Issue 2

Volume 1.

Issue 2.

The Falcon

A Keen Eye For News

IN THIS

ISSUE CROSS

CAMPUS

Housing and Res. Life Cook out September 3, 6pm8pm TBD

Alpha Phi Alpha Auction September 4, 7pm – 10pm Comer Auditorium Cokes and Strokes September 4, 6pm8pm Napier Basement

Mandatory Sorority Recruitment Meeting September 5, 6pm–8pm Comer Auditorium

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

The Falcon Guide to the Grand Ole Party

page 2

The history of the end of summer and its bloody past. page 2 news

Live Shows

Reviews from the past week featuring Montevallo locals page 7 art&culture

UM WELCOMES NEW PROFESSOR

By Joseph Thornton Local & Campus Editor

Because education was engrained in her at a very young age and a love for people was a high priority in her family, Dr. Tiffany Wang has devoted most of her adult career researching and studying ways to improve education. As a result, if you walk into the Communications Studies Department in Reynolds Hall, you will hear the gleeful sounds of her voice and enthusiasm now echoing through the halls.

Wang joined the department this fall and says she is looking forward to many great things happening in the future.

Her family roots originated in Hong Kong, but she has spent the majority of her life in Dallas and Orlando. Wang was born in Canada to MisMinority Leadership sionaries Peter and Bernice Wang, who devoted their life Retreat to serving others as they did September 7, Bible translation work. As a 7pm–10pm child, she, along with her two Submit announcements brothers Timothy and Trevor moved around a lot therefacebook.com/ fore making it very difficult thefalconmontevallo to make and maintain any

BCM Noodle Sword Capture the Flag September 6, 4pm – 6pm Main Quad

Labor Day

thefalconat.tumblr.com

approach the room. Wang found herself ing to lecture more engaging

classsoon wanton a level.

“I ask myself, I have the ibility to be a teacher,” she

how credgood said.

This experience led Wang to the area long-term friendships. has goals. I didn’t re- of research that Wang said she did not ally plan to have a would soon become have a pivotal moment PhD,” Wang said. a passion of hers. where she just knew what she wanted to do. Wang had the im- “I began to read and pression that teaching study everything I “I went through the col- meant that one went could on Instructionlege catalog and liter- back to his or her local al Communication. ally ruled out, through high school and taught. I found the books process of eliminaand articles fascinattion, all that didn’t fit “I didn’t think I ing and would read the patience the from cover to me and Communica- had tions was all there for this,” she said. cover,” she said. was left,” She said.

Wang says her first While in graduate experience school, Wang took Wang said she was teaching pretty adamant about was a great challenge. on yet a second job choosing her field of While working on her as an Internship Costudy. She declared it Master’s degree at Tex- ordinator that would on her undergrad appli- as Christian University, further her curioscation and stuck with it. she taught students ity and passion of who were older than communication with “I have always been she was. There, she be- students. In this poa really driven per- gan to have thoughts of sition, Wang was son, someone who how she could better

continued on pg.11

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

news

Page Two

“The kids are turned off from politics, they say. Most of ‘em don’t even want to hear about it. All they want to do these days is lie around...”- Hunter S. Thompson

The Falcon Guide to the Grand Ole Party

by Andrew Mechum Assistant Editor

upgraded to a Category I hurricane, Mia Love, the black mayor of preThe 2012 Republican National Con- would continue to cast a shadow over dominantly white Saratoga Springs, vention (RNC) was held in Tampa Bay, the proceedings in the following days. Utah gave one of the first memorable speeches. She spoke of the Florida last week to officially nomiThe only point of business attended American dream and touched on nate Governor Mitt Romney as the to on the first day was the start of the the convention slogan, We Built It. Republican candidate for President. convention’s debt clock. The intent was Gov. Romney announced his candidacy to show how much debt the nation in- She claimed the president’s vision for for the 2012 election on June 2, 2011 curred over the course of the four-day this country was a divided one and proand last Thursday, after beating out his convention. At nearly $16 trillion, claimed, “Mr. President I’m here to tell competitors in the primaries, accept- the national debt will continue to be a you the American people are awake and ed the Republican Party’s nomination concern for voters, and a major talking we’re not buying what you’re selling for president with Representative Paul point for Republicans and Democrats. in 2012.” Her speech, and many more like it, played to the idea that Obama Ryan of Wisconsin as his running mate.

Day two saw the convention kick into and his policies have failed America For those of you that missed the conven- full gear. With an invocation by Rabtion we present a short summary and bi Meir Soloveichik Republicans set Former Alabama Democrat, Artur Dahighlights from the four-day convention. the mood for their convention. In an vis, gave another energetic speech later election year when equality and di- in the evening. In his speech he halfThe first night of the RNC was called versity have taken center stage, Re- jokingly asked forgiveness for picking to order and quickly recessed by Re- publicans sought to overcome the the wrong side four years ago. He pointince Priebus, the Republican National stigma of being the old white guy ed to differences in how Romney will Committee Chairman as then tropical party by showcasing their diversity. A handle the presidency over how Obama storm Isaac threatened to bear down line up of female and minority speak- has in the past four years, implying on Tampa Bay. Isaac, which was later ers on the roster attests to their plan. Romney would take it more seriously.

Wet Hot American Bummer: A History

by Kyle Jones Editor-In-Chief Today is Labor Day, traditionally that means that summer is officially over. As you read this you’re probably enjoying your day off work or school and packing up your white and seersucker clothes, it’s officially not fashionable anymore; we’re watching you Montevallo.

day until 12 years later in 1894.

Surprisingly Labor Day has a bloody history, the holiday was not signed into legislation until after the Pullman Strike, a dispute between the American Railway Union and the railroads. Railroad unions began striking across Illinois, which Besides an excuse to go to the lake or halted production and commerce. make one last trip to the beach, what is Labor Day? For a day that no one President Grover Cleveland and his works, the name can be misleading. US Attorney General Richard Olney filed an injunction in federal Labor Day began in 1882 when a court, which barred union leaders machinist from New York named from supporting and participating in Matthew Maguire proposed the the strikes. The injunction ordered holiday after attending the annual workers to cease what they were labor festival in Toronto, Canada. doing or run the risk of being fired.

Though the holiday wasn’t officially recognized as a federal holi- The ARU completely ignored the

Having changed sides since he backed Obama in the 2008 presidential election, Davis made an impassioned plea to follow his lead, “This is no dark hour; this is the dawn before we remember who we are.”

He went on to clarify his reason for switching sides, and encouraged others to follow, by saying simply, “So may it be said of this time in our history: 2008 to 2011: lesson learned.

2012: mistake corrected.”

Arguably the night’s biggest speaker was Mrs. Ann Romney. In front of an excited crowd, Ann Romney spoke of her life with her husband Mitt. She humanized him when telling the story about their dining room table being an ironing board.

She attempted to relate their lives to every American when she spoke about their family; five children, and 18 grandchildren. She espoused a

The Falcon

GOP

continued

message of love and humility and explained why she thinks Mitt Romney “is the man America needs.”

Ann Romney’s message served to make her husband seem less robotic than perhaps the media has portrayed him. Her gushing speech lead to standing ovations, save Mitt Romney, who remained seated either out of genuine humility or some other less altruistic reason.

Following her speech was New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who delivered the keynote address. Christie’s speech was more about what he was able to accomplish as a republican in New Jersey than about what Romney will do for America.

