Issue 3

Volume 1.

Issue 3.

The Falcon

A Keen Eye For News

IN THIS

ISSUE CROSS

CAMPUS

Intramural Coaches’ Meeting Tue, September 11, 5:00pm – 5:30pm Farmer Fraternity Smokers September 12, 6pm – 10pm Farmer UPC Waterfest September 13, 4pm – 6pm Behind Peck

Fraternity Bid Signing September 14, 5pm – 6pm Palmer Auditorium

Monday, September 10th, 2012

The Falcon Guide to the DNC

page 2

thefalconat.tumblr.com

Food Guide

Writing Center

The best eats in town for new students

What does the HWC have to offer?

page 6 local

page 10 campus

LET US NOW PRAISE THE SCHOLAR

with my Fulbright I want to reinforced in my work is to show what incredible survivors they are. Because many times when people are around Roma they present them as victims.” says Graffeo.

By Kyle Jones Editor-In-Chief

The University of Montevallo is home to many scholars, academics, artist and generally extra ordinary students, professors and faculty, but the story of Karen Graffeo and her work sets her apart from her afore mentioned peers and colleagues.

Graffeo is a professor of art and the director of the photography concentration here at the University. This

By Joseph Thornton Local & Campus Editor

summer Graffeo received the Fulbright Senior Scholarship. With this scholarship she will continue to pursue her long outstanding work

MONTEVALLO- The city of Montevallo recently held its mayoral race. One of our own, Dr. Hollie Cost, Professor of Special Education, participated in the race. Many of our readers have asked quesSubmit announcements tions as to why a runoff is to facebook.com/ be held soon. In order for a thefalconmontevallo candidate to win an election;

of documenting, helping, and studying the Romani people of Italy and Romania, where she will spend the next year. “One of the things

When the word Rom, Roma, or Romani comes up in conversation the natural reflex for people is to think “oh Romania, Romani are people from Romania”. This could not be any more incorrect. Gypsy, which

cont. page 2

Run-Off Explained

he/she must secure over 50 percent of the total votes cast.

Because Cost secured 347 votes which was only 47 percent, a run-off is necessary and will be held Oct. 9. Cost will run against Ben McCrory, incumbent mayor who had 254 votes which was 34 percent.

When asked about the upcoming runoff, Cost had this to say,“I am extremely excited about the possibility of becoming the next mayor of the town that I love,” A more in depth story will follow in weeks to come. Check back with us every Monday for more.

The Falcon

Monday, September 10th, 2012

news

Page Two

“When a dog bites a man that is not news, but when a man bites a dog that is news.”

-Charles Anderson Dana

The Falcon Guide to the DNC

by Andrew Mechum Associate Editor

The Democratic Party descended on Charlotte, North Carolina last week to nominate President Barrack Obama as their candidate for another four years in the white house.

Without the threat of a hurricane ruining the festivities, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was able to focus on their goals of telling the American people why they deserve four more years and the opposing party doesn’t.

Over the course of three days the Democrats sought to show the American people what they had accomplished in the last four years, to show them how changing presidents now would jeopardize that progress and what they intend to do with another four years.

For those of you that missed the convention we present a short summary and highlights from the three-day convention. With a speaker line up including several current and former governors, legislators and even actor Kal Penn of “Harold & Kumar” fame, the

SCHOLAR continued

is considered a semi derogatory term, will turn on the light bulb for most people. Rom or Romani is simply what people known as Gypsies call themselves. For example, it would be similar as to call someone who identifies as Cherokee an Indian or redskin.

The Roma’s existent since their origins in India has been one of struggle, sacrifice and persecution. During the holocaust, called the Porajmos or “The Devouring” by the Romani people, 220,000 to 1,500,000 Romani people were put to death my Hitler’s Reich.

Graffeo has spent the past 13 years on and off in Italy and Romania “documenting their [Romani] culture

DNC poised itself to have a great opening night culminating in a speech by the first lady. Lilly Ledbetter of Jacksonville, Alabama was there as well. The namesake of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act spoke with a thick southern accent to an excited crowd Tuesday night.

Proclaiming, “Equal pay for equal work is an American value,” Ledbetter told a loud, jubilant audience how Obama’s signing the bill into law as one of his first acts as president, “says something about his priorities.”

The evenings Keynote Address was given by mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro. Speaking about his grandmother and the adversities his family had to overcome when he was growing up, Castro tried to connect with the middle class, describing them as “the engine of our economic growth.”

As with many of the speeches at the DNC, the first half of Castro’s speech was about all his and the party’s accomplishments while the second half was dominated by inside refugee encampments, caravans, slums and public housing projects”, and through her photography has been able to directly impact her subjects.

“Let Us Now Praise the Rom” is Karen Graffeo’s work come to fruition, a documentary in photographs aimed to raise awareness. Graffeo says, “I hope my work is an opportunity for the Roma to present their own lives without the restraints of the mythologies and projections from society.”

In part two of this series, we will explore Graffeo’s work and share her stories of her time spent with the Rom to get a better understanding of who Graffeo and the Romani people are and what they can teach us.

attacks

against

the

republicans.

