UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 8
The
Festival of colors: Celebration of Good The Indian Cultural Association brings the international holiday of Holi to UAB. The festival’s history is rooted in Indian mythology celebrating Good’s triumph over Evil and the reconnection of friendships. Look out for the color explosion on page 4.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
SPRING BREAK
Women capture first regular season title in program history
Fund-friendly getaways to escape school
CHAMPIONS Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
PHOTO FROM KALEIDOSCOPE ARCHIVES Senior Whytney Singleton dribbles down the court of Bartow Arena in one of the Blazers’ record-setting 13 conference wins.
After the first regular-season title in program history, the UAB Women’s Basketball Team, 24-5 overall and 13-3 in conference play, is heading to the Conference USA tournament in Frisco, Texas, as the No. 1 seed. The team came home with two victories from the road, one Thursday, March 1, against the University of North Texas Mean Green and Saturday, March 3, at the University of Texas San Antonio Roadrunners. This season UAB matched the team record for most season wins at 24 and set a record for most conference wins at 13. “I am just really proud of our team,” said UAB Head Coach Randy Norton. “It’s been an outstanding season and just watching these girls play like I know they can is really phenomenal.” UAB beat North Texas to earn their 10th road victory of the season, winning 69-51. Four players scored in double digits. Sophomore Rachael Childress led the team with 18 points, senior Kara Rawls dropped 13 points, sophomore Miyah
I am just really proud of our team. It’s been an outstanding season and just watching these girls play like I know they can is really phenomenal. —Coach Randy Norton Barnes netted 12 points and sophomore Angela Vendrell scored 10 points. UAB assisted on 24 made shots and pulled down 34 rebounds. The game opened with an electric start by UAB, scoring seven points within the first two minutes. This fast start set the tone for the rest of the Lady Blazers’ play that evening, but North Texas played catch up throughout the first half, trailing by nine, 34-25, at the break. In the second half, UAB resumed their fast-paced play and swept North Texas within the first four minutes. After the Lady Blazers had amassed a 20-point lead, 66-46, the team cruised while playing stout defense until the final buzzer sounded. UAB then traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to face UTSA in the final game of the regular season and won 74-66. However, the Roadrunners outplayed the Lady Blazers until halftime as UTSA led 35-33. In the second half, UAB kept tight defense and let their offense lead them to victory. Barnes drove the team to a 53-46 lead over UTSA to start the final quarter of play.
See CHAMPS, Page 7
Five destinations to cater to student’s wallet and interests Juwayriah Wright Life & Style Reporter juwright@uab.edu
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lanning a trip on a tight budget can be restrictive, but this limitation should not hinder any intention to reward studious perseverance with an adventurous week. Traveling to a fun and economically savvy destination may seem daunting, but it is not too tough to find a place nearby that can forge lasting memories. Alabama’s own Dauphin Island allows visitors time to relax in a natural setting. Famous for its stretches of white beaches and diverse wildlife, the site can be a means of destressing with friends or family. Dauphin Island’s historical pre-eminence boasts an array of antiquated forts. The island lies only a quarter-day road trip away from Birmingham, making for an out-ofdoors vacation on the Gulf Coast that’s easy on the wallet.
See GETAWAYS, Page 9
ILLUST RATIO N BY K RISTIN A BAL CIUNA ITE
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
here & there
2
FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE
JOKE OF THE WEEK What do you can a bear that’s not good at being a bear? Unbearable.
THIS WEEK IN STUDENT MEDIA
- Kristina Balciunaite, Life and Style Editor Final submissions for the spring issue of Aura Literary Arts Review will be accepted until Friday, March 9, to auraartsreview@gmail. com. If you have any questions check out our website or social media accounts. Be on the lookout for Aura’s first zine, a creative homemade magazine called “Pink.” The first issue in this series is a reflection of love and our staff’s perception of its aura. If you find a copy around campus be sure to tag us on social media with the #ShareYourAura.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Contact Aura at auraartsreview@ gmail.com. PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Freshman guard Hunter Reynolds (No. 12) drains one from seventeen feet to break triple digits over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday, March 3, in Bartow Arena.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
If you wish to see your event displayed in our calendar, please contact Chandler Jones at chanj1@uab.edu.
What: Baseball vs. Milwaukee Where: Regions Field When: 4 p.m.
What: Holy Youth / Snacks / The Black Lodge DJ Set What: Stand-Up Where: Manitou Comedy Show Supply Co. Who: Benji When: 7 p.m. Brown Where: The Stardome When: 7:30 p.m.
What: Baseball vs. Milwaukee Where: Regions Field When: 1 p.m.
What: Softball vs. Marshall Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 12 p.m.
What: Softball vs. Marshall Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 1 p.m.
What: Baseball vs. Milwaukee Where: Regions Field When: 1 p.m.
What: Visions Natural Hair & Health Expo Who/Where: BJCC When: 10 a.m.
What: Spring Fest Who/Where: Delta Blues Hot Tamales When: 5 p.m.
sunday
What: International Women’s Day Networking Mixer Who: UAB Social Justice Advocacy Council Where: The Edge of Chaos
saturday
What: BBBake Sale Who: Bham’s Blazin Bhangra Where: Hill Student Center When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
What: SALSA’s Bake Sale Who: UAB Spanish and Latino Student Association Where: Hill Student Center When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
friday
tuesday
What: Baseball vs. Auburn Where: Regions Field When: 6:30 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.
Keep an eye out for more news on BlazeRadio’s event, “Lip-Sync Battle Night” on March 29! Also, be sure to check our social media accounts for all of our show updates and livestreams! Follow us on Instagram @blazeradiouab and on Twitter @blazer-
Contact BlazeRadio at alex96@uab.edu.
UABTV will be releasing yet another gubernatorial interview. This interview will be with candidate Walt Maddox. Also, Girl Talk with Jessica Washington and DeMya Johnson will have a new episode out tomorrow with the latest entertainment and political news. Be sure to look out for these productions.
Contact UABTV at morris95@uab.edu.