Despite that, his speech served to show what he thinks GOP policy can do to improve the country and that he believes Romney is the man to make it happen. Insinuating the last four years have been full of lies and half-truths, Christy pleaded that, “If you’re willing to hear the truth about the hard road ahead, and the rewards for America that truth will bear, I’m here to begin with you this new era of truth-telling.”

Monday, September 3rd, 2012 to become the Secretary of State.

To close out the night, Paul Ryan accepted the nomination for Vice.

Touching on one of the foundations of the Republican message Ryan asked, “Without a change in leadership, why would the next four years be any different from the last four years?”

He would go on to slam Obama Care and blamed the president and Congress for gutting Medicare.

He blamed the current administration for blowing hot air and called for leadership in the oval office because, as he put it, “… these past four years we have suffered no shortage of words in the White House. What’s missing is leadership in the White House.”

On the final night of the convention, Mitt Romney officially accepted the GOP nomination for president. Introduced by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, once considered for the vice president slot by the Romney campaign, Romney started his speech by talking about his running mate.

“He represents the best of America.”

Romney said of Ryan as he backed up his choice for running mate. He promised us that we would get to know Ryan and his wife Janna in the days to come and said that he already knows Ryan to be, “a strong and caring leader who is down to earth.”

Day three gave us more speeches, more guest speakers and culminated in Paul Ryan accepting the nomination for Vice President. Before he spoke however, former Secretary of State, and Birmingham native, Condoleezza Romney’s speech touched on the Rice dazzled the crowd at the RNC. economic crisis, the war in Afghanistan, the job market and Bringing a sense of decorum to the po- how under the current adminisdium by speaking from her notes and tration we are failing as a nation. making eye contact with the audience He spoke of his accomplishments instead of a using the TelePrompTer. with Bain Capitol, his work with She told us, “Mitt Romney and Paul the Olympics in Utah, his time as Ryan have the experience and the in- governor of Massachusetts and tegrity and the vision to lead us” and how the combined experiences that the duo would help us rebuild make him better qualified to lead.

America both at home and abroad.

By the end of the four-day convenRice also spoke of the challenges tion we had seen numerous speakfacing America today, and the chal- ers, all pleading for your support lenges she herself overcame. Rice of the Romney/Ryan ticket and spoke about the hardships of grow- the end of the Obama era. We had ing up in Jim Crow Birmingham and seen inspirational videos, heard how she overcame those obstacles impassioned speeches, and wit-

Page Three

nessed a few bizarre moments (Clint Eastwood talking to a chair dominated the Internet the following day). Yet, what it boils down to is this: The Republicans have a nominee, they have a message, and they want you to vote for them.

Your job, as a citizen, is to listen to both sides of the argument, make a rational and measured decision, and vote for whomever you think is best qualified to do the job.

Go to gopconvention2012.com to see videos of all the speeches you may have missed. To get information on what the GOP has planned for America, visit here to see the GOP platform for 2012.

Next week the Democrats have their chance to tell the people why they are the right choice for America. Regardless of your political affiliation, we here at The Falcon encourage you to watch both sides, to make up your own mind, and to get out there and vote come November.

Let us know where you stand, and what you thought of the RNC at thefalconeditor@gmail.com or let us know by following us on twitter @theumfalcon.

LABOR DAY continued injunction. That prompted President Grover Cleveland to send in federal troops. Thousands of US Marshals and about 12,000 US troops started rounding up and dispersing ARU efforts city by city. When the dust had settled, 13 strikers were killed and 57 were wounded. Property damage exceeded $80 million. That’s over $1.9 billion in today’s dollars.

After this debacle, fearing the situation could lead to more conflict, President Cleveland agreed that everyone needed a day off and signed into law a bill that made Labor Day an official national holiday six days later.

So as you enjoy your day off remember it was all made possible by a group of rowdy and rebellious railroad workers, and for that we thank them.

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

opinion

Page Four

This Week: Gay Marriage

Happy Marriage

respectively) further shows the throw to live a good, honest life to be gleaned away attitude towards the institution. from the bible; I don’t refute that.

There are arguments for and against gay marriage nearly everywhere you turn.

In the past few years politicians, celebrities, academics and clergy have all voiced their opinion on the matter. And whether you made up your own mind, or based your ideas on what someone else said, you now have an opinion.

Given that many marriage vows include a line similar to “Till death do us part”, the fact that nearly half of all first marriages, and nearly 60% all first, second and third marriages combined, failed should be a wakeup call that gays aren’t going to damage the institution much more than the rest of us already have.

I don’t expect to change your mind.

If you have an opinion, short of the clouds breaking and God sticking out a clenched fist with a thumb up or down over my head, beating you over the head won’t sway you. So instead let’s look at a few different arguments on gay marriage and how, I believe, they are flawed.

Then there is the case for adultery. No, I’m not advocating it. Adultery is for- No one, not you, the powers that be or bidden by nearly every religion’s te- I should be allowed to pick and choose nets, and is still illegal in some states. which rules to follow. Follow them all.

Follow none of them. But don’t say one Michigan can slap you with a life sen- verse or chapter is an outmoded way of tence for stepping out on your spouse! thinking and turn to the next one and say Fear not would be cheaters; here in we must uphold it for it is written so.

Alabama it’s only a Class B Misdemeanor, so at most you would face Mahatma Gandhi all but invented the idea six months in jail and a $1000 fine. of peaceful and respectful demonstration and to this day the very mention of his With straight people openly sundering name brings to mind images of peace and marriages and cheating on their spouses compassion. When asked about Christ how can we claim marriage is sacred? he had this to say, “I like your Christ, How can we possibly claim gays would I do not like your Christians. Your tarnish the institution any further than the Christians are so unlike your Christ.” straight philanderers and cuckolds have?

Good Christians say they are all about Bad Religion loving thy neighbor and doing good acts for their fellow man. Christ said When I think of the religious stance on to love thy neighbor, not love thy gay marriage I am reminded of lyrics straight neighbor and forsake thy gay from a NOFX song. In their song, “Best neighbor.

Discrimination, regardGod in Show”, they ask whether or not less of what form it takes is not love. you would take advice from a 2000-year- Any religion that espouses intolerance old medical journal or sail around and hate over love is a bad religion. the world with a map of a flat Earth.

Big Brother The answer for most people, I hope, would be a resounding no. So why is “We hold these truths to be self-eviit that we still take advice from texts dent, that all men are created equal, written in ancient times? We like to that they are endowed by their Crehold ourselves up as enlightened and ator with certain unalienable Rights, more advanced than our ancestors that among these are Life, Liberty and for the most part we have come a and the pursuit of Happiness.” –???? long way from our humble beginnings.

While I don’t expect any of you to Yet, despite all the information out have this memorized or tattooed across there, all the scientific advancements your chest (I want pictures if you do), and medical breakthroughs, we still as college students I hope you at least point to dusty old texts as means to gov- recognize it and know who wrote it. ern our lives. There is advice on how

Andrew Mechum Assistant Editor

U n - C i v i l U n i o n s Calling the bond between two people a civil union instead of a marriage based on the gender of the people involved reeks of the old separate but equal laws that once plagued the south in this country. Civil union sounds like a term the politically correct police came up with to make gay marriage sound more palpable to the public at large.

Even if a matter of semantics is the only thing separating the two concepts, that is no excuse for allowing old ways of thinking to creep back into our collective consciousness.

