Volume 1.
Issue 9.
The Falcon
A Keen Eye For News
IN THIS
ISSUE CROSS
CAMPUS
thefalconat.tumblr.com
Monday, October 22th, 2012
Over The River and Through the Woods Review page 4 arts
College Night News
Inside the 2012 New Drug becoming College Night popular and very Mixer dangerous. page 3 page 2 news
TALIBAN TARGET YOUNG GIRL
Start of Career Week October 22, 8am–9am Dash for Dollars Game Show October 23, 6pm – 7pm
Cafe Escape (BCM) October 24, 11am – 1pm BCM Delta Gamma Anchor Splash October 25, 6pm – 9pm SAC Pool Alpha Gam Trick or Treat for Diabetes October 26, 5pm – 6pm
Sherlock Holmes Society Interest Meeting October 27, 7pm – 8pm Hill House
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byAndrew Meechum Associate Editor Her name is Malala Yousafzai and she stood up to the Taliban for her right to an education. For her trouble, they shot her in the head. She is currently recovering from the shooting in a hospital in Birmingham, England where she was taken after the Taliban swore to finish the job. Her recovery from the shooting and the subsequent surgery to remove the bullet are far from over, but the young girl is awake and urging doctors to share her condition with the world. A natural activist, her desire to be heard even from a hospital bed speak to her defiance of the Taliban Malala is a 15-year-old from Min-
gora in the Swat District of Pakistan. Inspired by her father, Ziauddin, Malala has been speaking out on education rights since 2009. She has decried efforts to limit education for girls by groups like the Taliban in print and television interviews and was appointed chairperson of the District Child Assem-
do not trust the mainstream political parties and for good reason, they’ve been let down over and over. Enter a right wing party that promises to make it all ok. Golden Dawn is the product of Nikos Mihalolioakos, he began putting into motion what would become Golden Dawn in 1980 but was not officially registered as a political party until 1993. The party’s platform is based on their concern for unemployment, austerity and the economy and a fervent belief in anti-immigration, racism and xenophobia. The party and its leaders blame immigrants for Greece’s massive employment
and say the jews are responsible for Europe’s overall economic woes. The terrifying thing of it all is that the party is gaining support during this troubled time in Greece’s history. The party received seven percent of the popular vote which garnered them 21 seats in the Hellenic Parliament. After a second election in June the party lost a mere 3 seats. “ Unfortunately, about 19 percent of Greeks are following [Golden Dawn’s] theories of hatred. It can become dangerous—especially because of the economic situation.” says Dimitris Filippides, program director of the GreekAmerican Hellas FM.
bly Swat, a UNICEF supported organization. Taliban assassins shot Malala on her way home from school on October 9. As reported by The Guardian, the Taliban said, “We targeted her for opposing mujahideen [holy warriors] and their war….Sharia says that even a child can be killed if he is propa-
gating against Islam.” This sentiment isn’t alien to the world of Islam. Last Thursday CNN reported that an Afghan woman beheaded her daughter-inlaw for refusing to be forced into prostitution. The fight for women’s right to education could have been dealt a serious blow by Malala’s
death. Instead, the Taliban may have created a more determined advisory in Malala. The Taliban even came out last week to complain that the media were being biased in their coverage of the affair. To repeat, the Taliban are upset that the media is making them look bad for shooting a teenage girl.
The Rise of Greece’s Nazi Party by Kyle Jones Editor-in-Chief Over the past year Greece has been in the midst of a dire economic crisis, and the people that live there aren’t very happy about it. When the parliament or leaders attempt to meet, political parties and other organizations meet in the streets to do war. Between the Anarchist, PAME (the major communist party) and the rising nazi party Golden Dawn, not much is getting accomplished. The Greeks
The Meandros Flag of Golden Dawn Golden Dawn flies the Meandros flag. A symbol with an uncanny resemblance to the Swastika used by Nazi Germany in the 1940s. The flag is complete with the red, black and white color scheme that is all too familiar with the dark spot
of Germany’s history. The party has been linked to violence against immigrants and others who oppose them. Whether it’s been brought about by soccer hooliganism or via molotov cocktails during riots and protest. This group is ris-
ing in popularity and a desperate Greece is turning to them in their time of confusion and need.
The Falcon
news
Page Two
Monday, October 22th, 2012
Five Day Weather Forecast
“If there’s anything that’s important to a reporter, it is integrity. It is credibility. “ -Mike Wallace
Politcal Partying
by Matt Sanderlin Arts & Culture Editor I'm going to keep this short and to the point. Rarely do you hear me discuss politics. The subject is tricky, fragile, and typically unpopular at parties. But I feel compelled to point something out. It seems that everyone from presidents to small-town politicians, to your average voters are tied up in a specific political party or a particular individual. As craaaazy as
it sounds, I don't pledge myself to a party, a "side," a human being. I pledge myself to my ideals. If (and only if) a particular individual or a specific political party supports the same ideals that I do, will I then be inclined to vote in their favor. Still, I am not pledging allegiance to that group or to that individual, I am merely agreeing with their current principles. For example; in the 2008 Presidential Elections, I voted for neither Barack Obama nor John McCain, as neither backed my values. All too often it seems that we treat politics like a high school SGA election. I remember a time during such an election in high school when I was encouraged by friends of one of the
candidates to vote for So-and-So. I replied to these promoters by simply asking, "Why?," to which they said nothing, but glared at me as if I had asked some unthinkable inquiry. You see, elections shouldn't be about whose name is most recognizable or whose face is friendliest; instead, we should focus on what they intend to do with the influential amounts of power we are considering rendering to them and how closely our personal moral standards line up with theirs. When it's time to vote for these individuals, let's at least research the personal attitudes and ethical standards of the candidates running for these same offices before we give them a key to our laws, our consent, and our treasury.
