, then we realized that a missing piece in our criminal background check system. That maybe this is not construction.

The University of Alabama Homecoming Parade will begin at noon on Saturday, Oct. 8, prior to the game against Vanderbilt University at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 6 p.m.

Aquatic Center weight room now features instructional videos The University of Alabama Aquatic Center Weight Room now features a series of videos available online that give some helpful hints on how to stay safe during your workout. The

videos are available online at urec. ua.edu under the “Aquatics” tab. Each machine also features a QR code that can be scanned by a smart phone to play the video.

local county sheriff’s office. The sheriff has the discretion to run a background check, although it is not required. If the application is accepted, the permit is good for a year. David Shamp, the state director for Students for Concealed Carry On Campus and an Auburn University student, said firearms make all humans equal. “I support Concealed Carry on Campus because I know that peoples’ option to self-defense shouldn’t end the moment they step on a public college campus,” he said. Lott agrees with Shamp’s views and said he believes antigun groups have misrepresented the debate in regards to danger. “71 college campuses allow students with permits to carry concealed handguns, and many more let faculty carry, some for over a decade,” Lott said. “But none, absolutely none of these schools have experienced the type of harm predicted by opponents.” But Richard Fording, chair of the political science department at the University, said allowing guns on campus would create a negative learning environment. “I understand why some students support this, but I think many faculty would feel very uncomfortable with it,” Fording said. “I think faculty and students alike would feel more

is why we need laws in place to make it difficult for dangerous people to obtain dangerous weapons.” In Alabama, it is legal to carry a concealed firearm, but the University of Alabama does not allow them or any other type of weapon on campus as pursuant to its code of conduct. “Possession of firearms, ammunition and weapons by students is not allowed on campus,” the code reads. “The University of Alabama Police Department will register and store guns for students.” However, John Lott, a Fox News contributor and author of the bestselling book “More Guns, Less Crime,” said he believes students should be allowed to carry a firearm on campus. “Not only does the overwhelming research on right-tocarry laws show that letting citizens defend themselves reduces violent crime, but schools that have allowed permitted concealed handguns have seen drops in crime there also,” Lott said. “No gun ban around the world has produced a drop in murder rates. Gun-free zones are a magnet for crimes of all kinds. In addition, even the strictest gun regulations or bans haven’t stopped multiple victim public shootings from occurring.” In Alabama, a person must obtain a pistol permit at their

inhibited on campus, and this is not the type of atmosphere we want to promote on a major university campus.” Fording said if guns were allowed on campus, teachers would be less likely to engage in discussions over controversial and emotional issues, and might even fear upsetting students by giving them failing grades. Lott, however, said he thinks Fording’s fear is unfounded. “Despite predictions about innocent blood being shed, no right-to-carry state has even held legislative hearings about rescinding the law,” Lott said. “Just as with these other places, the debate over letting permitted concealed handguns on college campuses will quickly be forgotten.” However, this year alone, at least 14 states have introduced 35 bills that would allow students and faculty to carry concealed weapons on college campuses and loosen restrictions on gun bans, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. While many talk about this issue, Goddard has lived it over and over again in his mind for four years. “I have thought about that day transpiring every which way, from me saving the day, to me being killed.” Goddard said. “The sooner that I can understand what happened, the sooner I can move forward.”

ON THE RADAR

Innovator, Apple founder Steve Jobs dies From MCT Campus LOS ANGELES – Steven P. Jobs, the charismatic technology pioneer who co-founded Apple Inc. and transformed one industry after another, from computers and smartphones to music and movies, has died. He was 56. Apple announced the death of Jobs – whose legacy included the Apple II, Macintosh, iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad – on Wednesday. “We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” Apple said. “Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.” He had resigned as chief executive of Apple in August, after struggling with illness for nearly a decade, including

a bout with pancreatic cancer in 2003 and a liver transplant six years later. Few public companies were as entwined with their leaders as Apple was with Jobs, who co-founded the computer maker in his parents’ Silicon Valley garage in 1976, and decades later – in a comeback as stunning as it seemed improbable – plucked it from near-bankruptcy and turned it into the world’s most valuable technology company. Jobs spoke of his desire to make “a dent in the universe,” bringing a messianic intensity to his message that technology was a tool to improve human life and unleash creativity. “His ability to always come around and figure out where that next bet should be has been phenomenal,” Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates, the high-tech mogul with whom Jobs was most closely compared, said in 2007.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Thursday, October 6, 2011

3

Social Media sites look to stand out in crowded field By Olivia Hodge and Rich Robinson Contributing Writers

As the rise of social media continues to take the entire world by storm, members of the University of Alabama community are beginning to adapt. One such social media website is Twitter, which is employed by students and professors

alike to convey information quickly and conveniently. Chris Roberts, assistant professor of journalism, uses the Twitter account @MassComm101 to provide his students with links to articles that are relevant to class discussions. Many organizations and departments on campus also use Twitter to talk to students, such as Gorgas Library

(@GorgasLib), the SGA Senate (@UA_SGASenate), and the College of Communication and Information Sciences (@ UACCIS). The University of Alabama even has its own official Twitter page, @ UofAlabama. So, what does it take to be a social media site? Just ask Pinterest, the newest kid on the proverbal block. “Pinterest is a

What Students Are Saying... “I also blog and have a Linkedin because of the people who read my blog.” - Victoria Morrison “It’s my creative outlet for thoughts about movies, tv shows, and books.”

- Alex Moffitt “I just really like how all of the updates are short and sweet, compared to some of the novels people post on Facebook. I especially enjoy getting news updates from different news twitters, which helps me feel a little more informed.” - Natalie Nichols “I like pinterest because I’m a very visually-oriented person. It lets me share designs (fashion or otherwise) and art that I like and find other people who like the same thing. Basically, it’s like a streamlined Facebook for design gluttons like me.” - Ann Elizabeth Sovereign “Google+ is a really interesting. I really like the new Hangout feature that allows you to have up to 10 people in one chat. The big downside right now is that there aren’t a lot of people with accounts and the newsfeed can get kind of confusing.” - Kyle Borland “I use Facebook as more of a professional networking component. I use it to send and receive messages from the various clubs and organizations that I am and have been involved in. If used responsibly, I believe Facebook could be an excellent tool for the networking of professionals.” - Aaron Brazelton

TORNADO Continued from page 1

building itself is no longer standing, all of its residents survived the storm and had to be moved to other nursing homes, according to The Tuscaloosa News. In the weeks following the tornado, however, as many as 10 residents died, the article said. John Brook, co-incident commander for the city, said the storm’s mental and physical impact on the elderly had a different effect than on others.

“Many elderly were impacted by the storm,” Brook said. “Many didn’t sustain injuries but were impacted. In the months since, we’ve been contacted by their family members, who explain how the storm affected their loved ones, and if they want their name to be included on the list, we include them.” Brook said the city is adding names to the April 27 death toll simply because it seems the right and human thing to do. “There’s no federal funding increase and no death benefits,” Brook said. “But as we

look back, they were affected by the storm, and we want to honor their lives.” Following the addition of the fifty-first name to the fatalities list, Maddox said he was not surprised the list was still growing. “One of the things we learned early in this process is that, unfortunately, one of the most affected parts of the population is seniors,” Maddox said. “And when something like the storm complicates a preexisting condition, sometimes that leads to their passing and adds to the death toll.”

virtual pinboard,” according to their website. “It lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.” A pin is an image added by a user that can then be liked, re-pinned, or commented on by other users. One of Pinterest’s most unique features is the gift option, which displays the price of pinned photos of objects available for purchase from other websites. The gift option allows users to keep track of their budget when planning an event and also lets users search for gifts by sorting gift pins by price range. Due to its popularity, those wishing to join Pinterest must have an invite. Current members can invite their friends, and invites can be obtained by requesting one directly from the site’s homepage. However, some users prefer tried and true sites such as Facebook, which has been around for years. “Last week, in a single day, we had half a billion people

share on Facebook for the first time,” company founder Mark Zuckerberg said at a corporate conference in September. However, despite his brainchild’s great success and immense popularity, Zuckerberg said he understands the importance of constantly evolving in social media at the same conference. Social networking sites are often unstable, each at risk of losing their users to the next big site that comes along. The first real social media giant and forerunner of Facebook was Myspace. However, Myspace has fallen on hard times as of late, as shown by the company’s admission last November that it lost more than nine million members in one year. The site is down to roughly 54 million members in total. By comparison, Facebook boasts more than 800 million active users, with more than 50 percent logging on at least once a day. Victoria Morrison, a fresh-

man majoring in telecommunications and film, explains why she stopped using Myspace. “I used Myspace for a long time, but I stopped because it was no longer up to par,” Morrison said. “It became too cluttered and was just no longer fun to use.” Morrison is now an avid Facebook user and said she is on the social media site for no less than three hours per day. Pinterest, along with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Myspace, LinkedIn and Google+, also has its own free iPhone application available for download so users can take their social media on the go. “Due to the fact that smartphones have the awesome capability of connecting and enhancing the social media networks, I spend about 30 to 40 hours a week on some form of social website,” said Aaron Brazelton, a student majoring in secondary education language arts and international studies.