Separate will never add up to equal.

Sanctimony

of

Marriage

One argument I have heard voiced loudly by opponents of gay marriage is that it would harm or devalue the “sanctity” of marriage. Current divorce rates and the prevalence of adultery paint a good picture of how sacred marriage really is to Americans.

According to a study in the Enrichment Journal 41% of first marriages end in divorce. The key words there were “first marriage”. The fact that we even have stats for second and third marriages ending in divorce (67% and 74%

But, if people insist on pointing to Leviticus 20:10 as a reason to maintain the ban on gay marriage, I will insist that we immediately begin stoning to death any child who curses their parents according to Leviticus 20:9. Watch some reality television and you will soon see we have a lot of brats to put out of their misery. I’m talking to you Honey Boo Boo.

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

Thomas Jefferson’s introduction to the Declaration of Independence represents the ideals this country was founded on. So, is the pursuit of happiness limited to straight people? Are gays not created equal to straights?

of you needs to petition lawmakers the ones who keep having gay babies. to hold a national vote on the matter.

The Loop Hole Don’t leave this issue in the hands of politicians. Just because you elected these If the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and people to represent you, doesn’t mean Transgender community (LGBT) they will represent every individual’s grows tired of waiting for America to opinion on this matter. Demand a national make up its mind I present a simple sovote that would make an amendment to lution for the interim: start a religion. the Constitution legalizing gay marriage.

I know, the idea of the LGBT turnWhen the results are in you get to do one ing to religion to help them seems of three things. If your side wins you counter intuitive. But, if Scientolget to celebrate. Go ahead you earned ogy can become a recognized reliit. If your side loses don’t complain. gion based on the ideas of a science/ You had your chance and it’s hard to pulp fiction writer, you guys can abide sore losers. If you don’t vote you do it too. I for one believe in you. don’t get to talk about it ever again. You chose not to play along, so the rest of Your community is already well orus are going to choose to ignore you. ganized, evidenced by your large, flamboyant Pride parades in most maThe Pursuit of Gayness jor cities, so getting everyone on the same page shouldn’t be hard. Once Being as gay is a synonym for happi- you form the Church of the LGBT ness I propose that gay marriage will make marriage one of the tenets of make us all happy and here’s how. your religion. It should state every member that is capable must marry Gays and lesbians are sprinkled to be a full member of the church. throughout our favorite movies and TV shows and often times are the funni- With that rule in place the govest, most memorably characters. With ernment would be forced to allow that in mind and given the success of you to marry to avoid any constiJudge Judy, I imagine Gay Divorce tutional conflicts with freedom to Court would be a ratings juggernaut. exercise your religion as guaranteed under the first amendment.

From an economical perspective gay marriage could be a boon. Imagine how Ultimately, the argument for too fabulous gay bridal registries would be. long has been for or against gay marAnd even if they’re just as boring and ho- riage. The argument now should be hum as straight people’s registries, busi- pro-human or anti-human. Either we nesses ought to realize the current laws treat every man, woman and child are hurting their bottom line by not let- with the same level of dignity and ting a segment of the population marry. respect, regardless of orientation, or we admit that we are bigoted, narAnd if you’re just plain tired and fed up row minded, selfish and not very with all this gay marriage talk, go blame good Christians. Equal rights are your straight friends. After all, they are only equal when everyone has them.

At different points in our history we have understood “men are created equal” to mean (in no particular order and not to be considered comprehensive): -

White, male landowners

-

White, male citizens

-

White male and female citizens

-

White and Black citizens

Our idea of who is equal and deserving of rights in this country has evolved over time. Barring a major step backwards, that vision of equal will continue to evolve and one day will include marriage equality for the gay community.

Just like verses in the bible, you don’t get to pick and choose. This isn’t Orwell’s Animal Farm and no one is more equal than anyone else.

Regardless of your stance on gay marriage, I want you to closely read the next part of the declaration: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…”

You are the governed. It is your say whether or not gays are allowed to marry in this country. With such a polarizing topic each and every one

A Christian Perspective

for its biblical views on same-sex marriage. This sparked a firestorm, as the mayors of Boston and Chicago declared Neal Embry the popular restaurant unwelcome in Staff Writer their city. There’s also controversy surThe recent controversy surrounding rounding Chick-fil-a’s profits, some of Chick-fil-a restaurants has been one of which goes to organizations supposedly the most talked about stories of the sum- known to oppose same-sex marriage. mer. The controversy started when Dan Cathy, the current owner of Chick-fil-a As a Christian, it’s extremely unand son of founder Truett Cathy, said nerving to see all of these arguments and that Chick-fil-a would not apologize all of these controversies. Christians are

Page Five

being silenced, and we’re often told that we are “hypocritical, close-minded, traditional, out of date, hating, stupid, etc.” We’re told to be tolerant of those who are different from us.

What I’m having trouble understanding, though, is this: If Christians are supposed to be tolerant of others, why aren’t others tolerant of Christians?

D. A. Carson calls it the “intolerance of tolerance.” We, as

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

opinion Christians, are told to appreciate, value, tolerate, and even support, those who disagree with our views. Yet, when our views are talked about, and we take a stand for what we believe in, we’re told to shut up and sit in the corner.

There’s a chart I saw on Facebook, and it gave reasons why homosexuality isn’t sinful. At the end, to those who support the biblical truth that homosexuality is a sin, it had this to say:“Have fun living your sexist, chauvinistic, judgmental, xenophobic lifestyle choice. The rest of culture will advance forward without you.”

I’m not seeing how this type of talk will change anyone’s mind, on either side of the issue. On the other hand, people who call themselves Christians haven’t been acting like it. In an article written by Mark Oppenheimer of the New York Times, homosexual employees at Chick-fil-a were quoted as saying that certain “evangelicals” would come into the restaurant and tell them “Thank you for not supporting the queers.”

For those who have ever been called a “queer, homo, fag,” or any other type of derogatory term by a so-called “Christian,” I’m truly sorry. This is not the type of behavior the world needs to be seeing from Christians.However, while I’ll stand against name-calling and bashing by those who would call themselves Christians, I will not back down from a biblical view of marriage. I stand with Mr. Cathy and Chick-fil-a, not because I’m better than anyone else, but because I believe what the Bible says.

1 Corinthians 6:9 says this: “Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” It’s clear that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin. Why? Romans 1 says that we have exchanged the

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Continued

created for the Creator. When we desire those of the same sex, and the opposite sex, for that matter, more than we desire God, we have an idol. It’s a sin, not because it’s gross, but because it takes glory away from God and makes something else out to be God. The same can be said for any sin. Some would argue that Jesus never said anything against homosexuality.

Maybe Jesus never spoke directly against it in His time here on Earth, but look at John 1 with me.

gle person that has ever walked this Earth, save for Jesus, because He was sinless.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” Skip down to verse 14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

So what’s the answer? How am I saved from my sinful desires?

How am I saved from my sinful self?

The cross of Christ, and His sacrifice and righteousness alone saves me.

Jesus may not have spoken directly against homosexuality while He was here, but we know from the Bible that Jesus is the Word of God. He inspired the Bible. Every word, on every page, in every book of the Bible, comes from God. And I believe Jesus is God. So when the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, it’s coming straight from the mouth of Christ.