Dangerous New Drug On The Rise
ing the drug Staci went to a local McDonalds where witnesses say he panicked, and began banging his head on the ground. Hours after the incident Staci stopped breathing, eventually by Matt Lord dying from an overdose. Contributing Writer Budge is now facing a A new designer possibility of 25 years No informadrug has hit the streets. in jail. tion has been found yet The drug 2C-I, often refered to as “smiles” of the events that lead has raised in popular- to the death of Bjerks, ity. Smiles first gained outside of taking 2C-I. attention in Grand L.A times reports that Forks North Dakota, actor Johnny Lewis where it became a ma- may have taken 2C-I jor concern for par- before his death. Lewis ents, and authorities. who fell to his death afThe use of the drug was ter allegedly murdering reported in Europe back his landlady had a hisin 2003, but only recent- tory of drug use. Lewly has it been seen here is is also believed to in the United States. have dismembered the 2C-I has been linked to Landlady's pet cat. All a number of deaths here three bodies were found in the states. The first at the crime scene. cases of 2C-I related So what is this new syndeaths where two teen- thetic drug that draws agers in Grand Forks. similarities to its coun Elijah Staci age terparts like spice and 17 and Christian Bjerk, bath salts? 2C-I is a compound both believed to have chemical taken tainted 2C-I be- similar to the psychotrofore there death. Staci pic drug lsd. The chemiwas given a lethal dose cal name 4-Iodo-2, of the drug by Adam 5-dimethoxyphenethylBudge, 18, a friend amine is part of the of Staci’s. After tak- 2c family of halluci-
nogenic drugs created by Alexander Shulgin. Shulgin, a biochemist known for creating over 500 different synthetic hallucinogens, was at one time a licensed scientist for the DEA. On the D.E.A website a detailed report can be found on 2C-I. The report from February of 2011 details the effects and the laws at the time. The drug effects being very similar to ecstasy or LSD it is generally part of the same user base. In the report it is referred to as a “club drug” used mostly in dance club settings. 2C-I is often sold in tablet form which can be confused with ecstasy. 2C-I tablets are white with an imprinted I on them. It is also sometimes found in powder form or liquid. The report warns that because of delayed effects there is a high risk of overdose. As of July 9th 2C-I became labeled as Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning that the manufacture, distribution, and possession illegal.
Independence for the Scots...Well, Sort Of by Andrew Mechum Associate Editor
We all remember Mel Gibson as William Wallace shouting “Freedom!” in defiance at the end of Braveheart. Thanks to a new referendum Scotland may once and for all be free of the British yoke around its neck. Well, sort of. The Scottish independence referendum won’t actually be voted on until the fall of 2014, and faces several bureaucratic hurdles between now and then. Right now preliminary measures have been set in place by British Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond to insure the fairness of the referendum. Polls cited by USA Today show that between 30% and 40%
of Scots actually want independence. This shouldn’t be surprising as Scotland relies on the UK to make decisions about foreign policy, defense and even economics. Despite having its own parliament, as well as 59 members in the UK Parliament, Scotland may find itself ill prepared for genuine independence. Issues they will have to face should true independence prevail are numerous. The Scots will have to address their position within the European Union, manage trade agreements, set up/reconfigure defense forces and many other tasks related to maintaining a nation state.
Taken under the wing of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, Scotland hasn’t been a solo player on the international scene in over 300 years. With the shaky state of world affairs, some may wonder if now is the time for independence. Regardless of the outcome both governments are committed to work together in the best interest of all parties, namely the people of Scotland. Do you think Scotland should be independent from the United Kingdom? Let us know on Facebook at http:// www.facebook.com/ thefalconmontevallo or follow us on Twitter @TheUMfalcon.
