UAB’S OFFICIAL CAMPUS NEWSPAPER
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 3
The
Kaleidoscope UAB alum Garrett Stephens (left) walks alongside Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL) (right) during a campaign rally. PHOTO COURTESY OF GARRETT STEPHENS
Bella Tylicki Metro Reporter btylicki@uab.edu
A
child from Opelika graduated from UAB with a degree in political science in April 2016. He said had always hoped to enter the public sector to serve his community in the political sphere. That dream has come true for Garrett Stephens, who recently landed a position on Sen. Doug Jones’ (D-AL) staff following involvement on his and Mayor Randall Woodfin’s campaigns last year. Just as the U.S. Senate Race between Jones and Republican candidate Roy Moore began to heat up, Stephens reached out to the Jones camp after hearing of a vacancy. He took a role in the campaign’s communications and media
consulting division, and he quickly moved up the ranks to become the Central Alabama Field Director responsible for coordinating phone banking, canvassing and other events in 17 counties. Throughout the campaign, Stephens worked closely with Jones on a daily basis, and after winning the election, Jones selected Stephens to serve as his special assistant. “My role as a body man toward the end of the campaign transitioned
into this role on [Capitol] Hill,” Stephens said. “I now work on operations and logistics for the Senator, among other things.” Jones could not be reached for comment due to the recent government shutdown. This was not Stephens first involvement in politics, having previously explored his dream through internships with Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and the Office of the Federal Public
Defender for the Northern District of Alabama. His first introduction to Woodfin, who defeated longtime incumbent William Bell in October 2017, was just days after the 2016 presidential election when he met with local politicians to discuss the results. “At the time, I had no idea who he was,” Stephens said. “It wasn’t until later that day that I realized he was mounting a mayoral run to replace Bell.”
See STEPHENS, Page 10
HOCKEY
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
‘We knew they’d be out for blood’
Panel addresses change in B’ham
Blazers split two in home series against in-state foe
Campus, city initiate a dialogue on social issues
Will Harris Social Media Director willhrrs@uab.edu
The final seconds are ticking off and the tension is building as Auburn races down the ice for a final shot. As the final slapshot went flying through the air, a UAB player blocks the final heave to sink the Tigers on Friday night. UAB and Auburn continued their rivalry on the ice Friday and Saturday night this past weekend in front of possible record crowds at the Pelham Civic Complex. UAB entered
the series with a record of 12-2-2, while the Tigers came in with a record of 7-8. Auburn held record of 4-1 against UAB all-time entering the weekend games. On Friday night, the Tigers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after Auburn’s Matt Darnel scored on an assist from Adam Kalson. Five minutes later, the Blazers answered with a goal by Cam Dickinson assisted by Kyle Feeney. In the second
See HOCKEY, Page 9
Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
“F
PHOTO BY WILL HARRIS/SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR UAB players take the ice during the Friday, Jan. 26, matchup versus the Auburn Tiger Hockey Club at the Pelham Civic Complex.
olks don’t want to be saved, folks just want what they deserve,” said Martez Files, Ph.D., an professor of African American studies and history. “We need to think about what these communities have, and what these communities need. We have to step back from this idea of paternalism, this notion that minority communities need to be
saved because we’re somehow better and superior to them.” On Wednesday, Jan. 24, members of the Birmingham community gathered to initiate a conversation of how UAB can better facilitate community engagement between the school and greater Birmingham. During the panel, topics such as avoiding gentrification, segregation existing in schools, churches and the workforce along with addressing
See PANEL, Page 5
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 3
here & there FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE
2
JOKE OF THE WEEK
THIS WEEK IN STUDENT MEDIA
What does the devil always add to his pizza order? Sinna-sticks. - Kristina Balciunaite, Life and Style Editor PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Join Aura Literary Arts Review at our booth at the Art Crawl in front of The Pizitz Food Hall on Feb. 1 from 5-9pm. We will be selling our latest issue for $10 in addition to meeting local artists. Submissions in art, photography, poetry, short stories, etc. for our Spring issue are due March 9.
Contact Aura at auraartsreview@ gmail.com PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR UAB freshman guard Zack Bryant goes up strong to the rim over a University of Texas-San Antonio defender during the Blazers’ 82-70 loss to the Roadrunners Saturday, Jan. 27, in Bartow Arena.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
tuesday
What: Full Moon Hike Where: Oak Mountain State Park When: 5 p.m. Cost: Free Tickets: See treelineexpeditions.com
What: International Bazaar Where: Hill Student Center When: 11 a.m. Cost: Free
What: B’ham Art Crawl Where: The Pizitz When: 5 p.m.
thursday
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
wednesday
If you would like to be featured in our “In Your Perspective” please contact Will Harris at willhrrs@uab.edu.
What: SoPro Steal-a-Pint Where: Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint When: 5 p.m. Cost: Free What: The Color Purple Musical Where: Red Mountain Theatre Company When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Starting at $19
What: Super Chili Bowl Cook-Off Where: Saturn When: 4 p.m. Cost: $5 Tickets: See saturnbirmingham. com What: Riot Dance Party Where: Saturn When: 9 p.m. Cost: Free
What: Super Bowl LII Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota When: 5:30 p.m. Watch: Nationally
sunday
If you wish to see your event displayed in our calendar, please contact Chandler Jones at chanj1@uab.edu.
saturday
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
friday
COURTESY OF @INSTAGRAMKEEL INSTAGRAM
Jan. 30, 1948: Gandhi assassinated Mohandas Gandhi, the political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, is assassinated in New Delhi. January 31, 1950: Truman announces development of H-bomb U.S. President Harry S. Truman publicly announces his decision to support the development of the hydrogen bomb, a weapon theorized to be hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War I. February 1, 1884: Oxford Dictionary debuts The first portion of the Oxford English Dictionary, touted for its complexity and completeness, is published by the London Philological Society. February 2, 1887: First Groundhog Day The rodent meteorologist is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. February 3, 2005: Gonzales becomes first Hispanic U.S. attorney general Alberto Gonzales won Senate confirmation on a largely party-line of 60-36 to become the nation’s first Hispanic attorney general despite protests over his record on torture. February 4, 1974: Patty Hurst kidnapped The 19-year old daughter of newspaper publisher Randolph Hearst is kidnapped from her apartment in Berkeley, California, by two black men and a white woman, all three of whom are armed. February 5, 1994: Beckwith convicted of killing Medgar Evers White supremacist Byron De La Beckwith is convicted in the murder of African-American civil rights leader Medgar Evers over 30 years after he was gunned down in the driveway of his Jackson, Mississippi, home.
