UAB’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER
TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2018
VOLUME 59, ISSUE 9
The
Kaleidoscope MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
PHOTOS BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Protesters gather Saturday, March 24, in Railroad Park as part of the national March for Our Lives event. Birmingham joined other cities, including Washington, New York and London, in the marches.
‘NOT ONE MORE’ Young voices lead rally to end gun violence, fear in schools around the nation Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
Terri Michal took to the stage Saturday, March 24, at the March for Our Lives rally at Railroad Park. Her somber speech resonated across the field filled with thousands of attendees.
Michal told the story of how she lost her sister to gun violence as a child. “For 36 years, I did not celebrate Valentine’s Day,” Michal said. “I went to school and sat there. My sister’s chair was right there in front of me in choir, and it sat empty. It’s a tragedy in many ways, but that particular angle, under-
standing what those siblings would go through, that is when it really it touched me on another level.” Today, she works as organizer with American Federation of Teachers, as a member of the Birmingham School Board, as a member of the Leadership Team for the Badass Teacher Association
and as a political figure. She actively separates her ideology from her work
See MARCH, Page 8
“I think we let this go for too long. We want to see our lawmakers make a difference.” —Caroline Penfield
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
From ballroom to Bollywood Dance groups aim to reflect culture, provide outlet for students Mallorie Turner Campus Reporter maturn31@uab.edu
Shekeydrah Robinson, a junior in mass communication, grew up listening to hip-hop and being inspired by hip-hop dancers. “I love mixing that aspect of music with the Indian
styles we perform,” Robinson said. Co-captain of the Laysa dance team, Robinson said her dancing allows her to connect with her heritage as well as relieve stress as a college student. Dance organizations at UAB allow students to flutter across the floor showing
off a range of styles from ballroom to Bollywood to African-derived movements. The Ballroom Dance Society is a noncompetitive team that focuses on social dancing. Scarlett Ridley, vice president of the organization, has been dancing for 19 years and only took up ballroom
dancing in the last three. “We primarily do American-style dances which include Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Rumba as well as swing and party dances,” Ridley said. Christine Nguyen, a senior in biochemistry, and
See DANCE, Page 4
BRACKET BUSTED? This is now a LoyolaChicago fan newspaper, and we’re writing about the selection committees many shortcomings this season. Read the opinion on page 3.
COMING NEXT WEEK Mayor Randall Woodfin visits UAB to discuss his vision for a greater Birmingham. We’ll have a recap for you in next week’s edition.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
here & there
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FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE
JOKE OF THE WEEK What would Bruno Mars sound like if he was a rabbit? “24 carrot magic in the air.” - Kristina Balciunaite, Life and Style Editor PHOTO OF THE WEEK
THIS WEEK IN STUDENT MEDIA
Sign up for the Second Annual Speak Your Truth Poetry Festival Saturday, April 14, from 1-8 p.m. We’re going to have workshops throughout the day to help you expand your craft. This event is free and open to all poets and artists. Check out our website for more information on registration, workshops, and the showcase.
Contact Aura at auraartsreview@ gmail.com.
PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR A young child holds a homemade sign while she sleeps in her mother’s arms during the March for Our Lives event held at Railroad Park Saturday, March 24.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Opinion
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Politicians scream “fake news” about anything disparaging to them, and we’re pretty tired of it. Read our stance in this week’s edition.
Campus
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The UAB Police Department regularly offers female self-defense classes that are free for students and faculty. Learn how to take one on page 5.
Sports
6
Baseball drops two to La. Tech, and beach volleyball upsets No. 8 South Carolina in Columbia. Read more about the matchups this week.
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Metro Bronze Valley aims to get individuals from underrepresented groups involved in the tech industry, and it’s all going on right here in B’ham.
Life & Style
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It’s okay, we’re struggling to get to class, too. Learn how you can get back into the swing of things after Spring Break. If you wish to see your event displayed in our calendar, please contact Chandler Jones at chanj1@uab.edu.
What: Taste of India Who:UAB Asian American Organization Where: Alys Stephen’s Center When: 5 - 9 p.m.
What: Disney Presents The Lion King Where: The BJCC When: 1 p.m.
sunday
What: PRISM by the Department of Music Where: Alys Stephens Center When: 7 p.m.
What: LastThursday Open Mic Night Who: UAB students, BlazeRadio Where: Hill Student Center When: 6 - 8 p.m.
What/who: The Loft Show Where: Woodlawn Cycle Cafe When: 7 p.m.
What: Softball vs. Middle Tennessee Where: Mary Bowers Field When: p.m.
aturday
What: Women’s Soccer vs. Troy Where: BBVA Compass Field When: 7:30 p.m.
What: Softball vs. Middle Tennessee Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 3 p.m.
riday
What: Baseball vs. Samford Where: Regions Field When: 6:30 p.m.
What: Lip-Sync Battle Night Where: Revelator Coffee Who: Bham Stands When: 6 - 9 p.m.
hursday
ednesday
What: Softball vs. Jacksonville State Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 5 p.m.
uesday
What: Softball vs. Alabama A&M Where: Mary Bowers Field When: 6 p.m.
UABTV’s Girl Talk attended the March for Our Lives. An episode filled with a recap and interviews from those that attended will be released Tuesday. Also, UABTV will release our first viral video Thursday. In collaboration with BlazeRadio, the Lip Sync Battle will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Hill Student Center ballroom.
Contact UABTV at morris95@uab.edu.
If you would like to be featured in our “In Your Perspective” please contact Will Harris at willhrrs@uab.edu.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Contact BlazeRadio at alex96@uab.edu.
What: Taste of Spring Break Bake Sale Who: Music Notes for the Sould Where: Hill Student Center
onday
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
March 27, 1998: FDA approves Viagra To the great delight of old people everywhere, the Food and Drug Administration approves the drug Viagra, an oral medication that treats impotence. March 28, 1979: Nuclear accident at Three Mile Island The worst accident in the history of U.S. nuclear power begins when a pressure valve in a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania fails to close. March 29, 1973: U.S. withdraws from Vietnam The last U.S. combat troops leave South Vietnam as Hanoi frees the remaining American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam. March 30, 1981: President Reagan shot President Ronald Reagan is shot in the chest outside a Washington, D.C., hotel by a deranged drifter named John Hinckley Jr. March 31, 1889: Eiffel Tower opens The Eiffel Tower is dedicated in Paris in a ceremony presided over by Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s designer. April 1, 1700: April Fools tradition popularized English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools’ Day by playing practical jokes on each other. April 2, 2005: Pope John Paul II dies History’s most well-traveled pope and the first nonItalian to hold the position since the 16th century, Pope John Paul II, dies at his home in the Vatican.