The Falcon
Page Three
Monday, October 22th, 2012
What’s it Going to Be? Photo:Mandy Steadman
by Mandy Steadman Staff Writer It’s that time of the year! Time to start making plans, choosing a side, and prepping for the longest University tradition in the United States: College Night! On Oct. 18, University of Montevallo students gathered in the Student Activity Center, or SAC, and welcomed new freshmen into the world of Purple (PV) and Gold (GV). College Night is Montevallo’s Homecoming celebration. It is a tradition that has the entire campus buzzing with excitement as preparations begin. Trent Loggins, a Purple side member, said, “It’s coming together for two months, being with people you love, working towards the same goal no matter which side you are on and accomplishing something great.” The College Night Mixer is just the beginning of this tradition. It was a night for all students to come together: Purple, Gold, and undecided. Students mingled and
Purple Nick Barrow and Gold Stephen Billy demonstrate the unity of College Night it gave Freshmen an opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships. On one side of the SAC the booths shined with black and gold trimmings and all of the GV cabinet members stood smiling with sophistication and class. Gold leader, Clark Maxwell, said, “My favorite part is that we are classy, we are all different, and we all come together for this one thing in all aspects to get this one main goal.” On the other side the booths were covered in cow prints and purple insignias. The PV cabi-
net members beamed with joy, creativity, and pride. “You can expect us to have more spirit than we’ve ever had,” said Purple leader, Riley McEuen, “You are gonna see us unified, accepted, and just love from everyone.” What is the thought process for a student when they choose a side? It is really hard to say because everyone chooses a side or decides to stay neutral for different reasons. Brent Mauldin, a Gold side cabinet, member said, “My thought process when I first came as a freshman was to
look for which friends that I really fit in with and which side I really felt at home with.” Once everyone was dancing and laughing, it was finally time for the Purple and Gold side cheer-off. Both sides got to their respective ends of the room. The purples started the cheers and then the golds cheered, and so on. All of the cheering was so exciting and moving that the room shook. At the end of the mixer both sides took turns in “circling up” and singing their side song with arms linked
and bodies swaying. Purple leader, Mia Shirley, said, “It’s really enthralling, actually, I think. I just have the biggest adrenaline rush from circling up with the entire side for the first time and I am loving it, you know? I think it is gonna be a really good year and we are very hungry!” Mechay Rush, Gold leader, was beaming with joy as she and Maxwell lead their side in their song. “You can expect us to bring it! We are very excited, we have a lot of talent going for us and we have a lot of heart, too. Ev-
eryone is so spirited and optimistic and positive and they know we are gonna have to continue to fight like we always do, but we are ready too and ready to get onboard,” Rush said. The mixer concluded and all of the students started to go hang out with their new friends and some helped the cabinet members pack up and clean the SAC. Is Montevallo fully ready for another two months of Purple and Gold? We shall see in the Spring.
mumbling introductions to his songs, and occasionally missing a note Photo:Reed Strength or two on his guitar. McDuffie’s cover songs were bare bones numbers, his guitar playing spindly and thin. Most were played in alternate tunings, so as McDuffie would set his guitar, he quietly encouraged the audience to talk amongst themselves. Minor sound adjustments were made during his set, his guitar brought up to a better level after the first song. As I watched him play, there were certain moments that McDuffie really seemed to get into what he was playOur very own Matt Sanderlin ing. Normally, his posisay they “found”. Alcohol was nowhere tion was stiff and alert, C h r i s t - to be found, unless of his eyes staring either mas lights were hung course it was already straight ahead, or down from the ceiling, giving in the systems of the at his instrument. But at the stage a sort of friend- show goers beforehand. times, McDuffie would Up first close his eyes, and ly, homey quality, much unlike the sickly red was Daniel McDuffie, an hunch his eyebrows, as light that Eclipse always undeclared major who’s if certain lyrics in the casts on its showcased “been here for awhile”. songs actually meant artists. Drew told the Thursday marked the something to him. show goers to enjoy the first time McDuffie had While small range of snacks ever played his own Daniel’s song choices and warm sodas found set, and the pre-show involved distance from on the snack table near jitters seemed to get to lovers and the cold the back of the room. him. He was nervous, feeling of heartbreak
or rejection, the audience in Music Club treated him warmly with encouraging calls and fair applause at the end of his numbers. When he moved from his guitar to a keyboard for his last batch of songs, he seemed reluctant. The small crowd cheered him on, and the lowered elevation from the “stage” to the audience level floor seemed to relax him. Daniel later told me a bit about his musical influences, ranging from majors like Coldplay, to a former Birmingham based band called Wild Sweet Orange. While his cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” was a bit lacking in the high note department, the audience was in full attention, and his rendition was a chilly, intimate take that the original song’s subtle bombast never achieved. Up next was Matt Sanderlin, a regular at Music Club since its start. Sanderlin, a Mass Communication major, was a fresh voice after the good but nervous McDuffie, his guitar playing strong,
and his voice distinctive and declarative. While he acknowledged that his song lyrics were “depressing”, Sanderlin didn’t play the whiny, jilted lover. Instead he seemed the worn, but strong observer, his lyrics detailing his various bouts of rejected love, but his performance invoked a personality that could look past romantic hardships. “Send me on my way/through swollen lanes of traffic,” Sanderlin suggested on his second song, “Squares of Pavement”. A friend remarked that the singer songwriter’s delivery seemed distinctly Ryan Adams, whom Sanderlin later confirmed as an influence. This association came to further light when Sanderlin played Adams’ “This House Is Not For Sale,” his declarations “of calm down/calm down” firm and confident. Sanderlin’s only real plague was his excessive talking. In between songs, he would launch into a nervous joke session. If