What: Old-Time Music Jam Who/Where: The Jaybird When: 7 p.m.
monday
March 6, 1899: Bayer patents aspirin The Imperial Patent Office in Berlin registers Aspirin, the brand name for acetylsalicylic acid, on behalf of the German pharmaceutical company Friedrich Bayer & Co. March 7, 1876: Bell patents the telephone 29-year-old, Scottish-born Alexander Graham Bell receives a patent for his revolutionary new invention: the telephone. March 8, 1917: February revolution begins In Russia, the February Revolution (known as such because of Russia’s use of the Julian calendar) begins when riots and strikes over the scarcity of food erupt in Petrograd. One week later, centuries of czarist rule in Russia ended with the abdication of Nicholas II, and Russia took a dramatic step closer toward communist revolution. March 9, 1959: Barbie makes her debut On this day in 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City. March 10, 1959: Rebellion in Tibet On this day in 1959, Tibetans band together in revolt, surrounding the summer palace of the Dalai Lama in defiance of Chinese occupation forces. March 11, 1997: Paul McCartney knighted Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his “services to music.” March 12, 1933:FDR gives first fireside chat Eight days after his inauguration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gives his first national radio address or “fireside chat,” broadcast directly from the White House.
What: My Name is Bear Tour Who: Nahko, The Late Ones & Xiuhtezca Where: Saturn When: 8 p.m.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
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
Bella Tylicki Metro Editor btylicki@uab.edu
Will Harris Social Media Director willhrrs@uab.edu
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VOTING RIGHTS
Young idealism not on ballot voting age of 16 years, adding that many children by this age have entered the workforce lthough the deand are sufficiently mabate on lowering ture enough to vote. the voting age Other worthwhile has been going on for arguments include the some time, it has gained interest young people even more momentum seem to have in voting. as of late. Many real examples Since the tragic support this. Such as school shooting, when Takoma which left 17 stuPark, Maryland, dents and teachlowered their ers dead, Feb. voting age to 16, 14, 2018, many causing a voter Parkland, Florturnout rate ida high school which was four students seized times higher than Rose the mass media voters over 18. attention to voice the The only other place in need for better gun the United States where control both on state this has been done, and federal levels. Hyattsville, Maryland, Because minors are also observed the same becoming so heavily phenomenon. involved in political However, the benissues, many wonder efits of a lower voting whether they should age may not be enough also be extended the to outweigh the legal right to enact change, consequences of such a not just advocate for it. move. The right to vote Most supporters of isn’t an arbitrary idea, this argument propose and it exists a protecta federally recognized ed right. Whenever Parker Rose Columnist pdrose@uab.edu
A
lawmakers propose the boundaries of rights be extended, they often find themselves standing on a slippery slope. If voting rights extend to 16 year olds as they are to 18 year olds, then there is nothing standing in the way of the argument that they should have all of the rights held by a legal adult, as they now contribute to society on essentially similar levels. While this idea may not seem like an outright danger, one could argue as to whether society is ready to handle the implications of this change. One implicative example would be the ways in which criminal punishments would be served to minors. An article published by the American Psychological Association examined Temple University adolescent behavioral study. It found while adolescents
have the ability to make well-informed decisions, they “lack the social and emotional maturity to control impulses, resist peer pressure and fully appreciate the riskiness of dangerous decision… This immaturity mitigates their criminal responsibility.” If adolescents are not psychologically developed enough to be truly responsible, then it must follow that they cannot receive the same criminal punishment as fully developed functioning adults. Because of this dynamic, it is unreasonable to say that adolescents can hold the same rights as adults when they cannot be equally tried in a criminal court. Is the request to lower the voting age to adolescents compelling enough to upset an entire legal framework? Aside from developmental differences between adolescents and
legal adults, much is said on the effect which extending the boundary of voting rights could have on rights as a whole. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy articulates this concern in an entry on Children’s Rights as “one that the prodigality of rights attributions is damaging to the cause of rights… If you give away too many rights, they may cease to have the value and significance they once had and ought still to have.” The law is meant to be realistic, not idealistic. There are many examples of cases where the law does not fully encompass its intended purpose but eliminating such cases is close to impossible. In short, the law has to draw the line somewhere, and one that too hastily redraws those lines runs the risk of losing its authority to draw them.
Marie Sutton Student Media Director masutton@uab.edu
Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu
CORRECTION “Thank you, Alabama,” which was published in the Feb. 27 edition (Vol. 59, Issue 7), was incorrectly attributed to Wallace Golding, Managing Editor. The correct author is Bella Tylicki, Metro Editor. 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 UAB Student Media. Suite 130 Hill Student Center 1400 University Blvd. Birmingham, 35233 (205) 934-3354
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR
WEST VIRGINIA TEACHER STRIKE
An apple a day keeps the teacher away wage job. They told teachers that despite the $300 salary decrease for ‘health care’ each teacher would get a 1 percent n Thursday, Feb. 22, raise… which adds up to as students in Park$0.88 every two days. You do land, Florida, the math. were speaking out in Being the daughter favor of gun control, of an educator, I know teachers in West Virthat teachers work ginia were planning a more than 40 hours a protest of their own. week. This $0.88 raise It may not come as a is a slap in the face to shock to you, but teachevery teacher who has Stewart arrived for work before ers don’t make a lot of money. dawn and left well after Ranked fourth lowest in the sun has set. the nation, teachers in West It is an insult to the teachVirginia make an average of ers who take the extra care $45,240 a year. and attention to review a les“I only clear right under son with a struggling student, $1,300 every two weeks, and while she works a retail job they’re wanting to take $300 on the weekends just to keep more away,” said Katie Endifood on the table. cott in an article published by Teachers are strong and reThe New York Times, silient. In many cases, they are That’s only a grand every the light for a student who is biweekly period. Twice what I struggling with inner conflict make at my measly minimum or home problems. Taylor Steward Aura Editor-in-Chief tws2014@uab.edu
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I am still in contact with many of the teachers I knew in high school. Many of them I still consider mentors. Yet, by looking at their salary, you would never know the impact they made on their students. Currently, the median Alabama teacher’s salary is $49,120 that’s a $3,600 difference when compared to West Virginia’s numbers. The question is: what are we doing as citizens to fight for better wages for our teachers? What reward can we give the teachers of Alabama beyond Teacher Appreciation Day? Pay them. They don’t want your flowers, chocolates or fancy book marks you got on sale from Amazon. They want a reasonable salary so they can provide for their family just as you plan to provide for yours. They tell you that going to college and earning that
fancy degree with a stranger’s signature and a pretty sticker will keep you from living paycheck to paycheck. As many college students struggle to make ends meet with loans, rent and bills, it makes me wonder what students going to school for education will do. In the same New York Times article, a teacher said, “I live paycheck to paycheck… something has to change.” She’s right, no person with a college degree should have to live paycheck to paycheck, at least that’s what they tell us when they take our money for tuition. The teachers in West Virginia have been on strike for over a week, calling for better wages. Lawmakers are struggling to bring legislation to the table that will douse the fire that has ignited the Appalachian school system.
