September 6, 2016 Kscope

September • 6 • 2016

Volume 53 • Issue 47 UAB’s Official Student Newspaper

Fall Intramurals to kick off this september

Sci-Fi Club Lands on Campus p. 4 middle eastern food festival to foster Cultural understanding p.14

2 EDITORIAL

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Dear readers, The first week of school is finally over. Throughout this week, there were plenty of opportunities to grab some free food or meet some new people no matter which side of campus you were on. Hopefully most of y’all ended up getting out of your dorms or apartments and at least seeing the Blazer’s first football scrimmage in several years down at the soccer field. It was hot, yes, but luckily, there were plenty of free shirts being given out around the university to replace any shirts that got too sweat-stained.

Regardless, even though it’s the first week of classes: we were busy, even if there were a lot of fun and games! After opening with the Kid Ink concert on Sunday, this week saw the first ever freshman convocation on Tuesday for what has been called one of the largest freshmen classes at UAB of all time. Even if you aren’t a freshman, there were events around every corner to invite you to feel more at home in the community. For those looking to get involved at UAB and burn some calories in the process — as opposed to putting on the freshman 15 within the first week of school after partaking in all the free food — consider intramural sports! I hear about people joining intramural teams almost every semester — surely it is a chance to meet some new friends. We’ve listed this season’s options in this issue, but if this fall seems too packed (readers: don’t be like me and take 21 hours of classes, for the sake of your sanity,) there are always spring sports to look forward to.

That being said, it’s not too far-fetched to consider walking to and from classes an exercise regiment in itself, especially in this heat. One of these days, I’d like to see intramural sports go more in the cross-country direction. As in, I’d like to see teams compete in relay races and the first team to make it from AEVIA to Heritage Hall while dodging obstacles like impatient drivers and handouts, like I do every day, will be the winner. If no other intramural sports offered real world skills, at least that would. Maybe the competitors can teach me a quicker route to Sociology class, if anything.

STAFF Sarah Faulkner editor@insideuab.com Tamara Imam managing@insideuab.com Corey Bright art@insideuab.com Tessa Case news@insideuab.com Surabhi Rao features@insideuab.com Ian Keel photos@insideuab.com Mark Linn copy@insideuab.com Dabney Bragg socialmedia@insideuab.com Loren Gilbert online@insideuab.com Melvin Griffin Jared Chestnut Mark Linn Chad Freeman Marie Sutton info@insideuab.com

With love,

Physical Address Suite 130, Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35205 Mail HSC 130, 1720 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 Phone (205) 934-3354 Web UABkscope.com Email editor@insideuab.com

Patrick Johnson plj3@uab.edu

Editor-in-Chief Managing & Sports Editor Head Illustrator News & Science Editor Features & Opinions Editor Photography Editor Copy Editor Social Media Editor Online Editor Distribution Team

Advisor Production Manager

The Kaleidoscope is the official student newspaper of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Unsigned editorials and the opinions of the Kaleidoscope’s columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers, editors, Kaleidoscope advisers or university administrators. Signed columns and letters reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as expressions of fact and opinion to Kaleidoscope readers.

Letter Policy: Letters to Kaleidoscope are always welcome. Unless otherwise directed, all letters will be forwarded to the editor. Letters must be no longer than 200 words and must be typed. A name and a phone number must accompany each letter. Letters will appear at the discretion of the editorial staff and can be sent by mail, fax or electronic mail.

All material contained herein, except advertising or where indicated otherwise, is Copyright © 2016 by Kaleidoscope and protected under the U.S. Copyright Laws.

Material herein may not be reprinted without the expressed, written permission of the Kaleidoscope.

SOUND OFF 3

Spotlight: UABTV y name is Ashley M Moore, and I am a team member for UABTV.

I am pursuing a major in marketing and a minor in international business.

Throughout my studies, I learned that media would be an important outlet.

When the manager of UABTV, Mariah Morris, told me about the opportunity to join, I quickly jumped on board.

It is not everyday one gets the opportunity to receive hands-on experience with

different aspects of the media world.

While being a part of UABTV, I learned how to edit videos on numerous softwares, operate different cameras and work with a team that is dedicated and willing to push me out of my comfort zone.

This year, my goal is to help more students get involved with the upcoming projects at UABTV. By creating more fun and energetic

episodes, I hope that students would race to take part in these projects. We plan to produce a lot of cool and informative videos. This includes everything from game shows to “The Sit Down� with deans and other faculty.

