10/22/08 by The Crimson White

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

LIFESTYLES Luke Bryan, Randy Rogers Band play at the Jupiter tonight at 9:30

CAN I STILL REGISTER TO VOTE?

By Josh Veazey Staff Reporter

Yes. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. Two nearby places are the SGA table outside their office in the Ferguson Center, and the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex, located downtown at 2501 Seventh St., next to Lurleen B Wallace Blvd N. SGA has asked that students registering through them complete their form by 4 p.m. so they will have time to transport them to their registrar.

IF I REGISTER HERE, WHERE WILL I VOTE? Depending on your residency, most students will vote at either the Student Recreation Center or the Annex. If you do not know the location of your polling place, you can also call the Tuscaloosa Board of Registrars at 3493870, ext. 415, before Nov. 4, or visit www.alabamavotes.gov.

There is no residency requirements for presidential elections the way there are for other elections. The day you moved here, you qualified to vote here.

WHAT IF I WANT TO VOTE ABSENTEE?

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO VOTE?

You can apply for an absentee ballot until Oct. 30. It must be postmarked by Nov. 3.

Any form of government-issued ID. UA ACTion cards count. Source: Mike Dodson, SGA vice president for external affairs

DO I NEED ANY TYPE OF ID OR FORM TO REGISTER? No, but to complete the form, you must know either your driver’s license number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

HOW LONG MUST I HAVE LIVED HERE TO VOTE HERE?

To check your voting status, go to www.alabamavotes.gov.

Senate candidate gives UA advice By Karissa Bursch Staff Reporter

UA weather

TODAY

Thursday

Chance of rain

Friday

68º/56º 63º/49º

Scattered thunderstorms

Vol. 115, Issue 43

Two people charged in shooting By Brett Bralley News Editor

Two people have been charged in a shooting that took place at Regency Oaks apartments late Sunday night, which left one person injured and taken to DCH Regional Medical Center, said Capt. Loyd Baker, commander of the Tuscaloosa County Homicide Metro Unit. The incident began as a burglary of a residence in Regency Oaks at 11:10 p.m., said Capt. Greg Kosloff, spokesman for the Tuscaloosa Police Department. He said two gunmen entered a residence, and the occupants began to fire back at the intruders entering the residence. No residents in the apartment were UA students, Kosloff said. Baker said a substantial amount of marijuana was found in the apartment, which he said could have been a motive for the intrusion. Baker said a male resident of the apartment was shot in the arm and suffered minor injuries. He was taken to DCH, Baker said. A resident of Regency Oaks, who preferred to remain nameless pending the closing of the investigation, was with a roommate at home when the shooting took place. The resident said they had been standing on the balcony of their second-floor apartment and saw two men in a vehicle parked in

Mountainous substitute

CW | Marion R Walding Alabama State Senator Vivian Figures speaks to a group of UA students Monday night. Figures is the Democratic nominee running against Sen. Jeff Sessions for the United States Senate. of money that may have been donated to local campaigns is now going toward national candidates. “I need your help and the help of every voter in the state, both Democratic and Republican,” Figures said. Figures focused on personal involvement and personal sacrifices that could make differences and on creating a feeling of community after she is elected. “I want to use this seat to pull our communities together in unity. I envision you as

INSIDE Today’s paper

Opinions: Our View ...4

76º/56º

See SHOOTING, page 3

News: UAPD talks gameday purse policies ....................3

Clear

See all the 2008 Homecoming Queen candidates

Serving the University of Alabama since 1894

Voter registration ends Friday

Vivian D. Figures, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator from Alabama, spoke Monday night about her politics, family, her past and her hopes for the future to members of the National Council of Negro Women, interested students and local citizens. Figures informed her audience of her political agenda for Washington D.C. and her stance on issues ranging from health care to education and the economy. She peppered the speech with stories, telling of her successes and the challenges she faced. Figures said despite all odds she has always had confidence in coming out on top. “Here I am again, running against someone who they say is unbeatable,” said Figures, who is running against incumbent Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions. “I must thrive on that somehow. Don’t tell me what I can’t do.” Figures gave that same advice to students — encouraging them throughout the speech to pursue political positions and share their solutions to problems. “Don’t let anybody sway you. Do what you want to do,” Figures said. Figures said she realized the upcoming presidential election has affected local and statewide elections. She said a lot

HOMECOMING

Homecoming Queen candidates ...............5 Tuscaloosa City Council debates AT&T ..........6 Lifestyles: ʻMax Payneʼ review .....................9 Sports: Profile of Luther Davis ..................... 12

P.O. Box 870170 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Newsroom: 348-6144 | Fax: 348-4116 | Advertising: 348-7845 | Classifieds: 348-7355 Letters, op-eds: letters@cw.ua.edu Press releases, announcements: news@cw.ua.edu

students coming together to a supports renewable energy table to talk about problems,” and Obama’s plan for universal health care. “I need your help and the help Jessica Alexander, vice president of the National of every voter in the state, Council of Negro Women and both Democratic and a junior majoring in telecomRepublican.” munications, said she thought students would have a better — Vivian D. Figures, Democratic candiunderstanding of politics after date for U.S. Senator from Alabama hearing Figures speak. “It’s wonderful she took time Figures said. out of her day to speak with us. Figures said she hopes to A lot of students had no idea stimulate the economy with what she stood for and now jobs as well as revamp the they at least get some of the education system. She said she pros and cons,” she said.

Vandal confesses By Christy Conner Senior Staff Reporter The student responsible for defacing around 200 copies of The Crimson White confessed to the Office of Judicial Affairs on Monday, UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen said. The vandalism was discovered on Oct. 14 after a student called in the incident, reporting three different stands in Mary Burke Hall contained headlines that were altered with a pen from “Obama fans rally at Gorgas,” to read “Obama fags rally at Gorgas.” “The student confessed to Judicial Affairs and it is now up to them to determine a punishment after their hearing,” Andreen said.

CW | Matt Abbey Sophomore Josh Chapman will be the main player to step in and take more reps in place of the the injured Terrence Cody, who suffered an MCL sprain in Saturdayʼs Ole Miss game.

Students debate election issues at forum By Valerie Cason Contributing Writer The Honors College and Housing and Residential Communities sponsored an election forum debate between the College Democrats and College Republicans Monday night. The student panelists responded to questions from moderator and political scientist Bill Stewart. Stewart opened the forum by explaining the importance of youth participation in the upcoming election. “This year more than ever, you as young students will make a difference,” Stewart said. “This year is one of the most interesting election years in my lifetime.”

CW | Emi Peters Students from the College Democrats and College Republicans participate in a forum on the presidential election sponsored by the UA Honors College and UA Housing and Residential Communities on Monday. The College Republican panel members included Ben Foster, Jesse Woods

See DEBATE, page 2

PAGE

TODAY •UA School of Music presents Faculty Jazz Ensemble featuring Rob Zappulla: 7:30 p.m., Moody Music Building Concert Hall

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

•The Aronov Lecture: Bruce Lincoln on “In Praise of Things Chaotic: Politics in Creation Mythology”: 7 p.m., 205 Gorgas Library

• Volleyball vs. Tennessee: 7 p.m., The CAVE

•Softball vs. Chattanooga St. and Wallace St.: 12 and 2 p.m., Softball Stadium

• Halloween Spooktacular: 5:30 p.m., Children’s Hands-On Museum

• UP presents Extreme Bowling: 10 p.m., Bama Lanes, register at the Campus Programs office in the Ferguson Center

• Football vs. Tennessee: 6:45 p.m., ESPN

Wednesday October 22, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Send announcements and campus news to cwnews@sa.ua.edu

Drunk driving sim visits campus

UA to provide electronic pay statements

By Kellie Munts Contributing Writer

Human resources/payroll at UA now has the ability to provide electronic pay statements in place of the current paper, direct deposit information. Instead of receiving paper direct deposit information on payday, employees will receive it electronically via e-mail with a PDF attachment. An employee’s campus-wide identification number, or CWID, will be the secure password for opening an electronic pay statement. Pay statements will be sent to employees’ Bama e-mail accounts. Therefore, it is important that employees have a forward set up on their Bama account or that they review their Bama account regularly.

Students will be able to experience the dangers of driving a car while under the influence without actually causing any harm today when the “Save-aLife Tour” comes to campus. In recognition of National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, this public health tour will set up a state-of-the-art drunk-driving simulator in the main level of the Ferguson Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The “Save-a-Life Tour” is returning to campus for its fourth year and is expected to have an even stronger impact than it did in its previous years. Many organizations campus wide, including the Student Health Center, SGA, UA Police Department and others have a vested interest in alcohol abuse prevention, especially among University students. Delynne Wilcox, coordinator for Health Planning and

QUOTE OF THE DAY “Comcast has been a great corporate citizen.” — Kip Tyner, Disctrict Five Representitive on the Tuscaloosa City Council

BIRTHDAYS

Carla Pennington, graduate student, advertising and public relations We want to list your birthday here. Send your name, birthdate, class year and major to cwnews@sa.ua.edu. Put “birthday” in the subject line. And look for birthday greetings from us on your special day.