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OPINIONS Thursday, October 6, 2011 Editor • Tray Smith letters@cw.ua.edu Page 4

{ YOUR VIEW } WEB COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO, “WHO CARES ABOUT THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION, ANYWAY?” “So you sat down to write about how other people were wasting time writing about things that donʼt matter, and somebody printed that. Fantastic satire, really. I anxiously await your next letter, responding to the comments section. Iʼm sure it will be brilliant.” — Brad Erthal

“I totally agree. There are certainly alot more important issues to write about. The SGA is comprised of 18-22 yr olds who do the best job they can. It requires (a lot) of responsibility. The fact that a leader is willing to take responsibility for someone under his watch is admirable in my opinion.” — msbama82003

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.

Lasting change is possible here at the Capstone By Tray Smith @ralphlsmith

SGA requires a strong monarch By John Davis @JohnMcleodDavis

tic. Think of the queen as Batman, except without the husky voice. Now, whom do you want to vote for? It could have been me. I could have been the symbol of not what the student body needed, but what it deserved. A symbol to be chased and hated, because I can take it. But now, as I sit in a dimly lit room with a cigar, a glass of brandy, and my faithful bloodhound Skeletor, I can only pen these final words while I watch the student body of The University of Alabama make a mistake so profoundly fatal that it can only end in mutually-assured destruction. Her Majesty’s Government would have revolutionized the way we look at student government. It would have allowed our future leaders to make their mistakes and live through their growing pains without the cruel mistress, otherwise known as public opinion, breathing down their collective neck. It is not too late, of course. We can still elevate one of those in the homecoming court to the position of Queen of UA – I only fear we do not have the candidates capable of withstanding the abuse. The homecoming court was chosen based on merits of philanthropy and community engagement – merits based on appreciation of one’s surroundings and a general sense of goodwill among neighbors. But what would happen when those neighbors turned on you for, I don’t know, using $4,700 of the SGA budget for a trip to California without approval, despite the explicit rules stating you must have approval for anything over $1000? You know what I’d do? I’d go back to California, just to prove I didn’t need the money anyway. You’d hate me. You’d all hate me. But you’d also love me, because I could do the things you only dreamed of doing, shout the things you’d only whisper, and you would live vicariously through me as I rode a glorious wave of self-righteousness all the way to the President’s Mansion where, incidentally, no one lives.

It has come to my attention that I have inexplicably not been chosen for the 2011 homecoming court. Since conceding is for chumps, I am going to take the opportunity to abuse my position as senior staff columnist to elaborate on my plans, had I won the prestigious title of homecoming queen. It is painfully evident that the student body does not fully understand the role the homecoming queen plays in everyday life here at UA. Since this is most likely due to the fact that the queen does not actually play any one particular role, I intend to use this space to outline my intentions to turn the Student Government Association into a constitutional monarchy, the likes of which the world has never seen. As it stands, the SGA is led by a man no one elected, with a non-existent executive vice president and a legislative body that enjoys long, bureaucratic walks on the beach and arguing over who gets to call special sessions of legislative bodies with no set purpose or tangible function. What I propose will allow these individuals to continue doing what they love so much without any further plummeting in student popularity. What I propose is that the homecoming queen take charge of the SGA, providing a beautiful, wonderful figurehead that everyone loves and abhors. The queen will have no actual, written authority beyond serving as a symbol to distract the masses, while the John Davis is a junior majoring in telecommunicaSGA continues to debate the merits of paper vs. plas- tion and film. His column runs on Mondays.

Welcome to the family, Aggies By SoRelle Wyckoff @sorellew

And speaking of “the Bear,” you the level of competition for the know where he was right before other schools. The new brother is also differ- “Momma called” and he found The SEC is a family; a family ent because he’s from Texas. Yes, his home at the University of focused on tradition, good football not technically the southeastern Alabama? A&M. And he’s a legand, well, winning. The SEC fami- region of the United States, but it end there, too. But, now that we have accepted ly prides itself in holding the most does mean the recruiting field for football national championships of any conference, mostly thanks Please, for your sake and ours, A&M, start winning. We know to the University of Alabama. It’s the first half of the Arkansas game was impressive, but learn a title that no other family can claim. to close. The games are only going to get harder next year, So when the parents of the SEC and we’d hate to have to leave our new little brother in the announced the arrival of a new dust. child, some of the siblings started to worry. First of all, why do we need a the arrival of this new little brothnew little brother? The SEC hasn’t the SEC just expanded. The number of Texas recruits in er, we as an older sibling have a changed for 20 years, why bother the SEC is already high, but now few tips. with changing now? Please, for your sake and ours, Secondly, what is this going to that the Aggies have joined the do to our family’s image? We have greatest football conference in the A&M, start winning. We know the a history of winning, and as much nation, their recruits are going to first half of the Arkansas game was impressive, but learn to close. as we’d like to welcome a new increase significantly. And the new sibling is going to The games are only going to get bouncing baby Aggie, we don’t have time to wait for the team to click instantly with some of his harder next year, and we’d hate to grow up into the proud SEC fam- older brothers. LSU and Arkansas have to leave our new little brothily member that we have become will become instant rivals, prac- er in the dust. Also, be cool. We know you’re tically sharing a bathroom with accustomed to. But as hard as is it is for us A&M because their rooms are so excited, but some of your older brothers aren’t. So, until they to admit it, parents always know close. The amount of Texas students at have warmed up to you, keep the best. The addition of Texas A&M LSU, and arguably Alabama, will smack talk to a minimum. Lastly, try to prepare yourself. University to the SEC, while a make any A&M game an event for change in our traditional SEC at least 20% of the student popu- This is a proud family – some family, will bring many opportu- lation. This excitement from the might call us “the Joneses.” When nities and positive influences into minority will trickle throughout your first game day against a felthe rest of the campus, making the low family member does arrive, our conference. just be confident – they’re only A&M has a basketball program A&M game excitingly personal. And while the Aggies are not going to bully you for a while. that usually outshines ours. Also, their women’s basketball, ten- part of the tradition of the SEC, There is a reason you have been nis, track and baseball give them they are a school that encompass- included in such a winning tradies tradition. Almost every quirk tion, so prove yourself and show other bragging rights. And when the little brother of their school is justified by tradi- that Aggie pride. Thanks, and gig’ em. needs someone to practice shoot- tion, and their football team is no ing hoops with, he’s going to go different. They take pride in their inside and grab his other siblings. “12th man” and yell leader tradi- SoRelle Wycoff is a junior majorBy adding these teams to our con- tions, just as we do “the Bear” ing in history and English. Her column runs on Mondays. ference, this will then increase and, well, winning.

R e c e n t l y, a friend who is s o m ewh at removed from student politics commented calmly and observantly about how exciting it is to watch campus change. His remarks were hardly extraordinary; columnists and student leaders remark about our changing campus frequently. In 2009, Crimson White editor Victor Luckerson even founded a publication dedicated to the idea. He called it “Changing Tides.” But what is remarkable, what is unique about our current situation is the extent to which these changes are being noticed by a large swath of the student body. I have heard the same sentiment echoed repeatedly – students sense that things are different – that the old rules don’t apply, that the ground is shifting beneath us, that campus isn’t changing like it normally changes, by bringing in new students and graduating older ones, that these changes aren’t being steered by any one person, group or institution but are the culmination of many different developments feeding off each other. This has created a growing sense of uncertainty about what campus will look like, not just by the time our freshman class graduates, but by the time this senior class graduates. And that uncertainty has fed confusion. There is a general sense of, what do we do? How do we take advantage of this moment? We have already witnessed many significant, unusual events. In the last two years alone, we have opened a new amphitheater, bought the Bryce property and expanded our stadium. We have been rocked with natural disaster, shocked with scandal and reigned victorious in a BCS National Championship. We have watched student enrollment climb to record highs and become embroiled in a conver-

By growing our student body and expanding our campus, the administration is forcing other changes to our culture and community. Whether it is doing so intentionally or not, we, as students, have an opportunity to seize this moment to reshape the institutions and organizations that make up our campus for a new era in Capstone history.

sation over whether the administration is trying to build a university or grow a business. Either way, though, by growing our student body and expanding our campus, the administration is forcing other changes to our culture and community. Whether it is doing so intentionally or not, we, as students, have an opportunity to seize this moment to reshape the institutions and organizations that make up our campus for a new era in Capstone history. The same growing pains that force us to evaluate problems like parking and traffic open a window for us to address other issues, like freshman mentoring, greek recruitment, dining services and the quality of our courses and our curriculum. But what is our end goal? What do students want? What do the types of students we want to attract to our University in the future want? Towards the end of last year, I spoke with a group of students about these issues. Almost universally, they wanted, first and foremost, to create an environment of more equal opportunity for students. That means more opportunities for students to connect with one another and identify likeminded peers, more small classes and seminars that allow for expansive conversations about pressing topics, and, especially in the wake of the tornado, more opportunities to invest in and connect with the Tuscaloosa community. It means more inclusivity across campus and more opportunities in student organizations. But the most important opportunity this moment affords is the ability to connect with students who for years haven’t paid much attention to campus events, either because their hopelessness led to apathy or they thought their interests were being safely guarded. Now, they are paying attention. They are chomping at the bit for someone to engage them, to ask them what they think. It is imperative that student leaders and administrators take advantage of this opportunity and reach out. We are blessed to go to a great school at a great moment. We can celebrate our traditions while defining new ones. We can build on our strengths while overcoming our weaknesses. We can do more to shape the trajectory of The University of Alabama than any generation of students in decades. But we must grab ahold of our own fate and not let events shape it for us.

