TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2014 VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 66
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SERVING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA SINCE 1894
SEC Preparation
6 New TV Show
3 Net Neutrality
Two days after defeating the Auburn Tigers 55-44 in a record-setting Iron Bowl, the Crimson Tide prepares for what coach Nick Saban is calling a “new season,” beginning with the SEC Championship Game on Saturday in Atlanta, Georgia.
University of Alabama graduates Robin Rains and Frank Thagard produce and direct “Tuscaloosa Monorail,” an hour-long show featuring skits, local bands and more.
A 2015 ruling by the Federal Communications Commision on how corporations can regulate Internet speeds could change the way the world consumes Internet content.
Enter the Brothers Kevin and Calvin M. Ross train in martial arts, translate stunt work to film fight scenes By Laura Testino | Staff Reporter
About 10 years ago in the gymnasium of Liberty Middle School in Madison, Alabama, Kevin and Calvin M. Ross were doing more pull-ups than most of their classmates, running at two of the quickest speeds for their mile runs and playing on the school’s basketball team. Now, as college seniors, the Ross twins do flips off the steps of Gorgas Library while finding the best camera angle to complement their martial-arts-inspired fight choreography. The two are pursuing degrees in telecommunication and film y with the hopes of doing stunt work and eventually producing their own action films. “Normally, when parents want their kids to do something, they just say, ‘Hey, I need you They’re very driven, to do something,’ but our dad and that’s what I like would get us together and say, ‘Hey, I have a mission for you,’” Calvin M. about them. Ross said. “So he started everything. It wasn’t just doing something, but it — Diandra Milliner — was always a mission that needed to be completed.” Having a determined mentality toward everyday tasks translated to martial arts training, which the twins began at a young age. They followed in the footsteps of their father Calvin L. Ross and their two older sisters, Joyce and Carol, who also studied martial arts. Like their father, the twins and their sisters earned black belts. “Our dad showed us a movie with Bruce Lee, called ‘Enter the Dragon,’” Kevin Ross said. “He showed that to us when we were about 5 years old, and we just kept imitating that and went from there.” The twins’ father also inspired their interest in film by giving them a camera in high school. Once Kevin and Calvin M. Ross began to make short films featuring their martial
Twins Kevin and Calvin M. Ross are black belts who hope to one day produce action films. CW / Holly Jackson
SEE TWINS PAGE 7
iron bowl victory shirts have arrived! INSIDE briefs 2 news 3 opinions 4 culture 6 sports 8
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TUESDAY December 2, 2014
SCENE ON CAMPUS Katy Turner, a junior majoring in political science from College Station, Texas, and Kristin Goulart, a senior majoring in public relations from Nashville, Tennessee, work on a video project for class. CW / Layton Dudley
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Lane Kiffin named finalist for Broyles Award
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Global Café WHAT: Afternoons at Global Café: Coffee, Tea and Conversation WHEN: 3-5 p.m. WHERE: Lobby, Center for Community-Based Partnerships
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Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was named a finalist for the Broyles Award on Monday. The award recognizes the nation’s top college football assistant coach. Kiffin is one of five finalists. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. CT in Little Rock. Under Kiffin, Alabama’s offense averages 36.5 points per game. The Crimson Tide
averages 489 yards of offense. Wide receiver Amari Cooper has 1,573 yards this season, good for second in the nation. Quarterback Blake Sims has a 159.51 quarterback efficiency rating that is seventh in the country and first in the SEC.