For more information or applications to UABTV, email uabtv@insideuab. com.

-Ashley Moore, UABTV

Photo of the Week:

First freshman convocation introduced students to top faculty and UAB policies.

Photo by Ian Keel

4 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., and Michelle Cook, Ph.D. lead the pilot science-fiction book club meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31 in Heritage Hall.

Photo by Ian Keel

Science-fiction club lands on campus Tessa Case News Editor news@insideuab.com

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hat grinning, glowing, globular invader of your living room is an inhabitant of the green, and if your cell phone rings and nobody’s there, that was no martian . . . it’s UAB’s new Science-Fiction Book Club.

Unlike “War of the Worlds,” the new club at UAB hopes to open discussion on real, everyday controversies such as race relations, gender, financial oppression, the effect of technology and other cultural and social phenomena.

Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., an assistant professor in UAB’s department of undergraduate neurobiology, and Michelle

Cook, Ph.D., the assistant director of national and international fellowships, started the club as part of the Honor’s College faculty fellow’s project and hopes that the club will serve as a medium that will attract students interested in sciences and the humanities.

“I have a really creative side that is often stifled,” Gavin said. “And science-fiction is something that is relevant, but it allows me to lift the boundaries on what I see in the world.”

According to the description given at the first meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31, science fiction is a literary genre with imaginative concepts such as futuristic science and technology, space and time travel, parallel universes and

supernatural occurrences. It separates itself from fantasy, however, by having a firm grounding in scientific accuracy.

Andrew Cash, a sophomore neuroscience major, said he was excited and participate in the discussions, and was even more excited when he saw the amount of students present.

“The turnout was insane,” he said. “I am so excited to hear opinions other than my own on these topics because I feel that is the easiest way to learn.”

The fall meetings will occur on Sept. 28 and Nov. 2 with dinner starting at 6:45 p.m. and the discussion starting at 7:00 p.m. The first book discussed will be “The Hunger Games”

by Suzanne Collins and then “Something Wicked This Way

Comes” by Ray Bradbury. Each book features supplemental reading and viewing that will further explore the social, political and cultural themes found in the novels.

“The social issues which can be given life by science fiction particularly excite,” Cash said.

“It gives us such a clean palette for societies and ideas which are impossible in our culture. I am optimistic the discussions will be respectful yet passionate with a variety of opinions.”

Gavin and Cash both said that they were pleased with the diversity of students present at the event. Gavin hopes that the different interests and viewpoints will contribute to interesting conversations and that the material will help

students push out of their comfort zones. Gavin also said she chose a light reading load with the supplementary tools so that students had something entertaining and accessible, but also something they could use to advance their knowledge.

Cash said that he is pleased with the light reading load because it doesn’t give him an excuse not to participate and that it will also allow him the time to rediscover his love for recreational reading, something he said he hasn’t been able to do since starting at UAB. “If it interests you on any level, try it out,” Gavin said.

“And I hope it challenges students. It’s certainly challenging me.”

6 NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Students can still help with La. disaster relief Destiny Hosmer Contributing Writer destinyrhosmer@uab.edu

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etween Aug. 8-14 the flooding in southern Louisiana caused what the American Red Cross called the worst U.S. natural disaster since superstorm Sandy in 2012, and there is still much left to be recovered and repaired.

Those living among the devastation witnessed the destruction of their homes and businesses, the unearthing of coffins amid the flood waters and the loss of loved ones.

To put the devastation into perspective, the amount of rain that fell during the flood was enough to fill more than 10.4 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Although several successful fundraisers and

events in the Birmingham area have already occurred, there are still numerous ways that people can donate their time, items or money.

The Christian Service Mission, a Birmingham faith-based organization that aims to serve communities through acts of service by providing spiritual, social and tangible resources, continues to send donation trucks to the Baton Rouge area.

Tracy Hipps, executive director of CSM, said that the group remains involved because there is still much work to be done.

“The Church was there before the flood, and the Church will be there when everything has passed,” said Hipps.

Currently food, masks,

gloves, shovels, utility knives and cleaning supplies are needed as the citizens of Louisiana and volunteers work to clean out homes.

“We will likely be accepting donations for

months, but the needs now are different than the needs two weeks ago,” Hipps said.