campus Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
4
PHOTOS BY LAKYN SHEPARD/ PHOTO EDITOR Students gather at the Mini Park and take part of a festival celebrated worldwide and is often marked as the day as friends meet and mend past relationships.
Celebrating the colors of life Students commemorate the arrival of the spring Sufia Alam Campus Editor sufia@uab.edu
O
n Sunday, March 4, students filled the Mini Park joining the Indian Cultural Association in celebrating an event often called the “Festival of Colors.” “Every year we plan a Holi event in which we throw colors at each other and have a good time,” said Priya Patel, Holi director of the Indian Cultural Association. “This is our first Holi event in the past two years.” As students filled their white Styrofoam cups with different powdered colors to throw at their friends, they were able take part of a religious festival that is celebrated worldwide. Initially originating from India, the festival of Holi symbolizes the victory of the Hindu god, Vishnu, in is his triumph over the evil king, Hiranyakashipu. According to Indian mythology, Hiranyakashipu was a king of a demonic land that allowed him to have immortal powers. As he grew stronger, he demanded the people of his land worship only him. However, with the help of the king’s son Prahlada, Vishnu was able to defeat the evil king and thus eradicate all evil from the land. Along with the symbolic significance of good triumphing over evil, the festival is also known as the day friends meet, forgive
each other and mend relationships. “The reason we throw different colors at each other is to celebrate the different colors of life,” said Sharan Kaur, a sophomore in biomedical sciences. “This is what we do, ICA strives to educate others about Indian culture and do that in a fun successful way.” The ICA aims to share Indian traditions and cultures with all students on campus, according to Viral Patel, a freshman in finance. At the festival students experienced authentic Indian food and music while celebrating the end of winter and
arrival of spring. Foods native to India such as parathas, potato and chickpeas and samosas were available for students to try. Bollywood music blasted in the background while students blasted each other with plastic water guns to wash off the color.
Because the event was student driven, some members of student organization also introduced a traditional Indian dance form, Garba, to all students to observe while also welcoming to join in as well. “This event took over two months to prepare,” Kaur said. “We started as soon as we got back for the spring semester. It involved a million things like renting tents, tables, finding places that sold the colors and finding someone to sponsor the food. The event this size requires a large location and attendance as well to make it successful. But at the end of the day I’m happy, because it was all worth it.” A national holiday in India, the Hindu festival is celebrated on the last full moon day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar of the month, which is usually March according to india.com. This year, the two-day festival was celebrated worldwide, March 1 and 2.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
The Kaleidoscope
Campus | Page 5
ELECTIONS
USGA to reign in new president Candidates introduce platforms of their campaign to student body
Srikakolapu
1. What inspired you to be a part of USGA? I’m the kind of person when they look at a process, when they look at something on campus, they immediately want to make it better. The perfect way for me to do something about the problems I saw on campus was to join student government. 2. Why are you running? I bring a lot of experience to the table. I bring more experience than the other candidates. This will be my fourth year in student government. I am running because I know what to do as president. I also want to build on ideas that I started as executive president. 3. What are some of the main parts of your campaign? The four points on my platform are: sustainability, student life, health and wellness and student engagement. The key part of our platform is student engagement. When I’ve talked to classes about if they have been able to express their concerns to USGA, I’ve noticed a disconnect. Through these initiatives, I believe we will be able to reach the needs of all students. 4. What is the biggest change you would like to happen with your presidency? I’m going to listen to my classmates over anyone else. When I’m talking to my classes, I’ve been giving out my phone number. If students have a problem, I want them to call me. I want them to get upset at me. I want them to ask why I’m not doing my job. If USGA isn’t communicating the issues that are going on around campus [to students], then we’re doing something wrong. I have the experience they need to bring change to campus. 5. Why should students vote for you? Being president is a huge responsibility. To succeed in this job, you have to know about the nuisances to work with admiration. At the end of the day, administration makes a lot of decisions. I can recognize what is going to feasible and I can recognize which routes to pursue. I can truly represent the student body at UAB. Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lrm33@uab.edu
As a young and growing institution, UAB looks to student leaders to help shape the future of the university. USGA hosted their 2018 Presidential Debate Thursday, March 1. The initial debate for presidential candidates consisted of three sections each lasting ten minutes. Siddharth Srikakolapu a junior in philosophy, said some of his main goals are: sustainability on campus, creating an online UAB student chat similar to the yik-yak app, more counselors in the Student Health and Wellness center. “This app will help break the disconnect we have between USGA and the student body,” Srikakolapu said. Erica Webb, junior in
webb
PITTMan
1. What inspired you to be a part of USGA? I was originally inspired to come to UAB because I was arriving to college as UAB football was going out. The student movement that was happening, that fire, I got to witness the fighters and the advocates. I knew with the work that I wanted to go into, with law and human rights, I wanted to channel that energy into my education. So now that I’m here. I want to run for president because I want to take that energy that I saw then and I continue to see and channel it to every part of the bureaucratic agency that we have here. 2. Why are you running? The biggest thing I’ve learned is how every small change takes so much effort, and that’s why it’s important to have dedicated people in these offices. Also as president, I would be sure to consider that along with the appointed positions, USGA selects to represent the students fairly and accurately. 3. What are some of the main parts of your campaign? I want to make sure people know the projects that I’m already working on and the ones I’ve been working on with others. I want to make sure students know about the projects that are currently happening so that we can take it to the next level on a presidential platform. 4. What is the biggest change you would like to happen with your presidency? None of these other projects and initiatives matter if we don’t have the student voice. I think we have a problem with communication. For some students, they don’t even fully understand what student government is. Not only hosting town halls, I want to see a lot more tabling, a lot more senators actively talking to their classes when we have bills or initiatives so we can fully serve all students. 5. Why should students vote for you? I am an advocacy-based person, that’s what I’ve shaped my life around. I’m going to make sure that these voices are represented. Also as an RA, I literally live where I work. I have resiliency to keep pushing. Change happens slowly, but I’m here for the fight.