DEBATE Continued from page 1

Thompson. Ian Sams, Trent Thompson and Blake Westbrook represented the panel for the College Democrats.

Prevention, believes participating in the event will influence students to make logical decisions in regard to drinking and driving. “This will make students think through it without any pressure,” Wilcox said. The simulator is said to be very similar to reality, and Wilcox said she is confident it will appeal to students. “With this generation being more technologically savvy, students will sit and try to beat this ‘game.’ But drinking and driving is not a game at all,” Wilcox said. Students who sit in the driver’s seat will get the general effect of driving while intoxicated, and those standing near the screen will experience the perspective of a passenger. After a few short minutes, Wilcox said, students participating are expected to realize it is not possible to beat this game. Because driving while under

the influence is preventable, Wilcox said, she hopes the simulator will have an effect on the decisions of those who participate. As a reminder of the consequences of intoxicated driving, a mangled car that was the product of a drunk driving accident will be brought on campus this week. Additionally, Wilcox is working to change the campus culture and promote alternative entertainment events. “We hope that students will take advantage of the opportunity to participate in these alternative events,” Wilcox said. Through AlcoholEdu, students were able to voice their opinions concerning potential activities sponsored by the University. Approximately 75 percent of the freshmen class included in feedback for AlcoholEdu said they would be interested in participating in such events. Through National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness

Week, the University is working to promote those events. The Student Health Center is also working closely with the Recreation Center to build the Facebook group, “Who says there’s nothing to do?,” and hope to attract student participation through that facility. “We’re working to build this mechanism so we can have this for students who are looking for more anonymity,” Wilcox said. The programs throughout campus are working to appeal to the student body and are encouraging students to participate in events such as the “Save-a-Life Tour.” Wilcox and those at the Student Health Center have had an overwhelming amount of support from the SGA in planning the events for National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. “We applaud the SGA for their investment in the event. This has been the most support and active involvement we’ve ever had,” Wilcox said.

On the issue of taxes, Ben Foster, vice chairman of the UA College Republicans, said the government has a responsibility to set an example for spending. “McCain will stand up for you and make sure you have money

in your pocket to afford college education,” Foster said. “Who knows better how to spend your money … you or Barack Obama?” said Jesse Woods, executive advisor to the SGA President. Ian Sams, communications director for UA College Democrats, said he believes Obama’s tax cut is sufficient for college students. “I see young people in the room who have jobs that probably don’t make over $200,000. I’ll take Obama’s tax cuts,” Sams said. Foster said Obama will raise taxes mainly on businesses, which will raise prices in stores. “If tax just goes to businesses, eventually it comes

back to you,” he said. Stewart then asked the College Democrats panel in what areas Obama may feel the federal government has been too involved in the lives of Americans. “One area where Obama probably feels the federal government overstepped its boundaries is the Patriot Act,” said Trent Thompson, president of the College Democrats. Westbrook said McCain’s negative campaign tactics are appalling and reflect why Colin Powell has endorsed Obama. “He is one of the most respected people in foreign policy in the United States. When he endorses you, that means something,” Sams added. Foster made closing statements about the choice students have in the upcoming election. He said McCain “is going to stand up for our rights and opportunities.” Paul Thompson, opinions editor of The Crimson White, said Joe the Plumber is an example of someone who wants to live the American dream that Obama wants to limit. Woods said Obama would put more government in the lives of Americans and enact tax policies that will penalize Americans for being successful. “It’s not punishment,” Sams responded, “It’s policies that make sense. They are new policies that are going to work.” Sams said he wants to be able to “look forward and say our best times aren’t behind us, but in front of us. McCain can’t promise that, but Barack Obama can.” Trent Thompson began the College Democrats’ closing arguments by saying, “John McCain supports most of the same policies as George Bush.” “Obama is the choice of reason and change,” Westbrook added. “You don’t want to have four more years of the last eight.” After the closing arguments from panelists, Stewart opened the floor to questions from students. Students asked questions concerning military benefits, McCain’s spending freeze policy, the economic crisis, health care, Gov. Sarah Palin’s experience and Obama’s relationships with Bill Ayres and Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Trent Thompson said he hopes any undecided voters who attended the forum walked away with a greater understanding of the candidates and their platforms. “I was a little surprised by the complexity and thoroughness of some of the questions from the audience,” he said. “It clearly shows that students have been tuned in to this election, are familiar with the issues and are ready to make an informed decision on Election Day.” Stewart said he enjoyed seeing student interest at this level in the current presidential election campaign. “I have participated in or moderated previous debates, and this was the best yet,” Stewart said.

THIS DAY IN ALABAMA HISTORY October 22, 1821: The steamboat Harriet reaches Montgomery after ten days of travel from Mobile. This was the first successful attempt to navigate so far north on the Alabama River and opened river trade between Montgomery and Mobile. Source: Alabama Department of Archives and History

THE CRIMSON WHITE EDITORIAL • Corey Craft, editor-in-chief, craft@cw.ua.edu, 348-8049 • Phil Owen, managing editor, owen@cw.ua.edu, 348-6146 • James Jaillet, production editor • Megan Honeycutt, outreach manager • Breckan Duckworth, design editor • Bobby Bozeman, assistant design editor • Marion Walding, photo editor • RF Rains, assistant photo editor • Matt Ferguson, chief copy editor • Paul Thompson, opinions editor • Dave Folk, news editor • Brett Bralley, news editor • Ryan Mazer, lifestyles editor • CJ McCormick, assistant lifestyles editor • Ryan Wright, sports editor • Greg Ostendorf, assistant sports editor • Eric McHargue, graphics editor • Andrew Richardson, web editor

ADVERTISING

• Drew Gunn, advertising manager, 348-8995, cwbiz manager@sa.ua.edu • Jeff Haas, territory manager, 348-8044, territorymg2@ sa.ua.edu • Joe Greenwood, zones 3 and 7, (McFarland and Skyland boulevards), 348-8735, smcwzone3-7@sa.ua.edu • Lance Hutchison, zone 4 (Northport), 348-8054, zone4@sa.ua.edu • Braxton Jett, zone 6 (15th Street), 348-6876, zone6@ sa.ua.edu • Meredith Clements, zone 8 (the Strip and downtown),

348-6875, zone8@sa.ua. edu • Dana Andrzejewski, zone 44 (downtown and downtown Northport), 348-6153, zone44@sa.ua.edu • Jarrett Cocharo, zone 55 (campus), 348-2670 • Torri Blunt, nontraditional advertising, 348-4381, smterritorymanager1@sa.ua.edu • Emily Frost, classifieds coordinator, 348-7355, smcwclassmgr@sa.ua.edu • Ashley Brand, creative services manager, 348-8042, cwadv@sa.ua.edu

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 weekly June, July and August, and is published four times a week September through April except for spring break, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and the months of May and December. 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 © 2008 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.

Cobb Theatres is NOW HIRING! Perfect part-time job for students. We offer: Competitive Wages, Flexible Work Schedule, Free Movie Privileges, Snack Stand Discounts, Etc. Please apply Monday thru Thursday after 1pm.

Call for Showtimes

The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

UAPD: ‘Gameday purse policy is nothing new’ Oversized bags prohibited in stadium By Christy Conner Senior Staff Reporter

Along with swarms of people wearing crimson and white to the stadium, gameday attendants may also see more women being turned away due to the size of their purses. Despite rumors that University of Alabama Police Department only recently started to enforce policies against oversized purses, UAPD officials said the policy has always been recognized. The policy, which is enforced by UAPD officers at every gate, is also posted on signs outside of every gate and on www. rolltide.com, said Andy Liles, UAPD community services director. “We see this constantly, and it’s not anything new,” Liles said. “I have seen girls try and

bring a change of clothes into the stadium. The best idea is to relieve yourself of so much baggage before you even come to the stadium.” Although the list of restricted items has changed since 9/11, most of them were already enforced, UA officials said. “After 9/11, there were changes as to what could be brought into the stadium, and those are what the rules are right now,” said Larry White, associate athletics director for events and game management. Other prohibited items include strollers, umbrellas, computers, laser pointers, ice bags and chests, outside food and drink, artificial noisemakers, bottles, food containers and coolers, chair-backs larger than a single seat, cameras with telephoto lenses that exceed 6 inches and bags exceeding 8 1/2 x 11 inches. “As long as you pay attention to what is posted on the signs and the Web site, everything will be fine and run smoothly,” Liles said. Some students, however,

said this is the first they have seen of stadium policy enforcement. Sarah Hart, a sophomore majoring in business, said she has attended every home game since the beginning of last football season, and this weekend was the first time she had ever heard of the policy. Hart said she learned of the purse policy the hard way after waiting in line for 15 minutes; she was turned away because her purse was 2 inches too large. Although there are signs posted with regulations outside stadium gates, Hart said the rules should be made well known to students before they reach the stadium and are faced with similar scenarios. “I have taken the exact same purse to at least two other games this season, and this weekend was the first time I was turned away,” Hart said. “It is ridiculous that they made me walk back to the car when they search the purses anyway. What would I have done if I parked far away or rode with someone else to the game?”