Saying, “Mitt Romney just doesn’t get it. But Barack Obama gets it,” Castro implied that democrats have a way forward together, whereas the republicans just want to go back to the way things were.

First Lady Michelle Obama came to the podium after Castro to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Unable to speak initially by chants of “four more years” from the audience, Mrs. Obama went on to reacquaint us with her husband and what he stands for.

Mrs. Obama told us about how her and her husband’s “combined monthly student loan bills were higher than [their] mortgage” in an attempt to relate to the younger voters now struggling with paying off their debts.

She went on to say, “I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he’s going to do, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.”

She finished her speech by telling America that, “we must once again come together and stand together for the man we can trust to keep moving this great country forward,” by voting to reelect the president in November.

The second night of the convention was marred by the addition of God and Jerusalem to the to the party platform (you can read it for yourself here). Despite a conflicted delegation, the vote to put God and Jerusalem back into the party platform was passed after the original platform came under scrutiny from the republicans and the media.

Even with the rocky start the democrats came out swinging. Their first big speaker of the night was Sandra Fluke, a women’s rights ac-

continued on the next page

The Falcon

DNC

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Page Three

continued what Republicans will do if they are elected. Running nearly 50 minutes, Clinton’s speech was the longest of any convention speech this season and galvanized Democrats

Fluke equated the republi- in their support of president Obama. can platform as it concerns women to The third night brought us a future that “looks like an offensive, obsolete relic of the past.” A sup- the acceptance speeches from Vice porter of women’s rights, especially President Joe Biden and President the right to contraception, she told the Barrack Obama. Before they spoke audience the America that the Republi- the line up included appearances can Party promises is “one that forces from Scarlett Johannson, Eva Longoour generation to re-fight the battles ria and the Foo Fighters, all lending they (women) have already won.” their star power to the convention. tivist, who came into the public spotlight after conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh made derogatory statements about her on his program.

The Democrats next big speaker was Elizabeth Warren, a candidate in a hotly contested Senate seat for Massachusetts, opened her speech by gushing that she “never dreamed that I’d get to be the warmup act for President Bill Clinton.”

Warren’s speech centered around the differences between the two parties and claimed, “The Republican vision is clear: ‘I’ve got mine, the rest of you are on your own.’”

Despite the ups and downs of the evening, the second night of the convention belonged to former President Bill Clinton. A packed house waited all night to hear Clinton add his heft to Obama/Biden ticket.

Describing Obama as “a man who’s cool on the outside, but who burns for America on the inside,” when he suggested Obama ought to be, “the standard bearer of the Democratic Party.”

Clinton asked us to look at the records of both candidates, he asked us to vote for a president who “is still committed to constructive cooperation,” and boiled down the Republican message to “We left him a total mess, he hadn’t cleaned it up fast enough, so fire him and put us back in.”

Clinton focused on job numbers, the automobile industry, what Obama Care has accomplished and

and what he will accomplish if reelected.

In 2008 Obama’s campaign centered around the slogans of “Hope and Change”, and in his speech he said, “The truth is, it will take more than a few years for us to solve challenges that have built up over decades,” effectively moving the goal line from where he placed it four years ago.

Obama claimed that the hope and change he was talking about was really the American people; saying, “The election four years ago wasn’t about me, it was about you…you were the change.”

He spoke at length about what we have accomplished as a united America, and how the Republicans will divide us. He said, “You didn’t elect me to tell you what you wanted to hear.

You elected me to tell you the truth.”

He made reference that Mitt Citing the successful raid and killRomney’s ideas in his article, “Let De- ing of Osama bin Laden he vowed to troit Go Bankrupt”, were the wrong maintain the worlds strongest military. way to heal Detroit when he said, “ConClosing out his speech Obama viction, resolve, Barack Obama, that’s declared, “We don’t turn back. We leave what saved the automobile industry.” no one behind. We pull each other up. We

The vice president spoke of draw strength from our victories. And we how he watched Obama make the learn from our mistakes.” His statements hard decisions everyday, and be- echoed the Warrior’s Ethos, and drew cause of his courage in making those plenty of applause from the audience. decisions. Bin Laden is now dead, Ultimately, the Democrats laid General Motors is prosperous, and America is on track to heal itself. out their plan to move America “Forward” and tried to show how the Re Biden insists that must, “Move publicans will have us moving back. forward to finish the job,” and voting Governors, legislators, and ceagainst Obama isn’t moving forward, lebrity speakers threw plenty of facts and warning that Mitt Romney and the Refigures out during the convention. Which publicans want to move us backwards. ones were accurate, and which ones were

The evening’s, and the con- inflated is easy to find out and all voters vention’s, culminating event was are encouraged to do their research and not Obama’s acceptance speech. Having take any politician’s word at face value. to wait nearly a minute for the excitWe here at The Falcon urge each ed the crowd to quiet down, Obama accepted his party’s nomination and and every one of you to go out and vote was quickly silenced by chants of November 6. Before you do however, take “Four more years” from the audience. the time to check your facts. Go to sites such as, politifact, factcheck, and snopes

Once the crowd simmered to make sure you’re hearing the full story. down, Obama got down to business as he laid out what he has accomplished

Biden, like many of the speakers before him, stuck to the talking points of the General Motors Bailout, health care reform, unemployment and the death of Osama Bin Laden.