Tray Smith is the opinions editor of The Crimson White. His column runs on Thursdays.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Thursday, October 5, 2011

5

Past homecomings included elephants, conga lines By Heather Lightsey Contributing Writer Since the University of Alabama held its first official homecoming game in 1920, it has become a celebration rich in tradition, much like the rest of the University. Now, the University is working on its 91st annual homecoming. While some of these traditions have been lost or forgotten, many of them have developed into what is now known as homecoming week each year. The first homecoming, which took place two years after the end of World War I, was originally held as a way for alumni from various parts of the country to return and see the changes at the Capstone. The Crimson Tide faced LSU on Nov. 11, 1920, then known as Armistice Day. Prior to the game, a program honoring many WWI veterans was held on campus, according to a 2008 rolltide.com article. Governor Thomas Kilby attended the festivities, along with members of the UA Board of Trustees. At halftime, a 3-mile road race was held involving teams from Alabama, LSU, Birmingham Athletic Club and Georgia, the article said. The race began in front of the gym and extended to the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse then along University Avenue, ending in front of the bleachers at Denny Field. After the Tide won the game 21-0, students then concluded the day with a homecoming dance sponsored by the Cotillion Club. Then came the 1930s and the Great Depression. Homecoming wasn’t a lavish affair during these years. However, according to Camille Elebash, a Tuscaloosa native and former UA professor, that didn’t make it any less enjoyable. Elebash was a child during the 1930s, but she can still remember the bonfires on the Quad, and something she called the “snake dance.” “It was like a conga line that went from the Quad to downtown,” Elebash said. “My

1921 1920

First Alabama Homecoming Game Ever We played LSU, World War I Veterans were honored before kickoff

2010

Homecoming Through the Years

1958

Our First Homecoming Parade

1973

Bear Bryant Starts 25-game Streak

Led by Col. Wells, Head of the Military Dept. at the University

1930s

This Conga line stretched from the Quad to Downtown

Sororites create lawn decorations, there is a step show, basketball and dodgeball tournaments, et. al

Terry Points is First African-American Homecoming Queen

The Bear was 25-0 for Homecoming games during his tenure

Homecoming Conga Line, aka. Snake Dance

Sorority Girls Pomp for 30 or more Hours

1940s

1988

Loss Against Ole Miss Causes Discord

Homecoming Queens Rode Elephants

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These elephants were rented for the Queen to ride on during the Parade

“Homecoming queens have not and probably will not change. For as long as I can remember, a sorority member has won homecoming queen.” —Karah Sims There was no homecoming game in 1943 due to World War II, Elebash said. During this time, the fight for homecoming queen became popular. Today, students couldn’t imagine homecoming without a queen. In 1973, the University crowned its first African-American homecom-

ing queen, Terry Points. “Homecoming queens have not and probably will not change,” said Karah Sims, a senior majoring in athletic training and general health studies. “For as long as I can remember, a sorority member has won homecoming queen.” Former UA President Roger

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Sayers said homecoming queen was a special part of homecoming for him because his wife was crowned UA homecoming queen in 1958. Sayers also recalled events from his time as president of the University, from 1988-1996, and the particularly poignant loss to Ole Miss in 1988’s homecoming game. “We thought we would win the game, so we decided instead of having a pre-game function, we would have something after the game,” Sayers said. “After the loss, no one showed up to the function because everyone was so upset.”

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Submitted photo In early homecoming parades, the homecoming queen rode on an elephant in the parade. parents were horrified when I tried to grab on to someone’s hips. I remember there were big bonfires with a lot of fun and noise.” Fast forward 10 years, and Alabama began having homecoming queen elections, with the winner making an appearance in the homecoming parade, which started in 1921, riding on none other than

Alamite, the University’s unofficial mascot – a live elephant. The elephants made appearances in the 1940s, but due to the dangers of having live animals of that size in the parade, this tradition soon ended. Elebash, who was a student at the University during this time, said she remembers a live elephant being in the parade only one year.

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

NEWS

The Crimson White

A look inside the recycling process at the University By Sydney Newman Contributing Writer Every item placed in a recycling bin on the UA campus is taken to the University Recycling Center. Located on 14th Street, the University Recycling Center is the destination for typical recyclable products: aluminum cans, plastic, scrap metal and wood and paper of all types. However, the center is also capable of recycling many other products not commonly thought of as recyclable – grease and compost from the dining halls, cell phones, light bulbs – the list goes on.

Other common recyclable materials are motor oil and car batteries from University vehicles, computer parts – including the monitor, mouse, keyboard, console, printer, scanner and even toner cartridges. From October 2010 to August 2011, the Recycling Center recycled 2,405,882 pounds of material from campus. “If a student puts a plastic bottle in a UA recycling container on Thursday afternoon, the UA Recycling department would collect the recycling bag on Friday morning, and our recycling vendor would pick the plastic item up on Friday afternoon,” said Tony Johnson,

UA Recycling has saved, as of September 7, 2011: 10,150 trees 226,875 gallons of oil 2,388,160 kilowatts of energy 4,179,280 gallons of water

August 2011 212,980 lbs. paper 17,360 lbs. plastic

Total savings of UA Recycling

16,800 lbs. Bama Dining compost 6,172 lbs. electronic waste

CW | Katherine Martin executive director of the Recycling Center. “The recycling vendor would process the items within five business days and ship to the manufacturer that processes plastic to be recycled. “The recycled plastic item could be back on the grocery shelf in as little as 60 days, and aluminum cans can be back on a grocery shelf in as little as 30 days.”

Johnson said the University as a whole is doing a great job with recycling waste. The best way to improve the recycling process, he said, is to make a conscious effort to place any recyclable waste in the recycling containers instead of throwing those items away. The Center faced new obstacles following the destruction caused by the April 27 tornado. With the city of Tuscaloosa

now relying on them for their recycling needs, Johnson said the recycling volume has increase greatly in the past months. “We are accepting and processing about 25 tons of paper, cardboard, cans and plastic,” he said. “We shipped out eight tractor-trailer loads of baled paper and cardboard, along with plastic for the month of August, and shipped out

another five tractor-trailer loads in the month of September. These two months alone represent 253 tons that have been recycled and diverted from the local landfill.” For more information, visit the UA Recycling website at financialaffairs.ua.edu/admin/ lss/recycle. For more information on the University’s effort to “Go Green,” visit gogreen.ua.edu.

SGA

the Ferguson Center Forum. “The goal of this resolution is to help the process of restoring student confidence in the SGA’s ideals of transparency and honesty,” Tipper said. “We want to show the students that we are still working for them and for their voice, even amid controversy. It is our hope that the UA administration will hear our request and allow for the disclosure of these documents.” Jim Bradshaw, a spokesman for the United States Department of Education, the federal agency responsible for enforcing FERPA, said universities have discretion in deciding whether or not records maintained by a student government are considered educational records protected by FERPA. “We have not issued specific guidance on whether records created by a student government association are considered education records,” Bradshaw said. “Until such time as we do issue guidance on this issue, we generally leave it up to the school to determine whether these types of records fall under the definition of education records and thus can be released.” When asked for comment,

UA spokeswoman Deborah Lane did not provide an explanation for why the administration determined the SGA records related to Cochran’s resignation fell under the umbrella of FERPA. “That does not sound like an educational record to me,” Buckley said. “[This situation] is not the educational record; it’s what the kids do outside of the classroom.” He later specified that whether or not the documents can be released would ultimately depend on whether they fall under the statutory definition of “educational records.” Buckley said he wrote FERPA out of a concern for parents who couldn’t access their children’s educational records. “My basic concern was roused by an article that appeared in Parade magazine in the mid-1970s, which focused on a huge problem that parents were having…trying to get information that was in school records about their children, and the schools refused to divulge it to them,” he said. “Nevertheless, a lot of that information was being used to channel a student to one class or another. “One problem is this law

was passed over 40 years ago, and all kinds of interpretations were added over time,“ he said. “I do know college administrations have played a lot of games with it. There’s a lot of stonewalling going on.” Buckley, a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, later served on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, said that while the University may have some discretion in defining educational records, state law leaves no discretion as to whether or not government records have to be released. “The obligation to disclose government records is clear under state law,” LoMonte said. “Unless a document is exempt from disclosure, then the state has no discretion – if it has the record, it must disclose. I see nothing in the federal law, and the DOE now says it knows of nothing instructing colleges to withhold records created and kept by student governments. Since there is no such guidance, then it is abundantly clear that the university could disclose without any federal penalty.”