This week in BlazeRadio we interview members of UAB Baseball and UAB Men’s Tennis for On The Sidelines. Also, THE LIP SYNC BATTLE IS THIS WEEK! Thursday, March 29, in the Hill Student Center Ballroom. For information follow us on Twitter at @BlazeRadio or on Instagram @BlazeRadioUAB.
What: Magic City Poetry Festival Opening Mixer & Open Mic Who: Music Notes for the Sould Where: Hill Student Center
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
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
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MEDIA
No news isn’t good news equivalent to yelling “fire.” These attacks on the media should not be ake news” taken lightly or jokingly. is a phrase, The media and journalunfortunateism represent the voice ly, everyone is familiar of the people, so when with nowadays. You politicians and other probably encountered important figures use it today as you were their influence to disscrolling through Twitmantle the media, they ter, and you will simultaneously most likely hear it silence America. again tomorrow So far, it seems when you turn on like the media your television. has done little to But what is fight back to refake news, really? gain its status in The words are society and conRose thrown around tinues to carry on so often and in so many with business as usual different contexts it has amidst the continuous become difficult to deflow of “fake news” fine it in a clear, concise claims. way. It has become a Why? What can the buzz-word used by opmedia do to combat this ponents of news organi- wave of culture which zations and journalists seems to be sweeping in attempts to dismantle over its reputation? the media’s legitimacy. Arguably the most In today’s world, yelling important thing that “fake news” is often journalists and the meParker Rose Columnist pdrose@uab.edu
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dia should do is address the problem of bias. For a long time, it has been understood that the best way to get to the truth of a matter is to lay out all of the facts objectively, completely free of bias. Therefore, it is no surprise that journalists have attempted to prove their credibility by showing their lack of bias. But is this the right approach? Is bias always a bad thing? As journalist Dan Rather once said, “you can have all of the facts, and still not know the truth.” The job of the journalist is not to be a parrot but to interpret the facts of a situation and translate them into a language that readers can understand. The job of the journalist is not to simply report words, but also context, significance and meaning. What if journalists acknowledged bias?
Bias is inherent to any kind of expression and, even if it is not found in the text itself, it often appears when examining the reasons for which the piece was even written. Take investigative journalism for example. Is it not some form of bias which prompts a news organization to take up an unpopular case if it feels an injustice has been committed? As journalist Walter Dean once wrote, “Thus, the job of journalists is not to stamp out bias. Rather, the journalist should learn how to manage it.” By addressing the inherent nature of bias, journalists would not sacrifice quality over objectivity. Moreover, it would teach readers to examine what they consume more carefully. But journalists aren’t the only ones who
should be responsible for managing bias. We should all take care to understand and manage our own bias on a daily basis. Our biases have a significant effect on how we view the world and, if not understood properly, could lead to warped conceptions of the world around us. We must understand that the way in which we understand the world is shaped by factors both inside and outside of our realm of control – socioeconomic status, race, gender and more. This can be done simply through self-reflection – taking note of what you like and why you like it. Never let anything that passes through your mind go unscrutinized. As Socrates once uttered, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In other words – check yourself.
Student Media Director masutton@uab.edu
Patrick Johnson Production Manager plj3@uab.edu
ILLUSTRATION BY LEISHA CHAMBERS/ILLUSTRATOR
FRIENDSHIP
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
What happened to girls night? our martini oasis. Walking through the bar I find our booth, only it’s not filled with my friends. reshly roasted coffee But the booth is filled with beans run rampant in my friends and their newly the air as I check acquired boyfriends. off another homework I think, maybe this assignment on my long is a one-time thing. No to-do list. O’Henrys is big deal. I was wrong. about to close, and my Suddenly, Tini friends and I are about Tuesday has become to embark on our weeka way for my friends ly ritual. Martini TuesStewart to use the excuse of day at a local watering drinking to fawn over hole has been a longstanding their new boyfriend. Now tradition within our friendthis isn’t to say I dislike their ship that has lasted through newly acquired partner, I just career changes, lost relationdon’t want my friendships to ships, happy beginnings and turn into a package deal. A even happier farewells. It has requirement for me to tolerate been the one constant that a person I hardly know within has withheld throughout our the sacred boundaries of girl’s groups foundation. night. I drive the short distance I have never understood the from the coffee house to constant need to be surroundTaylor Steward Aura Editor-in-Chief tws2014@uab.edu
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ed by your partner. Maybe its because I was raised to be independent or to have the capability to have an identity outside of groups or relationships, but this is something I simply cannot understand. There is a way to have a fun group of friends and be in a committed relationship. You don’t have to choose; it’s not a ‘this or that’ scenario. Both relationships can live together in harmony, as long as they don’t threaten the balance of girl’s night, or frankly boy’s night. I know I’m not the only person to have this problem. This is a constant complaint I hear from other single friends. There are ways to have your boyfriend or girlfriend hang out with your friends without intruding on the basic foundation of your group.
The most irritable part of this newly found arrangement, is that these sort of people know that their friends don’t want to see your boo-thing every time they go out together. They repeatedly ask, “Is it okay if he comes” and because you want to be supportive you smile blindly and say, “of course! It’s no problem at all.” It then morphs into an overall assumption that their friendship with me is automatically guaranteed with their new boyfriend. Now the air around our Tini Tuesday is filled with distance and vague sense of unknowing. The basis of our weekly ritual has transformed into something without the general group’s consent. The moral of the story is: for ladies or boy’s night or whatever you call it, keep the significant other at home.
campus Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
4
The rise of the double majors Advisors point out the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing two degrees
Myah Clinton Campus Reporter mkc16@uab.edu
In a competitive academic environment, some students find that concentrating their studies on only one major is not enough. To meet specific career goals, students like Kelsey Fredelake and Abree Roberts have decided to double major to gain an edge. Fredelake, a sophomore in English and international studies, said she wants to integrate her future English degree with international studies to teach English abroad. Roberts, a sophomore in history and anthropology, said she is considering a career as a historian or archaeologist. English and a foreign language major is a common pairing, according to David Sellers, an academic advisor for English,
philosophy and music majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Many of those English students have linguistics concentrations, “so they’re taking what they learned in linguistics, and they’re applying it to another language,” Sellers said. Sellers also said many students, including English, criminal justice, political science, biology and chemistry majors, often choose philosophy as a second major. “A lot of the people who double major in philosophy are looking for extra practice in communicating and critical thinking, which can be very helpful for both law school and medical school,” Sellers said. Business school students also double major frequently, according to Brittany Quinn, an academic advisor for marketing and economics majors in the Collat School of Business.