1. What inspired you to be a part of USGA? Back in freshman year, I always wanted to be a part of the school but didn’t know how to bring change. In my sophomore year, I realized I wanted to be part of student government. And here I am now, running for president. 2. Why are you running? I have a different perspective on life and how USGA is handled. I want all the other leader’s voices heard through partnerships to build the school up. I want to partner to get better Wi-Fi and just encompass all things that can improve our school. 3. What are some of the main parts of your campaign? I want to build the campus community. I want to focus on campus resources, advocate change and bring more technology innovation. I want to have an app where students can report bad behavior on campus or if they feel threatened. Lastly, I think bringing in a virtual one card will make everyone’s life easier. 4. What is the change you would like to bring as president to USGA? Feminine products in the bathroom. That would be a very big victory not just for women but for men too. We can show that our school isn’t just patriarchal system. We can be very diverse and very liberal. 5. Why should students vote for you? I know everybody promises to hear your voice, but I truly believe I can hear their voice and write down their ideas. The student body is complex, and people don’t understand that. I’m confident that I can reach the voices of all students from commuters to transfer students and accommodate to all their needs.
English and political science, said she wants to make changes that include multicultural safe spaces, improving Title IX standards and advocating for the menstrual hygiene product movement on campus. “I’m an advocacy-based person,” Webb said. “I’m all over campus making sure I’m listening to these voices.” Kevin Pittman, a junior in business management, said his goals include a virtual One Card, improving Wi-Fi and implementing an app to report dangerous habits. “I could really help the students’ voices to be heard,” Pittman said. In the first section, candidates were asked what they thought made them qualified to be the new USGA President. Pittman said he is open to constructive criticism and wants to help, especially transfer students and incom-
ing freshmen. Webb referenced her work with Generation Action and her joint initiative to start using digital receipt systems on campus. “I place a lot of power in the students; I would put their wants and opinions over my own,” Srikakolapu said. In the second section, candidates were asked to state their platforms in connection to random questions from the moderator. Srikakolapu said he wishes to improve food choices on campus, potentially bringing back food trucks. He also said he wants to push for more survey responses to improve USGA visibility as well as make an effort to collect information from nontraditional students. Pittman said he is open and approachable on athletes’ needs. He would also like to improve student attendance for sporting events.
STORY BY SUFIA ALAM/CAMPUS EDITOR PHOTOS BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR
In addition to continuing her work with Title IX, Webb said she wishes to speak to incoming students on sexual consent. In the third debate section, candidates were asked questions regarding issues with student engagement. Webb said she wishes to improve signage for commuter parking, working to better communicate in advance when certain lots will be closed to students. She also wishes to accommodate nontraditional students, such as parents and transfer students. “To truly represent the student body, we need to address all different parts of UAB and not just our traditional students,” Webb said. Srikakolapu said he seeks to further develop peer coaching at the Student Health and Wellness Center and inform staff on how to spot warning signs when it
comes to students’ mental health. Pittman said he would like to implement an app where students can report dangerous habits. Next, candidates were asked random questions by the moderator with firstcome-first-serve responses. When asked about the Freshman Forum program, Srikakolapu said it’s about bringing one-on-one contact between students and administration. Meanwhile, Webb said it’s about working with self-esteem and talking with community stakeholders. To conclude the debate, candidates addressed keeping senators accountable. Webb spoke on increasing the visibility of USGA. Srikakolapu said it’s important that the senate makes the most of their last two months of the year. Students can vote March 6 on Blazernet.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
sports
6
MEN’S BASKETBALL
PHOTOS BY LAYKN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR ABOVE: UAB’s senior William ‘HaHa’ Lee jumps for the opening tip-off against Western Kentucky’s Dwight Coleby to start the Blazer’s 101-73 rout of the Hilltoppers. BELOW: The Blazers stand together to watch the postgame videos of senior Chris Cokley’s and Lee’s thoughts on their final season in the green and gold.