8 players recognized by staff
OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS
The Alabama football coaching staff honored eight players as players of the week following the 55-44 win over Auburn. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, fullback Jalston Fowler and offensive lineman Austin Shepherd were recognized on offense. Safeties Nick Perry and Geno Smith were named to the defensive list. Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton, wide receiver Christion Jones and punter JK Scott were recognized on special teams. Cooper tied his own school record for yards receiving in a game (224) and catches (13). He broke the school record for receiving touchdowns in a season with 14. He is second all-time in the SEC in yards receiving. Shepherd had no penalties, sacks, pressures or missed assignments. He transitioned from right tackle to fill in at left tackle for Cam Robinson who left the game early due to injury. Perry recorded 13 tackles, including eight solo. He had an interception in the third quarter and returned the ball 23 yards to set up a scoring drive. Smith had 10 stops, including seven unassisted. He had two tackles for loss. Hamilton had four knock-down blocks on kickoff return and one on punt return. Jones had two punt returns for 24 yards, including a long of 29, and three kickoff returns for 63 yards, including a 37-yard return. Scott had two punts for an average of 55.5 yards. He set a new career-long with a 70 yard punt. He kicked off eight times for an average of 61.9 yards and three touchbacks. Compiled by Kelly Ward
@TheCrimsonWhite
Compiled by Kelly Ward
REQUESTED: Any correspondence between TPD and UAPD relating to the off-campus harassment advisory sent Sept. 22, 2014 and the off-campus report of sexual abuse sent Aug. 22, 2014. REQUESTED BY: Heather Buchanan, staff reporter for The Crimson White REQUESTED FROM: Deborah Lane, associate vice president of university relations DATE OF REQUEST: Nov. 23, 2014 STATUS: Nov. 24, 2014, response from Deborah Lane, “There are no public documents that are responsive to the open records request.” REQUESTED: Any correspondence between TPD and UAPD; any emails, internal memos or other forms of communication; the names of any investigating officers and any reports they produced; and any correspondence between TPD and the accusers relating to both the off-campus harassment advisory sent Sept. 22, 2014 and the off-campus report of sexual assault abuse sent Aug. 22, 2014. REQUESTED BY: Heather Buchanan, staff reporter for The Crimson White REQUESTED FROM: Deborah Lane, associate vice president of university relations DATE OF REQUEST: Nov. 23, 2014 STATUS: Filled on Nov. 24, 2014
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3 2015 to see further debate over net neutrality Editor | Rachel Brown Newsdesk@cw.ua.edu Tuesday, December 2, 2014
By Ben Jackson | Contributing Writer
should be kept available as such. Advocates for these regulations, like As 2014 draws to a close, Washington President Barack Obama and a host of politicians and the tech-savvy are filling bipartisan congresspeople, argue these the media with a phrase most Americans higher costs could push certain competiknow next-to-nothing about: net neutral- tors out of the market and drive up prices ity. And yet, an early 2015 ruling by the for consumers. Federal Communications Commission on CJ Guttormsson, a sophomore majorhow corporations can regulate Internet ing in computer science, compared not speeds has the potential to change the enforcing net neutrality to “a highway way the world consumes system where any road can Internet content for the be made into a Net neutrality ... is arbitrarily indefinite future. toll road, with no oversight “Net neutrality, the ability and no limits.” essential for our for the Internet to remain While voters overwhelmopen and equal for all users, generation to fight for. ingly support net neutrality, is essential for our generawith as many as 81 percent tion to fight for,” said Luke of University of Delaware — Luke Zahorik — Zahorik, a freshman majorpoll respondents saying they ing in computer science with oppose “Internet fast lanes,” an interest in cyber security. “Without it, the issue is far from settled. the Internet as we know it runs the risk of One of net neutrality’s biggest critics remains billionaire entrepreneur becoming essentially censored.” The current regulations being mulled Mark Cuban. “Things have worked well,” said Cuban over in Washington would prevent certain Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, in an interview with The Washington from having the ability to charge differ- Post on Monday. “There is no better ent premiums for different qualities of platform in the world to start a new bandwidth. For example, because Netflix business than the Internet in the United dominates a large amount of Internet States. The greater risk comes from data usage, a provider like Comcast could new rule-making.” Cuban and his supporters believe net charge more for Netflix to remain available at high speeds. Net neutrality argues neutrality regulations effectively stifle that the Internet is a public good and innovation. Cuban said he believes fast
NET NEUTRALITY Net Neutrality definition: the ability for the Internet to remain open and equal for all users What FCC ruling is about: how corporations (like AT&T or Comcast) can regulate Internet speeds Why Obama supports FCC regulation: it would prevent certain ISPs from having the ability to charge different premiums for different qualities of bandwidth Potential of FCC ruling: increased internet prices for consumers CW / Belle Newby
lanes and selectively faster Internet will be necessary for advanced communication systems like those required for healthcare, for example. However, the FCC ruling could have far wider implications than speed or how much users pay for internet services. “If net neutrality isn’t supported, it’s not just bad for startups and small businesses,” said Matthew Leeds, a sophomore majoring in computer science who
follows the net neutrality debate closely. “The Internet is a very important tool for free speech, and a few ISPs have monopolized the market. If those corporations are allowed to decide whose traffic gets priority, they could potentially restrict traffic from any site whose content they disagree with, effectively centralizing a form of censorship.” Those interested in the debate can voice their opinion at fcc.gov/comments.