Basement Acoustics
by Reed Strength Staff Writer Typically, I review shows at Eclipse Coffee and Books here in Montevallo. Normally, the concerts there consist of a band or two, bashing out power chords and barking/ yelping indecipherable lyrics. A small crowd of questionably drunk patrons surrounds the band, hopping, whooping, and drinking along. This past week marked my first trip to Napier’s Thursday Night Music Club, and while I was well aware beforehand that it would be a different environment, it didn’t quite hit me until I got there. Held in Napier’s large basement, the “stage” was a thin wooden plank that I later overheard Music Club promoter Drew Granthum
continued page 7
The Falcon
&culture
arts
Page Four
Monday, October 22th, 2012
The Head to Head Review: Martha Wainwright vs. Bat for Lashes by Matt Sanderlin Arts & Culture Editor
Breakdown We have two new releases from two very excellent, female singer-songwriters this week. Both of the albums were reviewed, and then a winner between the two was chosen. Martha Wainwright (sister to Rufus, daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and the late Kate McGarrigle) has been crafting her own unique tunes since her self-titled debut album in 2005. Critically, Martha lands right alongside her brother Rufus, scoring positively throughout her always-interesting solo discography. In this year's Come Home to Mama, Martha Wainwright re-emphasizes her knack for blending classically-influenced melodies with abstract sounds and unorthodox arrangements. Spunky potential single "Can You Believe It?" hits hardest and most immediately, with its irresistible melodic
charm and unearthly vocal harmonies. The sultry brass interjections are properlyplaced and the subtle acoustic guitar textures are cool and colorful. On the flip-side, the gorgeously haunting "Proserpina" is a goosebump- inducing tribute to her recently-deceased mother - Authored by Martha's mom Kate toward the end of her life. The somber piano is coated in streaks of chilling moonlight, and the strings are liquid pearls in intricate motion. So, so beautiful. Now, while the funky jam "I Wanna Make an Arrest" is an upbeat display of eccentric style and musical fervor, Martha's distinct (and sometimes overwhelm-
The Verdict
ing) vocal timbre may Natasha Khan, not be appealing to all. who goes by the stagename Bat for Lashes, At times, she gathers is far from predictable. influence from the vo- The talented songstress cal tone of one Joanna only has two previous alNewsom, while other bums, and no two tracks moments suggest Six- yet sound alike across pence None the Richer's her 30+ song catalogue. Leigh Nash in faint re- After receiving posilation. Not to say that tive reviews from both Martha is lacking in critics and from other talent - Her pitch is al- respectable musicians ways near-perfect, and (such as Radiohead's her vocal range is in- Thom Yorke, Ringo contestable. The wom- Starr, and mainstream an definitely can sing. mogul M.I.A.), Khan continues to mold emoOverall, the album is tional and exciting new worth listening to mul- material with this year's tiple times for the sake The Haunted Man. of Martha's careful and layered construction Khan is first and foreof her arrangements, most a phenomenal voas well as for her care- calist. Her ridiculous free and energetic vo- range is highlighted cal performances. In all, again and again - Her Come Home to Mama lower depths underlined is more than worth tak- passionately in the dying home with you. namic feast "Horses of the Sun," and her highest heights featured prominently in the ach-
ingly beautiful ballad "Laura." Her vocal prowess is gripping on first listen, and is relentless in strength. At no point does she seem incapable or undertrained in the vocal department.
with memorable and vividly-painted lyrics. Lines like "You say that you're stuck in a pale blue dream / And your tears feel hot on my bedsheets / Drape your arms around me and softly say / 'Can we Khan's spacey arrange- dance upon the tables ments are eerie and again?'" and "And today shadow-skewing as al- I was a dead girl walkways, building sonic at- ing / See the light burn mospheres to universe- through the tears / Heard sized vastnesses (see you say my name and "Oh Yeah" and "Lilies" get to talking" are not for the most expansive only wildly original, but of the most expansive). wholly emotive and imEven in smaller atmo- mersive. Let's just say spheres, Khan's vocal that Khan can effortlesscompetence is big and ly tell us a good story. unmissable. The single "Laura" once again Avant-garde pop music proves the rule - It's sim- might not be everyone's ple arrangement (key- closet passion, but Bat board, strings, brass) for Lashes make it easy is accented keenly by to see the attraction. her commanding vocal Natasha keeps things swells and is an obvi- fresh and interesting ous album highlight. all album long, which makes The Haunted The Haunted Man is Man far more wanted also filled to the brim than haunted. Absolutely recommended.
It's a close call, but Martha's eccentric energy and raw production style are just a bit more contagious and enticing than the somber soundscape of Bat for Lashes' Haunted Man. Both women can undoubtedly pen a great tune, but if you have to pick just one this week, make it MarthaWainwright's Come Home to Mama.
Over The River to Applause by Mandy Steadman Staff Writer “Tengo Familia,” or, “I support a family!” was the theme of Montevallo Main Street Players’ newest production: “Over the River and Through the Woods.” The play was directed by Frank Deming II and performed at the Parnell Memorial Library Oct. 18-21. The show centers around a man named Nick, played by Joe Wesolowski, who tries to break the news to his Italian grandparents that he is moving away from the family. As chaos ensues at a Sunday Dinner, Nick suffers from a panic attack that has him questioning his reasons for leaving. Overall the script was very well written. It had substance, drama, and humor.