The Falcon

Monday, September 10th, 2012

opinion

Page Five

This Week: “Hipsters”

Kicking It In The Hip:

How the Word “Hipster” Could Be A Permanently Positive Injury Reed Strength-Staff Writer

@ReedStrength

What exactly does it mean to be hip?

I always thought it was to be aware of and in line with the current trends.

But according to my generation, to be “hip”, is to ignore the “mainstream”, to spit on what is popular.

their purpose in life”, and Person C could disagree with both of them and just as logically label them “loan sharks ”. The word’s definition has snowballed over the years; where it used to maybe resemble a specific type of character in a certain bohemian neighborhood, it now seems to

Being almost 19, I’m kind of apply to any inauthentic, arrogant person contradictory. As I grow and gain knowl- that the name caller in general wishes to edge, what I think I’m sure of quickly typify with a well-known, generalized tag. gives way to something I learn two weeks later. I admit to using the word I scoured the internet and, just “hipster”, and even at one point, ac- as around Montevallo, there were tons knowledging that I was one. Here’s the of differing opinions about the label in thing: I was never really sure about just articles, videos, and picture blogs. Some what it was. Or better yet, who it ap- websites attempted to break the label plied to. I was told it was my music taste, down into a checklist, in order to sniff and the t shirts that I wore, but never out the hiding hipster in someone. One heard a definite, detailed description. writer, Douglas Haddow, was impassioned enough to call the hipster “the As I viewed pictures of purported end of Western civilization – a culture hipsters on the internet, I had to disagree lost in the superficiality of its past and with the personal association: these peo- unable to create any new meaning. Not ple wore really strange combinations of only is it unsustainable, it is suicidal”. clothes; stuff that might work for them, but never for me. And just as I began to I think I stand for everyone, disassociate from the word, it changed. whether they consider themselves hipster lovers or haters, that I’ve had enough Suddenly, hipster meant anybody of the label, both in accusation and obwho was knowledgeable about a certain session. Stereotypical personal labels in cultural trend: be it music, movies, books, general have always been ambiguous whatever. I started hearing about “Hunger and hard to define, but I feel this has Games Hipsters”, or how “hipster” some- gone on long enough. From the sources body was for owning every season of How I’ve heard and read, a hipster is said to I Met Your Mother. In conversation, some- be one who claims knowledge in certain one might spill a fact about something subject matters, is culturally aware and that nobody else knows about and accusa- possesses a certain thrift store collected tory murmurs of “Hipster” can be heard. fashion, despite being well off. I refute all of those qualities, and claim that they I’ve spent the last couple days are desirable and positive for anyone asking people just what they thought Hipwho wishes to genuinely expresses them. ster meant, and here’s my conclusion: it doesn’t mean anything; better yet, a true Since when is it bad to be knowl“Hipster” doesn’t exist. Nobody’s ac- edgeable about something? We all have count of just what a Hipster is matches. If hobbies that we take active interest in, Person A said they were “people who like and are proud of. While I love listening triangles”, Person B would describe them to independent music and reading about as “young people who haven’t found its culture, another could have the same

love for a sport, or a certain field of study. Is it so bad to share the knowledge that you possess with others, or claim that you know a lot about something? I can’t help but feel that the “arrogance” and “superiority” that hipsters are said to possess, are merely claims by observers that are jealous or insecure about their own grasp on the subject, and are too afraid to stand back and listen to learn.

Since when is it wrong to take a deep interest in culture? Shouldn’t we encourage interest in the arts, and hope that the creations of artists are deeply valued and admired? I love when I meet people who know more about a certain aspect of culture than I do, whether they be movie buffs, food critics, book worms, even fellow music obsessives; they can normally point me to the important, yet under the radar classics that I would otherwise look over. There’s nothing wrong with having taste in anything.

And if people look down on you because you’re “not into what they’re into”, don’t cry “HIPSTER”; describe their actions with “arrogant” and “unfriendly”, don’t attempt to associate them with what you perceive as a certain type of person.

Since when is it wrong to be interested in fashion or thrift stores? If you feel confident about what you wear, then wear it. Clothes choice should reflect who you are and what you’re interested in; your sense of fashion is essentially the external coverings you use to express yourself to the outside world. If someone digs the normal “hipster fare” of skinny jeans, thick framed glasses, and clothes from thrift stores, they should wear them. Labeling them as a hipster due to a prejudice against their style, is essentially the same condescending attitude the alleged hipsters are so known for.

continued on page seven

The Falcon

local

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Page Six “I hoped that Montevallo would be better, and so far, I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve eaten.”

Food For Freshman: A Find and Buy Guide for Some of Montevallo’s BEST Known Restaurants

By Reed Strength-Staff Writer

School food has a notoriously bad reputation. While I’ve never experienced the legendary “Mystery Meat Mondays”, I did occasionally stop myself in my old high school cafeteria and seriously question just what I was chewing. I hoped that Montevallo would be better, and so far, I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve eaten.