Hipps said that donations do not have to be expensive, and he suggested that college students find budgetfriendly ways to help.

“If you’re a student living on campus, you can donate cheaper items like food,” he said.

For those who wish to give their time rather than goods, the CSM is accepting volunteers.

Photo Illustration by Sarah Faulkner

President Obama visited the Baton Rouge area on Aug. 23, and he declared 20 parishes as disaster areas for severe storms and flooding, which made federal funding available, according to whitehouse. gov.

Obama thanked the efforts put forth by everyone on local and federal levels, and he encouraged Americans to assist in any way they can.

“Federal assistance alone is not going to be enough to make people’s lives whole again,” Obama said. “So I’m asking every American to do what you can to help get families and local businesses back on their feet. I need all Americans to stay focused on this. If you’re watching this today, make sure that you find out how you can help.”

The cost of the damages is still rising, but the Red Cross estimates that $30 million will be needed to help victims recover what has been damaged or lost.

To become a local volunteer, contact CSM Volunteer Coordinator Michael Bowen via email at michaelb@csmission. org or by telephone at 205-397-0404.

The Red Cross is still accepting monetary donations as well, which can be donated online at http://www.redcross.org/ or via telephone at 1-800RED CROSS. $10 donations can also be made by texting “LAFLOODS” to 90999.

Student Health and Wellness

price gauge spurs students to seek alternatives Sufia Alum Contributing Writer sufia@uab.edu

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fter an exponential increase in the price of EpiPen, a lifesaving injection device for people with severe allergies, the Student Health and Wellness Center is offering more affordable alternatives.

For the past several years, Mylan, a pharmaceutical company, has been steadily increasing the price of their EpiPens, according to the New York Times. EpiPens, an injection device containing epinephrine, are imperative to individuals who have lifethreatening allergies. In 2007, EpiPens were sold at a price of around $100. Presently, two packs are being sold for a little over $600 according to the

New York Times. In response to this, alternatives to EpiPens such as Adrenaclick are gaining attention by many media outlets.

According to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, around 20 percent of college students do not have any form of insurance, so if this is the case and they have a life threatening allergy, they may be forced to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 out of pocket for an EpiPen. However, cheaper options are available for UAB students who do not have insurance according to Carol Griggs, an administrative associate of Student Development, Health and Wellness.

Griggs states that there is an option to drastically decrease the price of EpiPens and alternatives through the student

Viva health insurance plan.

According to Griggs, Epipen in the generic form can be prescribed and bought for $12.

The brand name version of the EpiPen 2-PAK and the EpiPen-Jr Inj2-Pak is available for $30.

Alternatives are also available to students who are unable to subscribe to Viva. Kathleen Pridgen, M.D., acting medical director of Student Health and Wellness, said that students can still be prescribed epinephrine pens through the center.

“We do not directly dispense medications, but we can write prescriptions for either EpiPen, Adrenaclick or the upcoming generic EpiPen to be filled at any pharmacy a student chooses,” Pridgen said. “We can write paper prescriptions, e-prescribe or fax prescriptions anywhere in the country.”

Adrenaclick has yet to be readily available in all pharmacies around the United States, according to TIME magazine. However, Pridgen said there are plans to include it.

“The device mechanism of the Adrenaclick is different than the EpiPen, and requires an extra step,” Pridgen said.

“We are happy to discuss this with patients for them to make the best decision for their finances as well as their comfort level with the individual devices.”

Casey Marley, a UAB student with severe allergies, noticed the price of her EpiPen rising despite being fully insured.

“The last time I was going to get it refilled, because it expires every year, I forgot my coupon,” Marley said. “Even with my insurance, the total cost was

around $300. I didn’t want to completely empty my account so I didn’t get to buy it that day.”

Marley also said that where a couple of years ago her EpiPens cost around $20, they now cost almost $150, even with her insurance and the coupon.

As for students who are already insured, Pridgen advised students with severe allergies to contact their insurance to search for cheaper options. “It always helps to call your insurance company and discuss your plan’s benefits,” she said.

“Insurance plans vary widely, and it is often difficult to navigate even with your explanation-of-benefits paperwork. I find that calling and talking to a person is generally most helpful.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

An estimated 4,500 people, including nearly 2,000 students, attended the game at the BBVA Compass soccer complex.