Contact BlazeRadio at alex96@uab.edu
UABTV just released a new production last week, “In the Know” with Mason McGalliard and Hunter Drinkard. This show highlights Alabama politics and news from the views of two college students. In the Know’s second episode will be released Friday. Blazer Talk resumes production Thursday and will be released Tuesday. Be sure to check out our social media for any video extra opportunities.
Contact UABTV at morris95@uab.edu
monday
PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Birmingham Fire and Rescue respond to the Parkside Apartments across from Railroad Park at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 17. The fire is believed to have started on the fifth floor and spread to a another
BlazeRadio is in full swing for the Spring semester, and our shows just keep getting better! Check out shows like “Bham Island Jamz” Fridays from 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and “The Roommates” Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Also, keep an eye out as we bring new shows and projects throughout the semester.
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 3
opinion Spring 2018 Editorial Board Chandler Jones Editor-in-Chief chanj1@uab.edu
Wallace Golding Managing Editor wsgoldin@uab.edu
Sufia Alam
Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
Lakyn Shepard Photo Editor
layshep@uab.edu
Connor Gentry Sports Editor
zcgentry@uab.edu
Will Harris
Social Media Director willhrrs@uab.edu
Marie Sutton
3
RACISM
This ain’t the ‘60s anymore state you live in.” UA did not respond kindly to the behavior and issued a statement stating that Barecently Harley Barber, a ber was “no longer enrolled University of Alabama [there].” student, was expelled Beyond the obvious offenfrom for using racist hate sive speech, however, there speech in a video she posted is something else evidenced on Instagram. in the videos which deeply Shortly after someone com- disturbs viewers – especially mented on this video calling Southern ones. her out, she responded with In implying her right to use another video in which racist speech because she remarked how she she now lives in the had the right to say South, Barber shows us whatever racist remarks there is an idea which she liked because she is still very alive and now lived in the South well in young people – where she implied it – that the South is still was more appropriate accepting of and largely Rose to use language like responsible for racism in this. this country. “I’m in the South now, In truth, this kind of thinkbitch,” Barber continued. “So ing hasn’t always been wrong, everyone can f–k off. I’m from and for the citizens of BirNew Jersey, so I can say n—-r mingham, it’s unjust to deny as much as I want.” the history behind it. But as Matt King, professor For God’s sake, some of in philosophy said, “I don’t MLK’s most famous philosothink it matters to the moral phies during the Civil Rights trajectory of the universe what Movement were written while Parker Rose Columnist pdrose@uab.edu
R
sitting in a Birmingham jail, and no one will forget the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. It is now, however, an equally unjust thing to deny the progress that Birmingham and Alabama as a whole has made in recent years. Jefferson County is strongly blue nearly every election, and Birmingham regarded as one of the most liberal cities in the state. And you might have heard that we Alabamians recently elected Doug Jones as our senator – who prosecuted the KKK members who bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church. Sure, the South has its history, but it would be unreasonable to say the South is the only place in which racial injustice occurs. In a Business Insider report, professors from Brown and Florida State University analyzed 2010 Census data to find 18 out of the 25 most segregated neighborhoods/ regions in the country were in
non-Southern states. With their “three-strikes law,” Western states such as California find themselves incarcerating immigrants and people of color at a much faster rate than the rest of the country, according to the Justice Policy Institute. In short, if non-Southern states continue to point fingers at us as if we are the issue, then it is possible they will never be moved to fix the injustices which occur within their own borders. Although many have said that Alabama’s expulsion of Barber was incorrect or a violation of her First Amendment rights, one could argue the university has an obligation to intolerance because of its history of racial prejudice and injustice. The actions of Harley Barber compel universities, especially UAB, to consider how to act when such offenses take place – and how to take steps to prevent such events from happening again.
Student Media Director masutton@uab.edu
Patrick Johnson
Production Manager plj3@uab.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS
CORRECTION: On page 10 of last week’s edition, it was written that Hero Doughnuts uses all local ingredients. They only use one local ingredient. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Chandler Jones, Editor-in-Chief, at chanj1@uab.edu. The Kaleidoscope functions as a memeber of UAB Student Media in association with UABTV, BlazeRadio and Aura. Website: UAB.edu/kscope Twitter @UABkscope Facebook facebook.com/uabkscope/ Instagram instagram.com/ uabkscope/ The Kaleidoscope is produced in the Office of Student Media. Suite 130 Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd. Birmingham, 35233 (205) 934-3354
HAPPY BUDGETING!
Shop your way to savvy, drive away happy
O
ne way to reach our financial goals is to keep spending ‘in check.’ By spending wisely, you can avoid unnecessary expenditures and potentially lower your cost for the items that you do purchase. There are many facets of your everyday life where putting your consumer skills to work could save you some serious cash.
Buying a Car
The next time you buy a car, consider putting your comparison shopping skills to work to make sure that you get the best deal possible. The car experts at Edmunds.com suggest the following eight steps to buying a new car: Research vehicles and features. Figure out what you want and will fit your needs and budget before stepping on to a lot. It is easy for a
persistent salesperson to sway you when you have not truly made up your mind about what to buy. Get preapproved for a loan. Contact your banker before you start shopping so that you know how much you can spend, you save time at the dealership and you do not end up having multiple requests for your credit report that will ultimately lower your credit score. Plan your trade-in (if you have one). Go to kbb.com and find out the value of your trade, so that you can be prepared to negotiate. Locate and test-drive the car. Thanks to the Internet, you can shop at home in your bunny slippers until you find the exact car that meets your needs. In fact, carvana.com will even bring you a car or two right to your door.
Check sale price and warranties. Once you have identified a few specific cars that interest you, ask for the total selling price of each car including any accessories that the dealer or previous owner may have already installed. Review the deal and dealer financing. You can go to edmunds.com and compare the price quotes that you have collected to the “Average Price Paid” to determine if the quotes you have received are competitive. Also, check to see if the dealers are offering any price or financing incentives. Close the deal. If you have done your homework to this point, selecting the right car for you should be easy and it is time to make it official. Take delivery. When you take ownership of your new car, be observant! Make sure
the car is clean, has a full tank of gas and there are no new dents or scratches. Also, be sure to have any special features explained to you. What you might have noticed is that this process is much more thoughtful and potentially time consuming than simply showing up at a dealership and buying the first thing you see. That is the whole idea. To be a savvy shopper, you must be willing to take your time, do your research, and ask questions. Try not to make knee-jerk or emotional purchases. That is usually the best way to experience a good case of buyer’s remorse! Stephanie R. Yates is an Endowed Professor at the COLLAT School of Business and Director of the Regions Institute for Financial Education.
campus
PHOTOS BY CH RIS
DENNEN/STA FF PHOTOGRA PHER
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018
Blount Hall Pros: Open to sophomores and up, strudents may enjoy a slighty bigger room than a few other dorms on campus. Students may choose between either two or four bedroom apartments while still having the privacy of thier own room. Like all other residence halls, students can enjoy study spaces and community rooms throughout the residence hall. Cons: As one of the older residence halls, issues of matinecnes of elevators and kitchen appliances have sometimes caused an issue. Ali Rashid, senior in neuroscience said that his refigerator has leaked in the past. “Even with the appliances issues, I still love living here. I’ve roomed with my best friend for two years and I’ve had minimal complaints.” -- Ali Rashid, senior in neurosceince.