Continued from page 1

former SGA president Grant Cochran. UA officials said the records were protected from disclosure by FERPA. In response, SGA Senator Brad Tipper plans to introduce a resolution at tonight’s senate meeting, requesting that the administration allow for the release of all documents relating to recent allegations of corruption in the SGA. The meeting will be held at 6:15 in

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The Crimson White

Thursday, October 6, 2011

7

8 Thursday, October 6, 2011

NEWS

Ambassadors introduce greek life By Chuck Matula Contributing Writer Thousands of freshmen come to the University of Alabama each fall interested in getting involved with greek life but with little or no idea what to expect. The UA Greek Ambassador Program is working to help incoming students by introducing this part of campus to them and their parents. The Greek Ambassadors Program is an initiative aimed at getting current UA fraternity and sorority members involved in recruiting the next generation of UA greeks, as well as providing information to students and parents interested in the UA greek community, said Matt Calderone, president of the program. “Greek Ambassadors will meet with these students to talk about campus life, the greek community and give them a

tour of the campus and greek houses,” Calderone said. Being chosen to represent the greek community to incoming freshmen offers opportunities beyond showing chapter houses and the campus. According to the Greek Life page of UA’s website, ambassadors conduct tours and have opportunities throughout the year for personal, professional and leadership development opportunities. “It’s an important program, because it gives us an opportunity to show parents and freshmen all the good the greek community does and all it brings to the table,” said Breanna Thackerson, a senior majoring in journalism. Tours are also open to upperclassmen, Thackerson said. A rigorous application and selection process ensures that not just any greek member on campus can be an ambassador.

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Through the selection process, an elite group of students who are well qualified to represent the greek community are chosen. “People in different greek organizations apply and are selected by a committee for interviews in October,” Thackerson said. “If your interview goes well, then you have to learn about the greek system at Alabama and pass a test covering the information before you can even begin giving tours.” Although last year was the program’s pilot year, results are already apparent. “Greek Ambassadors has already provided tours of the UA campus and greek community to over 200 individuals interested in UA greek life,” Calderone said. “It is my hope that UA Greek Ambassadors can continue to provide tours and information to every potential UA student who seeks such

information.” The program represents every council present at the University, including National Pan-Hellenic Council, United Greek Council, Panhellenic, and Interfraternity Council. The variety of councils makes it possible for all interested students to get a view of what greek life might be like, regardless of what council they want to join. Any member of the greek community may apply, and applications were due in September. The sense of satisfaction for Calderone doesn’t just come from helping incoming potential greek students and their parents. “The most rewarding part about being a Greek Ambassador is that you are truly making a contribution towards the sustainability and success of not only the greek community, but the University of Alabama as well,” he said.

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The Crimson White

Homecoming events have large turnouts By Brett Saunders and Jordan Cissell Contributing Writers Homecoming this year has reached its halfway point, and so far, many student organizations and faculty members have participated in this opportunity for fun and community service. Monday night had bowling, Tuesday night had the basketball tournament and Wednesday had Canformation and the dodgeball tournament. The basketball tournament involved 33 student organizations including greek organizations and special interest organizations. Each group played a 15-minute three-onthree game, with the winner advancing further in the tournament. Supporters cheered their teammates on from the sidelines, bearing signs such as “Chi Omega loves the Tide!” “Everything is going great so far, and everyone has a good attitude,” said Katie Mellown, the executive director of homecoming. “Each team receives points depending on how well they do in the tournaments.” Points are compiled at the end of the week, and the group with the most points wins. “This is a great way to reach out to all of the organizations at the University,” said Victoria Bergerson, a senior and director of campus outreach. While the basketball teams battled it out for the victory, Big Al showed up to support the popular homecoming event. Alex Campisi, the director of athletic events, was also in attendance at the tournament, which she had been working on since February. “My job is to take all of the organizations who signed up

My job is to take all of the organizations who signed up and put them in brackets and also create the tournament and make sure that everything goes the way it should. This is one of my favorite events. — Alex Campisi

and put them in brackets and also create the tournament and make sure that everything goes the way it should,” Campisi said. “This is one of my favorite events.” Wednesday’s Canformation was the choice event for student philanthropists. 22 student organizations used 50 cans or more to put together a design. The can designs are judged Thursday. “This is the second year we’ve had this program, and I think it’s going to be even more successful than last year,” said Andre Davis, director of service projects at the University. “Not many people have heard of Canformation. It’s really underrated, but we raise a lot of food to give to the West Alabama Food Bank.” Theta Tau, a co-ed engineering fraternity, was present at the event, shaping their cans into the form of a tank. “We all love tanks, and our float in the parade is going to be a guy’s car that we turned into a tank,” said Robert Sherry, a senior member. “So we decided to make our Canformation model a tank, too.” Homecoming events will end with the parade and the bonfire on Friday before the football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

9 Thursday, October 6, 2011

NEWS

Beat Auburn Beat Hunger set to kick off Jasmine Cannon Senior Staff Reporter jmcannon@crimson.ua.edu

The Community Service Center and the West Alabama Food Bank are teaming up to host the annual food drive competition to fight hunger while competing against Auburn University. The Beat Auburn Beat Hunger kick-off festivities begin Monday, Oct. 10. “Beat Auburn Beat Hunger is one of the oldest traditions and most unifying things on campus that allows students to give back to the community that is in such great need,” said Charlotte Brown, CSC student director for hunger and homelessness. At 11 a.m., there will be music, food, giveaways and Big Al in the Ferguson Center Plaza, marking the beginning of the food drive. Students can stop by the Plaza or Reese Phifer and make a donation towards the pie-throwing contest. Contestants for the contest include Shane Sharpe, dean of the Honors College, and Barrett Jones, offensive lineman on the football team. The contestant with the most money in their jar will receive a pie in the face on Oct. 12 at noon in the Ferg Plaza. The person who donates the most will throw the pie. “I would like to see students and student organizations come out and start the food competition off strong and come out, spread the word around campus and get energized for the six weeks ahead of us,” Brown said. All proceeds from UA go to the West Alabama Food Bank, and donations from Auburn go to the East Alabama Food Bank. “The West Alabama Food Bank helps the Tuscaloosa community, but it also helps the counties surrounding Tuscaloosa, as well,” said Wahnee Sherman, director of the CSC. “This is a wonderful way for students to get involved in a very practical way. Students have been so great since the tornado; this is another way for them to continue what they’ve already done and to make an impact here in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area.” Each year, the sponsoring

Photo courtesy of the Community Service Center Shane Sharpe, Dean of the Honors College, gets pied in the face during an event for Beat Auburn Beat Hunger on Oct. 13, 2010. groups try to implement new activities for students to get involved in. On Monday, there will be the Stamp Out Hunger letter-writing campaign in Gorgas 205 from 6 to 10 p.m. Participants can personalize letters and emails and send them to family members and friends. There will be refreshments and prizes for the student who sends the most letters and/or emails. All envelopes and stamps will be provided, along with the premade letter. The 5K race will take place Nov. 6 and is open to everyone in the community. Registration forms can be found on the BABH website, beatauburnbeathunger. ua.edu. The creation of volunteer committees has also been added to the mix. “Having the committees helps a lot more people get involved,” Sherman said. “We know that people want to give donations every year, but this is another way for them to get involved and really feel like they’re helping out, because we need their help. We want more people to feel involved and invested in the process.” Students can sign up to volunteer on the BABH website. BABH will run until Nov. 18, and the winner of the competition will be announced at the Iron Bowl in Auburn. According to Brown, 13 of the 17 BABH winners have gone on to win the game. Although

PIE CONTESTANTS • Dr. Jim Hall, Dean of New College • Dr. Shane Sharpe, Dean of Honors College • Ashley Getwan, Panhellenic President

The Crimson White

SEXTING Continued from page 1

Weiner accidently exposed his pictures on Twitter when attempting to send a private message. Johansson and other celebrities fell prey to phone hackers. Jaded exes have been known to release explicit videos. So why do people continue to make themselves susceptible to this literal public exposure? Mary Katharine Alsip, a researcher for the University of Alabama Institute for Communication and Information Research, said it has to do with younger generations’ affinity for technology. “Many students who sext think that they are more tech-savvy than someone like Anthony Weiner,” Alsip said. “This gives them a false sense of security that they know more than the people who are victims of hacking, theft or simply losing a phone.” The University of Rhode Island study reports 73 percent of sexting messages were sent to a current romantic partner – a fact Alsip said does not safeguard your privacy. Citing pop culture references, Alsip said students might have a skewed sense of real life consequences, even when sexting a trusted partner.