The performers climbed up to the climax beautifully and the director brought some really unique approaches to the story. For example, Deming set up a really cool effect when Nick was collapsing from his panic attack. As he was falling, Dubstep music started to pound through the speakers and everyone moved gracefully in slow motion. The lighting of the show, however, was...off. There were moments where a character would step to the side and narrate in the middle of a scene. It was difficult to catch on to right away and it seemed random and distracting. There should have been, at the very least, a slight dimming of the lights or a small spot light on the character narrating. That would have made those ran-
dom monologues distinguishable from the rest of the scene. The cast was a very talented group of actors. One stand out character was Nick’s paternal grandfather, Frank, played by Nick Stokes. Frank was an extremely unique character who spoke with a thick Italian accent and possessed strong family values. Stokes portrayed him as stubborn, wise, and passionate. The audience loved every second he was onstage. He hobbled with a convincing grace, like he had been doing it his entire life. He delivered his lines powerfully, yet naturally, speaking with purpose and determination. Stokes’ rendition made for a pitch perfect Italian grandfather. Wesolowski portrayed Nick as a man with a
Photo:Mandy Steadman personality that is overwhelmingly stubborn. He strongly feels he has to leave everything he has known and loved in order to become a true man and live his own life. Wesolowski was entertaining to the eye and intriguing to the mind. He did jumble and ramble through his more dramatic lines, but it worked well when his character got hysterical.
Nunzio, Nick’s maternal grandfather, was played by James Powers. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart who just wanted the best for his grandson. Powers, however, did not seem old enough for the part. His voice and appearance were way too vibrant and youthful. At most he could pass for a middleaged man, but even that
would be pushing it. Powers had also been forcing a lot of his lines out of his mouth and his emotions were contrived. He seemed to hit a wall when he had to let go and succumb to an emotion. An actor must let go, he must let down all walls and allow the audience to feel his pain and know his thoughts. The two grandmothers of the show, continued page 7
Review: “‘ALLELUJAH! DON’T BEND! ASCEND!” by Reed Strebgth Staff Writer I was never familiar with Godspeed You! Black Emperor until a few months ago. When I heard their name, I guffawed. How can you not? The band name sounds like the epic one liner a whacked out history professor would say at the conclusion of an intensely passionate lecture. As I learned from listening to the band’s most popular album, “Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven”, GY!BE are the last band to guffaw at. Entirely instrumental, the group’s songs are long, winding passages of music built from simple rock instrumentation. The songs build and swell into flurries of noisy, chaotic, and sometimes anthemic soundtracks to unseen epics. While calling GY!BE boring would be a stretch, the sheer length of their albums can be exhausting. “Lift Your Skinny Fists…” is 88 minutes long, separated into four “movements” all around twenty minutes long. With no vocals to hold on to for guidance, the music is freed from a singer’s selfish lyrical perspective, and allows the listener to fill in their own experience. “‘ALLELUJAH” comes off of a decade hiatus of releasing studio material. While the two epics on the album, both twenty minutes long, were part of the band’s live show years ago, they’re performed with as much vigor and grit as any new songs could hope to be crafted with. T h e first track, “Mladic”, begins with a vocal sample. “With his arms outstretched” a man’s voice calls over what sounds like a PA. “Can you get her? Do you see her?” the man then asks. Whoever was asked to reach “her” can’t, and the sample starts over again once more. Soon,
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Monday, October 22th, 2012
The Falcon
what sounds like a ney (a Middle Eastern flute), bleeds into the track, as a foreboding hum begins in the background. Eventually guitar feedback is heard. The track begins to build as the guitar feedback takes shape while bent and bleating guitar strings are heard moving between the left and right stereo channels. Eventually, drums gallop in from the distance and the guitars begin to swirl into a stand storm, warping into licks that again call forth flavors of the Middle East. As the track begins to crescendo, it bends and churns while the drums and bass stomp. A gaping guitar riff crashes in, a cousin to the riff heard on Sonic Youth’s “Across the Breeze”. The end of the track is met with clattering, pots-andpans like percussion, as if the listener has been spit into the center of a bustling Arabian bazaar. The second epic is “We Drift Like Worried Fire”, and though it’s as long as “Mladic”, it doesn’t seem nearly as dark and punishing. Where “Mladic” is a heavy whirlwind of guitar and stomping drums, “We Drift Like Worried Fire” is comprised of several distinctly different musical passages, much like the movements found on “Lift Your Skinny Fists…”. A lonely guitar passage is introduced. It morphs into a stronger, electric version of what came before, and drums and bass soon drop in to copy its steady rhythms. The drums become thunderous, the passage becomes a huge riff, and two guitars overtake the left and right channels with tremolo picked leads. The track swells, and the guitars drop out for a second, leaving a creaking sample. With a kick from the drums, three distinct guitars rush in tremolo soloing; the “fire” of the track if you will. Af-
ter the guitars finally fade out, the sample is left to warp and bend. What I would title as “Part Two” of the track kicks in next. Drums stomp and clatter and strings steadily saw. A descending guitar line is on loop. A foreboding drone moans louder, as the drum becomes a march and guitars are heard building in the left and right channels. The tempo of the track becomes faster, and the tone harsher. Finally, the guitars spread, and begin to descend and dissipate, along with the rest of the instrumentation. The closing minutes of “Worried Fire…” end with a sad, seemingly desperate passage, as a final push is given and the instruments attempt to rocket forward again, only to collapse again amid noisy rings. The two “drones” on the album are six minutes long, and provide a brief, but noisy respite between the two major musical chunks of the album. “Their Helicopters Sing” is a creepy, string led number. Violins scrape and hack in both channels as droning noise sits in the center. “Strung Like Lights At Thee Printemps Erable” has much less shape, with various sound echoes bouncing and forming into each other. A light guitar strum is the only consistent and steady part of the track, as rough feedback begins to corrode the softer echoes. The track ends with a humming electric noise, the single strum whisked away. Describing an album like this, let alone giving it a score is a difficult feat. The music is so formless and free, and without lyrics to heighten or hurt the experience, the listener is left to ride the music blindly. One thing is certain: albums like this are meant to be taken as a whole. While the four songs on the album don’t follow a consistent theme all together, experiencing “Mladic” without “We Drift Like Worried Fire” is (literally) only half of the experience at best. While GY!BE fans have complained about the material on the album being old news, these guys certainly picked one hell of an album to come back with. While my knowledge of the world of “post rock” is small, this album opened my eyes to just how much pure, unsung music can swirl and paint a world in your head. The Falcon gives “’ALLELUJAH! DON’T BEND! ASCEND!” by Godspeed You! Black Emperor an 8/10.