Volume 59, Issue 3
4
Living at UAB Students share their favorite moments from each dorm Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
Denman Hall Pros: As on the two residence halls on campus that has a balcony, students may enjoy the weather or the view. Additionally, within a two miniute walk of the Learning Resource Center, study may enjoy late night studying at the LRC and quickly come home when they are ready for a break. Cons: Located across the New Freshman Residence Hall, students may find it a long walk to get to thier classes. Buildings such as Humanties and Campbell Hall will be a few minutes walk. “I started school in America two semsters ago and I love it. I’m from India and our dorms are usually not this nice. I love being able to walk anywhere on campus and then come back at anytime of the day. The no curfew thing is my biggest perk.” --Mohammad Aqib, junior in mechanical engineering.
New Freshman Residence Hall Pros: As the newest residence hall on campus, NFR provides the newest and most updated everyday items from kitchen applainces to the most updates study corners. Cons: Located the north half of the block located 9 Ave. South and 10 Ave. South and 16th and 17th Streets most school buildings, such as Education, Campbel or Chemsitry Building end up becoming a long walk to get to class. “My favorite part about living in the residence halls at UAB is that all my neighbors are my peers that I could go next door to ask
a question about a class or just go hang out with when I’m bored. The community rooms in the residence halls make group studying and hanging out super easy. I love that I don’t have to leave the building I live in to still be with all my friends. Especially freshman year when I was living on the Honors College floors of the New Freshman Residence Hall, it was really nice to be surrounded by the people I had class with everyday and be able to all get together in the community rooms to do group study or just watch a movie at night.” — Rabisa Khan, junior in biomedical sciences
Camp Hall
Rast Hall Pros: Open to sophomores and up, this resident Hall gives up to four residents per apartment. Students may dorm with thier freinds and also have a room to themselves. Rast also comes with a full size refrigerator and oven. Cons: Located at 11 Avenue S, school buildings on the opposite side of campus such as Humanities, require a few minutes walk. “I love to cook so Rast is the ideal dorm for me. On weekend nights I always like to experiment making different pastas in the oven. I like the way the rooms itself is set up because for some reason the smells of whatever I’m cooking never lingers into the hallways. I know a lot of my freinds have complained before who live outside campus about smells easily tranferring over but so far I haven’t had any problems.” -- Lincoln MacLean, sophomore in French and Spanish.
Blazer Hall Pros: Located directly on the Green, this residence hall provides a perfect location to get to anyhere on campus. From the Commons to any of the libraries, almost all building on campus are just a few minutes of a walk away. Cons: Similwar to a few of the other residence halls on campus, although ample in size, student residing in this dorm are required to share thier room with a classmate. “Blazer Hall has been my favorite dorm experince on campus so far. Even though I had to share my room, everything was so close to campus. I never not did anything because it was too far away. I also loved my view. The Green was right there and it always motivated me to do something if I saw a bunch of students on the Green.Also, the sun rise is on this side so I never had to travel anywhere to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset.” -- Chris Fisher, junior in English.
Pros: Open to freshman and up, Camp Hall is located just outside of the Green. Located far enough for
students who prefer not to be near the center of the school, it’s also close enough for students to be able to reach almost all buildings on campus quickly. Camp Hall also remains as one of the two residence halls that has a balcony. During nice weather, students may take use of thier balcony by enjoing a nice book outside or simply enjoying the view. Cons: Although one of the bigger room in terms of dimensions on campus, Camp Hall requires a double occupancy. “I have a great view right now in Camp. So I can see literally everything because I’m facing the Green. I’m right above the Commons, you can almost everything on campus. You can see Children’s Hospital and a lot of the downtown district of Birmingham. As far as view of the cities, Camp is definately a winnner right now.” — Colton Clayton, junior in biology.
Jan. 30, 2018
The Kaleidoscope
Section | Page 5
OPINION
The tale of the vanished food trucks by Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lmr33@uab.edu
D
“
It would be cool to be able to have different trucks on different days.It’d also be cool to be able to use the food trucks as a way to support small businesses outside of UAB.
uring my first few years as a student at UAB, campus streets would transform to jampacked corners with food trucks around lunchtime. Students eagerly crowded around the sidewalk, as the trucks and their noisy genercontaining three new restauator-fueled kitchens provided rants and a second campus all kinds of tasty, cheap and Starbucks, it makes sense that convenient food. UAB assumed there was no It has become easy to formore need for food trucks. get that they ever existHowever, the trucks ed, but occasionally the had their own special question still comes to perks, and I feel that mind- what happened they could still be to all of the food trucks uniquely beneficial to on campus? students. One of the This food truck benefits of bringing disappearance seems back the food trucks Moore is simply being able to align with the completion of the new Hill to provide more options for Student Center, which had students. its grand opening on Jan. 20, “I’d like to have food 2016. With the student center trucks to have more of a
Taylor Brown variety,” said Jay Pulliam, freshmen in kinesiology. “The options at the student center start to get old after a while, so it’d be nice to have some change.” Even with the addition of the Hill Student Center, it can oftentimes be difficult to order food on the go between classes. Tapingo, an app that can be used to order food at most campus restaurants, aids to this problem. However, there is still the matter of having to go and retrieve your food. Food trucks
provide easy access directly outside of classroom buildings, and if the trucks allow you to order ahead through Tapingo you can have your food almost instantly. The meals that can be purchased at the Student Center also have a tendency to be pricey. I know every time I go to Panera I drop at least $12 on my Pick Two combo and green tea. Though students can use campus money like Dining Dollars and BlazerBucks at these locations, providing trucks with cheaper options
could be a solution to this problem as well. Food trucks also provide an opportunity to benefit the greater Birmingham community. “It would be cool to be able to have different trucks on different days” said Taylor Brown, freshman in elementary education. “It’d also be cool to be able to use the food trucks as a way to support small local businesses outside of UAB.” So how can the student body get the food trucks back? UAB Campus Dining Service’s website has a feedback form available under their contact page. Students are encouraged to express their opinions to the university here on what can make the overall UAB campus dining experience a better one. Who knows, maybe if enough students request the return of food trucks we will once again see them lining the streets come lunchtime.