“In ‘Gossip Girl,’ one character was applauded for pointing out that, ‘Sexting is…off limits until you’re in a relationship.’ The problem with this advice is that it assumes that there is no chance that a bitter breakup [could happen] or accidentally misplacing a phone could still result in those exchanges falling into the wrong hands,” Alsip said. Alsip said she believes pop culture examples of sexting without any consequences can

behind a screen and doing something is less embarrassing than doing it in person may contribute to the current trend. “If you take your clothes off in a room with six other people, they’re the only ones who are going to see it,” Alsip said. “If pictures of you with your clothes off are sent to six people who then send it to their friends, pretty soon what felt like a less embarrassing situation has become a disaster.” In the end, while it might

Many students who sext think that they are more techsavvy than someone like Anthony Weiner. This gives them a false sense of security that they know more than the people who are victims of hacking, theft or simply losing a phone. —Mary Katharine Alsip lead people to underestimate the possible ramifications of their actions. “Viewers are coming of age, watching characters make flippant remarks and acting without fear of repercussions, so they feel like not only is this behavior safe and okay, it’s normal and expected of them,” Alsip said. “Just as many television characters who have promiscuous sex almost never face pregnancy, STDs or other serious consequences unless it is a key part of story arc.” In addition, the world of texting and cyberspace offers a sense of anonymity. Most students would never sneak around an ex’s house to spy on them, but Facebook “stalking” has become a basic social media institution. The feeling that sitting

make for a funny storyline in a sitcom or a racy news clip, sexting can have very real and very embarrassing consequences. Alsip offers common sense advice to avoid any distressing mishaps: don’t keep revealing images on your phone or social media accounts. “This is a recipe for disaster, whether or not you intend to send them to someone else. If you wouldn’t want to see it posted on your best friend’s Facebook wall, you probably don’t want it to be accessible to other people,” she said. “Sync your phone with your computer and forget to tell it not to import that picture? Now there’s one more copy of it for someone – a hacker, an irritated ex, or even a drunk buddy – to find and pass along.”

• Josh Gray, Black Student Union President • Sarah Ann Hughes, Honors College Assembly President • Barrett Jones, Crimson Tide Offensive Lineman • Victor Luckerson, Crimson White Editor-in-Chief • Dakota Peterson, IFC President

Alabama came in second place last year with nearly 220,000 pounds of food, the University met its goal. This year, Brown said the goal is 250,000 pounds. Donations can be made around campus, in the community and also via text message. For more information on BABH, visit beatauburnbeathunger.ua.edu.

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The Crimson White

10

NEWS

Thursday, October 6, 2011

John Kay, Steppenwolf to lecture, rock out on campus By Taylor Holland Assistant News Editor tlholland1@crimson.ua.edu

Michael Wilk, keyboardist and studio engineer for the band John Kay and Steppenwolf, said he got his start in music once he moved to Los Angeles armed with his music theory degree and hit the ground running. “Practice four or five hours in the mornings, recording sessions for whatever I could get in the afternoons, then gigs at night,” Wilk said. “Rinse and repeat.” Wilk, alongside Steppenwolf front man John Kay, will present a lecture and performance Monday at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Moody Music Building Concert Hall. The event is non-ticketed, free and open to the public. The lecture, however, will be a nontraditional one, Wilk said. “We intend to explain who and what we are, play the set, then probably take questions,” he said. “This probably won’t be a lecture in the traditional sense, definitely no PowerPoint presentations. Rock n’ roll doesn’t exactly fit into that

John Kay and Steppenwolf are best known for 1968 hits “Born to Ride,” but say their music is still timely. category.” Wilk said the band, which is best known for hits including “Born to be Wild” and “Magic

Carpet Ride,” continues to be successful today because some of the songs are more timely today than the day they were

driven home even more,” he said. “Every generation is ‘Born To Be Wild,’ and we find ourselves gaining more and more fans and listeners of classic rock.” Charles Snead, director of the School of Music, said the band’s performance is an exciting opportunity for the School of Music to present something of high quality that demonstrates their commitment to music. “[John Kay and Steppenwolf’s] performance will show the diverse nature of what we’re all about,” he said. “It gives us the opportunity to showcase a different genre of music and learn from their tremendous amount of experience and expertise.” Snead said he hoped students attending will leave the performance with a better understanding from the perspective of someone who has successfully navigated the industry. “A lot of what’s going to come Submitted Photo out on Monday could benefit Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet students in communication, business and a large span of written. other fields on campus,” he “Now we present them with said. “The lecture portion of accompanying video, so the the night will feature who they message in the lyrics gets are, what they’ve been through,

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how they became successful, the ups and downs of the industry and more. It should be fascinating.” Following Monday night’s performance, during which Wilk said the band will be debuting a brand new video for the show, Wilk said he’ll continue working to develop videos that go with the band’s music. “Practice a lot, and play as often as you can, the very best you can, for as many people as you can,” Wilk said, speaking on how UA students aspiring to launch successful music careers can be successful. “Rinse and repeat.”

Daily caffeine consumption healthy, but only in moderation By Corrin Mason Contributing Writer Whether it’s a Five Hour Energy, soft drink or iced coffee from Starbucks, it seems like college students everywhere are getting their daily doses of caffeine. With hectic schedules that place social functions and homework above sleep, it’s not difficult to see why caffeine plays such a major role in the college life. But what is it actually doing to our minds and bodies? Caffeine is a drug classed as a stimulant that releases the neurotransmitter dopamine into the brain. Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure, heightened

concentration and increased energy. “At consumption levels up to 200 milligrams, the amount in about 16 ounces of ordinary brewed coffee, consumers [of caffeine] report an improved sense of well-being, happiness, energy, alertness and sociability,” Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine said in a 2008 New York Times article. “Although higher amounts sometimes cause anxiety and stomach upset.” Studies show the connection between caffeine and dopamine may have even more important health benefits. In 2001, a study published in the journal Neurology suggested caffeine consumption could protect against Parkinson’s

disease by preventing dopamine loss. In the same report, caffeine has been shown to reduce memory loss and cognitive decline, according to Scientific American magazine. Other aspects of the caffeine molecule have been shown to possess many health benefits and even produce positive effects on patients with certain diseases. In 2009, a study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism showed that caffeine decreases pain associated with exercise. Caffeine may also improve lung function in asthma patients, according to a study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2007. According

to the New York Times, “even a small dose [of caffeine] – less than the amount in a cup of Starbucks coffee – could improve lung function for up to two hours.” Although caffeine itself has health benefits, the most common high-caffeine drink, coffee, appears to be especially valuable, according to studies done over the last 20 years. According to an article published in the New York Times in 2006, coffee – with or without caffeine – has the potential to reduce the risks of many diseases, including “diabetes, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver.” Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2011 showed that caffeine in coffee could improve cognitive performance in

patients with Alzheimer’s. Despite the overwhelming evidence generated by modern studies, there still seems to be a stigma surrounding caffeine implying that the substance is unhealthy. The New York Times reports that in the past, many studies suggested that caffeine led to dehydration, heart disease, hypertension, bone loss and even cancer but that current research disregards these concerns as myths. In the case of cancer, The New York Times reported that a recent review suggests that people who drink caffeinated drinks have half the risk of developing liver cancer than people who do not consume caffeine. As with all things, moderation is the key. Like other drugs, overconsumption of

caffeine can lead to health problems. However, the health benefits associated with regular caffeine consumption (two to four mugs of coffee or 360720 milligrams per day) make it possible to survive the chaotic college lifestyle without fear. Jonathan Lee, a freshman at UA, said Five Hour Energy drinks help him start the day. “It gets me up in the morning when I have to go to physical training,” Lee said. Sarah Axley, a UA senior, said she relied on caffeine to get through each day. “I basically need it to function,” Axley said. “I usually drink about three or four cups of coffee and a Diet Coke or two every day. I would definitely not be able to function as well on as little sleep as I get in college without it.”

City extends demolition deadline for damaged buildings From staff reports Tuscaloosa’s Incident Commander Robin Edgeworth announced that the city is reopening its federally funded voluntary property demolition program this week. Edgeworth addressed the city council in its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night and said the program, which previously expired Sept. 15, would be reopening for a limited time this month. “For the next few days we’re

going to give citizens the opportunity to come in and sign up for voluntary demolition.” Edgeworth said. Edgeworth said the city council will begin declaring buildings in need of demolition to be public nuisances on Oct. 26, and that reopening the voluntary program is the last chance for citizens whose properties were in the path of the April 27 tornado to demolish those structures with FEMA funds. Property owners who do not

enter the voluntary program prior to Oct. 26 will face a council vote on the state of their property and, if declared a nuisance, condemnation, at heavy costs to the owners of the property. “Communicate with your neighbors if you see something that needs to be demolished or something that bothers you.” Edgeworth said. “Let them know we have this program in place once again.”