WRC to host Feminism Spoken Here lecture series By Elizabeth Elkin | Contributing Writer
Each month, the Feminism Spoken Here Brown Bag Lecture Series, hosted by the Women’s Resource Center, the department of women’s studies and Student Affairs, features a guest speaker or an information session. The series highlights topics such as feminist activism, scholarship, leadership, diversity and advocacy. “The Brown Bag format allows interested students, faculty and staff to hear about these topics and ask questions in an informal setting, without the commitment of a semester long course. It is an ideal way to stay up-to-date on emerging issues within feminism,” said Jackie Northrup, assistant director of the Women’s Resource Center and coordinator of the lecture series. The Women’s Resource Center and the department of women’s studies have hosted individual monthly brown bag series for more than 17 years. In the fall of 2008, in an effort to collaborate across the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, the Women’s Resource Center and the department of women’s
WHAT TO KNOW • The series highlights topics such as feminist activism, scholarship, leadership, diversity and advocacy. • The lecture series is accepting proposals for presentations for spring 2015. • The next lecture, “Gender Difference in Spatial Abilities and its Development,” will be Wednesday at noon. The Woman’s Resource Center, the department of women’s studies and Student Affairs hold the Feminism Spoken Here Brown Bag Lecture Series. Photo Courtesy of Jackie Northrup
studies combined their efforts to create the current Brown Bag Lecture Series. “It is important for people of all genders to learn about the accomplishments of women, but also the struggles that still remain in the fight for equality,” Northrup said. “People of all genders live and work together in society, so we all need to be aware of the way that gender informs our experiences. The Brown Bag Series makes pieces of these stories
accessible to a diverse audience.” Northup said the program is accepting presentation proposals for the spring 2015 lecture series and will release the lineup by the end of the semester. Bailey Clem, a freshman majoring in education, said feminism is important to her because it is something that affects her life on a daily basis. “I need feminism because I want to be able walk the streets alone without
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GORGAS & RODGERS LIBRARY
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feeling the need for multiple forms of defense simply because I am a woman,” she said. Wednesday, Jennifer Yang, a third year doctoral candidate in medical anthropology, will present “Gender Difference in Spatial Abilities and its Development” in the Ferguson Center 360 Forum. The lecture runs from noon to 1 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring lunches. Visit wrc.ua.edu for more information.
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Editor | Patrick Crowley Letters@cw.ua.edu Tuesday, December 2, 2014
COLUMN | DEAD WEEK
Positive thinking is key for finals JOHN DAVID
Thompson Staff Columnist
Tribune News Service
COLUMN | UNIVERSITY GROWTH
‘Saban Effect’ contributes to university growth Jackson
Poe Staff Columnist
Many people are familiar with the “Flutie Effect:” the phenomenon of having a successful college sports team, specifically a football or basketball team, leading to increased exposure for the university and in turn higher revenues, enrollment and overall growth. The phenomenon is named after Doug Flutie, a quarterback for Boston College whose famous Hail Mary pass in a 1984 game led to a huge win in Miami. A surge in applications hit Boston College the next year. Although the effect is widely referenced and recognized, its legitimacy has been questioned. The increase in applications to Boston College coincided with a push from alumni and administration to build a bigger national enrollment along with new residence halls and upgraded facilities. The increased enrollment numbers for Flutie Effects around the country seem to disappear after a few years. There are strong statistics that show increased athletic success has correlation with university growth, but
many are skeptical it is the result of direct causation, and the same questions are valid concerning Alabama. There are many factors to consider concerning a university. For one, Alabama is not the most desirable state to live in by any means. Many in-state students leave the state after graduation and few outof-state students stay in the state after graduation for employment. The state of Alabama does not have the same resources as other states, but students are leaving their home states in record numbers to come to Alabama. Enrollment is increasing while admission rates are declining. As everyone knows, The University of Alabama is expanding faster than anyone expected, and it is taking serious measures just to keep up. This is where the term “Saban Effect” comes into play. The Flutie Effect may be a short-lived phenomenon when a college sports team has success in a year and boosts academic interests the next. The Saban Effect is the consistent growth of a university over a span in which a sports dynasty is built. The Saban Effect is a much bigger and consistent Flutie Effect and it is happening on our campus right now. The numbers point to increased enrollment data since Coach Saban took over the football program, but the numbers do not tell the whole story. Looking around
and seeing the growth of the university tells the story. There are more students on campus, more out-ofstate students, new facilities and constant construction. Even in the middle of a huge economic recession and decreasing numbers of college applicants in the country, the University is thriving. The full Saban Effect may not be able to be studied and recognized as such until years later, but the results are all around us. The University is booming and the city of Tuscaloosa is booming. The University has become nationally relevant in a state that is not very populated or popular. The Saban Effect is not a result of correlation. It has direct causation. Years from now when there is more information and a comprehensive study can be done, experts will be calling it the Saban Effect. With all that said, the growth and exposure of the University should not be solely attributed to Saban, as there are many other factors and valuable people involved. But, most everyone would agree the University would not be nearly where it is today if it was not for the recent success of the football program under Nick Saban. Jackson Poe is a junior studying accounting. His column runs biweekly.