Quinn said she often sees major combinations such as marketing and industrial distribution; marketing and management; and economics and finance. “We have a very extensive core which does not allow for many elective credits,” Quinn said. “By choosing a second major within the same school, we are more able to fit that into their degree plan.” Sellers said that unique major combinations are sometimes difficult to complete in four years. “I have had chemistry and music double majors, and because of the intensity of the curriculum of those two majors, there’s quite a bit of juggling that goes on,” Sellers said. Quinn said having another major “makes a student’s resume stand out over others.” Sellers said that students gain a broader set of skills and with some majors, students can waive the capstone course in one of their majors if they double
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major. However, according to Sellers, double majoring may not always be the best path for all students. “Double majors take more time to complete,” Sellers said. “Sometimes students may have to take over 120 credit hours and may have to add a semester or take summer classes to graduate on time.” Quinn echoes this logic, arguing that for some, a graduate degree may have more value in the applicant selection process. “If you have two undergraduate majors, and that resume is pitted against someone with a graduate degree, the graduate degree is usually more desirable,” Quinn said. Kyla Luechtefeld, a freshman in biomedical engineering and Spanish, has advice for potential double majors. “If it doesn’t come easy or you don’t have a passion for both, I would say probably stay with one,” Luechtefeld said. “If you can make it work, go for it.”
Double majors take more time to complete. Sometimes students may have to take over 120 credit hours and may have to take over 120 credit hours and may have to add a semester or take summer classes to graduate on time. —David Sellers
PHOTO COURTESY OF RANGEELA Rangeela is a fusion group that utilizes movements from a plethora of genres that aims to bring awareness to their audience about social justice issues through their dance.
Dance
Shah predicts that Rangeela’s next performance, which will be From Page 1 at the Taste of India festival, will Priya Shah, a junior in meportray the feelings of isolation chanical engineering and business and depression felt by the elderly management, are both members of as they become older. the Rangeela dance team. Rangeela Deepika Budhraja, a freshman is a Bollywood fusion group that in biology, is a dancer for Alautilizes movements from a plethora bama’s first competitive Bhangra of genres. team, Birmingham’s Blazin’ “Including different dance styles Bhangras, and shares roots with allows the team the team’s to have dancers main dance from a variety style. of different “I’m backgrounds,” Punjabi, and Nguyen said, Bhangra is a who serves as Punjabi style team co-captain. of dance,” Laysa is an organizat ion on ca “We have dancBudgraja said. mpus that integrate s both hip ers who are only “I’m getting to hop and PHOTO C classical In OURTES dian dan trained in Indian learn more about Y OF LAY ce forms SA in their p erforman classical, others my heritage and ce. who have only the way Punbeen trained in jabis express ballet and others their feelings who haven’t had [through any prior dance dance].” —Christine Nguyen experience.” UAB’s According to newest dance Nguyen, dances team, TRIBE, performed by Rangeela are naraims to unite cultures in the ratives related to social justice African diaspora along with issues. From depicting issues such others using African dance as homelessness to mental health, and cultivating leadership by Rangeela strives to not only teach sponsoring service projects their viewers about dance but to that would benefit the combring awareness to important soci- munity on and off campus. etal issues as well. All dance teams on “Each production we create recampus have annual try volves around the story of a comouts that allow all students munity member,” Shah said. “Every who interested to join. For Alabama’ s first com year, we partner with someone specific dates, students may conpetitive d ance team utilizes th PHOTO C from the Birmingham area to raise tact the team captains of the dance e traditio OURTES nal Indian Y OF BH AM’S BLA dance fo awareness on a certain issue.” rm, Bhan organization. ZING BH gra. AN
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Including different dance styles allows the team to have dancers from a variety of different backgrounds.
GRA
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
The Kaleidoscope
Campus | Page 5
RESEARCH
RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE
Defense against assault UABPD class educates students in ways to protect themselves Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lrm33@uab.edu
Students are always told to be aware of their surroundings on campus, making PHOTO COURTESY OF UAB POLICE DEPARTMENT sure that they keep themselves out of po- The program educate participants on how to be vigilant in both avoiding and escaping dangerous situations. tentially dangerous situations. The UAB Police Department’s Rape Aggression Defense program strives to help students has served as a R.A.D. instructor for and faculty in tackling this issue. three years. The skills he teaches cor“We operate on the foundation that relate with techniques taught to police an unplanned violent attack will officers during defense training. fuel a natural desire to resist “The techniques that we teach on the part of the victim,” said are anything from a mild encounUABPD Deputy Chief Zandral ter to an extreme encounter,” Washington. “It is our hope that Gladden said. through training, we are able to The first day of the threeeducate women by enhancing day program provides a general their options of physical defense lecture, helping participants see Washington how they can remain mentally as being not only practical but also a necessity if a natural resiscautious to avoid a potential tance is to be effective.” threat before it becomes one. This also The program teaches participants helps participants consider how to ways that they can physically defend use everyday items or what they are themselves as well how to become wearing to their advantage in fighting more observant. The program strives off an attacker, like using high heels as to educate participants on how to be a weapon. vigilant in both avoiding dangerous “90 percent of self-defense in R.A.D. situations and escaping them. is the knowledge base of your surroundCorporal Steven Gladden works in ings,” Gladden said. “We show you the the UABPD’s training department and tools and then how to use those tools.”
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The first day covers basic style training, including skills such as how to use correct footwork, make a fist and block. The second day teaches a more advanced continuation of the skills taught on day one, including kicking and knee techniques. The third day is simulation day, where participants put those skills to the test. With the instructor and participants both wearing protective gear, the instructor simulates attacks while participants fight back and get away using the techniques they learned. “R.A.D. is important because it provides women and victims with support, reassurance WANT TO GO? and confidence to defend themselves if What: Rape Aggresever attacked,” said sion Defense Michelle Burrell, a Who: UAB Police UABPD field trainDepartment ing officer. “People When: June 18-20 and Sept. 17-19 should take R.A.D., Where: UAB because society concampus tinues to change, preCost: Free for all senting new threats UAB students, to all of mankind.” faculty and staff; The 12-hour $55 for anyone from outside of the program is free for all UAB students, university faculty and staff and Contact: Tonya $55 for anyone from Webb at 205-9342409 outside of the university. Upcoming 2018 dates are June 18-20 and Sept. 17-19. Those interested in participating are asked to contact Tonya Webb at 205-934-2409.