The rumors before I got here, however, were mixed. When I ask upperclassmen about the food quality, their reactions ranged from either an “It’s alright”, shrugged off attitude, to a “You’ll hate it” dire prophecy. I’ve found that if I don’t like what’s being served as a “classic” main course, there’s always a wrap, a salad, a slice of pizza, or a bowl of cereal as an alternative.

However, if the Caf, for whatever reason, becomes too regular for you there’s always the World of Wings in the Student Life Center. They serve a variety of wings, wraps, burgers, salads, and ice cream treats to add a little kick to your daily meal.

But if you’re like me, you long for something beyond the gates. To be honest, you won’t have to look very far. Several restaurants are within walking distance of campus, and all cater to college students, and more importantly, our college budgets. Whether you use these locations for a late night food excursion, a big dinner with friends, or even a date, you will be served good food with good company.

Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day; but I’d venture to guess it’s the one meal most college kids miss. What with 8 am classes and meal plans with less than 19 meals, sometimes it just can’t fit in. However, whether it’s on the weekends, the middle of the afternoon, or 3 am, there are two prime locations for breakfast to be found: Eclipse Coffee and Books, and Huddle House.

I talked to Heather, one of the many attentive and friendly waitresses Huddle House has on staff, about the best deals and highest selling offers for college kids. She told me the MVP was the premiere breakfast choice, as it comes with all of the normal fixings the Big House meals come with, along with a golden waffle, for only $5.99. The Texas Burger a popular dinner choice: a burger with cheese, letCoffee is $1.25 for 8 oz. and $1.50 tuce, tomato, bacon, and BBQ sauce, befor 16 oz., with refills for 50 cents. A break- tween two slices of grilled Texas Toast. fast sandwich is available for $5.00, and it Lunch is perhaps an easier opcomes with everything a good breakfast sandwich needs: egg, bacon, and cheese tion to fit into a college schedule; an hour on a fresh baked bagel or bread of your or so break between classes is a great choice. For vegetarians, in addition to their time to refill or recharge, especially if it’s fresh made bagels and muffins, Eclipse your first meal of the day. While Eclipse also offers a Sunrise Sandwich for $4.00, has “The Combination” for $6, which with egg, grilled tomato, provolone cheese includes picking 2 out of the 4 choices and sprouts on a bagel of your choice. If of half a sandwich, the soup of the day, you’re feeling adventurous in the future, a salad, and hummus and pita chips.

Stuart Norman, one of the cooks at Eclipse, If you’re feeling for a more inhas crafted a new item to be added to the ternational flavor look no further than menu soon: the mysterious breakfast pizza. the very good, very inexpensive China If the coffeehouse style breakfast Garden Buffet. Located at 108 Railroad isn’t your thing, and you need something Avenue (from campus, it’s a quick right a little more substantial, then our local on Middle St, and a sharp left before the Huddle House should fill in whatever room turn light on Railroad Ave), this small but is left. Huddle House, located at 4653 AL stapled Chinese restraint is a campus fa25 North, is straight up Middle St. While vorite for cheap food, and er..Interesting Huddle House isn’t a local institution, the scenery. But don’t let the clashing dinostaffers are extremely friendly to UM stu- saur/aquarium wall paintings throw you dents; we even have a sign in the door that off; it’s an establishment for serious eating. welcomes us. Huddle House stays open 24 The staff cooks up fresh batches hours, 7 days a week, and for a college budof standard Chinese buffet fare: sweet and get, it’s arguably the best place to pig out. sour chicken, Mongolian beef, fried rice, For breakfast, they have a variety egg rolls, fried cheese wontons, hot and of Big House meals which include a meat sour soup and egg drop soup. A buffet meal (bacon, sausage, ham, or steak), three eggs comes in a little over $7. For the vegetarians cooked to order, hash browns, and either a out there, I would stick to Eclipse for lunch. biscuit with sausage gravy, or grits and toast. I wasn’t able to parse from the staff about For vegetarians and sweet lovers, Huddle just what they cook their non-meat dishes in.

House waffles and French toast come with a variety of flavors and toppings, all under $5. continued on page seven Eclipse, owned by our own Philosophy professor extraordinaire Michael Patton, can be found to the left of the Dharma House Records sign, and across the street from Montevallo High School. While Eclipse can cater to any meal time need, they’re breakfast items are served all day, and on Saturday, a special brunch (with pancakes!) is held.

The Falcon

HIPSTER continued

I purport to end the strange grip of fear that “hipsters” have on our generation, by finely shining a light on the fact that there are no true hipsters; it’s simply a cultural label that the insecure post on others, and that the attention seeking place on themselves. I encourage everyone to follow what interests them, and to disassociate from those that judge what you’re interested in because they feel it is inferior to their taste. But make it a point to avoid the term of “hipster”.

If it truly is a “threat to western civilization”, if the public is truly fearful of the social “damage” a group of culture conscious snobs could cause, then the only way to stop the personage of the discontent, is to be discontent about the personage. Like web journalist Lorena Gailtor says in her video “The Hipster Hunt”, in which she attempts to figure just what “hipster” means: “After a full week of hipster hunting, I’m still not sure what it means. May-

got a topic?