I stand for a traditional view of marriage because I want to honor Christ with my marriage. I stand for traditional marriage, not because I’m old-fashioned, but because I believe in Jesus, and I believe that a Christexalting, one-man, one-woman marriage is what my Lord demands.

In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus tells us that lust is a sin. Not just adultery, and not just being sexually active outside of marriage, but lust, defined as looking on a woman, or man, for that matter, with sexual intent.

Here’s the deal: Homosexuality is a sin. As a Christian, I am responsible for telling you that. But I’m also responsible for my own sin. And so is every sin-

I believe that many people are born with lustful, sinful, homosexual desires. Were you “born this way?”

Maybe. I’m willing to believe that. I also believe that many people are born with sinful, lustful, heterosexual desires. How do I know? I am one. I was born with a desire to lust after women.

That doesn’t make it right. Sin is sin.

When Jesus took my place on the cross, He died for my lust. He also died for every homosexual that wants to be forgiven and freed from his or her sin.

Do not doubt that Jesus died for you.

The biggest problem in this whole controversy isn’t that Chickfil-a is stupid and old-fashioned. The biggest problem is that people on both sides are too busy seeing each other’s faults that they fail to see their own, and they’re failing to see Jesus. I hope that changes. And it starts with me.

1 Corinthians 13 tells me that if I don’t have love, I don’t have anything. All my wisdom, all my strength, all my gifts and my time, all these things, they mean nothing without love.

This isn’t just some emotion or feeling. This is a love that means the death of me and what I want, and a pair of eyes and a heart big enough to see others as more important than myself, and a love that causes me to sacrifice all that I have for the betterment of others.

got a topic?

Let us know at thefalconeditor@gmail.com

The Falcon

&culture

arts

Page Seven Monday, September 3rd, 2012

The One Dollar Review

By Matt Sanderlin Arts & Culture Editor Knowing legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel’s rich discography and a substantial portion of Paul Simon’s solo catalogue, poor Art Garfunkel seems to have received the unintentional commercial “cold shoulder” over the years. While critically considered to be largely unpredictable, Art Garfunkel has released ten solo studio releases over a span of four decades, has earned multiple Grammy awards, and has penned a handful of charting singles. The man has talent and grace - In collab-

oration with Paul Simon or not. strains cleverly disguise the unsettling topics prominent Angel Clare was Garfunkel’s in the track. Subtle stringed first solo release after the instruments (piano, electric breakup of the classic col- guitar, etc.) all beautifully laboration, and was critically texture the soundscape, while hailed after its initial release still mixed masterfully to alin 1973. I picked up this par- low a perfect balance of full ticular LP from Montevallo’s sound and clear, colorful voown Dharma House (a re- cals. Paul Simon, coincidencently opened new-and-used tally enough, makes a tasterecord store) for one dollar. ful vocal cameo on this track Delicate layers of gorgeous vocal tracks stack effortlessly and seamlessly on the mid-album medley “Feuilles-Oh / Do Space Men Pass Dead Souls on Their Way to the Moon?,” a combination of a traditional Haitian folk song and a Johan Sebastian Bach tune. The song was lyrically co-penned

by Garfunkel and his thenfiancée Linda Grossman, and the results are nothing short “Down in the Willow Gar- of awe-inspiring and heavden,” the album’s second enly; musically and lyrically. track displays Garfunkel’s magnificent vocal chops. His As a whole, the album is incharming and cherubic vocal disputably classic and conThe album opens with a brilliant combination of stunning song-crafting and breathtaking arrangements; all carefully coated in soft, warm production. The introductory tune, “Traveling Boy,” instantly clarifies Garfunkel’s infinite talents, while also nullifying any stereotypical claims that Garfunkel was/is the “lesser” of the Simon & Garfunkel duo.

tinually timeless. Not only is it worth listening to, but it is essential for a good record enthusiast’s collection.

An A+ is an understatement.

Vinyl record condition:The vinyl itself was in immaculate condition - No noticeable warping, no scratches, no marks, or anything else of the sort. I used my standard, antistatic cleaning kit on it to remove a few minor particles of dust, and the end result was remarkable. Absolutely no noise, no skipping, no pitch inconsistencies. Guys, for ONE DOLLAR, this is unheard of. And this successful purchase definitely reassures me and encourages me to return to Dharma to find more one-dollar treasures.

And the quality of this pressing was unbeatable as well - The lows were strong and punchy, and the highs were crisp and realistically textured. For those interested, the record label ID is KC 31474.

The Barroom Hero Celebrates a Victory

By Reed Strength Staff Writer

diate sense of judgment, as the staff and patrons looked us over. True, the Alabama/Michigan game was on its final leg (not that it was a nail-biter by any means), and those watching (which was just about everybody) did not want to be disturbed. I had no intention to upset their viewing pleasure; I was there to see Chase Stewart play.

The bar scene has never been my thing. Other than the fact that I’m technically too young for it to be my scene, the bars I’ve been to have never really felt welcoming. Often times, it seems like a place where respect and welcome have to be earned; you come in, order the right drink, stay friendly, and then go back and do it again at I caught up with Chase earanother time. lier in the week to chat a bit So when I sat down with a about the music he played. “It group of friends at the Main all really started with my dad.

Street Tavern, I felt an imme- My dad played and sang, and

my older brother played and sang, and I felt like a good way to get my relationship with Dad-kind of like my older brother’s-was for me to do the same thing.”

This origin was common among the singer/songwriter types I’ve heard and met; music runs deep within the family, and therefore playing is a rite of passage. He listed his influences, Dave Matthews, The Allman Brothers, Eric Church, Sister Hazel, and the Goo Goo Dolls, and told me that he plays mostly covers

Photo: Reed Strength cont. on page 8

Page Eight

The Holiest of Nightmarezzz

By Reed Strength

they played, it worked for them; their set was fantastic. After listening to Holy Youth’s “properly” recorded material before the show, I was quick to deem them hazy and disoriented. However, after looking at my scribbled notes postshow, I noticed and remembered one word: visceral. While not punishing, the noise was all encompassing, and added to the tight chemistry that the band possessed, it was marvelous to watch; and to I relaxed and ordered a cup of cof- think these guys have only been fee. I lounged on Eclipse’s wide around for three months or so. porch, sipping my coffee and chatting amongst friends until I was However, Chris’ vocals were, like tapped by my friend and roommate many of his garage band contemon the shoulder: “Dude, they’re poraries, slathered in echoed replaying”. I quickly downed my verb. This, added with the band’s last gulp of coffee, and ran inside. thundering sound, made distinguishing the lyrics nigh imposSinger/guitarist Chris McCau- sible. However, perhaps to break ley looked a mix between Rivers through his murky calls, McCauCuomo from Weezer, and Gra- ley uniformly screeched a nervous ham Coxon from Brit-poppers “Woo!” at the end of each song.

Blur. His singing was a thin, Holy Youth wrapped up their set shrill squeak (I later realized that with a cred-worthy, but totally inthis was his speaking voice as audible Yo La Tengo cover, and well) that gave a certain youth- then dispersed to order drinks ful whine to the dissonant gui- and chat with the small crowd betar tunes he and his band crafted. fore the main event of the night.

Photo: Reed Strength

Staff Writer As I walked up the sidewalk to Eclipse Café, my ears picked up the muffled sounds of instruments slowly clanging in unison, creating the friction that we commonly call music. I panicked; “Shit! How am I late by being early?” Turns out Holy Youth, the opening band billed to play that night, were doing a harmless, totally non-sneaky sound check.