Taken 2 Fails to Keep Up by Mandy Steadman Staff Writer
On Jan. 30, 2009 the clever and thrilling Liam Neeson excited audiences all over the globe in his film, Taken. Now Neeson is back and livelier than ever in the climactic sequel, Taken 2. Like the original, Neeson’s character Bryan Mills has to get back what was taken from him. This go around his ex wife is taken by the father of the man that took their daughter in the first movie. The father is wanting revenge of the slaughter of his son and his cohorts. Don’t get me wrong, this movie is very thrilling and a good movie to watch if you are craving action and suspense over a corny chick flick. Unfortunately, there really is nothing impressive about this film. They are on vacation, they are followed, Neeson kicks butt, they get kid-
napped, the woman is tortured, Neeson kicks more butt, end of story. It is not a movie I would want to pay another 10 dollars to go see, but the movie did serve its purpose: It entertained me. You know how there is always one car chase in these kidnapping movies? Well, this particular car chase takes a very new twist: Bryan and his daughter, Kim, are in the car during the chase, but Kim is the one driving. It is really cool to watch this nervous teenager drive when she recently failed her driving test three times. It is the best and most interesting form of Driver’s Ed I have ever seen! The villain of the film is Murad Krasniqi, played by Rade Serbedzija. He is cunning, vengeful, and cruel. This particular villain really stands out because he is so focused on avenging of
his eldest son’s death, he does not even care what happens to his sons that are still alive. Overall, is this movie better than the original? Of course not! It is, however, still a decent and good movie. This movie lacks a certain uniqueness that the original has. The original has this ingenious and clever tactic of how Bryan figures out where the kidnappers took his daughter and the movie took the time to explain it and show it off. The sequel tries this same ploy when he and his ex are taken, but it was so rushed it is hard to catch on to. I would suggest to those who want to see this: By all means go, but do not rush to see it. Paying 10 dollars to see a movie that was not even as good as its original is not worth it. Wait for it to show up on Netflix.
Main Quad, 2pm-5pm, Nov. 1st
The Falcon
Monday, October 22th, 2012
Page Six
sports
Unemployment rate rising on the Plains?
by Joey Antonio Sports Editor It’s election year and the major topic for discussion seems to be jobs. The subject is so salient that even President Obama is concerned whether or not he will have one come late January. So is Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. No, Chizik is not up for re-election, but if he was, he’d likely lose in a landslide, no matter who the other candidate would be. Let’s face it, Auburn is terrible this year and are on pace to be the worst they have been in SEC play since 1980. That was the last time they won zero conference games. Gene Chizik is only two-years removed from a SEC and national championship season, but in the world of college football, it is definitely a “what have you done for me lately” kind of business. A month or so ago, Pat Dye confidently swore up and down on the “Paul Finebaum Radio Show” that Chizik’s job was safe and that he supported the head plainsman. Weeks later,
Dye appeared again as a guest on the show, but this time sounded quite despondent, irritated and out of excuses. We all know who the proverbial “godfather” is down on the plains, the man who pulls all the strings. That man’s name is Pat Dye. Not college President Jay Gogue and certainly not Athletic Director Jay Jacobs. So if Pat Dye aint happy, nobody happy. The temptation to fire Chizik at season’s end can be quickly quelled by looking at the $7.5 million buyout they would owe him, but at the same time, if Auburn goes 3-9 (They should pick up wins against New Mexico State and Alabama A&M) with a first rate recruiting class, who else should be to blame? Auburn fans have had to suck up their pride several times in the history of their program. Top talent is not going to keep coming to a perennial loser when they can be developed into champions and future NFL prospects if they head to Tuscaloosa instead. So, that brings me to my next point, how can Auburn go head to head with Nick Saban? Easy, suck up your pride and fire Gene Chizik. Then, cough up the cash and chase after the best available coach-
Photo:Getty Images es on the market. Sooner or later, it’s going to happen. Why wait and worry about losing top prospects and players? I know you shouldn’t switch horses mid race, but this one might need to be put down. In the spirit of election season, let’s look at two primary candidates. Both are proven winners. One has even won a national championship. The only catch is they both come with baggage. Know who I’m getting at? That’s right, Jim Tressel and Bobby Petrino. Let’s examine candidate Tressel first, shall we? First off, the man has won a national championship, 6 Big
Ten Titles and his Ohio State teams finished in the top five seven out of the ten seasons he coached there. Not to mention he has experience in big game rivalries against elite coaches, i.e. Michigan and Lloyd Carr. The man is a flat out winner and has produced top NFL athletes. A resume like that should keep the talent coming, but let’s look at the flaws. Coach Tressel bit the bullet when he lied to the NCAA about his knowledge of illegal activities that involved some of his football players, which included selling football memorabilia for tattoos. A search of his computer revealed emails