Let us know at thefalconeditor@gmail.com

Eclipse Coffee & Books: Phone: (205) 665-4234 Located at: 1032 Main Street, Montevallo,Al

FOOD

continued

Now dinner is the final meal of the day, and probably the one where most of us really sit down to eat. After all, you’ve had a full day of classes, which may or may not have included a tough test or essay, and you deserve a good, hearty meal, right? While Eclipse, China Garden and Huddle House are all happy to fill you up for a cheaper price, the Main Street Tavern, located next door to Falcon Art Supply and across the street from the First Baptist Church, will fill you up, and give you a real taste of fine cooked, local Montevallo cuisine.

The Tavern was opened in 2009

by Jeff and Misty Webster and remains a family and friend, owned and operated restaurant. All of their menu items are made from scratch and to order.

grilled cheese sandwiches….yes, two FULL grilled cheese sandwiches.

But you also get all that for just $15.99 Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the vegetarians. The Tavern staff assured me that since all of their dishes are made from scratch, simply asking for a non-meat version of any of their pastas or salads is a service they guarantee. To finish off whatever you eat, the Tavern also offers homemade donut holes, rife with cinnamon and complimented by hot chocolate dipping sauce, for only $3.99, along with fresh made cheese cake and strawberry short cake for $4.99.

This food guide isn’t comprehensive; I’m sure all of you have seen the McDonalds, the Pizza Hut, the Jacks, the KFC, and the Dominos around town. It’s also not to divert from the hard work “The Caf” staff put in everyday to assure we are fed. However, I hope freshmen try out my recommendations to better acquaint themselves with Montevallo’s cuisine. Every representative from the restaurants I met were friendly and kind, just as happy to answer my questions about their establishment, and questions about the town.

Whether you’re in the mood for sandwiches, burgers, pasta, steak, chicken, ribs, or fish, you better come hungry because you will leave full: portions are extremely large, and sample worthy with a big group. The Jerk Chicken pasta, $10.99, was equal parts creamy and spicy, with slices of chicken breast, broccoli, and penne noodles equally drenched in a If there’s any advice I could white sauce with hints of Jerk seasoning. give, it’s be sure to tip. We live in a small town, and chances are, if you The Fried Chicken Buffalo make yourself known as a tip-nay payer, Burger, $7.99, was a massive, buffa- then the staff will remember you, and loed chicken breast, on a bun half its treat you accordingly. We’re going to be size, served with a cup of ranch dress- living here for the next four years after ing. And finally, for the brave, the all; eating with the locals and helping bold, and the low cholesterol, there’s to support the local economy are the the ultimate Main Street Burger, two least we can do. Below, you can find half pound burger patties, cheese, let- the name, phone number, address, and tuce, tomato, served between two hours of each of the places I visited.

Hours: Mon.-Wed 7am-10pm, Thurs.-Sat. 7 am-12 am, closed on Sundays Sandwiches and wraps available after 2 pm

Huddle House: Phone: (205) 665-4345; Located at: 4653 Alabama 25, Montevallo AL Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Page Seven

Monday, September 10th, 2012

China Garden:

Main Street Tavern:

Phone: (205) 665-4666

Phone: (205) 665-0036;

Located at: 108 Rail Road Avenue,

Located at: 629 Main Street,

Montevallo AL

Montevallo AL

Hours: 11 am-9pm Tues-Sun.

Hours: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Closed on Mon.

Open from 11 am- 2am Tues.-Sat. & 11 am-10pm on Wed.

The Falcon

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Page Eight

These 24-hour news networks trotted out the same talking heads they do every day to tell us how we

For many students, this year’s should interpret the conventions inelections will mark their first oppor- stead of showing us the conventions tunity to have their voices heard when and letting us think for ourselves. they cast their votes on November

The way these networks, espe6. I for one would like to give all of cially CNN, introduced the convenyou my deepest, heartfelt apology. tions is equally appalling. Everything

I had intended to write a long about their broadcasts made me feel tirade about how our system is bro- pandered to. The opening sequence ken, about how politicians lie, cheat was barely distinguishable from and steal, and how you the voter need the start of a major sporting event. to stay smart and double check evThe sound effects, the flashy ery word emitted by our politicians. graphics and the thud, thud, thud of Unfortunately however, I en- words hitting the screen all topped countered a far greater villainy fac- off with an announcer who would be ing Americans this election sea- better suited narrating the trailer for son - television news networks. a summer blockbuster movie made it clear to me how the cable news chan Watching the Republican and nels view politics: Entertainment.

Democratic Conventions these past two And that’s what it was. Inweeks opened my eyes to the great disstead of commentators analyzing service channels like CNN, Fox News, a replay of a third and long play MSNBC and CNBC are doing the public. gone bad, we had journalists gush The Oxford dictionary defines ing over speeches without asking if news as, “newly received or note- what was said was true. Remember, worthy information, especially about your job is to report the news, not recent events.” What the networks tell us what you think of the news. did during the conventions wasn’t reThe argument in support of porting the news so much as report- covering the conventions the way they ing the news they wanted you to hear. were is simple. The networks have to

The conventions, in all their make money from advertisers, hence pomp and grandeur, facilitate the nom- the commercials. They also have to jusination of presidential candidates, and tify the salaries of their staff and guest provide the American people the op- panelists, hence the constant droning portunity to hear what each party be- on from these ubiquitous talking heads. lieves, stands for and wants to achieve.