What was interesting was how much of a focus McCauley truly was; not only was he the most distinct out of his band in terms of energy and movement (he contorted himself into shapes to give a physical interpretation of the riffs he played), but his band members seemed to focus on him exclusively. Bassist Travis Swinford and lead guitarist Stuart Norman had their instruments pointed towards him and their eyes dead locked on him at all times.

of volume and distortion, of course.

Amidst the boom and clatter of rock n’ roll served good, loud and fast, melody and oh-oh-oh choruses were among the only true vocal tics to be picked out of the Nightmare Boyzzz reverb soaked and equally inaudible vocals.

However, unlike the indie stand still types in Holy Youth, each band member grooved with their instruments, unafraid to jump, spin, and er.. stomp-dance to the din they created.

What made this ramshackle band all the more appealing was their collective, any-era-rock-dude appearance. Singer/guitarist Chris Jordan looked like the prototypical suburban brat living in his parent’s basement, lead guitarist Justin Crumpton was a typical metal long hair, bassist Michael Grossman resembled a long lost member of ELO, and drummer Josh Lynchard, sporting a newspaper cap and wooly lamb chops, looked to be a denizen of Haight-Ashbury.

If the Nightmare Boyzzz’ (the three z’s are essential to journalistic accuracy, so my editor informed me) first album was to have “IT CAME FROM MUSCLE SHOALS” scrawled in bloody letters somewhere on the cover it would be easy to assume they were the southern admirers of bands like the Misfits, or the Cramps. But no, these guys look like they play, eat, and probably sleep to loud, happy, unrelenting garage rock. However, these guys, despite their genre-straddling appearances, had but While garage has its origins in one singular intention for their small Whether this was a method to es- the ‘60’s, these guys are the first audience: ear-bursting rock music. cape the trance of the crowd, or I’ve heard to actually emulate The cont. page 9 just a way to focus on the music Beach Boys…with heavy doses

Page Eight

BARROOMcontinued

“because it’s what most people wanna my tongue has never been a talent. hear when they’re drunk at a bar”.

But after a sound check, and some fuelNormally, I detest sacrificing your ar- ing by his self-proclaimed “liquid-techtistic wants for what the crowd wants to nician”, he comfortably started with a hear. But I realized that Chase doesn’t Garth Brooks cover and I didn’t hate it. have that sort of pretentious mindset Chase has a very strong voice and a good when he plays; his original songs are blend of the blues/alternative/country about women, grudges, happy times, and genres. even the University of Montevallo itself.

He’s not trying to break barriers, or even His guitar playing was solid, he didn’t try really have his name in lights. He plays anything flashy, and if he did mess up, because he enjoys it, and those that hear he grinned and kept going. I think what really won me over, however, was what him seem to like it just as much. initially made me uncomfortable: the So as Chase set up at the Tavern on Sat- barroom atmosphere warmed. It became urday night, I wasn’t exactly sure how a victory party, albeit a slightly drunken I was going to react. When confronted one, as frat boys, patrons, and staff hapwith a genre or a batch of songs that I pily chatted and sang along, with Chase don’t particularly care for, holding back acting as the soundtrack to their revelry.

NIGHTMARE

continued

I predict future conquests and even larger shows with two upcoming debut releases from each band. Holy Youth told me that they “plan to finish recording [their] full length”, inTwo women took it a step further, Photo: Reed Strength and decided that the hurts-so- goodear- ache was the perfect excuse for moshing (into everybody else) and eventually all the way down to the ground. Despite an energetic set, the band seemed to show signs of wear near the end, as singer Chris would announce the conclusion of the show after a song, only to pull a few more out for the hungry audience.

The crowd seemed to be absolutely fine with their motive: each person bobbed and hopped to the fast rhythm, in typical punk dance movement.

Good thing he did. The live version of “Go Away”, a highlight from their 2011 Nuclear Summer EP, was absolutely vicious, as the tempo-changing riff bounced across the room, and into the feet of the Pabst sipping patrons. When the band finally did step away from their instruments (and my softened hearing returned to normal), they grabbed a few beers, and stepped outside with friends and fans, to discuss their post- show conquest.

Even after one victory- drunk ‘Bama fan messed with the settings on Chase’s PA (an apparent regular whom he prompted everyone to say a friendly goodbye to), and the balance was off, Chase shined through with his strong rendition of the much covered “Wagon Wheel”, as he encouraged the drinkers to sing right along with him.

Chase’s show didn’t encourage me to rethink the genres I detest, but his performance did assert an opinion I’ve long held: live music, as long as it’s played well, is always pleasant to listen to, no matter the genres or influences. As he played through originals, favorites, and crowd favorites, the Tavern, “my home away from home” according to Chase, was as I’d seen bars on TV and movies: friendly, celebratory, and gregarious.

tending to release it on “a cassette with a digital download”.

“If people are into it” they added, “then we’ll consider vinyl” said singer Chris McCauley.

The Nightmare Boyzzz are also at the ending stages of recording their first full-length album.

When I asked them if their future material will be as breezy as their past releases, they replied: “I’ll give you one clue: it gets darker. We are breezy, but life has a tendency to beat you up sometimes. That’s where the darkness comes from”, says guitarist Justin Crumpton.

Both bands don’t have long to rest and record, as they’re off to the Bottle Tree on September 7, for a show with Cheap Time. While both bands can be expected to return to our little college town, I wish them bigger and better things for the future; to steal a lyric from the Nightmare Boyzzz tune “Batman”: “Stay all night. I love you. Oh wait, f**k. I gotta go.”

Singer Chris McCauley of Holy Youth

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

campus

“As many people do, Wang said she fell in love with the Montevallo Campus the moment she saw it.”

Students Vying for a Spot in Fall Productions

By Mandy Steadman Staff Writer

It is the beginning of the Fall Semester and the students of the University of Montevallo are getting prepared for what the semester has in store for them.

Some students are worried about getting to class on time or making new friends; others are preparing for the upcoming auditions for the UM Theatre Departments fall season. The season includes “The Heidi Chronicles,” and the ever popular musical, “RENT.” Auditions took place August 28th and 29th in Reynolds Theatre. The students who auditioned for “RENT” and “The Heidi Chronicles” had to perform a 60 second monologue and a song in front of the department staff, including the directors. A Freshman Theatre major, Josh Weaver, said, “Emotionally it is pretty draining. I was nervous before, now I am just kind of in the mode and just kind of going through it.”

The excitement of the new season filled Reynolds Hall as students were getting emotionally and mentally prepared for the beginning of the theatre season. Senior Theatre major, Jade Rice, was beaming with excitement for her last audition for the department. She auditioned for “The Heidi Chronicles”, directed by Tammy Killian. “There are a

WANG

and continues to captivate audiences.

Freshman Theatre major, Nathan Seale, said, “What I like most about this show is the fact that it steps past the boundaries of what most people expect from a musical. There is no way that someone can go to this musical and not relate to at least one of the characters. I just find that to be so magical.”

The process after the auditions included a dance audition for “RENT” and callbacks for both shows that ran from August 30th-31st. The students who auditioned were excited about the shows, but they were even more excited about being able to participate in such a unique and wonderful department. “Everyone really comes together and focuses on what is important. That is the best part of doing anything here,” said Rice.