Finding their rhythm Blazers finish regular season strong against two top conference foes ahead of tournament Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
The UAB Men’s Basketball team returned home licking its wounds to face the, then, No. 3 team in Conference USA, Marshall University. The Blazers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead behind the steady inside play of senior Chris Cokley, and the outside shooting of redshirt junior Nick Norton and sophomore Nate Darling. UAB was able to build a lead of as many as 12 points, but Marshall would not go away quietly. The Thundering Herd thundered back to take a 3736 lead with three minutes before halftime, but a free throw by junior Jalen Perry, a layup by senior William ‘HaHa’ Lee and a dunk by Lee gave the Blazers a fourpoint edge at the break. “It was a fun team to coach tonight,” UAB Head Coach Rob Ehsan said. “They played hard. They shared the basketball and they played offensively with a lot of confidence. It’s a great momentum game.” Marshall began the scoring in the second half with a layup by C.J. Burks to close the UAB lead to just 39-41, but the Blazers continued to score and never looked back. Assists and rebounds spearheaded the Blazers’ attack as the team had 23 assists on 36 made shots and
outrebounded the Herd 49-31 throughout the game. The Blazers built their largest lead of 21 points after back-to-back-to-back 3-pointers by Norton and Lee giving the Blazers a 67-46 lead. The Herd continued to fight, though, and cut the deficit to as few as seven points with four minutes left in the game. UAB kept their foot on the gas until the final buzzer sounded to win 91-77. “It’s pretty satisfying,” Cokley said. “When a team scores that many consecutive buckets, and you’re getting stops, it is fun. You feel like you keep building momentum.” Six players for the green and gold finished in double figures with Cokley leading the charge with 23 points. Lee scored a double-double with 15 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Norton dropped 15 points, redshirt junior Lewis Sullivan scored 12 points, freshman Zack Bryant dropped 11 points and Perry scored 10 points to round out the Blazers in double figures. Norton also amassed nine assists with no turnovers during the Blazer’s victory. “It shows [that] with a healthy Chris [Cokley], we’re a really good team,” Norton said. The UAB Men’s Basketball team suited up at home for the last time this season to face the Western Kentucky
Hilltoppers for senior night. The Blazers looked to send their two seniors, Chris Cokley and William ‘HaHa’ Lee, out with a victory leading into the conference tournament. Cokley and Lee joined the UAB roster four years ago with Norton and Sullivan, but extenuating circumstances found them as the lone seniors on the team. The Blazers started the scoring early and often as the
team took a 10-5 lead three minutes into the game. WKU traded blows with the Blazers but could not match the continual bombardment of 3-pointers from Darling, Lee, Norton and Bryant. They combined for 15 3-pointers with Darling leading the charge, shooting 6-6 from beyond the arc. “It is definitely a special night,” Darling said. “It was all about Chris [Cokley] and ‘HaHa’ [Lee].”
The Blazers dominated the Hilltoppers in every facet of the game except rebounds. UAB shot 61.7 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Blazers assisted on 26 of 37 made shots and committed four fewer turnovers than WKU. UAB held a 45-37 lead at halftime, but broke the game wide open in the second half as the team took a lead as large as 31 points over the Hilltoppers. “I just think they deserved it,” Ehsan said. “I had a really empty feeling on senior night last season when we just didn’t play well. These two guys, we all know what they’ve done for the program.” The Blazers send their seniors out in style with a rout of WKU 101-73. The Hilltoppers fell to the No. 3 seed in the C-USA tournament and locked the Blazers into the No. 6 seed. “Great win and night for our program,” Ehsan said. “I’m really proud of our seniors. It was a great way to send them out in their last home game in Bartow Arena.” The Blazers finish the regular season at 19-12 overall and 10-8 in conference play heading into the C-USA tournament in Frisco, Texas. UAB plays Florida Atlantic University in the first round Wednesday, March 7, at 9 p.m. The game will be live streamed on Facebook.
Tuesday, March 6, 2017
The Kaleidoscope
Sports | Page 7
BASEBALL
SOFTBALL
Going down swingin’ In-state rivals clash with Lady Blazers at home Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
PHOTO BY LAYKN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR UAB’s No. 27 Thomas Johns swings to try and bring home No. 22 Zack Davis from third base during the Blazer’s series against the University of Iowa.
Facing stiff competition Blazers looked to knock off the reigning Big Ten champions Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
The UAB baseball team, 5-5 overall, beat the reigning Big Ten Conference Champion, Iowa, 8-2 overall, the final game of a three-game weekend series. The Blazers won 4-0 after dropping the first two games and the series. On Friday and Saturday, UAB fell to Iowa 4-1 and 11-3. Regardless, UAB Head Coach Brian Shoop was optimistic about his team. “I was super encouraged by these games,” Shoop said. “This [Iowa] is a team that won 39 games last year, and we were right there.” Friday’s game (4-1) had no scoring until the third inning when Iowa scored a run to take a 1-0 lead. However, UAB immediately answered a run of their own in the bottom of the third. Both teams put up effective defense until the fifth and ninth innings, in which Iowa scored a total of three runs between them. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back as the
Champs
From Page 1
The Lady Blazers held on tight to this hard-earned lead through the remainder of the second half. UTSA brought the score to as close as 68-64 with two minutes left in the game, but UAB powered through and scored six consecutive points in the final minutes to push their lead to 74-66 for the victory. The Lady Blazers totaled 19 assists and 39 rebounds with 12 of those rebounds coming from Rawls. The team forced 15 turnovers on
Blazers could not respond. However, the Blazers threatened to score several times when the team loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh inning and with top hitters senior Price Visintainer and redshirt sophomore Zack Davis hitting consecutive singles in the eighth. “I saw some positive signs of our offense,” Shoop said. “I thought Tanner [Graham] was outstanding and it was just awesome to see Tyler Gates back on the mound because it’s been a long, long road. If he can get back in the mix for us we’re a lot better because he brings not only ability but a toughness that will really help our club well,” Saturday’s game ended with a bit more disparity in score. Shoop was more discouraged from this outing by the team. “Friday I said I was encouraged but today there was hard to find much good,” Shoop said. “Iowa’s Brady Shanuel pitched tough, but that being said, Iowa is a very good college baseball team.” The Blazers reversed their USTA which resulted in 22 points for UAB. Junior guard Deanna Kuzmanic scored 20 total points, and Childress scoring 19 points. Childress also connected on a gamehigh four 3-pointers. UAB will start conference tournament play with a first round bye as the No.1 seed. The No. 1-4 seeds get a first round bye before facing their first competition. The Lady Blazer’s first opponent will be the winner of the game between No. 8 seed Southern Miss and No. 9 seed UTEP, which will be played Wednesday. March 8, at 11 a.m in
trend Sun. as they blanked the Hawkeyes in a 4-0 win. Neither team scored until the bottom of the fifth inning when UAB’s Stephen Dobbs was driven home by a single from Visintainer. Iowa made a few attempts to load the bases in the top of the sixth inning, but UAB’s defense quickly struck them out to get back on offense. In the sixth inning, UAB’s bats exploded with a single by Davis and then followed by a double from Carter Pharis. Thomas Johns tallied two RBIs when he drove them home on a single. Johns remained on base,
Most Hits For Series Price Visintainer (3)
Most Strikeouts Ryan Wesson (7)
Most RBIs For Series Thomas Johns (2)
Most At Bats For Series Price Visintainer (5)
Frisco, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboy’s training facility, the Star. The Lady Blazers have locked in an automatic bid to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament if the team does not receive a bid to the NCAA tournament after the conference tournament concludes.