SPORTS 7

Photos by Baili Grace Bigham

Blazers kick off #TheReturn with Green and Gold Scrimmage Jack Ryan Contributor jackryan@uab.edu

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Quarterback Tyler Johnston (17) drops back for a pass.

Photo courtesy of UABsports.com

n Monday, Aug. 29, the first day of classes for the fall semester, the UAB football team took to the field for its first official scrimmage game after the program was cut on Dec. 2, 2014.

After what has been a long and shaky road, support for the program was seen in full force on Monday. UAB administration dubbed it a “historic day” for UAB, which began with the official groundbreaking of the new football operations facility at 9 a.m. At 7 p.m. the first official scrimmage of the year kicked off. An estimated 4,500 people, including nearly 2,000 students, attended the game at the BBVA Compass soccer complex.

Jon Solomon of CBS Sports recently referred to UAB as the “Second Chance U.” After the program returned in the summer of 2015, UAB head coach Bill Clark targeted junior college recruits to build experience on the newlyrevived team. Quarterback AJ Erdely, a graduate of

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, passed for 253 yards and added 44 yards of rushing in Monday’s scrimmage.

“UAB has grown so much on and off the field,” said former UAB kicker Ty Long.

“To see the growth that is happening on and off the field is huge. I personally feel like UAB football has the most support they have ever had, but importantly they [also] have financial support which is crucial in the growth of the program. The new facilities that are coming will help the student athletes reach their full potential and I assure you it makes the players from the last 20 years smile because we all laid down the foundation.

So many people played a huge part in this and for me to see how many people came together to put this program that was in shambles back together and to make it better than it was before makes me excited for the future of the program.”

Timothy Alexander, a current member of the football team and one of the leading activists for the return of the program

said that being on the field was “breathtaking, and it shows that history is in the hands of the students and that the UAB family believes in UAB. That’s why we say ever faithful, ever loyal.”

“I feel great about the current state of UAB athletics and the university as a whole,” said UAB graduate Jimmy Marion. “For a while, it felt as if there was a dark cloud over UAB because the decision to shut down the football program. Since it was announced the program would be returning, a lot of progress has been made. Relationships have been repaired, new fans have been born, and positive momentum is widespread all across the board. Enrollment is up and support is at an all-time high. And the best part is that this is only the beginning.”

Though UAB will not play an actual game until September 2, 2017, when the Blazers face Alabama A&M at Legion Field, the Blazer family can look forward to another scrimmage game on Thursday, Oct. 20. The upcoming scrimmage will be a part of the homecoming week festivities.

8

Staff Report editor@insideuab.com hile not every W student can qualify for university-sanctioned

sports, intramural sports offer a chance for individuals to get involved in competitive programs, with or without prior experience and regardless of gender. With registration for the fall sports starting on Sept. 8 and with enrollment for the flag football league opening that day, students may find themselves interested in or curious about what intramural sports have to offer.

Unlike club sports, intramural sports are played entirely between UAB teams. Instead of competing with students from Jacksonville State University, for example, players would compete against their peers from around campus. Many join to play with or against their friends.

“My friends asked me to sign up, and I figured I’d try it out,” Daniel Mendoza, a junior who has played both intramural outdoor soccer, kickball and basketball in the past. “I am not someone who could compete for the university or in club sports, so it was a way to get plugged in.”

“I really like that this school has this variety of students and [that it tries] to make it something that everyone can be involved in. Because there are so many different sports, you can’t really say you can’t play any of them, because there’s flag football, badminton, pretty much everything.

So that’s really good to get students involved on campus.”

- Paul Loukou

“They’re so much fun. It’s not a huge time commitment, and it’s a great way to relieve stress and get away from homework,” Mendoza said. “ [...] They are terrible at publicizing though, so not everyone knows about them. Even I’m not familiar with all the sports offered unless one of my friends talks about it.”

UAB’s intramural sports offer 10 team sports over the course of the year, with the options changing with the seasons. Currently, the fall season’s league options include: flag football in September and outdoor soccer, dodgeball and volleyball in October.

Tournament options this semester include: 3v3 basketball and kickball in September, badminton and racquetball in October and floor hockey and basketball in November.

Since all of these options are offered at varying points in time, if a student is crunched for time one month, they have the ability to join another sport at another time during the semester.