Photo: Mandy Steadman lot of strong women in the play so I would be happy to play any of them and I would be so happy to work with Tammy, again, in any capacity,” Rice said. It is also a huge opportunity for those who are auditioning to be a part of the cast for “RENT,” directed

by David Callaghan. RENT has astounded the Broadway community for many years

ment and passion of seeing students grow responsible for placing a lot of first to an even greater level causing her to begin generation students in non-profit orga- plans of working toward her PhD research nizations that dealt with youth issues. which is, the ways in which teachers can show support for first generation students.

“We wanted the students to make an impact while on their internships and leave “This was something I loved and was driven behind something that would continue to by it, after all, I knew I had to write a book help the organizations they interned at.” about it,” she said. Wang earned her PhD from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and Because education was very important upon graduating she began to look at posin her family, working with first genera- sibilities. Wang said coming to Montevallo tion students was a great contrast for her. has been a positive experience for her and has been one of those “light bulb” moments.

“It was never a question for me.

My parents made it very clear that “I am picky and I knew I wanted to apI would earn my masters,” she said. ply only to places that I knew I wanted to work at. I am a liberal arts graduate, so The experience soon struck another chord it was important to me. When I met with so to speak and furthered Wang’s commit- Dr. Sherry Ford and Dr. Sally Harding at

continued

Page Nine

After the long, exhausting rounds of auditions and callbacks commenced, the directors have finally chosen their actors and are ready to make the next big steps to make these magnificent shows a reality. Be sure to come support your fellow students and their amazing talents by coming to see “The Heidi Chronicles” and “RENT” in October and November of this year. the job fair, we really connected. My experience was a good match for what Montevallo was looking for,” She said.

As many people do, Wang said she fell in love with the Montevallo Campus the moment she saw it. She also found the students and faculty at Montevallo were easy to love as well.

“It’s like a family here,” she said.

Wang said one of her goals as a professor is to continue to express the value of communication and the importance of being efficient and be a credible source of information. She said she also wants to express that good leaders are good communicators.

A pet peeve of Wang’s is when stu-

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

The Falcon

campus

Page 10

Falcon Fashion

By Rosemary Maguire Staff Writer Ahmad Jackson Senior Theatre/English Major

On his fashion: “Right now I’m going for a kind of jazzy look.”

On his hair: “I saw it on Grace Jones.”

What he’s really into right now: Post-punk. “I’m revisiting Siouxie Sioux and Joy Division.”

WANG

Evan Patton

continued

dents do not read their book and expect lectures to be regurgitated.

“When student’s come to class unprepared, that limits my lecture and I am not able to expand on what they should have already learned.

Wang said her personality is most definitely type A. She said she is a profectionist with all its trappings.

“I like to think of myself compassionate person. I about my students and success in learning,” she

as a care their said.

Wang said her hobbies include traveling. This summer she went to Australia and New Zealand as a graduation trip. She also likes “stress baking all from scratch.”

She said usually once a semester, she will bring goodies for her students to enjoy. She also finds joy in photography and college football.

“I enjoy watching former students from mine go pro. It has been really great to watch them succeed,” she said.

Montevallo continues to grow and as it grows, it continues to bring in the “cream of the crop” when it comes to professors and Dr. Wang is another fine example.

Senior English Major Where he gets most of his clothes: Thrift shops or Online Looks he’s into: Androgyny, British Punk. “I like to mix the 50s with punk, which kind of clashes, but I’m into it.”

The Falcon

SPORTS

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

11

The Tide Rolls Over Robinson and Company

By Joey Antonio Sports Editor Since the 2006 college football season, the SEC has made an unprecedented run of six straight national titles, the latter three all hailing from the state of Alabama. In this day and age, that is almost unfathomable.

Saturday the highest ranking team in the Southeastern Conference, number two Alabama, quickly showed Denard Robinson and his 8th ranked Michigan Wolverines why they are the defending national champions.

The Tide never missed a beat, as their style of play, both offensively and defensively looked liked a continuation of last season’s national championship game. Even with key departures from defensive leaders Donta Hightower, Mark Baron, Dre Kirkpatrick and Courtney Upshaw, the unit looked just as poised and dominant as they always have been, giving up only 14 points and 269 total yards. The offense actually seemed better, as quarterback A.J. McCarron opened up a little more than usual, passing for almost 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

As great as first round pick Trent Richardson was during his tenure at Alabama, he was not exactly missed last night, as the Tide amassed 232 yards rushing from its triumvirate of runners; T.J. Yeldon, Eddie Lacey and Dee Hart. Most impressive of the three was the true freshman Yeldon, who seems to already be living up to the hype, as 111 of those yards belonged to him. The offensive numbers, when juxtaposed, show near perfect offensive symmetry. If McCarron’s abilities continue to improve and the running game re-

mains as strong this year as it was before, this team will be absolutely unbeatable. The only weakness on this squad, if there is going to be one, is in the secondary, where three of last year’s four starters have departed.

The Crimson Tide, who had their share of holes to fill during the offseason, looked as though they had been playing together for a couple of seasons. Since Nick Saban’s arrival in T-Town, All-American type players seem to just hop off an assembly line, replacing one after the departure of another. As fine tuned as Alabama is, there still lurks LSU, who is no slouch either and is a viable threat to dethrone the champion.

For Alabama fans, another national championship this year would be icing on the college football cake. With one more win this year, the Tide would be the only team in the history of the BCS to win back to back national titles while simultaneously having the honor of most BCS championships held by any team ever with three, impressive.

But what is most impressive is that this all started in 2009. Not even the Bear was that efficient, and back in those days there was no limit to how many players a coach could sign during the recruitment season. Ever since Nick Saban came to the Capstone six years ago, athletes, boosters and fans have all been on board since day one. If you were not, you were not asked to stay long. Saban’s no-nonsense mentality, along with his insatiable hunger for winning, accompanied by his superlative play calling and highly disciplined style of football, flawlessly exhibit the type of example he sets for his players.

As the season wears on, the “Nicktator” most surely will continue to raise the bar. If Alabama’s blowout of Michigan is any indication to how the rest of the season will go, then the entire country already should understand that the SEC is still in a class by itself and that another national title might just be inevitable. Sorry Southern Cal.

The Falcon

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

international

Page 12

“America is a country of inventors, and the greatest of inventors are the newspaper men”- Alexander Graham Bell

Religious Calling Leads to an Unlikely Place

by Neal Embry Staff Writer

I didn’t meet Manny Pacquiao.

I didn’t swim in the Pacific Ocean, or climb through the jungle like Tarzan. I don’t have any epic stories of killing wild beasts with my machete or bare hands. No, the stories I have are of lives being changed, truth being shared, and how God took a small city boy from Vestavia Hills, Alabama and got him to the other side of the world, to the beautiful Philippines.

Last summer, working at my church in Hoover, I began to feel led to go overseas to share the gospel. So I went through an application process, and a few months later, I began preparing to go to the Philippines.

This was my first international trip, so I was a little nervous, but confident that God would use me however he wanted to.

I went through an organization called Nehemiah Teams, which sends many different teams of college students and young adults to other countries for 52-day mission trips. The goal of Nehemiah Teams is simple: fulfill the Great Commission

were from rural areas, and had not had anyone else come before to share Jesus with them.