FOOTBALL

By Zackary Al-Khateeb Sports Reporter zialkhateeb@crimson.ua.edu The Alabama football team is continuing to prepare for the Vanderbilt Commodores Saturday. The Commodores are 3-1 on the season and 1-1 in Southeastern Conference play. The Commodores jumped out to a surprising 3-0 start to the season before losing their first SEC game of the year to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Still, Vanderbilt has performed well this season, especially on the defensive side of the ball. On the season, Vanderbilt’s defense has ranked in the top 25 nationally in average yards per game (11th), rushing yards per game (25th), and passing yards per game (22nd). Head coach Nick Saban said his team will not take anything for granted against Vanderbilt, on either side of the ball. “Vanderbilt is a much more challenging opponent than people may think,� Saban said. “They’re 3-1, and they’ve got one of the best turnover margins in the country and play really well on defense. They’re doing a good job of scoring points on offense with the players that they have and the things they do. It’s going to be very challenging for us in this game.� Indeed, one aspect of the defense in which the Commodores have dominated is interceptions. They lead the nation, with 14 interceptions through four games, three of which have been returned for touchdowns. They have also forced two fumbles this season and have a

SPORTS

Vandy defense provides challenge for Tide

+7 turnover margin on the year, ranking them fifth nationally in the turnover margin. Saban said despite the challenge the Vanderbilt secondary may provide to quarterback AJ McCarron, he only expects him to play up to his standards and to continue to manage the game. “I expect him to do what we want him to do to execute our offense, manage our team, take what the defense gives him,� Saban said. “We have all the respect in the world for Vanderbilt, what they’ve done on defense. “They have a lot of interceptions, and their team has done a really good job of ball hawking, and one of the reasons they’re

“Vanderbilt is a much more challenging opponent than people may think... It’s going to be very challenging for us in this game.� — Nick Saban

having success is they have a very positive turnover ratio as a team and their secondary has made a lot of plays for them.â€? Still, senior linebacker Courtney Upshaw said he doesn’t think AJ is the kind of quarterback to be intimidated, whether by opposing players or the way their defense has played. “Oh no, no,â€? Upshaw said. “No, not AJ. I mean, even when we’re out there, joking, talking noise, he’s talking back‌â€? Indeed, Upshaw said the team is preparing for Vanderbilt like any other team. He said they’re going to continue to prepare as they always have. He also said the fact that this is homecoming week for Alabama won’t factor in to the way they play. “To the fans, it’s homecoming,â€? Upshaw said. “But to us, it’s just another game. We just want to go out and compete. Doesn’t matter who it was, so if it’s homecoming or just a regular game, we’re just ready to play.â€?

CW | Katie Bennett

VOLLEYBALL

Tide ready for toughest weekend of the year By Marquavius Burnett Assistant Sports Editor msburnett1@crimson.ua.edu @Marq_Burnett

Alabama (9-8, 2-4 SEC) is currently tied for eighth place in the SEC. Getting a win against one of the top two teams in the conference would be a huge The Alabama volleyball confidence booster for a team team continues Southeastern that has struggled in conferConference play this weekend with matches against Tennessee and Kentucky. The Crimson Tide will play Tennessee on Friday, Oct. 7 and Kentucky on Sunday, Oct. 9. Tennessee is ranked the No. 19 team in the country and the No. 1 team in the SEC at 13-2 overall and 6-0 in the SEC after sweeping the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Volunteers are currently on a nine-game winning streak. Kentucky is the No. 2 team in the SEC at 15-3 overall, 5-1 in league play, with their only conference loss being to the Florida Gators. “This is going to be the toughest weekend of the season,� head coach Ed Allen said. “We’re playing two of the top three teams in the SEC at their place, so that should be an interesting challenge for us.� These two games are pivotal for the Tide as they look to climb up the SEC rankings.

ence play. “They’re two very good teams, and they’re not going to give us wins,� Moyer said. “We definitely have to play at the level we’re capable of playing. We have to put the pressure on Outside Hitter Cortney Warren goes up for a spike against Alabama A&M on Tuesday, Oct. 4th.

them.� The Tide has had an up and down season so far in 2011 and have yet to get on a roll in conference play. Moyer said the team will use the win against Alabama A&M as motivation.

“It was good to get our confidence back going into a tough weekend,� Moyer said. After facing Kentucky and Tennessee, the Tide will return home to Foster Auditorium to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on Friday, Oct. 14.

Page 11 • Thursday, October 6, 2011 Editor • Tony Tsoukalas crimsonwhitesports@ gmail.com

SPORTS

this weekend FRIDAY • Women’s Volleyball vs. Tennessee: 6 PM, Knoxville, Tennessee • Women’s Soccer vs. South Carolina, 7PM, Columbia, South Crolina • Men’s Tennis, Alabama’s opponents are TBD, Tulsa, Oklahoma • Women’s Golf: Tar Heel Invitational, UNC Finley Golf Course, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

SATURDAY • Football vs. Vanderbilt: 6 PM

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12 Thursday, October 6, 2011

SPORTS

The Crimson White

FOOTBALL |PRACTICE NOTEBOOK

Saban not looking past underrated Commodores By Brett Hudson Senior Sports Reporter bbhudson@crimson.ua.edu @Brett_Hudson In Alabama’s last media availability before the homecoming game against Vanderbilt, head coach Nick Saban recognized the Commodores as an underrated opponent. “They’re a tougher team than people think,” Saban said. “They’re 3-1, they have a good offense, and they have one of the best turnover margins in the country. One of the reasons they are having so much success is because they have such a good turnover margin, and their secondary makes a lot of plays for them.”

Offensively, the Commodores need to perform better than they did in their 21-3 loss to South Carolina in order to move the ball on the Crimson Tide defense. Quarterback Larry Smith had 44 yards through the air and only got 18 rushing yards from leading rusher Zac Stacy. Moving the ball will be difficult for Vanderbilt because the Alabama defense only allows 1.8 yards per carry.

Defensive tackle Josh Chapman was the cover athlete with “Ram! Jam! ‘Bama!” as the headline. Saban jokingly recognized how unusual it is for defensive players to be in such prominent roles. “I was wondering how that happened myself,” Saban said. “Let me say this. He’s probably happy that he was on the cover, but he’s being harassed about it. Not just by players, but by certain coaches.” Linebacker Courtney Upshaw put the harassment aside for Chapman. DT Josh Chapman featured “I haven’t seen it, but I heard on on SI cover the radio this morning that he was on it,” Upshaw said. “I’m happy for For the third time in six months, anyone on it. A defensive player on Alabama has been featured on it – you know I’m happy.” the cover of Sports Illustrated. Trent Richardson was on the

cover for SI’s college football preview issue, and SI featured former cornerback Javier Arenas walking through the destruction of the April 27th tornado on the cover in the aftermath.

a mental error means you have some part of the field undefended, a gap, and if they take advantage of that, they have a very good chance of having an explosive play,” Saban said. “We sit down and we look at every play, and if I can’t write down Focus on defense going to why that defense succeeded or holding assignments failed, we’ve got bad defense, bad coaching, a lot of bad things A big contributor to the three going on.” losses of the 2010 season was Saban went on to say that busted plays on defense. That the defense should work unless has not been a problem thus far there is a missed assignment, a in the 2011 season, and Saban missed tackle, bad execution or gave some details about what other things of that nature, and goes into that on Wednesday. it is those things that the Tide “When you look at it from a will work on throughout the defensive perspective, I think season.

Alabama players prepare for Saturdayʼs game against Vanderbilt. Although often overlooked, 3-1 Vandy looks to challenge the Tide.

t e k c Po ? r o t c e t o r P

Sorry Vandy, you’ll need more than this to protect Larry Smith Watch out for the Bama vs Vanderbilt GameDay Special this Friday! Tweet us @TheCrimsonWhite with #GAMEDAY for a chance to have your t weet featured in The CW!