R.A.D is important because it provides women and victims with support, reassurance and confidence to defend themselves if ever attacked. People should take R.A.D., because society continues to change, presenting threats to all of mankind. —Michelle Burell
CANCER RESEARCH
Placebo studies mental health A new study suggests a new treatment may alleviate fatigue A tigue as did those who research exceased taking the pills. periment conducted Fontaine said scientists don’t by Theresa Hoenemeyer, fully understand why placebos work Ph.D., proves that the key to and if their success is due to patient battling one of the least treated response to compassionate treatment that effects of cancer lies in the mind. promotes the reduction of symptoms. A study that “There is also the suggesbegan August 2015 tion that there may be a genetic was the first of its component to whether or not kind to investigate fasomeone responds to a placebo,” tigue in cancer patients. Fontaine said. “The word placebo “The purpose of the itself actually means ‘to please’ and experiment was to test an good clinical care is something that is open-label placebo to see pleasing to the patient.” whether or not it might be Candice Estes served as research effective for treating pacoordinator for the experiment and said tients with cancer-related she is personally more focused on the fatigue,” said Hoenemeyer, mental health aspects of cancer patient principal investigator of the treatment. study and director of Edu“It’s very hard to change physical cation and Support Services things about people,” Estes said. “You at the UAB Comprehensive can’t take away that they had chemoCancer Center. therapy. You can’t take away that they Kevin Fontaine, Ph.D., were diagnosed with cancer, but you can professor and chair of the Defocus on their mental health.” partment of Health Behavior in the Estes also said our current society is School of Public Health, co-authored too preoccupied with physical health to —Candice Estes the study and explained how the experithe point that a stigma has been created ment was constructed. around mental health issues, something “We recruited and enrolled 74 cancer survivors who to which cancer patients are prone. reported at least moderate fatigue,” Fontaine said. Hoenemeyer said she hopes to foster more patient in“We randomized them to either this open-label volvement in cancer treatment in her future research efforts. placebo treatment or to a treatment as usual. The “We don’t listen to our patients as health care providers open-label placebo treatment involved taking two as much as we should and we don’t involve our patients placebo pills twice a day, and the participants were in their care as much as we should,” Hoenemeyer said. told that they were placebo pills.” “Their difficulty with the stress and anxiety that Results of the experiment revealed a 29 percomes with [treatment] are important but are not cent reduction in the severity of the patients’ primary to us in helping that person have a longer fatigue, and a 39 percent reduction in how life, so I enjoy working on those things that often fatigue disrupted individual quality of we can do that can help relieve those life. Those who knew they were taking placonditions that come right along with cebos had a significant reduction in their fa- cancer.”
Mallorie Turner Camous Editor maturn31@uab.edu
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It’s very hard to change physical things about people. You can’t take away that they were diagnosed with cancer, but you can focus on their mental health.
Lab shines bright like a diamond UAB develops new technique to form cystals Lauren Moore Campus Reporter lrm33@uab.edu
Diamonds, regarded as one of society’s most valuable stones, on average, take up to one to three billion years to form, according to Geology. com. However, a group of researchers at UAB said they can create a form of diamond crystal stronger than the average diamond in a matter of months. Led by Yogesh Vohra, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Physics and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the team developed a patented technique for growing diamonds. The team uses low-pressure to grow thin films of crystal onto various surfaces. They call this process chemical vapor deposition. “It surprises students to know that you can make diamonds through this technique,” said Shane Catledge, Ph.D., associate professor of physics. Diamonds, known to be the hardest natural substance on Earth, are chemically resistant and have the highest thermal conductivity of any natural material. The materials generated by Vohra’s team are considered to be mostly diamond. The multi-crystal has a hardness about 70 percent of that of a diamond, while the overall strength of the crystal is greater than that of a typical diamond. Once the initial cost of materials is covered, this method creates diamonds affordably and efficiently. One important potential use is in replacing the materials currently used in joint replacement surgeries. While typical implants wear out over time and oftentimes must be replaced, the hope is that this new material will enable implants to last longer in the body without wearing out and needing replacement. “It is useful for anything where you might be able to enhance the life of a part,” Catledge said. The new crystal can also be used for cutting and creating longer-lasting tools along with electrical and optical uses. Samuel Moore, Ph.D., worked on the project as a doctorate student at UAB. Moore’s roles included helping to build the microfabrication facility, install equipment and make sure that the rules and upkeep were met. “People get excited about diamonds,” Moore said. “We have the ability to print essentially any feature we like on a diamond.” The researchers have been able to print a wide variety of things into the surface of diamonds, including the names of various individuals and the UAB Blazer logo.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
sports
6
BASEBALL
OPINION
March Madness thoughts Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
PHOTO BY LAYKN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Junior pitcher Carter Pharis swings and connects on a pitch from Louisiana Tech’s pitcher in during their three-game series last weekend.
Fight till the end Blazers take on No. 1 team in conference on home diamond Connor Gentry Sports Editor zcgentry@uab.edu
The UAB Baseball Team returned to conference action against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. The Blazers were fresh off of a 6-4 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide Tuesday, March 20. Game one of the three-game series between the Blazers and the Bulldogs, the No. 1 team in Conference USA, featured junior Tanner Graham as the starting pitcher. Graham manned the mound for 8.1 innings, a career long, and pitched a shut-out during his time. Graham allowed four hits and threw three walks and four strikeouts. The Blazers scored first during the first inning when junior Carter Pharis drove in sophomore Tyler Tolbert to take a 1-0 lead. Tolbert was walked and then stole both second and third base before Pharis’ RBI. The Blazer defense held strong and kept the Bulldogs off the score board before adding to their lead in the fourth inning. Redshirt sophomore Zack Davis reached home plate from second base after a sacrifice bunt by senior Price Visintainer and a hit by junior Antonio Ralat. The Blazers took a 2-0 all the way until the seventh inning when Davis reached home for the second time during the contest.