Over the summer, we spent time in four different barangays, or villages. In working with the people, I found that they really weren’t all that different from us.

of Jesus Christ in this generation. While at orientation, I met people from all over the country, and there were teams going all over the world. It was amazing to see how God was using all of us. My team consisted of another man, two women, and myself. We all came from different backgrounds and walks of life, but we all wanted the same thing, and that was to make Jesus known to the people of the Philippines. When we got to our location, we met up with our translators, one guy and one girl.

They were a blast, and were a huge help to us this summer.

On June 5, all Nehemiah Teams left for their location. After skipping a day in travel, we finally arrived in Naga City on June 7. We met our local supervisors, who were career missionaries in the Philippines, and had a few days with them. We learned more about the culture and how to share the gospel with the people we’d be working with. Our primary focus was on the indigenous peoples of the Bicol region, in the Sorsogon province. These people

They have their sports icons just like we do. Here in the South, we love our football. We’ve become accustomed to setting Saturdays aside to watch Alabama and Auburn play, and competing annually for the conference and national championship. In the Philippines, there’s not a huge interest in team sports. But there is one man that seems to unite the country.

Manny Pacquiao, world-famous boxer, is also a congressman, philanthropist, and the national hero of the Philippines.

then ask if they would like to hear a Bible story. We worked our way through the Bible, from Genesis to the death and resurrection of Jesus, finishing with a declaration that what Jesus did for us is enough for our salvation.

One woman that we met with brought me to tears.

After hearing what Jesus had done for us, she said something I won’t forget: “I see that we don’t have to go through a priest, or a church, or religion to go to God. Jesus is the way.”

The day we left Naga City to go to our location, Pacquiao was fighting against Timothy Bradley. As we traveled for six hours, I tried to catch any news I could about the fight, so I could have something to talk about with locals. Unfortunately, Pacquiao lost the controversial fight.

The Filipinos come from a largely Catholic background, and so we taught how we don’t need good works to come to God, but we come and have faith in what Jesus has done on the cross. We didn’t see huge numerical returns like we may be used to in America, but we did see people really begin to think about what it means to know God.

They like to dance, just like us.

On more than one occasion, the three guys on the team would dance along with the locals to whatever they were playing. It ranged from “Teach Me How to Dougie” to something in Tagalog, the trade language of the Philippines. I’m just glad no one caught that on video.More than anything, we realized how much these people were in need of Jesus. We would begin our work by going house to house, conducting cultural surveys to find out about the culture, and

Our living conditions were fantastic. I can’t thank the people that housed us this summer enough for all that they did for us. We had a stove, we even had an electric fan in our first three locations, and these were some of the nicest, most genuinely hospitable people I’ve ever met.

We also ate very well this summer as we were able to go to the market on our off days for groceries. We

continued on pg 14

The Falcon

Page 13

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

international

Quebecois Students are Les Misérables

By Rosemary Maguire Staff Writer Something has been happening in Quebec, and, completely likely, you have not heard about it. If the word “casserole” means nothing more to you than a baked dish of a variety of ingredients, then you perhaps do not know about the Montreal protests, a series of riots and demonstrations that began in February, reaching a peak of participation in this past May. The movement began as a strike over raised university tuition. Quebecois students were outraged over the tuition hike of over 1000 Candadian dollars, proposed by the Quebec Cabinet.

The first strike was held at Laval University, Canada’s oldest educational institution. The movement spread to University of Quebec-Montreal. By March, the movement was 300,000 strong.

The Quebec government’s response was not a welcome one.

Tuition hikes and restrictive laws are not the only controversial topics in the protest climate. Many protestbloggers harshly criticize the Canadian media’s efforts in the movement.

Coverage of the Montreal protests is surprisingly scarce, especially in the English language. English language media outlets did not truly begin to give the protests the time of day until late May, according to “An Open Letter to the Mainstream English Media,” a letter written by the editor and operator of Translating the Printemps Erable. Translating is a blog dedicated to providing the English-speaking community with the truth about the protests through translating French-language media.

“Why aren’t you writing about this?” the anonymous administrator pleads. “You can have your cynicism; our revolution is sincere.”

The media is not the only group receiving flak over protest involvement. Quebecois law enforcement is also garnering some choice words from bloggers and protestors alike.

On May 22nd, La Presse reported a business owner being arrested in his own restaurant after keeping his business open during protests and wearing a square of red cloth to show his support. The man was never charged with a crime, but remained in custody for six hours.

Another protestor spoke of being threatened by police outside his home for participating in a casserole protest. During a protest the night of May 23rd, 700 people were arrested.

On May 18, the government made a move that only incited more protest. The passing of Bill 78, an emergency law that regulated and restricted protest activities on university campuses, brought some 400,000 marchers to the streets of Montreal. By the end of May, protestors throughout the residential neighborhoods in Montreal were participating in nightly “Casserole” protests. The Casseroles, named for the French word for “saucepan”, consisted of protestors going outside their houses and banging pots and pans.

The Casserole protests were modeled off the similar Chilean “ca- Three months later, the government cerolazo” protests of the 1970s. and protestors have not reached a

solution. As recently as August 28, police were present at the University of Montreal, creating what one professor described as “significant tensions and anxieties.”

Being a country away, these protests may not seem to concern University of Montevallo students greatly, but they are worth paying attention to. The portrayal and outcome of these protests will set precedent for future student organization. This movement, which is causing such a stir, is in response to a hike causing Quebecois students to still be paying less than half what the average UM student pays a year for education. Finally, in a generation that seems desensitized and disinterested, witnessing a young person movement that actually accomplishes something might just give us all a little more confidence in our power as a population.

To learn more about the protests, visit www.quebecprotest. com

The Falcon

PHILIPPINES continued

ate a lot of rice, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, and pancakes. I tried monitor lizard, which tastes like chicken, and turtle (which is fantastic by the way), but I missed out on the python.

I was seriously bummed about that.

I went into this summer expecting to step into this completely different world, and in some ways, maybe I did. There were certainly cultural differences, in relationships, in the way of doing life, and in general day-to-day activities. But in a lot of ways, there were many similarities.

The men worked, mainly in manual labor. The women usually worked from home, either taking care of children or making crafts, or sometimes both.

The people were supportive, open, and respectful, even if they didn’t agree with us. They marveled at our appearance, even saying they hoped their children looked like us one day.

There are so many stories that can be told about the Philippines, about this summer, and over time, they will be. I learned, more than anything, about loving people.

Not a Nicholas Sparks love. Not a Twilight love. No, I learned about a real, God-honoring, selfless, sacrificial love, one that is only possible for me to show because of Jesus Christ.

There were so many times this summer where I failed to love as I should.

But there were so many times where God got a hold of me and used me to show his love to others, and that made it all worth going. I learned that if we step out of our comfort zone and love people, we’d find that we’re not all that different, whether they’re across the street or across the world. We’ll find that we’re all in need of Jesus, each and every day.

And by God’s grace, our world won’t look the same because of the gospel.

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

The RNC

By The Numbers

Page 14

- 3 The 2012 convention will be the third Republican nominating convention held in Florida.

Miami Hosted the 1968 and 1972 conventions.