Students help raise money for St. Jude By Sydney Holtzclaw Contributing Writer

On Tuesday, the Ferguson Center’s Forum room was bustling with activity as students and volunteers worked to send out letters to raise money for the Up ’til Dawn program. Up ’til Dawn is an organization on college campuses working to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. According to www.stjude.org, the program is hosted by more the 180 campuses nationwide. The University has been working with the organization for four years. Throughout the year the program hosts several different events. Alabama’s main Up ’til Dawn event is the letter-writing campaign. Students from every organization on campus were invited to bring 50 names and addresses of family and friends to the Ferguson Center yesterday. “We contacted every philanthropy chair from each greek organization to let them know about the letter-writing campaign in hopes of a good turn out,” said Hannah Williams, executive director of the University’s Up ’til Dawn program. The Ferguson Forum room was decorated with yellow and blue balloons, and there the students addressing pre-written letters explaining the fundraiser’s cause and asking for donations. Door prizes and free food were among the festivities. The purpose of the event is to not only raise money, but also to raise awareness about St. Jude’s. “This summer, I had the chance to go to St. Jude’s. Seeing the kids and the hospital really inspired me to make this year’s

SHOOTING

CW | Drew Hoover Drew Campbell, a sophomore majoring in business, writes letters for Up ʻtil Dawn to send to friends and family members in order to raise money for the childrenʼs hospital. For more information, conUp ’til Dawn fundraising bigger than ever. Our goal this year is tact Williams by e-mail at hlwilto raise over $20,000,” Williams liams@bama.ua.edu. said. The deadline for the letter writing campaign is Monday. “We understand that many students want to take the letters home with them to get address or are unable to make it to the event,” Williams said. Another way the program will be working to collect gifts is through donation cans. These small cylindrical cans displaying the St. Jude seal may be found around campus in the following weeks. “We are looking at setting up a table at upcoming home football games where people can stop by and make donations as well as possibly in the lobby of Tutwiler,” Williams said. In the spring the program will host a finale event and stay “Up ’til Dawn” celebrating all of the donations raised as well as honoring the patients at St. Jude’s.

THE

GRADUATION CELEBRATION

Ends Today! 10am-6pm Ferguson Center Ballroom

SUPeStore

the

CW | Marion R Walding 15 month old Ayres Mizzell and his mother Jeanette Mizzell of Jacksonville, Fla., play among flags that were placed on the Quad to inform people of the number of legal abortions performed in the United States every day. The flags were placed by the student organization Bama Students for Life to raise awareness about abortion.

supestore.ua.edu

“They were eyeing us down while we were up on the balcony,” the resident said. “So we Conintued from page 1 came back inside and latched front of their apartment. our doors up.” The resident said they went Shortly after going back back inside and came outside inside, the resident said they again 45 minutes later and heard gunshots. saw that the men had moved Baker said two people who and were parked across the entered the home are being parking lot, outside a different charged with attempted murapartment. der and burglary in the first

degree. Baker said there is a third person involved who may be facing charges in the future. Baker said both occupants of the apartment, one male and one female, were arrested for possession of marijuana. Another occupied apartment was hit during the shooting, but there were no injuries, Kosloff said.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

OPINIONS Paul Thompson • Editor

paul.thompson@cw.ua.edu

OUR VIEW

Bigger venue needed for speakers

MCT Campus

Is Mac missing Mitt? By Jonathan Reed Picture it: Nov. 4, 2008. Brian Williams announces to the world who will be the next president and vice president of the United States. The historic Democratic candidate and his experienced Delaware sidekick hang their heads in defeat. The President-Elect steps up to the microphone to thank the nation and assure them that he and his running mate will enact their plan to resolve the massive economic meltdown that has plagued the greatest nation in the world. After a few more remarks, the vice-president-elect steps up to the podium to further explain the economic plan for the next four years; the VP who is the heir apparent to the Grand Old Party: Mitt Romney. Of course nobody can be sure who will give that acceptance speech on Nov. 4, or, if recent history is any indication, that it will even happen on that day. One thing we can be sure of is that a former Massachusetts governor will not accept the vice presidency. On Aug. 29, Republican candidate John McCain chose as his running

mate the unknown Alaska governor Sarah Palin. Palin’s selection was designed to bolster the party’s right wing and overcome the “excitement gap” between the two candidates. Roughly two weeks later, the terms by which this election would be decided changed dramatically. The primary focus is no longer on which candidate would pull soldiers out of Iraq or which one hangs out with terrorists. Voters want to know which candidate will help them keep their jobs, their assets and their retirement accounts. The strengths of McCain’s running mate, her straight talk, her “hockey mom” attitude, her feistiness, her zingers, all worked in the campaign of Sept. 13, but on Sept. 14 what McCain needed by his side wasn’t a pit bull with lipstick, it was Romney. Few candidates in the primaries from either party could even try to compete with Romney’s economic experience. He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School; he founded Bain Capital, a large

financial firm that controls billions of dollars in assets; and he was the CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. John McCain admits he lacks economic experience and expertise, and his selection of Sarah Palin did little to change it. A McCain-Romney ticket, however, would be hard pressed to yield the economic edge to the Democrats. Most of us know little about derivatives, subprime mortgages, predatory lending and whatever else has caused this crisis. How can we expect to fix it if we aren’t sure exactly what we’re dealing with? A Romney ticket would have been able to respond to that question confidently — we understand Wall Street, vote for John McCain and we’ll make it through. In the Midwest, the region most hotly contested between the two candidates, the message of economic salvation would be music to the ears of voters just looking to make ends meet. Why should they gamble with an untested Democrat when they could have an experienced Republican with a financial mogul at his right hand? Ohio

and Pennsylvania, if not completely red on electoral maps, would be a nice shade of pink. Michigan, the state where Romney was born, would not have had a mass exodus of GOP campaign workers, at least not because of a failed campaign. Retirees in Florida would feel their investments would be safer in the hands of the Arizona senator’s administration than in the hands of his Illinois counterpart. Some would question his positions on abortion and same-sex marriage as well as his religion, but these voters are unlikely to abandon the Republican Party in droves, particularly not towards a man who has been called the 110th Congress’s “Most Liberal Senator.” They could even pass off his perceived deviation from the party line as his being a “maverick,” just for good measure. Hindsight is 20/20, but with the poll numbers the way they are, don’t you think McCain is missing Mitt a little? Jonathan Reed is a freshman majoring in political science and journalism. His column runs bi-weekly on Wednesdays.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A call for dialogue

(okay — you might have a case), but I am confident that we can engage in a construcBy Alan Blinder tive dialogue, as opposed to a vicious debate. In the end, we Since I arrived, I have read might learn something from The CW daily. Always intereach other. ested in the views of others, I have focused on the opinions Alan Blinder is a freshman page. I have found some com- majoring in history. mentary to be insightful and stimulating. On other days, I have been disappointed — not Folk, Thompson necessarily in the quality of more of the same thought, but in the conduct of the debate. By Wesley Vaughn Carl Jung, one of psychiatry’s most influential minds, Every Friday I honestly wrote: “Everything that irritates us about others can lead cringe when reading The us to an understanding of our- Crimson White. Oct. 17 was no different. News Editor Dave selves.” Folk bashed Obama supportPerhaps we should employ ers and Opinions Editor Paul that perspective as we write, Thompson scolded ACORN. read, consider and respond It seemed as though John to the ideas expressed here McCain had paid for ad space. every day. As our own opinIt pained me to read that, and ions are challenged, we have I don’t even like Obama or an opportunity to reexamine ACORN. our own views; sometimes, we I’ll start with Folk’s “The will find ourselves agreeing audacity of trash,” which with the author, and on other days, we will think the writer should have been called “The needs a visit with one of Jung’s audacity of writing trash.” The psychiatry colleagues. Instead article questions why anyone of engaging in spiteful verbal would support Obama, by criticombat, let’s get involved in cizing supporters’ fashion and lack of knowledge about their an intelligent clash of ideas. Call me an idealist, an opti- candidate. However the folk mist or a naïve freshman artist himself fails to realize