Graham was relieved, briefly, by junior Ty Harris when Graham loaded the bases in the ninth inning. Senior Carson Jones relieved Harris. Jones finished off the Bulldogs and secured the 3-0 shutout. “It was just a great college baseball game,” said UAB Head Coach Brian Shoop. “Anybody that came to the game tonight saw Division
fourth inning to cut the deficit to 3-1. Redshirt junior Brett Blackwood hit a sacrifice fly to drive in junior Cole Collins in a bases-loaded situation. The Bulldogs were not done scoring, however, when they plated four runs in the sixth inning to take a 7-1 lead. The Blazers refused to go quietly into the night, however. “It was a very uncharacteristic game for us in making four errors that were very instrumental in some
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I’m so proud of our guys for the way they fought. I thought they played great all weekend. —Brian Shoop I baseball at a very high level. The pitching was outstanding. The defense was outstanding and we had great at bats against a really good arm. I am really proud of the kids, because that was a good win against a very good team.” The Blazers returned to the diamond for the second game of the series and quickly found themselves in a hole as the Bulldogs scored two runs in the first inning to take the 2-0 lead. Both teams remained scoreless until the top of the third inning when La Tech scored their third run of the game. The Blazers were able to plate a runner in the bottom of the
of their runs,” Shoop said. “I thought our guys did a great job of hanging in there and competing. We got the tying run 90-feet away in the ninth with a really good hitter up. I thought we played really well for all 27 outs of the game. This was a typical Conference USA series where everyone is good and evenly matched, and it normally comes down to a play here or a play there.” UAB scored five runs over the final three innings to close the gap to one run, but it would not be enough. The Bulldogs took game two 7-6 heading into the final game of the series. It was a defensive slugfest for both teams.
Both the Bulldogs and Blazers scored in the first inning to knot the score at 1-1. Neither team got on the board again until the third inning where both teams scored a single run to keep the score tied at 2-2. The Bulldogs plated another run in the top of the fourth inning to take a 3-2 lead, but the Blazers answered in the bottom of the fifth inning to pull even once more. The remainder of the nine innings remained scoreless due to stout defense by both teams. The 10th and 11th innings had no scoring either to push the game into its third extra inning. The Bulldogs found their offense in the top of the 12th inning as they scored six runs to take a 9-3 lead. The Blazers could not overcome this deficit and fell to the Bulldogs 9-4 in the 12th inning. “Three hard fought, constant stress, high pressure, gut-wrenching games, and all three could have gone either way,” Shoop said. “I’m so proud of our guys for the way they fought. I love them. I’m going to encourage them after this game, not fault them, because I thought they played great all weekend.” UAB fell to 10-12 overall and 3-3 in conference play while the Bulldogs improved to 18-7 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The Blazers return to action in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a conference series against the Charlotte 49ers Mar. 29-31.
The Big Dance. March Madness. Whatever you choose to call it, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament reigns as one of the greatest sporting events. However, the people in charge continually discredit themselves. In my opinion, the Selection Committee has no idea what they are doing. High-majors, the teams that populate the power conferences, monopolize the big talk of the committee as they are the money makers. These teams draw large crowds and, usually, better recruits, which equates to more money. These teams also play “buy games” during non-conference play, a game in which they pay a mid or low-major team to come play in their arena. Mid-majors are the teams in conferences like Conference-USA, the Sun Belt, etc. These teams, like UAB, don’t have the opportunity to play many high-majors, especially at home. The high-majors refuse to schedule mid-majors in a home and home series as the mid-majors are capable of beating the “better” teams, especially at home. This dynamic matters because the committee places heavy emphasis on who you beat or lose to. These games effect a team’s ranking power Gentry index. The committee uses the RPI as one of the main metrics to select the at-large bids for the tournament. However, they have proven this to be false over the past few seasons. Take Middle Tennessee for example. The Blue Raiders, from C-USA, finished the regular season 24-6 overall and 16-2 in conference play. The Blue Raiders defeated SEC teams Vanderbilt and Ole Miss while losing to Auburn by six. MTSU’s final RPI ranking was 33. The Blue Raiders were the No. 33 team in the nation, according to the RPI, and did not receive a bid. The University of Southern California finished 21-10 and 12-6 in conference play. The Trojans are in the Pac-12 conference with the likes of UCLA and Stanford and finished with an RPI of 34. The Bruins of UCLA finished with a 20-10 overall record and 11-7 in conference play. Their RPI ranking was No. 36, lower than USC, yet they still received a bid. To this sports editor, this makes absolutely no sense. The committee needs to decide how they select teams and stick to it. Teams, specifically mid-majors, have less wiggle room in their schedules as they cannot have “buy games” limiting their resume at the end of the season. I think teams that do well should be rewarded, not left out in favor of high-majors that are a mere two losses away from a losing record or that feature a star freshman who may or may not be a lottery pick in the NBA draft. All teams need to have a fair chance to get into the Big Dance.
Page 7 | Sports
The Kaleidoscope
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
MEN’S TENNIS
Protecting home court Blazers fight to extend program best win streak Sarah Oetken Sports Reporter sarahoak@uab.edu
The UAB Men’s Tennis team took full advantage of their home court as the Blazers claimed their sixth home win of the season with a 6-1 victory over Jackson State University Saturday, March 24. The next day the Blazers then claimed their fourthstraight victory, 7-0, after sweeping Alabama A&M off the courts of George Ward Park Sunday, March 25. The Blazers have recorded the most wins since the 201516 UAB season and matched its longest winning streak of
the season at four matches. They have had a perfect 6-1 at home this season and won three-straight matches and six of its last seven. The Blazers started off playing doubles on the home courts. Henry Paiste and Nikolai Manchev kicked off the plays as they served a 6-1 win against Andrey Alawi and Stylianos Gkontsaris of Jackson State. Next door on the row of nets, Tim Dollman and Stefan Gonzalez topped Alawi and Gkontsaris who earned their 10th win of the season. The last round of doubles was matched against Fritz Jacobs and Federico Mendieta of Jackson State versus
Blazer players Anru Fourie and Kenton Parton who finished 6-1. The Blazers went to work in the singles play against their opponents. Dollman improved to 12-2 on the year with a convincing 6-0, 6-1 win over Alawi. Finishing right behind him was Gonzalez serving Joan Sanson with a 6-0, 6-2 win, giving the Blazers a 3-0 lead. To clinch the match for the Blazers was junior Parton who stepped into the third spot to provide a 6-2, 6-3 win over Jacobs. As sophomore Giovani Pasini extended his winning streak to seven matches with a 7-6 and 6-0 win, Tom el Safadi claimed the Blazers’ final victory 3-6, 6-0, 10-8 win over Mendieta. The next day the Blazers found themselves on different
home courts with a different opponent, Alabama A&M. The day got off to a hot start as Dollman and Gonzalez doubled against Nishangan Nadaraja and Shakir Elvin winning 6-1 for their fourth-straight doubles win and No. 11 overall. Next, Fourie and Parton set the point for the Blazers with a 6-3 win, and Paiste and Manchev followed the winning streak and earned the sweep with a 6-1 victory. Although the Blazers caught hold of a 1-0 advantage entering singles play, it was Fourie who earned the Blazers’ next point in the match, posting 6-2, 6-1 victory over his opponent Cristian Bigott. Gonzalez put the Blazers up 3-0 overall with a rally against his opponent Mateo Monroy. Pasini continued his
run by earning his eighthstraight singles win and clinching the match for the Blazers with a 6-1, 6-0 win against Carlos Salas. With the No. 11 win on the line, the Blazers looked to complete the breakpoint. Dollman won 6-2, 6-0 topping Nadaraja, to put the Blazers up 5-0, before Manchev earned a 6-4, 6-3 win against Elvin. Finally, Safadi found himself in a rally for the final match but took the first set 7-6 to take the early lead. Finding his rhythm the sophomore served the final set 6-0 to secure the 7-0 over the Bulldogs. The Blazers return to action March 30-31 as the men’s team heads to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the Conference USA Shootout.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Battle on the South Carolina beaches Lady Blazers walk away with big program win how tennis matches are played. Multiple matches are played at the same time on difThe UAB Beach Vol- ferent courts. The winleyball team ner of each traveled match on a to Columcourt earns bia, South a point for Carolina, to their team. participate The in the South first day of Carolina competition Invitational. featured “This matches field is against Texcomprised as Christian of some University of the top and the programs in University the country of North and we are Carolina at excited and Wilmingready for ton. the chalThe lenge,” said first game UAB Head was played Coach Kyra against the Iannone. Horned “While we Frogs of have played TCU. The solid at Lady Blaztimes, I am ers fought hoping to and won a see more match, but consistency ultimately across all fell to the courts.” Horned —Kyra Iannone Beach Frogs 4-1. Volleyball The matches Lady Blazare played similarly to ers forced four of their Savannah Snowden Sports Reporter savsno@uab.edu
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We have been telling our girls that we can beat top 10 teams and tonight they believed in each other and played for one another which made all the difference.”