PHOTOS BY LAKYN SHEPARD /PHOTO EDITOR Panelsts share thier opinions on the best approaches on how to help greater Brimingham both socially and politically.
Panel
cilitator of the event, Jennifer Sanders, pastor of Beloved From Page 1 Community Church, asked This political infighting panelists to address the pocausing hindrance to the litical infighting in Birminggrowth of the commuham. Often times, nity were discussed. citizens find themPanelists includselves so engrossed ed Jarralynne Agee, in following political director of the Violence guidelines that accomReduction Initiative; plishing growth and Tiffanie Agee, attorney revitalization might and community activbecome impossible beKuntz ist; and David Hook, cause of the unwillingdirector of innovation for the ness of both parties willing Edge of Chaos at UAB. Panto meet each other half way. elists from UAB staff includSanders asked panelists how ed Josh Carpenter from UAB can community members External Relations, Files, and work together to overcome Ashley Kuntz, the director of this obstacle despite difhonors administration for the ferences in backgrounds in UAB Honors College. beliefs. To start off the panel, fa“It’s very simple,” Hook
said. “You have to treat everyone with dignity and respect. No matter what part of life they came from. We can apply that to what we’ve seen with the divide with Birmingham proper and Jefferson County politically. If you look at other cities, wherever they go, they represent themselves as one cohesive body, and until we accomplish that, nothing will change.” The panel then shifted to addressing the divide that exists in the residential workforce. Sanders asked panelists to address how members can actively help eliminate segregation. “Segregation just doesn’t happen,” Tiffanie Agee,
J.D., LL.M, an attorney at Agee Law. “We actively put these boundaries around us. We have to put activity to our motivation. People are actively trying to annex their kids. Downtown Birmingham looks a lot different than when I was younger. But Fairfield looks a lot worse.” Hook also said the segregation that the community is facing today, is ever harder than the segregation in the past because in this era. He said it is segregation by choice. Following segregation, gentrification and addressing power between minorities and people of authority were addressed. “You have to have the humility to recognize of whom-
ever you’re trying to help, all you’re seeing is a snapshot of their life,” Carpenter said. “It never represents who they are.” Kuntz also said the community should focus more on revitalization of the city and not attempting to start from scratch every single time help is introduced. To end the discussion, Sanders asked the panel to address how power and authority plays into racism and segregation. “Your power is what you know and understand,” said T. Agee. “People always look for power externally, but once we start striving for knowledge our community will come together by itself.”
Page 6 | Section
The Kaleidoscope
Jan. 30, 2018
INTERFAITH
PHOTO BY DAWSON MILES/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alaina Palmer and Cam Mackenzie lead the interfaith dialogue with fellow students to create a space where differences about individuals can be discussed freely without creating divide.
Students unify through religion SMDP office hosts a series of interfaith panels at UAB
to be divided about them.” Palmer, said that she is not new to talks designed to bridge gaps by Mallorie Turner interfaith is to bring between people. Campus Reporter students together who “I participated maturn31@uab.edu have different faiths in the race dialogue and non-faiths to during Fall 2017, and talk about their backit opened my eyes to tudents from grounds, experiences, a lot of preconceived diverse religious and opinions,” Johnson notions,” Palmer said. backgrounds resaid. “In order to have Student participant cently rubbed shoulders such a conversation, Arianna Villanueva, at the first session of the group focuses on freshman in health care the Interfaith Dialogue, building trust with one management, particia movement another and pated in the race brought to then building dialogue, outlined UAB in Fall a vocabulary her expectations. 2015 after together.” “I really felt students The interthat one [intervoiced confaith dialogue group dialogue] cern over sessions feature on faith would be the lack of eight to twelve interesting since Mackenzie students and Palmer I personally am religious groups on campus uses peer facilinot that religious,” according to Cortney tators. Cam Mackenzie, Villanueva said. “HowJohnson, coordinator junior in philosophy, ever I would like to of Student Multiculand Alaina Palmer experience and learn tural and Diversity senior in computer sci- other people’s religions Programs. ence led the inaugural firsthand from them.” Sponsored by the gathering. Johnson said she school’s SMDP, the “We’re kind of hopes students will Interfaith Dialogue creating a space where come to respect each consists of weekly face- people are comfortable other because of their to-face meetings over a talking about things differences and not in 10-week period at vari- they may not always spite of them through ous sites across cambe comfortable talking participation in this pus. The first five weeks about,” Mackenzie group. involve dialogue and said. “A lot of identi“I hope at the end trust-building while the ty-based experiences of the 10-week sesremaining five weeks and thoughts. And sions the students who are topic-based, cenwe’re hoping that participated will have tered around a video, through this, we’re made some new friends article or activity meant kind of making an and build authentic reas a catalyst for openenvironment where we lationships with people ing discussion. can talk about our difwho are different than “The focus of ferences without having them," Johnson said.