Outdoor soccer, played between Oct. 17 and Nov. 17, is a popular choice among interviewed students. For some international students from countries in which the sport is particularly popular,

9

like Paul Loukou, joining intramural soccer was a way to get involved in the UAB community by making it feel more like home.

UAB’s intramural sports offer 10 team sports over the course of the year, with the options changing with the seasons.

Photo by Steve Wood (UAB Photo)

“[I joined intramural soccer] just to be involved with something on campus.

As an international student [...] when I came here at first I didn’t really know about the different activities, but soccer was the only thing that can bring me, like make me want to do something, play some sport on campus,” said Loukou, a civil engineering major from Cte d’Ivoire in West Africa. “That’s what really motivated me, because back home the main sport is soccer. So since I heard there were some soccer competitions here I was like, ‘OK, why not get involved and see how it goes?’”

Alhi Junior Patrice Ephraim N’Guessan, the Facilities Manager at the Campus Rec who is also from Cote d’Ivoire, played intramural soccer for similar reasons.

“I’m on a team with my friends from the country. We call it Ivory Coast which is the name of our country.” N’Guessan, who was a player on the same team as Loukou. “ [...] It’s great.

It’s fun, and we like it!

I mean, we’re two time

champions, so it’s fun.”

Widely varied campus organizations compete in intramurals as teams.

The University Honors Program, fraternities and sororities are just some of the organizations involved in the sports as teams.

“The Greeks enjoy the friendly competition,” said Mendoza, who played co-ed kickball with Theta Chi, a fraternity, and Alpha Xi Delta, a sorority, in spring of 2015. “It’s fun to see everyone come together and support their organizations.”

The UAB Intramural Sports Inclusive Statement aims to ensure that students, faculty and staff can play intramural sports regardless of skill, gender, age, or handicap. This allows students to play games they may not have prior experience in.

“I really like [...] that this school has this variety of students and [that it tries] to make it something that everyone can be involved in.” Loukou said. “Because there are so many different sports, you can’t really say you can’t play any of them, because there’s flag football, badminton, pretty much everything. So that’s really good to get students involved on campus.”

10 OPINIONS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 , 2016

Greying line between revitalized, gentrified Baili Grace Bigham Entertainment Columnist bgbigham@gmail.com

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onnotations are a funny thing.

While two different words can have similar meanings, they may hold two entirely different voices. By definition, gentrification is the idea of revitalization, but with an adjunct. This adjunct stigmatizes what should be such a good thing.

I have lived in Birmingham all of my life. I have watched the downtown area get a face-lift, and I have also watched neighboring While it is easy to see all towns such as Avondale of the wonderful things and Woodlawn take a Birmingham is doing complete 180 degree turn. and creating, its done a What were once low lackluster job of holding income, high crime and up the voices that were declining towns are now here first. As cost of living thriving with restaurants, inevitably goes up in a venues, breweries, coffee thriving city, it pushes shops and, of course, new lower income households housing. out.

This isn’t such a bad It can be said that thing. Everyone wants to another harsh reality see hustle and bustle in of gentrification is that their city, especially when revitalization follows the it’s improving the quality money. In other words, of life. Things get messy the city is being tailored when the people who to a certain demographic. called this place home Ward continued his before we made thought into it ours are not the form of The complication given a voice, a question, the city faces is a and that is the “Is it race or controversial misrepresentation finances? adjunct of the majority, Can you that makes divorce the “gentrification” being that two?”

Birmingham’s a bad word.

He Vice population is over answered president of 70 percent black. confidently Education and with a no.

Exhibitions This is of the Birmingham simply an example of Civil Right Institute, socioeconomics, Ward Ahmad Ward, spoke explains. about the pros and cons In Birmingham, we are of gentrification and seeing an influx of new revitalization in our city. faces and business, and “Revitalization in a city what we may turn a blind is awesome, but when it eye to is the outflux of is at someone’s expense, the faces that have been its wrong,” said Ward.

Illustration by Baili Bigham

here for many years.

While some are excited by Birmingham’s new look, it’s no surprise that others feel outraged.

I do not believe that revitalization must also mean for a dislocation of culture. The complication the city faces is a misrepresentation of the majority, being that Birmingham’s population is over 70 percent black.

Much of this population is low income. The new businesses coming to Birmingham are essentially pricing these households out. By not accommodating the majority of a city, it is unavoidable to see the

trend forming in favor of a certain demographic.