the flip side. Being just as stereotypical, McCain supporters all wear overalls and cowboy hats and the only lick of factual information they possess is that Obama doesn’t look like them. They do not know McCain’s foreign and domestic policy, let alone understand it. Folk also mentioned how Obama may fail on his lofty goals. But doesn’t McCain face the same problems? This is an election year where politicians propose sometimes-unobtainable proposals. The congressional election will determine how much either McCain or Obama will achieve anyway. Thompson’s article aimed at ACORN, an organization that has been linked with Obama and voter registration fraud. I agree that ACORN has a liberal agenda and may wrongly register voters. But haven’t the Republican operatives and Karl Rove succeeded in similar behaviors? In “How to Rig an Election,” Allen Raymond spills the beans on Republicans calling opposing Democratic candidates at horrible hours and skewing their platforms. Then of course the Republicans orchestrated the infamous phone-jamming scheme in New Hampshire, which prohibited Democrats

from calling supporters to remind them to vote. ACORN can constitute a misled, partisan organization, but do not act as though the GOP comes off squeaky clean. Both pieces were filled with hate for the newfound influx of voters. Clearly our democracy needs fewer people to be interested in and supportive of a certain candidate. No one should care how or why citizens vote. They have the constitutional right to do so. Yes, I would love if everyone made an informed decision, but even our Congress fails to do so. Trivial matters, such as getting registered or liking a nominee’s eloquence, can lead to voters becoming more k n owl e d g e ab l e . O bv i o u s ly, both Folk and Thompson fail to realize this. Leave this one-sided hate fest for the campaign trail. These articles persuaded no one to change their minds. If you desire at all to inflict real change of opinions, do what John McCain constantly does. Reach across the aisle and go against your own party occasionally. Inform readers that you can be something other than a stubborn conservative. Wesley Vaughn is a freshman majoring in political communication.

Last Thursday night, the University hosted a well-publicized and touted lecture by Cornel West. Large numbers of students, staff and faculty members and staff tried to attend West’s lecture, but were turned away due to a lack of seating in Morgan Hall’s auditorium. The Crimson White’s editorial board was honored that the University was able to host West, who is — by all accounts — a prolific speaker. We appreciate the University’s efforts to bring big-name speakers to campus; after all, F. W. de Klerk spoke merely hours after West. The problem that we see is the need for a larger auditorium that can accommodate more people. Morgan Auditorium is well suited for some things, but not for others. Coleman Coliseum would have been a much better venue for West’s lecture, and many more people would have been able to attend. Moreover, the Moody Music Concert Hall seats nearly 1,000. The University is re-playing West’s speech, and we find that to be a step in the right direction, but more should have been done in the first place to accommodate more people. For us, this just underscores the University’s need for a large auditorium to provide adequate space for speakers like West. This hasn’t been a problem in the past, when speakers like Charlton Heston and Robert Kennedy came to speak. By renovating Foster Auditorium, the University could have a ready-made solution to the problems of packing thousands of people in to see historic speakers like West or de Klerk. Whatever is done in the future, we are at least pleased the University is making an effort to bring speakers capable of drawing crowds of thousands to campus. Our View is the consensus of The CW editorial board.

A ﬂaw in Obama’s tax proposal By Charles Pond

policy itself, although I disagree with it wholeheartedly. We’ve seen numerous instances of Democratic leaders talking about policies that will redistribute the wealth in our country. What I’m really upset about is the fact that the men who sat on the Democratic panel Monday night are a few of the most knowledgeable Democrats on campus. They support Barack Obama. They are going to vote for Barack Obama. They know the economic crisis is the number one issue in this election. They know this country’s success and even that of global markets depends on the economic stability of the United States. Given all of this, the most intelligent Democratic minds at this University don’t understand exactly what Barack Obama’s tax policy is. And if they don’t know what it is, how can I be sure any of Barack Obama’s supporters know what it is? That is what worries me about Barack Obama. Even his staunchest supporters don’t understand what he is doing. They are too caught up with his message of “hope” and “change,” or wowed by his poise and intellect, or enthralled with the historical significance of putting an African-American in the White House. These are not reasons to vote for someone! With less than two weeks until Election Day, I am begging everyone reading this to please look at the issues and not the faces, the war wounds or the color of the skin. You will see that this election comes down to one issue and that is whether you want to make decisions with your money or let Uncle Sam do it for you.

On Monday evening, I attended the political debate between the College Republicans and the College Democrats. The representatives on each panel were very intelligent, passionate students at the University. They were high-ranking officials in their respective organizations, editors for The Crimson White, members of the SGA, etc. After an hour of debate, Dr. Bill Stewart, the moderator, opened up the forum to the floor for a Q-and-A session. My question, directed to the College Democrats, was a simple one: Sen. Barack Obama has promised that 95 percent of us will receive a tax cut if he is elected. But a third of American households don’t pay income taxes. Is this “new policy” just a disguised handout from the government? Ian Sams, who writes an opinion column every Monday, responded to my question, stating that he believes Obama is just referring to taxpayers when using the 95 percent statistic, not all citizens. I could hear scattered laughter around me as I took my seat. Ian just put the Republican in his place and defended our beloved Barack. I laughed to myself because I knew Ian was wrong. David Plouffe, Senator Obama’s campaign manager, has said numerous times that 95 percent of American households will receive a tax cut. Barack Obama, in the final debate, said that, “Number one, I want to cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans.” What Obama doesn’t mention is that 45 percent of the 95 percent don’t pay income tax but, under his plan, will still receive a check in their mailbox from the United States government Charles Pond is a junior courtesy of Obama. I’m not that upset at the majoring in finance.

WE WELCOME YOUR OPINIONS Editorial Board

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James Jaillet Production Editor Breckan Duckworth Design Editor Paul Thompson Opinions Editor

Letters to the editor must be less than 200 words and guest columns less than 500. Send submissions to cwopinions@gmail.com. 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.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The candidates | Homecoming Queen

Compiled by Corey Craft Photos by RF Rains and Marion R Walding

Louise Acomb

Christina Arnone

Caroline Ball

Patty Ann Green

Louise Acomb represents Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. is a senior from New Orleans, La. majoring in health care management. Louise currently serves as President of the Gamma Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She has a 3.99 GPA and is a member of multiple honor societies and organizations on campus.

Christina Arnone represents Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She is currently on the Panhellenic Executive Council, where she serves as the assistant director of recruitment, and in Sigma Alpha Lambda and Order of Omega. She has held multiple positions in the SGA and formal recruitment chair for her sorority.

Caroline Ball represents the Computer-Based Honors program. She is an applied mathematics major with a 4.2 GPA and has been involved in academic organizations, athletics (Crimson Tennis Club, Rowing Club), service (tutoring in the community), stewardship (A & S Ambassadors, University Stewards) and leadership.

Patty Ann Green represents Delta Zeta sorority. She is a senior majoring in communication studies and president of Delta Zeta sorority, president of Mortar Board and communications director for the SGA. She is also a member of the XXXI, Blackburn Institute, Anderson Society, ODK, Blue Key and Order of Omega.

Caroline Gwaltney

Katie Hyde

Collin Jones

Christy Roach

Brittany Rodgers

Caroline Gwaltney represents Chi Omega sorority. She is a senior majoring in journalism from Alexander City, an editorial assistant at Alabama Alumni Magazine, SGA press secretary, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and a William Randolph Hearst Award winner.

Katie Hyde represents the Capstone College of Nursing. Katie is a senior majoring in nursing from Vestavia Hills and is the president of the CCN Nursing Ambassadors, a member of CCN Organization Performance and Strategic Planning Committee, and a VALOR nurse scholar.

Collin Jones represents Kappa Delta sorority. She is a native of Dothan majoring in communicative disorders and volunteers with the Rise Center and Crossing Points through philanthropic projects. She is also a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Lambda.

Christy Roach represents Alpha Omicron Pi. She is a senior majoring in journalism and serves as Student Executive Council president and as a justice on the Academic Honor Council for the College of Communications and Information Sciences.

Brittany Rodgers represents the Athletic Department. She is a senior from Dacula, Ga., majoring in elementary education, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee President, a threetime All-American in softball and a member of the 2007 SEC community service team.

Alexa Stabler

Phillips Thomas

Maegan Wrenn

Sarah Yates

Alexa Stabler represents Phi Mu sorority. One of her favorite childhood memories is riding in Alabamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homecoming parade with her family. Times like this help her realize what an honor it is to be Phi Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidate for Homecoming Court. She is a senior from Orange Beach studying telecommunication and film and she would sincerely appreciate your support.