S
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We’re kind of creating a space where people are comfortable talking about things they may not always be comfortable talking about. A lot of identitiy-based experiences and thoughts. And we’re hoping that through this, we’re kind of making an enviornment where we can talk about our differences without having to be divided about them. —Cam Mackenzie
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 3
sports
7
MEN’S BASKETBALL
REACHING HIGHER
ABOVE Redshirt junior Nick Norton attempts a layup agianst UTSA’s Toby Van Ry during the Blazer’s 82-70 loss on Saturday night: BELOW: Senior Chris Cokley throws down a two-handed dunk as UTSA’s defenders watch during the Blazer’s 82-70 loss on Saturday night. PHOTOS BY LAYKN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR
Records fall as Blazers out-duel Miners Roadrunners out-run and shoot Blazers Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
The UAB Men’s Basketball team squared off against the University of Texas – El Paso Miners in Bartow Arena for a Conference-USA showdown. Contests against the Miners have been close affairs in the past as the Blazers have gone to overtime on several occasions. Nine of the last 10 meetings between the two teams have been decided by nine points or less. The Blazers finished the game shooting 56.1 percent from the floor. The team made six three-pointers and had 18 assists. During the game, two players, senior forward William “HaHa” Lee and junior forward Lewis Sullivan, set new records one school-wide the other a personal best. Alan Ogg set the record for most blocks at UAB in 1990. Ogg’s record stood for 28 years, but Lee surpassed that mark by tallying his 267th block in the green and gold. “It’s a great feeling, an amazing feeling, one that I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life,” Lee said. “I didn’t think I was going to get it tonight. I just
made a great effort to go out and contest a three-point shot and got the second block I needed to get the record.” By the end of the season, Lee will have had plenty of time to increase his new record so that it is sure to stay. “Sometimes we take it for granted how special of a record it is,” said UAB Head Coach Robert Ehsan. “It’s unique. Shot blocking is not like rebounding, where every year you get a good rebounder. [Lee’s] record could stand for another 25 years, easily. He was anxious, he wanted it to happen.” Sullivan set his own personal best scoring effort with 19 points on seven field goals and five free throws. He also tallied four assists and paved the way for UAB in a game that started slow for the Blazers. UTEP scored first in the first quarter and
kept a marginal lead through the first half, just barely leading UAB until sophomore guard Nate Darling made a jumper to take a 24-23 lead. This lead continued unbroken into halftime with UAB leading UTEP 41-36. In the second half, the Blazers kept UTEP behind them by an average of seven points, eventually securing a win 85-78. “Give our guys credit, we never let it get closer than five or six,” Ehsan said. “When we did need a basket. We went to Chris or Lewis inside and usually got something, which is obviously our strength.” Senior forward Chris Cokley ended the game with six field goals, three free throws, 11 rebounds and an assist. Cokely made 66.7 percent of his attempted field goals and 100 percent of his free throws.
Sarah Oetken Sports Reporter sarahoak@uab.edu
The UAB Blazers were buried under a barrage of three-pointers by the Roadrunners of the University of Texas - San Antonio. Even though UAB shot 47.5 percent from the field, UTSA made 15 three-pointers, 53.6 percent from outside the stripe. The Blazers fell 82-70. The Blazers were not prepared for UTSA’s hot shooting on the court during the first half. The Roadrunners scored quickly from the opening tip and seemed to never miss. UTSA hit six straight 3-pointers in the first 13 minutes. “They haven’t shot the ball in conference well, percentage wise, especially recently,” said UAB head coach Robert Ehsan. “A team that has seven or eight shooters, I think it was a night they got hot and they got hot early. Some of the guys came off the bench and made a three, that haven’t made a three. It’s contagious when you see your teammates
making them.” The lone Blazer, Chris Cokley, had any success in the first half. He scored 12 points on five of nine shooting from the field. Jhivvan Jackson ran the show for UTSA, shooting five of seven from the field for 13 points. The Roadrunners led 42-26 at the half and held the Blazers to their second lowest halftime score. The most energy that the Blazers showed during the game came early in the second half. The trio of William ‘HaHa’ Lee, Zach Bryant and Cokley scored 13 points in less than five minutes to bring the Blazers within 10 points of the Roadrunners. Lee started off the scoring with a 3-pointer, and on the next possession he made two free throws. Bryant drove to the basket for a layup and Lee hit a turnaround eight-footer. Put all that together and the Blazers had a 13-5 run that cut the deficit to 47-39. “After that stretch, I thought we had some open looks from three-point
range and they didn’t go down,” Ehsan said. “I told the guys, as this game goes on, you’re going to get open threes, but you have to step up with confidence. We didn’t make shots that we needed, to keep the run going.” Cokley led the team with 20 points. Bryant added 15 points of his own, and Lee finished with 13 points, three blocked shots, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal. “I thought offensively we were trying to make the hero play, especially in that first half,” Ehsan said. “We got down 10, got down 12, we were taking some quick ones instead of being patient. They packed it on us all night, in a zone, (and) tried to dare us to shoot from outside. We were taking the first good look we got.” The Blazers’ next home game is set for Thurs, Feb 8 against the North Texas University Mean Green.
Page 8 | Sports
The Kaleidoscope
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Domination on the court
PHOTO BY DAWSON MILES/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Redshirt freshman Lea Kerstein dribbles the ball down the court against FAU’s Malia Kency during the Lady Blazer’s 90-57 victory over the Owls on January 27.
Lady Blazers outscore foes 161118 behind double-double efforts Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
The UAB women’s basketball Lady Blazers improved their season record to 17-3 and 7-1 in conference play after their showdowns against the Florida International Panthers and the Florida Atlantic Owls. On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Lady Blazers defeated the Golden Panthers of FIU 71-61 in Miami, Florida. The team had 18 assists and 49 rebounds. Senior Kara Rawls notched her second double-double this season, and third of her career,
with 15 points and 20 rebounds. Rawls’ rebounds also set a team high for the season, distinguishing her as the only player to make 20 rebounds in a single game. “Everyone on the team has heart,” Rawls said.” …My job comes easy, to just go get it.” The Lady Blazers traveled back home to Bartow Arena to play the FAU Owls on Saturday, Jan. 27. The game started with the Lady Blazers scoring continuously, leading 10-2 five minutes into the first quarter. UAB held a 19-7 lead at the end of the first quarter
of play. At halftime, the Lady Blazers secured a 20-point lead, winning 46-26. The third quarter saw this lead only grow to a 25 points just six minutes into the period. The Lady Blazers ended the third quarter with a lead of 70-45. The fourth quarter was no different from the other three as the Lady Blazers’ lead continued to grow. UAB won by a final score of 90-57, their largest margin of victory in conference play this season. “[I am] really pleased with the way we played tonight,” UAB Head Coach Randy Norton said. “We knew the key was defensive and rebounding, to hold [FAU] 20 points under their
average, I’m just really pleased.” The FAU Owls score an average of 77 points per game, but the Lady Blazers’ defensive play choked their offense on Saturday. Rawls once again scored a double-double, as did sophomore forward Imani Johnson. Rawls scored 12 points and collected 12 rebounds, while Johnson scored 10 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. “It’s going to be the standard,” Norton said. “We expect a double-double every game. What makes [Rawls] such a great rebounder is that she can rebound out of her area.” The Lady Blazers scored 50 percent of
their field goals, 80 percent of their free throws and made eight three-pointers. The team also collected 27 assists. “[We] just keep doing what we’re doing,” Norton said. “I think our kids are going to be locked in and have great focus and attention to detail from here on out.” Over the next two weeks, the Lady Blazers will play three teams in three different states. The Lady Blazers play the University of Texas – El Paso Miners Frida, Feb 2 in El Paso, Texas, then take on Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, Sun Feb 4. The following week, the team will play Marshall University in Huntingdon, Virginia Sat, Feb 10.