advancing to second base after a bunt by Colton Shultz and then to third base on a hit by Blake Johnson. Johns scored after another bunt. Vistintainer had the most hits of the game with three while notching an RBI. Johns topped the team with two RBIs. Junior pitcher Ryan Wesson struck out seven batters while allowing three hits. “Wesson was outstanding, just as expected,” Shoop said. “I’m really impressed with his play. One walk and no errors is a formula for success for your pitching and defense, and we added some timely hitting to the mix today. Our hitters have been trying so hard because they care so much, they’re such great kids, and they’ve been pressing so hard so it was fantastic to break through. I’m really happy for our kids because we beat a good team.” The Blazers found a silver lining in Saturday’s game to steal the sweep away from the Hawkeyes. UAB returns to action at home against in-state foe Auburn March 6. The Blazers start a threegame series against the University of Milwaukee March 9-11. These games will be played at Regions Field.
PHOTO FROM KALEIDOSCOPE ARCHIVES Redshirt freshman Lea Kerstein dribbles down the court during a home contest in Bartow Arena.
The UAB Softball Team took to the diamond at Mary Bowers Field to face off against in-state rivals, the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide and the South Alabama Jaguars. The Lady Blazers took the field against the Tide Feb. 27 in the team’s first home game of the season. Freshman Emily Kachel started for the Lady Blazers on the mound. Kachel allowed three runs and four hits during her tenure on the mound. She had four walks to one strike out. The Lady Blazers fought to stem the Tide but ultimately fell 4-0. The top of the first inning showed the Lady Blazers playing stout defense with three ground-outs. However, the Tide scored a run on a solo homerun from Kaylee Tow to put Alabama ahead 1-0. UAB was able to get the bats going in the bottom of the first inning but left two runners stranded on second and third base. Neither team would plate another run until the top of the fourth inning when Alabama scored a run on a single in a bases-loaded situation. The Tide plated their second and final run of the inning on a sacrifice ground out to second base to push the Blazer deficit to 3-0. The Crimson Tide scored their fourth and final run of the game on a sacrifice fly by Bailey Hemphil. UAB then took on the Jags of South Alabama, Feb. 28. Sophomore Claire Blount started on the mound for the green and gold. Blount threw during 3.1 innings. She gave up seven hits and four runs while walking seven and striking out three batters. The Lady Blazers struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, but could not hold on, ultimately losing 6-4. The first run for UAB came when pinch runner freshman Raina Cooper scored on a double off the wall from senior Rachel Rogers. The Lady Blazers wallowed two runs in the top of the third and fourth innings to lose their lead. However, UAB plated a run in the bottom of the fourth to close the gap to 4-2. The Lady Blazers allowed a run in the tops of the sixth and seventh innings and responded with a run of their own in the bottoms of the sixth and seventh innings, but it would not be enough. UAB fell to 6-11 overall for the season before their participation in Louisville’s Red and Black Classic March 1-3 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Lady Blazers return to action March 7, at Kennesaw State University. UAB’s next home game is a two-game series against the Thundering Herd of Marshall in a Conference USA matchup March 10 and 11 at Mary Bowers Field.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
metro
8
CITY COUNCIL
POLITICAL INITIATIVE
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMERGE ALABAMA Aakansha Gosain and Madi March represent UAB at the AAUW of Alabama Conference at Athens State University.
Follow the ladies
Getting women elected this midterm season Bella Tylicki Metro Editor btylicki@uab.edu
Midterms are coming. No, not exams, but elections. The world is watching to see whether Congress will flip-flop or if the Republicans will stay on top. Especially in light of allegations against some of the nation’s more powerful leaders and the recent #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, the underrepresentation of women in Congress is under acute scrutiny. Women fill a record 111 of the 535 seats in Congress, but this one to five ratio of women to men in Congress is not quite representative of their constituents. When midterms roll around this November, 468 seats will be up for grabs. Organizations such as the American Association of University Women are trying to fill as many of those seats as possible with women. The Alabama branch of this organization faces some of the more daunting obstacles among branches across the country. Here, only 15 percent of state legislators and two out of seven U.S. Congress representatives are women. As evidenced by its name, AAUW’s primary focus is advocacy and equity in education, but its mission encompasses a variety of issues such as violence against women, the gender pay gap
and political representation for women. “Women are still significantly underrepresented in all levels of legislative government,” said Madi March, junior in criminal justice and social psychology and attendee of last weekend’s AAUW of Alabama conference. “The AAUW conference will be impactful in upcoming elections because it serves as both an educational platform and a networking opportunity,” March said. Her area of study, criminal justice, is much like politics in that it is dominated by men. “It was encouraging to hear that other women have been in my place and were able to succeed in the face of gender bias… I was able to meet peers who were interested in advocacy work, as well as older women who have made it their life’s work to support women in the workplace,” March said. Wendy Gunther-Canada, professor in UAB’s Department of Government, closed the conference with a lecture on the importance of building critical mass in a successful movement. Her message was that individuals cannot come near affecting change on the scale that a group can, and so women must organize. “It is crucial to make sure that voices of underprivileged and underrepresented groups of women are heard and AAUW does just that,” said Aakansha Gosain, a sophomore in biomedical engi-
neering. Gosain echoed March’s sentiments that AAUW’s provisions for networking are an effective method of empowering women to try for leadership roles in the workplace and in government. Through AAUW, Gosain has met mentors that “teach [her] what it means to support the women around me and create a climate where [they] can thrive together.” Just by bringing strong-willed women together, AAUW fosters the group-building efforts. And, even before action, open conversations about politicians’ obligations to women encourage accountability. When Election Day comes, all 35 Alabama State Senate seats and 105 House seats will be re-elected. In 2014, 12 women ran for Senate and 26 ran for the House. This year, in the Senate, 14 women are running for 11 seats. Three are incumbents. In the House, 48 women are running for 44 seats. 16 are incumbents. One of these women is Sen. Doug Jones’ sister, Terrie Jones Savage. At the national level, two women represent the state of Alabama in the House: Terri Sewell and Martha Roby. Both are running for re-election in addition to five other women hoping to be elected for the first time. There is at least one woman running for four of Alabama’s seven House seats.