But, I propose that the cable

What the networks did was news networks start saving now. If limit the amount of information the you truly want Americans to take average citizen is exposed to in re- politics seriously, you, the news netlation to these conventions. Each works, need to take it seriously as well. network chose which speakers the Start saving your advertising viewing public was to listen to. dollars and in four years you should They brought on pundits, have enough to show the people the bantered amongst themselves or di- conventions commercial free, and verted to someone in the audience more importantly, pundit free. And all while governors and legislators if you insist on having commercials, were onstage delivering a speech. perhaps under the guise that your

viewers need breaks to use the restroom, show them during the musical numbers or even the cheesy convention videos. But for the love of god, give the people the chance to make up their own minds first.

editorial Newstainment

by Andrew Mechum Associate Editor

Wait until the end of the conventions to have your panels.

This would give you, the networks, a chance to review your notes, do your fact checking and call anyone you need to in order to confirm a quote instead of working on the fly.

This delay in reporting would give you the added advantage of not having to apologize for inaccurate reporting, faulty information or just plain ignorance on the part of the people in front of the camera. In short, it may help your credibility, and that’s never a bad thing. Right?

I would like to plead to my brothers and sisters in mass communications; the broadcasters, the journalists and all you public relations minors out there. Please, don’t loose sight of what this job is all about.

You have a duty to the people to tell them what’s going on in the world around them, period. I implore you to get out there into the “real” world of mass media and change it from the over the top news-tainment we have come to accept and back to simply “the news” that we deserve.

The rest of you out there, whether you’re young, old or somewhere in between, demand better. If you follow these news channels and watch them on a regular basis, write to them. Demand a better format; demand more news and fewer recaps of reality television. Demand they tell you what’s going on in this world, not just what they want you to know.

The Falcon

&culture

arts

Review: Wild Nothing’s Nocturne spin like completely new records in the now overcrowded genre of lo-fi alternative pop, and it seems that Tatum’s prosperity and prolificacy are only a few steps out of the starting gate.

By Matt Sanderlin Arts & Culture Editor Two years ago, a complete unknown, Jack Tatum, transformed a little side-project called Wild Nothing into a critically acclaimed explosion of creative brilliance and nostalgic bliss.

2010’s “Gemini” LP and “Golden Haze” EP still

This year, Tatum again displays why Wild Nothing is important to the music industry. “Nocturne”, Tatum’s second full release with the Wild Nothing handle, is clearly an official step up in sound fidelity from “Gemini” and a sprawling sequel that takes the trademark, sepia-toned Wild Nothing sound in breathtaking new directions.

Page Nine Monday, September 10th, 2012

Tatum’s soft and somber vocals wash over the arrangement with sorrowful stanzas, such as, “Oh, why is your hate so addicting? And I / Well, I wonder where you’ve been / I don’t see you often.”

The tragic strings eventually take hold, infusing the track with an uncountable number of goosebump inducing moments, and ultimately leading the race towards a passionate crest at the song’s end. A rush of heartache has never been so relatable or enjoyable.

Later standout tracks include the entrancing title track; the lovely, instantly-unforgettable The first single “Shadow” is a respect- “Only Heather;” and the Smiths-meets-Ariel able place to start. A hazy synth vibrato seeps Pink musical crème brûlée “Disappear Always.” cautiously into the soundscape, swiftly building a strong melancholy mood and effortFor those of us who can’t, won’t, lessly painting the scene an achingly bitter- or just simply don’t let go of our romantic sweet shade. Pulsating percussion then sweeps pasts, Nocturne is the nightlight to fall asleep through the sonic atmosphere and fuels the fiery in tears to. In other words - 2012’s “best of” bass lines - clean, crisp guitar chords melt un- list expands itself one more magnificent slot der the bold, electric guitar-driven melody line. with Wild Nothing’s latest essential piece.

The Anita Blake Phenomenon

By Mandy Steadman Staff Writer What do you hope for in a vampire novel?

Do you long for a sexy man from the Victorian Era whispering sweet nothings in your ear, yet lusting for your blood?

Are you expecting to find a horde of vampires swarming over dead bodies? Or do you want a count longing to take over the city in a black cape? Author Laurell K. Hamilton does all of this and so much more in her latest vampire phenomena: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter.

The series takes place in St. Louis, where raising zombies is a career (called Animators Inc.), werewolves are discriminated against

and vampires have human rights. Anita Fabio of vampire characters.

Blake is a tough, high strung animator The many characters of the who is also known as “The Executioner” among vampires. Along with hunt- series are unique. Hamilton has made ing rogue vampires, Anita finds herself every character have his/her own little caught in the middle of the “monsters’” quirks that helps the reader remember who that character is/was no matbusiness.

Blake is a character that is very ter how deep into the series they are.