EDITORIAL BOARD
WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS
Deanne Winslett editor-in-chief Sloane Arogeti visuals editor Christopher Edmunds managing editor Maria Beddingfield online editor Andy McWhorter production editor Beth Lindly chief copy editor Patrick Crowley opinions editor
Letters to the editor must contain fewer than 300 words and guest columns fewer than 500. 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. The Crimson White reserves the right to edit all guest columns and letters to the editor.
Dead week is here and finals are all too rapidly approaching. If there is a time of year to be stressed, the next two weeks are it. One way to manage the stress of these final days is positive thinking. While positive thinking sounds like something simple that does not have a huge effect on our lives, new research is showing that it actually does. Studies have shown people can literally “think themselves sick.” People who think they are more susceptible to illness and think about getting sick are more likely to become sick than those who did not. Of course, positive thinking is something that we should always do. Becca Levy, an associate professor of epidemiology and social psychology at Yale, conducted a survey into aging and death that concluded people who thought they would live longer did, in fact, live longer. Positive thinking can lead to lowering depression, increasing physical well being and greater resistance to catching the cold. Rather than wallowing in shame and self-pity, approach your upcoming finals and all Positive thinking is your other problems with positive thoughts and emosomething that we tions. The Mayo Clinic recshould always do. ommends beginning with positive and optimistic selftalk: the endless stream of thoughts that run through the mind. Instead of telling yourself, “I can’t do it,” say, “I will try my best.” Additional methods can help you think positively. Smiling has been proven to reduce stress. Meditating, practicing yoga and concentrated breathing for even 10 minutes a day will help you experience more positive emotions. Surround yourself with positive people because being around negative thinkers will only make you think negatively. Finally, getting enough sleep has also been proven to lead to more happiness and better academic performance. Optimistic thinking is not the only solution to becoming a more successful person; hard work and tenacity play a much more important role. However, positive thinking will help you to believe in yourself and believe that you can succeed. Rather than thinking of your courses as impossible challenges, try thinking of them as opportunities to gain knowledge and improve your study skills. The football team won a hard fought and a well fought victory in the Iron Bowl, and now all that is left is finals. Just as the players on the football team knew they could not win without thinking that they could win, we must think we can succeed, if we are to succeed. René Descartes famously wrote, “I think, therefore I am.” If you think positively, then you will be a positive person. John David Thompson is a sophomore studying piano performance. His column runs biweekly. Last Week’s Poll: Do you think feminisim is inclusive? (Yes: 50%) (No: 50%) This Week’s Poll: Do you think UAB’s football program should continue? cw.ua.edu
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OPINIONS Tuesday, December 2, 2014 COLUMN | SENIOR FAREWELL
My time at the University has proven that life is about people RICH
Robinson Staff Columnist
I have greatly enjoyed my time at The University of Alabama. The past three and a half years have opened my world wide and allowed me to experience some truly incredible things. None of this would have been possible if not for the support of a great deal of people from many parts of life and campus. First off, I’d be nothing without the love and guidance offered from my family, so the highest praise must go to them. I had the pleasure to write my first story for the Crimson White before I attended my first class at the University. Since literally day one at the Capstone, the CW taught me about journalism and how to conduct myself in the public sphere. It’s been one of the best educators I’ve had, and I’m forever proud to have been part of this paper for my entire college career. Special thanks to Stephen Dethrage, Melissa Brown, Mazie Bryant, Victor Luckerson, John Brinkerhoff, Patrick