matches to go into three sets but could not overcome TCU. The lone win for UAB came from senior Gabbi Moreno and freshman SalliAnne Napolitano as they won their match against Claire Doyle and Avery Arellano in three sets: 21-15, 18-21, 15-13. The second game finished identically to the first game. The Lady Blazers fell to the UNC Wilmington Seahawks 4-1. The duo of Moreno and Napolitano tallied the UAB score with a 21-16, 21-14 victory over Courtney Mullinax and Reagan Evans. The second day of competition featured games against No. 3 Hawaii and No. 8 South Carolina. The Rainbow Warriors were not afraid of the Lady Blazers as they quickly dispatched UAB 5-0. The shut out would be followed by a thrilling victory, however. The Lady Blazers then faced off with the host team, No. 8 South Carolina. The team came out swinging, quickly picking up a 2-0 lead with wins on courts four and five. The victory was the first over a ranked op-
ponent in program history for UAB and the first over South Carolina in nine attempts. “Our leadership today from Devon May and Kenley Adams really inspired and motivated the team to believe in themselves and all the hard work they have put in,” said Iannone. “The support from the team and the belief in what we were
trying to achieve was present in a way it has never been before. We have been telling our girls that we can beat top 10 teams, and tonight, they believed in each other and played for one another which made all the difference.” The Lady Blazers return to the sand in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the LSU Beach
Invitational against four schools March 30-31.
STUDENT MEDIA is hiring!! Inquiry in HSC room 130 for postions in Aura, BlazeRadio, Kaleidoscope and UABTV.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
metro
8 CITY COUNCIL
BUSINESS
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRONZE VALLEY Bronze Valley Executive Director Neill Wright (left) and fellow founder John O. Hudson III (right) engage conference-goers at a panel about entrepreneurship.
Bronze is the new Silicon Initiative seeks to increase diversity in tech field for underrepresented groups by Bella Tylicki Metro Editor btylicki@uab.edu
Achieving diversity and equity in the workplace has long been a struggle for underrepresented populations, one of the more impenetrable fields being technology and innovation. Bronze Valley, a new Birmingham non-profit that launched last month, aims to provide the necessary tools for these groups to improve their professional outlook. “We will be a catalyst for change,” said Bronze Valley Executive Director Neill Wright. Starting in the South with aspirations to spread across the nation, the initiative will work to create an education-to-opportunity-to-outcome pipeline for those currently underrepresented in technology careers. “As business leaders, we have an obligation to enhance and improve our ecosystem for growth,” Wright said. “We can fulfill that obligation by creating an entrepreneurial environment that is more nurturing, more supportive and more inclusive. Bronze Valley is the perfect vehicle for that.”
March From Page 1
but encourages everyone to take part in change by engaging themselves in politics. “I feel like a citizen, in a republic such as ours, it’s a responsibility to raise our voices,” Michal said. “I have been a part of that change and I want people to know that they can come to the board meetings and speak to the senators.” March for Our Lives was a national event, centered in Washington D.C., with over 800 sibling events. The movement was created as response to the frequent occurrence of mass shootings at schools in the U.S. and especially to the trag-
According to Wright, the group will bring “innovation, ideas and concentrated thought” to technology-based business development, becoming “a force for improving lives in the community as a whole.” “It’s about creating and perpetuating a culture and reputation of innovation for communities that face barriers to the tech economy,” said John O. Hudson III, a founder of Bronze Valley and member of its board. Incorporating the commitment to inclusion into an overall economic development strategy is part of what Bronze Valley founders and supporters view as a comprehensive approach to building a robust startup and innovation culture. “We have to act now,” Hudson said. “This is a critical moment for us. The time is ripe for this idea and the role it can play in creating opportunity, realizing potential and nurturing places where economic development and cultural progress go hand-in-hand to strengthen entire communities.” The success of Bronze Valley will be tracked in real terms: jobs created; companies started, attracted and expanded; and improved educational attainment.
edy that transpired at Parkland High School in February. “You can silence the gun but not the people.” “School dress codes are stricter than gun laws” CHECK “Am I IT OUT next?” These UABTV: Tune signs and in for video coverage of Sat- so many urday’s March others for Our Lives at emerged Railroad Park from the dense crowd that participated in the pro gun regulation protest. “I think we let this go for too long,” said Caroline Penfield, student at Vestavia Hills City School and volunteer for the event. “We want to see our lawmakers make a
difference. During the rally, young voices dominated the scene. They shared their stories, their fears and memories of lost lives. In front of the stage, a select few stood holding the names of the young lives that had been taken in the most recent wave of gun violence in schools. “It’s scary because it’s real stuff that’s happening,” said Khadaja Gardner, junior in psychology. “It’s too big of a problem than it should be. Children are really dying, and we need to do something.” The peaceful protest united a diverse crowd in the goal of making gun laws stricter, and prioritizing safety. Protesters emphasized that
The ultimate indicator of success will be a shift in the way communities think about themselves and their economic prospects and in how they go about securing a more prosperous future. The initiative offers annual conferences, online resources, venture capital funds and entrepreneurship coaching programs. The organization began with its first conference that brought together top corporate executives, elected officials, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policymakers and thought leaders from across the country. Mayor of Birmingham, Randall Woodfin, attended the conference’s Power of Leadership luncheon, sponsored by Alabama Power, and spoke on a panel of experts about diversity in technology careers. At the end of the conference, Alabama Power’s Director of Digital Strategy, Anthony Oni, revealed the primary and omnipresent platform to be utilized by Bronze Valley and its members: a website. “This site was made for you,” Oni said to a crowd of conference-goers. “It is a platform you can access anywhere that allows us to tell your stories. This platform will be a place where we connect entrepreneurs and tech leaders. It is social and accessible wherever you want to be.”