Phillips Thomas represents the National Pan-Hellenic Council. She is a senior from Anniston, has a 3.74 GPA and is an international studies major. Her activities include Alabama Action, Black Belt Action, Blackburn Institute, AKA, and NPHC; honors include Phi Eta Sigma, Order of Omega, XXXI, and 2008 Capstone Hero.

Maegan Wrenn represents the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She is a senior majoring in accounting. In the past she has served as recruitment chair, administrative secretary and swap chair for Kappa Alpha Theta. She is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Order of Omega, and Golden Key.

Sarah Yates represents Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She is originally from Birmingham, though she and her parents currently reside in Gulf Breeze, Fla. She is also president of Capstone Men and Women and publicity chair of Colleges Against Cancer. She is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Anderson Society, Blue Key and Mortar Board.

6 Wednesday, October 22, 2008

NEWS

The Crimson White

Council turns down AT&T’s U-verse product BY RF Rains Assistant Photo editor

AT&T’s new video product U-verse, which includes television, telephone and Internet services, was denied permission to operate in the city of Tuscaloosa today by a vote of three against two, with dissenting members voicing concern for Comcast. Lee Garrison and Bobby Lundell were absent. AT&T has spent $4 million in the state of Alabama trying to get the service off the ground. It is already available

in fifty other cities, including Northport, according to AT&T Regional Director Terri Gualano who was present Tuesday night. AT&T has been in negotiations with the city to determine exactly what U-verse is and how it should be regulated. Comcast already has right-of-way to operate in Tuscaloosa and there is some debate over whether AT&T’s “video programming service” is cable or not. If it is cable, then AT&T would be subject to the same regulations as Comcast if they

were granted a franchise at all. Considering the nature of the service, the city has tried to come up with an agreement, one which Senior Associate City Attorney Tim Nunnally described as “not ideal from the city’s perspective.” Nunnally said among other things AT&T was unwilling to agree to a “mandatory build out” rule that would require them to ensure every citizen had U-Verse available to them. Dissenting councilman Kip Tyner called AT&T “pretty sneaky” and said this was just one example of how the

U-Verse service was unfair to Comcast. “Comcast has been a great corporate citizen,” he said. “This is a slap in the face [to them].” Tyner said his “no” vote was not a vote against competition. “Moving forward without AT&T under a cable franchise like Comcast is a disservice to Comcast,” he said, adding that AT&T was still welcome to do business in Tuscaloosa. Claire Evans, General Manager of Comcast said she thought similarly, that

“competition is good and competition is fun and that’s what makes us better,” but “this isn’t a matter of competition because AT&T doesn’t abide by the same rules.” She argued that Comcast and AT&T were actually already in competition, not for video but for phone service subscribers. Comcast offers a landline alternative called Digital Voice. Gualano said AT&T would be paying 5 percent of their revenues to the city every quarter and repairing any damage to infrastructure, like

Comcast. Nunnally said AT&T had agreed to anti-discrimination laws, or “redlining” laws that make it illegal for a utility provider to ignore one area because of income, race or any other factor. The other dissenting councilman, Bobby Howard said his “true vote” would be cast next Tuesday when the issue will be brought up again. He said he would to vote “no” until all members were present. The final approval or disapproval will require the presence of the entire council.

Latino-run stores hit with scam By Mike Faulk The Associated Press ANNISTON| Businesses have lost thousands of dollars in recent months by cashing fraudulent paychecks in what police said appears to be a coordinated effort to scam Latino convenience stores in the area. The scam plays out where a dozen or more people with fraudulent paychecks will bombard the register at the same time, usually leading the clerk to accept the checks without properly verifying identifications to keep the line moving. Store owners said they have little confidence the culprits will be found, and they are now working overtime to recoup their losses. Mariano Vasquez, who with his wife, Francisca, owns El Puentecito in Oxford, said a group of people came in after 5 p.m. Oct. 9 and cashed $18,000 in checks that had “Legacy Cabinets LLC,” a cabinet company with a plant in Eastaboga, printed on them. The group was long gone by the time staff realized the

checks were fake. He said it also happened three months ago, when the business lost $8,000 in a similar operation. Vasquez said there is now a stricter policy on checking the identification of people cashing checks at the store, a service they and other stores offer because many area Latino immigrants do not have bank accounts. He and Francisca are also resigned to what they can do to get their money back. “Pues, nada, [Well, nothing],” Vasquez said. La Fiesta convenience store in Talladega lost more than $6,000 six months ago when a group of about 10 people came in with fake checks, also supposedly from Legacy Cabinets, owner Francisco Lopez said. Lopez said the supposed workers had identification matching the information on their checks. Now he no longer offers the check-cashing service. “I feel bad that I can’t do that anymore,” Lopez said. Jeff Maples, a managing partner at TimePlus, the com-

pany that manages payroll for Legacy, said he didn’t know where the checks were coming from. He said they most likely were created using “hightech” computer software and printers, and based on authentic checks that got into the wrong hands. “We’ve never seen anything on this scale,” Maples said. “This looks to be very organized.” Maples said Legacy Cabinets has not incurred any losses from the scam, because the company has security measures that prevent the checks from going through. Store owners have taken their concerns to area police, but only a few official reports have been filed. Capt. Ronny Jones, head of investigations for the Talladega Police Department, said police don’t have any leads, because they “don’t know where to start” in cases like these, where little to no identifying evidence is left behind. “They just prey on these people and flow from one

place to another,” Jones said. A lone man tried to cash a fake Legacy Cabinets check at Dorsey’s Super Market in Oxford on the same day and time as the most recent scam at El Puentecito. Police said something scared the man, identified on the check as “Pablo Rosales,” before it was cashed. He fled the scene in a maroon Dodge Intrepid. “Rosales” had endorsed the check on the back as “Pablo Rosas.” Vasquez said because of the scam, his family is working more and spending less to recoup the loss. Lopez said he’s learned he “can lose more money in 10 minutes” than he’d ever make in a day. Police said they hope all store owners are now keeping a watchful eye out for fraudulent checks. “They feel like they’re doing a service, but they’re being taken advantage of,” said Oxford Police Sgt. L.G. Owens.

Taliban gunmen kill Christian aid worker

Homecoming Schedule of Events

By Amir Shah The Associated Press

A Tide Nation: Unified with Crimson Pride

KABUL, Afghanistan | Taliban gunmen killed a Christian aid worker in Kabul as she was walking to work Monday, and the militant group said it targeted the woman because she was spreading her religion. The dual South AfricanBritish national, who worked with handicapped Afghans, was shot to death by gunmen who drove by on a motorbike in western Kabul, said Interior Ministry spokesman Zemeri Bashary. The Taliban claimed responsibility. “This woman came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people of Afghanistan,” militant spokes-

Sunday, October 26 •20th Annual Roll Tide Run Race- Capstone Drive on UA Campus, 2 p.m. Registration and Check-in at rear (north) of Gorgas Library Monday, October 27 •Paint the Town Red and Banner Competition Pick up materials at Ferguson Center SGA Office, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. •Urban Comedy Show, Ferguson, Center Theatre, 8:00 p.m. •Bowling Tournament, Bama Bowl, 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 •Homecoming Queen Elections, Ferguson Center and Student Recreation Center, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. •Basketball Tournament, Student Recreation Center, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 29 •Homecoming Queen Run-off (if necessary), 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. •Dodgeball, Student Recreation Center, 7:00 p.m. •Crossroads Open Mic: Celebration of the Written Word, 12 p.m. Thursday, October 30 •Banner Competition judging 5:00 p.m. •Choreography Contest, Coleman Coliseum, 9:00 p.m. •Crossroads International Music with UA Flavor, 12 p.m. Friday, October 31 •Lawn Decorations and Paint the Town Red judging, 1:00 p.m. •Pep Rally/ Bonfire 7:00 p.m. •University Programs Homecoming Concert, Coleman Coliseum, 8:00 p.m. •Crossroads Celebration of Southern Music, 12 p.m.

17775 17775

Saturday, November 1 •Homecoming Parade Line-up, Downtown Tuscaloosa, 7:30 a.m. •Homecoming Parade Begins, Downtown Tuscaloosa to UA Campus, 9:00 a.m. •Alabama vs. Arkansas State, 2:00 p.m.

man Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press. “Our [leaders] issued a decree to kill this woman. This morning our people killed her in Kabul.” The aid group Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprises identified the woman as 34-yearold Gayle Williams. A spokeswoman for the group in Kabul denied that its workers were proselytizing, which is prohibited by law in Afghanistan. “It’s not the case that they preach, not at all,” said the spokeswoman, Rina van der Ende. In a statement on its Web site, SERVE described Williams as “a person who always loved the Afghans and was dedicated to serving

those who are disabled.” The group describes itself as a Christian charity registered in Britain. The Web site says it has been working with Afghan refugees since 1980 in Pakistan. “SERVE Afghanistan’s purpose is to express God’s love and bring hope by serving the people of Afghanistan, especially the needy, as we seek to address personal, social and environmental needs,” the site says. Last year a group of 23 South Korean aid workers from a church group were taken hostage in southern Afghanistan. Two were killed and the rest were released.