Crowley, Deanne Winslett, Jordan Cissell, Mackenzie Brown, Tray Smith, Lauren Ferguson, Marc Torrence, Marq Burnett, Katherine Owen, Matt Mecoli and my freshman year editors Taylor Holland and Katherine Martin. Some of the best opportunities are the ones that blindside you. That was certainty true with my work as the play-by-play radio broadcaster for the Alabama gymnastics program. For three seasons, I had the pleasure of covering the team all around the country and bringing the action to our passionate fan base. Thanks to the living legends, Coach Sarah and David Patterson, for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team. Also thanks to Dana Duckworth, Bryan Raschilla, Stephen Buckner, Robin Kelley, Rita Martin, Ben Smith and all the team trainers and student managers who work so hard. Thanks to the gymnasts, who are some of the most driven and talented human beings I’ve ever met. To Chad Haynie and Mick Gillispie, I thank you for the faith you had in a freshman who had never watched a full gymnastics meet before getting the job. As far as our broadcast team, all the credit should go to my partners Leesa and Jan Davis who are pillars of the UA sports
community. And a special shout Radio news director Pat Duggins for out to Roots Woodruff who helped his guidance. Thanks to the profesme learn the sport and is a fierce sional staff at the Office of Student advocate for college gymnastics. Media for their commitment to an One of my proudest achievements independent student press and conat the University was the founding stant support: Paul Wright, Terry of a daily radio news program on Siggers and Mark Mayfield to name WVUA-FM called “Capstone News a few. And to Jordan LaPorta, we Now.” I learned so much have great faith in in this endeavor and your ability to lead this believe that we have experiment forward. built a foundation for a Academically, I’d sustainable news outlike to thank Chandra That’s what the University Clark, Pam Tran, Chris let that can both serve the students and people will always be to me: a Roberts, Robert Halli, of Tuscaloosa. I’d like Josh Rothman, Barbara to thank Cliff Kyle for time when amazing people Chotiner and so many believing in me enough other professors who came together to do to try out this crazy have left an impact on incredible things. idea three years ago. my life. Deep thanks are owed And in the end, life to the people who sacriis about people. That’s ficed great amounts of what the University their time to make our will always be to me: program successful: Chris Beacham, a time when amazing people came Melanie Viering, Taylor Wray, Sonny together to do incredible things. Dill, Kristen Feyt, Maggie Brown, Thanks for allowing me to be along Seth Juneac, Spinks Megginson, for the ride. Patrick Brickman, Marcus Flewellen, Collin Burwinkel, Alexis Winborne, Rich Robinson is a senior studyAlex Thomas, Danielle Burney, Will ing telecommunication and film Wendel, Evan Reier, Heath Howard, graduating in December. This is his John Burleson and Alabama Public final column.
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Editor | Reed O’Mara Culture@cw.ua.edu Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Variety show focuses on Tuscaloosa talent By Andrew Laningham | Contributing Writer
“Tuscaloosa Monorail” is an hour-long variety show featuring skits, local bands and interviews. The show is produced and directed by University of Alabama graduates Robin Rains and Frank Thagard. “Tuscaloosa Monorail” started as a cable access show, but is now being shown on CBS 42 on Saturdays at 3 a.m. “We started the show because we want to do film, like a lot of people,” Rains said. “If you don’t have many opportunities to make your own stuff, you just kind of create your own opportunities out of thin air, and that’s basically what we did.” Thagard and Rains said they chose to produce a variety show because it was an easier way to become engaged with more people. While it’s not necessarily easy to produce a variety show, it is easier to produce than a fully scripted show. “The variety show format also allows us to do different or strange things,” Thagard said. “We can do music and interviews and skits. Whatever particular ideas we have during the week, we have enough leeway to do them. It’s also easy to explain to people and sponsors what the show is.” The skits appearing on the show are primarily written by Thagard and Rains, and they said they are inspired by everyday events.