for the epidemic of mass shootings to end, not only politicians but the whole nation needs to change their mentality regarding gun control. “I think events like this help bring attention to the issue,” said Passiah White, senior in computer science. “There’s people as far as I can see, and I think it’s
Tuesday, March 20, the Birmingham City Council allocated $1.5 million to renovate the Birmingham City Jail following the Council’s tour of the facility during the week of March 11. Along with the mayor, the Council visited the jail to note the needed adjustments. Roof leaks cause water accumulation that leads to an increased risk of mold contamination. Also, the kitchen is not up to code and houses low-functioning equipment. “The city jail is an old jail,” said Andre Bittas, the director of the Planning, Engineering and Permits Department. “We’ve been working on this for a while, but, recently, it’s come to our attention that there are some structural issues that need to be addressed immediately.” Walking through the facility spurred a sense of urgency that lead the Council to move to make changes. According to the Council’s meeting highlights, “this appropriation to constitute an extraordinary circumstance for an expenditure from the Birmingham Fund” will provide the funds need for the work. The Council deemed that it is “clearly in the best interest of the City and its residents.” The Council appropriated another $2 million to the Equipment Management Department for fleet replacements including 24 police cars, five ambulances and a number of other service vehicles. Lesser expenditures include $178,000 to the Birmingham Fire Department for repairs to stations numbers 24 and 26, $570,000 to the Birmingham Police Department for shooting range improvements, $80,000 to repairs at the Powderly Library and $600,000 to the Museum of Art for a “chiller” to better maintain the facility’s climate. “That would be catastrophic if something happened, and we lost all the artwork,” said Council President Valerie Abbott.
great people are here to support the cause.” Over 3000 people showed interest in the event on social media, and the turnout was similar. Starting out with a rally at Railroad park and then a march, the energy of the crowd was powerful, determined and positive. The event ended with various
speakers advocating for the change. “I think it’s crazy that a law that was written 250 years ago when guns were not like they are today is still valid,” said Mattia Guidali, sophomore in biology. “I think politicians should at least think about. It can be done, but people need to change first.”
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Volume 59, Issue 9
life & style
9
STUDENT SUCCESS
TRACK TAKES
Bracket for Music Madness Alex Jones General Manager of BlazerRadio alex96@uab.edu
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PHOTO BY LAKYN SHEPARD/PHOTO EDITOR Tahseen Robbani and Luke Green, both freshmen in computer science, work on their assignments at Seeds Coffee Co.
Sprint the last mile How to revive at the end of the semester
ing up on all of the things you had no idea were even due. Organizing your thoughts is an easy way to relieve any stress concerning schoolwork. Pairing intense studying with Juwayriah Wright caring for your own wellbeing can Life & Style Editor impact anyone’s academic perforjuwright@uab.edu mance. “Make a to-do list that includes know, as the spring semester minor as well as major tasks and enters its final stretch, the climb assignments,” said Michael Sloane, to finals can seem exhausting as a an associate professor in the UAB result of cumulating academic stress. Department of Psychology. “Check This tense state of mind them off as each is accomtraps us in a rut. At least, for plished and give yourself some me, it proves to be easy to reward commensurate with get used to going out with the achievement.” friends all day and abandonSaving things for the last ing assignments for the last minute will only become a minute, leaving a sense of practice that hurts in the impending doom. future, whether it be harmful Wright to your psyche or an annoySpring break counts seven days, enticing students to ance to those who rely on rest either by staying in bed all prompt responses and results. If day and avoiding pesky errands or your grades haven’t been where jetting off to fill their days with fun. you wanted them to be, the next Thankfully, I am here to recomfew weeks are also a great opportumend a few actions to get students nity to take the time to bring them back into the swing of things. back up. Procrastinating ranks as a huge “Eating the right foods and issue among students. Setting a getting exercise regularly will help specific time to complete even the you feel so much more energized smallest of assignments can help to to be able to complete the work get things done. you have to get done,” said Maysa Prepare yourself early by catchMohmoud, a sophomore in psy-
I
chology. “Practicing healthy habits with a friend or two is also motivational. Do whatever works best for your schedule, and keep in mind the little things that can add up.” Financial stress also strains many students. Even now, the only thing emptier than my bank account is my fridge. Especially now that Dining Dollars have begun to run low. “To not cause too much financial stress on top of school and grades, students need to take time to think about what is most important to their budget and realize that after they spend significant amounts of money, they can’t necessarily have it all,” said Chris Lorimer, a sophomore in economics and finance. Most importantly of all is to grasp onto a positive mindset. Look back on the semester and appreciate that you used it well, even if you didn’t study every day. Take my advice, break the bad habits of procrastination and overspending to pursue satisfactory grades. Along with this, simply because classes are coming to an end, don’t let go of any hope for relaxation. The light shining at the end of the tunnel is the summer sun, and it’s bright.