The Crimson White

NEWS

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Decatur students into video production By Bayne Hughes The Associated Press

AP Austin High student Derek Wates readies to mark the beginning of a scene, Oct. 9 in Decatur, Ala.

DECATUR | Is their next stop Hollywood? Or could it be Broadway? A future writer or director could come from Warren McLemoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video technology class at Austin High School. McLemore is teaching the students how, using industry standards, to make a movie, television show or commercial. They start with the basics such as script writing, character development, storyboarding and budgeting. The students have to research the costs associated with a real Hollywood production, such as talent, props, special effects, writers and crew, even though their small productions wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come close. McLemore divided the class into groups of six. He required

each student to write a script and character profiles, and the groups were to pick the best from their partners. Most decided to either write their script as a group or pick the best idea and then rewrite it together. One group wrote about vampires and werewolves. Another focused on pop culture and television. Senior Brooke Miller is directing her groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production. She said her group chose her because she took everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideas and put them into script form. Miller said the most difficult part so far was getting the script together to â&#x20AC;&#x153;make it flow right.â&#x20AC;? She said her story is a comedy about a student who comes home from school and begins watching television. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In most of the scenes, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flipping through the channels, and the storyline revolves

around all of the stuff that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watching,â&#x20AC;? Miller said. Senior Sarah Tryon said her group wrote a script together about a regular guy who falls in love with a vampire, but his werewolf sister is trying to kill the vampire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a lot of raw emotion behind it,â&#x20AC;? Tryon said. While some group members are acting in the videos, Miller said most groups are using friends or the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drama department students. Tryon said her two friends are starring in her video. Thursday morning, Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group shot a scene in which two guys are playing videogames when a masked man walks in and steals their game console. Senior Josh Lindsey is the cameraman in Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group. He said it is interesting to learn about lighting and sound and the many different shots and

angles each production needs. During the one-hour class, his group shot multiple takes, which included flipping the scene â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in Hollywood terminology thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s called â&#x20AC;&#x153;coverageâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; because of the limited classroom space. Lindsey said he is most looking forward to learning how to use the new video-editing computer program that Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology committee bought for the class. The groups have until spring to finish their productions. Their classmates will become the critics. Tryon and Miller agreed that they expect theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get constructive criticism. Miller said her goal is to make viewers laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the criticism will be mean,â&#x20AC;? Tryon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the most part, I think everyone just wants to help make each other better instead of bringing someone down.â&#x20AC;?

Group endorses autism bill CHICAGO | In Washington state, Reza and Arzu Forough pay more than $1,000 a week for behavior therapy for their 12-year-old, autistic son. In Indiana, Sean and Michele Trivedi get the same type of therapy for their 11-year-old daughter. But they pay $3,000 a year and their health insurance covers the rest. Two families. Two states. Big difference in out-of-pocket costs. If autism advocates get their way, more states will follow Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead by requiring health insurers to cover intensive and costly behavior therapy for autism. In the past two years, six states â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Texas, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana â&#x20AC;&#x201D; passed laws requiring such coverage, costing in some cases up to $50,000 a year per child. The advocacy group Autism

Speaks has endorsed bills in New Jersey, Virginia and Michigan and is targeting at least 10 more states in 2009, including New York, California and Ohio. Other states, including Illinois, have similar bills in the works but arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working directly with Autism Speaks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the hottest trend in mandates weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in a long time,â&#x20AC;? said J.P. Wieske, a lobbyist for an insurance coalition that argues that these state requirements drive up insurance costs for everyone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is hard to fight them.â&#x20AC;? For lawmakers, voting against these measures means voting against parents who are struggling to do the best for their children. Parents tell moving stories about how behavior therapy works better than anything theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried. In two states, bills got nicknames like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Law,â&#x20AC;? so voting against them was tough. Arzu Forough of Kirkland,

Wash., who is pushing a bill in her state, credits behavior therapy for teaching her son Shayan, at age 3, to make a sound to ask for a drink of water. Now 12, he is learning to converse about his favorite food and music, and to talk about his frustrations rather than throw tantrums. Trained therapists, using principles of applied behavior analysis, created a system of rewards to teach Shayan these skills. As a preschooler, he got a piece of cheese when he said â&#x20AC;&#x153;bubbaâ&#x20AC;? for water. Now a therapist rewards him with tokens when he responds in conversation. He uses the tokens to â&#x20AC;&#x153;buyâ&#x20AC;? privileges like going for a car ride. Shayanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improvements are a welcome relief to his mother, who once called for police help with her out-of-control son while she was driving. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I pulled over to the side of the road,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to call the police to drive behind me so I could drive safely home.â&#x20AC;?

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By Carla K. Johnson The Associated Press

LIFESTYLES

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ryan Mazer • Editor

ryan.mazer@cw.ua.edu

Bryan and Randy Rogers Band play tonight By Josh Hedrick Contributing Writer Tonight’s shows at the Jupiter Bar and Grill promise to deliver the rowdy, boot-scootin’, ruckus-filled kind of music that has made country rock star Luke Bryan and honkytonk favorite Randy Rogers Band Billboard-topping successes and perennial fraternity favorites. The Randy Rogers Band will take the stage at 9:30 p.m., with Luke Bryan set to play an hour later. Tickets are available at the door for $18. Luke Bryan and the Randy Rogers Band bring a rambunctious energy to their shows, which should please the most traditional of country music fans while still appealing to more modern and diverse tastes. The acts offer a vibe that is said to resonate with college students, and both have enjoyed an enthusiastic, if not rabid, collegiate fan base. Luke Bryan is a familiar face in Tuscaloosa, having opened for Billy Currington at the Jupiter in 2006. At the time, Bryan was making a splash in the country music industry as a musician and songwriter, with writing credits for major country stars — namely the hit single, “Good Directions,” for Currington — under his belt. Jeremiah Jones, owner of the

What: Luke Bryan and the Randy Rogers Band perform

When: Tonight at 9:30 Where: Jupiter Bar and Grill

Cost: $18

Jupiter said he took an instant liking to the musician. “Luke really impressed me the first time I saw him, on a professional and personal level,” he said. “I see Luke sitting outside on the promoter’s car, eating ribs, and he asks, ‘You want a bite?’ He’s already famous and he’s sitting outside in the parking lot eating ribs. That’s Luke.” Jones recognized Bryan’s talent after his first performance and said he knew he would be a success. Bryan has since come into his own, enjoying continued success as a raw, down-to-earth writer with catchy and heartfelt lyrics and a national spotlight on his vocal and musical talents. He was recently named a “Face to Watch” in 2007 by Billboard magazine, and was the only country artist to make

the list. He has enjoyed brisk sales of his 2007 album, “I’ll Stay Me,” and his singles have been widely downloaded on iTunes. His down-home, Southern influences delight country music fans, and his days of playing the fraternity house circuit in his native Georgia produced an audience presence that brings down the house. The Randy Rogers Band, which has also seen recent commercial success, knows the benefits of going on tour. The band has been touring for eight years, playing over 220 dates a year. “We pride ourselves on touring,” said lead man Randy Rogers. “We try hard to put on the best show we can; that energy will be there.” The RRB is one of those bands that emerge every few decades to shake up the country music industry. “I think that it’s edgy country and rock and that people are kind of tired of the same old thing in the country genre,” said Rogers. Inspired by country legends Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, the band shares the same traditional country music values but also incorporates a rebellious flair that has garnered a strong constituency of college students from across the country. The group began their career

umgnashville.com The Randy Rogers Band is set to take the stage before Luke Bryan at The Jupiter Bar and Grill playing the local bar and honkytonk scene in Texas, where they developed a style USA Today described as having “loads of grit, swagger and heart.” The band has been mentioned in Rolling Stone, which named the band as one of the “MustSee Tours of Summer.” “Texas country style music has always done really, really well in Tuscaloosa, and Randy Rogers is one of the best,” Jones said, adding that the band’s show offers a “down-home kind of good time.” The band has a newly released, self-titled album which hit stores Sept. 23. While most big label stars such as Luke Bryan routinely

Capitol Record Luke Bryan, one of Billboards 2007 “Faces to Watch” returns to Tuscaloosa tonight, playing at 9:30.

bypass the college bar circuit, Jones said, the unique appeal and energy of Tuscaloosa’s music scene has become renowned for attracting big name stars, many of which play at the Jupiter. “It’s something about the

room and atmosphere,” Jones said. “ It’s why Kenny Chesney comes back every year, and why others come here. There is something different about Tuscaloosa, and the fans and the artists feel that and keep coming back.”