Whatever particular ideas we have during the week, we have enough leeway to do them. — Frank Thagard — “I guess we have this idea of this alternate reality of West Alabama,” Rains said. “We translate weird things that happen to us into that universe.” Some of the skits appearing on the show started as one-off jokes between Thagard and Rains but then evolved into actual skits. “I really like absurd concepts that we can make something out of, but the goal isn’t to be off the wall for the sake of being off the wall,” Rains said. “The more time we can spend with a concept on screen, the better I think it is.” The show has featured both local and regional bands. The bands play a set of songs and then sit down for an interview with the host of “Tuscaloosa Monorail,” Zach Travis. “There are a lot of different avenues for bands to get on the show. We don’t really have a single way we do it,” Thagard said. “We definitely have not had a dearth of interest from bands. I think people
ATTENTION:
CREATIVE PEOPLE
Frank Thagard and Robin Rains make up the Tuscaloosa Monorail TV show. Photo Courtesy of Frank Thagard and Robin Rains
especially in Tuscaloosa are looking for outlets of local music that aren’t always there, so people who play music are really happy to work with us.” Dead Balloons, a Birmingham-based band featured on “Tuscaloosa Monorail,” has been together for seven years and plays a brand of garage rock. “We went into ‘Tuscaloosa Monorail’ and played a really tight set, and it was really cool,” said Sam Sanders, the drummer for Dead Balloons. “My favorite part of the experience was sitting down and doing an interview with Zach Travis. He asked us a bunch of awkward and weird questions, and I tried to answer back as awkwardly as possible. It was fun.” The band said the production crew
acted professionally but was still able to put them at ease. “They were really professional, but also really relaxed, and made us feel relaxed,” said Chris Seifert, the singer of Dead Balloons. “They are in the space where they do what they do. They are very comfortable in their space. They know what they’re doing.” Thagard and Rains create a new episode every other week. The most time-intensive part of creating the show is shooting the skits, Rains and Thagard said. “Tuscaloosa Monorail” airs Saturdays at 3 a.m. on CBS 42 WIAT. There are two episodes left in this season, and season three will premiere in August 2015.
Wednesdays, 25% off with student ID card
(we know you’re out there)
Marr’s FIeld Journal is now accepting submissions of: • Poetry • Photography • Fiction Prose • Nonfiction Prose • Spoken Word • Drawings • Paintings • Ceramics • Graphic Design • Mixed Media • Original Music • Original Film • Original choreography (with original music) • Original monologues
SUBMIT AT: mfj.ua.edu/submissions
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TUESDAY December 2, 2014 Twin brothers practice fight-scene choreography TWINS FROM PAGE 1
arts skills, everything changed, they said. The twins refer to their martial-artsinspired films as The Blasians, incorporating their family heritage by representing their black father and Filipina mother. Calvin L. Ross met his wife, Maribel Ross, during the 1980s when the two were serving in the army. Their backgrounds in the army influenced their children to stay disciplined and organized, the twins said. While Kevin and Calvin M. Ross maintained the family traditions of discipline and martial arts, they decided to pave a separate path for themselves in college by pursuing film. They came to college to pursue degrees in nursing, a dream of their father’s and the area of study pursued by their sisters. They switched during their freshman year and have been making films inside and outside of class since then. Maya Champion, a professor in telecommunication and film, had the Ross twins in class and has been their academic advisor. Kevin and Calvin M. Ross both have a great sense of humor, but are also disciplined students with good technical skills in film, she said. “[Kevin and Calvin M. Ross] are just really respectful and they have really good hearts,” Champion said. “They are so nice, help other people, and are just funny guys, and talented. They are definitely good to each other and help each other.”
Kevin Ross, who is minoring in creative writing, enjoys the writing aspect of filmmaking, while Calvin M. Ross, a digital media minor, generally works with the photographic elements. “I’m more of the writer, and [Calvin M. Ross] is more of the photographer, and I’m glad it’s that way so that we’re doing the same thing,” Kevin Ross said. The Ross twins also translate their teamwork to the martial arts movements that are often captured on camera. They are trained in capoeira and hapkido styles. Executing fight-scene choreography requires the twins to each memorize a sequence of movements and execute them with perfect timing. Diandra Milliner, a senior majoring in general health studies, often trains with the Ross twins. Milliner completed her senior year on the University gymnastics team last May and continues to practice her gymnastics technique along with working on new martial arts skills with the twins. She began training with the twins over the summer, and is working to master contact elements of fight choreography. “They’re very driven, and that’s what I like about them,” She said. “We talk a lot about how it’s really nice to surround yourself with people who share the same dreams and want the same things as you. So I think that’s nice. I’ve been surrounded by that my whole life in gymnastics, but outside of that, it’s hard to find people who are so driven like Kevin and Calvin are.” The twins’ passion and determination has impacted Kevan Phillips, a senior
Kevin and Calvin M. Ross practice flips on the Quad. CW / Tara Massouleh
majoring in biology and their roommate since sophomore year. Phillips often watches the twins working on their martial arts, and enjoyed working with them to create short films for Campus Movie Fest in previous years. Another video project Phillips said he remembers is one Kevin and Calvin M. Ross put together for their mother, who passed away earlier this semester. Maribel Ross was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, and the twins put together a video of her during her treatments. Phillips said he could tell the twins were proud of the project. “[The video] was very touching, very sad, but also very sweet, because you knew that they were right there for their mom at all times,” he said. “Family is very important to them.”