By adding more adequately priced goods

to Birmingham’s market, it would give a chance for approval across the board.

Working to ensure Birmingham stays united should be a little higher up on the city’s priority list, but where the government lacks in fairness, it is our job as a community to pick up

the slack. Birmingham is no stranger to finding opportunities, so let’s create the change needed to maintain the diverse city we all call home. This problem is not one that is impossible to fix. Turning away from issues that are causing birminghamian’s to pack up and leave is neglect on the city’s behalf. Birmingham is no stranger to finding opportunities, nor is it new to the idea of strong voices. Locals that know the veins of this city should be given that respect and a voice to match is something to be preserved.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

FEATURES 11

Honors College revamps for Class of 2020 Surabhi Rao Features Editor surrao@uab.edu

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his year’s Honors College retreat lasted four days and welcomed 500 freshmen to campus. This retreat started with a Dean’s Welcome Reception on Thursday, Aug. 25 and finished with a campuswide scavenger hunt on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Over the past three years the Honors College has seen many changes. This includes the dismantlement of the Experiential Learning Specialized Program, the renaming of the General Honors track to the Personalized Honors track, an increase in the events and duration of the Honors College retreat and the formation of the Honors College Leadership Council and the Honors College Ambassadors.

This year’s class of seniors includes the last students that will graduate with a degree with the honor of ELSP, as the program has been discontinued.

The ELSP program was intended to enhance students' academic education with real-world experiences. ELSP students combined service learning, undergraduate research and community engagement in what the program's site described as "a unique, individualized honors experience."

“When the founder of ELSP hired me in 2010 he said that ELSP would be universal in five years and we wouldn’t need it, and that’s exactly what happened,” said Amy Atkisson, the director of Honors Advising. “The specialized program is an extension of ELSP.” Pooja Memula, one of the last graduating ELSP seniors, felt otherwise.

Over the last three years, The Honors College has refined their program by gearing it more toward personalization and community.

“As a freshman, I came into college really excited about being in Honors College, specifically ELSP,” Memula said. “I thought UAB was super unique because it had programs geared towards every student’s interests.

Although the honors college has had a great transformation, I truly think students are missing out on being involved in a great program.”

Atkisson hopes that the change will help foster a greater sense of community amongst honors students.

“Five years ago there was not a lot of cohesion among honors here. It was almost competitive,” Atkisson said.

“We are working to reduce the silo amongst honors students.

“It was sort of an organic idea. All of us working for the honors college and students were saying that this needs to happen.”

This year showed a 35 percent increase in the honors college freshmen class. In all of UAB’s Honors College, there are 1500 new and returning students, including all four specialized programs and personalized pathways. Out of the incoming 500 freshmen, 77 percent are in the personalized pathway. 15 freshmen joined the Global and Community Leadership program, and approximately 50 joined both the University Honors Program and the Science and Technology Honors program.

The Honors College Retreat this year had students move in early and then attend the Dean’s Welcome Reception.

The following days included various workshops and seminars to prepare for the start of college. Students were put into groups with two retreat leaders and participated in service events,

a campus-wide scavenger hunt, and class tours.

“It was because of the success of the SciTech retreat that we realized that all of our students needed that. “ Kush Patel, a retreat leader and Honors College Ambassador expressed his positive reception.

“The revamping of the honors college is really exciting because of how involved we are now on campus and in student life,” Patel said. “All of the events that the honors college offers are interesting and go a long way in helping build a sense of community within the honors college.”

“I feel like the retreat was essential for freshmen,” said Tyler Goodwin, a retreat leader.

“I would definitely say that we have gotten more engaged as a whole.”

Photo courtesy of Ben McCafferty

Faculty fellows of the program Dr. Cristin Gavin, Dr. Steve McCornack, Dr. Josh Robinson, and Dr. Dave Hilton provide opportunities for smaller groups within Honors College.

Anna Elam, a freshman neuroscience major who attended the retreat, had positive words.

“I enjoyed the retreat more than I thought I would. It was a good chance to make friends and learn about the UAB campus.”

Amy Atkisson concluded by giving credit to the efforts of the Dean of the Honors College, Shannon Blanton, Ph.D. “Dean Blanton has been pivotal in these changes, and Honors College Ambassadors was her idea, which has brought more students of high caliber to UAB.”

14 FEATURES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Review: Hottest dogs in Avondale

Hot Diggity Dog logo.