Tuesday, Feb. 27, the Birmingham City Council authorized the mayor to complete the necessary paperwork so that Birmingham may host the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships. The Birmingham CrossPlex will facilitate the games March 9-10 with Birmingham-Southern College as the host. An estimated 5,300 student athletes, officials, coaches, trainers and administrators are expected to attend. The events are estimated to produce 18,800 room nights in hotels throughout the city The NCAA will reimburse the city for the cost of hosting the games, nearly $100,000. Since its opening in 2011, the CrossPlex has hosted 14 national championships. The Council also voted to authorize the mayor to enter an agreement with Safford Building Company to revitalize the dilapidated pavilion at Downey Park in East Lake. The wooden pavilion will be rebuilt with sturdier, more resilient metal. Safford offered the most affordable service across all bidders for the project and was given an A+ from the Better Business Bureau.
STUDENT MEDIA IS HIRING! Student leadership positions are open. Inquire in Hill Center 130, ask for a Student Leader application.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 8
life & style
9
CULTURAL/LIFESTYLE EATS
TRACK TAKES
Keep posted for Post Mason McGalliard Operations Manager for BlazeRadio masonbm@uab.edu
O PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Makarios Kabobs and Grill offers mouthwatering entrees such as sautéed lamb/beef, shish shrimp and the classic shish kabob.
Deli-shish meals
Restaurants catering to alternative diets Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
For a diverse campus, the selection of foods readily available in the city does not accommodate UAB’s multifariousness. Students with needs and lifestyles different from the dominant can find it difficult to satisfy them in a place like Alabama. However, a few spots scattered around the city do cater to alternative eating choices, habits and preferences. A few blocks away from campus, lies the vegetarian hot spot Golden Temple Café. A place that prides itself on an all-veggie menu and also provides options for vegans. “It seems like simple food, but there is no crazy stuff in it,” said Evelyn Wood, employee at Golden Temple Café. “We make almost everything from scratch every day.” Despite the seeming limitations of exclusively using vegetarian ingredients, the menu covers a vast collection of dishes. Classic burritos, veggie hot dogs, juicy salads and Mexican pizza are just a few. The meals are tailored to vegetarians, as they consist of ingredients that are rich in protein, which is an element that a vegetarian
diet sometimes lacks. Muted, yet various colors decorate the interior which creates a laid-back and tranquil ambience, making the café study-friendly as well. There are diverse specials switching around throughout the week, with the exception of Taco Tuesdays, which has become a signature day for the Golden Temple Café. Makarios Kabobs and Grill is a Mediterranean/Middle Eastern restaurant, and one of the few locations to serve halal meals on the Southside, apart from Al’s Deli and Grill and Purple Onion. This foodie joint offers mouthwatering entrees such as sautéed lamb/beef, shish shrimp and the classic shish kabob. The restaurant provides a large variety of vegetarian hor d’oeuvres, including hummus, baba ghanouj, spinach pie or a combination of all three. The newly opened Farm Burger serves affordable sandwiches. Their Build-it option, which allows the costumers to tailor their own burger, sets this shop apart. The patty options are everything from ‘100 percent grass-fed beef’ to vegan. The buns can be modified to gluten-free and all the toppings are free, making this place great for friend groups with diverse eating choices and preferences. Palms, desert and camel-themed
artwork decorates the walls of Pita Stop, which is a hidden gem just a stone’s throw away from campus. Customers are met with gracious hospitality, which is stereotypically common for the Lebanese. Having operated for 40 years, the busy restaurant serves meats, seafood and vegetarian dishes for any time of the day. Sautéed mushrooms, grilled shrimp and their signature hummus are just some of the appetizers that can be followed by an assortment of omelets, kabob plates and desserts such as baklava and date nut bread. Their kafta, which are Lebanese-styled meatballs, are a definite must-try. “Hummus is the most popular that everybody loves regardless of nationality,” said Kal Alawi, general manager at Pita Stop. “We do not use any cheap quality food, and that’s why we are still in business.” According to Ahnaf Khan, a student from Bangladesh and sophomore in biology and philosophy, his community has a hard time variating their dining options, as many of them practice strict diets in regards to their religion. “I definitely think we could have more options,” he said. “When people think ‘halal’ they think Middle Eastern, but there is so much more to it. I’d like to it to be more diverse, like include African and Asian.”
Getaways From Page 1
South Padre Island, located on the coastal tip of Texas, has always been a spring-break favorite amongst college students. The crisp blue waters are a photogenic must-see. If scenic glamor isn’t initially attractive, the various activities may sway any
Portland, Oregon may seem to be an unusual choice for a spring break at initial thought; however, the western city offers plenty of low-cost activities, especially during the spring season. Visit the Portland Saturday Market, the oldest continually running outdoor arts-and-crafts market in America. Visitors can favorably spend their time meeting the diverse creators whilst trying delicious food and enjoying the ambiance of live music. Portland hosts the First Thursday
Charlotte, North Cardoubts. The island hosts olina, stands several boat tours, as out as a hub of well as sand castle interesting cullessons, kayaking, tures and foods scuba diving, paddle that certainly boarding and foam receive a lot less parties. To take advanattention than its tage of the excellence of southern metroSouth Padre Island, a short politan neighbors. plane can lead to an array The city hosts several of water fun like the beaucounty fairs and is tiful beaches and Schlithome to Carowinds, an terbahn water park, amusement park that which provides a cool recently began a deal indoor environment for for adults: all tickets are those seeking it. at the child rate until late
June. The park is home to Fury 325, the world’s fastest and tallest giga-coaster with an 81 degree drop. Charlotte also has several indoor attractions, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and low-price escape rooms. Upcoming fair weather grants the chance to go to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, as well. The array of engaging activities ensures a thrilling and memorable trip for both the adventurous and bookish type. Most attractive, however, may be the airfare price, starting as low as $185 round-trip.