Phillips said he has noticed that the experience influenced the twins to appreciate each day, he said. “One thing my mom always said while going through her cancer, was that she never complained about cancer,” Kevin Ross said. “That’s one thing I take, I never complain.” Kevin and Calvin M. Ross auditioned for American Ninja Warrior this past summer and plan to audition again this summer. They also appeared as extras in movies in preparation for their hopes of moving to Los Angeles after graduation and doing stunt work. Their work can be be found online at the-blasians.com. They are on Facebook as The Blasians, and are on Instagram under the handle @the__blasians.
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Editor | Kelly Ward Sports@cw.ua.edu Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Tide prepares for Missouri Women’s team looks to rebound By Elliott Propes | Staff Reporter By Nolan Imsande | Staff Reporter
Two days after winning a 55-44 shootout with Auburn, Alabama coach Nick Saban said his team is preparing for a “new season,� which will start when the Crimson Tide plays the Missouri Tigers in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Saturday. “Right now, this is a new season,� he said. “What everybody needs to focus on as a team, and as a staff, is that we look forward to challenges of the future and what we need to do play a very, very good team in the SEC Championship Game.� The team’s berth in the SEC title game as the SEC West champions comes after an undefeated month of November, in which it beat LSU in Baton Rouge, the then-No. 1 Mississippi State Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa and in-state rival Auburn Tigers. “It is a great, competitive venue,� Saban said. It is one of the most exciting games that I’ve had an opportunity to compete in and play in through the years, the few times we have been able to get there.� The Missouri Tigers, led by coach Gary Pinkel, finished the season with a 10-2 overall record and a 7-1 conference record with their only loss in the SEC coming at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs. Missouri is making its second consecutive trip to the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers lost to Auburn in last year’s game 42-59.
Alabama works indoors in preparation for the SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome. CW / Layton Dudley
WHAT TO KNOW • Tight end Brian Vogler returned to practice. Vogler sat out Saturday’s game after sustaining a knee injury against Western Carolina. He wore a brace on his left knee. • Running back T.J. Yeldon did not go through drills. • Wide receiver Amari Cooper practiced with a brace on his left knee, but was not limited. • Left tackle Cam Robinson worked with the first team offensive line. Robinson wore a brace on his left shoulder after being hurt Saturday.
The Alabama women’s basketball team’s four-game win streak was snapped Sunday with a loss to Quinnipiac at 73-66. The Crimson Tide will return home for eight straight games starting with USCUpstate, in Tuscaloosa Tuesday at 6 p.m. “Any great player will take [Sunday] as motivation, no matter who we play tomorrow,� senior Briana Hutchen said. Alabama coach Kristy Curry said she has seen many of her younger players step up. Freshmen Hannah Cook and Meoshonti Knight combined with sophomore Ashley Williams have scored most of Alabama’s points so far this season. Curry said she wants more contribution from her older players and Hutchen has been one of the only upperclassman to contribute, averaging 6.9 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. “She is doing everything she possible
The Crimson Tide’s woman’s basketball winning streak was broken this past week. CW / Layton Dudley
can to put her team in a position to be successful every day,� she said. “Great energy on her part. I have to compliment her.� Alabama will be playing in Tuscaloosa for the entire month of December and the Crimson Tide will not leave for a game until after the Jan. 2 Kentucky game. After the eight game stretch, Alabama will have only seven home tilts left.