Mugdha Mokashi Contributor mmokashi@uab.edu

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he unmistakably “hip” part of Birmingham is Avondale, which serves food on the decidedly funkier and fresh side.

So I wasn’t surprised to find a gourmet hot dog joint nestled at the hip of Fancy’s on Fifth. This eatery is hidden behind an unassuming door next to a cheerful cartoon-y sign that reads “Hot Diggity Dogs.” When you open the door, you are greeted by a mysterious staircase and no signs of life. This changes quickly, because the loft of the building (directly over another Avondale favorite, Fancy’s on Fifth) is home to a laid-back, lively joint.

Eating at Hot Diggity Dogs feels like a scene out of a TV show—it’s a quintessential “hang out” spot, with exclusively barstool seating and

Photo by Ian Keel

exposed brick walls.

An enormous smiling cartoon hot dog in an Uncle Sam-esque top hat graces the artsy wall. It’s very pop art and very, very new-age Birmingham. The crew behind the counter cook and serve up the dogs fast-food style, and are always joking around with each other and the customers. It’s a friendly, how-do-you-do sort of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Now, of course, the dogs. How are they?

In a word, refreshing.

Each hot dog is in the $4 to $6 range, with fried potato-y sides available for an extra $2. While that is a good amount of money to pay for an average hot dog, the price is made up for by a slew of thoughtfullychosen toppings. They have a Korean-inspired dog, an overflowing chili dog, and several inspired

varieties (pimento cheese dog? Hot dog with tortilla chips?). Also, the hot dogs themselves are quality, though “quality” and “allAmerican hot dog” are often paradoxical in and of themselves.

I tried a vegetarian take on my dining experience, and was pleasantly surprised by the options I had. For one, any hot dog on the menu can be substituted for a tofu dog; also, the meatless dog actually held the texture and consistency of a normal hot dog. My tofu dog of choice was the classic Birmingham dog, featuring mustard, onion, kraut and sauce. The tofu hot dog itself was mildly flavored, with all the texture of a nice hot dog wrapped in an interesting toasted sandwich bread “bun”. It was slathered in a zesty red sauce and piled high with delicious sauerkraut. The star of the plate was finely chopped red onion sprinkled throughout, which kept each bite interesting.

I finished off with classic tater tots — nothing special, but familiarly yummy.

Overall, it was a quick fun meal that cost just over $6. Not particularly filling or incredibly memorable, but definitely worth a try.

Hot Diggity Dogs is a cute addition to a bustling foodie neighborhood, and a great find for college students looking for a quick bite.

FEATURES 13

we get out what you put in,

put that recycling in the right bin.

Open for drop-offs Mondays 6:30-9:30am 3:00-6:00pm 620 11th Street South (205) 996-9043

14 FEATURES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

Middle Eastern fest returns next week Tamara Imam Managing Editor managing@insideuab.com

T

he Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival uses food as the main agent for cultural appreciation and understanding.

The festival, hosted by St. George Melkite Greek-Catholic Church, will take place from Thursday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 10 at the church on 16th Ave. South. The hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

Members of the parish, mother and son duo Annette and Jeremy Ritchey, are leading this year’s festival as first-year chairmen. The chairmen hope that the festival will continue to bring the Magic City together to celebrate Middle Eastern culture through food and dance.

To Annette Ritchey, the festival is all about “providing our Arabic, our Middle Eastern hospitality to Birmingham.”

According to the Ritchey’s, planning for the festival has been months in the making, with weekly cooking days on Saturdays — sometimes with over 100 members of the parish preparing, beginning in June.

The festival will feature a number of homemade Middle Eastern dishes, from baked kibbee, stuffed grape leaves, Mediterranean style chicken, falafel, meat pies and spinach pies.

Jeremy Ritchey’s favorite?

The Oasis plate. The $18 plate includes one half-baked chicken, three rolled grape leaves, rice, green beans, Arabic salad, bread and choice of spinach or meat pie.

The Ritchey’s also hope that the festival will provide an opportunity for people in the Birmingham community to interact with Middle Eastern culture, which Jeremy Ritchey

Traditional Middle Eastern performances from the 2015 St. George Middle Eastern Food Festival entertain guests.

WANT TO GO? WHAT: 35th annual the Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival WHERE: St. George Melkite GreekCatholic Church, 16th Avenue South WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day COST: Free admission believes has been painted in a negative light by the media post-9/11.