CW | Natalie Nichols

SPORTS IN BRIEF | CROSS COUNTRY

Menʼs, womenʼs teams drop, stay in top 10 The Alabama men’s and women’s cross-country teams remain ranked in the South Region top 10 in the latest edition of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) regional rankings. The women’s cross-country team is ranked No. 9 in the South Region, while the men’s team is ranked No. 10. The Crimson Tide women dropped two spots to No. 9

after a sixth-place finish at the Greater Louisville Classic on Oct. 1. The Tide is one of six Southeastern Conference teams to be included in the top 10. The other SEC schools include Florida (No. 2), Vanderbilt (No. 3), Mississippi (No. 5), Georgia (No. 6) and Mississippi State (No. 7). The men fell out of the No. 4 slot for the first time all season to No. 10 this week after com-

peting without a pair of top runners on Saturday. The men’s team came in at 19th overall at the Greater Louisville Classic, with two of its top runners, Carison Kemei and Oliver Blake, both being held out of the race. Alabama will return to action on Oct. 15 when they host the Crimson Classic at the Harry Pritchett Running Course in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

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Stepshow brings air to homecoming festivities By Hannah Muncher Contributing Writer

Homecoming is a time when the University comes together to celebrate unique UA traditions. From crowning the homecoming queen, to painting the town red, to dance and step competitions, students all support each other for a fun week at the Capstone. This year’s homecoming hasn’t been any different; there have been many activities, which started Sunday with the Roll Tide Run and will continue through Friday with the traditional homecoming pep rally and NPHC homecoming step show. The NPHC homecoming step show, which has been a homecoming tradition for 30 years, will be held Friday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. in Foster Auditorium. The step show is one of the only times the members of NPHC come together for a single event all year. The teams began working on their

13

LIFESTYLES

routines early in the fall semester. “What makes it such a special show is that it’s all the AfricanAmerican greek organizations coming together,� said NPHC president Xavier Burgin. Last year was the first year the step show was held in Foster, and they sold 2,600 tickets for the show. Each year, they hope to attract more audience members to the event. Defending champions Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity will compete with the other NPHC member sororities and fraternities for the title. In sticking to the theme of homecoming, “The Traditions Roll On,� the step show will incorporate elaborate themes with vibrant music into the show. This year’s host will be the comedian Jermaine “Funny Maine� Johnson and the show will feature performers such as UA’s own Rip-Tide Dance Team, Tuscaloosa’s O&J Dance Team

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Native Americans display culture at Moundville

IF YOU GO ... • What: Homecoming Step Show

• Where: Foster Auditorium

• When: Friday at 8 p.m.

• Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door and the winner of this year’s Homecoming Talent Show. “It’s one of the most entertaining shows to see across the Alabama campus in general,â€? Burgin said. “It’s one of those aspects of culture you don’t get to see on a regular basis.â€? Tickets for the NPCH homecoming step show are $15 in advance for students and $20 for general admission. For advanced tickets, visit www.sgatix.com.

CW | Margo Smith Minnie Bell makes a Choctaw Rivercane basket at the Moundville Native American Festival. The Festival is Oct. 5-8 at Moundville Archaeological Park.

Expeditions ďŹ lls niche with outdoor apparel available on the Strip By Sophia Jones Contributing Writer

Runners and outdoor enthusiasts now have a store near campus where they can purchase outdoor apparel. Expeditions, which opened this week, has lifestyle and outdoor clothing for college students and adults of all ages. “There aren’t any running stores around campus, and you see people running all the time. We are meeting those people’s needs by providing running shoes and athletic apparel,� said Taylor Callaway, Expeditions’ marketing director. Expeditions also provides University of Alabama apparel and accessories, boutique-style dresses for girls and dress clothing for guys. This weekend Expeditions will host its grand opening, giving out door prizes and providing 10 percent off all items for UA student shoppers. The store is located at 1201

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#PJMFE 1FBOVUT t $IPDPMBUFT t (VNNJFT There aren’t any running stores around campus, and you see people running all the time. We are meeting those people’s needs by providing running shoes and athletic apparel. —Taylor Callaway University Blvd. across from Buffalo Phil’s, in the former location of The Booth. Expeditions aims to appeal to the college student who wants to stay fit and be active. “My favorite thing about Expeditions is the actual surrounding and setting of the store,� said Dannon Bedwell, UA graduate and Expeditions employee. They chose the location because of its proximity to the University’s campus, making it accessible to students. Robert Tanner will manage the store, which is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

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“Sixty percent of Expeditions will be devoted to apparel and 40 percent to footwear,� Jeff Gale, Expeditions’ official buyer, told The Tuscaloosa News. Gale has chosen the brands of Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Mountain Khakis, Lucky Jeans and Stretch Jeans for the store. Its footwear brands include Sperry, Clarks, Saucony, Newton, Pearl Izumi, Nocona Western-style boots and Ugg and Frye women’s boots. Expeditions is one of two exclusive sellers of Southern Marsh’s University of Alabama T-shirt. Southern Marsh makes T-shirts that feature their logo and a duck. Courtney

Kovar, another of Expeditions’ employees, designed a red shirt with a houndstooth print duck to apply specifically to the University of Alabama. On Oct. 29, Newton, one of the shoe brands Expeditions carries, is also hosting a try-on experience at the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone can come to be fitted and then go run one mile in the shoes to try them out.

FAST FACTS • Located across the street from Buffalo Phil’s • Grand opening this weekend • 10 percent off this weekend for UA students

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14 Thursday, October 6, 2011

LIFESTYLES

The Crimson White

COLUMN | TRAVEL

Getting by for cheap abroad: How to haggle like Clint Eastwood By Jared Downing When most people think of haggling on the road, they see something out of “Casablanca”: dingy market stalls packed with hookahs and brass pocket watches and manned by toothless shysters. This is pretty much spoton. Haggling can be one of the most exciting and exotic parts of travel. These are a few things to keep in mind while you’re wheelin’-and-dealin’: You can always go lower When I started traveling, I was told to haggle, but I figured that was on things like fresh fruits, rickshaw rides, and fake Rolexes - you know, Third-World stuff. I took hotel rooms, train tickets, tour packages and merchandise from really modern-looking stores at face value. But on the road, if it’s got a price, odds are it can go down. Assume everything is negotiable. It’s expected in developing countries, and

Byembe “Special-Price-for-You” Kallibala, a watch/sunglasses vendor, tries to sell his products at the highest price he can. Submitted Photo even in London or Berlin you can swing a deal on a pea coat or iPod. It doesn’t always work (one notable exception is prepared food, for some reason), but you’ve got nothing to lose by trying. Third-World stuff is cheaper

than you think The haggler’s best tool is a knowledge of how much stuff is actually worth – something that comes with getting used to a new place – but don’t be afraid to plumb the depths of bargaindom. You’ve heard stuff is cheap in

developing countries, but in the sure, remember: you can always tourist sector, markups can be go to someone else. Keep that in staggering, inflated by travelers mind, and you’re Clint Eastwood. who just can’t fathom how a tea set that would cost $49.79 in the …and turn ‘em around! United States could go for $5 in Nepal. Fortunately, their tactics go both ways, so turn it around. Know their tricks… Dangle the sale in front of them. Draw out the discussion. Take The Seller’s strategy is to psy- long pauses to examine the item chologically invest said sucker (sellers can’t stand silence). Fill to the point of an impulse buy. It them with hope, then snatch it works; I used to do it to get peo- away. Delight in their agony, if ple to donate to Greenpeace (for you wish, but always seem inde12 bucks an hour, mind you). cisive. Aim to make them get It goes like this: caught in the moment and settle What started as a curious inqui- on a price they never wanted. ry somehow becomes a dire con- After all, that’s what they’re tryflict. A few minutes of haggling ing to do to you. now feel like hours of intense negotiation. You realize you Master the art of walking desperately want, no, need that away hand-carved soapstone ashtray, and he’s somehow made you The ol’ walkaway can be a believe it’s the only one left. But powerful card, but don’t be too he wants six dollars more than quick to play it. Again, the lowwhat you asked, how can you est a seller is willing to go when spare such a fortune?…Oh, fine! you walk up isn’t necessarily the When you start to feel pres- same after a few minutes of hag-

gling. Let him anticipate a sale, and he’ll be a lot more likely to panic and cut his own throat when he sees it walking away. Oh, and don’t bluff. Be ready to commit; they can tell if you aren’t. A good soft walkaway that works with vendors: “Maybe I’ll just look at your other stuff.” Common mistakes to avoid

-Never ask for the “last price” and expect them to give it to you. It seems obvious, but people do this. - Don’t believe anything a seller says. “This is my last price,” “This is the only one left,” “These aren’t the Droids you’re looking for,” etc. -If you’re new to bartering, it’s easy to get anxious and close the deal too soon. Always shoot for lower. If he’s made an offer, it isn’t going anywhere. -Never let a seller guilt-trip you into buying something. You don’t owe them anything, and they know it.

Pink Box uses burlesque show to raise money for charity By Courtney Stinson Contributing Writer The Pink Box Burlesque, Tuscaloosa’s own Burlesque Troupe, will perform its annual masquerade show on Saturday at the Bama Theatre. Saturday’s performance will include singing, live music, comedy and burlesque acts. Usually, the annual masquerade is a straightforward masquerade. However, this year’s performance theme is “Steampunk,” creating a fusion of styles that The Pink Box Burlesque’s mistress, Mama Dixie, describes as “a celebration of the Victorian era and all things dark and futuristic” and an “anachronistic combination” of the two styles. The Pink Box Burlesque brings back the traditional variety show, complete with sketch comedy and standup

performances. The troupe will be accompanied by a jazz quartet that includes an upright bass, drums and special guests on saxophone and guitar for Saturday’s performance. In addition to bringing entertainment and vaudeville culture to Tuscaloosa, the troupe hopes to give an empowering message to the audience as well as the performers. “The PBB’s mission is to celebrate diversity and empowerment – that everyone is sexy, fun and intelligent in their own way,” Mama Dixie said. Pink Box performer Telsa Coil also described the experience of performing with the troupe as empowering. “Our performers have control from the beginning of the process to the end: selecting the themes, building acts, creating costuming and sets, and, of course, the actual performance.”