indicating he knew of the activities long before he admitted. In comparison, regardless of Cam Newton’s innocence being proved, that dark cloud will continue to follow Gene Chizik wherever he goes. Candidate number two, Bobby Petrino. Coach Petrino was the Tigers offensive coordinator back in 2002, producing one of college football’s finest offensives. He has a 75-26 record as a college head coach, with three top ten finishes and two conference titles. Everywhere he has gone, except the NFL, he has been a winner. Now, let’s look at the cons. After the going got tough, Petrino got going in Atlanta. Petri-
no did not even finish up the regular season as he opted out to take the Arkansas job. But hey, didn’t Nick Saban sort of do the same thing at Miami? I digress. Next, over three years later, Petrino was involved in a motorcycle crash with a woman who was not his wife. Scandalous. My vote would go to Tressel. He is itching to get back into coaching and Auburn is in the most lucrative conference in college football. If Tressel showed up on the plains, the Tigers would win almost instantly. The only bonus for Petrino would be his past with Auburn, which isn’t exactly all that rosy either. “Jet gate” anyone?
For more sports news check out Falcon Fever at youtube.com/montevalloforyou, every Wednesday.
The Falcon
Page Seven
Monday, October 22th, 2012
lifestyle Fashion Tips for the Fall Season by Clark Stackhouse Contributing Writer The time of year has come when fashions and leaves change. Gone is the wispy airs of summer clothes, replaced by the warm layers of fall. The trends are in and the report is here. The staple for the fall season is plaid. Both for women and men, plaid is a necessity in a well-rounded fall wardrobe. It can be done in a great looking jacket or a simple shirt. Tonal plaid is a great option for the more monochromatic wearers, and a great way to bring plaid to the legs. Michael Kors fall 2012 runway is a great place to look for plaid inspiration. Plaid is very accessible this year, and can even be found at the thrift store. Every guy this season should have a great pair of corduroy
pants in their wardrobe. Cords are a great companion to any shirt. They can bring in color and texture to any outfit. Take a great neutral colored pair with a bright color on top for an everyday look. For the more adventurous, let the chords be your color statement, paired with a solid turtleneck. Izod has some great fall colors in their collection and Ralph Lauren’s have a suede-like softness. Leather has a softer side this season and is a must have for the fall. Feminine leather dominated the fall runways. Instead of the common biker jackets it normally occupies, leather took a softer role in blouses and skirts. Valentino is a great place to get ideas on how to wear leather
this season. Many commercial lines are mimicking this designer trend, and faux leather is very accessible. Forever 21 have some great options for the leather look of the fall. Sweaters, the key to layering your fall 2012 wardrobe. Sweaters are the hot item of the season. You can wear them as your accent, or as the star in a bright color or bold pattern. Ladies, sweaters are oversized this season and look great with a pair of dark skinny jeans and animal print ankle boots. Guys, pair neutral colored cable knits with a pair of bright pants and suede oxfords for a classic look. Cardigans made their mandatory appearance, and for this season shawl necks are the must have.
Engage 24--Montevallo students share their faith
by Neal Embry Staff Writer On October 11, members of the Montevallo Baptist Campus Ministries went out with one mission: share the gospel. While Montevallo celebrated Founder’s Day, this group of students took the opportunity to share what they believe with their peers. Engage 24 is an evangelism initiative, designed to be a 24hour time period where students share their faith with other students. For the Montevallo BCM, the day started with a prayer breakfast. It was a chance to talk with other BCM members about what the plans were for the day, how we could pray for each other and a time to pray to God about the day. I saw God move in a mighty way. I went with a friend of mine and did Soularium, a survey involving pictures designed to start spiritual conversations. I had a chance to meet
new people and get into conversations about Jesus and what he’s done for us. I heard from fellow students what they believe and got to know them a little better. It was great getting to do this, and something I plan to do more. It wasn’t a day for big church services, emotional walks down an aisle or street preachers, but a day where students talked to students about the gospel. Simple conversations hopefully will develop into friendships, and through that, I believe God will change lives. I hope to continue to have opportunities to share my faith with those around me. Not because I want to beat people over the head with morality. Not because it makes me feel better. It is my joy, but it’s a joy in loving people and glorifying God, not in satisfying my own personal goals. It’s a joy in shar-
ing about what God has done in my life, something I too often forget. It’s a chance for us, as a BCM, to get to know other students and hear what they believe. We want to know what others believe, and why they believe it, so we can understand where they’re coming from. Engage 24 may officially be over, but the relationships and conversations that started two weeks ago will hopefully last beyond one day. For more information about the BCM, look us up on Facebook groups or contact me on Twitter, Facebook, or via email. Weekly worship services are held Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and the BCM is usually open during the week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Follow me at @nealembry
TNMC