“At the end of the day it’s an opportunity to get people there through food, which happens to be the center point of a lot of our culture and if that’s ultimately something that gets people upstairs then we feel like we’re doing our job,” Jeremy Ritchey said. “One of the biggest things I think that is important, you know I used to work overseas and I never saw the bad side of what we see on our media today. I worked overseas for a few years and I never crossed it, whether it was through Muslims or Christians, I never found that side that you see today all the time through the media. What we want to show is that same side, to show

“

At the end of the day it’s an opportunity to get people there through food, which happens to be the center point of a lot of our culture.

”

- Jeremy Ritchey, chairman of the festival that there are Middle Eastern people that are good, because if you just saw the media you wouldn’t know that so much.

And that’s something that our church can show through our culture as well as through our religion and show that there’s peace as well. I think that’s huge, today, post 9/11 that we can say ‘hey, listen we’re still out here as well and come and see us.’”

Image courtesy of Annette Ritchey

Photo courtesy of John Manos

CALENDAR Sept. 6 - 12 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Experiments on the Green

Afternoon Tea

Lister Hill Library 12-2 p.m.

HSC Ballrooms 1-4 p.m.

Join UABTeach for some fun on the green.

Drop by the Lister Hill Library for a cup of tea and something sweet. Learn which librarian works at your school and how they can help.

Come get to know the UAB LGBTQ community with an afternoon of games, food and music. Hosted by the Gender and Sexuality Union.

Spirit Night

Downtown after Sundown

2-3:30 p.m.

MELT in Avondale 5-9 p.m.

Join the Melt staff for an evening of food and fun while supporting a good cause. A portion of the proceedings will go to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.

Queer Mixer

Rogue Tavern 6 p.m.

Free event for all ages with country singer-songwriter Kip Moore.

Donations accepted at the door for the Ronald McDonald House.

WHAT’S UP 15 FRIDAY

Shrimp Boil

Commons on the Green 4-7 p.m.

UAB Dining’s 9th annual all-you-careto-eat shrimp boil.

Featuring live music.

Cost is $10 or a meal swipe.

Smiles for Miles 5k

UAB Men’s Soccer for a Cure Classic

Otey’s Tavern 8-11 a.m.

UAB American Student Dental Association is hosting a one mile fun run and after party benefiting Cahaba Valley Health Care.

Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. to Sept. 10 at 9 p.m.

The Saint George Melkite-Greek Catholic Church is hosting its annual food and cultural festival.

Icons, religious articles, and books for sale Live Arabic Band - Amin Sultan Fri. & Sat. 6-10 p.m.

Church Tours evenings Thurs. and Fri. and all day Sat. Menus and more avaliable online at saintgeorgeonline.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASSIFIEDS

Kaleidoscope publishes every Tuesday when classes are in session.

Phone: 205.934.3354 Email: masutton@uab.edu Deadlines: Please place your ads by the Thursday prior to publication no later than 4p.m.

Personal Maid Service- Basic house cleaning. Honest, dependable, licensed, bonded, flexible scheduling, competitive & local. Very professional with “NO”criminal background.

LEGAL

SUNDAY

Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival

BY PHONE: 205.934.3354 BY EMAIL: masutton@uab.edu ONLINE: www.uab.edu/studentmedia

LEGAL NOTICE — The Kaleidoscope, and its online affiliates, reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at its sole discretion.

SATURDAY

Contact “Maid 2 Serve” at (205)356-2124 or email wisewoman911@gmail.com — Twin beds complete. $199 and up. Dressers/mirrors and chest of drawers. 205-910-0512.

BBVA Compass Field 2:30pm

MONDAY Women in STEM HSC 204/206 12:30-1 p.m.

Watch the Blazers face off against the Rhode Island Rams and help raise money for local cancer research.

Women in STEM, a group dedicated to the professional development of women in STEM fields is starting this fall and hosting an interest meeting.

Graze: Birmingham

Dinner & Deception

A farm-to-fork picnic where attendees will “graze” on a variety of dishes, each produced by a local farmer and prepared by a local chef.

Enjoy some Slice pizza and learn how information control in conversations applies to our politics and our personal and professional relationships.

Avondale Brewing Company 5-8 p.m.

UAB Honor’s College 7-10 p.m.