The Pink Box Burlesque seeks to appeal to an audience as diverse as the show’s themes. According to Mama Dixie, audiences range from 18 to 90 years old and include men, women, conservatives, liberals, singles and married couples. As the word “Burlesque” suggests, the show includes adult themes. You must be at least 18 to attend the show. Telsa Coil explains the age of admittance does not necessarily imply that the show includes unseemly material. “Burlesque is adult entertainment,” Coil said. “That doesn’t mean that it’s inappropriate or illicit. It simply means that our shows are geared towards the grown-up crowd.” The Pink Box Burlesque ensures “a riotous good time” with “some of the best variety entertainment in the Southeast.” The Bama Theatre is located

at 600 Greensboro Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., the band starts playing at 8:30 and the performance starts at 9. Tickets are available for $10 presale and $15 at the door. Proceeds from the show will benefit Limbs of Love, a non-profit organization benefitting amputees and providing prosthetic limbs for those in need.

Members of the Pink Box Burlesque perform on stage.

IF YOU GO ... • What: Pink Box Burlesque

• Where: Bama Theatre • When: Saturday, Oct. 8, Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

• Cost: $10 Presale, $15 at the door

Submitted Photo

The Crimson White

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Today’s Birthday (10/06/11). Love plays a big part in the near future, whether it’s love of beauty or a romantic relationship. When you feel the urge to create something artistic, go for it. It takes courage and focus. Follow your dreams, and share them with those you most appreciate. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- The stress you’ve been under is easing now. You can make anything happen through strong (not loud) communication. Be thoughtful and considerate, and gently repeat if needed. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 5 -- You may notice increased pressure (especially around finances), but don’t worry, you’ll think of something. Find support with friends, and let off a little steam. Gemini (May 21-June 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Too much of a good thing could cause problems ... the solution of which could serve as a platform to invent unprecedented innovations. Set aside notions of “good” or “bad.” Cancer (June 22-July 22) -- Today is a 5 -- Some of the things you try won’t work. This is how you find out what does. Don’t be too hard on yourself (even if you think you deserve it). Take breaks outdoors. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You’re being challenged. There’s a tendency to fall into an argument now. It’s best to avoid trouble and continue working towards your common goals.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Listen to the wisdom of your elders. Their experience can save you trouble. Focus your energy towards productive adventure. You may find an answer in a Mankl]Zr dream. H\mh[^k /ma Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- When things get tough, turn to your friends. Take your time to get it right, and call for reinforcements, if needed. Mh ieZ\^ rhnk Z]3 Emotion wins over logic today. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is ,-1&0,.. a 7 -- Work quickly (but carefully), so \p\eZllf`k you can focus on family matters today. You’re earning brownie points as well 9`fZbe'\hf as experience and are almost ready to move to the next level. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today ppp'\p'nZ'^]n is a 7 -- If there’s a solution to the problem, why worry? If there’s not a solution, why worry? Apply insights to Lmn]^gm kZm^3 a family dilemma. Double-check your appointments. ',.(i^k phk]( Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today i^k ]Zr is an 8 -- Stick to practical morning routines. Writing or recording projects !Fbg' */ phk]l% - kngl" can be profitable today. Apply your grandmother’s wisdom to a problem for smooth results. *The Crimson Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is White places an 8 -- Things may not go according these ads in to plan, so prepare to shift as needed. good faith. Trust the structure that you’ve built. We are not There’s more work coming in. Craft your responsible for vision statement. fraudulent Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a advertising.* 6 -- You don’t always have to say “yes.” Give up a fantasy to discover a new reality that’s been hiding there all along. It’s better than what you thought you wanted.

Visit:

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’.

Scene

For five points, which bar has the best trivia night?

LIFESTYLES Page 16• Thursday, October 6, 2011 Editor • Stephanie Brumfield lifestyles@cw.ua.edu

By Alexandra Ellsworth Staff Reporter amellsworth@crimson.ua.edu With football season in full swing, students are not lacking for things to do on weekends. But for anyone looking for something to do in the evenings on weekdays, trivia nights offer a way to apply the useless facts and pop culture references cluttering the average college student’s brain. Those with extensive knowledge of sports, movies, history or any other subject can attend trivia night at various bars and restaurants around Tuscaloosa. On Tuesday nights, Mellow Mushroom is the place to be, offering two rounds of trivia at 7 and 8 p.m. “It’s free, you can win prizes, and it’s fun,” said T.D. Wood, a Mellow Mushroom employee and trivia night host. “It is a reason to get out of the house on a Tuesday night and better than spending your night at a library. Also, there is great pizza and a great beer selection.” At Mellow Mushroom, Wood asks nine questions and then a final question for each round. Participants can stay for both rounds or just come for one. They also offer $2 pints of beer all night. Questions are divided into broad categories like sports, history and music music, as well as specific categories like car-

Prizes: 1st place – $50 bar cash 2nd place – $20 bar cash 3rd place – $10 bar cash

to catch this weekend

• Real Steel (PG-13) • The Ides of March (R) • 50/50 (R) • Courageous (PG-13) • Dream House (PG-13) • What’s Your Number? (R) • Abduction (PG-13) • Contagion (PG-13) • Dolphin Tale 3D (PG) • Killer Elite (R) • Moneyball (PG-13) • The Lion King (G) • Contagion (PG-13)

1. What singer’s nickname was “The Walrus of Love?”

Best names: None; employees said none of them could be printed Sample question: “Who was the shortest president?” Answer: James Madison

Tuesday: Mellow Mushroom, 7 p.m. (first round) and 8 p.m. (second round)

2. What actor once called his daughter a “rude, thoughtless, little pig?”

LIFESTYLES this weekend THURSDAY

• Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market: Canterbury Episcopal Chapel, 3 p.m. •Dance Alabama!: Morgan Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Innisfree, 8:30 p.m. Prizes: They vary. They use whatever they can get their hands on, such as T-shirts, key chains, etc. Best names: None; employees said none of

Second round prizes 1st place – $30 gift card to Mellow Mushroom 2nd place – $20 gift card to Mellow Mushroom Best team name – No prize second round Best names: Amy Winehouse Has Been Sober for 24 Hours My Couch Pulls Out But I Don’t Forget Community College Let’s Get Drunk and Eat Chicken Wings

Pri Prizes: 1st place – $50 2nd place – $30 3rd place – $10

FRIDAY •Dance Alabama!: Morgan Auditorium, 5:30 p.m.

Best name: Chico Bail Bond Be

•Cuban Artist Sigfredo Mendoza: Fifth Floor Gorgas Library, 10 a.m.

3. Eat it, wear it, or dance it: Morello?

• Blaine Duncan & The Lookers, Callooh! Callay!, The Bear: Green Bar

Thursday, Wilhagan’s, 8 p.m.. Prizes: 1st place – $50 bar cash 2nd place – $25 bar cash 3rd place – $10 bar cash

Answers: 1. Barry White; 2. Alec Baldwin; 3. Eat it (it’s a cherry)

•Pink Box Burlesque presents “Steampunk Masquerade”: The Bama Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

First round prizes: 1st place – $20 gift card to Mellow Mushroom 2nd place – $10 gift card to Mellow Mushroom Best team name – Free appetizer

Wednesday: Brown’s Corner, 8 p.m. W

•Purgatorio: Allen Bales Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Can you handle the trivia from Mellow Mushroom?

Monday: The Houndstooth, 9 p.m.

Flicks

COBB HOLLYWOOD 16

toons, architecture and fashion. Mellow Mushroom’s trivia night is a part of the Birmingham Trivia League. Challenge Entertainment created live trivia nights to bolster sales in a variety of establishments throughout the country. It is primarily for restaurants, pubs and taverns on off-peak nights to attract customers and increase revenue. Players who do well at the local trivia nights can qualify for the semi-finals and potentially win $5000 in cash and prizes. Wood said they have a lot of regulars come every Tuesday, one of them being David Smith, whose team is named Electric Mayhem after the Muppets band. Smith, who owns DSmithImages, is known around Mellow Mushroom for his skills in trivia. Wood said he has won numerous times. “It’s one thing I am ultra competitive at,” he said. “I am good at retaining random information, and I am able to use it here. It helps keep me sharp at it.” Smith said he enjoyed coming because it gives him something to do on the nights he is not busy during the week. Smith also attends many of the other trivia nights in Tuscaloosa. “Waste a lot of time on Wikipedia,” he said to those interested in coming. “It really helps.”

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