Writer breaks from fantasy to give real-world advice Author and “Narnia” producer to lecture tonight By Kelsey Stein Contributing Writer

various people have told him that his aspirations were unattainable. Moore has proved Throughout writer and them wrong many times over, producer Perry Moore’s life, and in a lecture tonight at

7:30 presented by University Programs, he will encourage students with equally ambitious dreams to do the same. The event will take place in the

UP game room, and admission is free. Moore said with his lecture, titled “Tapping into Your Inner Hero,” he wants to “connect directly with students about what it takes to achieve their dreams.” Moore is a screenwriter, director, author and film producer who is known for his role as executive producer of “The Chronicles of Narnia” films. During his entertainment career, Moore has worked at MTV and VH1, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and currently Walden Media, according to his Web site. Moore facilitated Walden Media’s acquisition of “The Chronicles of Narnia” series and was an executive producer of the first two “Narnia” movies. “I was somehow able to align the stars,” Moore said of the acquisition process, in which he worked in cooperation with the C.S. Lewis estate and many financiers before coming to an agreement. His Web site says he is a “rabid fan” of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and he hopes to see all seven books in the series adapted into films. Moore said tonight he plans to discuss how he has achieved success both as an author and producer. He understands

What: UP presents “Tapping into Your Inner Hero,” a lecture from Perry Moore When: 7:30 p.m. Where: UP game room

how difficult it is to fulfill certain dreams because of his own experiences and encourages young people to continue striving to do amazing things, whether in a film career or another discipline. “Moore has great credentials, so this is a pretty big deal,” said Heather Roberts, vice president of UP and director of the event. “He should be both informative and entertaining.” While Moore will discuss “Narnia” tonight, his primary topic will be his first novel, “Hero,” which was published by Hyperion in 2007. In “Hero,” Moore said, he created the world’s first young, male and gay superhero, something people had told him the world wasn’t prepared. “It isn’t about a limp-wristed character who likes to cut hair,” Moore said of his main

character. “His sexuality doesn’t define him.” Moore said he believes it’s possible to be a hero in many different ways and in whatever career or path you choose. “‘Hero’ is a testament to anyone who has felt a little bit different,” Moore said, “which can be the most empowering thing once you embrace it.” Leslie Dinnen, former director of speakers for UP, arranged for Moore to speak at the University. She said she was originally drawn to bringing him here because of his involvement in the “Narnia” movies. “I think there is always something to be learned by hearing accomplished professionals speak,” Dinnen said. “It’s surprising how interesting some of the speakers on campus are, but it takes showing up to the events to get anything out of it.” Moore said he speaks to students at many different education levels, but he favors speaking at universities because students are “right on the cusp” of being in the real world. It was during college that he decided to work in the fields of entertainment and film, despite the lack of creative writing or film

see MOORE, page 9

Unmask your hidden treasure of creativity as a graphic design intern at The Crimson White. Find out more by coming by the Office of Student Media (next to the stadium) and pick up an application packet.

The Crimson White

LIFESTYLES

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

MOVIE REVIEW | ‘MAX PAYNE’

Game adaptation not quite ‘Payne’-ful Some game elements succeed, ﬁnale fails By Steven Nalley Contributing Writer

‘Max Payne’

“Max Payne” is exactly one cut above other video game adaptations, which unfortunately makes it average at best. The film makes use of conventions from the video game medium, sometimes immersing viewers and sometimes taking them out of the story. The acting and action is fine, even great by game standards, but everything falls apart in the final act. The title character (Mark Wahlberg) is a DEA agent who has spent the past three years hunting for the killer of his wife and infant child. His ex-partner (Donal Logue) discovers evidence connecting a more recent murder to that of Payne’s wife, but other evidence incriminates Payne as the primary suspect for the recent murder. With the reluctant help of the murder victim’s vengeful sister, Mona (Mila Kunis), Payne follows the trail to a cover-up involving a hallucinatory drug. That’s all the help Payne will get as he is assailed by police and criminals alike. Critics often raise the idea of a movie “feeling like a video game” as if it were a problem, but this isn’t always the case in “Max Payne.” As usual, it does hurt the action by making it look more fun to play than to watch, and there’s one laughable early scene where it goes too far, as the screen flashes a bloody red every time Payne gets hit. Also, viewers will spend half

Director: John Moore Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges MPAA Rating: PG-13 Runtime: 100 minutes CW critic’s rating:

MOORE

Bottom Line: While elements of “Max Payne” are successfully ﬂeshed out in this adaptation of the video game, cluttered characters convolute the plot, steering the ﬁlm to a disappointing conclusion. the movie searching in vain for the bullet-time that made the “Max Payne” video game famous. It only appears in three scenes, with the first being easy to miss and the other two being so slow bullets take five seconds just to leave the barrel. However, the film has other, quieter scenes where the environment functions as a storytelling medium, logically combining the realism of the

people who came on campus to talk about the real world,” Moore said. “Most students continued from page 8 focus too much on their GPA and extracurriculars.” tainment and film, despite the Moore said he learned many lack of creative writing or film lessons from his parents and classes at his alma mater, the from living in the real world, University of Virginia. and wishes to share those “If I could do it again, I lessons with students. He would’ve listened to more denounced the necessity of a

film noir genre with a video game’s perspective to immerse viewers further in that environment. It works best when Payne’s actions have effects on large groups of people, such as when he punches a screaming executive behind closed doors, causing every single co-worker to rush to the doors and investigate. In isolated moments, the noir element works as well as the video game element. Director John Moore, who also directed “Flight of the Phoenix” and the 2006 remake of “The Omen,” includes snow straight from “Sin City” in almost every outdoor scene. However, Moore also made the novel decision to show many of the nameless police and thugs preparing themselves to face Payne, with the effect of making Payne look more dangerous and morally ambiguous each time his rifle sends one of them flying. In short, the best thing about this movie might be the extras. None of the core actors hurt the movie, although Kunis comes off a little flat and Beau Bridges (playing Payne’s mentor, B.B. Hensley) has a lot of lines the screenwriters apparently chose because they fit the mood rather than made sense. However, something about their work feels more like a game’s voiceovers than legitimate acting, as if they all found the chasm between the two, made a running start for the other side and then didn’t handbook for success in his industry in favor of genuine experiences and advice. “I can definitely tell you how to get started,” Moore said. “You don’t need a trust fund. You need a fervent belief in yourself.” “I will debunk all of the industry’s secrets,” Moore said. “Be there or be square.”

jump. The film is also cluttered with characters who fall somewhere between extras and the lead cast. Some serve as onescene exposition devices, but others recur despite doing little to move the plot forward. Finally, the cover-up at the plot’s core is shaky; it’s difficult to garner more than a cursory understanding of what happened, who was involved, and why. As a result, everything from the art direction to the writing falls apart in the last rottentomatoes.com act, where it becomes impossible to tell whose side the police Mark Wahlberg and Mila kunis follow a lead in the video game adaptation, Max Payne. are on. Up until that point, however, it isn’t impossible to like advances in the field of game- still better noir than “Bangkok “Max Payne.” It makes a few to-movie adaptation, and it’s Dangerous.”

10 Wednesday, October 22, 2008

SPORTS

The Crimson White

CLUB HOCKEY

First-year coach leading young hockey team By John McWilliams Contributing Writer Alabama’s men’s club hockey team, the Frozen Tide (4-2), is in its fourth season as a team. The team started in 2005 with roughly 15 members on the roster, which has since grown to 26. Last year the Tide finished ninth out of 36 in the region. Adam English, a senior and team captain, said the squad has grown and will definitely improve each year. “I expect great things from the team this season,” English said. “I know with our coaching staff and with our new players that will we improve from last year. Hopefully, we can make it all the way.” Alabama won their season opener in September over Middle Tennessee State 11-7 and followed that up with

a 7-2 win over the Blue Raiders the next day. After back-to back losses against Georgia and Georgia Tech, the Frozen Tide was back in action last weekend with an 8-2 win over Florida at the Pelham Civic Center, the team’s home rink in Pelham. “Our style of hockey is very fun to watch,” English said. “You have nice goals and big hits. If you like football, then you’re going to like hockey. We play a fast pace offense that keeps things exciting for everyone. We would love for some of the students to watch our games.” Head coach Jeff Cheeseman is in his first year at the helm but is already making an impact on the players. “He’s a little more authoritative and less of a friend, but don’t get me wrong, he will be there for you if you need him,” English said. “Coach Cheeseman gives

For more information about UA hockey visit www.bamahockey.net

us more of a win attitude than an attitude of everyone gets to play.” Senior David Plummer agrees with his teammate and is convinced this year’s team is different than the previous squads. “We have great chemistry on the ice, and we know where everyone is going to be,” Plummer said. “Our team is more dedicated this year. We have a ton of talent, but we just need to put our talent in the right places and try to get the right guys playing in the right positions. “What makes this team different than last year’s is our defensive core and our goal scorers on offense,” he said. The Tide’s last three seasons have been full seasons, with the most recent ending with Alabama qualifying and participating in the American College Hockey Association Regional Championships. There are three divisions in the ACHA, and play in a division is based on school size. Alabama is new to the league, so it competes with other Division

Bama Hockey Schedule October 25 — November 22 Date

Opponent

Location

Time

Saturday, October 25

Tennessee

Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL

2:05 p.m.