FROM THE DESK OF: THE SPORTS EDITOR
Breaking: NCAA isn’t too inept Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
The National Collegiate Athletics Association governs over all the nation’s collegiate sports. They pride themselves on being concerned with and protecting the “well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.” However, this is arguably not always the case. For example, Donald De La Haye, the former kicker for the University of Central Florida, was reprimanded by having his scholarship removed and being removed from the football team because he was making money from his YouTube channel. He
was given the option to When he was ruled demonetize his channel ineligible, De La Haye or lose his scholarship, had 90,000 subcribers per the NCAA. on his channel, but now He chose his chanhas over half a million. nel, something that he “Honestly, the best has said he enjoys doing advise anyone gave me for fun and a few was make the dollars, over his choice with your athletic career. heart, and decide “I’m ruled inbased on what eligible because I you wanted to refuse to de-mondo,” De La Haye etize my videos, said in an intersomething that view with CNBC. Gentry “That turned out I’ve worked so hard for,” De La Haye to be making content said in an interview that people enjoy.” with the Orlando SenThis, to me, says that tinal. “Something that the NCAA does not I have put blood, sweat want student athletes and tears into. Someto make money at all. thing that I eat, sleep, The student athletes are breathe about. … and I not allowed to hold any get deemed ineligible to kind of job outside of continue playing college school or sports. sports because of it.” The NCAA proved
this in their ruling of De La Haye’s case. He cannot have been making that much money off of ad revenue on YouTube. I fully disagree with their decision in this matter and think that the NCAA does not always have the student athlete’s best interests in mind. However, surprisingly to me, the NCAA announced in January that the college basketball season can now begin as early as Nov. 6, 2018, a whole week earlier than in the past. This move is an effort to give players and coaches a chance to visit family during the holiday season in December as well as avoid having basketball
tip-off interfering with college football games so that both sports teams get the support they deserve. “The hope is that the change in start date for basketball will create an excitement around the tip-off of the season and provide better scheduling balance in the calendar,” said Blake James, the chairman of the NCAA Division I Council, in an interview with Arkansas Online. “Because we didn’t increase the number of games, schools also will have more flexibility to provide students time off during the holidays.” The NCAA is also allowing individual conferences to vote on whether or not they will
have a mandatory threeday break in December for holidays away from school and games. Honestly, this is one of the few things I can remember in my lifetime that the NCAA has done that benefits the players more than it does any market that has money invested in it like advertising, ESPN, etc. Usually it seems as if the NCAA is acting in their own, or their investors’, best interests, but not this time. The NCAA may seem like this big, bad group most of the time, but they do occasionally do something good for student-athletes. In case they did right by student athletes.
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
The Kaleidoscope
Sports | Page 9
Hockey From Page 1
period, the Blazers were penalized for having too many men on the ice, giving the Tigers a power play. Auburn broke the tie game with a goal from Braden Pichel and took a 2-1 lead with 7:29 remaining in the second period. In the final period, the physical play and frustration started to show for the Blazers. Just as the Tigers started to gain confidence by controlling the Blazers, UAB’s Jakob Hornsby broke through the Auburn defense on an unassisted goal to tie the game 2-2. Late in the period, the Tigers were called for a cross-checking penalty, putting the Blazers on the power play. Luke Ciocca and Dickinson set up Hornsby again for the Blazers on a slapshot off the crossbar and into the net. The Blazers took the 3-2 lead with less than four minutes remaining. Auburn had another chance to tie the game, but UAB goalie Aaron Roe corralled the loose puck and a giant fight for the loose puck occurred on the ice. The standing-room-only crowd roared as Auburn’s final attempt was blocked by a UAB player and the Blazers emerged with the 3-2 victory. “The crowd was amazing tonight,” Hornsby said. “When we thought we had nothing left in the tank, we heard them and thought, okay maybe I have a little bit more.” On Saturday, the two
PHOTO BY WILL HARRIS/SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR The referees attempt to break up a scuffle between UAB and Auburn players during the Blazers victory on Friday night.
teams squared off again, but with a far different outcome. The two teams rely on physical play to set up their offenses and it showed as 14 penalties were called and one Blazer player was ejected. The Tigers were able to get under the skin of the Blazers and forced retaliation. “After losing last night, we knew they’d be out for blood,” UAB’s Yves Cordeau said. “We have four pillars
that Coach Cagle came up with. They are discipline, character, accountability and finish strong. If we live up to those, we play really well, but unfortunately, we lost sight of all four at different points in the game.” The Tigers’ Matt Marone and Chandler Brown both scored two goals a piece to give Auburn a 4-0 lead after the first two periods. The frustration by Blazer players kept them in the penalty box
for the majority of the game. The Tigers gained a 6-0 lead after continuous UAB penalties that gave Auburn several power play opportunities. Hornsby was able to net a goal for the Blazers to cut the lead to 6-1 halfway through the final period. The Tigers added one more goal to their total after Brown added his third of the game, giving him a hat trick. The Blazers fell by a final score of 7-1. “We’re going to have
to learn to be disciplined,” said UAB head coach Steve Cagle. “We can’t let them get under our skins and be the ones retaliating. We’re going to learn from it and come out strong against Eastern Kentucky.” The two teams combined for 30 total penalties in the two games and four UAB players were ejected. UAB (13-3-2) will now head to Eastern Kentucky on February 9 and 10.
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
Volume 59, Issue
metro
10 CITY COUNCIL
BLANK SPACE BHAM
CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marcus Fench’s vandalized mural outside Melt represents inspires a community response. BELOW: Fench and another painter work on the mural May 27, 2017.