RECIPES
Catch the Wolfgang Puck vibe Kristina Balciunaite Life & Style Editor kribal@uab.edu
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espite the delicious ribs from Full Moon, savory sandwiches from Panera Bread or gigantic bakers that could feed a Third World country from Al’s Deli & Grill, the need for variation or longing for
2 servings 45 minutes - 1 cup sushi rice - ½ lb. of sashimi quality, unprocessed salmon - 2 avocados - 3-4 sheets of seaweed - soy sauce - wasabi
home-made meals can spark in any student living away from home. The art of cooking does not have to be complex, and is, in fact, an achievable skill. Recipes that might seem
4 servings 1 hour - 1 lb. of ground beef - 2 cans sliced tomatoes - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 6-8 pieces of dry lasagna noodles - ½ diced onion - ½ cup of milk - ¼ lb. of shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a deep frying pan, cook the ground beef. Add Cook the rice according to the pack- the minced garlic, salt and pepper. Add the age description and let it cool for about onion to the pan. When the beef and onion 30 minutes. Then slice the salmon and turn brown, stir in the cans of tomato sauce. avocados into stripes. Lay down a sheet As the mixture starts boiling, add the milk of seaweed and cover it with a 1/3-inch- and stir. In a deep baking dish, spread out a thick layer of cooled rice but leave layer of the tomato sauce mixture at the botabout ½-inch-wide area empty on one tom, make sure all the corners are covered. of the ends of the sheet. Place a stripe Then, lay down a layer of the dry lasagna of salmon and avocado on the end of noodles on top. Repeat these two steps until the sheet opposite from the empty edge, the edge of the dish is reached and make then lift it up and roll it all the way to sure to end with a tomato sauce layer. Top the end. Slightly wet the empty edge to the lasagna with shredded mozzarella and help the roll stick. Lastly, slice up the roll place it in the middle rack of the oven for 25 in 1-inch-wide bites and serve with soy minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. sauce and wasabi. Let cool for one minute, then serve. Itadakimasu! Buon appetito!
hard to master have basic concepts that are easy to crack. For your next dinner party, wow your friends by serving grandiloquently named, yet easily prepared dishes.
4 servings 30 minutes - 1 lb. ground beef - 1 can of baked beans - 4 tortillas - 1 sliced bell pepper - 2 diced tomatoes - ½ diced onion Cook the ground beef in a frying pan. Stir in the spice mix and let the meat turn brown. Stir in the beans. Pack tortillas in tinfoil and warm up the tortillas in a microwave or in the oven. Lay down a tortilla flat. Add 5-6 tablespoons of the meat and bean mixture in a line across the tortilla, then add a handful of the remaining vegetables. Top it off with salsa and sour cream to taste. Then fold the bottom and roll the sides of the tortilla and serve. Buen provecho!
ILLUSTRATIONS BY KRISTINA BALCIUNAITE/LIFE & STYLE EDITOR
Dishes easy to prepare at home
ssuming you don’t live under a rock and that you keep up with the world socially, you know that this month is March Madness. 68 college basketball teams compete for the coveted national championship trophy. One of the best parts of March Madness is when the bracket is selected, and fans from around the country get to pick the teams that they believe will win in each round of the tournament. This causes many people to watch the games at work, bet way too much money on teams that eventually lose and, of course, cry Jones or destroy furniture that later turns into a meme on social media. March Madness is intense, but for those who aren’t interested in sports, a new idea for a bracket came around this year. You might have also seen the artist madness brackets on social media. These brackets give people who are not interested in sports the opportunity to have fun making tournament-style picks for things that they know. For example, the most popular madness brackets have been Kanye West and Drake brackets. Fans pick which songs are the best from each artist. I got to fill out a few of these brackets with DJ 2X on our radio show this week, and although we have some different opinions on each round and matchup, the overall process was fun. I love that someone took the time out to literally pick the best of the best from each artist and entertainment body and put them together. It makes you question where your fandoms lie and your style for ranking songs and movies. For example, I picked UltraLight Beam in my Kanye West bracket to win it all because of how it makes me feel. The downside to these brackets are seedings and snubs. There are some songs from the brackets that were missing, such as How Much a Dollar Cost from the Kendrick Lamar bracket. Also, some of the two best songs from each artist are pitted against each other in the first round, which sucks as well. Overall, this is flawed, but still a ton of fun. So, if you don’t watch sports, don’t worry, you’ll have a lot to talk about with these. Alex Jones, aka DJ Swole, is General Manager of BlazeRadio and co-host of the DJ & Swole Show, which airs every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Page 10 | Life & Style
The Kaleidoscope
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
HIPSTER EATS
PHOTO BY CHRIS DENNEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Crestwood Pharmacy and Soda Fountain provides a nostalgic place to satisfy any sweet tooth with old-fashioned soda and ice cream concoctions available.
Woodlawn’s tasty gems The coziest eateries on B’ham’s east side Allie Milton Life & Style Reporter miltona@uab.edu
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very Birmingham neighborhood features its own selection of both new and old places to find great food and an intriguing atmosphere. When in Woodlawn or Crestwood, these locations can be perfect stops for everything from a quick bite to a formal meal to simply satisfying a craving for a coffee. Woodlawn Cycle Café serves as both coffee shop and a famed food establishment with a menu that includes granola for breakfast or empanadas for lunch and specials that change every day. “Woodlawn Cycle Café is a neighborhood café focusing heavily
on simplicity, fresh ingredients and attention to detail in all of its aspects,” said Armand Margjeka, owner and operator of the bicycle-friendly establishment. “From the food to our third wave coffee program, the wine and beer selection, design and customer service, we strive for quality.” Piper and Leaf, a popular tea chain with origins in Huntsville, frequents local farmer’s markets and also has a location in Woodlawn, where they offer a variety of tea flavors and beverages both hot and iced. This family-run company is popular among many Birmingham locals, who recognize the signature mason jars bearing the company’s logo the tea comes in, and most of their signature blends can be purchased online on their website. For a fun vintage experience, Crestwood Pharmacy and Soda Fountain provides a nostalgic place to satisfy any sweet tooth, with
old-fashioned soda and ice cream concoctions available. “We’re bringing back the old-fashioned soda fountain from before cokes were bottled and canned,” said Tyler Shadix, co-owner of Crestwood Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. “People can go to the pharmacy for their prescriptions and get hand-poured sodas. We use a lot of the older recipes, as well. We have mixed phosphates, lime rickeys and egg cream.” According to Shadix, all the ice cream they use in their menu items comes from Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream Shoppe in Mobile, which boasts homemade ice cream using all natural and organic flavors. The Pharmacy and Soda Fountain serves up scoops, cups, cones, milkshakes, malts and ice cream sodas. The Filling Station pizza café and bar is another highly recommended location, featuring live music on their patio and a pet-friendly atmo-
sphere, The Filling Station has an extensive menu that includes everything from pizza to pasta to nachos and has options for carryout and delivery. With a full calendar of events they host, The Filling Station is a popular location to get a quick bite or longer meal whether alone, with friends or even with a beloved pet. “We’re a casual, approachable neighborhood restaurant serving classical Italian food paired with a modern flair,” said Ashley Pate, assistant manager at The Filling Station. Another Crestwood favorite is the Crestwood Coffee Company, a traditional coffeehouse for those looking to get their caffeine fix in an environment conducive to working and productivity that also has a tantalizing menu that features biscuits and sandwiches, as well as a wide variety of deserts and drinks. Their brunch menu also has quite a few desirable items for those hoping to have a nice outing with friends.