Friday, October 31

Texas (DII)

Austin, Texas

8 p.m.

Saturday, November 1

Texas A&M (DII) Austin, Texas

Sunday, November 2

Texas (DII)

Austin, Texas

Friday, November 7

LSU

AWAY

Saturday, November 8

LSU

AWAY

Friday, November 14

MTSU

AWAY

Saturday, November 15

MTSU

AWAY

Louisiana Lafayette (DII)

Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, AL

8 p.m.

Louisiana Lafayette (DII)

Pelham Civic Complex, Pelham, AL

8 p.m.

Friday, November 21 Saturday, November 22

III schools. The Tide could move up to Division I, but only after several seasons. Alabama takes on Tennessee

Saturday at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, and will be back home Nov. 21 to take on Louisiana Lafayette. The Tide is

12 p.m.

currently investigating options with the bus system for a route to and from the Civic Center for students to attend games.

INTRAMURALS

University dodgeball team collects title, $330 By Laura Owens Contributing Writer

The Dudes on Roids dodgeball team cashed in on an old talent. Last Wednesday the team claimed the intramural pro league championship, along with $330 and some free t-shirts. There are seven “Dudes”: Robin Black, Jay Bruhn, Frank Cade, Shane Crawford, Matt Owens, Micah Yoder and Dan Young. Black was unable to play in the championship game, leaving the team to compete

with just six players. The original team was formed in 2006 at Mountain Brook High School to compete in a league forming, inspired by the movie “Dodgeball.” “We just thought it would be something fun to do,” said Owens, one of the original members. Owens said the team dominated in high school, so they carried on their tradition to the University. They recruited their friends to play, creating a new team base while keeping the same name they used in high school.

Though most of these members belong to the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the team competed in the Pro League because some of the members aren’t in fraternities. “The brotherhood and the fellowship of the team stayed the same, and the domination has definitely increased as the years have gone on,” Cade said. The final match Wednesday night took place in the gym in the Rec center in front of several onlookers, including a dedicated fan base. The Dudes played two

competitive matches against The Blue Man Group and the Sigma Chi fraternity team to earn the title. Because the team consists of several ATO actives, some of the ATO pledges rallied together to form a sideline fan base for the Dudes on Roids. “It was a great experience, because not only are they guys I look up to, but I’m going to be one of them one day, and it’s great to have the opportunity to dominate in dodgeball and be as successful as they were,” said ATO pledge Blake Murphy. He was one of the ten pledges

rallying the crowd on the sidelines. Graham Gillespie, an ATO active not on the team, also partook in the fun and excitement of the dodgeball match. “They never gave up,” Gillespie said. “The team showed a lot of poise. They never gave up no matter what. Crowd support was definitely necessary for the victory too.” On campus there are three dodgeball leagues: the Co-ed League, the Fraternity League and the Pro League. Though the three leagues usually keep to themselves, they had to meet

up in order to see which team was the best on campus. Sigma Chi claimed that title last year, and this year the Dudes on Roids claimed it as their own. Stride Gum sponsored the three championship games, and the grand prize was one thousand dollars. But since there were three different champion teams, the prize money was split three ways. Each team received $330 and T-shirts to commemorate their victory. And where does the team go from here? “One word,” Crawford said. “Dynasty.”

The Crimson White

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Wednesday, October 22, 2008

SPORTS

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Ryan Wright • Editor

ryan.wright@cw.ua.edu

CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL

No regrets for Tide’s Davis By Charity Scott Senior Sports Reporter

It may be just over four hours north of Baton Rouge, but West Monroe, La. is Tiger territory. With the population a smidge over 13,000, this small town claimed one of the nations best high school defensive ends as there own, a player Les Miles had also claimed for LSU through a verbal commitment. But there is a reason Alabama head coach Nick Saban is known for his recruiting prowess, and when signing day 2007 rolled around, Luther Davis decided to roll through Mississippi to Tuscaloosa and sign with the Crimson Tide. At the time, he said telling the LSU coaching staff of his decision was one of the hardest parts about changing his commitment, even though he said he knew it was for the best.

Now a sophomore defensive lineman, Davis says there were other reasons that made choosing Alabama tough for both him and his parents. “That was probably the toughest decision I’ve made in my life, and probably will make,” he said after practice Tuesday. “It was really tough for my family. We experienced a lot of hate mail, threats and pranks.” He said this still occurs from time to time, but he said he understood when he decided to commit to Alabama that things like that might happen. “It was just something I had to pray about it,” he said. “I knew by making a decision to come here that I’d have to go through that, but there wasn’t a time when coach Saban and coach [Bo] Davis weren’t there for me.” Davis said Saban’s concern for his players beyond the game of football is what

Marrs Field Journal Presents... “Rock n’ Roll Over IN Your

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convinced him to come to Alabama in the first place and kept him from transferring to another school when his college career hit a rough patch last spring. “Coach Saban’s main thing is that he’s going to make sure you’re successful first before you’re a good football player or great football player,” he said. “I couldn’t find any other coach in the country that wanted that for their players. It may be something that’s said, but he really strives for it.” Davis did not participate in a portion of the offseason program during the early part of this year for what Saban described at the time as “personal reasons.” Davis said he was very busy during the time leading up to his temporary break from the team, and began to forget why he decided Alabama was a perfect fit for him a year earlier. “[Transferring to a school closer to home] was a thought, but every time I thought about it, I’d go home and I’d understand why I didn’t want to be there … Alabama is the best place for me. It’s my home now and it may be my home for the rest of my life,” he said. He also recognized the support he got from his teammates in addition to the

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coaching staff was something he would not likely be able to find with any other program. “During the time I was off,

the guys were checking up with me everyday, calling me, spending time with me and just making it that much

better,” he said. “And it’s good to see that hasn’t stopped. It’s continued through now, and it’s a big part of our success.”

CRIMSON TIDE MEN’S BASKETBALL

Tide picked to win SEC West UA Athletics The Alabama men’s basketball team has been picked as the favorite to win the SEC West this season in the league’s Preseason Media Poll. The voting was done by a 30-member panel consisting of media that cover both SEC and national games. The SEC released the poll in conjunction with this week’s SEC Basketball Media Days in Birmingham. Mark Gottfried’s 2008-09 Crimson Tide team received 11 first-place votes and

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CW|Drew Hoover Luther Davis tries to knock down a pass during Alabamaʼs win over Ole miss. Davis considered transferring prior to this season but has since become an integral part to the Tide defense.

151 total points in the West voting to edge out LSU, which received 11 first-place votes and 147 points. Ole Miss finished with eight votes, followed by Mississippi State, Auburn and Arkansas. “I think our league is a great league, so the fact that there are those that think we have a chance to win the West is nice, but I’ve been through this league enough to know that in October, that means very little,” Gottfried said. “So on one hand, it’s good that people think that we can have a good team, but the bottom line is reality and how good of

a team we can become. That’s what our goal is, so we’re not going to pay much attention to it.” Two Alabama players, senior point guard Ronald Steele and senior guard Alonzo Gee, were voted Second Team All-SEC. Tennessee was the panel’s choice to repeat as the league’s overall champion. The Volunteers earned 23 first-place votes and 172 total points. Florida finished second in the East with five firstplace votes and 143 points while Kentucky received two

first-place votes and 130 points. Vanderbilt was predicted to finish fourth in the division followed by South Carolina and Georgia. Tyler Smith, a junior forward from Tennessee, was voted the Preseason Player of the Year with 17 votes. Kentucky sophomore Patrick Patterson received nine votes, while South Carolina’s junior guard Devan Downey received two. The Preseason First Team All-SEC list includes Smith, Patterson, Downey, Florida swingman Nick Calathes and Vanderbilt center A.J. Ogilvy.