Mural of the story Vandalized artwork inspires community fundraising event Meredith Sanford Writer meredithsanford@gmail.com
On Tuesday, Jan. 16, vandals destroyed popular art work created by area muralist Marcus Fench. Three of his popular murals were ruined that same night, including the angel wings at Melt in Avondale, eyes located at 39th and 1st Avenue North and a mural of a hot air balloon located in Woodlawn. Fench said he believes the vandal(s) is another jealous artist or someone who had a personal vendetta against him. Fench said all the murals were destroyed by using a pump sprayer. Marcus said each of these murals took around three to five days to paint. Furthermore, this is not the first time his murals were vandalized. Back in December 2016 someone spray painted “No Gentrification” over the painting of the eyes located on 1st Avenue North. Fench only started doing murals three years ago and only heavily painting a year and a half ago. His idea for painting murals started when he was cleaning up Redemptive Cycles workspace and was inspired to make Birmingham more beautiful. Fench founded Redemptive Cycles as a non-profit organization to sell refurbished bicycles to the community. “These murals are defining factors of what makes this city unique, Fench said When asked why the community seems to act
Stephens From Page 1
Not long after the meeting, Stephens joined the campaign as an intern and quickly became a district director and campus organizer, gaining the experience and skills he would use just months later when he hopped on the Jones campaign. “He’s just a genuine guy wanting to help, doing it not in a way of following, but leading,” Woodfin said. Despite his success, Stephens never expected that he would be where he is now. “Getting into campaigning just sort of happened,” Stephens
PHOTO COURTESY OF @ NORRISADVENTURES INSTAGRAM
so strongly to the destruction of the murals he said People love it. They bring life to this community.” Thursday, Jan. 25, Melt held a fundraiser to raise money to repaint the lost murals. Many local breweries were there to donate. There was also a silent auction with many different items donated from many local businesses and restaurants. Many people showed up and packed the restaurant. A percentage of the proceeds were donated to fund Fench’s new murals. Fench said all of this was a “blessing in disguise.” “This was a wake up call for the city, and the people of Birmingham are now getting excited about seeing more murals around the city. Donations can be made at createbirmingham.org/muralfund.
said. “I never thought I would work on a campaign, although elections and politicians have always fascinated me.” Stephens believes that his time at UAB well prepared him for his current role. “I have always had a passion for studying history and government,” Stephens said, noting that the 2008 presidential race served as a catalyst for this interest. “Seeing someone in that position that looked like me was a real inspiration.” Aside from former President Barack Obama, Stephens dedicates his success to role models and mentors, including his
parents, older brothers and administrators in UAB’s Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs office. “While at UAB, I was able to learn from community leaders and real change makers that only inspired me to learn and grow,” Stephens said. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was challenged to be more open-minded and to get involved.” In addition to serving a term as Undergraduate Student Government Association President, Stephens was heavily involved in the Blazer Male Excellence Network and Multicultural and Social Justice Advocacy Council.
If anyone would like to get more involved with painting and doing murals around the city, Fench can be reached at BlankspaceBham. com Fench founded this website and several others for non-profit public art. “It’s just so cruel that someone do this,” said Stephanie Mcelduff, bar manager of Melt. “It’s not like it was Melt that paid for it. It was funded by a really nice family that just wanted to make Birmingham more beautiful.” Fench plans on repainting the murals, which will take about a month to complete. He says that the next murals will be bigger and better then ever. He is also looking at putting a protective coating over the next murals to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
“As we try to cultivate student leaders, we are often faced with trying to help them realize their leadership potential, but Garrett always knew he was a leader and thrived within those roles,” Chris Jones, director of SMDP, said. Now a resident of Washington, D.C., Stephens is pursuing a
master’s degree in public administration from UAB online. “I feel a deep commitment to UAB, so I did not want to transfer [schools] when I moved to D.C.,” Stephens said. “I truly believe that if I had not chosen to attend UAB that I would not be where I am right now.”
The Birmingham City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 23, to discuss topics ranging from parks and recreation to transportation. They voted to match a $150,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to improve East Lake Park, allotting a total of $300,000 for parking, landscaping, sand volleyball courts and clearing vegetation surrounding the creek. The council said they hope this project will increase draw to the area. The Council also voted to confirm the state’s amendment to a preexisting policy, which allows for municipalities to require a $100 license for businesses that deliver and set up or install merchandise within the tax jurisdiction. Under the new amendment, a business with gross receipts totaling less than $10,000 is exempt. If its gross receipts exceed $75,000, then the business must purchase a full business license. The council approved a $362,400 bid made by A. G. Gaston Construction Company to conduct improvements, primarily on pavilions, at parks such as Barker Park, Fountain Heights Park, Minnieville Park and Spring Water Park. They to use funds from completed projects to match a $75,000 grant from ALDOT for to help fund an access road off between Finley Boulevard and Finley Avenue West to increase ease of access to the Jefferson County Truck Growers Association Farmers Market. The project is expected to cost $750,000. Funds from the City will supplement contributions from the Department of Agriculture, Jefferson County Truck Growers Association, Alabama Department of Transportation and the State. The Council voted unanimously to join a three-year agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson Transit Authority to allot $10.8 million each year to public transit. “Transit is a public service," Councilor Steven Hoyt said. "It doesn’t exist to make a profit … So when we sit down to talk about the budget, we need to revisit transit." The City entered an identical agreement for the last six years. Several Councilors and the mayor mentioned that the city needs to contribute more. “If this is what we’re going to invest, just know when things break down, we’re in a threeyear agreement,” Councilor Lashunda Scales said.
Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 3
life & style
11 TRACK TAKES
HISTORY AND CULTURE
Rexha and her rise to stardom Mason McGalliard Operations Manager for BlazeRadio masonbm@uab.edu
PHOTOS BY CHRIS/STAFF PHOTOGRAFFER Entrance sign to Books, Beans and Candles Occult and Metaphysical Shoppe, one of the gathering points for the Pagan community in the area.
Magic behind the city A small insight in the Pagan community of Birmingham Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter miltona@uab.edu
On most Tuesday nights, the parking lot of local coffee and occult shop Books, Beans and Candles is full for the Introduction to Witchcraft classes. At these classes, anyone can learn about witchcraft and the culture of Paganism. “Paganism is a broad category,” said Mitchell Hagod, owner of Books, Beans and Candles. “A lot of things and a lot of religions fall under that title. People are often taught that it is evil, and it is not. Instead of listening to what they are told, people should research for themselves. There is no devil in the craft. We believe in tolerance, peace and love.” The most prolific figure associated with Paganism in Birmingham is mayor George Ward, who served during the first decade of the 20th century and who earned recognition for his elaborate estate with a design based on the Roman Temple of Vesta. “George Ward was the mayor who coined term ‘Magic City,’ which we often associate with the steel industry here,” Hagod said. “Ward also founded Vestavia Hills, named after the Roman goddess of the hearth and home. He designed George Ward Park, which has a large pentacle in the center. He was also the one who brought in Vulcan. Was he pagan? You can’t say he was or not, but there are lot of coincidences.” Paganism as a whole, encompassing witchcraft and other associated beliefs, has a long history of being misunderstood, and its adherents often misjudged. However,
it is a diverse group of beliefs with a long and rich history in Birmingham, from the emergence of Roman gods as icons throughout the area to the controversy surrounding the construction of the famed Storyteller Fountain at
Five Points South. “Essentially, when the plans for the fountain were revealed in the newspapers it created an uproar,” said Pamela King, assistant professor at the UAB Department of History. “Fans of the artist loved it. Many church groups opposed it so furiously that they successfully got the construction plans delayed for quite some
“
People are often taught that it [paganism] is evil, and it is not. Instead of listening to what they are told, people should research for themselves. There is no devil in the craft. We believe in tolerance, peace and love.” —Mithcell Hagod
Detail from the Storyteller Fountain at Five Points South, a subject that rised controversy during its construction.