Gallery Walk. The aptly named scene offers performers, exhibits and artists to extend their talents all over the city at night. Nearby downtown is the urban wilderness of Forest Park, which has hiking, jogging and biking trails in a seemingly mystical setting. Anyone willing to go far out West this break can enjoy plenty of Portland’s fund-friendly events.
ut of all the genres in music, rap and hip-hop are arguably the hardest genres in which to break ground and gain respect. The public is accustomed to the likes of artists such as Drake, Jay-Z and Migos. When a new artist emerges, they have to bring their best and present a track that will hook listeners. Once they have done that, they need to show that they can remain McGalliard consistent and make more hits. In the hip-hop/rap realm, one artist has broken the mold and has begun to receive the respect of the public. His name is Post Malone. Post Malone’s career took off in 2015 and has not slowed down. He is different enough in his artistry that you know his voice and enjoy his music simply because it has name on it. However, he’s similar enough to the rest of the genre that other artists respect him and he has been featured on successful albums and soundtracks. Post first burst onto the scene with “White Iverson,” a song that peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard charts. The song was one of the first released off his album Stoney, which proved to be a major success for him. A debut album can set the tone for an artist’s career, and Post Malone could not have asked for a better album to begin his career. “Stoney” was released in December 2016 and became a big success for Post that spawned multiple hits for the budding hip-hop artist. “Déjà vu,” a collaboration with Justin Bieber, peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Congratulations,” which peaked at No. 8, became a huge hit as it continues to be played on the radio airwaves to this day. “I Fall Apart,” another track from the album, was just as successful, being a song that showcased the distinctive vocals of Post. In 2017, while Post continued to ride the success of Stoney, he also gained more hits. He released “Rockstar,” a collaboration with 21 Savage, which remains in the Billboard top 10. Becoming a No. 1 hit, it is a track that gained traction and popularity quickly. He was also featured on the soundtrack to The Fate of the Furious with his song “Candy Paint,” which is yet another popular song from the artist. Post Malone differs from the rest of the industry but has been able to gain success and fame quickly. Remaining on the Billboard charts since almost the beginning of his career, he deserves all the respect and popularity he has received. He is absolutely an artist to keep an eye on as his career progresses. His next album, “Beerbongs & Bentleys,” is due out later this year. BlazeRadio Operations Manager, DJ MB and “Keepin’ it Real with DJ MB”
Page 10 | Life & Style
The Kaleidoscope
March, 6, 2018
BOOKSTORES
PHOTO BY CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Reed Books is a local bookstore well known for its extensive collection of books of all genres. Jim Reed, the owner, can specify the exact location of any book in the store.
Hidden bookshelves
Independent stores that are ample with compelling, unusual reading materials Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter miltona@uab.edu
Whether in need of a specific book for a literature class or in search of some new reading material, bookstores provide a familiar sense of eruditeness and nostalgia. From classics that seep readers back into the past and carry immortal morals or the newest best-sellers that captivate with relevance, there is a book out there for everyone. While chain bookstores like Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble or online carriers like Amazon certainly have the advantage of convenience, a variety of new and used bookstores throughout Birmingham dazzle with ambiance and the opportunity of stumbling across a rare find. Jim Reed Books is a local bookstore well-known for its extensive collection of books of all genres, from poetry to mystery to politics. Upon entering the store, rows of books both old and new can be seen. Among these books are also posters and memorabilia, giving the store the unique aura of a museum. “We have books going back five centuries, and I know where everything is,” said Jim Reed, chairman of the board and the janitor of Jim Reed Books. “We like to find books for people that
aren’t found anywhere else. We’re also here as a Museum of Found Memories. Unlike other museums, this is a museum where you are allowed to touch, experience and purchase what you like.” Reed is always ready to lend a helping hand if someone needs to find a particular book, subject or author. Located in Homewood, The Alabama Booksmith boasts a unique selection of reading material. “We are the only bookstore on the planet that sells nothing but signed books,” said Jake Reiss, owner of Alabama Booksmith. “Most are sold at the regular publisher’s price.” Hillary Clinton’s signature graces the pages of a copy of Hard Choices while a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird carries Harper Lee’s signature on its bookplate. The inventory in the store would be ideal as gifts or additions to a collection. Church Street Coffee & Books is a common favorite among locals, with a bakery beloved by many UAB students for their excellent Breakup Cookie. In addition to their bakery and book-selling services, the Church Street Shop publishes books of the month on their website and offers a Reading Room for anyone eager to start their own book club. Online, they also offer e-book
sales and paperback book requests for pickup at their location to anyone seeking a particular title. Another combination coffee shop and bookstore would be Books, Beans and Candles, offering a selection of Alabama’s largest collection of occult rare books for sale. The shop’s extensive drink menu adds an additional appeal to the already unique and inviting building. In addition to the coffee and rare books, the store provides all necessary
Occult, Wiccan and Metaphysical supplies for practitioners of the craft. For those who prefer exciting illustrations over wordy passages yet are still seeking to get their literary fix, Legion Comic Books is the perfect destination. “I have more stock than the rest of the stores in town do put together,” said Paul Stewart, owner of Legion Comic Book Store. “I have another store in Irondale called Superior Comics and Games.”