Cayce Saling, a fan of Hamilmuch alive to many readers. Hamilton has done a fantastic job creating a char- ton, said, “I like the fact that her character that has real human flaws and is acters are facing more mundane chalmore than a damsel in distress. She is lenges during the course of the main the Arnold Schwarzenegger of vampire conflicts.”Hamilton’s writing style is hunters. She is a character that leaves the very unique and draws her readers readers astounded and wanting more. in with every page. The descriptions Another character that has captivated of the guns, scenery, and ultimately readers is the sexy and suave vampire society itself, are astounding. She master of the city, Jean-Claude. He is has created a world where it actuthe true picture of what every vampire ally seems possible for vampirism to reader envisions: semi long black hair, exist, for the lycanthropy disease to flowing white shirt, and the voice of a be as discriminated against as AIDS, god. He is ruthless, egotistical and read- and for zombies to rise from the grave ers love everything about him. He is the with the help of animators. continued on page ten

The Falcon

Monday, September 10th, 2012

campus

Page Ten

“A master passion is the love of news.”

-George Crabbe

Just what can the HWC do for you?

By Rosemary Maguire-Staff Writer

With the new semester settling in, students may find themselves facing one of the most feared requirements of higher education: paper writing. The essay, while often incorrectly thought of as an assignment limited to the English department, rears its head in disciplines from arts to sciences. The mere mention of thesis statements or works cited pages may strike fear into some less compositionally inclined students, but never fear. Help is available on campus.

UM’s Harbert Writing Center is a facility that offers one-on-one sessions with student peers specifically trained in the ways of writing consultation. The HWC, located on the third floor of Comer Hall in room 311, operates on a walk-in basis and is a completely free resource to UM students. Do not show up expecting an editing or proofreading service, however.

“What writing centers offer to students,” Professor of English and Coordinator of the HWC, Dr. Glenda Conway explains, “is another set of eyes and another mind to help you pay attention to what you have written and what you are writing.”

In other words, HWC consultants are trained not in correcting, perfecting, or critiquing student writing, but in guiding students to be able to correct, perfect, and critique their own writing.

“Our goal is to model strategies for students

BLAKE

Photo: Rosie Maguire Students taking advantage of what the HWC has to offer to become strong readers of their own writing,” Conway adds. “Many students complain of simply not knowing what their professors expect. Our consultants try to provide that insight.”

The HWC’s doors are open to students at all stages of the writing process.

“Consultants are able to assist students in everything from choosing a topic, to outlining, to polishing a final draft,” says Conway.

Writing consultants also strive to help students of all disciplines with any and all writing assignments they

may face. The cozy space is filled with two-seater desks, new computers, and style manuals of all kinds.

Occasionally a consultant faced with a particularly tricky question will call on the assistance of a fellow worker who may be more versed in APA or have taken a class in the Education Department. The HWC is a group effort with one final goal—to help students become more comfortable and confident in their writing.

The HWC is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.

violence, real guns, real emotions and real depth within every page.

continued Saling said, “[Hamilton] This series is recommended writes in a way that manages to put to readers who are looking for someyou in the story even though it is thing different and exciting. If you told from [Blake’s] perspective.” are interested in starting the series The Anita Blake series is not then check out the first book, “Guilty your ordinary sparkly vampire series. Pleasures”, at your local bookstore. If you would like more information on It has real substance, real potential Hamilton log onto her website: www. to change the face vampire novels. laurellkhamilton.org.

It is anything but cliché. It has real

got an idea?

E-mail us at thefalconeditor@gmail.com

The Falcon

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Falcon Fashion

By Rosemary Maguire Staff Writer

Page 11

got style?

Rosie is out every week looking to feature another fashionable student

halley jones Sophomore Art and Psychology major Inspiration: "I really admire the 80's girl band style."

Styles she likes: Japanese Lolita and Harujuku, anything really over the top.

hannah adamson Senior Art Major with Printmaking concentration Her style: "Urban Cowboy", feathers and leather "My favorite band is The Band. If I was a man I would dress like them."

The Falcon

SPORTS Down Goes Frazier

12

Monday, September 10th, 2012

By Joey Antonio Sports Editor

Auburn: Zero and two. Two games, two losses. It doesn’t matter how you say or write it, it means the same thing.

The Auburn Tigers are in some serious trouble. The Tigers have not had a 0-2 start since the 2003 season, when, ironically they were ranked number five in the nation and picked to win the SEC. They finished at a very underwhelming 8-5. Oh, and yes, for you college football aficionados, that was also the year of the infamous “jet gate” when Auburn directors were looking to oust Tommy Tuberville in favor of then Louisville coach Bobby Petrino. It’s funny how history continues to repeat itself, because the whispers across the Auburn family is that Coach Gene Chizik may already be on the hot seat after Saturday’s embarrassing 2810 loss to SEC West rival Mississippi State.

Chizik is only in his fourth year as the Tigers coach and has so far amassed a 30-12 record, an SEC Championship, a national championship, and a Heisman trophy winner in Cam Newton. That resume may look impressive at first glance, but take away that dream 2010 season and you are left with a record of 16-12, no conference crown, no national championship, no heisman winner, and most importantly no wins against your arch-rival Alabama.

in recruiting every year, which is enough to request prescription anti-depressants.