time. Eventually, plans proceeded.” There remains controversy over the design of the Storyteller Fountain and its connection with Paganism, or if there is any connection at all. But, like a lot of the well-known fixtures in Birmingham, it does have significance to the Pagan community. “Birmingham has a lot of magical aspects to it,” Hagod said. “Paganism has always been here.” The community has also faced a lot of backlash over the years. “Overall, I think the thing I would most like people, especially those in the South, to know is that Pagans are not evil, we do not worship Satan and we are not to be feared,” said Sarah Franklin, junior in public health and president of the UAB organization Path of the Ancient Ones. “While all of us worship in our own ways, most Pagans have a common belief in the divinity of Nature and the Universe. Some of us, including myself, worship many gods and goddesses, while other Pagans worship nothing other than the Earth itself.” The Pagan community is large and diverse. Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy in the past surrounding the community and opposition to it. Still, though, Paganism is very entrenched in the history of the Magic City and remains a vibrant culture that adds to the overall diversity of Birmingham. “The community in Birmingham and Alabama in general is rather private,” Franklin said. “Because of history with discrimination or fear, we do not go around witnessing our faith. We have always been around and there are plenty of people in the community who come from a family line of witches.”
In a world where artists such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello seem to be ruling the pop realm, it can be hard to break through the glass wall and become a popular, well-respected artist. However, there does seem to be one female artist making her mark on the world and if you don’t know her name, you most definitely know her voice. Bebe Rexha is a singer/songwriter that has been around for a few years, and while she may not have been able to claim the number one spot on the charts just yet, she has definitely proven herself to be a credible artist. She has a certain edgy style and look that makes her stand out from other artists on the scene. Born in New York, she has a distinctive voice that garnered McGalliard her multiple hits, both as a featured artist and as the lead artist. Her current biggest hit on the charts, which has been climbing the Billboard Hot 100, is “Meant to Be,” a collaboration with country duo Florida Georgia Line, from her latest EP All Your Fault: Pt. 2. Also from that same EP is “The Way I Are (Dance with Somebody),” which performed well on the charts. This song was a collaboration with hiphop artist Lil Wayne that gave a bit of an homage to the late Whitney Houston. She also released “I Got You,” from her earlier EP All Your Fault: Pt. 1, which was able to peak at No. 43 on the Billboard charts in 2017. If you don’t recognize her for these hits (which you probably should), then you will absolutely be able to notice her voice from her work as a featured artist. She was featured on G-Eazy’s “Me, Myself & I” in 2016, where her voice played a vital role, making this one of the biggest hits of her career thus far. She was also featured on David Guetta’s “Hey Mama” in 2015. Rexha performs the chorus of that song while Nicki Minaj and Afrojack contribute vocals. She collaborated with Minaj again when they created the song “No Broken Hearts.” On a side-note, Rexha also cowrote the Eminem-Rihanna hit “The Monster.” Bebe Rexha definitely has both the vocal ability and track record to be recognized as one of the best “up and coming” artists. This is an artist that managed to work with some of the biggest names in music and create multiple hits without even having yet released a full-studio album. To work with some of the most popular musical artists is a major plus in the music industry, and it’s only a matter of time before more artists are begging to work with her. While we await her debut studio album, it would not be a stretch to predict that Rexha will soon be one of the biggest and most-respected artists of our time. BlazeRadio Operations Manager, DJ MB and “Keepin’ it Real with DJ MB.”
Page 12 | Life & Style
The Kaleidoscope
Jan. 30, 2018
IDENTITY QUIZ
Your roommate type Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
Living with roommates is a big part of the college experience for most students. However, when different characters are living under the same roof, conflicts and disputes are not an unusual occurrence. Be prepared for the next dispute and find out what your roommate character is by adding the numbers of the answers that you think fit your personality best. The range your total falls in represents your roommate character.
In a house party in your home you are the one who is… (2) Constantly cleaning up after the guests. (4) Making a fool of yourself. (6) Being the life of the party.
How to you prioritize your activities? (2) I do the most important and time-pressing task first. (4) I do the most fun thing first. (6) I do whatever I feel like.
How do you handle your class assignments? (2) As soon as I can, preferably right after the assignment is posted. (4) I usually have many projects going on, but somehow they always get done. (6) I turn everything in at 11:59 the day it is due.
How do you feel about labeling food in the shared kitchen? (2) I have to label it because someone always eats it. (4) No one wants to eat my food, so I don’t have to label it. (6) I just eat whatever is in the fridge and deal with the con sequences later.
Which of these animals would you like to have as a pet? (2) A cat. (4) A ferret. (6) A dog.
Your dream in life is to... (2) Have financial security. (4) Do something I enjoy every day. (6) Be super rich and popular.
You are the roommate who has everything under control. You are a hopeless perfectionist, who always strives for the best possible results and you exceed your potential. However, this also means that you are the one who ends up being responsible for making cleaning schedules and systems. If only your roommates could understand why a frisbee is not a suitable substitute for a plate.
You are the stranger one of the bunch. You have given up trying to explain your ways to people, because they would not understand. You do things your way. Your creativity and interest in ambiguous things sets you apart, as well as making you appear bizarre to the people living with you. Your misteriousness would scare your roommates, if you weren’t such a kindhearted person.
What quality do you seek the most in a partner? (2) Intelligence. (4) Kindness. (6) Attractiveness.
How do you handle house chores? (2) I do them as soon as possible so that I can relax. (4) I make them into a game so that they are more fun to do. (6) I hate chores, so I put them off in hopes that someone else will do it for me.
How do you decide what to wear on a regular day? (2) I plan my outfit the night before. (4) I dress according to my mood that day. (6) I just wear whatever that is clean. Or seems clean.
If you had a motto, it would be “if I don’t have to do it now, I won’t.” And by “it” you’d mean the dishes. You are the roommate who will wait for the Pope to come visit before you clean your living area, if even then. You’re slobby, but you’re also fun, which is how you have avoided being kicked out after all this time.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY KRISTINA BALCIUNAITE/LIFE & STYLE EDITOR
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