continued he wasn’t reminding the audience how depressing his set was, he was informing them about his recent discovery of Mad Men as a great show. At yet another in between song stop, Sanderlin told the audience how impressed he was with a Dr. Who quote that made him feel better about his “depressing” material. Sanderlin jokingly attempted to distance himself from his lighter material. A song within the middle of his set contained the extended metaphor of a relationship as a book, with the singer coaxing his love interest to “turn the page”. While the song itself was a bit cheesy, Sanderlin’s excellent performance would’ve made up for it. That is if, before the song, he didn’t try to disassociate from it by labeling it as a “sappy love song”. Sanderlin closed his set with an upbeat number, and it really worked. “Everything will be alright”, he promised. Matt’s material can be found on iTunes and Spotify. He released the “Homemade” EP this year. L a u ren Jones, a music education major from Hartselle, Alabama, closed the night with a short set of covers and an original song. Showing a bit of friendly exposure, her friend Chelsea Orr took the mike with Jones on keyboards for a performance of Sara Bareilles’ “Once Upon Another Time”. While this was Jones’ set, I have to hand it to Chelsea Orr: she nailed it. Like the original, Orr sang the beginning of the song a cappella,
with Lauren adding in stark keys that gave their rendition a subtle power. Orr’s voice was resonant and deep, allowing each natural rise of the song to flow easily from her voice. After the Barellis cover, Chelsea exited the “stage” amidst a healthy round of applause and Lauren was left to wow the audience. Staying on her keyboard, Lauren performed Sheryl Crowe’s “Weather Channel”. Where Orr’s voice was deep and resonant, Lauren’s was clear and bright. She kept a calm, steady timbre, never rising or falling. This worked well with the song, Jones’ version coming off as more of a concentrated meditation than Crowe’s slightly breathy version. Her next tune required her on guitar, and was an original titled “The Life and Times”. While her guitar playing could get a little out of rhythm, her voice was clear and strong, as she demanded “give me virtue/give me something real”. The chorus consisted of a simple, ear grabbing “ooooo” hook that became even more enjoyable each time its part of the song was reached. W h a t was truly refreshing about Jones’ set was her laid back Southern charm. At Eclipse, the normal brood consists of torn jeans, dirty flannel, and greasy haired punks who either drunkenly stumble through a monologue about their songs and experiences, or shut up completely and let the music speak for itself. Jones, however, was shy and sweet. She introduced her version of the Osborne Brother’s “Rocky Top” by relat-
RIVER continued
Aida and Emma, were sweet with a love of food and fun. Anne Roberts, who played Aida, fit the role of a grandmother almost flawlessly. In the first few scenes, however, she almost seemed flat. Her voice and actions were dull and boring, but she thankfully recovered from that after about two scenes. Jennifer Lee, as Emma, delivered her lines very softly, but her inflection did not seem to change naturally. A few of her lines were almost forced and stayed the same throughout the entire show. The soft voice worked for the character, but it needed to
have a little more emotion, more personality. Overall the show was really enjoyable and Deming showed his potential as a talented director. Stokes’ performance had the audience rolling in their seats and the warmth of family permeated the theatre. And remember, “Tengo Familia!”
ing how the first time she performed it was at an elderly “supper club”, and how it accidentally “pissed off” the 'Bama fans there with its Tennessee centered lyrics. She didn’t ramble and she didn’t attempt to come off as comic, but her charm and humble attitude won her laughs and smiles. S o m e parts of her set were weaker than others, however. Her choice to cover Johnny Cash’s “The Wall” seemed poor, the song’s prison story setup not matching her sweet disposition. Jones had a music stand with the lyrics of her covers in front of her, and sometimes the stand stole her attention away from the audience. Her version of an old hymn which she claimed to have loved when little, felt too concentrated as she stared at the stand, her guitar playing shaky. Her finale made up for the hiccups in the middle of her set. Chelsea Orr was brought back, along with other friend Alex Herring, for a three part harmony rendition of Ingrid Michelson’s “The Chain”. While Lauren sang lead and played the keyboard, her friend’s voices blended with hers near the end of her verse lines. Eventually, near the songs ends, all were singing separate parts, the different ranges weaving in and out of each other. The next Thursday Night Music Club will be on November 1st in the Student Life Center, with chili provided to combat the colder weather. Matt Sanderlin, Lauren Jones, and Drew Granthum will be among the featured music artists to play around “Art Stalk” next Saturday.
The Falcon
next weeks issue
Monday, October 22th, 2012
the staff
Page Eight
Editors Editor-In-Chief: Kyle Jones Associate Editor: Andrew Mechum
-Halloween Special -Anchor Splash -More World News -More on Election 2012 -More Music Coverage -Rocky Horror Coverage and more... October 29th, 2012
Art & Culture Editor: Matt Sanderlin Sports Editor: Joseph Antonio Campus & Local Editor: Joseph Thornton
Staff Writers
Rosemary Maguire Mandy Steadman Neal Embry Reed Strength
Contributing Writers
Matthew Lord Clark Stackhouse
Photographer Dillon Owens
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is accepting articles and applications for staff positions contact us at thefalconeditor@gmail.com