But still, in the ‘90s, Florida head coach Steve Spurrier and Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, two hall of fame caliber coaches, were able to get the best of the best and combine for a total of 3 National championships and 13 conference championships. Not to mention the Miami Hurricanes, who did their fair share of winning with 5 conference crowns and a national title during that decade.

My point is that if the state of Florida housed three dominant powerhouses in a decade, why can’t Auburn keep up with one? Well, on paper they have to an extent, but it has not transferred well once they have taken the field. So if the players are not to blame, then guess But hold on, there is more. who’s fault it is? That’s right, the coach’s.

Throughout Chizik’s tenure, the Tigers have recruited very, very well and have The main problem for Auburn attracted several high school All-Ameri- is basic fundamentals. The worst being cans to the plains. So coach, what gives? tackling and turning the ball over, as Kiel Auburn is not Iowa State, Chizik’s first Frazier did so with 3 interceptions and head coaching gig. Recruits are not as two fumbles. Missed tackles have hurt hard to come by as orange trees in Alas- Auburn more than any of their other falka. Talent is plentiful throughout the lacies. It is without absolute question that southeast, let alone the state of Alabama. fundamental errors are trickled down from the ineptitude of a coaching staff.

I will throw Coach Chizk one bone though, he has to go up against Nick Saban When you are recruiting three,

four and sometimes even five star players, it is easy to point the finger at the top, as it is quite clear that you haven’t been signing chopped liver for four years. So what happens next? Well, the man did win them first national title in over fifty years, so a little extra patience should be expected.

However, just because you reach the summit once, no longer makes you a made man at any athletic program, college or pro.

This industry has become a “what have you done for me lately” institution.

The best that gets you now is only more time to prolong what usually turns out to be the inevitable. Chizik has one thing in his corner though, the season is still very young and as long as he has the command and respect of his team and assistant coaches, there still is plenty of hope.

Unfortunatly for Chizik, and Auburn, the next three games are against Louisiana-Monroe, LSU and Arkansas. They are all home games, but best case scenario Auburn comes out 2-3. La. Monroe is no push over, as they defeated Arkansas Saturday night and LSU seems as strong as they were last year. The season may still be young for Auburn, but there are only two possible ways this particular scenario can be looked at, there is still a lot of games to be played or this is going to be a long season.

The Falcon

Page 13

featured essay

presents a Chelsea Dagger

By Kyle Jones Editor-in-Chief

Spending part of my childhood in a small town outside of Chicago has shaped my personality, my likes, and dislikes, my way of thinking, and the things I like to do. I still don’t understand why county fairs aren’t more popular in our region of Alabama like they are up North; it may be due to the lack of rural areas in our growing metropolitan area of what seems to be a swelling Greater Birmingham. But that’s beside the point.

Living outside of Chicago in the 90s was probably the most exciting time to be a kid. Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were dominating, winning championship after championship. Frank Thomas and the White Sox made being a fan of Chicago baseball bearable again, and the Bears, well they were trying. Though the one thing that sticks out is Chris Chelios, NHL 95 on Sega Genesis and the Chicago Blackhawks.

That is what started my love for hockey. After moving back to the South in high school, I was ting pool had been started, the bet? How many stiches was it goleft wondering why there was no roller hockey ing to take to sew up the nickel sized gash? I bought in with a bet to be played in cul-de-sacs and parking lots. So placed on eight, eight being my lucky number. That’s one more than when the opportunity arises for my fraternity the number seven Chris Chelios flew on his jersey, and ultimatebrothers and I to play a version of hockey called ly it paid off, which I won I total of eight whole American dollars. broomball on real ice, in a real ice rink. I’m sold.

With my dreams dashed and my chin sewn up, at

Ten minutes in…I’m down. I took my least I could revel in the fact that though I didn’t get to play shot at the ball, connected and in a swift moand score my hat trick I now shared a similar injury with the tion I hit the ground. Luckily my chin broke my fall. I quickly arose to my feet, ready for ac- hockey greats, and the appearance of being a total bad ass. tion again. Here it was, that hockey spirit, ready

for a tussle, some fight and excitement to move

down the ice and score a goal for my team, time to be my own Chris Chelios, the hero.

That’s what the adrenaline said. My teammates and brothers on the other hand, with their eyes wide said I needed to seek immediate medical attention. There was blood on the ice, and confusion in their minds as to how a man could bounce off the ice with his chin and still be ready to go. Chris Chelios, that’s how.

Needless to say I made my way to Shelby County hospital’s emergency room.

Which despite all the negative attention and horror stories it receives and produces, was actually quite nice, friendly and fast. A bet-

The Falcon

next weeks issue

Monday, September 10th, 2012

the staff

Page 14

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

-The rise of a christian rapper -More on Albright Scholar Karen Graffeo -More Pictures -The Falcon Playlist -The trouble with money and sports -Hush Puppy Visits -Bid Day Bummer

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

and more...

September 17th 2012

Staff Writers

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

Columnist

Davis Hayden

Photographer Dillon Owens

Web www.facebook.com/thefalconmontevallo @theumfalcon www.thefalconat.tumblr.com

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