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TUESDAY December 2, 2014
9
10 Alabama returns to host South Florida Bulls SPORTS
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
By Sean Landry | Assistant Sports Editor
The Alabama basketball team returns to Coleman Coliseum Tuesday to host the South Florida Bulls (5-1) after playing in Kansas City last weekend. The Crimson Tide returns to its home court after splitting back-toback games at the CBE Hall of Fame Classic in Missouri. After narrowly falling 84-74 to No. 13 Iowa State on Monday, Alabama edged Arizona State 76-71 for its first win away from Tuscaloosa in 18 attempts. The Crimson Tide last won on a court other than Coleman Coliseum March 15, 2013 against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament. “We’re looking forward to getting back on the court,” Alabama coach Anthony Grant said. “Obviously, we’ve been off for a few days after our tournament in Kansas City. I felt like the two games we played there were good for our team. Obviously, we didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish with two wins, but I’m proud of the way our guys fought in the last game and we were able to come out with a victory against Arizona State. As I always talk about, we just try to use every game to try and learn about ourselves and try to get a little
The men’s basketball team continues practicing to finish the season out strong. CW / Layton Dudley
bit better from each time that we play. I think our guys have responded well to myself and our coaches asking them to take that approach of one day at a time and try to get better every day.” Through five games, Alabama’s offense is performing better than last season, averaging 78.6 points per game. Captain and senior guard Levi Randolph is averaging 20 points per game, up from last
season’s 9.6. “Coach gives us the credit but I think it’s a credit to the coaches because it’s things that we emphasize every day in practice,” Randolph said. “We always refer to the [NBA Champion San Antonio] Spurs and how they’re an unselfish team and they get the ball movement. When you move the ball, then it makes the defense rotate and it makes easier shots for your team. It’s
hard for the defense to guard and with the ball movement, it opens things up for each player.” After finishing 2013-14 at the bottom of the American Athletic Conference, South Florida is off to a flying start with a record of 5-1 and a shooting percentage of 49.1 percent. The Bulls have their own high scoring senior guard: Corey Allen, who averages 15.8 points per game and 50 percent from the three-point line, where Alabama has struggled to defend in recent games. South Florida is a prolific team in front of the basket, scoring over 30 points in the paint four times this season. “We’ve got a great challenge ahead of us with [University of ] South Florida coming in here tomorrow,” Grant said. “I’m really impressed watching them on film. They really attack you offensively, they’ve got great speed, size, and physicality. Defensively, the numbers speak for themselves. They’re doing a great job of limiting their opponents of easy opportunities and being disruptive in terms of creating turnovers. This will be a great challenge for our team from an offensive standpoint, being able to attack them, from a defensive standpoint, being able to limit their size and physicality along with their speed and perimeter players.”
TUESDAY December 2, 2014
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HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (12/02/14). Spread your wings this year. Jot down your wildest ambitions before 12/23, when a new personal power phase launches (through 12/19/17). Clarify plans over summer. Entertaining travels and adventures arise through August, when your career grows. Domestic changes after 3/20 hold your focus. Love flourishes naturally. 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 -Separate business from personal. Work smart, not hard. Make the commitment you’ve been considering. Stick to the standards you’ve set. Reinforce your ideology with facts. Keep digging and find what you’re looking for. Pour on the steam and results surpass imagination. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is an 8 -Study for more options. Think it over before making big decisions. Bring in an expert with practical experience. Complete an emotionally charged project. Work at home if possible, and take advantage for simultaneous lounging and productivity. Get comfortable, and crack those books. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -Handle your end of the business, especially details. Magnify the impact by collaborating with partners and friends. Your discipline is admirable. Clean up and organize. Refurbish an old piece you can’t part with. Make sure you get what you bargained for. Follow your heart.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 7 -Today’s work leads to career advancement. Fix something before it breaks. Fit short-term tasks to your long-range plans. Stay in close communication with your team. Make sure everyone has what they need to get the job done. Chop wood, carry water.
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Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Your desires and effort seem aligned. Find ways to economize. Don’t let go of what you’ve achieved. Let your partner take the lead. Handle business along the way. Action comes Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Work easily, and things fall together effortlessly. This out like you mean it. Greater effort wins greater could get fun. reward. Get help with the heavy lifting, and get household chores out of the way. An amazing Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an discovery unveils. Set work aside a bit early. 8 -- The next two days are good for making Repay a favor. The action is behind the scenes. changes at home. Make household decisions and clean up a mess. Neatness counts. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Increase peace with compassion. Take care of It’s smart to work hard now. An older friend business. Get in action on an old project. Then provides just what you need. Group effort pays think of the places you can go. off big. Collaborate to grow family resources. Take care of others and your own needs get Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 met. Disciplined actions get results. Store -- Work smart for career advancement. Keep track of earnings. A business opportunity those nuts for winter. comes your way. Go by the book, and go for Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get it. Your ability to concentrate seems extra keen into action! A collaboration’s red hot. Consider for the next two days. Study, without pressure. the future result desired, and then look back Find safe places to stash your treasure. to get the logical previous step, to the present. You’re gaining notoriety, respect and income. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -A business opportunity is there for the taking. Business takes center stage, and it’s starting to heat up. Let your subconscious mind solve the Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- problem. Your work now pushes your career Put your back into your work and a fat haul is in an enticing direction. Improve your working possible. Do what you promised, and stick to environment and increase your family’s the plan. Use a friend’s influence to advance comfort. Set your infrastructure up to support even farther. Provide excellent, respectful everyone.
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