- 40 The 2012 Republican National Convention was the Republican Party’s 40th presidential nominating convention - 56 Delegates came from 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories: American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands - 81 Approximately 81 miles of coaxial, phone and internet cable was installed to support the convention - 400 More than 400 motor coaches were chartered to transport delegates and guests during the convention - 2,286 The number of delegates to the 2012 Republican National Convention - 2,125 nate

The number convention

of alterdelegates

- 15,000 The number of accredited members of the media who attended the convention.

the falcon presents

Page 15

a week in pictures

Sorority Women enjoying the back to school bash

Students flocked to Farmer for musical entertainment

Editor of The Alabamian; Heather Buckner

The Falcon

Page 16

featured essay

presents a Spit of the Snake

By Davis Hayden Columnist

It was in the third grade that I first met a person from the Indian subcontinent.

He was a skinny, brown boy with a very slight accent, but dressed in the loud shirts that all he-children of the 90’s wore. He sported socks that crept like pythons half way up to his knees just like the rest of us white and black boys with fantastic lower leg circulation.

Having him in our third grade class probably made us the most multicultural game in town, but we were all cretinous nine-year-old rubes so we didn’t know to take pride in or abhor that yet.

I can’t really remember his name, but it couldn’t have been anything as terminally Indian as Veejay or Saroosh or I wouldn’t have as much trouble recalling it. Maybe it was something like Tom or Ed. You know, a little something to take the edge off. Americanize him like the Chinese girl at my high school who couldn’t speak English without the aid of her electronic pocket translator, but went by Amy. We later discovered her name was Ting.

Ting, it’s cute, and easily pronounceable, but they called her Amy. “Ok now here’s your paperwork,” The immigration employee must have began, “and here’s your new name! It’s Amy! They won’t even know you’re not American! Bye dear, don’t forget your translator!”

Brand new American name or not he had been placed into the melting pot with the rest of us which always has the unspoken rule, unless your Tim James who goes ahead and says it to clear up any confusion, that you should blend in to what’s already here rather than try to add any flavor.

As a nine year old the only things I knew about India were that Indiana Jones had gone there to get some glowing rocks, some portion of this adventure took

place in a temple of doom and some of the guys there wore turbans. I was especially impressed with their turbans because five years earlier as a spry four year old I had an unnatural obsession with fashioning turbans from my security blanket after seeing Jafar’s in Aladdin.

I would bound around the house for hours wearing briefs and a poorly wrapped turban that my mother had safety pinned for me. By the time I was nine I had grown out of the turbans but not out of the wandering the house in briefs -all dressed down, and nowhere to go.

Indian Tom and I found ourselves in a class with a terrifying teacher. She was like something that might slither from the depths of R’lyeh with its uncouth geometry; the vanguard of the sunken city’s Octopus headed denizen, Cthulhu.

Each morning my classmates and I would shuffle into the room like the marines at Do Lung Bridge in Apocalypse Now. We were people who had been thrust into a situation that we’d never been prepared to handle, and all we could manage to feel was throbbing, omnipresent terror.

cognac as my new horrid scrawl hung on the fridge, “At least I got that.” I would then stare listlessly out the window, and think of how I’d wasted most of my life learning to write well only to have it destroyed in third grade.

Despite her mission to destroy my handwriting and inspire fear in our hearts she would get a little multicultural herself, and read us stories from a book authored primarily in Asia: the Bible. She would read after lunch as we colored or stared out the window until she told us to stop coloring and staring out the window and listen.

I never thought to ask Indian Tom what he thought of all this. He could very well have been Christian, but being from India chances are high he belonged to another religion with its own stories; also primarily authored in Asia.

The most striking thing I remember about Indian Tom’s personality, whose face I can see so clearly I don’t even have to close my eyes to imagine it, was that he would tell stories about his family in India. The only story that I still remember was that of a cousin who had She was a woman who had at one point gone outside, and come upon a cobra. been an attractive lady (according to an older cousin), but had tried to fight At the time I imagined a brown boy aging with more makeup rather than around our age confronted with an eating well and letting natural sunlight aggressive hooded serpent ready to and air reach her skin (according to me). strike at him. What I would have done as a child when confronted with a large When she wasn’t terrifying all of us she venomous snake would have been to was destroying my beautiful second get bitten, and it’s a relief for me to grade print and any pride I could have relate to you that all children are equals, taken in my handwriting by teaching me and a cobra bit Indian Tom’s cousin. to draw cursive letters. “Well, whatever happens at least I can write pretty.” “And do you know the craziest part?”

He asked, “They injected him with I imagine chubby third grade me saying more poison to get rid of the poison ruefully and ironically with no shirt from the cobra!” He said with a very on while sipping a child sized glass of light accent that caught and became

The Falcon

ESSAY

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

Page 17

apparent when he would emphasize letters differently than we did such as the o in cobra or the slight rolling of the r.

He went on to explain that his cousin made a full recovery. In later years I would realize that he was referring to anti-venom. A little hair of the dog to set you straight or in this case some spit of the snake to cure what ails you.

Indian Tom didn’t complete school with me. His third grade year was his first and last in our town. In the short time he was there he made, what I can comfortably call, an impact on me. The impact came from his willingness to share his stories, and Ishmael Reed says a man’s story is his gris gris -- his soul.

The skinny Indian boy in our class, who I feel that I’ve done an injustice by forgetting his name, showed us another place for a little while, simply by talking.

And that, well that was powerful.

Sharing things about yourself and listening to what others share can rarely steer you wrong, and is the best cure for prejudice and the ignorant jawboning that can arise from that low state of being.

“The Heidi Chronicles” Cast List

“RENT” Cast List

Heidi: Tavi Juarez (BFA Project)

Roger Davis: Caylan Sallas

Susan: Jade Rice Peter: Matt Smith Scoop: Chance Caruthers

Mark Cohen: Taylor Lamm Tom Collins: Korey Wilson

Chris, Steve, Mark, Ray, Waiter:

Benjamin Coffin III: Jalen Brown

Nick Barrow

Joanne Jefferson: Bailey Gaskin

Fran, Molly, April: Alix Black

Angel Dumott Schunard: Barrington McQueen

Debbie, Lisa: Mia Shirley Becky, Denise: Bethany Dawson

Mimi Marquez: Melissa Lawler

(BFA Project)

Maureen Johnson: Hannah Mansfield

Jill, Betsy: AE Craig Stage Manager: Chris Bever ASM: Pending

COMPANY: Brandi Hill Jenna McCown Shelley McMoy Sierra Michalkow Stephonn Ammons Hunter Brown Michael Cleary Kedrick Faulk (Seasons of Love Male Soloist) Stage Manager: Ashley Knowles Assistant Director: Jade Rice Assistant Stage Managers: Pending

The Falcon

next weeks issue

Monday, September 3rd, 2012

the staff

Page 18

Editors Editor-In-Chief: Kyle Jones Assistant Editor: Andrew Mechum

-Andrew covers the Democratic National Convention.

-A feature on Albright Scholar Karen Graffeo -More Fashion -More News -More Music -More Pictures -Davis returns with another life lesson

Art & Culture Editor: Matt Sanderlin Sports Editor: Joseph Antonio Campus & Local Editor: Joseph Thornton

and more...

September 10th 2012 Web www.facebook.com/thefalconmontevallo @theumfalcon www.thefalconat.tumblr.com

is accepting articles and applications for staff positions contact us at thefalconeditor@gmail.com

Staff Writers

Rosemary Maguire Mandy Steadman Neal Embry Reed Strength Mike Nicholson Will Hasenbein

Columnist

Davis Hayden

Photographer Dillon Owens